1001 Albums Journey

Started off quite strong but went downhill into mediocrity quite quickly.

If we were allowed half votes this would be 3.5, but I’ve rounded up to 4 as it’s certainly not an average 3. It’s a good solid album.

Whilst the album has a couple of my favourite Iggy tracks on it (Passenger and Lust For Life) it’s not one I’d really listen to in full. It’s ok, but doesn’t set my world on fire.

Pretty bland and largely forgettable. Kept having to drag myself To pay attention to it and let it just be background music.

This album doesn’t warrant a score of 1 because it’s technically well done and produced. I just find it sooo boring! So, thanks to its production, it gets a 2 from me. Not an album, or a band, I’ll be listening to again.

The album that almost never was. Can’t believe this actually came out in 1990 and was the bands only album. When “There She Goes” came out in 1988 it was really popular in certain circles at our school and a group of us even went and saw them live in 1989 (they were good live but I preferred the two support bands - EAT, and Trash Can Sinatra’s). The band was splitting up and changing band members so much it’s no wonder the album took years to finish (they recorded it a load with various member changes). Although BritPop really became a big term in the mid-90’s it was 80’s bands like The LA’s, Stone Roses, and Primal Scream which helped pave the way. Whether they are to be lauded or share part of the blame depends on your taste of course. This album is alright. It’s inoffensive and has some catchy tunes which atleast makes you “hear” the album as opposed to being background music you forget is on. Probably preferred The La’s to Cast (who sprung from The La’s ashes).

Ah, it’s one of those fairly bland bluesy rock albums. Not really my cup of tea (bet you couldn’t tell that from my opening sentence). Doubt they’ll be too upset though as they’ve sold millions of albums worldwide. I’m half way through the album as I write this - and I’ll see it out, but can’t imagine the music will suddenly give me an epiphany and change my mind 30+ minutes. …Yep, no epiphany received.

You oughta know that all I really want is perfect album. You’d be forgiven thinking it is ironic that this gets pretty close. Sometimes I wake up to this album and the songs just go right through you. You learn to come to love this LP , and no one can tell you otherwise, certainly not the the Doctor. I saw her live on this tour but there was no crowd surfing, you know - the head over feet kind so common at metal gigs. More the hand in my pocket tapping away whilst singing along to Mary Jane. In short, top album. 5 stars for Jagged Little Pill.

Some great tracks on this album, me not just Fast Car that originally brought her to international attention. I’ve actually listened to this album a few times over the years, and it’s still sounds great. Saw her performance of Fast Car at the Grammys last year and she’s got a great voice.

I’d heard the name Finley Quaye but didn’t know anything about him or his music before listening to this album. I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard any of his tracks before, but was vaguely hopeful as Spotify also had him appear on some chill out Ibiza playlists… but I can only guess that was a trancey remix or something. Now I don’t know much reggae, obviously Saint Bob who is a favourite summer chilled listen. When I worked at Camden Market back in the 80’s a lot of reggae was played, which I enjoyed, but apart from aforementioned Saint Bob I’ve never brought any reggae music myself. I guess Finley Quaye is pretty good to have made it onto the top 1001 list, but he’s not really my thing. Doubt I’ll ever listen to this again.

I knew of The Dandy Warhols but had never listened to any of their albums until this one. It started off reminding me a bit of REM, certainly from the same college roots. The majority of the album is pretty decent and, apart from a couple of tracks which seem to go on a bit too long towards the end of the album, I really enjoyed it. Certainly a band I might explore further.

I like the Ramones, have done for years, and always enjoy throwing them on for a spin every so often. I’m torn between giving this a 3 or a 4, mainly because whilst I like them I also think that a lot better bands and albums exist out there. I can enjoy an album whilst appreciating it’s not the greatest album (or band), or even close to being, out there. So… fun album. Guess I’m giving it a 3.

I think this album was the first time I heard REM. Orange Crush was getting a lot of plays at some of the local Indie clubs, along with It’s The End of the World as we know it and The One I Love from their previous album, Document, that I think is actually the better of the two albums. Green is a good REM album, not my favourite (that goes to Automatic For The People), but is overall pretty solid.

I’m sorry but the levels of misogyny and takes on peadophilia and general attitude of this album makes it unlistenable. I don’t mind some Eminem tracks but do find a lot of his work pretty terrible - especially in the lyric content and attitude. I did see him live at Reading Festival years ago and he makes a terrible role model. Loads of kids in the crowd with their parents and he’s up on stage making jokes about women, sex and drugs - to be fair that’s less his problem and more the festival organisers scheduling him at a very much pre-watershed afternoon slot. I don’t mind rap and hip-hop but this album should never have made a 1001 best album list.

Never heard of Deerhunter before and, now I’ve listened to the album, can confidently say I’ve still not heard them. What a bland album. Didn’t even really notice it was on, and certainly not a song that grabbed my attention. I’m going to have to listen to it again and try and pay attention as first listen was just blah background noise. Ok, second listen was better as I heard the songs and music. Still found it a rather bland album with no track jumping out at me. Technically not bad though, but as nothing grabbed me it’s getting a 2.

I first heard Faith No More when We Care A Lot came out. It was an exciting mix that you didn’t really have much of in metal at the time. An album later, and a change in singer, we had The Real Thing which propelled them in the limelight. Epic was a metal and alternate club classic - and I loved the entire album… plus live they were phenomenal. Whilst I really enjoyed The Real Thing my favourite album of theirs was the follow up to this, Angel Dust. Faith No More were pretty groundbreaking in the metal scene at the time - as the vast bulk of the scene was still rooted in the classic metal sound and FNM disrupted that and opened the path to a lot of new bands experimenting with their sound and style.

I’m going to presume there are more than one Black Sabbath album on the 1001 album list, because this is certainly not their best (Paranoid is far better). This is alright, lots of twiddly guitar and riffs. Probably viewed more with rose tinted spectacles, especially now Ozzy has departed.

This was the first CD I brought. I was a massive U2 fan in the 80’s and think I got this the day of release. It’s probably my favourite U2 album and the last album of theirs that I think was full of great tracks. Post-Joshua Tree there are certainly songs I like but I rarely (or never) listen to entire Albums all the way through from their later releases.

Apart from his time with Mr Garfunkel I’ve never really listened to Paul Simon beyond “You Can Call Me Al” (which you couldn’t avoid when it came out) and (possibly) the “Graceland” album. This album certainly doesn’t reach the heights of the Art & Garfunkel tracks, but is largely inoffensive. That said, what the hell is “Cars Are Cars”? What bright spark thought that was a good or interesting idea? That song almost made me drop the album to a 2. Maybe it still will, but generally the album is probably a more mediocre average 3. Halfway through my second listen as I write this but none of the songs have jumped out at me (or atleast in a good way - Cars Are Cars certainly jumped out, but more in a road crash sense).

I’d love to actually see the full list of 1001 albums at somepoint as they just have left some brilliant ones out so they could include some dubious ones. Sure, Pretty in Pink is a classic song, and there is possibly one other good song on this album but it’s hardly a classic in its own genre let alone of all time albums.

If I had ever known of The Good, The Bad & The Queen I’d completely forgotten about them until today’s album suggestion. Damon Albarn certainly likes his projects doesn’t he. Shame they mostly sound more-or-less the same. There is a track I like on this album, but most of it does sound very samey. It’s not a *bad* album, just a little dull.

I enjoyed this album. I’d never listened to more than the odd song from Dusty Springfield if it was on the radio or a compilation album. She has a good voice, but the reason she ends up with a four, instead of possibly challenging for that coveted 5, is the same as a number of singers and groups from this era - that they end up releasing albums with a load of covers or songs that other artists also do. I know it was for a number of reasons, including radio play, but whilst bands like The Beatles and Rolling Stones were (largely) doing their own thing it’s a shame more singers weren’t able to.

I have never really listened to much Bob Dylan, despite seeing him live twice (both times at festivals). I do generally find his voice too whiney for me, sometimes hurts my head. I did watch The Complete Unknown, which is a brilliant movie, but came out of it going on a Joan Baez kick instead of going down the Dylan road. He is a good song writer and an icon of the music biz. Flipping between a 3 and a 4 with this one, mainly because I’ve had a headache all day and Dylan really is not an artist to listen to when you have one.

I’d like to know why this album stands out above any of the other thousands of country albums out there? It sounds (to a non-country fan) very stereotypical for the scene. It’s getting a 3 from me because it’s technically well done. But as far as the songs, etc, are concerned they could be any country songs as they all sound pretty much the same tempo and twiddly chords. I don’t think I’ll be listening to any more Emmylou Harris unless she somehow gets another album on this list.

I had never heard of Hookworms until this album suggestion. Whilst I like it, and have now listened to the rest of their catalogue, I’m not sure why they are on a 1001 best album list. It’s enjoyable certainly, but there are better examples of their genre out there. Still, guess I’m glad they were on the list otherwise I wouldn’t have heard of them. Better than some of the other albums that have been featured, and certainly a nice bit of fresh air after the recent 60’s/70’s offerings.

Doesn’t this album just make you want to rip your panties off and throw them at the stereo? Well, no, me neither. It’s odd to think that Elvis, and his thrusting gyrating “dance” got so many people all is a tizz. But Elvis was instrumental in breaking the musical mode and bringing rock and roll to the masses. Helping to give the band hole music industry a jumpstart into a more modern age. This, his debut album at 21, is packed full of hits - the whole album was released as singles in the US - and spent 10 weeks at #1 in the US. It’s a pleasant listen and doesn’t make me want to dive for the off switch (or fling undergarments) towards the stereo. Not someone I’d listen to a lot, but wouldn’t switch radio stations if he came on.

Led Zeppelin were one of those bands I loved as a teen. I had lyrics to some of their songs pinned on my desk cork board. I watched the Becoming Led Zeppelin documentary earlier in the year and recommend it to any fans out there. This album certainly has a few classic tracks on, but is not their best album in my mind. Tracks such as Whole Lotta Love are fantastic, but the overall album probably lands as a 3.

I like PJ Harvey, and have seen her live atleast a couple of times. This album, whilst still a good album, is not my favourite of hers. Despite including “This Is Love” which is on my favourites list, “Stories From The City…” ranks behind her “To Being You My Love” (1995) and “Let England Shake” (2011) as an overall album. That’s not in the least to say it’s bad, it certainly isn’t, just that I don’t think it’s my favourite of hers. Regardless, it was still really nice to play this through a couple of times today :)

Not my cup of Caipirinha.

This pretty much gave me what I wanted and expected from the title. I used to have a few western albums (still love “Rawhide”) which is partially a throwback to the old black & white cowboy serials on TV as a kid combined with background music for the Deadland RPG. I found this much better than the Emmylou Harris country & western album the other day.

Never heard of John Grant (or his previous band The Czars) but reading his Spotify bio gives me hope that I might like this - or some of his subsequent - albums. Looking forward to giving this a listen… Well, so far this is pretty tame/medicore. Only half way through so far though. Yeah, wasn’t keen on this. Have cleared my listening queue of the other albums of his I had initially lined up. Not someone I’d listen to again.

Despite my previous comments about country music I don’t mind some of it. Dolly is definitely one of the best of the genre and this album was a pleasant listen. Certainly also helped by being under 30 minutes, but it also sounds much better than some of the others that have been on this list.

I’d never heard of Elliott Smith before. I wasn’t sure what to expect but found this very dull and bland.

Probably in a minority here, but I’ve never really listened to Neil Young, and wouldn’t be able to name any of his songs off the top of my head. I obviously know the name, but his music is not the type of rock I’ve ever listened to - a little like The Rolling Stones, which the first song on this album reminded me a bit of. God… some of this is painful (currently on Farmer John and boy is it hard on the ears) Had to turn off the final track - was hurting me head. As a bonus I also started to listen to his “Like a Hurricane” as The Mission covered it. I can safely say that I think the Mission version is immeasurably better in all regards. Guess I am not a Neil Young fan.

Now I know we all took the piss out of Simply Red something rotten when we were younger, but apart from the *hits* I’ve never listened to an actual album of theirs… so here goes… Well, first song is really not my thing. Second song is better, but I don’t like the live audience and the song isn’t really my taste. 3 & 4 less offensive to the ears. Track 5 back to being shit. Onto the hits… they’ve grown on me over the decades. Really wasn’t keen when they first came out in the 80’s but they have either worn me down or I’ve developed a warped nostalgia for these two. Out of the hits and tracks 8 and 9 don’t seem too bad, mind you that might just be because the start of the album was so terrible that these ones actually sound better … having just written that I’ve just hit a terrible midsection in No Direction (possibly a chorus) so have changed my mind and this track is as bad as the earlier ones. Final track limps things passed the finishing line. On the strength of the two hits this might manage a “2” but given the lacklustre and dismal other tracks I think it might be a 1 from me. Guess I’ll find out tomorrow how I’m feeling about when I get to submit a score. Not one I’ll ever listen to again in any case.

The opening track is a classic but generally I’ve found EBTG fine background music but they aren’t really my thing. My favourite track of theirs is from a few years later from this album when Todd Terry remixed Missing. Overall fine.

Really enjoyed this.

Apart from “I Feel Free” (which I annoy on this album) I don’t think I know any Cream tracks. It definitely sounds like what I’d expect from a 60’s rock album, although is let down by some terrible tracks (the appalling Mothers Lament that shouldn’t even have graced a bad 60’s comedy album). Turns out I do know more than one Cream track though as instantly recognised Sunshine of Your Love. Hard one to score for me. Would I listen to this album again? Probably not. Waivering between a 2 and a 3.

I’m not sure I’ve ever heard Creedence Clearwater Revival, despite knowing the name. I will admit I never knew how popular they were given they are still in the top 200 most listened too artists on Spotify. Given the recent 60’s rock albums that have been thrown up by this site I did not have my hopes up. Thankfully I was very pleasantly surprised and enjoyed this album. Might even listen to some of their other albums at some point.

After a few albums of @ 30 mins this one came as a bit of a shock to the system. It was quite daunting, having never listened to a Stevie Wonder album before, to be confronted with a double album running to 1 hour 45 min! I know a sprinkling of his hits but beyond that it’s pretty much Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise which heavily samples Pastime Paradise which appears on this album. Overall listening to this brought back memories of the 70’s and surprisingly Sesame Street for some reason? I quite enjoyed it, but it’s not really a genre or musician that I’d go out of my way to listen to again.

I had fairly high hopes for this album for some reason. Possibly due to remembering Primal Scream in their early days being played at a number of clubs I frequented (Loaded and Moving on Up seemed to be everywhere) but this ended up being fairly bland background noise. Was quite disappointed as I was looking forwarded to listening to an entire album from these guys as I’m not sure I’ve listened to any of their albums since Screamadelica and can’t remember that apart from the signature tracks anymore.

Ok, pretty much the definition of a classic album. I always preferred The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, and this album has probably one of my all-time favourite Beatles tracks on it (Eleanor Rigby). I do find Yellow Submarine quite jarring these days - but I think I associate it with being a kids song. Overall a brilliant album, and twittering between a 4 or a 5.

I quite like some of The Fugees tracks so was interested to hear this. Hasn’t grabbed me initially though, but only part way through my first play through. That said, I’ve already fast forwarded a couple of tracks so it’s not sounding overly promising… Going into this I really hoped I’d enjoy it, but sadly I haven’t. Whilst it pains me in many ways I’m going to have to give this a lonely 1.

I don’t mind a few Hole songs, and own one of two albums. Haven’t really listened to much apart from he odd song here and there for years though. Went into this one looking forward to it, but found it quite disappointing.

I’ve never knowingly listened to Mekons before, although I know the name. On my second listen atm, and am on the fence. Really liked “Trouble Down South” but finding most of the tracks poor to mediocre so far. Yeah, the Mekons aren’t doing anything for me apart from that one track.

No idea what to expect with this one. It was alright, but more background noise and fairly forgettable. That said I really liked the final track, “Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga”. That probably increased my score for this one by a point alone.

Listened to this a couple of times over the weekend and whilst none of the tracks jumped out at me it was overall a pleasant listening experience. I only really know ZZ Top from their two big 80’s albums (Eliminator and Afterburner) and haven’t really ever listened to them beyond those - and even then not often and probably not in the last decade or two. I liked this album. It’s now Sunday evening and I’m on a ZZ Top kick having queued up Eliminator and Afterburner on Spotify 😂

I’m a big Pink Floyd fan so have listened to this album countless times over the years. Love them and love this.

Used to listed to White Stripes quite a bit it the early 00’s and this album starts fantastically with the brilliant “Seven Nation Army” which instantly gets you in the mood for more. Whilst the album might not deliver on the high expectation left after the opening track, there are some great tracks in here such as “The Hardest Button to Button”. Others such as “Black Math” and “There’s No Home For You Here” keep the album moving in the right direction. Whilst not a perfect album it has got some great material in here.

I have on occasion listened to Brian Eno’s ambient albums, and absolutely love a number of albums he’s produced for other bands (especially U2 and Talking Heads). He is undoubtably one of the greatest “creatives” alive today when you look over everything he’s done or been involved with. I do find a lot of his own material more “background noise” than outstanding and memorable. This album has a great team of musicians, and is certainly not bad - whilst also not being really good. So it’s a solid 3 from me.

I know the name Ryan Adams but have never knowingly heard anything by him before now. It does make me wonder why albums like this become so popular. There has been so far, and I’m halfway through my first listen, nothing groundbreaking, new or interesting to make him a superstar. I guess that might be a reason in its own right if people feel comfortable with a middle of the road album that feels familiar and safe. For me, I find this very mediocre and dull. It is well produced though. Let’s see how the second half of the album grabs me. I think one listen is more than enough of this. Very much doubt I’ll be listening to anything else by Ryan Adams again. Nothing new to find here.

Well, I guess the good news is that I made twice through this album- which hasn’t always been the case with some of the suggestions on this list. I was never into Sonic Youth and after listening to this album I don’t think my opinion has changed. They are ok, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to them. Struggling between a 2 or a 3 for this one.

The last time a Dylan album came up I had a headache and his voice didn’t help that at all. This time I don’t have a headache, but boy am I getting one. I just really find his voice too whiny and whilst I can appreciate he made a massive contribution to culture in the 60’s and is a musical icon - I just don’t like his voice. There was a reason I ended up binging Joan Baez after watching The Complete Unknown and not Dylan. Not sure I can finish this album.

I’d forgotten just how good Scott Walker is. So pleased this album came up as songs like “The Seventh Seal” and “Hero of the War” are amazing lyrically and great to listen to. On my second listen and loving it, and will be going in to a Scott Walker listening hole this afternoon I feel :)

Wasn’t sure what to expect with this, and not overly sure what I listened to in all honesty. Not a bad album, but didn’t do much for me. Certainly didn’t hate it, but nothing stood out for me… although Antarctica Starts Here probably was my favourite track.