I love this album. It’s actually in frequent rotation along with Wish You Were Here. I love this period of Floyd. It helps that my dad also loved this period of Floyd as did my husband’s parents. What you hear as a kid affects you. This album had a big effect on my future musical inclinations, and when we rediscovered it, well, it was magic. So it has to be 5 stars. It’s in the category of desert island 5 star albums. I don’t just appreciate it, I listen to it a lot and would be sad if I couldn’t hear it again.
I’ve actually heard this album before! I have no memory of it. It’s saved in my library, that’s how I know it’s gotten a listen. So maybe this time I’ll remember…
Oh no. Frank Zappa reminds me of your neurodivergent 12 year old cousin showing off his multi- instrumentality. It’s like “oh wow Frank, that’s amazing…. You can stop now…. Please stop. Please. Please stop. Yeah you need to stop now.” I want to give him a 3 for effort, but since I wanted to kill him by the end, he gets a 2.
Love Curtis.
Yeah, this is a great album. It really is. I think I have to give it a 5. The album, not the movie. And that says so much.
Oh Bowie. Required listening. He really is amazing, but in real life I skip him.
Yeah. As I expected. I’m always torn when I listen to this period of Bowie. It’s a lot like Bob Dylan. Yeah, admittedly an important album. Yeah, it’s good, I get it. Do I want to listen to it? No. But I will give it 4 stars, because it deserves it, damn it. Even if Bowie was coked out of his mind and has no memory of anything he did. And the Boolean rating? Could I have died without hearing this album? No, no I guess not. I’m glad I heard it. Again. Even though it felt like work. Its influence is undeniable and it actually grooves and has wonderful instrumentation. In fact, if Bowie could have just not been a part of it, that would have been best, I think…
Wow - I’m embarrassed to admit how much I liked this. Shows that you have to separate the music from the look of the band. If I judged solely on the manitards this would never have gotten a listen.
4 stars. Boolean rating: yes! Glad I heard it before I died.
Oh god! This is 5!!!! Maybe the best album ever? When I say that I mean an album that works both as a whole - is composed as an album- and still pulls off “hits” - songs that can stand alone and people love. But when you put those hits into the context of the album as a whole, they’re meaning changes, and perhaps they’re popularity is almost a conscious commentary on society. I know most that would agree think TPAB is better. And maybe it is. But this was the album that broke Kendrick open for me. It has compositional elements like What’s Going On- which probably IS the best album ever. I listen to this regularly. It honestly took me time to get into Kendrick, but now… I know he’s the 🐐
So glad to listen to it again. Boolean rating? Yes!!! Oh yes I needed to hear this before I died. So glad I can hear it many times before I go…
Wow - lots of Black Sabbath over the last few days.
So I’m now a full on fan. In a very short time. From 0 to full fan in one week! This didn’t hit me like Paranoid- that was my introduction, but man, this rocks! And they’re amazing at the 180s! Opening with wheels of confusion going to tomorrow’s dream and then changes?!!? Wow! 4 stars. Really 4.5. Boolean rating: yes! Thank you for introducing me to Black Sabbath before I die!
Cool.
Yeah, I have to admit if I was coming to this album cold for the first time it would probably be a 3. It’s funny, but I don’t think I would hear the very cool drum work or appreciate Cornell’s vocals if I didn’t know them already. I don’t think I like the way the guitars are placed in the mix. I think I find them too muddy. But there was a time when this album was everywhere. Crazy. I didn’t really listen to this album at the time. But it didn’t matter. It was everywhere. And Chris did have an amazing voice. And the drum work is there. You just got to listen. 4 stars. RIP Chris Cornell. You were quite a talent. So sad you’re gone. Boolean rating: yes! Glad to hear soundgarden again before I die.
Um… love the left fielders.
Oh, this was a left fielder! Truly. Never heard it before. God it’s weird. Fantastically weird. I’m giving it 4 stars cause this is the kind of album that keeps me coming back. Will I ever listen to this just cause? Probably not!
Boolean rating: yes! Very glad that I did hear it before I die.
?
Wow, so I never heard anything about Laura Nyro or this album before. Immediately I was struck by the thought that she’s a soul sister of Carole King, let loose on broadway? I mean there’s a lot here. But I don’t particularly want to listen to it. Right when she has me, she brings in the brass. Or the full orchestra. Not my bag. 3 stars for obvious talent.
Boolean rating: yes, I do suppose I am glad to have heard this before I die.
Yeah, Neil Young. Have to see how I feel today…
I feel like my mom used Bob Dylan and Neil Young to torture me as a teenager. I mean I don’t feel that way, she DID use them to torture me. Now the thing is, I deserved to be tortured. I was a very angry punk rock teen. But the experience lingers. I have since forced myself, through sheer will, to appreciate the artistry of said artists. But the feeling still lingers. The feeling of wanting to crush Neil Young like a squirming bug beneath my shoe. It’s not just his voice. Or the style. I’m a HUGE fan of Jason Molina. But… f* you Neil. Really. 2 stars cause you undeniably are an artist. 2 stars cause you torture me still.
Boolean rating: honesty? No. I could die without hearing Neil Young. I’d just lack that well roundnesses, but I would be happier for it! After all, it’s better to burn out than to fade away.
Sorry, I wrote this before I remembered it had been in Kurt Cobain’s suicide note. But then I thought, no, I would leave it. It’s all part of the conversation. That’s part of what I’m here for.
Karen O! Yeah! I think I actually like their later stuff better, but this should be fun. Don’t think I have actually listened to this album before…
No, hadn’t heard this before. At first, I have to admit I wasn’t loving it. And then Heads Will Roll… well I was in! The thing is, I count myself a Karen O fan. I loved the collab she did with danger mouse Lux Prima. And I really liked Cool it Down from 2022, which is obviously too recent to be on this list. She and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are developing as artists. Yay! But this… this is uneven af. I probably would never throw it on for myself. I want to give it a 4 out of love, but it really deserves a 3. So…3 it is.
Boolean rating: yes, I suppose it is good to hear the earlier work of an artist of which you actually like the later work better.
So I just listened to this. Let’s see how I’m feeling…
Yeah, it still gets a 5. Just about every song is amazing and the poetry of No Woman only becomes more profound on the 1000+ listen. Bob Marley was truly a master.
Boolean rating: yes, certainly a good album to hear before I die.
Think I missed this one… damn, the twin towers were standing at the time… oh but it was released in 2002? Daaaaamn.
This was very interesting. I don’t think I ever heard it. I enjoyed it. I thought it could be tighter for sure. And that 2002 release date still boggles me. It was actually very chill for the times.
Boolean rating: yes, glad to have heard it.
Wow- so this is my bag. I went in totally cold, had no idea about the album or the artist. But I am a HUGE fan of Daniel Johnson, Sparklehorse, Jason Molina, Elliot Smith, so you know, troubled men singing about their pain, their trouble, and the beauty that yet is the world in which we live. So I guess this album was in the pocket. And why I’m here for this 1001 album exercise, btw. I guess it’s the thing I have to add is that this material WOULD have benefited from a bit of editing, some production, but maybe not. I tend to like Molina’s demos better than his “finished product.” Gosh, I think I am giving it a 5. You can’t stop me! Ha! Take that power pop!
Boolean: Hell yeah
Wow- I remember when epic was the song of the moment. I was a kid, my brother and I would imitate its lyrics and delivery as basically the answer to everything: “you want it all, but you can’t have it….”
I never got into Faith no More. I think because of their fan base. The Nirvana problem. Bad association. But man, this album is awesome! Sorry if you don’t feel it, but today me loves this album and is so, so glad I heard it as an album. Epic is probably the weakest song on the album- crazy. This is seriously going into rotation. I’m not going full 5 ‘cause I am already too much of a cheerleader.
Boolean: yes, really. I think this has aged incredibly well. So glad I heard it before I die.
I really, really hope there are only two Rush albums on this list. I don’t think I can take more. They kill me. Neil Peart demands high marks but the rest leaves me cold to freezing. I am going 3 because I have to, but I never, ever want to hear Rush again.
Boolean: No. Really, I think Moving Pictures is enough representation of Rush. This doesn’t show a progression of art or anything that makes me feel I needed to hear it. If I could get my time back, well I’d put in that paperwork.
Man, I am surprised by this album. Sorry, but I have always dismissed Dire Straits. Sultans of Swing makes me think of overweight men with pot bellies, wearing Bermuda shorts, flip flops, wife beaters and/ or Hawaiian shirts, beers in hand, half heartedly tending the bbq. Thanks… I‘ll pass.
But there was so much more here than that! Those two opening tracks were so well placed one after the other. And Six Blade Knife… yeah, I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It really didn’t have any dead spots. I even appreciated Sultans positioned in its full context.
Oh no. More Kate Bush. No.
This is as painful as I feared. Reaching out… for that star that explodes… and ends this. God, that would have prevented Heads We’re Dancing. Man, so much talent, so much productive effort, such a voice, and a result that…is awful. I mean I should give it a 3 for effort… but I don’t want to. Unless something better happens this gets a 2.
And at the end the best thing I can say about it is that it did, in fact, end.
Boolean: no. One Kate Bush album is enough representation. I believe there are three. No. No.
Another one of those albums it looks like I am going to end up liking despite my best efforts to reject it based on fan base/ and or the appearance of the band members. God. I think ZZ Top generally has represented everything I despise about a certain type of man.
But… in the sanctuary of my home/ headphones - this album rocks! So, well I guess it gets a 4. Not as familiar with its content as I thought I would be.
Boolean: yes, glad to hear before I die.
Very glad going in…
Well, finding it and making sure it was what it was, was half the fun! So the instrumentals rock. Fat’s voice is great. The whole thing would benefit from better production and not being pieced together on YouTube. This period’s endless lyrics about frivolous love and meaningless relationships, which standard rock and roll of course inherited, tires me out. More instrumental interludes, less “song.” Oh wait… that’s jazz!
I have a hard time, I want to go 4 but really, this is a 3 for me, honestly.
3
Boolean: oh yes, I am glad I went on the journey to hear this before I die.
This is one of those “you’re supposed to rate well” selections simply because bands you later like site THIS band “The Band” as an influence. And they have a hit or two that is immediately recognizable because it’s been played into oblivion. But I don’t really like it. I don’t want to throw it on. Today it’s annoying. Today I feel like giving it a 2. But I will go 3 cause Jeff Tweedy thinks The Band is grand.
3
Boolean: yes, I suppose so. The thing is, can you not hear this album before you die? Is it possible?
Yay!!! Thank you!!! Album generator you have saved me from despair!
This is a 5. I love Queen. I have secretly loved this album even when I thought it was terribly uncool to do so.
Now I know I will love this till the day I die. What a joy.
Boolean: Yes, enough said
Ahh, well…
This gets a 5. All the jazz on here may get a 5. Man, it just makes my world a better place. And cool jazz IS cool. Is Chet Baker on the list? … no. He’s on the extended list. Yeah, the book is SO lacking in jazz and blues compared to its inclusion of tepid, forgettable British pop of the late millennium. Well, what can I say, the book editor is un-cool. Double plus uncool.
5
Boolean: yes, thank you. Let me hear THIS before I die and keep Scritti Politti somewhere far from me.
Oh George. Well let’s see how I feel.. at least this is British pop from the 80’s that I believe belongs here…
Yeah, I knew like 75% of these songs as a kid. That’s… freaky. Sex is such a core element of this, it’s Prince without the funk and so much more… earnestness. I always feel like sex is a bit tongue in cheek for Prince. He’s sexy, but there’s humor. There’s no humor with George Michael. It’s just sex. Father Figure is down right creepy. Sorry. But my brother and I knew all the lyrics as KIDS. This song was EVERYWHERE. And well… try to tell me there’s no sexual implication. I. Will. Laugh. In. Your. Face.
Anyway, George gets a 4. I mean it’s a good, consistent album. I can’t do 5. I just can’t.
Boolean: yes, but then maybe take a shower, either for relief or to scrub yourself clean.
Amy! Oh Amy! RIP
You know, I loved her voice back in the day. And her attitude. Though I paid very little attention to her in the media. I find it interesting how much people go on about how f*ed up she was from jump and how she splashed that across her lyrics. How many male artists do that? And the thing is, I rated Marshall Mathers highly. So I am unafraid of a musician “getting real.” Mac Miller was pretty honest about what was going on with him, too. I’m just sorry Mac and Amy had to die. And honestly, I think those deaths were dances between an “adoring public” and an ultimately lonely soul. But anyway, all that aside, I think this is a remarkably good debut with pretty consistent sound and feeling.
4
Boolean: yes, always glad to hear Amy sing before I die
I got multiple projects going and the repeats are starting to pile up. I didn’t know this album existed a week ago and now I have listened to it 3 or 4 times in the last few days. It’s become a favorite, a treasure and part of the albums that I know I will return to on my own. It really does benefit from multiple listens.
5
Boolean: yes absolutely. This right here is why this project is worth while.
Man, I wanted to like this. I really did. I went in open minded. I started it over because I didn’t feel like I gave it proper attention. But… it’s boring. Self-indulgent. And there are two more offerings from this band on the list. Based on what exactly?
I thought about giving it a 3. But 3 is too many.
2
Boolean: NO
Um… I like the Beach Boys here? But… I just can’t go 4. It’s just to treble in its harmonies. It’s too… sanitary. I would never listen to this. I mean I would never want to. It’s fun for a moment. Then I start wanting to stab something.
3
Boolean: yes, I suppose it is important to know
Crazy. First, I just listened to/ rated Mariah Carey’s Butterfly from around this same period. It also was a mid-career change up album by a pop star seemingly trying to stay relevant. Mariah leaned heavily into the RnB/ hip-hop trend I guess she felt was working for her. I definitely did not feel it worked on Butterfly. Yeah. The more distance I get from that listen, the more I find I want. So when this came up, I was… less than enthusiastic. And less open minded than I generally try to be.
Second, I found this album saved in my library. Often not a good sign, if I have no memory of it. I mean, at some point I felt I needed to listen to this mid career Madonna, but I was drawing a complete blank on what I was going to find when I hit play.
But man…. This works. Obviously, a huge part of what’s working is William Orbit. But this partnership is… well damn if it ain’t magic. Madonna sounds awesome in the mix. I love it. It’s the polar opposite of the Mariah album. A totally different sound for our pop star, but it’s consistent and cool. I can see why I listened to it once. And I am glad to hear it again. I almost want to give it a 5. It’s too long. But if someone just got her to trim it, it really could have been a 5.
4
Boolean: True, I needed to hear this, obviously multiple times, before I die
Ha! Looking forward to this over the Beach Boys I just had to endure. I guess that says where I’m at.
This is actually quite good. Solid. More than I expected. Not quite a 5.
4
Boolean: True. Thank you 1001, never would have known without you…
It’s a 5! One of the greats. Top 50/ top 20 album of all time (such a list is hard to actually conceive.)
Yeah. It just gets better with time and repeated listening.
5
Boolean: TRUE
Yeah- Bowie has 9 albums on the list. Not sure anyone else has that much representation. The Beatles have 7. Radiohead has 6. Bruce Springsteen has 5. Bob Dylan has 7. Bowie has 9. That alone is… impressive. Just the fact that someone thinks they can justify it.
Now the thing is, Bowie will forever be a mixed bag for me. I hate him. I appreciate him. I hate him. I am dreading 9 albums. I’ve listened to… 3? 4? Of those, I had to admit a couple were good. Couldn’t be denied. I gave them 4s. I know I gave a 2 to one. Anyway…
Aspects of this are so, so good. And it’s the end of his career. Bowie is an OLD MAN. With Cancer. And this album is, well, it’s actually amazing. I just hate his vocals. Really. Really. I would give this a 5. But it’s hard to listen to.
But then I remember he’s Bowie, at the end of his career, with cancer.
5
Boolean: True, sometimes it’s true that you should listen to things you don’t want to.
Let’s see…
About a decade ago I decided to go all in with Steely Dan. As a popular reviewer of this album from the COVID era reminisces, I too was a teen in the 90’s that wouldn’t have been willingly caught dead breathing the air through which such sounds vibrated. But I listen to a lot of music and continue to listen to a lot of music. And podcasts about music. A person such as me is going to hit a moment of decision on the Steely Dan question. So in I went. I explored the discography. The first thing that hit me was that I was WAY more familiar with Steely Dan than I ever would have imagined. They truly are everywhere. When you buy your groceries. When you go to work. When you pay your taxes. There’s Steely Dan, easing you along your day. The next thing that hit me was WOW these guys are… clean. When I actually listened to them, their musicianship began to become evident. Their subtlety. Their f*ing name also hit me. I mean they named themselves after a dildo in Naked Lunch. Something I apparently didn’t discover. But see, Burroughs WAS cool in the 90’s, even if Steely Dan was not. The more I listened, the more layers I realized there were. What a feat! To be able to make music that on one level is so seemingly innocuous and inoffensive that it slips in EVERYWHERE but then on closer inspection is actually subversive and full of bitter irony.
When I hit this album today I didn’t realize that Fagen was half of Steely Dan on his first solo venture. But… I knew a number of these songs. Had always assumed they were Steely Dan. As I listened I realized how different they were. They were optimistic. They weren’t about questionable characters in the LA scene. They were about… him! They were about his teen years. His life. And it was lovely.
5
Boolean: True
Spent a long car ride listening to this (the deluxe version, of course) and other Taylor offerings with my nephew not too long ago. Got schooled in Taylor’s working relationship with Aaron Dessner. Which- respect. Much became clear on that car ride. Like why Taylor had appeared on a National album. Why my nephew had willingly gone to a National show with his dad and I. Why Taylor had features with The National and Bon Iver. Why I felt like Alice through the looking glass. Thanks Aaron, always wondered if you were the evil twin.
This album is exactly an hour. Um… ocd anyone?
Um… I listened to it AGAIN. I did. I will share my lastFm stats with anyone who doesn’t believe me. I HAVE NO MEMORY of this album. It’s crazy. I keep listening to it and it just doesn’t affect me. It doesn’t penetrate. Which is a feat in itself. True elevator music.
3
Boolean True?
Second time around for this one. I really like it. Surprised it’s on the list, but like it, so yeah! Of all the albums from 2019…whatever… I like it.
Husband finds this album very middling to fair. He’s a much harder sell than me. It does make me wonder, though. Does this album really deserve a 4. The thing is, I do actually love it. I go back and it’s saved in my likes. I, personally, listen to it. My husband asks me: “Why? It’s boring.”
But I love Kiwanuka’s voice. I think the production is top notch. Maybe this is just a me album. And I am the one rating it.
4
Boolean:true, maybe, but yeah 2016 - 19 had admittedly A LOT of music that probably deserves to be on the list over this.
Love the innovation. I remember when I was introduced to this album and told how IMPORTANT it was. The thing is, the Beach Boys annoy me. The treble. The soft tickling bells without bass end. I keep coming back to it, and I love all the production elements, the found sounds, the vocal arrangements. But I always come away missing something. Missing a deeper soul.
4
Boolean: True
Second time for this live, double album. I have come to appreciate live albums a lot more because of this exercise. Double albums- not so much. Have to see how I feel today…
Yeah- I do believe this is making me not like Van Morrison. I appreciate it. I want it to be over. Same as last time. Don’t think I will make myself do this a third time. I get it. But it was too late to stop…
3
Boolean: True?
Yeah- I gave Heroes a 2. And that only because the second half was… interesting.
This is really everything I hate about Bowie. Right here. In my ears. I think I might go 1 with this. I gave Blackstar a 5. He’s probably already pretty unwell at this point. I believe this is the album just prior. But… this is just about unlistenable. It’s filling me with rage.
If it doesn’t improve, it’s getting a 1.
Man, it’s a struggle. I truly hate Bowie. But… he’s got musicians working with him like no others. It’s the eternal thing with him. I’m going to relent and give this a 2.
2
Boolean: um….. true, I guess
Yeah. Beginning to hate the 60’s. I think I want to give this a 1 based on album cover alone…
And for ripping off the worst era of the Beatles. As if having to listen to the early 60’s Beatles albums wasn’t torture enough. And right when I think their harmonies might get me, I look at that album cover.
1
Boolean: absolutely false
The black album. First time I actually listened to it. Surprised how much I knew past Enter the Sandman and Nothing Else Matters. Definitely soundtracked my morning run into my morning errands nicely. Usually wouldn’t go all the way to 5 for an album this long… but guess I’m feeling it today.
5
Boolean: true
I am learning that I really don’t like the late 60’s and 69 in particular. The Jimi Hendrix Experience- I dig. The rest- pretty sure I could trash it and not shed a tear. I don’t think I am a fan of the 60’s at all. But 69 was the year, right? This is my second time encountering this album. I have multiple projects going. The first time I gave it a 3. It is musically competent. No doubt. Robbie Robertson’s The Night They Drove… is a great song. And the original is by far the best. Yeah- I have to admit this is better than the average. But - argh.
3
Boolean: true, true, ok?
Don’t know… could be fun… could be….
Yeah. I am definitely here for the weird. Would definitely rather listen to this than Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde back to back. Almost want to give it a 4 for not being Bob Dylan.
I can get behind experimentation. Actually like the disruptive mechanical “beat” on Frankie Teardrop- it’s used throughout the album, actually. But on that… offering… it really…. Disrupts. The thing is… that whole track needed to be shorter.
There just aren’t enough actual ideas here.
3
Boolean: true, definitely here for the left fielders
Let’s see how 60’s this 1970 album is…
Yeah, not feeling this today. It’s going to ooby dooby to a 3 probably because I don’t want it.
I mean undeniably well played. Just… can we go home now?
Oh? Run through the Jungle- yeah, maybe we can stay for the rest of the set.
That plucked bass intro on My Baby Left Me was very cool.
Wow. The second half is actually kicking this up to a 4! That’s impressive given my mood.
And this version of Heard It Through the Grapevine IS good, because of that bass and drum combo, yeah… they let that be full and gave it proper space a couple times. That bass.
But Marvin’s version is definitive for me.
Still, I am actually in a better mood after listening than I was when I started. Good on you Creedence.
4
Boolean: True
Ha! Thought I listened to this… but was like, that cover sure ain’t familiar… Marshall Mathers starting as his alter ego Slim Shady first of course! Well, certainly isn’t 60’s cannon!
It’s funny. I see all the reviews all frothy about how this can only be for 13 yr old boys. Well… this mature lady finds it pretty hilarious today. Don’t know - not taking myself or Eminem too seriously…
4
Boolean:True
Ah some 60’s cannon I’m actually feeling.
Yeah, this one gets a 5. Jim Morrison is serious. He’s not some false hippie bullshitter living in Malibu preaching peace and love. Nope. O. Stone’s thesis was largely correct. Jim wanted to channel Bacchus himself and set the world on fire. And he succeeded for a moment, consuming himself in the flame. Much like Jimmi Hendrix, he tapped a power beyond himself without restraint, consuming massive quantities of various substances to help him do it. And Bacchus IS the god of wine, after all. No peace and love, just raw hedonism in the end.
5
Boolean: True
I guess I am a core Doors fan. This is so much better than the run of the mill mid- late 60’s/ early 70’s slop. Morrison was great right to the last. I gave their debut a 5. Thought it would come down at the end of his short life, but I think it’s still a 5.
5
Boolean: true
It’s Yes!
My husband says “NO!”
I say “Maybe?”
3
Boolean: true, yes,
So this album took me on a ride indeed. I began listening to it in the afternoon doing errands and… it was a 2. No way. Too big band with electric guitar and cow bell. And track titles like “Questions 67 and 68” and “Poem 58” made me think they were WAY more interesting than they actually were, like a terrible date switcheroo Roxanne style (Cyrano de Bergerac). But then I decided to start over, clean state, and try again in the morning. By the time I hit the b side I was feeling far more impressed. Prologue and Someday August 29, 1968 from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago at least felt, perhaps, like they belonged, though this era’s desire to tie themselves into the “protest” whether they belong there or not gets exhausting. But then Liberation. I’ll call it the deconstruction and reconstitution of a band. What a great final track. What a great way to cap the choices from the Chicago protest before. So…
4
Boolean: True
So interestingly, I am completely unfamiliar with this album. And maybe only familiar with Queens of the Stone Age by name? By reputation? Really very little. By this time I, honestly was not interested in this brand of alt rock, if I ever had been. Funny enough I was in Seattle. But I was dedicated to Modest Mouse. Went to all their shows, bought all their albums. And of course they only have one album on the USER list. Not the one I would’ve chosen, either. But anyway Queens of the Stone Age…
So listening for the very first time I felt like, yeah, this is mush; I can’t really connect; there’s something here, but I ain’t got the patience to dig for it today. Then the b side. Spiders and Vinegaroons to be exact. My ears perked up. I came in closer. I had to listen to the whole thing again. And then the closer. F*ing awesome! Talk about the end of an album kicking it up.
So this is a debut. Obviously it has issues. But it got me intrigued.
4
Boolean: True
It really is a lovely and consistent album. This is the second time it’s come up for my multiple projects. The first time I heard it I was blown away that I had never heard it before and had no familiarity. This time I was able to listen more honestly. It’s lovely and consistent, but there is nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking about it. So…
4
Boolean: True
I do believe I know the song Alright. Surprised to hear it on this album with which I was completely unfamiliar from a band of which I thought I was similarly ignorant. And here I will say, today, I appreciate the British bias of “the list/ book.” Thank you for introducing me to this!
Funny, I know these folks were very young, perhaps truly adolescent when they made this album. Yasi Salek on her podcast Bandsplain has said that there is an element of rock that makes it forever the domain of the teenager. And perhaps some of us continue to connect to our adolescence through our love of certain kinds of rock. I know we grow out of some of the things we loved as kids. But I, for one, have not stopped loving the hard offerings of youth of just about any generation since the doors of rock were thrown open. As I age I think I have become more conscious of WHY I love what I do, and I have become aware of WHAT a bright new band has done well. But I still love music that is probably considered far too young for me.
So I thought this was just about a perfect album. From the rocking opener to the closer that was a reprise of Time becoming Time to Go. This album had me and kept me in its orbit cover to cover.
5
Boolean: TRUE
Really had no idea going into this one. I read a couple of reviews, which I often try NOT to do before I listen, but I couldn’t help myself. I was curious. Didn’t give me any better idea of what I was in for. I prepared myself for serious slogging and overall disappointment.
I was wrong! I thought this was awesome. It’s weird. AND poppy. And dreamscapey. Somehow it works. Not perfectly. But man, it sure was better than I thought it might be.
4
Boolean: True
That is an awesome album cover…
Didn’t know anything about this artist or album going in. Sorry, I just don’t care about celebrity soap opera generally, so I didn’t know about Mick Jagger, her former fame, her heroine addiction and homelessness. I just listened to the album. At first I thought, “yeah, well, whatever 70’s female singer-songwriter I have never heard of for a reason.” But then it started to work on me. Like water. She seeped into my cracks. By the end Why’d Ya Do it, which has to be one of the BEST punk rock love ballads of all time, I was throughly impressed.
4
Boolean: TRUE
My husband made me listen to this twice. For him, this is a 5. For me, a 4. Why? He thinks every song is perfect. He thinks I still judge it for not being Joy Division. After the second listen I can say definitively: every song is great. Some are amazing. But it keeps to the middle tones and doesn’t deviate from the middle wave. I NEED more bass, generally. The eeriness against the synth pop flights of fancy has always worked, and Bernard’s half spoken slightly flat vocals are actually awesome. But I need the music to move away from the middle. Sorry. It has nothing to do with Joy Division per se.
4
Boolean:: true
This is the second time for this one for me. The first time I gave it a 3 because it’s so well made. This time I realized while I just don’t feel Frank when I listen closely, and I want to go down to a 2, despite the great production and Frank’s amazing voice, if I leave it in the background, where I believe it’s really designed to be, yeah. It’s a 3
3
Boolean: true
I’m realizing all the Bob Marley’s are getting 5s. He’s an amazing song writer. Period.
5
Boolean:TRUE
Happy to have this again.
Yeah. It was a revelation the first time I heard it. I gave it a 5. It’s still a 5. Awesome. Cover to cover.
5
Boolean: TRUE
Listened to the Mono version this time. Glad I did. I just love this more and more. Love trane. Love a love supreme.
5
Boolean: TRUE
It’s been awhile since I listened to Little Simz, and I am not sure I ever heard this album in particular, but it was really nice being reintroduced today. I forgot how relatable she is, across culture and generation. And the production on this was great.
4
Boolean: true
Weird that only two (2) FM albums are on the list and their self titled ISN’T one of them. I actually do like Tusk. But… there are five (5) Byrd albums. Really. The logic of “the list,” well, you know. Anyway. People seem to LOVE Rumors. It’s interesting. Like Abbey Road. It has good songs. But a perfect album? EVERY song a gem? Yeah. I just don’t think that about either album.
As a side note, I do find the cult of Stevie Nicks fascinating. She’s the one musical artist that makes my father-in-law get a distant stare and declare, “I LOVE her.”
4
Boolean: True
It’s interesting. I am vaguely familiar with this band. I am aware that they are grown on playlists I have going from time to time. But I have never felt compelled to investigate. And listening to this album I see why. It’s nice. It’s easy. It sounds like it could be the soundtrack for just about any Netflix show I’d rather skim through than watch. I have absolutely no idea what this album is doing on the list. Nothing about this made me feel it was required listening before my demise, nor would I recommend it to anyone else on those terms. But if they just wanted something non confrontational and easy while they did their laundry? Yeah. Here it is.
2 or 3? 2 or 3? Agh !!!! It’s pretty nice.
3
Boolean: FALSE
Oh oh oh. Please don’t let this be as painful as I believe it is going to be…
It is. It’s Bjork. I. Just. Can’t. Stand. Bjork. I feel like I am supposed to give this a high rating based on… idk. I don’t think I can even muster a 2 today. This was torture. Truly. I would rather listen to my dog find howling harmonies with a passing ambulance on continuous loop. And I would argue that he’s more musical.
The best part of this album? It’s over! An hour never felt so long.
1
Boolean—— true? Because it’s Bjork? False? Because it’s utter poop.
Well well well well well.
You know? This was a good deal better than I thought it might be. It was fun. I’d actually listen to it again when I was in the proper mood.
4
Boolean: True. Bring that British bias baby!
I think Superfly is more my jam.
And overall, Curtis Mayfield’s falsetto isn’t my usual thing, either, but man, can he rock it. It’s his tenor. He’s… sweet. I tend to go for the lower voices. But sometimes you want a little sugar in your bowl…
4
Boolean: true
Ah. There you are. It’s a 5. They’re all 5s. I know Radiohead is divisive. But the more I listen to them, the more I love them.
Yeah I know every song. Bones, Black Star, Just, along with the more obvious singles - major sing alongs for me. Shower, cooking, rolling down the road with the windows down I sing alto/mezzo to Thom’s high tenor, appreciating that back in the day he actually annunciated. I sing full karaoke voice and don’t care if I seem a fool. ‘Cause you got to feel it in your bones!
5
Boolean:True
Yeah. I have multiple projects going. I got this album pretty early on. I was flooded with nostalgia when I realized it was in my dad’s album collection and he played it fairly regularly when I was really young. But today? Man was it generic stadium rock.
3
Boolean: True
I have multiple projects going and this is the second time for this album. I believe the first time I was totally unfamiliar, in for it, happily surprised, gave it a 4. This time? God it’s good. It’s spooky and poppy in just the right mix. I’m still going 4, but this album is a grower and I do believe when it comes up again it could be a 5. I remember it now. It’s becoming an album I will return to after this project concludes, which it will…
4
Boolean: True
This one is SUPER hard for me. The most popular reviewer for this album pretty much nails my feelings on it. The thing is, those GBV fanboys they mention? Yeah, my brother is one. So… I have tried with GBV for years. And this album was among what has been thrown at me. The thing is, at times I have been prevailed upon by time. But I never find myself just needing to go listen to GBV. And while there are moments on this album that I really have come to love, they’re brief. I STILL find it grating overall. Again, the top reviewer says it, there is lo-fi and then there’s just demos that maybe are mostly shit. And YES, the thing is, there really DOES seem to be a potentially awesome album here. But this that was actually given to us is obviously a waste of that potential.
3
Boolean: true?
Really love this. Actually have for a long time. Not sure how soundtracks were vetted for the list. I know there’s some saltiness about the absence of Saturday Night Fever. But Shaft works for me as music. Plain and simple.
4
Boolean: True
I’m realizing all the Hendrix is a 5 for me. I believe I usually thought this was one of his weakest, but on this list, it’s still a 5. Little Wing, Castles Made of Sand are high points, but EVERYTHING is good.
5
Boolean: True
I have had this one before on my multiple projects. I had never heard it before. I LOVED it. Let’s see how I feel today.
Yeah. I thought perhaps I had been too excited about a new discovery, but this album is just such an enjoyable ride, I can’t deny the 5. It’s just damn good.
5
Boolean: It’s TRUE- the world IS a ghetto
So… is this British? Just a guess. A stab in the dark… though the Monty Python line up on the album cover DOES kinda give them away. If they were trying to hide from anyone, that is.
Yeah. So I don’t hate this like others seem to. I actually like it quite a bit. I don’t think I am going higher than 3. But… yeah it doesn’t in any way belong on the list. And that’s not just the British bias. White Denim doesn’t either. There’s a lot of this sludge on here. It’s good sludge, actually, but not stuff I would recommend to anyone in terms of them needing to hear it before they die. For any reason.
3
Boolean: FALSE
Oh. So not looking forward to this.
Yeah. This is the third time! on my multiple projects. I keep feeling like I SHOULD like this. But I don’t. I appreciate it. I want it to end. The more experimental elements in the middle HAVE grown on me. But by the end I really do just want it to end.
3, cause it’s rock history I guess
Boolean: true
Actually like this period of Lou Reed.
4
Boolean: True
Radiohead down and dirty. Get er out and get the label off our back. And it’s awesome still. They’re all going to be 5s. Every one of their albums on this list. And the ones not on the list, too, really. Pablo Honey? Maybe not. Otherwise, yeah in terms of this list and the music included on it, they’re all 5s.
I keep the wolf from the door
But he calls me up
Calls me on the phone
Tells me all the ways that he's gonna mess me up
Steal all my children if I don't pay the ransom
And I'll never see them again if I squeal to the cops
So I am just gonna ooooooooooo
5
Boolean: True
Wow! What a weird album! Never heard this album before. I’m super familiar with America, Mrs. Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter, of course. And yeah, whatever people want to say about Paul Simon, he’s amazing at song craft. So different from Dylan but so ubiquitous. Like Dylan, covered again and again, with covers of his songs often more famous than the originals. And I know Paul was a bit salty about Dylan. I mean he never faked who he was. He might have been inspired by the sounds around him in NY, the sounds of Muscle Shoals, etc, and he’s accused of cultural appropriation even in his early days, but he never tried to hide his Jewishness. As he said himself, Simon and Garfunkel sounds like a law firm or haberdashery. But Bob Dylan? Robert Zimmerman wanted to make himself out to be a beat poet hobo bard riding the rails of life with his harmonica and notebook. Not the similarly inspired/ culturally appropriating compatriot of Paul. And I have to say - I respect Paul Simon for being his weird self, wishing he was an English muffin, making the most of a toaster oven.
4
Boolean: True, absolutely- you can’t make this stuff up
Wow. The unknown 90’s are just rolling in. So, got to ask the pertinent questions: is it British? Does it belong on the list? Will I be happy or double plus displeased when I listen to it?
Oh my. Well it IS British. But f*! I love Brimful of Asha. I mean everyone DOES need a bosom for a pillow! I loved that song the first time I heard it, which surprisingly was probably about 20 years after it came out. Gotta love streaming services. Never knew the band. But that song… it became a sort of anthem during some of the darkest days of COVID confinement for me. So… yeah. Got to say I loved listening to this album, with all its idiosyncrasies. And looking more at the band, well I have to say: this DOES belong on the list! What an amazing amalgam of immigrant culture! Gotta love Great Britain for the curry, yeah?
4
Boolean: TRUE
Um. I like it. I’m not at all familiar. If I were familiar, I might like it more. But as it stands?
It’s British ✔️
I needed to hear it before I died? 〰️
How do I feel about it? 🤷♀️
3
Boolean: ummmmmmm, true?
Idk. I get all the zeppelin confused.
Wrong! I was wrong. I was unenthusiastic going in. But this, this right here, is my favorite Zeppelin. This is a 5. Now I need to remember it’s II that is so good.
5
Boolean: TRUE
Totally unfamiliar going in.
Wow 1970’s African hard bop? Am I wrong? This is really cool. I mean they’re calling it “Afrobeat.” But it’s hard bop. Swinging and grooving. They ain’t doing that in the States no more by now. Too much cocaine. Broken dreams and pain. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself.)
4
Boolean: TRUE
I was surprised when I gave LA Woman a 5. I was feeling it that day. Thought it might go similarly with this. But… yeah, no. I was even thinking 3 at certain points. Something about this album made me want to be done with it. But I think it still gets a 4.
4
Boolean: True
I was looking forward to this. I thought there was a possibility I might actually like it. I have liked quite a lot that has surprised me. But yeah, can’t say this is my bag. It did have moments. But they were brief. And generally the openers. I come from a hardcore background of sorts. And NIN, Ministry were kinda the gotos of my early high school years. So on paper, it seems like Sepultura and I should be a match. But I don’t dig speed for speeds sake. I can’t even work out to it. But I would rather listen to this than the Byrds album I just gave a 3. So…
3
Boolean: True
Oh. Brits doing the blues. With Eric Clapton? Joy.
Influential ✔️
Want to listen to ❌
Plugging my nose and diving in ✔️
Um. Yeah. I could say so much. I’ll just give it a 3 and call it good.
Boolean: true
