166
Albums Rated
3.61
Average Rating
15%
Complete
923 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
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Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Metal
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
46
5-Star Albums
7
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Gris Gris
Dr. John
|
5 | 2.88 | +2.12 |
|
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
|
5 | 3.15 | +1.85 |
|
Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
|
5 | 3.16 | +1.84 |
|
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
|
5 | 3.29 | +1.71 |
|
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
|
5 | 3.33 | +1.67 |
|
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
|
5 | 3.34 | +1.66 |
|
Eliminator
ZZ Top
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
|
1 | 3.44 | -2.44 |
|
The College Dropout
Kanye West
|
1 | 3.31 | -2.31 |
|
Close To You
Carpenters
|
1 | 3.13 | -2.13 |
|
The Last Broadcast
Doves
|
1 | 3.05 | -2.05 |
|
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
|
1 | 2.78 | -1.78 |
|
Medúlla
Björk
|
1 | 2.73 | -1.73 |
|
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
|
2 | 3.53 | -1.53 |
|
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
|
2 | 3.41 | -1.41 |
|
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
|
2 | 3.38 | -1.38 |
|
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
|
2 | 3.38 | -1.38 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| The Who | 3 | 4.33 |
5-Star Albums (46)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
Alanis Morissette · 2 likes
5/5
Generational album of bangers and up there with the best of the 90's. Cool stories, great guest musicians, Full House ExBF's, etc. 5 stars and would love to one day see her.
The Avalanches · 1 likes
4/5
Really good album and much different than expected. I'm surprised this is my first time listening to such a great album from 2000. Honestly, the person's voice from The Avalanches is sometimes an instant skip for me. Unless you have great sound quality, it messes up my funk-shui. That said, I loved the album but mostly for the cool, trip hop & hip hop beats. One of my favorite pleasant surprises of the journey so far.
Dr. John · 1 likes
5/5
Fantastic listen. My first time sitting down and going through a full Dr. John album. He'll always be special for the song "Desitively Bonnaroo" for a busker being best-of-street or bon-a-roo. What a cool album and unique sound. Dr. John would have been my jam to see live. Very impressed with the album and listened to it again right after finishing.
Kanye West · 1 likes
1/5
This *was an incredible album but I'm not going to play it. I don't listen to people actively preaching hate. Kanye needs medication.
Siouxsie And The Banshees · 1 likes
5/5
Wow, this album blew me away. If this was new music this would be my top priority band to see. I'd always heard of Siouxsie and the Banshees but didn't really know their sound. I had about 5 "whoa... this sounds good" moments and banked "Monitor" as a Prime Cut. Funny that in 2025, my itch for new music and 90's rock is met by an album from 1981!
1-Star Albums (7)
All Ratings
Femi Kuti
4/5
Classic album jam packed with ideas and sounds. Just not my favorite type of music... yet, haha.
Guns N' Roses
5/5
Arguably the best Album 1 Song 1 debut ever by a band... "Welcome to the Jungle" right out of the box is unreal. They established a signature sound from their first notes. Had about 4 or 5 bangers with several generational songs. Amazing album.
The Who
4/5
Classic album am one of the most ambitious undertakings to bust out a rock opera instead of "just" a concept album. Love several songs and has some bangers. Packed with ideas and originality. Great album but more of an every 5-10 years listen for me.
Jefferson Airplane
5/5
Fiona Apple
4/5
Very forward thinking album and sound. Couple of bangers but liked the whole album feel. She was only 19 in 96 so very very impressive for her age. Got Radiohead vibes from something released in 96 & that doesn't happen much. I think "Tidal" directly influenced Billie's "When we all fall asleep where do Go" & Rihanna's ANTI.
Duran Duran
4/5
Great bass lines. I'd listened to the big songs but not the whole album. It's a classic and has some bangers and productive fillers.
The Darkness
4/5
Great album with a banger and a whole lot that should have been more popular. One of the best rip it rock n roll albums of the 21st century.
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
It's outdated of course but loved it. Hip hop was a blank canvas so rhyming "girl" with "world" or "here" with "there" was still fresh and possible. There are way better hip hop albums imo but this had a few things going... new tech using beat machines like the Roland 808 similar to Kraftwerk & Gary Numan etc. A genre defining sound & one of the first classic hip hop albums.. This is one of the most sampled albums of all time I'm guessing too.
Patti Smith
4/5
Interesting and unique album. Different from what I was expecting & seemed like a great live performer. Gave me Bowie & Elvis Costello vibes. Must be much better live than on album. Not really memorable songs but would be fun to sing if you learned them.
Iron Maiden
4/5
Great debut album that instantly established their sound and were innovators in metal. Very talented musicians and lotta music, notes, and ideas packed into the album. One of my favorite notes was the huge grand finale on the last song. This would be one of the best live play through albums cause it plays like a concert.
R.E.M.
4/5
Some great songs and wonderful sounding album. Misses some of their biggest songs but has some classics. On the good songs I love Michael Stipe's voice. Peter Buck on guitar and Mike Mills on bass are amazing.
Kate Bush
3/5
Much more interesting than expected but still wonder if this is a rediscovered flash or truly brilliant album. The double weims on the cover's enough to give it 10 stars!
Culture Club
4/5
Good album that's fun to listen to. Several bangers, moderate generational. Unique talent and sound. Very enjoyable.
The Smiths
1/5
The Smiths have never been a favorite but wanted to give the album a shot. Not the type of music I like, but can see why people like them... actually, I guess I do like this style just not their music. The Smiths, REM and The Pogues all around the same time & can see the similarities. No bangers.
Portishead
4/5
Really interesting listen. One of the few things that sounds like Radiohead before Radiohead (Bjork & NIN are others). Had a couple famous songs and very cool trip-hop vibes.
Hugh Masekela
2/5
Very good but think I've heard recent stuff like this so didn't hit as hard as the Fela Kuti album did. I'm glad to deposit his name & sound to my memory bank.
The Saints
2/5
Lotta ideas and good sounds. Kinda Strokes & Iggy Pop vibes for late 70's and Australia. Had fun listening to it and bet it'd get really good with a few more listens. Not on par with the greats of all time... yet.
The Afghan Whigs
2/5
I'd always seen the name but never heard the music. Trent Reznor sounding vocals with a Wilco meets Bush sound. Very underground 90's. Wasn't quite my favorite but am happy I listened.
Songhoy Blues
2/5
Interesting listen and glad I've heard of these guys now.
The Beach Boys
5/5
One of the best ever. Generational bangers and talents.
Sam Cooke
4/5
Classic songs, all time bangers, one of the best voices of all time at the top of his game. Great album, but 36 min live show has me wanting more. Would have loved to have been at one of his shows! I've seen Leslie Odom live and think that's the closest thing I can get... I love Leslie but he's no Sam Cooke!!! Sam has so much swagger and such a silky smooth voice.
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Interesting listen because I'd always listened to either Loaded or Velvet Underground with Nico (the banana Warhol album). This one was a lot more down tempo and didn't have the bangers. Glad I listened but not my favorite of theirs... yet.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
Another one I've seen a lot and probably dabbled in, but didn't really know too well. Very cool album. One that I'm sure I would have been more into if I'd either had access to more indie music or a friend that turned me on to them. These were the days before Spotify so radio, physical media or word of mouth was it. I enjoyed it and think I'd like it more and more as I learned it.
Talking Heads
4/5
Right off the bat establishes Talking Heads style. Jam packed with ideas... they're a band that had something to say, mostly about nothing, but they said it haha. Psycho Killer banger. I'm glad I got to see David Byrne 2nd row at Shaky Knees one year!
Alanis Morissette
5/5
Generational album of bangers and up there with the best of the 90's. Cool stories, great guest musicians, Full House ExBF's, etc. 5 stars and would love to one day see her.
Blur
3/5
Neat listen and first time hearing the whole album. I'm a big Damon Albarn fan from Gorrilaz and some other Blur work. He gives me Beck vibes where he's just a wealth of sounds and musical knowledge. Lotta ideas to put down and I think 15 or 16 tracks. Didn't have the generational bangers but some good ones and covers a lot of sonic ground.
Astrud Gilberto
2/5
Interesting listen and classic sound. Has that Nico style low voice and copa cabana type beats. Short album but had fun hearing it. Ready for a new sound now.
Shivkumar Sharma
3/5
Interesting listen for world music. Kinda the first banger yoga album haha. Very talented just not my full time jam. I liked this much much more than what I imagine is bad music from this genre. 1967's pretty early for this. Cool album and bet I'll see it again somewhere.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
5/5
Bangers up and down & a true set it and forget it album... just press play. The perfect way to wrap up 1999. Grunge had already "died" and remember not thinking they still had a great album in them due to age/drugs/etc. Californication and In Rainbows always stand out as perfect albums released late in a band's career. First time seeing them was Bonnaroo 2006 and think I'm up to 3 or 4 now... the sound is always off... always.
ABBA
4/5
Good album so far. One generational banger in Dancing Queen and some solid jams throughout like Money, Money, Money & Fernando. This looks to be about 5 albums in for ABBA.. is it their best?!? Welp, closing out with Fernando and Happy Hawaii probably make it their best. I would have to do a lot more listening to know. Good bass guitar keeps things interesting.
3/5
Very crazy listen for a few reasons... sonically it's wild, but the influence is crazy. Sounds very, very similar to Animal Collective's "Sung Tongs" (also 2004) and turns out they're both from the same NYC music scene. This album is a direct predecessor for Radiohead's "The King of Limbs" - - the first 2 tracks "Bloom" and "Morning Mr. Magpie" are direct copies of certain parts or beats from Liars. There aren't many things that Radiohead sounds like but this is definitely one of them (Radiohead is waaaay better but they did rip this off).
The Zombies
3/5
Cool album. Sounded oddly both current & vintage. One generational banger and it's the sound of the late 60's. You can tell they did more psychedelic sounds and possibly even loosened their ties & undid a button (not 2). These guys would have made great monks. Cool nerds honing their craft.
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
What a debut album! Crazy to think this was the stuff we were listening to at 10-12 years old haha. Rage is STILL the best protest music, the best rage music, and the best way to blow off some steam & get the adrenaline pumping. Shame we had to miss their 2020 show due to COVID... one of my all time cancellations I wish I had. Several generational bangers and instantly put them on the map. What more could you want?
Moby
3/5
Kinda pioneering album and certainly one of the first electronic acts to his mainstream. Moby had been around for years and was relatively famous for those in the know, but didn't break out until this. "Porcelain" is a classic jam and so 90's. "Southside" is one of the best tongue-in-cheek "sell out songs" and banger with Gwen Stefani. Sorry Eminem but now everybody listens to techno so let's go...
Herbie Hancock
5/5
Unreal album and one of the best collaborations. I originally thought the Head Hunters was his band but didn't realize they had their own big career. The sounds made on this album were so unique and creative it's one of a kind. 4 songs 41 minutes is awesome. Can't remember 100% but think this might be 1 song per record side which is crazy. It doesn't have 10+ songs but didn't need it.
Belle & Sebastian
2/5
A little different than I was expecting and thought I knew what Belle and Sebastian was about. It gave me Sufjan, Modest Mouse and Broken Social Scene vibes... all after 1998. Good album but not my exact jam. Glad to have the knowledge and move onto the next one.
Adele
5/5
Gotta be one of the best In Your Feels albums to sing-cry it out. Generational talent with a generational breakup banger. "Hello" doesn't resonate with me all the way since it's opposite the worst breakup I experienced but see how it's THE song for a lot of people. I like the upbeat songs "Send my Love" and "Sweetest Devotion." Awesome album, well done Adele.
The Cramps
2/5
Interesting album and glad I know more about The Cramps now. Very erratic and whimsical singing that reminded me of the B-52's, Buddy Holly & Jerry Lee Lewis. Creative and fun album but one I think I'm not going back to much.
Jethro Tull
4/5
Cool album I'd listened to on vinyl but first time revisiting in a while. Love the flute, the musicianship, and creativity. Hobbit Rock! Music for guys who probably don't smell good or bathe in rivers. Some of the most creative lyrics out. You don't see many albums like this simply because it's very hard! This level of creativity and expertise doesn't come around much.
David Bowie
3/5
Very interesting album and made Bowie even cooler than before. After "Young Americans" song, it was sounding like a typical post Ziggy Bowie kinda Wall St rock vibe.... then out of nowhere, there's about 15 minutes of zen yoga-like sound bath with birds, ancient instruments, and peaceful ambient sounds. Probably the biggest in-album change I can remember and what a bold step for 1977. Yet another genre to pioneer! This album will rank higher in memory and creativeness than enjoyment but glad I listened.
Sly & The Family Stone
4/5
Great album and love the grandfathers of funk! Generational bangers and jam packed with sonic ideas. Really enjoyed it.
Scritti Politti
2/5
The most 80's thing I've never heard haha. If you want to get smashed in the face with new to you 80's this is it. Also best band name ever.
Slipknot
2/5
I'm actually glad to have listened to this but I do not like this style of scream metal rock. The good: Slipknot are really good musicians and there's a lot of creative musical talent in the album. Good debut album that set the tone of the band. Some singing with the screaming and thrashing. The bad: I just don't like much screaming music... it's either too hard (Slipnot) or too soft (whiny pop screamo). Glad I'm through it and onto the next one.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
Generational talent. Generational bangers. What a voice! Loved her from the Fox97 and Blues Brothers. Better than I expected and figured the album would be great.
Steely Dan
5/5
An album I've been listening to already because I wanted to beef up my Steely Dan knowledge. I'm through to Aja and enjoyed the journey of their sounds. This album ranks up there with announcing their sound from Song 1 Album 1. They open up with "Do it Again" & "Dirty Work" as their first two songs is up there. Throw in "Reelin' in the Years" with some other good tracks and it's a classic. Generational bangers, generational talent, generational creativity.
The Pogues
5/5
Reminds me of REM but was coming out at the same time. At the minimum, I'd say REM was into The Pogues both musically and lyrically. Currently, IDLES is a way more raucous version of this. Interesting to have a song with heavy Christmas lyrics "Fairytale of New York" in the middle of an album. Trying to remember other Christmas classics that are from a regular release album?! I like the different style of "Metropolis." I was prepared to give this 3-4 stars but honestly it was delightful and much more diverse than expected. 5 stars!
Pulp
2/5
Other than "Common People" don't know too much about Pulp other than indie-heads love them. Very cinematic and over the top music. Part Bowie, part Danny Elfman. Good sound and album but not my overall favorite.
Lorde
3/5
I like Lorde and respect her musically. This was a good album and further proof she has a huge catalogue when most people only know "Royals." No generational bangers but solid album.
The Stooges
2/5
"Search and Destroy" as the album opener... whoa! Coming out hot! Short album with only 8 songs & 34 min run time. Honestly, first thing I noticed was how young and un-wrinkly Iggy Pop looks on the album cover. Great sound and apparently influenced a ton of bands. Not quite the generational bangers to get huge rating but good album.
Bob Dylan
5/5
Generational bangers & one of the best albums of all time. Possibly the ultimate singer-songwriter album... at least on the Mt Rushmore. Iconic music & songs that are just as relevant over 60+ years later. Listening after seeing "A Complete Unknown" movie about Bob Dylan helped understand more of the backstory. I'd give more stars if they had them : )
2/5
Cool concept album and like the Kinks sound but this one didn't hit for me at first listen. Sounded like Paul McCartney doing a Grateful Dead album. Nothing sounded bad, but nothing caught my attention. Misses out on the Kinks bangers but a productive album.
Peter Gabriel
3/5
I've always heard people rave about Peter Gabriel. Favorite artist, videos, or live performances. This was the first full album I've listened to of his and was impressed. Had a lot more unique sounds. This might not get referenced much, but I got big time Lenny Kravitz vibes from Peter Gabriel's singing style. I think Lenny must have been a fan of the music and styled his singing after Peter. I still don't know what was Genesis/Phil Collins/Peter Gabriel from some of the old days, but this was a good, not great album.
The Avalanches
4/5
Really good album and much different than expected. I'm surprised this is my first time listening to such a great album from 2000. Honestly, the person's voice from The Avalanches is sometimes an instant skip for me. Unless you have great sound quality, it messes up my funk-shui. That said, I loved the album but mostly for the cool, trip hop & hip hop beats. One of my favorite pleasant surprises of the journey so far.
Bon Jovi
5/5
Generational bangers up and down the album. Possibly the sound of 80's rock. Reminded me of Sticky Fingers by the Stones from name, banger, etc. I remember getting out of a Sigur Ros show at the Ryman in Nashville the same time as a Bon Jovi show next door. I overheard a woman coming out say "y'all... I can now honestly say I've lived my life!" This is a ton of people's favorite album and artist.
Siouxsie And The Banshees
5/5
Wow, this album blew me away. If this was new music this would be my top priority band to see. I'd always heard of Siouxsie and the Banshees but didn't really know their sound. I had about 5 "whoa... this sounds good" moments and banked "Monitor" as a Prime Cut. Funny that in 2025, my itch for new music and 90's rock is met by an album from 1981!
The Temptations
4/5
Pleasantly surprised by this album. I read up on it and says it was the first psychedelic R&B album. A lot more sounds than you'd figure for The Temptations. Cool of them to step out of their box and make a classic.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
Sounded like a band that lived on Honalee with Puff the Magic Dragon... and mean that in a good way. No real recognizable bangers but loved the creativity and sounds. Some songs were pretty kitschy and whimsical, but the other half were cool jams. I liked it more than expected and will think highly of the Electric Prunes.
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Good not great Stones album. Judging them a little harder but when you're a top 5 band that comes with the territory. I liked hearing bangers like "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man" but the rest of it sounded a little hokey, country to me. I might unlock a deeper appreciation after a bunch more listens but can use my ear-time better.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4/5
Very glad I'm familiar with Ladysmith Black Mambazo now. I didn't realize this but they're more famous than I knew... they're the band Lindsey Lohan skips in Mean Girls "But you love Ladysmith Black Mambazo?!?" haha. My take away is that this is probably the best harmonizing band of all time. It's a bit more like a choir than boy band but they sound better than Eagles/Queen/Fleet Foxes/etc. They're featured on Paul Simon's 'Graceland' album and sound like the backing band for the Lion King intro haha.
Arcade Fire
4/5
What a great album. Perfect example that you can make a timeless banger without playing any technically difficult music. They already had every eye in indie music on them after 'Funeral' + 'Neon Bible' and dropped a classic. My favorite is a mega-album I made with 5 songs from Funeral & 5 songs from Suburbs, but both are amazing. I finally got to see them a couple years ago after years of listening.
Beastie Boys
5/5
Generational bangers & generational talents. One of the best hip hop albums ever imo. Plus, one of the best run of 4 straight songs ever with Girls, Fight for your Right, No Sleep Till Brooklyn, & Paul Revere. I love the album Paul's Boutique but this has the bangers.
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
Big band music from the 1950's. Basie was the piano player and band leader. Worked with Sinatra a lot and had some of the most iconic swing band songs/albums. Very good for what it is, just not my favorite type of music.
Holger Czukay
4/5
Very creative album and was surprised I hadn't heard of Holger before. Reminds me of Herbie Hancock. 13 minute songs, tons of different riffs and melodies, and very out there. I liked it and will keep it in mind as best of it's class.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
I enjoyed the album and they have such a great sound. It's neat hearing Neil Young's voice in there on several songs. I liked the instrumentals and the overall sonic environment the album creates, but no bangers on this one. Generational talents, yes. Looks like Buffalo Springfield did 3 quick albums and split up. Wish I could have seen them live!
ZZ Top
5/5
Isaac Hayes
3/5
Very interesting album. Most sounded exactly like I expected, but had some unique sounds & silky bass lines. There was an almost 19 minute song... holy crap, that's the longest one I can think of. I think this was the wave of creativity before Parliament & Sly took over. Great hearing The Chef in his natural habitat and always thought Isaac Jones was about as cool as there is.
Pixies
5/5
I went on a mission to get into the Pixies and see what the fuss was about... and was not disappointed! I've listened to Doolittle probably 5+ times this year and really like the album. I finally get why the Pixies were great and love some of these songs. "Debaser" was my most excited song to see at Shaky Knees this year and I was having the best time of anybody there! Legendary bangers, pretty legendary talents and some of the most influential rock music of my lifetime.
Elvis Presley
5/5
Generational talent. Generational bangers. Multi-generational impact. I love seeing what an artist's first song release is for "Song 1:Album 1" and this was one of the best ever in "Blue Suede Shoes." Elvis went big for a first album and has all the signature sounds.
Stephen Stills
3/5
Solid album where you can tell he was just fine on his own without Buffalo Springfield, Crosby or Nash. Opening with "Love the One You're With" was strong & didn't realize that was just his song. This would be a great album for camping.
Green Day
5/5
Generational bangers, talent and album! Funny story but Dookie literally changed my life. Growing up, I loved music... shocker, I know. My family listened to a heavy diet Fox97, 96Rock and Z93 plus their favorites, so knew all the oldies and most classic rock. I get to 7th grade and start going to PJHS with all these other kids. We have a lock in one night at the church and spend all night playing games & hanging out. My friend Lynn's singing along to a CD so ask what it is and say I've never heard of them... "WHAT?!? You don't know Dookie?!?" Haha. Called out. I realized I didn't know new music & went on a mission to learn it. Been the same way ever since!
N.W.A.
5/5
One of the most influential albums of my lifetime. Generational bangers, talent and album. Easy to remember release date 8/8/88 - which goes well with the 808 beats! Recognizable faces and voices. Surprised to see this came out after Beastie Boys 'License to Ill' cause thought it was earlier. To me, this album signifies the end of elementary, early hip hop and ushered in gangsta rap as the dominant genre.
Missy Elliott
4/5
Great 1st listen for me and really liked it. Some notes... The first song of Missy's debut album is Busta Rhymes introducing Missy. There's a thank you / prayer at the end before closing out the last song... don't see either of those much. Missy & Timbaland is awesome. This would be a solid album without lyrics but cool hearing generational talents.
Steely Dan
4/5
Another part of my Steely Dan 8 album conquest to understand Steely Dan. I think this was my 3rd or 4th time listening to it and it finally clicked. Loved it. and was more about the funky swings than the singing or lyrics. "Botisava" usually hits but first time for "Boston Rag" "Gold Teeth" and the end of "My Old School." My dad's 2 favorite bands are Steely Dan and Grateful Dead. After my first listen of Countdown to Ecstasy, he said "Don't sleep on it!" and get what he means now.
Public Enemy
5/5
Yeah, boyyyyy! This album really impressed me! Generational talents, bangers and influence. Chuck D's arguably the voice of hip-hop & awesome to hear Flava Flav on there too. Pretty advanced for 1990 and seems like the connector between early rap & 90's hip hop / gangsta rap. Top notch mixing in this album and the rhymes are way more advanced than songs from the 80's. Gave me DJ Shadow vibes & sounded like Beastie Boys level mixing. "Fight the Power" was track 20 and with a little research, seems to be the best track 20 ever, at least top 5.
Lou Reed
5/5
This is probably the 5th time I've listened to 'Transformer' this year on my quest to know Velvet Underground and Lou Reed better. This is a favorite album of mine now. Generational talent, bangers and influence. I rank this up there with the best debut solo albums after a successful career in a band (up there with Peter Gabriel). I love the fact that David Bowie & Mick Ronson were producers and helped play/sing on the album.
Dire Straits
4/5
Debut album that sets the tone of the band being great musicians. I'd been on a Mark Knopfler kick a few years ago, when he was one of the one Masters of Guitar cartoon characters I couldn't answer. There were 3 or 4 songs other than "Sultans of Swing" that I really liked. Generational talents & banger.
T. Rex
4/5
Glam Garage rock. Dude is a really good musician... Marc Bolan. I really like the album and would have loved to have seen this live. This woulda been my scene haha. I'd always though Foxygen had T Rex vibes but never realized "Oh Yeah" has strong roots with "Mambo Sun." Very creative, generational talent and some bangers.
Dinosaur Jr.
3/5
I've seen Dinosaur Jr live and have been listening to them for around 30 years, but still don't quite get them. I know they're a LOUD live band, and lots of people rank them as their loudest concert ever. This album gives me "Doolittle" by Pixies vibes for time and early, raw grunge rock. The guy's voice gives me Grouplove vibes & Christian is the only performer that's ever given me Cobain vibes. Influential album but falls flat for me without knowing all the songs & riffs yet.
Various Artists
3/5
Good album for Christmas, but this one belongs in the "good music / bad people" record bin. I read up a bit on the Wrecking Crew because I know Carol Kaye was a monster on bass sessions.
The Smashing Pumpkins
5/5
Classic album that was the sound of my childhood. This is the most ambitious album I've listened to in the first 100. It covers so many sounds and genres. Reading up on says Billy Corgan wanted this to be the Smashing Pumpkins White Album so had 28 songs and made a jambalaya of great music. 4 generational bangers, generational talent and generational influence. I thankfully got to see Smashing Pumpkins play at the Fox Theater in 1998 from the 2nd row!!! Far left in front of the bassist D'arcy. It was for the Ava Adore album one after Mellon Collie but still got the see the bangers. 5 stars & one of the best 90's albums & albums period.
Paul McCartney and Wings
4/5
4 bangers, generational talent and one of the best breakout albums for an artist going "solo" or in a new direction from their big famous band. I thankfully got to see Paul McCartney in Orlando & headline Bonnaroo 2013. Probably the best concert I've ever seen. He played 38 songs! 38 at 72 years old. Here's just a taste... Grande finale Hey Jude into Encore 1 with Day Tripper & Get Back. Encore 2 Yesterday & Helter Skelter. Encore 3 the Abbey Road ending medley... Perfection! I'm giving this 4 cause PmC's held to the highest of standards & this isn't with his 5 stars.
Elton John
5/5
Generational talent & bangers! The 3 song run of "Candle in the Wind" "Bennie & the Jets" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is about as big as you can get. The bass in GYBR is one of my favorites to play. Throw in "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" and some good other tunes and you have a legendary album. I got to see Elton at Outside Lands 2015 and was incredible. Rocketman is probably my favorite of the recent wave of music biopics. Amazing talent & album.
Sonic Youth
2/5
Equally worse and better than expected. They had certain parts that sounded cool but never a full song imo. My anology is this... "The first fish that climbed out of the ocean to try walking on land was nowhere near as majestic as a dolphin or later a horse but was very important to the process. Sonic Youth is that blob fish that's necessary but not as good as what came before or after." I've even seen Sonic Youth and was bored haha.
The Beau Brummels
3/5
Better than expected for a band I'd never really heard of. I liked a couple songs and thought it was good psychedelic music for the 60's. "It Won't Get Better" and "Nine Pound Hammer" were my favs.
Van Morrison
5/5
Wow, pretty impressed even knowing it's a classic. What a start... "And it Stoned Me" to "Moondance" to "Crazy Love" with "Into the Mystic" as song 5. My favorite song was "Everyone" which holds a special place for me as the outro to The Royal Tenenbaums (top 3 movie for me). The album was surprisingly upbeat most the time. Short album at 10 songs 38 mins but was loaded. Generational talent, bangers, and influence. Has to be one of the top 5 to 10 singer-songwriter albums of all time.
Sex Pistols
5/5
Fun listen that had a few more sounds than expected & great tones. Generationally unique talents, bangers and influence! Johnny Rotten's voice is the voice of Punk to me. This ranks up there with one of the top handful of protest albums as well and trashed the country, Queen, fascist regime, and record label EMI. The influence is the big one here. Paired with the Ramones a year earlier, they set the stage for Punk for years & the music still holds up. Rrrrrright?!?
Public Enemy
3/5
This is the album released before 'Fear of a Black Planet' which I really liked. This album had more bangers but I like FoaBP. I think 'It takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us Back' is like 'License to Ill' and 'Fear of a Black Planet' like 'Paul's Boutique" and all those albums match up to around the same time. They even have "Party for your Right to Fight" as a nod to the Beastie Boys.
Queen
5/5
Legendary album. Generational talents, bangers and influence. Aside from having all of Queen's hits on one album it's amazing. Some songs get a little frumpy, probably riding the Paul McCartney wave of boppy songs with Beatles/Wings. I think "Bohemian Rhapsody" is the greatest song of all time for what it's worth. Never seen Queen but played the hell out of them on Guitar Hero haha.
Neil Young
3/5
Solid sounding album with no real low points. Doesn't quite have the songs for me to love it but liked the vibe and sound of the album. I got notions of Jack White and Beck 'Sea Change' from Neil Young's voice & acoustic style.
Leftfield
4/5
I went in completely blink and didn't know what genre, decade or type of album I was getting. Very nicely surprised! Leftism is an electronic music album from 1995 that has huge influence. Sounded like a direct line to many of the electronic acts I've seen like Polo & Pan, Deadmau5, Swedish House Mafia, Knife Party and more. Sasha & Digweed featured Leftfield in one of their famous Renaissance albums (first 2 tracks too). This was very enjoyable and you can see the influence up and down electronic music.
Dirty Projectors
3/5
I'd heard of the Dirty Projectors and they were featured a lot in the NYC indie music book Meet 'Me in the Bathroom' so this was a fun listen. The album and best song were both ranked #2 behind Animal Collective's 'Merriweather Post Pavilion' and "My Girls," which I love. Super creative and love that they make interesting music rather than radio-edited pop hits. Not my exact favorite songs but liked a couple. Glad to move on knowing more about them.
Crowded House
2/5
I was excited to hear more of Crowded House as I really got into "Don't Dream it's Over" again last year. 1 banger in "Weather With You" and really like their bass player. This album didn't do it for me though. They sounded like most the average music in the 90's. The 1991 release date means they're a bit earlier but still sounds average. I like it to be more psychedelic, heavy, indie or unique sounding. I'm sure it's a classic that's a lot of people's favorite but won't be going back too much.
Frank Ocean
4/5
This was a good listen and saw Frank Ocean headline Bonnaroo for the 'channel Orange' tour. This actually has generational bangers and influence. I'd known Frank Ocean since the Odd Future days and this is a brilliant album. He acts like he's scrolling through radio stations as the song switches and has some intros/outros/setups that are very creative. Reminded me of Marvin Gaye and think this greatly influenced Anderson Paak's vocal cadence. Frank was the first person in the hip hop community to be bisexual/gay and broke a lot of ground for acceptability in the genre. This album is legendary for the generation and really enjoyed it.
Miles Davis
5/5
Long time coming to listen to this one. I put the headphones in for this for the full effect. I surprisingly recognized the first song but that was about it. Legendary talents with generational creativity and influence. Jazz isn't my usual genre but can appreciate the skill that went into making this album. Davis apparently only told the musicians the modality or scales to work within and then let everybody improvise the rest. With historic greats like John Coltrane (sax), Cannonball Adderly (trumpte) and Paul Chambers (bass) they made a classic.
Doves
1/5
Unfortunately, one of my least favorite albums I've listened to and didn't do much to entertain or expand my musical knowledge. I guess I know I don't like Doves now so that's a positive. Sounded like this CD was the jam of the author and figured they'd get bigger. Not that original and was boring compared to other options.
Björk
1/5
Wow, bad back to back with Doves. I like Bjork. I've seen Bjork. But this album was not for me. I pride myself on being able to "find the music" and stuff like Panda Bear/Animal Collective, Radiohead deep cuts, & Sylvan Esso are 3 of my top 10 favorites. But this was just like practice noise and layered nonsense. It reminded me of Andre 3000's flute album that was super boring not because of the flute, but because it was super boring. I need more for my "music" than this.
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
Going rogue on this one with a lower score. Yes, this is a generational talent and yes it's lyrically amazing... it's just not my sound preference and is very predictable dad-rock. I've seen Bruce live and had an incredible time (won 2 tickets, limo ride, and dinner at PF Changs for winning a Guitar Hero contest back around 2009!). The album just falls flat for me.
Solomon Burke
3/5
Classic voice and a generational banger in "Cry to Me." No real complaints just doesn't have the tracks to make it a classic for me.
Marty Robbins
4/5
Very cool album and what a voice! I actually knew Marty Robbins from a playlist I made a few years ago called 'Best Story Songs' and had "Sante Fe" on the list. He has the voice you picture when you think of Western songs, just like Johnny Rotten has the voice of Punk. It's crazy how much Chuck Berry, Elvis, and the Beatles changed things for music. Great listen and is a leader for the genre but not my favorite type of music.
Super Furry Animals
3/5
2 Super Furry Animals albums in my first 100... I think this author was a fan! Very creative album that sounded at different times like The Beatles, Lenny Kravitz, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Crosby Stills & Nash. I didn't find myself singing much or with songs on my mind, but enjoyed the listen.
Brian Eno
1/5
I was excited to listen to an album by Brian Eno and David Byrne but this was a major disappointment. My standard for what constitutes "MUSIC" is higher than when this album produced. I've said before I'm fine with having to "find the music" ... if eventually it's music. None of this was worth the payoff. This sounded like recorded practice or releasing an album of throwaways. I get it's different, but that's not music to me. Each song was so repetitive I felt like I was caught in a dream and time stood still. It's like both guys wanted to out simplify each other and just released whatever came out. Disappointing.
Gram Parsons
3/5
I knew this one from it being a favorite of my dad and listened a year or two ago. I had fun listening again and think he has a great voice. Very Willie-esque, Eagles, Buffalo Springfield Americana sound and like the songs with Emmy Lou Harris. Lyrics hit harder when you know he overdosed around the time of the release.
Fats Domino
3/5
Cool listen and he has such a classic early rock n roll sound. I grew up on a heavy diet of classic 50's, 60's and 70's so knew a lot of these well. Randy & Spiff on Fox97 "Good Times, Great Oldies" haha. Some generational bangers but wasn't an all timer.
Talking Heads
3/5
Pretty good album that I'm sure I'd love more with time & listens. I love David Byrne's creativity and Tina had some awesome bass lines on this one. This album reminded me of the Zoolander quote Hansel said about who inspires him... "Sting. The fact that he's still making music. I don't listen to it. But I respect he made it." Haha That's kinda how I feel about this album. I don't necessarily like it but I like that they made it.
King Crimson
2/5
Wild album with 14 min songs and a style I call Hobbit Prog. King Crimson remains probably the most far far far out there band and this album hammered it home. Listening expands your mind like a primitive art show in the Dark Ages. Packed with creativity and talent so going 2 stars.
The Birthday Party
2/5
Crazy sound and wild album. Reminded me of "Ace of Spades" style rockabilly and was an intense listen. Musical & creative but not the music for me.
Rod Stewart
4/5
Some generational bangers and talents on this one. Rod Stewart was making granny music when I was a kid, but he was a legendary frontman back in the day. I really like Faces and this had some of their sounds with added mandolin & acoustic guitars. "Maggie May" and "Reason to Believe" are classics.
Beck
4/5
Amazing album and one of my favorite change-of-pace albums that's outside the artist's usual style. Beck's always been a favorite and saw him at the 2006 Bonnaroo back-to-back with Tom Petty! "The Golden Age" and "Lost Cause" are perfect songs, and "Lost Cause" has gotten a lot of people through breakups. Beck can do it all. This album proves it.
Jimmy Smith
3/5
I'm glad this album's on the list and really enjoyed listening. Jimmy has that perfect electric keys sound. It instantly reminded me of the same organ sound as Delvon Lamarr & their swing reminded me of Booker T & the MG's. I'll be listening to this one again which I don't say a lot.
Kelela
2/5
I liked seeing a newer album & artist (2017) and was completely unfamiliar with Kelela. Not bad music just not my style. Smooth modern R&B's not my exact jam but like some of it. This fell a little flat for me and didn't have the draw of Frank Ocean or Childish Gambino songs.
The Police
5/5
Excited to have his as a listen and really like the album. I'd heard it before from recommendations but didn't know it was the fifth & final album from The Police. Favorite song is by far "Synchronicity II" and used to play the hell out of it on Guitar Hero. Awesome band and album. Generational talents and bangers.
Arrested Development
5/5
Didn't realize this was the debut album of Arrested Development. I thought they timed out the distance between albums but it's actually the length of time it took for them to get a record deal. To wait that long and drop a classic like this out of the gate, bet they made those other record companies feel like idiots. Generational talents and bangers. Tight group dynamics and smooth, interesting music wins this for me. This is my favorite style of hip hop and loved the album.
R.E.M.
3/5
Great listen and was neat going to the debut album. "Radio Free Europe" was the star song and a great nominee for Album 1 Song 1. This established their sound and set the table for some incredible albums. I got to see REM's 40th anniversary of EP 'Chronic Town' with Mike Mills (bass) & Peter Buck (guitar) special guests Chris & Rich Robinson from Black Crowes, Darius Rucker, Fred Armisen, Puddles the Clown and more. David Cross emceed & went off on the crowd for the Braves moving to Cobb haha.
Pink Floyd
5/5
One of the greatest album of all time, if not the greatest. It can stand alone as a rock opera and love how they weave themes throughout the songs. I've always thought Pink Floyd made the best full listen, start-to-finish albums. I don't think anything else can stand up to The Wall. I've listened before but was blown away with how many creative & recognizable songs it has. This will likely be my #1 of the 1,001.
Carpenters
1/5
I was excited to check this out and was very disappointed. I've seen videos of Karen Carpenter destroying the drums and this couldn't be farther from that level of excitedment. First off, they just did a bunch of other people's songs and second, ever cover was way worse than the original. I can't see how this ranks in the top 500 albums and it's just a glorified cover band?
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5/5
Amazing debut album. I like the 1st song was "I ain't the One," 2nd song "Tuesday's Gone" and 3rd song "Gimme Three Steps" so 1-2-3. Gotta have "Freebird" up there as best ever close out to a debut album... and then just saw "Whipping Post" was also close out for Allman Brothers debut so good company to have! Wish I could have seen them. Generational talents and bangers. Oh... I saw a guy once 15 years ago yell "Play Freebird" ** 5 second pause ** "... by Lynyrd Skynyrd" haha, thanks for the full reference!
Einstürzende Neubauten
1/5
Interesting and glad somebody made this cause it's art but very primitive. There needs to be some first lowest form of sounds and music. This is as good of non-music as there is I guess.
Keith Jarrett
3/5
It's hard to have live concerts on as albums but will allow it because this list isn't the 1001 "Best" albums, it's 1001 diverse musical offerings that will expand your horizons. It's neat to hear 1 person, 1 instrument, 1 album. Not my exact jam but enjoyed the playing and creativity. Takes a lot to go play for an hour straight by yourself, I'd imagine.
Fleetwood Mac
5/5
One of the best ever. Generational talents and bangers. Extremely high hit rate and just some damn good songs. If you throw in 'Silver Springs' it's about as good as you can get.
Boston
5/5
Generational talent and bangers. One of the best ever debut albums and the whole thing is loaded with back-to-back great songs. I heard it took the guy a long time to get a record deal so just kept making songs by himself until he'd built a classic. This can trade songs back n forth with any debut album and win.
Saint Etienne
3/5
Cool album of French ultra lounge, and especially good the night after a Wax Tailor show. Forward thinking for 1992 and laid out or enhanced the pattern for this type of music. I had a song on my Double Takes playlist which is always a good sign, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart."
Sonic Youth
3/5
This was the best Sonic Youth experience I've had. You can really see the bones of the 90's built on these sounds. It's still very rough but progressive and talented.
Willie Nelson
4/5
Love me some brother Willie. Crazy this was his 18th album. And wild that he's written so many country songs but some of his most famous are covers. Love the voice and sound.
Led Zeppelin
5/5
What can you say other than this is some of the best music by the best rock musicians ever. Led Zeppelin I & II is my call for the best start to a career ever (maybe Hendrix?). The back to back of "What is and What should never Be" with "The Lemon Song" is in strong contention for best back-to-back bass songs ever. Bad ass album.
Dr. Dre
4/5
This album had some generational bangers and talents. It struck me the wrong way though. Seems like this started or further cemented the trend of featuring a guest artist on every song. I think only 3 were solo Dr Dre and some of those were joke or setup songs. Maybe killed the rap group too cause then everybody went solo. Great album & very influential... but was it for the best?
Kraftwerk
5/5
One of the most influential groups of all time. Kraftwerk are basically godfathers to electronic music and the backbone of hip-hop beats/samples. I've actually seen Kraftwerk at Ultra Music Festival. Very cool show and glad I was able to see them!
The Isley Brothers
4/5
The 3 Isley Brothers added 3 guys to the group to fill out their funk sound and give the album the '3 + 3' title. About half the songs were covers but didn't really matter to the sound. Very good funk album with some guitar shredding. They had a lot of sounds over the years but this is probably their best.
Little Richard
5/5
One of the foundational albums rock n roll-pop were based on. Seems like 1955 is about when Elvis, Chuck Berry & Little Richard hit & this album officially came out in '57. Some generational bangers and would love to have seen Little Richard live.
Supergrass
4/5
Really good album. Even better knowing it was their debut. Wish I'd known more about Supergrass in the 90's. I really liked the first song "I'd like to Know" and the pace of the album.
OutKast
4/5
This one has some bangers! Cool concept for Big Boi & Andre 3000 to each do an album. Beastly one too at something like 40 songs & 2 hours 15 mins. I still remember singing "Hey Yeah" at the top of my lungs, dancing on the couches with everybody, the summer of 2003, when I stayed at Furman living at the TKE house. I've seen Outkast before (Big Guava 2014) and saw Big Boi come out for his "Big Grams" partnership with Phantogram at the Tabernacle.
Soul II Soul
3/5
Interesting peek into the late 80's early 90's club music scene. "Back to Life" was the jam back in the day. This album must have heavily influenced hip hop and electronic music. I think Disclosure's sound is from this era.
Arcade Fire
5/5
The best thing about this album is that it proves you don't have to be amazing musicians to make incredible music! Nothing is technically advanced or difficult to play, but it all just works. Music of the people and songs that sound great on your 1st listen or 100th. This sounds like it was released this year and it's 20+ years old. Generational talent & bangers. Amazing debut album and set the table for an awesome follow up.
Bruce Springsteen
3/5
I liked the concept a little more than the songs but solid album. Bruce recorded 17 songs by himself on a tape recorder and 10 of them ended up being this album. Instead of the band filling them out, they decided to leave it as is and just have a solo Bruce album. I wish more bands did that but guess that would just be a solo album these days.
The Temptations
4/5
Great album with some generational bangers. Couple of great things I learned. The lead singer didn't want to do Papa was a Rollin Stone cause his papa was a Minister. He said he was raised right and his dad was a stand up guy, so didn't seem right, but glad they did! Also, heard talking about today's hiphop "40 guys... 40 mikes... back in the day... 5 Temptations... 1 mike!"
Haircut 100
3/5
Much better than expected. Favorite fact I saw about them was that they say around one day coming up with band names for hours and went with the one that made them laugh the most. Haircut 100 is an awesome band name. Really, really good bass player. Reminded me of Duran Duran.
Deerhunter
4/5
Happy to see a lesser known indie band from Atlanta on there and really like Deerhunter. I saw them at a Shaky Knees a few years ago. Awesome set and I ran up to be up close for "Desire Lines." I'd love to meet Bradford Cox at some point or see them again soon.
Christine and the Queens
4/5
Another cool new indie band for the list. I really like Christine's first album that had "Tilted" on it & played that video for friends. This had a high hit rate and enjoyed pretty much every song. "Damn (what a woman must do)" was my favorite of this one but dropped a few onto my 1001 Prime Cuts playlist.
Thin Lizzy
4/5
As a bass player, everybody always talks about how awesome Phil Lynott is as a frontman. I liked this being a live show so you could hear the dynamics of the band and crowd. The dual lead guitars is such a great sound.
The Who
4/5
There have been a lot of live albums lately. They're not studio albums but let you see the band operate with the crowd. I don't include live albums or greatest hits in the greatest albums discussions but it's cool these are on the 1001 list. Amazing band that ranks among the absolute highest at ranking for their instrument. I liked hearing the Rushmore parts on "A Quick One, While He's Away" and "Happy Jack" a lot.
Dennis Wilson
4/5
Didn't realize this was Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. This album was way better than I anticipated. Most of my favorite bands are very Beach Boy's heavy on influence (Animal Collective mainly Panda Bear, MMJ, Grizzly Bear) and I always thought that was Brian's influence. I get way more Panda Bear & Animal Collective from Dennis Wilson actually. He covers a ton of sonic ground and had some very interesting sounds.
Iron Butterfly
4/5
Psychedelic classic! I really liked the last 3 songs and put "Termintor" on the 1001 Prime Cuts. Iconic sound and surprised to see they're American as I thought they were British. Keys on some songs sounded like The Doors but came out a year after. Incredible bass player & guitarist. 17 minute album cut of In-a-gadda-da-vida is ambitiously awseome.
Prince
5/5
More than anyone possibly ever, Prince just has that "it" factor. I didn't know this album or these songs but loved it. He covers a LOT of ground musically and you can tell just has the music pouring out of him. 16 songs and over an hour 15 mins. Covers a lot of ground musically. "Housequake" was the most Missy Elliott song I've heard, not by Missy. "The Look" came out a year before the more famous "The Look" by Roxette. Very progressive yet sounded incredibly 80's. Awesome listen!
Leonard Cohen
2/5
One of my musical idioms is that I'm not a lyrics guy but realize their power. To me, Voice and Lyrics are 2 intruments just like a songs guitar, bass, drums, keys, etc. You don't have to have lyrics & you don't have to understand them. BUT, lyrics have the most power over any other instrument when done correctly. This album is a 0.0 on music, voice, instruments, skill, & originality, but (probably) a 10.0 on lyrics. I'm sure this would be rated differently if I listened to it 10 times, but don't have that in me. You can see his greatness but more as a poet imo.
Baaba Maal
2/5
Cool artist. This is not my favorite style of singing, but the music behind it sounded good at times. I liked the last song "Minuit" the most.
Johnny Cash
5/5
Interesting time capsule album cause you get to hear Johnny interacting with the prisoners, guards and announcers. Crazy he was only 36 years old at the time of the concert... he seems so much older! Had some classic songs and some there were really funny & unique. All things considered 5 stars.
Green Day
3/5
Probably going a little lower than most people on this one. The first 5 or so songs are all recognizable bangers. This one just felt a little soft & lower level than what I like to listen to. I kept thinking it reminded me of other, better music and went Beatles to Bowie to Clash to Ramones back to Beatles back to Clash, etc. Half of the album sounded like it was made by the That Thing You Do band, the Wonders (O-needers).
Bob Dylan
3/5
Going to go lower than most on this one too. This is all the worst parts of Bob Dylan imo. I don't like the frumpiness of Circus Music Dylan or the intestinal heaves of his voice going UPPP and doooooown. I'll take 'Freewheelin' Dylan' any day of the week over 'Blonde on Blonde.'
Dr. John
5/5
Fantastic listen. My first time sitting down and going through a full Dr. John album. He'll always be special for the song "Desitively Bonnaroo" for a busker being best-of-street or bon-a-roo. What a cool album and unique sound. Dr. John would have been my jam to see live. Very impressed with the album and listened to it again right after finishing.
Eric Clapton
3/5
Couple things that stood out. This came out in 1974 and has the cover of "I Shot the Sheriff" which came out only 1 year earlier in 1973. I thought that was a longer gap. Also, this sounded like Clapton in the 80's but it was '74. Didn't realize he changed that much so fast after Cream.
ABBA
3/5
I didn't know many of the songs but had an enjoyable listen. ABBA has a way of just working. Talented people making interesting music that pop-polished for enjoyment.
Electric Light Orchestra
5/5
Massive album at 17 songs and about every single orchestral arrangement you can think of. Saw some reviews that were like "Jeff, we get it. You like the Beatles." haha. Generational talent and some quality bangers. I thought this would have been closer to the 60's than 80's, so a little later than expected. The song "Believe me Now" is THE most Daft Punk song I've heard from the 60's or 70's. Super creative, awesome album.
Radiohead
5/5
154 albums in and finally got a Radiohead album! My favorite band and know the album well. I love The Bends because it shows the different directions the band could go sonically. 12 songs with imo 3 grunge bangers (Bends, Just, My Iron Lung), 3 beautiful slow songs (High & Dry, Fake Plastic Trees, Blackstar), 3 airy-dreamy nightmares (Planet Telex, Nice Dream, Street Spirits) and 3 kinda off kilter boring ones (Bones, Bulletproof, Sulk). I think 'Street Spirits' in the best song and always reminded me 'Blackbird' by the Beatles. I read that Paul wrote it and had to step back and almost admire the power of the song he'd just written. I think Street Spirits is that song for Radiohead and showed them anything is possible... next up was OK Computer!
fIREHOSE
4/5
Pretty sure I'd heard of fIREHOSE but never listened. They hit that pre-90's I just missed for being a little too young. I really liked it and think I'd have been a fan back in the day. Pretty funny album too. They have a song called "Let the Drummer Have Some" that's just a 1.5 min drum solo. Later in the album there's another drum solo song aptly called "'Nuf that Shit, George," haha. Very enjoyable and fIREHOSE is cool in my book.
The Who
5/5
One of the best albums of all time. Generational bangers and talents. This is my 3rd Who album of the journey and the best imo. Opener/Closer combo of "Baba O'Reilly" & "Won't Get Fooled Again" is perfect. IMO, the scream YEEEEEEAHHHH by Daltrey and the power slide by Townsend are the best scream & powerslide in rock n roll history! Surprised that this was in 71 so came out after Beatles broke up and 60's were over. Thought it was a little earlier for some reason.
Massive Attack
5/5
Listened to Massive Attack several times now from the challenge and just going back cause I liked it. I'd listened to this after the first one we heard. Awesome album and super influential for all trip hop music to come. One of the major influences of Radiohead and the rest of the 90's.
Ray Charles
4/5
What type of music do you play here? "Both types! Country and Western." One of my favorite lines from Blues Brothers which has Ray Charles! Taking old school country tunes and jazzing them up for the big band style. I saw a review say this was a "Reverse Elvis" and did a great job of bringing people together. Classic with generational talents.
Big Brother & The Holding Company
5/5
This is the sound of the psychedelic 60's. This is the bass guitar and Janis is the voice you think of when this music comes to mind. I liked "I Need a Man to Love" and "Flower in the Sun" the most for the lesser-known songs. I'm on a hot streak but another 5 stars.
John Martyn
3/5
Pretty cool album and glad John Martyn's on my radar now. Got some Caamp singing vibes and liked the dreamy, airy parts. Lot of creative sounds with some experimental artsy songs.
2/5
This was so 80's & came out the same year I did. Sounded like Boy George as Four Loco Circus Ringmaster. If this was a joke, then very well done. I guess the name's a take on ABBA but I don't like ABC as a band name, pretty boring. The bassist can jam and sounds like they lifted "Time After Time" from "The Look of Love, Pt 4."
The Shamen
2/5
I was wondering how we got from Kraftwerk to 90's electronic music and bet it was The Shamen. The album was all sorts of 90's cheesy, but that's the beauty of it. This was like the Sonic Youth of electronic. Had some good sounds but no super bangers.
DJ Shadow
4/5
Super influential album, especially back in the day. I remember listening to DJ Shadow on my Dell DJ (digital jukebox, lol). I think the Beastie Boys heavily influenced DJ Shadow and he was a major influence on today's high-sample mixers like Girl Talk.
Kanye West
1/5
This *was an incredible album but I'm not going to play it. I don't listen to people actively preaching hate. Kanye needs medication.
Stevie Wonder
4/5
Classic Stevie. This album's songs come in 2 settings: funky or silky. I like the funky ones the most. I read bass stuff all the time and remember a good quote. Someone said the best bass player of the 70's was Stevie Wonder's left hand. His funky bass sounds exactly like Thundercat's *signature sound.
Ozomatli
2/5
Not my favorite but can see how some people would like it. They had an odd mix of Mexican and Indian sounds which you don't hear much. Sounded old but is also much newer than anything classic (2004). One song sounded like Eminem with Sublime doing Bollywood so it was all over the place.
Snoop Dogg
4/5
Classic album that helped launch & cement careers. I didn't realize they set it up as flippin through the radio stations kinda like Frank Ocean's 'channel ORANGE' and others. Some of the funniest & most offensive music ever made, by a funny & sometimes offensive person.
Duke Ellington
3/5
Going from Duke Ellington to Snoop Dogg was quite the change and what a difference 40 years makes! Interesting to hear the most popular style of music before Elvis/Chuck Berry/Beatles. Sped up jazz with big beats and fun solos. Not my favorite music but interesting to hear this slice of Americana. Set the tone for a generation that 'if you become a great musician, you'll be successful & famous.'