First thoughts - Dystopian vibes. Part of me feels like I'm drunk, hungover or the only person incredibly sober, all at the same time. For context, I'm listening to this 100% sober on a Sunday evening. The other part feels like I'm the alt character in a 90's coming of age film. Not my usual listen and tbh the first time I've listened to the album in my life. I wouldn't say it will be on my high rotation list but I don't feel like the time has been wasted. I do, however, feel like I would have enjoyed it more lying on the floor of a dimly lit room after partaking in a 'magical cigarette' perhaps? I'm intrigued and would love to read more about the stories and experiences behind this album and what the opinion/ justification is for this to have been spoken so highly of at the time it came out and also todady, some 26 years later.
Only 4 tracks and an intro to the first track that explains that the song is about " doing what you came into the room to do". The explanation necessary as the lyrics are not in english. I had never heard of Fela Kuti before however am a Cream fan so am familiar with Ginger Baker. I absolutely love the jazzy groove of this album. It screams 70's and provides a refreshingly groovy energy that is just rare these days. Big brass and percussively just fun! The kind of music that makes you smile and tap your foot regardless if its "your scene" or not. I feel that any musician can appreciate this album.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - absolutely!
Do I respect Bob Dylan's contributions to music? 100%
Do I like to listen to him sing his songs? Nope
Unpopular opinion I know, but I do not love to listen to him. I did for the sake of this project listen to the album in it's entirety, begrudgingly and I will sing along if I hear his songs at the pub, becuase I am familiar, regardless of my opinion. I think he is an incredible poet, lyricist, storyteller but the love stops there really. I do not own a Bob Dylan album, but will happily listen to other people sing his songs and read his words. I'm not sorry for this opinion, I'm also not preachy about it, just sayin what is from my own POV.
In one word, Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - Yes, for the icon that he is and for the stories he tells, but would I listen to it? Probs not.
Excited to listen to more of Van than just brown eyed girl (although I love that track it is admittedly overplayed). The double bass that steps us through the title track paints an image of slinky dresses, cocktails and cigars in a dimly lit bar. The sweet and smooth Crazy Love describes ‘her’ in such a gently romantic way. I love the confidence yet omission of ego in the way he writes and sings. The perfect Saturday morning album, opening the curtains and slowly dancing with my coffee. Give me sunny days and Van Morrison forever, rock my gypsy soul.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - surprised I haven’t already
I respect this list (book) a hell of a lot more now knowing this album has been recognised for what is is…one of the best albums of all time! Undeniably the bones of what was the birth of heavy metal, this band, this album, it is everything an album should be and more. From the now late Ozzy’s vocals to the genius that is Geezer Butler and Tony Iomi alongside Bill Ward. This will forever be an iconic marker on the timeline of music’s life. It should be in school’s curriculum and for anyone that cares about music at all, a must have.
10 Stars
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - 10 times over and more, everyone should have this album.
Listening to this album only highlights my commitment to this project. I listened while working only to convince myself I was ‘in a round about way’ - getting paid to listen, at least. I can’t lie, I don’t know how this man has the fame and fortune he does, the songs are lame, the words - mostly disjointed and irrelevant to anything much and not even in creatively poetic way. The genre alone isn’t something I love but I can admit when it’s clever, Snoop is clever, Ludacris - skilled, but Kayne is a flog that talks along to music about retail, ho’s, someone in prison and nothing much deeper. The most enjoyable song on the album for me was Family Business and that is due to the back up singers. I’ve already spent to much time thinking of him as I write these words. Done.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - hell no
With songs that play like spells, sinking deep, taking you over, leaving no corner unaffected, Soungarden are truelly an amazing band and this album one of the absolute best. With Chris Cornell's vocals that melt my heart and raise my hairs to stand on end alongside the melodic and strong basslines of Ben Shephard, there is no moderation in my love for this band and this album.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - I have already, happily, paid a lot more for this album.
I was not expecting reggae vibes. Am I completely misguided in who I thought Paul Simon was in a musical sense? Ok never mind, that was just the first track, I jumped the gun. This album was pleasant! I’ve clearly never listened to it in it’s entirety before and found myself smiling with some songs giving an almost ‘child like wonder’ POV. I’ve always loved the fun of “ me and julio down by the schoolyard” but that is the only song I am familiar with. Funnily enough I have this record, having picked it up in a local stores ‘$10 mystery box’, but, along with the hawaiian guitar, songs of italy and ballet vinyls they throw in, I haven’t played it. It’s giving sunny afternoon, watering the garden vibes and I am may even promote the record to the alphabetised side of my shelves along with the others I actually listen to.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - probs not on face value but who’s to say really given I already own it
Querky- I remember Bjork becoming popular when I was just a little kid and never really heard her music. I remember her being controversial but i dont remember why. Listening now I can only describe it as querky, I like her voice and the accent. Track 4 reminds me of something similar to a Kylie Minogue pop track of the late eighties early 90's although this track is a lot more disconnected and ...well...querky. I can't say this is bad or good? It's not my thing but I listened to the whole album and some parts felt emotional but I really don't feel I understood it enough to have a strong opinion, maybe that just makes my opinion - confusing and querky.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - na
I love the way Billy paints a picture with his songs. Makes you feel you are in the song with him watching the story in real time. I can see why my Mum was a fan. I find his song's wholesome and soothing even when up-tempo. With the obivous hits of Vienna and Only the Good Die Young on this album, I can only feel "fond" when listening.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - 100%
As an Aussie, I feel that Bruce Springsteen is The USA’s equivalent to Jimmy Barnes - the voice and power of the working class, someone who knows hard work, isn’t afraid to do it and voices it on behalf of the rest of his countrymen. When you listen to this album you can tell why the hits are the hits ( I know that’s stating the obvious but the other tracks are more subdued, demand less, there for are easily lost in the background of the day). The hits however, and yes I’m talkin the title track as well as I’m on Fire, Glory Days and Dancing In the Dark are still as powerful as ever and will always be a welcome edition to the soundtrack for long drives and reminiscing.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - Yes for the hits and for the iconic album cover
I dig it. Not one for political messaging within lyrics personally as I feel it can often detract from the music itself but Fugazi's messaging throughout this album is clear, they dislike systemic violance and consumerism, good! What I like to give attention to is the music itself and with punchy drums, urging shouts for vocals and bass-driven grooves, overall I think this a solid album with notes of Ramones and Beastie Boys among the tracks.
It is at this point, only around 10 reviews in that I question the integrity of those that put this list together (kidding? Maybe? haha) Obviously there are few things more subjective than music and I don’t believe 2 people on this earth would truly agree to the same 1001, but to say people MUST listen to this before they die? Hmmm, I think I would have been ok. It’s not awful but is it so incredibly talented that it should make this list over millions of others? I dare say not. Maybe my random selection of albums so far has just beaten me down a bit and I need a few absolute gems to cleanse the pallet. I haven’t spoken much about this album itself in this review but ultimately I just find it meh. Some out there song titles and interesting lyrics in parts but as the song titled Horseleg Swastikas “water doesn’t give a damn” and frankly nor do I. “Lets Not and Say we did” was a bit more of a vibe but still not enough to save the dullness of the album as a whole.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - I think I’ve made it clear, it’s a no from me
Introduced as Mr Soul, Sam Cooke takes the stage and I can picture it as the music starts, everyone swinging and clapping along. A happy and fun-lovin album that was recorded 4 months before my own Mum was even born! I can imagine my grandparents happily listening to this and really enjoyed it myself. This album is the sound of the early 60’s in Miami and that imagery is evident in every track. Good times, summer vibes, pop-py, simple major chords a plenty, slappin double bass and ultimately an easy listen in every sense. Maybe it’s my age but as much as I will forever be a hard rock chick I will happily chill out to albums like this anytime. Like watching an old movie, I love hearing the nostalgia, what other generations enjoyed and got to grow up with. Rather than growing cynical with all that’s rough in the world, albums like this allow us to disconnect and just be, “twistin’ the night away” and smile, don’t fight the feeling!
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - ohhh yeahhh
YES! For those of you that only know me as a rock/metal gal this may surprise you,Haha. I was stoked to listen to this as part of this project! 80’s and 90’s hip hop was seriously the best hip hop. Kayne, take note, this is what Hip hop should sound like. Before you all got depressing, lame and mumbly, grey and beige. This album screams the era of Fresh Prince of Belair, boom boxes and bright colours. Yo Mama jokes ARE funny and the 11th track highlights that. 90’s Hip Hop Artists were the pinnacle lyricists of the genre as a whole, they could rhyme, earn respect and make it sound catchy. I’m off to dust off my Salt n Pepa album.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - absolutely!
No points for creative band name, The Band’s “The big Pink” was a real slow burn. A real slow, slow burn with it not really grabbing my attention until the 5th track ‘The Weight’ started. This was immediately recognisable due to growing up with Jimmy Barnes, Badloves cover. Sorry lads but Jimmy did it better! Kudos for laying it down first though. The Weight ( Jimmy’s version) is one of my karaoke list songs and is there any more accurate way of knowing your song is a hit then have it be on someones karaoke list? I do not believe so.
The tempo picks up a bit from “we can talk” and some of the songs have funny stories to tell, but ultimately if choosing to listen to bands from the 60s and 70’s I’m choosing Slade or the Eagles over these guys.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - naaaaa
Listening to this made me think of Cameron Crowe’s stories of Bowie in the 70’s. The persona’s and characters Bowie portrays in each and every song. An incredibly interesting person who never coloured inside the lines. This album highlights how much he conveys his emotions or distances himself from them. It is quirky, much like the man himself and I am impressed with what D.B and many others can create considering how freakin high they were at the time. Yes, I understand that the consumption of the music around them and the lifestyle, the drugs , are the energy systems that turns on the tap for creativity to flow but how they refine it and are coherent enough to even note the tracks down to turn them into anything blows my mind.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - Yes, again for the nostalgia of the 70’s era and for everything David Bowie was to human history.
Gosh this book makes you realise how much music is actually out there in the world and so little of it actually permeates the veil of our own personal experiences. As someone who is always listening, so much still goes unheard. How many lifetimes would I need to hear it all I wonder. My list would be so extremely different if I ever took the time to curate such. I have never heard of Liz before, first thing I notice is that this album has a whopping 21 tracks! The chord progressions of the first tracks remind me of smashmouth haha nothing incredibly unique there and her voice certainly isn’t anything outstanding but interesting stories are told within the lyrics. Further listening, reminds me of Merideth Brooks/Sheryl Crow, typical of 90’s pop/rock chicks I suppose, same sort of musicality and voice tonality, same sort of honest bluntness in the words. Like many other reviews so far, I struggle to just listen to the album for what it is but wonder what missed out so this could make the list? For the sheer amount of songs she squeezed in? The possible ‘nip slip’ on the cover?
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - no
First of all, the band name AND the album name do not match the sound of this band, perhaps just highlighting how desensitized we are these days? Either way this album does not draw the imagery of sin or flying burritos. Also, excuse me but is this where “do right woman” AND “dark end of the street” come from originally because i did not expect to find not one but 2 tracks on this album known to me due to my life long love of the soundtrack to The Commitments and Andrew Strong (movie is great too). Otherwise, it’s a bit too grandma country for me. I get it was the 60’s but if that was my era I would be listening to the Allman Bro’s, Led Zeppelin etc over this.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - no, especially when I have the Commitments soundtrack
This album is a party! Big brass and bouncin’ bongos, african jazz - cuban fusion, what a ride. I imagine it to have been the soundtrack of many manic scenes in the movies of old and feel that the energy and imagery this album provides is exactly as it should be. To think, this album was originally recorded in 1957! The artistry, the energy, the production, the resources available, so long ago… it all just make this so…phenomenal!
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - no but respectfully would recommend to anyone who habitually listens to the genre
Albums like this in the 90’s showed us that you don’t have to be amazing, all you need to know are a few bar chords, be able to yell, be pissed off and you too could be a rockstar or maybe it can only happen if you marry someone that has already broken through like Kurt Cobain. Teen angst emulsified with a mirage of Don’t give a f*ck, my pre-teen self liked a couple of their later (admittedly more popular) tracks ( I was only 7 when this album came out). A sound that is in the ‘meh’ pile for me, back then and now and particularly at the 7am timeslot I regrettably decided to listen.
Would I buy this album if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - no but I would pick up Celebrity Skin if it was $5 for the 3 songs I don’t mind.
Track 2 states they need something to change their mind and so do I. This project has me pointing out a hell of a lot of what I am not a fan of. Yeah, they have always been a Triple M radio staple and with a sound that is recognisably them (talking heads), arty pop is just not my scene. I was surprised to see this album came out in 1979 and whilst I knew they undeniably were popular in the 80’s didn’t realise how early they started.
Would I buy this album if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - No, hmm I was really hoping to find more albums I love to add to my collection. Lucky there are 100’s of albums to go!
From the first bar of music I would never in a million years have guessed this was Leonard Cohen. He really did write for the era on this one. Haha! I really can’t help but laugh at the thought of the man, who was already in his 50’s and well established in the industry for over 20 years, deciding to produce this. Kudos for sound diversity I guess, but what was the need? The combo of an album of Euro synth, saxophone introduced love songs, sultry admissions alongside walkin bass lines has me feeling nauseous and wanting to leave the circus at this point.
Would I buy this album if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - *shaking head rapidly* ew, weird, uncomfortable, no.
HOORAY it’s Celebration Day! (see what I did there?) Finally, a palate cleanser after a bit of streak of comparatively shitty albums. Led Zeppelin, a cocktail of brilliance. Confident, promiscuous, fun and uninhibited. Attributes that I consider to be life winning personality traits as well as ingredients for a great album. If we are what we consume and with this album we are these things, life is good. A community of happiness, deep thoughts and giggles too.
This album starts strong, hightails it out of the starting gates, then cools it off so that you don’t , like a pubescent male, climax too early. It then settles into a rhythm that makes this album feel like a long lasting good time with no regret. A finger tracing peaks and valleys, fast then slow, slow then fast, moaning, screaming, hair grabbing, a little cuddling, and a sleepy smile, yes, that’s the way. All and all, the funnest of ride’s……..cigarette anyone?
Would I buy this album if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - ohhhhh yeah!!!!
Synth Pop Sounds that scream the 80's. Another band most famous for a cover and it's my opinion that Manson's cover of Tainted Love supersedes Soft Cell's by a mile. Hmm, can't say this album does anything for me. The whispered words 'sex dwarf' belong in a comedy skit on Family Guy and no where else.
In one word Would I buy this album if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - definitely not
Crosby, Stills and Nash
With a strong focus on the harmonious vocals rather than the instrumental side of things I find this album peaks with the first song, Judy Blue Eye’s. Even the “song with no words” is all vocal do-do-do’s. The album overall is pleasant, but ultimately forgettable with nothing to differentiate it from being any folk album. Nothing controversial, nothing really bad but also nothing exciting. No Frisson here.
Would I buy this album if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - meh
The sassy, sl*tty, badassery that is ‘Fighter’ and ‘Dirty’ had me adding those tracks to my “party Mix” burnt CD at the time it came out. Considering I was mainly listening to Pantera and Marilyn Manson at the time, being a 14 year old school girl meant it was inevitable to be privy to the pop and RnB everyone else was listening too. This album had Christina breaking out and aiming to show the world she wasn’t the cleancut girl next door that Brittany portrayed and this album was a step toward a darker side from her previous album and tbh I liked her for that. There is no denying her voice is amazing even though we are tired of hearing it.
Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - definitely not (I'm just not a pop girly enough to care to collect it) but I probably still have the hits on my old burnt CD’s
Love. this. album. This is another one I own already and love to play particularly early morning when I just want to ease into my day. No rushing. A sexy sultriness. Coffee. Eye's still heavy. No harshness. I will always be happy to wake up to Norah with her sweet & evocative vocals, the cascading piano, slight touch of double bass, acoustic guitars, hand drums or a brushed snare. A smile that comes from the gentle, swollen, recently kissed, lips on a sleepy relaxed face. Come away with me x
An album that ends my short streak of 2 positive reviews in a row, bummer. This one is certainly for the synth, artsy crowd which I know exists I'm just not a part of it. No need to post an invite either. I'm sure it had or has it's place but it's not a place I want to be. If the title of the band and the album causes instagram to prevent my account from getting views it was not worth it . Only positive from me is that it only took just over 30min to get through the 7 songs downside to that was that 10min is taken up by a contender for the worst song of them all.
Before *saxaphones getting louder* induced imminent fear and concern, there was Stan Getz. With his Jazz tone and the combined romantacism with Joao Gilberto's volcals/guitar, this album is anything but contreversal or scary. Bossa Nova is certainly not a genre you hear too often in the mainstream, it is true, however, you are more inclined to be familiar if you have been in an elevator recently ( 'The Blues Brothers" movie scene, where they are in an elevator with "The Girl from Ipanema" is playing, comes to mind) or perhaps this album reminds you of Jarvier Bardem (Felipe)'s mix tapes in the movie "Eat. Pray. Love"? Either way, it is widely used in scenarios that require a certain non-chalance and pleasantness which is exactly what this album is.
What an incredible singer/songwriter right? I mean, is there a person that doesn't know who she is or of the amazing songs and stories she tells since this album came out almost 40 years ago? An artist that conveys the struggles of many in her words and does so in such a way that makes us feel good about them. As if to say, "going through this gave me what I needed to create this and I enjoy creating this, so it is all ok! ". An album that give us comfort and hope and a ripper singalong after a few drinks. I personally, deeply, hope people with this magnitude of talent to affect people in the way they do, know of the positive influence and legacy they have in this world.
Hubby walks into the room as I am listening this and gives me his best "wtf is this?" face. haha. The kind of eclectisism you can only get from a movie soundtrack from the 70's and an indo-american bollywood film at that. With Cha Cha, accordian, sitar, bongos, big brass, hindi lyrics, amongst other sounds I'm not quite sure how to explain, I don't think you HAVE to listen to this at all but I am sure it was chosen within this book for being seminal at the time and for the genre.
German, industrial psych rock aka krautrock. I didn't hate it. I wouldn't say it excited me but I was intrigued. A bit droney in parts (where it falls into the kind of album I would consider as background music) but not extremely unpleasant. A collage of electronic oddity's alongside an undertone of meandering guitars. Giggy Smile wasn't too shabby with a bit of sax, synth and a solid rock bassline.
