183
Albums Rated
3.38
Average Rating
17%
Complete
906 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
24
5-Star Albums
2
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Band
The Band
|
5 | 3.35 | +1.65 |
|
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
|
5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
|
1984
Van Halen
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
|
5 | 3.55 | +1.45 |
|
Funeral
Arcade Fire
|
5 | 3.56 | +1.44 |
|
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
|
4 | 2.59 | +1.41 |
|
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
|
5 | 3.6 | +1.4 |
|
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
|
5 | 3.65 | +1.35 |
|
Violator
Depeche Mode
|
5 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
|
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
|
5 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
|
1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
|
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
|
2 | 3.93 | -1.93 |
|
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
|
2 | 3.66 | -1.66 |
|
Heroes
David Bowie
|
2 | 3.62 | -1.62 |
|
Either Or
Elliott Smith
|
2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
|
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
|
2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
|
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
|
2 | 3.39 | -1.39 |
|
C'est Chic
CHIC
|
2 | 3.34 | -1.34 |
|
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
|
2 | 3.33 | -1.33 |
|
Melodrama
Lorde
|
2 | 3.32 | -1.32 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | 3 | 5 |
| Pink Floyd | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (24)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Michael Jackson · 2 likes
5/5
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.
Miles Davis · 1 likes
4/5
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.
The Pogues · 1 likes
3/5
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"
Pink Floyd · 1 likes
5/5
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.
Oasis · 1 likes
5/5
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.
1-Star Albums (2)
All Ratings
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Solid if not sober
Green Day
4/5
Not a big Green Day guy but this has some good tracks. Nice nostalgia.
R.E.M.
3/5
A little too garage-y.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
Some good stuff then literal random old voices
Lorde
2/5
My nieces would be so angry at me
Talking Heads
4/5
Funky and fun but no fear
The Black Crowes
4/5
Solid album you've probably heard in parts at dive bars.
Stan Getz
5/5
Great album that’s easy to listen to and feels cool
The Beach Boys
4/5
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.
Pink Floyd
5/5
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.
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
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.
The Pharcyde
4/5
Skits were mediocre. 4/5 stars
The Boo Radleys
3/5
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
4/5
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.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
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.
Depeche Mode
5/5
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.
Dirty Projectors
2/5
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.
Johnny Cash
3/5
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.
Les Rythmes Digitales
4/5
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."
Beastie Boys
4/5
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.
Johnny Cash
3/5
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 …
Sparks
3/5
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.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Dat's some good shit.
A splendid debut album start to finish with lots of bangerz.
Miles Davis
4/5
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.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
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"
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
4/5
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"
John Lennon
4/5
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.
David Bowie
5/5
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?"
Ray Charles
4/5
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"
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
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"
Duran Duran
3/5
'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"
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
2/5
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"
Todd Rundgren
3/5
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"
Adam & The Ants
2/5
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"
Pretenders
4/5
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"
Beck
3/5
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"
Rocket From The Crypt
3/5
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"
Black Sabbath
4/5
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"
James Brown
3/5
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 ..."
Metallica
3/5
A little long for my tastes. Good, not great (or very good). It's no Black Album. "One" rules.
Top Tracks: "One," "Blackened"
Sarah Vaughan
3/5
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"
Bad Brains
3/5
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"
Jerry Lee Lewis
3/5
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”
R.E.M.
4/5
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"
Elton John
4/5
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"
Green Day
3/5
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)
The Icarus Line
2/5
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"
Q-Tip
4/5
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"
Soft Cell
3/5
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"
Marvin Gaye
3/5
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"
Marvin Gaye
3/5
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"
Led Zeppelin
5/5
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
T. Rex
4/5
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"
Black Sabbath
3/5
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”
David Bowie
3/5
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?"
MGMT
4/5
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"
Queen
3/5
'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"
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
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"
Tom Waits
3/5
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”
Amy Winehouse
3/5
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"
Talking Heads
4/5
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"
The White Stripes
4/5
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"
The Fall
2/5
It's not horrid, just generic background music.
Top track: "Ladybird (Green Grass)"
Jack White
3/5
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’”
The Who
3/5
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”
The Rolling Stones
5/5
‘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
Paul Simon
3/5
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"
John Coltrane
4/5
I like jazz and this is classic jazz.
Top tracks: Part II and III (particularly drum bit)
Songhoy Blues
2/5
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”
David Bowie
3/5
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”
Pink Floyd
5/5
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.
KISS
3/5
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"
The The
4/5
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”
5/5
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.
The Clash
5/5
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"
Thelonious Monk
4/5
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"
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
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"
Silver Jews
2/5
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”
PJ Harvey
1/5
I do not like this. This just feels like generic garage rock.
Top track: “Rid of Me” (I guess)
Beatles
5/5
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.
Garbage
4/5
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"
Justin Timberlake
3/5
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"
The Specials
3/5
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"
Ozomatli
3/5
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"
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
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"
AC/DC
3/5
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"
Jurassic 5
4/5
'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"
Dr. Octagon
3/5
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"
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3/5
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)”
De La Soul
3/5
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)"
CHIC
2/5
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 Fitzgerald
3/5
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"
Napalm Death
2/5
It was short.
Top track: "Instinct of Survival"
Orange Juice
4/5
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"
Elliott Smith
2/5
A good soundtrack for a Wes Anderson suicide scene.
Top tracks: "Ballad of Big Nothing," "Cupid's Trick"
Television
4/5
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"
Neil Young
3/5
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"
Elton John
4/5
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"
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3/5
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"
DJ Shadow
3/5
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"
Nas
4/5
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"
Elis Regina
2/5
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)"
Linkin Park
2/5
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"
SZA
2/5
This is too boring/chill for me. Songs just run together.
Top tracks: “Prom,” “Doves in the Wind”
Coldplay
5/5
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 Franklin
2/5
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"
Radiohead
4/5
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.
New Order
4/5
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"
Bee Gees
2/5
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
3/5
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”
Elvis Presley
3/5
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"
The Smashing Pumpkins
4/5
‘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”
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
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”
Steve Earle
2/5
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”
Massive Attack
3/5
This album was just ok. Some good background ambience but nothing really stood out to me.
Top tracks: “Unfinished Symphony,” “Blue Lines”
Nick Drake
3/5
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"
Arcade Fire
5/5
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.
Slipknot
2/5
I liked the rap one. This was angry.
Top tracks: “Only One,” “Eeyore”
The Soft Boys
3/5
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
4/5
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"
David Bowie
4/5
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"
Air
3/5
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"
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
This is bleak and sad, like Nebrsaka. It’s also boring.
Top tracks: "Atlantic City," "Open All Night"
FKA twigs
2/5
I don’t get this. It also sounds very repetitive.
Top track: “Two Weeks”
Kate Bush
3/5
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
4/5
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"
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3/5
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
5/5
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"
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Fun, funky stuff. It's good to walk to.
Top tracks: "Theme from Shaft," "Cafe Regio's," "Walk from Regio's"
Curtis Mayfield
4/5
This is quintessential 1970s funky fresh fun. Mayfield is smooth like butter.
Top tracks: "Superfly," "Little Child Runnin' Wild," "Pusherman"
Alice In Chains
3/5
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?"
The Pogues
3/5
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"
Björk
3/5
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"
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
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"
Michael Jackson
5/5
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.
Pixies
4/5
'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
3/5
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"
Frank Sinatra
3/5
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
3/5
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”
Buena Vista Social Club
2/5
Not my cuppa.
Top track: “De Camino a la Vereda”
The Go-Go's
2/5
Plucky, ear wormy bubble gum pop that is mostly forgettable.
Top tracks: “Our Lips are Sealed,” “We Got the Beat”
Lou Reed
2/5
This album is much like the David Bowie Berlin period--also not my fave. 'Berlin' is bleak and dreary, much like the city in 1973. There is one fantastic song on the album, "Sad Song."
Top tracks: "Sad Song," "Men of Good Fortune"
Lauryn Hill
3/5
Good stuff but this is a looong album. There are some real standouts and then some just sort of there tracks but this is definitely worthy of 1001 album list.
Top tracks: "Everything is Everything," "Doo Wop (That Thing)," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Lost Ones"
The Beta Band
3/5
Solid if unspectacular album. Some good melodies but I wanted it to elevate/change. This is a good mellow album for background reading.
Top tracks: "Assessment," "Lion Thief"
Bob Dylan
3/5
More like Blond on 'Blonde on Blonde.' Yes, dear reader, I am blond. A dirty blond but nonetheless--I just read that ladies are blonde and males are blond too.
Bobby Dylan isn't my normal cuppa. I appreciate his contributions but don't revisit him often. However, this is a strong album with some classics.
Top tracks: "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35," "I Want You," "Just Like a Woman"
The Offspring
4/5
Offspring has a unique sound and this album shows it off well. I was pleasantly surprised with this energized album. The red title on the album art doesn't work but pretty much everything else does. A tremendous soundtrack to the video game 'Crazy Taxi.'
Top tracks: "Come Out and Play," "Self Esteem," "Nitro (Youth Energy)," "Gotta Get Away"
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Fuckkkkkkkkk these melodies and voices ... so good.
Fire Joe Morgan/Newman track by track review:
"Carry On:" Pulsating strong start that showcases these amazing singers.
"Teach Your Children:" A simple yet solid singalong.
"Almost Cut My Hair:" Good advice but just do it.
"Helpless:" Plainative whines never sounded so good.
"Woodstock:" More fun than actually being at Woodstock.
"Déjà Vu:" A melancholy blend of voices and refrains.
"Our House:" A growing up song with some of the best vocal performances ever. Everything is easy with this song.
"4+20:" A math problem song that is just sort of there.
"Country Girl:" Three songs in one! It's become one of my favorite songs. I love the rapturous harmonica at the end.
"Everybody I Love You:" Not my sentiment but it's quick, light, harmonious outro.
David Ackles
3/5
I wanted to like this one better. There are some good refrains in this but it's just too repetitive. However, it's fairly good, almost like an old school musical, especially on "Oh, California!" This concept album of U.S. states gets a three.
Top tracks: "Oh, California!," "American Gothic"
Various Artists
3/5
Better than some of the "gifts" Phil could give you! Xmas music largely annoys me but this album has a lot of all-star vocal talent with one epic track on it.
Top tracks: "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"
Willie Nelson
3/5
Short songs on a short album that has hooks and doesn't overstay its welcome.
Top tracks: "Down Yonder," "Red Headed Stranger," "Hands on the Wheel"
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
Soulful and rich, this album isn't Mayfield’s best but it's a good listen.
Top tracks: "When Seasons Change," "Blue Monday People," "Billy Jack"
Taylor Swift
3/5
My nieces are going to hate I'm only giving this three stars.
Top tracks: "Blank Space," "Style," "Shake it Off"
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
3/5
An abstract, mostly instrumental album that's good in the background.
Top tracks: "Penguin Cafe Single," "Zopf: Milk"
Sufjan Stevens
3/5
Ah this was adapted to a musical. That makes sense. This is ambitious but long and pretentious and there are nice pieces but this could've used an editor (especially on the track titles).
Top tracks: "Chicago," "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts," "The Black Hawk War, or, How to Demolish an Entire Civilization and Still Feel Good About Yourself in the Morning, or, We Apologize for the Inconvenience but You're Going to Have to Leave Now, or, 'I Have Fought the Big Knives and Will Continue to Fight Them Until They Are Off Our Lands!'"
Peter Gabriel
4/5
An album with lots of range: a fun smash ("Sledgehammer") and a sorrowful ballad ("Don't Give Up"). This album is certainly "Big Time" and packed with really fine stuff.
Top tracks: "Sledgehammer," "Big Time," "In Your Eyes," "Don't Give Up"
Dire Straits
4/5
Quintessential chill dad rock, 'Dire Straits' album is a relistenable, bluesy, head bopping time. It doesn't go too hard for you to snap your spine headbanging.
Top tracks: "Wild West End," "Down to the Waterline," "In the Gallery," "Sultans of Swing"
Alice Cooper
3/5
Some artists are a listen to every album artists, some are greatest hits artists. Alice Cooper seems like the latter. This album is bolstered by the exceptional title track, then the rest is an odd hodgepodge that sounds like a musical. It's fine, but should I give props or take away props for copping 'West Side Story?'
Top tracks; "School's Out," "Gutter Cats vs. The Jets"
Sheryl Crow
3/5
A little mellow for my tastes but there's some good hooks here (and standout singles).
Top tracks: "All I Wanna Do," "Leaving Las Vegas," "Run, Baby, Run"
New Order
4/5
So New Order songs sound the same. It's good stuff and I didn't remember this album previously.
Top tracks: "Vanishing Point," "Round & Round," "Fine Time," "All the Way"
Duke Ellington
4/5
Duke is one of the all-timers but this live album oddly doesn’t have some of his best songs (longer versions of this show do). Nevertheless, this is some great jazz.
Top tracks: "Blues to Be There," "Newport Up,” “Jeep’s Blues”
David Bowie
2/5
This album is a weird hodge-podge of some David Bowie songs then some background music. Bowie is my favorite solo artist but this is not a good enough album to be on the 1001 list, despite the title track being exceptional.
Top tracks: “Heroes,” “Beauty and the Beast”
Röyksopp
3/5
Morning, tranquil European vibes make ‘Melody A.M.’ a strong listen for background music.
Top tracks: “Eple,” “Remind Me,” “Poor Leno,” “A Higher Place”
David Holmes
2/5
Good for a 'Ocean's 11' soundtrack, not so much for an album.
Top tracks: "My Mate Paul," "Radio 7"
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
Despite the mediocre slower songs, this album has some bangers. Now should the last song count? It was apparently not on the original track list. Probably not, but the three singles buoy this album.
Top tracks: "The Message," "It's Nasty," "She's Fresh," "The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel"
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
One of the greatest Fuck/Marry/Kills of all time is this: Smashing Pumkins vs. Pearl Jam vs. Nirvana (F Pumpkins, M Pearl Jam, K Nirvana for me). Pumpkins have a varied song to grunge to some beautiful melodies. It's just too long and repetitive to earn four stars.
Top tracks: "Today," "Cherub Rock," "Luna," Disarm"
Iron Maiden
3/5
Lots of tasty 'Guitar Hero' riffs. This is a breezy and enjoyable quintessential Heavy Metal album.
Top tracks: "Prowler," "Charlotte the Harlot," "Transylvania"
The Vines
3/5
An album that feels very 2002, 'Highly Evolved' might be a little bit of a stretch, but it's a solid listen with fine garage post-grunge tunes.
Top tracks: "Get Free," "Outtathaway," "Country Yard"
Le Tigre
3/5
Frenetic, fast, and furious. This is good head bopping/a pump up album for workouts and something I'll return to.
Top tracks: "Deceptacon," "Slideshow at Free University," "Let's Run," "What's Yr Take on Cassavetes"
Led Zeppelin
5/5
The rare Led Zeppelin album that has risen in my unhumble esteem, 'Physical Graffiti' is a double album that rocks. (It's also my second fave Led Zep album behind the underrated 'Houses of the Holy'). I've enjoyed the mellower tracks on 'Physical Graffiti' as I've aged while still loving probably the two best raucous Zep tracks ever.
Top tracks: "Kashmir," "Trampled Under Foot," "Ten Years Gone," "Bron-Yr-Aur," "In the Light," "Custard Pie"
Van Halen
5/5
Great year, great album. '1984' goes hard and is infectious joy. It's great for hyping you up or to see Mrs. Davis dance topless in West Canaan, Texas.
Top tracks: "Panama," "Jump," "Hot for Teacher," "1984," "I'll Wait"
Radiohead
5/5
This is the album that made me like Radiohead as a band. This fantastic, mellow, dour album features some breathtaking melodies and melancholy. I was between a four and five star but realized this album is great throughout with great in-between tracks.
Top tracks: "(Nice Dream)," "My Iron Lung," "Fake Plastic Trees," "Just," "High and Dry"
Cream
4/5
Eric Clapton is an asshole. This album is good. Two things can be true. This album trails off after putting some heavy hitters in leadoff but has nice blues throughout.
Top tracks: "Sunshine of Your Love," "Strange Brew," "Tales of Brave Ulysses," "SWLABR"
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Good for background of John Wick techno fight scenes but too long.
Top tracks: "Block Rockin' Beats," "Lost in the K-Hole," "Where Do I Begin"
Miles Davis
3/5
It's between a three and a four. Maybe if bits of it were broken down into smaller tracks, it'd be a four. It's pretty good jazz with a lot of odd mixed in.
Top track: "Shh/Peaceful"
Miles Davis
5/5
'Kind of Blue?' More like kind of awesome, AMIRITE?
Top tracks: "So What," "Freddie Freeloader," "Blue in Green"
The Beach Boys
5/5
Hot Take: this is the best album of the 1960s (and one of the top albums all-time).
Fire Joe Morgan/Newman track by track analysis:
"Wouldn't Be Nice:" Stone cold classic to lead off and be deceptively cheery.
"You Still Believe in Me:" A weird palate-cleanser that continues the beautiful melodies with streaks of confusion."
"That's Not Me:" What lame people say when they can't admit a mistake in beautiful song form.
"Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder):" A sorrowful short comfort.
"I'm Waiting for the Day:" Bombastic track that gets the mood back up with percussiveness.
"Let's Go Away for Awhile:" Elevator music dreamscape never sounded so good.
"Sloop John B:" Some of the greatest harmonies of all time.
"God Only Knows:" Phenomenal yet simple love song.
"I Know There's an Answer:" The track I listen to the most now (after two giant tracks). Fantastic chorus that plays in my head on a loop.
"Here Today:" Great organ work.
"I Just Wasn't Made for These Times:" No one was. Fuck ICE, Fat Orange, and Elon.
"Pet Sounds:" Note to "Revolution 9," this is how to make a good avant garde track.
"Caroline No:" A melancholy fitting coda.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
The Monica album of Jimi Hendrix's 1967--'Are You Experienced' is the Rachel, apologies to Courtney Cox--'Axis: Bold as Love,' starts odd but picks up towards the middle. This doesn't have the singles/big hits but it's Hendrix, so it's still good to listen to.
Top tracks: "Castles Made of Sand," "Little Wing," "Spanish Castle Magic," "You've Got Me Floating"
The Kinks
3/5
This feels very early 1960s. It has one really good song, one pretty good one, and the rest are just all right.
Top tracks: "Sunday Afternoon," "Rosy Won't You Please Come Home"
a-ha
3/5
One incredible track cannot lift this album past midness.
Top tracks: "Take on Me," "Hunting High and Low"
The Kinks
3/5
This is a light, effervescent album with some good beats (and some weirdness). This feels very much in the avant garde 1960s in a carefree, cool, concept way, although it’s not something I’d relisten to a lot.
Top tracks: "The Village Green Preservation Society," "Johnny Thunder," "Village Green"
A Tribe Called Quest
4/5
They certainly can kick it. This debut album by A Tribe Called Quest runs a little long but features some terrific, varied hip hop.
Top tracks: "Can I Kick It?," "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo," "Push It Along," "Luck of Lucien"
Ride
3/5
Never heard of shoegaze before (much more familiar with shoe jizz). I liked it all right: calming background stuff.
Top tracks: "Seagull," "Dreams Burn Down," "Vapour Trail"
Cee Lo Green
3/5
The soul machine lives up to his billing. Thanks to Pharrell and other guests, I had a bopping good time on the best tracks but this could have used lots of cuts to make it tighter.
Top tracks: "Let's Stay Together," "The Art of Noise," "Childz Play"