1001 Albums Summary

I was pleasantly surprised at how bluesy and ragged this album is. My knowledge of The Doors history is scant compared to other rock groups, but I being able to hear Morrison's downward trajectory in such a sleazy, drug-addled, raucous way is equal parts chilling and fascinating. My favorite moments were the wild ones, like "Changeling" (that's basically a funk song!), "Love Her Madly," and "L.A. Woman." I got a little bored during the last third, specifically on "Crawling King Snake" and "The WASP." "Riders on the Storm" is a stone-cold classic, one of the coolest songs ever made. Who knows, this might be my indoctrination into The Doors hype… Favs: The Changeling, Love Her Madly, L.A. Woman, Riders on the Storm Least Fav: The WASP Score: 7.5

This is a classic I'm glad to finally be checking off my list! Aside from "Smoke On the Water," I was very unfamiliar with Deep Purple going into this album, and this definitely exceeded my expectations. There's a lot of complexity here, in tandem with the proto-metal badassness. It's crazy to hear how directly this influenced so much of the hard rock and heavy metal that followed. "Highway Star" is a clear favorite for me—such a classic, rock 'n' roll premise but with a proggy, cyclical structure that gives it so much weight. Really enjoyed overall, I'm excited to listen to more Deep Purple and see how this record compares to their catalog overall. Favs: Highway Star, Pictures of Home, Smoke on the Water, Lazy Least Fav: Never Before Score: 7

Another long overdue first listen, and it did not disappoint. I listened to this while lying in bed, scrolling my phone, after midnight, and ended on my back staring up at the ceiling, fully engrossed. I can’t wait to come back to this again and again—the sheer presence of these songs is incredible. From the light research I did while listening, the narrative seems fascinating, but isn't overwritten enough to interfere with the experience. True to the title, this album is just a rabbit hole of ingenious production and sheer emotional blood-letting. Favs: Mr. Self-Destruct, Piggy, March of the Pigs, Closer, A Warm Place, Reptile, The Downward Spiral, Hurt Least Fav: I Do Not Want This Score: 9

The first time an album in this series is one I've heard before. While the Bowie purist in me would probably sneer at someone who said it, I really couldn't judge someone who thinks this is Bowie's best album. What a spectacular send-off from an artist running against the clock. Bowie tackles the encroaching void with such dynamic poetry, interpreting John Ford (the playwright, not the director), fictional languages, and Satanism in tandem with the tightest of jazz backing-bands. Favs: Blackstar, Tis a Pity She Was a Whore, Lazarus, Girl Loves Me, I Can’t Give Everything Away Least Fav: Sue (Or In a Season of Crime) Score: 9.5

I don't really connect with Lorde's music as strongly as other people seem to, but Melodrama is the record of her's I continue to like the most. The production is so intimate, every bass and snare hits with the same directness as Lorde's signature vocals. Her writing isn't always as poetic as it thinks it is ("A couple rebel top gun pilots flying with nowhere to be"), but when it hits ("Every perfect summer's eating me alive"), it HITS. Favs: Green Light, Sober, Homemade Dynamite, The Louvre, Writer in the Dark, Supercut Least Fav: Hard Feelings/Loveless Score: 7

Listening to Elvis’s version of “Tutti Frutti,” the swag gap between him and his non-white “peers” has never been more apparent. Given the short runtime, I was able to play this multiple times today, and while I certainly appreciate the historical significance of Elvis and this particular record, it’s difficult to extrapolate my feelings on his music from what I know about his career and the cultural conditions that made him the biggest star in rock history. Still, he has his moments. His energy can be infectious at times, and every so often, the charisma of his rock-a-doodle drawl is enough to make me feel like a teeny-bopper in the 50s. Fav Tracks: Blue Suede Shoes, I Got a Woman, Blue Moon Least Fav: Tutti Frutti Score: 4.5

One of my strongest early rock music memories is listening to my dad as he explained the complicated lore that made up the title track of 2112. Some 18 years later, and I finally got around to hearing the song/album! As far as prog and 70s rock albums go, this didn’t connect with me as strongly as I would have hoped, but it’s still an incredibly solid record that I’m sure blew peoples’ socks off in 1976. Geddy Lee is one of the most talented vocalists in rock history, and Neal Peart is a fucking beast. All in all, good, but not an album I see myself returning to all that often. Fav Songs: 2112, The Twilight Zone, Lessons Least Fav: A Passage to Bangkok Score: 6.5

Is this my favorite ambient album? No. Is this my favorite Eno album? No. Is this my favorite ambient Eno album? Still no. Is it a classic I fully respect, and literally paved the way for one or my favorite genres to exist? Absolutely. The literature and lore surrounding this album makes me want to enjoy it so much more, but it simply doesn't fascinate me the way the vast majority of ambient albums that have come out since. Zero disrespect to Eno, just a case of my reverence for an album outweighing my individual enjoyment. Fav Songs: 1/1, 1/2 Least Fav: 2/1 Score: 6

Prior to this, my familiarity with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was just their two biggest hits, “Maps” and “Heads Will Roll.” Thankfully, this album was a truly spectacular and concise crash-course in understanding what made them such a lode-bearing indie band for the aughts. The moodier last third of the album was definitely my favorite, but the punk energy throughout is really scrappy and fun. Karen O’s vocals are so uniquely charismatic, she sounds simultaneously twee and riot grrrl, and sort of reminds of some of female-fronted Asian art-punk acts like Midori. This is an album I could see really growing with me, but for now, I really liked my first listen a lot. Fav Songs: Rich, Date with the Night, Black Tongue, Maps, Y Control Least Fav: No No No Score: 7

Crazy how arguably the greatest punk album ever made isn't even really that punk. The way The Clash incorporate so many disparate influences is gleefully inspired. The splashes of ska, rockabilly, reggae, and R&B interact with the band's punk roots in a style that simultaneously manages to be irresistibly catchy and satisfyingly raw. Every song here is worthy for consideration as someone's favorite, and while I do tend to get just the littlest bit weary around the last fourth, I still couldn't imagine giving this masterpiece anything less than 5 Stars. Fav Songs: London Calling, Brand New Cadillac, Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Spanish Bombs, Lost in the Supermarket, Clampdown, Wrong 'Em Boyo, The Card Cheat, Train In Vain (Stand By Me) Least Fav: The Right Profile Score: 9.5

As someone who thoroughly dislikes Phil Collins's and Peter Gabriel's 80s and 90s pop output, I've never given Genesis much serious consideration. This album, however, was a great introduction to the band's earlier sound. With Rush's 2112 still fresh in my mind, this album really felt more in line with the kind of prog I generally prefer: more melodic, less story-based, and somewhat baroque. The English folkiness can get a little much sometimes, but once I started reading along to the lyrics as the songs were playing, I had a much easier time. Need a bit more time to connect with these songs overall, though, just because Gabriel’s lyrics are so tricky to parse sometimes. Fav Songs: Dancing with the Moonlit Knight, I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), Firth of Fifth, After the Ordeal Least Fav: More Fool Me Score: 8

I don't know, man—I love 80s dance music! I found this to be a fun and thoroughly intriguing first listen; the second half is especially stacked. After doing a bit of research, I realized that I definitely missed quite a bit of the social commentary on songs like "It Couldn't Happen Here" and "Shopping," so I'm excited to re-listen and see if my appreciation changes. The production is obviously dated (distractingly so, at times), but I think the experience ultimately adds up to an accessible synth pop album with plenty of heart. Fav Tracks: One More Chance, What Have I Done to Deserve This?, It's a Sin, I Want to Wake Up, King's Cross Least Fav: It Couldn't Happen Here Score: 7

This is an album I've become quite familiar with only in the past couple of months, having just re-listened to it on a flight from Colorado to L.A. After checking out the rest of Eno's 70s solo work, I can say that there's a definite reason why this one is regarded so highly. Songs like "St. Elmo's Fire" and "I'll Come Running" are his oblique-pop perfected; "Sombre Reptiles" and "In Dark Trees" capture his penchant for imagistic soundscapes; and the title track predicates the ambient bliss he'd soon become known for. Some poor sequencing does lend to me losing steam during the back-half (I'm always surprised when the record continues after "Becalmed"), but this is still an exceptional LP I can only see myself loving more and more as time goes on. Fav Songs: Sky Saw, St. Elmo's Fire, The Big Ship, I'll Come Running, Another Green World, Golden Hours, Becalmed Least Fav: Over Fire Island Score: 9

There’s something special about a classic that happens by accident. The lore surrounding this doomed band and their final album is one of misspellings, mistakes, and compromises—it’s amazing to see how the years have re-examined it into a masterpiece of the 60s. For my money, this is an excellent, albeit quintessential, piece of psych-pop. These songs don't always do enough to stand apart from the crowd, but it's easy to see how the classicism and proto-progginess of their songwriting impacted later bands. "Time of the Season," though—that song comes out of nowhere, and I love it! Fav Songs: Care of Cell 44, Beechwood Park, Hung up on a Dream, Friends of Mine, Time of the Season Least Fav: Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914) Score: 7

For someone who only knew Hawkwind as the band Lemmy was in before Motörhead, this was not the easiest introduction. Still, I found myself slowly getting caught up in the sheer spectacle of this album, and really enjoyed the grooves once they got going. The sci-fi spoken word shit is awful, but I honestly thought that most of the 10+ minute jam sessions earned their length by riffing pretty amazingly. I obviously wish it was shorter, and I'd be lying if I said that having to sit through a 90-minute runtime didn't sour my experience. It's difficult, though, since the performance is so seamless and interconnected—I can't really imagine myself wanting to go back to individual tracks on their own either. Overall, I'm glad I heard this, but it didn't leave enough of an impact for me to need to hear it again anytime soon. Fav Tracks: Born to Go, Down Through the Night, Lord of Light, Orgone Accumulator, 7 by 7 Least Fav: (Insert any of the interludes) Score: 5.5

Wow, the energy on this is absolutely, impeccably palpable! After yesterday's 90-minute album, 35 minutes was a breath of fresh air. I love hearing the way King interacts with the audience, and the enraptured way they hang on his every word. Reminds me of James Brown's "Live at the Apollo," but I honestly might prefer this one! Hearing the audience yell every time King rips his guitar is so addictive. This was my first listen, and I feel like I could hear this every day without getting sick of it. The blues are one of those genres that everyone knows and respects, but getting into the music itself can be difficult and often requires putting up with poor sound quality, open Wikipedia tabs, and an annoying friend pretending he knows what "sock it to me" means. With this album, though? The blues have never sounded more immediate, or timeless. Fav Songs: Everyday I Have the Blues, How Blue Can You Get?, Worry Worry, You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now, Help the Poor Least Fav: Please Love Me Score: 9

Every time I remember how quickly this album was made (allegedly six weeks), it simultaneously makes zero and 100% sense. How could riffs this good, this timeless, arrive so effortlessly? But also, could something this primal, dark, and exciting ever come from overthinking? Who knows—and who fucking cares! Songs like "War Pigs," "Iron Man," and the title track are pure guitar-driven crack, with "Planet Caravan" providing a relaxing respite before "Electric Funeral" dives into proto-doom metal. I do find that the last three tracks drag somewhat compared to the first half, but... c'mon, man. This is a stone-cold classic. RIP Ozzy. Fav Tracks: War Pigs / Luke's Wall, Paranoid, Planet Caravan, Iron Man, Electric Funeral Least Fav: Rat Salad Score: 8.5

As someone who truly loves hip-hop and has researched the history of how it came to be, I wish I enjoyed these sorts of early rap LPs more than I do. There's no denying the historical importance of a song like "Planet Rock," but I find that this is one of those albums where the Wikipedia article is more interesting than the music itself. I can't even say I respect Afrika Bambaataa, considering the awfulness that's come out about him over the years. The fusion of disco, funk, and early electronica is certainly novel in bursts—not to mention ingenious for the time—but calling this poorly-aged would be an understatement. Still, if I found this vinyl for a good price, I'd probably pick it up just for posterity's sake. Fav Songs: Planet Rock, Go Go Pop Least Fav: Who You Funkin' with? Score: 3.5

I remember watching Portlandia with my mom as a kid, and her telling me that Carrie Brownstein was also in a really cool band. All these years later, and I'm finally giving Sleater-Kinney their due diligence! This was an extremely compelling indie-punk record; the emotionality that comes through these tracks is immense, and it's wild to see how directly this continues to influence so many modern bands. The twin vocals are such a unique flourish, and I especially love the vibrato and the rawness it adds. A lot here to love, definitely a great first impression of the band. Fav Songs: Dig Me Out, One More Hour, It’s Enough, Little Babies, Dance Song '97 Least Fav: Heart Factory Score: 7

This was the first album I'd never even heard of since starting this series. I found this to be a pleasant and unassuming singer-songwriter record, with a few excellent tracks ("Marlene on the Wall" is a new favorite). I wish I had more to say, but Vega's songwriting is pretty cut-and-dry. I can't see anyone hating these songs, but I really can't picture myself ever listening to the entire album again. Fav Tracks: Marlene on the Wall, Small Blue Thing, Undertow, The Queen and the Soldier Least Fav: Knight Moves Score: 5.5

My feelings on this album remind me of what I wrote for Brian Eno's Ambient 1... The inarguable, monolithic status of this record is endlessly fascinating to an amateur rock historian like myself. Hearing stories of a 20 year-old Jimi Hendrix hopping onstage at the Blaise Club in 1966 and melting Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, David Gilmour, and Brian Jones' faces is one of my favorite things to imagine. That being said, while I still love "Are You Experienced," it's not one of those classic albums that has really and truly connected with my taste. Personally, I find that these songs end up feeling a little same-y, no matter how many times I listen and relisten. "Electric Ladyland" will always be my Hendrix masterpiece, but this album is still an artifact whose worth will eternally outlive any individual opinions on the matter. Fav Tracks: Purple Haze, Hey Joe, May This Be Love, The Wind Cries Mary, Third Stone from the Sun, 51st Anniversary, Red House Least Fav: Fire Score: 8

I recognized this album from a suggestion my mom gave me years and years ago when I said I was trying to get into more 80s music... I should've listened back then! While it's far from the most innovative or unprecedented pop album of its time, I really enjoyed how theatrical and funky it was. The lyrics were mostly very charming, but at times strayed into unforgivable corniness. Overall, very enjoyable, but never quite achieved anything impactful or singularly memorable. Fav Tracks: Show Me, Poison Arrow, The Look of Love, Pt. 1, Date Stamp Least Fav: Valentine's Day Score: 6.5