My 1001 Albums Journey

Album	You	Global	Diff
Yeezus Kanye West	5	2.76	+2.24
White Light / White Heat The Velvet Underground	5	2.88	+2.12
Vulgar Display Of Power Pantera	5	2.97	+2.03
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned Liars	4	2.12	+1.88
Closer Joy Division	5	3.22	+1.78
Little Earthquakes Tori Amos	5	3.22	+1.78
Chirping Crickets Buddy Holly & The Crickets	5	3.29	+1.71
Queens of the Stone Age Queens Of The Stone Age	5	3.3	+1.7
The College Dropout Kanye West	5	3.31	+1.69
Channel Orange Frank Ocean	5	3.33	+1.67

Album	You	Global	Diff
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears The Mamas & The Papas	1	3.43	-2.43
Blue Lines Massive Attack	1	3.39	-2.39
Solid Air John Martyn	1	3.17	-2.17
The Lexicon Of Love ABC	1	3.08	-2.08
The Rise & Fall Madness	1	3.05	-2.05
Imperial Bedroom Elvis Costello & The Attractions	1	3	-2
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession Laura Nyro	1	2.94	-1.94
Come Find Yourself Fun Lovin' Criminals	1	2.92	-1.92
Music Has The Right To Children Boards of Canada	1	2.92	-1.92
Smokers Delight Nightmares On Wax	1	2.91	-1.91

Artist	Albums	Average
Radiohead	3	5
Nirvana	3	5
Bob Dylan	3	5
R.E.M.	4	4.5
Led Zeppelin	3	4.67
Black Sabbath	2	5
Kanye West	2	5
The Rolling Stones	2	5

Artist	Ratings
U2	2, 5
Elvis Costello & The Attractions	1, 4, 3

Buffalo Springfield

3/5

1/1001 :: Buffalo Springfield - Again Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? **Maybe** but probably not Rating: Strong 5, **Light 6** Fav Tracks: **Mr Soul**, Broken Arrow I definitely consider myself a Neil Young fan and own a bunch of his music but admittedly I haven't listened to much before his solo stuff. That said, this album starts off with a bang. **Mr Soul** is a Neil Young classic I know very well as it's featured on a couple of his Greatest Hits collections. It's awesome and nothing else on the album sounds like it which makes it a little weird to set the pace with this and then jump into a Richie Furay song. I found myself liking the Neil songs on this album a lot. The Stephen Stills songs quite a bit. And with the exception of the funky Soul Train backed *Good Time Boy* the Richie Furay songs not at all. Overall the Neil songs sounded fresh and these other songs sounded very 60s which was fine (not offensive) just not so interesting... Good Sunday album though and nice to start here.

Fragile

Yes

2/5

2/1001 :: Yes - Fragile Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: Light 4 Fav Tracks: Heart of the Sunrise, South Side of the Sky Apparently this Prog Rock virtuoso of an album was released in 1971 but you could've fooled me because it sounded really 80's to my ear (and not in a good way)... While I had never listened to this album there were 2 songs that were very familiar. Roundabout & Long Distance Runaround are staples on my local classic rock radio station (i95 FM). And Roundabout being the first song set the tone for the album. These musicianship is highly skilled, but there was a ton of bad synth and noodley guitar work which frankly is not my bag. Ironically there were many elements here that reminded me of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (who I love) but without the edge and that was my issue with it. Also felt like half the songs were instrumentals and my TBH i only really liked parts of my Fav Tracks (Heart of the Sunrise, South Side of the Sky) as both of those songs could have used a real haircut IMO. Now on to No. 3 !

Green River

Creedence Clearwater Revival

5/5

3/1001 :: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Green River Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Fav Tracks: Tombstone Shadow, Bad Moon Rising, Sinister Purpose Frankly I haven’t spent enough time with Creedence and while celebrated I feel like they’re a bit underrated. The Apple Music liner notes said when they made Green River in 1969 they were at the “height of their powers” and to my ear that rang to be true. This album is incredible. Frankly I thought every song was pretty damn good if not great… If I had one criticism of the album it’s that there’s not much innovation happening here. They’re all Southern rock blues based tunes but they’re doing it at a super high level. Sinister Purpose is the one song here where they seem to break the mold into something that almost sounds more mechanical and dare I say Post Punk-ish… I will be buying this on vinyl at some point

What's Going On

Marvin Gaye

4/5

4/1001 :: Marvin Gaye - What’s Going On Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7.5 Fav Tracks: Mercy Me, What’s Going On I’ve been looking at this album for years wondering if I should buy it on vinyl even though I had never listened to it. It’s easily considered one of the greatest albums of all time and it’s something I should like right? Well, I thought it was really good but frankly I’m not sure I would ever listen to it again… First of all the production is quite impressive. I feel like Abbey Road inspired this type of album where the songs flow seamlessly into each other. Also, with Vietnam in full swing, Marvin’s approach to political commentary makes this one really special. Capped off with his lush voice and all the beautiful jazzy instrumentation it’s a graceful record. All that said, it’s something I can appreciate but not something I would generally reach for and that’s OK.

Brothers

The Black Keys

3/5

5/1001 :: The Black Keys - Brothers Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: Solid 6, Light 7 Fav Tracks: Tighten Up, Howlin’ For You, Everlasting Light, Unknown Brother I’ve listened to this album a bunch actually. It’s not my favorite Black Keys album but Tighten Up probably my favorite song from them (if I had to choose). I said I would revisit the album because I do plan to buy this on vinyl one day. Waiting till the day I see it in the Used Bin for $15 bucks… But other than in a vinyl format I’m not sure I would listen to the whole thing without skipping tracks. Overall, the album would benefit from a nip and tuck. Clocking in at almost an hour I would probably cut 4 or 5 tracks especially because there are a bunch of tracks that are doing similar things. The Black Keys are always a little one dimensional in that way but sometimes it’s exactly what I’m looking for. Should also be noted this album would play well at a backyard BBQ…🍻

Live At The Harlem Square Club

Sam Cooke

2/5

6/1001 :: Sam Cooke - One Night Stand! (Live At The Harlem Square Club) Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: Strong 4, Light 5 Fav Tracks: Bring It On Home To Me, Having A Party This show happened in 1963 in Harlem (NYC). My guess is the crowd was 95% black (or more at that time) and if you asked anyone who went; it was probably the best show they ever saw. Listening to the recording you can feel the energy in the room. Yelling, dancing, drinking and twisting the night away was had for sure. I’m not a Sam Cooke aficionado but I know some tracks. Love Bring It On Home To Me and he seemed like a gracious host here garnering crowd participation and singing his ass off. All that said, I’m not a huge live album guy unless the recording is really great and the performance is tight. This is not that at all. It’s very loose and there’s a lot of crowd noise which gives you a good feel for what happened at the show but takes away from the recording a bit. I did like the album better the 2nd time around and even dabbled in a 3rd listen and it kept my toe tapping. Overall while I could see my self snagging a Sam Cooke greatest hits this album is not something I would buy or probably reach for again.

Fetch The Bolt Cutters

Fiona Apple

3/5

7/1001 :: Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Cosmonauts, Fetch The Bolt Cutters, Heavy Balloon I was definitely excited for this when it came out. I’m not a huge Fiona Apple fan but I loved Criminal and was happy when this came around (especially in the middle of Covid). Then Pitchfork gave it a 10 (yes a 10!!). Probably the most overrated Pitchfork review of all time. This album is very abstract. It takes many listens. Too many for me to love it but I commend her for going out on a limb. It’s layered, challenging, and not in the least cookie cutter. I actually kinda wish it was a little easier to listen too because maybe I would like it. There’s a lot of great here but it’s so left of center from a song writing perspective it comes off sporadic sat times. I put down maybe but there’s a better chance I won’t be going back to this…

The Infotainment Scan

The Fall

3/5

8/1001 :: The Fall - The Infotainment Scan Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: Strong 6, Light 7 Fav Tracks: Lost in Music, It’s A Curse Never heard of this band before let alone this album. I think based on the cover art I guess I thought this was gonna sound like YES or Steely Dan or something… It was of course neither of those things. Frankly I’m shocked this came out in 93. It had a very post punk feel to it. Very Joy Division but more quirky and not as dark. The album seemed to trail off at the end in quality but I also think that I might just need more time with it. Which is also why I said I would revisit. There are similar bands/albums I like better but I also think giving this one some more runs would be good.

If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears

The Mamas & The Papas

1/5

9/1001 :: The Mamas & The Papas - If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: Light 3 Fav Tracks: Somebody Groovy, California Dreamin’ Aside from Monday, Monday, California Dreamin’ and their cover of In Crowd I had never heard this album before. The Mamas and the Papas are a product for of the time. Feels like there are no original ideas here and it’s just a 60s (or at times 50s) pop album. The music is not offensive and I understand its place in time. These songs are a good backdrop for a movie that takes place in the 60s. Overall it’s fine, but unless I’m missing something it’s pretty uninteresting and I won’t be returning.

Solid Air

John Martyn

1/5

11/1001 :: John Martyn - Solid Air Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 2 Fav Tracks: Over The Hill, Dreams by the Sea I don’t know… I never heard of this album or artist before. There were some Nick Drake / Amigo The Devil type things going on here but honestly I listen to a lot of music like this and frankly I just didn’t find this one that interesting. Some cool acoustic guitar work with some atmospheric elements sprinkled in but I think if the music is gonna be this sparse the vocal needs to be more captivating. Maybe if I spent more time with it I’d find things to love but I got 990 more albums to go…

Dog Man Star

Suede

4/5

11/1001 :: The London Suede - Dog Man Star Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: Strong 8 Fav Tracks: This Hollywood Life, The Power Was cool to see the reactions when I posted to #NowPlaying this Am. It was easy to see how someone could fall in love with this album. Dynamic, very operatic (like Queen at times) and also very very Bowie. Felt like Ziggy Stardust Vol. 2 in many cases. That’s not a bad thing if it’s done right and for the most part I’d say it was. Albums like this is why I’m doing this exercise. It’s a little over the top for me at times but that’s OK overall this album was fucking great. Wonder if these cats have enough good albums for a Discogs run? Lastly, feels like this album should’ve come out in 84 VS 94 but whatever I’ll take it…

Faust IV

Faust

3/5

12/1001 :: Faust - Faust IV Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Fav Tracks: Just A Second/Picnic on a Frozen River File this under bizarre industrial album that would be cool to play if you owned a coffee shop and didn’t want to offend anyone with your music taste but also wanted to come off as avant garde. Lots of interesting parts here but the structure of these songs are so loose. A couple of them have no words too and would have been good contenders for our Discogs Instrumentals run. While I can appreciate this and thought some of it was pretty rad I’m not sure I would go back. That is of course unless I open up a avant garde coffee shop, which if I’m being honest I would love to do… So I guess there’s still hope, but the chances are slim.

Blue Lines

Massive Attack

1/5

3/1001 :: Massive Attack - Blue Lines Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 2 Fav Tracks: ——— I’m here to tell you I tried. It wasn’t the first…could be the last. Thing is “Massive Attack” is such a great name. But I want them to be a 90’s post hardcore band or something and they are far from that. I like Portishead but maybe Trip-Hop isn’t my thing. I know there are people that love this album but this vibe is not for me. You folks like this?

The Rise & Fall

Madness

1/5

The Cars

4/5

15/1001 :: The Cars - The Cars Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: Don’t Cha Stop, Just What I Needed, Moving In Stereo Knew a bunch of these classic rock radio staples of course but had never listened to this album in full. I know people love Rick Ocasek and The Cars and I can see why. This album is pretty awesome. The vibes are good, the songs are catchy and even though these are pop songs there’s an underlying edge to them… It’s funny, I always think the yeah I was born (1978) was one of the worst years ever for music. I’ll stand by that, but this is a Top 5 1978 album for sure. Not sure when I’ll revisit this but it’s worthy, that’s for sure.

xx

The xx

3/5

16/1001 :: The XX - xx Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: Light 7 Fav Tracks: VCR, Crystalized, Islands Was super into this album when it dropped in 09. There’s an effortlessly cool factor to these songs. Also, the way their voices intermingle is really special. I do think the 2nd half of this album trails off compared to the first album but there’s an ouch here that warrants repeat visits.

Tragic Songs of Life

The Louvin Brothers

2/5

17/1001 :: The Louvin Brothers - Tragic Songs of Life Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 3 Fav Tracks: Knoxville Girl, Kentucky If you’re in West Virginia and you walk into a General Store and this is rattling through the speakers it feels perfect. Some good ole country boys, who love themselves some Jesus just playing some country bluegrass. And they’re quite good at it. Knoxville Girl is dark AF. Makes you wonder did these good ole christian brothers have something to hide? Or just putting it out there in the open?? All that said, while it’s cool to walk around that General Store take in some country tunes, grab a coke, some beef jerky and a turkey sandwich for the road there’s just no way this is interesting enough for me to revisit this whole thing again other than maybe a song or two.

(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)

Lynyrd Skynyrd

4/5

18/1001 :: Lynyrd Skynyrd - (Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd) Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: Strong 8 Fav Tracks: Tuesday’s Gone, I Ain’t The One, Simple Man, Etc… I’ve never heard this album before but also I know this album…Ya know? Tuesday’s Gone is some freeway driving, hot as fuck, windows open, yelling lyrics at the top of your lungs type shit. Lynyrd Skynyrd is a bunch of rednecks; but maybe in the greatest way? It’s interesting because I don’t really associate with this lifestyle (being a Yankee), I don’t live in the south, but I can still relate and these songs are so badass no matter what Neil Young has to say about it. I listen to this album and all I can think about is how tragic Ronnie Van Zant dying is. These songs are so damn good. Also that guitar tone. And lastly…FREE BIRD. It’s so good it’s become a meme, but it’s really that good.

Duck Rock

Malcolm McLaren

1/5

19/1001 :: Duck Rock - Malcolm McLaren Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 1 Fav Tracks: - Alrighty…this album is NOT good. The best thing about this album is the cover art which is kinda cool but has some stereotypical 80s graffiti stuff on it which is pretty lame… I hate to say this, but this album was almost unlistenable for me. It’s early hip hop DJ work. Lotta record scratching and samples and frankly the songs are not good and for the most part nonexistent. There must be some historical significance to this album because It does not deserve to be on this list based on quality.

Odelay

Beck

4/5

20/1001 :: Beck - Odelay Heard before? :x: Would I revisit? :white_check_mark: Rating: 9 Fav Tracks: Novacane, Devil’s Haircut, Minus… Frankly, I think I’ve heard this before? But I don’t know. Feels fresh. All I know is my wife loved this album but I never really listened to the whole thing. Now I need this on vinyl. It’s albums like this that help my stance on the 90’s being the greatest decade in music history. I realize the 70s were great too but this album is so innovative. Beck was infusing, folk, Hip hop, rock n roll, RnB, trash rock and who knows what else to make something wonderful. i could trim a song or 2 here but it’s in masterpiece territory… It has pop appeal but it’s also weird AF. This album is fucking great.

The La's

3/5

21/1001 :: The La’s - The La’s Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Fav Tracks: Way Out, Feelin’ I didn’t think I was going to know a single song on this album but upon listening, discovered “There She Goes” was very familiar. Not sure if I remember it from the 90s or the recognize it from one of the many soundtracks it’s graced (So I married an axe murderer)… Either way, that song is OK IMO but the rest of this album is very very good. I’m assuming this band was bigger in the UK than the states? But yeah, that song doesn’t even really sound like the rest of the album which are all fun indie rock pop songs. Not much of an edge to them but well crafted. The most I listened to this album the more I liked it too. I said I would revisit, that might be a lie but I probably should.

Gasoline Alley

Rod Stewart

2/5

22/1001 :: Rod Stewart - Gasoline Alley Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 4/10 Fav Tracks: It’s All Over Now, Only A Hobo, Gasoline Alley A Rod Stewart album is definitely not something I would ever reach for and here we are… Cool thing about this album is Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones) basically plays on every track and helped him write the title track. Ronnie also produced the album which makes me think this is almost more a Ronnie album that Rod sings on. Rod has writing credits on 3 tracks here but it’s mostly covers. In typical Rod fashion he’s out here doing song by Bobby Womack, Bob Dylan, Elton John and more. Overall the album was fine. For a Sunday morning it was neither perfect nor offensive. Lastly, the artwork is quite bad… On to the next!

The Doors

5/5

23/1001 :: The Doors - The Doors Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Fav Tracks: Back Door Man, The Crystal Ship, Light My Fire The Doors debut… Is it perfect? No…but it’s really fucking good. I grew up loving The Doors as a teenager. My mother saw The Doors play at my High School (Oct. 11, 1967). I must have watched Oliver Stone’s movie one thousand times (on VHS). And then at some point I didn’t like them? “Where’s there bass player” I would say… That was a horrible take. DUMB. This band is great and this album is almost flawless. I could probably do without I Looked At You. The End is a little drawn out…but really it’s a monumental album with great songs. This truly is an album you need to hear before you die and before I do I will listen to this many more times.

Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not

Arctic Monkeys

4/5

24/1001 :: Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: Fake Tales of San Francisco, Mardy Bum, I listened to this album quite a bit when it came out. I thought the Arctic Money’s were gonna be the next Libertines but turns out they became much more. I think? I feel like their albums lost a little piss along the way but when I listened back to this record I was reminded why I feel in love with them at first. This album is fun as hell and very British. So British in fact that I think some of these references go over my head…what the hell is a marry bum anyway? OK, now back to listening to Sabbath. Sorry Alex Turner…

Paranoid

Black Sabbath

5/5

25/1001 :: Black Sabbath - Paranoid Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Fav Tracks: Ferries Wear Boots, Planet Caravan, War Pigs I said earlier this is my 5th favorite Sabbath album and here I am giving it a 9. All the hits on this one. Overplayed and still just undeniably incredible. It’s pretty much flawless. War Pigs my favorite of the hits but it’s cuts like Fairies Wear Boots, Hand of Doom and Planet Caravan that catapult this album into masterpiece territory. I listened to this on vinyl last night. I’ve now owned 4 copies of this. Once on tape, on CD and twice on vinyl. Scored a shitty $10 copy until recently my bro-in-law gave me a nice 108g reissue. Over the past 24+ hours we’ve been talking (and seeing) about how much what Ozzy has meant to us and the world and it’s paramount. But this album might even transcend that. It’s such an important piece of music history. Inspired countless bands and heavy metal sounds. Damn Ozzy left us. What a legend. Love you Oz. Thank you.

I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You

Aretha Franklin

4/5

26/1001 :: Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Fav Tracks: Respect, Good Times Never heard this album but was really interested when I saw that it’s in the Apple 100. And frankly, as far as 60s soul albums go I’m not sure it gets much better than this. I’m also not sure how much I would listen to this again but if I saw it in a decent used copy for 15 bucks; I’d be hard to pass that up. After doing a little digging the one thing I found really interesting was that Aretha only had 3 writing credits on this album. And actually my favorite songs were written by Otis Redding and Sam Cooke respectfully. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by this based on how the music industry used too (and still does) work. This being her tenth album I guess many of the first 9 were constructed of cover songs. That’s also something I don’t know. Either way, damn this lady could sing her ass off. I knew that, but when you listen to these tracks it’s hard not to be amazed.

Stardust

Willie Nelson

2/5

27/1001 :: Willie Nelson - Stardust Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 2 Fav Tracks: Georgia On My Mind I’m gonna start this review by saying I love Willie Nelson… I’ve seen him 3 times. I got up early Sunday morning Woodstock 99 to catch his set, saw him when he did the baseball stadium tour (early 2000s) with Dylan and recently at his Outlaw Fest (TBH though I was there to see Bob Weir). I remember being mesmerized in 99 by a blistering blues set as it was the perfect encore to Metallica’s epic performance the previous night. Frankly I was still high AF but whatever… But every time I see Willie there’s a bit ion badass there. THIS was not that. This album was the toughest Easy Listening I’ve ever encountered. There was some good guitar work but overall it was so slow and so soft… I’m sure it’s great for someone out there are he’s a good singer but it’s just not for me. Sorry Willie, I still love you…

Eli And The Thirteenth Confession

Laura Nyro

1/5

28/1001 :: Laura Nyro - Eli And The Thirteenth Confession Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 2 Fav Tracks: Sweet Blindness I wanted to like this. I didn’t. Cool thing about this album was I could hear shades of Tori Amos and Fiona Apple here but other than that it just wasn’t my thing. While I could see how important this was in the 60s it doesn’t feel as fresh now. I would probably like it if I spent more time with it but I don’t think I’m ever gonna get there unfortunately….

Kind Of Blue

Miles Davis

4/5

29/1001 :: Miles Davis - Kind of Blue Heard before? :x: Would I revisit? :white_check_mark: Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: So What I realize this might sound insane but today was the first time I ever listened to this album in its entirety (twice+). I’ve been considering buying because I don’t have any jazz records and thought this might be a great place to start. And I think it a great place to start. I really enjoyed the listens today especially the 2nd time around even if I did feel like I was stuck in a Peanuts movie for a little bit. One thing I liked about listening to this album was feeling like it was an interpretive experience. Lastly, I generally can’t do serious work or write with music on but I think this might be different and I’m willing to try.

Fleet Foxes

3/5

30/1001 :: Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 6.5 Fav Tracks: Your Protector, Ragged Wood I ummmm think I’ve heard this before. I’m pretty sure that I have but not many times. Maybe once. As you guys know I like a lot of folk music so I should love this but for some reason I’ve been having a tough time getting into them. It’s a dynamic folk album. Feels old world (hence the cover art) and biblical at times but done in a modern way. I think there’s something about the voice that’s never landed with me. That said, I enjoyed this listen and should/will probably revisit.

Life Thru A Lens

Robbie Williams

2/5

31/1001 :: Robbie Williams - Life Thru A Lens Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 3 Fav Tracks: Old Before I Die OK…So starting this off by saying this wasn’t as nearly as bad as I thought it was gonna be. Frankly I thought it was gonna be a dance album. Isn’t that what he does? Anyway this was more like a poppy, knockoff Oasis. If you’re a big Oasis fan you might find that repulsive but there was way more guitar on this album than I thought there was gonna be. With this album coming out in 97 the Oasis ripoff is probably just what the doctor ordered. All that said, while it wasn’t horrible it wasn’t great. It was pop-rock…fine.

Damaged

Black Flag

4/5

If you don't like this you don't like punk. If you've never heard punk this is a great place to start. RISE ABOVE...

Fifth Dimension

The Byrds

3/5

33/1001 :: The Byrds - Fifth Dimension Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Fav Tracks: Mr. Spaceman Never been a Bryds guy but I don’t hate it at all. Just sounds really 60’s. Jangly. Psychedelic What ever… That said loved the song Mr. Spaceman and also thought the Hey Joe interpretation was pretty cool. Onto the next…

Queen II

Queen

4/5

34/1001 :: Queen - Queen II Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Fav Tracks: Father to Son In this edition of “It’s Crazy I Never Heard This One” Queen has always been very similar to The Clash in that I respect it, have heard stuff, like a bunch of songs but never dove in… So here we are this is the first time I’ve listened to a Queen album in its entirety. And, as expected it was great. Very theatrical, incredible instrumentation, Freddie Mercury is truly one of one and Brian May is much heavier than I thought? This album came out in 74 and dare I say sounded Sabbathy at times? I didnt realize that was a thing with them. So yeah, Queen might be a little too theatrical for me in general but I also probably need more Queen in my life…

Rage Against The Machine

4/5

One of the best debut albums of all time. Often imitated, never duplicated. Truly a game changer that inspired so many (good and bad) bands

Straight Outta Compton

N.W.A.

3/5

So influential. Dr Dre’s production and Ice Cubes rapping were next level even at the very beginning. That said this album isn’t prefect and feels dated. A must listen but not essential to own.

Funeral

Arcade Fire

4/5

37/1001 :: Arcade Fire - Funeral Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), Crown of Love, Wake Up Love this album. It’s not perfect but IMO this is what a great indie album sounds like. Weird, crafted, passionate, dynamic, anthemic, etc… Been meaning to buy this on vinyl for a while now and just haven’t gotten around to it but I will. It’s hard not to listen to this album and feel something. The album loses a little bit of steam at the end but overall it’s a great record. I love this version of Arcade Fire.

Imperial Bedroom

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

1/5

38/1001 :: Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Imperial Bedroom Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 2 Fav Tracks: Human Hands Elvis Costello? I don’t get it. Never have, never will (and I’ve tried). Not sure what else to say other than I was excited when it was over…

Scott 4

Scott Walker

3/5

This was interesting for a pop albums in the 60s. So dark. It’s not as surprising looking at it through today’s lens but this seems like a bit of a wild card for the time.

The Man Machine

Kraftwerk

4/5

40/1001 :: Kraftwerk - The Man Machine Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Fav Tracks: The Robots I always kinda knew I should give Kraftwerk a spin just never really have for some reason. My only compliant about this album is that wasn’t long enough. Industrial but also felt organic? Sign me up. These songs are really well Krafted and was also surprised that so many had minimal singing. Bottom line is I felt cooler after listening to this. Will return…

2112

Rush

3/5

41/1001 :: RUSH - 2112 Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: A Passage To Bangkok Being that the Discogs community started on Twitter (X) you already know that “Rush Twitter” is a serious thing. A thing that I never understood. And frankly I still don’t understand. After listening to 2112 it helps. This album is features amazing musicianship but I don’t really like the singing. And I think that’s always been the case for me. The singing is too Lord of the Rings or some shit. If you lie it, I get it but it’s not my bag. That’s it. That’s all.

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

The Smashing Pumpkins

4/5

I forgot how great this 90s masterpiece was. It’s not just the hits… the deep cuts are equally as great. Maybe a touch long but these cats were in the pocket of greatest…

Debut

Björk

3/5

43/1001 :: Björk - Debut Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7.5 Fav Tracks: Venus as a Boy, Big Time Sensuality This is a really interesting album. I’ve heard songs from it but never sat and listened to the whole thing. To me Björk is a true artist. She comes at these songs from a totally different plane. Totally unique and I applaud that. Couple of songs on here I was like “holy shit this is amazing” and other songs were just not my speed. I was jamming to them but maybe a little too club for me. Good chance I won’t revisit this again but again this is why I love this exercise. It’s a must listen.

Tracy Chapman

4/5

44/1001 :: Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Fav Tracks: Fast Car, Behind The Wall, For My Lover Fun Fact: Tracy Chapman went to Wooster High School which is a small arts focused private school in my hometown. I know very little about her time there but I know that shortly after her time there she made this record. Fast Car is such a damn good song and I’ve loved it since the 80s. I had never heard this album before but recently considered buying it because it had been reissued and I know it had been out of print for so long. After hearing it though I’m probably gonna hold on that. Overall, It was an enjoyable listen but TBH I wish the songs were a little more stripped down. There’s a lot of instrumentation on here that feels kinda 80s in a We Are The World or Paul Simon kinda way. I still kinda want to own this but It’ll probably have to be good used copy find than a must have.

Murmur

R.E.M.

4/5

45/1001 :: R.E.M. - Murmur Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7.5 Fav Tracks: Radio Free Europe, Talk About the Passion, Moral Kiosk I need more R.E.M. in my life. I don’t think this is their best album. It doesn’t have the highs and lows that other great R.E.M. albums have but it’s consistent AF. The pieces really fit together on this one. Everyone always talks about The Smiths VS The Cure but what if R.E.M. entered the chat? They have such a signature sound and frankly I think it gets better with time. Peter Buck is a masterful song writer and Michael Stipe’s singing is at such an early stage here but his pen is already strong. Moral Kisosk is such a great idea for a song.

Metal Box

Public Image Ltd.

4/5

46/1001 :: Public Image Ltd. - Metal Box / Second Edition Heard before? :x: Would I revisit? :white_check_mark: Rating: 7.5 Fav Tracks: Memories, Albatros, Swan Lake This is a very interesting album. I should start off by saying I figured this album was gonna sound like the Sex Pistols. That it did not. In fact it wasn’t really a Punk Rock album. Maybe Punk in spirit but it was definitely more New Wave or even at many times Noise Rock. I guess this shows my knowledge of Public Image Ltd. which is nonexistent. The album also definitely starts off more structured but as it progresses the songs become more textured than anything. And while some of the songs have lyrics a couple of the songs in the 2nd half are more instrumentals than anything. Also, the rhythm section of this band is really strong. On almost every track they’re laying down a great grove that lets abstract guitar work and Johnny Lydon’s trashy vocals to float over top. I’m not sure when I would listen to this again but it’s certainly a vibe and even at an hour I’m glad I got 2 listens in. One that I won’t rule out. Listen to this before you die? Yes

Sincere

Mj Cole

1/5

46/1001 :: MJ Cole - Sincere Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 1.5 Fav Tracks: - I’m sure there are people out there who like this but club music with generic R&B vocal is just not my thing.

The Stranger

Billy Joel

3/5

48/1001 :: Billy Joel - Stranger Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Only the Good Die Young, Vienna Don’t let your hatred of Billy Joel get in the way. Don’t let your hatred of Billy Joel get in the way. Don’t let your hatred of Billy Joel get in the way….OK Shawn? Fine. I really don’t like Billy Joel. In fact I kinda think he’s a hack with a couple of really great songs. This album kinda proves that theory. Only the Good Die Young is easily my favorite Billy Joel song. It’s great. Vienna is also on this album which is pretty damn good. Just the Way You are also decent. But Always A Women? Moving Out? Are these really good songs? I’m not sure they are. Billy Joel is so big in New York. Did you know he basically does a residency at The Garden? The Garden! I feel like people who love Billy Joel are quintessential “Radio Listeners”. Meaning they like middle of the road radio stuff with no real taste in music. Maybe I’m wrong? But I listened to this whole thing and I don’t think so. Dude can play the piano though.

The Sounds Of India

Ravi Shankar

3/5

49/1001 :: Ravi Shankar - The Sounds Of India Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Dádrá Listen before you die: Yeah (for reference) The whole time I was listening to this all I could think of is what it would be like to listen to this with George Harrison and smoke hash. It’s a vibe and when you listen you can hear the influence it had over George and how it made its way into Beatles albums. Specifically Love To You on Revolver. There were direct lifts from these classic Indian sounds to that song and other Beatles songs. The album does some explaining before getting into songs which is a little weird but also helps provide context. So yeah, anyone who appreciates the Beatles should listen to this but I’m not sure I’d go back to this. While really interesting it’s just not my thing.

Sunday At The Village Vanguard

Bill Evans Trio

3/5

50/1001 :: Bill Evans Trio - Sunday At The Village Vanguard Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Alice in Wonderland Listen before you die: Yeah 50 albums in and Sunday At The Village Vanguard is a great Sunday album. This type of jazz is what I’m most familiar with. Stand up thumping bass, freestyle piano dancing over the top and a rock solid drummer holding it down. I didn’t really get enough listens to decipher what the difference between the versions but I’m not sure it matters with this exercise. It’s all pretty good. This would be a good album to work too if you wanted music but also gets distracted easily (like I do).

Lady Soul

Aretha Franklin

5/5

51/1001 :: Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Fav Tracks: (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You Been Gone, Money Won’t Change You, Natural Woman Listen before you die: Yes Lord When I reviewed I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You I gave it a 7. It was very good. It’s not this good. This album is on another level. It’s immediate. Undeniable. When Aretha made this she was in the pocket. I haven’t listened to any of her other albums but I can’t imagine it gets better than this. As far as soul records go it doesn’t get much better than this. Should also be noted James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Carole King all credited as writers on this album. Clapton also listed as guitarist on Good to Me as I Am to You. Just all time stuff.

Madman Across The Water

Elton John

4/5

52/1001 :: Elton John - Madman Across The Water Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: Tiny Dancer, Madman Across the Water, Levon Listen before you die: Yes I mean who doesn’t love Tiny Dancer? Probably my favorite Elton song. That alone is a reason to listen to this album. And by the time you get to Levon you know this a serious album. I said last week Elton John over Billy Joel and I’ll take that to the grave. Especially after just listening to The Stranger that stance could not be more firm. This album has rock n roll attitude with operatic elements. Of course the Elton performance is great but the strings overlayed across the whole album really puts it over the top.

The Libertines

4/5

53/1001 :: The Libertines - The Libertines Heard before? :white_check_mark: Would I revisit? :white_check_mark: Rating: 7 Fav Tracks: Can’t Stand Me Now, Music When The Lights Go Out, What Katie Did Listen before you die: Yes I haven’t listened to this album in a long time. I remember being really excited for this album when it dropped and all the madness swirling around the band at the time. I think people should listen to this before they die because there’s a chance this could be their favorite album of all time. It’s not mine but if you told me it was yours I get it. It’s messy but it’s fun, edgy, heartfelt, tender and fucking cool. Listening to it today I realized how Clash it was then looked at Wikipedia and discovered Mick Jones produced it. Which is pretty rad. Should be noted the Arctic Monkeys owe these boys a pint or two. They filled the a hole when the Libertines left but IMO I’m not sure they ever made an album this good…

Psychocandy

The Jesus And Mary Chain

3/5

54/1001 :: The Jesus And Mary Chain - Psychocandy Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: The Hardest Walk, Just Like Honey Listen before you die: Yes Talk about Fuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzed Out. Sometimes I think the 80s sucked and then I find shit like this. This album is really cool. New wave vocals meets a whole lotta reverb. It’s worth a listen for sure and there are catchy hooks here. While I was listening to it I couldn’t help but think “I bet this would be amazing live”. Just a complete wall of sound with interesting elements dancing in and out. But what makes it cool also makes it a bit challenging of a listen for me personally. I generally like my recordings pretty punchy and this recording (while intentional I’m sure) is very muddy. I don’t know maybe I will listen again. Maybe I can get past that but I’m not sure...

OK Computer

Radiohead

5/5

55/1001 :: Radiohead - OK Computer Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 10 Fav Tracks: Let Down, Electioneering, Climbing Up the Walls, ETC… Listen before you die: Uhhhhh Yeah One of my favorite albums of all time. Seriously this is a desert island album for me. Top 10 all time. Probably Top 5 TBH. It just has all the things. Hard, soft, delicate, emotional, innovative, everything… I Only wish I had fell in love with it sooner. I liked the album when it came out but didn’t become obsessed with Radiohead until Kid A. That was a miss. I should have went to this tour. That was all time shit. Bottom line is, this is the album that keeps on giving.

A Wizard, A True Star

Todd Rundgren

2/5

56/1001 :: Todd Rundgren - A Wizard, A True Star Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 4 Fav Tracks: International Feel Listen before you die: No Do people actually like Todd Rundgren? I find it hard to believe they do. Maybe I’m wrong, but I’ve listened to Todd Rundgren before and it’s anther artist that I just don’t get. Not really sure why but either way I’m moving on…

It's Blitz!

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

4/5

57/1001 :: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It’s Blitz Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: Head Will Roll, Skeletons, Hysteric Listen before you die: I guess so? So…I really really like this album. I consider myself a YYYs fan. I’ve never seen them live but that’s probably a miss on my part and every time they put out an album I make an effort to listen to it. And frankly for me they rarely miss… All that said, I’m a little surprised this album is on this list and frankly it’s making me reconsider how good it is. Maybe it’s better than I think? And listening to it again I’m getting that feeling. It’s really enjoyable. It’s less abrasive than Fever To Tell (which I really love) but I think that shows the growth of the band. Karen O is such a great singer with such a unique voice and style. Nick Zinner is all around awesome musician and their drummer Brian Chase is quite underrated. The drumming actually has a lot more of a jazz feel than I remember which is cool and compliments Nicks indie instrumentation.

Power In Numbers

Jurassic 5

2/5

58/1001 :: Jurassic 5 - Power In Numbers Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 4 Fav Tracks: A Day At The Races, What’s Golden Listen before you die: No An interesting conscious rap album. 6 dudes delivering flows that pretty much sound straight out of the 80s. I thought overall the music was well cool. Funky, layered and fit the style of positive hip hop they were delivering. All that said, there's a couple of cool songs but this brand of hip hop is not really what I’m into. I hate to say it but it’s too nice. It feels like there’s no edge to it. So I’m moving on...

Stripped

Christina Aguilera

1/5

59/1001 :: Christina Aguilera - Stripped Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 3 Fav Tracks: Make Over, Fighter Listen before you die: No The key to listening to some of these is low expectations. For that I would say I was rewarded. Stripped is a professional pop album put together by talented people. That said, what the hell were these people thinking making a hour and 18 minute, 20 song album? It was never ending… Lastly, the cover art is such a moment. 20 year old girls in 2002 wanted to be this so that’s cool but this is not for me.

Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches

Happy Mondays

3/5

60/1001 :: Happy Mondays - Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Kinky Afro Listen before you die: No This I like one of those albums that your friend puts on and you’re like “This is pretty cool, What is this?” then proceed to never listen again. Then one day you’re at a house party having a couple cocktails and they got some New Wave Spotify station. And right after a super dope Echo & the Bunnymen song comes on; Happy Monday’s Step On plays. You turn your friend and say “ohh I know these cats, my friend Rob loves them!”… And that’s it. That’s as far as it goes.

1984

Van Halen

3/5

61/1001 :: Van Halen - 1984 Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Hot For Teacher, Drop Dead Legs Listen before you die: Yes Hot For Teacher is incredible. Seriously amazing. Also was Eddie an alien? A wizard perhaps? These licks are hot as hell. Interestingly enough I think people should listen to this before they die but I just don’t want to listen to it again. Let’s be serious, this sounds 80s AF. Panama? I always thought DLR was great but is he? Sammy is terrible but Diamond Dave is so over the top. Anyway I think this is the 2nd time I’ve ever listened to this album. And probably the last. I wouldn’t tell someone to turn off but I’m never gonna turn it on…

The Atomic Mr Basie

Count Basie & His Orchestra

3/5

62/1001 :: Count Basie - The Atomic Mr. Basie Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: Yes NGL I barely listened to this. That said it’s one of the funner jazz records I’ve heard so far in this (1001) project. Lotta swing. Be great at a wedding. Will revisit when the mood is right…

Seventh Tree

Goldfrapp

3/5

63/1001 :: Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Sure After being smacked with an error message last night I was curious when the next album would drop and if I’d have enough time to get through it. Of course that was short lived and I was served the 4th album from a band I had never heard of. I don’t know why but based on the cover art I thought this was gonna be trip hop or something. That it was not but it was dream pop. Frankly this album was right in my wheelhouse and a very enjoyable listen. I’m not sure that I found it special. But I also didn’t have to skip through anything. Will I go back? Not sure, but if you wanted too I get it…

Bossanova

Pixies

4/5

64/1001 :: Pixies - Bossanova Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: Rock Music, Down to the Well, The Happening I’ve never actually put together the list but I have to imagine the Pixies are somewhere in my Top 20 favorite bands of all time. I love them so much. Weird, innovative, aggressive, tender, literally all the things. Outta the first 5 classic Pixies albums this is my least favorite. That said, It’s still so good. And today’s listen reminded me that I need to own this on vinyl. It’s the only one of the first 5 that I don’t have… Should be noted Rock Music is an incredible track 1 to any Pixies playlist…

The Velvet Underground & Nico

The Velvet Underground

4/5

65/1001 :: The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground & Nico Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Fav Tracks: Venus in Furs, I’m Waiting for the Man, Sunday Morning Listen before you die: Yes. Most definitely. I’ve listened to this before but TBH not enough. This album is just cool AF. Lou Reed is on another level of cool. Also Andy Warhol produced this? What the hell does he know about producing? Sounds pretty good though… I much prefer the Lou songs over the Nico songs. For whatever reason the Nico songs sound a lot more 60s. Not in a bad way but a lot of the Lou Reed songs have a more timeless quality to them. This is another one I need on vinyl.

Thriller

Michael Jackson

4/5

66/1001 :: Michael Jackson - Thriller Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller Listen before you die: Yes. Literally every person who grew in the 80s had a copy of Thriller on vinyl at their house. And as you probably know It’s the top selling album of all time. How is this possible? I listened today it’s not a perfect by any means. Not even close. I will admit that the back-to-back-to-back of Thriller, Beat It and Billy Jean in the middle of the album is sublime. Like really fucking awesome. PYT is also really great. I had to check the credits to see if Rick James played on this song because it was filthy funky. Speaking of contributions Quincy Jones does a masterful production job here even if I think a lot of the choices made were timely versus timeless. Lastly, I love Sir Paul but the Paul McCartney song is bad. He helped Michael made a bad song and then bought his music from under him. Guess it happens like that sometimes…

Raw Like Sushi

Neneh Cherry

2/5

Haven’t heard this since the 80s. I gave it a short spin and that’s all I needed to hear. Buffalo Stance is cool. That song and this style blazed a path for other females in this space. Santigold comes to mind. She probably loves this. That said, it sounds very dated and frankly I would much rather just listen to Santigold.

Justified

Justin Timberlake

3/5

68/1001 :: Justin Timberlake - Justified Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Cry Me A River Listen before you die: No Best thing about this album is the production. Timbaland, Pharrell and The Neptunes, Scott Storch all have their fingerprints on this thing and it shows. Justin acts as the vehicle to drive their songs and frankly he’s doing a very good job at it. When this album popped up I thought it was gonna be a tough get. It wasn’t. Lotta toe tapping and good singing. Just not really my bag…

Young Americans

David Bowie

3/5

69/1001 :: David Bowie - Young Americans Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: Fame, Right Listen before you die: No I love David Bowie and I wanted to love this album. I didn’t. Apple Music has this an essential album. I guess because it Bowie’s disco (kinda) album? Maybe I need to listen to this more but I really loved Fame and not much else. The Beatles cover was interesting but I prefer the original. Right is a cool song and the title track is fine but definitely not my favorite Bowie song. That's all I got for this right now; I wonder if I’ll buy this in the used bin one day…

The Stone Roses

3/5

70/1001 :: The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: I think so If I’m being honest I didn’t get a great listen to this yesterday. I know people love this album and my intent is to go back because I liked what I heard. I didn’t love it though. I thought it was good not have to listen before you die amazing. I wonder if with more listens I’ll change that stance.

Da Capo

Love

3/5

71/1001 :: Love - Da Capo Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yeah Fav Songs: 7 and 7 is, Que Vida! Quite a mixed bag album from the 60s. Which made it a bit of a schizophrenic listen. My guess is these cats did a bunch of acid and maybe while making this album. That said, the songs are an interesting explosion 60s styles (folk, psych, hard rock). I probably won’t go back a million times but I would go back.

Off The Wall

Michael Jackson

3/5

72/1001 :: Michael Jackson - Off The Wall Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Listen before you die: Yeah Fav Songs: Don’t Stop Til You get Enough, Rock With You Another day, another Michael album. This album was a tale of 2 half. The first half was very upbeat, dancy, even aggressive at times. The 2nd half was more 80’s R&B which I didn’t love. It wasn’t horrible but it was kinda what I expected it to be. I seriously don’t understand why Michael is put on such an all time great pedestal. He’s got some great songs but from I’ve heard his albums are decent not great.

Behaviour

Pet Shop Boys

2/5

73/1001 :: Pet Shop Boys - Behaviour Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Listen before you die: No Fav Songs: This Must Be The Place I waited To Leave This was better the 2nd time around for me but all in all this is not my bag. Some really interesting industrial beats but honestly I didn’t love the singing. It was also too dancy for me in spots. Love the artwork though. On to the next...

Elephant

The White Stripes

4/5

74/1001 :: The White Stripes - Elephant Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Seven Nation Army, Black Math, Ball and Biscuit I’ve listened to this album quite a bit but it’s been a minute so it was great to revisit. if I’m being honest this is not a perfect album but it’s pretty damn close. It has Seven Nation Army one of the greatest modern day anthems and Bath Math a Top 5 Stripes song for me. And with tracks like Ball and Biscuit and there’s No Home For You Here this is probably the most realized White Stripes album. They had caught some fame and made an album that really encapsulated what they do best. Only gripe I have is besides some songs with Meg singing I think they played it a little safe, which makes me have an album like White Blood Cells a notch higher. Maybe that’s why I still don’t have this vinyl. Either way, Elephant is a banger and I will be returning.

good kid, m.A.A.d city

Kendrick Lamar

4/5

74/1001 :: Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid M.A.D.D. City Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Money Trees, Backseat Freestyle, m.A.D.d. City I’ve heard songs off this (Bitch don’t Kill My Vibe, Drank, Etc..) but I can’t believe I’ve never heard this whole thing til today. And welp, the praise is fitting. Just an incredible Hip Hop album. First of all Kendrick rapping like he has something to prove and he did at that point. I also didn’t realize Dr Dre not only had a feature but was a major contributor as far as the production goes. This has a very West Coast vibe but done in such a new school and interesting modern way. Thought the Pharrell track was great. I didn’t really love the Drake track. Drake is good for he does but this felt off. Also didn’t like Real. But frankly I need more listens. My son has this on vinyl, maybe I’ll steal it…

At Fillmore East

The Allman Brothers Band

4/5

76/1001 :: Allman Brothers Band - At Fillmore East Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Statesboro Blues, Trouble No More, One Way Out, Whipping Post Seriously live blues albums don’t get much better than this. Gregg Allman is arguably the greatest blues singer of all time and it’s all on display here. Coupled with the dueling guitars of Dickey Betts and Duane Allman they’re out here doing gods work. The 2nd disc is a little slow but Whipping Post makes up for it. Good lord this is great

This Year's Model

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

4/5

77/1001 :: Elvis Costello & the Atrractions - This Year’s Model Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Pump It Up, You Belong to Me They said it couldn’t be done… but I found an Elvis Costello album I actually liked. I love this project for that reason. The songs on This Years Model and cool but also catchy. Still having a tough time with the voice but thought the way he was using his voice on this album added a fun element to the songs. Not sure how much I’ll revisit this but I might so I’ll give it the nod. Lastly, great cover art.

People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm

A Tribe Called Quest

4/5

78/1001 :: A Tribe Called Quest - People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Bonita Applebum, Can I Kick It, I Left My Wallet in El Segundo I think the first Tribe song I ever heard was Can I Kick It?. The fact that they sampled Lou Reed resonated with me even though I don’t think I really knew that at the time (1990). This album is probably more influential than it is great and as went through it today I realized it runs a little long. It’s also not their best IMO but as Tribe’s first album it’s pretty monumental and has some all timers sprinkled in. They really bridged the gap between 80s hip hop and 90s Hip Hop. They’re also the ultimate conscious Hip Hop group. They’re actually so good at it, It’s probably why I don’t really like that kind of rap. Because I would rather just listen to Tribe. Tribe always came off as cool AF too. I love that their lyrics have an edge to them but they’re not trying to be tough. They’re just so smart and so is the production. Lastly, beyond just a lyricist Q-Tip is a hell of a producer. I’m sure they’ll be other Tribe albums in this run. Excited to get to those.

A Love Supreme

John Coltrane

4/5

79/1001 :: John Coltrane - A Love Supreme Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yes As far as jazz records go I don’t know if it gets better than this. And of all the jazz records I’ve heard in this project this was the most exciting. Power, rhythm, freedom, it’s all there. I will be returning.

Done By The Forces Of Nature

Jungle Brothers

3/5

80/1001 :: Jungle Brothers - Done By The Forces of Nature Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: No In 1989 I probably would have thought this was awesome. I know I had Jungle Boys on mix tapes and had def seen their video on Yo Mtv Raps so I was def a fan. But I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again; most Hip Hop in general doesn’t age well. Production here is great and lyrics are good, but honestly it feels dated. Also didn’t help that it’s not on streaming so I had to listen via Youtube. So yeah, influential yes, must listen? I don’t think so…

Daydream Nation

Sonic Youth

4/5

81/1001 :: Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes File this under “Album I should have listened to many moons ago”. I donlty why I’ve never really listened to Sonic Youth. I mean I’ve heard songs. Probably listened to Dirty a couple times but other than that I haven’t heard shit. That’s a mistake, especially considering Thurston Moore grew up in Danbury/Bethel (my stomping grounds). Anyway this album is great. I kept thinking “this must of been a huge influence on Kurt” while listening to it. While this is noise rock I think this really helped set the stage for grunge. Also Kim Gordon is so fucking cool. I’m assuming there are more Sonic Youth albums on this list. Makes sense…

Liege And Lief

Fairport Convention

4/5

82/1001 :: Fairport Convention - Life & Lief Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes I had never heard of this band before let alone this album. Assumed it was going to be very 60s based on the cover art and frankly I was quite surprised with how good it was. Mixing folk, psychedelic and a little rock it didn’t really sound overtly 60s it was just good. Quality trailed off a little at the end but overall strong. Not sure I would go back but seemed ahead of its time and that’s cool.

Disraeli Gears

Cream

4/5

83/1001 :: Cream - Disraeli Gears Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes So I have listened to this before but it’s been a while. I’m not a huge Cream fan but I don’t certainly don’t hate them. Frankly I think my feelings for Clapton get in the way of my enjoyment of Cream even though I love Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce for that matter. Either way, I probably have listened to Wheels of Fire more but after giving this a fresh spin today I’m realizing how great this is and maybe I’ve been listening to the wrong Cream album.

Logical Progression

LTJ Bukem

1/5

84/1001 :: LTJ Bukem - Logical Progression Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 2 Listen before you die: No Frankly I’m not on enough drugs at the moment to enjoy this album.

Violent Femmes

4/5

85/1001 :: Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes This album is like the gateway drug to indie music. Fun, catchy, piss off, singalong songs make this a high school staple. Or at least it was when I was growing up. I feel like this album doesn’t get enough credit. I hear the Pixies now when I listen to it and bring it dropped in 83 I’m sure there are countless bands for whom it laid the groundwork. My only knock on this album is what makes it great. It’s a little childish, so once you graduate you don’t really go back to it other than throwing a song here and there on a mix tape. Lastly, I saw these cats in 98 play a small club in my hometown. A really fun show. What a time to be alive

Neon Bible

Arcade Fire

5/5

86/1001 :: Arcade Fire - Neon Bible Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Antichrist Television Blues, Intervention, My Body is A Cage In 2007 this was my AOTY and after a fresh listen today I was quickly reminded why. I think most people would say Funeral is Arcade Fire’s best album but for my money this is where it’s at. This thing flows like water. There’s like 1 moment (Black Wave) on the whole album, I don’t love and even that part launches into an amazing song. Also Antichrist Television Blues is such an underrated AC song. Maybe this type of song isn’t why people like them so I get it, but this song rules. I saw a review once that said it’s their ode to The Boss and that’s such a perfect description. Blue collar lyrics mixed with tales of faith, set to a furious acoustic rhythm guitar and beautifully placed chimes. It’s so glorious. I don’t know why I don’t own this on vinyl yet. I need to change that ASAP…

Nothing's Shocking

Jane's Addiction

4/5

87/1001 :: Janes Addiction - Nothing’s Shocking Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Jane Says, Mountain Song Rock albums don’t get much cooler than this. This album has such a sexy, weird, mischievous vibe. It can be messy but it’s also crisp and clear. There’s also a lot of tribal tones that make the music simple and primal at times. I snagged this on vinyl about a year ago. Frankly I should listen to it more…

Another Green World

Brian Eno

3/5

88/1001 :: Brian Eno - Another Green World Heard before? :x: Would I revisit? :x: Rating: 6 Listen before you die: Yes In Brian Eno fashion this album was a little bizarre. Bizarre but also very cool. Production was immaculate and a lot of the songs were interesting/good. You could hear these influences show up in Bowie’s work and beyond. So while it was cool to hear all these things it also felt a little empty at times. So, I’m not sure there was enough for me here to go back.

The World is a Ghetto

War

2/5

89/1001 :: War - The World is a Ghetto Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Listen before you die: No This is a cool funk album with some great instrumentation. That said it’s also missing the highs and lows I’m usually looking for in an album. It’s also just in general not my thing. I’m moving on.

There's No Place Like America Today

Curtis Mayfield

4/5

90/1001 :: War - The World is a Ghetto Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yeah I don’t know if I’ll really ever listen to this again but I should. This is a damn good album. This is real soul.

All That You Can't Leave Behind

U2

2/5

91/1001 :: U2 - All That You Can’t Leave Behind Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Listen before you die: No I like U2 quite a bit and I’m not sure how many U2 albums are on this list but I’m sure this one needs to be. U2s albums have always had commercial appeal but these songs feel very glossy. Beautiful Day feels like it was written for a bad car commercial. The whole first half of the album feels like this. I love New York and generally songs about it but I don’t know if there’s a more generic love letter to NYC than the song “New York” here. One bright spot here is the song Wild Honey which sounds like the U2 I love. Kite also pretty good but overall I’d rather just listen to The Joshua Tree.

Talking With the Taxman About Poetry

Billy Bragg

4/5

92/1001 :: Billy Bragg - Talkin with the Taxman about Poetry Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes I only really know Billy from his Wilco collab and frankly I didn’t love his voice. I got over that today. There’s some great songs on here and the social commentary adds layers.

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

OutKast

4/5

93/1001 :: Outkast - Speakerboxxx / The Love Below Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 7.5 Listen before you die: Yes I’m sorry Miss Jackson but while there’s some real gems on here I’m not sure I’ll ever listen to this (whole) 2 hour and 15 minute sprawler again. Been a while since I listened to Outkast’s swan song. It’s an important album because it truly shows where 2 visionary rappers can take the genre. That said, if I’m picking sides I enjoy Big Boi’s Speakerboxxx slightly over Andre 3000s The Love Below. I especially love the Killer Mike features. The first time I ever heard Killer Mike was Stankonia but this was a strong reintroduction. The Love Below does have some bangers though. Obviously Hey Ya but also She’s Alive and Take Off Your Cool. Overall an important album but it could use a nip and a tuck.

Kings Of The Wild Frontier

Adam & The Ants

4/5

94/1001 :: Adam & The Ants - King of the Wild Frontier Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes This was a pretty interesting album. Had a very 80s feel to it but also felt like someone took Bowie, The Cars and Bily Idol and smashed them together. I assumed this album was made while indulging in mind altering substances but it turns out Adam Ant avoided illicit drugs and alcohol throughout his career. He did though suffer from bipolar disorder which would help explain some of the randomness. Not sure I’ll go back to this soon but I think if I saw this for a good price in the used bin I’d buy.

Ágætis Byrjun

Sigur Rós

3/5

95/1001 :: Ágætis Byrjun - Sigur Rós Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: Yes I’ve listened to this album before. And every time I go back I find it tough to get through. It’s a good one to put on to live in the background of a work setting where you can drift in and out. It’s beautifully done but it can get a little dull at times. After revisiting today I realized this had more singing than I remember. I think maybe I thought it was more instrumental because there’s no English. Either way, this is definitely worth a listen and worth of this list even it’s unlikely I’ll ever listen in its entirety again. That said, this is a good contender to play at your funeral.

Elvis Is Back

Elvis Presley

3/5

96/1001 :: Elvis Presley - Elvis Is Back! Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Fever, Dirty Dirty Feeling, Reconsider Baby What can I say, I’m a fan of The King. Guy was a professional. I know he didn’t write much but that voice is unmistakable and his arrangements were cool. This album was a good example of that. The album sounded very 50s but it was a sound that he had perfected at this point. Another cool thing about Elvis is that for the time, he didn’t play it safe. He was a massive pop star but to his credit a lot of his songs had bite, both stylistically and from a content perspective. People love to hate on the King but Reconsider Baby is a badass blues performance any way you slice it.

Imagine

John Lennon

5/5

97/1001 :: John Lennon - Imagine Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Imagine, How Do You Sleep, Crippled Inside, Jealous Guy If you don’t listen to this album and go “holy shit John Lennon was a Fucking G!” I don’t know how to help you. This album is pretty much flawless. It’s a more realized Beatles sound with John contemplating life, relationships and tackling heavy issues in plain sight. The song that always gets me is “How Fo You Sleep?”, a seething shot at his old pal Sir Paul McCartney. Also interesting that George is on almost every track but no writing credits go. The only thing I don’t love about this album is the last song Oh Yoko!. Im not a huge Yoko fan but either way this song misses the mark and feels tacked on to the end of the album. Overall this a 5 star record.

Picture Book

Simply Red

1/5

98/1001 :: Simply Red - Picture Book Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 1 Listen before you die: No If I owned an easy listening 80s radio station this whole thing would be on repeat. Thank God I don’t. This album was Simply Bad.

MTV Unplugged In New York

Nirvana

5/5

99/1001 :: Nirvana - MTV Unplugged in New York Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 10 Listen before you die: YES This is arguably the greatest live album ever. I’m serious. Song choices, order, vibe, the covers, the string work, the recording and all fronted by a man with not much else left to give except this masterpiece. All that said, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Kurt was not perfect but albums (especially live ones) don’t get much better than this. 11 out of 10. @dead.wax.cafe

Jagged Little Pill

Alanis Morissette

5/5

100/1001 :: Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yes I first heard this album in the 90s and while I liked a track here or there I never got into it and I had a good idea how this listening experience today would go. Well, I was dead wrong, because this is a really great album. The turn off for me was always the voice. There were just so many female voices in the 90s I liked better that I didn’t really give this a fair shake. While I still don’t love the voice the Alanis Morissette & Glen Ballard songwriting duo is special. I also didn’t realize that Flea & Dave Navaro played on You Outta Know? Who knew?? But after you listen to again you can hear Navaro solo pretty clearly. I also understand now the importance of the lyrics for young women. And It’s not just You Outta Know it’s the whole album especially Hand in My Pocket and Perfect. Realized today how much I like Hand in My Pocket actually. Either way, “You Learn” I guess. 100 in 901 to go…

Killing Joke

4/5

101/1001 :: Killing Joke - Killing Joke Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes Thanks to the Metallica I had only heard a song or 2 from this album before. Most notably The Wait which the boys covered on the original Garage Days Revisited. I also saw that this album had a 2.99 rating which made me think this was gonna be sub par. Come to find out this album kinda one dimensional but also right in my wheel house. Chunky riffs and industrial beats create something rough around the edges, very lo-fi but also pretty badass. Production could be better, singing could be better but this is a real interesting album. Another album where I’m not sure when I’ll return but in the words of The Terminator “I’ll Be Back”…

Kala

M.I.A.

4/5

102/1001 :: M.I.A. - Kala Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes Hadn’t listened to this in a while. It’s held up really well and the production is still top notch. I didn’t realize the sample in Paper Planes was a Clash song until recently. That’s pretty rad. I also forgot that she used lyrics from The Pixies Where is My Mind on 20 Dollar. Also rad. British born, Sri Lankan textures and American hip hop beats, flows and influence mixed together to create an album that works on a multitude of levels. That said, I do think some of the songs get a little samesie and potentially overstay their welcome at times. Either way it’s an influential album that has global appeal.

After The Gold Rush

Neil Young

5/5

103/1001 :: Neil Young - After the Gold Rush Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Southern man, Cripple Creek Ferry, Only Love Can Break Your Heart A timeless classic. One that I’ve been listening to for years and go back to it often. Also, an album that I can say confidently should be enjoyed on vinyl than any other way. Warm on the outside and hot in the center. Also, Southern Man really slaps. So visual, and penned with the sharpest tongue it sparked a response. But maybe the thing I love about it most is this is where we really see Neils signature electric guitar sound and that solo is so filthy good. Lastly, Cripple Creek Ferry is an underrated Neil song. It feels like a song from The Band but better.

Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin

4/5

104/1001 :: Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: The Lemon Song, What Is and What Should Never Be, Ramble On Bottom line is they’re one of the most played groups in history. That’s because, It’s a group full of all stars and their initial 6 album run is pretty flawless. Now that I’ve listened to this album a gazillion times there are a couple of skips (Living Loving Maid) but frankly should still be considered on of the best rock n roll records ever made.

Abraxas

Santana

3/5

105/1001 :: Santana - Abraxas Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va Couple things surprised me about this record. 1st was how many songs I knew having never heard the whole thing. 2nd was how enjoyable it was. In fact, now Oye Como Va has been stuck in my head all day. Latin Soul infused with psychedelic rock by a guitar virtuoso can be cool at times. That said, this album (as I expected) was a little too jammy for me. It was a total vibe and I could see why people would love this but other than a song or 2 this is not something I would normally spend my time with and that didn’t change after a hearty listen.

Loveless

My Bloody Valentine

3/5

106/1001 :: My Bloody Valentine - m b v Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes This is shoegaze? Listened to this multiple times yesterday and I’m not really sure how to process it. It was somewhere between boring and absolutely wonderful. The more I listened though the more I’m leaning towards the latter. I’ve tried to listen to this album before and couldn’t get through it so it was nice to give it another fair shake and very good chance I’ll be doing that again at some point.

Time Out

The Dave Brubeck Quartet

4/5

107/1001 :: The Dave Brubeck Quartet - Time Out Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Out of the all jazz records in this project this has been my 2nd favorite so far (only behind Coltrane’s Love Supreme). A fun listen that kept moving. The sounds were familiar and felt like I’ve been to this bar before but I hadn’t. Not sure when I’d play it but I would buy this…

Bringing It All Back Home

Bob Dylan

5/5

108/1001 :: Bob Dylan - Bringing It All Back Home Heard before? :white_check_mark: Would I revisit? :white_check_mark: Rating: 10 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Subterranean Homesick Blues, Outlaw Blues, Love Minus Zero / No Limit, It’s All Over Now Baby Blue *“He not busy being born is busy dying...”* I pretty firmly consider this to be one of the greatest albums, pieces of art and collection of literary compositions ever made. I’ve probably listened this to over 1000 times and I’m no where near done. Frankly it’s one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Dylan somewhere near the height of his powers, lyrically it’s such a masterpiece. Beyond the sharp tongue though this is where Dylan went electric. Channeling the blues into something fresh and exciting. Subterranean Homesick Blues is considered by some as one of the first rap songs because of its rhyme scheme and cadence. And lastly, even the folks songs like Mr Tambourine Man and Gates if Eden come at you from a unique angle. They say "Nobody sings like Dylan" and this is what "they" are talking about. I could go one but I won’t. That said, when I die play this thing at my service…

Closer

Joy Division

5/5

109/1001 :: Joy Division - Closer Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Twenty Four Hours, A Means to an End, Decades Do you like torture? Because when I listen to this album all I hear is pain. The most beautiful, darkest, wonderful pain… Ian Curtis was not well and it comes through here. There’s also just not much like this. The production is haunting, while the rhythm section is just laying it down and the eerie guitar crashes over the top. When I reach for Joy Division I usually go for Unknown Pleasures but after many listens today I think I maybe be neglecting this album. Actually I know I am. I’ve always thought this album was really good but it’s great.

Germfree Adolescents

X-Ray Spex

3/5

110/1001 :: X-Ray Spex - Germ Free Adolescents Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: Yes Punk mixed with a little bit of ska. Especially for 1978, my guess is this was fairly influential landing it on the list. That said, while interesting it feels like there’s something missing. More bite maybe or more catchy hooks? Not sure but probably won’t ever return to this.

Graceland

Paul Simon

4/5

The inspiration this album spawned is paramount. Lotta great songs. That said, at this point I’d rather listen to Vampire Weekend. Horrible I know, but true…

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan

5/5

112/1001 :: Bob Dylan - The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Masters of War, A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall, Corina Corina This is the album where Dylan became Dylan. Not sure how you could listen to songs like Masters of War, Blowin’ In The Wind or A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall and not feel something. These protest songs made Dylan the voice of generation whether he wanted that title or not. And then he follows that up with songs like Girl From The North Country, Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright and (the cover) Corina Corina just to pull on the heart strings. The one liners from this album also legendary: - How many times must a man look up before he can see the sky? - You ain't worth the blood That runs in your veins - Where black is the color, where none is the number This is definitely an all timer and he was only just getting started…

Eternally Yours

The Saints

4/5

Good fun rock n roll with a little bit of punk swagger.

Boston

2/5

114/1001 :: Boston - Boston Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 4 Listen before you die: No Nothing says Classic Rock radio like these Boston tunes. And while I find a lot of this album pretty cheesy there are definitely “Hot Licks” on here too. Some of the playing is kinda impressive inparticular the guitar work. But overall it’s too over the top especially the singing. Lastly, I’m still baffled that this spaceship with a city in it is the actual artwork. It’s so bad it’s practically iconic at this point.

Blue

Joni Mitchell

4/5

115/1001 :: Joni Mitchell - Blue Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes I’ve listened to this album before but not very much and I’m definitely no huge Joni Mitchell fan. In fact I recently learned that she’s talked shit on Dylan in the past and I find that annoying. That said, she’s got a dreamy voice and the song writing and her playing fits that voice so beautifully. Frankly, I need to give this album (and her catalog) more listens.

Hot Rats

Frank Zappa

4/5

Had no idea this was all instrumental. This album is about as jazz rock as it gets. And Frank can really play guitar. All in all this was pretty awesome. Not sure when I would listen again but it warrants more listens…

Document

R.E.M.

4/5

Really solid R.E.M. offering. Kicking off with Finest Worksong and also featuring End of The World and The One I Love. This is showcase of a great band that really honed in on what they do. There are other albums songs in their catalog that I prefer but this has been on vinyl purchase shortlist for a while.

The Wall

Pink Floyd

4/5

118/1001 :: Pink Floyd - The Wall Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes This is not a perfect album. At 26 songs it can get be a laborious listen but as you make your way through it you realize there’s incredible around every corner. I saw a review say “it’s comfortably shit” and frankly that’s just not true. It’s an impressive work of art with some of the bands greatest moments. Mother, Hey You, Comfortably Numb, Brick in the Wall are all timers. Do we need 3 Bricks in the Wall; probably not but love how the songs flow in and out of each other. Also can we get a round of applause for David Gilmour; dude is astonishing when it comes to playing the guitar.

Peter Gabriel 3

Peter Gabriel

3/5

119/1001 :: Peter Gabriel - 3 Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: I guess First off the cover art is incredible. Not sure it really matches the music but I guess context is key here. He was using sounds and bringing in influences that other people weren’t and I think that’s what makes this special. And while it’s a fine listen it’s just not really my thing. Glad I gave it a good spin. Don’t hate it, but don’t love it either.

Low-Life

New Order

4/5

120/1001 :: New Order - Low-Life Heard before? :x: Would I revisit? :white_check_mark: Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes (especially if you fancy Joy Division) I’ve heard songs from this album before specifically Love Vigilantes (maybe my favorite New Order song) which I love, but never this whole album. And 2 things really struck me about this album. First, I’m no New Order expert but it’s the most Joy Division sounding album they have (which is awesome). Second, the vocals on this album are not great. Sumner does his best here but I don’t ever recall a New Order album where I was like wow they miss Ian Curtis but it’s very apparent here. Either way this album has great songs and they all hold together really well. I think I just found my "go-to" New Order album.

Disintegration

The Cure

5/5

A dark masterpiece that only gets better with time.

Kilimanjaro

The Teardrop Explodes

3/5

This was alright. Not horrible. Not amazing. But kinda fun...

Inspiration Information

Shuggie Otis

3/5

Cool listen. Soulful. I bet rappers sampled this and made something great. Little too mellow overall for me though...

Selected Ambient Works 85-92

Aphex Twin

3/5

For this type of modern DJ thing this was very good. For me could be cool background music but nothing I would ever obsess over.

Brilliant Corners

Thelonious Monk

3/5

Need to get a better listen in TBH. This was not a great Halloween album.

Trafalgar

Bee Gees

2/5

126/1001 :: Bee Gees - Trafalgar Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 4 Listen before you die: No Why so serious Bee Gees? Not what I was expecting from what I thought was a fun disco band. With a song called Israel and a lot of the songs having a soft, singer song writer quality this felt like more like a Beatles side project than a good ole blast from the past. Some pretty good songs in the 2nd half but not good enough for me to return.

Fear Of Music

Talking Heads

4/5

Weird. Timeless. Edgy. Brilliant. And it’s not even the best Talking Heads album.

Sheer Heart Attack

Queen

4/5

128/1001 :: Queen - Sheer Heart Attack Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Tracks: Killer Queen, Stone Cold Crazy Another great Queen album. I’ve never really spent much time with the albums which begs the question; is this the best Queen album? Because it’s damn good. And an especially stellar output from Brian May. Love his guitar tone here and the riffs. Sometimes Queen gets a little too theatrical for me but all in all this is awesome.

I Against I

Bad Brains

4/5

There’s nobody quite like Bad Brains. Hardcore / punk infused with Rastafarian vibes. The album blasts off like cannon in the first half with some of my favorites from their catalog. House of Suffering is probably my favorite Bad Brains song and the title track is also way up there. While the second half slows it down a touch and they really explore where they can take their sound. Sacred Love is a track where this new groovier Bad Brains really comes together amazingly well. I don’t know that this album is universally palatable but it was a staple in my teenage years. Love this band.

Aladdin Sane

David Bowie

4/5

130/1001 :: David Bowie - Aladdin Sane Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Tracks: Jean Genie, Cracked Actor, Let’s Spend The Night Together A Lad Insane is a story of artist meeting pop stardom and critical acclaim. Bowie’s 5th studio album and 2nd as Ziggy Stardust is an interesting one; way more glam and a bit more abstract than its predecessor. It’s been said that many of the tracks were influenced by America and his perceptions of the country. Bowie “was simultaneously appalled and fixated by America” something that even as an American I can relate to. While maybe not as focused an album as Ziggy Stardust this prolific era in Bowie’s career is my favorite. And Aladdin Sane has a bunch of gems. All timers like The Jean Genie, Cracked Actor and the Stones cover Let’s Spend the Night Together once showcase Bowie’s magic. And of course the cover artwork is one of the most iconic Bowie images ever. Shot by Brian Duffy, the concept image conveys Bowie’s struggle with stardom, as he’s torn with fame. The distinctive painted scar contrasted the soft, vulnerable tear and with Bowie’s eyes shut he’s unwilling to face the reality of fame he found himself trapped in. So rad.

New Forms

Roni Size

1/5

131/1001 :: Roni Size - New Forms Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 1 Listen before you die: No File this under: Ain’t nobody got time for this.

Wild Is The Wind

Nina Simone

3/5

132/1001 :: Nina Simone - Wild is the Wind Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Listen before you die: I don’t think so Starts strong and fades into something delicate. She picks it back up again with Why Keep Breaking my Heart but overall while beautiful I found this album a little too slow for my liking.

Teen Dream

Beach House

4/5

133/1001 :: Beach House - Teen Dream Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes When it comes to indie dream pop albums it doesn’t get much better than this. I’ve listened to this album before but frankly not enough. It’s easy to bounce through the album and at first glance the songs come off fun, but lyrically deeper themes are being explored. So far it’s looking like one of the best albums to drop this century.

White Blood Cells

The White Stripes

4/5

Legendary album from a 2025 Hall Of Fame Band. It's not perfect but it's damn close. Dead Leaves, Hotel Yorba, Fell in Love With A Girl, We're Going to be Friends, etc... This is a great album.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

4/5

This album ages like fine wine. Breakdown and American Girl are absolute classics but frankly there aren't many sour notes on this album. Tom was just getting started so I would say his influences are clearly showing on some of the songs here but that doesn't make it bad just makes it not as fresh as what would come. Dude is an all time rock n roll legend.

Come Find Yourself

Fun Lovin' Criminals

1/5

136/1001 :: Fun Lovin’ Criminals - Come Find Yourself Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 2 Listen before you die: No This was not great. This is the kinda album you buy when you’re 8 because you like the fun hip hop influenced single and then realize years later that overall it’s kinda trash.

Butterfly

Mariah Carey

1/5

137/1001 :: Mariah Carey - Butterfly Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 1 Listen before you die: No People like this? She obviously has great range but overall this album is a mix of vanilla easy listening and bad R&B. Should also be noted the first song features Puff Daddy to which was an immediate turn off.

Seventeen Seconds

The Cure

4/5

138/1001 :: The Cure - Seventeen Seconds Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes I absolutely love the guitar tone on this album and A Forest is probably my favorite Cure song of all time. This album doesn’t have poppy singles but what it lacks in pop appeal it makes up for it in goth appeal. Frankly I don’t listen to this album enough and I need to own this on vinyl. This exercise was made for albums like this. It’s great.

Elvis Presley

4/5

139/1001 :: Elvis Presley - Elvis Presley Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes People love to hate The King but he was crowned The King for a reason and it started right here. Elvis may not have written Blue Suede Shoes, I got A Woman and Tutti Frutti but he played and sang the hell out of em. I think context is import too. This album helped bring rock n roll to the masses. Lastly, I love how the cover art inspired so many. This is history.

Hot Fuss

The Killers

4/5

139/1001 :: The Killers - Hot Fuss Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes The Killers could be your favorite band. I’ve never been a huge Killers fan but I’ve streamed their live performances and I’ve always been like “wow”. Big songs, catchy hooks and a talented frontman. Having only heard the hits here I was interested to hear the deep cuts and as I suspected there was a lot to like and also a couple of duds. All in all though this was pretty damn good and I hope that one day I do get to see them live.

The Pleasure Principle

Gary Numan

4/5

140/1001 :: Gary Numan - The Pleasure Principle Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Albums just don’t sound like this and the influence this album has had on industrial and electric music should not be understated. These songs are just so damn cool. But also have pop appeal in some robotic kinda way. The repetition here is apart of the charm but also can make it predictable and lastly Gary is certainly no Adele it works for the vibe but you also kinda have to wonder how a better singer would have approached this. I recently listened to the whole thing for the first time when M.E. went viral on TikTok. Today was a welcome return. The songs grow increasingly catchier with each listen

Low

David Bowie

5/5

141/1001 :: David Bowie - Low Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yes David Bowie, widely considered one of the greatest artists of all time and this is why. You compare this album to Ziggy Stardust or The Man Who Sold the World and this album feels so out of left field. But leave it up to disco era Bowie to create something so engaging and frankly so damn cool. The fact that Sound & Vision was “the big single” says it all. This album is special.

Histoire De Melody Nelson

Serge Gainsbourg

4/5

When this popped up my immediate thought was; "oh lord, what the hell is this..." So to my surprise I'm happy to report this album is kinda incredible. I 'll have to brush up on my French because I have no idea what he's saying but the spoken word flowing over the top of simple but stylish guitar work and a layer of strings is sublime. I might have to buy this on vinyl...

At Newport 1960

Muddy Waters

4/5

Any way you slice it Muddy is just so easy to enjoy and this performance is spirited. Based on the man’s extensive catalog the setlist could’ve been better but he certainly makes it work. That said, Coochie Man and Baby Please Don’t Go back to back are awesome and the version of I Got My Mojo Working feels legendary. Another one I should add to the nice to have vinyl list.

Trans Europe Express

Kraftwerk

3/5

Interesting but too repetitive. Mostly the songs went no where. James Murphy probably loves this. Me, not so much..,

Buena Vista Social Club

3/5

File this under If I had a Tequila Bar this would be on heavy rotation. Fun vibey album but a bit of a one trick pony.

Kimono My House

Sparks

4/5

147/1001 :: Sparks - Kimono My House Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes When I opened this up to see 1974 and Alternative eye brows were instantly raised. And turns out this album was way ahead of its time. Frankly I’m really getting The Last Dinner Party vibes when I listen to this which is awesome. Very theatrical, lots of big beats with flashy guitar work bouncy vocals. I didn’t realize albums like this existed in 1974 and it’s perfect for this 1001 albums project. Not sure I’ll come back to this but either way I thought it was great.

Billion Dollar Babies

Alice Cooper

3/5

148/1001 :: Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: Yes This whole album felt very classic rock radio. Which, could be worse but also didn’t feel special either. I listened to these songs and thought; “wow Alice Cooper is a professional song writer”. A lot of these songs are very well constructed they just feel like they’re missing something special, and I guess that’s where the horror act comes in…

C'est Chic

CHIC

2/5

Couple of great tunes but overall this was not great...

Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs

Marty Robbins

3/5

I’m a sucker for these country western tales of badassery. Also, didn’t realize the Jerry Garcia (and the Dead) setlist staple El Paso came from Marty Robbins. I do feel like you need to be in a certain mood to listen to a whole album of these tunes but it was fun either way.

Talking Timbuktu

Ali Farka Touré

2/5

Some great guitar work. Overall kinda one dimensional and not a lot happening. Not offensive, but have to be really in the mood for this.

The Slider

T. Rex

4/5

Frankly, I should know more about this band... This album didn't blow me away but also it was pretty damn good.

Jazz Samba

Stan Getz

2/5

Enjoyable background type music. I should listen to this while I work.

The New Tango

Astor Piazzolla

2/5

Another good jazz album here. Not sure I would return to this.

They Were Wrong, So We Drowned

Liars

4/5

This fuzzed out, really interesting album has a lot of repeat listen appeal. It's not an album for everyone but this scratches an indie music itch that I always have. It was a 40 minute album that felt like 25. You gotta love that. I think I need more Liars albums in my life.

The Marshall Mathers LP

Eminem

5/5

A truly brilliant hip hop record. Great production coupled with amazing rhyme schemes and provocative storytelling. The content is provocative and also crass at times but hard to underscore the cultural impact it had on the world. Love him or hate him this album vaulted Eminem into Rap God status. The Way I Am, The Real Slim Shady and Stan are all timers from the catalog. Stan is such an original idea and Kim is a wild concept. I think most Rap are better in the moment; many have limited staying power. Some kid will listen to this in 50 years and it'll be their Dark Side of the Moon.

Skylarking

XTC

2/5

For some reason (artwork, timeframe, etc...) I thought this band was gonna be like New Order. And I guess on some level it was, except it was not good. The singing was painful and the music was soft. Not soft in a delicate beautiful way but in a there is absolutely no edge here kinda way. That said there was one good song. The last track Dear God was a good stomper. Other than that, I will never listen to this album again.

Junkyard

The Birthday Party

3/5

I love Nick Cave man and this is about as unadulterated as it gets for him. That said, the production on this album is kinda terrible and overall the album is so loose and pretty unfocused. It's not horrible just not great. I feel like I should give this more time but frankly I'd rather listen to Tender Prey.

Slayed?

Slade

3/5

This felt like dollar store AC/DC. Def not the worst thing I ever heard but not particularly special either. Would probably be fun to grab a couple of pints and see them play a small local club in the 70s though…

Kid A

Radiohead

5/5

Imagine putting out one of the greatest records ever (OK Computer) and then dropping this. Talk about reinvention. This album completely changed the game. It may not be OKC but it’s perfect in its own right. The highs and lows of this album are extraordinary. From dance tracks to techy ballads truly everything’s in its right place…

Yeezus

Kanye West

5/5

2013 was such a great year for albums and somewhere near the top was this gem. This doesn't sound like other rap albums past or present. It's not only truly innovative but it's a masterclass in production. People love to hate on Kanye and rightfully so, he's a fuckface and he deserves it. But this album is a work of art. Inspired by Daft Punk and touched by Rick Rubin It's the most rock n roll thing in his whole catalog and a huge reason why i've alwys been drawn to it. I also don't think Kanye gets enough credit for his rhyme schemes, bending words and tones to connect lines. Even the cameos were great. Bon Iver is just the icing on the cake. Lastly in an era of 20 songs rap albums with 14 throw aways this one is all killer no filler. That art is so lost in hip hop in general nowadays...

Little Earthquakes

Tori Amos

5/5

“What’s so amazing about really deep thoughts?” Tori’s debut is a revelation. Lyrically it cuts deep and hard while musically it feels just as daring. Orchestral with rock n roll flare while every song is just as good as the last. In a cabinet full of powerful Precious Things might actually be her best song and it’s surrounded by multiple bangers. Crucify, Silent All These Years, the title track and the gripping Me & A Gun. This album is no joke.

This Is Fats Domino

Fats Domino

4/5

Fats can write a heck of a song and this album is filled with good ones. Nearly 70 years later I'm not sure there's anything particularly special about this album other than the fact that this 50s rocker inspired many that came after him. I'm not sure I would listen to this again but i also would never turn this off. It's just good ole rock n roll but I like it...

Elastica

4/5

I should've listened to this in the 90s. This album is about 30 years old and still sounds fresh... I've seen this cover and it featured on lists but never indulged. That was a mistake. Really good album. Well constructed pop punk songs with good hooks that don't overstay their welcome.

Miriam Makeba

3/5

Really interesting album. Unique voice. Unique sounds. Worldly. Not really my bag but I enjoyed it.

The Age Of The Understatement

The Last Shadow Puppets

3/5

Interesting album from Alex Turner. Cool to see him outside the Arctic Monkeys doing something a little different. That said, I don;t think this album was special other than if you were a huge Alex Turner fan.

Music for the Masses

Depeche Mode

4/5

This album got better as it went along. The arc of the album seemed to go from light to dark. I much prefer the back half featuring deeper/darker tones. Frankly I think need to spend more time with this album because the more I listen I bet the more i'd like.

Smokers Delight

Nightmares On Wax

1/5

Sorry but this is a waste of time. You have to be really high to enjoy this. Smokers Delight if you will...

No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)

Motörhead

4/5

Absolute classic. Featuring all the hits. I don't love live albums but this is rock n roll perfection. Amazing versions of Ace of Spades, Overkill and Motörhead anchor a legendary performance. Lemmy is a god.

Franz Ferdinand

4/5

Heck of a debut album from these boys. "THE" Bands ruled the airwaves in 04 and it was in heavy rotation for me when it dropped. While they didn't reach these heights again this is just an all around great rock album. Fun, catchy songs with bravado. Hard not to enjoy this.

Wild Gift

X

4/5

Had no idea what this was but glad I do now. Really fun album. 13 songs in 33 minutes. They really do a lot of in those 33 minutes. Really trimming all the fat. Had punk appeal but not to try hard. Loved the trading back and forth of vocals. Frankly this album felt ahead of it's time.

AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted

Ice Cube

2/5

12 year old me rocked with this album quite a bit. It's not aged well. I think the cultural and artistic implications of this album cannot be ignored because I realize a lot of the content was aimed at supporting black men. But some of the things sad about (black) women here is pretty terrible. Cubes pen game is pretty elite and feel like the attacks on women here cheapen that some 35 years later.

Heartattack And Vine

Tom Waits

4/5

173/1001 :: Tom Waits - Heartattack and Vine Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Uhhh Yeah “Well this stuff will probably kill you, let's do another line.” When I compare this to other Tom Waits albums it doesn’t crack may Top 5. When I compare this to the 1000 albums on this list I realize how damn good it is. First of all it really starts off with a bang with the title track. There’s so much sway and swagger in this song. It’s filthy good. I never loved the instrumental in the 2 spot but once you come out on the other side of that it’s smooth sailing. Jersey Girl & Mr Siegal also perennial favorites. It’s time to add this wax to the Tom Waits collection.

Californication

Red Hot Chili Peppers

3/5

I generally find the RHCP to be one of the most overrated bands on the planet. They’re the Billy Joel of modern rock, which I guess is a compliment because of their pop appeal. This album I think shows off their true colors. Sure there are pop rock songs with good bass lines and catchy choruses but half the album is mostly fine not great with a couple of clunkers thrown in. When this album dropped my young ears listened to it a lot, but it’s not aged well. Frankly it’s just ok.

Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

50 Cent

4/5

Aged way better than I thought it would. 50 was hungry back then. Rapping like the rent was due. Plus Dr. Dre & Eminem production really set this thing apart. West Coast production mixed with NY flow really makes this album special

Public Image: First Issue

Public Image Ltd.

3/5

A real abstract offering from PIL. Not sure I would revisit but this band continues to impress by being anything but generic. More noise rock than anything but that punk rock attitude was coming through loud and clear. Gotta give to Johnny Lydon for consistently doing whatever the F he wants.

Sticky Fingers

The Rolling Stones

5/5

It's arguably the greatest rock n roll album ever made. You could say it's not but it's in the conversation. Tt's an easy 5 Stars. 10/10. Mick, Keith, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman & Mick Taylor... The ultimate Stones lineup with some of the best songs they've ever made. The Hear Me Knocking Riff alone is worth 5 Stars alone and you also got Bitch, Dead Flowers, Brown Sugar, etc, etc... Tt's all killer no filler with an Andy Warhol cover to top it off. Burry me with this damn album.

Call of the Valley

Shivkumar Sharma

2/5

It was cool but to truly enjoy this I need more weed.

Music For The Jilted Generation

The Prodigy

3/5

I first started listening to this and thought... "people like this?" the more I listened though i get it. I would not listen to this all the time but I found it enjoyable and the energy was great. Feel like this would serve better for a movie score, a video game or a commercial than an album I would likely put on but whatever. Lastly, this cover art is atrocious.

A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector

Various Artists

4/5

180/1001 :: Phil Spector - A Christmas Gift for You Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Every Christmas I had heard a bunch of these songs before but I didn’t realize they were all on the same album. And frankly now I’m wondering; is this the greatest Christmas album ever made? I think it’s in the conversation. Also Darlene Love smoked these songs, wow. Phil Spector might have been a killer but that lunatic also slayed this album.

Automatic For The People

R.E.M.

5/5

181/1001 :: R.E.M. - Automatic For The People Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Yeah It’a not hard to appreciate and or love this album. The songs are great. The flow is great. I don’t generally think of this as their best album but today while I was listening I was questioning whether it was or not. I generally don’t love Everybody Hurts but within the context ion the album it’s amazing. It’s also an important moment for mental health. Also, if I had to pick 1, Man On The Moon really up there a far as favorite R.E.M. songs go (easily Top 3). Just fun, catchy, insightful, etc… Anyway you slice it, this is an amazing album by a great band.

The Bends

Radiohead

5/5

This could be your favorite Radiohead album… Not as experimental as later releases, just 90s rock at its finest. The guitar tone here is thick and beautiful. Also, the title track doesn’t get enough love. In a stack of great RH songs it’s somewhere in the Top 5. Plus you get High & Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, Iron Lung, Street Spirit… This is an all timer.

Scream, Dracula, Scream

Rocket From The Crypt

3/5

Great band name. Cool album name and decent cover art. The music though, was fine. Not special. There are other 90s rock albums that should have made the list over this.

Guero

Beck

4/5

Grown up Beck is better than I remember it to be. Not as quirky as Odelay or Midnight Vultures but a really interesting well constructed album nonetheless. Dude is good at what he does…

Veckatimest

Grizzly Bear

4/5

This is a pleasant indie folk listen. I've heard ot before and forgot how catchy some of these songs are. That said, if you said this wasn't for I get it. It can be a little slow at times.

Frank

Amy Winehouse

4/5

This is Amy doing Amy things, which is pretty damn amazing. Forest feel like the masterpiece that is Back to Black. It feels more like a collection of songs but that’s still pretty entertaining. In My Bed featured the NAS Made You Look beat and that was a real surprise. Pretty cool actually. She was an innovator for sure. RIP Amy.

Crazysexycool

TLC

3/5

I've listened to this before and based on that fact I thought this was gonna be quite awful and frankly most of it was. That said the 2 core singles are pretty good. Also the Andre 300 feature was great and I was surprised by the Busta Rhymes feature even though it could have been better. The content of the songs was kinda bad but a lot of the production was pretty good. Moving on now....

Crime Of The Century

Supertramp

3/5

188/1001 :: Supertramp - Crime of the Century Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: No I’m pretty sure that if you looked up “70’s Rock” in the dictionary there’d be a picture of this album cover starring back at you. I didn’t love it but didn’t hate it. Some of it was pretty cool but also felt like it ran long. My guess is if I was in a rock band this would be good reference material…

Oracular Spectacular

MGMT

4/5

It’s not just the singles that are good. This is a great debut album.

Superunknown

Soundgarden

5/5

190/1001 :: Soundgarden - Superunknown Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 10 Listen before you die: Yes Frankly it’s hard to imagine my life without this album. Being a teenager in the 90s has shaped a lot of who I am. And with it, I’ve come to put that decade (and specifically grunge) on a pedestal as far as music goes. And for me this album has always sat at the top of it all. I could argue other albums are maybe just as good but this is a masterpiece. I remember buying it the day it came out and was just blown away by the growth from Badmotor. But there’s something about taking the foot off the gas just a touch to get to something just as heavy but also deeper. To deliver on a pop rock masterpiece like Black Hole Sun and the drudge of 4th of July and have them beautifully hang together. And while singles like Day I Tried To Live, Fells on Black Days etc were great…I love the deeper cuts like Limo Wreck and Mailman. Mailman has slowly become a Top 5 Soundgarden song for me. I saw some people trashing this album in the reviews. If you can’t love this album, I genuinely feel bad for you. Frankly you’ve missed the plot.

Endtroducing.....

DJ Shadow

4/5

DJ albums are really not my thing. That said if you're gonna listen to one this is pretty damn good. I was getting Beastie vibes but without the Boys. Loved how the samples felt so artfully placed. This is another good coffee shop album, cool enough to get heads bobbing and nondescript enough not to piss people off. Overall even though I probably won’t go back this album is solid AF.

Connected

Stereo MC's

2/5

Sorry but, easy listening radio rap is really not my thing...

The Only Ones

3/5

When I saw rock from 1978 i got excited. That said, on first pass through I thought this is "just ok". Like pretty cool for 1978 but frankly not sure why this made the list. Then i listened again and got a different experience. Maybe not good enough to shout this from the rooftops but it's an interesting album with spunk. With a mixture of styles, a little garage, a little glam, a little proto punk I bet the Artic Monkeys have heard this album a couple times...

Station To Station

David Bowie

4/5

195/1001 :: David Bowie - Station to Station Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes I’ve listened to this before but today I really connected with this album. It’s not the style of Bowie that usually reach for so I think in the past I’ve maybe not appreciated its brilliance. This is a daring release, one that mixes styles. Glam, disco, rock and funk all fused together weaving in and out of each other. I also just discovered that he did this under a new persona; The White Duke. Which makes sense as he was growing tired of his rock n roll stardom at the time, had just moved to LA and was completely coked out. That’s some real rock star shit. RIP Bowie.

Marcus Garvey

Burning Spear

3/5

196/1001 :: Burning Spear - Marcus Garvey Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 6 Listen before you die: Yes Unless I’m island time, multiple rum and cokes deep it’s rare that I’m gonna listen to an entire reggae album not named Bob Marley. I generally like my reggae in smaller doses like hanging out in the back half of a Bad Brains album. That said, this album was quite good and if you’re a reggae fan my guess is you’ll love this.

Music Has The Right To Children

Boards of Canada

1/5

I thought this was gonna be some cool 70s psych rock based on the cover. It was neither; just a little 90s electronica which was fairly lame.

Let It Bleed

The Rolling Stones

5/5

One of the greatest albums by one of the greatest bands of all time. And on many days this is my favorite Stones album.

American Gothic

David Ackles

3/5

199/1001 :: David Ackles - American Gothi Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 5 Listen before you die: No Something really interesting about this album. The album plays like a broadway musical. Which is what’s good about it and bad. There’s some complex arangements here and some interesting story telling. I’m just not sure I really want to listen to this. And frankly while I thought it was good (for what it was) it was a slog to get through… I bet theatre buffs love this shit.

Figure 8

Elliott Smith

3/5

200/1001 :: Elliott Smith - Figure 8 Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Probably My least favorite Elliott album and yet it’s still worthy. Figure 8 starts off strong Son of Sam, Somebody I Used to Know and Bond Trader all bangers; I also love LA and Can’t Make Sound. But for me there’s some skips too (Wouldn’t Mama Be Proud). Cool thing about this album is the added instruments. I also think you really hear Elliott’s love of the Beatles on this album. Either way I miss Elliott. RIP.

Welcome To The Pleasuredome

Frankie Goes To Hollywood

3/5

NGL this album was way better than I thought it was gonna be. Born To Run cover totally shocked me (in a good way). I'll never listen to this again but it was fun while it lasted.

Nilsson Schmilsson

Harry Nilsson

4/5

201/1001 :: Harry Nilsson - Nilsson Schmilsso Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ➖ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes Well, this was fun. Dude wrote “you put a lime in the Coconut”? Who knew. Overall I enjoyed this mixed bag or styles and arrangements. Felt like it was a surprise around every corner. Not sure I’ll ever return to this one but glad to hear it. Lastly, shout out to the Lebowski vibes on the cover. Somebody get this man a White Russian!

Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine

Cee Lo Green

4/5

NGL this album was waaaay better than I thought it was going to be. I've always liked Cee-Lo Green because he's no 1 trick pony. He's a great singer but also can rap a little to keep it interesting. I wouldn't call myself a "fan" but I definitely have liked multiple projects he's been on... And this The Soul Machine delivers that early 2000s Atlanta sound, with an all star cast of contributors. Production from Pharrell, DJ Premier, Timbaland and more set the tone and features from Ludacris, T.I. and more take it over the top. Luda's verse was actually pretty great and Cee-Lo is just doing his thing from the jump to the finish. One thing I will say though, while there's a bunch of great material here it runs a little long. He could have cut 4 or 5 songs and it would have been just as effective if not stronger.

Underwater Moonlight

The Soft Boys

4/5

The Soft Boys were pretty good boys.

Doolittle

Pixies

5/5

If the devil is six… Never thought this was my favorite Pixies album until today. It’s a masterpiece. And on top of “the hits” it includes Gouge Away my favorite Pixies song.

Calenture

The Triffids

2/5

It could have been worse.

Abbey Road

Beatles

5/5

Does it get better than this? Maybe but probably not...

Crocodiles

Echo And The Bunnymen

3/5

Cool debut. Kinda was expecting more. That said, the title track rips. Would revisit…

Band On The Run

Paul McCartney and Wings

4/5

Paul has always been my favorite Beatle... So why the hell did it take so long for me to listen to this? My first run through the album today was great. The second was even better. Sir Paul McCartney is truly one of the greatest song writers to ever walk the face of the earth and even though without the other Beatles he still shines.

Permission to Land

The Darkness

2/5

Hair metal belongs in the 80s.

Slippery When Wet

Bon Jovi

4/5

There's a reason this album rules karaoke nights. Even if these songs sound dated they have a charm to them and mostly well written. Frankly, they're also well performed.

On The Beach

Neil Young

4/5

I used to think this was my favorite Neil album and on some days it still is. For the Turnstiles, and Revolution Blues are up there with my all time favorite Neil songs. And while Ai think most Neil fans agree this album is a banger it’s still without any major hits so dare I say this album is underrated. This album is perfect for this list because everyone should listen to this before they die.

Brothers In Arms

Dire Straits

4/5

213/1001 :: Dire Straits - Brothers In Arms Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6.5 Listen before you die: Yes Lotta hits on this one. And frankly they’ve been beaten to death by classic rock radio. For that I think my perception of these songs is skewed. It’s not a bad album but I also don’t think it’s great. Some very good song writing though and generally enjoyable the whole way through I was just kinda waiting to be blown away and I wasn’t. Lastly I didn’t realize how much Mark Knofler’s voice sounds like Tom Petty’s; not as good a singer IMO but but also very similar.

Armed Forces

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

3/5

Another Day, another Elvis Costello album. I don’t if they’re actually getting better or I’m finally getting used to his style. I guess it’s a combination of the two. Overall this Elvis Costello album was easier to get through especially the first half. Still not a huge fan but he’s becoming tolerable…I guess.

Hunting High And Low

a-ha

2/5

Take On Me a catchy song with a really cool music music. Frankly the music video was ahead of it's time when it dropped and while it's actually a classic I consider it to be influential. This album though...not great.

Born In The U.S.A.

Bruce Springsteen

5/5

Underneath some of the big sound 80s flare is an absolutely brilliant album with incredible song writing. I’m Going Down, Cover Me, I’m on Fire, Dancing in the Dark are all timers. I prefer the demo version of Born In The USA but other than that this album is pretty much perfect.

Will The Circle Be Unbroken

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

3/5

So much Honky Tonk so little time… I generally like bluegrass music but I guess I like it in smaller doses. With over 2 hours of banjo picking here, there were obviously some good tracks but a lot of it blended together. It was fine.

Vulgar Display Of Power

Pantera

5/5

Man...Dimebag was an absolute beast. As far as heavy metal albums of the 90s it doesn't get much better than this. From the first riff to the last it's just a sludge fest as they drop hammer after hammer. These songs are real good too; A New Level, Fucking Hostile, This Love, Walk showcase Pantera's power but also their depth. Rex's bass playing is really underrated and helped create the groove while love em or hate em' not many can do what Phil could do in his prime. Lastly, while iconic this artwork is dumb...

She's So Unusual

Cyndi Lauper

4/5

NGL this album was great. I don't know what i was expecting but whatever it was this exceeded my expectations. I think Cyndi Lauper is cool and she's got some iconic songs but a whole albums worth? Yup. This album not only has her best hits (Girls Just Wanna and Time After Time) but tracks like She Bop and When You Were Mine are really awesome. She Bop was very B-52s but with a Cyndi vocal. Speaking of a Cyndi vocal, I did realize that it's probably an acquired taste but she does amazing things with what she's got. Lastly this cover art is cool as hell...

In Utero

Nirvana

5/5

It's a god damn masterpiece. RIP Kurt.

The Visitors

ABBA

3/5

This was pleasant but just not really my bag.

Mr. Tambourine Man

The Byrds

3/5

This bob Dylan cover record is pretty good. Originals not bad either. Also this cat has a nice voice and we know the guitar is on point.

A Girl Called Dusty

Dusty Springfield

3/5

Simple soulful songs with a voice of an Angel. My guess is these songs have set the scene for many movies.

You've Come a Long Way Baby

Fatboy Slim

3/5

I have a tough time with these DJ records. And frankly, this is about as good as it gets but these songs are too damn long. Every song is over 5 minutes...and by nature it's repetitive AF.

Blood On The Tracks

Bob Dylan

5/5

It’s not my favorite masterpiece from Dylan but that doesn’t mean it’s not an all timer. Tangled Up In Blue, Simple Twist of Fate, Idiot Wind and Shelter From the Storm anchor Dylan’s most palatable album. Yesterday I imagined what it would be like to hear Shelter From The Storm for the first time. I envy those who can expierence that but I’ll tell you whether it’s the 1st of the 10,000th it’s still other worldly. Dylan’s pen was less abstract on this album but his poetic prowess still at god level cementing him as the GOAT.

Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)

The Kinks

4/5

Solid rock band. Solid rock album.

Throwing Muses

4/5

Heard of this band but never heard this album before. Wish I didn't have to stream it off Youtube because that was annoying and this record is great. 40 years old and still sounded fresh. Frankly it feels ahead of it's time...

In The Court Of The Crimson King

King Crimson

5/5

There’s a reason this is considered one of the most influential albums of all time. Absolutely brilliant stuff. Shocked this was my first time hearing it in its entirety…

The Undertones

4/5

So this is what Pop Punk was like in 1979...Cool. Not sure I'll return to this but it was fun while it lasted.

The Joshua Tree

U2

5/5

Mid tempo albums don’t get much better than this. For me this is the pinnacle of their catalog. It’s easy to put this album on and just let it play through. The Edge deserves a lot of credit for making this album cool. The guitar tones beautifully layered and hold the album together while love him or hate him Bono’s singing is all time stuff. Just a brilliant album.

Rejoicing In The Hands

Devendra Banhart

3/5

Dreamy.

At San Quentin

Johnny Cash

4/5

Johnny has a lot of well written songs but in many cases the album versions feel tame. But when The Man in Black steps inside those prison walls these song come alive. All the songs seem up tempo and Johnny is singing like the rent is due. Highlights for me are a blistering version of Walk the Line and arguably the best version of Boy Named Sue. Lastly, that cover art is iconic.

Iron Maiden

4/5

Classic Maiden. That said, it might be a little too classic for my taste. I love Maiden but I feel like (most great bandss) they honed their craft and the albums/songs got better. This feels like a rough draft comparatively. Damn good for a rough draft but still. Phantom of the Opera, Running Free and Iron Maiden all bangers aqnd so important to the Maiden catalog.

Rattus Norvegicus

The Stranglers

4/5

Was pretty stoked when I saw this pop up. And it pretty much lived up to the hype... Punk rock but make it nuanced and layered. I'm gonna have to revisit this to truly appreciate everything The Stranglers are doing here. Artwork also really cool. I do think some of the songs could have been catchier. Maybe that's why they never took off. That or apparently they have questionable lyrics?

White Light / White Heat

The Velvet Underground

5/5

The thing about the Velvet Underground...it's hard to be this fucking cool. So many bands have tried to make songs like this and failed miserably but somehow it works here. Spoken word; Yes. 17 minutes songs, sure. Lou Reed is in fact a magician... Also the title track is an all time great Velvet Underground song so there's that. This album isn't for everyone and that's OK. Lastly it's New York AF...

Legalize It

Peter Tosh

3/5

This was a quintessential Reggae album, and to me pretty all but 1 song sounded the same. It wasn't bad just you need to be in the mood for this. Also a hot ass day, a Red Stripe and a fat joint would help...

Pretenders

5/5

Chrissie Hynde is a badass and this album proves that in incredible fashion. The least good song is probably Brass In Pocket and it’s arguably their biggest hit.

Celebrity Skin

Hole

4/5

This Courtney Love / Billy Corgan collaboration is better than I remember. These songs also sound more Pumpkins than I thought. This isn;t a bad thing they're just more alternative and less grunge like Live Through This. Also, Mellisa Auf der Maur is a Boss. The playing all over this album is pretty stellar.

Horses

Patti Smith

4/5

239/1001 :: Patti Smith - Horses Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes A true poet and artist Patti Smith and this album is prefect for this list. Because people should listen to this before they die. This album is not the best album I’ve ever heard but it’s always interesting and a lot of these songs are not only challenging but very good. Gloria & Free Money specifically are both awesome. The only issue here is the spoken word songs are too long for an uninvested listener. They’re trapped on an album almost 50 years after their inception. I say trapped because they weren’t created to be experienced this way and I think that works against them. They were supposed to performed live in a shitty New York City bar where the drinks are flowing, the cigarettes burn and Patti is dipping in and out free form poetic passages. It takes a special someone to pull this off and that’s Patti’s magnetism. Lastly, everyone should also read Just Kids. Masterpiece.

If I Should Fall From Grace With God

The Pogues

4/5

Well lad, now I know the prefect album for Saint Paddy’s Day. I couldn’t listen to this all the time but there were some great songs on here. Drinking songs I might add…cheers.

Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite

Maxwell

2/5

I understand this has an audience but I just don’t want to be in it. Also some of these lyrics are all too cheesy...

Oar

Alexander 'Skip' Spence

4/5

Skip did a heck of a job with this one. I don't know if i'll listen to this again but I probably should. The album had a real flow to it.

My Aim Is True

Elvis Costello

4/5

Alright...I thought it wasn't possible but it finally happened. I found an Elvis Costello album I actually think is good. Even listened to it twice. I hope you're happy.

Led Zeppelin

5/5

You can’t tell the story of rock n roll without this album. Easily one of the greatest debuts of all time.

Dummy

Portishead

5/5

As far as great Trip Hop albums go this sits at the top of the mountain. Hauntingly eerie and yet beautiful every song crafted with the weight of a thousand metal balloons. I think what I love about this album is it’s universally loved and revered. Metal heads, rave kids and folkies alike all have heart for this album and that’s what keeps it alive today.

Headquarters

The Monkees

3/5

I think I just like 60's pop VS pop in other decades because this album was better than I thought it was gonna be. Was it great? No. Was it terribly bad? Also No. It was cookie cutter 60's pop and also kinda sounded like a Beatles rip off in some spots and frankly could be worse. Net, net i'm not a believer but i'm also not a hater... Lastly, this cover art is not helping with their image.

Surf's Up

The Beach Boys

4/5

This certainly ain't Surfin' in the USA. This Beach Boys album comes off as more serious and experimental VS what one thinks a Beach Boys album should sound like. Frankly I need to spoend more time with this but it might be my new favorite Beach Boys album.

The Genius Of Ray Charles

Ray Charles

3/5

Big fan of Ray Charles in general but NGL I thought this album was gonna better than it was. The second half in particular was very slow. Obviously the playing and singing was beautiful but I found the album as a whole a bit of a slog and a little dated.

The Village Green Preservation Society

The Kinks

4/5

Another solid effort from THE KINKS. Frankly I don't know much about these cats but I think this my favorite album from them so far. This album had a real bounce to it. These dudes keep it moving...

Chirping Crickets

Buddy Holly & The Crickets

5/5

Buddy Holly has songs for days and some of his best are on this album. Not Fade Away, Oh Boy and That’ll Be The Day anchor a pretty much flawless album. Especially for the era… And I think the most important thing about this album is the influence. These songs (and some cool eyewear) inspired rock stars for generations to come.

Maggot Brain

Funkadelic

4/5

This was cool. Started off awesome and some of the playing was amazing. That said I think overall I had higher expectations for this album. I thought this was gonna 5 Stars for me and it wasn’t. It was a nice place to visit but not a place I’d live if you know what I mean…

The Beach Boys Today!

The Beach Boys

4/5

Another day, another really good Beach Boys album. This one more classic than experimental but the song writing still impressive nonetheless.

#1 Record

Big Star

4/5

This album was built for sunny day drive with potentially a little weed being involved just to open the aperture. I love the cohesiveness of this album. Feels like the songs were meant to be together ands the sequencing is impeccable. After 40 minutes this thing ends and you wonder where the time went. Frankly it's so impressive. Oh and this has Thirteen. My heroes love that song. When he sings "tell em what we said about "Paint it Black" I feel that. I will be returning to this...

A Rush Of Blood To The Head

Coldplay

4/5

When this album dropped I listened to it a lot. Believe it or not Coldplay was kinda cool back then and just really beginning their meteoric rise to global superstardom. These days it’s hard for me to take them seriously for one reason or another. That said, when I put this album on today I realized why I liked them. It’s great. It’s got all the good Coldplay with really none of the bad. These songs feel big and carry emotion. Well, it was fun while it lasted.

The Lexicon Of Love

ABC

1/5

Wack. There's literally nothing to love about this...

Post Orgasmic Chill

Skunk Anansie

4/5

256/1001 :: Skunk Anansie - Post Orgasmic Chill Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 8 Listen before you die: Yes Frankly I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this album or band. Indie rock from 1999 is generally my strike zone but nope came in totally blind. Either way, right out of the gate this albums blasts off of a cannon. The instrumentation is diverse and complex. The singer can be abrasive but also beautiful. Which compliments heavy riffage as well as the transitions into softer moments. I will say the first half of the album seemed stronger than the second half but without 10s of listens an album like this is truly hard to evaluate. The only other thing that caught me off guard was the repeated use of the N word. You just don’t hear that in rock N roll very much. Great album for a list like this though…

James Brown Live At The Apollo

James Brown

5/5

I know that James Brown was arrested on multiple occasions. Was one of those times for having too much soul? I guess that's why he has nicknames such as The Godfather of Soul and Soul Brother Number One because goddamn... This performance was magnetic and I didn't know a damn song. Obviously the James Brown Apollo shows were legendary I just kinda assumed some of his biggest hits would be on here...NOPE. Didn't even matter. This man owned that room and for 1962 the recording was quite good. Amazing really.

The Chronic

Dr. Dre

4/5

The production is next level and it’s arguably the best Snoop has ever been. Dre was never a great lyricist and that shows up here but the way this album is put together is masterful. Lastly, there’s so many skits which can get tiresome but it’s also reflective of the time and a continuation of his work with NWA and he’s pretty damn good at it. I think my nostalgia might be getting in the way of a lower ranking but also it’s a classic.

Led Zeppelin IV

Led Zeppelin

5/5

259/1001 :: Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin IV Heard before? ✅ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 9 Listen before you die: Uh Yeah It's literally one of the most important albums in rock n roll history. Overplayed, maybe but don't let that fool you... If this isn't 5 stars I don't know what is. Should also be noted it has When The Levee Breaks and Going to California. So, yeah it's damn good...

Head Hunters

Herbie Hancock

3/5

I can appreciate the artistry but frankly was not for me...

Who's Next

The Who

5/5

Hard to believe i never listened to this before. And frankly it lived up to the hype. I really loved the guitar tone and Roger's voice cuts through. But on top of that these songs are good. There's obviously the hits but songs like Love Ain't For Keeping and Getting In Tune are good AF. Bottom line is I need to listen to this more... And lastly, this cover art is badass.

Vol. 4

Black Sabbath

5/5

It’s not my favorite Sabbath album but that doesn’t mean it’s not a masterpiece. Snowblind, Supernaut, Tomorrow’s Dream; this album is all killer.

3 + 3

The Isley Brothers

3/5

Lotta great instrumentation here and while I thought there were some good songs this isn’t my speed. I as good to listen too and appreciate but I won’t be returning.

Casanova

The Divine Comedy

3/5

Not gonna lie...this felt like a Dollar Store Morrissey.

Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea

PJ Harvey

5/5

Every time I return to this I remember how masterful it is. A perfect picture of New York. Of love. And an album that show the world that alternate music was alive and well in the year 2000. PJ Harvey is an absolute all timer and so is this record. Everyone should own this on vinyl.

The Clash

4/5

Formative. Could use a nip and a tuck but overall there are essential Clash tunes in here. Especially Janie Jones and I’m So Bored with the USA…

Sea Change

Beck

4/5

When this album came out I was mesmerized and it’s good. But I don’t think it’s as great as I once thought. The second half in particular really trails off. That said, for Beck to do this after albums like Odelay and Midnight Vultures made him a household name, it’s a true test of artistry to go out in a limb like this. Stripped back, beautifully done, somgs of love and despair are a far cry from Loser and that’s what makes this a must listen.

My Generation

The Who

4/5

I’m starting to really get The Who… this is a great debut where you can see the influences they’re drawing from but also there are glimpses of who they would become. This album works as a historical document for the band but also just a really good album with great songs. Especially the title track…

Violator

Depeche Mode

4/5

Great. This album has so much depth. I should listen to this more.

Nevermind

Nirvana

5/5

I’ve listened to this album easily more than a 1000 times. There’s so many reasons it’s considered one of the greatest ever. My favorite is probably that’s It’s pop songs dressed in thrash. Also we know the playing is great but Butch Vig really crushed the production. On a scale of 1-5 this is an 11.

Channel Orange

Frank Ocean

5/5

This is what happens when you mix R&B, Indie Rock & Hip Hop. It's not as great as Blonde but it's a masterpiece nonetheless. And the features are just so great. Perfectly placed too. Thinkin' Bout You, Lost, Pyramids and Super Rich Kids my favs but there's little not to love here...

Dire Straits

5/5

My favorite Dire Straits song is Sultans of Swing and this album is basically an album of that. Maybe it could use a little more variety but having the songs similar in nature creates a vibe. And the vibe is damn good. Should also be noted Knopflers guitar work here is tremendous. From what I’ve heard this is the best Dire Straits album.

Microshift

Hookworms

3/5

Surprised I had never heard of this being it was released less than 10 years ago. And it was pretty good not great. This indie rock / alternative album starts off really strong and trails off as you start to work your way through. The first 2 songs in particular are awesome with cool guitar work and some interesting layered instrumentation. I feel like they don;t kinda that same intensity after that but it's a consistent listen. I probably won't come back to this but it's nice to know it exists...

O.G. Original Gangster

Ice T

4/5

For an album made in 1991 this was about as 80s rap as it gets. Filled with boombastic west coast beats and a straight forward rhyming style. But while it sounded a little dated the content was not. Interesting how Ice was ahead of the curb with how women are portrayed in gangsta rap by praising them VS degrading them. He also tackled various political and societal themes that came off informed and strong. Lastly, it was cool for him to have a Bodycount song towards the end. A little weird that he had to explain what the hell he was doing but the commentary and the song got into an album that also had classics like New Jack Hustler, Bitches 2 and the title track.

Queens of the Stone Age

Queens Of The Stone Age

5/5

8-6-2, 7-8, 2-6-3, this is a FIVE. Risen from the ashes of the mighty Kyuss, Josh Homme bursted back on the scene with this Queens of the Stone Age debut. Where Kyuss was mostly muscle this album is filled with robotic grooves and soaring hooks. I love how Josh plays both guitar and bass on the album and of course (former Kyuss member) Fredo holds it down on drums. I’ve listened to this album probably a thousand times and I have thousands more to go. Regular John, If Only, You Would Know, Mexicola, I Wish I Was A Teenage Handmodel this album is filled with QOTSA classics. And frankly I wish they would play them live more. Lastly shout out to underground art legend Frank Kozik for the cover art.

The College Dropout

Kanye West

5/5

As far as rap albums go it doesn't get more influential than this. It's not my favorite Kanye album but it changed the game. Putting Ye's production skills on full display, coupled with his ability to assemble artists around one vision and showcase his own pen catapulted Kanye from super producer to global phenomenon. The all star cast of Jay Z, Twista, Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def and more came to table to be apart of something special. Along with his polo shirts and backpack wearing style he ushered in a new style of hip hop marrying (semi) conscious rap with soul beats. And while I could do without some of the skits the bulk of the songs are undeniable Kanye classics. All Falls Down, Spaceship, Jesus Walks, Never Let Me Down, Get Em' High, School Spirit, Through The Wire and (probably me favorite) Two Words all bangers and make this album a must listen. Even if you hate Kanye it's hard to deny the genius here.

Can't Buy A Thrill

Steely Dan

4/5

Classic Rock, Dad Rock, Yacht Rock? Not sure which one to file this under… Overall had good song writing and a couple of hot licks. I mean who doesn’t love to singalong with Dirty Work? That said, this isn’t something I would return too, I’ll leave that as a surprise on classic rock radio.

Eagles

3/5

I kinda hate the Eagles. That said, on the whole this was better than I thought it was gonna be. Or less offensively boring. Also Take It Easy and Witchy Woman kinda a great start but Chug It All Night is so bad... I just can't with the Eagles.

Green

R.E.M.

5/5

I don't know if there's such thing as a perfect R.E.M. album but this comes damn close. This band's song writing was so nuanced and so influential. I feel like every time I listen to this album I hear something new. The songs are so layered but they truly work as one. That's a big part of what make R.E.M. so special. Also IMO the duo of Orange Crush and Turn You Inside Out is an all time moment for this band. Orange Crush has long been a top 3 R.E.M. song for me and with each listen I'm realizing Turn You Inside Out is just as iconic just less known. This is an easy album to love and personally I'm gonna be loving this album for years to come.

New Boots And Panties

Ian Dury

2/5

If you judged a book by its cover you’d think this album was gonna be pretty interesting. Turns out it was boring AF.

Go Girl Crazy

The Dictators

3/5

This album was fine. Fun, but not essential.

Hounds Of Love

Kate Bush

4/5

I’d heard this album before but never really got a good listen til today. It’s a really interesting and frankly a weird album. Even if I didn’t have the Stranger Things reference I’d think Kate Bush is from another dimension. Now I’m almost certain. Another striking thing was how many parallels to Tori Amos there were. Voice, pace, layering of instrumentation all very reminiscent of 90s Tori. As someone who loves Tori, I should love this but I think the lyrics and content was a little harder for me to connect with. I will return to this album though. It’s deserves multiple listens

Pyromania

Def Leppard

3/5

It took a lot of hairspray to make this record.

The Wildest!

Louis Prima

4/5

I mean if you're trying to listen to a swing album I think this is it. Old school for sure but just stellar.

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