Meditations on romantic relationships. I like the instrumentation. I enjoyed the minimalist sound. I found the lyrics to be intriguing. Didn’t hold my attention the whole time.

The musicianship is undeniable. East St. Louis Toodle-Oo is a charming tune that shows off their chops. The overall sound is great, but there’s something about the vibe that bothers me. This feels like music for bros. I guess I liked it better than I thought I would.

I’ve heard these songs played hundreds of times by hundreds of bands but there is no substitute for the real thing. This is later era Muddy but Johnny Winter captures an electric performance. I love James Cotton on this record. This is a true blues record.

I didn’t need to listen to this. I know it well. It’s a fascinating blend of improvisation, composition and production. Peaches en Regalia is an all time classic. It Must be a Camel was my under appreciated gem this time.

This is a fun and innovative album. I ran out of steam after a while.

It’s obviously well constructed, but so so banal. I can see ABBA’s value at a wedding or the comedy of playing Fernando to cheer on your favourite athlete of the same name, but this is not essential listening. AI could have written these lyrics. There’s something so plain about this music. A bologna sandwich on white bread, but at least the bread is decent.

If this were 1001 guitar guys or 1001 singles I’d rate this higher. I love the guitar playing and Sultans is great but the rest of it is boring. It sounds so lifeless. I actually identify with the lowfi approach and even the lazy vocal style, but this record doesn’t put those elements together in a way that excites me.

This was a grind to listen to. I wanted to like it but I just didn’t.

This is a heavy metal classic. Although their popularity was rising at this time, there was still a feeling that this band and music was just for us. Everyone wants to be an expert and trash the mix, but this super dry recording was so influential and defined metal afterwards. The riffs are so sick! Eye of the Beholder is a great example. The drums don’t just keep time, they are amazing parts to the song. Guitar solos are on point. Lyrics are not Metallica’s strong point, but on this record they are what they need to be to support the songs. And to end on Dyers Eve. What more do you want from an album? It might actually be their best one.

This is fascinating. I really liked it immediately. After a while I started to drift, but I suspect it’s deserving of repeated listenings.

Screaming Trees are one of the great Seattle bands. They are as essential as anyone else in creating what we call grunge. It’s strange that this album is here instead of Sweet Oblivion. By 1996 the magic of the Screaming Trees was drying up. This album is good, but not great. Some interesting moments but not an album’s worth. Nor does it sustain the charm and original promise of the 90s. All I Know is a good rock song, and Traveler is pretty cool. I also enjoy the album closer. Every good 90s alternative album has to end with a trippy epic song.

I just can’t get into this record. I recognize Brian Wilson’s achievement but I find it a little boring. It might be different if the lyrics weren’t about Middle America. Maybe. As a listener I’m also frustrated by the wall of sound effect.

Straight ahead fun rock and roll. Ramble Tamble was a surprise. John Fogerty sings so soulfully. I found myself drawn to the drums, specifically the sound, although the performance is also charming. So refreshing compared to modern studio precision and compression. I liked this record more than I thought I would.

It’s ok I guess. Doesn’t jump out at me. Alright is a catchy single.

Inoffensive but so sleepy.

I was stoked to get this album. I love classic era Ray Charles. And this is great. Charles was on his game. However, if I’m being honest, I don’t really love the song selections. You Are My Sunshine is a little too hokey. Stylistically, the vocal harmonies are nice, but old fashioned such as I Can’t Stop Loving You. Not nearly as cool as his regular repertoire. I guess that was the idea but I’d much rather listen to The Genius of Ray Charles.

Six discs of Gershwin and no Summertime.

There are few things I like more than rock and this album is that. From the fast snare intro, to the mega hits, the guitar tone, melodic bass and great drumming this record has everything it should. Green Day likely was never better.

It’s cool. I like the vibe. I’m finding it to be more of a passive listen than active. I like Wobble’s bass tone. Probably wouldn’t seek this out.

This is an easy 5 for me. Billy Gibbons playing is inspired. I’ve always had a soft spot for Jesus Just Left Chicago. I’m amused but also love how soulful they sing about something silly like Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers. Silly is a big part of rock.

Does any band have the highest highs and the lowest lows than Aerosmith? This is probably their best album. The two hits are great, but there are some low points too.

This is fun music. It’s music for action rather than sitting and listening. It makes emptying the dishwasher a better experience.

This is a fun listen. Love the funky wah wah guitar on Chain of Fools. Some of my favourite r and b songs on this too. People Get Ready always gets me in the feels.

I guess I like this. I like other Flaming Lips more. Nice to listen to but nothing sticks afterwards. They always seem to try too hard to be weird. The result is always “neat.”

This is probably a better album than I’m giving it credit for but the production made it hard to listen to. Probably needs repeated listening but there’s always the next album.

It’s good. Songwriting is solid. The performances are good as well. If I have a complaint it’s that it is too long to hold my attention with standard song structures.

This rocks so hard. Almost every track goes hard. The combination of Changes and FX builds to Supernault in an amazing way, but I find both of those tracks too long. Doesn’t matter. This album rocks!

This is great rock and roll. The musicians are fantastic and of course Joplin is on fire. This album has a little emotional baggage in the way In Utero does. I’m not sure if that adds or subtracts anything for me.

There are some great moments. Sunday Bloody Sunday is undeniable. I could see how people might find Bono insufferable, but consider what California rock is doing at the time. Cum on Feel the Noise indeed. I do start to drift. It’s not a perfect album, but a good one.