131
Albums Rated
2.86
Average Rating
12%
Complete
958 albums remaining
Rating Distribution
Rating Timeline
Taste Profile
1970
Favorite Decade
Hip-hop
Favorite Genre
US
Top Origin
Perfectionist
Rater Style ?
2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
|
5 | 3.51 | +1.49 |
|
Stripped
Christina Aguilera
|
4 | 2.87 | +1.13 |
|
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
|
5 | 3.94 | +1.06 |
You Love Less Than Most
| Album | You | Global | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Parklife
Blur
|
1 | 3.38 | -2.38 |
|
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
|
1 | 3.29 | -2.29 |
|
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
|
1 | 3.14 | -2.14 |
|
Dirty
Sonic Youth
|
1 | 3.11 | -2.11 |
|
Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
|
1 | 3.1 | -2.1 |
|
OK Computer
Radiohead
|
2 | 4.1 | -2.1 |
|
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
|
1 | 2.99 | -1.99 |
|
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
|
2 | 3.61 | -1.61 |
|
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
|
2 | 3.44 | -1.44 |
|
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
|
2 | 3.4 | -1.4 |
5-Star Albums (2)
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Popular Reviews
Lambchop · 1 likes
2/5
I’m not afraid to admit that I don’t understand this album. If David Bowie and Queensryche had a musical love child, its debut album would sound something like this. I don’t know whether to slow dance to it or make it the sound track to the next serial killer thrasher movie. Not sure how to grade this so I’ll simply give it partial credit for trying and hope tomorrow’s selection is less confusing.
PS - Wasn’t Lambchop that lamb puppet on PBS? Is this the same animal?
Fugees · 1 likes
3/5
The Fugees can harmonize with the best of them. This album is filled with slow beats that get you moving coupled with rhymes of opposing speeds that keep you interested in what the lyrics will bring next. Each song is filled with life and emotion and Lauryn Hill is a singer in every sense of the word. On the downside, the skits were a distraction for me on the album but overall this was a very good listen.
Blur · 1 likes
1/5
WTF did I just listen to?? (Just about) Every song is a collection of random thoughts that don’t seem to have a single common thread or theme worth giving a crap about. And I normally dig a fine English accent but for some reason it didn’t help this album at all (Parklife was God awful and Bank Holiday might be the dumbest sh*t I’ve ever heard). This album/band should be removed from the interweb. And it looks like I made it to the end…finally.
Christina Aguilera · 1 likes
4/5
Whether you enjoy her music or not, it’s impossible to deny the talent Christina Aguilera has. The range, her vocal power, and her pure swag are simply incredible. I don’t enjoy all of her music but I have to give credit where it’s due and this girl can flat out sing.
The Smashing Pumpkins · 1 likes
3/5
Heavy rock songs with catchy lyrics and riffs. My biggest complaint with Smashing Pumpkins is that most songs sound the same. The ones that don’t stand out tremendously on the album. They are decent songs, but I don’t need the same thing a half-dozen times. Just a mid album for me.
1-Star Albums (7)
All Ratings
Amy Winehouse
4/5
A collection of broken love songs with a soulful backbone and crisp vocals. Upbeat tempos collide with the dark lyrics of each arrangement. Great for playing in the background while you work on other projects.
Wu-Tang Clan
3/5
It’s impossible to not bob your head along with the beats while listening to this album. The playful sound effects, sporadic samples of old school music, and witty lyrics keep a smile on your face during every song. Track after track is a “who’s who in the Brooklyn zoo” with a revolving door of MCs throwing haymakers at anyone looking to step-up. A common theme of staying ghetto fabulous and protecting the crew run rampant across this album. Wu-Tang is for the children!
The Velvet Underground
2/5
Let’s get the good qualities of this album out of the way first. Much respect to a band that actually plays instruments and can give you a real Rock & Roll sound. It’s refreshing to listen to music being “made” and not just synthesized, as a lot of music is presented today. Despite being almost 60 years old, the rock sound still comes through strong and true and I can see how this band/album may have influenced others that followed it. So I’ll recognize that there is talent hiding within this band.
Now that I’ve said that, the album is like an open mic night in a beatnik neighborhood. Most tracks are just Lou Reed talking at you with music playing in the background more than any real singing happening. Not my cup of tea for sure. It was worth a listen, but it’s a one-and-done for me.
Paul Simon
4/5
It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what it is about Paul Simon that I like. His vocals are never going to blow you away but the complex arrangements of his songs, his use of a myriad of instruments on every track, and lyrics that make you think all continue to draw me in to his music.
Paul Simon is not my go-to artist, but I enjoyed the lively tempo of this album and am glad I listened to it in its entirety. Solid musician all around.
Boston
4/5
Love this big Rock & Roll sound! Giant guitar riffs and drums all over the place. Every song is a banger and listening to this album from start to finish was delightful.
Mudhoney
2/5
These guys remind me (a lot) of a highschool garage band. At times the musicians seemed out of sync with one another (which I have no doubt was by design) and every song sounded the same as the last one. A few of the songs contained sections which appeared as though the song was going to turn into a jam session but it always ran too long and I found myself wishing it was over. I’d be okay if I never listened to this album again. In fact, I’d prefer it.
U2
4/5
The first big album from U2 that truly made them mainstream. “Sunday, Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day” are just two of the iconic songs from this collection that you are forced to sing along with. Catchy beats and Bono’s unique singing make this one a pleasure to listen to. Not quite the perfect album in my opinion to receive a “5” rating, but this is no slouch either. I hadn’t listened to it in a while and I’m glad this one made the rounds to be reviewed.
Peter Frampton
3/5
Classic 70’s sound on this album with the unique voice and guitar stylings of Peter Frampton guiding every song. This album carries more energy than expected having been recorded as a live album with the crowd cheering and shouting throughout. Great listen and a solid compilation from this decade.
The Electric Prunes
3/5
I had never heard of The Electric Prunes before listening to this album and I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe it’s because my expectations were that The Prunes were bound to produce sh*t but the tunes were catchy and I found myself truly listening to their songs. The more I listened I began thinking “this is what The Doors would sound like if they had never found psychedelics.” The album was very representative of the era, but I don’t see myself rolling down the highway, with my windows dropped, blasting the Electric Prunes any time soon. Overall, this album was worth a listen but that’s about it.
Fairport Convention
1/5
I tried. I seriously did. I got each song started and couldn’t hang on to a single one. If I closed my eyes and listened I would swear this was the prequel to Sheryl Crow. I’ve definitely heard worse, but this is gonna be a no for me, dawg.
Steely Dan
3/5
I’ve never been a real fan of Steely Dan and listening to this album did nothing to improve that. I kept thinking these songs sounded like ithey were created on Christmas morning with a kids newly unwrapped 32-key Casio keyboard. If this album had been 11 tracks of Rikki Don’t Lose That Number I might have been able to give it a better score, but mediocrity begets mediocrity.
Christina Aguilera
4/5
Whether you enjoy her music or not, it’s impossible to deny the talent Christina Aguilera has. The range, her vocal power, and her pure swag are simply incredible. I don’t enjoy all of her music but I have to give credit where it’s due and this girl can flat out sing.
Nico
2/5
Nein. Nein. This is a collection of music that plays during a montage from an episode of The Wonder Years. It’s dated, not interesting at all, and isn’t worth the time spent listening to it.
The Verve
3/5
I don’t know much about The Verve so I was intrigued to listen to this album. Started off great with Bittersweet Symphony so I leaned-in a little harder. From that point on, the songs were good, but nothing earth-shattering. This is the type of band that if a buddy had an extra ticket to their concert, I would go and would probably have a good time, but I’d never seek them out on my own. Decent music but when it’s said and done it was an average band with one song that went viral.
Emmylou Harris
3/5
Although i had heard of Emmylou Harris before, I’m certain I’ve never listened to an ounce of her music previous to this experience (so I had no idea what I was in for). Now having gone through the album, I can see why she has a legacy attached to her name. The songs reminded me of Dolly Parton with a flare of Appalachia thrown into the mix. It’s old school country music before artists started singing about their dogs, their exes, their truck, and beer. I won’t seek this album out again, but I won’t adjust the tuner if one of her songs comes on either.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
After listening to this album, I imagine Elvis Costello has a very punchable face. Which is a shame because a couple of his songs were actually catchy tunes between the piano and the drums…and then his voice goes and completely ruins it all. His “singing” is more whining than anything artistic and he sounded a bit flat on every note. I can honestly say that I took absolutely nothing from this album and if someone asked me what it was about, I couldn’t even give them a relevant theme. I was done listening halfway through but I toughed it out for research purposes.
Machito
3/5
I didn’t have listening to an instrumental album on my bingo card for today, but I can’t say I minded the change. This percussion-led, big band sound was full of thundering horns and polyrhythmic beats that kept me moving throughout the album. At times while listening to the tracks, I felt like there should be a Batman (Adam West era) fight scene happening in the background with several “POW”s and “ZAM”s flying across the screen. Overall this was an enjoyable deviation from the norm.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
2/5
You can shine a turd all day long, but at the end of the day it’s still just a piece of sh*t. This album is more of the same from Elvis Costello; musically interesting yet vocally insulting. If they gave out an award for saying the title of your song as many times as possible within your lyrics, the podium would be Elvis Costello and then everyone else. I’m not sure if I’m being punk’d or if I lost a bet, but being served Elvis Costello twice in one week when there are 1001 albums in this project just seems cruel.
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3/5
A very unique sound that I wasn’t expecting. Several of the tracks seemed to purposefully distort the instruments while the vocals were deliberately tuned to sound as if they were singing into a tin can. This edgy style carried throughout the album. It wasn’t a bad effect, but I wasn’t really into it. Middle of the road for me; I could take it or leave it just the same.
Elvis Presley
4/5
Classic sounds of the start of rock & roll from the 50’s. Elvis’ silky, smooth voice is easily recognizable and I imagine was extremely unique at the time of this recording. Really good album and I enjoyed listening to it from start to finish.
Muddy Waters
4/5
Fire. Straight fire. Blues all up in your face from the first note of Mannish Boy. Muddy’s slow southern drawl works perfectly with the electric energy of the guitar and the bouncing harmonica on every track. This was a great return to some solid music, despite being almost 50 years old. Would listen to this again and definitely will soon.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
1/5
I must be getting old because all I heard was a bunch of loud noise with routine squeals from a high-pitched, oversexed lead singer. Even the slower songs found a way to make me want to jump tracks. I’m sure someone, somewhere enjoys this style of “music” but it’s not me. …now get off my lawn!!
The Stooges
3/5
The punk train has returned to the station but this time it’s on the less chaotic side of the tracks. Punk rock has never been in my top 17 genres of music, but I can honestly say I didn’t mind listening to this. I wouldn’t go looking for The Stooges, but I was able to tolerate the entire album without wanting to jump off a cliff.
The Zombies
3/5
Very stylistic of the time period. Melodic songs that are piano led with a steady drum beat. Reminiscent of the Beatles without the drugs. Middle of the road for me but these songs would never last in today’s music scene. Time of the Season was a nice surprise at the end of the album.
MGMT
3/5
I’m struggling to classify this album into a genre. It’s very electric, with an upbeat rock feel yet has some flashes of punk. I recognized a few of the tracks with the thought of “I never knew who sang this! This is MGMT?!” Although this strays from my normal playlist and there wasn’t a lot of depth to the songs, I enjoyed listening to it.
Hüsker Dü
2/5
Husker Du not sound very good to me. These guys were the last minute substitution band playing the Delta Chi homecoming party when the original band’s van broke down 10 miles off campus. And 20 songs??!! WTF?? I can’t imagine their A&R guy was so in love with all of these tunes that he just had to include them all on the album. Du yourself a favor and Du not listen to this album. Simply put: It’s Du Du.
Bob Marley & The Wailers
5/5
I told myself going into this project that I would be stingy and reserve the “1”s and “5”s for the worst of the worst and the best of the best. That being said, this is as close to a “5” that I’ve come so far. The music is delightful, the message is powerful, and Bob’s voice is both amazing and unique at the same time. I could listen to this album on repeat without being disappointed and therefore stamp it with a justified “5”.
Nirvana
4/5
Credited with being one of the bands that sent Grunge Rock to mainstream America, Nirvana blasted onto the scene in the 90’s, plastered in flannel, and turned millions of heads immediately. Their heavy drum and distorted guitar-led songs are filled with screamed lyrics of edgy topics like drugs, trauma, death, addiction and mental health issues. Most songs are organized chaos that force you to move to the beat while contrasting slow ballads fill the other spaces of the album; somehow still delivering potent messages to the audience. A great album all around that shocks your system every time you hear it.
Metallica
4/5
I was very late jumping on the Metallica bandwagon. When And Justice For All dropped in the late 80’s, I was elbow deep in Classic Rock and the emerging Rap music that was sweeping the country. In short, I never saw this Heavy Metal band coming. It was the early 90’s when I finally listened to this album and I was blown away by the sound. James Hetfield was built for this band and has the perfect voice for this type of music. The guitar riffs on several tracks (specifically on the opening of Blackened) are mesmerizing and at times I think even the drum kit didn’t realize it could be played like that. (I’m looking at you One!). While most of the songs aggressively demand your attention, a few of them are less grabby and simply fill up the album. Overall this was a great listen and I look forward to giving it another go here soon.
Happy Mondays
2/5
I don’t know if I truly never came across the Happy Mondays during the 90’s (which would be why I don’t recall them at all) or if I did listen to their music and then permanently removed it from my brain. Either way, this is not my jam. I imagine this really hitting at a rave back when Special K and Molly were popular but it’s not doing much for me today. Catchy beats on a few of the tracks but I was truly just waiting for it to end.
Iggy Pop
3/5
I was familiar with the name Iggy Pop but I had never listened to any of his albums before today. The arrangements kept me interested, despite the solemn overtones, bringing in that big 70’s rock sound with flares of punk throughout. There is almost something sinister about Iggy’s voice on each song that I kind of dig. I imagine Iggy is a true to life badass with an encyclopedia-sized book of stories from being a rock star. As cool as the other side of the pillow.
Television
3/5
There was no bullsh*t with this album. A few guys playing instruments and another singing vocals; no crazy effects or conflicting styles. Just plain old music.
The Everly Brothers
3/5
A collection of rock love songs that is fitting to the time period. Simple tunes with clear vocals. I’m not adding this to the playlist anytime soon, but I have no issues with it either.
The Kinks
2/5
A little too “folksy” for me but this album is also very representative of the times it was recorded. I’m pretty sure one of the songs was written by Dr. Suess. And if I’m really being critical, how the hell was this album not broken into two albums??!! 28 songs! Seriously?? Overall the actual music was tolerable, but the lyrics were awful and left me with a unsupportive opinion.
The Black Keys
3/5
I’m a fan of that greasy, in your face, guitar-driven sound the Black Keys deliver which also happens to complement the (sometimes even falsetto) voice of the lead singer very well. The simplicity of the band is great in that they don’t overload you with too many different sounds or effects. It’s a handful of instruments and some good singing. That’s all that is needed.
Gang Of Four
2/5
Civilized Punk rock with songs that aren’t very memorable. While I didn’t find this album to be horrific to listen to, it did sound like the same song with 11 extended pauses every couple of minutes. Not really for me, but if I was at a party and this was the background noise over the din of the crowd, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.
Robbie Williams
2/5
Bubble Gum Rock at its finest (despite the occasional reference to drugs and/or sex). Every song could be the background music that plays during the character development segment of a Disney TV series. Nothing majorly wrong with it, there’s just cheese oozing from my speakers after playing this album.
Tori Amos
3/5
Soft spoken rock songs with a high-pitched, whiny component on every track . Tori Amos is undoubtedly musically talented (in both her vocal achievements as well as her piano playing) but this isn’t my style of music.
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
Solid (early) classic rock. Clapton is a legend and for good reason. His ability to make the guitar sing is elite and his voice is always recognizable.
Sparks
2/5
The best way to describe this (in my opinion) is operetta rock. The high pitch of each song coupled with the repetitive and staccato nature of the songs brought me to believe this is more about the performance than the actual music. It’s hard to keep up with the lyrics in this style but I’m pretty confident this isn’t for me.
Jefferson Airplane
3/5
With a name like Surrealistic Pillow, I should have seen the sleepiness of this album coming. With the exception of Someone to Love and White Rabbit, it starts out a bit on the drab side for me. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the solid classic rock music that pops up with lively guitar, background tambourine, and bluesy harmonica on the back half of the album. Footnote: I can’t listen to Someone to Love without picturing Jim Carrey in The Cable Guy doing his karaoke rendition. So good.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
This album is short and to the point. 7 songs, 30-something minutes of a sound that is distinctly CCR. Big rock that includes a variety of instruments all flavored with a taste of the deep south. Born on the Bayou, Proud Mary, and Good Golly Miss Molly are all iconic songs and classic sounds of the 60’s. Great album.
Radiohead
2/5
This is not what I was expecting before I listened to the album. I’m familiar with Radiohead and recognized Karma Police on the album so I was excited to dig in. The whole thing was very melancholy and I was left feeling like I’d missed something. Not a very good listen.
Khaled
3/5
The language barrier is the most obvious problem I have with this album. It’s my own fault for not being able to understand it, but it limits how I can appreciate the songs and makes my criticisms one dimensional. That being said, the music was very uplifting. I found myself moving to the beat with a smile on my face on a number of the songs. The cover of Imagine threw me for a loop, for sure. Overall, it has a funky beat and I can really bug out it.
The Lemonheads
2/5
It’s rock ‘n roll with no emotion. The music is decent but there’s nothing to connect with; The remake of Mrs. Robinson might be the only exception there. A couple of the songs (like Rockin’ Stroll and My Drug Buddy) should never have been recorded. They sound like someone broke out a guitar while sitting around a campfire and this was the result. One and done for me. I’ll never listen to this album again.
Fleetwood Mac
4/5
Solid rock from the 70’s. There are timeless tracks on this album (Dreams, Don’t stop, Go your own way, The Chain) that will continue to be enjoyed for decades to come. All around, great listen.
Joni Mitchell
3/5
Elevator music at its finest. In all seriousness, Joni has an amazing voice and the compositions are well put together. I understand that she was an icon of her time but I think you needed to be present in the 70’s to really jump on that train (and heavy usage of pot probably helped). Good album with no major criticisms to offer.
Kendrick Lamar
3/5
Kendrick is quite the lyricist with rhymes that make you stop and think. The speed with which he delivers his message is mesmerizing and on multiple tracks the beat continues to evolve mid-song which makes what he’s doing even more impressive. A cohesive, thoughtful album.
The Prodigy
3/5
In the right environment I have no doubt that this album slaps (I.e. - 1am at a rave, at a house party that had the cops called on it, etc..). Sitting at the breakfast table looking at a plate of eggs is not one of those places. There are some banger tracks on this compilation that can get you hyped up in seconds, but again you need an atmosphere that is conducive to noise, movement, and small fits of chaos. Overall I enjoyed the listen.
Blur
1/5
WTF did I just listen to?? (Just about) Every song is a collection of random thoughts that don’t seem to have a single common thread or theme worth giving a crap about. And I normally dig a fine English accent but for some reason it didn’t help this album at all (Parklife was God awful and Bank Holiday might be the dumbest sh*t I’ve ever heard). This album/band should be removed from the interweb. And it looks like I made it to the end…finally.
Joan Baez
3/5
While this is not my style of music (folk) I can see why this album was popular during the 60’s. The message in Baez’s songs is more important than the actual arrangement, but this girl can sing too. I imagine that this style of music was a change from the rock and roll blasting the air waves during the 60’s and Baez’s lyrics connected with the masses during a very tumultuous time period. Again, not really for me, but I get it and can see how her songs pushed future artists to be successful.
Curtis Mayfield
3/5
This album oozes with soul. The groove of the guitar, the dancing of the piano, the blasts from the horns, as well as the variety of different drum sounds are all complemented wonderfully by Curtis’ silky voice. Pick a track and it could easily have been included on the Shaft soundtrack cause it’s just that smooth. Glad to have experienced this.
Queen
4/5
Not Queen’s best album, but it definitely still kicks a**. Strong rock beats led by electric guitar and heavy drums and all the while Freddie Mercury’s range is simply ridiculous. Queen seems to have fun with all of their music and this is no exception. There is an artistic quality to their songs in addition to the entertainment each provides. Above average band and entertainers.
JAY Z
3/5
Jay-Z has perfected being “hood” while drive a Bentley and wearing Burberry. His rhymes leave any opp in his wake with some of the baddest beats you’ve ever heard and lyrics that are as mysterious as they are cutting-edge. Jay-Z’s songs don’t sound like any one else and he dominates the mic every time he touches it. Jay has recurring themes of starting out with nothing and making it big which I believe is what draws a large number of his audience in. Being that this album is early in his career, I personally don’t think it’s his best work, but it’s clearly full of the qualities that made him a global icon going forward.
The Monkees
3/5
The Monkees are without a doubt talented. The harmonizing of the vocals and the number of different instruments being played stands out on this album. The songs themselves are very dated and the lyrics are simple, but the music is good. BTW - 36 songs?? Smh.
Norah Jones
4/5
This album is like a warm blanket and a cup of hot cocoa on a cold, snowy evening. It wraps you up, slows your heartbeat, and soothes your mind into a peaceful state. I’ll die on the hill that Norah Jones is an unbelievable vocalist. I was fortunate enough to sit 4th row at one of her shows and I’ve never in my life seen someone emit the sultry sounds she is capable of producing with such ease. She barely opens her mouth and this powerful, yet controlled sound envelopes the room. The background music is extremely soulful powered by the piano and upright bass. This isn’t quite a 5 for me, but damn it’s close.
Skunk Anansie
1/5
Trash. Some interesting beats on a few tracks, but overall not worth listening to.
Sepultura
3/5
I’m exhausted from just listening to this album. I can only imagine what this lead singer went through while recording it. Death Metal is not something I gravitate to at all, but it was fun to give this a listen to once…once.
Hole
3/5
This entire album is very vanilla. Basic. Plain. Meh. The music itself is good, but there is little emotion (other than depression) to latch onto with the songs. This may be harsh to say, but if Courtney Love had never married Kurt Cobain, Rock & Roll wouldn’t know her and/or the band Hole.
U2
4/5
A decent album from an above-average band. Not all of the tracks are bangers, but a handful of them really stand out from the rest. U2 consistently provides a solid rock sound and this album seems a bit more exploratory then staying true to their previous compilations. Well worth a listen.
Eagles
3/5
A classic rock album. A few of the tracks are timeless and the rest of the album is easy listening. The Eagles do a wonderful job of sounding like a band versus one guy singing while everyone else plays instruments. A variety of instruments and varying vocals give the tracks depth while the descriptive lyrics help draw a mental image of whatever it is they are singing about. Excellent use of 36 mins
Peter Tosh
3/5
Musically, it sounds like a Bob Marley album (which makes perfect sense based on Tosh’s involvement with the Wailers) but the lyrics and delivery are a far cry from the passion Bob Marley exuded. The groove of this album is very strong and is a great example of what Reggae music should sound like. Overall a really good product and a great listen.
N.W.A.
4/5
Straight Outta Compton was my introduction into the world of gangsta rap and I played my cassette tape so much and so often I wore it out. Typical white boy in the 90’s with his windows down and the volume up. Before this album I didn’t realize it was possible to publically and directly challenge the establishment. It also opened my eyes to what life was like outside of suburbia for a segment of the American society. Straight Outta Compton was extremely controversial (mostly because of the song F**k Tha Police) as it saw members of the group arrested mid-concert for performing their songs, which they saw as a direct violation of their freedom of speech rights. NWA gave the world Dr Dre and Ice Cube who went on to super-stardom in their own right but this where they got their start. I agree this is one of the 1001 must listen albums. Very nostalgic for me to listen to this album again.
Fun Lovin' Criminals
3/5
The band’s name tells the entire story. I see this group’s origin story being a handful of guys who realized they were (slightly) better musicians than the other guys playing Joe’s Bar & Grill and decided to take this full time; all because it was fun to do. The music is average, the lyrics leave something to be desired, but all along it’s intentionally not that serious and leaves you with a half-grin. You’ll forget you listened to this a day later, but it was good while you were in the moment.
The Police
3/5
The second album from The Police which continued to push them towards global notoriety. Message in a Bottle and Walking on the Moon are the clear standout songs of this album, but the other tracks carry the same sound we have come to expect from The Police (except for maybe On Any Other Day. I’m not sure what that song is all about). Good overall album that I would enjoy listening to again.
The Byrds
3/5
An album from The Byrds being randomly served up on Thanksgiving may seem apropos…but it’s dismissed as a mere coincidence. I’m struggling to put this style of music in a nice, neat box as it has flavors from different genres. At one point I thought, “this sounds a lot like the Beatles without the drugs”, and then Moog Raga played and I thought, “Well there’s the drugs!” The sounds are crisp and the songs are (mostly) welcoming. I know The Byrds were wildly popular during the 60’s for other song they sang, but this album was just take it or leave it for me. Overall an easy listen, but I won’t be running back to them any time soon.
4/5
It’s good music. Sincerely. I just don’t understand the cult following. I personally think they are overrated but again I enjoy the music quite a bit. An album with strong vocals supported by great rock beats on tracks like Wonderwall, Champagne Supernova, and Don’t Look Back in Anger. The off tracks still keep your attention and it’s worthy of being a regular attendee in your musical lineup.
Faith No More
3/5
Their beats remind me a lot of Red Hot Chili Peppers and the lead singers whiny voice meshes well with the very pronounced bass on each track. This album seems to combine heavy metal with punk and alternative rock yet somehow the band does well with each style. There are a couple of standout songs, namely Epic and Falling to Pieces, but overall this was worth a listen. The cover of War Pigs was a nice addition.
Miriam Makeba
2/5
From the opening song, all I could envision was the Lion King soundtrack. I obviously have no clue what these songs are about, but I feel like any one of these songs could be played while Pumbaa, Timon, and Simba are roaming the African plains. Mariam can clearly sing and for that I’ll give her credit. Otherwise it’s nice background music.
Common
3/5
These rap tracks are clean and deliberate. The music is funky, soulful, and intoxicating. The backup vocals provide a medium that Common builds-on to tell his stories. I had never listened to Common before today, but I will be looking for more of his albums to explore.
Happy Mondays
2/5
This album wasn’t the only thing that was bummed when I opened today’s album selection. How did another album from The Happy Mondays make this list?? On multiple tracks the vocals don’t even seem to follow the beat of the songs and, when you are able to understand them, the lyrics are just a bunch of words thrown together. Like Inigo Montoya said, “Let me esplain…no. There is too much to esplain…lemme sum up.”
Got a schizophrenic acquaintances
no place to go
Stuck with his dick in my window.
What the actual f*ck does any of that mean??
It’s either over my head or it’s all trash. Simplest explanation is that it’s trash.
0-fer-2, Mondays.
Sonic Youth
1/5
Ok. I can see how someone could enjoy this style of music…it’s just not me. The album is full of foolish instrument effects (electric guitar slides, holding notes for way too long, etc…) and bad vocals with even worse lyrics. There was a reason I never listened to this band in the 80s and I now know what it is. Seriously, some of these songs are truly unlistenable. I don’t know if that is even a word, but it should be to help describe today’s task. Don’t believe me?? Try to stomach Orange Rolls, Angel’s Spit. The lead singer screamed at me more than my wife does. This music is no good.
Coldplay
3/5
Know how I know you’re gay?? Ok. Bad joke. Truth be told, I’ve always enjoyed Coldplay’s music (even despite the stereotype). This debut album from the band is more somber in nature and is not a collection of their more popular songs (with the exception of Yellow which was wildly famous),but the music is good, the vocals hit, and the arrangement is well put together IMO. A talented group of musicians who deserve the recognition they received after rolling out this album to the world.
The Smiths
2/5
I was never a big fan of The Smiths (or of Morrissey for that matter) in the 80’s when they were surging and that hasn’t changed during the past 40 years. The music is ok but Morrissey’s unexcited intonation is bland at best and annoying at worst. I’m not gonna knock them too much as it’s not “bad” music, this different style and I just don’t vibe well together.
Red Snapper
2/5
Giving credit to where credit is due, from my understanding of how Red Snapper operates, the synthesized sound they create on their tracks is purely instrumental and is not computerized. That being said, I would have no issue listening to this while at the gym or out for a run, but I’m never going to seek out when and where their next gig is. It’s fine as background music (except for maybe The Rough and the Quick) but that’s about it.
The Cult
3/5
The rock music is good and the bravado of the lead singer fits in nicely. I don’t see anything overly special about this album that would make it a must-listen but it’s not bad either.
The Smashing Pumpkins
3/5
Heavy rock songs with catchy lyrics and riffs. My biggest complaint with Smashing Pumpkins is that most songs sound the same. The ones that don’t stand out tremendously on the album. They are decent songs, but I don’t need the same thing a half-dozen times. Just a mid album for me.
Beck
3/5
Solid voice with clean instrumentals behind him. The album is a bit somber for my liking but his serous, deep tone completes the desired effect.
Orbital
2/5
I listened to the album. Then went and smoked a J and listened to it again. It was way better the second time. I never knew the entrance to yellow world had a sound track, but I think I just found it (hat tip to Dougie Fresh). By the end of the second listen my inner 20-something was begging me to go buy the multipack of glow sticks and have a hell of a night. I’m glad this 1001 project exposed me to some Techno, but being the Techno music aficionado that I am, this could have been any similar album and I wouldn’t have noticed the difference.
Footnote: For research purposes I think it’s important to mention that by the end of my listening session I had a MONsTeR headache. It may have had to do with the steps I took during today’s listening time, but we’ll let the scientists figure that part out.
Lambchop
2/5
I’m not afraid to admit that I don’t understand this album. If David Bowie and Queensryche had a musical love child, its debut album would sound something like this. I don’t know whether to slow dance to it or make it the sound track to the next serial killer thrasher movie. Not sure how to grade this so I’ll simply give it partial credit for trying and hope tomorrow’s selection is less confusing.
PS - Wasn’t Lambchop that lamb puppet on PBS? Is this the same animal?
Run-D.M.C.
5/5
Although they weren’t the first to ever drop a rap album, Run DMC’s Raising Hell was the first to breakthrough to mainstream America and introduce rap music to suburbia. Partnering with Aerosmith to rework Walk This Way for sure brought classic rock fans into the fold and made it okay for crackers like me to enjoy rap music. This album was instrumental to the growth of rap music in America and it set a foundation for all those that followed to build upon. The catchy beats, witty lyrics, and vocal stylings of Rev Run and Darryl McDaniels all hit like a Tyson punch. The album is still enjoyable after 4 decades and when you couple that with what it did to change the music industry, this is an album to be celebrated. My personal opinion is this is closer to a 5 than it is to a 4 so I’m rounding up to give it the credit it’s due.
Dinosaur Jr.
2/5
Where do they come up with these names?? SMH. I wouldn’t say the lead singer was overly quiet in delivering the lyrics to these songs, but it sounded to me like there was a guitar competition happening on stage while this poor guy is trying to get his message across. I genuinely felt bad for him. An alternative rock album with big sounds from the guitars and drums. There is so much happening on each track that it doesn’t sound like it all goes along with one another. I’m not really a fan of this album / band due to the arrangements of the songs but I can see why this would have been popular in the 80’s as punk rock was dying off and grunge was kicking in. The cover of Just Like Heaven was the worst song on the album.
Rage Against The Machine
4/5
The music alone demands that you get up and move and I don’t necessarily mean in a good way. Any one of these songs could be an anarchists anthem and the vocals almost dare you to throw the first punch without even asking you to. The aggressive upbeat tempo of the album breathes life into each song and the lead singer’s ability to build to a crescendo on each track is powerful. Great album that had me ready to run through a wall by the end of it.
Charles Mingus
3/5
An instrumental album for dance pieces to kickstart the week. These elongated pieces tell a story without words. The staccato blasts from the horns and the rise and fall of the beats during each track lets you know when the action is taking place. It’s truly amazing how versatile music can be. As the dance group size changes in these pieces, the music tends to become more chaotic and whimsical whereas the solo pieces are direct and normally very structured. This album was a nice break from the usual suspects of this project.
Fairport Convention
1/5
Another smash folk album from Fairport Convention. SMH. I thought we were done with them after listening to Liege and Lief but apparently the album released just months before that garbage was “better”.
I’m pretty sure they were playing the washboard in Si Tu Dois Partir along side the squeezebox but I’m not gonna waste the time to find out. Same band, same year, same result.
Astor Piazzolla
3/5
By the end of the first track I had already been transported to a small, dark cafe in Europe that was alive with foot traffic. The instrumental songs just barely audible above the din of the intensifying conversations around me. A full orchestra is on display with this album and each plucked string, drum struck, or blown horn is done so with intention. This could very easily be the soundtrack for a Cirque Du Soleil show as we experienced many of the same qualities we had a couple of days ago with The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady album by Charles Mingus. I was never blown away by any of these tracks, but it was a soothing experience that differs from the average albums we have been exposed to.
Elbow
3/5
There is something intriguing about this album that I can’t pinpoint. The music is slow and the unexcited tone of the singer doesn’t do much to hype you up, but I actually enjoyed the album. Maybe it was the subtle nature of the songs or the peacefulness that it exudes, but I truly listened to every song.
Cyndi Lauper
3/5
I remember not enjoying Cyndi Lauper very much in the 80’s but after listening to this album and realizing I knew half of her songs, I think I just didn’t give her enough credit. Her songs aren’t very complex and the message is always superficial, but the beats are catchy and her voice grooves with the synthesized sounds. Overall, this was better than I expected.
Incredible Bongo Band
3/5
Who could have known that all that was missing from my Saturday was an album of bongo music?!? Covers of Apache, In a Gadda De Vida, Satisfaction, Wipeout….the list goes on! The guitar, the horns, and synthesizers did a lot to help the songs along, but man was this a cool listen. Not sure this was a must listen to before I die album, but it was fun to take in on the ride.
The Last Shadow Puppets
2/5
Just wasn’t feeling another average English band today. Simply put, there is nothing special about this album. It’s not bad, but I would have stopped halfway through if I were just listening on my own.
R.E.M.
4/5
A very popular album from an 80s power band, Document was well received for songs like Finest Worksong, The One I Love, and the wildly famous It’s The End Of The World As We Know It. The rock sound from the band is clean and crisp and Michael Stipe’s vocals are calm yet strong. A great choice to be part of this project.
The Chemical Brothers
2/5
A decent house music band, but once again I don’t find anything special about the album of the day. The beats are good and there is use of some synthesized effects that work with the tracks, but overall it’s just “blah” for me on this one.
Van Morrison
3/5
A true classic album by an icon of a singer. The title song, Moondance, has spanned decades and for sure will continue to be a fan favorite. Van Morrison has pumped out a number of albums over the years and his vocals have stayed true along the way. I’m never going to complain when a Van Morrison song starts to play.
Various Artists
3/5
I think whomever runs this project has lost sight of what it’s supposed to be about; 1001 albums you must hear before you die. A collection of Christmas carols works today on Christmas but only because I celebrate Christmas. If I came across this album in July, I’d want nothing to do with it. The music is fine but I disagree with the importance of this album for the larger audience.
Talking Heads
3/5
Subtle tones of punk complement the rock base of the Talking Heads songs on this album. David Byrne’s vocal’s are more musical-talking versus actual singing across most of the album, but it adds to the vibe of the lively songs. I never fell in love with any of the songs, but I appreciate the style and the product the Talking Heads created on this album.
Slipknot
2/5
The drumming on this album was absolutely insane. It was nonstop on every track. Other than that, I’m not really sure what I just listened to. I’ve never been able to truly appreciate Death Metal so I’ll be gentle on the scorecard based on being in awe of the drummer.
Beach House
2/5
This album is a sleeper. I don’t see what the critics were acclaiming after listening to this album as it did nothing for me whatsoever. It was essentially the same dull song over and over again. No bueno.
Radiohead
2/5
Ok. We get it. There were a lot of raindrops. Smh. The second album from Radiohead to make this list and I’m still not that impressed; although it was definitely better than Ok Computer. This feels like a rough draft of an unfinished product to me. There seems to be an under lying thought for these songs to work together but a lot still needs to hit the editing room floor, if you are picking up what I’m putting down. As the album went on, I felt like the tracks got better musically, but I was still wanting more from the band. Maybe the monotone vocals just never got me excited enough to buy in.
Rahul Dev Burman
2/5
This music is CLEARLY from the 70’s and was made to be a movie sound track. It’s background music all day long and should not be a focal point. Another dud on the lists of 1001.
Blur
3/5
There’s some good music being played here, but I’m not all for the antics that Blur throws in as well. The broken record static, the reverb, and the distortion all take away from what I’d like to be listening to. Overall it’s an okay album, but I wish it was simpler.
Fugees
3/5
The Fugees can harmonize with the best of them. This album is filled with slow beats that get you moving coupled with rhymes of opposing speeds that keep you interested in what the lyrics will bring next. Each song is filled with life and emotion and Lauryn Hill is a singer in every sense of the word. On the downside, the skits were a distraction for me on the album but overall this was a very good listen.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
4/5
The epitome of what a classic southern rock album aims to be, equipped with big guitars, lots of drums, and a thick southern drawl. Only eight songs on the album but four of them are bangers that have stood the test of time. Great listen.
Johnny Cash
4/5
An iconic album in history due to being recorded inside San Quentin prison. Johnny Cash has one of the most recognizable voices and this album is full of popular songs that are supported all along the way by the cheers and laughs of the inmates. Cash is one of those unique artists that will never be duplicated.
Scritti Politti
2/5
I thought the idea of this project was to experience the 1001 under appreciated albums that are a must-listen to?? If that is too tough of an assignment, maybe we should just listen to the top 101 albums and leave out the 900 that suck. If Richard Marx had started a boy band in 1985 it would be called Scritti Politti. This is awful music. A breathy, soft-spoken guy singing about a love he’ll never find, nine separate times over 38 minutes. The only thing that could possibly make this album/band better would be Will Ferrell on stage with a cow bell.
Deep Purple
3/5
Love that deep bass sound that carries each of these tunes. A true 70’s rock album with an age appropriate vibe. No amazement here, but no complaints either.
Mj Cole
2/5
Maybe it’s just an off day for me, but I enjoyed the music lines a lot more than the vocals on this album. The beats were grooving and the occasional jazzy interlude mixed well with the upbeat drums. By the end of the album, it had gotten quite repetitive and, as we’ve seen in the past, there was really nothing special about this selection.
Shuggie Otis
3/5
The 70’s are stamped all over this album. It’s not an instrumental album, but is about as close as you can be without actually qualifying. The tracks range all over the place from a slow, sexy vibe all the way to a groovin’, bob-your-head and move song. The drum beats are quick and there is a lot of synthesizer action as well. The vocals are calm and laid back when they happen. Could easily pass for elevator or waiting room music. Any way you frame it, it’s not life changing music.
Alice Cooper
2/5
Alice Cooper looks like a skinny Ozzy Osbourne but sings like he’s got a megaphone attached to his face. I’m not sure where the energy comes from, but he delivers on every track. There’s a lot more talking/screaming versus actual singing but I have a feeling that’s what his fans would prefer. The background music is serviceable with nothing more than flashes of cool riffs. Many of the lyrics have a dark undertone that matches Cooper’s appearance. I could stand to listen to this a couple of times and then would need to move on.
The Temptations
3/5
A cool vibe rolls across this album with titles that are familiar 50+ years after they were recorded. Unlike some previous selections, the vocals take center stage on this album despite having some excellent R&B beats. The Temptations have a storied history and this record predates some of their huge sensations. A great listen for a group that had an important place in musical history.
Culture Club
3/5
Talk about a guy who the 80’s just wrapped its freaky little arms around. Boy George was way ahead of his time in famously sharing his alternative lifestyle publically. The album starts out great with Karma Chameleon and It’s a Miracle and then slips into a lull for a few slower tracks. Church of the Poison Mind and Miss Me Blind get things rolling again in the middle of the album and then the slower, drab songs return. We finally wrap up with Victims. A roller coaster of excitement but overall this was a decent listen. None of these songs are gonna make my regular library but it was a good nostalgic change of pace.
Flamin' Groovies
3/5
I’d never heard of the Flamin Groovies before today and was pleasantly surprised by the end of today’s assignment. It’s not quite Punk Rock but flashes of that style pop up throughout the album. When it’s not a punk jam, there is a very different vibe of rock & roll that works on its own. I found myself, multiple times, toe-tapping to the beat and groovin along. No complaints here and am glad I gave this band a go. The covers towards the end of the album were a nice treat.
Jimi Hendrix
4/5
Jimi Hendrix is a bad muthafuckah. He is one of the best guitarists to ever play and his calm tone against the screaming guitar riffs and intentional drum beats is as cool as the other side of the pillow. Hendrix is one of those unique artists that you can throw on and everyone (age appropriate) will know who it is and enjoy the fact that it’s playing. Doesn’t matter which album you select. All good stuff.
Joe Ely
3/5
This is some country music from DEEP in the cornfields. These songs predate singing about your dog, your truck and drinking and focus on Texas, rail cars and biblical scriptures. As I’ve matured, I’ve gained an appreciation for county music that I never had before, so this is a lot more digestible to me nowadays. That being said, this is way too deep in the sticks for me to really enjoy. I’ll recognize the era it was recorded and tip my hat at it, but this was one and done for me, cowboy.
UB40
3/5
UB40 is the band the DJ plays at an island-themed corporate function to go with the employee’s Hawaiian shirts. UB40 is the band Claire plays in her G-Wagon after picking her 2.5 kids up from school to show them how diverse and inclusive she is. Don’t misunderstand me. Their music isn’t bad. It’s average reggae if I’m being honest with deep bass riffs, static drum beats and a great vocal tone for the songs. It’s just suburbia reggae at best. There’s nothing special about it other than everyone’s mom danced to Red, Red Wine in the 80’s when it hit MTV. Good change of speed for this project but it’s just average music for me.
Stephen Stills
3/5
An enjoyable album with a variety of beats and melodies. This album is very reminiscent of CSNY’s music, but is missing that group feel in the vocals. The music itself is very similar and I enjoyed that very much, but I kept waiting for something to happen and it never came. Not disappointed, but left unfulfilled.
Foo Fighters
4/5
“Ladies and gentlemen - Foo FIGHTERS!!” One of the best American bands of the 21st century IMO (yes i know they formed in the mid 90’s). This self-titled album was the beginning of their success and while it isn’t their best work, it laid the down the template for the sort of music they would be building on for decades to come. Dave Grohl’s voice and music ability is unreal and you catch glimpses of it on this creation. I was very excited to see this album pop up as today’s listen and it did not disappoint.
Sisters Of Mercy
2/5
An English rock band and a very simple album. The beats and the lyrics aren’t complex at all and it does sound a lot like the 80’s. A couple of the songs could easily have been on the Lost Boys soundtrack with their dark tones and eerie sounds. By the time the last song came around, I was overdue to pull the plug. Not very good music.
The Incredible String Band
1/5
I had to look this musical style up as I was unfamiliar with it. Apparently ISB was a pioneer in “Psychedelic Folk” music in the 60’s. After listening to the album, I’m certain you need to be on psychedelics to enjoy it. The over enunciation of the lyrics, the call and response from the band, and the out of tune harmonies were annoying from the beginning on without any reprieve. The album gave traveling minstrel vibes that made we wish they moved on to the next village. I wanted to be kind in my review, but this is really bad music. Whomever thought this was good enough to make this list, either now or 60 years ago, needs to do a stint in Bellevue.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4/5
I just love that classic 70’s sound and CCR does it so well. Foggy drums and big guitars with beats that require you start moving. The album is only 42 mins long but CCR manages to cram some fantastic songs into that small space. Great listen and an album worthy of being on this list.
Megadeth
2/5
This was my first exposure to Megadeath despite having been aware of them for years. The metal music quickly reminded me of Metallica with the guttural back beat, lively guitar riffs and quick tempo’d tracks. The defining difference between the two bands for me is that I’m not sure I understood a single word the Megadeath lead singer said. This is true headbanger rock but it’s not my cup of tea for sure. It seems as though this style of music is more about screaming the same lyrical phrase over and over and over again while your musicians jam their faces off in the background. Not bad music, just a genre I don’t enjoy very much.
Genesis
3/5
A nice, clean rock sound from a group of very talented musicians. Besides the normal allotment of instruments, Genesis throws the occasional flute interlude and (possibly even) a harpsichord solo. The lyrics on a couple tunes are pretty far out there and I have no idea what they were talking about, but musically the album was successful.
Stevie Wonder
3/5
Stevie Wonder is an amazingly talented human being. That being said, this album was a bit too slow and simple for me. The songs that we all know and love were fantastic, but the rest of the album almost put me to sleep. The beats were funky throughout but overall it was way too mellow. I enjoy his up tempo songs so much more than the slow jams.
Aretha Franklin
4/5
There is a reason Aretha was dubbed “The Queen of Soul”. When it comes to the best singers of all time, Aretha is without a doubt in the conversation. Her power, control, range, and power are just ridiculous (…did I mention her power??). This album can easily be listened to purposefully or as the background sound to whatever low-key activity you are doing. This album shares a couple of her greats and the rest of the songs are enjoyable. Aretha is a timeless artist due to her talents and I would anticipate listening to her music for decades to come.
Nina Simone
3/5
A very jazz influenced album with touches of blues rolled in for good measure. Simone is very talented vocally with a deeper natural tone than you would expect from a woman. The piano is her companion on every track, but the drums and horn section play a vital role as well. A nice intro to Nina Simone for me, especially since this music is 60 years old yet still enjoyable.
Duke Ellington
3/5
A very artsy album. It’s clear Duke’s m.o. is to push the limits of his instrument and man does he deliver. Every song’s is quintessential jazz with that full band sound. A good choice for this project.
The Beach Boys
2/5
There is no denying the influence the Beach Boys had on the music industry, but I don’t think this was the album to do it. This is a far cry from the beach music with catchy beats that they are known for. This album felt more like a collection of hymnals and i wasn’t impressed. Not knocking the band, but this wasn’t their best work at all.
Buffalo Springfield
3/5
I’ve never listened to Buffalo Springfield prior to today, but there is something very familiar about it. This band has that 70’s rock sound but it’s wanders about and is not consistent throughout the album. There are vibes of CCR or Three Dog Night within this album and I kind of dig it. The slower tracks, like Sad Memory, retreat to the sound of the 60’s but the majority of the album is a truer rock sound. Good addition to this list.
Blondie
3/5
Blondie does the upbeat Rock & Roll so much better than they do the slower jams. One Way or Another and Heart of Glass steal this album without debate but there are a couple of honorable mentions worthy of listening to as well. A good example of late 70’s/early 80’s rock.
Bob Dylan
4/5
Bob Dylan has his vocals at the forefront of every song and the lyrics send you into a mental quagmire. Dylan’s voice is very unique and he is one of those artists you know right away when you hear him singing. The music playing behind him, mostly guitar and harmonica, are consistently solid and easy to appreciate. A great addition to this list and I was happy to listen to it.
PS - The film about Dylan (A Complete Unknown) was also well done and gives a good glimpse of his start in the music business.
Dolly Parton
3/5
A country music album that fully embraces its Tennessee roots. Dolly’s fame is well deserved as a singer & songwriter. She’s extremely accomplished as an artist and the songs on this album all tell a story that I imagine is very personal to Dolly. Fantastic range across the songs and a tone that is easy on the ears. Good listen.
The Triffids
2/5
Bad 80’s Rock. This album was released in Australia in 1987 where it topped out as an album at # 32 in their charts (i had to look them up because I had no recollection of ever hearing of them before) and it was rereleased in the 2000’s with 5 bonus tracks. Two discs and 29 songs in all and I will never get those 2 hours of my life back. This could easily have been one of the bands playing in Adam Sadler’s “Wedding Singer” movie and no one would have thought twice about it. No clue how # 32 on the Aussie charts equates to one of the 1001 must listen albums of all time, but it did.