Siamese Dream was a revelation back in 1993 - the booming, upfront and in-your-face wall of guitar - and their Lollapalooza closing set one balmy San Diego night in summer 1994 earned them a permanent fan. I anxiously purchased this album on double cassette on release and set about listening in my base model '87 Civic but the album never really clicked - the "hits" too few and far in between, the volume too loud, the album simply too long. Eventually the cassettes disappeared in the glove box, then into a shoebox, and still today are out in the garage. I was excited after 30 years to give this one a listen and my original opinion remains largely unchanged. A much improved and more capable sound system has helped me find and "favorite" a few gems I missed back then: Here is No Why, To Forgive, Love, Galapagos, Porcelain and Starlight will go into normal rotation. Yes, Bullet still rocks and Zero still soars. But Jellybean, Scorched Earth, and too many others in between lack structure and become annoying. In the end, as an album, this thing remains too varied, too loud, and too long - a chunky mess that needs to lose half its weight to the junk bin but there is enough good to warrant the occasional revisit. 4/5.

No need to listen - this album was on constant rotation for me from 2010-2017. And despite Win Butler’s bad press in recent years nothing can change for me its brilliance. The Suburbs is top 20 all time song for me. 5/5

First impressions opening riff of opening song: The Cult. All down hill from there. I believe in a thing called love only familiar track. Friday night feels like Cure Friday I’m in love. Overall music is fun in spots - big arena rock, hair bands of the 80s vibe - but falsetto vocals and cheesy, shallow lyrics kill it. Love on the rocks with no ice? Uft. This is bad parody. Fall out boy, panic at disco, etc of the early 2000s but worse. 2/5

Rush’s most approachable album but not their best. First 4 songs all hit; riffs can at times feel “tired” from decades of radio play, use in commercials, etc. (opening of Limelight). Tom Sawyer certainly all time top 20 song. Drumming is fantastic and prominent throughout, guitar solos feel loose and soar where they need to (Limelight), and Geddy Lee has finally figured out how to sing (ugh those ‘screamy’ 70s records). This album is in normal rotation for me. It’s not perfect but deserves top category. 5/5

Ok so 15 year old me really liked this album. Listening today has brought back emotions, memories, and the feelings of anticipation that your world is about to open up. You only grow up once and this album came out right as that was happening for me - first job, first GF, new friends and high school, paying attention to world events. This was a fun listen in this regard. But Weird Al has long since ruined Bad (I only hear fat). The shamones, checoos, and heehees just sound silly (Way Make me feel). The use of MJs own backing vocals is annoyingly noticeable - songs with guests / contrast are stronger. Speed demon and Liberian Girl are throwaway. Just Good Friends feels like Miami vice. Another Part of Me takes me back to a magical day at Disneyland - holding hands walking out of Capn EO. Man in the Mirror evokes memories of watching the video in our living room and feelings of hope I could make a difference in the world. Dirty Diana still bangs and is bright spot. Smooth Criminal also fun but the repeated 'Annie are you oks' now is noticeably tedious. In the end, the album is just a little too tight, too perfect, too polished to make me want to listen again. Off the Wall and Thriller remain better. 3/5

Siamese Dream was a revelation back in 1993 - the booming, upfront and in-your-face wall of guitar - and their Lollapalooza closing set one balmy San Diego night in summer 1994 earned them a permanent fan. I anxiously purchased this album on double cassette on release and set about listening in my base model '87 Civic but the album never really clicked - the "hits" too few and far in between, the volume too loud, the album simply too long. Eventually the cassettes disappeared in the glove box, then into a shoebox, and still today are out in the garage. I was excited after 30 years to give this one a listen and my original opinion remains largely unchanged. A much improved and more capable sound system has helped me find and "favorite" a few gems I missed back then: Here is No Why, To Forgive, Love, Galapagos, Porcelain and Starlight will go into normal rotation. Yes, Bullet still rocks and Zero still soars. But Jellybean, Scorched Earth, and too many others in between lack structure and become annoying. In the end, as an album, this thing remains too varied, too loud, and too long - a chunky mess that needs to lose half its weight to the junk bin but there is enough good to warrant the occasional revisit. 4/5.

Outside of David Sanborn/Kenny G, this was my first time dedicated listening to a jazz album front to back. It's pleasant enough, I could see playing this while working or as background music for a dinner party, but I don't think it’s something I would listen to regularly or during my commute. Much of the album sounds like soundtrack to a 1970's crime drama - I could see Gene Hackman trailing a bell-bottomed thug, pausing to crush a cigarette before going down into the NYC subway. Track 5 was a standout. I'm sure this album has reach and meaning to many but just not my thing. 2/5.

Admittedly only had time for a single listen through. The themes appear dark and the music somewhat unremarkable. It’s not offensive or boring but also doesn’t really hook me or hold my attention. This may be one I come back to down the road but for now it’s straight middle. Bright spot - on battleship hill. 3/5

No thanks. Not worth a second listen or effort to see if it will “grow” on me. Feels like Miami Beach…I appreciate music like this has its place but that place is somewhere else. 1/5

This was a fun listen. Likely not something I would listen to regularly. 2/5

I appreciated the gritty punk feel of this album. That said it felt poorly mixed. Maybe just the 1970s recording techniques. Gave it several listens. Not sure I’d put it into regular rotation. 2/5

So maybe I don't like punk music as much as I thought I might. This album is entertaining enough. Reminds of Violent Femmes in spots; Talking Heads (David Byrne) in others. I listened 5-6 times so it's not like I didn't try. Several songs are catchy enough - The Once Over Twice, Adult Books, Beyond and Back - but ultimately not enough to go into regular rotation. 3/5

The album invokes memories of Fred Armisen British punk band skits on SNL about 20 years ago. The short song format keeps it moving but overall just not my thing. I’m realizing from this project that punk, as a genre, isn’t my thing. 2/5

This was a fun listen. A few gems - I liked Disney Girls, Student Demonstration Time, and Day in Life of a Tree. The take care of your feet, watch what you eat was a little too campy but it’s apparent innocence reminded me of childhood. I don’t see this becoming an album I’d put in rotation making it 3/5.

Familiarity and nostalgia breed fondness. While License to Ill was on constant replay in HS and hits like Sabotage, Intergalactic, Make Some Noise (and related videos) held my attention over the years, this album never really stuck for me. My impressions today: it lacks the catchy lyrical interplay/finishing each other's lines prominent in their earlier material, the megaphone effect on much of the vocals distracts, and the 3-4 "punk" songs (Tough Guy, Heart Attack, Update) don't fit. But there are several gems, particularly the back half: Get It Together, Sabrosa, Shambala, Eugene's Lament, and Ricky's Theme stand out. Sesame Street, 70's cop shows, and 80's sitcoms romanticized NYC life - housing projects, fire hydrants spraying summer streets, people always on the move, etc. and this album extends that aura. Not as good as License to Ill but many more hits than misses. 4/5

Meh

Hip hop really isn't my thing but this was an enjoyable Sunday listen. 3/5

I was happy to receive this selection and expected to enjoy but not as much as I did. Highlights: Love is Lost, Where Are We Now and You Feel So Lonely You Could Die. Lowlights: Dancing In Space. Portions of this album will find their way into rotation, particularly for road trips. 4/5

I enjoyed a number of Beck songs back in the day. I appreciated the variety of musical styles on the record but ultimately dated and unexciting. Highlight: Que Onda Guero. Track that should never need made: Girl. Ugh.

Honestly - I found 90% of this album boring and uninspired; completely forgettable except for Heaven. I won’t be back around to this one.

I was familiar with several songs on this one - they’re nice but nothing special - the type of stuff that eats up radio airtime. The music part of his material is adequate and diverse. The lyrics - seemingly always complaining to or about his girl and other guys and monotonous vocal delivery - drags. Clear your throat, man. Two songs You Belong to Me and Hand in Hand have annoying repeating sections that go on too long. Middle of the road on 91x back in the 80s and still middle of the road today. 3/5.

Enjoyed the first 4 songs more than the second four. I can appreciate this album for what it is and the era it reflects but not really something I’d listen to ever again.

This was an interesting listen. I don’t know how to classify it - rock, country, adult contemporary? The opening track was best - reminds of Fleet Foxes. Francis drake gives Doors vibe. Beautiful reminds of Black Crowes. But much of the album feels like coffee house or “on hold” fodder especially Sunlight and Ride the Wind hold music. It’s not offensive and probably deserves a 3 musically and for the ear but simply something I’m doubtful to ever listen to again. 2/5

I was familiar with most of this album. September ends is one of the most overplayed songs ever behind only Californication. Green Day debut album was right thing right time right place. This one not so much. 3/5

Classic rock radio stations in the 80s like KGB101 in San Diego largely ruined The Who for me growing up - Who Are You? Was constantly played at any sporting event, tailgate party, or from boom boxes at the beach. I was pleasantly surprised by this album and even more to learn this was their debut. I Don’t Mind gives La Bamba vibes. Goods Gone drumming feels very normal for the era - frankly boring, but I do like the semi-Michael Stipe style vocals. Lalalalies is catchy. Ive always known I am a Man as George Thoroughgoods Bad to the Bone - a fun surprise. The Kids are Alright was very nostalgic I can’t place it anywhere specific but reminded me of young childhood so maybe my parents played it. The Ox is simply amazing - immediate favorite. Overall entirely surprised and impressed; finding an album like this is the reason I’m doing this project. 4/5

I didn’t have enough time with this one but also didn’t feel need to give it more time. There were a few bright spots but largely forgettable. 2/5

Bob Dylan much? I like the “rolling” guitar arrangements of these 1960s rock albums - you can feel forward movement like a train or caravan moving across the horizon. At 28 minutes this was a fast and easy listen. On second listen I enjoyed it even more. Painter of Women and Wolf of Velvet Fortune were especially engaging. I want to give this a 4 but in truth probably won’t be back around for a listen anytime soon (970+ albums to go). 3/5

High school boys choir set to either 1) adult contemporary soft rock or 2) Disney movie soundtrack. This was released in 2004? Not worthy of a 2nd listen…this is not my thing. 1/5

Today was a busy day and I didn’t get completely through it although largely familiar with the band and their hits in the 90s. The songs I didn’t know feel comfortable and familiar but something about the mix just isn’t right…the tone is too bright and annoyingly fuzzy on several songs especially those early on. In short, I didn’t hear anything that was truly new or amazing which summarizes my feelings about the band decades ago. Live Forever and Wonderwall are brilliant…everything else just sort of feels meh. 3/5

No need to listen - this album was on constant rotation for me from 2010-2017. And despite Win Butler’s bad press in recent years nothing can change for me its brilliance. The Suburbs is top 20 all time song for me. 5/5

Had to listen while road tripping with family across northern Oregon but general consensus in the car was favorable. Agree this was surprisingly easy to listen to and quite good. Several songs were radio hits and familiar but rest of album was good.