190
Albums Rated
3.34
Average Rating
17%
Complete
899 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1950
Favorite Decade
Jazz
Favorite Genre
other
Top Origin
Wordsmith
Rater Style ?
24
5-Star Albums
4
1-Star Albums
Breakdown
By Genre
Top Styles
By Decade
By Origin
Albums
You Love More Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
|
5 | 3.05 | +1.95 |
|
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
|
5 | 3.12 | +1.88 |
|
Vespertine
Björk
|
5 | 3.17 | +1.83 |
|
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
|
5 | 3.2 | +1.8 |
|
Pink Flag
Wire
|
5 | 3.21 | +1.79 |
|
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
|
5 | 3.3 | +1.7 |
|
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
|
5 | 3.32 | +1.68 |
|
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
|
5 | 3.37 | +1.63 |
|
Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
|
4 | 2.42 | +1.58 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
|
1 | 3.47 | -2.47 |
|
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
|
2 | 3.9 | -1.9 |
|
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
|
2 | 3.81 | -1.81 |
|
Superunknown
Soundgarden
|
2 | 3.65 | -1.65 |
|
Van Halen
Van Halen
|
2 | 3.62 | -1.62 |
|
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
|
1 | 2.6 | -1.6 |
|
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
|
2 | 3.57 | -1.57 |
|
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
|
1 | 2.5 | -1.5 |
|
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
|
2 | 3.44 | -1.44 |
|
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
|
2 | 3.4 | -1.4 |
Artists
Favorites
| Artist | Albums | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Talking Heads | 2 | 5 |
| Miles Davis | 2 | 5 |
5-Star Albums (24)
View Album Wall
Popular Reviews
The Smashing Pumpkins · 1 likes
3/5
Great album all around, just a little bloated. The hits on the album are classics for a reason. Some great deep cuts too. Had it been edited down to 18 tracks and it could be near perfect. 7/10
1-Star Albums (4)
All Ratings
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Great album all around, just a little bloated. The hits on the album are classics for a reason. Some great deep cuts too. Had it been edited down to 18 tracks and it could be near perfect. 7/10
Bob Dylan
4/5
A masterpiece. I don’t listen to this album as much as some of his later stuff and I don’t know why because it’s up there with his best works. So many classic tracks 9/10
Jack White
3/5
I was a huge fan of The White Stripes growing up, but haven’t really listened to much of Jack Whites solo output. Anytime I would hear a track I would enjoy it but not enough to go out and listen to the record. The White Stripes run was near perfect in my opinion so I didn’t need any more Jack White.
While it is a good listen, with solid songwriting, it seems overproduced in places and has a few tracks that I would consider filler. I just find myself wanting to go back to the Stripes more stripped down approach. Sixteen Saltines slaps 6/10
Ramones
4/5
A punk classic. Very familiar with this album as I’ve been listening to it since I was 12. Almost perfect, starts out strong and ends strong, just suffers a little in the middle from being a little to repetitive/samey. But extremely influential and original for its time 9/10
Rage Against The Machine
5/5
Goddamn I love this album. It’s the perfect introduction to protest music,(it was mine) The opening trio of songs is so strong. This album is designed to get you angry and pumped up and it doesn’t let you down. I’ve seen A lot of people argue about the lyrics being amateurish, but the “fuck you I won’t do what you tell me” is exactly what protest music should be, catchy as fuck and easily chantable. I’m sure Rage could’ve wrote deeper political songs but that’s not what they were about. Ton Morello is such an innovator. We could use more rage in today’s times. 9.5/10
Jeff Beck
2/5
Meh… I can respect that Beck was extremely talented and innovative but to me he is still boomer blues. The first few tracks are pretty good but as it when on I just got super bored with it. I’d much rather listen to some classic blues. Also, it loses points for Rod Stewart. Never cared for his vocal style or vibes. 4/10
Eels
3/5
The singles, “Novocaine for the Soul” and “My Beloved Monster” are both great, but as a whole the album just doesn’t work for me. Good but not great 5/10
Louis Prima
4/5
Wow! What a fun listen this was. I’m familiar with some of Louis Prima’s work (Buena Sera, Jump Jive and Wail) but I was just loving the energy on this record. I can’t believe I’ve never heard (I’ll be Glad When You’re Dead) such a great track. All around a wonderful listen 8/10
Janelle Monáe
4/5
What a great choice for this list. The sequencing on this album is textbook and perfect. Grand and sweeping and jumping seemlessly from r&b, hip-hop, funk, neo-psych, and rock. Where some tracks would typically come off corny when this varied the heart that Janelle Monae brings to every track shines through. My only knock is the production on a few of the tracks is a little of its time, and it dips just a little in quality in part 3, Still a phenomenal listen. 8/10
The Icarus Line
3/5
Sweet! An album I’ve never heard from a band I’ve heard about for a long time! I honestly was a little underwhelmed. The first half of the album is just okay hard rock, the songs were forgettable for me. The second half of the album gets a little more experimental and definitely benefits from it. “Getting Bright at Night” was definitely a standout track. Also loved the Suicide nod “Meatmaker”
7/10
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5/5
Fantastic album front to back. I love when Neil gets a little heavier than normal, I’m so this is one of my favorite albums of his. Not to say that the folk songs on here aren't also fantastically written and played. Favorites- Powderfinger, Sedan Delivery and Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) 10/10
The Velvet Underground
5/5
10/10 My favorite albums of all time. Every track is timeless. No notes
Mekons
2/5
The Mekons are a hit and miss band for me. They have some great stuff in their catalog but not all of it hits. I get that this was an influential album in its melding folk/country and punk but it’s just misses more than it hits for me. Some alright tracks but nothing worthy of another listen for me. 5/10
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4/5
Haunting and beautiful.
Kendrick Lamar
5/5
Kendrick is the best in the game as far as modern hip hop goes, and this album is his masterpiece. Such a compelling journey from beginning to end. Not a weak track on the album, everything has its place. Still as poignant today as it was 10 years ago. 10/10 My personal favorite hip hop album from the 2010’s.
Kid Rock
1/5
Fuck you for making me listen to this garbage. Shit album by a shit human 0/10
D'Angelo
4/5
D’Angelo has the voice of an angel… A very sexy and sexual angel but still. And this angel has only granted us 3 albums over 30 years and each one is a gem. I’m not as familiar with his debut as the other two but this one didn’t disappoint. The jazz instrumentation isa gorgeous accompaniment to D’Angelos passionate and soulful vocals. The production is a little dated for the early 90’s R&B which is the only knock I’ve got land that’s just compared to the timeless production on his other albums, so a pretty high bar. Best tracks- “ Brown Sugar” “Shit, Damn, Motherfucker” 8/10
Bruce Springsteen
2/5
It’s not a bad listen but rather boring all things considered. I’m not trying to be ageist, but when rockers start getting older their edge begins to soften and the music tends to become a little milquetoast. Not 100% of the time, but unfortunately that’s what has happened here. Again, it’s not that anything in here is bad, it’s just why would I listen to this when I can listen to “Nebraska”or “The River.” It did become a little of a slog towards the end. Best tracks “Lonesome Day” “The Rising”
4/10
Nick Drake
3/5
Quiet and understated. Beautiful and haunting. 7/10
Favorite tracks- “Three Hours” “Cello Song” “Man In a Shed”
Gene Clark
3/5
Marianne Faithfull
4/5
Wow! This album kept surprising me! The first track was solid, the next two were kinda meh for me but by the synth-funk breakdown at the end of “Guilt” I realized this was something a little more special. The rest of the album is super strong, I am sold. Marianne Faithful sounds so effortlessly cool. The album cover is fitting because of her raspy vocal delivery, I imagine her holding a cig in the recording booth while pumping this out. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Broken English” “Guilt” “
Van Halen
2/5
Not my thing… I can appreciate Eddie Van Halen’s virtuosity and innovation with the guitar, Eruption is definitely my favorite track off this, but this album was the prototype for all hair/bro metal to come afterwards and I can’t forgive it for that. They do it better than most, but hair metal is a genre that takes everything I love about rock music and does the opposite. Most of this just comes off corny to me. 3/10 Favorite tracks- “Runninv with the Devil” “Eruption”
Emmylou Harris
2/5
Not my cup of tea, the whole project comes off dull and forgettable to me. I found myself really wanting it to be over 3/4 into the album. Still Emmylou’s voice is uniquely beautiful and her storytelling is on point so not a 1 star. 3/10
The Byrds
3/5
Blur
4/5
Nice! What a great eclectic bunch of rock songs. I’ve loved Song #2 since I was a wee child. It may be a little nostalgia but that song will never fail to pump me up! A few of the songs don’t really land for me but still an overall fantastic outing for Blur. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “ Beetlebum” “Song #2” “On Your Own”
Meat Loaf
5/5
Man, I love this challenge for moments like this. If I’ve already heard the album I always go in with a rating in mind and I love it when a re-listen here completely changes my opinion. I remember listening to this years back and thinking, “It’s alright classic rock” but on a re-listen I was so wrong. Every single track on this album is near perfect. Such an epic run of tracks. Theatrical and grandiose, and the hooks all hit perfectly! 10/10 Favorite tracks- “Bat Out of Hell” “All Revved Up With No Place To Go” “Paradise by the Dashboard Light”
The Coral
2/5
Scratching my head over how this ended up on this list. It’s not a bad album per se but it extremely forgettable generic “alt rock”. It’s not Kid Rock bad though so I’ll give it two stars. 2/10
Public Image Ltd.
4/5
Joy Division’s erratic little brother, Best thing John Lyndon’s ever been a part of
Gorillaz
4/5
A whole lot of ding dang fun! 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Clint Eastwood” “19-2000” “Tomorrow Comes Today”
Gil Scott-Heron
4/5
This one’s not on Spotify but I hope that doesn’t deter anyone from listening to it. I had it on vinyl so I was good but it’s on YouTube if anyone else needs it.
Hot damn, when Gil Scott Heron and Brain Jackson get together magic happens and this album is certainly no exception. A gorgeous jazz/r&b album about the tumultuous times for the black community in the midst of the civil rights movement in the 70’s. 8/10 Favorite tracks “The Bottle” “H2Ogate Blues”
Bad Company
3/5
Now that’s what I call dad rock vol 20! A pretty good collection of hard rock from the 70’s. Nothing exceptional here but not a bad album either. Just straightforward rock n roll. The perfect length for a rock record too imho.5/10 Favorite tracks-“Can’t Get Enough” “Don’t Let Me Down”
Booker T. & The MG's
4/5
So cool
Pulp
3/5
The Only Ones
4/5
This band should be bigger than they are. I had only ever heard “Another Girl, Another Planet” and I don’t know how but this is right up my alley. You can hear the influences of tons of punk/indie/twee from the 80s. Great listen! Favorite tracks- “Another Girl, Another Planet,” “Breaking Down” “Creature of Doom”
Air
4/5
Air’s brand of moody understated electronic music works extremely well in soundtrack form. Wonderful album, I just wish there were a few more tracks with vocals because the opener is such a great song. Favorite tracks- “Playground Love,” “Highschool Lover, “Dead Bodies” 8/10
Black Sabbath
4/5
The blueprint for all metal to come after. Still holds up and one of my favorite metal albums of all time only passed by Paranoid. 9/10
Supergrass
3/5
Solid Brit-pop album. Solid bunch of rock songs, nothing exceptional here aside from one track “Alright” which is a wonderful pop tune! 7/10 Favorite tracks-“Alright” “Mansize Rooster” “Strange Ones”
Beatles
3/5
Not my favorite Beatles record. Of course it’s got some classic tracks but it’s also got a handful of songs I would consider stinkers- “Michelle” “What Goes On” “Run For Your Life” Highs are really high but pretty mid album especially for the Beatles. 6/10
Led Zeppelin
2/5
a bit of a wank 4/10
Bruce Springsteen
4/5
Beautiful stripped down, only Bruce and a 4 track. 8/10 Favoirte tracks- “Atlantic City” “Jonhhy 99” “Sate Trooper”
Tortoise
4/5
Wonderful listen! All the twists and turns in Djed, the minimalist electronic sound and is great and then it just jumps at you with some great free jazz and post rock. Great stuff 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Djed” “The Taut and Tame”
Country Joe & The Fish
2/5
Eh, I don’t really agree this should be on the list. There is better psych and rock from this era. I’ts not a bad or annoying listen just pretty meh. 4/10 Favorite tracks- “Super Bird” “Love”
Sonic Youth
4/5
Chaotic, noisy and fantastic. Kim Gordon’s tracks on this all stand out as top tier. Only thing preventing this from 5 is a few songs on the second half are just not quite perfect. 9/10 Favorite tracks- “Silver Rocket” “Total Trash” “Cross the Breeze” “Kissability”
David Holmes
3/5
This one hasn’t aged super well, but there are still some solid ideas here. The first half I found a little boring but starting from Radio 7 I started to really dig some of the grooves he chews creating. 6/10 Favorite tracks- “Slasher’s Revenge” “Freaknik” “Don’t Die Just Yet”
Hookworms
2/5
Dig some of the krautrock grooves they’ve got going on here but does this really deserve a spot on this list? Some good tunes but nothing super influential or original going on here. It’s better than two stars but in the context of this list I think I that’s what Iit deserves. Favorite track- “Opener” 4/10
The Rolling Stones
4/5
British band makes one of the most iconic/influential southern rock albums. The Stones at their most unhinged.9/10 Fav tracks- “rocks off” “ ventilator blues@
The Pogues
3/5
Fun punky Irish tunes! Some of the tracks blend together or are interchangeable but I still enjoyed the whole listen. I think this band is at its best when it’s trying something new as the typical formula wears a little thin. Still good time though. 6/10
Favorite tracks- “Fairytale of New York” “Fiesta” and “Worms” ( I want a full version of this song) ( you kinda get a spiritual successor with the Viagra Boys “Worms”)
Jerry Lee Lewis
4/5
The energy on this love record is off the charts which is to be expected when talking about Jerry Lee Lewis. Fantastic choice showcasing the raucous brand of rock in roll he was famous for. Great stuff and we love a 20 minute record. Short,sweet and to the point. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Great Balls of Fire” “Lewis’ Boogie “ “Long Tall Sally”
Beach House
3/5
Nice dream pop album. I remember when this came out and it’s accurate about it being an influential record. Lots of pop and indie of today took its cues from this record. Some of the songs blur together and just aren’t interesting enough to keep my attention but this is for the most part a solid 2010’s record.
Black Sabbath
3/5
Sabbath has still got it here but by now the formula isn’t as novel or exciting as it was on the first few records. Still got the riffs, still got the mood and it’s got a few departures from the sabbath formula with one “Changes” working out really well for them. This album for me is where the quality in Sabbath material starts to drop a little though. 6/10 Favorite tracks “Changes” “Supernaut” “St. Vitus Dance”
Fats Domino
5/5
One of the GOAT’s. Every single track is a classic. No notes 10/10 Favorite tracks- “Hiney Chile” “Blue Monday” “Mardi Gras inNew Orleans”
Franz Ferdinand
2/5
Franz Ferdinand is a good band, just a little generic in the context of this list. After my past two albums, Black Sabbath and Fats Domino, Franz Ferdinand just isn’t on the same level. Perfectly fine 00’s alt rock, but nothing groundbreaking… I’d rather listen to Television… 4/10 Favorite tracks- “This Fire” “Darts of Pleasure”
Big Star
3/5
This one started off really strong and kind of tapered out by the end. By no means are the ballads on this album bad they just don’t hold my attention like the wilder first half. Starting off strong with “Feel,” the next five songs are great. After that it’s a bit hit or miss for me. Still a solid record. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Feel” “In The Street” “ Thirteen”
Sex Pistols
4/5
The energy and adolescent punk attitude still ooze out of every track here. One of my favorites in my youth it still holds up. Great introduction to punk record. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “No Feelings” “Sub-mission” “Pretty Vacant”
Tricky
4/5
This one was a vibe! I had grew up hearing of Tricky and I may have heard a song here or there but I never revisited him as an adult and I feel like I missed out. Some of the production certainly dates this album to the 90’s but it doesn’t stop with the surprises, I never knew where it was going to take me but I was here for all of it. Great stuff ‘ 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Ponderosa” “Hell Is Round The Corner” “Aftermath”
Faust
4/5
The weirdos of an already weird genre, I’m all here for Faust’s eccentric brand of krautrock. Love this record. 8/10 Favorite tracks-“ The Sad Skinhead” “Jennifer” “Giggly Smile”
Isaac Hayes
4/5
Epic. Grand. 9/10
Erykah Badu
4/5
Great neo-soul/funk record. Instrumentation is tight and Badu’s songwriting and vocal performance is top tier. Almost a little too laid back and understated in places if kind of drags a little in the middle but the strong start/ finish on the album kept me interested and engaged. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Didn't Cha Know” “Bag Lady” “Time’s a Wastin”
Fever Ray
4/5
Weird and wonderful 8/10 Favorite tracks- “When I Grow Up” “Triangle Walks” “Coconut”
Kings of Leon
3/5
7/10 Favorite tracks- “Happy Alone” Joes Head” “Molly Chambers”
Pink Floyd
4/5
If we were talking about the whole package it would be an easy 10/10. If we are talking about the album minus the visuals it’s a little bloated in places. Still a fantastic listen with lots of great songs but falls just short of perfection.9/10 favorite tracks- “Another Brick in the Wall pt1” “Hey You” “Run Like Hell”
2/5
I really liked the few tracks on this one that I liked and kinda wanted the rest to be over, even found a few of them grating. 4/10 Favorite tracks- “Victoria” “Nothing to Say”
Sheryl Crow
2/5
I’m certainly not the target audience for this one. It’s competent and varied enough that I can’t give it one star but I this one was a bit more of a chore than usual. 3/10
Eminem
1/5
“I make fight music for high school kids”- Eminem
While Em is a talented lyricist, I think every track on this made me cringe. If it’s not the sexism it’s the homophobia. Anyone who says they “don’t give a fuck” that much is obvi bothered. 1/10
Ryan Adams
2/5
Nah, this isn’t it. Generic and forgettable. 2/10
Parliament
4/5
Fun and funky. Hard not to dance the whole time it was on while cleaning my house. 8/10 Favorite tracks-“Mothership Connection” “Supergroove….” “Give Up the Funk”
The Rolling Stones
4/5
Another one of my favorites from the stones. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Gimme Shelter”
Nirvana
4/5
First half of this album is perfect and I can definitely see how it started a musical uprising of sorts for generation x. The second half isn’t quite as strong with a few filler tracks but still a great listen front to back. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Come as You Are” “Breed” “Lithium”
The Jesus And Mary Chain
4/5
I was a fan of this one, one of those bands that people have been telling me to listen to, only ever heard Psychocandy. I really enjoyed this one though. 7/10 Favorite Tracks: “Darklands” “Down on Me” “Cherry Came Too”
Talking Heads
5/5
Amazing album from an amazing band. It starts off huge with “I Zimbra” and doesn’t stop until it’s over. Some of my favorite songs from the greatest band to come out of Punk/New Wave. 10/10 Favorite Tracks- “IZimbra” “Heaven” “Drugs”
Charles Mingus
5/5
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
3/5
The Captain’s debut album is a lot less experimental than his other works, opting for a more blues/50’s R&B sound. While I prefer the oddities on Trout Mask more the straightforward approach works pretty well for Captain Beefhart as well with Van Vliets’ gruff voice suiting the styles well. The best stuff in here is when they get weird with it though. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Dropout Boogie” “Electricity” “Abba Zabba”
Fatboy Slim
3/5
If I had heard this in the 90’s when it was released I think my little mind would have been blown. Hearing it now some of it sounds a little dated but it hooked me in the second half. And I didn’t want it to stop by the end. 6/10 Favorite tracks- “10th and Crenshaw” “First Down” “Next to Nothing”
2/5
I don’t know what it is about X, but they have never really clicked for me as someone who grew up in the punk community. Los Angeles is a certified banger but not much on this album got me excited. Pretty corny throughout aside from a few bright moments. 4/10 tracks- “We’re Desperate” “I’m Coming Over”
The Cure
4/5
Amazing album. The Cure’s magnum opus. 9/10 Favorite tracks- “Pictures of You” “Fascination Street” “Prayers For Rain”
Echo And The Bunnymen
3/5
I like this album just fine but to get this the day after Disintegration, it just makes the Bunnymen’s version of gothic pop seem like kiddie stuff. I feel bad because I am a fan of the album and have been for a while but in this context I’m giving it a 5/10. Favorite tracks-“Silver” “Thorn of Crowns” and “The Killing Moon”
Dolly Parton
3/5
Pretty good 70’s country. Dolly was in her prime here. Admittedly some of this does blend together for me but it’s still a fine (quick) listen. 6/10 Favorite tracks- “Traveling Man” “Here I Am”
Kate Bush
5/5
I LOVE THIS ALBUM! Kate Bush has such a unique voice both artistically and literally and I adore her entire output and this is her masterpiece. Split in to one half some of the best pop tunes of the 80’s and one half experimental genre dabbling, this one is right up my alley. Not a misstep on here, such an amazing listen every time. 10/10 Favorite tracks- All
Deep Purple
2/5
I’m sure some people love 7 minute rock drum solos… I’m not one of them. 3/10
Happy Mondays
3/5
It was an alright listen. Had me nodding my head throughout. 6/10 Favorite tracks-“Mad Cyril” “Wrote For Luck” “Bring a Freind”
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
I knew and appreciated the hits but hadn’t listened to this album so was hoping for some gold. Outside of the hits it was a mixed bag, some throwaways for sure but I did enjoy the weirder edge on the two closing tracks.7/10 Favorite tracks- “Time After Time” “She-Bop” “He’s So Unusual”
Amy Winehouse
3/5
Lorde
3/5
Better than average pop record. Had some gems and some forgettable tracks as well. I liked it more than I had expected to not hearing much more than. “Royals” from Lorde. Not too shabby. 6/10 Favorite tracks- “Sober” “Homemade Dynamite” “Perfect Places”
Quicksilver Messenger Service
2/5
If I went to a bar and a psych band was jamming out to some Bo Diddly I would be all for it. The music on this album wasn’t bad by any means but I don’t think it really deserves a spot on this list. 4/10
ZZ Top
2/5
Dad’s a rockin’ but I’m going to have to pass. Divorced grandpa music.3/10
Nightmares On Wax
3/5
This is the first artist I’ve gotten that I’ve never heard of at all. I was pretty excited to go in blind and the first track was great. Vibey stoner jams I can get down with that. Then it just kept going. The album was at its best when it stepped outside of those comfort zones like on “Mission Venice” and “What I’m Feeling(good)” 6/10
Favorite tracks- “Nights Introlude” “Mission Venice” and “What I’m Feeling(good)”
Chicago
3/5
Pretty good rock album that dips its toes into other genres and always comes out competent and interesting. Love the use of horns throughout. Wasn’t really digging the vocals but I rather enjoyed this listen. 7/10
Favorite Tracks- “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is” “Listen”
Jungle Brothers
4/5
Nice! These guys inspired so much of my favorite music. This was a great listen, shows its age in places but still a great hip-hop record.
Favorite Tracks- “Feelin Alright” “J Beez Comjn” “Doin Our Own Dang”
AC/DC
3/5
Great riffs, great hooks, but most of the lyrics make me cringe so I’ll balance it in the middle. 5/10
Favorite tracks- “Highway to Hell” “ If You Want Blood”
Todd Rundgren
4/5
This is the first one where I’d like another few listens to let everything sink in. I had heard and liked International Feel, but nothing else from this album and was unaware just how out there this album gets. I really enjoyed it.
Favorite tracks- I’m not sure, I need a few more spins with this one.
Dolly Parton
3/5
I really liked the Dolly led songs, the others were alright to boring. They do sound beautiful harmonizing though.
Favorite Tracks- “The Pain of Loving You” “Wildflowers” “Those Memories of You”
Beck
4/5
My dad raised me on Beck so I’m biased but I can’t help but love it. While the rapping can get a bit corny at times it’s still such a blast. 8/10
Favorite Tracks- “Devils Haircut” “Novacane” “ High Five (Rock the Catskills)
Britney Spears
2/5
Definitely not the target audience for this one, and I can respect its influence but ultimately it was a 90’s pop record so a few hits and a bunch of filler around the hits. I did enjoy the cover of
U2
2/5
I’ve never gotten the appeal of U2. The most mid of rock bands, nothing on here really stands out. Nothing on here was offensive to the ears either, just sounds like generic background music to me. 4/10
Leonard Cohen
5/5
Such a gem. Love the haunting combination of Cohen’s lyrics and delivery. This album features most of my favorite tracks from him, one of his more varied and eclectic albums and not a miss on here. 10/10
Favorite tracks- “Avalanche” “Diamonds in the Mine” “Joan of Arc”
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Big Black
4/5
Great industrial punk album. Albini’s seedy characters and dark stories fit the vibe of the cold hard music super well. This album makes me feel angry in an uncomfortable way and I love it. Favorite tracks- “Jordan,Minnesota” “Kerosene” “Fists of Love”
G. Love & Special Sauce
2/5
White guy with dreads music…
The loose, laid back feel of the band is pretty alright at times. I’m not a fan of Mr.Love’s vocal stylings though… not at all.
Jimmy Smith
4/5
Cool cool jazz. Love that organ!
Favorite tracks-All 5
Slade
2/5
Harry Nilsson
4/5
Love this album of bedroom pop gems! All great ones.
Favorite tracks- “Gotta Get Up” “ Without You” “Coconut”
Garbage
3/5
The Verve
2/5
Eh, ai like the two hits that I already knew, everything else was pretty forgettable, nothing really held my attention for long.
Favorite tracks- “Bittersweet Symphony” “The Drugs Don’t Work”
Sugar
3/5
Wire
5/5
Coldplay
2/5
Sounds like Coldplay.
The Sonics
4/5
Iron Maiden
3/5
I’ve never really listened to much Iron Maiden. As you can tell from my ratings, hair metal and “hard rock” aren’t my favorite genres but this one was pretty good actually! Liked it more than I expected to. The bass was what really caught my attention, good stuff!
7/10 Favorite Tracks- “Prowler” “Transylvania” “Iron Maiden”
Various Artists
3/5
Great album, great performances all around but I hate Christmas music so I’ll give it 3 stars.
The Cure
4/5
Great dark & moody album from The Cure. Love the vibes and throughout. 8/10 Favorite tracks- “Play For Today” “A Forest” “At Night”
The Beta Band
3/5
Chill album. I enjoyed it. 6/10
Favorite Tracks- “Square” “Broke” “Life”
Liz Phair
3/5
Chill album. I enjoyed it. 6/10
Favorite Tracks- “Square” “Broke” “Life”
Electric Light Orchestra
4/5
I feel like if you don’t immediately start tapping your feet or humming the melody to “Mr. Blue Sky” you need to be checked for a pulse. An endlessly catchy song. Lots of other great tracks on the album. Just a great pop/rock album from the 70’s.
7/10 Favorite Tracks- “Jungle” “Summer and Lightning” “Mr. Blue Sky”
Paul Simon
3/5
Some good tracks on here and some forgettable ones, about half and half. Favorite tracks- “Mother and Child Reunion” “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard” “Paranoia Blues”
Brian Wilson
4/5
If this album was a Vega-table it would be an onion. Such interesting and complex flavors, so many different layers to uncover. Yum yum!!
Randy Newman
4/5
Wonderful satire/send up/love letter to the south. As someone who lived in Birmingham Alabama for half my life, Newman really nails the dichotomy of easy going romanticized life in the south with the hatred and racism that come along with it. 7/10
Favorite tracks- “Rednecks” “Louisiana 1927” “Back on My Feet Again”
Radiohead
4/5
Great album from Radiohead. Doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor but still wonderful album front to back. 8/10
Favorite tracks- “Packt Like Sardines…” I Might Be Wrong” “Dollars & Cents”
Miles Davis
5/5
I get why this album is so polarizing, if you don’t vibe with a 20+ minute track you’re probably going to hate it. I dislike a lot of prog and jammy music because of this. However, with an album like this I can’t quit grooving. Top to bottom this album catches me in it’s VIBE… and I love it. 10/10
Favorite tracks- “Bitches Brew” “Spanish Key” “Miles Runs the Voodoo Down”
Marvin Gaye
4/5
Let’s get it on indeed!
8/10
Favorite tracks- “Let’s Get It On” “Come Get to This” “Distant Lover”
The Prodigy
3/5
Starts off strong but loses momentum about halfway through. Songs start to blur together, still a good listen and a 6/10 for the strong start.
Favorite tracks- “Breathe” “Diesel Power”
PJ Harvey
5/5
Fuck this album goes hard. So raw and so so so damn good. 10/10
Favorite tracks- “Rid of Me” “Dry” “Ecstasy”
Tracy Chapman
3/5
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
The Police
3/5
Hit or miss for me. I do like the stripped down almost bedroom poppy sound they have going on some of the time. But it only works about half the time. 5/10
Favorite tracks- “Message in a Bottle” “On Any Other Day” “Contact”
Björk
5/5
I get why she’s polarizing but I just find Bjork’s vocals and arrangements so mesmerizing. She is a singular force, no one else like her (although she does have her imitators) This album doesn’t let up in it’s beauty and wonder. It makes me feel like I’m canoeing down an Icelandic river with the snow and mountains all around. 10/10
Favorite tracks- “It’s Not Up To You” “Undo” “Pagan Poetry”
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
2/5
I don’t understand why JSBE never really clicked with me. Some of the bands in their circle I’m a huge fan but these guys are a little to loose even for me. There were some good ideas in here but few and far between. 4/10
The Doors
3/5
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
2/5
That sure was 45 minutes of white British men trying to sound like black guys from the American south. I’d rather listen to the real thing… obviously talented musicians but a bunch of nothing for me. 3/10
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3/5
Rocket From The Crypt
2/5
I own this album, and love it but does it dress spot on this list… no
Talking Heads
5/5
Doesn’t get any better than this.
Laura Nyro
4/5
Wow. I think I had written Laura Nero off as “just another singer/songwriter and never really checked her discography. I fell like a fool. This is great. Varied and inspired arrangements. Vocals and songwriting are top notch too. 8/10
Favorite Tracks- “Sweet Blindness” Eli’s Comin” “Woman’s Blues”
Tito Puente
4/5
Wonderful listen. If this doesn’t get your hips shaking… Do you even have a soul?
8/10
Favorite Tracks- “Cuando Te Vea” “Mambo Gazon” “Agua Limpia Todo”
The Beach Boys
5/5
Gorgeous album. Masterful on all fronts. 10/10
Favorite tracks- “Don’t Talk….” “Sloop John B” “God Only Knows”
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
This is a case of starting the album so strong that it makes the rest of the album seem weak by comparison. Mr. Soul is an incredible track one of my favorite Young songs ever. Broken Arrow is also pretty good but the rest is meh by comparison. 6/10
Favorite Tracks- “Mr.Soul” “Broken Arrow”
The Clash
5/5
Now this is how you double album! London Calling keeps you on your toes with its genre bending twists and turns. Every single track on this album has something to offer. It’s been one of my favorites since I was a teenager and it’ll be one of my favorites til I die. 10/10
Favorite tracks- “Rudie Can’t Fail” “Spanish Bombs” “Guns of Brixton”
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3/5
Miles Davis
5/5
Cypress Hill
3/5
This one is interesting. The first quarter is all bangers. But it hasn’t aged super well lyrically and’s production-wise but is still very unique and original in its sounds. These guys definitely know who they are and what they are about. 6/10. Favorite tracks- “How I Could Just Kill a Man” “Hand On the Pump” “Tres Equis”
Ray Price
2/5
I like the Orbison like vibrato on the vocals. The band sounds great too, I’m just not coming up with anything that would land it on this list. It’s a completely fine country record from the 60’s but nothing about it is remarkable at all, it just a little too generic. 4/10
Fleet Foxes
3/5
While I’m not a fan of most of the mid-00’s folk revival, this album hits a little different. Beautiful and more sincere than the other bands attempting this sound. I enjoyed this one more than I expected. Although it can be a bit too understated at times causing some of the tracks to bleed together. 6/10
Favorite Tracks- “White Winter Hymnal” “Blue Ridge Mountains” “Oliver James”
The Killers
3/5
The hits are great. “Mr.Brightside” is an all time classic. Other than that this album doesn't really offer much. 5/10
Yes
2/5
It’s just not for me. Talented sure and there are moments of greatness throughout, but I just don’t really like it. Most prog rock just sounds cheesy/corny to me and this one is no different. 4/10
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
1/5
Colonizer music. And when it’s not stealing from other cultures it’s just bad. I was going to rate it 2 stars but those last two tracks were real stinkers so into the one stars it goes.
Put more artists from other nations on this list please. 1/10
The Smiths
4/5
Great album. Yes, Morrisey is a prick but the Smiths should be judged as a band and the rest of the guys shine on this one. More upbeat(relative) than most of the rest of The Smiths output and I’m here for it. 7/10 Favorite tracks- “Rusholme Ruffians” “I Want the One I Can’t Have” “Barbarism Begins at Home”
Michael Jackson
3/5
Michael was known as the king of pop for a reason. The production and instrumentation on the album hasn’t aged super well but Michael’s performances shine through. Great album but not his best, although it does contain my favorite song of his “Smooth Criminal 6/10
Favorite Tracks- “”The Way You Make Me Feel” “Man in the Mirror” “Smooth Criminal”
Beth Orton
2/5
I feel bad rating this one a two. She’s a competent singer/songwriter and has a beautiful voice but I just kept forgetting I was listening to it. Just couldn’t hold my attention. So for that I think it gets two stars.4/10
Common
3/5
The Boo Radleys
3/5
Liked this. Never heard these guys before but it’s giving Flaming Lips an Elephant 6 in the early 90’s and I’m here for it! 7/10
Favorite tracks- “I Hang Suspended” “Take the Time Around” Lazarus”
The Modern Lovers
5/5
There’s just something about Jonathan Richman that I find infinitely endearing. I love everything that this man releases and this one’s a doozy. 10/10 Favorite Tracks- “Pablo Picasso” “I’m Straight” “Astral Plane”
Manu Chao
4/5
I dig it. Eclectic, fun and always keeping things interesting. 8/10
Favorite tracks- "Je ne t'aime plus" "La vie à 2" "Malegría"
R.E.M.
3/5
This one ranges meh to timeless. “End of the World” and “The One I Love” are two of the best pop/rock tunes of our time but I’m struggling to find too much else I really enjoy on this one. 6/10 Favorite Track- “Exhuming McCarthy” “End of the World” and “The One I Love”
The Go-Go's
3/5
Mike Ladd
3/5
Never heard of this before. I really enjoyed it. Flow is similar to Kool Kieth at its best, but I dig the spoken word stuff too. A little unfocused and scattershot though. Some tracks just don’t land, but overall a solid listen.
The Kinks
2/5
This is so so British, but in a derogatory way. I’m not a fan.
Ghostface Killah
4/5
With the lack of hip-hop on this list I was really surprised to see this gem show up. Ghost is my favorite lyricist from the Wu and this album is fantastic. Love the sample choices. Love Ghost's flow and his wordsmithiness. 8/10
Favorite tracks- “Shaky Dog” “Be Easy” “Barbershop”
A Tribe Called Quest
5/5
Lupe Fiasco
3/5
Depeche Mode
4/5
Fiona Apple
5/5
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Tina Turner
4/5
George Michael
3/5
The Chemical Brothers
3/5
Blondie
4/5
Super solid rock record. Not a second of wasted time.
Johnny Cash
4/5
Björk
4/5
A breakup record from Björk. It’s a fantastic album but very heavy and devoid of joy. My favorite Bjork is joyous Bjork so this one doesn’t get as many spins as some of her others but it’s still a solid album and the production from Arca is some of the most interesting we will get on this list so I’m going to give this one a 8/10
Favorite tracks- “Stonemilker” “Family” “Atom Dance”
Saint Etienne
3/5
Pretty good chill electronic album. I’ll definitely listen to this one again and probably discover more I like. 7/10 FAVORITE TRACKS- “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” “Girl VII” “People Get Real”
The Rolling Stones
3/5
Great hits and a few hidden gems but a lot of uninteresting filler as well. Average as far as the Stones go.
7/10 Favorite tracks- “Paint it Black” “Under My Thumb” “I Am Waiting”
The Auteurs
2/5
Femi Kuti
4/5
Familiar with and love his father’s work but never heard anything from Femi before. Super solid Afro-beat record. Had me moving and grooving the entire length of the album. 8/10
Favorite tracks-“Nawa” “No Shame” “Changes”
Soundgarden
2/5
David Bowie
5/5
Pixies
5/5
Neil Young
5/5
Air
4/5
Waylon Jennings
2/5
Count Basie & His Orchestra
3/5
The The
3/5
Wasn’t super familiar with these guy, but this a solid 80’s pop/rock record. Nothing groundbreaking here but an enjoyable listen and welcome on the list.
7/10
Favorite tracks- “Infected” “Angels of Deception” “The Mercy Beat”
Massive Attack
3/5
Megadeth
2/5
Einstürzende Neubauten
3/5
Is it interesting, yes very. Will I listen to it often, no , no I won’t. Still it gets points on vibe and originality.
3/5
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3/5
R.E.M.
2/5
Willie Nelson
3/5
Fugees
4/5
Joni Mitchell
3/5
1/5
The fact that I got this the day after “Court and Spark” is hilarious and one of the reasons I am loving this experiment. That being said, how the fuck is this album in this list. As a junior high student I was obsessed with Limp Bizkit, I even had the red NY fitted cap. That being said, even 14 year old me knew this album blew when it came out.
Ass all around and waaaaayyyyy too long. 0/10
Muddy Waters
3/5