Meh. Some pop music from the late seventies, nothing super notable or memorable save for One Way or Another and Heart of Glass, but those songs are only just fine. Not offensive, but not remarkable. 5.5/10.
I'm writing this immediately after the album was revealed for the day- What else is there to say other than it's Kid A, one of the most important rock albums of all time. It has aged unbelievably well, and sounds as though it could fit into the musical landscape of today. Not just in the top 1001 most important albums, but the top 10. Amazing. 9.5/10.
Orchestral, proggy odyssey into King Crimson's feelings on the cold war, capitalism, the military industrial complex and more. Incredibly varied, gentle and beautiful at times then abrasive and brutal at others. Considered to be the first prog-rock album, a really captivating listen. Absolutely one to return to, 8.5/10.
Widely considered to be one of the first true metal albums, Black Sabbath is heavy, melodic, and catchy as hell. Heavy and pulsating, this is a fantastic introduction to metal music, and something I didn't think that I would like as much as I did. 8/10.
Oh boy. George Harrison's first solo album, and a colossal piece of work- One of the first notable triple albums ever released, All Things Must pass is a soft-rock odyssey from one of the best songwriters to ever live. Runs a bit long at times, but a great time. 8.5/10.
I don't know if I really understand the hype with this one. Somewhat interesting folk/country/americana rock, but it really just didn't click with me. While yes this was recorded and released in 1969, the production felt atrocious as well, super muddy vocals and sounds jarringly unfinished. Whispering Pines is great, though. 4/10.
Late 70's early disco/R&B album, and it sounds exactly as you would expect. The title track is somewhat standout due to it's place in popular culture, but otherwise completely forgettable and bland. Overall not bad and an okay vibe at times, but not something I would ever think to return to. 5/10.
Mellow, warm, and inviting psychedelic rock. Very clearly inspired by Hendrix, Cream does a good job here and has built a catchy and engaging album that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. Not groundbreaking in any way to my ears, but a fine collection of songs nonetheless. 6.5/10.
As someone who isn't a terrible Dylan fan, I enjoyed this album more than I thought I would. Dylan's guitar arrangements, especially on the second acoustic half are beautiful, and even though his singing style and cryptic lyricism may not be for me, I can totally appreciate this album for what it is. 7/10.
Classic Neil Young. Pure and straightforward songwriting that still manages to connect on such a deep level, Neil Young remains one of the greatest Canadian artists and most profound folk songwriters to ever live. On The Beach is much darker and more tense, not necessarily aspects that I enjoy in Young's music, but the introspection does work here-On The Beach stands tall in Young's discography. 8/10.
Really exciting, deep, and colourful early psychedelic rock odyssey. Having just listened to Disraeli Gears by Cream puts into perspective just how visionary and unbelievably talented Hendrix and his Experience were when compared to all of their contemporaries (no disrespect to Cream). Are You Experienced is varied, groovy, and is the perfect introduction to the unbelievably talented Hendrix. 8/10.
Honestly kind of a fun time. Super short and concise, hard but fun, there isn't a ton of material here but at less than 16 minutes long it cannot possibly overstay it's welcome. Group Sex is some good, mindless, hardcore punk music that makes you want to move. What else could you ask for from an album like this? 7/10
I do not understand the hype at all around this one. Songs felt very repetitive and poorly produced, with the same two chords and bland melodies played on repeat. Could not stand the lead singers voice, and the lyricism does not read as ironic nor wry to me, more than just devoid of anything interesting to say. Not offensively bad, but clearly not for me. 3/10.
Really nice easy listening music if slightly dated by 80's production choices. I've obviously heard smooth operator before, but maybe due just to the novelty the other songs on this album stuck with me more than that opening track. Jazzy, soothing, and lushous pop-soul, it's easy to see how this has influenced so many artists into today. 6.5/10.
There is so much that can be said about Brian Wilson's fully re-imagined Smile, but after multiple listens I can only express that it is beautifully maximalist, off-the wall, and truly visionary. This album is a triumph of songwriting, sequencing, and of artistic vision being fully realised. The album that in some sense began and deliminated Brian Wilson's lifelong struggle with psychosis and personal worth, the fact that he was able to return to this project some thirty years after it's original conception is a triumph of the human spirit. Arguments about the best versions of Smile being put aside, this is one of the most grandiose, complex, and awe-inspiring pieces of pop music that I have ever heard. There should be no doubt that Brian Wilson is one of America's great composers, and that Smile is his opus. 10/10.
Very mellow, and far more accessible given what I've heard from both The Velvet Underground And Nico and from Lou Reed's later solo work. Inoffensive and chill listening, but I feel like I was looking for a little bit more grit. A good time nonetheless. 6.5/10.
Extrodinarily well produced collection of standards by a younger Ray Charles. The slower and more melancholic second half is in my opinion much stronger than the more upbeat and repetitive first, but overall a really lovely listen. 8/10
I actually quite liked this one; sounds ahead of it’s time. Very narrative and literal bars, catchy production, and a fun mix of 2000’s hip hop and reggae. As was the issue with so much hip hop of this time though, it is way too long. Cut the middle third and it would be truly fantastic. 7/10.
Just a beautiful folk rock album by some of the best to ever do it. Super clean with beautiful melody, the more somber moments here speak more to me but there isn’t overall a whole lot to critique. Great stuff. 9/10
Meh. Fine country-punk that lacks grit, feels a little too polished for me. Not bad but really nothing here I feel the need to return to. 5/10.
A more rounded blend of roots rock and country that seems to pull more from contemporary popular music and even psychedalia than much of The Band's later work. Solid songwriting throughout, although the album runs slightly long and can feel a bit samey. The production is a mixed bag here, but the number of songs that shine outnumber those that suffer from muddy mixing. Overall I liked Music From Big Pink much more than their self titled. 7/10.
Some classic prog rock from one of the giants, The Yes Album just didn’t really leave much of an impression on me. The songwriting was interesting and the production was engaging, it was just missing a certain spark for me. Not bad, though. 6/10.
The Healer is a classic blues album by a much older John Lee Hooker. It’s obvious that Hooker is an incredibly talented artist, that with this album finally got the industry recognition he deserved, but this brand of traditional blues just isn’t really for me. I can respect it, but don’t think I would come back. 5.5/10
HIGHLIGHTS:
I’m In The Mood
Sally Mae
My Dream
Beautiful classic soul/r&b covers with some great originals thrown in for good measure. In only 33 minutes this album covers a surprising depth of influences, from classic Stones rock to much more somber piano-led balladry, all of which is executed beautifully by Redding and his band. 8/10.
HIGHLIGHTS:
A Change Is Gonna Come
Down In The Valley
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)
