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.