1001 Albums Summary

A lot of super bluesy English 80s jamming songs. The first few tracks (Money for nothing, walk of life) are definitely the standouts, creative, fun, and proudly 80s (I waaaannnt my MTV). Basically everything else takes some patience, tracks that go well past the 6 minute mark with slow guitars and almost hushed vocals. Some of Knopfler's lyrics haven't aged the greatest though. Overall, solid album until track 4 rolls around.

What is perhaps the defining album of trip-hop (second to mezzanine the goated beetle album at least imo), is a very sludgy, creeping album that makes incredible use of the genres (r&b, rap, electronic) it takes inspiration from. There are not many artists with a sound quite like Massive Attack, and I was surprised at just how seamless everything is. There is such a distinct aesthetic to the sound captured on this album. Some of the best rap/hip-hop/trip-hop to come out of the UK for sure.

The Rolling Stones would probably have been exiled if they ever decided to play something like this on main street honestly. Not because it is a bad album, but because it a loud and proud album that encapsulates the zeitgeist of their time. In other words, this record sounds like one massive party, with bold brass, jamming blues guitars, and Jagger's distinctive voice guiding them all. It might not be my favorite, but there's no denying the statement made here by the stones.

64 years later, Live At The Apollo was probably one of the most legendary performances in all soul music. Despite the shorter length, listening to this album felt like being transported back in time and witnessing a piece of musical history. There's no denying the influence James Brown would have on future musicians. Above all, Brown's performance is a centerpiece of the Black culture of Harlem and the music of the time. Really a beautiful album that showcases just how deep the roots of soul music go.

Africa Brasil is definitely one of the strongest albums I've heard so far. Every song on this record is brimming with life, joy and emotion. What especially stands out is Jorge's voice, which is quaking with emotion throughout all of the tracks. The guitar work and especially the drumming are also big standouts. A beautiful fusion of music of Brazil and the African diaspora.