1001 Albums Summary

The perfect example of why I hate most electronic music. What separates this from the worst electronic album? I played 30 seconds before my wife, who can listen to anything, said, Wow, that’s annoying. Yep, well said.

One of those albums where you recognize every track you hear. This plays like The Who’s greatest hits. Loved it, and I’m not a big Who fan.

Predictably cooky and zany. “Lava” is the only song I hadn’t heard before; otherwise it’s a nice walk down memory lane and that’s all.

I always worried that I could have been a great Goth in the 1980s because I loved the Cure. After listening to Floodland I realized I dodged a bullet. This is so predictably Goth - every song in a minor key, every chorus sung in octaves, choirs, vocals sung in a creepy commanding tone. I feel like I just listened to an alternate Lost Boys soundtrack.

I didn’t hate it. But I’m not sure what makes this album great. It’s great music to work by, but in saying that I have no recollection of anything on this album after several listens. It doesn’t even go in one ear and out the other. It just permeates the air and doesn't dare challenge you or please you in any way.

Queen after 10 years of meth abuse.

I’m torn. Punk isn’t supposed to be this good, this polished. “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” has innovative chord progressions and hit the UK top 20! It could be a little raunchier and amateurish, but I’ll take it.

I’m starting to think that Taylor Swift is actually AI generated. Her melodies seem manufactured with no phrasing, no aim and no purpose, and they’re instantly forgettable. Listening to her songs is like staring at the soulless eyes of the animated kids in The Polar Express. Just creepy.

If you’re expecting 180 bpm thrashing for 60 minutes, you’ll be disappointed (although there are a couple of songs to get you sweating). Wire has some surprises, and you can hear seeds of grunge pop up some 15 years before it officially hatched. These guys are definitely influential and were actually looking to help punk evolve.

I’m not a fan of jazz, and in trying to understand why Kind of Blue is good I got lost in modal music and bebop. All I know is this music evokes pleasure - a conversation between players that’s relaxing and free. I didn’t know jazz could be this satisfying.

Better than expected, especially after the first two tracks which were just noisy. But then it gets interesting - syncopated rhythms, the almost prog Three Days, and the classicBeen Caught Stealing redeems it. I doubt I’ll go back to it, but it gives me a newfound respect of the godfathers of grunge.

TIL that Quiet Riot was a Slade cover band. I heard this album back in the 80s when quiet Riot copied them - screeching, rabid guitars, etc. There are some good musical ideas but they get lost in Noddy Holder’s nails-on-chalkboard voice. Hard pass.

Not displeasing.

What a joy - accessible jazz with predicable rhythms and a soothing vibe that left me wanting more.

Why?