I never heard of Pulp. Sure I knew Disco 2000. But I recognise their influence in many bands I know, from Franz Ferdinand (Mis-Shapes), Manic Street Preachers (Something Changed), Coldplay (whole rush of blood album draws from Live Bed Show, middle section. Also Martins singing leans towards the singing style of the whole album) It sure is a great album. Lots of things going on. What I disliked was that almost all the songs themes are about sex. Would have been ok for a teenage band. But they were in their 30s. Gross. Was whole UK so into sex? This feels dated now. Do I like this album? I wasn’t sure until A Feeling Called Love. This is genius. I‘m a fan. Another great discovery off this list. 2nd listen: OMG common people is genius when following along the lyrics. It was a hit in the UK? It failed to chart here in CH. I spy: this is a lunatic destroying a successful pairs life. The storytelling is tight and the song acts as a soundtrack for a movie. I almost cried. And that’s it for today. This is a definitive re-listen

Sinatra did albums? I thought it was just singles. Nice bossa nova tracks with symphonic orchestra soundscapes. Oh it came out same year as Sgt. Pepper, the last album I listened to. Of course it lost at Grammy Awards. It has all the feels but lacks the originality. After listening to the full album: yes this should have been a single. And Sinatra never got the swing of it. It felt like he needed to concentrate hard to stay in rhythm. Unlike Jobim who felt much more natural.

Sure I know Depeche Mode. They had 2-3 hits in Europe. I know them as innovative composers who were master of the synthesiser craft. A bit dark maybe? So I was looking forward to listen a full album of theirs. Oh I like their beats. It‘s very groovy without much percussion. I like how understated the songs are. The songs are epic. On some of the songs (never let me down and sacred) I wished the singer had a fuller voice. This would work well as an opera or maybe as an Adele album. It has aged incredibly well. Close too modern deep house. I like their joke to call it music for the masses while they knew they will always stay an underground band and then putting megaphones on top of a mountain on the cover to underline the joke. Bottom line: fell in love with it. Exactly what I was looking for: new albums for me top 50 album list.

Ramones? Isn’t that one of the early punk bands who had cultural impact but who’s music is not comprehensible in hindsight? Does this need 1h of wikipedia reading to enjoy? Oh it sounds like a school band. Guitar plays the same 3 chords throughout the album. The base player stays on the chord base always. The drums are base/snare in stupidly. The singer sings with the same voice. So it seems this is not about the music but the message. So let’s read wikipedia then. After 15m reading of wikipedia: I get the appeal of the lyrics: „beat on the brat with a baseball bat“ is funny as well I want to sniff glue as being the first positive song after all other songs start with „I don’t want“. But that won’t be enough to motivate me to listen to the album again. Sure critiques loved it but it’s just not enjoyable.

On the Beatles Stones debate I‘m definitely team Beatles. Stones are just rebellion without innovative songwriting and only life recordings with bad equipment. So far my prejudices regarding stones. Let’s see. 1966. That’s the same year as Rubber Soul Track by track (uk version) Mothers helper: sitar stolen from Beatles Stupid girl: that’s early Beatles just with anti romance lyrics Lady Jane: ok this is original, great instrumentation. and sung with emotions. Only the chorus is a bit dull. Under my thumb: oh it gets more and more original. The stones sound seems to emerge somehow. Marimba is a nice addition. And Jaggers ahs add a lot of texture. Duncher Bother Me: great blues song. Bet this works great live! Even though the genre is totally different from previous songs it somehow fits the album. Going Home: more blues! The home bome bome thing gets on my nerves. Should have been 2m but it’s, 10 minutes!!? Ah it’s a giant jam session. Not many good ideas in there though. Could have been a lot shorter. Flight505: Boogie woogie standard scheme High and Dry. Gospel standard scheme It’s not easy. Rock n roll standard I am waiting. Oh some original songwriting again with great instrumentation. Even some non common time parts. Nice Take it or leave it. Lovely. But not special. Sounds like Phil Spector wall of sound. Think. Again some good songwriting and great instrumentation. But a bit sketchy still. I see how they grew their songwriting skills with this album What to do. Sounds like a Beach Boys ripoff. But not bad. Overall it sounds they trained their songwriting skills with this album. The middle part (Going home-High and dry) they should have left out. Then it would have been a decent album.

I never heard of Pulp. Sure I knew Disco 2000. But I recognise their influence in many bands I know, from Franz Ferdinand (Mis-Shapes), Manic Street Preachers (Something Changed), Coldplay (whole rush of blood album draws from Live Bed Show, middle section. Also Martins singing leans towards the singing style of the whole album) It sure is a great album. Lots of things going on. What I disliked was that almost all the songs themes are about sex. Would have been ok for a teenage band. But they were in their 30s. Gross. Was whole UK so into sex? This feels dated now. Do I like this album? I wasn’t sure until A Feeling Called Love. This is genius. I‘m a fan. Another great discovery off this list. 2nd listen: OMG common people is genius when following along the lyrics. It was a hit in the UK? It failed to chart here in CH. I spy: this is a lunatic destroying a successful pairs life. The storytelling is tight and the song acts as a soundtrack for a movie. I almost cried. And that’s it for today. This is a definitive re-listen

I‘m a casual hip hop listener. I know Beastie Boys pretty well. But never knew the difference between east and west coast. First I was put off by the narrowness of the lyrics. Diss tracks, d*cks, n*ggers and all kinds of violence. Then I learned that this album basically invented west coast rap. Ok I let it slip then. Musically it’s super approachable even on first listen. I like the summer party laid back beach style. Reminds me of Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. The beats are great. The days the n took over is such a killer groove. Every song is produced interestingly. Great samples. I dig the occasional flutes. But no real standout track and in the end I‘m left somehow without anything substantial. So: I like but won’t listen to it again.

Is it early hard rock? Or is it Chuck Berry with bad microphones? The bad recording quality makes it hardly enjoyable. The songs are not original. All based on the same 3 chords. Why is this on this list? Trash. Edit: Ok Money & Walkin the dog were actually good. Upped from 1 to 2 stars

What‘s this? Instrumentation from metal, harmonies from blues, lyrics from grunge. Polyphonic singing? Complex song structures? This one is hard to put in any drawer. I never listened to Alice in chains before. Part of me feels at home, in a mix between Pearl Jam and Linkin Park. The production us superb. The guitar sound thick. Drums sound like Dave Grohls. It somehow ticks all the boxes but still doesn’t stick. Then they lost me in the 2nd part (after untitled) it got too depressing. Maybe I got weary over time or the last songs are more hopeless than the 1st part. Drug addiction is maybe not a theme you should use for a whole album. Favourite track: Rooster.

Ah, Joni Mitchell, this was on my todo list anyway. All I know from her is Big Yellow Taxi, the cover from Janet Jackson „Joni Mitchell never lies“ I cannot warm up to her voice. The vibrato feels staged, the more dynamic singing too quirky. It seems she never settles. Why did she get famous? The compositions sound academic, overthought, they don’t flow. Whenever she built up a melody or mood she immediately destroys it by taking a left turn. Why? To be unpredictable? Best track: hissing of summer lawns (but also here I‘d prefer if someone else sung it), Harrys House (2nd half)

The stars aligned! Ozzy Osbourne died yesterday, I got my new Airpod Pros and my album of the day is Black Sabbath. I never listened to any of their albums because of my religious upbringing and I thought of this music as satanic. I enjoyed the album quite a bit. 3-4 songs are bangers (wheels of confusion, supernaut, snowblind, cornucopia) but also some filler tracks (laguna sunrise is nice but doesn’t go anywhere)

This album didn’t age well. Some songs seem too tame (around the world girl) most tracks are built around one sample loop and get boring around the 30s mark. Compared to Dr. Dres Chronicles album (got this last week) this sounds lame.

I understand that Bowie pushed boundaries here but it’s too artsy to be enjoyable. Even life on mars which I believe is the hit of this album was too experimental for me to enjoy it. I looked forward to listen to listening to Bowie. I hope there’ll be better albums of his on this list.

Look Ma, a punk band with more than 3 chords. With a song with surfer influence. With tempo changes mid song. With short songs - only 30m total! Only - kill the bad drummer! (Oh look they exchanged him afterwards) And, are the lyrics all meant serious? The moment I started to don’t take them seriously I started enjoying the album. Still: Not my taste. But one of the better punk albums for sure.

Didn’t age well: one good synth / bass / drum loop per song, then dubbed over with the same non melodic singing. This worked when synths were new. Not anymore today. 🥱 One exception: New gold dream. Compared to Depeche Modes Music for the masses which had proper buildups this sounds bland.

First: This is one of my all time favourites, but I tried to listen to it freshly. The only thing I could say against it that the songs all kinda sound the same when listening on a superficial level. But then, I'm on the train, watch out of the window and listen to "Mercy Me" and it brings tears to my eyes like no other music does. So graceful, forgiving, loving. The sound of Marvin's voice: divine. The bass line: so funky. The background vocals. Everything fits so well together. And there's like 5 tracks like this on this album. On top of this the fact that Marvin evolved from the Motown sound and pushed for artistic freedom, recorded the album without any support, then was opposed by the Motown founder, went on strike until a single was released and was so successful that the full album was released. This alone is quite a feat, together with the fact that it's a superb album - there can't be anything lower than 5 stars.

I like this game. Putting on an album in the morning, having no idea the style I‘m about to listen to. It‘s light jazz? Oh it‘s already over. It’s easy listening? Another short funny jazz tune? Ah no, it’s Cafe del Mar without electronic instruments? Oh, a Dave Brubeck inspired piano. No singing? Oh wait they have a great singer! Oh wait, they DO have synths? A Hip Hop song!? While this was a great ride I don‘t think it works as an album. The songs are nice and pleasant but no song really stuck out. On top of that the ever changing lineup of musicians causes the band to not sound cohesive. They don’t play „together“ enough and for some songs it sounds a bit amateurish.

I never heard of Stephen Stills. Apparently, he was quite famous around his time. So I looked up the reviews, and apparently the Internet doesn't like this album, also the critiques didn't. But I'm going against all odds. I really like it from start to finish. Looking at the album cover, it looks like the way he holds the guitar, and he doesn't know how to play it, but man does he know how to play it! The tracks are bangers after banger. Even Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr played on it! I like black queen the most, maybe Cherokee least, but every track is memorable has good build up, good harmonies, great rhythms. I don't see what's not likeable about this album, so I'm going to five stars.

Slade. Was for me the most overrated band of the 70s. I gave it another try. Tl;dr confirmed my views of the band: Bad recording quality (mostly mono even though it’s their 3rd album?) Nothing interesting going on (mostly the same 3 blues chords all over) Not even pushing genre (sounds beatles, especially the singing sounds like John Lennon on twist and shout) Annoying (Mama weer all crazee now. WTF) The length (their originality would have allowed 3 songs max. But 17 songs!?) The world didn’t need this album.

This album starts with a joyful “Yeah!”—and honestly, that set the tone perfectly. I was hooked right away. On my day off, walking in the sun, it felt like the ideal soundtrack—full of good energy. I really enjoyed the mix: the lush, Sinatra-style orchestration, Ray’s bluesy vocals, and those Western songs reimagined in a big band blues style. It all worked beautifully. That said, it’s too long. It could’ve been a tighter single album. The pattern—upbeat tune, then a slow heartbreak ballad—gets repetitive. A little more variety would’ve helped. Still, the singing, arrangements, and vibe are top-notch. It’s the kind of record I’d put on at a party or when I want to feel lifted. Smart, soulful music.

Never heard of The Kings before. Saw “1966” and figured: this will be a 3 chords, boring album. Then was surprised that it starts with mersey beat (early Beatles), transitions into harder rock (early Stones?) and the Who territory. I bet the Kinks were highly influential, but through some bad luck not so famous as the rest. Not as groundbreaking as Revolver (same year), but works better as an album (less fillers). Only 4 stars as the recording quality is only meh, and for some strange reason they back loaded the album (last song: Sunny Afternoon - ah yes this one I know and LOVE! But didn't remember it was The Kinks). Could have even left out the first 2 songs, would have been a better album.

Nothing can change my hatred for Rod Stewart. Every time his music comes on the radio, I have to turn it off. Terrible voice. Boring music. A bad person (proud of his affairs with groupies). The success of Rod Stewart (look up Guiness book record for biggest concert) shows that something is wrong with the world. And his albums being on this list is even more proof of that. 2 stars because it was not too annoying and there were some good moments when Rod was not singing.

Monday morning 7:00. On my way to work. This album is the soundtrack of my scenery. No wonder they played it on Ibiza on sunrise. For downtempo I always go back to this album or Kruder & Dorfmeisters session. Smart, chillout music. No track is a filler. Nothing bothers. Favourite track: All I need. My only critique is its lack of innovation - Portishead and Massive Attack put much more originality into their songs - which is hard to compete with, but still - only 4 stars.

Plot twist: Chicago knew this would be on 1001 list so they put Freeform Guitar so everyone is forced listening to it in full length. Other than that (and the record being too jazzy at times) they had freakin good musicians. From lead singer (anyone else thought its Jimmy Hendrix?) to brass, base, drums. All extraordinary.

I always liked Liams singing on Wonderwall because it's so direct and raw. But then hearing the same singing throughout the whole album looks like he's too afraid to show his feelings. Wonderwall and Don't look back in anger (the ending!!) are genius tracks. Also Champagne Supernova (which I didn't know) is marvellous. The rest - only meh. Would have liked to hear more of that swamp song though!

Self esteem is nice but isn’t it a Smells like teen spirit ripoff (same guitar riff) Generally I don’t click with punk rock. It seems like the drummer plays as fast as possible and the rest of the band chimes in. Same here. All songs sound the same and are quite annoying. Especially in my tired morning mood.

What’s on plate today? From the cover it looks like .. punk? New wave? Then it was a wild ride. Loving the mischief. I smirked the whole album. Sounds like they had of fun doing this and it’s contagious. Plus it’s clever and a good variety without being too experimental. Would I listen to this often? Probably not. But for 45 minutes I was highly entertained. On the 2nd listen the novelty wore a bit off. Still extraordinary- 4 stars

Terrible cover. Relaxing music. Oh, he committed suicide. Ok but repetitive. I prefer Elliott Smith.

I appreciate what she’s doing here but I don’t enjoy it

I expected bad recording quality. I expected 2nd class songs cause at this time the good songs were issued as singles. Instead I got an albums full of stereo, crispy clear bangers. Crazy how well the album aged. Would not listen to this in my free time though. Plus no original songs -> only 4 stars

Without the singing it would be a good album. Early Aphex Twin. But the singing - I could only enjoy when imagining it’s meant in a funny way- let‘s just annoy the shit out of the listener - way. Oh Frankie!

Thank God Bob Dylan didn't get hold of these texts! Billy Bragg rendered them intimate and beautifully, especially the opening track and the Minor Key song. Some of the songs didn't work for me - e.g. She Came Along to Me had touching lyrics but the singing is mechanical. Also it's a bit front loaded and the 2nd half of the album were lost on me.

Yesterday my wife told me that she doesn't believe into our relationship anymore. We're married for 20 years. I'm in shock. She's still the love of my life. I don't want to let her go. When I listened to Small Hours I had tears in my eyes: »They say you'll be my ruin Cos I love you so I just love you so« That's exactly how I feel. I learned that Martyn was facing a disintegrating marriage. I see the problem of this album (I thought it was in a phone waiting line at the first seconds of the album), but it touched me personally more than any album off this list so far.

Blur blurred into Gorillaz. Genius. Coming back to this album every few months. Full of mischief. Great atmosphere. Banger tracks (New Genius, Clint Eastwood).