My 1001 Albums Journey

Album	You	Global	Diff
A Northern Soul The Verve	5	2.91	+2.09
Suzanne Vega Suzanne Vega	5	3.01	+1.99
Blood, Sweat & Tears Blood, Sweat & Tears	5	3.17	+1.83
Nothing's Shocking Jane's Addiction	5	3.18	+1.82
School's Out Alice Cooper	5	3.2	+1.8
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got Sinead O'Connor	5	3.25	+1.75
Joan Armatrading Joan Armatrading	5	3.33	+1.67
Metal Box Public Image Ltd.	4	2.41	+1.59
Antichrist Superstar Marilyn Manson	4	2.48	+1.52
Moondance Van Morrison	5	3.71	+1.29

Album	You	Global	Diff
Blue Joni Mitchell	1	3.49	-2.49
Unknown Pleasures Joy Division	1	3.47	-2.47
The Beach Boys Today! The Beach Boys	1	3.27	-2.27
Untitled (Black Is) SAULT	1	3.05	-2.05
Pet Sounds The Beach Boys	2	3.93	-1.93
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Raekwon	1	2.86	-1.86
Yeezus Kanye West	1	2.78	-1.78
What's That Noise? Coldcut	1	2.78	-1.78
New Boots And Panties Ian Dury	1	2.7	-1.7
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan Bob Dylan	2	3.63	-1.63

Artist	Albums	Average
Pink Floyd	2	5

Artist	Albums	Average
Joy Division	2	1.5
The Beach Boys	2	1.5

Kanye West

1/5

Absolute crap. Some of the music/beats were good, but Ye can't sing, is a weak rapper, and is clearly a sociopath. I have no idea how he became popular. This is the crap that give rap a bad name

Take Me Apart

Kelela

3/5

While not typically my style, I enjoyed this. Her voice was very good and the music wasn't the most simple 3-chord keyboard and cricket drums that are all over pop music these days. It won't likely be on my playlists, but I certainly wouldn't just turn it off like I would for most pop diva music.

Pearl

Janis Joplin

3/5

Obviously, it's a classic album by a well-respected singer. It's just never been quite for me. Her soulful crooning is great and the harder rocking parts are good, but half the time the scratchy warbling throws me off. Bobby McGee is quite good. I've always thought Mercedes Benz was is a fun song, but honestly her voice grates on me and I never get more than halfway through it. The production is better than on her previous albums, but those rock a little harder, too. I do understand why people love her, but I never just think, "Hey! Let's play Janis Joplin."

Hybrid Theory

Linkin Park

4/5

I've only ever really heard the hits by them and never listened to a whole album. But even the non-single songs are pretty good. The guitars are really good and the rap vs singing call and response bits are unusually effective. Sometimes the longer bits of white boy rap falter and Chester does scream a bit too much. While I do like the singles and am ok with the others, I don't know that I'd just organically think, "Hey! I should listen to a Linkin Park album!"

Black Sabbath

4/5

Haven't listened to this album in over 20 years. Was surprised at how very mellow it really is. The first half is quite lowkey. It picks up by NIB, but I always recalled it being much heavier overall. Ozzy clearly doesn't have the best range or tone, but he was super Committed to the vibe. And that carries most of the songs. Let's be honest though, if this came out today, no record company would have given them an advance or a second album. Times have changed and it has to a banger and a seller or you are done. It's great to go back and listen to the originals as they worked to create heavy metal. The next two albums got chunkier and scarier quick.

Ramones

3/5

Always wondered why the Ramones are so influential and memorable. I've heard some of their singles and they're... OK. 2 and 3 chord songs with good energy, but not really special. So I listened to this whole thing trying to keep my mind wide open, even trying to remember this was made 1976 and they were breaking ground for the punk movement. They do make a lot out of their simple song structures and the energy Is good. Admittedly way better than a lot of punks! But overall, it's too same-y throughout. tempo, energy, vocals, and the chuggy guitars all blend together. It almost sounds like one long song. If a song by them came on, I'd listen to it, I've even caught myself in the past singing "I wanna be sedated." But I sure wouldn't just decide to grab a Ramones album to listen to.

Exile On Main Street

The Rolling Stones

3/5

I find the Rolling Stones to be an odd band, in that every album has a single or two that are quite good, but the rest of the songs are mid at best and some are downright bad. Of course, it's hard to write consistently great songs for so long and you have to give them a lot of credit for having at least some hits on every album for 50 years. (Not in the last 10 or 20 as far as I know, though) This album is in their heyday and is always celebrated as groundbreaking. But almost all of the songs I find to be kind of same-y. Sure one's a little more country than blues, but it's still pretty close. The singles are good: Happy, Tumbling Dice, even Sweet Virginia. I'd listen if they came on. Perhaps these are the ones with a different producer?? Turd On The Run is horrible and Torn and Frayed grates on me. All of the rest are ok, like fine as background music or if I were at a bar and the band was playing these songs, it'd be fine, but I wouldn't throw money at them.

Since I Left You

The Avalanches

2/5

This is fun in small bursts. I've always like Frontier Psychiatrist. "You're crazy in the coconut!" But, like all purely sample based music, it gets too repetitive and annoying after just 2 songs. Can't imagine playing this album just to have a listen.

Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes

TV On The Radio

2/5

This was better than I expected as I thought they were just some indie punks or darlings that got a little attention then disappeared. But apparently they made more than a couple of albums and have somewhat of a following. I always appreciate it when people take chances and do experimental things as long as they keep some sort of melodic or memorable beat/riff/motif or something. Avant garde is good, but weird for the sake of weird is a usually waste. This is on that thin line for me. Most of it is listenable and interesting. Some cool bass bits and harmonizing. (But even that goes a little off-key sometimes.) "Ambulance" is annoying. It would be OK if the background people did a bit more, but it's just a horrendous roundabout that drives me bats. This is the most common problem on this album: they find a sound and just overdo it repeatedly. While a lot of it is fun or different, there's almost always one bit that is overdone. Most songs have a drone and it's OK when this is background music. But as an active listener, really looking for interesting bits and bobs, the drone somehow becomes more apparent and distracts. So, it's ok, but I don't think I'd ever just pull it up for a spin.

Metal Box

Public Image Ltd.

4/5

I was seriously doubting I'd like or even finish this album because of my previous listening to Pil. The "singles" they had put out were fairly atrocious and Johnny's voice is horrific. Sex Pistols at least gave a wall of sound and it kind of fit (for a song or two). I thought they only got albums made because of his notoriety and didn't give their musicianship much credence. So, with a finger hovering over the Next button, I got this album going. First song, Albatross, was pretty cool. Johnny's not screeching or yelling and the music is quite cool. A little atonal, but interesting. Overall, I like this album. Especially when Johnny is just talking or singing in a "normal" voice. It really sounds a lot like the early Bauhaus albums that came out about the same time; the musical style, tone, and metallic guitar. Of course, Peter Murphy is 10x the singer that Johnny is, but some of these songs sound quite similar. The best songs are the instrumentals like Socialist and Graveyard. Chant is unlistenable. I probably would have loved this if I'd heard it 30 years ago because it does fit into the post-punk, pre-goth, or industrial that came around then or right after. Perhaps some of those others were influenced by this, but I don't recall anyone saying that. It's not easy listening and I'm not sure when would be a good time to spin this up, but I added a few of the songs to my playlist and may even try a little more Pil now. I think it's a solid three, but will give it 4 because of it's historical and influential status

The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan

2/5

Truth to tell, I was not quite as annoyed as I thought I would be. Having only heard small bits of Bob's songs throughout my life, and a million people mocking his voice, I really thought I'd hate all of it. When I saw this come up as the album of the day, I was prepared to quit each song less than halfway through. But I got through the majority of them to leave a fair review. Perhaps since this is earlier in his career, his nasal twang is not as present as it is in some later recordings. Perhaps he leaned into it more later. I mean, it's not good or pleasant here, it just gets worse later. The big thing everyone says is that Bob is a poet. I mean... I guess. But they're so steamrolled by his weak singing and bad harmonica. He's no Charlie Musselwhite or John Popper. It come out blaring against the steady acoustic guitars. Many songs, like Blowing in the Wind and Masters of War, have some good imagery and turns of phrase. But I prefer the versions by other people. Even right now, I've gone back to play the songs to confirm the poetic nature, but can't listen through and just read the lyrics to say they're pretty good. I'll end with this. I appreciate the man's writing and the influence he's had, but I will never just put it on to have a listen.

Slippery When Wet

Bon Jovi

3/5

Gotta admit my bias here. This type of music was one of my favorites at the time it came out, with me in my late teens and early 20s. And I liked Bon Jovi well enough, but nowhere near my favorite. I actually like the first Bon Jovi album more than this overall. The singles are probably better here, though. You Give Love A Bad Name & Livin' On A Prayer were always on the radio and played at parties and events everywhere. I still think Wanted Dead Or Alive is a great song from this time. Social Disease, on the other hand, is the poster child for everything people don't like about this sort of glam rock era. While I know it's not groundbreaking, influential music, my memories of it in the background of many great events make it a winner for me. I won't go seeking it, but when it pops up randomly I vibe with it happily enough.

Music From The Penguin Cafe

Penguin Cafe Orchestra

2/5

It's ok. Kind of same-y throughout. Sounds like background music. First song reminded me of a tv theme maybe. I didn't really find anything annoying, but nothing stood out at all. Can't imagine a time anyone would say, "You know what we should listen to right now? Penguin Cafe!"

Melody A.M.

Röyksopp

4/5

I liked this. Not dance music as some advertised it, but good chill-out music. Some cool bass lines. Don't love the ones with singing throughout, but they're not annoying. Just sort of take me out of the vibe. So Easy is good and my favorite was Röyksopp's Night Out. (Even though it is a tad bit jarring at the intro) I can imagine listening to this while working on something tedious to get me through OR just relaxing with some vibe-y music.

The Wall

Pink Floyd

5/5

Never was a giant Pink Floyd fan, but respected that they broke ground and were definitely talented musicians. It was just a very rare thought for me to want to pull up a song or album by them. I wouldn't turn it off if it came and and I could vibe along with it but I rarely sought it out. Having said that, I have heard this full album a few times and think it's quite spectacular. I just wish I hadn't heard the "singles" so many times, so I could appreciate them all over again. While some folks deride Roger Waters' singing, it is just so fitting for this tale of a man sinking into madness. And David Gilmour is a damned treasure. He makes guitars cry and sing. It's amazing! Of course, some of the in-between songs are a bit weak because they're pushing the concept, but I'm only really bothered by The Trial. For those that dislike it because they're a bit confused by the structure/concept OR dislike the interstitial parts, you really should see the movie. It makes the whole story quite visible, understandable, and memorable. After that, in my mind anyway, this becomes the soundtrack to the movie (as opposed to the other way around, which it is) and it's far more enjoyable on the whole. I haven't seen it in some time and I'm not sure the animations will hold up to modern eyes, but it was amazingly well done for it's time. I don't imagine I'll listen to this whole album again... well, maybe once or twice. But some of the highlights will stick with me forever. It really is a piece of art.

The Velvet Underground & Nico

The Velvet Underground

2/5

It's really just OK with some forays into plain annoying. Cannot quite understand how this is groundbreaking, "seminal", and influential. Some of the songs sound a bit like 60's hippy-ish folk-laden tunes - Sunday Morning, All Tomorrow's Parties, I'll Be Your Mirror for example. "Heroin" is grating. The jangly guitars are good, but the drone in the background throughout annoys and whoever told Lou Reed he should be a singer was obviously riding the horse themselves. The end is a screechy mess. European Son is horrendous. I love a good instrumental jam... and even when folks go out on musical tangents and come back, kind of jazz-like. But this sounds like some children that picked up instruments with no training and just banged some shit out. Femme Fatal is well written and poorly sung. I've heard a few (apparent) covers of it, and it's a fine enough song. I actually had to doublecheck to see if these guys wrote it. I thought it was an older song. So, points for this one! Here's how I think this could be called influential - If I was 20 and I heard this, I might think, "If they can put this out there and make it big, then I sure as hell sure can!" Not influential as in, "One day I aspire to be that," but more like "Shit, I can do better than that, right now!"

Led Zeppelin II

Led Zeppelin

5/5

Of course there's Zeppelin here. Widely recognized as groundbreakers and influencers, they're rock legends. Now, they've never really been one of my favorites even though I love rock, hard rock, metal, all of it. It's just that I wasn't there in their heyday when they were breaking ground. I was more excited by the 1st and 2nd generation bands that were influenced by them. These guys were older, radio staples and I thought they were OK. As I go older, I realized that they really were ground breaking and I can appreciate them more. Let's talk about this album in particular though. (It's so hard to listen to this with fresh ears because I've heard some of these songs like 1000 times on the radio.) Mostly, it's good. I wish the mix was better because everyone loves John Paul Jones' bass playing, but it's often lost in the mix. The rhythm section of him and Bonham is exceptional. Pocket Kings. Thank you and Ramble on, the least rocking of the songs, are the best of them somehow. While some folks blast Whole Lotta Love as noisy or indulgent, I think it's quite cool. They're doing things here that you weren't hearing anywhere else. And it's not noise for the sake of noise like that crap on the Velvet Underground album It's a classic and I won't turn the off if they come on the radio, but I also don't see myself firing it up to listen to the whole thing. Still giving it a 5 because of it's significance and even though it's not My favorite, I can sure understand why it is for a lot of people.

Fromohio

fIREHOSE

3/5

This was better than expected. I'd listened to some album by firehose before and thought it was just screechy, maybe punk-folk. This was much better. Production is better and the singer has rounded off some of the shriekier bits. Mike Watt is a great bass player, no doubt. This seems like what an REM and Meat Puppets collab might sound like in their early days. No album really Needs a drum solo, definitely not two!

Aladdin Sane

David Bowie

4/5

I always found it to be the least interesting of the modern/middle-era Bowie albums. Still better than his first 2-3 though before he shook off the folksy thing. (Laughing Gnome, anyone?) Truth is I might have only listened to the whole thing 2 times then forgot about it. Listening to it twice in the previous 24 hours has made me rethink that! It's got a lot of fairly intricate musicianship going on, especially the pianos and synths. The regular band (Spiders!) are here and they added a jazzy/groovy keyboardist that really changed things up here. None of it really jumps out and hooks me in, but listening intently to almost all it, there are great bits to be heard. There really was no need to cover Let's spend the night together. I will definitely come back to listen to this again. I think it's a grower.

...And Justice For All

Metallica

3/5

Chugga Chugga Chugga is what's written on a note in the Metallica exhibit at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. I do love some palm-muted chugga chugga, but not for an hour. As everyone says, the mix is really bad. Low bass with up front, mostly tinny drums. But that's not why you're really here, right? It's those chunky, thrashy guitars. Good on them for all of those insane quick changes, starts and stops. Those guitars rip it up. Just needs a little more change-up throughout. One is one of my favorite rock songs ever. It's got dynamics. ("Johnny got his Gun" is a great and horrible little movie.) Listening to this all at once, I give it a 2.5. Listening to a song or two at a time would let me give it a 3.5. Sot's getting a 3, but "One" gets a 5!

A Hard Day's Night

Beatles

3/5

As a youth, I bucked against the Beatles. They were so popular but their music seemed so thin to me. (Because I never really listened to it deeply). Albums with songs like this were my main defense. Simple, peppy pop born from the early 60's leading to screaming throngs of young girls. Boo! As I grew older and more musically sophisticated, I was able to get to know them through later albums like Abbey Road, the white album, and Revolver. There is some wonderful music there! I could understand why people loved the Beatles. They were revolutionary and they did create new pathways for music to grow into. But I still never got into these first few albums. Listening today I can hear the kernel of genius filtered through the pop sensibilities and what was generally accepted at the time. While I can't really imagine popping this on for a listen, I'll at least give it the respect it's due. Without this, there never would have been those deeper, evolved albums.

The ArchAndroid

Janelle Monáe

3/5

I often lament the death of music, rock n roll in particular. Part of the complaint is that most popular music doesn't have a lot "real" instruments. Just a keyboard and a drum machine with some young diva yowling or some rapping. No bridges, no time changes. Blech! Oh, and a conversation from just a day or two ago about what concept albums are. Tricky to pull off, but when good, they can be great! (Operation Mindcrime, The Wall, Pink World and more.) Then along comes this pop diva that I had written off as the same old (new) thing because I'd only ever heard Tightrope and it falls into that blech territory. But this is actually quite interesting. All kids of musical instruments, all sort of genre hopping, and it's a concept album! Serious credit to this young lady for taking these chances. I don't know that she got as much credit for all of that. I certainly never heard anything about it. (I read a lot of music news and am always seeking new, good music.) While I do give her all that credit, it's still a bit out of my wheelhouse. I don't imagine I'd listen to it more than once or twice again. But for folks that are younger that have been raised on simple beats and cicada drums, this might get them to explore a bit. I want to give it 4 stars to attract attention to it and show respect for the gumption it took to do this in the modern music environment, I have to score it based on how much I liked it and would I listen again.

Superunknown

Soundgarden

3/5

Chris Cornell is an amazing rock singer, absolutely one of the best! And while I like most grunge era bands, Soundgarden wasn't always on my playlists. I like the singles and they were probably singles because they had the best production. Even as they progressed, some of this stuff sounds muddy. This is a good album with some great songs, but as many have said, it's a few songs too long. "Half" would be the first to go. I'll listen when some of these pop up in a retro or grunge playlist, but I won't be seeking it out.

New Boots And Panties

Ian Dury

1/5

Mostly bad. Childish lyrics with simple rhymes trying to be dirty and shocking. Poorly done. I will give credit to the musicians because this is mostly pretty good music. But Ian cannot sing a tune. He's horrible. I'd only ever heard Sex and Drugs and Rock n Roll and thought it was a fun song, but listening to it and it's worse siblings for an hour is a chore.

Close To The Edge

Yes

4/5

I've always liked Yes, even though Jon Anderson's voice grates on me sometimes. The musicians on this album are fantastic! Drummer Bill Bruford, guitarist Steve Howe, and keyboardist Rick Wakeman are all masters of their craft. But Chris Squire is an absolute legend! He's one of the greatest bassists in all of rock history. Not just his solid backbone, awesome fills and "lead bass" moments... but the tones he wrung out of the instrument are sterling. I really only love half of this album though. Something about the lead 18 minute track sets me off and I almost never finished it. There are great bits, but overall, I don't know. But "And You and I" and "Siberian Khatru" are great. This is a truly representative prog album! Amazing musicianship with long meander-y songs that sometimes get a little lost in translation, I guess. Wish I could have seen this lineup live!

Hotel California

Eagles

4/5

Good old classic rock. The highs here are excellent, but some of the songs are treacle, pop songs with no distinguishing merit aside from the fact that they're not particularly annoying. (Wasted Time) The song "Hotel California" is a classic rock staple that I must have heard literally 1000 times. And I still don't hate it. "Life in the Fast Lane" is simply a really good rock song. Great musicians doing solid work here. I don't ever go out of my way to listen to this band, but I would rarely turn it off if it plays.

The White Room

The KLF

2/5

I get that it was fairly groundbreaking for dance music, EDM, and the like. But it's a little too same-y throughout. I couldn't see myself listening to more than one song at a time. There isn't anything that makes me want to turn a song off here, but two or more... I'm out! I like some others of this genre, and they may well have been inspired by this, but I thought it was a genre that evolved a bit later. (And of course there were a lot of shit imitators, too!)

Sticky Fingers

The Rolling Stones

4/5

Second Stones album on my list here. And just like for "Exile on Main Street" I like it more than I thought I would. I have tried some Stones albums in the past, but found that while the singles were good, most of the rest was just mediocre blues riffing. Perhaps my tastes have changed and/or mere exposure has me liking it more now. Half of the songs here are worth repeated listening - Brown Sugar, Can't you hear me knocking, Wild Horses, Bitch. I just love the extended "Can't you hear..." because the radio edit always cuts that off. I love Improv jamming. I'll listen to this again.

Elephant Mountain

The Youngbloods

4/5

While I had heard the name Youngbloods, I didn't know who they were. Upon research I found they did "Get Together" which is a pretty good classic rock song. Overall I really like this album. While there's not much that makes me go "WOW! That's different", I could definitely see myself playing this while relaxing, working or driving. It's a smooth feel with some interesting instrumentation. This is one of the best reasons to take on this 1001 challenge... finding interesting new (or old) music to listen to. I especially love the instrumental jams. This is sort of like if the Grateful Dead were both a little more commercial and jazzy.

Vanishing Point

Primal Scream

4/5

I like Primal Scream, but somehow never heard this album. I do like it It is a weird merge of their neo-hippy groove and more modern electronica. It doesn't always work, but overall it's a good mix. Not too many standouts but it's a really good background album. You don't need to be actively listening and deciphering lyrics. It's a vibe. Trainspotting is a great highlight. Nice instrumental. I'll play this again.

One Nation Under A Groove

Funkadelic

3/5

Gotta love the funk... and I do, but in small doses. This album is definitely a vibe, a great party background mix. They really are great musicians, and they're having a lot of fun. It's just that it can be a bit... much. It's hard to say what songs are best or worst because the album isn't on any streaming service except YouTube. I found the album but no track listing. Finding the listing elsewhere didn't help much because it's often hard to tell when one song starts and another begins. And I didn't have the energy to listen That intently. It's funky, it's cool. I like it. But when am I going to listen to it? Probably never in its entirety. It's exhausting.

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago

4/5

I've always known Chicago was a rock band before the 80's-90's pop music phase. And while I knew a few of the classic rock singles from the before times, I did not know they were This much of a rock band. Ripping guitars, great rock band, with added horns. Super cool. Like most folks, I scratch my head at adding Free Form Guitar to the middle of this. I could see it at a live show or on a live album, maybe. But here it's just pretentious, show-offy nonsense. Kath is a great guitarist, but this is self-indulgent. I'm likely to listen to this album again. Not on repeat, mind you. But I do think it's worth listening to.

Aftermath

The Rolling Stones

3/5

So many Rolling Stones albums! That might sound like a complaint, but as someone who was just OK with the Stones, but wouldn't go out of my way to buy or listen to them, it's been eye-opening. As for this album, the first half is far superior to the second half. Much of the second half just sounds like a bar band doing straight-ahead old-school blues. I find it to be weak and uninteresting. The exception is the extended play out of Going Home. That jam at the end is pretty good. Listening to the full Stones albums over the last month or two has made me appreciate their experiments and modernization of old blues. Their earlier albums were young British dudes trying to be like old US blues guys and I'd say not too well. But I guess it got them in the door enough that they had time, money, and resources to experiment and make some great music. I'll listen to the singles from this album, but I don't think I'd listen to the whole thing again. Overall, the album's a three, but Paint it Black is a 4 and Under My Thumb is a fine five!

Cross

Justice

2/5

It's ok. More solid songs than a lot in this genre. But, I find that like most electronica, it gets to feeling a bit same-y. They do throw in some glitchy, cool sounds, but it's quite repetitive. Some of the bass bits are interesting too. (Esp. in Phantom Pt. II) I guess if I was in a club or party (and tripping) this would be great vibe-y music. I cannot think of another time I'd want to take this album for a spin. Bonus note: The video for "Stress" is stressful. Showing the ugliness of humanity. It's horrible and hate-filled.

Cut

The Slits

2/5

It's not for me. I don't like almost any punk. While I love the energy of a lot of punks, I respond better to quality musicianship. Bands should sound like they work at it, that they want to get better. This is better than a lot of 'em I've heard though. When they lean more reggae, it's better. The production seems minimal and if it was a little better, I think I'd appreciate the musicians more. There some interesting musical bits, but the singing takes it all down a peg. Ari Up has had quite a life and I'm sure she's super interesting, but I can't give her high marks for singing. Giving it a 2 instead of a 1 because while it's not for me, I can understand why someone would like it and there are some interesting twists along the way. Don't imagine I'd ever listen to this again.

I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight

Richard Thompson

2/5

It's Ok. Not something I would listen to normally. I do find it to be better than most folk I've listened to, but the woman singer leans into some classic folk tones and it sounds performative more than authentic. The guitars are decent and that's what raises it above common folk boredom. Not much that's bad or annoying, but nothing to grab me either. Did really like the guitar bit at the beginning of Calvary Cross, though. The least folk-y, best song is probably the title track. Prolly wouldn't listen to it again.

Music for the Masses

Depeche Mode

4/5

I wasn't much of a Depeche Mode fan when they were making albums. While I very much enjoy the music of the time, including most goth and electronica, they just didn't grab me. Seemed a little arty but without real soul. My wife loves them so I hear it more than I would have on my own and have learned to like some of what they do. Truth is they do make some interesting music and both singers have good voices. This is overall quite a good album. I was only annoyed by one or two songs, Sacred and Little 15. While I might not choose this album for myself, I'm sure I'll be hearing it again soon when driving with my wife. I will give this album a 4 because it is all pretty good. Even if some is not made for me, I appreciate why folks love it.

A Northern Soul

The Verve

5/5

I very much like this album. Completely loved their first album and I still think it's better than this one. Somehow it sounds a little more mature to me. But this one is quite good too. I also like Urban Hymns and wish I hadn't heard Bittersweet Symphony so many times that I skip it now. This one though, I love the wall of sound vibe. It feels warm and encompassing. I don't even have to know all the lyrics. I just play it and let it flow over me. (I could skip the title track though. It's the one that's too noisy and repetitive. Not the worst. Just not as good.) I've always loved Richard Ashcroft and his vocal stylings. In truth I find his first 2 solo albums to be equal to these Verve albums. They're just a bit different, but equally awesome. While I love songs like Brainwave Interlude for the jamming, I can sure understand why someone wouldn't like it. Everything is not for everybody. I do think this album belongs on the Listen before you die list. Will surely be listening to it a few more times before I go.

Apple Venus Volume 1

XTC

2/5

It's ok. A little too soft and over-produced. I don't get a vibe or feeling of authenticity from any of it. While none if it is annoying, it's almost elevator music for me. I hear the second part rocks a little more. I might try that later. Won't be listening to this one again, though

Closer

Joy Division

2/5

I generally love music for this time, specially the post-punks, emos, and goths, but I never really listened to much Joy Division, That's probably because their popular songs didn't do much for me. But, now thanks to listening to this I can honestly say. I hate Joy Division! Actually, I hate Ian Curtis. Sorry he died. Yes, it's sad. But he CANNOT sing at all! People say his songwriting is deep and this was a suicide note. Maybe, but I can't stand to listen him do this robo radio announcer voice talk-singing. When he does try to actually sing sing, his voice quavers and he's off pitch. Crap! It's actually unfair to the band that he's so bad. When the album starts, there are some good drums. Good vibe. Then the bass does some cool, fiddly bits. I think, Hey! Maybe I've missed out. Maybe JD is good. And then that wanker comes in and flushes the whole thing. I keep listening because that's the game here. There are some cool guitar noises. Sometimes sounding like a chainsaw. Interesting choices. While it's sometimes noise-y, it's on purpose and it's different. I'm in. And then that wanker comes in and flushes the whole thing. I keep listening. 3rd and 4th song, while I don't appreciate the way they've squashed the drums to be tinny, it sounds like some decent music. And then guess what happens? Wanker! I can't finish this album. It's annoying. I'd listen to the instrumental versions for sure. Or them with a different singer... sure, I'd try it. And I know the rest went on and were New Order, but they didn't play this style of music - less guitars and way more keyboards. It is Ok, but not for me. But that's for a whole different review. I will not be listening to this album ever again and I will break things in order to be sure of that. I'm going to give it a 2, but that's for the band. (I'd love to give them a 3 or event 4, but he's so bad, he ruins even their better qualities.) This album is practically unlistenable. Ian Curtis get's a -5. Wanker!

Apocalypse Dudes

Turbonegro

3/5

This is pretty good. Don't feel like I wasted my time listening to it twice. It's straight ahead rock stuff by some Baltic folk that listened to a lot of Ramones and probably a bunch of 80's metal. All around the music is good, driving Rock n Roll. The singing isn't bad. No awards for it, but nothing annoying and it fits what they're doing. I don't imagine I'll listen to this more than... one more time in my life when something reminds me of it. But it's fun. 3.5 stars really, but gotta give whole stars here and it's really not ever going to be a 4-star, let's listen to this again and again album.

Morrison Hotel

The Doors

2/5

Man, this is a hard one for me to be objective because I have spent my whole life just hating the Doors. When I saw it pop up, I audibly groaned. However, perhaps over time, as my music tastes have evolved in many ways, I've become more accepting. Hell, I listen to the Rolling Stones on purpose now! I still don't like most of it. The problem with the Doors for me is Jim Morrison. While he's an interesting songwriter, his voice just grates on my soul. I hate it! I'm not 100% sure why. He's not whiny, nasally, or weird. Objectively, it's a fine, middle-of-the-road voice. It's kind of loung-singer-y at times and arrogant somehow in a very off-putting way. I know a lot of folks love him and that's cool. But it has always bugged me so much that I can hardly listen to the music. So, I listened with an open mind and some of this music is really good. Structurally sound, sometimes experimental, sometimes retro. A little heavy on the up-front keyboards for me, but it's fine. I would probably love "Peace Frog" if someone else sang it. The music is cool. I didn't quite hate Morrison's voice on "Ship of Fools". None of that yelling, swaggery shit he's usually throwing. Those are the high points for me. I can guarantee that I won't be listening to this again. Will give it a 2 because it's not garbage. It's just not for me. Some of the music is quite good. Probably a good album for everyone to hear once. sure.

xx

The xx

4/5

Thxx is prexxy gxxd! Never heard of the album or the band before. It hits nicely as a mellow, subtle groove thing. Obviously not party music or anything. It sounds like it will get better as I listen more. Only twice through this week, but I'll be coming to listen and maybe check out some of their other stuff. While I definitely liked the opener, the moment I wasn't concentrating 100% on listening, I could hardly tell when one track ended and another began. Going to give it a 4 because nothing here stuck out as bad and it is quite listenable. But there's nothng here to warrant a 5 either.

Tea for the Tillerman

Cat Stevens

3/5

It's ok for me. I don't really like folk, except for the occasional crossover that breaks some traditional folk rules. I've heard the singles from this hundreds of times and I probably like them just because of mere exposure. Don't like the folksier tunes here and there's just something about his voice that I like and dislike. I like that it's distinctive and has an odd lilt to it. But then I can't stand it after just 2 or 3 songs. Like a good appetizer, but not good for a whole meal. I'll give it a 3 recognizing that in the world of pop rock it usually gets and deserves a 4 or more. But on here, this is what I like and would I listen again. It's a 3 Probably will never listen to this whole album again. It's fine, but it's just not for me.

The Clash

3/5

It's not my favorite Clash album but it does have it's moments. While they later dove more deeply into alternative styles, here it's mostly a little too same-y for repeated listening. Some stuff is great. I like Strummer's voice and attitude. Guitars are decent with some fun bits thrown in. (Which is crazy for punks who seemed to pride themselves on being untaught and unskilled.) I'll definitely listen to some of these songs again, but not usually all together. Want to give it 3.5 because of it's historical nature, but when pressed to round up or down, I have to round down here just because I don't really feel it's something I'll have on repeat.

Permission to Land

The Darkness

2/5

Gotta appreciate their commitment to the bit. Young guys in 2000 channeling their favorite 80's metal dudes. It's fun in very small doses, but does wear thin. I love the genre and the originals theses guys are emulating, but I'd rather hear those originals. I can even get behind high, sometimes screechy vocals a la Geddy Lee, but Geddy brought more to the show. In an interview these guys were saying how anomalous the single "I believe in a thing..." was because they just think of themselves as a rock band and that was just an inch from parody. It almost didn't get onto the album. But I don't find it believable. Most of the songs lean that way - a blender full of glam metal tropes pushed to 11. (Although yes, in the video, they knew they were overdoing it on purpose.) I do kind of like "Friday Night" because there's less of the screechiness and he even sounds a little like... can I say this? Robert Smith. It's almost "Friday I'm in Love"! Gotta give this a two because truthfully the music is not bad. They're decent 80s-90s metal rockers. But it's gotta have more heart for me to want to listen again. There's no There there.

Copper Blue

Sugar

3/5

I'd heard some of Bob Mould's stuff in the past and always thought it was just Ok. Nothing that blew me away and sometimes it veered a little annoying. His Sugar project rounded off some the spikier parts and is quite listenable. Having seen some reviews talking about their favorite songs, I'm a little confused because mostly I can't tell when one stops and the next begins. Like each song itself, the whole of it melts into a wall of sound. It's a fine wall of sound, but it's not super memorable. An example would be the Verve's Storm in Heaven, which is a wall of sound, soundscape-y album, but it practically begs me to listen to it actively. So, I like this and will likely put it into rotation on random playlists, but don't imagine I'd queue it up to listen to all the way through. Let's call it a 3+

If I Should Fall From Grace With God

The Pogues

4/5

Pretty good stuff, but clearly not for everybody. I'm usually in for some good Irish (or Scottish, or any of the Brits) traditional-ish music. I love a good reel or jig, especially when reworked/updated with modern sensibilities. Have heard of the Pogues for years, but never really dove in. Happy for this reminder. I'm not a great fan of Shane's voice, sometimes its better than others, and only rarely does it reach an annoying level. (I find a large bit of "Medley" to be kind of annoying - forced) It's just not pretty and sometimes that works fine. The music is very well done! Again, I like the traditional structures, sounds, and instruments being used in a modern way. Great blending. "Metropolis" is a great instrumental. "Fiesta" reminds me of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, or is that the other way around. Seems to be from the same years. "Fairytale of New York" has some "interesting" lyrics for an Xmas song. :) I'm not sure when I'll listen to this again. It's a rare mood where I think about digging into semi-traditional Irish music) but I definitely know I will. Giving this a 4 because the music is solid and the playing is fairly exceptional. Good energy.

The Lexicon Of Love

ABC

4/5

I'd heard the singles way back in the 80's and sometimes since and I thought this was just another slick, overly-polished 80's band. I mean, I like the 2 songs well enough, but it's not something Great. I am going to revise my thoughts now. because I never really did listen to this whole album before and now I must say, I quite like it. First, yes it is wildly over-produced. It's so slick it hurts sometimes. But the music is actually good. I honestly hadn't even heard the bass bits before, but this guy is smoking! The synths are a bit much sometimes and the fake drums are not my favorite, BUT overall it's still really good music. I've always liked his voice and he comes up with some great turns of phrase. When I think of Albums You Have to Hear Before You Die, I don't automatically think this would be here. But if you want to capture a moment from the early 80's in one album, this is definitely a good choice. (This and what, Spandau Ballet maybe?) Giving it a 4 because it's solid and does represent a moment in time pretty well. But that overly slick production and fake drums drops it just a bit. I imagine I'll listen to this once or twice again in my life.

Deep Purple In Rock

Deep Purple

4/5

For no actually, good reason, I always thought of Deep purple as a second tier band. They're no Zeppelin or Queen. They're just a middling rock band with a couple of hits. I thought this even though hundred of people and reviews I've read place them squarely at the upper echelons of rock. My bad for not digging in a bit more. This is such a quality album. The music is really good throughout. Ian Gillan has serious pipes and I actually quite like Jon Lord's keyboards. (Have to admit I rarely heap praise on keyboardists. Seems like the least rocking of the available rock instruments.) Richie Blackmore is all over the place, especially wildly at the beginning of Speed King. When I first saw it, I was wondering why they picked this fairly early number with no real hits. But I'm glad it's here. I'll listen to this again.

Blue

Joni Mitchell

1/5

I tried. I really tried. Over the years of hearing how great Joni is, I had tried a few times to listen with an open and objective mind. And then I was given this one more chance. This will be the last time. How do people like this? Her voice is So Damned Annoying!! She twists words in weird ways and warbles and shrieks. It's so hard to listen to. Usually, when I listen to something I don't like, I can at least kind of understand why people might like it. But this woman is cacophonous. Singing differently than other people do is Not enough to make you a genius. Some people with unique voices or a different sort of training are geniuses. But it's not just that it's different that makes it amazing. Right? I will not be listening to this ever again. I don't recommend that you do either, but Hey! Maybe you're one of the ones with that gene in them that somehow makes this sound good to their ears. (Or maybe it's me that has the Hate Joni gene, like the folks that can't eat cilantro because it tastes like soap to them.) I usually give an extra star for historical significance or influence, even if I don't like the album. In this case, though, I'm so annoyed by the whole thing that she doesn't even get that. 1 star for Joni!

Songs The Lord Taught Us

The Cramps

2/5

I had already listened to some Cramps music in the past and liked it enough to listen a few times. I don't love this album, though. It's just a bit too noisy and punk-y for me. I think they made this before they had any real mastery over their instruments. They got better as the years went by and more albums came out. I'm not generally a big fan of punk or rockabilly, although there have been some bands that made it work. The cramps Can make it work, but at this point in their young careers, it was... not good. I'll give it a 2 because it's not terrible. It's just something that would call me back to listen again. And if I did have an urge to hear this style of music, I'd grab a later album by them.

Nothing's Shocking

Jane's Addiction

5/5

This is one of my favorite albums ever. Impossible for me to listen to with new ears because I know every word and every riff and lick. Yes, this is an album everyone should hear at least once, 5 times, a hundred. Perry does have a bit of a nasal voice, unique. And I get why some people might not like it. But he is a very good singer. He can milk the notes, change the words to fit the music, and brings good emotion. As a songwriter, he's fantastic! Amazing imagery and insights as to what it is being human. Dave Navarro is a singular guitar player. He can shred, can vibe, can make you have all the feels. Stephen Perkins is a wild drummer with great timing, and a hypnotic tribal aspect. (Check out Banyan, too.) Eric A. is often noted as a bass player's bass player. He finds a groove, in the pocket, and just draws you down into it. This is smart music, driven by a frenzied youth determined to make you feel something. I want to write a thousand words to get you to listen to this, but nobody reads that much (and it's late and I'm tired.) This is a 5 of 5 album, a 98 of 100 album, and an album you should listen to a few times to make sure you're hearing it all. Because there's always a lot going on here.

Caetano Veloso

2/5

World Beat before it was cool. This is Ok. Kind of fun with many unusual instruments and choices. And not speaking the language, I can't understand the lyrics, and it's important for me to know and enjoy what they're signing about. I wouldn't have this in any rotation. It's ok. Just not for me.

Tommy

The Who

2/5

Much like Deep Purple which I reviewed a few days back, I always considered The Who to be a second tier band. I know it's not fair and there are millions of Who fans that would hit me for saying it. But that's just how they show up in my life. There are some great songs that were (are?) always on classic rock stations, but I didn't go buy these albums or listen to them in their entirety. Obviously, I've heard of Tommy as it's often noted as one of the greatest rock albums and concept albums, and musicals. Outside of the singles, I hadn't heard most of these songs and, as it turns out, that was Ok. Most of them are kind of Roger sing-talking the storylines. There are no classic Daltrey grunts, growls and yells until about halfway through the whole thing. I mostly like Overture and Underture :) but they are both 25% too long and a bit repetitive. It's Ok. The singles were solid, but I think most of their best music is found elsewhere.

Jagged Little Pill

Alanis Morissette

5/5

This really is a great album. It was a rocket in the mid-90's. The songs were all played on repeat everywhere you went. And, given all that, I still like it! "You Oughta Know" has guitar by Dave Navarro and bass by Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers! And the other songs have Chris Chaney on bass. That guy is on about 100 albums in different genres and is always good. She has an interesting voice and she adds a lot of little inflections and embellishments. In most singers I'm annoyed by too much of them (Looking at you Mariah Carey and the ilk!) but I very much like most of Alanis's choices. I sure do wish that "All I Really Want" was a little deeper in the album because I don't think it's the best presentation of her various vocal quirks/choices. I like the song, but I think most folks would be better served to hear some of the other songs first, then when you get to this one, you'd be be better prepared for those bits. I very much like "Perfect" because I don't know any other song that delves into that particular emotional scarring. And it's well done. I know "Ironic" doesn't contain many ironies, but let it go! It's a good song anyway. Definitely will listening to this one at least 10 more times in my life.

Blood, Sweat & Tears

5/5

It's a great album! My Dad really loved a couple of the singles, so I heard this since I was a kid. When I got a little older I listened through the whole thing and it's mostly great. Must agree with most people here saying the Variations and "Blues, pt 2" really stick out badly and prompt a "Why the hell would you put this here?" vibe. David Clayton-Thomas' voice is great - strident and emotional. I love the mix of jazzy, progressive. rock instrumentation throughout this album. I've listened to it maybe a dozen times in m life and I'm sure to listen to it again for a few. Want to give it a 4.5 because of those three left-field songs. But since there are no half-measures allowed, I'm going to give it a 5 becuase the ones I like, I really like!

White Blood Cells

The White Stripes

4/5

I quite love the White Stripes, but I prefer the next 3 albums more than this one because they have just enough more polish to make them re-listenable. Now, I get why some people like/prefer this. It's raw and almost punk-y in places. But without a little production, Jack comes off as a howler, a bit of a screecher sometimes. I cannot abide. I have come to like "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" quite a bit, as I think it's the most "mature" sounding song on the album. "Hotel Yorba" is pretty good, but I wish he wasn't quite so whiny. "Fell in Love with a Girl" could be great, but he seems to be channeling Johnny Lydon here and it's off-putting. "We're Going to Be Friends" is listed as a Kid's song on many lists. Ok. But this shows that Jack can sing without being annoying. And the last song I'll point at here is "Little Room" Who would let Jack do this abomination?? While it's not my favorite White Stripes album, I have come back to it a couple of times and it's grown on me. Congratulations to all of the A&R folks that saw greatness in unpolished bands. I would have passed on the Stripes if all I heard was this or, god-forbid, the previous albums first. But then the world would not know the joys of their later albums and Jack's solo stuff. 4 out 5

Eternally Yours

The Saints

3/5

Not bad. I generally don't like punk too much. I love the energy and the grit, but I dislike the "proud I don't know how to play this" ethos. These guys know how to play though! Overall it's pretty good. (Especially the horns!) I don't love the guys voice. Mostly it's just Ok, but occasionally he leans into the punk vibe and it's a bit screechy/whiny. I miiight come back to listen to this again sometime. It's a solid 3 for me.

Felt Mountain

Goldfrapp

4/5

I liked it well enough. Like Trip Hop, but mellow(er). It would be good background, chilling music. Doesn't require actively listening. It does tend to all run together though. I'd say I'll listen to this again, but it's doesn't really call out to me. So, if I don't put it on a playlist now, I may never run across it again. After listening, I got some random songs and a few others by Goldfrapp and they were a little more energetic and good. May have to dig into the catalog. I'm going to give it a 4 even though it's between a 3 and a 4. There's really nothing wrong with any of it. It's just not super-grabby. But you know, a time and place for everything!

Midnight Ride

Paul Revere & The Raiders

3/5

Not my typical thing, but I don't hate it (with some exceptions below). I'd heard the name before, but never thought to listen to any of their stuff. I thought they were 60's pop, and that's not really wrong. They do have a little bit more edge on most of the songs than I'd expected. I do like this version of "Stepping Stone" as it's a little grittier. "There's Always Tomorrow" and "Little Girl in the 4th Row" are annoying to me. "SS 396" is a flat-out Beach Boys song. "Corvair Baby" pretty much is, too. While I know some folks like that stuff, I find it boring. The other 9 or so songs were not bad. If it was playing at a place where I was eating, I'd think it was fine. But I don't imagine I'll be seeking it out anytime. Let's call it a 3

The Bones Of What You Believe

CHVRCHES

2/5

It's ok. Better than a lot of pop because there's a bit of musicality behind, but even that is all keyboards. Her voice is pretty good, but it's always in the exact same register/timbre, so it's all too same-y. I do like the one song the guy sings on more. Nothing here calls me back to listen again. Giving a 2 because it's not overtly bad. It's just boring and kind of generic

Let Love Rule

Lenny Kravitz

4/5

Lenny is pretty cool. He definitely leans heavily into his inspirations, which is a plus and a minus. It gives his music a solid background of musical history, but then it doesn't usually feel too original. I guess the list guy chose this album because its the debut that brought Lenny to the world, but Mama Said and Are You Gonna Go My Way seem to be better all-around albums to me. I think it's because there are more musicians bringing their parts to life. (And you have to give him some credit for playing everything here.) Did you notice how for each and every song Lenny pretty much sings the title over and over? Some have many more lyrics, but they all do share this one thing. Not that it's a wrong thing to do, just weird. (To an annoying extent on "I bult this garden for us.") I'm sure I've listened to this album more than a couple of times in the past, but usually prefer the next two and have listened to those more. But I'd say this is a worthwhile listen. I want to give 3.75 stars. Guess it's getting a 4

Axis: Bold As Love

Jimi Hendrix

4/5

I never got much into Jimi even though I am guitar freak. I appreciated that people loved and respected him AND I'd read enough about him to think he was a great person. It's just that none of the music grabbed me. Over time I grew to like some of the songs, but I don't think I ever really just thought "Let me throw some Hendrix on!" Listening to this was an eye-opener because I think most of the songs sound a bit different from the three songs you usually hear on the radio or wherever. Mitch Mitchell is a great drummer, but it's usually a little muddy in the production. Must have been great live! He brought a lot of the jazziness that showed up here, for sure. "Up From The Skies" is really good and I can hear where Stevie Ray Vaughan got his inspiration from. "Little Wing" is a fantastic song and I've liked pretty much every cover I've heard of it, too. I bet I'll listen to this album again.

Dare!

The Human League

2/5

I don't know, man. Is it a Must Listen? Nah. It's ok, especially if you love the 80's and keyboards. But, it's a little too same-y throughout. Not much that bugs me, except the 2 in the middle that are super repetitive. (Not going to go back and listen yet again, but the one about killing a guy in a minute. and the next one.) Their voices are fine, even adding some drama through inflection now and again. Could give it a 2.5 because it's not really bad and it does point musically at a point in time as a good representative. But if I'm asked to round on this one, I have to round down.

Deja Vu

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

4/5

For no good reason, I've always had a sort of bad feeling about CSN&Y. I never particularly disliked any of the guys. I think Neil Young is a genius and I very much like Graham Nash's work. Crosby and Stills I thought of as middle-of-the-road, 70's, light rockers with nothing too interesting about them. That's not fair and I don't know where I got that from. This album plays like a Greatest Hits album. I was surprised that I know like 6 out of these 10 songs. I guess it's because they trade off on the vocals and play in slightly different styles. While none of it gets me Super Jazzed and jumping around the room, I do like most of it and would definitely listen again. "Carry On" is a great song. I had heard, but didn't know was from here. I'd heard "Teach your children well" but thought that was as solo effort. I generally hate steel guitars, but it's not as Western as it usually presents. People seem to know and like "Almost cut my hair" but I don't think I ever heard it and I'd be Ok not to hear it again. The music is pretty good, fire-y, but I think it's a bad vocal performance. "Woodstock" is a great song. Happy to see someone take the horror-show of Joni Mitchell and make good music out of it. When I first saw this pop up, I was thinking this was probably going to be a 2 album, but after having listened a couple of times, I have to give it a 4. Not my favorite type of music really, but so well done, I gotta do it.

Roxy Music

4/5

I like going through the Roxy Music evolution. Hadn't listened as much to the first couple of albums because none of it really grabbed me the first time or two. But they started here, with this punk-y attitude and art-school confidence. Then they had a period where they were more of a rock band, while still adding a bunch of interesting "art rock" sorts of experimentation. I was happy they lost the punk vibe. Ultimately landing on a smooth, elegant rock vibe (Avalon!) which is fantastic. So, going back and listening to this album for the first time in years was an interesting ride. I forgot how punk-y it was and how much Brian Ferry sounded like David Byrne at times. Why oh why, on "If there is something" are they trying so hard to be the Grateful Dead. (First half of it anyway) So weird! Very much like how experimental most of this is without being annoying. Although the last three songs do almost cross the line. They're ok, but lumped together they make me want to skip a bit. I think it deserves a very high 3, say 3.7. I'll give it a 4, but with a tiny bit of reservation.

Mott

Mott The Hoople

4/5

Not sure how I never heard this before. I know the name Mott the Hoople, but never heard anything except for that one single. But, I quite like it! Yes, Ian Hunter sounds like he soooo wants to be David Bowie, but I don't find it annoying as a lot of wannabes are. The music is all-around solid. This is a great record and I'll definitely listen again. Probably a 3.5, but it made me smile a couple of times, so I'll give it a 4.

Goodbye And Hello

Tim Buckley

2/5

When I first saw this, I was thinking "Yuck. Folk!" But I'm always willing to try stuff, so... I was about halfway through I got to thinking I'm going to start my review with "I like this well enough." But then, right about "Once I was," it becomes the most typical folky-folk crap that annoys me. Yikes! Why do so many folk singers make that weirdly affected "folk singer" tone/inflection? "Knight Errant" is almost a parody of folk to me. Horrible! The first half is pretty good. I bet if I listened a few more times, some of these would stick. Let's see. People make a lot of comments about Tim being Jeff Buckley's father, and yes, there is something to be said about genes. But, it's not like they lived together or he had any influence on Jeff's life. Probably a good thing that he got his musical education from his mom and stepdad otherwise he might have turned into this instead of the amazing rock-leaning guitarist and singer that he became. Enough about Jeff as I'm positive that Grace will be on this list. And if it's not, the original author must be destroyed! For Tim though, I gotta give this a 2. The decent songs at the top cannot counterweight the horror show that is the second half.

Nowhere

Ride

3/5

It's fine, solid throughout, but nothing that would grab me and pull me in. Listening to it a couple of times, I'd think oh, this is like 3 songs later. It's all too same-y. Very good for background music, studying or chilling, I guess. The drummer is doing some good work. I've read repeatedly that "Vapour Trail" was a big single, but I am sure I've never heard it. (And I was a pretty big fan of Shoegaze and Madchester and the other Brits at the time.) It's not bad, just not memorable. This deserves a 3 because it's consistent with decent musicianship. Nothing bad here, but does it call to me for repeat listenings? I doubt it.

Iron Maiden

3/5

Actually better than I expected. While I have always liked metal, I never quite got Iron Maiden. Never seemed to have any emotion in it and while I have heard a lot of folks worship their technical prowess, I couldn't really hear it. When "Prowler" started I thought 2 things: 1. I was right. This sucks. 2. This singer is worse than Bruce Dickenson. Then we get to "Remember Tomorrow" and he actually sings good. Are there multiple singers? Nope. It's just that when he leans in to be a rock star, his voice fails. The good one shows up again in "Strange World". "Phantom of the Opera" and "Transylvania" have what will come to be known as the Iron Maiden signature sound. Good songs. Would love to hear them redone with better production. (The Ghost version of "Phantom of the Opera" is really good.) While I like it more than I expected, I don't think it will make the rotation. Will put "Phantom of the Opera" and "Transylvania" on a playlist or two though. Let's call it a 3.

The Beach Boys Today!

The Beach Boys

1/5

Blech Boys! This has never been my cup of tea. People go on and on about how the Beach Boys changed music and they're amazing. Lord knows I've tried too many times to dig in and hear the gems buried in their music, to no avail! If you've heard 1 minute of their music, you've heard it all! Over and over, high pitched harmonies, singing about the beach life and girls. Sorry, dude. I tried. I really did. But there is no there there. This is a 1!

Dub Housing

Pere Ubu

3/5

Super interesting music. Horrible singer. I'd love this album in a karaoke version OR re-recorded with another singer. (Which makes "Blow Daddy-O" a winner here. Almost every song has cool bass lines, interesting guitar flairs, and/or interesting keyboard choices. Sometimes his voice is tolerable, but mostly he's yelling, kind of screechy, or leaning into sounding weird on purpose. Weird is good, trying hard to seem weirder plays badly. I'd really like to hear this again, but I don't know if I can abide his yowling. Want to give this a 4 for the music and a 1 for the vocal stylings. I'm going to be generous and give it a 3. I can see why some people would love it.

Penthouse And Pavement

Heaven 17

3/5

Yeah, I like it well enough. At first I thought it was some second-rate version of Human League or ABC or something. Turns out it kind of is, as 2 of the guys were in Human League. I think this might be better. It is a bit same-y throughout, but it's fairy high quality for this type of music. They've got some horns in there for variety. Pretty good. The bass player is doing some fine work throughout. Most notably on "Penthouse and Pavement" and "Soul Warfare". (In the latter, it starts out with a few minutes of fairly repetitive sound, but then they just say "Hey, bass guy... go for it!") While I am one of the rare(r) listeners that quite enjoys longer songs, this has some that are too long for no good reason. Extra time is good if you're going to take some twists and turns. Here, it's just doing the same things for a few too many minutes. I'll end this review in an analogous way, ending on a down. "We're Going To Live For A Very Long Time" is Far too repetitive. Sad that the album ends on this sour note. 3

Roots

Sepultura

2/5

First things first, I have always loved rock and metal, both have many unique styles contained within. One of the worst to me is the death/doom/black metal crap with a singer that can't sing, just yells and screams. They are usually processed far too much to sound like demons or whatever. So much that you can't understand 1 word in 10. And then somehow... this has become the frigging default mode for all metal ?? I tried listening to early Sepultura way back and was not impressed. I tried again today and can confidently say I am still not. Now, if they had a singer that sang? I would be pretty cool with this. It's got some cool music behind it. A little same-y throughout with the chugga chugga, but not annoying. But with this fella yowling and yelling throughout, it's just broken. I'll give it a 2 because the music pretty good. But i can guarantee I won't ever listen to this one again.

Ghosteen

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

4/5

It's better than most of the Nick Cave I've heard. He usually sounds like he's trying to hard to have this weird, deep voice Here though, it's sounds like he's just singing, or reading, in his natural voice, which is deep enough. Now, the problem is that much of it just sounds like poetry read over soft music. It's Ok. But the actual songs are nice, often revelatory, and well done. If this was split up better, I'd like to listen to half this album sometime. But the way it is, I'm not sure I'd come back. I'll probably put this on once more in my life. (Probably on a day I'm feeling sad.) I'd say it's a 3.7 album, but since nothing relly annoyed me, let's give it a 4.

Let It Bleed

The Rolling Stones

3/5

The Rolling Stones seem to me to have just two modes: 1. Great songs, musically and lyrically, interesting AND 2. Crappy bar band trying to play blues and honkytonk in American dive bars. Each album has 2, possibly 3 songs that are just great and the rest are usually skippable. Let It Bleed might be the best (worst?) example of this. The first and last songs are fantastic. And that's not just nostalgia for me as I never really listened to much of the Stones. Just not my bag. Monkey Man is pretty good - I actually love the terrible way Mick enunciates Monkeeeygghhr. This is my.. 4th Stones album on this list and it's the same thing every time. Guys, drop the whole American blues honkytonk crap. It doesn't work! Hard to score this because most of it sucks, but those good bits are sooo good. I guess a 3 will have to suffice.

Bone Machine

Tom Waits

3/5

Unusual and cool minimalist (for the most part) music. Tom Waits is a great songwriter, but that voice. Oy! Once in a while, he wrangles great emotion in a listenable way, but usually it's so deep and growly, I can't catch the words. I agree that everyone should give this a shot at least once, but most folks would probably need some sort of primer or ramp-up before diving in here. It's too different, too stylish, too raw for a sudden needle drop. I'll give it a 3 even though it s deserves a 4 for some reasons. But this is a list of Everybody Should Listen to it. And I'm not sure that anything over 20% of people that listen to it will enjoy it. And I am not sure if I'll be back. (Even though a song or 2 will be on a playlist.)

Live At The Star Club, Hamburg

Jerry Lee Lewis

3/5

The recording is far better than expected from the late 60's. Hell, Most live albums still suffer from low quality, but this actually sounds pretty full. Now, I am going to not include the man's shortcomings in my star choice. (Incestuous, racist, pedophile. Yike!) Trying to just judge the music and performance. I bet this was a wild show live! The energy comes through here. That's fun. While it's not generally my type of music, I see why some folks love it, especially if they were young when it came out. Even the songs I've heard before, by other or original artists, are amped up here. Sure, it belongs on the list. It might introduce people to a whole style they haven't heard a lot of. The energy alone makes this interesting enough for a listen. Will I listen again? Prolly not. Worth my time though? Sure Gotta give it a 3 though, as it's not groundbreaking or anything. But it's not really bad in any way. It's a good window into the music of the time (or actually from 5-10 years before the recording.)

Joan Armatrading

5/5

Great voice. Great songwriting. Great variety of styles, instruments, and vibe. I'd heard of her throughout my life, even heard a song or two, but not in 20 years. I've known folks that say they've always loved her and wish she'd been "bigger" I just didn't know how great she was. I think she deserves all the praise and accolades that Joni Mitchell got because she's superior in many ways. "Love And Affection" was apparently a hit, but I don't recall it upon listening. But it did remind me of Richard Ashcroft's "Lover" which turns out he nicked a bit for. It's one my my least favorite Ashcroft songs because it's thin and poppy. I think her version is far superior. Love the jazzy breakdown bit in "Join The Boys" This is a really great album from a very emotional, versatile singer. Gotta give this the very rare first-listen 5 star!

Suzanne Vega

5/5

I simply love this album! I was working in a record store as a teenager during a time I was wildly into rock and metal. I was given this on a cassette as a promo. While it was obviously not my typical sort of a thing, I popped it in and thought it was just great. No big guitars, straightforward simple music, and a charming soft voice. I've listened to it hundreds of times over the years and I vey much like much of her work since. Great songwriting with great imagery. Her voice is nice without any particular unusual tones or affectations. There's a bunch of fun little instrumentation throughout; while mostly just acoustic guitar there are nice keyboards and event some horns in there. Great punctuation and flair. I've caught myself humming "Marlene On The Wall" more than a couple of times in my life. "The Queen And The Soldier" is a sad story, well told. Honestly, I don't think there's a bad song on this album. I can understand why someone might not like it because it's not energetic, or dance-y, or rocking. But as a mellow album to chill with, it's great. It's a 4.5 album for me, but it's getting a 5 here because I really hope more people will give it a shot.

Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite

Maxwell

4/5

This is some good smooth jazz / soul / r&b vibe. I appreciate the actual music played on real instruments. This is a just some great chill, sexy-time music. I'd put this on as background for a date night or something. It does not require actively listening or examination of the depth of the lyrics. This is not that album. While not my favorite genre overall, I do like this. Might even go so far as to give it a 4.

Emergency On Planet Earth

Jamiroquai

4/5

Not generally my style and all I knew of them before was that big video in the.. 90's(?). Too pop/dance-y for me. So I didn't have high hopes for this. But it's definitely better than that. Sure, the singer wishes he was Stevie, but I don't find it annoying like a lot of folks seem to. This is pretty pop-funky throughout. Decent song structures AND actual musicians playing instruments! So, that's a big plus. Some nice funky bass poking through in places. I appreciated the occasional guitar riff sneaking in amongst the horns, too. While I don't think I'll be coming back to this album as a whole, there are a couple that I earmarked for a playlist. Favorite: "Music of the Mind" Sorry singer guy, but the instrumental wins! "Whatever It Is, I Just Can't Stop" has more interesting music/instrumentation than most of the rest, too. I'll give this a 3.6 and am feeling generous because none of it actually annoyed me, so getting a 4 today.

Can't Buy A Thrill

Steely Dan

5/5

Everything about this album is wonderful! Great musicians playing timeless music with great lyrics and a suave, languid singer. Some of it angles a bit poppier than their later work, but it's still solid. Honestly, I don't think there's a bad minute on this album. It's so good I can't even point at a song or two as stand outs. Maybe the radio hits, but weren't they all really? 5 out of 5 every time!

Darkdancer

Les Rythmes Digitales

1/5

Did some get a DJ studio for their birthday?? Disco/edm/dance music that would only be listenable on drugs while at a club. FAR too repetitious. Even if there's a minute that sounds good, it gets beaten to death for over 5 minutes. Crazee. "Music makes you lose control" Control "Music makes you lose control" Control "Music makes you lose control" Control "Music makes you lose control" Control "Music makes you lose control" Control "Music makes you lose control" Control "Soft machine" has a different voice and some cool music and then 'I got Lucifer rising in my head' 57 times!! If they removed this chorus/non-chorus rep bullshit, this would be a good song. "Brothers" and "Mdc vendredi" might be the least annoying songs here, just because they're instrumentals, but even these are a bit too repetitive. Production value is good. Production choices are insane! I don't think this is an album anyone Needs to hear again.

Machine Gun Etiquette

The Damned

2/5

I generally dislike most punk. Can't abide people that are proud that they can't play their instruments. And the vocalists are usually trying to outdo each other with how annoying they can possibly sound. (See Johnny Lydon) This doesn't suffer from that as much. Seem to be decent quality musicians here! "Smash It Up Pt. 1" is a nice instrumental that I wish they would separated from Pt. 2 that's basically 1 lyric repeated a million times. While I don't love any of it, I can at least understand why people like this one. It's not for me, but that doesn't mean it's garbage. But since the scoring is based on how much I like it and not how the world likes it, I'm going to give it a 2.

Untitled (Black Is)

SAULT

1/5

How can something so purportedly Black be so Beige? Mostly boring, often repetitive, and a bit of ASMR. Weird. (But not in the good way.) What can I say nice?? Um.. the production is pretty good. Sounds polished. Not enough music with instruments here to report on. A few different voices that are OK, I guess. There's no passion behind this. The things I need in music are technical prowess and passion. One can make me like a thing, while getting both is a godsend. This though, fails in both areas. Would never listen to this on purpose and I can't think of anyone else that would. Not sure who this is for really. I want to give it a 1.7 because it's not HORRIBLE, but given the system we have here, I am going with a 1.

Dr. Octagonecologyst

Dr. Octagon

2/5

I love weirdness and this has a lot, so that's the strong point. There is some interesting music and good beats, but the scratching is superb. (Which still seems like a strange thing to write.) I find most of the rapping slow and pedestrian. REPETITIVE! I like the alien schtick, but no need for so many butt jokes, dick, jokes, fart jokes, etc. Was glad I've been exposed to it once, but doubt anything here will make the rotation. Solid 2 is all I can muster for it though.

Pet Sounds

The Beach Boys

2/5

I tried. I really tried. For years I've heard what a great album this is. Best in class. Groundbreaking. And after at least 5 whole tries over 20 years or more, I have to give up. This is just treacle. It's sappy and same-y throughout. Teenage boy lyrics and those annoying harmonies! So, now that I've dunked on it a bit, let me tell you that I'm an audiophile. I love so many types of music and I'll give anything a shot. So many times on this list I've said "While its not for me, I can understand why someone likes this." I guess that's true here too. It's def not for me AND I can see a lot of people liking cheesy teenager whiney/lovey songs. As for the technical aspects, the problem is just that I heard hundreds of albums with great production before I heard this and it just makes me shrug. But of course, I'm not a child of that era. At the time, it was groundbreaking. It's kind of liking loving cyberpunk as a genre and only reading Neuromancer after 100 other books. It's filled with stuff that everybody uses. "Yeah, but it started the whole fucking thing!" So, props to Brian Wilson for putting so much into it and hats off to you all that find it immersive and amazing. I won't be back for another round. I'm giving it a 2 here because in truth it's not horrible. I don't look at any one song and say, "That sucks!" It just all sounds about the same to me and it's not interesting,

The Next Day

David Bowie

2/5

It's Ok. Definitely not the best of Bowie, but nothing terrible either. Strange choice for this list. Even Blackstar is better. So it's not just old Bowie is better. I really can't point at at any winners or losers. Going to give it a 2 because it's about a 2.5, right in the middle, because there's nothing great or horrible about it. I guess if I was in a Bowie mood, I could include it in rotation, but, kinda doubt it.

Wild Is The Wind

Nina Simone

4/5

Great voice. Great singer! I'd heard the name, but never heard the music. Big miss! The production is, for the most part, better than most from this time. Really solid recording. The first bit I didn't like was "Break Down And Let It All Out" as it's too repetitious and her voice strays into annoying to me, People seem to like the title track, but it's the one that annoys me the most. It's filled with the things singers do to show off their range and tricks - instead of serving the song. (See: Mariah Carey and her ilk) Some of it is nice, lounge-y, but then gets into histrionics. I've heard "Lilac Wine" by Jeff Buckley (quick shoutout to JB. If you haven't listened to him, you should!) Turns out he's pretty faithful to this version. Both are good. Overall, I think this is a great album for people to be exposed to. I will put a couple of these in the rotation for mellow times. Let's call it a 4. Good but not astounding.

Throwing Muses

3/5

I'd heard some of the later Throwing Muses albums before, then the solo albums by Kristin and Tanya. Thought those were decent pop-rock songs. Didn't know they'd started out a bit punk-y and early grunge. I like much of the music, but some of the singing is too screechy for me. (Man, I hate punk!) "Green" is good. "Soul Soldier" is probably the best one here. Soft though. Overall, I'm giving it a three. Some of the later stuff had better production and both lady's stopped using their screechy voices.

More Songs About Buildings And Food

Talking Heads

4/5

I do like the Talking Heads, but I found them a bit later in my life. The only thing I knew about the first 3 albums was the singles. And they're pretty great! Listening to this whole album at once kind of puts me off, though. David Byrne's voice is too often annoying. And he leans into the weird, screechy parts. Stop it, man! The music is great. They're all really good musicians and they got even better over time. (So did the production.) "Take Me to the River" is a fantastic cover and one of their best songs. All of the rest kind of blends together for me, even after listening three times. Each one is fine to listen to, but altogether it's too much, too same-y. I want to give it a 3.5 or so, but I'll pump it to 4 because overall they're great. (And some of these songs are even better on live sessions!)

The Soft Bulletin

The Flaming Lips

4/5

Not bad. Not for everyone, I'm sure, but it has it's good points. First, his voice can quite often be annoying, but then there is something plaintive and hook-y about it too. Musically, they are trying a bunch of different things and I'm a big fan of experimentation that pays off. It mostly does here. Although I will admit I do like the more guitar-y version of these guys. I mean, keyboards are great instruments, but I don't think they should be the backbone of any production. Overall this is pretty mellow. While I don't think the lyrics are the deepest philosophical insights, they are at least introspective and trying to say something. That's gotta count for something in a world of pop-y love or butt rock, yah? I'm not convinced that it deserved a ton of awards or it's a Must Listen before you die album, but I am glad I heard it a couple of times, now. Will probably listen again sometime. Want to give it a 3.7, but with no particularly annoying bits, let's call it a 4.

School's Out

Alice Cooper

5/5

This was not what I was expecting from an Alice Cooper album. It's quite good all around! I've heard all the singles from Alice before, but don't think I ever listened to a full album by them. 10 years back I saw Alice Cooper live. opening for someone else. My friends and I were amazed at how many of the songs we knew. He/they have had a ton of singles that got traction. Even given that, I was not prepared for this jazzy, fun album! It starts with the single title track and I thought "Ok, settle in for some early 70's rock." Then things get funky. "Luney Tune" is my least favorite song on the album, but it does create the transition from the first song to the rest of the album. After that, we get a remix, restyle of a Broadway play, and a jazzy fight song, then... the "Blue Turk" What a great and unexpected song. This is now on three playlists already. Love it! That and the "Grand Finale" which made a playlist too. Surprisingly good album that once again reminds me why I do this project. Give me more gems! I wouldn't have guessed it, but this is an album people should hear at least once. I want to give it a 4.5. But with nothing here really annoying me, I'm going to have to give it a 5.

James Brown Live At The Apollo

James Brown

4/5

I can only take James brown in small doses. He's got his historic yelps, yowls, and the call-out bits are fantastic. He's actually got a decent singing voice in the mid and lower registers, too. It's just that it doesn't take too much of his histrionics for me to get over it. Had to listen to this album in 4-5 song bursts. The production is pretty much what you'd expect from a live event at this time, a bit tinny and the crowd is too loud. But he definitely has them fired up. I guarantee that this was a wild time. He's a hell of a showman. But on a recording, when you can't see him jumping around, dancing with the people, and all of the cool characters in his band, it loses a lot. I'll give it a 4, in small doses. But, I know some folks love it and I can see why.

Electric Music For The Mind And Body

Country Joe & The Fish

4/5

Heard the name before. Knew they were at Woodstock, but knew nothing about their music. The name is so bad, I only had ugly ideas about what they might sound like. It's not bad for late 60's psychedelia. The music is well done. Appropriately groovy and spacey in parts, bluesy in others. The singer's voice is fine with a good range of tones and styles. To be honest, the first time I heard it I thought the first 2-3 songs had a female vocalist. I'm fine with it being on the list. Glad I heard it. Are there are other/better examples of psychedelia? Sure. But I think this covers a couple of the variations therein. Let's call it a 4.

Shake Your Money Maker

The Black Crowes

3/5

If you know someone that aspires to be in a rock band and make it big, this is an album you could give them. It proves that you don't really have to be exceptional to be famous and make the cash. Rough? Sure. Accurate? Definitely. I don't think there's one musician here that is exceptional. The drummer hits that 4/4. The bassist stays in lockstep. The guitars are serviceable. Fine, but nothing memorable/new/interesting. The singer's voice is fine. Like, of course he's experienced and trained a bit, but there's nothing interesting/different about his voice. Sounds like a million other young white dudes. All of that sounds like I hate it. I don't. It's fine. The singles are the best part of it and are the only one's that sound like they've put in a little extra effort. (Good job, producer guy!) It's a 3 with the 1 star bump putting them there because of "Hard to Handle" and "She Talks to Angels". Otherwise, this sounds like a 2 star recording of a pretty good bar band.

Microshift

Hookworms

4/5

The first minute of this starts with a midi-sounding Pong noise. I thought "Yike! I am going to hate this!" And normally, I would have killed it right there. But that's not the game we're playing here, so I stuck it out. I am pretty happy that I did. Like 99% of everyone in the world, I never heard of this band before. While it starts sort of badly, the song picks up and is Ok. A little more rock than anything else they do on the album. The rest of it though sounds like Yo La Tengo and Spiritualized, which is a god thing. I will listen to this again, but probably skipping that first song. I don't have any favorites or hates on here. Sort of like the above mentioned bands, I probably couldn't tell you the name of three songs. But I like listening to an hour's worth for the vibes. With them going back and forth with the sounds of those bands, it makes it even easier to listen without getting bored of the same-y-ness. Actually going to give this a 4. Seems to get better with repeated listens.

Mama Said Knock You Out

LL Cool J

2/5

Old school rap sounds so slow compared to modern efforts AND you can understand the words. So, that's good and bad, right? I like some of it, obviously the title track and while "Milky Cereal" is a bit of a reach for a metaphor, it's fun enough. "Murdergram" and "Farmer's Blvd" are weak and a bit annoying. Dropping these 2 and maybe one of the other middling/nothing songs would bring the time down to 40-45 minutes which would be perfect. Overall, it does feel a bit dated and I don't think I'll dive into it again. But LL is a decent rapper for the time. Wish it had a little more musical experimentation, though. Worth somewhere between a 2 and a 3, but I'm going to have to round down on this one.

The Modern Dance

Pere Ubu

1/5

This is annoying! Second Pere Ubu album I've seen on the list and this is worse than the other. Noise for the sake of noise and the singer has an obnoxious tone that he leans into plus warbling and howling. I generally like experimentation, but this seems like an experiment in annoyance. Starting with a horrible whine-y drone? Lunatics 1 star at best, being generous.

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx

Raekwon

1/5

Guess it seems crazy that I like a lot of rap from different decades, but for some reason I just can't get Wu-Tang. It all sounds the same to me. Know what I mean? Even though it says Raekwon, this is just another Wu-Tang project and it leaves me flat. Know what I mean? Musically, it doesn't bring anything new. Know what I mean? And the voices are gruff, sometimes mumbly and never very interesting. Know what I mean? Some folks like it and that's cool. But I just can't see what's there to get. Know what I mean? It's a 1 for me. Know what I mean?

Feast of Wire

Calexico

3/5

I like it well enough. Nothing annoying or bad. BUT, there's not much to love either. Not unique or memorable enough for me to want to come back. I do hear a bit of tex-mex, but I can't go so far as to say Mariachi as some others have. It sounds a little like Havana 3 a.m. to me, but that album has more vigor and fun (and samples) that make it a little more spaghetti-western. Fun! The guy's voice is fine, but doesn't really grab me. The musicians seem fine with their respective instruments, but again nothing sticks out. I'd say I'm happy enough to have heard it as it's better than some of the dreck I've run across on this list. But, it's not going on any of my playlists and probably won't come back to it. <shrug> I'm going to give it a 3 as there's nothing really wrong with it, but it can't get higher because it's mostly like background music.

Rip It Up

Orange Juice

2/5

It's ok. Definitely pop-ier than expected after seeing Post-Punk and the title Rip it Up. Was expecting something a little noisier. But this is polished pop with a little electronica and thin white-boy rap included. They croon a bit much and it gets annoying. Probably fine if you only heard a song or two at a time, in a mix. Very bad on "Flesh Of My Flesh" and "Breakfast Time" Yuck! Title track is prolly the best one. Reminds of a band from around the same time called The Breakfast Club. Don't see why this would be on the list. Not groundbreaking, not very interesting or different. 2 seems about right.

Bookends

Simon & Garfunkel

4/5

I sure didn't expect that rock opening! While the rest of this album plays as I'd expected, when that first crash hits, I honestly thought I'd hit a button and somehow played another album. Then of course, the album settles down into the S&G you'd expect. Mellow, singer-songwriter tunes. "America" is a nice song I'd heard before, but didn't recognize until a third of the way through. Why the hell would you add "Voices of Old people" to a music recording? Not just a sample or two in a song, but 2 minutes of people griping. Crazy "Old Friends" is weak and treacle-y. Why would you have some 20-year-olds singing about what it's like being 70 accompanied by music that sounds like it's from the 40s? The rest of the songs are pretty good. Obviously "Mrs. Robinson" is a great listen. Classic tune. "A Hazy Shade of Winter" is winner that a lot of people have covered. A little more rocking than you'd expect from these two. When I see or hear the words "Simon and Garfunkel" I think, "Oh, yah. folky, light acoustic, background music". But then I listen to a whole album and like them much more than expected. It's happened more than once. I want to give this a 4.5, but with the couple of real clunkers in there, I've got to go with a 4.

En-Tact

The Shamen

3/5

I like it more than expected. I'd only heard "Move any Mountain" before and liked it, but not enough to pursue them. Mostly this is decent electronica. Singer's voice is fine. Like most keyboard-based dance music, this doesn't hold up as well sitting at home actively listening. But with a drink or two in ya, and perhaps other chemicals, this would make you shake that thing, yah? "Omega Amigo" sticks out as a weak point. Just basic pop nonsense. One hour and 5 minutes is excessive. This stuff is better in small doses. Let's call it a 3 today.

Imperial Bedroom

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

3/5

It's ok. I've always "kind of" like Elvis, in that, I don't turn him off it comes on the radio or a playlist. But, I never ever have sought him out. This album exemplifies why. It's good/fine. The music is technically proficient, but not engaging. He writes interesting lyrics, but doesn't really deliver them with any emption or flair. The best song here is "Man Out Of Time" with it's howling into and the way it reappears and rocks out the end. Unusual, cool, interesting. But 3 minutes out of 50. It gets a 3 for not being annoying ever, but also there's nothing here calling me back.

Beautiful Freak

Eels

4/5

Yeah, I like this! Oddly enough, I'd just heard this for the first time about a month ago. Somebody told me that I'd like them based on some bands I said I liked. I thought it was Ok, but nothing worth coming back to. Then when it popped up here and I listened again, I guess the familiarity I'd already had made it seem much better. Long way to say that if you didn't love it, you might want to come back to it and try again. It definitely grew on me! It's good just pre-grunge or grunge-adjacent indie (for the time) rock. Not that goofy, jangly indie that came about 10 years later. At first I didn't love the guy's voice. No good reason. He's not particularly whiney or anything. Just didn't grab me, but again, upon repeated listening, it's interesting. Some strange musical structures and funky lyrics. This is a good album. Added some songs "Novacaine" "Susan's House" and "Lucky day in Hell" to some playlists and saved the album. Quite good. Say 4.5 but I gotta round down. 5's are pretty hard to come by from this guy and it's not groundbreaking enough.

Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs

Derek & The Dominos

3/5

I like Clapton well enough, but have never understood the whole "Clapton is God" thing. Sure, he's good, but groundbreaking? Astounding? A technical marvel? Can't see it. I'm a super audiophile and think that electric guitars are one of the greatest modern inventions. I love guitarists that play with great passion and those that are amazingly technically apt. And Clapton has never really shown me those things. That's the overall, and when I listen to this (too long) album, I'm reminded of just that fact. It's fine, but it's not really interesting throughout. Of course "Layla" is an epic song. "Bell Bottom Blues" is quite good. Both of which are winners because of the songwriting, structure, and oddly enough the vocals. NOT because of technical guitar wizardry. I'm not looking for shredding or anything, just something that pops out as interesting or different would be nice. Alman's slide being the best part. "Little Wing" here seems to spark some controversy in reviews and it deserves the discussion. If I hadn't heard Jimi or another cover of it, I'd say this is a good tune. But, I think the only thing that's "covered" is the vocals. There aren't even nods towards the musicality of the original. Overall, I think this is a decent, solid album with 2-3 great or at least really good songs with only 1 or 2 that I would skip. BUT, nothing really calls me back to it either. So outside of the 2 big singles, I don't think I'll be listening to Derek again. Giving it a motr 3.

Nixon

Lambchop

2/5

It's decently done, but fairly boring. I was worried about the country aspect of the description because there's only about 3 country artists I like and that's because they don't sound super country. This doesn't sound country to me. Good! Some bits sound a little like Vic Chesnutt (who I adore!) but fail to bring the humor or energy. It's like worn wallpaper in a beige house. It's fine. But it's not interesting. His voice is fine, but his falsetto is annoying. Luckily he doesn't do it too much. "Distance From Her to There" is the worst, both falsetto and country-ish steel guitars on a Motown-ish vibe. Weird in a bad way! I do like some of the horns and chorus bits. "The Butcher Boy" has the most energy and isn't bad. But it can't save me from my boredom. Probably a 2.5, but I'm rounding down on this one.

Fear Of Music

Talking Heads

4/5

So, yeah I like Talking Heads, but I got into them a little later. Hadn't really listened to the first couple of albums all the way through. Having had the opportunity now, I'll say I like it, but it does get a little annoying sometimes. The music is consistently great, but David does have a tendency to get a little whiney or screechy. I like the Living Colour version of "Memories Can't Wait" more but that's only because I heard it a few dozen times before this original version. This sounds so slow to me here. "I Zimbra" is such a funky little number. Great intro song. At the opposite end is "Drugs" which is just a terrible waste of studio time. Going to give this a 4. Some great, listenable songs with only a few weak points.

What's That Noise?

Coldcut

1/5

Bad, just bad 90's house music w/ tons of samples. Repetitive and annoying. I can't write more about it. I'm too angsty now from listening to it. That's a 1 for you!

Let England Shake

PJ Harvey

2/5

I like PJ Harvey well enough, but never heard this later album. What happened to her? Did she settle down, get married, get homebound (or library bound) and lose all her fire? This is fairly boring. It's not particularly annoying or bad anywhere. But it's beige wallpaper. I'm not going to point out any high or low points, because I can't bring myself to care enough. Let's call this a 2

John Barleycorn Must Die

Traffic

4/5

Traffic was the first 60's band that I really liked. Something about them seemed timeless. Don't know why I never listened to this album though, having heard the others many times and liking them. Something about the name and knowing it was based on an old folktale made it seem like it was going to be folksy and boring. But I clicked "Glad" and instantly was glad I did. "Stranger To Himself" is quite good. Nice guitars Title track is almost everything I feared it would be. Yuck! "Empty Pages" was a single?? Don't know how. It's not radio ready nor interesting. I want to give this album about a 3.8. I'll round up because I'm sure that upon repeated listening, I'll like it even more.

The Dark Side Of The Moon

Pink Floyd

5/5

I tried to listen to this as if I'd never heard it before. (Oddly easy to do in this daily challenge. I've rediscovered some great bands and gained appreciation for some I'd discounted before.) I like Pink Floyd well enough. It's always been pretty easy to see that they're excellent musicians and writers. But, I never saw them live and I'm not a fanboy or anything, but... Who could deny that this album is a masterpiece? It's a frigging triumph of epic proportions! Young men this young should not be this talented or insightful! Somehow it's a rock album, but it's not really Rock Rock, ya know? It's symphonic, ethereal, deep. Completely unexpected for its time. I can't review the songs. There are a million out there with hundreds here. All I can say is that there isn't a bad minute on here. And it's epically better experience to listen to it all at one instead of as singles. The production is insane. Alan Parsons really took these fellas to another level. I'd call him as much a member of the band as Gilmour or Waters. 10 out of 5

Talk Talk Talk

The Psychedelic Furs

4/5

The Furs are a bit better than a lot of the drek that came out around the same time. Decent musicians and an interesting singer elevated it above the hundreds of "Hey! My mom bought me a keyboard" bands. I've always liked Richard Butler's voice. Kind of languid, jaded, filled with ennui. Earnest too, though. It might be a bit same-y throughout though. I think their best in small doses, 2-3 songs in a mix is good. I like this "Pretty in Pink" more then the one on that soundtrack. This is more of a band thing while the other leans more on the keyboards. The last 2 tracks are hype. I'd say this is about a 3.7 album, but I'm going all the way up to a 4 this time.

Myths Of The Near Future

Klaxons

2/5

More of the same. Relatively bland, yet always repetitious electronica. At least this one has some decent voices, but then they get buried in loops of noise. Shame. Sounds like some young guys heard Chemical Bros and thought that was good music, but then (at least!) added some better vocals too it. Sadly, not quite enough. I had to wait a couple of days to come back to this one to give it a fair shake. If I'd listened twice in 2 days, it would have gotten a 1 and some curse words. I'll give it a 2 because I'm sure someone likes this, perhaps while dancing on drugs. It's just not for me and won't ever be heard again.

Dig Your Own Hole

The Chemical Brothers

2/5

Chemical Brother 1 "Hey, man! Listen to this cool sound I can make on my keyboard." Chemical Brother 2 "Damn! That is cool. How about you just do that like 157 times in a row?" Chemical Brother 1 " Fine idea, my brother in chemicals!" Chemical Brother 2 "And maybe we could get that old drum machine that only holds two patterns to add a dance beat." Chemical Brother 1&2 "We are musical geniuses!" All the young people in the UK that are tweaked to the gills on Molly "You ARE musical geniuses!" Sure, I get it drugs are cool and making dancing fun. But c'mon people. All things in moderation. How could anyone outside of a club want to play this? "Elektrobank" makes me want to hurt people (brothers in particular) I had high hopes for "Where Do I Begin" with Beth Orton when it started. But then they loop her and it descends into madness. I am giving it a 2 because honestly parts of this are better than a lot of electronica foolishness. But knock off maybe 2 of the songs. And then never let them all be played in a row again! 1 or 2 songs while partying seems a fair prescription.

Sister

Sonic Youth

2/5

Sonic Youth always perplexed me. Some folks seem to really dig them and say they're geniuses. But, I found most of it either bland Or crazy noisy? Why so noise-y? Some of this is OK without delving too deeply into the cacophony as they normally do. But there are moments (Catholic Block & Cotton Crown, if I recall) that are just annoying. Thurston sings fine enough, but I'm usually let down or bothered by Kim. She's at her best when sing-talking. But to say I wasn't annoyed by most is hardly high praise. I'll give it a 2 because it's Ok. But I won't be back.

Aha Shake Heartbreak

Kings of Leon

2/5

boring, average, radio-ready rock with a terrible singer why do people sing badly on purpose im so bored by this i am not using punctuation as it would take too much of my last energy quick give me the next album this is a 2 not the worst ever and im sure someone loves it but i havent the time

Antichrist Superstar

Marilyn Manson

4/5

Marilyn Manson seemed like a poser that was trying very hard to be weird. And that still might be true. I didn't think there was any good music happening behind the headlines and shock tactics. When I saw this pop up, I thought that I'd just breathe deeply and get through this tedious hour. When that first song played, I was proven right. This was going to suck. He's a screamer and the music is thin. Then you get "Beautiful People" and I already knew that's a banger. So, Ok. I'll give it a chance. It's a great rock song. Might use a few more lyrics, but it's good enough for what it is. Without much more detail, let me just say this. I really like this album! When he's not screaming, MM sounds good. Great midrange, decent falsetto, and I like the talk/sing-y parts. And it's just weird and creepy enough to give it an edge Trent Reznor and crew producing and playing obviously helped it along greatly. "Tourniquet" "Minute Of Decay" and "Kinderfeld" made their way onto some playlists already. It is a little bit too long and you could pull 3 or 4 out of the middle here without breaking anything. Well, I guess it's a concept album, but after only 2 or 3 listens, I still don't know the story line. I'm giving this a 4. A little more editing and little less screaming would elevate this a bit. I'm actually going to go listen to some other Manson albums to find some gems.

Murder Ballads

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

4/5

Nick Cave always sounds like he's trying too hard to add bass to his voice. It's always come across as fake-y and affected. He writes some serious and seriously good lyrics, but his voice bugs me too much to listen to more than a song or 2 at a time. (On Ghosteen he does this a little less and was my first Nick Cave album I actually liked) This album would fare better if it didn't have "Song of Joy" as it's lead track. Bad song. Bad choice. I don't like "Stagger Lee" but I DO like his vocal stylings and the energy in it. "Lovely Creature" has some of the best music on the album. Cool song. The rest are pretty much sing/talk stories. Some a little better than others, but not many that grab me. He does have a good turn of phrase here and there, but also a tendency to be a bit repetitive with a noise. He's kind of like Tom waits without the gravel. Overall, I think this is decent, but I can't imagine when I would want to sit and listen to it all in a row again. I want to give it a 3.5, but I'll be kind and give it a 4 because while it's not 100% for me, I can understand why people would like it more.

I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

Sinead O'Connor

5/5

Absolutely Fabulous!! One of my favorite albums ever. This fact surprises many of my friends as I'm a bit of a metalhead. Sinead is one of the most fantastic singers I've ever listened to. Her range, power, and emotion are insane. Like many others, I'm saddened that her politics got in the way of her fame (and made her mental problems worse). But, I also sincerely applaud her for having the gumption, gall, and cojones to stand up against injustice, using her platform to amplify knowledge of those horrors. All but one song here have a thumbs up from me and are on multiple playlists. Just can't listen to "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" very often. Her voice is as sterling as ever, but with minimal arrangement and her talk-singing, I'm left a little flat by it. Sad that it's the last song because that's a great place to leave a great impression and this just makes the album fall off dully. She was amazing. Her voice was impeccable and wide. Her lyrics are deep and her musicality is brilliant. How could it be anything but a 5/5??

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme

Simon & Garfunkel

4/5

It's pretty good for the folksy type of music I generally don't like. This is my second S&G album on this list and I was fairly surprised by both. Out side of the Dylan thing, "A Simple Desultory Philippic" and "Silent Night" which are quite horrible, everything else just works. "The 59th Street Bridge Song" had me Feeling Groovy, "Homeward Bound" is good because of nostalgia, I think. And every one knows "Scarborough Fair " is a great song, covered by hundreds of people. (Check out Queensryche's version!) I can see why people love it/them. I just don't imagine I'd pull it up to listen to in it's entirety again. I'll give it a 4 for it's historical significance (which almost got tanked by that Dylan thing!) I

Trans Europe Express

Kraftwerk

4/5

Props to these OG electronica pioneers. They kicked off an entire genre of music. They walked so Front242 could rave! But is it good? Is it listenable? Mostly. It's better than most of the dance-y sample-heavy electronica that hits this list! It's slower than most of that and it does have some interesting bits. As background music, it's pretty good. But those German dudes talk-singing really bring it down a few notches. I like the instrumental bits enough, although I do wish they would change up the speed/tone a bit more. "Showroom Dummies" is super annoying because of that "singing" and the repetition. "Trans-Europe Express" is good except for the insane repetition. And then they bring it back into the next couple of songs, apparently just to remind you of how annoying it was. I like the last 4 tracks the best as they're *almost* entirely instrumental. I'll put one or 2 of them on a playlist, but doubt I'll listen to this whole album again. I'd say this is worth a 3.4, but for historical significance and the fact that the German dudes can't help it that they have flat German voices, I'm going to give this a 4. Did I mention it's got too much repetition?

Le Tigre

2/5

Mostly basic. I'm glad they have a message and all, but spend a bit on singing lessons, ok? Best songs are the one where the lead singer doesn't. "Slideshow At Free University" "Dude Yr So Crazy!!" and I guess "Phanta" are the best bits. I wouldn't listen to this again and I'm not sure why I was told I should in the first place. Calling it a 2.

Maggot Brain

Funkadelic

4/5

I do like it. It's not something I'd listen to every day (or month) but it is a fairly stunning hunk of music. Parliament/Funkadelic is funk/rock royalty, yah? But it's almost shocking how rock/rock this is, The musicianship is excellent. The lyrics are often too simple or repetitive, but the vibe is strong with this one. Overall, I like it, but as I said, I don't think I'll listen too many times. Just not sure When would be a good time for this as I don't really take a lot of acid. Without the stupid sound effects, "Wars Of Armageddon" would have been a total banger, too. But adding all the farts and cows and crap make it imminently skippable. Shame. Giving this a 4.2, which shows up here as a 4.

Armed Forces

Elvis Costello & The Attractions

4/5

I think this is the best of the Elvis Costello albums I've heard. More mature than the previous and more polished, but not overwrought. His voice is better here too, less of that nasal sometimes sharp, whine thing he did. As always, the songwriting is sharp and often insightful. There a a few hits and not really any terrible clunkers. It's a good background album that will occasionally grab me with something memorable or nostalgic. I'll prolly listen to this again. (After three times n the last 48) Generously going all the way up 4 stars today.

The Renaissance

Q-Tip

2/5

This isn't bad. It's smoother than most rap, somewhat R&B/soulful occasionally. A couple of songs show a 70's sound influence. Overall, a fair listen. As a rapper, his style is easy on the ears, flow-y. Just can't understand about half of what he's saying though. Was this at the beginning of that mumble rap thing? Honestly, after a few songs, he starts sounding a little Donald Duck to me. Overall, this is sort of meh. Nothing great. Nothing bad. I never felt I had to skip out of something, but nothing really called me to listen intently either. As for the music, my first question is Does his drum machine have just 2 settings?? I guess the bass on "ManWomanBoogie" was fun. Otherwise, just simple keyboard backgrounds that don't warrant much attention. It's about a 2.5 for me. But i can't imagine pulling it back up again ever and I don't recall even 30 seconds from listening to it 3 times. I have to call it a 2

Fisherman's Blues

The Waterboys

4/5

I quite like. Didn't really expect to after the first song. Was thinking this was just going to be a retro folk album. But I do love some Scottish music when it's not simply leaning into traditional bits. His voice is Ok, never annoying or bad, but not quite polished or controlled enough, I feel. Favorite song is "We Will Not Be Lovers". Good vibe and his gravel works here as emotion. Second would be "When Will We Be Married" (Isn't that a juxtaposition?) "And a Bang on the Ear" is both good and annoying. I like a lot of it, but something sets me off. I'll put a few of these on playlists, but doubt I'd listen to it in its entirety again. Generously throwing it a 4.

Unknown Pleasures

Joy Division

1/5

Joy Division could have been a good band if Ian Curtis hadn't been there. They make interesting, downbeat music. His voice is monotone, dragging, slow, and annoying. I hate it. He ruins this otherwise good band. (It's even worse on their 2nd album as he took more control.) Yes, the band became New Order after he died, but they went in a very different direction. I dig some depressing music. I love the Cure and Bauhaus and others of their ilk from that time. But this is so poorly done, it's annoying. Its a 1 for me.

Tago Mago

Can

2/5

It's... interesting. I see a lot of people dunking on 17-18 minute songs, but I usually like those. So that's not the weird part. Stuff like "Aumgn" and especially "Peking O" gives long jams a bad name. Long doesn't equal bad. Experimenting for 15 minutes trying to make the weirdest possible noises you can image is bad. The first four songs are ok. I like some of the jammier bits, but his voice isn't interesting and they do lean into cacophony a bit too much. "Oh Yeah" and "Halleluwah" sound a bit like Grateful Dead jams. Best things on this album. (But even they aren't going to make it onto any paylists. This was pretty hard to listen to twice and I don't again I'll come back for more. I want to give this a 1.5, but I'll be generous and go with a 2.

The Doors

3/5

Oh, man! I've spent my whole life absolutely hating the Doors and Jim Morrison. I found it all so depressing and annoying. His voice sounds like a growl and he has just one sound/tone. (and the keys sounded the same on every song.) Listening to "Break on Through" reminded me of all that. But I'm on a journey through this list and I'm giving everything a chance. To be fair, it's better than I thought. On "The Crystal Ship" he actually sings like a normal person with a fine enough voice. "End of the Night" almost does it too. "Twentieth Century Fox" is hooky enough. Can't understand why people like "The End." Probably the same people that say he's a poet, when most of his lyrics come off like a 20-year old pot smoker. Oh, that's right. He was! I'd listen to it as an instrumental. (Check out Manzanera's AM/PM) I bit the bullet and listened to it all twice. Some is still quite annoying and some ain't so bad. Don't imagine I'll come back to listen to this whole album ever again, but at least I won't have to run to turn any Doors song off the second I hear a few notes, like I've done my whole life. Seems crazy to my mind, but I'm giving this a 3, not a 1 as was expected.

Violator

Depeche Mode

4/5

I'm always torn about Depeche Mode. They make some really good sounds and the production is always top notch. But it usually feels a little lifeless to me. Gahan has a great voice... technically. But, I never FEEL what he's singing. Gore's voice isn't as strong, but it's a got at least a little feel to it. If any of this comes up in a playlist, I'll listen, but I never seek it out. This album has a bunch of hits and they're all pretty good. I still prefer a few from the earlier days like "People are People" I almost feel compelled to give it a 5 because there really aren't any bad moments here. BUT, if you're asking me, "Do I love it. Will I play it again?" I'd say no. So it's getting a 4

Moondance

Van Morrison

5/5

Wow! I did not expect to like this as much as I do. I'd always thought of Van as a simple singer-songwriter with an interesting voice, but it never quite grabbed me. Then I listened to this and I already know and like about 8 of the 10! I'd heard them as singles and I people seem to love him, but I just never put it together that he was all of these. What a great listen. A bunch of them are already on playlists and I'll be listening to this again. (Am right now!) I love the horns and the piano throughout. Much better than just a guy and a guitar. First half is a bit better than the latter half, but all in all quite listenable. I'm going for a 5 on this. Excellent!

Licensed To Ill

Beastie Boys

4/5

I've listened to this one a few times in my life. Just to go back and see if I like it any more than I did at first. See, there are a couple of good songs, or more accurately songs with some good parts in them. But it's really hard to listen to this all the way through. It's way too repetitive. I really like the later B Boys, the older the better actually. Some of their later stuff is just great instrumental jazzy, trippy, funky. Love it! Their voices are terrible. On this album they really leaned into it, too. They were trying to be obnoxious. good job, guys. Success! I'm glad they didn't try to do the same thing over again because clearly once is enough. But they made zillions. So, good on 'em! Don't have much to add about any particulars. There are dozens of reviews here and elsewhere pointing out which songs are better or worse. I agree. I do have to give the requisite high marks for Rick Rubin bringing some rockers and rock samples to this. It's what makes them different than the others of their ilk. In my mind it's a 3, but for the influence, and for the music they made later, I'm calling this a 4.

The Holy Bible

Manic Street Preachers

4/5

Another pf those bands that I'd heard the name, but never heard the music. Now, I wish I had heard them earlier. While I don't think they're like the Best Band Ever or anything, it's definitely worth the listen. I've listened to it three times over the last few days and there is some great music here. His voice is interesting and good for the most part, but he does seem to try channeling Johnny Lydon sometimes and that's less than good. His high singing voice and his yellier bits are good. But, his mid-voice is a little whiny. I read about their writing style and thought how hard it must have been hard for them to come up with music for these fully formed word salads But the music is quite good throughout. Good guitars and the bass shows up pretty strong in a couple of them, I'll listen to this again and some made it onto playlists already. Let's give it a 4.

More Specials

The Specials

3/5

I find this so hard to rate. I mean, it's fun, bouncy. But the singing is mostly not great. It's ok, but a little talk-y. The lyrics, for the most part, are juvenile. But it's fun. Some are better than the rest, but after listening three times, I'm struggling to remember what the high points/ songs were. If this was playing, I'd let it play, but I don't think I'd ever choose it. Feeling super generous today and giving it a 3.

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

The Kinks

3/5

I like some Kinks music, but not most of this. More than half of it has a poppy 60's sound I can't abide. When they get a little deeper into the musicality, it's good. I don't like the first half of "Australia" because it's repetitive, but the bit in the middle is excellent. I don't imagine I'd ever pop this on again. Can't even go back for a third listen to see what rang out well. Let's just call it a 3 and get on to the next.

KIWANUKA

Michael Kiwanuka

4/5

This is quite good! Like most of the other reviewers here, I'd never heard of this fella AND I'm pleasantly surprised by the range of genres and quality of the music and songwriting. His voice is smooth, soulful, and strong. Likable. The music does range across a few styles, but doesn't really dig too deeply into any. That could be bad or good as it makes him hard to define or recommend to a list. But, I guess works for him because you could slot some into any number of types of playlists. I tend to refer artists that span genres. even though I know it makes it harder for them to find a niche. There are just a couple of fillers on here. It would benefit the album to remove maybe two songs that aren't as grabby. Maybe "Solid Ground" and "Light" as they're ok, but not memorable to me. I will definitely listen to this again and some of the tunes are already slotted onto playlists. Will check out more by him, too. I want to give it a 4.5 and I'm pretty stingy about giving 5's. While I definitely like it, I don't think it's earth-shaking, so we're going with a 4.

Teenage Head

Flamin' Groovies

2/5

It's just mediocre, simple blues rock and I guess a bit of embryonic punk. Along with the constant comparisons to the Stones, I'll add this. Stones albums usually have 2 great songs, 1 pretty good song, and 6 crappy "white boy blues" songs that are just garbage/filler. This album is all of those discards without any of the experimental or interesting nuggets that the Stones came up with occasionally. I almost turned it off a couple of times, but I'm in for the ride, so let's have it all. At 1 hour long, it's about 45 minutes too long. Sadly none of the good 15 minutes are in the same songs. Although I've bagged on this pretty hard, I'm not giving it a 1. The musicianship is ok. I don't find the singing Annoying. I just think it sounds like a decent bar band. It is NOT something that belongs on such a list. Calling it a 2

Led Zeppelin

4/5

It's fine. Classic old-school rock. As a youth, I didn't like Zepp because everyone loved them. Contrarian from birth! Over time, as I heard more of the non-radio cuts, I grew to appreciate them for their musicianship. I still don't ever pursue Zepp songs/albums, but I don't just turn them off either. Obviously, the classic singles are good, but most of the rest are good too. I think it's a shame they ended this with "How Many More Times" because it's the weakest track on the album. Sort of a let-down. The musicians are really great. They took chances and experimented which really changed the original blues they were based on. It's a quality album that I won't try to listen to again, but probably will hear most of the songs again. I'm giving it a 4 because while it is quite good and obviously influential, it doesn't quite stir my soul and R Plant says Baby a bit too much.

A Date With The Everly Brothers

The Everly Brothers

2/5

Nah, not for me. Not a fan of thin, pop from any generation. Yes, they have nice voices and there are a few (a few!) musical touches here. But, I can't abide the syrup-py love junk. And of course, as many have mentioned, the stalker-y or "women exist for men's pleasure" lyrics. I guess it's Ok for the list because some people do like the pop stuff and it is representative of music of that era. It's just too bland for me. I'm generously giving it a 2 because it's not like it's annoying or poorly done.

The Chronic

Dr. Dre

3/5

I like some of this. Dre makes cool beats. He's not a singer or a great great rapper, but I like it. Obv, Snoop Dogg's debut is important and cool here. But it's just too long and the skits are a complete waste of time. Terrible! Too many N's. Too many MFs. Too much misogyny. But still. some if it is fun. I definitely won't list to this whole thing again. But a few of the singles, fo sho! Super generously giving it a 3.

Trout Mask Replica

Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band

1/5

It's practically unlistenable. I know some famous people love it, but I think that's more about establishing an avant-garde identity or being cool than it is about actual musical enjoyment. Another example would be The Shaggs. Zappa and Cobain said they were geniuses because they were untrained and played "pure" music. But that too is unlistenable. This just sounds like an unstable person that they allowed to do whatever he wanted, while the trained musicians tried to noodle around. He sings like Tom Waits without any sense of musicality. The poetry is excruciatingly bad. What the hell, people? Untrained and unrestrained does not a genius make. Zappa might well be a musical genius, as he's done some incredible things. But his musicians were well trained and knew they were making wild excursions into uncharted territories. And sometimes they just made noise, too. Both of those things are evident here. But the singing and poetry bring it all down down down. As a producer on this, he just let this madman ramble and enabled his foolishness. Now, certainly there is a chance I just "don't get it". But there's no way I'm coming back to this block of horror in the hopes of becoming enlightened. It's a 1 at best.

Amnesiac

Radiohead

3/5

Pablo Honey is the only great Radiohead album. Fight me! I have not been able to stomach these guys since that album. The Bends has a couple of good songs, but everything after that has done nothing but annoy me. I have to admit I never once heard this album, though. And I'm not as mad at it as the rest. It's perfectly fine background music. I liked it better upon repeated listening. Thom's voice is pretty much at it's least annoying here. Still a bit whiny, but not as melodramatic as usual. Much more sing-talking and that's the best use for him. Sometime I think he thinks his voice is a guitar and he just makes weird ululations. I know the 2 guitar players are good. It's evidenced in their earlier works and I've seen them play with other folks on video. But here, as in most of their albums, they get buried under layers of production. Shame. It's Ok.KI wouldn't run to turn it off it came on somewhere. But I don't think I'll be pulling it to enjoy much either. I'm being kind and giving it a 3 because while I didn't love it, it's produced well (aside from hiding the guitars from me) and it doesn't have any really annoying bits.

Scum

Napalm Death

1/5

Noise. Blast beats and growling, gimme-another-glass-of-nails vocals. I get it. This was embryonic, prototypical. Cool. But it's just fast noise with terrible singing. Sadly, I feel like most metal turned into this. I'll hear about a band. "Oh, they're different, very jazzy, with touches of prog." and then it sounds just like this crap. Another day, "Try this, it's got a baroque feel with some Latin underpinnings" then it's just more of this crap. Do people need to be bludgeoned just to feel something? For every review comparing the 2 sides of this, saying how one is edgier and more punk, while the other is more metal and deeper... What the hell are you on? It All Sounds The Same!! It All Sounds The Same!! It All Sounds The Same!! Perhaps upon repeated listings, the listener will developer a more trained ear and learn to discern the subtle textural nuances contained therein. I fear my eardrums would burst before I reached that point. Not willing to take that risk. Good bye, Napalm Death, may we never meet again.

Crooked Rain Crooked Rain

Pavement

2/5

Just mid. Not sure why these guys got so much attention. They sound like dozens of other indie bands of the time. I don't feel they were groundbreaking, nor particular deep, or experimental. What's the draw? His voice is often annoying and pitchy. The music is... fine. Nothing too interesting or hook-y. I don't hate them. Just don't feel like anything here is worth listening to twice. Maybe that' the point of the list..?? You should hear these albums Once before you die. That should be enough, I guess. That's a 2!

You're Living All Over Me

Dinosaur Jr.

3/5

It's ok. I've always kind of thought I like D jr, but realized I've only listened to later bits. This is a little rougher around the edges with less hooks, but more guitar experiments. First, the voice. He's got one of these plaintive, almost too whiny voices. But for some reason, I'm not as annoyed by it as I usually am by this type. Can certainly understand someone not liking this because of that. The guitars are the best part. Unusual phrasing and interesting choices. For me though, I like just a bit more polish on it. C'mon, production guy, twirl the knobs! I'll give this a 3 because while I don't have any particular high points, I wasn't ever bothered by anything either. MOR

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