The album that reminds us "there's a bathroom on right." It is also worth noting that the Highway Patrol recovered The Dude's tape. Thank goodness the boss at the crime lab had them boys working in shifts!
Absolutely adore this one.
Slowly simmering, this gorgeous production showcases Isaac Hayes in the most tender way to butter the music consumer's soul.
Is it a Beatles knock-off or influence? Do I like this album or love it? The Kinks are an important band, and this is an enjoyable album.
Felt a little apprehensive at the beginning, but by the end, completely entertained.
Ridiculous, childish, and entertaining.
Rich and dense. Plenty to unpack.
Even though Bowie has the most entries on this list, there's a very good chance Brian Eno is associated with more albums than anyone else. With that being said, what a wonderful collaboration of these two on David Bowie's Low.
With Thumpasorus Peoples like Bootsy, George, and Maceo, how can you go wrong?!?
Definitely one of the more interesting bands on the list that has more than one entry.
Too much Coldplay in one sitting.
Would be more enjoyable on ecstasy. Some interesting stuff, but too pedestrian.
Brutal lyrics, but highly entertaining.
Deserves to be on 1001 for many reasons.
Willie in the pocket. Great late night album.
Coming off of Red Headed Stranger two albums prior, it was difficult to change gears for this album.
You can't get any more Americana than Willie singing pop standards.
Maybe if I had a head full of MDMA...
Not as heavy as expected. With nine members, the sound should be bigger. The vocals don't always work. They are not as crazy and hard as once believed.....but the drummer rocks and there are a few interesting musical moments throughout.
Explain to me, Robert Dimery, why Slipknot has two entries and Tool has zero.
Second half makes up for the first.
Just might be the best album from 1986.
Based on the reactions of others, Elvis seems to experience the black licorice polarization that many artists experience.
In this case, black licorice is delicious!
Some good stuff on here, but does it need to be this long? Not very dynamic for a double album.
John Entwistle is a stone-cold killer!
Good, not great. Without knowing his entire catalog, the 90s production value makes me wonder how much of his success was driven by the local music industry. The Casio style keys, accompanied by the electric drums, gets in the way of some beautiful music.
While reinventing themselves with new soundscapes of forward thinking, The Cure were able to maintain their identity while sounding like themselves.
What an extreme disconnect between band name and sound.
Is this punk? Absolutely!
Feeling a little dirty after that.
The genius of Syd Barrett.
Does this push harder in a direction that no one is already doing at this time? Maybe. Is it raw? Definitely.
It's as if the whole album is based on Hendrix's You See Me.
When one produces their own album, you can put any track you want on the record. In Jimi's case, it seems that he may have ok'd practically the entire session. One way to look at it, this album lacks in cohesion. The other way is to imagine you are sitting at this session watching the magic behind the curtain.
Interesting choices at times. Enjoyed more than Parklife.
"Let's cut it up like a pie." Lots of pickin fun. Gorgeous version of Both Sides Now that feels so different from the rest of the album. The studio and stage banter is interesting, at times, but finishing an already long album with 8 minutes of it is unnecessary.
First track has the word funk in the title without any funk. Not a good start to this 90s laden album.
Talking about this album with a friend, he most eloquently articulated that this album is "meh..."
Agreed.
Some really good moments, but mostly a safe album. Great music to have on in the background during a group setting. But essential, purposeful listening, probably not. Just as some songs are considered album fillers, this album may be considered a book filler for Robert Dimery.
Always sounding like himself, Monk has a style all his own. His unique approach blends perfectly with the two different smokin line ups contained within these recordings.
Finding very little to compliment here. It keeps sliding back and forth from boring to annoying. Not really into the overt digital production.
Enjoyable listening...however, One More Dance would have been much more entertaining (and perhaps funnier) without dude laughing all the way through.
Wanting to be a part of the new sound of their day, this band doesn't have much that is uniquely theirs, and yet their style progressively looks forward. Even though they are an American band, most of this album feels like they came straight out of the British invasion.
The explanation at the beginning (and at the end) of Melody for an Unknown Girl is lame and unnecessary. However, this does not interfere with the fact that this is an enjoyable listen with interesting sounds of the time.
Love them or hate them, the Beasties are an essential part of the conversation.
Impressive for a "second tier" Radiohead album.
Such a bold first solo album statement... Even though mainstream Gabriel is wonderful, this is something more fantastic and uniquely superb.
I love me some Fishbone. Pure fun!
This feels like an entire album of deep-dive 60s. Playful and fun.
Raw, gritty, distinctive. Love it or hate it, this is true rock n roll.
Eddie Hazel, Hot Buttered Soul singers, Bernie Worrell, bodily noises...From the Sublime to the ridiculous, what a lovely album.
Approaching cold, this album doesn't come across as uniquely influential nor exciting enough for a second listen.
Is this on the list because of the music contained within or because of how popular the band became?
WTF is this?
Ninth album? Are any of the first eight any better?
At least there are orchestrated arrangements to wash the medicine down.
With terrible production, a stolen melody, and just a lack of energy, there are probably 1,001 albums not on the list that are better than this one.
Struck in a time machine, this album does not impress nor offend.
Decent. Better than anticipated with some unexpected edges.
Collaborating with Bowie, David's influence can be heard thorough most of the track arrangements. However, with more control over production than his first solo album, Iggy's straight-ahead style shines through.
Oh, if only Royal Caribbean knew the true meaning of Lust for Life. Iggy probably got a good laugh every time that royalty check came in the mail.
Standing in the shower thinking about what makes this album potentially important: Bold, forward thinking, and influential.
Looking back, it can be difficult to hear how groundbreaking Jane's was at this point, but they were the right band at the right time to help push rock away from the 80s esthetic.
Approaching the 30th anniversary of The Score, this album cuts with the same sharpness it had in 1996.
Oh what to do about this album. With an 80s throwback feel (or is it a revival?), many of the songs would be great for an animated film. Dropping F bombs with such a sweet and innocent voice seems out of place.
Hurt is one of the most powerful and moving recordings of all time, but does that constitute a 5 star album?
Even though every song doesn't land, great concept. Excellent album.
"Act normally" when listening to this one.
Heart-warming and cozy, this quick look into Sarah Vaughan live sounds wonderful...in the background.
First spin cold take: impressive production with some bloated, self-indulgent tracks, or so it seems. There is also quite the impressive list of guest artists and producers.
Away from all the Kanye noise, this is a well done album. A lot to unpack, a lot to enjoy.
Early psychedelia done right. With a unique style on bass, Jack Casady is the secret weapon of this band. Also considering that this was recorded in 1966, this album is quite forward thinking.
Did Jerry Garcia receive any royalties for "musical and spiritual advisor" credit?
"Remember what the dormouse said..."
On one hand, it's just Christmas music. On the other, it's Christmas music with the Phil Spector wall of sound treatment. With his stable of singers, supported by the Wrecking Crew and Sonny Bono on percussion, Phil delivers holiday gold.
There is reggae and then there is Bob Marley and The Wailers. Sometimes an artist transcends from rural poverty into pop culture icon immortality...and usually for good reason!
As for this album, this plays more like a greatest hits rather than just a slice of time in a band's history.
Taste the mojito, smell the Cohiba, and let the infectious sounds of the Buena Vista Social Club fill your soul with joy.
As a mentally taxing exercise, this album is unlike any other. Not easily accessible, this plays like a musical scavenger hunt for items you didn't know existed.
No matter how big and crazy a roller coaster is, the cart follows mostly visable tracks. This album apparently has tracks but they are entirely invisible to the listener. Once you find a groove to attach to, the bottom drops out and leaves a perplexing feeling of "where's my parachute, I want to jump off this thing!"
When you start thinking this album is pure crap, keep in mind that it has influenced such musicians as the B-52s, John Frusciante, and Jack white.
Since this album exists in a parallel universe, it can be considered a 5 out of 5 bulbous octafish(es).
Away from lyrical content, Elliott's voice projects a warm and comforting feeling. Like a warm cup of tea, sometimes it is ok to wrap up in a warm blanket and ignore the outside world.
Even so, it is quality sad bastard music.
Terrible cover. It looks like a badly written sci-fi book that was massed produced on the cheap.
But once inside the story, you'll find Chuck D in full stride. Angry, diverse, relentless, dense, engaging.
Beautiful arrangements behind enjoyable 70s singer/songwriter music. Constructed and executed well.
Set volume to medium low, invite guests, cook yummy food. Nick Drake sounds perfect behind any dinner party.
A generation defining album that marks the end of hair metal dominance.
"Punk is musical freedom. It's saying, doing and playing what you want." -Kurt Cobain
Raw, concise, important. One of the more interesting and important albums to be released in the 1977. Pushing against punk with punk is punk.
The seminal unleashing of Eddie and Alex's band onto the world, changing the landscape of rock and roll for generations to come.
Coming out the gate swinging and forming "like Voltron", they "bring da motherfuckin' Ruckus!"
Peppered with humor, this gritty and hard hitting album delivers. With its misogynistic, controversial and perhaps a bit dated content, NWA successfully blurred the lines between what is real and what is entertainment.
Oh Tipper Gore, how do you sleep at night knowing the Library of Congress preserved this album?
Somewhere between rock and punk, you'll find the easily identifiable sounds of Patti Smith.
Good album with some good songs. This would be even less interesting without the Phil Spector touch.
Musically adventurous, The Specials expand the ideas of ska by layering new styles and textures. Gloomy lyrics filled with humor, cold war fears, and modern urban decay, this album starts with hope, ends in disaster. A much darker album than expected.
Bring on the designer drugs!
The cover imagery and the song titles do not prepare someone for the content contained within this album. Keeping up the tradition of French electronic, Justice comes out of the gate hot with this debut release.
Bernie Taupin lyrics in 2 1/2 weeks, most Elton melodies in 3 days, and 2 weeks recording in the studio, they had no intention of releasing a double album and some songs were scratched. And yet with more bangers than misses, it makes sense why this album stayed on the charts for so long.
Starting off with some of the most iconic cheese synth orchestrations soaring above the mix, Van Halen rose from successful rock band to superstardum. Even though this is not their best album, it is undeniably successful due to it's pop sensibility and MTV flair.
It's amazing that this makes the list but not a single entry from Lonny Liston Smith, Mahavishnu, Billy Cobham, nor Stanley Clarke (just to name a few). Perhaps it's the lyrical content that "sets this apart from the pack."
So once again Mr. Dimery, why poke around hidden corners in music with blinders on?
With that being said, interesting album that finishes strong. Great collaboration between Gil and Brian.
Uniquely identifiable as M.I.A.
Let's address the elephant in the room.
First, the 1944 novel Gigi, turned into a highly celebrated movie, won a record breaking 9 Academy Awards including best picture.
An even more risqué novel, the 1955 Lolita, is a controversial story that is considered a masterpiece by many in the literary community. The 1962 adaptation currently has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Point being, this was a different time in our culture, and neither story celebrates pedophilia. They are revered because of their ability to examine the complexity of the human condition.
That brings us to Melody. While it is a cringe worthy storyline with a graphic and unnecessary hotel scene, the style of storytelling, with the musical backdrop, is undeniably captivating and creative.
As an important work in the goth movement, Seventeen Seconds gives us a taste of what's to come. With sparce soundscapes and dark lyrics, The Cure deliver some compelling ideas while also dropping into some ho hum moments lacking in substance.
Even though this is not the best album during the golden era of Stevie, it still delivers a warm and cozy feeling...even when you are "in the raw under the stars above."
This album is still two years shy of Yo! MTV Raps with Fab 5 Freddy. Clearly created in the early to mid 80s, this album documents an important moment in time in early hip hop.
Emotive, warm, genuine. Maybe it's the addition of Emmylou Harris's voice or just Gram's energy having her around, this is the best part of his "cosmic American music."
Surprisingly good, and kudos to the restraint in making a 38 minute album in the age of the compact disc. Why add filler when it's usually just garbage.
Musically, visually, culturally iconic, there is not much to say when every song has it's own Wikipedia page.
Best MJ? Debatable
Best Toto? Perhaps
Pumping bass, infectious drums, perfect for skanking in a pub. However, it's a bit repetitive at times...even for ska.
A little slice of 80s rock that isn't all that groundbreaking nor influential.
What makes this album more important than anything made by Great White Lion Snake or even Winger? Nothing....not terrible, but a must listen?
Beautiful voice, excellent production.
Congratulations Babylon for making it on the Guantanamo Greatest Hits!
Why does a singer/songwriter need a 9 minute cover song to finish the album?
A true testament to the creative process trudging through adversity.
If Les Claypool won the job he tried out for, he would have been on this album. However, they would have probably buried him in the mix as well...No worries Jason "New Guy," you made it in The Hall.
David Bowie, Elton John, and Entertainment Weekly may love him, but not everyone can access that Wainwright feeling. Even though the orchestrations sound rich, the whole project between Want One and Want Two feels a bit over indulgent.
Interesting concept, not an interesting story.
The last song is the most interesting, but is it enough to push it from a 1 star rating to a 2?
Absolutely not.
Just because this is their most famous album doesn't mean that it is their best. Solidifying their iconography, ZZ Top successfully used MTV to promote their brand of 80s rock.
If you want to read about the dirty side of rock n roll, look up Dusty Hill and Frank Beard's connection to The Zombies.
Peter, Bob, and Bunny go together like bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Not offensive nor inspirational.
But is it essential, important, influential, or groundbreaking?
Iconic album cover containing a grammatical error and a toilet...
Michelle's banana eating on Ed Sullivan in protest of lipsyncing California Dreamin'...
Infidelity between band mates well before Fleetwood Mac formed...
...sometimes legacy tips the scale.
The 80s esthetic feels most comforting under goth blankets.
Some interesting ideas in the style of 90s rock.
Cozy and enduring 70s pop.
Released between the decline of the Beatniks and the rise of the hippies, The Stones became an integral part of the British invasion in America.
Covering such legends as Wille Dixon, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry, 20 year old Keith Richards and Mick Jagger embraced their love for American rock and blues.
Yes, this is a collection of the Gershwin song book. No, this is not a time spanning compilation of Ella. This was a work of love over an eight month period.
This album came out in the vinyl era and was not intended to be heard in it's entirety in one listen. This aspect does not fare well for this endeavor of an album a day.
Gorgeous singing, beautiful arrangements, classic album.
If only the rest of Britpop was this good.
How to make a truly classic rock album in 1972:
1. Rent a DuPont family mansion in Bel Air.
2. Produce the album yourselves.
3. Snort copious amounts of cocaine (approx. $75k in 70s money).
4. Run around completely naked wearing only a crucifix around your neck.
5. Nearly kill your drummer by spray painting his entire passed out body with gold paint and lacquer.
6. Remember to thank "the great COKE-Cola" in the liner notes (especially after the record company rejects the title of Snowblind).
Cluttered, psychotic, experimental...a perfect representation of the human experience.
For better or for worse, no one exists this ride the same person.
Frank's classic voice combined with the heart-warming sounds of bosa nova;
Interesting idea that doesn't quite land.
Musically, this album looks backwards to an earlier time and sits at the end of an era.
Did this album influence any music downstream? Supposedly, a white British woman singing Motown was considered edgy.
1967 is one of those years that changed rock n roll. Even though this album did not make an immediate splash, the ripples of time have proven that this truly is a classic and influential work of art.
Cutting-edge? MTV seemed to think so.
Most accessible and mainstream of his work? Absolutely.
Best Peter Gabriel? Probably not.
Overhyped, overrated, and yet outstanding. Even though it suffers from bloated CD era decisions, it is well produced and mature. It also uses well placed guest artists to help blend multiple genres and create a cohesive narrative.
This is one of those albums that works well in the background, and yet interesting enough for an intentional listen on headphones.
When there is an artist as ubiquitous as Starbucks, it takes an effort to ignore all the surrounding noise and form an objective opinion.
A surprisingly mature and introspective album, Taylor proves that she not just a one-trick pony.
Bringing the rock, 90s style.
Outstanding album (aside from "Indian Sunset.") Beautiful arrangements with emotional delivery, this truly is quintessential Elton.
Apparently, not all Britpop blows.
1990 checklist...
Fear of a Black Planet- absolutely!
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted- of course!
Mamma Said Knock You Out-um, NO!
LL's identity crisis album as he emulates Will Smith going hard.
A tasteful decision in the vinyl era, the Yin-yang presentation allowed the listener to decide the mood. So much to love on this beautiful album.
Even though there are some very good songs on here, is this album just as essential as all the other Bowie albums on here?
Is it a good album? Is it an enjoyable album? Absolutely. Is it something you need to listen to before you die? No. There are too many great albums not on this list that can replace this one.
Solid album, excellent production, beautiful harmonies.
Listening to this album is like watching Michael Jordan play at North Carolina...nobody knew what was about to be unleashed onto the world.
The enlightenment of a false prophet or just self-realization?
Oh good, another Britpop album taking up space on this list.
183 likes for the PhD theory dude. Too bad he only listened to 17 albums. It would be interesting to read his thoughts on other genres his math brain couldn't compute.
Easily accessible and completely entertaining album.
Not the best ride in the amusement park, but it's worth a ride with the price of admission.
Alternate universe Flamming Lips.
From this 1979 perspective, the 80s sound like an isolated dystopian of rudimentary robotics with no Rubik's Cube, Pac-Man, or DeLorean time machine.
As a direct response to Metallica's "Black Album," the Abbott brothers are showcased here as an undeniable force.
Uniquely late 70s.
Uniquely Blondie.
Uniquely Deborah Harry.
When treated as a stand-alone album, leaving The White Stripes comparisons at the door, this is an dynamic album with plenty of pathos.
Mad respect for 80s indie bands/musicians for their pushback against the industry and influencing a butt load of important bands to come.
As for this particular album, this one sits near the top, if not the cherry.
Warm and cozy...a quality classic.
Palatable jazz for those who don't understand jazz.
Inoffensive rap for those who are scared of rap.
Hookless pop built for those who prefer soft rock radio.
An entire album by musicians who know how to build songs but aren't good at writing them.
This is the palatable version of Morrissey. Thank you Johnny Marr.
Mid 70s magic touched many artists. Queen was no exception. Overshadowed by many other triumphantly stellar albums, this one belongs in the conversation as one of the greatest rock albums of all time...and yet Rolling Stone Magazine does not place it in their top 500. Robert Dimery, you make a lot of weird choices, but hats off to you for this one. (Even if you have 501 more chambers to load.)
Good energy, well paced, and just a fun album.
Scottish Ghanian Reggae before you die?
It doesn't suck and yet not that good. Also, exhaustingly too long for active listening.
When listening, digesting, and rating these albums, assholeness should not be a factor.
Musically 3 stars, Fred's lyrics and vocals drop it to two. Adding this album to the list and denying all of Tool's catalog drops it another star.
And honestly, how fucked up is Ben Stiller? Just because there is space left on the CD doesn't mean every minute needs to filled.
Bubblegum punk or just pop wearing punk sensibilities?
Kudos to them for rebounding and reestablishing themselves 10 years after Dookie for a new generation.
Just what this list needs...more britpop taking up real estate.
It doesn't suck, but do you really need to hear this before you die?
How is it that many popular and influential bands in this lane are not on the Dimery list and yet this 2003 revival album is here.
If cliché, campy, tongue-in-cheek metal is something that is needed to be heard before we die, where is Spinal Tap?
A complete generational defining experience. Quirky charm, choice in fashion, pure vocal ability...this album landed at the right place and the right time.
The raw side of Sam. Non-stop, high-energy entertainment. Shame on RCA for sitting on this gem for over two decades. And shame on Mr. Dimery for not giving us the iconic studio version of him for compare and contrast.
Hello, ol' friend. Lovely to hear you once again. Thank you for all the memories.
Interesting mash-up of the 60s and 90s. Does not evoke a 4-star rating on first listen, but is a solid 3-star.
Fearless and raw. Outstanding debut.
"I fell in love with the actress. She was playing a part i could understand."
Future Mr. Daryl Hannah
Quite amazing. Every time Beck announces a new album, the listeners never know what to expect.
However, whether you like the chosen style or not, there is a darn good chance that it will be a quality production.
There is no need to repeat Wikipedia on the importance of pirate radio to The Who, the significance of this album, or just the mere fact that this was their first concept project.
Even though this album can be a turn-off to some of the biggest diehard fans of The Who, many fans of the band Sparks acknowledge it's influenence and importance.
There is something special about this guy.
A wonderfully mesmerizing experience.
Even though this was the album they decided to not include "Soul to Squeeze," Rick Rubin deserves credit for pushing Anthony to present "Under the Bridge" to the rest of the band.
A bloated CD era album, an ok John, and a mostly annoying Anthony could potentially drop this one to a 3 star rating. However, Chad, Flea, and the mere cultural significance help make this an essential listen.
Sounds absolutely wonderful on a good pair of headphones.
Beck at the top of his game.
Such a great example of how quickly music pivoted in the late 70s.
Side 1 ok
Side 2 awesome
This outstanding post-punk album not only made Kurt Cobain's personal top 50 albums, it is also well documented as influencing such bands as Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Upon viewing the running time, many feel this album is too long. And yet when listening, none of the songs feel like fillers. This thought is supported by the fact of how much material was left off the album.
Keeping in mind that this came out the same year The Beatles broke up, this album represents a healing gift to the world.
Classic voice
Classic songs
Classic album
A really good album that could have benefited from a shorter runtime. Many times the music invokes a somber hope while moving though life.
Not as psychedelic as the cover suggests. Some parts more interesting than others. Finishes strong.
"If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite." — William Blake
In a time where people felt apprehensive of the rapidly approaching Y2K, the massive world popularity of this album astounds the brain. Over a quarter century later, not all wines taste better with age.
