PJ Harvey giving some Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) vibes on Good Fortune
3 songs in, it's ok so far, but not great. Kind of one note late 90s early 2000s stuff
Beautiful Feeling feels like a Thom Yorke before he even starts singing. Kinda liking the ethereal feeling of it
I like this other Thom Yorke song, This Mess We're In
Ooh Kamikaze slaps
This is Love, meh
Kind of coffee house, punk ish (I mean that in the loosest way), 2000s drama soundtrack vibes. Not totally my cup of 'coffee', but it's artful and fun at times. Didn't resonate, but hey imma big dumb boy
For maybe the first 20 mins I was having a great time, and filling a jazz void I've had for a while. Bill Evans has such deft and control that he gives just the right amount of emphasis through the song. I learned that this style bled into modern jazz so apparently he's a big deal. Then, as the album continued, it overstayed it's welcome. Once you get the first 20 mins, you've essentially heard the whole album. Special shout-out to Solar though, that was pretty good
Holy smokes, gonna go ahead and say that the A-side of this album, while packed with super recognizable songs, might be the best A-side in 2000s Alternative. Will be curious to confirm that as well go on, but it was fabulous. Back side of the album has some good tunes but wasn't as strong. Cannot give this a 5 when you hold it next to true 5s, but it is a super strong 4
So I obviously know of Iggy Pop and the Stooges, but have never say down and just given them a listen. This was a really fun album, and there's this element of it where, today would seem tame, at the time folks must have looked at this as vile and inappropriate. Some repetitive tunes, some really fun tracks. Solid 3 and I think there are a couple of songs I'll keep for myself (Shake Appeal)
Ok so this album is obviously iconic, and the big hits are huge and unforgettable. So heading into this I wondered how do they all weave together and what songs support them. There's a similar vibe across all of the songs. Slow and sludgy riffs with some of those notes highlighting how they used to be a blues band (fun fact!). Electric Funeral and Hand of Doom are fun, and it's all just a vibe. Very inventive for 1970, gotta give it its props.
Gotta be honest, not a ton of context around Willie's music heading into this. I know he's an icon, know what he sounds like, but could not tell you a time I've ever listened to one of his songs. This album rules. I know it's mostly (if not entirely) covers but he just puts his own imprint on all of these tunes and puts out such an uplifting and easy listen. This one caught me by surprise and was quite nice.
Ok this one is kind of frustrating, I'll explain. Half aware of George Jones, first time really listening (am I going to keep saying this?). Lots of ballads in here, seemingly all the same time signature and chords, but, every once in a while, George plays a sped up tune and it's so much fun. The Weatherman and Our Private Life "slap" as they say. If he had a full album of those I'd be all for it. Just too much sap in this one. Almost a 2 but the other songs elevate it.
This album was awesome. Whoa Papa Was a Rolling Stone is almost 12 mins long? I could honestly listen to a 2 hour long version of that song. They knew they had something good and just ran with it. The other tunes are all really good and all of them compliment each other so well. Great work fellas.
So, Bruce, Da Boss, is undeniably a talented lyricist (and composer if he's in charge of that, idk). He's got the energy, a great ensemble, and just gives it his all. Folks absolutely adore him. I'm not one of those people. It just does not resonate with me. Like I can't even critically try to say it has problems, but for me this album isnt a stellar achievement. Maybe that's an overstatement but it was no more enjoyable than many of the albums I've listened to this far.
No expectations heading into this one and it was a really refreshing listen. This album is a happy marriage between The Go-Gos and The Sex Pistols. Great heavy bass lines and Siouxsie Sioux is a fabulous front woman. Pretty fun little journey and hey maybe I'll listen to a few more albums (when I'm done listing to my remaining 900ish albums)
This one is a true "going in blind" album. No idea who these guys are. Never heard of this album. I am absolutely blown away. Could be that this was my first listen not at my home, or that I'm freshly married, but front to back this is such an impressionable and moving album. Dare I say my first 5 stars and not at all the emotions I expected while sitting in an airport. I also like when the theme of an album is clear and throughout (a la Dark Side of the Moon), and this one stays its course throughout. Will need to give it a second listen but for sure my fave from the project this far (not that many albums in to be fair).
Not much to say here. Some songs have merit (Rocketship, maybe Chicken Dog) but this album is largely noise. I see it as more of a frenetic Beck album or more disjointed Primus album (with much less of the sick bass lines). Probably not coming back for the Blues Explosion
Initially was going to rare this a 3 but this guy's voice is so soulful I've gotta go for a 4. Can't believe I hadn't heard of him. Similar to a Sam Cooke with such a rich voice, you get lost a little when he's singing. Very good stuff
If I was running a fusion restaurant with cool vibes in NYC, or trying to have something on in the background while I chill with friends, this would be a good option. If I'm largely sitting and listening to it, this thing goes on and on and on. Fun use of the medium, good DJ, but you could cut it in half and have the same album.
Maybe it was because I only had access to the Deluxe Version, but this thing went on and on. At first I was like hey this is kinda neat, but only a few tracks had something interesting going on. It's meandering and too artful for my liking. I noticed that this guy is from Velvet Underground and friends with Andy Warhol, so this trying to be very arty makes sense (nothing against those things, just the vibe I pick up)
This was ok. Not really up my alley but I can tell that it's produced and performed well. My problem with some R&B albums is that they can seem monotonous. No real criticisms but probably won't come back for a visit
They're a big deal for a reason. This album was solid front to back. From the hits to the B-Sides. Happy Feelin was a great introduction to me. Also, the bass lines in this album are so think and rich. Might have to put this one back on if I want to move around
I mean, what do you say that's already been said? Have heard The Wall before. It's NOT my favorite Pink Floyd album but maybe I'm heading into this already biased and affected by public opinion. It's really good with some absolute killer songs. Uncomfortably Numb is out of this world. I'll probably give the album a 5, BUT if I had half stars I'd give it a 4.5 because to me (and maybe no surprise) Dark Side is the true 5 star in this catalogue.
Oh look! A Queen album with none of their hits on it! What am I to expect?!
Well, I had a very odd epiphany while listening to this. Very early Queen, and I swear for the first half of the album I felt as if they were wanting to emulate Led Zeppelin. Almost to the point of cover band at times. It wasn't until Ogre Battle did the more Queen vibe start to come out. Not an incredibly notable album (for me) but it was very interesting to get this glimpse of the band that's not constantly shoved down your throat.
Fairly shocked that this is Lenny Kravitz's first album. His sound seems fully formed at this point and largely no boring tracks in the whole thing. Really really impressive entry and I had a lot of fun listening to it. Special shout-out to Mr. Cab Driver. That song rocks.
Sweet Lord. I know that the Grateful Dead have their own committed following, and are a vibe all on their own essentially, but this did not click. Don't get me wrong, the entire middle of the album ranged from good to great, but the beginning of the album was a meandering 23 minutes (intentional I know) and ending with nearly 8 mins of literal feedback. The name of the song is Feedback but I didn't know I needed to take it literally! It was trending towards a 3 after a rough start but they solidified a 2 in the end.
Really interesting album from a group I've never heard of. Gave them a little read and you can definitely sense their country roots in this music, but at times they venture into ethereal which is kind of fun. This being from 1967 is astounding given they were not a big band and it sounds great. Another shout-out because there is absolutely zero wasted time here. An easy sub 30 min album of decent tunes.
Fully aware that this is a big time massive album (actually fun fact I didn't know until few years ago, it is a Top 10 best selling album of ALL TIME), so heading into it I had the the thought of seeing how the other songs stack up with the obvious hits that I've heard a million times. Gotta say, she put together a killer album. Now that's not groundbreaking news but her emotional rawness is evident throughout and there is rarely a lull. Just a great album.
Wow what a fabulous album. I even didn't scroll down to see that Superstitious was on it so when it came on I genuinely got excited. Such an interesting sound, like a mixture of jazz and creating this new kind of funk. I've been a believer that Stevie Wonder legitimately has one of the best voices of all time. Really fun front to back
I love Bowie, I think he's got some really exceptional songs and albums, but this one wasn't it. I hate to say it but it's got that similar stink and production as so many late era greats put out on their albums. It's a right album with some decent tunes here and there, but I was shocked to find myself continuously checking to see how much was left. Sorry Duke, this wasn't it
This was neat. I don't know much Oasis outside of their big hits, so it was interesting to get a familiar sound on entirely new songs to me. This album is certainly a little harder than their more mainstream songs, and they're all composed really well. Cigarettes and Alcohol is completely ripping off Bang a Gong? But not sure if that is intentional as an homage. Decent album, would be a 3.5 if I had the ability but I guess I'll give it a 4
Unabashedly a big Talking Heads fan. This album absolutely rocks. I can not help but bob my head or move around a little listening to these tunes. This can't be overstating it but The Talking Heads might be some of the funkiest white people ever. Exciting bass lines and really inventive guitar and drums, AND that's not even mentioning the enigma David Byrne. Easy 5 Stars
This is their first fucking album? Are we sure? This is amazing! The musicianship on this is absolutely next level for whatever level of metal this is in the 90s. Tom Morello is of course celebrated, but he really proves his breadth and expertise here and it's incredible. What can you say about Zach De La Rocha? Unmatchable energy and anger. Maybe the angriest singer ever. I know Killing in the Name of, and it absolutely GRIPS you here, but the rest of the album is just so phenomenal. It is shocking to me how such a politically driven album can also be maybe one of the best albums of the 90s from a pure music standpoint at the same time. AND their first album? An incredible perfect storm.
This was alright. I like some of the New Order hits but this to me was mostly middle of the road. I didn't know a lot of the history about New Order and how they're born from Joy Division, and how the singer of New Order reluctantly became the singer. Honestly kind of makes sense listening to this (at times).
This was, bizarre, but in like a really endearing way. Ian Dury has such a thick cockney that it makes everything have this extra layer of silly, and not only that but then the lyrics themself are already cooky. But the way that he sings it is with so much sincerity that it makes each song fun. Top that off with the fact that his band seemingly are all good musicians as well and that makes this real music (is that a backhanded compliment?). Songs can be basic at times but I was never bored listening to this.
Wow I didn't know that this album was THAT album that has all of their moody hits on it (you won't be seeing Just Can't Get Enough here). Really ahead of their time while be of the time, if that makes sense. You feel their inspiration in a lot of the artists to follow, AND you can just imagine all of the goth kids absolutely loving this album the moment the needle hit the record. Good work gang
Good album. Couple of their hits. Others are all pretty good and interesting. There's not much I feel I can really say here, but I will recognize that this is one of those very important bands that is largely slept on. All members are excellent musicians.
Have only been aware of De La Soul, and haven't spent any time to listen to them. This album is phenomenal! Granted, I'm a Tribe fan and seeing QTip is on this album and De La Soul is chummy Tribe all makes sense. Great samples from some big songs and perfectly incorporated into their songs. Big time props for Eye Know for using Steely Dan. I may actually have to buy this album
An interesting disco entrant to the list. This has that big hit Le Freak, but under this album and not known to the world is that there's a secret really good guitar album in here. The guitar solo throughout Savoir Faire was really impressive. Beyond that a lot of the songs can seem repetitive, but I'm sure it is a product of the time because these songs were made for disco dancing. Alright album
Aware of The Clash and their incredibly important position in music history. There is no other singer like Joe Strummer. This album is neat. Good riffs, strong bass lines, not much I'd go back to. I already love Police and Thieves but the rest of the album is good punk.
Some interesting licks here and there. Joe Perry has such a good way of making interesting riffs. Pretty straight forward and cool rock n roll. Sick as a Dog was actually pretty interesting and hadn't heard that before. Fine album
I love an able with notable and interesting bass lines, and they really keep the bass turned up here. Caleb Followill has such interesting vocals too. We of course all know Sex on Fire, but it's nice to listen to an album of simply their sound without the baggage that comes with a hit (this is not a negative connotation by the way). Great entry album by them and hey maybe I'll listen more often
Really interesting combo of the sound of the times and the blues inspiration that they have (and of course informed Eric Clapton). Sunshine of Your Love is a classic. There are odd times of psychedelic rock that I'd never heard them do. Overall an alright album
Candidly, I already love Supertramp and some of the songs on this album. I've been aware of Crime of the Century but didn't give it a proper listen. This is a phenomenal album. I was really teetering between a 4 or a 5 but the highs of this album along with the hits just bring it up to that 5 level. I just love Rick Davies' vocals and piano and the the orchestral bits are real fun too. Excited for Breakfast in America
No expectations heading into this one, and I gotta say, it's a vibe. Very heavy on the 90s house drum kit (very British I gather), and the vocals are ethereal and soothing. No real notable songs I think but the album in its entirety is just nice, and as they say, cool
This is a tough one to rate, pretty good is largely how I feel about it, but I can't recall any tracks here a few hours after listening. Is that my fault? Ehh idk here's 3 stars. Easy listening and cool
Hot dog if you're going to make an hour and a bit long album you better have something profound to say and produce. This largely feels like they had all of these ideas and were just scared to trim it down. It's a big bloated mess with relatively interesting techno/synth riffs. At times got funky on the bass, and that's fun, but that's about it. One thing I hate is when you listen to a song, and you can tell that they think they have a hit, and it's just . . . not (example, The Height of Fighting)
This was pretty fun, and have so many fun David Bowie moments throughout. Jean Genie is the big hit from this album but I don't think it's even really the best song on the album. Time is pretty awesome (which to be fair was another single). The musicianship throughout was just awesome, and you can catch some pointed Jazz influence here and there too. It's odd to get this kind of quintessential Bowie album without really any of the songs being notable.
I think I mentioned on the Stevie Wonder album I listened to that he had the greatest voice, maybe greatest love song voice idk, but Ray has THE best voice period. It's so distinct, and rich, and soulful that it elevates any song he sings. What is it with blind pianists sounding beautiful? Candidly when I saw how long the album was u was concerned, but my lord it flew by and I hardly checked the time. I listened to a Heaven 17 album recently that felt endless, this was longer and felt shorter. Goes to show making a good album with good songs matters (and being Ray Charles). Great stuff, solid 4
This album is a conundrum. On the surface it should largely be considered gibberish, but, as I sat and listened, it put me in some kind of trance trying to translate the lyrics.
So these words that are all reasonable next to each other but shouldn't share the same sentence are being unpacked during these catchy riffs and good music. I feel like Bruce Springsteen wants to be the energetic Bob Dylan, but he'll never be Bob Dylan. Can not believe my brain is guiding my finger to giving this 4 stars but here we are
I was excited to see this album pop up because I had always heard it was a good album. Upon listening that largely rang true, while not really achieving any 5 star status though. Really enjoyed the heavy South African musical influence throughout, and of course Call Me Al is great. Love me some Paul Simon and this is a good entry
Wasn't expecting such a big album to hit my list this morning. I've heard Sweet Child O Mine and Welcome to the Jungle so much that they're just tuned out at this point, but I can happily comment on a few of the other tunes I wasn't familiar with. I'd already heard Paradise City and Mr Brownstone aaaaand I think another one, but the others were actually pretty interest and not notable low points of the album. Axl is so interesting, Slash is an excellent guitarist, just an all round good album
Kinda glad it starts with the big obvious hit, then you get to enjoy all he has to have without the weight of something else lurking. Consistent throughout are these groovy and intimate movements in his music and it's all so interesting. Let's Get it On is an obvious hit, but his other songs hold their own and give this album life. If you need it for mood setting this would definitely deliver if that's what you're going for
Fun. Kind of repetitive. I enjoy Elvis Costello as much as the next guy which is not a ton, but I don't hold anything against him. I appreciated the brevity of the album too haha
Well this was a fun listen. Familiar with Hysteria and a lot of the songs on it. Side A is truly remarkable and just an 80s hair metal masterpiece, side B is ok and has Hysteria on it. Had the makings of a 5 star album but might have just peaked too early
Interesting album. I know of Leonard Cohen for Hallelujah, which oddly his Spotify bio doesn't mention it at all, but I was intrigued to jump into a full album for him. Seeing as this one is the one he released weeks before his death only adds weight to what I was hearing. The composition of everything was top notch, his voice gargly and old which only added to it, and the lyrics were all good to. Hard to debate it but this is a good album
Threw this one on while at the gym and it was a great pump inducer. Already knew a few of these songs but I just love the heavy Smashing Pumpkins sound. They have their own lil trademark and that's evident on all of the songs on this album. Great listen and excited for more
Am I a hater? Here comes the Boss' biggest album, and I just. Don't. Get. It.
His voice just removes me from enjoying this, his lyrics I guess are good but they aren't resonating. I enjoy Dancing in the Dark but does that just make me a normie?
Nothing excites me, I'd have to reach to describe the redeeming qualities, and it's probably more than likely that this isn't for me. Sorry Boss, but you'll likely be my lowest rated artist
A great bluesy rock album by an excellent trio. La Grange is so weird to be because it sounds nothing like Billy Gibbons but hey it's iconic.
The rest of the album almost has this grunge quality which is cool. Great stuff from Tres Hombres
Now this is an album. Start it off on an iconic guitar riff, pack this sucker with hit after hit after hit, and have absolute masters of the craft just make some music.
I might be biased, I love Zeppelin, but there is not a single skippable song on this thing. Just did a cursory search, only their second album, and released in the same year as their first?? WHAT??
It's hard to come across such immense talent in a group and folks were spoiled in the 60s and 70s. Doesn't beat this
Music for stoners, and potentially exclusively for stoners. I hate to say it but I got a 'try hard' vibe from some of the songs, wanting so hard to be so trippy and experimental.
Not my cup of tea
This really caught me off guard.
Some parts of it, not so good.
Other parts, a really interesting and fun blend of their traditional Brazilian music and psychedelic rock.
Notable standouts are Bat Macumba and A Minha Menina. On the latter, I loved the combo of the acoustic and the gritty guitar, but what's odd is when I first heard it I was not a fan then all of a sudden it clicked and I was digging it. Fun trip.
Some good ole Neil Young. A few great songs, a few alright songs. All together it's pretty good. It's hard to really make any specific notes. I found it interesting how he had such an orchestral vibe to some songs, oddly very non Neil Young of him.
Fun stuff, nothing bad to say about my Canadian icon
Fun album. There are times where it's some of their hits and you're like hey this rocks. Then when most of the other songs play it sounds like one ubiquitous Offspring song. When I read their bio and it said West Coast Surfer Punk it didn't quote make sense, then What Happened to You came on and it all came together
This was alright. I bit prolonged and maayybbeee pretentious but not too much. Just could be trimmed down by like 33%
I really enjoyed the 90s new wave (is it new wave?) kind of vibes and the little videos Spotify plays in relation to the songs made me feel nostalgic. That's about it though, no great call outs
This was a really frustrating album. Some songs have a real catchy vibe going, others are imitations of The Magical Mystery Tour (like many bands/musicians convinced themselves they could do in the late 60s/early 70s).
Hadn't heard much of Todd Rundgren before but when I dug in and saw all of the hits he has it frustrated me more because it confirmed what he could do. Old album though, maybe he was still finding his footing.
Where do I begin? Already a Dave Navarro fan so when keeping an ear open for the guitar I was very satisfied with that. He was amazing and can seriously shred. The downside? I cannot stand Perry Farrell. The vocals could be fine, but hearing the whiny tones, combined with knowing he's a massive douche, just made for a less than desirable listen. If your just here to hear the instruments it's great, just tune out the asshole
Really good album. The hits are great, other songs are good. Not much else I can say about such an iconic band. Love the sludgyness of some of the riffs and I know that that was their big trademark at the time. RIP Ozzy
Solid album. Nothing too notable but there's that clear sign that Basie was master of his craft and brought together only the best musicians for His orchestra. It was kind of nice putting it on and just having good swing playing while I was doing stuff. I'd honestly enjoy buying this as a record and just throwing it on.
A nice jazzy and funky soul album, that's largely melancholy. It was odd I couldn't find this in Spotify so I had to pull it up on YouTube. I think that the sum of the parts is largely good here, though slow for the majority. Big big standouts though, when they decide to pick up the pace, Back Home and The Bottle. If they could've taken that energy and made it a whole album we'd be talking about a 5/5. Piano on this is also exemplary.
Pretty good album. The non hits are largely like "hey, this is REM". When the hits play though, they're just so good. Love Michael Stipe and the gang. Incredibly unique while still having a quintessential 90s sound and vibe. Good combo
Iconic album. Certainly not Thriller but still some great hits on here. As with most big time albums I try to listen for songs that aren't big that are good, and I enjoyed Another Part of Me and I Just Can't Stop Loving You (maybe these are big songs and I just don't know it).
It's interesting to hear this very specific 80s sound, like he still needed to really develop. Thriller was that maturation
This was alright, really good instrumentation throughout, singing and lyrics are fine. You can definitely tell there's a Talking Heads influence here, and it was quite interesting to dig into their history a little bit and appreciate where they're coming from.
Not something I'd revisit but a neat lil post punk album
Pleasantly surprised by this. Had no idea what I'd be getting when putting it on but these guys have really great harmonies and make every song such easy listening. The songs themselves can get a little repetitive but I'm not too concerned about that, was a good listen from beginning to end. You can see why Paul Simon wanted them on Graceland.
Really great hip hop album. Haven't previously listened to Biggie rap but his lyricism is reeaaalllyyy impressive. Big Poppa is a 90s hip hop masterpiece, and much of the rest of the album holds its own as well. Didn't know he was so sexual but hey as he said, "you know why they call me Biggie".
Really soulful and sultry, and Son of a Preacher Man is such a great song too. When I was listening I was like hey this is like the perfect person to do Bond film. Lo and behold she did! Never heard of her before this but is a nice addition to my mental encyclopedia
Great album, kicking off with Everything In Its Right Place is such a great start. Now, unsurprisingly we venture into more of that artsy Radiohead stuff, which has never really done it for me. Real good album but this is no In Rainbows.
I'll tell you what, this album is incredibly frustrating. I'm going to imagine that if you can see the reviews then you've listened to the album, and like me when you saw the length of the album you had a serious double take. I dreaded starting something so long. Then I started it, and I noticed that the musicianship (specifically the guitar and bass) were phenomenal. Holy smokes is this some kind of secret masterpiece? An hour or so goes on and I'm still really enjoying it. Dare I saw I think the singer for The 1975 stole his style directly from this singer. Now we get to the last 10 songs of the album, and I believe they're an obvious filler. At first I wondered if they were just extra studio stuff that can be included in special editions, but I checked the official track listing and there these filler songs were. This is where the album goes from a 4 to a 3. Repeats previous songs, meanders along at times, and really loses its charm.
I'll need to go through it again to get some of the keepers. If you want a good album just listen to tracks 1-30, and forget about the last 10
Honestly, kind of a boring album. There's a weird mix of "let's emulate the Beatles" and then having largely orchestral songs and movements. You get some true and good Bee Gees in here, Odessa the song was pretty good. At the end of it all though I was fairly consistently checking to see how long I had left, and that's not a good sign
Ehh, pretty fine I guess. If I lived in England on the 70s and was at one of their concerts at a bar or something I know it'd be absolutely, as they say, mental. What is very interesting is how you can hear that Glam style in full form and they do do that very well. I thought I recognized the band and then confirmed that they are indeed the band that first made Cuk on Feel the Noize (but that's not on this album).
Fun nonetheless but nothing too notable
