Reviews by jacjac

I learned today that this album was recorded in my hometown, so this review is certainly going to be a bit biased. As a PNWer who was born to love grunge, I'm bound to be a fan of a Dave Grohl project (not to mention the fact that this album is solely his). This was a fun listen as someone who's been a casual Foos fan and hasn't heard much of their earlier stuff. The drums are killer (as expected), and this is definitely a pivot from Dave's grunge roots toward something much more rock-centric, but one that's welcome in my book.

Favorite tracks: Good Grief, Floaty, X-Static

I'll be honest, I was a little tuned out while listening to this one. Unfortunately, I don't think that speaks well to this album as everything kind of blended into one for me. I know that cohesiveness is sometimes what makes for a great album, but in this case I think it instead led to something pretty boring and one-dimensional. It made me realize that I think Metallica is kind of corny, and I don't think I'll be a metalhead any time soon.

Favorite tracks: Enter Sandman (yes I know this is a basic choice, and yes I did know this one beforehand)

I mean, it's the Beatles - how can I not give it a high rating? I'm feeling very lucky to have gotten two Beatles albums generated this early on in my 1001 albums journey, not to mention two that I think will likely become my forever favorites. I think I still prefer Revolver, but you can hear how their sound is actively transitioning in this album toward what they would achieve in their subsequent album. As much as people tend to highlight Norwegian Wood, I personally think the short & sweet In My Life is the true masterpiece on this album - in my opinion, it's one of the best Ringo contributions on any Beatles song.

Favorite tracks: Drive My Car, Nowhere Man, In My Life

Goodness gracious, this is so deliciously jangly! I have a feeling I'll be on my 4th or 5th listen by the end of the day today. The first track hooks you immediately, and don't you dare think for a second that its grasp will falter for the next 28 minutes. This is my first Byrds album, and I'm so glad that's the case - it's the perfect blend of so many of the genres I am into at the moment. Gorgeously layered vocals and 12-string Rickenbacker shimmer weave their way into a genre-bending masterpiece (is it psychedelic? Folk? Pop? Rock? Country? The world may never know.) I positively LOVED this, and need it on vinyl expeditiously.

Favorite tracks: Artificial Energy, Change Is Now, Tribal Gathering

This overall was pretty middling, while also being better than I expected. I think younger generations have a preconceived notion about Rod Stewart that's unfortunately pretty negative and certainly undeserved. This has a bluesy feeling that reminds me of some of the more jangly Led Zeppelin tracks. His growl is unmistakeable, and few others can make a mandolin rock as much as he does.

Favorite tracks: Every Picture Tells A Story, That's All Right, Maggie May

When I told my boyfriend I was listening to this, he said, and I quote: "I regret to say there is no reason to listen to the entire Tubular Bells record (sorry, British)." Having now listened to the entire thing, I can confirm he is in fact correct. There are a couple of interesting parts, especially in Tubular Bells - Pt. I, but everything kind of goes off the rails in Pt. II. Definitely not going to listen to it again & can't say I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

This was...fine? I think I expected more from Dylan as a whole since I have never heard one of his albums in its entirety before, and considering how lauded he is generally. There were certainly a couple of hits here, but I fear his singing style still irks me the same way it has since I was a little kid. Maybe a different album would be a little more my speed, as I assume this isn't the only one I'll encounter on this list. Sorry, but I'm not Dylan-pilled quite yet...

Favorite tracks: Tangled up in Blue, Idiot Wind, Shelter from the Storm

I was SO STOKED with this pull today because I've been meaning to listen to this album for so long!!! Wonderfully jangly with the perfect amount of scuzz, this album positively transports you to 1967 NYC. I hate that I'm so late to the game, but at the same time I'm so glad it came to me at the right moment in my life (aka living in New York with a few trips to the city under my belt). There's certainly a reputation preceding this work, and I now know it's for good reason: it's genre encompassing, experimental, and damn near perfect.

Favorite tracks: I'm Waiting For The Man, Heroin, I'll Be Your Mirror

As much as I like Steely Dan, this one wasn't really for me. Overproduced & without the swag that SD has. Plus, we already had the core SD discography to enjoy before this came out, and I don't think we needed virtually the same thing as a solo version. The album cover is way more interesting than any song contained within it. At least it was on the shorter side! (Also...how many girlfriends does this guy have? Two songs back-to-back about two different girls is kinda wild.)

Favorite tracks: The Nightfly

I have no idea how this made the list. I should have known from the band name alone that it was kinda gonna suck. It sounds like Blur and Flight of the Conchords had a really crappy baby with none of Damon Albarn's genius nor FotC's humor. It's like they're trying to fill a void that Albarn certainly did NOT leave unfilled, so I'm not really sure where this band fits in music history or why it even exists.

Favorite tracks (I guess?): [A] Touch Sensitive

Ooooh baby! This gave me goosebumps immediately! Kacey's voice is always so clear and crisp - in fact, the whole production is exactly what I want from modern country music. The definition of lush. I think this came to me at the right time, after my country music stereotypes have softened and I've even become more amenable to pop music. Fills the exact lane that Taylor Swift left wide open for someone far more talented.

Favorite tracks: Slow Burn, High Horse

Goodness gracious, this is an excellent Beatles album - I'm kicking myself for not listening to any in full before today because I was totally missing out! So many bangers I've missed out on, having only listened to "1" for pretty much my whole life up to this point. Yes, I know I'm more than 50 years late to the game, but as a lifelong Beatles enjoyer, this was such a fun listen - clean, simple, and catchy in just the way I knew it would be. A perfect summer listen.

Favorite tracks: She Said She Said, And Your Bird Can Sing, Tomorrow Never Knows (it appears I like Lennon lead vocal tracks?)

Often when I'm listening to Arcade Fire, I find myself actively trying to convince myself that I like Win Butler's voice...so not always the most enjoyable experience. This is definitely a fun listen with several songs already in my rotation prior to today. However, in my opinion, anyone describing this album as "triumphant" is drinking a little bit of AF Kool-Aid. There's definitely a generation of people who go crazy for this band, but that's not me.

Favorite tracks: Neighborhood #2 (Laika), Rebellion (Lies)

I was SHOCKED at how much I enjoyed this album. Sure, I've been hearing the band's major hits on the radio since before I could talk, but there were a surprising number of "hidden" bangers on this album (clearly I should have been looking). I'm kind of obsessed with Boyd's voice (even though all I can hear in 2026 is Mac Glocky's impression of him). Not a perfect album by any means, but damn was it nostalgic.

Favorite tracks: Consequence, When It Comes, Drive

Having listened to this now, the influence it had on In Utero is unmistakable. The drumming throughout is superb, and there are a couple of complete bangers on here. However, everything got kind of forgettable in the second half of the album, and for that my rating can't be too high (especially knowing that Doolittle is coming in the future of Pixies discography, where I feel they really hit their stride).

Favorite tracks: Break My Body, Where Is My Mind?

I was really ready to like this one a lot more, considering the spectacular hits from this album that I've been hearing for basically my whole life. However, I didn't care for the rockabilly influences and found the rest of the album beyond these hits kind of forgettable. I imagine this hit a lot harder in 1978 with its genre-bending. Sorry Debbie, you're a legend, but this just didn't hit for me.

Favorite tracks: Hanging On The Telephone, Heart Of Glass

Before listening to this I didn't realize how much I liked Ronald Isley's voice, and it is on display here in a superb way. One of my favorite voices from this era of funk, I think. Funky bass lines, masterfully layered instrumentals, and some really excellent covers make for a solid album that I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did. Instantly improved my mood, and I'll be keeping that in mind for the future!

Favorite tracks: You Walk Your Way, Summer Breeze

I kind of wish I had listened to this album later in my Elliott Smith journey, but not a bad album by any means. Starts off really strong, but kind of lost me by the end. It always takes me a second to get reacquainted with his vocals too, and I find myself having to consciously overlook my normal dislike of overly breathy vocals.

Favorite tracks: Son Of Sam, Junk Bond Trader

I don't know what the hell was wrong with me in college when I tried to listen to this album and thought I didn't like it...this album RULES. Not sure how I resisted for so long, but it's so classic and formative to the global popularity of punk. Simple riffs, defiant lyrics, and sneering delivery make this an unforgettable listen.

Favorite tracks: Holidays in the Sun, No Feelings, God Save the Queen

I have major respect for Muddy Waters as a forerunner of American blues, as he is an incredibly talented songwriter and guitarist. However, classic blues like this isn't the style of music I tend to enjoy on a regular basis, as it gets a little repetitive for my taste.

Favorite tracks: Mannish Boy, I Can't Be Satisfied