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?