Reviews by kitch82

Dire Straits’ debut album is a brilliant introduction to one of the most distinctive sounds in rock. I’ve always loved Mark Knopfler’s guitar tone, that clean, effortless picking is instantly recognisable and Sultans of Swing has been one of my most played songs over the last 20 years.

While I personally prefer Brothers in Arms and Making Movies, this album has a stripped-back charm that really highlights Knopfler’s vocals, storytelling, and signature guitar work. It’s understated but full of class.

Favourite track: Sultans of Swing – a fantastic song that never gets old.
Least favourite track: Every song here is worth a listen.
Album artwork: A simple but stylish cover very “Dire Straits” in its understated way.

It’s not exactly fair to have to listen to this one on a weekend! I’ve never listened to Queen Latifah before, and to be honest, I knew going in that All Hail the Queen probably wouldn’t be my thing.

That said, it was slightly better than I expected. It’s very much a product of its time — classic late ’80s hip hop with that dated sound — but there’s still some charm to it. I wouldn’t listen to it again, though.

Favourite track: Dance for Me was okay.
Least favourite track: Pretty much everything else.
Album artwork: Not one I’d be hanging on the wall at home.

I love Dusty — what a voice, and what an icon. I was really looking forward to giving A Girl Called Dusty a listen today.

I have to admit, I’m not entirely sure how an album made up mostly of covers makes this list, but then again, when every song Dusty touches sounds this good, it’s easy to see why. Her voice is outstanding throughout, and the sound and production are excellent for the time. Her versions of Mama Said and You Don’t Own Me are particularly strong and full of character.

Favourite track: Anyone Who Had a Heart is beautiful, and Mama Said is a classic.
Least favourite track: Every track is worth a listen — all sung and performed brilliantly.
Album artwork: Double denim! A cool and confident cover that suits Dusty perfectly.

Treasure by Cocteau Twins is a beautiful and remarkably original album — especially considering it came out in 1984. That really surprised me.

This record is such an intriguing listen. I put it on and ended up playing it three or four times today, hearing something new with each spin and never once getting bored. It’s definitely not the kind of music I’d normally go for, but there’s something captivating about it — the textures, the atmosphere, and Elizabeth Fraser’s vocals all draw you in.

That said, there are moments that lose me a bit — like the track “Otterley,” which I just can’t quite get my head around. Still, Treasure is an intense, immersive, and fascinating album that rewards repeated listens.

Favourite track: “Ivo” — a brilliant song, Domino is also very lovely and twee.
Least favourite track: “Otterley” — I’ve no idea what’s going on there.
Album artwork: A lovely and fitting cover for the music within.

I’ve always enjoyed Crosby, Stills & Nash — their music is easy-listening folk with beautiful harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. That said, I’ve always preferred their later work with the addition of Neil Young, which adds a bit more edge and depth.

This debut album, though, is solid from start to finish. It might not have one standout track that completely blows you away, but every song is strong and well-crafted. It’s a smooth, cohesive listen that captures the late ’60s folk-rock sound perfectly.

Favourite track: “49 Bye-Byes” — brilliant songwriting and vocals.
Least favourite track: I genuinely enjoyed every song on the album.
Album artwork: A fairly standard cover, but it suits the relaxed tone of the record.

You Are The Quarry is the album that began my love affair with the great man himself, Morrissey. When it came out, I played it endlessly and went to around eight shows on the tour. Listening again twenty years later, it still sounds fantastic.

Lyrically, this album is superb — classic Morrissey wit, melancholy, and sharp observation. The music holds up brilliantly too, full of swagger and melody. Tracks like I Have Forgiven Jesus, First of the Gang to Die, and Irish Blood, English Heart remain standout moments, but honestly, every song here is a belter. This is an easy 5/5 for me.

Favourite track: Irish Blood, English Heart and First of the Gang to Die
Least favourite track: Every song deserves its place
Album artwork: One of Morrissey’s simpler covers, but still iconic

The self-titled Fever Ray album completely passed me by when it was first released, so I was really looking forward to discovering it today.

This record feels very Björk-like — cold, dark, and deeply captivating. It draws you in and demands your attention from start to finish. Each listen reveals new layers and textures, making it an album that rewards repeated plays. It’s not usually the kind of music I’d gravitate toward, but I really enjoyed it.

Favourite track: Keep the Streets Empty for Me – a dark, mysterious, and beautifully haunting song.
Least favourite track: Everything here is worth a listen.
Album artwork: A striking and atmospheric cover that perfectly matches the music’s mood.

Duck Rock by Malcolm McLaren is a really cool record — and very different from what I’d usually listen to. I’m grateful to this challenge for introducing me to it.

The album is fast-paced and full of variety, blending global sounds with an early glimpse of hip hop. The first three tracks are superb, and I was fascinated to learn that Eminem later sampled Buffalo Gals. I found myself replaying those opening songs several times today.

While the second half doesn’t quite maintain the energy of the explosive start, Duck Rock remains a fun, inventive listen and an important piece of musical history for what it pioneered and inspired.

Favourite track: Buffalo Gals, Double Dutch, and Punk It Up — there’s so much happening in Punk It Up, it’s hard not to love it.
Least favourite track: The album loses a bit of momentum halfway through; Legba in particular feels weaker and duck for the oyster is either garbage or a genius bit of comedy.
Album artwork: A vibrant, colourful cover that perfectly captures the spirit and energy of the record.

I’ve seen Bob Dylan at the Albert Hall myself—though it was a good 40+ years after this legendary gig. I’m still not entirely sure why so many live albums make this list, but Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert) is certainly deserving of its place.

Dylan’s voice is in excellent form throughout. The stripped-back, acoustic performances are stunning, and the harmonica adds a raw emotional edge. You really go on a lyrical journey with these songs—it’s intimate, powerful, and beautifully captured.

Favourite track: She Belongs to Me is absolutely beautiful.
Least favourite track: Every song earns its place here.
Album artwork: A fairly standard Dylan cover, but it suits the mood.

I am expecting lots of bongo from the Incredible bongo band!!

Bongo Rock sounds incredible, the horns are loud, there is a lot of bongoing for sure and bongo solos and their are some great guitar riffs ontop. This is a very cool album. Bongo Rock really is a 70s sound and sums up the vibe of that time but it can get a bit tiresome as it has vary little variation throughout and its a long listen.

Favourite track: Apache and Bongolia were brilliant songs
Least favourite track: After time the labum begins to drap and feel very repitiative. it could do with losing 4-5 of the last tracks.
Album artwork: More bongos

I’ve always really enjoyed On The Beach by Neil Young. Aside from Harvest, it’s my favourite of his albums — an easy listen with some truly great songs, the perfect recipe for a timeless record. I was pleased to give it another spin today.

On The Beach feels musically laid-back yet carries an undercurrent of anger and frustration in the lyrics, balanced by a faint sense of optimism for the future. It’s a beautifully crafted album, both mellow and meaningful.

Favourite track: Walk On and On The Beach
Least favourite track: Every song earns its place here.
Album artwork: A lovely, evocative cover that perfectly matches the album’s mood.

I’m not a Deadhead, and to be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to a Grateful Dead album all the way through before. I’m aware of their huge following and their importance in music history, but I’ve never quite understood the hype. That said, I was genuinely looking forward to giving American Beauty a proper listen.

I have to admit, I was expecting something quite different. I thought it would be edgier and more psychedelic, but instead it leans heavily into folk and harmony-driven songs. It’s not a bad album by any means, but it wasn’t what I anticipated.

Favourite track: Truckin was a fun song.
Least favourite track: “Attics of My Life” – I found it a bit dull, and the melodies didn’t land for me. It felt like a weaker attempt at a Beach Boys-style sound.
Album artwork: I really like the cover — it’s simple but classic.

The Predator by Ice Cube is everything I hate about rap. Gangsta rap is dreadful. the lyrics are dated, vile and quite frankly thick! This music just does nothing for me.

The music is good throughout on this album but the nature of the lyrics is off putting and not for me.

Favourite track:
Least favourite track:
Album artwork: I dont love it!!

I’m probably not the audience Common had in mind for this album, but I still really enjoyed it. Before listening to Be, I had never heard of Common, but his rhythm, flow, and lyricism immediately stood out.

He’s often described as an “intelligent rapper,” and that comes through clearly here — his storytelling feels purposeful, powerful, and genuinely engaging. The album blends sharp production with thoughtful writing, and it’s made me want to explore more of his back catalogue.

Favourite track: Testify – an outstanding track.
Least favourite track: Everything on the album is worth a listen.
Album artwork: A simple, standard cover.

More jazz today — Jazz Samba by Charlie Byrd, to be precise. There really is a lot of jazz in this challenge!

That said, this was easily the best jazz album on the list so far. It’s more upbeat and engaging than most, with shorter, punchier tracks that keep things moving. The blend of samba rhythm and jazz shuffle gives it a lively and enjoyable groove throughout.

Favourite track: O Pato and Samba Triste
Least favourite track: The last two tracks felt a bit dull compared to the rest.
Album artwork: Cool, stylish cover that fits the vibe perfectly.

Morrison Hotel is a really strong album from The Doors — a perfect blend of blues and psychedelic rock. It feels like a return to their roots after a few more experimental releases, and the result is a tight, confident record that flows beautifully from start to finish.

While it doesn’t feature some of the band’s biggest hits, the overall sound and atmosphere more than make up for it. I’ve always loved Jim Morrison’s voice (even if not everyone does!), and this album really showcases his depth and charisma.

Favourite track: Roadhouse Blues and Ship of Fools are both fantastic.
Least favourite track: Every song here earns its place.
Album artwork: An iconic cover that perfectly captures the spirit of the band.

Born in the U.S.A. is not just one of the greatest albums of all time. It is probably in my top three albums ever, and it is my go to record whenever I need something to lift me up.

I must listen to it at least five times a week. It is an easy five out of five, right up there with Born to Run for me.

The album is packed with incredible songs. The title track is one of the most powerful protest songs ever written, and still widely misunderstood. It sounds huge and anthemic, but the story at its heart is devastating. Bobby Jean, written for Steve Van Zandt, is a beautiful reflection on friendship and loyalty. I’m on Fire is pure atmosphere, simple, tense and unforgettable. No Surrender feels like the anthem of my upbringing. Then you still have Dancing in the Dark, My Hometown and Glory Days. The depth on this record is ridiculous.

What makes it even more remarkable is that it followed Nebraska. From stark acoustic storytelling to stadium sized rock songs, and yet the emotional weight never disappears.

Favourite track: The entire album. It is all brilliant.
Least favourite track: None. Every song feels essential.
Album artwork: An iconic cover and one of the most recognisable images in music history

I was looking forward to today’s album, as I’ve never really listened to Gram Parsons before. I know The Gilded Palace of Sin with The Flying Burrito Brothers is highly regarded and seen as an influential record, so I was keen to see what the fuss was about.

I’ll admit, I found it hard to fully concentrate on this one — mainly because today is the day Nebraska ’82 came out, and that’s all I really want to listen to!

That said, this album was a good listen. It blends Country and Western with touches of 60s pop really well. Nothing particularly blew me away, but it was still enjoyable from start to finish.

Favourite track: “Burrito #1 & #2”
Least favourite track: I struggled with some of the slower songs like “Do Right Woman,” which leaned more heavily into the country side.
Album artwork: A fairly standard 60s cover — nothing special, but it fits the era.

I’d never heard of The Afghan Whigs before, so I was curious to give Gentlemen a listen.

Unfortunately, I really didn’t enjoy this album. It’s very much generic 90s indie/grunge with nothing that particularly stands out. The vocals grated on me, and the overall sound felt dull, depressing, and uninspired. This was a tough listen to get through from start to finish.

Favourite track: Fountain and Fairfax – it was okay and had a decent guitar riff.
Least favourite track: Honestly, the entire album.
Album artwork: Quite a creepy cover that fits the mood, but that’s about it.

I think Live at Leeds was the first live album I ever bought, nearly thirty years ago. It was either this or Rank by The Smiths, both superb in very different ways. For this challenge I went all in and listened to the full two hour deluxe edition.

Live at Leeds is everything a great live album should be. Raw, explosive and completely relentless. It captures The Who at their absolute peak, tight but still on the edge of chaos. You get the power of the early hits alongside standout material from Tommy, which had only recently been released at the time. The bass is thunderous, the vocals are fierce, and the guitar and drums feel like they could tear the venue apart. You can almost feel the sweat and noise coming off the stage. It must have been unbelievable to witness in person.

Favourite track: I could easily choose one of the big hits, but this album introduced me to Heaven and Hell and Tattoo, both absolute gems.
Least favourite track: None. Everything here earns its place.
Album artwork: A classic and instantly recognisable cover. Simple, understated and completely iconic