Generic early 90s Alternative Rock - probably called Grunge at that time - without the edginess of the better known acts (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains - you name it). The kind of music we would have played at school and no-one would care. OK-ish but Petty. Probably a good starting point for "1001 albums you can ignore without missing anything"
Legend - kind of... Megadeth was always defined by the brilliant instrumental work by Dave Mustaine and his mates that was far superior to his former band (Metallica). However, his questionable decision to take over the vocals by himself limited the recognition by a broader audience. Peace Sells ... defined trash metal at its time but in my view, the best of Megadeth was yet to come - thus it is not a 5/5 for me. Did I mention the iconic cover art work?
This is the third album I was proposed and the third that would not be on my list. I was aware that there would be albums I do not know yet and I was not going to like them all. But I was not prepared for something this bad. Not sure if I should adjust my earlier reviews now. Oh, seems I cannot send with zero stars...
I have never been that much into Metallica, but this album proves that even a technically limited band can still produce great heavy metal stuff if they are musically talented, write songs with sophisticated rhythm structures and play it tightly. Apart from the title track, "One" is the other track that was still in my ears after decades. Clearly the second best Metallica album (Master of Puppets being #1 of course), for me actually four-and-half.
One of my motives for joining this project was to learn about artists I do not know well yet and this absolutely fits the bill. The title sounds like blues philosophy but that's not what I found inside. Instead, this is relaxed singer-songwriter stuff with some nice instrumentation (yes, vibraphone) and lots of air to breathe (or to smoke weed, given the publication year). Apart from "Strange feelin'" and "Gypsy Woman" ( which might have partially inspired Krokus' "American Woman"), I really like the simple but very effective bass lines throughout this record. This stuff is far from legendary or making my playlist, but it surely held a nice surprise!
When published in 1988 this must have been far ahead of its time. Nowadays, it gave me a nice and relaxed listen - clear and distinct R.E.M. sound but not too exciting. Actually 3.5 stars for me
Now we're talking! Aretha (one of those people who don't need a last name) is the undisputed Queen of Soul and this is her signature album. Starting with "Respect" which alone would already justify five stars, every single song is carefully arranged around Aretha's legendary voice at it's best. Had it on repeat all day, this one never gets old!
It was interesting listening to an artist that was almost unrecognized here in Europe at that time. Willie Nelson was part of the outlaw movement (more or less started by Johnny Cash) in the country music scene but this album contains only cover versions of standards. While the (actually great) songs are nicely arranged, Nelson's voice and his straight and sometimes even hectic timing ruin much of the vibe known from other artists singing those pieces. Nice try, but doesn't make too much sense to me
The Pretty Things clearly spent some time experimenting in the studio, figuring out what gear was meant for recording and what was meant for rolling. I think some of the most ridiculous parts of Spinal Tap (Listen to the Flower People) were inspired by this. This was fun and yes, you should have heard this album before you die. However, once should do though