Great example of socially conscious rap. I really enjoyed Terminator X’s use of sampling and his deft application of various DJ tricks. Chuck D’s flow is really something else (I’ve always had a soft spot for this older style of rapping that existed prior to the 2000s). The strident tone and overtly political messaging was revolutionary for its time and I think that makes it worthy of being an album worth listening to. That said, the glowing references to Elijah Muhammad, Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam, while keeping with a long running tradition of black nationalism, are cringe inducing.

Like a lot of double albums Mellon Collie is full of good songs, decent songs and a fair number of forgettable songs. These kinds of albums are often ambitious by nature and, as such, are usually overstuffed with material that could have been edited out. I enjoyed the tonal shifts in the album from the quiet songs to the hard driving relentless pieces. There’s a fascinating diversity of genres in this album as well (ranging from alt rock to metal to grunge). I have to admit that I’m a bit iffy on Corgan’s vocals which can sound pretty whiny at times. Consequently I wonder if I’ll ever listen to this album in its entirety again.

Marvin Gaye’s magnum opus. Deeply moving album that continues to resonate to this day. Sadly, Gaye’s concern’s regarding America’s social, racial, and ecological ills have not diminished in anyway. The use of Gaye’s layered vocals (used in a kind of call and response manner) are a brilliant touch to the stellar production of this album. I’ll never tire of listening to this record.

A very good Steely Dan album that tackles the pointlessness of nostalgia, drug overdoses, homages to jazz greats of the past and much more. The musicianship is fantastic but I’ve never warmed up to Fagan’s voice. It sure what it is that turns me off.

A fun new wave rock album with incredibly catchy riffs. Nothing particularly deep but that isn’t always necessary.

Moon Safari is a classic example of downtempo music. It’s light, groovy and rather inventive. I think I read somewhere that this album has music that makes everything seem cooler and more fashionable than it is actually is. Accurate description if I say so myself. However, it’s not the kind of music I find myself returning to often.

Hard driving. Intense. Angry. Political. Juvenile. This is what I expect from Punk and I can see why this album was so influential. Good stuff.

Having already listened to Loveless and MBV it was interesting to hear the origins of what proved to be their signature and unique style. Songs with heavily distorted guitars that at times have a kind of droning quality to them. Vocals that are fragile and on the verge of being annihilated by the aforementioned guitars. Isn’t Anything is a very good album that signaled the arrival of a sound that kickstarted an entire sub-genre of rock.

This is a wonderful album that had me smiling and tapping my foot from the jump. While I’m not the biggest fan of swing jazz (it can feel quite dated), this album is a wonderful example of Basie demonstrating that there was still some life left in this style. This fact is made even more impressive when one considers how Jazz had begun to dramatically shift towards small groups led by men like Rollins, Davis etc.

Not sure how I feel about this music. Industrial and militaristic to an almost hilarious level. It feels like a parody of totalitarianism and fascism and then there’s the lingering suspicion that perhaps it’s not and that Laibach is quite serious about enjoying these monstrous ideologies. Side note: I really dislike the chintzy sounding synths on this record…maybe that’s the point.

A good album that continues LCD Soundsystem’s signature mix of dance, punk and rock. Not every song is a winner but it’s clear that Murphy has matured quite a bit. The themes of this album feel heavier and weightier but it never feels leaden, plodding or pretentious.

A couple of good song (While You See A Chance & Night Train) by multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood but most of these atmospheric songs leave me feeling a bit cold.

I have so many memories of hearing the big hits off of this album while I was growing up in the Bronx. Snoop’s flow is one of a kind and the George Clinton infused samples are an inspired choice. That said, the amount of misogyny on this album is incredibly disconcerting and honestly Snoop’s storytelling is a bit dull and uninteresting at times. His vocal delivery and word play (and don’t forget the g-funk production) is what saves this record for me.

A fantastic album with wonderful playing and singing. An exemplary roots rock album that I will be revisiting soon.

This album screams angst, sex obsessed, rebellious teenage male energy. Nothing musically complex here…just raw energy. It’s album that people will either love or hate and I fall squarely in the love camp.

This album is not as gimmicky as it might seem on the surface. By 1959 many jazz artists had already played with various time signatures in their playing. The real charm of this album is the tight playing by all members of Brubeck’s quartet. Desmond’s playing is particularly beautiful throughout the record. Perhaps its status in the jazz canon is a bit over rated but not by me. Very enjoyable!

An album very much of its time. Rap metal and funk with some pop elements as well. Despite its dated qualities and pointless War Pigs cover (literally a note for note copy) this album is an interesting, creative and unconventional showcase for Faith No More. Apparently their next album after this one is a much better overall experience.

I can see why this album was as popular as it was when it came out. Very catchy tunes. Not every song works (at least for me) but when ABBA succeed they really hit it out of the park.

A beautiful album that dreamily flows from one song to another. Nelson is a fantastic storyteller! Highly recommended!

Fairly obvious why this album was such a hit in the UK. Raw and raucous but tempered by memorable riffs and melodic hooks. While they are far from my favorite Brit-pop band from the 90s (hello Radiohead and Pulp) I have to admit how good this album is.

This album showcased the band’s ability to do more than just rock by incorporating folk and synthesizers into their sonic palette. LED Zeppelin can still rock your world as demonstrated by the stunning opener “Immigrant Song”. Great album!

An excellent late 60s psychedelic record from Brazil. Clearly indebted to the Beatles and US psych bands but Os Mutantes also push the boundaries of the genre by taking more risks. I thought that their use of musique concrete was rather innovative. That said, their avant garde tendencies are tempered by their immensely catchy pop melodies.

A good country album that mythologized the west and probably shaped an entire generation’s understanding of that period. I enjoyed Robbin’s voice throughout and the playing by the musicians was excellent throughout. That being said I tend like my country music just a bit grittier both thematically and musically speaking.

I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Solomon Burke before today. Rock N Soul is just a beautiful example of soul music from the mid 60s. The opening song Cry to Me is an interesting song that incorporates a somewhat Caribbean feel that seems to contradict its lyrics.

Classic sunshine pop album. Beautiful harmonies that belie their counter cultural lyrical message.

Not my favorite psych record for the sole reason that outside of the title track the rest of the album is rather forgettable.