1001 Albums Summary

Listening statistics & highlights

Contributor
406
Albums Rated
3.78
Average Rating
37%
Complete
683 albums remaining

Rating Distribution

Rating Timeline

Taste Profile

1960
Favorite Decade
Blues
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Enthusiast
Rater Style ?
145
5-Star Albums
32
1-Star Albums

Breakdown

By Genre

Top Styles

By Decade

By Origin

Albums

You Love More Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
5 2.31 +2.69
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
5 2.69 +2.31
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
5 2.74 +2.26
Atomizer
Big Black
5 2.75 +2.25
Ys
Joanna Newsom
5 2.79 +2.21
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
5 2.83 +2.17
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
5 2.88 +2.12
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
5 2.89 +2.11
Gris Gris
Dr. John
5 2.89 +2.11
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
5 2.92 +2.08

You Love Less Than Most

AlbumYouGlobalDiff
Thriller
Michael Jackson
1 4.22 -3.22
Graceland
Paul Simon
1 3.72 -2.72
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
1 3.63 -2.63
Arrival
ABBA
1 3.53 -2.53
1984
Van Halen
1 3.49 -2.49
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
1 3.41 -2.41
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
1 3.39 -2.39
Fragile
Yes
1 3.32 -2.32
The Yes Album
Yes
1 3.31 -2.31
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
1 3.26 -2.26

Artists

Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
The Rolling Stones 4 5
Beatles 5 4.6
Radiohead 4 4.5
Pixies 3 4.67
David Bowie 3 4.67
The Who 3 4.67
Creedence Clearwater Revival 3 4.67
Prince 2 5
Pink Floyd 2 5
Black Sabbath 2 5
Cocteau Twins 2 5
The Stooges 2 5
Public Enemy 2 5
Hole 2 5
Marvin Gaye 2 5
Wilco 2 5
Blur 2 5
Led Zeppelin 2 5
Bob Dylan 2 5
Muddy Waters 2 5
The Velvet Underground 2 5
The Clash 2 5
Echo And The Bunnymen 3 4.33

Least Favorites

ArtistAlbumsAverage
ABBA 2 1
Yes 2 1
Michael Jackson 2 1.5

Controversial

ArtistRatings
Kanye West 5, 2
Kings of Leon 1, 4
Queen 5, 2

5-Star Albums (145)

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Popular Reviews

Live At The Regal by B.B. King

Yes, this is real. Not some wanker in the studio, self-satisfied bloke who thinks more of himself than he should. Plus, the crown noise is almost erotic with their love. Great album....

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor

First hearing this. Quite enjoyable, to be honest. It's not perfect, some of the tracks not quite that good. But there's enough that is quality to keep this in the 4 star realm.

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones

A great album, one of rock's best double whammy albums. I like Beggars Banquet more (Stray Cat Blues is sooooo nasty!), but this is a late-prime Stones rocker. Near perfection.

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey

Not as great as the best Smith albums, but good enough.

Sunshine Hit Me by The Bees

Such a great album, gives me warm fuzzies....

4-Star Albums (131)

1-Star Albums (32)

All Ratings (406)

Jun 04 2025

I am listening to a 1997 CD version with these bonus tracks: 12. "You Got a Reputation" Tim Hardin 3:08 13. "Lazy Days" Gram Parsons 3:26 14. "Pretty Polly" trad, arr. Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman 2:53 15. "The Christian Life" (Rehearsal – Take #11) Charles Louvin, Ira Louvin 2:55 16. "Life in Prison" (Rehearsal – Take #11) Merle Haggard, Jelly Sanders 2:59 17. "You're Still on My Mind" (Rehearsal – Take #43) Luke McDaniel 2:29 18. "One Hundred Years from Now" (Rehearsal – Take #2) Gram Parsons 3:20 19. "All I Have Are Memories" (Instrumental) I've listened to this album several times over the years. Always loved it. Some of the reviews sound like those who would've hated Dylan for going to rock from folk. Open your minds, folks. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Jun 05 2025

1. The Suburbs: Toe-tapping, the piano picks up the pace, great singing, plaintive, great guitar in the background: I didn't like this song at the beginning, but the piano, the vocals, the beat got me...thumbs up. My heads bobbing now. Yep, I like this! Thumbs up to track 1. " We were already, already bored." yes we were..... TBH, I never lived in the suburbs; maybe in Germany? But that wasn't my house. It was my girlfriend's parents. So not really me living there. (We eventually broke up, my fault 100%, I am a cheating MFer.) Thumbs up to track 1. Question 1: Is this a concept album? Need the lyrics for the album. My player has provided the lyrics...yes! MUCH BETTER. 2. Ready To Start: Good 3. Modern Man: Great, obviously. There's a reason a song becomes a hit. Plus, you can sing along. 4. Rococo: "They build it up just to burn it back down..." Okay. That line makes sense. Good. 5. Empty Room: I don't speak/understand French, unfortunately. Probably doesn't matter. Enough said: When I'm by myself I can be myself.... 6. City With No Children: Well, personally, as an older man in a long-term relationship with a woman, and no children (DINKs), I don't miss having children, personally. We did take in a nephew when he was just becoming a teenager: 13 or 14 years old. That was enough parenting for me...(laughing). 7. Half Light I: a bit slow this one.... This not a celebration either. Just saying. Okay that's a dud. 8. Half Light II (No Celebration): Dud 2.... But I do like this line: "Some people say we've already lost But they're afraid to pay the cost for what we've lost Pay the cost for what we've lost" Yeah, still paying for that loss.... 9. Suburban War: Just a great song. Most excellent. 10. Month of May: Rocker! Love it...worth the price of admission. Have to say this is my favorite song so far. 11. Wasted Hours: Not my favorite. Screeching brakes on the energy from MoM...yuck. 12. Deep Blue: A song about a computer chess program? Nah.... 13. We Used To Wait: A song about pining for waiting for letters/the mail? Okay, I guess. That's quaint. And the US elected Trump...it's gotten worse. 14. Sprawl I (Flatland): Both of these songs are good, this one is better than II though. 15. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains): Kind of disco...not my thing. 16. The Suburbs (Continued): And we exit with strings....okay.

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys
Jun 06 2025

This one's easy...what more could I add?

Sign 'O' The Times by Prince
Jun 08 2025

Honestly, this is my 2nd favorite Prince album. I like Dirty Mind more. But I like this album (just slightly) more than Purple Rain. And I love Purple Rain.

Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones
Jun 09 2025

HaHaHa...is there any question this is 5-star material. Strong guitar, drumming, backing musicians, great material. What rock group would not have given a right (and a left) nut for such a banger opening track? Then getting down/dirty with Sway. Wild Horses? Maybe the best song on this album full of best of... material?

Stand! by Sly & The Family Stone
Jun 10 2025

5. One bad track. The rest are classic funky psychedelia/jams

Hot Shots II by The Beta Band
Jun 11 2025

I loved this album. I hadn't really listened to the several albums I have of The Beta Band, but I am impressed. I need to get more of this and give it a listen. Well done

Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Jun 12 2025

I am a Neil Young fan and this is one of my favorite albums of his. I can listen to it at any time and any day. I regularly listen to it. So easy to give this 5 stars....

The Beach Boys Today! by The Beach Boys
Jun 13 2025

Not a fan of this overrated group of prima donnas. Mike Love ruins everything anyway. 1 loveless star

Nilsson Schmilsson by Harry Nilsson
Jun 14 2025

Without You is definitely a great song and played out in the early 70s. And Coconut was a great funny song and also everywhere in the 70s. Otherwise, I'm glad I listened to this...but really most of these songs are at best not horrible. Middle of the road....

3 + 3 by The Isley Brothers
Jun 15 2025

Some really great songs: That Lady, Summer Breeze. But also some not so good. But the good ones are truly great.

Iron Maiden by Iron Maiden
Jun 16 2025

Not my cup of tea. To be honest, a bit boring. There's better heavy music than this shite.

Rio by Duran Duran
Jun 17 2025

This was crap. 1 over-played song makes it even more banal. 3 at least you might dance stars.

Darkdancer by Les Rythmes Digitales
Jun 18 2025

Not my cup of tea, really. But also, I listened to the whole album and enjoyed many of the cuts. Something new every day....

Odessey And Oracle by The Zombies
Jun 21 2025

Good: Beechwood Park, Hang Up On A Dream, Butcher's Tale, Friends of Mine, Time of the Season Okay: Care of Cell 44, A Rose For Emily, Brief Candles, Hung up on a Dream, Changes, I want her...., This will be our year Overwrought: Maybe After He's Gone, Surprised how overwrought most of this album is. A bit fey and outdated...., some other 1968 albums which are better imo: Lady Soul, Big Pink, White Album, Cheap Thrills, John Wesley Hardy, Sweetheart of the Rodeo, Strictly Personal, Hurdy Gurdy Man, Waiting For the Sun, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Crown of Creation, Axis: Bold As Love, Electric Ladyland, several John Fahey albums, Live at Folsom Prison, Mama Tried, Beggars Banquet, The Circle Game, Astral Weeks,

Jun 22 2025

a classic indie band album. I love this album. And of course it's hilarious too.

Vauxhall And I by Morrissey
Jun 23 2025

Not as great as the best Smith albums, but good enough.

Exile On Main Street by The Rolling Stones
Jun 25 2025

A great album, one of rock's best double whammy albums. I like Beggars Banquet more (Stray Cat Blues is sooooo nasty!), but this is a late-prime Stones rocker. Near perfection.

Tanto Tempo by Bebel Gilberto
Jun 26 2025

Not a bad song and a couple very great songs (Tanto Tempo, August Day, So Nice). What's wrong about great background music. Man, one's probably going to get some, too. Is that a bad thing? Life is short and enjoying some downtempo with a "friend" is a way to make it memorable.

The Scream by Siouxsie And The Banshees
Jun 27 2025

Man...I liked this album but the first 2 songs did nothing for me. And still I think this album/band is like nothing else I actually really like. I have most of their stuff (MP3s) yet I don't think I've listened to most of them. Something grating or rhythmically to weird. I'm perplexed so 3 stars it is....

C'est Chic by CHIC
Jun 28 2025

Le Freak is an unbelievable dance song. The rest of the album is much less enjoyable. That being said, I never stopped toe tapping and I could imagine dancing (in the right venue) to these songs. Came out the same year as The Scream, and I liked this better.

The Modern Lovers by The Modern Lovers
Jun 29 2025

I've enjoyed versions of these songs and this album for years. Well-liked here. Easy rating....

Electric Music For The Mind And Body by Country Joe & The Fish
Jun 30 2025

I just listened to this one about a week ago. I probably play this album 3 - 6 times a year...because of the amazing grooves that start the album: Flying High, Not so sweet..., Death...by this time I am committed, happily! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Third by Soft Machine
Jul 02 2025

OMG...this is horrible. I think we should play this on repeat for at least 24 hours to a certain shackled world leader and hope for the best. There is no way that world leader would survive and we'd all go back to being somewhat better Americans. No other word can describe this: torturous.

Street Life by The Crusaders
Jul 03 2025

nope. No like this bland easy-listening stuff. ⭐

Among The Living by Anthrax
Jul 04 2025

I don't hate any tracks. I don't love any tracks (tracks 2 & 8 were good in that at least they were memorable). It sort of just sits there, no flash, no grab, and a bit of fury. But after 3 songs, I was a bit bored. Could I listen to this once in a blue moon? Sure if on random-album mode. Would I choose to listen? Nope. But if it came on I'd probably listen to 5 (plus track 8) tracks before going, "okay, that's enough." Track 8 at least had a change of pace (at the beginning), there's that...and oddly, that's probably my fave track. The rest just blends into the background of yelling and heavy drumming. (2nd listen, I also liked track 2. Yeah, I'd be in the pit for that!) Just read the backstory to this album...RIP CB. Still: ⭐⭐⭐(2.99999...)

Jul 05 2025

Sentimentally, 5 stars, right? But really, at best, there's some good (not great) tracks, but all in all, it's an old man's voice with a song itself that's great but Johnny Cash's voice/delivery is the weak link (Hurt, Personal Jesus, In My Life, etc.). I may want to hear these tracks, but not the majority because really they aren't that enjoyable (for me).

Infected by The The
Jul 06 2025

Not particularly noteworthy...

Tarkus by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Jul 07 2025

Barf_us!!! Wankers.

Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand
Jul 08 2025

After that boring ELP crap...this is gold! Not wankers. Thank you 1001 rock-gods, actual rock and not wankers.

Sunshine Hit Me by The Bees
Jul 09 2025

Such a great album, gives me warm fuzzies....

The Rolling Stones by The Rolling Stones
Jul 10 2025

Damn, we need 6 stars...where the (other) boys mark a line in the white Dover chalk! and claim not the Beatles!

Is it any wonder that Ronnie Wood became a Stone? And there was a time when Rod Stewart wasn't a punch line.... If you don't want a beer and a dirty dance...check your pulse

Foo Fighters by Foo Fighters
Jul 12 2025

Very solid 1st album. I enjoyed most of the cuts even though some of them seemed sonically similar to Nirvana tunes. But is that a bad thing?

Rising Above Bedlam by Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Jul 13 2025

Interesting music. Never heard of it before today. And I am impressed. Deserved place on this list....

Jul 14 2025

Okay, granted this is just rock n roll. That being said, it's a masterpiece of "just" rock n roll. And Stewart wasn't yet lost in the fricking disco woods. 5 I can't believe Rod got lost in the 80s stars.

Paranoid by Black Sabbath
Jul 15 2025

1. War Pigs: Turn it up....the ur-gods of sludge...I am hooked. 2. Paranoid: Even better. 3. Planet Caravan: turn it down boys...let Ozzy sing with a Led Z groove behind. Oh and Tony gets to doodle at about 2:30 mark. 4. Iron Man...massively influential. Tony's guitar parts are now cliche but back then...rage. And Bill's drumming: worth the price of admission. 5. Electric Funeral: such a funk guitar intro, before Ozzy snarls. Tony is bending strings. 6. Hand of Doom. Watcha gonna do?....play some metal, that's what. 7. Rat Salad. Instrumental. 8. Fairies Wear Boot. What a way to end a classic rock metal album.

En-Tact by The Shamen
Jul 16 2025

Okay...I'll listen to again, but it's not my new fave album.

Legalize It by Peter Tosh
Jul 17 2025

Still worthwhile.

Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers
Jul 18 2025

3 or 4??? I'm leaning up...so I'll go with the higher mark.

Beauty And The Beat by The Go-Go's
Jul 19 2025

Starts with a bang, but not as exciting from there. Still, it's enjoyable and I did quite like Skidmarks On My Heart...I will listen to this occasionally for the remainder of my years. No doubt

Wonderful Rainbow by Lightning Bolt
Jul 20 2025

Hell, yes. Something interesting, loud, abrasive, and I love it....

Halcyon Digest by Deerhunter
Jul 21 2025

From Lightning Bolt to Deerhunter...the universe has a sense of humor, and good musical taste! Thanks universe!

Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park
Jul 22 2025

Banal.... Couldn't even make it past the 1st cut Will try again tomorrow Horrible. Simply horrible. Is it just one track with different words....

Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Jul 23 2025

I regularly listen to this album. It's a go-to Sunday morning dink around the house background. Plus it's just so relaxing, no matter when/where. This was an easy rating...and washes out the bile I was feeling having spent any time wasted on Linkin Park.

Vol. 4 by Black Sabbath
Jul 24 2025

Sad world we live in now, without Ozzy. A good, not great, Sabbath album. But compared to Linkin Park, it goes to 11. This will get 4 stars

Something/Anything? by Todd Rundgren
Jul 25 2025

Really, this hasn't aged well and I don't think many of these 70s/80s albums were something special to that older crowd, yacht-rock lovers. But really, this is just banal studio work. Great, Todd. But learn to play well with others. Another voice in the room might've pulled you back from the general boring shite this is. The 1st 2 tracks are truly awesome and then it just drops off the cliff into a pile of boring shite. And then to make matters worse, we have CD filler for a 2nd album/disc. OMG...crap!

Live At The Regal by B.B. King
Jul 26 2025

Yes, this is real. Not some wanker in the studio, self-satisfied bloke who thinks more of himself than he should. Plus, the crown noise is almost erotic with their love. Great album....

A Short Album About Love by The Divine Comedy
Jul 27 2025

1. Overwrought 2. Even worse 3. I'm starting to think that because a rock outfit has strings and orchestral backing, people assume a band is deep and meaningful...well, no. (Suede, Blur, hell, even Oasis are NOT this overwrought. Please stop them from embarrassing themselves and all of us who love "Britpop" This is just crap....) 4. If you were a horse (at first I thought they were singing "whore" which at least might have been a bit edgy)? This is getting ridiculous. Please kill me.... 5. If I were you, I'd not have made this crappy song and worse album. I would've put away the strings and the pretense, I definitely would've galloped off...away from you because you're a hack whacker. (Luckily, this might be last time I will ever listen to this crap. I'm going to make the whole 7 songs, but I vote this as one of the worst experiences of Britpop I've ever experienced. Embarrassing.) 6. Puerile. Dammit, it keeps getting more horrible. 7. This guy keeps singing about animals...maybe he is really a pervert who thinks he's funny? This is not cute, nor clever, not even particularly witty. This might be the worse "best" album ever put on vinyl, plastic, etched anywhere at any time. I'll need to purge this bad bad britpop with some truly excellent stuff by Blur, Suede, Verve, hell even Oasis. Please shoot this guy...the best thing I can say about it was that it was thankfully short and did end before I killed myself. This album went to -11. I need some better Britpop music. I'll start with Blur (1997)...just about 1 minute in I'm feeling better (Beetlebum, thank you.) And Woo hoo!!!!

In A Silent Way by Miles Davis
Jul 28 2025

I had this in my MP3 collection. But never listened to it. WOW! Genius is thrown around, probably too much. But Miles had it...here's an example.

The Fat Of The Land by The Prodigy
Jul 29 2025

this is in my big beat 10, plus in a 1001 albums to listen before burial. Well deserved accolades 5 big beat stars

Imagine by John Lennon
Jul 30 2025

Only 2 songs were not 4/5 stars: Crippled Inside and How? The rest were 4 or 5 stars with most of these 5 stars. I could and will listen to this going forward....

The Healer by John Lee Hooker
Jul 31 2025

I prefer the more bare-bones blues (re: Plays and Sings the Blues). But hey, this is damn good, too. 5 easy stars

Rings Around The World by Super Furry Animals
Aug 01 2025

Whether it is or not, feels like a concept album (what that concept is, I am not certain). But there is a depth to this album, an effort to make a great album, musically and thematically. I really didn't hate any track and I really enjoyed most of the songs. 5 stars...pretty satisfying.

Madman Across The Water by Elton John
Aug 02 2025

1st album I ever bought. I saw him live at the old Memorial Coliseum in PDX. I was 12. We were way in the back but high up and directly in the middle of the stage so far away. Great experience. You only get to see Elton for the 1st one time. Well worth it.

Viva Hate by Morrissey
Aug 03 2025

Pretty good album. I don't much like the person, but he can write some great songs. Yes, he can.

Aug 04 2025

Banal. This is not an impressive album, not even the title track. And the rest is just an excuse to be bored. Sweet Dreams is a great hit/song. But the rest, yikes!

Frank by Amy Winehouse
Aug 05 2025

This is better than the Eurythmics. But still, what she will do next, this pales...

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg by Jerry Lee Lewis
Aug 06 2025

Yes, as a man, he was a POS. But man could he rock. I am not judging the man here. This about the music and the show he put on...and just WOW! Jerry Lewis and the Nashville Teens? Humor or horror. This is f'ing rock and roll....

Whatever by Aimee Mann
Aug 07 2025

Over Produced, Songs just kind of sound banal. Not bad but nothing that I found exciting. I can't even say I could dance to any of these songs. Unremarkable. Banal. Boring. Where's the passion? This is not rock or roll. This is just (indie/alt) pop, but pop first/foremost. Good songs: I've had it (still boring though) Bad songs: Put me on top Okay Songs: Stupid Thing, Say Anything, Jacob Marley's Chain, Mr. Harris, I could hurt you now, I know there's a word, way back when

Heaven Or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
Aug 08 2025

Is there a band that's more feel than real? I have tried several lyrics sites...and I still don't think anyone has gotten these lyrics right. but like I said, it is the feel of the music not the exact words. I still loved this album: 5/5

Bossanova by Pixies
Aug 11 2025

1 of 3 must-have Pixie albums....

Abbey Road by Beatles
Aug 12 2025

Too much Paul. The Beatles (as we knew them) were done. To me, this album is banal and over-wrought. We still miss you, John. This is as close as a good album can be to a mediocre, run-of-the-mill effort. But there are great songs, even if they are sugar-shite. 3.51 = 4 stars

Fun House by The Stooges
Aug 13 2025

I listened to both David Bowie's and Iggy's mixes. As noted by many, including other Stooges, Bowie's mix sounds much better. Iggy's mix sounded a bit tinny/hollow. But hell, I could've mixed it and this album would've blown the doors off....If I could rate "to 11," this album would be it....11 stars!!!

The Visitors by ABBA
Aug 14 2025

Okay, I am not going to listen to this fully. Some of their hits are wonderful (and I can sing the words to all these songs, well, because I am of a certain age and I listened to the radio in the smallish Oregon town from whence I came): Dancing Queen, Take A Chance..., Mamma Mia, SOS, Fernando, Waterloo.... But that next level? I hope I never hear those songs ever again. And this album is full of next level "ABBA hits," which aren't hits at all (at least in my opinion). I listened to a sampling of that album and I wasn't impressed. Swedish (European) pop is puerile and I don't care who I insult. This album, even in a short/truncated version, was banal. No way this album should be included in a best of/1001 albums to hear before you die. When I pass, I will not (repeat, NOT) regret ever hearing the full album of this shite! Please...this is an insult to about 5 Beatles albums that didn't make this list, several Rolling Stones albums not to mention some albums that will never make these lists by artists such as Mark Lanegan, Cat Power, Mount Eerie, Felt, Andrew Bird, Bad Brains, Engine Kid, Kyuss, Mimi/Richard Fariña, etc., etc.... Yikes, this was just horrid. -11 stars.

For Your Pleasure by Roxy Music
Aug 15 2025

Great album. Well-deserved accolades. Loved it. I will most definitely listen to this again, pre-death.

OK Computer by Radiohead
Aug 16 2025

Here we are again living in a dystopian nightmare, with a regime far more disturbing than what even these guys could imagine. Why does this governance keep getting worse and more dictatorial? But always dressed up in red? and massively long red ties... While listening to these nightmare-describing songs, I only dread our present reality more deeply. That this was describing a world almost 30 years in the past...if only there were a god to save us. I'd be a believer. But this is the hell we have, still, but it goes to 11.... A hauntingly, disturbingly beautiful look into our dystopia, like a sonic bottle in the ocean from 1997.

Step In The Arena by Gang Starr
Aug 17 2025

Not my genre...I listened to one track. That was enough.

Mr. Tambourine Man by The Byrds
Aug 18 2025

yes: 1,2,5,7,8,9,11, no: 3,4,6,10,12,13 The bad songs were maudlin. The good songs were just great pop songs/covers. They really did credit to Dylan songs or maybe the Dylan songs were just great. An uneven album that has no direction....

Blue Lines by Massive Attack
Aug 19 2025

trip-hop, downtempo (yeah I could groove to this in the lounge.) yes: 1 (definitely, banger start!),2 (another banger),4,5,7,8,9 no: maybe: 3,6 4 stars...I will listen to this album again. But I might think of skipping a couple tracks...who knows what mood I'm in.

Aug 20 2025

I don't really like Oranges & Lemons. 2* I like Skylarking quite a bit. 4* This album lands in the middle. 3* It starts out with a WTF? then Colin starts singing and it's okay. Definitely a change but not in a bad way. I will definitely listen to this again, because it's interesting. But I don't get all the Beatles comparisons. What Beatles album, specifically, does this sound like? I personally don't hear it.

The Sounds Of India by Ravi Shankar
Aug 21 2025

I like Three Ragas much more, but this is a great album, though the talking/discussions in An Introduction... does nothing for me. We have YouTube for these things nowadays. But once the players start just playing, it's exquisite. A very fine introduction to sounds of India.

Aug 22 2025

"Brothers, it's time to testify and I want to know, are you ready to testify? Are you ready? I give you a testimonial, the MC5"!!!! F.... yeah!!!!!

Aug 23 2025

Enjoyed this much more than I expected...but wow, talk about fat. This is fat by about a 3rd. Still the tracks that are good are actually great. Which offset the throw-aways (my opinion). I walked in thinking this was gonna suck. But by about the 5th cut, I was blaming my ignorance. And I think this has to be a 5 star because it's an obviously important set of songs. Gotta give it to them....

Bad by Michael Jackson
Aug 24 2025

Good: Bad, The way you make me feel Bad: everything else...just horrid Sometimes you just gotta admit that the masses don't know shit.... 2 stars

Aug 25 2025

Powerful, insightful, scary, a driving force that just pulses throughout. I didn't hear a single wasted cut on this album. Perfection.

Birth Of The Cool by Miles Davis
Aug 26 2025

A compilation album which seems (to me) to be a cheating. But here you go. I can't penalize the artist for the choices made by someone/a group years later...these are pretty great cuts. His best work? not by a margin. But better than half of what we have to trudge through here? Hell, yes. 4 stars.

Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors
Aug 27 2025

Unique music, vocalization, harmonies...All in all, a great album that warrants its appreciation. I was impressed with every song, but especially Stillness Is The Move. Every song was great not just good. Stillness was exceptional on an exceptional album.

Porcupine by Echo And The Bunnymen
Aug 28 2025

Great album. Cutter is an exceptional cut. But...I am still partial to the 2 earlier albums, especially Crocodile. Man, Crocodile made me a post-punk fan. Absolutely. But still, Porcupine is exceptional.

Moondance by Van Morrison
Aug 29 2025

This album conjures up the year I fall in love with my wife, the summer we met and the summer we worked together doing timber/veg research plots in California, Oregon, and Washington. Magic, simply magic....

Elephant by The White Stripes
Aug 30 2025

Nothing more to add. 5 solid gold stars.

Low by David Bowie
Aug 31 2025

I was not a fan of this album. Upon first (2nd, 3rd...) listen I was so biased because of Ziggy and Diamond Dogs (which I absolutely loved) that I could not give a non-biased ear to this album. Then I moved to Germany and spent so much time in Berlin with my then girlfriend (mid-80s to mid-90s)...and I absorbed so much of the grungy Berlin/German underground music scene. And it dawned on me: I loved this album . If you ever nodded out at the Frankfurt bahnhof, missed your train to Berlin (before the wall came down) and met your junky friends (Germans and GIs) behind the wall, you'll get more of why this album means so much to a gen-X German/American crowd. Warszawa was about the time you'd be nodding out...popping into/out of your nod while the rest of the album played on...and hopefully some of your friends (Germans, Americans, New Zealanders...) could keep you safe enough to see another sun....

Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben Jor
Sep 01 2025

First hearing this. Quite enjoyable, to be honest. It's not perfect, some of the tracks not quite that good. But there's enough that is quality to keep this in the 4 star realm.

Metallica by Metallica
Sep 02 2025

I am not particularly into metal because I often find it overwrought, self-important, gibberish. Any day of the week, give me punk. But this was better than most, which is usually somewhere in the middling range. I will listen to this again.

Eternally Yours by The Saints
Sep 03 2025

I was still in high school and listening to southern rock bands (sometime late in my HS years, I went to a Dead concert which also included Eddie Money and some now forgotten "southern rock" band (.38 special?) at Autzen in Eugene OR). I did start listening to Talking Heads around then. But THIS band? Nope... That was out of my wheelhouse. My bad.... If I had listened to these guys then, man, I'd be (almost) cool. But when you grow up in southern Oregon, you're bound to be at least 20 years behind the times. In this case 45 years....) I missed out. 4 outta 5 stars.

War by U2
Sep 04 2025

I liked about half these songs, but the album kind of peters out (in my opinion) at the end: 4 awesome songs, 3 great songs, and 3 meh songs, which unfortunately end the album. Which left a bad taste in my mouth. This album should probably be a 4 star, but I have to be honest: those 3 last songs really blew it for me. 3 stars, good but not great and certainly not awesome.

Who's Next by The Who
Sep 07 2025

C'mon challenge me....5 big gold stars.

Arrival by ABBA
Sep 08 2025

Dum Dum Diddle? That's about right. I've said it before and I am going to say it again: there's only 1 kind of ABBA album, best ofs or Gold...otherwise you get crap upon crap, loads of crap...-5 stars, aka 1 star.

Cosmo's Factory by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Sep 09 2025

Not everybody is gonna like CCR...especially when they get jamming to start an album. Well, yesterday I had to listen to ABBA...fuck me! That sucked. This does NOT suck! Give me CCR any day, any time, any year over ABBA. 5 fricking cow bells a-ringing!

Ys by Joanna Newsom
Sep 10 2025

I've listened to this album so many times. When I saw this pop up in my list, I was certain that most people would dislike her: the voice, the weird musical timing/wording and, honestly, spoken poetry. Understandably, not for everyone. I am one who has loved her music/songs for years and will continue to look forward to anything she's putting out. Today, I listened to this album 3 times, with an emotional response each time. But I do understand that many would not like her at all. I am just in the other camp: I love this. Give me more.....

Boy In Da Corner by Dizzee Rascal
Sep 11 2025

Not even remotely. Horrible. At least the last song reminded me of Chit: Do it (lady)! Hopefully, I'll never have to listen to this again. 1 star.

Smokers Delight by Nightmares On Wax
Sep 12 2025

Middle of the road trip-hop/downtempo chill music. Definitely has its place in my rotation. But barely...still, it's not horrid, completely.

Sincere by Mj Cole
Sep 14 2025

I wasn't exactly excited to listen to this...well, surprise, I really liked this music. Much more than expected. Thanks for the awakening.

The Score by Fugees
Sep 15 2025

Wow, okay, another one I wasn't expecting to enjoy. But, just wow! This will be on a regular rotation.

Horses by Patti Smith
Sep 16 2025

I can't even begin to reckon how many times I've listened to this album over the years...and how many more times I will listen as I head to no-more-land. But I will enjoy as much if not more as the 1st time I listened. Great album. Perhaps my fave....

The Köln Concert by Keith Jarrett
Sep 17 2025

A bit too cerebral for my tastes. That being said, I suppose this album/music has it time and place. I can't judge whether his playing is phenomenal or not, but for just over an hour I was engaged enough to lose myself in his playing. I'll definitely listen to this again, right time and all.

The White Room by The KLF
Sep 18 2025

I've been to many a fest and when a group does this sort/kind of music...a large group of people, front to back, are dancing in unison to that beat. You gotta dance and nothing better than folks bouncing to that beat. Delirious. I prefer their album Chill Out (echoes of which you can hear here on "Build a Fire"), but this is pretty damn good as well. 4 solid bouncing stars.

Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Sep 21 2025

Banal. Yikes. But better than Meatloaf.

Here's Little Richard by Little Richard
Sep 22 2025

What more can be said? At a little over 27 minutes, we get a frenetic blast of early rock and roll that just puts a smile on my face. Sure, it's a bit puerile, but hey this about fun, not thinking. And can you imagine how those who were listening to this when it first came out in the the late '50s feel/felt? No wonder so many rock legends point to Little Richard and acknowledge his influence. And talk about sexual confusion...now that's a bit of a tragedy in my mind. Without a doubt a big bunch of stars: it goes to infinity and beyond!

This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Sep 23 2025

5-star songs (except Lip Service and Night Rally which is thematically brilliant) that I can sing along with even the ones that aren't 5-stars...incredible album... Costello is such a snark and he's even aged well... "...You think they're so dumb, you think they're so funny Wait until they've got you running to the Night rally, night rally, night rally..." America, wake up!

Suicide by Suicide
Sep 24 2025

That was kind of boring...like in a artsy-fartsy way. Sure, I guess this was an attempt to be so anti- that it was anti-anti or no anti. And I hope I don't have to listen to this again. 2 stars

OK by Talvin Singh
Sep 25 2025

Ok is right, just okay. Better than Suicide the band/album, but mostly because I suppose this guy to be mostly not too "head up his ass" superior to the rest of us. And I suppose on the right drugs I could dance to this. There are no drugs druggy enough to save us from Suicide (literally).

Trio by Dolly Parton
Sep 26 2025

Some of the songs were okay but most were too this or too that. I don't need x-tian piety. But they are better than Suicide...fact! 2 stars.

Fragile by Yes
Sep 27 2025

Roundabout and filler. Roundabout is undoubtedly a great song. Filler is shite. For 1 good song one gets a load of nothing. Jesus himself would turn over in his grave. This goes to -11.

The Doors by The Doors
Sep 28 2025

Great album. I've listened to this so often. So, yeah I like it. I think Morrison Hotel is better but one can nitpick here. 4 solid stars.

All Directions by The Temptations
Sep 29 2025

Papa & 1st Time: gold classic songs. And the rest are solid songs. Do your thing stands out. Just a great funk album.

Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye
Sep 30 2025

Great music and obviously Marvin Gaye's voice was outstanding and distinct. This is a classic album and deserves to be recognized: 5 stars.

Zombie by Fela Kuti
Oct 02 2025

This here is exactly why one does a project like this. I'm in my mid-60s. I listen to a lot of music and many different genres (admittedly my faves are punk/post-punk bands) and today I received this gift from the music-gods (as unreal as any other gods, but there you go). Thank you sky-genies for bringing this into my life. Yes...5 stars! (Now I will check out his/their back-catalog...more music for my MP3 library!)

Hms Fable by Shack
Oct 03 2025

I like Britpop, so I'm disposed to finding this music palatable. But it took me a couple of listens, maybe the correct mood and finally I got there. That being said, if I never hear Re-instated again, I'll be pretty happy. Otherwise, I'll be listening to this in the future.

The College Dropout by Kanye West
Oct 04 2025

Damn, I was not even going to listen...just write something snarky. But that's not fair, so I listened: Shit this stuff is good. Really good. I am impressed. I enjoyed this stuff, a lot. Bueno! Not the interludes, but the actual stories/songs. Good. 5 solid stars.

21 by Adele
Oct 05 2025

I am not a fan of (pure) pop music of the singer/songwriter bent. And this is an easy listen for this type of music. That being said, this is just pop music and is not my preferred listen. I don't won't to bag on it. So, to be fair and not just a bastard about it...3 good stars. I also see that the next one 25(?} is coming up...oh great.

The Slider by T. Rex
Oct 06 2025

This is a marginal 4 star for me. It starts with a bang and then it's hit/miss the rest of the way: Can't miss tracks: Metal Guru, Baby Boomerang, Buick McKane. Not so much: Rock On, Spaceball Ricochet, Rabbit Fighter, Chariot Choogle, Main Man. The rest.... All told: Good almost great: 3.51 stars > 4 stars

Live And Dangerous by Thin Lizzy
Oct 07 2025

I bought this LP in (probably) 1979. I don't remember what prompted me to buy it, but it was my first Thin Lizzy album...so I have history with this release. And did I ever listen to it. However, that album did not survive my moving to Germany, somewhere lost before moving there or back. Too bad. It would be a jewel in my LP collection. So it goes...now it's just an MP3 (with accumulated memories). A strong 4.

Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Oct 08 2025

Okay, I was ready to give this album (maybe?) 1 or 2 stars because the first 3 songs were so horrible (the album should have started with No More Mr. Nice Guy which is a banger) but luckily Billion $ babies was a good (not great song). But after that inauspicious start, the music/songs were good to great. I particularly liked No More Mr. Nice Guy, Billion Dollar Babies, Unfinished Sweet, I Love the Dead. But those first 3 songs almost ruined the whole experience for me. Then that 2nd side saved the album: 3 stars.

Oct 09 2025

Okay, I am not certain whether I'm going to like this album now. Maybe 50 years ago. But now? Well, here it goes. An extended jazz-rock jam without lyrics: okay, not horrible but does it still resonate with all the intervening years? Not really, seems dated. And now some lyrics, but kind of banal musically and lyrically. Winwood can sing though. But do the words make themselves available to a new century. Seems dated. Empty Pages is a great song as is Stranger To Himself which is also musically interesting with a little guitar jam: okay there we go. John Barleycorn: are we listening to some Fairport now? (Which to say, I love me some Fairport. And I still miss Sandy Denny...RIP). I think this album should have been re-tracked: Side One (over 15 minutes) 1. John Barleycorn (with a female lead/co-lead, a folky lead song, let's lean into the folky element) 2. Stranger To Himself (a bit jazzy upbeat) 3. Freedom Rider (that great flute!) Side 2 (18 minutes or so?) 1. Glad (an upbeat instrumental in the middle) 2. Empty Pages (a nice groove) 3. Every Mother's Son (a great end to this album)

Pieces Of The Sky by Emmylou Harris
Oct 10 2025

Of course, Emmylou has a wonder/beautiful voice. The songs she chooses to sing here are good, as far as this genre goes (let me call it Americana). But after a while I'm a bit bored. I bailed on Coat of many colors. I assume the rest of the album is about as good as it was previously. 3 stars.

25 by Adele
Oct 11 2025

This is a step up from 21...at least 2 stars up. The music the vocals the lyrics...she's an adult. Bueno. Definitely 5 (pop) stars.

School's Out by Alice Cooper
Oct 12 2025

Much better than Billion Dollar Babies...probably because Alice himself wasn't as full of himself. Rocker after rocker. 5 stars.

Gold by Ryan Adams
Oct 13 2025

I never liked this guy and I still don't like this guy...banal americanish crap/rock. Wannabe Springsteen....

Melodrama by Lorde
Oct 16 2025

I am not usually a big fan for pop music, no matter how it's sliced (power, indie, pure, etc.). But this was really good and I enjoyed the whole album (I was teary eyed in a couple moments.) She definitely deserves her accolades. 4 poppy stars.

Marquee Moon by Television
Oct 18 2025

This may well be my favorite album. I've listened to it so many times, uncountable. So, I am happy to be able to listen to it again (and again), but I'm afraid I can't do justice to how important this album is to me. Great music, great lyrics, what more could I ask for. For this album, there is a reason there are the unnumbered stars to rank your music. Perfection: it goes to infinity...and beyond. Stars beyond the counting of any being, real or imagined, god/God/gods and certainly humans.

Only By The Night by Kings of Leon
Oct 19 2025

This album, this band, should not be anywhere near a list of (top) 1000 albums. I can't believe there are enough people who think otherwise. I have wasted enough time on this crap. We really need a negative rating for albums that need to get taken off these lists. Unbelievably bad, it's not even banal, it's just shite. -infinity....

John Prine by John Prine
Oct 20 2025

Sharp-witted lyricist, but the music (twangy alt-country?) not really my go-to music. I can take an album at a sitting, but at some point I am bored a.s. And there's only so much "witty" lyricism I can take before I go, give me Sabbath! (hell, I'd take KISS or Metallica, 2 bands for which I have little desire to hear before I croakensie.) A solid 3 stars.

Oct 21 2025

tbh, this is a tad "big" for my tastes (stadium-focused, pompous) since I tend toward a quieter, more introspective, club-show band. However, this album is undeniably good. Not perfect by any means (again, it's a bit grandiose). I can't deny, however, that all-in-all I rated all the songs 3-plus, with several 5s. 4 stars.

Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
Oct 22 2025

Obviously, not to everyone's taste. This pushes the limits of what I can take, too. But in the end, this is a classic jam band at their peak. Not as great as the Dead, but still I love it.

Boston by Boston
Oct 23 2025

1 year later, 77 would be put out. I would never again be a Boston fan. But prior to hearing the Talking Heads, I like many of those growing up in those days we knew every word to Boston. And to this day, like today, I know the lyrics to all these songs. Amazing, really. I will always owe my musical tastes evolving to the Talking Heads. But Boston was an album most of us had and most of us could sing the words to every song, beginning to end. And I still can. I am amazed. That being said, other than for nostalgia, is it an album one must hear before they die? Nah...unless you want to get into the groove of mid-to-late 70s. Otherwise, you'll be fine without ever having to listen to Boston. Nostalgia: 5 stars; reality: 3 stars.

Illmatic by Nas
Oct 24 2025

I liked all the songs other than The Genesis, which seemed a throwaway. Otherwise, a strong 4 stars, top to bottom, 5 stars for NY State of Mind.

Born In The U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen
Oct 25 2025

I did not like this album when it first came out and, in retrospect, I still don't like it. Banal, jingoistic, and bloated. I only liked 2 tracks: Downbound train and I'm on Fire. The rest, if not banal, are unlistenable, semi-patriotic crap. Bruce SHOULD be embarrassed of this shite. Especially after Nebraska, which is the best thing he's done imo. 2 disappointed stars

Liquid Swords by GZA
Oct 26 2025

Liked this album quite a bit. Deserved respect.

Foxbase Alpha by Saint Etienne
Oct 27 2025

A bit twee. But enjoyable nonetheless. A minor 4 stars

Surfer Rosa by Pixies
Oct 29 2025

My fave Pixies album. I go back to this regularly, because...well, because I like it. Is it perfect...in its imperfections? Absolutely....

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan
Oct 30 2025

The first side (or the 1st 3 or 4 songs) were great. But I just didn't like anything after Barrytown. The best thing about Steely Dan: I was at one of Levon's Midnight Rambles with a friend (who later passed during the COVID epidemic) in which one of the guest guitarists was Donald Fagan. So many great memories with my friend during this era as we also visited "Big Pink" and the then-present owner allowed us access into the basement. For me, like getting a personal after-hours pass into Graceland for those who love Elvis. Better actually, since I could not give a shite about Elvis/Graceland.

Teenager Of The Year by Frank Black
Oct 31 2025

Meh...I love the Pixies. But this was just so mid. After about 5 songs I was looking at college football articles and responding to comments, in the background this album, doing nothing (bad or good) to draw me away from that. Was it bad? No. But was it so good at any point that I dropped what I was doing to re-listen to any song. Nope. So, meh. 2.6 stars to be generous will be 3 stars.

Thriller by Michael Jackson
Nov 01 2025

Someone wrote this review: "Legendary album kinda Pedo though" and rated it 5 stars. WTF? I don't know if Michael was or was not a pedo. But his music sucked in my opinion. This is just banal pop music sung by a troubled person who, whatever his sexuality, had a knack for a great hook and had a wonderful voice. It's just not for me. This sucks. I give it 1 star, but really it's no star. Next please....

Cafe Bleu by The Style Council
Nov 02 2025

"he shares my hatred of the rock myth and the rock culture": too bad, Paul, but now you just suck. The Jam were transcendent. This is as bad, if not worse, than Michael Jackson. No matter what you do, don't this ever again. 0 stars rounded up to 1 star.

Nov 03 2025

Volume 1 Damn...I am a happy guy now. This is a killer. And I'm singing every song. 5 stars. Can't wait for Volume 2, coming up! Volume 2 As good if not better. My only "complaint": Neither volume was long enough. I could've enjoyed an hour or more. Truly a classic.

Nov 05 2025

At best, this album is okay. There were a couple cuts where his attitude and voice grated on me. But I guess if you like this stuff, I suppose you'd find it interesting and compelling. I am just not in that clique. 3 stars.

Lost Souls by Doves
Nov 06 2025

I definitely like Britpop-directional. This album grew on me as I was listening. I don't know why I had a time aligning with this album, but at some point I started to "get it." Yes, some might say it's derivative but I'd counter "what music isn't?" (to some degree). And personally, I'd not point fingers at these guys particularly. Is it a masterpiece? Of course not. At this point, I prefer other (britpop) groups. But to me it's worthy of inclusion here. 4 stars.

Being There by Wilco
Nov 07 2025

Well, it's a double album, so some of these songs are gonna be a bit meh. That being said, it's "sloppy" for a reason, given that this is rock (country rock?). I was pleasantly surprised and loved that it ended in musical chaos. 5 solid stars.

Nov 08 2025

What more could be said, because this live album epitomizes this sentiment: "It was anti-refinement. That's what we were consciously going for." James Brown was not a saint. But he was a performer and he gave a 110 percent on stage. Certainly, he was no role model unless you find yourself on stage. On stage you give what he gives until you can give no more. 5 stars.

I Should Coco by Supergrass
Nov 09 2025

In general, I am prone to like post-punk though some bands are more difficult to like/appreciate than others (I am looking at you Oasis). This album took me a few listens to appreciate. But I am now definitely in the I like this band a lot. And will go out of my way to listen to some of their later albums. 4 stars.

Back In Black by AC/DC
Nov 10 2025

A bit repetitive but really what isn't? I am no fan and this album doesn't change my opinion. That being said who doesn't love to rock? This will definitely do it for you. 4 stars.

Dummy by Portishead
Nov 11 2025

Near perfection....

Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits
Nov 12 2025

Banal. I get it, people loved it. And generally, they fawned over it. Well, some of us don't: this shit is just warmed over pancake batter. Yikes, I hope never to have to listen this s h i t e again. 2 stars.

Rapture by Anita Baker
Nov 13 2025

OMG, please stop this travesty of banal pop music. For people who believe that Trump speaks truth. Anita makes new and enthralling music. Up there with the Velvet Underground, Beatles, Stones, even Bowie. This is just pathetic pop goo. Okay, she has a great voice, I guess. But c'mon, the music is crap, the lyrics are beyond boring. No way...1 star. I've wasted enough time on this shite.

...And Justice For All by Metallica
Nov 14 2025

I am not a fan by any means. I recently listened to the black album and it was good. This seems much more heavy metal than the black one, more raw. Well it was earlier. From what I can gather, there are some fans who were/are not happy with the newer sound. This happens in all genres. I am still no fan, but I could probably listen to this again. A happy 3 stars....

It's Blitz! by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Nov 15 2025

I have seen the Yeah Yeah Yeahs several times at various WA state fests (Sasquatch, Bumbershoot, or maybe Thing, they all kind of blend together tbh). And the YYYs do the same...I don't specifically remember hearing them, but I know I know I was there when they performed: just great fest music that doesn't feel as immersive on any medium. Which is to say, that I'd bob my head in a live venue, but feel this is just meh. It's not too bad but it's not great either. MOR 3 stars....

Make Yourself by Incubus
Nov 16 2025

I don't really like this sort of MOR metal, rock, grunge?, whatever this is. The vocals are MOR, the lyrics are MOR, the playing just seem MOR. I couldn't pick these guys out of a late 20th/early 21st band lineup. Maybe in the day this was exciting, edge. But now it just seems like a dime a dozen grungy thing. Very MOR 3 stars.

Chelsea Girl by Nico
Nov 17 2025

According to Nico, her requests for drums and more guitar were refused, and she disliked the orchestrations: "I didn't like [the strings], but I could live with them. But the flute! The first time I heard the album, I cried and it was all because of the flute." She was spot on...why oh why do "rock" musicians insist on f'ing up their albums with orchestration: Paul McCartney, I'm staring at you. Even so, Nico singing! 4 stars

Blur by Blur
Nov 18 2025

About an hour of what I consider some evolved Britpop, some of it about as good as you could get, especially both the beginning and end tunes (the last tune is just 11 minutes of interesting beat/drone). If you want to hear some evolved Blur, one starts here.

Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel
Nov 19 2025

Not as great, not even close, to Bridge Over Troubled Water. This album seems to have no overriding reason to be other than some half-baked youthful take on life's journey, from youth to old age. There are great songs on here:

You Are The Quarry by Morrissey
Nov 20 2025

I liked every one of these songs, though a couple really stand out for me: I'm Not Sorry, How Could Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel. Otherwise, every song rates 4 stars. A solid solid 4 star effort by Morrissey and crew.

Country Life by Roxy Music
Nov 21 2025

I'm surprised how much I liked almost every song on this album. Admittedly, I am a Brian Eno fan. A big fan. And I probably couldn't recognize Brian (?) Ferry from a lineup. But this album rocked...4 easy stars. Every cut was impressive, musically/lyrically.

Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin
Nov 22 2025

This album has a Sandy Denny (a huge loss) appearance. I am a big big fan of Fairport. Of course, growing up in the 70s, I've always loved Led Zeppelin. So that combo was made in heaven. Just a highlight of a great album. Has there been an easier rating? 5 infinity stones....

Kenza by Khaled
Nov 23 2025

Who knew? Not a perfect listen, but the majority of these tracks (European edition) were great. Khaled's voice stands out through out; the 2nd track with Amar was outstanding; I will definitely re-visit this in the future for something different, but not in a completely alien voice. 4 solid stars!

Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear
Nov 24 2025

All in all, this is a solid indie album. Do I like stuff a little rougher round the edges? Yes. But do I also like sonically pleasing music? Definitely, yes. I've seen these guys several times up here in the Pacific NW....and I enjoyed nodding my head to their beat....solid 4 stars.

Green River by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Nov 25 2025

Great album. Not much more to say that hasn't been said before and will be said by a million others. Classic rock at its best...maybe played too much on classic rock radio? Easy 5 stars.

Led Zeppelin II by Led Zeppelin
Nov 26 2025

Turn it up...this album was made for that. So...TURN IT UP TO ELEVEN M'fers! 5 fricking stars.

What's Going On by Marvin Gaye
Nov 27 2025

A powerful album, a testament about America in the 60s/70s. Struggles we're still having and will probably continue to have way past my demise. But this album will still be standing and be listened to by generations past me. Be thankful there's such beautiful, powerful music/voices in America.

Street Signs by Ozomatli
Nov 28 2025

Kind of boring in a banal way. Nothing really stood out, even if it was heavier than expected. Still, I probably won't have this album in a regular rotation. 2 stars.

Seventeen Seconds by The Cure
Nov 29 2025

Too many memories, too much sadness associated with this album and the many times I've listened to it. But that's all about the journey to become the person who we are at the moment we reflect upon this journey. I was in Germany and the young woman I was dating at that time was into The Cure. I was not. But eventually I saw the light (after finally listening to Joy Division). Those were good time, living in Heidelberg, going to the university living in a former Neckar River defensive turret/silo-shaped round repurposed for college students, over looking the river. Cold as hell...but glorious nonetheless. Yes, this album was a part of these memories. My best friend in those days is now a philosophy prof at Boston College. But then he was a young guy who could dance and drink and listened to great music. Yep, memories.

The Bends by Radiohead
Nov 30 2025

Other than an album from Ozomatli, I have really hit a nice streak of great albums. This is definitely a great one. 5 stars.

Treasure by Cocteau Twins
Dec 01 2025

Dead Cam Dance put out their self-named album; Minutemen put out Double Nickels...; Bruce Springsteen put out Born In the USA...the closest to the Cocteau Twins, maybe This Mortal Coil's It'll End In Tears? I don't know, but I am thinking the Cocteau Twins were out there on a limb. 5 f'ing stars from a guy who likes hardcore way more than ethereal...but you gotta hand it to these dweebs. 5 blasted stars.

Station To Station by David Bowie
Dec 02 2025

I've always loved this album. It's absolutely transitional for Bowie who is well-known for his transitions. This character (proto-fascist thin white duke) is abhorrent to me. But damn he could write/sing some songs. The weakest song (TVC 15) is still 4 outta 5 stars; the rest all 5 outta 5. When all said and done, one of my fave Bowie albums despite the despicable political leanings of the character. I still prefer the pure rocking of Ziggy-era Bowie, but this cold neo-fascist guy could definitely swing. (I am admittedly far far left of that swinging dick.) Still...5 magnificent glorified right-wing stars for this thin white duke.

Ingenue by k.d. lang
Dec 04 2025

She has a great voice. But her songs are kind of blah. mostly pop goo. Country? Nah... 2 stars

Cheap Thrills by Big Brother & The Holding Company
Dec 05 2025

The 60s sound of Big Brother/San Francisco sound just outstanding. And on top of that, Janis Joplin to scream/wail her soul to the heavens. I've done a trip or 3 listening to this album plus a few other jam bands which are perfect music to allow the mind to meander into the wide wide universe. Happy time and happy trails. 5 trippin' stars

The Number Of The Beast by Iron Maiden
Dec 06 2025

I've heard worse. I've heard better. The whole demon/death-creature thing is so middle-school. Grow up, lads. Just play the frickin' music. Who cares what mother in some middle America state thinks you play diddly with Satan? It's banal, that. 3 stars for the music; 1 star for the juvenile theatrics.

Maverick A Strike by Finley Quaye
Dec 07 2025

I liked 5 of the tracks. But mostly because I was trying to be generous. This album is pretty canned, reggae-by-the-numbers. I'd never heard of this guy before today. And he'll probably just as quickly disappear even if I went out and purchased 5 of the tracks here (2, 3, 4, 6, 10). Not gonna break the bank. 2 stars (being generous).

Parklife by Blur
Dec 08 2025

"If you've read some of my other reviews on brit pop bands you will know that this is the best Blur album of all time, hands down, no arguments no fighting me on this, just accept that you know deep down this is the best Blur album of all time." In my opinion, this is the best, most accurate summation/review. I can not do better than this...way to go, mate.

Dec 09 2025

I really enjoyed these songs, either 4 or 5 stars, the majority of which are 5 stars. Having seen these guys a few times over the years, I can say they are a blast live. And this album is apex MGMT: 5 dancing stars.

G. Love And Special Sauce by G. Love & Special Sauce
Dec 10 2025

Better in theory than in practice. Grew tiresome at about 4 songs in. But it's not completely shite. I could imagine listening to this in an inattentive way: back ground dabs and I'm doing something way more interesting. But the vibes might be needed. 3 solid balls of fire.

Blood, Sweat & Tears by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Dec 11 2025

For some reason, though I've listened to this album numerous times, only about 3 songs were memorable. And the rest, like listening for the 1st time...granted I'm an old guy. Yeah, let's just blame my brain. Upon this listen, I'll just say, neither high nor low. 3 not disappointed stars.

Good Old Boys by Randy Newman
Dec 12 2025

Never been a Randy Newman fan. I don't get what it is that others rave about and why he belongs on these lists. Lyrically? maybe: musically? about as interesting as paint drying. I am a late year boomer, so don't say I don't understand boomerism. If this is that, no wonder we get ridiculed.

Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
Dec 14 2025

Some really great cuts included here. I've listened to this album so many times I even enjoy the sugary-sweet crap...oh well. 4 heavenly pins of light

Paul Simon by Paul Simon
Dec 15 2025

I like 3 songs (Mother and Child, Me and Julio, Armistice Day...the rest were not necessarily horrid, just meh. Very easy listening, but that's about it...Congratulations sucked though. 3 stars MOR stars.

Hail To the Thief by Radiohead
Dec 16 2025

I'm a fan...so there's that. I like Portishead far and away more than Radiohead, but these guys are heads/shoulders above most of the pap we have to put up with on this journey. Even an album I'm more or less on the fence (4 star fence, to be clear). But shit, I just had to listen to Paul Simon for f's sake. And that is good but banal. These guys are not banal imo. Plus, other than his 1st released solo album, better than McCartney. 4 solid state stars.

Is This It by The Strokes
Dec 17 2025

I am trying to not give as many 5ers on this journey. But this deserves every pearly bright twinkler in the universe. Easy...5 sky- diamonds

Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
Dec 26 2025

Can you believe it that I am older than this album, by about 12 years or so. And this is the first time I've listened to every song, every note, every grand turn of his wonderful voice. Shame on me for being a punk-ass snob. F' me! This album deserves any/all accolades it has received here and in the world outside these 1001 album reviews. This is golden. Simply beautiful in all aspects. If God were real and had any musical talents, this would be that thing's perfect output. 5 celestial stars, dammit!

Pearl by Janis Joplin
Dec 27 2025

I have listened to this album so many times in so many different contexts (but mostly while drinking/partying). I think any context is a good one for this album. Classic album and great for drinking to oblivion. Waking up in a bathtub. Covered in your tequila-tinted puke. And just hoping that maybe next time you won't be drinking that shite...pipe dreaming. 4 stars for all the good times.

Live! by Fela Kuti
Dec 28 2025
Parachutes by Coldplay
Dec 30 2025

Still pretty good, but not as good as I once remember. Good enough for 4 stars, though

Melody A.M. by Röyksopp
Dec 31 2025

Always a time/place for some down beats...like tonight. I am digging the grooves. Thanks, universe for providing the music fitting for a night with a cat on a lap, purring to the beats. Cat loving this 4 star groove.

Entertainment by Gang Of Four
Jan 01 2026

Joy Division or Gang of Four...Joy Division or Gang of Four...Damn. This album changed my life. As did Unknown Pleasures. (Earlier, when I was still in high school, it was Talking Heads 77.) 5 fucking Natural's Not In It!!!!

Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen
Jan 02 2026

My favorite Springsteen album...the only one I'll actually seek out and listen to. 4 lonely prairie stars.

In Utero by Nirvana
Jan 03 2026

Fuck all. Nirvana was great. As good as anything else out there including Nevermind. Sorry Kurt. Many of us still miss you. Oh well, at some point oblivion comes for all of us, self-chosen or no. 5 dumb thinking stars.

Feast of Wire by Calexico
Jan 09 2026

mostly good to great songs; too many instrumentals, even if they were okay. An album meant for mood/background, not active listening. Great for reading? >4 stars but not 5 stars.

Tommy by The Who
Jan 10 2026

A lot of songs, which means there's some great ones and some not so great ones. Luckily, the former outnumber the latter. 4 heavy stars.

Kenya by Machito
Jan 12 2026

Really can't go wrong with cuban-tinged jazz. Extremely likeable. 4 dancing stars.

Hounds Of Love by Kate Bush
Jan 13 2026

Having watched enough Stranger Things, I am somewhat familiar with the 1st song. But beyond that, everything is new to me. Surprisingly, I found this album pretty damn good. Is it the best thing I've ever heard? No. But based on what my preconceptions were I'd say I was more than just a bit surprised to have enjoyed this as much as I did. I am an "Enthusiast" according to this app. I continue along that vein: 4 enthusiastic stars for an artist I would have willingly put down a 1 grand bet in guessing how much I would hate this album. Alas, I would have been 1 grand poorer. Luckily, I am not a betting man.

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren
Jan 14 2026

Once upon a time, MTV was cool...now it's just dead.

Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré
Jan 15 2026

No brainer. This album/music belongs on this list. Beautiful music. 5 banner stars.

Pacific Ocean Blue by Dennis Wilson
Jan 16 2026

For my tastes, far more interesting than anything the Beach Boys put out. I get it that the individual songs were better, but as an album/an artist, this was far and away better suited to my tastes. The Beach Boys stuff is banal. And starting with Mike Love, they were just horrid individuals. This I will definitely listen to many more times before oblivion. 4 off-key stars.

Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Jan 17 2026

Yep, this was everywhere all the time at the time. I am not one to denigrate something so thin, and so popular. You can dance, swing, make love to this shit. Worthy of this list. 4 stars.

Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Jan 18 2026

All in all, a good (not great) album. But that's to say that CCR had some really great albums, especially Willy and Cosmo's. Pretty amazing run of music to be honest. 4 deserved stars.

Songs The Lord Taught Us by The Cramps
Jan 19 2026

Here we go...the music I love. I see that many people don't like this or barely like it. I tend more to Gun Club, but this here is in the same generally arena. Just a bit funky, a bit grimy. So yeah I love it. 4 dance floor stars. And I mean we are getting down and dirty. (Question: where's the Gun Club in this list?)

Stankonia by OutKast
Jan 20 2026

Other than the interludes and little ditty/dialogues, this is a surprisingly great album. I mean, great. Deserved respect. Slum beautiful stands out so late in the tracks. Amazing! 4 solid deserved stars. Well done.

Kala by M.I.A.
Jan 21 2026

Not my musical tastes, but good enough to want to listen again in the future; 4 dot dot dot dot...

Nowhere by Ride
Jan 22 2026

Right down my alley. Just love this stuff. Easy 5 celestials.

Remain In Light by Talking Heads
Jan 23 2026

Personally, I am partial to 77. But still this is a great album. Not perfect and too full of themselves (or himself). But still, I will be listening to this until I don't listen again. Hence, dead. 4 burning brightly in the heavens.

Tracy Chapman by Tracy Chapman
Jan 24 2026

Another great/worthy album.

Jan 30 2026

Great album, in retrospect. I was around during these days and for some reason I never really listened to the fall, even though people I know/knew were definitely listening to The Fall. I was probably being a snob of some sort or another. In any case, great album and sorry I missed it in real time. 4 falling stars.

The ArchAndroid by Janelle Monáe
Jan 31 2026

Superb...undeniable. 5 drama-free and dancing stars

Since I Left You by The Avalanches
Feb 01 2026

On the 2nd listen...I started to enjoy this. Will I ever get to 5 stars? Probably not, but this is interesting enough and if nothing else, great music to get high to. 4 stoner to be stars

Power In Numbers by Jurassic 5
Feb 02 2026

Once again, I am ignorant and am only now getting to hear some music I never gave a thought to...before listening for this project. The first half of this album is superb, but around sum of us, I found it less interesting (One of Them was stellar, though). That being said, 4 stars overall. I missed a lot of good music because I was a prig. My bad....

She's So Unusual by Cyndi Lauper
Feb 03 2026

I don't think this is aging too well. Maybe a few great songs, but after those what do you have? I was really losing interest after song 5.... (I remember When You were MIne as a bit faster...maybe I was too drunk? A great song, but less frantic as I remembered it.) A couple great songs does not make a stellar album no matter how great those songs are (then and now). 3 disappointed starlets.

3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul
Feb 04 2026

Somewhat banal. Not great, not horrible, just good. 3 non-descript stars.

The New Tango by Astor Piazzolla
Feb 05 2026

I'm bit of a sucker for this music, especially the music/instruments. And live? Yeah, gotta love it. Also, big on Tango: Zero Hour. Maybe that's also coming along at some point....

Green Onions by Booker T. & The MG's
Feb 06 2026

There's no denying that this album (certainly the song Green Onions) had a major influence on rock. The song itself is iconic. But the rest of the album...(now) seems stale. But in its day, we can be certain this was magic rock-n-roll. Judging it by today's standard is biased. In 1962, this had to be blasting. So, just realize, I'm in my 60s. This album is almost as old as I. I'm much more stale than this. 4 deserved old-cranky stars.

Doolittle by Pixies
Feb 07 2026

2nd best Pixies album.

Feb 08 2026

As noted earlier, I was around during this era (in Europe, in fact) but I was not into The Fall for some unknown personal reason. I missed out for sure...oh well, grow old, live/learn, die. A refrain/story as old as the written word. If not older....

Actually by Pet Shop Boys
Feb 09 2026

Nope...this is a step (or several) beyond my taste to revisit this era and my life back then. God awful...then AND now.

This Is Fats Domino by Fats Domino
Feb 11 2026

Wow! Just listening to "You Done Me Wrong" is enough to realize this man was worthy of all the accolades. I wasn't even a twinkle (or an egg/sperm let alone a twinkle yet). Unbelievable! 5 boogie-woogie stars.

Palo Congo by Sabu
Feb 12 2026

I was surprised that I really wasn't blown away by this album. Kind of just okay but not overwhelmed/blown away. And I really did not like Asabache/Simba/Aggo Elegua, which were just banal. That being said, I did love Rhapsodia Del Maravilloso. 3 dipping stars.

Scissor Sisters by Scissor Sisters
Feb 13 2026

Damn, this was fun. Then and now.

Fleet Foxes by Fleet Foxes
Feb 14 2026

Exceptional. Top rate. Still gives me chills... 5 billion stars and more.

Play by Moby
Feb 15 2026

Superb. A go-to for bad-times recovery and re-alignment. Play is near perfection for getting me back to earth/sky. 5 aligned stars.

So by Peter Gabriel
Feb 16 2026

I went into this listen, thinking I'd end up with a 3 star bongo. Instead, I enjoyed this a bit more than that. 4 bongo stars.

Catch A Fire by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Feb 21 2026

I am not a big fan of reggae, but Bob Marley is an exception. I love this album. Bob was heading our way and I had tix. Alas, he passed before finishing that tour. We still have his music though. 4 puff of smoke stars.

More Specials by The Specials
Feb 22 2026

Absolutely a fan of the 1st album (5 racist-free stars) and this was the 1st time I've listened to More Specials all the way through. It's good but not great. Somehow, the original energy got lost by egotistical tensions (yeah, Jerry Dammers you an asshole) and the energy suffers. Too bad. But I guess you can't just keep doing the same ol'. Rat Race is exceptional. Otherwise, at best the songs aren't terrible except for the reprise at the end...for fuck's sake stop while you're ahead, boys! As a fan of ska-punk, I still like the rest, more or less better than average. But I gotta blast it down for that last reprise of an already weak song. 3 almost sweaty dance stars.

Walking Wounded by Everything But The Girl
Feb 23 2026

Other than Good Cop/Bad Cop I rated everything 4 or 5 stars. Her voice is much better than his music but nothing torrentially horrid. Definitely a great listen (aside from the Cop song, which sucked).

Lost In The Dream by The War On Drugs
Feb 24 2026

I am not at all hearing the Springsteen thing...hmmm, am I deaf. I've seen "The War on Drugs" at numerous summer fests and I can say they are always a highlight. If not for K. Vile, this would be my favorite K.Vile-sonic sound I'd be listening to at all hours and to the chagrin of my poor, suffering at all hours loud blast from my man-den wife. She loves War on Drugs as well, especially when we are at peace with drugs and high as the birds....

A Northern Soul by The Verve
Feb 25 2026

Admittedly, I am a big fan of Verve. Comes naturally. I am a bit surprised that so many dogged this album and the band. Hmmm.... Oh well, that's why we are so apt to not like each other, be it politics, entertainment choices, sport teams, where we call home, etc. 4 happy psychedelic stars.

Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
Feb 26 2026

Definitely a good listen for times I'm doing something else, whether that's reading, writing, or chilling. Retirement doesn't depend on weekends. I am not particularly versed in jazz (or whatever this specific genre may be called) but I'd say this was worth the time. 4 appreciative stars.

Electric by The Cult
Feb 27 2026

Really? How in the hell did this make the grade? Horrid...I am only 4 songs in and I can't believe I've made it this far. Banal "hard" rock, if I'm being generous. This is a travesty...make it stop, please. And then reading the lyrics...I am laughing. At least as (rock) comedy, this works! 2 generous stars because I'm a nice guy...and admit that at least they can play their instruments.

Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones
Feb 28 2026

Gimme Shelter build-up slow, propulsive, and then they blast into the song: "turn it up" as I've heard some southern rocker say. Song after song of nasty innuendo and a blast of rich rock n roll. Loud is the only way to listen to the Stones, who are just nasty, literally and figuratively. It's early morning here on the west coast, fuck it! Turn it up..... 5 near perfect rock n roll bleeding stars.

Greetings From L.A. by Tim Buckley
Mar 01 2026

About as great of a tracking of our woke society as any scientist could produce, but with music. (Un)fortunately, I grew up in the 70s and this music wasn't condemned to such an extent back then. But here we are...I am condemned to do dirty-dancing to these tracks (if I weren't so old). I am not going to apologize (at least not in respects to Buckley's music output. This is still one of my favorite albums from back then. Get back on top of me woman...yep. 4 sweaty balls stars.

Brown Sugar by D'Angelo
Mar 02 2026

Quite enjoyed this even if it's not really a genre to which I gravitate. Lyrically not really deep or meaningful, but musically I can get the groove. I can understand why this album has its fans. 4 appreciative stars.

KIWANUKA by Michael Kiwanuka
Mar 03 2026

A great selection of songs, well-written. strong group but really outstanding: Rolling, I've Been Dazed, Piano Joint, Hero, Solid Ground. But the songs not mentioned were not skipped. Everything was worth a listen and actually enjoyed. this one goes to 5 (stars).

The Man Who by Travis
Mar 04 2026

Better than I remember (back when). I've always downgraded Travis (I compare them unfairly to contemporary musicians I liked better...). Better than 3 stars, not up to classic...4 appreciative stars.

Truth by Jeff Beck
Mar 05 2026

I don't really like saying this but Jeff Beck really doesn't do it for me. I get it that he's a great player, but to what end? Is he just there to musically-masturbate? And to add, Rod Stewart...? It's not horrid, but it's not transcendent either. I do like their version of Morning Dew, but I'm still partial to any number of Dead covers of that song. All this being said, this album is not a total disaster. Obviously, Beck can play, Rod can style-lize, and the song selection is meant to highlight that. But still, masturbation is still just self-satisfaction. Somewhere in the middle it's sex with your hand. 3 less than satisfied cumming stars

Phrenology by The Roots
Mar 06 2026

Sometimes getting to listen to something you would not have naturally listened to is a big let-down. Sometimes it's not. This is one of the not times. Wow! The songs just kept coming while I was trying to keep straight who was the writer(s) and who was playing with whom...So I had to keep going back just to listen to the songs. And each time, I was impressed. This went by so fast, obviously I wasn't bored. And after reading through contemporary reviews, I have to agree this was/is a classic. Great music. And 5 impressive stars.

To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar
Mar 07 2026

"i mean cmon this might be one of the greatest albums of all time"! Yep, I concur....

Buffalo Springfield Again by Buffalo Springfield
Mar 08 2026

As others have noted, the Young and Stills songs are great (Mr. Soul, Everydays, Expecting To Fly, Bluebird, Broken Arrow especially). But really the Furay songs are banal, drab. Truly brings down the rating for the album as a whole. 4 solid-state stars and Furay is grounded. not expected to fly.

Highly Evolved by The Vines
Mar 09 2026

Damn, there are some great tunes here (Highly Evolved, Autumn Shade, Outtathaway, Sunshinin, Get Free, Country Yard, 1969) The others are forgettable (at best) if not just down-right stinkers and should not have been immortalized on vinyl (or whatever mode even MP3). But ending on 1969 ( a good year by the way) saves this album from middling/piddling. 4 saved at the bell stars.

Morrison Hotel by The Doors
Mar 10 2026

Did this age well? Probably not. But for most of us that were alive in the 70s, I am certain that the majority of us listened to this album. And most of us probably liked this album and some us (like me) loved it. (Maybe the drugs helped...? Fricking who cares?)

In It For The Money by Supergrass
Mar 11 2026

This was disappointing. I liked 2 songs: Richard III & It's Not Me. I totally disliked Sometimes I Make You Sad (yes they did). The other songs were mostly just meh to near disastrous. Very bland and not worthy. 2 disappointed stars.

Crazysexycool by TLC
Mar 12 2026

Not expecting much here. Surprise, surprise! This is a great album. The only "song" I did not at all enjoy: Can I Get A Witness. That seemed like a throw-away. Otherwise, this album swayed, bopped, smoothed, just impressed throughout. Bravo. Not perfect by any means but based on my assumption that I'd hate most if not all of the songs. 4 bravo stars.

Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury by The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Mar 13 2026

At the time, I am certain that this album was well-received, and deservedly so. That being said, it now seems a bit underwhelming. Still, it was a thing and an important thing. Historically, I think it deserves its accolades. But 1 hour plus gets a bit much. There were some really great cuts here: I really liked Music and Politics, for example. And doesnt' the message still resonate? I think so...

Goodbye And Hello by Tim Buckley
Mar 15 2026

This album suffers for the time it was made when "hippies" preached love/peace/salvation. There was a travesty of a war going on, they all had a lot to worry about and be unhappy with. This album definitely reflects the time it was made and the concerns at the time. I really liked No Man Can Find The War, I Never Asked To Be Your Mountain, Once I Was, Phantasmagoria In Two, Morning Glory. I really did not like Carnival Song, Hallucinations was weak as well but not horrid. All in all, a solid 4 star effort

Blood And Chocolate by Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Mar 16 2026

I like Elvis Costello. I don't love him. I have friends that think he's the bee's knees (whatever the frick that means?). I definitely like the earlier stuff (My Aim..., This Year's Model, Armed Forces, Get Happy). Thereafter, not as much until Almost Blue and Imperial Bedroom. And again, I have since not been too excited. Sure, there is some great songs in these later albums, but like Blood and Chocolate, they are mostly not up to grade. Elvis C. is a great artist, no doubt. But even Dylan lost "it" at some point.... Was this horrible? Almost.... 3 middle of the road stars.

Parallel Lines by Blondie
Mar 17 2026

This album has a couple of new wave classics in "One Way Or Another" and "Heart Of Glass". I also enjoyed the tracks that veered from the formula of those hit tracks, specifically the darker vibe on the track "Fade Away And Radiate" and the ensemble rock sound of "I Know But I Don't Know". There's such a plethora of hits on this album it's hard to really pin down which is the 'standout'. One Way or Another I think is probably the most well known Blondie song just due to the amount of (cheesy) films it's appeared in. Basically the most cliche chase scenes of all time feature this song. Heart of Glass is a close second, but did it even feature on the original release or was it a bonus track? I don't know. Any hoots, I liked re-listening to this for the umpteenth time. 4 sentimental hot stars.

So Much For The City by The Thrills
Mar 18 2026

I don't know who these guys are. Never heard of them. Unfortunately, the reason may be because this album wasn't much good. I did like that there was some lap steel guitar. Otherwise, less than average: 2 stars.

The Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies
Mar 19 2026

Still love this album. Slow everything down, slower than you'd think necessary. Add a languorous voice, dreamy, sexy, inviting. A great combination. It's not perfect but it is better than most everything else. 4 easy stars.

Youth And Young Manhood by Kings of Leon
Mar 20 2026

Why do bands put songs on the same track as other songs but separated by a number of minutes? It's annoying. What's the point. In any case, the hidden song was great, maybe the best song on the album. And for some reason, I thought the Kings of Leon had something to do with some pop/boy band. So I actually expected to hate this album. But surprise, they were something completely different. So, I was expecting bad pop but got semi-good (southern) indie/alternative. I will take the surprise. 4 not what I expected stars.

I'm not a fan of concept albums. I like some of the songs a lot (Victoria, Brainwashed), but for the most part the concept overdone is boring if not outright awful (She Bought A Hat). All in all, the album hits some highs but mostly just mucks around in thematic stasis. Good at times, but mostly meh. 3 not so impressive stars (In other words, why in the hell is this album on this list?)

The La's by The La's
Mar 22 2026

This is why you do this task: Every once in a while you get an album you've never heard, heard about, or ran across at a big open-air fest. The La's are this for me. Although I was living in Europe at the time of this album's release and I went to music fests all over the continent (and England), I don't remember ever hearing of or hearing this album/band. Too bad, because this is an awesome album. I want to say it's perfect but a couple of the songs are not perfect. Still...this is great. Without hesitation, 5 fucking-"I love this shit"-stars. I will definitely be listening to this album again (and again...).

Central Reservation by Beth Orton
Mar 23 2026

I don't even need to re-listen to this album. One of my faves of all time. Memories flood back... 2 in a row: 5 "I can't get enough of great music" stars.

Machine Head by Deep Purple
Mar 24 2026

Yikes! Horrid has a name and that name is Deep Purple. 1 great song does not a classic make. Please, remove this from this list. I'll give it 2 stars for Smoke On The Water. But that's it The rest of the album sux donkey dix. 2 begrudging stars

Mar 25 2026

Say what you want about Courtney but she could belt out some rock. Plus, raw words that summed up emotional despair. Simply a great (grunge) album, or better a great indie album that compares favorably with any other contemporaneous "grunge" album back in the 90s. 5 "doll part" stars.

Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Mar 26 2026

That was a ray of sunshine. Is there a difference in the songs...sludge, incomprehensible lyrics, same sounding, not a difference in tone. Yeah, I'm amazed that people like this, whatever it is. I've tried to like these folks, but it just doesn't resonate with me on any level. Okay, it's better than ABBA. I'll give them that. And it's probably cool to say you love MBV, but I'm gonna be honest: wtf are they singing? Perhaps it doesn't matter...? 2 "better than ABBA" stars. (Okay, they might be good in concert since who really listens to the words live....)

Giant Steps by The Boo Radleys
Mar 27 2026

Most of these songs are just great. The rest are really good. I may be going against the grain but the mix of sounds resonates with me. Upon 9th and Fairchild is just the beginning with that heavy bass line and some nice reggae-tinged doodles. Just great. And the rest of the album is just quality. Odd I've never heard/listened to this album though these folks were around when I was listening to shoegaze, though I think this is more psychedelia than that. A great mix. Bueno! 5 "heart-thumping dancing" stars.

Reggatta De Blanc by The Police
Mar 28 2026

The 1st 2 albums are worth my time. Everything else not so much. This is one of those 2. 4 just barely stars.

At Newport 1960 by Muddy Waters
Mar 29 2026

How I wish I'd been there (I wasn't even unborn, yet). Muddy and mates were sterling on this recording. 5 clear as a bell stars.

Great album. PJ, both voice and words, works extremely well for me. One of my favorite artists, and this album one of my faves from her. I'm going with 4 indie stars but question if I actually think it's a 5. Because along with Cat Power, I'm a big PJ fan and this is one of her best full albums.

Harvest by Neil Young
Mar 31 2026

From its beginning thumps to its fading guitar/piano chords, a genuine rock classic. Even if I'm partial to the 3-album down-n-out classics (On The Beach to Zuma), Harvest was a genuine high-point in Young's oeuvre, seriously rivaling Dylan's more-lauded and influential early work. So, yeah one of rock's better (and influential) albums (yes, Alabama pissed off some southerners). 5 undeniable points of night-light.

B-52's by The B-52's
Apr 01 2026

Couldn't have said it better..."Stephen Malkmus, frontman of Pavement, recalled in 2018: "There's a time in your life, when you're 13/14, when you buy records just 'cos you're supposed to buy them. I had Get Happy!! by Elvis Costello & the Attractions, Give 'Em Enough Rope by The Clash and this one from the B-52's. Well. I listened to the B-52's a thousand times, Elvis Costello like 20 times, and Give 'Em Enough Rope maybe five times."" Yep...5 "dancing to Rock Lobster on the dance-club dance-floor, literally on the floor" stars (Memories of Mannheim).

Rocks by Aerosmith
Apr 02 2026

Well, that was greatly disappointing. I guess I had different tastes back then. Of course, Back in the saddle and Last Child are great. But from there, the songs kept getting less interesting, more banal until Home Tonight hit rock bottom (not stressing rock!). I made it to the end!!! Yay, for me. I'm being generous: 3 boring mediocre stars. (Should be 2?)

The White Album by Beatles
Apr 03 2026

Revolution 9 sucked. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Bungalow Bill, Martha, Piggies, Honey Pie, Good Night were all middling (at best). The rest were great to grand, 23 (I think). For as bad as Revolution 9 is/was, you gotta love the album as a whole. Sure there was excess. But, man, when they hit a song, they hit it out of the park. Undoubtedly, a classic and an easy 5 star pick. (Just skip 9 and Good night.)

Siembra by Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Apr 04 2026

"I guess I like my salsa like I like wasabi… just a touch." This comment sums up my feelings on this album, though admittedly I love salsa much more than wasabi. At best, I can only give it 2 stars as after about a minute I was thinking, no more please...and really the rest of the album had me staring out the window, dreaming of better listening days ahead. Yep, 2 "bored to tears" stars. (And don't get me started on the album cover...wtf?)

Apr 05 2026

I definitely liked some songs here: Prelude, Nature's Way, When I Touch You (horrible song title though), Street Worm, Life Has Just Begun, Morning Will Come, Soldier. The Stinkers: Animal Zoo, Love Has Found A Way, Why Can't I Be Free, Space Child, Despite the 70s love vibes/banality/Peace, Love, and Understanding crapola, I liked the album more than I hated it because the good stuff was redeemable. So I landed on 4 solid stars. I will listen to this again....

Crocodiles by Echo And The Bunnymen
Apr 06 2026

Easy rating. One of my faves and a go-to for some great memories. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see them live back then. Not interested with whatever iteration the band continues. We still have the 1st 2 (okay, maybe 3) albums.

1984 by Van Halen
Apr 07 2026

Not to my liking, then or now. DLR is overrated. Eddie could definitely play. But that's not enough for me. Their sound is banal and the lyrics did not age well. I can't even give them a charity star (for Eddie's playing). Instead of running with the devil, I just wish Satan (if the thing existed) had kept 'em. 1 "because I have to" star.

American Idiot by Green Day
Apr 08 2026

Superb. On all levels. 4.5ish stars. So rounded, 5 stars.

Sound Affects by The Jam
Apr 09 2026

I was lucky enough to have found the Jam in the early 80s. Though I was raised on what is now (usually) referred to as classic rock, I became aware of "alternative" bands fairly early (mid-80s) and I've been a lover of indie music since. The Jam is/was a god-send, even if I don't believe in deities. Thank the universe then. 5 "I saw the light" stars.

Apr 10 2026

I made it to the end...torturous. 1 "was actually fewer" stars. Just horrid, banal, should not be on this list. (I am now listening to the Mountain Goats "Beautiful Rat Sunset" to wash out the aftertaste of The(se) Streets.)

Pretenders by Pretenders
Apr 11 2026

5: Precious, Up the Neck, The Wait, Private Life, Brass In Pocket, Private Life, Brass In Pocket, Lovers Of Today, Mystery Achievement 4. The Phone Call, Tattooed Love Boys, Stop Your Sobbing, Kid, 2. Space Invader Yep, 5 "brass in pocket" stars

Apr 12 2026

I found the first 3 songs and the 5th really strong. The rest were middling at best. The great songs are just classic Smiths tunes and worthy of praise, but the 2nd half of the album was not up to par. Altogether, I am going to say 3 "less than impressed" stars, middling not stellar.

Master Of Puppets by Metallica
Apr 13 2026

Not completely horrid, but mostly banal metal without a single highlight, unless one considers OMG groans to be any sort of light. 2 " begrudging half-life" stars. I'm sure there are those who find this dredge to be supreme....

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
Apr 14 2026

In grade school, our music teacher organized a music show with young students singing to various degrees of success. Unfortunately I was amongst the failures, mostly because my voice was changing and breaking. I couldn't hit the high notes as I did 6 months earlier. So, our version of Bridge is, for me, a still uncomfortable memory. Amazingly, I still sing it in the shower without shame. 5 "cracking notes" stars.

Ananda Shankar by Ananda Shankar
Apr 15 2026

Okay, that was something, but I don't think I really enjoyed that something. Jumpin' Jack Flash? No! Light My Fire? Please, No! some more. Horrid. Snow Flower and Metamorphosis were good, Sagar (The Ocean) was okay but too long and cheesy. The last 2 cuts were okay if again cheesy. I can't go higher than 2 "horrid cross-over" stars. Please no more indian-tinged rockish albums. Just bad.

Apr 16 2026

This is just shite. Period. Honest 0 stars, But of course, that's 1 star. I thought an album of ABBA dreg was bad...this was worse. As the Orange-tinged one would write: BAD!

Apr 17 2026

Greetings, Train, Ideology, Help Save..., The Passion, There is Power..., Wishing The Days..., and The Warmest Room were keepers. The Marriage, Levi Stubbs..., Honey I'm..., Home Front were okay but not essential imo. I'd just listened to Blonde On Blonde. Nothing really compares, right? Sorry Billy, but you're not Bobby. None of us are really. Still, this album maintains a respectable 4 stars.

White Blood Cells by The White Stripes
Apr 18 2026

I can understand why the White Stripes ceased to exist. After awhile the limitations of a 2-person band runs its course. It was right to acknowledge this situation and move on/break up. The White Stripes album was much better than this iteration for sure. Still, a pretty damn good album: 4 shining stars.

Bongo Rock by Incredible Bongo Band
Apr 19 2026

I can say without hesitation that I did not need to hear this. If the 70s had anything in abundance that would be some pathetically "hip" music that was anything but. This was an experience I did not need to have. Horrid.... Again, if we could downvote (or vote in negative) this would be at the "top" of THAT list. 1 star and may I never have to listen to this shite ever again.

Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg
Apr 20 2026

I enjoyed this more than expected. Definitely a good album and worthy of a listen or 2. I mean I am not sure when that will be but I won't turn it off during a random-listen night. Thanks for the enlightenment. 4 "happily surprised" stars.

Fulfillingness' First Finale by Stevie Wonder
Apr 21 2026

A couple great songs, a number of good songs, a few meh songs but nothing horrid (as in I'd rather put chop sticks in my ears). Cutting the difference (taking into account that the good songs might actually be great songs and I heard a lap-steel "geetar") comes out to a solid 4 "grooving hooked with a side of lap steel" stars. ("Zillion" is an informal noun representing an extremely large, indefinite, and exaggerated number: sounds like a nothing-burger, Stevie.)

We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Apr 22 2026

We are family...the end. Well, okay, Good for you. Great song with a lot of disco repetition. I was around in those days. I didn't like it then (except for the family song, which is undeniably great...in the single version: short/sweet). 2 "for the family" stars.

Apr 23 2026

An accordion AND a lap steel geetar on the 1st song? my heart is won...great/solid country/honky-tonk rock (reminds me of my days in Salem with a group of drunken/stoner Oregon hippies). Just a real fun album. 4 country-rock solid album.

Hejira by Joni Mitchell
Apr 24 2026

I was blown away by how good this album is. I have mostly ignored Joni (outside of Blue or a song here and there, mostly there). But I've been short-changing myself. If Hejira is an indication to her catalog, seriously missing out. I can praise this enough or elegantly enough. Great album. 5 "I'm shivering" stars.

The Atomic Mr Basie by Count Basie & His Orchestra
Apr 25 2026

I've always loved big band/swing music since my dad was an avid listener (8-tracks!) in his company truck and at home on an 8-track player that still lives (though my dad does not). Yes, I do love this stuff. 5 "reminds me of my dad" stars!!

Mott by Mott The Hoople
Apr 26 2026

I have never liked Mott The Hoople. I've tried, truly, and I always think, I'll get it this time. But I haven't yet. This did not change my opinion but, rather, just (re)confirmed it. The music itself is not absolutely horrid, but Ian's voice doesn't do it for me. Plus, the lyrics are beyond puerile. I grew up in the 70s. And even back then I thought how silly and rather stupid. The guitar work is good, but everything else is horrid. I couldn't finish...I made it to Drivin' Sister. Done trying to like Mott. 0 "rounded up to" 1 star. Done!!

Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears
Apr 27 2026

3 good songs (all made pretty famous by original MTV) and 5 absolutely banal stinkers (NOT made famous by any service of which I am aware). The only "fair" assessment: 2 "dimly lit" stars. (Really, I wanted to give it 1 star because the runny turd-songs are bad but, to be fair, the 3 good songs are pretty good and I can sing them out loudly, if incompetently.)

Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Apr 28 2026

Consistently good, with some great songs. I haven't really given RHCP much time in the past for whatever reasons, mostly personal bias. But to have to admit, this wasn't bad, in fact, I must admit I liked all the songs (besides the last track) and some I really enjoyed. 4 "bass-driven" stars.

The United States Of America by The United States Of America
Apr 29 2026

Is this about the most perfect replica of what might be a weird soundtrack to the late 60s? Or what we think about that time-period and the oddness of those times? I went into this thinking I might absolutely hate this crap...but I am surprised I found it pretty damn good (much better than Trout Mask Replica, to say the least). As opposed to Van Vliet's crap, I made it through the whole damn thing. Bravo, weird ones. Plus an interesting band backstory. Drugs (acid anyone?) had to be involved.... 4 "surrealistic pillow'd" stars.

Want Two by Rufus Wainwright
Apr 30 2026

What a voice. And definitely not what I expected from this list. But I'm really glad it's included because I need to broaden my listening habits. And it includes Antony/Anohni, a voice that I'll always love no matter the identity in which he/she comes. Just a shining example of why one continues on this journey. 4 "wearing tubesocks with style" stars. Agnus Dei, The One You Love, Little Sister, Gay Messiah, Memphis Skyline, Waiting For A Dream were highlights. Honorable mention: Old Whore's Diet.

Machine Gun Etiquette by The Damned
May 01 2026

We are damned. And then we're saved, thank you, hey-Seuss. MGE is a great album from 1 to 12. Perfect? No, but compared to some of the other shite we listen to, this is welcome relief from banal over-produced drudge. 4.3 "rounded down to 4 snarling" stars. (For '79, I prefer B-52s, the Cure, Bowie, the Clash, Elvis C., even dare I say Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk". '79 had some great albums....)

May 02 2026

An excellent album. One of my favorites. Thanks for reminding me. 5 "happy as a lark" stars. Now back to listening to Fred Neil.

Oedipus Schmoedipus by Barry Adamson
May 03 2026

This album probably would not have entered my world if not for this project (or the books from which this list is constructed). But I must say that I'm glad that this album has entered my life. I tend to like downtempo/jazz-mixed soundscapes. So I liked this album. Quite a bit. 4 "Business As Usual with a touch of Miles" stars.

May 04 2026

Yikes! Someone wrote: "Utter shit!" Yep, their shit goes to -11. Utter shit. Make it stop....

Garbage by Garbage
May 05 2026

A good antidote for that shite from Genesis. Thank god for some actual rock and compelling beats. A bit "busy" for my likes but in general it works and the music/voice definitely compelling. Some songs have an (almost) cinematic drive. Most excellent. Not perfect, but these ears are happy. 4 "happy to be rid of that Genesis dreck" stars.

Lazer Guided Melodies by Spiritualized
May 06 2026

Another gem. I'd forgotten how great this album was. And glad to have revisited it. Excellent songs: You Know It's True, Step Into The Breeze, Take Your Time, Shine A Light, Angel Sigh. The rest of the songs (except for I Want You, which was banal, at best) were good. An enjoyable, well-spent hour. 5 "shiny light" stars.

Ramones by Ramones
May 07 2026

Hey ho, let's go...if you want clever, fucking listen to shite like Genesis...oh so fucking boring. 5 "gazillion for attitude alone" stars.

Van Halen by Van Halen
May 08 2026

Not really my taste. But in the ABBA-verse, this shit rocks. Right? So they get 3 ABBA stars. I've heard worse, I've definitely heard better.

Rage Against The Machine by Rage Against The Machine
May 09 2026

From the front cover to the last drum beats, this shit rocks. Play it loud, play it proud. Definite one of a kind, generational anthemic blasts. In one, two, three: head bangs! In the ABBA verse, they go to 11. But rounded down to 5 "head banging blasty" stars.

Broken English by Marianne Faithfull
May 10 2026

This album didn't age as well for me. I loved this when it first came out, but now it sounds a bit passé. Her voice is rough, but fits for her style. The music itself is dated and the lyrics don't carry as much weight as I remembered. I'm almost at a 3 yadda-yadda stars, but admittedly compared to some of the music in the late 70s, it's compelling me to a bit more. 4 "barely passable" stars.

Achtung Baby by U2
May 11 2026

Damn...there are some great tracks here. I haven't listened to any U2 after October. Kind of got tired of the whole greater than thou earnest anthemic shite. My bad...this was good. 4 "happy to have heard this" stars.

Can't Buy A Thrill by Steely Dan
May 12 2026

Not really what I generally listen to nor seek out. But still, I know all these songs and to be honest It's a damn good album. Easy 4...

evermore by Taylor Swift
May 13 2026

Oddly, I liked this album. Is it "Cat Power" good? Hell, no. But is it atrociously unlistenable? Also, No. I will listen to this in the future. For sure. 4 solid pop-rock diamonds. (FYI, I am not going to any of her concerts nor am I going to be a certified Swifty...ha! But honestly, Folklore was better....)

Come Find Yourself by Fun Lovin' Criminals
May 14 2026

This was okay. But I am reminded of a Dutch band: Urban Dance Squad. Look it up: Mental Floss For The Globe, 1989. Sort of a one-trick pony, but if these guys are original...okay, the Urban Dance Squad was there first.

May 15 2026

Rock on, Garth! 5 "the easiest 5" stars I've given. And I am NOT a Queen fan.

Gorillaz by Gorillaz
May 16 2026

Don't really hear what's not to like. It's a great album. I am working on my bills today, and it kept me upbeat throughout. Jazzed, actually. 4 "I'm motivated happy" stars. Jeesh!

Manassas by Stephen Stills
May 17 2026

Bloated pap. I couldn't care less for more than half of these songs. As always, Less Stills is better Stills. And as others have mentioned, he's no Neil. 3 "lukewarm mediocrity" stars.

The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground
May 18 2026

"One of the most influential rock albums of all time." That just says it all. Agreed. If something deserves 6 *s, this would be an example. Goes to 11....

Young Americans by David Bowie
May 19 2026

Not my favorite Bowie album (Diamond Dogs): but even so, it's still a pretty great album. Of his late 70s albums, I prefer Low. 4 "disco-balled" stars.

Tical by Method Man
May 20 2026

Nope, this wasn't good at all. I'm glad others loved it, somebody has to. 2 "not at all interesting" stars

Metal Box by Public Image Ltd.
May 21 2026

Better than Tical, and Albatross is a great track. Otherwise, PiL not my faves. 3 "barely tolerable" stars.

Vincebus Eruptum by Blue Cheer
May 22 2026

I like rock as much as the next person, but at some point there is no point. Summertime Blues is just a great song and these guys did it justice, but from there I found myself losing interest. They even made Parchment Farm yawning. Better than Tical though...3 "white dudes wailing" stars.

Out Of The Blue by Electric Light Orchestra
May 23 2026

gawd, no please. I will need to listen to some real rock after this travesty of supposed-rock. I hated them then and my opinion remains the same. 1 "make room ABBA" stars.

Merriweather Post Pavilion by Animal Collective
May 27 2026

The kind of mid-indie music that sounds good when you are doing something else (making a bird-house, washing the dishes, reading a book, etc.) that take most of your brain's waves. Great background music, let's say. But giving it my full attention, doing nothing else, I found it kind of boring/monotonous. That sounds like 3 "I don't hate it/I don't love it" stars. Good for cleaning the house music....

Yank Crime by Drive Like Jehu
May 28 2026

LOVE Drive Like Jehu...love, I say. Did I say it? Love....

Ready To Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
May 30 2026

Loved: Respect Liked: Things Done Changed, Machine Gun Funk, Juicy, Everyday Struggle Okay: Warning, Ready To Die, Unbelievable Yeah, not so much: Gimme The Loot, One More Chance, The What, Big Poppa, Suicidal Thoughts What's the point?: Intro, The Interlude, Me & My Bitch, Friend of Mine Probably by average a 2 but I'm going with a 3. The good to great songs carry more weight, imo.

Juju by Siouxsie And The Banshees
May 31 2026

5: Spellbound, Into The Light, Arabian Nights, Halloween, Night Shift 4: Monitor, Sin In My Heart, Head Cut 3: Voodoo Dolly Classic post-punk songs. Voodoo Dolly kind of sucks though.

1977 by Ash
Jun 01 2026

I quite enjoyed this album, good to great indie music, with the majority of cuts I liked better on the 2nd listen which bodes well for further listening (probably). But the puke-fest? That's just shitty. WTF were these blokes thinking? A solid 4 star becomes a near disastrous 1 star: in the end I'll just ignore that that "end-note" was ever put on vinyl. I've done some pretty shitty stuff myself: 4 "forgetful and forgiven but is that really Brit-pop when you're a Northern Irish band" stars.

Home Is Where The Music Is by Hugh Masekela
Jun 02 2026

I am not a jazz enthusiast. so my opinions are naive (at best). But I'm glad I listened to this. More importantly, I enjoyed. Again, I will be delving into my regularly prompted "What jazz albums do I need to have/buy/listen to...because I'm an ignorant indie listener....". So on that note, 5 "embarrassed/ignorant" stars.

I See You by The xx
Jun 03 2026

A solid album, start to finish. I especially liked Say Something Loving. Nothing that I wouldn't want to hear again. 4 "consistently great singing" stars.

The Renaissance by Q-Tip
Jun 04 2026

Amazing, especially the bass lines, props to Antuan Barrett, Kamaal Fareed, and Derrick Hodge. People actually playing instruments? Bueno. If I were a rap fan, this probably would be 5 diamonds. But I am not, even this obviously talented group. 4 "diamonds in the sky like" stars.

Atomizer by Big Black
Jun 05 2026

A new find and amazingly wonderful songs (I'm presently uploading the rest of their musical output). Other than Passing Complexion (3 stars), all these songs were 4 or 5 star gems. Jordan, Minnesota, Big Money, Kerosene, Bad Houses, and Stinking Drunk were stellar, while the rest were immensely enjoyable. On the average a high 4 which rounds up to 5 "atomized" stars.

With The Beatles by Beatles
Jun 06 2026

Well, it's the Beatles...not the best but compared to the other 1963 albums, pretty damn good (though Ray Price's Night Life makes me want to (square) dance).

The Clash by The Clash
Jun 07 2026

I love when it's this easy: 5 "taking me back to my youthful passion" stars.

Beautiful Freak by Eels
Jun 08 2026

Great, solid indie music. Surprisingly consistent. Another great find for the effort. 4 "lucky day" stars.

Electric Warrior by T. Rex
Jun 09 2026

Another favorite. A classic of guitar, gritty/greasy rock n roll. And another rock-guitar god. 5 "let's listen to this for the 1,000,000th time" stars.

Rattus Norvegicus by The Stranglers
Jun 10 2026

A solid album held up by the good/great songs (Sometimes, Hanging Around, Peaches, Ugly, Go Buddy Go) but there are some horrid/boring clunkers (London Lady, Princess Of The Streets, Grip, Down In The Sewer, Choosey Susie). I'd imagine that live in a pub I'd be dancing.... Still the great songs are classic tunes. 3 "I'd be bored in that pub" stars.

Jun 11 2026

I don't like pop music. ABBA and Michael Jackson are artists I could live quite happily never having to hear another note of their music. And now this...the look of love? I'm vomiting in my hands. 1 "please make it stop" star.

Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C.
Jun 12 2026

Better than ABBA/ABC because these guys actually get a star. But beyond that, another "I will never torture myself listening to this shite from this point forward" album. 1 "well deserved" star.

Blood On The Tracks by Bob Dylan
Jun 13 2026

One of my favorite albums, certainly in my top 15. I can listen to it anytime, any day. Yet, that being admitted, it is not my favorite Dylan album (Blonde On Blonde). Prime example of a type of song I don't care for at all: "Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts." Songs about card games, riverboat gamblers, and the like not my thing. Otherwise, I like/love every song, especially "Tangled Up In Blue", "Simple Twist Of Fate", "Idiot Wind", "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go", "If You See Her, Say Hello", "Shelter From The Storm", and "Buckets Of Rain". Desire and the various versions of the Big Pink "bootlegs" were it for me. But truly, what a run it was. An American jewel. 5 "making me lonesome" stars.

Your Arsenal by Morrissey
Jun 14 2026

Better than anticipated. I do get creepy/crawly vibes from Steven, but ultimately the songs are well-crafted, witty if not a bit conceited, and the music is catchy. I'll be honest, this was better than expected. 4 "begrudging the necessary respect" stars.

My Generation by The Who
Jun 15 2026

A solid album, a complete keeper even if it includes a few weak links (I Don't Mind, La-La-La-Lies, Much Too Much) which are covered by some absolute classic rockers. Any album that includes My Generation, The Kids Are Alright, I'm A Man, etc., is gonna be a classic. Is it perfect? No, but close enough.... 5 "rounded up" stars.

At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
Jun 16 2026

Just for the banter and the crowd responses.... A classic from start to finsih. 5 "Americana classic" stars.

Funeral by Arcade Fire
Jun 17 2026

An indie's indie album. This is perhaps the ur-indie album and, for that reason, at least has historical value. Does it hold up for inclusion on this list? Absolutely. Certainly better than much of the crap we've had to endure on this list (ABBA and ELO, I am looking at you). I personally like some indie albums more than this (i.e., something like Pavement if you consider these 2 bands historically comparable). Still, well-worth inclusion here. 4 "more of these, less of those" stars.

Penthouse And Pavement by Heaven 17
Jun 18 2026

Yikes...nothing here. Except it's better than ABBA. At least if I were really high I could dance to this (in the correct venue). Still, 2 "not presently on the dance floor" stars.

Kings Of The Wild Frontier by Adam & The Ants
Jun 19 2026

(US version) The best songs on this album were the last 2 tracks (Physical (You're So) and The Human Beings) IF you didn't really listen to the song/words sung to the music. Pretty damn good music. But unfortunately the song/words were just abysmal. The album as a whole was just mediocre because, again, the music was driving while the words were at best puerile. I did give a few of these tunes, individually, 4 stars but at best most of them were 3 stars with a couple of 2 stars as well. In sum, I find this a ho-hum experience and can't be happy enough to give it more than 3 "it ain't ABBA" stars.

Mothership Connection by Parliament
Jun 20 2026

Damn, funk me! That's funked up, in a funking good way. Nay, funk it: it's funking the funkin' best. 5 "funked up" stars. (Plus, I was so near to Parquet Courts that I extra-credited Sunbathing Animal: man, what a funkin' bonus!)

Out of Step by Minor Threat
Jun 21 2026

Damn. Now here's a great album. Fucking finally. 5 "turn it up!" stars.

Architecture And Morality by Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Jun 22 2026

Not even close to Kraftwerk worthiness, nor even seeing the universe that created Joy Division. Yet for some moments they almost reach those distant coattails. And for all the crap these guys put onto vinyl, there are good songs too: Joan of Arc is undoubtedly worthy. But the pap far outnumbers the greatness. I can't give them 3 stars for making a few great songs because the bad is horrid-levels of mush. 2 "the best they can deserve" stars.

Hotel California by Eagles
Jun 23 2026

Hotel California is a great song. From there, it's banal, sappy, stupid af. 3 "mostly because Hotel California is a great song" stars.

Jun 24 2026

I really love the music. But I hate those heavy-metal screaming singers. Hate. Complete boner-loser. 2 "just give me the music and the vocals from songs like This Love" stars.

Jun 25 2026

Far too operatic, dramatic, and vocally pretty for more liking. The music is great (usually) but then Freddy's gotta sing the hell out of the songs or make some ditty thingy. Boring and not to my tastes. Not ABBA/ELO horrid though. 2 "give me more Minor Threat" stars.

Jun 26 2026

Good indie rock from a band new to me. Yet, to my ears, a bit more diverse than "just" an indie band. Hence, why we do this: a "discovery" of something that may have slipped our music searches or the happenstance of our listening experiences. And this goes for genres for/in which I have no patience/interest. 4 "happy snappy indie" stars

Sunday At The Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio
Jun 27 2026

Ha! I am not by any standard/measure a dedicated fan of jazz-centric music. (I say this as I am presently listening to Ella and Louis, which btw is quite great. If you've not listened to it, I recommend giving it a go, even those like myself who have no great knowledge nor prior interest in jazz-tinged discs....) But, this album (Sunday At The Village Vanguard) is awesome. There is no doubt in my mind: 5 "bopping and high-flying" stars. A classic for any genre without doubt.

Violator by Depeche Mode
Jun 28 2026

Electronic taken too seriously is a joke. I am not wasting any more time on this crap. Halo and Enjoy the Silence are just good enough to raise the album out of the crap pile. Still, 2 "is the best I could do with this shite" stars.

Elvis Is Back by Elvis Presley
Jun 29 2026

I actually like 6 songs of the 13 from the original release, with stand-outs being: Fever, It Feels So Right, Like A Baby, and Reconsider Baby. Otherwise, just crap. Because of those pathetic/bathetic songs, at best this is 3 stars. But really, as an album, the best/worst of Elvis (who I don't like at all), I can only give 2 stars because the bad shit is so fricking bad. Historically bad crap.

Five Leaves Left by Nick Drake
Jun 30 2026

One of my favorite artists, of any genre, generation, all-time. I prefer Pink Moon, but this album is much better than Bryter Later. Thanks for the chance to listen to Nick again. Classic! 5 "in my personal universe of fave musician" stars.

The Contino Sessions by Death In Vegas
Jul 01 2026

Great album. Chill. Yet also interesting. Another new (to me) artist that will go into the music library for further listens. Awesome. 4 "satisfied for some chill tuned" stars.

Water From An Ancient Well by Abdullah Ibrahim
Jul 02 2026

This is great background music. Nothing stands out, good or bad. Not that it is banal, it's just great background chill. I am not going to shout out, "the greatest" nor am I going to say it sucked. But indispensable? I could have lived my life to its fullest never having heard this. But I am not disappointed either for having given it a go. 3 "perfectly great background musical" stars.

Purple Rain by Prince
Jul 03 2026

I love when it's this simple. One of the greatest (rock?) albums of all time. Move over Beethoven (or the Beatles)...Prince is in town. 5 "this old white dude is dancing" stars.

Jul 04 2026

Though I am/was partial to the earlier albums (those before they become internationally uber-famous), this was a solid album. I am inclined to a 5 star rating, but the last 4 or 5 songs are not up to the first 4 or 5 songs. But I don't won't to minimize how slim the difference. 4- "razor-thin from a 5-" star rating.

Hard Again by Muddy Waters
Jul 05 2026

Damn. This is how it's done. Pure and simple rocking blues. Blues-rock at it's minimal/bare-boned basics. Joy to listen to this, first lick to the last. Hard again? If you ain't dancing, you're dead. 5 "head-bobbing and dancing" stars.

Killing Joke by Killing Joke
Jul 06 2026

For some reason, even though I generally enjoy post-punk albums, I remember not liking Killing Joke back in the day. Well, something's changed in the interim. This was great. I can only ask myself, what's wrong with me. 4 "my younger self was definitely wrong" stars.

Aqualung by Jethro Tull
Jul 07 2026

Okay, this brings back some memories, all good. Growing up in the 70s, this is obviously something I've owned numerous times (albums get listened at stoner parties, things get messed up...). Because of this history, I can only say I love this album. 4 "I remember liking this more then" stars. (Yeah, in the past, this was a 5er.)

Songs Of Love And Hate by Leonard Cohen
Jul 08 2026

Yeah, this certainly belongs on this list. One of rock music's greatest artists. And this album is a classic. Even Christgau gave it an A-. 5 "play this at my funeral" stars.

Jul 09 2026

Never heard of these guys...I do like the retro look. But the music sucks, right? In any case, 5 "L(ucy) in the S(ky) with D(iamonds)" stars. (Really, this goes to infinity...and beyond.)

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jul 10 2026

I'm partial to Catch A Fire, but Exodus (without all the superfluous tracks in Exodus 40s rip-off release) is a great album. The bass lines are just other-worldly and heavenly. Plus Bob's singing was spotless. If your family takes issue with a spliff-cover, hand them this release. 5 "laid-back, let's just take it easy, and bob our heads to the rhythm" stars.

Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Jul 11 2026

The best review of this album: "I appear to have wandered into a Starbucks." Bravo. That being said, I liked this album (maybe because I often wander into a Starbucks unannounced). Sure, it's a bit understated and droll. But, wow, such a tremendous understatement this is. Bravo. Since I am no fan of the banal and safe-jazz frames of mind that appreciate this music, I can't give it a 5...but it certainly deserves 4 "out there in la-la land" stars.

Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
Jul 12 2026

Having grown up in the 60s/70s and spent time on the road in the 80s after a stint in the American military in Europe where we (my since long-lost and some now-dead friends) listened to European/American punks in grimy underground dance/punk clubs, I first listened to Tom Waits' idiosyncratic album of urban/stray/feral tunes. Now I realize this is an album full of vignettes of those days. And evocative it still is. But being an old man now, I get it: this album either means something to an individual listener as lived experience or it doesn't. A cross between a faded/jaded Kerouac "re: drunk" reader and an urban street punk. This album speaks to me. 5 "terribly misguided transcendent musing" stars.

Like A Prayer by Madonna
Jul 13 2026

Okay. I did it. I listened to every song on this musical abomination. I will never again subject my ears and intellect on this monumental p.o.s. release. Just because it sells a bajillion units does not make it worthy of this list, a fucking travisty. It rivals the ABBA shite. It deserves no stars, but that's not possible: 1 "never again" star.

Murmur by R.E.M.
Jul 14 2026

Apropos nothing: I saw R.E.M. in 1986 at W.O.W. hall in Eugene ((OR). I was fresh out of the army and it was a highlight for live shows I've seen in my life, maybe because I was now free from that military crap for which I had volunteered. I was at W.O.W. hall in 1984 to see the Wipers before heading to Germany (after basic training) for the beginning of my millitary service. I can say that I've seen 2 of the best concerts of my life at W.O.W. (Another was at a venue in PDX (maybe?) where I saw X and danced my ass off, being so high on acid...let's just say I was very happy.) 4 "not their best but still worthy" stars. P.S.: I also saw/listened to Exene recite some poetry in a small bookstore in Renton, WA, where I presently live. That was an intimate space....

Jul 15 2026

Not really an expert nor a fan of rap music(ians). That being said, this was 3x as good as an ABBA or ELO album. So that's at least 3 stars. The sentimnent is in the right direction at least. I am an old white guy so the pain or anger expressed is a bit alien to me. Which is my "problem" not someone else's. Still I was a bit bored after 3 or 5 raps. 3 "at least it's not ABBA" stars.

Gentlemen by The Afghan Whigs
Jul 16 2026

1993 was a banger of a year. Blur, Auteurs, Grant Lee Buffalo, Pavement, Nirvana, PJ Harvey, Liz Phair, The Breeders...I'll stop because the list is long, especially those of us who love the indie/grungy/post-punk things. And this album is worthy of the year's best and a place on this list whatever its genre. I didn't feel the need to skip any of the tracks. 4 "that was a year and this was a keeper from it" stars.

Signing Off by UB40
Jul 17 2026

I am no fan of reggae-ish music (other than some select Bob Marley discs). This album wasn't horrid, though I doubt if I regularly re-listen to it. But it wasn't absolutely horrid. I like that it was mostly just music. Because I am certain had they had words/lyrics I would have absolutely disowned it. Definitely great as background music, which I used today while doing some bank transactions and credit card comps. Absolutely made that task somewhat bareable. 3 "made today's chores bearable at least" stars.

Jul 18 2026

Admittedly, I am no fan of hip-hop/rap (from whichever coast nor in the middle). This wasn't an abominable listen though. I am hesitant to add to my library since I doubt if I ever listen to it again. Not because I wouldn't want to, but simply my library is not conducive to random listens to this genre (generally speaking). I'd have to be motivated for some reason. And I dobut if I will given the genre. So this will most likely be my first and last listen of PITnThePOR. 3 "I might've been tempted to go higher" stars.

The Sensual World by Kate Bush
Jul 19 2026

Nah, not to my tastes. Too precious and 80s banal electronic crap. A bit better than the dregs of ABBA/ELO crap; still, not going into my (a bit of everything) library. I draw the line at collecting most "pop music" despite the generally great reviews. Well, not here. 2 "can't go here" stars.

Fire Of Love by The Gun Club
Jul 20 2026

Fuckin' A: this washes out the dregs that was the Kate Bush shite. From that banal crap to one of the greatest albums ever put on vinyl (or whatever). One of my favorite albums. It "cannot miss a vein." Turn it up and leave me be, I gotta drool. 5 "glorious chaos at the solar-edge" stars.

The Velvet Underground by The Velvet Underground
Jul 21 2026

(Probably) My favorite band. My (2nd) favorite album by my (probably) favorite band. In a real world, there would be an infinity rating. This would be in that heavenly realm. 5 "infinite" stars.

Sulk by The Associates
Jul 22 2026

Yikes! I made it to Party Fears Two (US/Europe release). Wow, this is horrid. I would rather listen to ABBA, and I don't want to listen to ABBA. Bad, simply bad. 1 "generous" star.

London Calling by The Clash
Jul 23 2026

I stopped the tremendously bad Sulk to listen to London Calling. Fucking so much better, like another universe of better. Such a tremendous release. I remember the 1st time I listened to London Calling. Indelible. Fuck me, thank the heavens for the Clash. 5 "I am in heaven again" stars.

The Yes Album by Yes
Jul 24 2026

I could stand about 3 minutes of these 41 minutes. Clap was it, and thankfully no Yes vocals. The rest was like fingernails on a chalkboard for me. An absolute no to yes. 1 "at least they can play their instruments" star.

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys
Jul 25 2026

Some great "songs" throughout this album. I didn't really like Sure Shot, but thereafter I was impressed, even if I don't often like anything out of this genre But this was okay, better than okay. 4 "glad it wasn't heinous" stars.

Ocean Rain by Echo And The Bunnymen
Jul 26 2026

Though not as compelling to me as the 1st 2 releases, this may be better in ways less expected. My preference may just be that I felt the emotional impact more when I was younger. Or I've matured away from Echo...? But still a worthy release and one I've listened to numerous times. 4 "still a big fan" stars.

Stardust by Willie Nelson
Jul 28 2026

For the most part I enjoyed this album though it dragged a bit at the end (last few songs were a bit too crooner for me). But all-in-all, I laud his choices and for the most part Willie pulls it off. 4 "it's in the voice" stars.

Superunknown by Soundgarden
Jul 29 2026

1 hour and 10 minutes of great music, singing, and killer rhythms plus some of the songs are classic: Fell On Black Days, Superunknown, Black Hole Sun, Spoonman, and the album never really disappoints. A classic banger from Seattle with love. 5 "can't get enough of Chris Cornell's voice" stars.

Low-Life by New Order
Jul 30 2026

I liked a few songs on this album but nothing in the way of Joy Division. Unfortunately, most of the album is mediocre at best, if not downright banal or play-by -number pop trash. Not my favorite at all. It wasn't a complete disaster as I did enjoy Love Vigilantes, Sunrise, and Elegia. But the rest was just banal. I can't even get this to a 3: 2 "barely hanging by their nails" stars.

Jul 31 2026

Wow, disappointment. I was expecting some rap version of a rebel yell. Geniuis, cutting-edge, unbelieveable. Nope, just a bunch people in a studio over-producing a bunch of nothing-shite tracks. This is the best that this genre can produce? Yikes...no wonder the world keeps going to shit. A bunch of beavers plunking on a piano would eventually make this. But it's better than ABBA or ELO. That's something. 2 "because Runaway was at least listenable" stars.

Raw Power by The Stooges
Aug 01 2026

After putting up with "My Beautiful Dark Twisted P.O.S. musical Fantasy" b.s., we get some real Power...raw! But the recording sucks. I listened to the Bowie mix (Iggy's re-done mix is equally abysmal, losing more bass if that's possible). It sounds like the bass and drums were in the adjacent studio and we're only hearing them like a neighbor hearing some loud l.p. from an adjacent piss-poor stereo system. Sucks. But the intent was all there. 5 "at least we get the feel of Iggy's vocals loud and clear" stars. One of the best proto-punk albums ever produced. Powerful.

Reign In Blood by Slayer
Aug 02 2026

Better by a metal-mile than Kanye's Fantasy, at least for me. So there's that. But otherwise, I can only imagine these guys snorting meth or drinking (shooting up) Everest-sized mugs of caffeine. Wow....everybody let's get this album A.S.A.P. It's kind of funny. But I like my metal a bit in the sludge mold (thanks Ozzy!). I couldn't lesten to this very often (without going bat-shit crazy), but still more to my taste than Kanye. I have no idea which song I liked since they seem to be shot out of a rifle one after the other. Divinity bless the young dudes who head-bang to this stuff. 3 "I don't think I'd ever buy this stuff, though" stars.

Aja by Steely Dan
Aug 03 2026

This stuff after Slayer? Who makes this damn list? That is a cosmic-joke or pun. But okay...I prefer Slayer and I don't much like Slayer. But both are better than Kanye's fantasies, definitely. (ABBA/ELO sre still the kings/queens of dismal vinyl listening. So, there's that.) Once upon a time, I had the honor to listen to Levon Helm and guests at one of his jam sessions in the barn. It happened that Fagan played along with Levon and his family. That was a high-point of anything Steely Dan-adjacent that I can say I enjoyed. I like the hits, but then the rest of the album has to be listened to. Is this yacht-rock? Yeah, I hate yacht-rock (but not as much as I despise Swedish pop-banal). I put up with this for about 40 minutes (which is donated to this cause). But never again. Still, better than ABBA/ELO. 2 "because the hits are at least good memories" stars.

Graceland by Paul Simon
Aug 04 2026

No wonder I've never had the taste to give this a listen. Putrid is the only word I have for this pap. Honestly, this is crap: earnest bullshit that of course the masses buy into it. Embarrassingly bad. I hated that I finally listened to this POS album. 1 "I don't have words how much I hate this kind of earnest I love the world shit" star.

Aug 05 2026

I made it through this. I lost interest/started doing something else at about the 5th track. Sure...it was okay background music. I never felt like I had to turn it off; certainly, no track made me think to myself: why am I torturing myself. But, still, I only made it through this because I was otherwise engaged. 3 "I did it...all of it" stars.

Ellington at Newport by Duke Ellington
Aug 06 2026

Simply gold. By this time, big bands had run their course. Yet, this recording has other ideas. I am not particularly fond of jazz, but I do like me some big band blasts. Let me repeat, gold. 5 "the stars still shine in the sky"

Kollaps by Einstürzende Neubauten
Aug 07 2026

This is what a parody of German musical intellectualism would be. Unfortunately, a German band did it to themselves. I'd rather listen to ABBA or ELO and I definitely won't ever do that again. Negative-eternity stars. OMG, the Germans....

In The Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra
Aug 08 2026

After Kollaps, I get this? Wow, what a contrast. Okay, it's obviously much better than that so obviously german noise. I could imagine listening to this voluntarily. 4 "I see Sinatra in my future" stars.

Ten by Pearl Jam
Aug 09 2026

Ha. I could do this with my eyes closed.... 5 "still golden after all these years" stars.

Either Or by Elliott Smith
Aug 10 2026

Jeez. 2 in a row? This album is in my personal top 10. 5 "I still miss you" stars.

Gris Gris by Dr. John
Aug 15 2026

Damn. Where in the hell have you been my whole wasted life until now? (I might actually hate this album the next time I give it a listen. But I am going with my original reaction. Why? Why not.) Time to get me some Gris-gris. 5 "walking on guilded splinter" stars.

Ágætis Byrjun by Sigur Rós
Aug 16 2026

The perfect music for a trip down memory lane (my life in Germany, specifically, but also all the people I've known if only briefly and the cats esp. Nigel my orange boy/best friend in my last years before returning to the states). Yes, the perfect music for memories and wistfulness. 4 "music for rembrance" stars.

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