1001 Albums Summary

Album #1: Tigermilk - Belle and Sebastian. Genre (according to Wikipedia): Indie pop, chamber pop Singles?: No. Have you heard any songs from this album or group before? No. Thoughts?: Right now, the album sounds like songs I’d hear in a coffee shop. Not that it’s a bad thing, it’s a relaxing experience. I love the chamber pop influences, I think that’s contributing to its “coffee shop” sound. This album may not have the staying power of other albums, but it is decent enough background music. As for the lyrics, they’re pretty good, but again, the vocals are buried within the mix and this becomes coffee shop music. Favorite songs: The State I Am In, Electronic Renaissance As a writer, what can you use this music for when honing your craft?: I could potentially use the album for rainy days, based on the titular Apple Music playlist. Also, because of its laidback indie pop status, I could use it for specific scenes, particularly ones inside coffee shops (see a theme here?). File correlations: Files #007-009: Tallis Tales, Silvercrest Services (depends on the scenes), Force Devils (Mainly Brent and Bianca focused).

Album #2: Amnesiac - Radiohead Genre (according to Wikipedia): Alternative rock, electronica, experimental rock, post-rock Singles?: Pyramid Song, Knives Out Have you heard any songs from this album or group before?: Yes. Radiohead is one of my favorite bands of all time. I have heard several songs off this album, but never in a full chronological order. Thoughts?: I may be biased for Radiohead, considering one of my favorite albums was Kid A, but I love their overall sound and versatility with their music. Some of these songs, namely “Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors” hurt my ears, but I’m sure I can handle the sound with repeated listens. Favorite songs: Pyramid Song, You and Whose Army?, I Might Be Wrong, Knives Out, Morning Bell/Amnesiac, Life in a Glasshouse As a writer, what can you use this music for when honing your craft?: The uncertain anxious nature of the album can help me with certain scenes that are inspections of human psyche. For example, meltdowns. The more experimental sides inspire me to explore more about mythology and other sorts of art forms, much like Radiohead did with this album and Kid A. File correlations: Experimental: File #004 - C*O*M*A*T*O*S*E. Anxious, conventional: File #007 - Tallis Tales.

Album #3: Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul Genre (according to Wikipedia): Soul, R&B, blues, rock, Southern soul Singles?: Respect, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long, Shake, Satisfaction Have you heard any songs from this album or artist before?: Yes. I’ve fully listened to this album once before. I know Redding’s songs “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”, “Try a Little Tenderness”, “These Arms of Mine”, and “That’s How Strong My Love Is” too. Thoughts?: I love soul music. I find it to be a relaxing genre. It’s mainly because of the accompanying arrangements that support the vocalist. The vocalists’ efforts, usually, are smooth and complement the music beautifully. This album is a fine example. The way Otis Redding sings is passionate and fits each song he sings. Plus, these songs can either be soothing enough to fall asleep or wake up to, or energetic enough to wake you up to (see a theme?) and get you in a good mood. Favorite songs: Respect, Change Gonna Come, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long, Wonderful World, Rock Me Baby, Satisfaction (I Can’t Get No) As a writer, what can you use this music for when honing your craft?: This is perfect for scenes involving mornings or calmer scenes. I’ve gotta be careful about how to use it though. The more I listen, the more the interpretation could switch to something involving romance. It’s not like that’s a bad thing though. File correlations: File #002: Heaven’s Helpers or File #003: American Peas.

Album #4: Band on the Run - Paul McCartney and Wings Genre (according to Wikipedia): Rock, pop rock Singles?: Mrs. Vandebilt, Jet, Band on the Run Have you heard any songs from this album or group/artist before?: Not with Wings, but yes with Paul McCartney. Of course I’ve heard a lot, perhaps all, of his stuff with the Beatles, and the two collaborations he did with Michael Jackson. I have also listened to his album McCartney, his song “Coming Up”, and his duet with Stevie Wonder “Ebony and Ivory”. Thoughts?: True classic rock right here. I remember listening to music similar to this all the time with my mom. She always played a classic rock station, 98.5 KFOX, the South Bay’s classic rock. It’s how I got my music taste today. Anyways, despite the tough conditions, one of the best things about Paul McCartney is his ability to make great music within said conditions. He and his wife are great songwriters, and I can understand why this album has been a critical darling. I love the sound of this rock, it sounds authentic, true, real. Maybe it’s cliche of me, rockist even, but I love this type of music, and I wish more people listened to it instead of the manufactured stuff from the music industry today. In a way, it sounds a lot like The Beatles (especially Jet). Favorite songs: Side One, Mamunia, No Words, Helen Wheels, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five As a writer, what can you use this music for when honing your craft?: I wouldn’t use this to hone my craft, I like to use different kinds of music for this. This won’t do but I love listening! File correlations: If I had to say something, File #003: American Peas.

Album #5: Achtung Baby - U2 Genre (according to Wikipedia): Alternative rock Singles?: The Fly, Mysterious Ways, One, Even Better than the Real Thing, Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses Have you heard any songs from this album or group before?: I’ve heard One before. I’ve also heard a bunch of tracks like Sunday Bloody Sunday, Pride (In the Name of Love), the first three songs off of The Joshua Tree, and Beautiful Day. Also, The Wanderer, which features Johnny Cash. Thoughts?: With this album being called one of the greatest of all time on Wikipedia, I have high expectations. So far, the music is very moody, which is good, because if the music makes you feel something, that’s great. The lyrics aren’t sticking out to me yet, aside from One. The album was underwhelming, I don’t remember a lot of the tracks. Maybe I shouldn’t have set expectations for it. Favorite songs: One, The Fly, Acrobat As a writer, what can you use this music for when honing your craft?: I would use this music mainly for science fiction projects. I don’t know how exactly it reminds me of sci-fi. Maybe it’s because of the industrial influences. File correlation: File #008: Silvercrest Services

Album #6: What’s Going On - Marvin Gaye Genre (according to Wikipedia): Soul, progressive soul, psychedelic soul, R&B Singles?: What’s Going On, Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology), Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler), Save the Children Have you heard any songs from this album or group before?: I’ve listened to this album twice before. I love it. I can’t wait to hear it again. I have also heard other Marvin Gaye songs like I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, and It Takes Two. Thoughts?: I love this album so much!! I was elated when I got the opportunity to listen to this album for a third time. The story behind it is inspiring, and its messages are timeless and important, especially in today’s day and age. Everybody needs to listen to this album at least one time. His voice is perfect for the album, soft, reserved. The album reminds me of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and his philosophy about the world. “There’s one thing that evil cannot stand, and that is forgiveness.” - Fred Rogers, quoting his professor. Favorite songs: All of it!! As a writer, what can you use this music for when honing your craft?: I would use its messages to inspire works filled with social commentary. File correlations: Possibly File #004: C*O*M*A*T*O*S*E

Album #7 - A Girl Called Dusty - Dusty Springfield Genre (according to Wikipedia): Pop Singles?: No. Have you heard any songs from this album or artist before?: I have listened to this album once before. I have also listened to Dusty in Memphis before too. Thoughts?: Most, if not all, of these songs are covers done by other artists. With that in mind, I’m unsure as to why this album is on the list. Perhaps a listen will answer my questions. The arrangements are nice and her voice is lovely. She has the range and the pipes. I’m struggling to understand what makes this album worthy on the list. Maybe because of Springfield’s impact? I still don’t understand what makes this album a part of the list. Very underwhelming. Favorite songs: Wishin’ and Hopin’ As a writer, what can you use this music for when honing your craft?: Vintage oldies scenes, I suppose. File correlations: File #002: Heaven’s Helpers. Sparingly.

Album #8: Germfree Adolescents - X-Ray Spex Genre (according to Wikipedia): Punk rock, new wave Singles?: No. Have you heard any songs from this album or group before?: No. Thoughts?: I love classic punk rock, and I think this album, so far, is the genesis of ska! I think Poly Styrene’s writing is the best part of it though, since most punk rock sounds very similar. She reminds me of a lot of future (at the time) punk or indie bands like The Replacements or The Smiths. Mainly with bite and wit about societal issues, or any topics. Favorite songs?: Art-I-Ficial, Obsessed with You, Let’s Submerge, I Can’t Do Anything, Identity, Genetic Engineering, I Live Off You, I Am a Poseur, Plastic Bag, The Day the World Turned Day-Glo As a writer, what can you use this music for when honing your craft?: Because of reading about its influence on feminine punk and the riot grrrl movement, I wouldn’t be surprised if I did stories about those types of movements with this music in the background. File correlations: #007: Tallis Tales, or #009: Force Devils

Album #9: Violent Femmes - Violent Femmes Genre (according to Wikipedia): Folk punk, post-punk, college rock, alternative rock Singles?: Gone Daddy Gone Have you heard any songs from this album or group before?: Only “Blister in the Sun.” Thoughts?: I’ve never heard music like this before. It’s always interesting to listen to new genres, especially with a genre like folk punk. Gano writes quite the lyrics, I’m impressed at how he was eighteen when he wrote the lyrics. Unfortunately, besides some of the lyrics, I fear I may not be able to get into this genre of music. Maybe it’s not my style. My opinion is changing with each subsequent song. In the end, this genre is interesting, but I have mixed feelings about how this album sounds, that’s all. The later songs changed my initial opinion. Favorite songs: Blister in the Sun, Add It Up*, Confessions, Promise, Gone Daddy Gone, Good Feeling As a writer, what can you use this music for to hone your craft?: If I had to, some scenes at a college. Only select songs however. No file correlations.

Album #10: Tom Tom Club Genre (according to Wikipedia): Funk Singles?: Wordy Rappinghood, Genius of Love, On, On, On, On…/L'éléphant, Under the Boardwalk Have you listened to this album or this group before?: Only Genius of Love. Thoughts?: I love how funky this album is! I love Talking Heads, and this feels like a groovier, funkier version of the songs on Remain in Light. I’m loving this album so far! This is probably gonna be one of my absolute favorites! Favorite songs: All of it!! As a writer, what can you use this album for when honing your craft?: Definitely for bizarre or surreal scenes. It just sounds quirky. File correlations: File #004: C*O*M*A*T*O*S*E

Album #11: Dirt - Alice in Chains Genre (according to Wikipedia): Grunge, alternative metal, heavy metal, hard rock Singles?: Would?, Them Bones, Angry Chair, Rooster, Down in a Hole Have you listened to this album or anything by this group before?: I have listened to this album once before. I have also heard “Man in a Box” and “Get Born Again”. Thoughts?: This is one of my mom’s favorite bands. I enjoy Rooster and Down in a Hole, and I have listened to this album. I like the concept, despite it being depressing. What an intro to start the album. I like depressing music, but I feel like because I’m a sensitive individual, certain music is overwhelming (like hip-hop or specific rock). I’m nervous about the listening experience here. Maybe it’s pretentious of me to say. Favorite songs: Them Bones, Dam That River, Down in a Hole, Sickman, Rooster, Junkhead*, God Smack, Angry Chair As a writer, what can you use this album for to hone your craft?: Darker, depressing scenes deserve this type of music for inspiration. But I’d sit and listen many times first. I don’t want to be insensitive. File correlations: File #009: Force Devils (certain scenes)

Album #12: Paul’s Boutique - Beastie Boys Genre (according to Wikipedia): Hip-hop, sampledelia Singles?: Hey Ladies, Shadrach Have you heard any songs from this album or group before?: I have heard this album once before. Thoughts?: I like the production a lot, I’m a big fan of sampledelia, but I’m not a fan of the lyrics so much. I’m sorry if I am a disappointment for not liking hip-hop too much, especially with the lyrics. Sometimes I wonder if I need to just bite my tongue and deal with it. Anyways, I love hip-hop productions. The delivery doesn’t bother me, I just feel like rapping is more like poetry than a type of live singing. It could just be me though. Favorite songs: Shake Your Rump, Egg Man, Hey Ladies, Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun* As a writer, what would you use this album for honing your craft?: If I had to, the sampledelia would inspire me to write city types of scenes. Scenes in cities. No file correlations.

Album #13: Deep Purple In Rock Genre (according to Wikipedia): Hard rock, heavy metal Singles?: Speed King Have you listened to anything from this album or group before?: I’ve listened to this album once before, alongside Machine Head and Live in Japan. Thoughts?: I love proto-hard rock. It shaped classic rock into how it is today by bringing in the distortion and the effort to push into new territory. Child in Time is my all time favorite Deep Purple song. I love the ambitions of this group though, plus their virtuosity on the instruments! Favorite songs: All of it!! As a writer, what can you use this music for to hone your craft?: Not for writing, but for building landscapes. I envision stuff in the desert. No file correlations.

Album #14: Third - Portishead Genre (according to Wikipedia): Experimental rock, electronica, psychedelic rock, surf rock Singles?: Machine Gun, The Rip, Magic Doors Have you listened to this album or group before?: I have only heard the song ‘Glory Box’. Thoughts?: So far, I love how different this sounds compared to usual trip hop offerings. I think Portishead does a great job at using various genres along with their comfort zone. Even if it may not be their usual, it’s still nice to see maturation on all sides. Favorite songs: Silence, Hunter, Nylon Smile, The Rip, We Carry On, Deep Water, Threads As a writer, what can you use this album for when honing your craft?: Probably some uneasy scenes. With lots of tension, industrial scenes maybe. City scenes. File correlations: File #008: Silvercrest Services

Album #15: I Should Coco - Supergrass Genre (according to Wikipedia): Punk rock, Britpop, alternative rock, pop-punk Singles?: Caught by the Fuzz, Mansize Rooster, Lose It, Lenny, Alright Have you listened to this album or group before?: Only “Alright”. Thoughts?: So far, the album has witty lyrics! I love the wry humor in them! Honestly, the album isn’t wowing me so far. I don’t know why, maybe I’m not so much into it. Favorite songs: Mansize Rooster, Alright, Strange Ones*, We’re Not Supposed To, Time to Go As a writer, what can you use this album for when honing your craft?: I can’t think of anything specific, but montages of morning scenes would be best. File correlations: File #009: Force Devils

Album #16: Live at the Harlem Square Club - Sam Cooke Genre (according to Wikipedia): Soul, R&B No singles. Have you listened to this album and singer before?: Yes, once before. I also know several Sam Cooke songs. Thoughts?: First live album! I love Sam Cooke’s interactions with the audience and his performance! It sounds like he’s having a lot of fun and he feels right at home. I don’t know why the album wasn’t initially released, but it should’ve been! Favorite songs: All of it!! What scene does this album paint?: A late night jazz club, obviously, but also late nights with a loved one full of dancing and intimate moments. File correlations: File #002: Heaven’s Helpers

Album #17: The Doors Genre (according to Wikipedia): Psychedelic rock, art rock, psychedelia Singles: Break On Through (To The Other Side), Light My Fire Have you listened to this album or group before?: I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts?: I love the Doors!! Their music is quite intellectual to me and Jim Morrison is a talented frontman. The whole album is disconcerting, but in an intriguing way. The End is one of the most epic and haunting pieces ever made!! Favorite songs: All of it!! What scene does this album paint?: A sort of hallucinatory trip. With lots of mysticism. And mythological references. Greek especially. File correlations: File #5: C*O*M*A*T*O*S*E

Album #18: Elvis Is Back! - Elvis Presley Genre (according to Wikipedia): Rock and roll, pop, R&B, blues, rock Singles: Such a Night, The Girl of My Best Friend Have you listened?: Once before. I love Elvis. Thoughts?: I love Elvis Presley, but this doesn’t sound like an album that belongs on this list. I consider him more of a singles artist than an album artist. He has a rich voice and is one of the greatest entertainers of all time, but this isn’t a great album. Favorite songs: Fever What scene does this album paint?: It’s unfortunately so forgettable that I’m unable to paint a visual picture. No file correlations.

Album #19: Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge - Mudhoney Genre (according to Wikipedia): Grunge, garage punk Singles: Let It Slide I have not listened. Thoughts?: Most of this album was forgettable, I guess because I didn’t understand or listen intently. but I couldn’t get into it. Not my genre, unfortunately. Favorite songs: Generation Genocide, Something so Clear, Shoot the Moon No landscape. No file correlations.

Album #20: Young Americans - David Bowie Genre (according to Wikipedia): Blue-eyed soul, R&B, funk Singles: Title track, Fame I have not listened to this album before, but I know the song “Fame”. Thoughts?: I love the fact that David Bowie was willing to be so risky with his discography. Even if it may have been hit-or-miss, his willingness should be commended. I think Young Americans is unfairly judged with other Bowie albums, because I truly love the R&B influences! Favorite songs: Side One, Somebody Up There Likes Me, Across the Universe, Fame Writer’s landscape: A groovy cityscape. Honking cars, flashing lights, and an overall cacophonous yet Vegas-like party atmosphere! File correlations: File #005: Red X

Album #21: Kimono My House - Sparks Genre (W): Glam rock, art rock Singles: This Town Ain’t Big Enough For Both of Us, Amateur Hour, Hasta Mañana, Monsieur, Talent Is An Asset I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: I love the first track and how it served as a killer intro. The whole album has Japanese influences, and I love how tightly composed it all was! Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #22: Rust In Peace - Megadeth Genre (W): Thrash metal Singles: Holy Wars… The Punishment Due, Hangar 18 I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: The technicality of Megadeth is impressive, definitely what a lot of thrash heads were missing when Metallica went soft. I love how complex the arrangements are. The ending to Hangar 18 is one of the best endings I’ve ever heard in a metal song! Favorite songs: HW… TPD, Hangar 18, Tornado of Souls, Rust In Peace… Polaris

Album #23: Led Zeppelin III Genre (W): Hard rock, folk rock Singles: Immigrant Song I have listened to this album before and I love it. Thoughts?: Since I’ve Been Loving You and Immigrant Song are two of my favorites on this album, and I’m happy to be listening to this album once more! I feel like it’s underrated compared to Led Zeppelin IV, it has its own unique songs that make it good. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #24: Metallica Genre (W): Heavy metal Singles: Enter Sandman, The Unforgiven, Nothing Else Matters, Wherever I May Roam, Sad but True I have heard ES, TU, NEM, WIMR, SbT, and Of Wolf and Man, but I have not listened to the full album. Thoughts?: What an iconic album to listen to, I can’t wait to hear the deeper cuts on it. Enter Sandman is one of the greatest metal songs of all time! One of my favorite parts about Metallica is their riffs and solos, plus the tight and intricate compositions behind their music, especially heard on this album. Even though it’s softer than their other albums, I feel as though that was for the best, because as a result, they gained more knowledge about their music. Wherever I May Roam has the best intro, by far. This is one of my favorite albums so far! On top of the others I gave a five star. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #25: Marquee Moon - Television Genre (W): Rock, post-punk, art punk, new wave, punk rock, garage rock Singles: Marquee Moon, Prove It I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts: I heard this one shaped the alternative music scene, so I’m really intrigued. I can hear how one wouldn’t call this punk, honestly, that’s what makes it interesting to me. It reminds me of Talking Heads, except with even more expansion and experimentation. Venus is a beautiful song, I love the lyrics to that one. The music honestly sounds artsy, I love it. I love the more artistic types of music; don’t get me wrong, punk is cool, but this artsy type of stuff is radical. The guitar solo in Friction is on another level! There’s also a ballad! On a punk album! Awesome! Torn Curtain, what a fantastic closer, mainly within the chord progression. It really sounds like it could be a tune heard on a stage. This album is incredible. Favorite songs: Venus, Friction, Marquee Moon, Side Two

Album #26: Reign In Blood - Slayer Genre (W): Thrash Metal Singles: Postmortem, Criminally Insane (Remix) I have only listened to “Raining Blood”. Thoughts: This is one of the most aggressive, heaviest albums I have ever heard in my life. I wound up quickly becoming overwhelmed with the riffs, the thrashing, and the heaviness. My goodness. That’s both a good and bad thing! Their playing is extremely technical, but I wound up getting a headache from all the headbanging. Yikes… Favorite songs: Angel of Death, Necrophobic, Jesus Saves, Postmortem, Raining Blood

Album #27: Rum Sodomy & The Lash Genre (W): Celtic punk, folk punk, new wave Singles: A Pair of Brown Eyes, Sally MacLennane, Dirty Old Town I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts: This is an interesting album. I think it’s one of the first Celtic punk albums but I could be wrong. I may not know what they’re singing about, but the music reminds me a lot of pirates and things like that. Favorite songs: A Pistol for Paddy Garcia, Jesse James, Navigator, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

Album #28: Birth of the Cool - Miles Davis Genre (W): Cool jazz No singles. I have listened to this album several times. Thoughts: This is one of my favorite albums because of the compositions and the sound! I love jazz music a lot, for instrumentals and production. Plus, the compositions usually call for a lot of technical ability. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #29: Reggatta de Blanc - The Police Genre (W): New wave, reggae rock, post-punk Singles: Message in a Bottle, Walking on the Moon, Bring On the Night, The Bed’s Too Big Without You I have only heard “Message in a Bottle”. Thoughts: This is an interesting album filled with reggae influences. Reggae may not be one of my favorite genres, but I like how The Police use it in their rock music to make their new wave music. Favorite songs: Message in a Bottle, Reggatta de Blanc, Bring On the Night, Walking on The Moon, No Time This Time

Album #30: Joan Armatrading Genre (W): Folk rock, pop No singles. I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: The thing I love most about this album is Glyn Johns’ production. I am not an expert but I like the way the album sounds. The slide guitar solo in Down to Zero is great! Favorite songs: Down to Zero, Water with the Wine, Love and Affection, Save Me, People, Tall in the Saddle

Album #31: Nick of Time - Bonnie Raitt Genre (W): Americana, rock, blues rock Singles: Thing Called Love, Have a Heart, Title Track, Love Letter I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: First americana album during the run. I don’t know what it is about it that I like, but I like how this sounds, like true American music. Of course, no disrespect to other countries at all. Favorite songs: Nick of Time, Thing Called Love, Cry On My Shoulder, Real Man, Nobody’s Girl

Album #32: Who Killed…… The Zutons? Genre (W): Folk, garage rock, indie pop Singles: Pressure Point, You Will You Won’t, Remember Me, Don’t Ever Think (Too Much), Confusion I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts: I don’t know what to make of this music yet, it sounds kind of like a more reserved Franz Ferdinand or The Killers. However, the lyrics remind me of a different kind of album, a more radio-friendly version of Flight of the Knife. This album isn’t doing anything for me. Favorite songs: You Will You Won’t, Long Time Coming, Not a Lot to Do

Album #33: Music from Big Pink - The Band Genre (W): Americana, roots rock, country rock Singles: The Weight I have listened to this album twice before. Thoughts: This is a solid roots rock album, being one of the first. I love the lyricism and the overall folksy feel to it (it comes from Big Pink, hence the title). I wish more albums like this one were created today, but maybe I have rose-colored glasses on. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #34: Wild is the Wind - Nina Simone Genre (W): Jazz, blues, folk, R&B Singles: Four Women I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts: Nina Simone was ahead of her time. I love her voice most of all, it’s not the most clear but it has the most emotion, much like Billie Holiday. I know the song “Lilac Wine” when Jeff Buckley covered it too. This entire album carries with it a somber, or for some a calming, tone. I think it’s because of the sparse arrangements and the songwriting. It’s a genius move, and I’m glad to listen to it. Favorite songs: I Love Your Lovin’ Ways, Four Women, What More Can I Say?, Lilac Wine, Break Down and Let It All Out, Why Keep On Breaking My Heart, Wild is The Wind, Black is the Color of my True Love’s Hair, If I Should Lose You, Either Way I Lose

Album #35: Cut - The Slits Genre (W): Post-punk, dub-reggae, art pop No singles. I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: One of the first all female bands. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard anything that particularly stood out aside from the music and how it sounds. Favorite songs: FM, New Static, Love Und Romance

Album #36: Sheer Heart Attack - Queen Genre (W): Hard rock, glam rock Singles: Killer Queen/Flick of the Wrist, Now I’m Here I have only listened to “Killer Queen”. Thoughts?: I know Queen mainly for Bohemian Rhapsody or their 80s material, so listening to this full album will be an experience. Right now it sounds like the 70s rock music I love. Sure, it’s bombastic, but for a band like Queen, I love that. It’s sort of progressive, but mainstream enough to be enjoyed by the public. In the Lap of the Gods has an epic introduction. Favorite songs: Side One, In the Lap of the Gods, Stone Cold Crazy, Dear Friends, Misfire, Bring Back That Leroy Brown

Album #37: Cheap Thrills - Big Brother and the Holding Company Genre (W): Blues rock, acid rock, psychedelic rock Singles: Piece of My Heart I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts?: Rest in Piece, Janis Joplin. I love how this album sounds like a live album, but is really a studio album. Janis Joplin’s voice, while not the smoothest, has a lot of power behind it. I think the power shaped rock music from this point, I can hear Robert Plant’s voice in Janis Joplin’s. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #38: It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back - Public Enemy Genre (W): East coast hip hop, political rap, sampledelia, boom bap Singles: Rebel Without a Pause, Bring the Noise, Don’t Believe the Hype, Night of the Living Baseheads, Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: Well, even though I may not like hip hop’s lyrics, I love the wordplay in the lyrics, especially those from Chuck D. The members’ flows are pretty awesome, and Terminator X’s scratches are killer. I love when scratches are used in an insane way, like that! The Bomb Squad’s production is awesome too! Favorite songs: Bring the Noise, Cold Lampin’ with Flavor, Louder Than a Bomb, Caught, Can We Get a Witness?, Night of the Living Baseheads, Rebel Without a Pause*,

Album #39: Head Hunters - Herbie Hancock Genre (W): Jazz-funk, jazz fusion No singles. I have listened to this album twice before. Thoughts: I love the fact that electronic instruments were used for one of the first times. Plus, I love the funky influences within it too! Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #40: The Rolling Stones Genre (W): Blues rock, British R&B Singles: Not Fade Away, Tell Me I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts?: This is the band that would eventually become one of the greatest bands of all time, but here’s their first record, primarily covers aside from “Tell Me”. I’m mainly listening for what makes this album stand out from other British Invasion records around the time. In this album especially, the Stones are sticking to a rock ‘n’ roll root. Good album, however, I know later ones are where the Stones shine. Favorite songs: Now I’ve Got a Witness, Little by Little, Carol, Tell Me

Album #41: The United States of America Genre (W): Psychedelic rock, art rock, experimental rock, psychedelic pop, electronic rock Singles: The Garden of Earthly Delights / Love Song for the Dead Ché, Hard Coming Love I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts: Even though I’ve listened to this album once, it’s a strange album. The intro track is stuff straight out of a fever dream. This whole album sounds like a hellish nightmare. What am I listening to? Music from a circus in Dante’s Inferno? Favorite songs: Where is Yesterday?, Coming Down,

Album #42: Sign o’ the Times (Double Album) - Prince Genre (W): R&B, funk, soul, rock, avant-pop Singles: Title track, If I Was Your Girlfriend, U Got the Look, I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts: Once again, an album considered one of the best of all time is underwhelming. I don’t understand, maybe I need to just assume every single album I listen to is bad so I can enjoy them. I do love the production and some songs are extremely well-written, so good for Prince! Overall, not my stuff. Favorite songs: Starfish and Coffee, Slow Love, Hot Thing, U Got The Look

Album #43: Nilsson Schmilsson - Harry Nilsson Genre (W): Rock, pop Singles: Without You / Gotta Get Up, Jump Into the Fire / The Moonbeam Sing, Coconut / Down I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts: I think Harry Nilsson is a talented songwriter, the blend of pop-friendly yet deep lyricism. Even a song like Coconut is sweet and charming. His cover of Without You is one of the most beautiful songs of all time. Favorite songs: Gotta Get Up, Driving Along, The Moonbeam Song, Without You, Coconut, Let the Good Times Roll, Jump Into the Fire

Album #44: Moving Pictures - Rush Genre (W): Progressive rock, hard rock Singles: Limelight, Vital Signs, Tom Sawyer I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts: From a progressive rock band becoming more radio friendly, Rush does a great job transitioning. The songs are still expertly arranged, and the trio are still as fabulous as on 2112-Hemispheres. Red Barchetta shows its age, with air cars being portrayed as bad guys and a gas vehicle rebel portrayed as the good guy, but the music itself makes up for it. YYZ is one of the best instrumentals of all time. The Camera Eye, being one of the last longer songs Rush did, feels like a nice sense of closure to the progressive days. Witch Hunt is a bit of a frightening tune, but that’s a good thing. The mood is expertly crafted. Vital Signs is a great outro too, with masterful complex playing from all three members, especially from Peart and Lee. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #45: Hard Again - Muddy Waters Genre (W): Chicago blues No singles. I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: Well, I think I’m in for an insane ride with as energizing a track as Mannish Boy. I hope the rest is as decent. The more I listen, the more I kind of like this classic blues sound. I haven’t been exposed to much blues music, but I feel like I’ve been missing a lot. Maybe it isn’t my style, maybe I’m just not into blues. I should be. Favorite songs: Mannish Boy, Jealous Hearted Man

Album #46: Disintegration - The Cure Genre (W): Gothic rock, dream pop, post-punk, alternative rock Singles: Lullaby, Fascination Street, Lovesong, Pictures of You I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts: This album is so beautiful to listen to. I love the keyboards and how dark the music is, truly one of the best gothic albums ever made! Plainsong is a magnificent intro, and Lovesong is one of the greatest love songs ever written! Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #47: Music Has the Right to Children - Boards of Canada Genre (W): Electronic, downtempo, ambient, IDM, trip hop, psychedelia Singles: Aquarius, Telephasic Workshop / Roygbiv I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: This is a strange album, in a way it’s comforting, but it’s also quite disconcerting, especially with The Color of the Fire. Some tracks are pretty groovy though! Favorite songs: Wildlife Analysis, Telephasic Workshop, Triangles and Rhombuses, Sixtyten, Roygbiv, Rue the Whirl, Aquarius, Olson, Smokes Quantity, Open the Light

Album #47: (Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd) - Lynyrd Skynyrd Genre (W): Southern rock, hard rock, blues rock Singles: Gimme Three Steps, Free Bird I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts?: I love the vocals, lyrics and the tight playing of everyone. I love their story of how they were so well-rehearsed and strict that they didn’t allow improvisations, every note was thought up until the last one. I love the dedication of a band like Lynyrd Skynyrd, and it’s a shame they got in the plane crash. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #49: Blood on the Tracks - Bob Dylan Genre (W): Folk, folk rock Singles: Tangled Up in Blue / If You See Her, Say Hello I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: I enjoyed listening to Bob Dylan’s lyrics. He’s a talented songwriter whose strongest perk is his ability to tell stories in his songs. The music is pleasurable, but the lyrics really stand out to me. Favorite songs, Tangled Up in Blue, Idiot Wind, You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go, Side Two

Album #50: Van Halen Genre (W): Hard rock, heavy metal Singles: You Really Got Me, Runnin’ with the Devil, Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love, Jamie’s Cryin’, On Fire I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: The first four tracks is one of the best batches of classic rock history. Everything from Eddie’s guitar skills to David’s passionate vocals. I love it all! Side Two is good as well with Jamie’s Cryin’, but Side One is extra special. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #51: Lady in Satin - Billie Holiday Genre (W): Vocal jazz No singles. I have listened to this album several times. Thoughts?: I think historically it is an important album. Billie’s penultimate album (the final one released during her lifetime) shows a weak and weary Holiday acting longingly. However, historical significance doesn’t automatically elevate an album. A lot of these songs are jazz standards that I know but don’t associate with Billie Holiday. Not the best. Favorite songs: I’m a Fool to Want You, I Get Along Without You Very Well, Glad to be Unhappy

Album #52: Better Living Through Chemistry - Fatboy Slim Genre (W): Big beat Singles: Everybody Needs a 303, Punk to Funk, Going out of My Head I have not listened to this album. Thoughts?: For a little while, the album is catchy. After a while, it slowly becomes background music. Fun for a bit, but boring after a long time. Favorite songs: Song for Lindy, Santa Cruz, Going Out of My Head, Everybody Needs a 303, Give the Po’ Man a Break, The Sound of Milwaukee

Album #53: Beggars Banquet - The Rolling Stones Genre (W): Roots rock, country blues, hard rock Singles: Street Fighting Man / No Expectations I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts?: I love the blues and country influences in this album, plus the experimentation with otherworldly musical styles, like the Latin influences. My favorite part of the album is the lyrics, Jagger and Richards’ lyrics are timeless. If bands want to get into classic rock, they should study Beggars Banquet. Favorite songs: All of it!!

Album #54: Green Onions - Booker T. & The M.G.’s Genre (W): R&B, rock, soul Singles: Green Onions, Mo’ Onions I have listened to this album once before. Thoughts: This is a nifty set of instrumentals. Of course, Green Onions is an iconic song. The other covers are respectable, it feels like a jam album. I don’t see any of these tracks, other than the Onions songs, being in my memory for a while. Favorite songs: Green Onions, Rinky Dink, Mo’ Onions, Stranger on the Shore, One Who Really Loves You

Album #56: …Baby One More Time - Britney Spears Genre (W): Pop, bubblegum pop, dance-pop, teen pop Singles: …Baby One More Time, Sometimes, (You Drive Me) Crazy, Born to Make You Happy, From the Bottom of My Broken Heart I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts?: This is the first time I disliked an album. Truly disliked it enough to one-star it. I can’t stand how bland this is. I know that it defined the sound of pop at that time, but it’s still really bland. It feels manufactured too. I don’t want to get another album like this again. Favorite songs: None of them.

Album #56: Rock Bottom - Robert Wyatt Genre (W): Art rock, Canterbury scene, progressive rock, psychedelic rock No singles. I have not listened to this album before. Thoughts: The music sounds nice but the lyrics make very little sense. I felt like sleeping listening to the album because it felt droning and boring. Favorite songs: A Last Straw

Album #57: Natty Dread - Bob Marley & The Wailers Genre (W): Reggae, reggae rock No singles. I have not listened to this album previously. Thoughts?: I love the musicianship of the album. Some of the lyrics are also well written by Marley and the other songwriters credited. Some of the songs are a bit redundant, but the songs that are listed as my favorites make up for those. Favorite songs: No Woman, No Cry, Them Belly Full (But We Hungry), Bend Down Low, Talkin’ Blues

Album #58: Tommy - The Who Genre (W): Rock, hard rock Singles: Pinball Wizard, I’m Free / We’re Not Gonna Take It, See Me, Feel Me / Overture from Tommy I have listened to this album twice before. Thoughts?: I love the story of this rock opera. This is the first time I’ll be listening to the songs as songs and rating an album based on the music. The story is pretty convoluted, but the musicianship is great! I can see how this album inspired a bunch of concept albums in the future. Favorite songs: Overture/It’s a Boy, 1921, Amazing Journey/Sparks, Cousin Kevin, The Acid Queen, Underture, Pinball Wizard, Go to the Mirror!, Smash the Mirror, Sally Simpson, I’m Free, Welcome, We’re Not Gonna Take It