1001 Albums Summary

Was not familiar either this album, loved it a lot.

Soft Boys were led by Robyn Hitchcock who continues to tour and make interesting music and of whom I am a big fan. They disbanded shortly after it was released and I wasn’t aware of this album until 1984 or so early in Robyn’s solo career. This is an excellent album, with some great songss including “I Wanna Destroy You”, “Tonight”, “Positive Vibrations”, “”Queen of Eyes” and the title track.

An interesting album, liked tne Lindsay Buckingham contributions most, could have been condensed into a single album, but at the likely at the expense of some of the weirdness and variety that is this album’s appeal.

Hard for me to rate objectively in light of what followed (breakup of the band, Sting’s solo career in which I quickly lost interest). Some great songs, mammoth hits, on side 2. I enjoy side 1 less than probably everything by the Police that preceded it.

Hypnotic and enchanting

Maybe Sonic Youth’s most accessible album, but no less potent and still unique enough to have alluded largescale mainstream acclaim. A fantastic album.

A disturbing depiction of life in South Central LA delivered with more thought and perspective than I expected. Might have benefited from being truncated a bit, but a compelling and interesting listen.

Bowie continued his run of great work here. Less satisfying to me than “The Rise of Ziggy Stardust” or “Hunky Dory”, but still an excellent album.

Feels colder and more detached than previous work and with the exception of “Sound and Vision”, lacking what sounds like hits. I can imagine this one growing on me upon further listens, but not as immediately compelling as the albums recoded with the Spiders from Mats.

A genre of music I don’t listen to and haven’t developed an appreciation for. A challenge for me to absorb on just two listens.

Not a huge fan of grunge, but this is as a great album, compelling, brutal and disturbing.

Excellent album, echoing the early work of The Who and Kinks, with crashing guitars and tight three minute songs focused on life in Britain. The Jam’s introduction to many Americans, kicking off a run of great albums in a short period in the late 70’s, early 80’s.

Sounds great, but not a genre I’ve developed an appreciation for.

Unique, danceable and fun

Compelling and clever from an artist I’d not previously heard of. Upon two listens reminds me of a less amusing, but not necessarily less intriguing Father John Misty.

Phenomenal, including the amazing cover of “All Along the Watchtower”, including psychedelic British pop played with Hendrix’s unmistakable virtuosity.

Did not make the impression on me it did on others when released, but a strong debut, though not to me as interesting as what followed. At the time, I wasn’t introduced to Television’s first which I now find more exciting.

Gram Parsons’ albums and contribution to the Byrds “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” were instrumental in the birth of country rock. This feels as much the work of Emmylou Harris as him, influential for sure, perhaps more influential than great, but a very good album.

Nice to see Steve Winwood return to the the spotlight, but feels light, not essential.

Fantastic live album!

Glammed up by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, a great album, though not quite as amazing as Lou’s work with the Velvet Underground. Ronson’s guitar playing is terrific as always.

My favorite album by a band I like, but don’t absolutely love.

Great set of old school country from a female perspective.

Had never heard of this album or Ute Lemper. I am a fan of some of her collaborators here, including Nick Cave, Elvis Costello and Tom Waits. Enjoyed this on first listen.

Doing what they do, with a brand new lead singer.

Phenomenal and influential, incorporating the sound of the Rolling Stones with the glam look and feel of Bowie, Mott the Hoople and T. Rex.

Somewhat disappointing to me upon it’s release, still not as impactful as Doolittle or Surfer Rosa, but sounds better now than I remembered.

Stunning, artsy and threatening, remains unique, a great band's best album.

Great album, even with far less glam rock crunch from Mick Ronson in comparison to the albums immediately preceding (Man Who Sold the World) and following (Ziggy Stardust)

Still struggle to warm up to ELO, long and inessential to me

Terrific blend of rock, soul and funk.

Super debut from a great band.

Had been a long time, liked it more than I expected

Their masterpiece.

Still sounds great, would have been fascinating to hear what would have followed.

Groundbreaking, released prior to Led Zeppelin’s debut and with a relatively unknown Rod Stewart on lead vocals.

Two listens probably not enough to really appreciate this, but didn’t pull me in immediately.

Clapton’s best work

Not a huge metal fan, but I see the appeal.