Snoop's delivery is velvety smooth and Dre's production is slick but it doesn't really press my buttons. Sadly I prefer the C&W parody of Gin & Juice....
Not listened to in years. Was big at universitity in certain circles. Did not spark much joy.
Our Lips are Sealed and We Got the Beat are great singles. Unfortunately stretched across whole album it got a little tiring even though its only 35mins- not sure if it was pitch of vocals - but certainly best in small doses for me.
Love this album - have had it on CD for years so very familiar with the extended double album issue rather than the original shorter vinyl issue. Favourite track is the mini opera of a "quick one while he's away" - which is only on the double album.
I have always enjoyed the singles - had not listened to the album previously and not sure what to make of it after 3 listens. It sounds like they are having fun - but I think of Sting as being so po faced and serious that it does not quite ring true for me. A disappointing 3.
Not really my bag. She does have a good voice and I liked some of the beats/ production - but lyrically too icky / uncomfortable in places. Educational - but will not be returning.
I really like the Kinks - their greatest hits album is wall to wall bangers - and there are a few of them on this album. There is a notable drop in quality to the album tracks - but after listening a few times they are all working their charms. The sound quality /production is pretty dog shit tho unfortunately. Fav track David Watts.
I love Hounds of Love. A few duds on the rest of the album - but more than out weighed by the classic singles and few other gems.
It did not spark much joy. When the metal was toned down it was okay - although does not do much for me.
Big fan of PSB - this album marks the shift to more grown up adult pop from the Smash Hits tastic bangers of Please and Actually (which are peak PSB for me). Some classics on here like Being Boring and Jealousy but a few that IMHO are a bit meh so its a high 4.
Only know FGTH from the three big singles - Relax/ Two Tribes and Power of Love. Whilst the first two are clear classic 80's bangers - they don't really do it for me - partly because I have no particular childhood memories linked to them so fail to trigger any hit of nostalgia. By contrast I really like the sentimentality and Christmas vibes of Power of Love. As for the rest of the album thought it was particularly disappointing with a number of weak covers (fury apart) that did not really bring anything to the party. The rest of the songs were paler rehashes of Two Tribes.
I never got into Cyrpress Hill as a youth and have maintained a low opinion of them since. Was therefore surprised to discover that I quite enjoyed the album and that it had quite a groove. The songs do tend to sound all the same and lyrically there does not appear to be a lot going on but I enjoyed the listen (mostly in my car being a mean bitch in South Gloucestershire). Its probably a 2/5 but will give a bonus point for surprising me.
My third favourite Beatles album.
A double album.... unfortunately only managed a couple of listens through (and it probably needs a few more). Enjoyed it - but nothing really jumped out and grabbed me but equally nothing repelled me. So I guess that makes it a solid 3. If it was not so long and I had more time to listen a few more times it may have crept up to a 4 as enjoyed the sound.
A pleasant listen - some nice moments - nothing particularly standout but equally nothing ugly. It's kinda my jam but not sure what its doing on this list.
Beginning to think I don't really like the Smiths. I used to have The Queen is Dead on CD and did really enjoy it. I now find I really struggle with Morrissey both as a person and vocally. I had not really listened to Meat is Murder before - and IMHO its weaker than the above with no real stand out tracks and too much whining Morrissey.
Not listened to this in years. I was big into Moby at the time and purchased the album before it exploded and became the soundtrack to everything. Unfortunately overexposure is to the detriment of the songs as it diminishes their emotional impact as you just think of the shit its been used to flog or crap tv moments soundtracked. Shame.
Only knew Blisters in Sun previously which is stone cold classic. On first listen I found the rest of the album a bit meh- but its a real grower and by third listen I was onboard. Its not great to work to - but great in the car.
Dirty and fuzzy and whilst not as accessible (or good) as their first album its pretty awesome - other than The Gift as spoken word songs are annoying. Love the drumming on Sister Ray. A high 4.
Great power pop - My Best Friends Girl/ Just What I Needed absolute bangers.
Sultans of Swing is a great track. Like the atmosphere of the album and the general vibe although a little bit too much country for me.
This a proper retro trip and ode to Ms Greenslade. Used to love this album and not listened to it years. Still sounds great - and alot better than many other albums from this era. Banging.
Not sure why I did not listen to them first time round as this would have been right in my wheel house. Listening now its wholly unremarkable indie rock. Its an easy listen and vocals are fine - only gripe is why is a UK band writing about being sick of parking cars in valet parking. Feels a little fake.
Moments of beauty crossed with Monthy Python esq moments of cod medieval silliness.
Fav track A Very Cellular Song
Makes you think what greatness he could have achieved had lived long enough to fully develop/ mature as an artist...
Do not particular like KL's delivery - the song with Snoop really highlighted this for me - it just leaves me cold. Musically there as a lot going on (too much) and it just feels over produced and makes me yearn for simpler times.
ave had listened to this a few times - and whilst its a pleasant and easy listen very little of it stuck with me. Tracey Thorns' vocals are distinctively haunting and really carry the album with the backing mostly trip hop by numbers. Quite telling that its the remixes that tend to bring the EBTG tunes to life. Fav song: Single.
Whilst I can appreciate Snoops delivery, the influence of the album for emergence of West Coast rap and the laid back vibes - unfortunately for me - this is massively overshadowed by the lyrical content and its endless swears, sexism and bull shit gangsta bravado.
Not really a country fan - but enjoyed this and believe that Dolly's a good person. Some lovely harmonys although a little twee in places.
Two absolute 60's bangers with Somebody to Love and White Rabbit - unfortunately everything else is a bit forgettable. Really half arssed album cover also.
I've listened to this album a lot over the years. To be honest I have never really got it as an album. There are a few absolute classic slices of pop perfection (in particular Sloop John B and Wouldn't it be Nice) but a lot of it sort of washes over me.
I saw Roots tour this album back in the day and they were awesome - one of best gigs I've been to. Saw them a few times following this and they never quite recaptured the magic. Have not listened to the album in years - and unfortunately time has not been so kind. A few bangers eg the seed / Rock you / Rolling with Heat - but overall a bit messy and unfocused.
For reasons known only to me I was a big early Radiohead fan in the Pablo Honey era then really went off them - even to the point where I was one of the few people at Glastonbury in 97 and 2003 not to see their seminal gigs. Have grown to appreciate them more in the years since - and whilst I prefer their later albums this is still packed with classics - that I think have aged well.
I guess in 1981 this was pretty cutting edge and set the template for the rest of the decade as all the eighties cliches are are here. i like the vocals and the sentiment of Fascist Groove Thing but rest of songs are pretty forgettable.
I love the Who - and whilst they would defn go to make better albums there are a few classics on here - my generation / kids are alright. Not a 5 but a strong 4.
A few cracking tracks - Scar tissue, Californication, Road Trippin & Parallel Universe - and a lot of bang average/ poor fillers inbetween. I definitely lean towards the Frusciante influenced tracks rather than more traditional BSSM slap bass funky tracks... Scraps a 4 due to the strength of the above songs.
Love the album cover. Not quite so sure on the album. Its a good length so have listened to it a few times and whilst its generally very pleasant (and i can see the Beatles comparisons) not much really lands with me. Without You is unfortunately in the played to death camp and Coconut is on the wrong side of fun. I do like Jump into the Fire - that has a groove.
Sounds great as one song on a mix tape or a soundtrack - a whole album is a little bit too much. I really like the vocals and the vibe is fun but not sure I would readily come back for a whole album...
Its hard to listen to this album without feeling sad about how her life panned out (same feeling as listening to Whitney Houston's I wanna dance with somebody). She has a fantastically powerful and emotional voice and I really enjoyed it. Stand out track - Blackboys on Mopeds. Was going high 4 - but think it just edges into 5.
Utter guff. Was expecting some hands in the air soft rock. Not prog rock wank. I thought my musical tastes were maturing but that was a real struggle.
I did not get it at the time and still don't really get it. She had a great voice and a very tragic end but jazzy pop noodlings not my bag.
Love the energy and the fuzzy bass. Have heard better versions of most of the covers (not least by the Beatles). Not sure its one of the 1000 best albums of all time but gave me joy.
Imagine it was great fun if you were there. Beginning to realise (with the odd notable exception) that I don't like live albums.
I used to love Marc Bolan - especially given his tragic early death just around the corner from my Gran's house. Summer is heaven in 77 and all that. Works best as a greatest hits as he had some banging singles but quality threshold dips across the albums
He can certainly write a catchy tune and it is well produced with great backing but and its a big but... his vocals do not really work for me. With the right voice this could be a 5 as I think the tunes are great - unfortunately I'm probably a high 3.
Not classic Bowie for me - but incredibly powerful given what David was going through at the time.
Once in a Lifetime is such an all time classic it overshadows everything else on the album. On first listen not much else jumped out at me and I found the 80's bass twang and David Byrnes vocals annoying. On repeat listens it did grow on me - but I did not love it - other than Once in a Lifetime.
Beginning to realize that I am in a post hip hop phase - cannot listen at home due to the kids and feel a bit ridiculous listening to it in the car in rural Somerset. Generally enjoyed the beats and the variety of the rapping - although struggled with the lyrical content at times.
Apart from Poison had not really listened to Alice Cooper previously. Was expecting it to be harder/ more in your face - rather than fairly tame MOR rock - with some rather silly lyrics in places ( I love the dead ?) Enjoyed it much more than I was expecting with some catchy hooks/ chorus. Fav track: No More Mr Nice Guy.
Have listened about 5 times and whilst I have enjoyed it - its a surprisingly poppy/ accessible - nothing has really stayed with me or made its way on to a playlist.
I really like the brooding menace of Chan Chan - and have heard this track a lot over the years. The rest of the album is a bit more forgettable although a pleasant listen.
I like a bit of Elvis - but not slow country Elvis with his nasal vocal vibrations chomping on every syllable. Love Suspicious Minds and In the Ghetto - but everything else borders between meh and annoying.
One good ish tune (the album opener) and then the rest fairly generic 60's pysch rock (probably being unfair as these guys apparently invented the genre). There is a good reason why the electric jug never caught on.
I listened to a lot of Springsteen during covid. Late 70's / early 80's are my peak Springsteen years and whilst Darkness on edge of Town is my favourite album this is a close 2nd. I dig the dark tones and low-fi musical sparseness.
Another CD from the collection - but not an album I have listened to recently. He's got lovely smooth vocals - but its all a little bit polished and a bit trying too hard to be retro in places.
A strong 3 - some good tunes - sadly Smoke on the Waters impact is much diminished due to over familiarity. Would not rush back - but nothing made my ears bleed.
Bought this as a teenager as I think Q magazine had called it one of the albums of the 60's. I tried very hard to like it but it never really connected. Listening again now I can appreciate the lushness of the arrangements and the psychedelic leanings.
I enjoyed Machine Head as I liked the chunky rock groove esp Smoke on the Water. This live album takes the rock groove on a very long walk through the woods to see granny and stopping of at the shops on the way home. Musically they are clearly talented and must have been great to be there - but I dont need an extended drum solo and guitar noodling 12 min versions esp the yelping breakdown in the middle of Strange King of Woman. Which is a shame as there are some real moments when it rocks.
Whilst I love the Velvet Underground I have always found John Cale a little bit too avant-garde for me so I was not particularly looking for to this album. Was therefore very surprised by its folky/pop vibes which I really enjoyed. Will score a 4 for now and will certainly listen again.
Whilst Adele can certainly sing her voice is not really my jam. I enjoyed the plodding/brooding melodrama of Hello - but everything else was very vanilla X-Factor ballads. Lyrically its pretty dumb and thematically its all very samey about the one that got away. Perhaps by the time we get to 50 Adele will have a bit more range in what she writes about.
Starts well with the two singles that continue to get airtime as they are great funky tunes. Thereafter I lose interest fairly rapidly - 80's funk not my bag especially slap bass and the quality of the tunes gets weaker as album progresses.
I was always a big Stone Roses fan and due to misplaced tribalism never really listened to the Happy Mondays. I know the big tracks very well and they have a great groove. The album tracks a bit more of a mixed bag and I am on the fence about Shaun Ryder. You can hear the strong Andy Wetherall influence in the mix. Not quite a 5 for me.
Really enjoyed - not as good as Celebrity Skin for my money - but still a great listen and far better than majority of their contemporaries.
Really enjoyed this. Bowie's influence/ input/collab is thickly spread throughout. I like the tempo - feels like a good laid back Summers album - although its currently deepest darkest winter.
Classic. Given the Bristol connection this was on heavy repeat when I was a teenager. I have continued to listen over the years and it still sounds great.
I had not listened to this album before (despite being a Queen fan in my youth). Looking at the track listing I think there's only 1 track that I knew from the greatest hits - Seven Seas of Rhye - which is a banger. The rest of the album is a bit of a grower and is good fun albeit a bit bat shit crazy and all over the shop - with Queen clearly given a bit too much time to experiment in the studio. Interesting to hear echos of future Queen tracks amongst it all. Doing this list is making me realise that I like English 70's prog rock/ heavy (ish) metal - which is very much a surprise to me.
Not as bad as other metal albums is about the only positive thing I can say.
Will not be listening again sorry Britney. BOMT remains a classic - everything else is forgettable and sounding pretty dated. BOMT drags it to a 2.
I really like TigerMilk by Belle & Sebastian and have listened to that album alot over the years so I know it well. I have not listened to "If You're Feeling Sinister" previously and I was largely underwhelmed. The whimsy is very much there - but the charm/ catchy hooks appear to be lacking. Very disappointing and surprising given this album was recorded very close to Tigermilk.
Big fan of the Velvet Underground - although my listening never really went beyond the first album and a greatest hits - so I had not listened to this album as a whole previously although I know half the tracks. Its surprisingly mellow and a little bit slight - although it does feature one of my favourite songs of all time - Pale Blue Eyes - and on the basis of this one song alone it scores a 5.
A few years back I listened to Back in Black alot and really got into the album - but did not explore the rest of the ACDC catalogue. Very much enjoyed Highway to Hell - not quite as polished as BiB - but it rattles along at non stop pace and is a great undemanding listen. Not quite a 5 but a high 4. No stand out track as they all pretty much sound the same - not really a criticism as I enjoyed the whole.
Random name for an album - but a great cover. Surprisingly enjoyed the album - given I disliked the first few songs as found them very saccharine and ridiculous when Barry (?) talks. But it picked up - got a bit Beatles derivative in part and a bit over the top - but liked Trafalgar and Lion in Winter in particular.
I was looking forward to this as I own a Tom Petty Greatest Hits that I enjoyed but had not ever delved deeper into an album. Was unfortunately a little disappointed. "American Girl" is a classic and stands head& shoulders above the rest of the album - which is a little bit vanilla by comparison with no real stand out tracks after 4 listens. A solid 3.5.
Enjoyed it. Surprisingly poppy and it zips along with hardly a dud track apart from the Imagine cover....
Not sure i will return but glad I listened.
Much prefer this to 1999 - more poppy/hip hoppy less funk and slap bass. Only managed one and a half listens as its another effin double album so this is only my initial view (although I doubt I will listen again to form a more fuller view). The over reliance on drum machines dates it and makes it feel disposable. A few zingers - Sign of the Times, U Got the Look and I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man but quite a lot of filler.
Very pleasant and chilled late night background cocktail lounge music. Doesn't get my juices flowing but its not going to make any ears bleed.
Constant Craving still sounds good after all the years. The rest of the album is pretty dull by comparison. Very vanilla.
Was quite excited by this a mix of punk/country with lots of violin. Enjoyed the opening track a lot - unfortunately it lost its way a bit with a bit too much spoken word and not enough fiddley dee.
Good fun rockabilly surf garage rock. Great rolling drums and jumpy guitar licks. Would be awesome live.
I'm not a particularly funky person but I enjoyed this -esp the title track. Side B gets a bit loose but still enjoyed it.
The opener is iconic - and the rest of the album has a groove - although its a fine line between groove and cheese. Its an interesting historic artefact with some great playing but cannot help feel its missing something.....
14 year old me would have loved this album. Slightly older me did enjoy this slice of classic soft rock. A fair few bangers and not many fillers. Leaning towards a 4 which is more than I expected.
I loved Bob Dylan when I was 12 and was I listening to my Mums records. She had three Bob Dylan albums and this was my favourite one. It still is my favourite Bob Dylan album - although I have not really listened to Bob much since I was 13. Subterranean Homesick Blues is a banger and I can still nearly remember all the words. I should listen to more Bob Dylan.
Couldn't stand Jamiroquai when I was younger thought Jay Kay was such a bell end. Whilst my views and tastes have changed and mellowed over the years - this still makes my ears bleed. Not aware of what Jay Kay is upto currently - but would put money on him still being a dick.
Have listened to this a bit too much. Its a near perfect album - spoiled only by small fact that Phil Spector shot someone in the head.
More dark please sir.
His gravelly voice is perfect for the reflective end of life musings. The backing is perhaps a little bit ripe at times but generally hits the sentimentality sweet spot.
A high 4.
Connected and Step It Up are good nostaligia trips although rest of the album is pretty unremarkable. I seem to remember the lead singer being a bit of a bell end but cannot remember why. Mystified why this on the list - what ground did it break? Who of todays artists owe their career to the Stereo MC's? Why not put the Venga Boyz on the list?
I have a Nick Drake greatest hits so I know a few of these songs very well and its a lovely melodic listen. I had not realised what a troubled and shortened life he had.
