1001 Albums Summary

GOING IN: Hopeful FAMILIARITY: Know a song or two SKIP RATE: No skips (played straight through) REPLY VALUE: I’ll play it again DISCOVERY CURVE: Liked it straight away, surprisingly ALBUM ARC: Consistent throughout VERDICT: Liked it more than expected FAVOURITE TRACK: Hard to Explain Good solid 3/5

GOING IN: Neutral - I liked some of their stuff FAMILIARITY: Know a song or two SKIP RATE: Light skipper (1-2 tracks) REPLY VALUE: One and done DISCOVERY CURVE: Never clicked ALBUM ARC: Weak start, side B is better VERDICT: Bit underwhelming FAVOURITE TRACK: Cemetry Gates

GOING IN: Very excited indeed LISTENED WHILE: Lying on sofa, headphones on at 5am, doing a sudoku FAMILIARITY: Know the name SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Deffo play again DISCOVERY CURVE: Got it by the end ALBUM ARC: Warmed up nicely VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: Hit It and Quit It ALBUM RATING: 4

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: Morning on the treadmill FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Got it by the end ALBUM ARC: Warmed up nicely VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: ...Duh! ALBUM RATING: 3

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: with my morning cuppa FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Got it by the end ALBUM ARC: Solid all the way VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: Can't Buy Me Love My Rating: 3

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: Saturday morning, pottering about FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Still waiting VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely / Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: none My Rating: 2

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: Having a bath FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Deffo play again DISCOVERY CURVE: Loved it straight away ALBUM ARC: Strong start, tailed off VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3.5 Sound of a heartbroken man, sitting at a bar, crying into his whisky.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: While working FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Still waiting ALBUM ARC: Solid all the way VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: -- My Rating: 2 APPRECIATE: Beats. The brutal honesty and vulnerability of his lyrics about gang life and growing up poor. Some lyrics I applaud, and the way he delivered them was another level. PROBLEMATIC: The graphic depictions of violence, drug dealing, and casual misogyny. Sean Combs.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: Walking the dog, am. FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Skipped half of it REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation My Rating: 1 Very tame "punk"

GOING IN: Dreading it properly LISTENED WHILE: lounging FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Dunno, gave up VERDICT: Waste of my time BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 0

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: With a cuppa FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Full wiggle FAVOURITE TRACK: I Can't Stand the Rain My Rating: 2 The album was ruined by cheesy 80s musicians/production. The 80s ruined everyone. Fucking synthesisers. I'd love to hear someone take Tina's vocals and put them on something more suitable.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: Making the dinner FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: Embryonic Journey & White Rabbit My Rating: 4 Wish Grace Slick sang on all the songs.

GOING IN: Very excited indeed LISTENED WHILE: Relaxing with a wine FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Skipped the odd one REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Needed another go ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: Wrote For Luck My Rating: 3 I'm going to try this again. I think it's a slow grower, and I need another environment/situation to enjoy it.

GOING IN: Very excited indeed LISTENED WHILE: Sunday sofa surfing FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Off to buy it now DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 4.5

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: on the train FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Skipped the odd one REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Peaked mid-way VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Skipped the odd one REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Slow burner this one ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: We've Only Just Begun My Rating: 2 Incredible voice, but I would rather listen to the greatest hits album.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Skipped the odd one REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2.5 Not my thing but not unlistenable.

GOING IN: Very excited indeed LISTENED WHILE: Drinking an Old Fashioned in front of the fire FAMILIARITY: Part of my life this one SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Deffo play again DISCOVERY CURVE: Loved it straight away ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Absolutely brilliant BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: Very hard to choose!!!... Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) My Rating: 5

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: Driving FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: chillin' at home FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Skipped the odd one REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Strong start, tailed off VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2 Iconic album cover. Unfortunately, the album sucked.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: chillin' at home FAMILIARITY: Listened to it many times SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Strong start, tailed off VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: doing some work FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 1 Yet another reminder that 'classic' often just means 'made for and by a specific type of person who got to write the rules

GOING IN: Very excited indeed LISTENED WHILE: Chillin at home FAMILIARITY: Listened to it many times SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Deffo play again DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Absolutely brilliant BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 4.5

GOING IN: Dreading it properly LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened VERDICT: Waste of my time BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode My Rating: 0.5 I'm losing faith in this project...fast.

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: having breakfast FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Needed another go ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation My Rating: 2.5 Needs another listen.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: With a cuppa FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: --- My Rating: 2 Can't believe there are more Smiths AND Morrissey albums in this list that I must listen to before I die. Ugh! I gave this a two because it wasn't as bad as the last one.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: Cleaning house FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: All over the place VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 1 Cultural apropriation. Repetative. Ugh. So many things. This hasn't aged well at all. I listened to this while cleaning the house and felt like I was in an advert for a cleaning product or a kitchen appliance.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: taking down xmas decorations FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Ended better than it started VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: Typical Girls My Rating: 3 Not bad, not great either, but better than I was expecting. If someone else had this playing, I would happily nod along in appreciation.

GOING IN: Dreading it properly LISTENED WHILE: afternoon lounging FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Skipped half of it REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode My Rating: 1

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: reading a magazine FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: All over the place VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode My Rating: 2 Spent almost 20 years getting to a quiet place in my head. This album undid it all in under 4 minutes.

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: having morning coffee FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Slow burner this one ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2 She doesn't start singing until track 3. Up until then it's all a bit Tom & Jerry.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: supermarket shopping FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2.5

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: having morning coffee, pottering. FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Strong start, tailed off VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: Gin and Juice My Rating: 2.5 Marked it down, 'cause, you know... misogyny and sweary words. Other than that, I dug it.

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: doing laundry FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: All over the place VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 1 Really disappointed with this one.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: preparing lunch FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Few tactical skips REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 1.5 Meh

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog, then again with a cuppa FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Skipped the odd one REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Needed another go ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2 Enough with the harmonies. I know everyone says that's the best thing, but it's constant. Harmony overload.

GOING IN: Very excited indeed LISTENED WHILE: morning coffee FAMILIARITY: Listened to it many times SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Deffo play again DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Absolutely brilliant BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: So Much Love My Rating: 4

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: Morning coffee FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3 This was actually not bad. This kid's good.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Slow burner this one ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation My Rating: 3 First thoughts: Yikes... wait, what... explicit... dark... fearless... witty... musical... funny... shame... clever... The music is sharp, funny, and broadly American sounding rather than just Southern rootsy, which helps make his point that these failings reflect all of America, not just the South. But there's a risk here. Not everyone will catch that Newman is performing these characters, not endorsing them. I've given this a 3 rather than a 4 as I don't think I'll ever listen to it again, but I'm glad to know it's out there in the world.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: commuting FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2.5

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: Morning coffee FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode My Rating: 2

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Skipped half of it REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3 I like country music, and I can hear the influence this record has had, but it's not great. Not bad, but not great.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: Afternoon cuppa FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 0 Anyone wearing an Unknown Pleasures t-shirt is a red flag. Avoid them.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: pottering and cleaning house FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Peaked mid-way VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble (Shimmy-Shoulder Shake) FAVOURITE TRACK: Escapade My Rating: 3.5 This was my very first ever listen to this album, yet I knew most of the tracks. I was never really interested in JJ, or even MJ, when I was a kid, yet their music somehow got through.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: Afternoon, relaxing FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Slow burner this one ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation My Rating: 3

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: Afternoon, relaxing FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Off to buy it now DISCOVERY CURVE: Loved it straight away ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Absolutely brilliant BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: If I Could Only Win Your Love My Rating: 5 This is the first album, out of the 46 already listened to, that really knocked it out of the park for me. The music. The voice. The harmonies.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: moving furniture FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Strong start, tailed off VERDICT: Waste of my time BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: Beetlebum My Rating: 1

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: Afternoon, relaxing FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Ended better than it started VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: The Ox My Rating: 3 Ooh, those drums!!

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: clearing out kitchen cupboards FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: All over the place VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 1

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Slow burner this one ALBUM ARC: Peaked mid-way VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: Ready Or Not, Fu-Gee-La, Killing Me Softly My Rating: 3 I'd have given this a 2 if it weren't for the girl from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit on vocals.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: evening walk around town with dog FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Gave up entirely REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Slow burner this one ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 2 Some say "smooth", I'm verging on "oily" can't quite wash it off.

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: in the bath FAMILIARITY: Know the artist, not the album SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Peaked mid-way VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3 My parents were big Genesis fans, so I have a soft spot for them despite only knowing one album (Trick of the Tail). My dad saw them a few days before I was born; if I'd been born male, I'd probably have been named Phil or Peter.

GOING IN: Quite hopeful LISTENED WHILE: walking the dog FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Deffo play again DISCOVERY CURVE: Loved it straight away ALBUM ARC: Strong start, tailed off VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: What's Yr Take on Cassavetes? My Rating: 3.8

GOING IN: Dreading it properly LISTENED WHILE: doing a sudoku FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3 I'm no fan of punk, and I'm surprised I enjoyed this. What I like about the Sex Pistols and the (British) punk movement is that they were trying to get people to think for themselves, to stop accepting what those in power were (are) dictating to us. We need another movement like this. Now. Wake up people.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: Walking ther dog FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Ended better than it started VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Toe tapping situation FAVOURITE TRACK: Honky Tonk Masquerade My Rating: 2 That first track made me think of the soundtrack to those small-town live webcams you get. Muzak/Polka. This was more Muzak masquerading as Honky Tonk.

GOING IN: Very excited indeed LISTENED WHILE: with a glass of wine FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Never happened ALBUM ARC: Peaked mid-way VERDICT: Bit disappointing BODY'S VERDICT: Statue mode FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 1 You're having a laugh!! 5 Stars? Really? I knew people who were obsessed with him. They couldn't understand why I wasn't. Those people are no longer in my life.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: post work, chillin' FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Might come back to it DISCOVERY CURVE: Slow burner this one ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3 I think this'll need a few listens. It deserves more attention.

GOING IN: Not fussed really LISTENED WHILE: getting ready for work FAMILIARITY: Know a few songs SKIP RATE: Skipped the odd one REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3 I've always detested these guys, but they sure know how to make an earworm tune. Stuck in my head all day. Bastards.

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: morning commute FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Once was plenty DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Strong start, tailed off VERDICT: Better than expected BODY'S VERDICT: Sitting nicely - Motionless appreciation FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3.5

GOING IN: No strong feelings LISTENED WHILE: decorating FAMILIARITY: New to me SKIP RATE: Played it straight through REPLAY VALUE: Deffo play again DISCOVERY CURVE: Warmed up nicely ALBUM ARC: Pretty even, consistent VERDICT: Fair enough BODY'S VERDICT: Decent head wobble FAVOURITE TRACK: My Rating: 3