1001 Albums Summary

Obviously some absolute bangers, but also a whole lot of filler. Lyrics often a bit ropey as well.

Listened to it once, wasn't sure, then listened to it again, and again,and again. What it is is a fantastic *album*, as in all the songs work together to give the whole texture and style. And there are some heartbreakingly beautiful tunes within that as well. Only issue is there are a few places you wish somebody had asked Paul Simon to stop, before getting too self-involved.

There's a lot to dislike about this album, the lack of musical invention, the Adrian Mole-esque lyrics, the fact it sounds like it was recorded from the bottom of the deep end of an Olympic swimming pool. However, one should also acknowledge AiC's grim dedication to a uncomplicated miserablism eventually equates to at least a level of charm that's almost endearing. Like a cousin's ugly baby trying to make friends with you.

Fuck it, five stars. It really has everything you want in an album, brilliant narrative storytelling, great music, superb production, Dolly's voice is wonderful and, as an added bonus, it's funny.

You get the sense there's a much better album in there, if he can just get over himself. The instinct to just do a bit more, more orchestration, more vocals, more production, just seems as if it overwhelmed Rufus. Plus, what's with the whiney singing voice, it's an annoying affection. Nobody sings like that normally.

Really wanted to give another five, but I can't because there are a couple of duds (relatively) on the album and, occasionally, the quiet-loud-quiet-LOUD schtick gets a little repetitive. However: 1. It's amazing how powerful and intense much of the music feels even after all these years. 2. I can't think of many rock bands where the bass and drums consistently hold everything together so well, allowing the lead guitar and vocals to really soar. 3. Debaser one of the top ten opening tracks of any album, ever. I will fight anyone who disagrees.

Sometimes you have a long-held opinion about a band but then, after hearing them for the first time in a while, your whole view shifts. Which makes it especially nice when that doesn't happen. God, aren't U2 awful? Overwrought, overproduced, pretentious bollocks.

Not really my sort of music, but I could see the appeal. Probably best listened to while sitting in a big leather chair, by a fire, sipping whisky.

Amazing how similar yet how different it is from Doolittle. Leans more surfer rock (unsurprisingly) than punk. Gigantic and Where is my mind both absolute killer songs. Only four stars, because again a little uneven in quality. Funnily enough, unlike Doolittle, I find Surfer Rosa starts off a little weak but then improves as it goes along.

I really have no critical frame of reference for this sort of music. I guess it's fine, inoffensive? The maker obviously had access to a computer and owns a pair of ears.

Banging indie rock, female vocalist, classic vibes, ultra cool. What's not to like?

I'm not sure it's possible to really understand the Beatles out of context. To me this is pleasant, if slightly twee, melodic pop. Back in the day I'd probably have lost my mind.

It makes me happy to live in a world in which Björk is appreciated and even successful. Touchingly odd music that feels both simple and painstakingly complex.

Enjoyed this. Perhaps a little bit "American" for me, lacking that quirky, domestic, ironic edge of my favourite British rap. Although at times it did remind me of Krept & Konan, which was fun. And I liked that a couple of tracks pulled in some unexpected musical influences, like Bhangra and Jazz.

Lovely singing voice, some interesting jazzy tones, good use of percussion, a certain style. But a lot of it is curiously MOR, music you'd have on in the background at a dinner party.

Another album where I'm not entirely sure I have the cultural hinterland to appreciate it fully. Some beautiful moments (for example, most of Blue in Green) but also times where it just felt perfectly pleasant but completely inoffensive. Possibly best appreciated in a dimly-lit jazz bar, drinking an Old Fashioned, surrounded by cigar smoke.

Not one of their best. Couple of good tracks, lot of slop. Terrible lyrics and often pretty uninventive musically.

Really struck by the depth and beauty of much of this album, which I'd never heard before. Music that bears a lot of re-listening.

Never been a huge Jay Z fan. To me his stuff often feels a little repetitive, even dull. That being said, I do understand that there are some great moments on The Blueprint and a relentless insistence to the music throughout the album.

Quite Hanoing.

An utterly mad album. Goes from sounding like metal to sounding country to sounding like the soundtrack to a musical. Plus random orchestration, plus deranged lyrics, plus bizarre production. You have to love it.

Slip inside the eye of your mind Don’t you know you might find A less dull and whiney album?

Not quite The Kinks yet.

I was really, really surprised by how much I enjoyed this. There's something almost sweet about it's earnest straightforwardness.

Never heard of this group before but found this interesting to listen to. A bit mystical, bit Jimi, bit 13th Floor Elevators. Will re-listen in the future definitely.

Not really the album for a cold English winter. But in the sun, rum & coke in hand, unbeatable.

I've always found Soundgarden empty and vapid.

Fun. Slightly odd. Feels a bit Queen-like at points, some obvious trad influences. Just the right side of quirky.

I mean, all killer no filler right?