Not a big Green Day guy but this has some good tracks. Nice nostalgia.
Solid album you've probably heard in parts at dive bars.
Great album that’s easy to listen to and feels cool
Like a lot of beach boys albums of the time, this is a fun, short album. Has some bangers like “When I Grow Up” and “Help Me, Rhonda.” I didn’t need any help from Rhonda or anyone, getting into this groove. Kneecrest out.
Simply sensational. Cliches are a cliche for a reason and Dark Side is worthy of all the accolades. Whereas chump ass busters like G. Newman and C. Kopech may think that "Money" doesn't belong--and perhaps they're right--I still like the song. As I've listened to this album for decades now, my favorite tracks change. But listening to Dark Side always is a great way to "tick away the moments" of any day.
Uhh it's an album made for the 2.5 but since it was all right background music, it gets a 3 star for me. It's fine, but most of the songs sounded the same.
Skits were mediocre. 4/5 stars
Too long and ended poorly but I mostly enjoyed this album from a band I didn't know. My fave part was in the middle with "Barney (and Me)" and "If You Want It, Take It." The Boo Radleys didn't totally take it, but I moderately enjoyed listening to it.
I also want to throw the gauntlet down on writing the most obnoxious reviews.
Nirvana may be an overrated band but this is not an overrated album. However, it is top heavy--the album is severely front loaded. Nevertheless, "Nevermind" has plenty of stone cold classics and energy.
Ok, so this album is fantastic, five stars.
What if we resequenced it though? How about leading off with "Rock and Roll" for a banger and because I'm not a big "Black Dog" fan. (NOTE: I am a big 'Black Dog' movie fan--RIP Swayze). Then there's a little break from the hard rocking with "Four Sticks," followed by "When the Levee Breaks," and then "Black Dog." Next comes 'Lord of the Rings' romp "The Battle of Evermore" giving some odd vibes, then "Misty Mountain Hop" and "Going to California." My ZOSO ends with "Stairway" as a last song ballad.
Lots of feels in this album. Sure, there’s the big boppers—I somehow forget a lot that “Personal Jesus” is there—but this album is atmospheric for me. “World in my eyes” starts things off well then “Sweetest Perfection.” “Enjoy the Silence” and “Policy of Truth” are pop perfection back-to-back with “Blue Dress” being a great palate cleanser.
I liked the first track and then things went Chinua Achebe: they fell apart. Not a great listen, a lot of Tune-Yards type odd sound noises. A lot of songs just blended together.
Good, mostly cover album. As with a lot of these albums--seems like a trend--this was very front loaded. "The Man Comes Around" and Hurt" were definitely the highlights.
Apparently I had listened and liked a track from this a while ago but never deep dove into the full album. This was a fun listen (with irregular capitalizations) that provided energy throughout. Highlights included "Music makes you lose control," "Sometimes," and "Mdc vendredi."
Getting to be a trend: this album was early heavy. But the big boppers from this album--"Sure Shot," "Root Down," and "Sabotage"--lift 'Ill Communication' up. The whole album is pretty enjoyable, even if it gets a little background music-y towards the end.
It’s a solid album but I don’t think live albums should be on here: they’re like greatest hits albums … live. Also Live at Folsom is also on here and just a year before (and better known). Granted, the track list is much different but still feels odd to have two live prison albums here …
A glam Queen-esque album. I loved some 1980s songs by Sparks and this was my first time hearing their early stuff. It was pretty good, not something that I would visit a lot but it kept me interested.
Dat's some good shit.
A splendid debut album start to finish with lots of bangerz.
APOLOGIES TO SCOTT BROWN'S TATTOO. This is a long, weird album. I love jazz but this isn't one that's on my rotation often. There's a lot of discordance. That said, I can appreciate it's ambition and it's still very interesting to listen to. Like Pink Floyd's 'Wall,' this album may be a bit of a bummer but it is impressive.
Some real bangers in this debut album. I was pleasantly surprised: it's fun, 80s listening. I'm glad that Lou Albano got it together for Cyndi.
Best tracks: "Time After Time," "All Through the Night"
Unlike Mr. Brown, this is in my wheelhouse of music. "Maps" was a song I always liked on Rock Band from these guys (on another album). This was good indie listening, although to Scott's point, it definitely has a 2000s dated feel to it. That's just a nice nostalgia blanket for me.
Best tracks: "Zero," "Heads Will Roll," "Soft Shock," "Hysteric"
I love the Beatles, but it's almost like the more I hear about Lennon, the less I like him. I am a Paul guy--the hard driving coach, whereas John was the deadbeat dad slacker.
OK, done with the virtue signaling. But while "Imagine" has dipped a bit as a song for me--so schmaltzy--this album is still really good. "Jealous Guy" is fukken tremendous (and spawned an incredible Donny Hathaway cover).
Top tracks: "Imagine" (even after bashing it), "Jealous Guy," "Oh Yoko"--fuck you Kopech, "Oh Yoko" rips.
In doing the revered RESIIthasequel's Album of the Years, I discovered that 1971 was one of the strongest music years. 'Who's Next,' 'Zoso,' and 'Sticky Fingers,' and some other albums we're gonna hear soon on this list.
What album stood tallest in 1971?
'Hunky Dory.'
It's also my fave Bowie. From starting off with "Changes," this album has a great flow from "Oh! You Pretty Things" to "Kooks." I even forgot how good "Queen Bitch" is--a song for most people in this group.
Top Tracks: "Oh! You Pretty Things," "Quicksand," "Life on Mars?"
Unlike Newman, I like big band stuff. I think the album starts great, then peters out a bit. It's not my fave Ray Charles album (that would be the self-titled/'Hallelujah' one) but still, it's Ray fukken Charles. This is in his prime and really good.
Top Tracks: "Let the Good Times Roll," "It Had to Be You," "Alexander's Ragtime Band"
This is a very good album, albeit not one that I go back to a lot. I'm not the biggest Rage guy, despite Newman's assertions I should join their commune. Despite all this, this album rocks and is worthy of four stars.
Whereas other conformists would want me to give this five stars...
FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME
FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME
FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME
FUCK YOU I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME
Top Tracks: "Killing In the Name," "Wake Up," "Bullet In the Head"
'Rio' is a fun, light 80s album. The best songs here are the singles and the rest is pretty mid. Still though, dem boys looked good.
Top Tracks: "Rio," "Hungry Like the Wolf," "New Religion"
A bunch of one liners on this album:
"This is something to listen to on the way to an abortion"
"This sounds like the National with a drinking problem"
"This is for people who found 'Sophie's Choice' too uplifting"
Yeah, this album was a bummer. I don't see a re-listen soon.
Top Tracks: "A Minor Place," "Death to Everyone"
This is a weird ass album. Todd was running away from the mainstream with lots of drugs. However, there were several ditties I really liked and it had a lot of short tracks to keep it interesting.
Top Tracks: "When the Shit Hits the Fan," "Tic Tic Tic, It Wears Off," "You Need Your Head"
Ehh it was ok. Sounded like early, worse Cure in places. Most tracks blended together and I kept wanting more. I felt like it was building to something that never came--title of your sex tape--this was epitomized by the song "The Magnificent Five," which started strong then petered out.
Top Tracks: "Don't Be Square (Be There)," "Dog Eat Dog"
It's pretty good! As Newman said, it should be a 3.5. But since I don't want to make women into whipping us, I'll bump it to a 4. It's a short album with a few good tracks to lift the album.
Top Tracks: "Brass in Pocket," "Space Invader," "Stop Your Sobbing"
Real close to getting two stars here but the Beck name recognition puts it over. This is not a fun album. It does have some good musicality though, albeit this album sounds similarly morose throughout. Beck's best albums are 'Odelay' and 'Guero,' hope I get to rate them higher.
Top Tracks: "The Golden Age," "Lost Cause"
It sounds like the soundtrack to Tony Hawk 3! (Or another Tony Hawk that I never played). "Scream, Dracula, Scream" was a solid romp with lots of energy. It's a solid mood album with most of the tracks running together.
Top Tracks: "Middle," "Young Livers"
Shocked SHOCKED that there was a Black Sabbath album today. It was better than I remember. It's probably a 3.5 but again, we don't have that and so remembrance and numerology, this nets a 4.
Top Tracks: "Changes," "Under the Sun/Every Day Comes and Goes," "Laguna Sunrise"
A good, short album. It feels like this doesn't really encompass the Godfather of Soul's energy (or his lewdness). It's because it's early on his career and Brown didn't have a lot of his catalogue. Nevertheless, Brown has infectious soul, even in these truncated tracks.
Top Tracks: "I'll Go Crazy," "Medley: Please Please Please ..."
A little long for my tastes. Good, not great (or very good). It's no Black Album. "One" rules.
Top Tracks: "One," "Blackened"
Nice, quick live jazz album. I had never heard of Sarah Vaughn so this was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed her quip that she thought a track was going into the album. #classyconfidence
Top Tracks: "September in the Rain," "Be Anything but Darling Be Mine"
Sometimes our greatest enemy ... is ourself.
That doesn't really have much to do with this fun, little album. I had never heard of Bad Brains before. This was funky, short, and sweet--the mixture of George Clinton and Arrested Development.
Top Tracks: "I Against I," "Intro"
Yet another short, fun live album. (Again, live albums shouldn’t be here because they’re like greatest hits albums but I yield). I don’t know if I ever heard a full album from the taciturn, young cousin-loving, driving impaired Jerry Lee Lewis. This album had a lot of energy and fun.
Top tracks: “High School Confidential”—is this meant to be ironic?, “Money”
How can I document 'Document?' Like this: it's a solid entry and that I rated eighth best album of 1987. It has a couple of monster hits on it and the whole album is solid and fits together.
Top tracks: "It's the End of the World as We Know It," "The One I Love," "Finest Worksong"
Damn. I somehow forgot this album in my 1973 album playlist and it shot up to the fourth spot. This one has bangers: "Candle in the Wind," "Bennie and the Jets," etc. This is a long album that starts with the operatic and double-digit long "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding." Although the album slogs a bit on side three, the big singles more than make up for it.
Top tracks: "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting"
This was a 2.5 album but it's better than Bonnie Prince Billy and I really like "Wake Me Up Before September Ends." Now that this album is 21 years old and not overplayed on the radio, I can appreciate it a bit more--"Boulevard of Broken Dreams" was played ad nauseam. This is simple Green Day: the songs are all mostly very easy and repetitive.
Top Tracks: "Wake Me Up Before September Ends," "Holiday" (omitting the Boulevard part)
More like the Icarus lame. This was just ok. Not terrible but just there. Musical purgatory.
Top Tracks-ish: "On the lash," "Kiss like lizards"
I first knew Q-Tip from 'Chapelle Show' then realized he was part of the amazeballs group Tribe Called Quest. Anyway, this album was fun. I'll definitely revisit.
Top Tracks: "Life is Better," "ManWomanBoogie," "Move," "Johnny is Dead"
An enjoyable new wave album that would've been much better if "Where Did Our Love Go?" was included. The almost nine minute extended cut of both "Tainted Love"/"Where Did Our Love Go?" was my first song downloaded back in 1999. I believe it took all night off Scour exchange on a Gateway computer. Ah, memories.
Top Tracks: "Tainted Love," "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye," "Frustration"
I forgot that the first few songs string together. This is an album that is renowned but I find it good, not great. The title track is tots obvi great but everything seems pretty derivative of that.
Top tracks: "What's Going On," "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)," "Inner City Blues"
I got it on. It was good, not great again. Maybe I'm just not the biggest Motown guy.
Top tracks: "Let's Get It On," "Distant Lover"
Lesser reviewers have convinced themselves this only deserves a 4. Oh ho, not so.
Hating cliches have become cliche. Led Zep is such a behemoth that it fosters scorn. However, although it is not the band's best album, Led Zep II is still sensational.
5 STAR NEWMAN FIRE JOE MORGAN TRACK BY TRACK
"Whole Lotta Love:" Operatic opener
"What Is and What Should Never Be:" A timeless track that shows Led's range outside of rocking hard
"The Lemon Song:" Simple and fun rocker
"Thank You:" For this listen, I really tired to listen to the lesser known tracks and this was a standout. Great musicianship throughout. THANK YOU, LED ZEP.
"Heartbreaker:" Outstanding
"Living Loving Maid:" Fun, catchy rocker
"Ramble On:" One of the weakest tracks, and overplayed, but still good
"Moby Dick:" Solid drumming
"Bring it on Home:" Slow, Robert Johnson-esque finish
Nice, Bowie-esque fun album--I was between 3 and 4 stars. I had a real T. Rex phase for a bit and this is their second best album (behind 'Electric Warrior'). The album is easy to listen to so it gets the nod up.
Top tracks: "Metal Guru," "Rock On," "The Slider"
Pretty good album. It’s a lot of Black Sabbath and Led Zep recently so feels like it’s running together. I wish the medleys would have been separated, as the N.I.B. part is by far the best part.
Top tracks: “Wasp/Behind the Wall of Sleep/Basically/N.I.B.,” “Black Sabbath”
What? This made it over 'The Man who Sold the World?' Or 'Let's Dance?' I love, love, love Bowie but surprised this album is on here. It's fine--better than 'Blackstar'--but is very similar.
Top tracks: "The Next Day," "Where Are We Now?"
Damn this was a debut album?!!? This is a top heavy, good ass album. Four of the first five tracks are certified, and "Weekend Wars" is a pretty good song too! The big singles are on the front side too. Man, 2007 was an amazeball year for music.
Top tracks: "The Youth," "Kids," "Time to Pretend"
'News of the World.' 'Jazz.' 'The Works.' These are just some of the Queen albums better than 'Queen II.' 'A Day at the Races.' 'The Game.' 'A Kind of Magic.' These are others. H*ck, even 'Queen' debut album is better than 'Queen II.' All of this isn't to say 'Queen II' isn't a bad album, but just there are better ones. This is the D&D concept album with only one certified amazeballs song, "Seven Seas of Rhye." It's still Queen, it's still worth listening to, but there are many better.
Top tracks: "Seven Seas of Rhye," "Ogre Battle"
Need a montage in a TV show or movie? "Take Five," bitches. This old boomer loves this old boomer jazz album. The first three songs are so damn great and at 38 minutes, this is very listenable again and again.
Top tracks: "Take Five," "Blue Rondo à la Turk," "Everybody's Jumpin'," "Strange Meadow Lark"
Long but pretty good, somber. I think too much Tom Waits leads to waking up drunk in the gutter.
Top tracks: “Downtown Train,” “Clap Hands,” “Singapore”
Solid, throwback album both in terms of musicality and length. This was ubiquitous when released, which may be why I only like it. The best songs are the singles.
Top tracks: "Tears Dry on Their Own," "Rehab," "You Know I'm No Good"
First off, exceptional title. Second, Talking Heads is just feel good stuff. The album flows nicely and is quite relistenable. And there's better Head to come!
Top tracks: "The Big Country," "With Our Love," "Take Me to the River," "Stay Hungry"
It's a 3.5 but rounded up. The White Stripes are a solid band that I don't re-listen to a lot. This fun, quick album has an all-timer for sports.
Top tracks: "Seven Nation Army," "The Hardest Button to Button," "Ball and Biscuit"
It's not horrid, just generic background music.
Top track: "Ladybird (Green Grass)"
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed. Quick Jack White romp. Better with the Stripes but this was good background mood music.
Top tracks: “Sixteen Saltines,” “Hypocritical Kiss,” “I’m Shakin’”
I remember liking this album more. It’s the Who’s ‘Please Please Me.’ The title track rocks, the rest is just ok.
Top tracks: “My Generation,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “I Don’t Mind”
‘Exile on Main Street?’ More like a paradise for the ear … road. This is a quintessentially great double album. It kicks off strong and just rocks in general.
Top tracks: “Let It Loose,” “Happy,” “Rocks Off,” “Tumbling Dice,” no filler
I had heard this album sucked, and that's why Paul was inspired to make the magnificent 'Graceland.' However, I was pleasantly surprised by this album (I would've been quite interested to hear things with Art Garfunkel). I'm not sure this album is better than 'There Goes Rhymin' Simon' or 'Still Crazy After All These Years' but Paul makes good stuff and I should apparently listen to more.
Top tracks: "Hearts and Bones," "Think Too Much (a)," "Cars Are Cars"
I like jazz and this is classic jazz.
Top tracks: Part II and III (particularly drum bit)
It’s fine background music. I listened twice in order to get the sense of it. It’s calming, unassuming, and not my cuppa.
Top tracks: “Soubour,” “Al Hassidi Terei”
I could just copy paste my 'The Next Day' review here.
I won't but I could.
And why? Well, dear reader--really just Newman--you deserve better, more trenchant insights. 'Low' is in one of Bowie's low--there's a pun here--periods. I'm not a big fan of the Berlin Trilogy--it's bleak and reminiscent of living near the Berlin Wall.
This album also sounds half and half--half good stuff in front and half film score in back.
Still though, it's a Bowie, my fave solo artist, and has two good tracks, so that merits 'Low' a three.
Top tracks: “Sound and Vision,” “Speed of Life”
Another Pink Floyd classic?!?! Another track-by-track Fire Joe Morgan/Newman analysis.
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" (Parts I–V): Fukken phenomenal. This song builds and flows. It has a little something for everyone, except for wrong folks who don't like odd ballads. If you don't know about the Syd Barrett visit, look it up.
"Welcome to the Machine:" Fun, robotic track that could serve as good walk-up music. The most boisterous track on the album.
"Have a Cigar:" Smoking is bad; this track is not. More great melodies, more of band that is just locked in.
"Wish You Were Here:" The title track might be the worst song on the album, but it's still really good. Similar to Beatles' "Come Together," it's just become a little banal for me. Counterpoint: the "living in a fishbowl" lyric continually swims in my brain.
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" (Parts VI–IX): It's not the earlier amazing parts but chill.
This was my first enlistment in the possible Knight in Satan's Service army. It was ok. Not my cuppa but two really good tracks in there.
Top tracks: "Beth," "Detroit Rock City"
Good, new wave Brit album. First four tracks are all pretty solid then slogs towards the end. The brilliance of “This is the Day” brings it up.
Top tracks: “This is the Day,” “Uncertain Smile,” “The Sinking Feeling”
Fire Joe Morgan/Newman format:
"Hello:" Strong, fun, simple opening track.
"Roll With It:" This song was put as the second single to battle Blur's "Country House." It's one of the worst songs on the album, which shows how awesome this album is. It's not a bad song per se, there are just bangers after bangers on here.
"Wonderwall:" Overplayed, but good for the memes.
"Don't Look Back in Anger:" Absolutely fantastic. I feel dumb for not realizing Noel was singing earlier. I looked up clips of Oasis playing this live and it seems Liam usually isn't present.
"Hey Now!:" Fun little rocker.
Untitled: It's there.
"Some Might Say:" The first single and a solid Guitar Hero song. Great melodies and hook.
"Cast No Shadow:" A mellow track that's really grown on me. Haunting singing from Liam.
"She's Electric:" Rousing pick-me up after the last track. Fun coda.
"Morning Glory:" Great opening riff including the helicopter noises. Another rocking track to sing along to.
Untitled: There again.
"Champagne Supernova:" Dramatic, power ballad finale with lots of cool lyrics and a fantastic way to end the record.
My fave punk album. To borrow an Adam Scott/"U Talkin' U2 to Me" phrase, this is a stone cold classic filled with some of the Only Band that Matter's best tracks. I appreciate the Clash's commitment to try different things and even in the lesser tracks--"Brand New Cadillac," "Jimmy Jazz"--I find something to like.
Top tracks: "Spanish Bombs," "Clampdown," "London Calling," Lost in the Supermarket," "The Guns of Brixton"
I like jazz. So this is getting four stars. It's just good, calming listening. The most challenging thing about this album are the track names.
Top tracks: "Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are," "Bemsha Swing," "Brilliant Corners"
It's like the worst parts of a Velvet Underground album. Yes, am I a square for not getting this? Probably. This is too discordant and experimental for my tastes. The times it goes to a full song there's promise, but then the album dips into Halloween noise effects.
Top tracks: "Tanz Debil," "Kollaps"
It’s not that bad but it’s not good either. This album feels like the worst parts of Wilco A.M. album. Songs sound very similar and this didn’t hold my attention.
Top tracks: “Room Games and Diamond Rain,” “Transylvania Blues”
I do not like this. This just feels like generic garage rock.
Top track: “Rid of Me” (I guess)
Mein gott, this album is fantastic. Let's rate the songs.
1. "Dear Prudence:" My fave Beatles song--so hopeful and the crescendo rules.
2. "Mother Nature's Son:" The lone killer track from the second half, this touching track is warm and melancholy.
3. "Happiness is a Warm Gun:" Three songs in one? Yes please!
4. "Martha, My Dear:" A wonderful ode to a wonderful doggo.
5. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps:" George elevated his game this album.
6. "Rocky Raccoon:" A fun ditty that tells a full story while being ear-wormy.
7. "I'm So Tired:" Lives in my head when I get so tired.
8. "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da:" If this is granny music, I like it—Just fast, fun, and energetic.
9. "Blackbird:" A classic acoustic guitar staple.
10. “Don’t Pass Me By:” Country-esque infectious yarn.
11. "Glass Onion:" The silly throwaway track to Beatles detectives.
12. "Back in the U.S.S.R.:" Hyper way to kick off the album vigorously.
13. "Cry Baby Cry:" This one is sad.
14. "Sexy Sadie:" Wayyyyy different sound that I hum a lot.
15. "Savoy Truffle:" Hard, quick, rock with a good hook.
16. "Piggies:" Baroque fun that shows the Beatles can experiment like no other—just don't play to a wanna-be Beach Boy.
17. "Julia:" Sentimental, raw ode to a neglected son.
18. "The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill:" Yes, I like it.
19. "Revolution 1:" Not the best version of the song but interesting.
20. "Helter Skelter:" Simple proto-punk.
21. "Yer Blues:" A solid blues track that's grown on me through the years.
22. "I Will:" Great for wedding vows.
23. "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except for Me and My Monkey:" Valid.
24. “Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?” A perfectly cromulent query.
25. “Honey Pie:” This one is ragtime-y.
26. “Wild Honey Pie:” TIL there are two Honey Pie tracks, one regular, one wild.
27. “Birthday:” It’s really all there in the title.
28. “Long, Long, Long:” I always forget how this goes, ergo unremarkable.
29. “Good Night:” Schmaltzy coda.
30. “Revolution 9:” This one is bad.
This debut album starts very solid with three singles/pop hits. The middle slags a bit and gets mellow. "Vow" picks things up again coupled with "Stupid Girl." The best songs on the album are mostly all the singles.
Top tracks: "Stupid Girl," "Supervixen," "Only Happy When It Rains," "Queer"
This is a fun, dancy album with lots of bangers. Unsurprisingly, the singles are the best part, especially "Cry Me a River," one of the best revenge songs of all time that I would always crank up on my Saturn's SL2 radio back in 2002. The rest of the album is basically nondescript.
Top tracks: "Cry Me a River," "Rock Your Body," "Señorita," "Like I Love You"
This is a very Clash/Squeeze-esque turn of the 1970s album. It's got a lot of hooks, bass beats, and high register singing. Songs kinda run together for me but this is a solid album.
Top tracks: "A Message to You Rudy," "Little Bitch," "Concrete Jungle"
A peppy, Latin-sounding album, 'Street Signs,' will keep you awake for a long car drive. This album has songs that will fit most movie's Cuban scenes. A good horn sound elevates this three star album.
Top tracks: "Who's to Blame," "Believe," "Cuando Canto"
A nice, breezy 60s pop record with terrific singing and harmonies. The songs are simple and unthreatening. I like it but can't think I'll listen to this one often.
Top tracks: "California Dreamin'," "Monday, Monday"
Best line from this album comes from the 'Onion:' Man Listening To 'Highway To Hell' Actually On Parkway To Waukegan. AC/DC is just all right to me. I know Ohioans love AC/DC; one radio station that did a Memorial Day countdown had soooooo many AC/DC songs. I can have enough--this album is just ok (and the title track is overplayed).
Top tracks: "Highway to Hell," "Girls Got Rhythm"
'Power in Numbers' is filled with some funky, fresh tunes. This had me hip hopping all the way through the afternoon with some Blackalicious-esque great beats. "Acetate Prophets" would also be a solid track for the Ocean's crew during a heist.
Top tracks: "Freedom," "A Day at the Races," "Break," "What's Golden"
A good example of smooth 1990s hip hop, Dr. Octagonecologyst, is good but long. Also I wonder where the artist, Dr. Octagon, got his degree and how hard he studied in fucking. According to his excellent wikipedia page, "Dr. Octagon is an extraterrestrial surgeon from Jupiter who uses space technology and primitive tools to perform medical procedures on his patients, some of whom die as he conducts his rounds, while others are murdered by his careless, barbaric acts. Octagon also practices as an orthopaedic gynaecologist and seduces and engages in sexual intercourse with his female patients and nurses." Doesn't sound like a strong doctor to me. This is a good album to play in the background of a chill after-hours party.
Top tracks: "I'm Destructive," "Earth People," "Dr. Octagon"
A short debut album, the self-titled ‘Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ album, is an ok start. (However, it does have the best Tom Petty song in “American Girl). Petty and his brethren deserve more. No ‘Wildflowers’? ‘Full Moon Rising’? ‘Damn the Torpedoes’? Damn this list for only having one, breezy Tom Petty album on here.
Top tracks: “American Girl,” “Breakdown,” “Rockin’ Around (With You)”
It's a pretty good hip hop album but it is loooonngg. Tracks felt repetitive. Also "De La Orgee" is unnecessary. If De La Soul could've tightened this album up, it would've been four stars.
Top tracks: "Me Myself and I," "(3 Is) The Magic Number," "Eye Know," "Plug Turnin' (Last Chance to Comprehend)"
Well, 'C'est' was a quick breezy disco album.
Then came the track, "At Last I Am Free," which I'm not sure is supposed to be taken literally by the listener. This 7:13 (good numbers!) long track is a dirge that could be cut at least in half.
The rest of the album is just ok anyway, highlighted by a classic disco track.
Top tracks: "Le Freak," "I Want Your Love"
Ella has a hellava voice. This is also hella long. How is this just an album? The 1001 list should have a time restriction. The last disc on spotify is confusingly just instrumentals.
Top tracks: "My One and Only," "'S Wonderful," "Embraceable You"
It was short.
Top track: "Instinct of Survival"
You might say this Orange Juice hits the spot. You could also say this is some smooth new wave that makes listening fun. It's very calming music and unmistakably 80s.
Top tracks: "Mud in Your Eye," "Flesh of My Flesh," "Rip It Up," "Turn Away"
A good soundtrack for a Wes Anderson suicide scene.
Top tracks: "Ballad of Big Nothing," "Cupid's Trick"
A post-punk Velvet Underground. This album starts great, then trails off. The first few songs slap and gives this album four stars.
Top tracks: "Marquee Moon," "See No Evil," "Friction," "Venus"
Solid Neil solo album. Neil sounds a lot the same to me but this had some gems in it.
Top tracks: "World on a String," "Lookout Joe"
Maybe I am a "Madman over Water" because I wonder: Is this Elton's best album? No, but I wouldn't "Levon" home without it. Not as long as 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,' 'Madman over Water' packs the "All the Nasties" in quickly. I had a happy 'Razor Face' to the first few tracks. But the end of the album is a bit of an "Indian Sunset" that slows down as it says "Goodbye." However, this album isn't "Rotten Peaches," so if you're heading to a "Holiday Inn," this could be the album for you.
"Tiny Dancer."
Top tracks: "Tiny Dancer," "Levon," "Razor Face"
Ehh it was all right but repetitive. I kept wanting to hear "Red Right Hand." This gets a three on atmosphere alone.
Top tracks: "O'Malley's Bar," "Lovely Creature"
Some great chill hop tracks then some boring. I wish "Organ Donor" was longer! This is a good background album.
Top tracks: "Organ Donor," "Building Steam with a Grain of Salt," "The Number Song"
All rap, no skits. This is a lean and mean quintessential 90s rap album.
Top tracks: "The World is Yours," "Halftime," "One Love," "Life's a Bitch"
Yeah, this was just ok. This was apparently a mishmash of two albums, after researching this album on the 1001.
Top tracks: "Vento De Maio," "O Que Foi Deito (De Vera)"
Never listened to a whole Linkin Park album. Probably won't again. It's not the worst, just not my thing. I did get some nostalgia feels though.
Top tracks: "One Step Closer," "Crawling"
This is too boring/chill for me. Songs just run together.
Top tracks: “Prom,” “Doves in the Wind”
This is it: the review one of you have been waiting for.
'A Rush of Blood to the Head' was my number two album of 2002 (behind Blackalicious's 'Blazing Arrow') and it's still great. The album has monster hits that were overplayed but it's best track is it's first (and a non-single). This album flows together well and I have good memories of listening to it while cranking out a late night paper.
Top tracks: "Politik," "God Put a Smile upon Your Face," "In My Place," "The Scientist," "Daylight"
Aretha has some pipes. Her stuff isn't something I revisit much though. The best tracks are two famous covers, the rest of the album is fairly bland.
Top tracks: "Respect," "A Change is Gonna Come"
This album starts slowly and finishes strong. When I first re-listened, I worried that I didn't like it as much as I remembered--I'm also not the biggest Radiohead fan. Then tracks four through six got me in a different groove.
I still think too much Radiohead is bad for your heart, but they create unique songs and melodies. This is probably their second best album (behind 'The Bends').
Top tracks: "All I Need," "House of Cards," "Faust Arp," "Jigsaw Falling into Place"
Sorry for offending you, Duckbill.
Ah some really good new wave melodies from a band that likes Nazi stuff too much. Also this album cover is bad.
Top tracks: "Love Vigilantes," "The Perfect Kiss," "Sub-culture," "This Time of Night"
I listened to this album a couple times and it went in one ear and out another. This was a boring listen: 1960s chanting folk rock that sounded like early/bad Genesis. Songs like "Whisper Whisper" picked things up but this isn't the fun Bee Gees that I enjoy from the 1970s.
Top tracks: "Whisper Whisper," "Edison"
Nirvana, like Radiohead, is a bit of a bummer to me. They are both good but both are overrated. Also, live albums should not be part of the 1001.
Yes, I am fun at parties.
This is a solid album that gets a little tedious midway since it’s pretty mellow throughout. “All Apologies” is definitely the standout track.
Top tracks: “All Apologies,” “The Man Who Sold the World,” “Lake of Fire”
A swift, strong album from the old school days. This has some solid songs and is breezy fun.
Top tracks: "Blue Suede Shoes," "I Got a Woman," "Blue Moon"
‘Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness’ has a great range to it: there are rockers and some beautifl lush melodies. The only downside is the length and disc two drags a bit. However, this is a very good album that starts out hot and with some radio staples of the 1990s.
Top tracks: “1979,” “Cupid De Locke,” “Galapogos,” “Zero,” “Thirty-Three”
This is 90s hip hop at its apex. Tribe Called Quest? More like a group with great songs. This is an anytime album with lots of energy and good vibes.
Top tracks: “Show Business,” “Scenario,” “Excursions,” “Check the Rhime,” “Buggin’ Out”
If you like generic country music, this might be for you! It wasn’t for me.
Top tracks: “Guitar Town,” “My Old Friend the Blues”
This album was just ok. Some good background ambience but nothing really stood out to me.
Top tracks: “Unfinished Symphony,” “Blue Lines”
The first song, the title track, is by far the best, and then the next few songs just sound like watered down versions of that. I also wanted more instrumentation. However, there is some good musicianship and warmth here.
Top tracks: "Pink Moon," "Know"
This is my fave album and I wish I had more stars!
Fire Joe Morgan/Newman track by track review
1. "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" - Fantastic start, the driving notes set the tone of the album. And like a lot of these songs, has a great time change towards the end.
2. "Neighborhood #2 (Laïka)" - Ah, this album is going to have songs that connect to each other. This rousing chant song elevates the energy.
3. "Une année sans lumière" - Now time for a slower number with my second fave track on the album. This somber, haunting Régine tune has a great refrain.
4. "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)" - This was the song CD101 played the most from the album and it might be my least favorite on the album (which is to point out how amazeballs this album is, because this song still slaps). This hard rocker though lacks the nuance of other tracks ...
5. "Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)" - ... Like this one, another soft ballad. When I first got this album--bootlegged, btw--this track cut off. This is a simple nice palate cleanser.
6. "Crown of Love" - My fave song on the record. This song builds to an incredible crescendo and really shows off the symphonic beauty of the band, especially the strings.
7. "Wake Up" - The huge single from the album that got overplayed. It is fun to sing along.
8. "Haiti" - This slow song has really grown on me. It sounds like a beach and is a great bridge to ...
9. "Rebellion (Lies)" - The most raucous song on the record and my bronze medal winner. I jump up and down to this song a lot.
10. "In the Backseat" - What starts as a very slow coda grows into defiance later. Huh, I'm realizing that this album does a great job of rise and fall throughout (and the slow songs generally have a fast and furious end).
Although this album is ostensibly about death, I find it more their operatic album. 'Neon Bible' is their dark album, 'Suburbs' melancholy, 'Reflektor' dance party, 'Everything Now' the anti-corporate U2 'Pop' album, 'WE' the paranoid one, 'Pink Elephant' brooding. But 'Funeral' remains their first and their best.
I liked the rap one. This was angry.
Top tracks: “Only One,” “Eeyore”
This is a fun, Television-esque record. Short and sweet, this album had some good beats, buzz, and “Positive Vibrations” from 1980 (and very sounds like the times).
Top tracks: “I Wanna Destroy You,” “Kingdom of Love," "Underwater Moonlight”
Joan Armatrading rocks--both the person and the album. This is a soulful, buoyant album with lots of feels and great instrumentation.
Top tracks: "Love and Affection," "Tall in the Saddle," "Down to Zero," "Like Fire"
I used to think this was my fave Bowie album. It's not--'Hunky Dory' is--but 'Aladdin Sane' is still really good. This end of Bowie's golden period/Ziggy Stardust doesn't have many of his huge hits but this melodic rocker is relistenable and energetic.
Top tracks: "Time," "The Jean Genie," "Let's Spend the Night Together," "Watch that Man"
Soundtracks/film scores don't belong here! Although this was a fun listen, especially for just a mostly instrumental.
Top tracks: "Playground Love," "Highschool Lover," "Ghost Song"
This is bleak and sad, like Nebrsaka. It’s also boring.
Top tracks: "Atlantic City," "Open All Night"
I don’t get this. It also sounds very repetitive.
Top track: “Two Weeks”
This is British, innit? Good stuff with a good voice. Lots of emo 1980s vibes make for a strong album.
Top tracks: "Running Up that Hill (A Deal with God)," "Cloudbusting," "The Big Sky"
Coldplay started out with three instant classic albums. The worst and first of these was 2000's 'Parachutes,' a mostly melancholy record with some huge singles/a song that would be well used in 'Wedding Crashers.' Just don't call me "Yellow" for liking this record so much. Aside: Why is this album named for a throwaway 46 second track?
Top tracks: "Yellow," "Sparks," "Don't Panic," "Shiver"
First off, is 'Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury?' I submit that it is not. I really love a jet ski. That seems like a great luxury. This is a long 90s hip hop album that is anti-capitalism (yay) but also repetitive (boo). It sounds like the soundtrack to a dystopian underground warehouse concert scene. As Newman noted, these tracks are too long yet they have a beat. The title track is oddly quick and upbeat.
Top tracks: "Hypocrisy is the Greatest Luxury," "Television the Drug of the Nation," "Everyday Life has become a Health Risk"
The Band's second best album (behind 'The Music from Big Pink,' but it's very close). This album is very re-listenable and full of greatness. Throw this album on to have a good, old fashioned hang with backgammon and whiskey.
Top tracks: "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Up on Cripple Creek," "Rag Mama Rag," "Across the Divide," "Whispering Pines"
Fun, funky stuff. It's good to walk to.
Top tracks: "Theme from Shaft," "Cafe Regio's," "Walk from Regio's"
This is quintessential 1970s funky fresh fun. Mayfield is smooth like butter.
Top tracks: "Superfly," "Little Child Runnin' Wild," "Pusherman"
This is a good, albeit too long, grunge album. Grunge isn't one of my best jams but damned if Alice In Chains doesn't have some bangers.
Top tracks: "Rooster," "Them Bones," "Would?"
This album is so Celtic, it gave me a bar of Irish Spring soap. This album is so Celtic, it split the G with me. This album is so Celtic, it gave me a weird knot as a gift. This album is so Celtic, it gave me red hair and freckles.
Top tracks: "Fairytale of New York," "If I Should Fall From Grace With God," "Fiesta"
Sounds like some fellow Iceland music from Sigur Rós but not as good. It's melodic but a little sleepy and repetitive.
Top tracks: "Unison," "Hidden Place," "It's Not up to You"
CCR's albums are like the Strokes' albums: quick and you know what you're going to get. It really blows my mind that Creedence is actually a California band. This band was certainly not born on the bayou but they sure sound good (and great music for a summer cookout).
Top tracks: "Proud Mary," "Born on the Bayou" (note: this is a lie), "Graveyard Train"
Disclaimer: Michael Jackson was an awful human who made great music.
FJM/Newman Track by Track review
"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin':" Energized pulsating strong start.
"Baby Be Mine:" Just kinda there. Probably worst song on the album.
"The Girl Is Mine:" Pure schlock cheese with Paul McC. It's so silly, it's dumb fun, especially the retorts at the end.
"Thriller:" Greatest Halloween song of all time. It's so insane though that this was released as a single two weeks AFTER Halloween (and a year after the album release as the seventh and final single). What the fuck?!?
"Beat It:" A hype dance track classic that's almost impossible to not move to. Also a fantastic music video (but I guess I can say that about most of these singles).
"Billie Jean:" More than just there, this is the best denying a child from a stalker song I know. The start with the drums especially kick ass.
"Human Nature:" Such a smooth, heartfelt R&B tune. Although this isn't as frenetic as the other singles, this might be my fave on the album.
"P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing):" My other fave on this amazing album. This happy, perky, tremendous track brings infectious joy. Man, that bridge is fire!
"The Lady in My Life:" Something had to end the album. A mellow end to one of the greatest albums.
'Doolittle?' More like did well. But seriously folks, I like this hipster darling album. It's a refreshing indie sound that leaves you wanting more (and sounds like a precursor to Weezer).
Top tracks: "Wave of Mutilation," "Here Comes Your Man," "Monkey Gone to Heaven," "Hey," "Debaser"
Bobby Womack and R&B had better years than 1981--the production of this album is just a little off. Nevertheless, this album is still solid and Bobby can bring it.
Top trucks: "Lay Your Lovin' on Me," "Just My Imagination," "Where Do We Go from Here"
Too mellow and too repetitive to be a truly outstanding album. "Girl from Ipanema" is better done on the Getz/Gilberto album. Nonetheless, this album is good for lovemaking, aka fucking, or also just delving into 'Mad Men' cosplays.
Top tracks: "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)," "I Concentrate on You," "Girl from Ipanema"
Beach House/’Teen Dream’ are good but do I really need this album before I die? I’ve seen Beach House and it was an oddly loud concert. I enjoyed it then it kinda left my mind (besides how loud it was). This is good relaxation music to fall asleep to. The tracks blend together and it’s calming. I’ve listened to many Beach House albums and they all sound the same: solid but nondescript.
Top tracks: “Zebra,” “Walk in the Park,” “Take Care”
