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!

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.

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.

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 !

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

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.

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…🍻

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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…

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.

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.

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…

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….

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.

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.

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.

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...

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…

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…

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

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.

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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…

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...

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.

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…

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.