215
Albums Rated
2.91
Average Rating
20%
Complete
874 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
UK
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
10
5-Star Albums
16
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
|
5 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
|
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
|
5 | 3.44 | +1.56 |
|
1984
Van Halen
|
5 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
|
Machine Head
Deep Purple
|
5 | 3.58 | +1.42 |
|
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
|
5 | 3.64 | +1.36 |
|
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
|
5 | 3.74 | +1.26 |
|
Ten
Pearl Jam
|
5 | 3.91 | +1.09 |
|
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
|
4 | 2.95 | +1.05 |
|
Mott
Mott The Hoople
|
4 | 2.95 | +1.05 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Score
Fugees
|
1 | 3.69 | -2.69 |
|
Illmatic
Nas
|
1 | 3.6 | -2.6 |
|
Stankonia
OutKast
|
1 | 3.55 | -2.55 |
|
Be
Common
|
1 | 3.35 | -2.35 |
|
The College Dropout
Kanye West
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
|
1 | 3.16 | -2.16 |
|
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
|
1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
|
Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
|
1 | 3.01 | -2.01 |
|
Future Days
Can
|
1 | 3 | -2 |
5-Star Albums (10)
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Popular Reviews
Ryan Adams · 2 likes
2/5
Felt like a by the numbers country rock album. Not familiar with Ryan Adams but can't say that Gold would get me listening to any more of his albums.
Fela Kuti · 1 likes
3/5
Interesting afrobeats trance-like album with quite a James Brown vibe and even a touch of Miles Davis. Ginger's inclusion seems a bit promotional, even though he plays on every track, as Africa 70 already had a very capable drummer in Tony Allen. Some great rhythms and feel even if it is hard to identify songs with 3 of the 4 tracks over the 10 minute mark. Quite fun to listen to as I had never heard before.
The Mamas & The Papas · 1 likes
3/5
Very polished album with some great harmonies from '66 with California Dreaming and Monday Monday. A great example of sunshine pop.
Jamiroquai · 1 likes
2/5
Sounds like a funked up version of Simply Red at times. Hugely popular on release and some good dance tunes on this debut LP. The longer tracks seem very long but the shifts from jazz to funk work well.
1-Star Albums (16)
All Ratings
CHIC
3/5
Two standout tracks, Le Freak and I Want Your Love and while the rest of the album contains some polished disco cuts and ballads that will get folks moving I can't say they are that memorable. Difficulty genre to make an album out of but this is a pretty good standard and the playing or Rodgers and Edwards is top notch. Worth a listen.
Funkadelic
3/5
Some choice funky grooves masterminded by George Clinton with some meaty driving bass lines courtesy of Bootsy Collins. Fun song titles some of which are nearly prog running times I can see why this album did well even if it's not for me. The funk rock fusion is fun, the title track is the standout and Cholly ends the album on a high note.
The Beach Boys
4/5
I own this one. Great album, some classic tracks, wonderful production and those harmonies. Seems quite ahead of it's time for 1966. A couple of filler tracks but it really it really captures a sound for that generation. Top stuff. 4.5/5
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Nice selection of country rock n' roll cuts mostly written by John Fogerty although what possessed CCR to do an 11 minute version of Heard It Through The Grapevine seems a bit off theme, even it is as a fair interpretation. Who'll Stop The Rain, Ramble Table and Up Around The Bend are standouts from Cosmo's Factory. 3/5
The Kinks
3/5
Another disc I own. This is a very English records with a set of songs that seemed just right for the time, you can see how it influenced bands that followed like XTC. Almost seems like a Ray Davies concept album all quite consistently good even if there are no real bangers on this one. 3.5/5
Peter Gabriel
4/5
I bought this back when it was released in '85 and this was Peter Gabriel's most successful and commercial album. Really hit MTV hard with a great accompanying videos for Sledgehammer and Big Time. Excellent supporting musicians too with Levin's bass really driving this record. Hardly a bad track in sight. So that's a 4.5/5 from me
Kraftwerk
3/5
Electronica isn't my thing but this album is a bit more inventive and less repetitive than many I have heard. It's also a Kraftwerk album that strays into pop and dance which is probably why it influenced many bands and to some extent the shortly lived new romantic era here in the UK. Pretty good lift music I suppose 3/5.
The Jam
4/5
Weller's songwriting grew up on All Mod Cons which is a bit of a Jam classic even if seems like a big nod to Ray Davies/The Kinks. Pretty consistent and some great singles like A Bomb In Wardour Street and Down in The Tube Station. Cutting stuff for 1978. 4/5
4/5
Not the best Beatles album but a heady mix of psychedelia, whimsy and some good pop songs, led mostly by McCartney, adds up to an experimental statement that worked out quite well. 4/5
Gene Clark
3/5
Nice mix or country and soft LA rock off an album I've never heard. Good Sunday afternoon music. At times feels more like arrangements that songs but was worth the listen.
TV On The Radio
3/5
Interesting mix of vocal rhythms, loops, guitars and keys make for an unusual album that is hard to pigeonhole and it's much broader than their indie rock label. Takes a few listens to appreciate which perhaps isn't a good sign but it is worth the effort. Halfway Home, Dancing Choose and DLZ stood out for me 3/5.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3/5
Best reggae album ever.....probably but then I don't listen to many.
Christina Aguilera
2/5
Aguilera turns to that big band sound as she echoes the James, Holiday, Franklin era. Clearly she has a great singing voice but I really didn't find anything that memorable on this double album 2/5
George Jones
2/5
A voice made for Country music but just not for me. Includes a duet with the soon to be ex Tammy Wynette on Our Private Life.
Leonard Cohen
1/5
Quite a tentative vocal performance from Cohen who really isn't my cup of tea.
The Pogues
3/5
If you like your Celtic jig then this is the Pogues album to get as you'll only need one. Has the famed duet with McColl that is now on most Xmas compilations. Lillywhite did a good job getting this performance from the group.
Paul Simon
3/5
Haven't listened to this album much since '86 but it was fun dusting it off. Still remember the Chevy Chase video for Al. Nice mix of rhythms and sounds with so great bass and even a touch of zydeco. Brave experimental album with some nice tracks.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Top big band jazz album that really swings if that's your thing. The band sound great but the man behind the scenes, Neal Hefti, who did the composing and arranging on most of the tracks definitely deserves the name check on the cover. Feels a bit like music for films and tv at times.
Simon & Garfunkel
2/5
Interesting mix of songs. Mrs Robinson made famous by the movie but this seems like an album for its time rather than one that endures so I wasn't that taken with it.
1/5
Listen, I will play zis only once! Experimental thrash fusion jazz with barely a melody in earshot. It might be your favourite migraine but it ain't mine.
Boston
2/5
I would class myself as a classic rock listener but I never really got this album. For all it's pioneering of that area rock sound and the massive amount of airplay on American FM rock radio, More Than A Feeling is the only really memorable song. Maybe the polished production sort of polished the soul out of this album, probably why I never bought it back in '76.
Portishead
3/5
Sounds like this could be music for a film noir or maybe that's just the clever used Lalo Schifrin sample on a stand out track, Sour Times. The album is a mix of pop, tech-hop, indie and electronica which grows with repeated listening. Beth Gibbons voice is really good too.
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
This album has its moments and creates some interesting soundscapes rather than songs. It it is definitely a grower but I suspect as I prefer the Cash version of Hurt this is never going to be a classic for me.
Guided By Voices
3/5
This album feels like a bit of a demo tape and that's no just because of the 28 tracks or because it was recorded on a 4 track tape but if just because if seems full of some pop/rock hits and misses. I actually like the short format songs that GBV are famed for and this is probably one of their better albums. Work going along for the ride.
The Fall
2/5
One of The Fall's better albums but still not a band for me. Never really got the Manc angst
Foo Fighters
3/5
A Dave Grohl solo album in all but name but this set the tone for FF and all that followed. I liked the singles on this one, This I A Call, I'll Stick Around, Big Me and For All The Cows. Likeable album but the Foos went on to write better
The Offspring
3/5
Remember my kids listening to this album. Quite liked the singles, Self Esteem, Come Out And Play and Gotta Get Away which had a touch of Nirvana. The rest of the album is a bit punk pop meets Metallica in an average kind of way.
Black Sabbath
4/5
The 4th album with the band at the controls sounds a bit sludgier than their previous ones but still some great tracks like Supernaut, Snowblind and Under The Sun. Maybe the drugs were taking over a bit too but still some nice cuts here
Elton John
3/5
Classic Elton, Great mix of songs
Carole King
4/5
Not my usual album but this is a really well written and sung collection of tracks that are pretty timeless. Pop verging on jazz at times with some really strong songs like It's Too Late, A Natural Woman. I Feel The Earth Move and Will You Love Me Tomorrow.
Motörhead
3/5
The title track is a classic but the rest of the album never quite lives up to it. Decent production and the band are clearly performing at a high level but I think Overkill edges this one and strangely Bomber has a couple more stand out tracks. I have the 12" single but not the album which maybe sums it up but it is still worth hearing.
Van Halen
5/5
Another album I bought at the time. Contains a great pop song, Jump, and catches the band on the crest of their wave. Lots of fun and great to hear hard rock n' roll with some swing.
Radiohead
3/5
Not my fave Radiohead album, even though I have a copy, but not a bad collection of tracks. Plenty of mood pieces, guitars and electronica means there is something for everyone. Maybe that is the flaw here, trying to please the whole fanbase.
k.d. lang
2/5
Classic 50's/60's Nashville with the k.d.lang take on an album of cover tunes. She has a good voice for the genre and I am sure this will evoke Opry memories from the era of Cline and Lee. Not really my thing but well made and sung.
Joanna Newsom
2/5
Not an artist I've heard of before so this was new. A sort of prog folk album with some very long songs. A bit inaccessible but some pleasant passages in many of the songs. Just not for me.
Fatboy Slim
1/5
Electronica with plenty of sampling makes for a good dance/clubbing album. Sounds Prodigy like in places without the vocals. Doubt I will listen to this ever again
Fela Kuti
3/5
Interesting afrobeats trance-like album with quite a James Brown vibe and even a touch of Miles Davis. Ginger's inclusion seems a bit promotional, even though he plays on every track, as Africa 70 already had a very capable drummer in Tony Allen. Some great rhythms and feel even if it is hard to identify songs with 3 of the 4 tracks over the 10 minute mark. Quite fun to listen to as I had never heard before.
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
2/5
Some psychedelic folk/rock with country tinges from Canda's own Syd Barrett. Not an album or artist I'd heard of before. Some interesting pieces but not a record I could really get into.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
2/5
You can probably trace genres like Britpop and Shoegaze to this album which is quite a mix of sounds. Just Like Honey works for me and Never Understand would be good if the tinnitus guitars were removed so a mixed bag really. Wanted to like more but got a bit fed up with it.
Gorillaz
3/5
Brit-pop meets hip-hop. Interesting blend of music, more background than dedicated listening but this is a fun album. Clint Eastwood is burnt in for me as it was played endlessly on many road trips with the kids so this CD has some good memories too.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
Some nice early Neil Young tracks and not a bad album for the time and the fact that the line up seemed to change quite a lot. Some folk. country as well as more straightforward rock make it probably the best of the few BS records
Nas
1/5
Nope
Aphex Twin
2/5
A mixed bag for me. Some nice background soundscapes at times but mostly tiresome. I'd imagine this is the sort of album an AI would pick.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Doesn't really sound like a VU album as it has more of a folk, even country vice at times. What Goes On and Beginning to See The Light sound more like it and are my fave tracks. The Murder Mystery is the token psychedelic cut but as a whole this isn't my fave VU album.
The Yardbirds
3/5
First album with Beck and Page on finds a collection of tracks which don't quite hold up to the singles that came earlier. Some great blues/rock on Over, Under, Sideways, Down and He's Always That and some psychedelia on Happenings Ten Years Time Ago. Just not consistent enough to be a great album but definitely worth a listen.
The Go-Betweens
3/5
Easy to listen to album from an 80's Aussie pop band. Remembered the single Streets Of Your Your Town and while I wouldn't go out and buy the album it is worth a listen.
Talking Heads
3/5
Lots of minor key use on the 3rd Talking Heads album which is a bit of a mixed bag. I like the experimental rhythms of I Zimba and Life During Wartime is up there with some of the best TH cuts. Heaven has to rank as one of the most melodic songs Byrne wrote with a bit of a nod to Bowie. Worth a listen.
The Prodigy
2/5
Electropunk album from The Prodigy hits harder than a workout. I felt I needed strobe lights to really appreciate this and that would make for the perfect tiring listen. For all its energy there is a lot of repetition with the genre which I am not that fond of, but this album is a good take on it.
Fugees
1/5
Proof that you can't kill a good song even if the covers of Killing Me Softly With HIs Song and No Woman, No Cry really give it a go. The rest of the album is worse. Should have skipped this one 1/5
Beatles
3/5
A mixed bag of a Beatles album but still some seminal tracks from Fab Four. Helter Skelter is about as heavy and it gets, Back In The USSR is a fun Beach Boys send up, some lively ballads like Dear Prudence and Julia and we even get some Harrison songs with My Guitar Gently weeps. No real theme to this record but they could do what they like by their 9th release. 3.5/5
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Great mix of songs on this Aretha album and it has the Redding classic Respect which is a couple of stars by itself. Really strong vocal performance that makes this album really worth a few listens.
Fats Domino
3/5
Rock n' roll from the big easy. The most memorable version of Blueberry Hill and so other tracks that influenced the likes of Presley, The Stones and Zeppelin. Worth a listen.
The Pretty Things
3/5
Interesting album from Sidcup lads The Pretty Things. A rock opera that bridges British blues and psychedelia and makes an early bid for the prog space. Good mix of songs reminiscent of early Floyd and late Beatles. Enjoyed listening to this one as hadn't heard before.
Kanye West
1/5
Could be the greatest rapper ever but just sounds like an album full of ramblings. Not for me this one.
4/5
Debates rage about the best Oasis album but this is right up there with their debut, swapping a more polished, grander production for their initial rawness. I think it works as you get more light and shade here and a pretty good collection of songs with only the odd low spot.
Marianne Faithfull
2/5
While I like her worn vocal style I thought this dance rock outing by Faithfull was pretty bland.
Tears For Fears
5/5
One of the great pop/rock albums of the 80's A great set of singles of this LP and a hidden gem in The Working Hour which never gets as much airplay as the hits. Top stuff from this duo who are still going.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Dance pop/rock debut with plenty of catchy hooks. A bit post psychedelic and an album that the band could never quite match.
Elliott Smith
3/5
Nice album by the late Elliott Smith where he takes his raw indie folk (a bit like Nick Drake) into the fuller production sound of a Beatles or Beach Boys, such was his like of that era. Good songwriter and this album definitely worth a listen as I hadn't heard it all before.
Aerosmith
3/5
MTV rock n'roll. Never really got on with Steve Tyler's vocals which is why I never got into Aerosmith. Good loud blues rock but ultimately the songs are forgettable even if the Love In A Elevator harmony chorus sticks
Fleetwood Mac
3/5
I think the band must have been feeling pressure after Rumours which is why they maybe went for a "White Album" next. There is a single albums worth of very good songs and Nick's voice is on top form. Worth a listen.
Deep Purple
5/5
Best Deep Purple album and even if the live versions of these songs have even more energy this release had the band at their best. Maybe the ordeal of writing/recording the songs added to their impact. Great stuff.
John Martyn
2/5
Martyn shifts from his folk/rock roots into a more commercial pop sound and even experiments with dub on this album. Full of mood swings and is a record you can chill out to but ultimately it is pretty forgettable.
Bob Dylan
5/5
The pivotal Dylan album is a really good set of songs and I like the shift to blues rock while retaining the folk lyric themes. His voice is on great form and while then Byrds sort of made Mr Tamborine man theirs the Dylan original is good too. His voice is great too and this is definitely a Dylan record worth having.
Common
1/5
More rambling over hip hop beats and soul backing tracks. Just not my cup of tea.
3/5
Can't think of any other debut albums that were recorded live but that was actually a smart move as it really captured the power of the band. An album to be played at 11.
Everything But The Girl
3/5
Mellow sophist-pop which veers towards jazz at times. Nice cover of I Don't Want To Talk About it. Has a small club feel to the album and is an easy listen with Thorn's voice at its most melodic
Stan Getz
3/5
Bossa nova played by American jazz musicians was quite pioneering in '62 and while this doesn't quite get the adulation of the Getz/Gilberto album that followed 2 years later it is a really good example of the form. Nice to see Getz a bit restrained as that makes him more melodic than full on avant garde. Well worth a listen.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
4/5
A more accessible pop album from EC&TA which was big at school in '79. Some very catchy singles in Accidents Will Happen and Oliver's Army with nice layered melodies. A good listen this one.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Most commercially successful KOL album, partly down to the 2 big singles, Sex On Fire and Use Somebody. The recording came hard on the heels of Because Of The Times which was more garage rock as this had more of an arena rock tone, like U2 at times. Still enjoyable and probably one of the band's best outings
U2
4/5
Probably that last really good U2 album. They swapped America for Europe and came up with quite a varied set of tracks from gritty to melodic and this packed a lot of hit singles too. The Fly really cuts through and So replaced 40 as their live closer. I liked revisiting this one.
Beatles
4/5
Definitely one of the best Beatles album. Great mix of pop tunes plus a bit of experimentaiton too that holds together better than the White Album. A great re-listen.
Wilco
3/5
Wilco became Chicago's answer to Radiohead with this release which was much more layered and creative than their earlier outings, even if this was the last for the Tweedy/Bennett collaboration. Worth a listen.
Arrested Development
2/5
Vocal album with a mix of backing tracks and some interesting lyrical moments make this a bit more than your average rap LP. Still not my cup of tea.
Radiohead
4/5
Radiohead dives into electronica on this LP which is probably why I still put OK, Computer ahead of it. Still a very layered and musical album with some great tracks that still feature in their live set. Everything In It's Right Place and Optimistic standout for me on this one.
James Brown
3/5
Great snapshot of James Brown from 1962 which he actually had to fund himself! Really captures the power of his live performance. Not heard before so was worth the listen.
Simply Red
3/5
Good collection of RnB/pop songs with a couple of big single hits. Probably not bettered by them since.
Spiritualized
3/5
A more rock orientated album by Spiritualised which is a definite plus for me as I hadn't heard before. Some shades of early Floyd at times and good use of Gospel Choir to give it a very expansive feel. Interesting if a little avant garde.
Hugh Masekela
3/5
South African twist on soul/jazz with some very melodic trumpet playing makes for a relaxing album. More arrangements than songs with some clocking in at 10 minutes, nevertheless a pleasant listen and not a record I had heard before.
R.E.M.
3/5
Quite an accessible album from R.E.M with a mix of guitar rock and pop alongside the more folk and experimental ideas. Makes it an odd album to listen to thematically but I do like about half the songs and the record is a grower too.
Beck
3/5
Started listening to Beck later in his career so it is interesting to revisit Odelay. Eclectic mix of songs with some great singles make this a fun album to listen to. I think he has done better but this is pretty good.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
An album of funky, catch songs that captured the mood of the early 70's lyrically. Great songwriting for the genre.
Queen Latifah
1/5
Another album of babbling full of 80's disco and hip hop beats. Not for me.
Beatles
3/5
Like a lot of bands in this era these albums had a lot of covers mixed with some original songs. You can see how their sound was developing and the take they had on these tracks. Enjoyable second album.
Neu!
2/5
Second album of electronica from Neu, a band which influenced many others in the genre. I'd heard the odd track before off this one but the album works as whole. Interesting soundscape rather than a compelling one.
Can
1/5
Some lengthy intensive, improvised grooves from Can just don't really do it for me. The wide musical influences are interesting/quirky but aren't enough to make songs, which usually isn't the point of avant garde or experimental music.
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Captures the mood of the early seventies with some great vocals and arrangements. The title track is still the standout for me on a very soulful album.
Prince
4/5
Bold mix of genres with some big hits. Hard to think of a of an experimental type of album being more commercially successful. Well worth revisiting 41 years later.
Bon Jovi
2/5
This album took hair metal mainstream. A bit too rock radio friendly for my taste but commercially very successful. A couple of catchy singles but still wouldn't make into my collection.
Sufjan Stevens
2/5
An album that has the feel of looking through holiday snapshots. A mix of indie pop, folk and mini orchestral pieces that sort of gel into a theme, Illinois in this case. I doubt this is a record that gets much repeated listening but I guess when Sufjan is planning to make 48 of them that won't be a problem. OK-ish
Arctic Monkeys
3/5
Debut album from Sheffield guitar band Arctic Monkeys has a nice early rawness reminiscent of the Strokes and Oasis. Some good singles with plenty of simple hooks make this a bit of a rocker. Worth checking out.
Buena Vista Social Club
4/5
Lovely collection of Cuban music puts you in the heart of Havana. Some great rhythms, melodies and aged vocals with beautiful authentic production work by Ry Cooder to capture the live feel. An atmospheric and emotional album that's well worth a listen.
David Gray
3/5
Well crafted set of songs with easly listening arrangements make for a relaxing album. Gray's vocal isn't quite in crooner territory and has an edge to it which keeps your listening. Nice record and worth a listen
Frank Sinatra
3/5
Swing verging on pop with some great melodies and arrangements and of course Frank's voice. Great tone and made a change from the more ballad heavy albums of that era. Not the best album title ever but worth a listen
Madness
3/5
This album seemed to mark the change from being a singles band to a album one even though Our House was as big hit which stands the test of time. Quite a mix of music on this record some of which is a bit downbeat. Was never a fan of the band but this album was worth a listen or two.
The Doors
3/5
A more back to basics Doors album that mixes blues, jazz and psychedelia. Roadhouse Blues must be one of the most covered tracks and while this is a Doors record I haven't heard much it was worth the listen 55 years later.
Ryan Adams
2/5
Felt like a by the numbers country rock album. Not familiar with Ryan Adams but can't say that Gold would get me listening to any more of his albums.
Janis Joplin
3/5
Funky blues rock with Joplin's raspy powerful vocals makes for a fun listen. A few ballads too with more space for her voice than previous albums makes this one to listen to.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Not sure if being "written off" was the added impetus alongside break up but this was a return to form for Dylan and while it may not have had the influence of is 60's period it is still an emotional album that works. Maybe the not most upbeat but it is a must listen.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
This jazz album is given extra soul courtesy of Jimmy's hammond organ which adds that extra dimension. Makes for an easy listening record on a Sunday afternoon. Not one I had heard before but quite enjoyable with some great playing.
The Cars
4/5
Great mix of new wave pop/rock for this debut album by The Cars. Punchy songs with some great guitar makes this a must listen.
Mike Ladd
1/5
Neo American experimental hip-hop with a Gallic twist. Not for me though.
Willie Nelson
2/5
Campfire stories with Willie Nelson (which seemed to be a bit of a concept album back in '75) is a mixed bag and not one for me. Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain is probably the nicest track.
Blur
3/5
Not quite Park Life but up there as Blur's best recordings. The energy of Song 2 and a mixed bad of lo fi guitars and synths make for an interesting album and reflection of the 90's
New Order
3/5
Not an album I have heard before but quite a nice collection of electro pop with a couple of experimental tracks too. Worth a listen.
Travis
3/5
Melancholic medium drama guitar pop. Sounded a bit Coldplay in places but generally a listenable Travis album
Pink Floyd
5/5
First Pink Floyd album I bought which had a black plastic cover with a sticker back in the day. Terrific album which still sounds fresh all these years later. This deserves to be on the list.
Hookworms
2/5
Not a band I'd heard of and an odd choice for this list. The album is a mix of sounds and more electronica than the bands previous releases which I checked out. Interesting on initial listen but doesn't really improve, maybe a little too much experimentation for my taste
Giant Sand
2/5
Odd mix of country, Americana and indie didn't really grab me. Some of the vocals verge on spoken word at times. Never heard the band or album before but won't be seeking out any more
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Best Springsteen album, maybe. This does work better for me that many of his other albums and give a glimpse of his enduring appeal which is baffling to many. Definitely a must listen.
David Bowie
4/5
Who knew Post Pop began in '71? With Ronson more background and Wakeman's piano to the fore this is a real mix of styles but as an album it still works, surprisingly. Life On Mars and Changes still sound fresh today.
OutKast
1/5
Quite like a couple of OutKast's up tempo tunes like the later Hey Ya! but there's only B.O.B on this album that get close. Some nice funky grooves but mostly not my cuppa.
Femi Kuti
2/5
Son of Fela this is another afro-beats album full of catchy rhythms and a mix of funk and jazz melodies. The playing is fine and the songs are long and an interesting mixed bag of world music. Worth a listen but not a keeper.
The Police
5/5
More polished than their debut with the arrangements and songwriting up a notch too, even if a little less energetic. Message and Walking were great singles and album highlights, Regatta (instrumental) even got them a Grammy. Still sounds good today, probably one of their best LPs and well worth a listen.
Eric Clapton
2/5
Only 4 original tracks on this album was a surprise. A mix of rock, pop,blues and even a bit of country/r&b. Very middle of the road and his solo output doesn't match his band work. OK-ish.
Dagmar Krause
1/5
Could only find this on YouTube https://youtu.be/PkPvS85L998?si=EhYAku6mDeKdQS4Z Sounds like a soundtrack to a film, opera or even a comedy sketch in places. Quite like her vocal but not really my cup of tea.
Arcade Fire
3/5
Good mix of tunes on this AF album which I think is one of their better ones. Like the energy of Ready To Start.
David Bowie
3/5
Bowie displays his ability to jump genres yet again. Not my fave album but well worth a listen. Fame still and Changes still sound fresh 50 years later.
The Mamas & The Papas
3/5
Very polished album with some great harmonies from '66 with California Dreaming and Monday Monday. A great example of sunshine pop.
John Cale
3/5
An accessible John Cale album is an interesting experiment in its own right. Swapping abrasion for melody works here and some of the songs tells stories like some of those old Kinks tracks. Never heard before and not a bad listen.
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Killer debut album.
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
1/5
Seems like this album is trying to do a lot of innovation over classical melodies. Not something I will listen to again.
The Associates
2/5
An 80's album that passed me by and I don't think I missed much. Seems like the band trying to do an update of Sparks material from the previous decade.
Simon & Garfunkel
4/5
An album for its time at the end of the 60's that has played well with successive generations. Still a great listen. Who would have known it would be the duo's break up LP.
Ghostface Killah
1/5
Music for a boxing gym but just another rap album really.
Deerhunter
3/5
Interesting indie rock album from a band I hadn't head before. A mix of sounds from Strokes like rock to almost shoegaze. Grows with repeated listening.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Swinging jazz album which in '59 was quite pioneering for its use non standard time signatures. A very relaxing listen and Take Five and Blue Rondo sound like they've been in many a movie too.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3/5
Hard to believe this was the second of three CCR albums released in '69. I think this is the best of that bunch with shorter tracks and Fogerty at a creative peak. Bad Moon Rising was a hit single here in the UK too.
Killing Joke
3/5
I prefer later KJ material and while this was a fresh debut the tracks now sound a bit dated and the production quite raw. Some like staples like Requiem and Wardance still cut it and I like Complications but this LP fine rather than great.
Jamiroquai
2/5
Sounds like a funked up version of Simply Red at times. Hugely popular on release and some good dance tunes on this debut LP. The longer tracks seem very long but the shifts from jazz to funk work well.
Cat Stevens
2/5
Interesting mix of folk/pop with some standout tracks like Wild World and Father And Son. Worth a listen.
Donovan
3/5
I'd only heard the title track but this Donovan album is worth a listen. I prefer some of the more psychedelic tracks even thought Mickey Most seemed to want to produce a big bass sound on those. Blues Bert and Season Of The Witch are good but longer tracks ramble a bit.
Neil Young
3/5
Not a Young album I know but it seems to be the usual mix of country, folk and rock n' roll tunes. I liked the melancholy of Borrowed Tune and Lookout Joe rocks nicely. Never really understood the mega status of Young but he is a good songwriter and this album was worth a listen.
Morrissey
3/5
Morrissey's first solo outing after The Smiths worked out pretty well. Some strong tracks like Everyday Is Like A Sunday and Suedehead make this worth a listen.
The Cure
4/5
Mixed Cure album with a couple of bangers...100 Years and Hanging Garden. Doesn't have the polish of Disintegration but still worth a listen.
Rush
4/5
Breakthrough album for the band is a side of two halves. Classic prog rock side A with a concept and a couple of solid rock tracks side B. Probably not their best but undeniably their most important.
Saint Etienne
2/5
Interesting EuroPop rendition of Neil Young's Only Love Can Break your heart but the rest of the album is pretty forgettable mix of pop/dance/electronica. The 60's feel on Spring was ok.
Johnny Cash
3/5
This album relaunched Cash's career and was an interesting promotional concept. Recorded across 2 shows the same day it does capture his energy across a mix of mainly country songs. Not heard all the way through before and was worth a listed, even is a bit hyped by music critics.
Herbie Hancock
2/5
A wallpaper of funky jazz sounds with keys at the fore. Inventive but a bit dull.
System Of A Down
4/5
Smart debut by SOAD which packs a punch.
The Soft Boys
4/5
Only heard this album a few years back and it seems to be a forgotten gem from 1980. Mix of Beatles/Byrds and early Floyd/Velvet Underground makes for an interesting pop punk album with some catchy numbers . Well worth a listen.
Steely Dan
2/5
A well produced and well arranged jazz/pop album with some great vocal harmonies. Just doesn't seem to have any soul so a bit overrated for me.
Simple Minds
4/5
Really good album for SM before they went hits crazy with the mega follow up. Nice balance of guitar and synth on these tracks and Promised You A Miracle is a great pop single. Kerr's voice really strong on this LP too. Well worth a listen.
Manic Street Preachers
3/5
Nicely balanced album by the Manics which makes it one of their best even though the Richey disappearance happened during its making. Well worth a listen.
Fleet Foxes
3/5
A folk/classic rock hybrid with a splash of prog makes for an interesting if slightly long LP from the Foxes. One of those albums you might pull out occasionally especially of you like chiming melodies and harmonies. Worth a listen.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
An hour of improvised melodic jazz piano which only suffers a bit from repetition. Interesting back story that meant this album nearly never got made but it did and went on to be the top selling LP of all time for the solo piano genre. Never heard before and it was worth a listen although not sure I will play again. It did put me in mind of Guaraldi.
Tim Buckley
2/5
Dreamy but a bit dull folky/jazz album that I kept tuning out of.
Oasis
3/5
Funny how debut albums have lots for energy and this is no exception by Oasis. Definitely one of their best, well maybe.
Green Day
3/5
Sort of Ramones/Kinks mash up makes for a fun album that my kids listened to in the car on many a trip.
Public Enemy
2/5
Better that they average 90's rap album with relentless beats and a funked up vibe. Still not my cup of tea.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
3/5
How many Y's in Lynyrd Skynyrd sounds like a pub quiz question. Their debut is plentiful in Southern Rock with Freebird being the standout track, even at over 9 mins. Good debut worth listening to and this was the first time I'd heard the album as a whole.
David Bowie
4/5
Feels like a bit of a companion release to The Next Day and has a real mix of sounds Bowie used throughout his career. Poignant and contemplative it is worth a listen.
Mott The Hoople
4/5
Right up there with some of the best of the glam rock releases of the early seventies and follow up to All The Young Dudes. Good mix of songs lots of roadworn music industry cynicism. Ralph's last full album with some good guitar work make this well worth a listen.
Ravi Shankar
2/5
Does what it says on the cover. Interesting, educational and some lovely rhythms and melodies. Also very repetitive and not really my thing but yous can see some of the influences in other genres since it was recorded in '57.
Kings of Leon
3/5
Some nice southern fried licks with not too much grease.
Tracy Chapman
3/5
Prince
3/5
A double album of Prince without the revolution is quite a mixed bag but you can't deny his song writing. Dance tracks, funked up electro and psychedelic pop are all here. Never heard the album its entirety before and was worth a couple of playbacks. Somehow seems to herald the end of the eighties musically.
Johnny Cash
3/5
This album is worth it just for the cover of Hurt. The rest is a mixed bag with some that work well and others that are just interesting or OK.
Television
4/5
Seminal guitar album from '77 that kick started many a post-punk indie band. Deserves its place and is well worth a listen if you haven't heard.
Black Sabbath
4/5
Only 6 months after their debut Paranoid took Sabbath into the limelight not least because of the single Paranoid. Some classics here like War Pigs, Iron Man and Fairies Wear Boots make for a great album.
Mudhoney
3/5
More of a garage rock outing from Mudhoney which came out only a couple of months before Nevermind. Good fun album with better songwriting than their previous outings....sort of Blue Cheer meets the Ramones. Worth a listen.
Various Artists
5/5
Best Christmas album ever.
Michael Jackson
3/5
Massive hit and something for everyone on this album.
David Bowie
3/5
A bit of a crooner release by Bowie. Golden Years and TVC 15 are the tracks you'll remember and maybe the Alomar guitar on Stay but the other songs are a bit less memorable that some of his work. Goold album nonetheless.
Mike Oldfield
4/5
Hard to believe this album got made by a 19 year old and it went on to become one of the most successful instrumental albums ever and parts were also picked up for the soundtrack to The Exorcist. It falls between progressive/new age genres for me with a wide range of instruments and is structured a bit like a classical suite. Not a record to listen to often and it is easy to tune out of (for me at least) but as a work it is pretty impressive even now.
Jefferson Airplane
4/5
Great album with Slick's vocals on fine form. Liked the band's shift to a more psychedelic rock sound on this record. Some great songs and best cover of Somebody To Love.
Laura Nyro
3/5
Easy to listen to and soulful album from '68. Worth checking out as it;s probably Nyro's best.
Dire Straits
3/5
Even their debut boogies with hints of jazz and country. Nice slow, smoky low atmosphere for their debut which included the Sultans of Swing, a lament to good ol' pb rock. Was fun to hear this again
Pearl Jam
5/5
Great blend of grunge and classic rock makes for a fantastic album.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3/5
I've always thought the Crazy Horse unit lifts Youngs output and this is a good example. A bit Dylanesque having a half acoustic/half electric album keeps thing interesting with some well crafted songs. Hey Hey My My (Into The Black) is a dark comment on the 'industry' even back in '79
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
2/5
Nice album of South Africa rhythms and probably their most accessible album. Feels like this only happened on the back of Graceland and Paul Simon did produce this records. A bit too samey for my taste.
Ms. Dynamite
2/5
A passable R&B album that sort of put me a little in mind of Craig David. Nice vocal, well produced but forgettable.
Jethro Tull
4/5
An electrified band of wandering minstrels served up one of their best albums back in '71. Good mix of folk and classic rock makes this worth the listen.
Little Simz
2/5
Nice backing tracks but all the spoken word was very samey. Liked Boss and it was a relief to hear some actual singing on Selfish but that was Cleo Sol. Meh!
The Monkees
3/5
This third Monkees album saw the band get out from under the studios and really make their own album, showing that they were a very competent group. Doesn't have the hits of the earlier records but still a pretty good listen
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Not an album I've listened to much but enjoyed rediscovering it. It has a really good cross section of Stones tunes and styles in one album (well a double when released in '72) Might not have the big hits but is a great collection.
N.W.A.
2/5
Probably the only hip-hop/rap album you need to hear even though it was released back in '88 because nothing has really changed since.
Tito Puente
3/5
Latin dance album from '57 that' swings with mambo, salsa, cha-cha and guaguanco rhythms. Nice.
Patti Smith
2/5
Mixed feeling on Smith's debut. I like some of the shorter melodic tracks like Redondo Beach, Free Money, Kimblerley but the longer songs don't as does the more spoken word/poet moments. So just ok for me.
Meat Loaf
3/5
Meat seemed to continue his Rocky Horror journey with this symphonic pastiche of show tunes and rock n' roll. Seemed to hit the mark in '77 and still and ok listen even now
Missy Elliott
2/5
Plenty of spoken word hip-hop and R&B with some choice backing tracks.
Kanye West
2/5
Rap's Topographic Oceans album. Couple of decent tracks but then the rest are just bloated.
Booker T. & The MG's
5/5
Fabulous instrumental soul/R&B album. If only they made them like this today
Beastie Boys
2/5
Rap with metal backing tracks was a bit different back them so marks for innovation but still a bit same old.
Dire Straits
3/5
Catchy album with a mix of pop songs and some more jazz influenced numbers. The singles work and I think the main problem with this album is some tracks just run on too long. While Knopfler's song crafting continues a pace on this record not everyone's a winner, despite this being a massive hit.
Randy Newman
3/5
A mix of show tunes, pop and light rock from the singing voice of Toy Story. Not heard before but very Randy Newman and its easy to see how he got to do some many soundtracks.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
A mix of dreamy pop and rock probably made possible by Warhol's financing makes for an interesting VU album with vocal assistance from Nico. Interesting album for it's time.
The Isley Brothers
3/5
A full collection of brothers makes for a really good soul album that incorporates pop and rock elements. As well as the great vocal there's some really good playing on this LP too. Well worth the listen.
Tom Waits
2/5
Strange album. Backing tracks that you might find in a Beefheart vaudeville act support a mix of spoken and sung gravel vocal by Waits. Think this was just a bit eclectic for me.
Traffic
3/5
Traffic switch gears on this album which has more folk/jazz elements with extended instrumental on many of the songs. Windwood's voice on fine form too. Not a bad LP.
The Black Keys
4/5
Sweaty modern blues album with plenty of swamp fuzz and grit.
Liz Phair
3/5
Smart lo-fi indie rock album with a strong collection of songs. Phair's vocal and arrangements are simple and effective making this worth the listen.
Alice Cooper
4/5
Ezrin polished up the Alice Cooper band and ended up with a great rock album with some really catchy singles. Haven't played for a while but still sounds good 53 years later!
Alice In Chains
3/5
More towards the metal end of the Seattle grunge groups with this album which is probably one of their better ones early in their career.
Paul Revere & The Raiders
3/5
Not a band I'd heard before but some pretty catchy pop/rock from '66 with Kicks a standout track. The ballads not so but that probably qualifies as Americana these days. Worth a listen if you like sixties music.
Radiohead
3/5
The shorter songs from Kid A make for an interesting collection on Amnesiac, some of which are good but it is a mixed bag.
Lorde
3/5
Not listened to much Lorde but this album has a nice mix of electro-pop songs which is pretty impressive a follow up LP at only 19.
Otis Redding
4/5
Soulful album with some nice Sam Cooke covers. Steve Cropper guitar on Rock Me Baby is another one of the treats her. Good listening.
The Sonics
3/5
Not heard of this Seattle band before but they grunged up a few classics quite nicely back in '65. The album was worth a listen too.
Os Mutantes
2/5
Not heard this brand of Tropicalia before which seems to reflect a fusion of experimentation and traditional musical ideas from the late sixties. It's own take on psychedelia makes for a weird listen.
Metallica
4/5
Metallica debut follow up is a bit more cohesive and a pretty good slab of metal.
Eminem
1/5
While I can enjoy the odd Eminem track and album full of spoken word with a mixed bag of backing tracks is not my thing. The short skits seem the equivalent of unfinished ideas or just laziness.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Sunshine and Superstition are absolute five star and the rest of this '72 release is a mix of soulful and funk tunes that aren't quite as memorable. Still a high bar set by Stevie and worth a listen.
Raekwon
1/5
Nope!
Dr. Dre
2/5
Some interesting Clintonesque backing tracks give this album a 70's funk feel. Unfortunately the rapping isn't as soulful and the Snoop vocal drawl adds very little even if it got gangsta rap into the pop charts. Could have been better.
Taylor Swift
3/5
Pom-pom pop in the style of eighties MTV aurally. Some catchy tracks and heavy synth production make for a retro feel. You can see why Swift's vocal performance is well liked on an album I've not heard before and probably never will again.
The xx
3/5
Mix of post-punk/indie pop makes for an interesting debut album. Definite Cure and Durutti Column influences even if some of the tracks verge on the bit dour. Remember this being a popular album with the kids so worth a listen.
Metallica
3/5
Metallica album with longer songs doesn't work quite as well. Not sure if they were scratching a prog itch in '88. The production isn't great either although there are a couple of great tracks. Maybe just overly ambitious on this one.
Happy Mondays
3/5
Slurred Madchester album with a bit of heart but monotone production that lets it down a bit. The Mondays seem happy on this one in a leery kind of way.
Pere Ubu
3/5
Art punk album that influenced the likes of the Pixies, Husker Du et al. Mix of songs some of which sound a bit like British scene from 76/7. Couple of memorable tracks and one of the better albums in the Pere Ubu catalogue.
Pixies
3/5
The Pixies go for more pop song craft on this release which I think works for them, from the catchy Debaser to the spaghetti western Silver there is quite a range on this album. Good fun.
Kendrick Lamar
2/5
A prog hip-hop album with so really well constructed jazz and funk influenced backing tracks. Nice soulful harmonies too although I still don't care much for the spoken word performances even if the lyrics have some depth. That said the album contains an interesting mix of styles.
Sly & The Family Stone
3/5
This darker funk from S&TFS still grooves even if it sounds a bit wearier than their earlier releases. Maybe a sign of the times but still a great early 70's release that lures you in.
The Flaming Lips
4/5
Enjoyable pop/rock musical from The Flaming Lips is an enjoyable listen. Sort of 10CC/Byrds for the noughties. Not surprised this was turned into a stage show. Check it out.
Janelle Monáe
2/5
High concept with some lovely vocals in places but just not engaging enough for me.