178
Albums Rated
3.37
Average Rating
16%
Complete
911 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1960
Favorite Decade
Funk
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
35
5-Star Albums
11
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
|
5 | 2.68 | +2.32 |
|
Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
|
5 | 2.9 | +2.1 |
|
La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
|
5 | 3.04 | +1.96 |
|
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
|
5 | 3.08 | +1.92 |
|
NEU! 75
Neu!
|
5 | 3.1 | +1.9 |
|
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
|
5 | 3.11 | +1.89 |
|
Closer
Joy Division
|
5 | 3.22 | +1.78 |
|
The Poet
Bobby Womack
|
5 | 3.22 | +1.78 |
|
Let It Be
The Replacements
|
5 | 3.25 | +1.75 |
|
Cross
Justice
|
5 | 3.27 | +1.73 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
|
1 | 3.39 | -2.39 |
|
2112
Rush
|
1 | 3.37 | -2.37 |
|
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
|
1 | 3.18 | -2.18 |
|
Rocks
Aerosmith
|
1 | 3.12 | -2.12 |
|
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
|
1 | 3.02 | -2.02 |
|
Electric
The Cult
|
1 | 3.01 | -2.01 |
|
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
|
1 | 2.96 | -1.96 |
|
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
|
1 | 2.88 | -1.88 |
|
Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
|
1 | 2.87 | -1.87 |
|
Da Capo
Love
|
1 | 2.81 | -1.81 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Joy Division | 2 | 5 |
| Nirvana | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (35)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Brian Eno · 1 likes
5/5
I really like ambient music.
1-Star Albums (11)
All Ratings
The Verve
3/5
Verve is a British Matchbox 20 but sounds a little like Smashing Pumpkins.
Hugh Masekela
5/5
Wasn’t expecting to love this album so much. It’s now in my top 5 jazz albums of all time. What an incredible piece!!!
Radiohead
3/5
Generally enjoyed it, despite it kinda being like background/score for my day. Notable standouts, IMO, were Airbag, Paranoid Android and No Surprises.
Marvin Gaye
3/5
Baby making music for those who have incredible stamina. Good stuff!
Happy Mondays
4/5
I would put this album ahead of its time. Grooves like Prince or a Funkadelic, but had that British rigidity, like a breadstick.
5/5
Absolute classic. 5/5. No notes.
If I had a chance to hear this album the day it came out, I would take it. It’s scary, beautiful, catchy, poppy, smart, and timeless. From first beats of Five Years to the final notes of Rock N Roll Suicide, there isn’t a disappointing measure on this album. Long Live Ziggy Stardust!
Emmylou Harris
5/5
Technically her second record, but widely considered her first, the cosmic-country Queen delivered on this heavy hitting, ballad fueled classic. Would listen again.
Solange
3/5
I like about half this album, despite it being cool, calm and collected. It’s jazzy and soulful and honest, but it is not an every day listen for me. I listened to this 3x this morning, and I will be okay not hearing it for a while, in the least offensive way.
Feels a little stark or bleak, I guess, but maybe it’s just me!
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
3/5
While not my favorite Costello record, it’s a banger.
Specifically the middle of the album from Green Shirt through Busy Bodies. Pure gold. Of course, the Nick Lowe written Whats So Funny (‘bout Peace, Love & Understanding) ending the album and Accidents Will Happen at the beginning are perfect bookends.
Where are the strong? Who are the trusted? Where is the harmony?
Fatboy Slim
4/5
Fun record. Would put on for background music, more than likely. I’m not super into this type of EDM, but I love the sample work. Definitely a good party band/album.
De La Soul
4/5
Overall great album, lot of classics, but in my opinion, just a smidge too long. Funky, tons of cool samples, great rhymes.
The Cure
4/5
This album is bleak, stark, grey, drab, depressing, sad and introspective…
It’s a great piece of music, but I don’t think it’s the quintessential Cure album other think it is. While well written, produced and executed, it kind of all stays in the same vein, save for “Lullaby,” which is not what I like about The Cure. I like there to be a bouncy upbeat song or a sort of weird, but totally engaging song.
These are all songs of being overwhelmed and sad and anxious.
Apparently, for Robert Smith, turning 30 was a big, sad deal.
Enjoyed the album, but if someone said “hey, if you had to pick a Cure album to show the world on a list of 1001 albums, what would it be?” it would’ve been The Head On The Door.
Points for having my favorite 311 cover.
The Killers
3/5
“Mr. Brightside” has been consistently on the charts for over 20 years. That is incredible!
However, outside of the 3 big ones on this record, I thought it lacked. “All These Things that I’ve Done” is still one of my favorite 00s rock songs.
The non-single tracks are just kinda there. Would listen again, but got the gist. This is another instance where I would recommend a different album (Sam’s Town).
ZZ Top
2/5
The three big hits on this record are the hits for a reason.
The three at the end (Dirty Dogs through Bad Girl) are legitimately good songs. Outside the 6 I mentioned, the remaining 5 could’ve been scrapped and this could’ve been an incredible EP.
Sharp Dressed, Legs, and Gimme All Your Lovin’ are a solid example of the 80s aesthetic. 10/10 would listen to the hits while working out.
This album created some tension within the band and you can’t hear it at all. However, that’s because the band isn’t playing on most of it. It’s drum machines and synths and Billy F Gibbons.
Now I’m going to eat a microwaveable Salisbury steak in front of the tube and watch Johnny!
Note to self: acquire fuzzy spinning guitar
Sabu
3/5
While not totally my cup of tea, I enjoyed the listen through. I could see this being one of Mickey Hart’s favorites or at least an inspiration for the Rhythm Devils.
Would probably listen again, but quietly and in the background.
Favorite song: “Rhapsodia Del Maravilloso”
Sinead O'Connor
4/5
Loved it. Solid record. Made me feel defiant whilst filling out a work survey that I was too honest on. What’re ya gonna do?
RIP to this beautiful soul of a human, Sinead O’ Connor. Her version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” is great, but I’ll say that I prefer the Prince demo or the live version with Rosie Gaines more, but again, what an incredible cover. “Feel So Different” would be my choice for second best on this album, or maybe “Black Boys on Mopeds.”
Great album. Period.
Blur
3/5
I was not truly familiar with Blur’s game before listening to this album. I’m not convinced they’re THE “quintessential” Brit-pop band but i would say this is an essential Brit pop album. Took a few tries to get into it, but once I did, I found myself really enjoying the back half more than the front half. Would listen again probably.
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
1/5
There’s about 3 great songs on here and the rest is chauvinistic 70s rock sleaze.
I initially dug the sounds, but upon further listen, am not as impressed. Lyrically, it’s all over the place. Musically, mostly it’s right up my alley, but then there’s this thing about it that takes me out. When it opened I thought it was going to be an early 70s version of Low Cut Connie. And I am pretty disappointed in the direction it went!
OutKast
5/5
Okay. Here we go…
This is final official album from OutKast. Idlewild was a soundtrack, though it did have a few new original singles.
I remember the first singles from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below were leaked on the net and how hard I scrounged to find the MP3s on Kazaa or Limewire.
All of these songs still hold up, despite sounding very much of the time in production. Speakerboxxx really is like a party rap record, but has some fairly introspective songs from Big Boi. I found myself bopping my head to most of it.
I used to hold The Love Below on a pretty high pedestal, and I do think it is truly amazing, but there are some songs that have been nearly overplayed, as if ‘Kast hadn’t ever had an album before. And even those songs drilled into our heads are still amazing.
I love this double header mind funk. We got spoiled with a two-fer.
Oh, it’s timeless.
Jeff Buckley
3/5
I think Jeff Buckley has a great voice and was a talented guy probably with a bright future. But after 2 listens of this album, it’s not my favorite thing in the world. I did rediscover a couple songs I loved in High School, but outside of that, this album falls a little flat for me in my old age.
RIP Jeff Buckley.
Ps. If I were to revisit JB, I’d pick a random live set, most likely.
Rush
3/5
Eh, it was decent.
I think I’m a hits guy when it comes to Rush.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Who is this guy and why is he yelling?!
It’s like hip-HOP, but with a heavy metal soul!
Album for the ages, but certainly helping us navigate this day and age.
Notable faves: Take the Power Back, Know Your Enemy, Killing in the Name.
Pink Floyd
3/5
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Had my Floyd Phase around 23, only thing that really stuck was Live in Pompeii.
Sarah Vaughan
5/5
Incredible listen! The expanded version is well worth the listen! Wasn’t really familiar with her repertoire, but was thoroughly buh-lown away. Can’t be in a bad mood listening to this album even for a second.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Johnny Cash is 100% on the country western Mt. Rushmore. We aren’t here to talk about the other three, so let’s dig into JC.
In the mid to late 60s, Cash was on a comeback. Seems crazy since it’s still toward to beginning of a long career. Live at Folsom had come out and was doing well, so he and a slough of other rockabilly types toured other prisons and venues throughout the country singing about drink, drug, murder, love, prison, and god, and they made pretty good legendary careers for themselves.
I will preface this by saying I listened to the Legacy Edition of the album to get the full show experience and it was superb.
Carl Perkins, Statlers, Carter Family, and Johnny all putting on a show.
The best parts are the little imperfections in rhythm or forgetting a lyric or vamping to give the audience time to react to a lyric.
JC and band are tight. They bust out a brand new “San Quentin,” June joins them on “Jackson” and we get an amazing performance of “A Boy Named Sue.”
Not to mention a grip of classic Cash Golden Country Greats.
Joy Division
5/5
Fantastic album. Less depressing than I remember. I always forget the song The Eternal.
Anyway, I only listened to this one once, because I am trying to pull myself OUT of a pit of despair, but I loved it. Great production, great songs. Highly influential.
Led Zeppelin
4/5
Great record. A few duds, but overall a solid joint.
Bobby Womack
5/5
Bobby MF Womack. Amazing soul/funk singer probably most popular in the 70s. I know him from “across 110th street,” which is one of my all time favorite soul jams.
I have to say this album surprised me quite a bit. I was expecting some early 80s cheese, but was delighted by a great dance track (Lay Your Lovin’ On Me), and several amazing slow jamz/ballads. In fact, I’d say this album is driven by ballads and baby makers. Would listen again.
The Police
2/5
Outside of Message in a bottle and Walking On the Moon, I wasn’t super familiar with this album. The Police were always a hits band for me. Something about the “appropriation of reggae” (Wikipedia, and it says the album title literally translates to “white reggae”) and the mononym of Sting just doesn’t grip me. Sure he’s good looking, but what’s he REALLY doing?
After listening to this album, though, I found a couple more songs that could’ve definitely been minor hits. Meh, I guess I would listen again, but probably not by choice. Again, I think they’re a Hits band.
X-Ray Spex
4/5
Great album, would listen again. Loved to hear where the punk and riot grrrl queens got their screams and styles. Also, I love a saxophone.
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
Honestly hard to be in a bad mood when you listen to this album.
Infectious Beatle-esque power pop/rock at its finest. Before listening to this, I would’ve said I like the hits, but post-listen, I have to admit that the entire album is banger after banger. I don’t know which are hits and which are the “filler.”
Great record.
Aerosmith
1/5
This was an okay listen. I think TitA was a better album, but this was a fun follow up. Little bit of funky blues riffage.
The Aerosmith I enjoy is like 90s Aerosmith. Weird affinity, I know.
Upon second listen, Back in the Saddle fucks and the rest kind of suck.
Metallica
3/5
Maybe if Lars Ulrich had a puppet master, he’d be good at the fucking drums. My god. If he was in a paper bag, he could not drum his way out. Gun to his head, he would die.
That’s not to say it’s 100% shite, but it’s like 87% shite.
The rest of the gang are killing it. Technically, I give this a 2.6.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
This is the first Joni album I have listened to in full, and admittedly, it’s not for me.
Her voice is lovely, the words are great; observational, deep, sentimental. The music is also great. But there’s an ingredient that just doesn’t jive with the rest. It’s like putting paprika in the caramel.
I don’t hate it, but I likely won’t revisit.
Neu!
5/5
Fantastic. 3/4 ambient soundscapes and a quarter proto-punk power pop. Epic and perfect. These German fellas are going places!
Queen
2/5
Classic Queen imagery. The start of that classic Queen layered sound. Yet, a totally underwhelming and slog of an experience for the grand payoff to be Seven Seas of Rhye. I feel like this album needed another single to help float it.
Gotan Project
5/5
Relaxing, cinematic, dramatic.
Sexy, romantic!
A fun listen and pretty easy to listen to. Whoda thunk a couple French guys could make such great Latin music?
Beck
2/5
Not my favorite artist. But during the listen I realized why. His voice and lyrics are just not for me. Doesn’t resonate with me.
That being said, this album has some surprise jams. I enjoyed roughly 4 songs.
I’ll give it a 1.7
Nirvana
5/5
While listening to this absolute masterpiece, I learned that unlike other bands that had done the UnPlugged series at that time, Nirvana did their entire performance in one take.
These guys are gonna go places! Hopefully they can stick with it…
Bob Marley & The Wailers
4/5
I’m pretty basic when it comes to reggae and I’m okay with that. I’ll say I thought this was a great listen. Stop that Train is a major ear worm for me. I get it stuck in my head all the time since I heard JGBs version. I don’t think I disliked any of the songs, but there were some moments of wackness (for me, nothing the Wailers did, per se) for that, I give 4 stars.
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
5/5
Really a great album. Personally I enjoyed the first half more than the second, but overall, amazing. Maybe the first full Nick Cave album I’ve listened to besides Murder Ballads. The gospel choir and the vibe of the album is ‘fun’ and light compared to MB, and the songs have more depth which is cool to see.
Portishead
3/5
This album was fine. Not what I wanted to listen to today, though.
Gorillaz
3/5
The joke review: “nah, dog, I don’t fuck with Beck.”
The album gets better as it goes, especially thanks to Del the Funky Homosapien. It serves as a good introduction to Gorillaz, but I think they really found the way with Demon Days.
Eh, I’d listen again, but maybe in background or on some overhead speakers in a coffee shop.
Eurythmics
4/5
All the songs up to and including the title track are great. This could’ve been an incredible EP. After that, kinda buns. I’d say that Annie Lennox is probably the Chappell Roan of her time.
Leonard Cohen
4/5
Loved this album actually more than I thought i would!
That’s all I have to say about that. RIP king.
Missy Elliott
3/5
This album was fine, but I really dug the hits and songs that didn’t have Busta Rhymes shouting nonsense.
Tbh, the previous album by Leonard Cohen was somehow exactly what I needed this weekend.
George Michael
2/5
Not as good as I remember from my childhood, but the title track still fucks.
Green Day
3/5
Fun 3 chord bops, catchy hooks. A probable catalyst in getting punk into the mainstream. Although Green Day isn’t my favorite band ever, I recognize their influence on modern music and I would listen to this album again. This album doesn’t have enough dynamics I feel like, as a whole.
Faust
2/5
I like Krautrock as a genre just fine, some of it is more interesting than the rest.
This particular one ….well, “it’s a bit of a pain”(for me).
N.E.R.D
1/5
Fly or Die by NERD shouldn’t have been on this list. This attempt at a second album is a major bomb. The two singles on this album are barely memorable. The faux-jazz vibes they’re trying to manufacture aren’t doing it. Pharrell is a genius producer for like 40 years, and during the last 25, I have come to really dislike his whole “wannabe Curtis Mayfield” vocal stylings (save for “Frontin’”, that song fucks.)
Lyrically this album is like choppy middle school poetry.
The Verve
4/5
This was the album I needed today. I’m going to look up The Verve since this is the second album we’ve heard by them. Maybe they’ll be my new favorite Brit band! Who knows!
But seriously, I loved this album. Some songs felt like a dream, but the dream is like tragic and romantic!
Jimi Hendrix
5/5
Absolute banger. Really paving the way for future legends like Prince (RIP), Lenny Kravitz, and D’Angelo (RIP). And nearly every song is a hit! Quite a feat!
Rufus Wainwright
3/5
I wasn’t super excited to listen to this when it came up…
Then I got excited bc I thought jt was Rufus with Chaka Khan.
Upon first listen I thought “this really isn’t for me. I am not the target demographic for this artist.” And while that may be true, I enjoyed this album more than I thought. It was a good listen and I have a bigger amount of respect for RW. I used to think he was just the guy who co-wrote “Hallelujah” with Shrek for the biopic of Shreks life.
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
5/5
Just fantastic. I love jazz from this era. I can’t seem to find myself in a bad mood when listening to it and I find myself going back for seconds or third-sies.
Can’t wait to hear more jazz in the future honestly!
Janis Joplin
5/5
Over the years, I always recognized Janis Joplins imprint on American Music. She had a unique voice and soul and from what I can tell, a general type of way about her that was no less than “cool as fuck.”
Previously I had only listened to Cheap Thrills by BB & THC like once or twice, and Janis’ “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues…” like once or twice and never really paid the rest too much attention.
Upon hearing Pearl for the first time in my life, Janis Joplin has my attention. Something finally clicked.
Now, I am knee deep in J-Jops.
I will be learning a cover of Mercedes Benz, post haste!
Green Day
3/5
I hated this album when it came out 20ish years ago. I’m still not a huge Green Day fan, but I listened to this record 3 times so I could really absorb.
1. It bugs me how many chord progressions are borrowed from existing songs. According to my source, BJA has openly stated he snagged them.
2. That being said, musically I love this album. Lyrically….meh. Concept? Boring and lame.
Musically more up my alley than Dookie, but lyrically, Dookie is the shit.
3/5
My hunch about PJ Harvey is that she’s pretty much the female version of Nick Cave. listening to this one, I can’t say my assessment is entirely incorrect. I liked it more than I thought I would, but I wouldn’t call myself a fan. I respect and was unfamiliar with PJs game.
The Damned
4/5
I dug this album much more than I thought I would. I can see why this was a big inspiration for a lot of the punk bands in the 80s. It’s all there.
U2
2/5
Wasn’t the worst thing ever but also was.
Doves
3/5
Pretty..pretty…pretty good.
Dwight Yoakam
3/5
Yoakam?! I hardly know ‘em!
Good album, just wasn’t in the mood for it.
Sex Pistols
4/5
I had a good time listening to this, but kinda got bored by the third time I heard “DUNNuhNuh DUNnuhNuh” at the beginning of a song. I guess it is just rock and roll with like 4 parts and sped up a little bit, but not much. Aggro.
ABBA
3/5
Äntligen lite svensk blond disco. Jag är dansdrottningen.
The first song about kissing a teacher is weird, but the album nearly bookends with two complete bangers.
Jazmine Sullivan
5/5
I liked this album a lot! Sexy, smart, deep as all hell. Not a bad moment. Even the interludes were like music. Just bopping!
Roxy Music
2/5
This is like listening to some weird crooner trying to imitate Bowie and somehow they sound more like Pod-Era Ween, but not in a good way. Ween did it somewhat ironically. These guys are serious.
In one song, dude is listing different styles of houses (ranch, duplex, etc..) and then goes on to song about how his blow up doll is THE BEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO HIM! What the hell?!
I DID enjoy one song: Grey Lagoons. That was a banger. The rest were not my thing. Gave me some good unexpected comedy in the morning time though.
Cyndi Lauper
4/5
Very solid early to mid 80s album! The GJWHF > When You Were Mine > Time after Time > She Bop run is incredible. Hard pressed to find a bad song on this album, but her voice can get grating, despite being fantastic! If I had to compare Cyndi to a current artist…I guess Miley Cyrus or maybe Carly Rae Jepsen…
Pavement
3/5
I’m not totally familiar with Pavements game, but this was an interesting listen. I’m going to come back to this one because I feel I didn’t allow myself time to really absorb it.
Enjoyed what I payed attention to.
Bad Company
3/5
…til the day I die.
Bad Co. is a hits band, but we love them for it. This debut album by the 70s “lovers rock” has some surprisingly good songs that aren’t the 3 main hits, but the hits are so catchy, you forget the others very quickly.
I’m still convinced the best use of Bad Company’s music is in the movie “Scotland, PA,” which is Shakespeare’s Macbeth, but is set in and around a 70s fast food burger joint. It’s also the first time I heard the term “Rock Block.”
3.6/5. (Should I round up, you think?)
Joy Division
5/5
Musically iconic. Possibly the greatest album cover of all time. Joy Division, despite my lack of listening time year after year, still come up from time to time and I never skip them when they do.
Though I feel like I just listened to the entire discography, I loved this little excursion and I’m sure it wont be the last time I listen to it. Every song is absolutely essential for this album to really make the impact it has made.
Best three song run: New Dawn Fades, She’s Lost Control, Shadowplay..
Stevie Wonder
4/5
TIL: Stevie Wonder wrote the original song “Pasttime Paradise” which was sampled heavily for Bay Area Rapper Coolio’s “Gangstas Paradise.”
This album is so obviously in Prince’s influence list, as well as Michael Jackson and Ween. The album flows well and I was introduced to some great deep cuts. Only thing I have never been able to stand is Stevie’s harmonica sound. I don’t know why, but it bugs me when I think about it being a harmonica.
I’m still not convinced this man is blind.
Led Zeppelin
3/5
I love Zeppelin. That being said, Robert Plant is my least favorite part.
Good stuff. Funky, rocky.
Britney Spears
2/5
Can’t say I hate this. Infectious pop sounds of my youth. I literally still remember all the words to “baby one more time” and I wasn’t even the one in the house who had the CD!
What a weird pose for an album cover.
Beatles
5/5
This album is often credited as one of the first steps in psychedelia. I’m not going to disagree with that! Right after the Beatles decided to stop playing live, they made this record. Not playing live gave them the freedom to experiment and that was big.
Personally, I think this is a stepping stone to the best era of Beatles (Sgt. Peppers thru the end), but without it, we wouldn’t have gotten there.
I can’t remember if Revolver is pre or post Paul is Dead, but there is a good bit of George and some John combination songs. Not my favorite Beatles record, but a fantastic record nonetheless. I always find a new great song every time I listen to them!
Liz Phair
1/5
Admittedly, this album was a struggle for me to get through. It just felt very flat. Lots of unnecessary chord changes and no real vocal dynamic.
Just really not for me.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
Liked this more than I thought, but I am still just not getting Dinosaur Jr.
Curtis Mayfield
5/5
Fuck. Yes.
Enough said.
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4/5
Da (British White Guy) BLOOZ!
Not a Clapton fan particularly, and I typically turn my nose at British blues, but John Mayall and the Blues Breakers are giving the bizness on this one.
I will take back my predisposition of white British blues players for a time…
But only if the music is rhythmic and moving. Get that rigid, breadstick shit out of here.
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
4/5
Musically I loved it! Vocally, I’m not a Neil fan, and some of his lyrics are not for me either but he’d be like “you don’t like it? Don’t buy it!” I like his style.
Happy 80th Birthday, Neil Young!
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
5/5
Have we done this before? Definitely feels like we’ve seen THAT tree before…
Jokes aside, this album is pretty great. Sounds like each member was going through it at the time of writing and recoding, but honestly I wouldn’t be able to tell based on music alone.
Kanye West
5/5
“Maximalist hip hop” is what it was called. Kanye’s magnum opus. This is one album that will forever be on my “art separated from artist” list.
Not a bad song on the whole thing.
Justice
5/5
Starts off dancy and gets kind of backgroundy. Loved it.
Peter Frampton
2/5
Not the worst thing ever, but definitely not making any of my top 10 lists. 70s cheese through and through.
R.E.M.
4/5
Was already edging on the R.E.M. discography this week, so this album was good timing. Very solid album and made me decide to do the deep dive.
I think this is the next big step for Stipe and Co after Reckoning. Wonderful.
Morrissey
2/5
Morrissey is a c*nt, and I find him pretty lazy as a lyricist.
I love The Smiths, but mostly because of the other three guys. As far as solo Moz goes, I can find both songs I like on one release.
I’ll say there were some funny lines. One thing about Morrissey is he has a British sense of humor and I appreciate that.
Adam & The Ants
4/5
Fun weird new wave! I enjoyed this quite a bit. I could pick out the rockabilly songs they were referencing sometimes and it seemed fun to dance to. All in all, a great record.
Arcade Fire
3/5
I’m not an Arcade Fire fan, they are like the U2 of Indie. I tried to many times, though, the last of which, was when this album came out and I bought it. There are some high points, but I don’t think it needed to be a whole album.
I preferred the vibe of Neon Bible.
The Stooges
4/5
Pretty great songs, absolutely awful recording/mixes. Both Bowie and Iggy’s mixes are atrocious. But a great relationship was birthed between the two and they went on to make like 5 albums together in Berlin in a very short amount of time.
I’d give this 4.6, in all truth.
Roxy Music
3/5
This Roxy Music album was better than the other one we got, but I don’t care for Bryan Ferry’s voice.
Chicago
3/5
This was fun, light, energetic. A little white-boy funk/jazz fusion that is definitely of the times. I’d check it out again.
Linkin Park
1/5
What a slog. Bringing up middle school memories…who needs that? Nobody.
In the end, it doesn’t even matter…
The Afghan Whigs
5/5
I loved every minute. Such a heartbreaking album, but so timeless.
I came to Afghan Whigs by way of Har Mar Superstar (iykyk) and while I am still digging into them, this is probably my second favorite so far.
Television
4/5
I finally get this album, and it’s pretty darn good. Not my favorite CBGBs band by far, but this was a solid listen!
Bauhaus
2/5
Two words: Fish. cakes.
Rush
1/5
Nearly gouged out my ear drums with a rusty spoon. Would’ve rather heard the other Rush album.
2/5
This was not as easy a listen as Parklife. At times, though, it kinda sounded like Madness, and that was cool.
Bob Dylan
4/5
If I’m being completely honest, dude should tune his guitar and maybe take a baby step away from the mic. Also, he should fire his producer.
Songs are brilliant for the time, and a few of them timeless. Girl From the North Country is top 5 Dylan songs for me.
The Boo Radleys
1/5
This fell flat for me. It was like a 90s buzz band decided to make a psychedelia record without ever actually getting psychedelic! I imagine the members of this band to be a bunch of white dudes that dress like George Clinton.
Cowboy Junkies
3/5
A little tame for my current taste, but a solid record nonetheless.
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
chill tunes to zone too while you do whatever it is you happen to be doing while this album plays.
The White Stripes
4/5
Nearly a perfect album. Toward the end it starts to get a little filler-y, but otherwise a great record! Once I’m done with my personal Zevon dive, The Stripes might be next!
Jimmy Smith
5/5
This album fucks. Another one of those “pull you out of a bad mood” albums. Happy blues/jazz.
Erykah Badu
4/5
Immediately reminded me of D’Angelo. Great songs. Very chill. Second half might’ve been a little TOO chill!
Calexico
3/5
This album was pretty good, but it was great for background music. Gave good vibes to the day.
The La's
2/5
This was fine. Everyone knows “There She Goes,” but I actually liked “I can’t sleep” more. Whole album had a little Stones and a little Byrds and was just fine.
The Temptations
4/5
Though without David Ruffin, arguably the best member of the Temptations, and most egotistical, this album slaps.
It’s funky, but then has the tender love songs we know them to put out. Overall, probably a 3.8/5.
Fugees
4/5
Classic 90s hip hop. Solid through and through. Admittedly this may have only been like the third time I’ve listened all the way through. I forgot some bangers like “Cowboys.”
Points off for Wyclef. I never liked you! You were never my friend!
One time!
Prefab Sprout
2/5
First couple songs had me in the palm of their hand, but then it starts to get weird.
The “hit” kinda sounds like an 80s afterschool special. And the rest has these weird time signatures and changes that don’t make real sense in a pop world.
MGMT
4/5
This album brings back a ton of memories. Brian Hoesing and I had adventures. One of which was in rural Minnesota in the summer of 2008. “kids” was our anthem. He probably woulda shit if he knew I didn't have car insurance at the time.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
Purrty bangor rekerd, I’ll reckon!
Massive Attack
3/5
It was decent. Great for background, but I probably wouldn’t repeat listen.
The Kinks
2/5
This one was hard for me to get into. I can hear where bands later found influence in this particular album, but I couldn’t quite get there.
Public Enemy
5/5
Bomb Squad! LFG!!!
One of the best hip hop albums of all time. So many bangers. Will definitely revisit.
The Cult
1/5
No. This is like if you told Cory Feldman to start a GOOD band, and they are still not good (my opinion). It’s as metal as Ghost.
To put it simply as quoted by one of my favorite holiday movies:
“Buzz, yer girlfriend…WOOF!”
Various Artists
3/5
Pretty solid holiday fare from a …MURDERER!
The Smiths
3/5
Not my favorite of The Smiths release, but it’s a pretty wild ride of an album.
Moz is still a c*nt.
Radiohead
2/5
Realistically this is a 2.2 for me. It’s a little abstract and weird, and didn’t really have any songs I clung to. Basically why I got out of Radiohead fandom as quickly as I got out.
A few moments I really enjoyed the musicality.
The Rolling Stones
5/5
Absolute banger. Probably could’ve been a single LP but even the “filler” is pretty solid stuff. From an extremely wild time for Keith, in which they were recording in his South of France villa. This masterpiece would not have been possible without Bobby Keys, he’s the real MVP. And in a weird indirect way it wouldn’t have been made without Gram Parsons either, though he doesn’t play on the album, Mick made sure of that.
The Divine Comedy
2/5
I’m not wild about Morrissey as a solo act, so why would I want to listen to a slightly different Temu Moz? Did not dig it. TBF, I didn’t end up finishing it. 2.5 for the “slightly different” part. Horns and instrumentation was fun.
The Byrds
3/5
I wasn’t privy to this Byrds record, with the exception of Eight Miles High, because of Hüsker Dü. I liked about 90% of the songs alright, but I think they used too much 12 string electric.
Still folksy, but edging on psychedelia.
Nick Drake
4/5
I thought this would be a depressing slog. And while the subject matters might be “sad bastard,” the album itself is quite beautiful. Kind of reminded me of Chris Bell from Big Star.
Frank Sinatra
2/5
What’s “whoopee”?
Frank Ocean
4/5
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a perfect album, but it is certainly stellar. I hadn’t listened to this album in full in about a decade. “Lost” was our song when we first started dating and it was great to hear again and bring me the nostalgia and a feeling of youth.
Would definitely listen again.
Blood, Sweat & Tears
2/5
Eh. Not all bad, but more bad than good, imo.
Fiona Apple
3/5
6 of 10 songs are singles?! Cripes, lady!
Though I only know Criminal sort of. This is a solid listen. Kind of a jazz vocal album, but also having that mid-90s groove going on.
Lou Reed
3/5
First listen, I was like “yeah this rules.”
By the 5th (bc no Sat/Sun albu), I was not as enthused. The hits are great, but a couple songs just ruin the whole thing. Also that bridge in “Satellite of Love” is duuuuuuuumb.
Dr. Dre
4/5
This album came at a terrible time, as “I just stopped smokin’ yesterday” (-Snoop Dogg, Half Baked). It was really about a week ago and frankly, it’s hard.
Almost as hard as this album goes. Bangers and the occasional skit.
Brought Snoop to the mainstream, pushed DOC and Death Row. Clowned on Eazy-E specifically.
Fun fact, I think I read this is the first “commercial” use of the “deeeeez nuts” joke.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
5/5
Modern Classic. 5/5 no notes. Favorite lyric: “boy you’re such a stupid bitch and girl you’re just a no good dick.”
UB40
3/5
i was only familiar with their two biggest hits, both covers I might add, and neither on this album. However, seeing they did a Randy Newman song, I gave it an honest listen. I would’ve probably breezed through it as background, as it’s very chill. Solid. Probably a 3.7
The Fall
3/5
Hmmm….i don’t know. I don’t hate this, but I’m not sure I’m in love with it. Kinda like a prototype version of Idles.
It wasn’t my thing, but one thing I found impressive is that the whole album was recorded in a day. Bands nowadays would pay big dollars and time to have a record sound like it only took a day.
Steely Dan
5/5
No notes.
I don’t wanna do your dirty work.
Metallica
2/5
Hahahahaha. I’m not gonna make it through this album. Sorry, gang. Weirdly, I like “The Unforgiven” and “Nothing Else Matters” more these days.
Sad But True: all I can hear is Snoop Dogg singing this as he walked through the audience with terrible hair during MTV’s Icon. Woof!
Billy Bragg
1/5
I thought I would’ve been more into this. I respect Bragg as a politico-punk troubadour, but this didn’t hit for me. I really can’t pinpoint why.
Pulp
5/5
This is in my top 25 albums of all time. I never get tired of it, and it always finds a way into my life.
Let’s all meet up in the year 2000. Won’t it be strange when we’re all fully grown?
The Sugarcubes
4/5
This was alright. Wasn’t like every song was my favorite, but I enjoyed the listen. Young Björk fronting the band, it’s very interesting. I definitely see why Birthday is the song people glom onto.
N.W.A.
4/5
Cheesy at parts, definitely too much cursing, and overall lyrically doesn’t really hold up. But still this is an absolute banger.
Queen
4/5
Pretty decent album. Killer Queen, Brighton Rock, Now I’m Here, and Stone Cold Crazy go super hard.
This album is the definition of “guitar rock.”
Peter Gabriel
4/5
First impressions: this album is good but not QUITE a classic. I did discover a “new” song I didn’t know before in “And through the wire.” “Biko” is a solid album ender.
Pet Shop Boys
1/5
“Try Diet Coke! Now Caffeine Free!”
That’s how I feel about it.
Wilco
3/5
Thought I’m not really a Wilco fan, I didn’t hate this listen through and maybe I’ll check out more. Maybe.
The White Stripes
3/5
Had its moments but overall not my favorite of their releases.
Adele
3/5
Fantastic singer. I can’t believe this album is more than 10 years old. Definitely those three solid gold hits, but tbh, not too much more than that for me here. 2.5
Bee Gees
2/5
Maybe just my mental space, but this was not an album I would deem “essential.”
It was nice, chill and a little ballady, and they’ve all got great voices.
That’s all I have to say about that.
Pre-disco Bee-Gees is not for me.
The Go-Go's
4/5
Peter Gabriel
3/5
This album is almost perfect again! In Your Eyes is a perfect song.
Moby
4/5
Chill. Good for background and getting things done. Didn’t know he made “South Side” or “Natural Blues.” Classic tracks. Pleasantly surprised.
Stephen Stills
3/5
This album was fine. Nothing crazy. Pretty standard 70s rock.
Supertramp
3/5
Kinda lost me after the first two tracks.
Brian Eno
5/5
I really like ambient music.
Dire Straits
3/5
Pretty good. Hella production.
Talking Heads
4/5
While I love the talking heads, this isn’t my favorite album by them. David Byrne’s writers block really shows. That being said, the first 4 songs are bangers. After that it turns into a flat version of a Joy Division record.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
2/5
This was a slog. The production has this 80s thing that I can’t stand, and that’s a big issue I have. Musically not bad but not great or groundbreaking.
Clearly someone from the UK who put this list together bc there is a lot of stuff that was only big there.
Jeff Beck
2/5
Eh. Kinda middle of the road. Great guitar work, total respect, but also….just boring.
Depeche Mode
3/5
Liked this more than anticipated.
Van Halen
3/5
Solid guitar work. Can’t unhear David Lee Roth’s vocal for Runnin’ with the Devil.
The Stone Roses
3/5
Opening song was meh, but the rest wasn’t too bad. 3.2 stars
Quicksilver Messenger Service
4/5
This was like one giant “who do you love?” jam and it was a journey! The rest I could take or leave, but that huge multi-part thing was great.
Love
1/5
I am not a fan of harpsichord.
Dr. Octagon
4/5
A little slower than I remembered but still an absolute banger record.
AC/DC
3/5
Pretty great record, but had a good amount of filler.
King Crimson
4/5
Whoooooooo!!!!!!!
Deep Purple
3/5
‘s alright. I can definitely hear the influence on metal.
The Replacements
5/5
This is an album that I have every second memorized. They are my all time favorite band and while this is most fans’ favorite album, this lands at like 2 or 3 for me. That being said, it’s absolutely perfect.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Not quite fully electric and several songs with the same sound scheme, but a fantastic listen. A couple songs I would’ve left off maybe, and some I felt could’ve been shorter. I challenge Bob Dylan in 1965 to write a shorter song.
DJ Shadow
4/5
I have fond memories of picking up a random CD version of this from the Air Force base barracks in Albuquerque. Good stuff.
Always loved this record, though seldom revisited.
Stan Getz
5/5
I’m at an age where the old school world music and jazz make me extremely happy.
The Monks
3/5
Somewhere between Violent Femmes and Jay Reatard lies The Monks.
Pretty good, but sometimes tedious.
Ms. Dynamite
3/5
Judging the cover art, this is 2002. I don’t think I would like this, and even the first song comes off cheesy to me, but as the rest of the songs unfolded, I enjoyed them all the same.
Run-D.M.C.
3/5
Dated, but still solid.
Nirvana
5/5
4.5
I love this album. The second half is so much better than the first half, but maybe because the first half has been overplayed on rock radio for 35 years.
The Specials
4/5
Enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.
Q-Tip
4/5
I can’t wait to listen to this one again! What a great album!
Django Django
2/5
To me, this was like Animal Collective lite.
Blur
2/5
I feel like they took the worst parts of American music at the time and Britishized them. Never really been a Blur fan, though. Song 2 does indeed fuck.
Nine Inch Nails
3/5
Ramones
3/5
A classic. Influential to the maxx. But not my favorite.
Boston
3/5
I guess I’m in my dad rock era…or I’ve opened my mind.
2Pac
2/5
Brilliant as I think pac is as a rapper, this album is kind of thematically shallow. Also, every beat is a sad slow jam beat.
The Velvet Underground
3/5
Pretty solid, but sometimes I get annoyed by Lou Reeds lyrics