Reviews by conorr90

Good album, not great. Gets some bonus points for their clear influence on the likes of R.E.M. and Tom Petty. I don't think they're super original, and can see why they didn't do so well at the time. People were probably sick of this type of sound. 7/10

Haven't listened to this one in quite a while, interesting to see how aged it is now. Dreaming of You is still a great song, and there are a few other good ones in the first half. But the quality dips dramatically in the second half. And it gets way too pirate-y!

Never heard of this album or artist before - another rare gem from this generator. Absolutely loved this, even though I normally disapprove of live albums being included. The difference here is that the entire piece was apparently improvised, and there is true intimacy in the recording. The piano playing is great, and I love hearing the moans and grunts of Jarrett as he plays. He really seemed to be in a state of pure flow.

I love Amy's voice, and can see why this is on the list (or was, apparently). However, Back up Black is MUCH better. This one hasn't aged very well in terms of lyrical content, particularly the first track. I get that she was going for a modern rage on vintage music, but it's best for everyone that we leave the 50s gender roles in the 50s. A few good songs though, particularly In My Bed.

Singing is still as bad as the first two albums, but I enjoyed this one much more. It's a big step up songwriting wise - especially on Avalanche, Diamonds, Famous Blue Raincoat, and Joan of Arc. Really liked a lot of the guitar work and his use of strings.

Found this one even more boring than "...floating in space". Peasant background noise, but nothing very memorable except for Shine a Light.

Pretty good album for what it is, not really my cup of tea though. The first two tracks are great, as is Cherish. As with a lot of 80s pop though, it's very dated. It actually sounds older than it is - I had to double check the release date. Some of the songs in the second half make me feel like I'm trapped in a shopping mall. She definitely mixed a lot of different styles together very effectively though.

Terrible stuff. Imagine this being the last album you heard before you died! Some decent guitar riffs, but apart from that it was just so unimaginative and dull. I do like some Aerosmith songs, but they are in no way deserving of multiple entries in this book.

I recognise the greatness of this album, and it's immaculately produced and performed. There's something about it though that never really clicked fully with me, maybe the immaturity of some of the lyrics. That said, the lyrics aren't overly misogynistic or homophobic (apart from a couple of slurs here and there) and the story of the album is very transporting in a way that feels genuine. Listening to it feels like listening to a snippet of a day in early 90s Brooklyn or Queens. Bumping it up to a 9/10 because it's so influential, and to counter some of the rap haters in the reviews.

Pretty much as dull and bland as I was expecting. Mick Hucknall has a great voice, but what he does with it just isn't for me. "Money's Too Tight to Mention" is pretty good though.

Never listened to this one before, obviously I did know Tiny Dancer well though. Really enjoyed it, although not as much as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The title track and Indian Sunset were real highlights, with the later being a pleasantly nostalgic reminder of Getto Gospel being absolutely everywhere when I was like 14.

I almost wrote this one off completely, but then I really enjoyed Santa Cruz and a few others. I still don't think he deserves more than one album in the book though. You've Come A Long Way, Baby is great and representative enough of his work.

Enjoyed this more than I expected, but it is a bit too long. Found the first disc more engaging than the second, especially the 3 song run from "Birmingham" to "Three Great Alabama Icons". They have me wondering if I should give Skynyrd another chance. I definitely prefer a modern take on this type of southern rock though (like Wednesday, Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman, etc.)

I had listened to this a couple of times before and enjoyed it, but never really absorbed it until now. It's not really like any other jazz I've heard before, and is an interesting blend of styles. It is a bit Avant-garde, but not in an off putting way. Very refreshing in general, and I can see how it might work as a ballet. Very emotional and dramatic, with a nice bit of resolution in the end.

Terrible stuff. I'm not really a huge fan of Piper at the Gates of Dawn, but surely that is enough of a legacy for Syd Barrett. I feel like this album tarnishes his name, even if the circumstances are interesting from a music history point of view. Don't think I'll ever listen to this again due to the terrible singing and lyrics, but I guess I see why it's in the book.

I don't know what it is about Jack White. I enjoy his music when I listen to it, but don't find it particularly memorable. I never find myself wanting to put it on again. I felt the same about the White Stripes, not sure what it is.

Clapton is obviously a great guitarist and I get why he's on here. But honestly his songwriting does nothing for me. Cold, soulless repackaging of blues music, polished to a radio-friendly sheen. The first and last songs are pretty good, but everything in the middle is pretty dull. The 'I Shot The Sheriff' cover is very unoriginal. Covers that don't put an original sprin on the song should be banned IMO.

Also, he's a horrible person.

Pretty solid punk album. I knew the two big hits well, as they still get a lot of radio play in Ireland. Glad to listen to this through, much preferred it to their second one.

I generally perfer Neil Young's folkier stuff, but this is a pretty decent album. I can see it's influence on later rock artists as well. Why did he shoot a baby though? Seems harsh

A couple of catchy songs on here, but overall I found it bloated and repetitive. I see why it's on the list, and didn't hate it, but it's not as good as their contemporaries like Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk, etc.