Good to start with this gem while it’s snowing like hell where I live. It completely takes me out of it. Makes me want sun, rum, cigars, a Cuban sandwich and somewhere to dance.
The whole thing just feels easy. Beautiful, relaxed, and fun without trying too hard. Exactly what I needed.
Would I own it on vinyl?
Absolutely
Food pairing
Tacos, Cuban sandwich, anything with Latin flavours
Wine pairing
Sparkling, slightly funky white or orange. Cold and refreshing
Easy 4/5 for me
I very rarely listen to early Beatles stuff, so I wasn’t too excited going in, but A Hard Day’s Night was genuinely enjoyable. It’s only 30 minutes long with 13 songs, full of Paul and John collaborations and lots of love—literally every other word.
The album runs fast, and it’s hard to believe it was made in 1963. The recording is impressive, and its influence on music is undeniable. It’s fun, light-hearted pop, and while some songs get lost among the famous singles, the album itself is never boring.
Vinyl? I already own it.
Wine pairing? A cheap but solid Italian bottle works, or just an English lager.
Food pairing? Give me an English breakfast, pudding, or maybe Shepherd’s pie.
Overall, I’d give it 4 out of 5.
I’ve never really explored R.E.M., so I was excited to try something new with Green. I didn’t really know many songs going in, so it felt like a fresh listen.
Maybe this is an album that needs a few spins to really click, and I might come back to it later, but on first listen I didn’t enjoy it that much. There are some interesting instruments and the lyrics are solid, but overall it felt a bit boring. Usually I need a few listens to fully get into an album, but I’m not sure this is one that will grow on me. There are a couple of nice singles, but overall it felt underwhelming.
Wine pairing? A dry, slightly sharp white like a Sauvignon Blanc. something a bit restrained and not too exciting, but still respectable.
Food pairing? A burger feels about right.
Would I buy this on vinyl? No.
Overall, 2 out of 5.
Album #4
I’ve always enjoyed The Cure but never really dived deep into them, so this felt like a proper introduction. I was honestly surprised to see that Seventeen Seconds came out in 1980. The style, recording and overall sound feel way more modern than I expected. It flows really well and you can hear how much it’s influenced other artists.
There were a few vocal moments that felt a bit off to me. Not bad, just a bit strange, like I didn’t fully get what was going on there.
Mostly it just made me want to put on eyeliner and feel emotional.
Wine pairing? A Tempranillo makes sense here, something dark and full-bodied. A Georgian red would also fit the mood really well.
Food pairing? Cigarettes and a pack of noodles.
Vinyl? I definitely want this on vinyl.
Overall I’d give it a 3.5, but since that’s not an option, 4 out of 5 works.
Going into Run-D.M.C. by Run-D.M.C., I knew it was going to sound dated, but this really feels old. Which is fair, it is an old record, but the style of rapping just isn’t for me.
I can absolutely hear how influential it is, and it clearly deserves all the recognition it gets, but the beats, the delivery and even the lyrics just don’t age that well to my ears. It’s pretty stripped back and repetitive, and I found myself having to power through parts of it. There are some fun moments though, and “Rock Box” was a highlight.
But yeah, overall, just not for me.
Wine pairing? Maybe a cheap, no-nonsense house red. Something straightforward and a bit rough around the edges, like a basic Cabernet or table wine.
Food pairing? Fast food feels right. A greasy burger and fries, something simple and unapologetic.
Vinyl? No, not really.
Overall 2 out of 5, unfortunately.
Day 6
I don’t listen to live records often enough, so At San Quentin by Johnny Cash has been on my list for a long time. I like Johnny Cash, but I wasn’t sure what to expect going in.
It’s just fun. Cash is charming as hell and genuinely funny. I actually laughed out loud a few times, which I don’t think has ever happened to me while listening to music. The whole thing feels alive in a way studio albums sometimes don’t.
I’d probably say 3.5, but I’ll round it up to 4 because Cash is just that charming.
Wine pairing? Honestly, skip the wine. This calls for a whiskey. Something classic like a bourbon or Tennessee whiskey fits perfectly with the vibe.
Food pairing? Icelandic lamb soup feels spot on.
Vinyl? Yeah, I’d want this on vinyl.
Overall 4 out of 5.
Day 7
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis was really my first introduction to jazz, and the album that made me fall in love with it. I’ve listened to it over 40 times at this point.
It’s incredibly versatile. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, it just works. I connect this album with board game evenings, morning coffee, wine and cheese with my wife, cafés, bars, nice dinners, bad weather, good weather. It somehow fits everything. It works just as well as background music as it does when you really sit down and focus on it.
Each instrument sounds beautiful on its own, but somehow they all come together perfectly. There’s something almost magical about how effortless it feels.
It’s a perfect album.
Wine pairing? A smooth, elegant red
like a Pinot Noir works perfectly. You could also go with a nice Bordeaux if you want something a bit deeper but still refined.
Food pairing? Beef bourguignon, followed by tiramisu and an espresso.
Vinyl? Already own it.
Day 7
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis was really my first introduction to jazz, and the album that made me fall in love with it. I’ve listened to it over 40 times at this point.
It’s incredibly versatile. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, it just works. I connect this album with board game evenings, morning coffee, wine and cheese with my wife, cafés, bars, nice dinners, bad weather, good weather. It somehow fits everything. It works just as well as background music as it does when you really sit down and focus on it.
Each instrument sounds beautiful on its own, but somehow they all come together perfectly. There’s something almost magical about how effortless it feels.
It’s a perfect album.
Wine pairing? A smooth, elegant red like a Pinot Noir works perfectly. You could also go with a nice Bordeaux if you want something a bit deeper but still refined.
Food pairing? Beef bourguignon, followed by tiramisu and an espresso.
Vinyl? Already own it.
5 out of 5. 5 out of 5.
Ramones by Ramones kicks in immediately and never lets up. From the first second it’s just overdrive fast, fun, and full of energy. Every song feels like it’s flying at the same pace, so it never really gets boring in the moment.
It’s obviously hugely influential. Even now, decades later, you can still hear this exact sound in modern punk and rock.
The only downside for me is how repetitive it gets. After a while it starts to feel like I’m listening to the same song over and over, and I kind of wish it had a bit more space to breathe. Maybe it’s one that improves with more listens, but even on first go it was definitely a fun ride. It also makes me want to explore more early punk.
I’d give it a 3.5 if I could, but I’m leaning more toward a 3 than a 4.
Wine pairing? Skip the wine. This is a six-pack of cheap, honest lager.
Food pairing? Average pizza take away that hits the spot.
Vinyl? Probably not a priority for me.
Overall strong 3 out of 5.
Day 9
Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp is one I struggled with a bit. Not because it’s bad. The songs are well written and the sound is really nice, but it just feels like it’s missing something.
It lacks texture for me. It ends up feeling more like pleasant background music rather than a focused project that takes risks. Even though I kind of liked every song, nothing really stuck with me. No standout hooks or moments that felt memorable.
It’s not bad by any means, but I definitely prefer her more upbeat, earlier stuff.
Favourite song? “Little Bird”.
Wine pairing? Something light and slightly floral like a Sauvignon Blanc or even a chilled rosé fits the soft, airy vibe.
Food pairing? Light dishes work best here. Maybe a fresh salad, goat cheese, or something simple like grilled fish.
Vinyl? Probably not.
I’m feeling a 2.5, but I’ll round it up to a light 3 out of 5.
Day 10
Orbital 2 (The Brown Album) by Orbital
I’m not really that familiar with electronic or ambient music. I’ve listened to some of the bigger stuff like Aphex Twin and Daft Punk, and maybe Kid A, but I’ve never really gone deeper than that.
So going into this, and after seeing some reviews, I was a bit worried. The first track starts and it’s basically a two-minute loop of “time becomes a loop” and I thought, yeah… this might be rough.
But then “Planet of the Shapes” kicks in and something just clicks. From there I was actually really into it.
I listened to this after a 12-hour work day, which sounds like the worst possible time for an album like this, but I ended up enjoying it a lot. At points I even felt like dancing, which I definitely didn’t expect.
There’s some really beautiful, experimental ambient stuff here. It can get a bit repetitive, but I never felt bored. There are a lot of great moments throughout. “Lush 3-1”, “Impact (The Earth Is Burning)” and especially “Halcyon + On + On” were all fantastic.
Wine pairing? Something crisp and clean like a dry Riesling or even a sparkling wine. It fits the flowing, slightly hypnotic feel of the album.
Food pairing? Fresh ceviche works perfectly. Light, fresh, a bit vibrant.
Favourite song? “Halcyon + On + On”.
It’s a 3.5 for me, but I’ll round it up to 4 out of 5.
Day 11
1989 by Taylor Swift
I’ve never really been a Swiftie. I’ve honestly never understood the hype that much, but I’m trying to stay open minded. I’ve heard a few albums before and never really saw the songwriting genius people talk about. When this came out, I hadn’t really listened to her, but I definitely remember how much “Shake It Off” annoyed me.
So going into this, I told myself to give it a fair shot.
It actually started off really well. There’s some genuinely solid pop songwriting here, and I found myself enjoying the overall vibe more than I expected. The lyrics can be a bit cringy at times, but at the same time, I’m a 33-year-old man, so maybe I’m not exactly the target audience.
The album kind of just passes by without any real low points. There aren’t really any bad songs, it’s consistently good pop from start to finish. But that’s also where it loses me a bit. It feels like it lacks a bit of courage or something more to say. Everything sits in the same lane, and after a while it starts to feel a bit samey and lacking texture.
I wouldn’t really reach for this if I’m craving a pop album, but at the same time, I don’t have much to criticize. It’s just… fine.
Wine pairing? A clean, easy-drinking rosé or a light Pinot Grigio. Something polished, crowd-pleasing, and not too challenging.
Food pairing? A nice family BBQ. Hot dogs, burgers, the whole thing.
Vinyl? Don’t want it.
Favourite song? “Bad Blood”.
Overall 3 out of 5. Looking forward to seeing if I connect more with her slower, folk-style records.
Day 12
Live at the Regal by B.B. King
Second live album in twelve albums so far, and I’m still not the biggest live album guy. But when it comes to artists I don’t listen to often, it actually feels like a great way to get introduced to them.
I’m not a huge blues listener either, but I’ve heard about this record for years. My uncle loves blues and talks about this one all the time, so I was definitely curious.
It starts off really strong, and somehow the audience actually adds to the experience instead of distracting from it. As the album goes on, you can really hear how influential B.B. King has been on so much music that came after. It honestly feels like records like this laid the groundwork for so much modern stuff, even albums like To Pimp a Butterfly. The instruments sound incredible, and the whole thing flows really well.
It’s also pretty short, which helps, and I could definitely see myself coming back to it. Might even make me explore more blues from this era.
Wine pairing? A bold, warm red like a Zinfandel or Syrah. Something with a bit of grit and depth, like the music itself.
Food pairing? Proper comfort food. BBQ ribs, mac and cheese, something soulful and heavy.
Favourite song? “Every Day I Have the Blues”.
Vinyl? Yes, I’d want this on vinyl.
First listen? Yes.
Overall 4 out of 5.
Day 13
Stankonia by Outkast
I was 7 years old when “Ms. Jackson” came out. At the time I was only listening to Eminem and didn’t really know much about hip hop. But I used to watch MTV all the time here in Iceland, and that song was constantly on. It honestly felt like my world changed. The sound was so unique, I’d never heard anything like it before. From the very first beat, I just knew it was cool. Outkast ended up being my gateway into hip hop.
Listening to this now, I can’t believe it’s over 20 years old. It sounds so ahead of its time. There’s this mix of blues, jazz, psychedelic, melodic southern hip hop—it’s like every American music genre is somehow packed into this album. And the influence is obvious. You can hear it in artists like Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and even modern trap.
It’s aged incredibly well. I think André 3000 once quoted Back to the Future in the 90s when they were booed at the Grammys: “I guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet, but your kids are gonna love it.” That really fits this album. Even though it sold well in the US, Outkast were still ahead of their time.
Some people might say it’s a bit bloated, but honestly I love every song on here. Maybe a few too many interludes, but I don’t mind them.
Wine pairing? Something bold and expressive like a Zinfandel or a big California red. Full of personality, a bit wild, but still smooth.
Food pairing? Southern comfort food fits perfectly. Fried chicken, cornbread, maybe some mac and cheese.
Vinyl? Don’t own it and don’t really feel the need to.
First listen? No.
Overall 5 out of 5.
Second 5/5 so far!
Day 14
Bayou Country by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Alright, this one didn’t really click for me. The vibes are good and there’s definitely some nice old-school country rock here, plus a few classic songs, but I just wasn’t really feeling it.
Maybe it’s the genre, I’m not sure. Because at the same time, I can clearly hear how influential this is, and I don’t really have anything bad to say about it. It just didn’t grab me and I found myself getting a bit bored.
Favourite song? “Born on the Bayou”.
Wine pairing? Something simple and no-frills like a house red or even a cheap American red blend. Nothing too fancy.
Food pairing? Baked beans and steak sounds about right.
Vinyl? Don’t want it.
Overall a strong 2 out of 5. (Would probably be a 2.5 if that was an option.)
Day 15
1999 by Prince
Alright, this weird, fun, nostalgic gem was such a vibe. I found myself singing along in the car with Prince even though I don’t really know the songs that well.
There are some heavy synths here, sometimes almost weird, but it somehow just works. The songs are long, but it feels more like being in a jam session with Prince than listening to a structured pop album.
I enjoyed this a lot. At times it almost feels more like an experience or a mood than just an album. It’s steamy, bubbly, groovy, full of funk. I can definitely see myself coming back to this when I want something fun and nostalgic.
Wine pairing? A nice orange, natural funky wine fits perfectly. Something a bit wild, full of character, slightly unpredictable.
Food pairing? Spicy late-night chipotle Shrimp tacos.
Favourite song? “D.M.S.R.”
Vinyl? Yeah, I’d want this on vinyl.
First listen? Yes.
Overall 4 out of 5.
Day 16
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady by Charles Mingus
I was making chili con carne while listening to this, and it actually fit the mood perfectly. It’s short, dreamy, and works really well as background jazz. I don’t know a lot about jazz, I just know I enjoy it in the right setting, and this definitely hit that kind of vibe.
It’s very pleasant and easy to get lost in, but at the same time it didn’t fully grab me as a top-tier jazz record. I can’t really point to one specific thing that holds it back, it just didn’t hit me the same way some other jazz albums have.
That said, I did enjoy it. It’s one of those albums that feels more like a mood than something you actively focus on.
Wine pairing? Something earthy and a bit complex like a Syrah. It matches the slightly darker, layered feel of the album.
Food pairing? Chili con carne, obviously. Perfect match.
Favourite song? “Track A – Solo Dancer”
Vinyl? No. Dont want it.
First listen? Yes.
Overall 3 out of 5
Day 16
Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea by PJ Harvey
I really like some of her newer stuff, but I’ve never really explored her earlier work, so I was excited going into this. It actually started out a bit boring for me, and I wasn’t sure where it was going. Then suddenly I hear this beautiful voice… and it’s Thom Yorke. No idea how I didn’t know he was on this record.
Those tracks are easily the highlights. “This Mess We’re In” especially has that emotional In Rainbows kind of vibe. “This Is Love” is another standout, and overall I think the second half of the album is a bit stronger.
That said, I feel like this is one I need to revisit. The songs that didn’t land for me just felt like pretty standard 2000s rock and didn’t really do much. But there’s clearly something here, and I could see it growing on me with more listens.
Food pairing? Something simple but a bit elevated. Maybe grilled chicken with a fresh salad, or a light pasta. Feels like that kind of album.
Wine pairing? A clean, slightly sharp white like Sauvignon Blanc. Nothing too heavy, but still with a bit of character.
Vinyl? Don’t want it.
First listen? Yes.
Overall 3 out of 5.
Day 17
Want One by Rufus Wainwright
This was… not for me. I really tried to be open with this one, but it just didn’t land at all.
First of all, I really can’t stand his vocals. It feels like some kind of blend between Thom Yorke and Matt Bellamy, but like a Temu version of that. It just doesn’t work for me. The vocals feel forced, a bit annoying, and the emotional moments don’t hit at all.
The music itself isn’t terrible. It’s not really my thing, but there are moments where it almost has this kind of beautiful, Disney-like quality. Still, it never really connects. “Go or Go Ahead” was probably the only track I somewhat liked.
I can understand why people love this, and I respect it, but it’s just completely not for me.
Wine pairing? Something white, sharp, and a bit too sweet. The kind you don’t really enjoy but finish anyway.
Food pairing? Something equally off for your taste. Maybe an overcooked fancy dish that looks great but just doesn’t hit right.
Vinyl? Don’t want it.
First listen? Yes.
Overall 1 out of 5.
Day 18
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by Outkast
I’m a big Outkast fan, but I don’t really listen to this album front to back that often. And honestly, let’s not kid ourselves, this is two albums. Even in production and feel, it was always going to be that way.
It’s long as well, over two hours, so I had to find the right time to really sit down and take it in as a full project. Speakerboxxx starts off strong. Even though I usually prefer André 3000, the first half of Big Boi’s side is actually really good. After that, I kind of lose focus a bit.
The Love Below is where things really click for me. It’s almost a masterpiece. It might be a bit bloated and could probably lose a few tracks, but there’s so much bold, creative music here. It blends hip hop, blues, jazz, funk—it’s ahead of its time, melodic, and really catchy.
As a whole project, it lands at a 4 for me. It’s a great piece of art, but I do wonder if more collaboration between them could have pushed it past Stankonia.
Wine pairing? Something bold but layered, like a Rhône blend or a Syrah. Complex, a bit chaotic, but rewarding if you take your time with it.
Food pairing? A full spread. BBQ, sides, a bit of everything. This feels like a long meal where you keep going back for more.
Vinyl? Yeah, I’d like to own this.
First listen? No.
Favourite track? Roses
Overall 4 out of 5.
Day 19
Back to Mystery City by Hanoi Rocks
Never heard of this band before. I’m not the biggest fan of 80s rock, but I don’t mind some glam rock here and there.
I actually listened to this while playing darts and having a couple of beers, which turned out to be a pretty perfect setting. It’s a nice, easy listen. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad either. Just solid, straightforward rock.
It doesn’t really stand out in any major way, but it does its job. I could see this being a fun background album in the right setting, like exactly how I listened to it.
Wine pairing? Honestly, skip the wine. The hazy summer IPA you had is perfect for this.
Food pairing? Something casual and a bit greasy. Maybe wings, nachos, or a burger. This isn’t a sit-down dinner album.
Favourite song? “Ice Cream Summer”.
Vinyl? Don’t want it.
First listen? Yes.
Overall 3 out of 5.
