1001 Albums Summary

Dad listened to this a lot when I was growing up. I know all the songs already. When I was younger this sound made me feel woozy and carsick. Although now I can appreciate it much more, the sense memory is still there - I feel anxious and unwell. I will appreciate from a distance.

Respect - what a way to start an album! I’m realising I’ve heard so many recent covers of this song, all serviceable, but Aretha’s vocals are something else. Although I enjoy listening to this album, the music is not diverse enough to hold my interest. I become somewhat bored around the sixth track.

I imagine understanding the context in which this record was released, and the ensuing reception, probably bumps it up a number of stars. But separate it from historical significance and I’m left with a repetitive, sigh-inducing experience. It could never be described as bad, and it’d not mind having it on for background filler, but as a main attraction I find it incredibly lacklustre.

Sonically this album is right up my alley. But I just don’t connect with Springsteen. Never have, doubt I ever will. Very American, very masculine.

Not my favourite Bowie album, but it’s still brilliant. It’s interesting and intricate, a record that holds my focus. I can sit and listen without engaging in any other distraction.

First time listening to Otis Redding, though I’ve heard about him plenty. Very pleasing to the ears, makes me want to get up and move.

Eh. Musically competent, but repetitive. By the third track I’m already hoping it’s nearly over, and I hate the vocals. This is probably the result of having worked with too many metal bands - including these guys - I’m just so bored of it all.

Interesting and surprising, and cheesy and predictable at the same time. I don’t know what to do with this.

My sister loved Oasis. She had posters of them all over her walls. She particularly loved Noel, and was inspired to play guitar. When she wasn’t home I would take out her guitar and music, and attempt to teach myself how to play. Live Forever was one of the first that I could awkwardly fumble through. I got my own guitar a few years later and have been playing for thirty years. I’ve always liked this album, it’s solid, but I don’t find it special. What it does hold is memories. It incidentally changed the direction of my life. That alone holds so much power.

I don’t like country. I don’t like the music, I don’t like the vocal stylings. This was a struggle to get through.

Serviceable, standard indie rock. Offensive in its inoffensiveness. Meandering and bloodless. There’s nothing new or unique here. How did it make this list?

So much talent wasted on this mess. Embarrassing.

I’ve only started listening to the Beatles in the last few years. I’m unaware of which are the important albums, and am glad I get to make up my own mind without influence. It does bother me that online streaming services have too many versions of the album - remix or remaster? Is what we listen to today comparable to what was initially released and loved? I enjoyed this, but didn’t think it was incredible. It felt uneven, I was drawn in and cut off. Would I feel the same if I listened to the original? Who knows.

Weird as hell. I kinda dig it.

Growing up, I remember Mudhoney tshirts everywhere. I always thought they were a metal band! Is this a masterpiece? No. Some songs are a bit more same-samey than others, but overall it’s enjoyable, interesting, and I can see why it was so influential.

Flute is all I know about these guys. Bring on the flute. I enjoyed this much more than I thought I would.

Why am I so bored?

Every now and then I pick up a thread of something I may enjoy. But when I follow it to its conclusion it oozes out into a cheesy, mediocre mess. I want more, and I want less. This sounds like a sketch in someone’s early career, as they’re fumbling through a composition that doesn’t quite live up to their aspirations. Reminds me of that one My Chemical Romance album. A for effort, but you just didn’t get there.

Somewhat catchy, sometimes irritating. Kooky and hokey and I feel slightly embarrassed when I’m listening to this. Not what I want to feel when enjoying music.