Honestly? A tough listen. Giving it two stars because there was at least one song I kind of dug, and I don't know what else is going to be on this list but...man, it's weird sounding stuff. Edit: having now listened to more albums on this list, fuck this album. One star. Who likes this shit? Weird, weird music. Faves: - Holes - Opus 40 - Goddess on a Hiway

Like a big hug. Super pleasant to listen to, but it’s not without a few slightly more boring “skips.” Big fan though. Faves: - I Feel the Earth Move - So Far Away - It's Too Late - Where You Lead - (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

Exceptional album for a sunset drive or a bubble bath. Terrible album for every other life scenario. Faves: - Pitch the Baby - Heaven or Las Vegas - Wolf in the Breast

I hate pop music -- this album did not help. I kind of wish "30" was on this list instead, as I've been wanting to listen to that one and even a few quick samples immediately demonstrate significantly more interesting and complex musical choices. "25" is loaded with the simplest chord changes imaginable, and easy, boring lyricism. There are a couple hits here, and Adele's voice is unmistakably fantastic, but this album is a perfect example of why I can never seem to get into pop: it's homogenous, it's risk-averse, and it's just plain uninteresting. Fave songs: - Sweetest Devotion - that's it

Wow. What a fucking album. Complex, powerful, raw, fun, and strong from start to finish. Can't believe I hadn't heard of this sooner. Fave songs: - You Ain't The Problem - Rolling - I've Been Dazed - Piano Joint (This Kind Of Love) - Final Days - Light

Not a particularly memorable album. Enjoyable to listen to, and maybe it was groundbreaking at the time, but I feel like nowadays it kind of just blends in? Fave songs: - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - Une Annee Sans Lumiere - Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles) - Wake Up - In The Backseat

Erm -- yeah, it's a five. C'mon now. I can remember putting on "Black Dog" on my grandparents' jukebox in their basement as a little kid and dancing my little heart out without knowing a damn thing about the wonderful filth Mr. Plant was wailing about. It's just great music. Rock at its best: complex, hard hitting, memorable, with a shockingly beautiful ballad. Thank you LZ. Fave Songs: - Black Dog - Rock and Roll - Stairway to Heaven - Misty Mountain Hop - Going to California - When the Levee Breaks (side note: is this the hottest fucking song of all time..?)

Wow. Turns out I'm a big fan of Amy Winehouse. Incredibly strong and enjoyable vocals, and an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, funk, and electronic. Too bad she was a total wreck. But this album was not. Maybe a little repetitive/boring at moments, but otherwise a hit! Fave songs: - Intro / Stronger Than Me - Know You Now - Moody's Mood For Love / Teo Licks - (There Is) No Greater Love - In My Bed - Amy Amy Amy Side note: it's my understanding that "Fuck Me Pumps" is the most popular song on this album, to which I have to say...really?

Jesus man, this was a slog. Dare I say - mindless garbage? Yet another good example of why I just can never get into popular music. I feel like the point of music like this is the lyrics - the music itself is kept very safe, familiar, and homogenous to make it more mass appealing, and what people really relate to and find interesting is the words. But I feel like...the lyricism isn't even that good?? So what are we doing here??? Fave song(s): - "Doves In The Wind", I guess

You know, I really, truly enjoyed listening to this album. It's right up my alley, and basically each song is fun and catchy, and I honestly think quite good. My main issue is, I wish they fleshed out some of these songs a little more -- each track being only like 2.5 minutes long really makes everything just sort of drift by, and there's no chance for things to land as much as they could. Edit: the more I play this album, the more I really like it. It's really, endlessly listenable. Fave songs: - Confetti - It's A Shame About Ray - Rudderless - Bit Part - Alison's Starting to Happen - Frank Mills (shoutout musical theatre!) - Mrs. Robinson

IMHO, Led Zeppelin was the greatest true rock band to ever have lived. So, this album is solid, and there are some absolutely phenomenal tracks here. I do think it's a much bigger listening commitment than other albums of theirs, and certainly not as instantly palatable. I feel like a lot of the songs (and, truthfully, the album as a whole) kind of overstay their welcome. But at the end of the day, it's still Led Zeppelin, and it's still a triumph. Fave songs: - Literally ALL of side 1 - Ten Years Gone

Goofy ahh album. Honestly super fun to listen to, even though it's totally wackadoo. Fuck it! Fave songs: - Uncontrollable Urge - Mongoloid - Sloppy (I Saw My Baby Gettin') - Shrivel-Up

Really mixed bag for me, and I'm kind of surprised by some of the other reviews here. Some of the songs here are seriously great, some of them I think are fine, and a few are genuinely some of the most painful and tough musical listens I have ever experienced. Like -- what the FUCK is going on with Into The Light?? That legitimately might be the worst song I've ever heard in my life. But, then, Spellbound fucks. So. Yeah. Fave songs: - Spellbound - Monitor - Night Shift

Okay -- I fucking loved this? One of the best examples I've seen of the ART of DJing: hearing new music in old music, and cutting and splicing to get there. Addictive grooves, pioneering art (he did this by himself? With just an Akai MPC60??), and a sonic landscape that just completely transports you. This rules..... Fave songs: - Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt - The Number Song - Changeling - What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt. 4 - Mutual Slump - Midnight In A Perfect World - Napalm Brain / Scatter Brain - Medley - What Does Your Soul Look Like, Pt. 1 - Blue Sky Revisit

Goofy ahh music. Goofy ahhh album. Who the fuck wakes up and actively wants to listen to Ska? Specifically white British guys performing reggae? There are a couple vibes, and it moves quickly enough but...boof. Fave songs: - Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think) - Pearl's Cafe - Sock It To 'Em J.B. - I Can't Stand It

What the fuck is with the hate on this album? This is exceptional -- her voice is absolutely stratospheric, the music is diverse and interesting, and everything is so much FUN!! The whole circus thing is weird and I don't think it needed to be as long as it was, but this is a pretty great album overall. Fave songs: - Makes Me Wanna Pray - Ain't No Other Man - Slow Down Baby - F.U.S.S. (Interlude) - Without You - Still Dirrty - Here to Stay - Candyman - Nasty Naughty Boy - I Got Trouble - Save Me from Myself

Not my fave. But, certainly not as bad as I think a lot of these reviews make it seem. The vocals are pretty brutal, not gonna lie. It's decent. Frankly just surprised it's on this list. Fave songs: - The Fun Powder Plot - Hooting & Howling - All The King's Men - Two Dancers (ii) - This Is Our Lot

Solid. I don't think I like it as much as a lot of people seem to - it seems to kind of drone on, and the album finale is literally terrible. But, it's a very enjoyable listen with a lot of groove and a lot of hits. Makes me feel like I'm in the Matrix. Perhaps the closest I'll ever get to liking reggae. Fave songs: - Safe From Harm - Blue Lines - Five Man Army - Unfinished Sympathy - Daydreaming

A lot of fun, and pretty neat to see some of the birthing grounds of punk as we know it. Rocky Horror vibes. Plus -- it rocks pretty hard! Not the most incredible album I've ever heard, but easy to listen to and great to jam out with. Fave songs: - The Next Big Thing - Back to Africa - Master Race Rock - Teengenerate - Two Tub Man - Weekend - (I Live For) Cars and Girls

Weird ass album, but it kind of grew on me as I listened to it. Soooooo 60s, and sooooo psychedelic, and also was Dr. John white..?? But also, The Big Easy's one of my favorite cities on the entire planet, so you know I gotta put some respect on him for representing. God-awful album cover. Fave songs: - Mama Roux - I Walk on Guilded Splinters

I was actually throwing around whether I thought this should be a 4 or 5 star album throughout most of it. Such iconic songs and a surprising amount of musicianship. And then I heard Mississippi Kid. Holy fuck, what a terrible song. What the fuck are the lyrics implying? Free Bird is absolutely stellar and I still get goosebumps every time I listen to it, but for Mississippi Kid alone it gets a 3. And, at the end of the day, it is still sort of a generic rock album (and boy oh boy are there a lot of those on this list). Fave songs: - I Ain't The One - Tuesday's Gone - Gimme Three Steps - Simple Man - Poison Whiskey - Free Bird

I literally cannot make heads or tails of this album. Is it avant-garde? In which case, is it actually pretty decent? Or are they actually just fucking bad at music? I literally don't know. What genre do you even call this? Utterly baffling. Two stars, I guess. Jesus. Fave songs: - Typical Girls - I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Really cool to listen to. Kind of like the best possible version of slam poetry at times. It's a shame this isn't on Spotify, because it makes it kind of hard to keep track of and return to, but this is definitely a gem. Fave songs: Really hard to do for this one, but special attention to "Very Special Time" and "Song For Bobby Smith"-- man oh man, those are beautiful.

I just...I don't know. Something about this album was just so inconsequential to me. Like, I listened to it, and I immediately couldn't remember any of what I had just listened to. So then I listened to it again. Still nothing. I don't even really know why -- it's not bad? I guess I'm just really not a fan of the David Bowie thing. I can see how people would call it melodramatic, that finale is something else. But for whatever reason it just floats right past me. Fave songs: - We Are The Pigs - The Asphalt World I think??

A couple thoughts about Bob Dylan: 1. If you're going to use a fucking harmonica so much, shouldn't you be decently good at it? I mean Jesus Fucking Christ, I could practice for a week and play every single line on this album. 2. Unfortunately it seems I belong to the camp of hating-Bob-Dylan's-stupid-fucking-grating-voice. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. But if you're a singer-songwriter -- like, if that's your whole schtick -- shouldn't you be able to fucking sing? At all? Holy mother of God this guy's voice is annoying. 3. I get that the appeal of Bob Dylan is supposed to be that he's a "poet." Like woooooow, forget the music, but listen to those lyrics though. Fuck you. They're decent. It's not fucking Shakespeare. Two stars because I can appreciate that this at least took some level of musical ability and intellect. But Jesus man. Fuck you Bob Dylan. Fave songs: - One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later) - Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands

I was expecting to really like this -- I kind of didn't. As I've previously said, I just can't stand pop music (homogenous radio drivel). Turns out this is kind of just the 80s version of that. That being said, I still think it has style, and I do love her voice, so this was a pleasant listen -- but, there just isn't a lot going on here. Shoutout to that hair on the album cover. Fave songs: - Nick Of Time - Love Letter - I Will Not Be Denied - I Ain't Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again - The Road's My Middle Name

Really great listen. Incredibly skillful and really unique. For all I know he could be singing about skinning live basset hounds. Still a total vibe. I'm glad this list introduced me to Jorge Ben Jor! Fave songs: - Ponta De Lança Africano - Hermes Trismegisto Escreveu - Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro - Xica Da Silva - Cavaleiro Do Cavalo Imaculado - África Brasil (Zumbi)

Oh man. Really, really good. This is a rare one for me -- I usually don't give much mind to lyrics, and my enjoyment of an album is mostly due to the music itself. Not here. Powerful, powerful words. THIS is poetry in music, and everything helps serve the message Mayfield is trying to get across. The vibe is a little repetitive, but I think the album is the right length to make it work. "So in Love" almost seems out of place, but I don't think it is. There's this constant push and pull in the album of trying desperately to find hope and joy and love in a broken nation that seems dead-set on making sure you never will. So, it works: it's a momentary triumph. And this album as a whole is a complete one. Fave songs: Everything. Edit: upon a second listen, I’m dropping this a bit. Can’t quite get over Mr. Mayfield’s voice. Love him though.

Nick Drake is my favorite artist of all time. "Pink Moon" is my favorite album of all time, and it's not even close. So naturally, I love the crap out of this album, and every single song he ever wrote, and for that reason, I tried to be really really objective when listening this time through. I do think this is his weakest album. Don't get me wrong -- some of the songs here are absolute perfection. "River Man" may just be the single greatest piece of music he ever wrote, taking 5/4 time and making it feel natural, incredibly complex chords and progressions that seem to melt away and feel effortless, and the endlessly fascinating lyrics: "Betty said she prayed today, for the sky to blow away. Or maybe stay. She wasn't sure." But there are also some songs that fall flat. "Way To Blue" and "Day Is Done" feel just a little bit too schmaltzy. "The Thoughts of Mary Jane" feels pretty cheesy. I love this album, but it's not perfect. What it does do is show glimpses of the mastery yet to come. Fave songs: - "Time Has Told Me" - "River Man" - "Three Hours" - "' Cello Song" - "Man In A Shed" - "Fruit Tree" Side note: the lyrics to this song are so impossibly fitting to Nick's own life that it's almost hard to listen to. It's almost as if he knew it would take his death to ignite an interest in his work. - "Saturday Sun"

According to Ozzy Osbourne's obituary in the New York Times, Black Sabbath got their real start because they figured, "people pay money to get scared watching horror movies -- why not music too?" Fucking genius. This album rules, and it's a shockingly complete genesis-of-genre attempt. Horrific, demonic, heavy, dank, and utterly ROCK solid. RIP Ozzy. Fave songs: The whole album.

Pretty interesting. Another one of those albums with a few really high-highs, and many low-lows. At its best, there's a real gritty, alternative, powerful edge that's awesome to listen to. At its worst, it's more like Lincoln Park, or Alanis Morissette: melodramatic, desperately-hit-radio-single junk. I also feel like Skin is kind of all this band has going for it. Fave songs: - On My Hotel TV - The Skank Heads - And This Is Nothing That I Thought I Had

Although I would desperately love to be contrarian, it's a five. When like 70% of your album's songs become ubiquitously iconic singles, the album is probably pretty damn good. Songs from Rumours are wayyyy fucking overplayed in advertisements and family gatherings, and yet they still manage to hit. Fave songs: Basically everything, except maybe "I Don't Want To Know" and "Oh Daddy," but special attention to "The Chain" and "Gold Dust Woman." Jesus Christ I still get goosebumps hearing those songs.

Perfect album to have sex to. Bad album to sit down and listen to. With artists and genres like this, I think that's kind of the point. Which pisses me off. But it works. Fave songs: - Hours - Pendulum - Numbers - Kicks

It's alright, decent way to spend 45 minutes. Sort of a Death Cab For Cutie meets Americana vibe? But the band is Irish..? Most of the songs are kind of forgettable -- not necessarily bad, just not too strong. The vocalist definitely taints it for me a lot of the time. Fave songs: - Deckchairs And Cigarettes - One Horse Town - Say It Ain't So (Shoutout Weezer) - 'Til The Tide Creeps In - Plans (Hidden Track)

JAZZ!! FINALLY!! HOOOOOOOLY CHRIST MAN! What a fucking tour de force of the genre, and of music as a whole. It really adds a lot to the listening experience to know what was going on in Duke's mind as the concert rolled on -- missing band members for the opening set, a complex 3-part suite that completely flopped, and then ONE extraordinary solo that got the crowd (and the world) to recognize his place in the industry once again. I kind of thought this would be a long listen, but it wasn't at all -- just like attending a really fantastic jazz concert. (I should mention that I didn't listen to the strange additional studio recordings...seemed kind of unnecessary.) Duke Ellington was a master composer, the band was full of master players, and damn it -- I love jazz. Five out of five. Probably the best album I've listened to so far. Side note: most people (rightfully) bring a lot of attention to Paul Gonsalves' stratospheric solo, but honestly all of the improv across the entire album is exceptional. Fave songs: The whole concert. Everything. Literally can't pick.

Mostly decent, just not for me. Felt sort of forgettable, and as I've said before, just not a big fan of the new-wave-David-Bowie thing. I don't know. I guess I liked it more than I thought I would? Fave songs: - Dumb Waiters - I Wanna Sleep With You - Into You Like a Train - All of This and Nothing

Hooooooly crapfest man. Jesus Christ. I always really reeeeeeeally try to give each album a chance. Give them their due. And I was seriously close to liking this at times. When you eventually settle into the groove, and you see some girl strutting exactly with the beat outside the window of the bus, like, hell yeah man. But damn those moments are rare. I am not a raver. I do not like listening to 2+ hours of the Apple Logic Rave Preset Starter Pack. Fave songs: - Song of Life - Open Up But also all of this sounds the same man, let’s be real

Street lamps. Rain. Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. Lust. Hate. Virtuosity. Cacophony. Beauty. Mental breakdown, vintage style.

Really pleasant listen. Obviously I'm a big fan of jazz, so this one hits -- the one thing I'll say though, is that this kind of feels like a "cocktail party jazz album." Something you'd put on in the background over a nice dinner to look sophisticated. I'm not a huge fan of any album that fades itself into the background -- to me it's generally a sign of fewer risks taken, staying safe and comfortable at the expense of something groundbreaking -- so for that reason it loses a star. Fave songs: - Desafinado - Samba Triste - Samba De Uma Noto So - E Luxo So - Bahia

This was really nice -- this is a perfect example of why I wish we could do half star ratings on this site. Total perfect example of a 3.5 for me. It's really good. Not one I'd return to super often, but fun and easy listening. Not much else to say. Fave songs: - Welcome To The Working Week - Miracle Man - Blame It On Cain - Alison - (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - Pay It Back - I'm Not Angry - Watching The Detectives

I was expecting this to blow my mind, but honestly, it didn't leave much of an impact. My main thing is -- I've always heard people unequivocally say that Jimi Hendrix was probably the best guitarist to ever live. But then, his solos on this album are just...fine? Sort of forgettable, not very emotional, all kind of the same? I'm not doubting his musicianship, I guess I just don't get the hype. It's a pretty normal psychedelic rock album, which is neat, but not the best thing since sliced bread. Lastly: why is Watchtower the most famous song here? It seems like a fine radio hit, nothing miraculous. Maybe this is a hot take, but I don't even think it's in the top three songs of this album. Fave songs: - Voodoo Chile - Long Hot Summer Night - Gypsy Eyes - All Along the Watchtower - Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)

Not a huge fan of reggae or ska. But then, I was vibing. But then, it kept going. This would be good mindless music if I was stoned on the beach. In fact, it would be really good for that. But I don't like mindless music, and I don't get stoned. So. Fave songs: Every single one sounds the same. Sorry. "Concrete Jungle" is cool though.

Oh, Tom. My sweet, sweet Tom. Who gave you a career in music, my friend? Who listened to you push out a constipated duke in the stall next to them and thought, "hey, maybe that noise would lend itself to music?" Lowkey, he is sexy as fuck on that album cover. And lowkey, his voice makes me want to blow my brains across the car Pulp Fiction style. Sweet Tom. Please end my pain. Fave songs: - In Shades (no Tom singing, of course) - Downtown (kind of a vibe)

Albums like this one are why I love doing this -- I've never even sort of heard of J5, but this is easily one of the best hip-hop albums I've ever listened to. The pockets are deep, the lyrics are genius, and the music is just a damn vibe to listen to. Huge, huge fan of this. Fave songs: Basically everything, maybe not "Hey" or "I Am Somebody"

I can get down with the headbang. I didn't mind this, and it was actually a lot of fun to listen to -- but after a while it all starts to sound the same, and it can really wear you down. Pretty generic thrash metal album -- kind of wish there was something more distinctive about it if it's gonna be on this list. Side note: fucking A+ awesome album cover. Metal covers are always the bomb. Fave songs: - Desperate Cry - Subtraction - Altered State - Orgasmatron (lmfao) - Intro (Arise Sessions) - C.I.U. (Criminals in Uniform)

Serious question: what's up with guys in music with the timbre of a garbage disposal who can't hold a fucking tune deciding to front a band? Secondary question: what's up with the fanbases who somehow encourage and actively support this shit? Tertiary question: how the fuck does their work end up on a list of awesome-tactic albums you should waste your time listening to before the merciful release of death? Fuck you David Byrne. Fave songs: - - -

Was expecting to despise this. Turns out I did not. At a couple points, my body just started moving. Is this what tripping on molly at a rave in Oslo feels like? Maybe I can like electronica, and maybe all it'll take is a couple of cutie pie Norwegian goofballs. Fave songs: - So Easy - Eple - Sparks - A Higher Place - Röyksopp's Night Out

Clearly I'm missing something obvious here. Because what the actual fuck. Whaaaaat a suck fest. Were they all taking their first music lessons on the same day? And someone hit record? Looks like someone accidentally plugged their guitar into a toaster. Oh, and by the way, Lou Reed can't sing for shit. Oh, and by the way, Nico can't sing for shit. I return to -- what the fuck am I missing here? Fave songs: - Sunday Morning - Femme Fatale - Heroin - I'll Be Your Mirror

My god, what a gem. Just beautiful music. A ridiculously beautiful voice -- and to think she wrote all these herself. This album is a testament to her mastery, even so early in her career. I admit I've fallen prey to the common tagline: "I'll listen to anything but country!" Boy does this one make me eat my words. Thanks Dolly. Fave songs: The whole album.

Very cool listen. Gotta respect when a band with the clout of The Beach Boys decides to try something new and undefined -- and, they do it well. I don't think it's perfect, but it's very unique and very solid. Fave songs: - Don't Go Near The Water - Long Promised Road - Take A Load Off Your Feet - Student Demonstration Time (side note: why does everyone hate this?? It's kind of a total vibe???) - Lookin' At Tomorrow - Surf's Up

Man, this was a lot of fun. Definitely enjoyed this more than My Aim Is True, and I think this one really showcases what made Elvis Costello great. It's fun, retro, and a total team effort. Freaking awesome cover art. Fave songs: - Beyond Belief - Tears Before Bedtime - Shabby Doll - Man Out Of Time - Human Hands - Little Savage - Pidgin English - Town Cryer

One of my mom's favorite albums. One of my uncle's favorite albums. So, it's always been one of my favorites, too. Literally just seeing the cover art made my heart skip. I fucking love this one. Easily in my top three rock albums, ever. Neil Peart: greatest rock drummer in history. Geddy Lee: perhaps the greatest rock bassist in history. Alex Lifeson: also there. Drags a little with "The Camera Eye" and "Vital Signs" doesn't do much for me. But this is probably the strongest side A in any rock album I've listened to to date. Fave songs: - Tom Sawyer - Red Barchetta - YYZ - Limelight - Witch Hunt

To be honest, I didn't get a chance to listen too closely to this one, but I think I'm okay with that. How much fucking new wave is on this list? It's all kind of the same? Just a stumble away from pop? This was okay. Some good ones. I guess I'm not a Sting fan. Fave songs: - Synchronicity I - Synchronicity II - Every Breath You Take - Murder By Numbers

I really love Rush, but this one didn't quite stand out to me. I think I liked the opener, but at 20 minutes, it's so damn hard to keep track of. And, the tracks afterward feel sort of simple, or maybe sedated, for what Rush is capable of. What I will say, is Geddy Lee's voice has never sounded better to me. Jesus he can get up there. All in all, not one I'll likely return to that often. Fave songs: - There were lots of moments in here that rocked, but I just can't be asked to go back and hunt for what they were. It was good though. - The Twilight Zone - Lessons - Something For Nothing

At three goddamn hours this little chestnut took me a fair share of days to chunk through. But every single time I got to go back to it...bliss. I'm biased here. I love jazz. I love Ella. I love musical theatre. I love the Gershwins. So, obviously I'm going to fucking love this thing. Fantastic arrangements, unbelievably varied and consistently effortless singing by Ms. Fitzgerald, and source song material that's thoughtful and - in my view - never, ever gets old. It's a dream come true, and love is in the air. Fave songs: Nope. It's the whole damn book. A couple fell flat, but who gives a fuck.

Extremely pleasant listen. Total Beatles vibes, but still unique and lovely. Maybe not the most standout album, but this was really wonderful to listen to. Fave songs: The whole album, perhaps maybe not "Butcher's Tale"

Not my favorite Stones album by a long shot. One word comes to mind while listening: sedated. They're talented musicians, and it's a legendary band, so what happened here? It's still good, still an enjoyable listen, but it just kind of...sits there. And doesn't move. Fave songs: Again, it's bizarre because -- I really enjoyed basically every song on this album (save for maybe Jigsaw Puzzle). But as a whole, it's just sort of decent to me at best.

There are some really great songs on this record. Also a lot of mildly-decent-at-best. And what with Van Morrison being kind of a twat, I'm not feeling super generous. Two stars. The saxophone was nice until it wasn't. Fave songs: - And It Stoned Me - Moondance - Crazy Love - Into the Mystic

It's like they're trying to sound bad. Like really fucking bad. Like the opposite of music, whatever that is. No actually, this is what that is. They nailed it. Jesus fucking Christ this is the worst album I may have ever listened to. How do people like this shit? Just fucking burn me at the stake man. Is there a point to sounding like a broken answering machine? Are you trying to defy the music industry? Are you upset at the music industry because they told you what a piece of shit you were? Are you retaliating by being an even bigger piece of shit? Actually the biggest piece of shit imaginable? Fuck you Mark E. Smith. And fuck your stupid fucking middle initial. Fave songs: Fuck you.

This album really forced me to stretch my ears -- I don't usually listen to lyrics too intently. If an album is musically strong, chances are I'll like it. Here, to be perfectly honest, the music itself is really good -- but kind of just good. Nothing too extraordinary there. But when you do listen to the lyrics, mother of god. These cats were cooking man. The flow, the references, the material...solid, solid album. Fave songs: Whole album, but I gotta say: "No Woman, No Cry" is for sure my least favorite song here. Not what I was expecting.

Uhm. Mr. Jacques "Strap" Brel has a decent enough voice, but I think this album is just a little bit too froofy-goofy for me. Fave song: - Tango funèbre (only because of those silly ass noises this man is making. What in the French hell)

That one fucking guy from your high school who tried to sell you his demo CD for $10. Before eventually dropping out. And then 6 years later you look him up on Facebook to see what the fuck happened to him. He's opening for someone else at a pop-up dive bar cabaret in Fort Collins. He also works a day job as an assistant manager at Buc-ee's. Fave songs:

Ah hell, what the fuck do I give this one. Disco is probably in nobody's top-three genres -- MJ makes it fun. There are some total ass-burgers on this album ("Girlfriend", "She's Out of My Life"...) -- "Don't Stop" is a paradigm-shifting, ultra-groovy album-opening masterpiece. MJ was a cock -- also the King of Pop. Is it a 3 or a 4? I'm going with 4 for now. You won this time, Mikey. Fave songs: - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Workin' Day and Night - Get on the Floor - I Can't Help It - Burn This Disco Out No, I didn't include Rock With You. I think it's dated and boring. Sue me.

I really liked listening to this. I think an older version of me would have especially appreciated the indie vibe here (it's a good one) but perhaps my tastes are shifting. Positive listen. Fave songs: - Quiet Heart - The Devil's Eye - Streets of Your Town - Was There Anything I Could Do? - I'm All Right

This is a lot closer to the kind of punk music I can dig. Solid music, interesting lyrics, fun vibe. Unfortunately a little bit homogenous -- yet another one of those where it kind of just immediately fades away in my memory once it ends. But I liked it! Fave songs: - I'm so Bored with the U.S.A. - White Riot - 48 Hours

There's something here man. I can't quite say what yet. It's weird. Really weird. Like a weirder Genesis, which really just made me want to listen to Genesis. But there's something here. Maybe it's just wacko. But, maybe it's brilliant? Who decides what avant-garde music is good? And how do they decide that? What makes John Coltrane perfect -- and Robert Wyatt just another goober? Not a final rating. Fave songs: - Little Red Riding Hood Hit The Road (1 & 2) - Alifib

Drags a small bit with the ballads. But who gives a fuck. Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower Of Power occupy an almost completely isolated echelon of the funk genre, and this album is the perfect example of why. You just can’t. Not. Move. Fave songs: - Shining Star - That’s the Way of the World - Happy Feeling - Yearnin’ Learnin’ - Africano - See the Light

Beautiful. What an incredible talent Ms. Makeba was. I wish I knew more about apartheid, and African history in general. Obviously this isn’t an album I’ll return to every day, but it’s masterful and emotional and perfect for what it is. Side note: I love on an older record like this hearing her clip the mic when she sings most passionately. Nothing like it. Fave songs: Whole album, maybe not One More Dance — the fuck?

I liked this more than I thought I would, and evidently more than a lot of people do. Granted, the millennial experimentalism eventually kind of wore me down. But also, it’s very neat, and there are some beautiful tracks here. Happy to have listened to it. Fave songs: - Cannibal Resource - Temecula Surprise - The Bride - Two Doves - Remade Horizon

My God. This is right up my alley. It’s long, it’s splashy, but it’s also damn fucking good. By my money, there’s a strange mystical beauty to the production, even though a lot of people don’t seem to care for it. Incredible songwriting and musicianship, and unbelievably ahead of its time. Mr. Harrison, you are quite the solo artist.

Woah. This was very cool. Extremely unique. Indie rock meets Mexican house meets flamenco meets pop? Who even thinks to put these things together? But boy, does it work. Another reminder of why I like doing this project. Fave songs: - Quattro - World Drifts In - Black Heart - Pepita - Not Even Stevie Nicks... - Close Behind - Attack El Robot! Attack! - Across The Wire - Dub Latina - Güero Canelo - Whipping the Horse's Eyes - Crumble - No Doze

I love Elvis. Always have, always will. Personally I'm the biggest fan of his '68 Comeback Era, and although I love the early stuff, I even feel like the best of that era perhaps comes a touch later. That being said, this is still so solid and so fun. If I was a young person back in the 50s, I would be creaming my pants over this man. One of the greatest performers to ever live. It's simple, but it's important, and it's damn good. Side note: listening to those goofy excuses for guitar solos on these old tunes always makes me laugh. They really thought they were doing something, huh?

No wonder this album gets hate — when half the list is classic rock and new wave and it’s written exclusively for English toots who grew up in the 70s, indie folk probably makes most of these numbnuts want to choke a liberal. High school me would have eaten this shit up. Current me still mostly does. Pretty beautiful. Wonderful guitar work. Interesting songwriting. Very enjoyable listen.

I liked this. Clearly this was a groundbreaking album, and it's very cool to hear both where they were coming from (Beach Boys pop) and where they were going (legitimate hard rock). It wasn't the most interesting or exciting album, but I enjoyed it and I can see myself liking more by The Who going forward. Respect. Fave songs: - Out In The Street - The Good's Gone - Much Too Much - My Generation - The Kids Are Alright - I'm A Man - I Can't Explain - Bald Headed Woman - Shout And Shimmy - Instant Party Mixture - Leaving Here - Lubie (Come Back Home) - (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave - Motoring

I should hate this. It's everything I've ever claimed to stand against in music: repetitive, simplistic, radio-friendly, and as long as I've heard Billy Joe Armstrong, I've hated that stupid fucking stuffy-nose voice. But it was awesome. All of those things above are true, but also if you turn the volume up to 11, I could win any fucking bar fight in the whole front range. Vibes. Fave songs: - Burnout - Having a Blast - Chump - Longview - Welcome to Paradise - Basket Case - She - Coming Clean - In the End - F.O.D. - All by Myself

Lmao this was fun. 3 stars, fuck it. Fire work, Mr. Lo. Fave songs: - The Art Of Noise - Living Again - I'll Be Around - I Am Selling Soul - All Day Love Affair - Glockappella - Let's Stay Together