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

I grew up afraid of Ozzy. A lot of music was criticized in the 80’s for its bad influence and he was the poster child. The Blizzard of Oz album cover, the use of religious icons and mentions of satan in lyrics, the blood and gore, the bat decapitations and rumors of puppies thrown to audiences for slaughter before the band would go on, even the “bad boys” in scouts who played his music on repeat during campouts - all reasons for young me to stay away. Of course, his family would later go on MTV and he would prove an endearing, humble, and earnest father and grandfather - talk about cognitive dissonance. It wasn’t until the mid 2000s when I saw a tribute band with some friends that I gave Black Sabbath a listen and discovered I had been missing out. I cannot imagine how foreign this album must have sounded in 1970 - the song Black Sabbath is one of better album openers ever. Is this really their debut? This is an amazing album throughout, the music is fresh, surprising, and harmonizes well - Ozzy’s vocals are arguably the weakest component but I can’t imagine it being anyone else. It just fits. Favs are those with long guitar interludes - Black Sabbath, Wall of Sleep and Warning. IMO this is their best album and its hard to believe it’s 55 years old. I watched the “Back to the Beginning” concert 3 weeks ago and was moved to tears by the tributes, the sincerity in Ozzy’s words and voice, and the love for and from his original band mates. It’s on brand that he would pass so soon. RIP. And thanks for being a part of this creation. 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.

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 UPDATE AFTER 60 ALBUMS - I have a better sense now what is a 2 vs a 1. This is trash. Downgrading. 1/5

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

Listened while on road trip. Mixed feelings in the car. Not something I would listen to often but respect for what it is. 3/5

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.

Family road trip in Oregon day 2. This one was interesting - particularly the simple and innocent lyrics - but not something anyone wants to hear again. 2/5

I had heard of Ryan Adams before today but I guess had never heard one of his songs because this was entirely new to me. Father John Misty before he was. Several tunes and lyrical content remind of Andy Hull as well - particularly during his brother bird era. Sweet Carolina, Don’t ask for water and time of need especially enjoyable. I listened to this while on vacation coast of Oregon with family so maybe extra generous but enough here to want to come back. 4/5

Ok so I’ve tried hard over the years to figure this artist out. Normal Rockwell and Blue Banisters were more or less on repeat for a month a few years ago. There are a few songs I like - Arcadia for example. But I just don’t get it. Did she really just say “I listened to white stripes when they were hot” and call out Kings of Leon? At least message how cute and cool you are with subtlety. It’s all too boring, too cliched, too pretentious...she’s simply trying so hard it’s offensive. 2/5

This album has value as ambient / background noise like seemingly so many of the albums on this list. (Maybe thats a consequence of having only 1 day to absorb?) The opening song sounds so much like 311 I had to check the queue to make sure I hadn't erred. All said, I liked the variety of vocal styles but not something I could see myself listening to much in the future. 3/5

Of course familiar with Bob Dylan's work from popular culture, radio, movies, etc. This was my first time ever listening to a Bob Dylan album and I was frankly surprised how clear the lyrics were - I guess he didn't start slurring until later? The songs are poetic, no doubt. The nasally voice and intonation takes some getting used to. The harmonica is too much, too long, and too loud in several spots. I was ready to rate this a 4 based on the first 3 songs and frankly first half of the album. A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall and Don't Think Twice, It's All Right were bright spots. To this point I am thinking 'you have to love Bob Dylan and this album for the movies and scenes these songs inspired - like they were made for one another from the beginning'. And then the 2nd half kicks in, particularly Talkin WW3 Blues and I Shall Be Free and the free associating scatting becomes super annoying and downright comical. What happened? Should have ended this one 4 songs sooner. I might come back and explore as time permits. Then again maybe not. 3/5

First time listening to Leonard Cohen album. Initially was intrigued by the tone and poetic form but it eventually wore thin. The female back up singers on several songs gave it a contrasting Disney-island vibe in spots but otherwise dull and depressing. 2/5

When this popped up in my queue today I initially thought 'I've easily listened to this album one thousand times from 1989 when I fell deeply in love with everything The Smiths...no need to listen...5/5. But I listened anyway, the first time since a long weekend in the spring of 2020 driving all around York-Leeds-Manchester, chasing some many of the sites mentioned in so many songs...the moors, Wally Range, Holy Cross Church, Rusholme, Still Ill bridge, Cemetery Gates, and so on. Despite all of this familiarity I am sitting here in shock listening...in awe of just how great this album is. Immediately I'm sitting in my 1979 Honda, east county San Diego, singing top of my lungs trying to impress my passenger, and day-dreaming of the life the lay ahead. Queen is Dead such a great opener. I know its over and Light that Never Goes out still bring tears. Even my lesser likes Mr. Shankly, Vicar in a Tutu and Some Girls hold up. I still think Hatful of Hollow is their best album but hardly a flaw here. Thank you Johnny Marr for asking Morrissey to play records and thank you both for creating the soundtrack of my high school years. 5/5

You know those amateur travel videos on YouTube? This is the background tracking music for the action shots - some 23 year old Katie showing us how her boyfriend kiteboards in the Caribbean. Or music played by the hotel DJ while people find their seats and mingle ahead of the plenary session start at some accounting conference. Did everyone have a good time at the bar last night? I can see some merit in music like this but putting it on and listening to it as an album? Boring. 2/5

I can’t explain the exact reason - maybe it’s the amateur lyrics, more likely the grating vocals, or even more likely that 90s alt radio played most of the songs on this album to death - but I HATE this album and this band more than most things in my life. There is no song more annoying than Come Out and Play, Self Esteem and Get Away - beat only by the terribly abused sample in Get a Job (diff album). I wanted to try today - to be open minded and give it space. Nope. I gave each song 20 seconds. This album and band sucked in 1994. They both really suck now. 1/5

This was a fun listen. Not terribly remarkable and no single song stood out but if I’m ever in the mood for reggae in the future I won’t hesitate to put it on.

I loved this album. Listened to it 3 times through one time being 2017 live version. I’ve always loved Pink Floyd and Rush both of whom frequently authored rock opera like albums with a story - I really slept on the Who, admittedly in part because of the east county San Diego dirtbag culture that surrounded KBG101 classic rock station growing up - the station constantly blasting “who are you” out of tailgating stereos before and after padres games. Anyway - this was great. 4/5

An entertaining listen but not really my thing. I don’t think myself a prude but songs that use the N word heavily are off-putting. The songs from other artists that came on spotify after this album completed were actually more immediately catchy and engaging. 2/5

What if the singer from Human League (in style of 'don't you want me baby') or Yazoo (move out don’t mess around) had joined early Depeche Mode before Martin Gore? This album is upbeat and fun - at least in places - but gets bogged down by its own repetitive sound. It has value as a time capsule reflecting early British new wave synth but not something I would regularly enjoy except as the soundtrack in Grand Theft Auto which I believe featured the 2nd song on the album. 2/5

This was a surprisingly enjoyable listen. It’s seems clear George Michael was raised on / influenced by Elton John as several songs the vocal styling could easily pass for later GM. Every time I listen to these albums from the 1960s and 70s I’m reminded how nice songs shaped around a story or narrative can be - reference Indian Sunset. Of course Tiny Dancer. Levon, Madman, and Indian Sunset also strong favorites. Razor Face was trash; All the Nasties also a bit trite. Solid album though. 3/5

Smooth Operator was a big hit middle 80's and the entire album evokes images and memories of TV shows and movies from the 80's of NYC yuppy apartments, dinner parties, candle-lit dinners, etc. This is upper middle class mixer music...very smooth, inoffensive but, in short, really boring. Just not my thing. 2/5

This album starts really strong - Just Like Honey is superb and a top 100 all-time song for me. (A match made in heaven at the end of Lost in Translation). The next few songs are interesting and remind of Love and Rockets (Living End = Khandalini Express) and Bauhaus (Taste of Cindy) and Joy Division (Inside Me). At this point, I'm happy and thinking 4/5. Then the second half kicks in and the over-use of reverb and crunchy guitars starts to wear thin. By the end, this album has just 3 songs: Just Like Honey and its copies (Cut Dead, Sowing Seeds, Something Wrong), a few goodies reflective of other artists from the era (Living End, Hardest Walk, Inside Me, Little Underground) a LOT of noisy mess (Taste the Floor, In a Hole, Never Understand). I'm left with mixed feelings and it’s a bit disappointing actually. The album opens so hopeful only to leave you skipping tracks near the back. Perhaps a relisten down the road may prove more kind. 3/5

Albums like this is why I started this project. I knew virtually nothing about Frank Zappa beyond my father’s opinion growing up that he was a no good, drug-addled, unproductive, rabble-rousing troublemaker hippie. Consequently, I knew even less about his music and had no idea what to expect this morning. What a delightful surprise. The arrangements don’t appear terribly technical, skilled, or complex playing but the free flowing, jam-session vibe really works for me. Willie the Pimp is a real banger. In fact the first 3 songs are really good. The last 3 not as much - I like the funk of Gumbo but the horn becomes too much. On first listen I decided ‘it’s probably a 3 but I’ll give it a 4 to ensure I come back later.’ On second listen I concluded solid 4, no doubt. Thanks dad. 4/5

This was an enjoyable album. I knew many of the songs from childhood. Some definite hits but solidly in the “adult contemporary” category of the 80s and therefore a bit overplayed, safe, and unremarkable. I thought the Elton John album from earlier in the week was more entertaining. 3/5

First time hearing an album like this. Very entertaining perfect soundtrack for my workout this morning. Songs are well engaging and never get boring. Perfect for outdoor dinner party or pool day. I will definitely come back to this one when the situation is right. 4/5

I’m confident this album was remarkable in its day. It’s easy to imagine winter time NYC, leaves collected in the gutter, Sunday afternoon listening to this as a family on the turntable “furniture” popular in the 1960s. But today? This just doesn’t speak to me or my ears…surely reductive but she’s the female Louis Armstrong. I don’t see myself coming back this way. 2/5

I expected - indeed I really wanted - to like this album a lot more than I actually did. I’m marginally familiar with Neil Young both from really young childhood (America/Horse with No Name) and like his voice. A sort of Morrissey before he was. Unfortunately this just didn’t speak to me. A little too country, too jangly, too Crazy Horsey (weighed down harmonies)? I LOVED the extended jams in Down by the River and Cowgirl in the Sand no doubt…if it had been a collection of these types of songs perhaps a 5. In the end I found the album as a whole underwhelming. Maybe an instance where heightened expectations killed the experience? 3/5

Unremarkable really. The music is over produced and sterile, the thumping bass annoying in too many spots, and the breathy style of exhalation singing is dry and boring. The lyrics wanna feel smart but come off self-obsessed and pretentious much like Lana del Rey. Highlights were (xxxx and xxxx). But honestly, I just don’t get it. 2/5

I grew up afraid of Ozzy. A lot of music was criticized in the 80’s for its bad influence and he was the poster child. The Blizzard of Oz album cover, the use of religious icons and mentions of satan in lyrics, the blood and gore, the bat decapitations and rumors of puppies thrown to audiences for slaughter before the band would go on, even the “bad boys” in scouts who played his music on repeat during campouts - all reasons for young me to stay away. Of course, his family would later go on MTV and he would prove an endearing, humble, and earnest father and grandfather - talk about cognitive dissonance. It wasn’t until the mid 2000s when I saw a tribute band with some friends that I gave Black Sabbath a listen and discovered I had been missing out. I cannot imagine how foreign this album must have sounded in 1970 - the song Black Sabbath is one of better album openers ever. Is this really their debut? This is an amazing album throughout, the music is fresh, surprising, and harmonizes well - Ozzy’s vocals are arguably the weakest component but I can’t imagine it being anyone else. It just fits. Favs are those with long guitar interludes - Black Sabbath, Wall of Sleep and Warning. IMO this is their best album and its hard to believe it’s 55 years old. I watched the “Back to the Beginning” concert 3 weeks ago and was moved to tears by the tributes, the sincerity in Ozzy’s words and voice, and the love for and from his original band mates. It’s on brand that he would pass so soon. RIP. And thanks for being a part of this creation. 5/5

I went through a Kings of Leon, Young the Giant phase between 2008-2015…sort of following on from Black Crows/Counting Crows a decade earlier. This album is on brand. Less polished and “smaller” sounding than Only the Night which I think is the better album. The vocals are annoying in spots (Day Old Blues) and the album sort of becomes boring and melts into the background as it goes. 2/5

I saw a few reviews suggesting this was best album ever; River Man the greatest song ever put to music. Maybe this is a flaw in the album per day format: given enough time and listens I might come to agree. But I listened twice through today and while there was some interesting guitar work (3 hours), I found it largely unremarkable. The kind of thing on in doctors waiting room. Effectively 1960s Jack Johnson. 3/5

Meh. 2/5

This one prompted debate with my wife (she’s a 4). Freedom is a banger and there are 3 interesting ballads - Praying for Time, Mothers Pride, and Waiting - no doubt George Michael can sing and these are where he’s strongest. But the rest of the album is fairly boring. So what do you score when half of album is great and half is mediocre? Faith is the better album. 3/5.

This album and band burst on the scene for me the fall of my freshman year of high school - the songs were all over the radio and everyone clamored for tour tickets. I kind of stayed away - something about my religious upbringing and trying to not get too wrapped up in the world. And then Rattle and Hum, shot during the Joshua Tree tour, came out and my entire taste in music changed. It was so big, bold, and sounded so great in the theater. This album was on constant repeat along with Boy and War through much of high school - it is an absolute top 20 all time for me. What came later Zooropa and such were letdowns compared to this and by the time iPhone debacle occurred I had well moved on. U2 has since shown themselves to be a mediocre band. But they have this one. No doubts, no concerns. 5/5.

Take on Me and then here: take the rest of this drivel too. The music sounds like the middle 80s - or what video games and TV shows think the 80s sounded like - and comes off remarkably vanilla. Every song after the opener could easily fit behind Karate Kid training or fighting montage. There’s clearly a reason this band was never known for more than their ubiquitous opener. 2/5

I’ve said this before but I grew up with a certain distaste for overused classic rock riffs like that immediately displayed by the opener. But 3 minutes in I’m liking it. 13 minutes in I’m liking it more. But then, around the 23rd minute, I’m beginning to ask “what the flip is it with the flutes?” By the time Up to Me came on I was ready to be done - solely on account of the flute. I listened a second time on way home and still can’t decide. Love the prog rock elements here - remove the flutes and it could be a 5. In the end I’m voting 4 to encourage me to come back when time allows.

I’m not sure what to do with this one. I loved Art of Noise growing up - I think I’m open to the genre of environmental, experimental, instrumental music. This was a pleasant listen, the songs are interesting in places and boring in others. But it feels largely forgettable. I guess I go middle of the road until I potentially revisit and feel otherwise. 3/5

This is hard one to judge - I’m not sure how to categorize it. An entertaining listen for sure and clearly the man plays mean piano but it’s not really piano music, classical, jazz (as I understand it) or rock. I can’t imagine a venue where I’d put this on. It’s not really fancy car date night appropriate. It’s too fast for dinner party. It’s not jazzy enough to rock out to. 5/5 for performance but 3/5 for not sure I’ll ever listen again / can’t figure out where to put it. I’ll give it a 4 to encourage relisten later.

Enjoyed aspects of this - especially the singing - but I don’t see myself putting this on regularly. 2/5

Familiar with Johnny Cash from my grandfather growing up. Never much liked the music but loved the storytelling in the lyrics. Same is true on today’s listen. But there is something insanely special that comes through on this album especially given the lyrics in this setting. Johnny is sincere, bold, improvisational and you can feel the deep connection and appreciation from the prisoners and administration alike. I cannot imagine the sheer joy and reflection an event like this with songs deeply connected to their prison experience must have brought to attendees. It easy to imagine yourself there listening. And inclusion of the prison announcements throughout are chefs kiss. What a moment in time. What a recording. For the music 3/5. For the lyrics 4/5. For the setting and capture of real history 8/5. Total 5/5

I didn’t think I needed a Willie Nelson album. I really didn’t need a Willie Nelson album of covers - some of which are not good. 1/5

So I’m about 60 albums into this project and this is the ~3rd time I’ve been pleasantly surprised by an album - the first time by a band I knew nothing about. There are notes of Radiohead, Nada Surf, Smashing Pumpkins, Ben Gibbard and am too lazy tonight to figure out if before, contemporaries, or after. Favorable feelings became stronger on 2nd listen. Not a big fan of the quiet narrative style of lyrics but love the pace and conflict in the music. Washer and Good Morning Captain are immediate Spotify favorites. I’m going to call it a 4 and preserve right to listen later and move to 5. 4/5

Maybe feeling generous this week but this was an enjoyable listen - particularly for a genre and singing style I don’t normally care for. Scoring to promote me coming back. 4/5

I had high hopes for this one given heavy airplay and familiarity with our house and the genre. This should be easy and fun. The first song was interesting…the second one too: this feels familiar. By the time I reach Mr. Speaker I’m growing concerned I’ve fallen into some Danny Elfman-Tim Burton collab - not an Oingo Boingo sound but Nightmare Before Christmas or Beetlejuice or PeeWee on repeat sort of sound. It tires quickly. I know this band are legends in and still tour around Great Britain. But this won’t find its way into my playlist.

The Cure is a top 10 all time band for me. This is a solid album deserving high marks but not their best. 4/5.

Insanely boring. Stopped 2/3rds way through. 2/5

The opening song was great - for a moment I thought I was listening to the opener of the Cult’s Electric, Wildflower. From there the album just seemed to wane and did not hold my interest. 2/5

This is a fantastic album and I’m struggling between 4 or 5 solely because their debut and Paranoid are slightly better…I feel this need to separate. Tomorrow’s Dream, Supernaut, and Snowblind are favorites as are Changes and Laguna Sunrise which show well the range of this heavy metal band. Sabbath as a group - particularly the guitar solos and interludes like the back half of Under the Sun - are much better than Ozzy ever was as a solo artist...props to Tony, Bill and Geezer. 5/5

This is a good album. Yes there are songs that become annoying (the foundational beat to All My Friends - yes, I went there) but there is more good here than bad. North American Scum, Someone Great and of course NYILY are top notch. 4/5

For decades MJK has talked about the influence of Joni Mitchell on his musical career - I think he even once called this his favorite album of all time. So I was excited to get into this today. Unfortunately I’m not seeing it. The songs are pleasant but the floating, fluttering vocals distract. I’ll give it another shot on commute home but for now feels like a 2-3 at best. So drive home left morning feelings unchanged except I did realize the Jewel became the 1990s version of Joni Mitchell. No doubt she’s a great song writer and singer but this album feels undercooked. Feeling generous. 3/5

Shady as a lady in a moustache…somebody’s watching you. The higher the price the nicer the nice. Boy the 60s were groovy. This was a real joy and had me smiling in places. Who doesn’t love the bass backup singer? And anything that repeats “my lady”…well, simpler times for sure. The instrumentals - sex machine and soul clapping - were especially enjoyable. I will be back. 4/5.

Familiar with the hits on this album but first time listening through. First song feels unnecessarily ornate with long lead in that never really builds. And this holds for most of the album. Candle in the Wind frankly always associated with Princess Di and found lyrics deeper than expected. Benny and the Jets live has a great vibe - realization that Ben Folds stole from EJ in terms of playing style and song structure. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road appeared in a lot of movies when I was young and listening today took me back to my childhood home and deep innocence - I could see an album label circling the spindle. The next 3 and frankly rest of the album largely forgettable. Alice is fun - good way to conclude a side of the record. Good enough to score highly for the hits but not near perfection I am seeking for a 5. 4/5