Reviews by kitch82

This challenge has finally got me into Led Zeppelin—something I’ve struggled with for over 30 years. Led Zeppelin II is another excellent album that’s helped change that.

Going in, the only track I really knew was Whole Lotta Love—a brilliant song—but what surprised me was how it sits among a whole album of brilliant songs. It’s a consistently strong listen. One thing I’ve really grown to appreciate is Jimmy Page’s guitar work. His riffs are outstanding, and he has such a unique style and sound. Add in the powerful bass and drums, and you’ve got a band firing on all cylinders.

Favourite track: Whole Lotta Love
Least favourite track: Honestly, every song here is worth a listen.
Album artwork: A great, distinctive cover.

Tragic Songs of Life by The Louvin Brothers is about as far into country music as I can manage.

The album feels very dated, with a heavy reliance on banjo, though there are some nice guitar flourishes — the riff in Let Her Go, God Bless Her being a standout. The storytelling is strong, with each song steeped in themes of loss and heartache, but overall I found the record a little naff and difficult to connect with. Country music simply isn’t for me.

Favourite track: In the Pines and Alabama are about as good as it gets.
Least favourite track: Kentucky didn’t work for me.
Album artwork: A very standard cover for its time.

Smokers Delight by Nightmares On Wax was a completely new listen for me, as I’d never heard of the artist or the album before.

Unfortunately, it didn’t win me over. The opener, Nights Introlude, genuinely sounds like the template for phone hold music — I honestly felt like I was on the line to HSBC. Things do improve slightly after that, but not by much. The record settles firmly into background music territory: nothing really grabs your attention, and nothing feels particularly memorable. At 16 tracks, it drags on far too long, and overall it felt rather pointless. I won’t be coming back to this one.

Favourite track: If I had to pick, Bless My Soul stood out a little, but only just.
Least favourite track: Nights Introlude — an awful start.
Album artwork: A chaotic, messy cover with far too much going on. Not for me.

L.A. Woman by The Doors is, for me, their best album — and one I’ve always loved.

The Doors can be very hit and miss. At their best, they’re brilliant, but too often they drift into middle-of-the-road blues or songs that just don’t work. L.A. Woman, however, captures them at their strongest.

Standout tracks like Love Her Madly, L.A. Woman, and Riders on the Storm are exceptional — full of atmosphere, groove, and unforgettable basslines. The lyrics are haunting yet melodic, and these songs were a huge part of my musical journey growing up.

Favourite track: L.A. Woman and Love Her Madly
Least favourite track: Crawling Kiss Snake
Album artwork: Iconic, instantly recognisable cover.

My first impression of Central Reservation is that Beth Orton has a lovely voice — warm, natural, and easy to listen to.

The album itself sits firmly in that late-90s wave of singer-songwriters experimenting with an electronic-folk blend. It’s pleasant enough, but never rises above that. There are a few nice moments scattered throughout, but equally as many forgettable ones. Overall, it feels safe, inoffensive, and firmly middle-of-the-road — nothing really grabs your attention or makes you stop and think wow.

The biggest issue is that the songs often overstay their welcome. They meander on without a strong sense of direction or resolution, which makes parts of the album drag.

Favourite track: Stolen Car and Pass in Time are genuinely nice listens.
Least favourite track: Much of the record is too average to stand out, but the title track Central Reservation in particular feels like it doesn’t go anywhere.
Album artwork: A standard cover that doesn’t leave much of an impression.

Through this challenge I have discovered I really like Traffic and Steve Winwood. I am currently going down the rabbit whole of his entire back catelougue.

Todays album is their fourth album John Barleycorn Must Die and this album really is good fun and an easy listen.

I think the sound of this album is quite modern and new for 1970. There are so many sounds on this album from R&B to jazz to a bit of northern soul with heavy use of piano an organ. I like it and I like the instrumentals.

Favourite track: Empty Paiges, stranger to himself and I just want you to know are great songs.
Least favourite track: I think the title track John Barleycorn Must Die is probably the weakest on the album.
Album artwork: Cool cover.

Tubular Bells is an interesting and ambitious listen. There are some genuinely lovely moments throughout, and it’s incredible to think that Mike Oldfield played every instrument himself—especially considering he was only 19 at the time.

The album is made up of just four tracks spread over an hour, with the opener stretching to 25 minutes. It’s a unique structure, but one that makes it difficult to stay fully engaged. For me, it quickly became background music rather than something I actively wanted to focus on.

It’s a clever, experimental album with some strong musical ideas, but ultimately, it’s not something I’ll return to.

Favourite track: Tubular Bells Pt. 1 – the most recognisable and engaging piece.
Least favourite: Nothing stands out as bad, but much of it feels like musical nonsense by the end.
Album artwork: An iconic and instantly recognisable cover.

Dirt was my first time listening to Alice in Chains. I went in expecting something dark, grungy, and heavy — and that’s exactly what I got.

Grunge, hard rock, and metal aren’t usually my genres, so I suspected this wouldn’t be for me. I still gave it a fair try, but I struggled to get through it in one sitting. The album feels very one-note, with little variation in sound or mood, and I often found my attention drifting.

Favourite track: None — this style just isn’t my thing.
Least favourite track: Honestly, all of it. I won’t be revisiting this one.
Album artwork: Not something I’d want on my wall.

Today’s listen is Morrissey’s debut solo album, Viva Hate—an album I’ve loved for years. In my view, Morrissey’s strongest solo work is the material he created with Stephen Street, and this record is a prime example.

You can hear echoes of songs that might easily have found a home on a Smiths album, which gives Viva Hate the feel of a natural continuation while also marking a confident, distinctive solo debut. On most days, I’d say this is my favourite Morrissey solo album—though that opinion tends to shift depending on my mood.

The lyrics are poetic, powerful, and perfectly of their time, capturing Morrissey’s wit and melancholy in equal measure.

Favourite track: “Everyday Is Like Sunday” and “Suedehead” are superb, but I also love hidden gems like “Alsatian Cousin” and “Angel, Angel, Down We Go Together.”
Least favourite track: “Bengali in Platforms” and “Break Up the Family” are the weaker moments here.
Album artwork: A classic Morrissey cover—iconic and understated.

I’ve never really managed to get into The Flaming Lips, despite trying a few times over the years. Today, I decided to give Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots a proper listen—and I’m glad I did.

Their 10th studio album leans more into an electronic sound, which is much closer to my taste. I ended up listening to it several times today and found myself really enjoying it. Standout moments include “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1” and “Pt. 2,” as well as “Fight Test.” “Do You Realize??” is also an absolute belter. While the album can blur into itself after a while, it’s a pleasantly immersive kind of “samey.”

Who would have thought I’d enjoy a concept album about robots—blending psychedelic rock and electronica—with such introspective and emotional lyrics?

Favourite track: “Do You Realize??”
Least favourite track: None—every track is worth a listen.
Album artwork: Really cool and eye-catching.

Grace by Jeff Buckley is an album I’d always intended to hear in full but, for one reason or another, never quite got around to—until today. I was genuinely excited to finally give it my undivided attention.

What struck me most was its range: it moves effortlessly from soaring, impassioned rock to delicate, heartfelt ballads, with subtle threads of prog and psychedelia woven throughout. Expansive yet perfectly cohesive, it’s a stunning showcase of Buckley’s extraordinary talent—both as a vocalist and as a musician.

This is an album I’ll return to time and again.

Favourite track: Every song is excellent, but “Grace” and “Hallelujah” stand out.
Least favourite track: None—there isn’t a weak moment here.
Album artwork: Iconic and instantly recognisable.

It’s hard to see how Car Wheels on a Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams earned a place on such a prestigious list as 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

To my ears, this is average, formulaic modern country. From the very first track, you know exactly what’s coming — and the next dozen songs stick to the same formula. Williams has a pleasant voice, but the songwriting feels forgettable, with nothing that truly grabs you. I can’t help but think there are stronger albums in this genre that deserve the spot more.

Favourite tracks: “Can’t Let Go,” “Joy,” and “Still I Long for Your Kiss” — a little more up-tempo and lively compared to the rest of the album.
Least favourite track: Honestly, most of them could fit here; the record felt basic and uninspired overall.
Album artwork: Simple yet appealing.

Raw Power is a great album, though I still have a soft spot for The Stooges’ debut. That said, I was looking forward to giving this one a proper listen today.

My first impression might have been off — this is a fantastic record, packed with energy, aggression, and some truly brilliant guitar riffs.

Overall, it’s an easy and enjoyable listen. Raw Power delivers exactly what its title promises: raw, aggressive music bursting with energy.

Favourite track: Gimme Danger – an outstanding song with a killer riff, though honestly there are plenty of contenders.
Least favourite track: Penetration – just a bit too grim for my taste.
Album artwork: An iconic Iggy Pop cover that perfectly matches the music’s intensity.

Modern Kosmology by Jane Weaver is one of the more recent entries on the list, released in 2017. I’ll admit, I’d never heard of her or her work before.

At first, this was a tricky album to get into. I ended up listening to it two or three times today just to form an opinion—which, in hindsight, probably says I liked it enough to keep coming back.

The music feels fresh and distinctive, with a style that’s unmistakably her own. Weaver’s vocals are a highlight: at times they feel like an instrument in themselves, weaving through the dark, melodic soundscapes. While no single track jumped out as a runaway favourite, the album is consistently engaging from start to finish.

Favourite track: Loops in the Secret Society is a gorgeous ballad that flows seamlessly into the more club-like The Architect. Two great songs—completely different, yet perfectly complementary.
Least favourite track: None in particular—it’s a solid listen throughout.
Album artwork: Striking, stylish, and instantly eye-catching.

Who's Next by The Who has been one of my favourite albums for over 30 years—certainly since seeing them live for the first of many times back in 2002.

Listening again with a little less nostalgia, it’s clear the album features some truly powerful songs. The big hitters are as brilliant as ever, but tracks like “Bargain” and “My Wife” also deserve more recognition. That said, the middle section does dip slightly, with songs like “Getting in Tune” and “Going Mobile” feeling more like filler. Still, I’ve always loved Pete Townshend’s vocals on those tracks—especially on “Bargain” and “Going Mobile.”

In summary, Who's Next is an album with a strong start and finish, a slight lull in the middle, but it remains a fantastic listen. It's one I’ll always come back to.

Favourite track: “Baba O’Riley” – iconic, with that unforgettable intro and lyrics full of angst and despair.
Honourable mentions: “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Behind Blue Eyes.”
Least favourite track: “Getting in Tune,” if I had to pick one.
Album artwork: Iconic and instantly recognisable.

Teen Dream by Beach House completely passed me by back in 2010—I’d never heard of the band or the album until now.

Given the glowing reviews, I was expecting something truly special. But honestly, this one just didn’t land for me. I understand that it was seen as a fresh alternative to indie and pop at the time, but to my ears, it feels middle of the road. Nothing stood out, nothing stuck with me, and overall, I found it quite dull. It lacks the energy and inventiveness of similar-era acts like MGMT.

Favourite tracks: “Real Love” and “Silver Soul” were okay.
Least favourite tracks: Most of the album, unfortunately. It just feels very mediocre.
Album artwork: Not much to say—uninspiring.

As a big fan of the Pet Shop Boys, I was really looking forward to listening to Very—and it didn’t disappoint.

This album is pure fun: upbeat, danceable, and packed with witty lyrics and catchy melodies. It leans into a campy charm that's completely intentional and totally effective. While it may not feature as many massive hits as some of their other albums, it stands out for its consistency—every track feels strong, making it one of their most cohesive and complete records. I think this might actually be my favourite PSB album.

Favourite track: “Can You Forgive Her?” is fantastic.
Least favourite track: Every song earns its place.
Album artwork: Simple, but very cool—bold and iconic.

I was expecting some old-fashioned, dated country music from Honky Tonk Heroes, but I was pleasantly surprised. This album is far better than I anticipated.

It’s classic country at its finest—rich with melody and storytelling that weaves pain, hope, and love into every track. The album is short and sweet, making it an easy, enjoyable listen. While I liked it, I’m not sure it’s something I’ll come back to regularly.

Favourite tracks: “Omaha” and “Willy the Wandering Gypsy and Me”
Least favourite track: Honestly, every song was worth a listen.
Album artwork: The cover captures a joyful moment—everyone looks like they’re having a great time.

I have never heard of Penance Soiree by The Icarus Line nefore and have no idea what to expect here. lets give it a go.

Favourite track: I couldnt pick one.
Least favourite track: everything was just so pointlessly loud and yet boring at the same time. I could happily never listen to this again.
Album artwork: Not a fan

Lost Souls isn’t my favourite Doves album, but I’m looking forward to revisiting it—it’s been a long time. I was surprised to realize it only came out in 2000; for some reason, I always thought it was from the early '90s. Doves have a timeless quality that makes their music feel like it’s been around forever.

There’s a lot to like on this album. Standout tracks for me include “Here It Comes,” “Sea Song,” “The Cedar Room,” and “Catch the Sun.” The instrumentation is atmospheric and rich, while the lyrics lean into a darker, more introspective mood. It’s a solid, immersive listen from start to finish.

Favourite tracks: “The Cedar Room,” “Catch the Sun”
Least favourite track: Honestly, every song earns its place.
Album artwork: Very cool cover—moody and fitting for the music.