Reviews by kitch82

Today marks my 900th album in this challenge, so I was hoping for something special from Spacemen 3. I went into Playing with Fire expecting a memorable listen.

Unfortunately, this album did absolutely nothing for me. I found Playing with Fire to be a tough listen — slow, repetitive and, ultimately, quite boring. I kept waiting for something to click or for a track to grab my attention, but that moment never really came.

I can appreciate the hypnotic, droning sound they were going for and understand why some people might find it immersive, but for me it just felt flat and lifeless. I really struggled to find many positives in the experience, and it’s definitely not an album I can see myself ever returning to.

Favourite tracks: None really stood out for me
Least favourite tracks: Nothing specific, but the overall album left me bored to death
Album artwork: I do really like the album cover

I’ve never really been that bothered by Lambchop. Going into Nixon today, my view of them was pretty much the same as it has always been a bit dull, a bit samey and ultimately not that memorable. I was curious to see if this listen would change my mind.

Unfortunately, it didn’t. Nixon pretty much confirmed my previous feelings about the band. It’s perfectly pleasant in the background and never actively unpleasant, but nothing really stands out. No track truly grabs your attention or pulls you in, and I kept waiting for a moment that never really arrived.

That’s probably my biggest issue with the album: there’s nothing bad here, but there’s also very little that feels genuinely great. It just drifts along in a fairly understated, mellow way without leaving much of an impression. I can appreciate the subtle musicianship and laid-back atmosphere, but I honestly struggle to understand how this made the 1001 list.

Favourite tracks: “Up With People” was okay and probably the closest thing to a standout
Least favourite tracks: Nothing specifically bad, just very little that felt memorable
Album artwork: Cool album cover

As a longtime fan of Billy Bragg, I went into Talking with the Taxman About Poetry with high expectations, and it didn’t disappoint.

What Billy does so well is combine sharp political commentary with deeply personal songwriting, all delivered with honesty, wit and real passion. His lyrics feel like poetry from the street, clever, grounded and full of heart. Lines like “Whoops, there goes another year / Whoops, there goes another pint of beer” are classic Billy: funny, relatable and deceptively smart.

What strikes me most is how relevant Billy’s message still feels today. His mix of cynicism, compassion and belief in collective action feels just as powerful now as it did when this album was released. For me, that’s the mark of great songwriting.

Favourite tracks: “Greetings to the New Brunette”, “Levi Stubbs’ Tears”, “There Is Power in a Union” and “Help Save the Youth of America”
Least favourite tracks: Every track earns its place on the album
Album artwork: A classic Billy Bragg cover that suits the album perfectly

Echo & the Bunnymen are one of my favourite bands, and Ocean Rain is such a superb album that I never need an excuse to put it on.

This album is brilliant its close to perfect, moving and, for me, the absolute peak of the Bunnymen’s work. Everything about it just works. The atmosphere, the strings, the melodies and Ian McCulloch’s voice all come together beautifully.

A lot of music from that era can feel dated now, but Ocean Rain still sounds as alive, powerful and magical as ever. This is one of those rare albums that never loses its impact no matter how many times you hear it.

Favourite tracks: “Ocean Rain” and “The Killing Moon” are both superb, though “Thorn of Crowns” remains my personal favourite
Least favourite tracks: Every song on the album deserves its place
Album artwork: I’ve always loved the album cover — iconic and perfectly suited to the music

I went into this listen already as a big fan of Supergrass, and I’ve always had a lot of love for In It for the Money, so I was really looking forward to revisiting it.

This album instantly takes me back to the sound of my Britpop youth. It’s catchy, energetic and an absolute joy to listen to. This is feel-good indie music done properly — full of hooks, attitude and that effortless cool that made Supergrass stand out from so many of their peers.

The musicianship is excellent throughout. The band sound tight, confident and full of energy, with great guitar work, strong melodies and that unmistakable Supergrass bounce. What I love most is how fun the album feels without ever sounding lightweight — there’s real quality in the songwriting.

There are so many great tracks here that transport me straight back to that era. Songs like “Sun Hits the Sky”, “Richard III” and “Late in the Day” are peak 90s indie for me and still sound fantastic today. This is an album I’ll happily keep coming back to.

Favourite tracks: “Richard III” is an absolute belter
Least favourite tracks: Every track earns its place on the album
Album artwork: Really cool album cover

On my first listen to Scott 4 by Scott Walker, my immediate reaction was: how on earth did this make the 1001 list?

At first, the whole thing felt strangely theatrical. It reminded me of The Mike Flowers Pops, so much so that I half expected a lounge cover of Wonderwall to appear at any moment. My initial reaction was strong dislike.

That said, because the album is relatively short, I ended up leaving it on for two or three listens while I worked, and something unexpected happened: its sheer cheesiness started to grow on me. Somewhere between the dramatic vocals, sweeping arrangements and over-the-top cabaret feel, I found myself weirdly enjoying parts of it. It might even be a bit of a guilty pleasure.

Overall though, I still think this is pretty awful. There are occasional decent moments, but most of the album feels like cheap cabaret dressed up as something more profound.

Favourite tracks: There were a few okay moments, particularly “Hero of the War”
Least favourite tracks: Most of the album felt like cheap cabaret. “On Your Own Again” did absolutely nothing for me
Album artwork: Perfectly fine, nothing special

This was always going to be an interesting listen. I absolutely love the album cover of Tago Mago, but going in I had no real idea what to expect from Can.

There is a huge amount going on throughout this album. It pulls from rock, jazz, improvisation, and early-70s electronic music, with even hints of industrial noise throughout.

The frustrating thing for me is that buried within all the experimentation are some genuinely brilliant moments. When the band lock into a groove, the music is hypnotic, inventive and really engaging. But for my taste, there is simply too much industrial-style noise and abstract experimentation, and a lot of it feels unnecessary. At times it sounds less like music and more like being stuck in the middle of a builder’s yard.

Tracks like “Aumgn” really tested my patience, and the album’s length doesn’t help either. At over 70 minutes, it becomes exhausting and starts to drag badly.

Favourite tracks: “Oh Yeah” and “Mushroom” were both great fun and showed the album at its best
Least favourite tracks: “Aumgn” was a real struggle
Album artwork: Brilliant album cover — I love the colours and the imagery

Palo Congo was a tough listen. Rumba and Afro-Cuban percussion-led music have never really been genres I would like or listen to.

One of the great things about this challenge is that it introduces me to music I would never normally seek out, and I always try to approach those albums with an open mind. However, this is one that I struggled to get much from. While I can appreciate the musicianship and understand how impressive and influential it must have sounded in 1957, it simply didn't resonate with me as a listening experience.

The percussion and performances are undoubtedly skilled, but without strong melodies or songs for me to latch onto, the album felt more like something to admire than something to enjoy. It's an important record historically, but not one I can see myself returning to.

Favourite tracks: None really stood out for me
Least favourite tracks: Nothing specifically, but the overall style just wasn't for me
Album artwork: A striking cover that certainly catches the eye

Sonic Youth have been one of the biggest surprises of this challenge. Before it started, I'd spent the best part of twenty years trying and failing to get into them.

When I reviewed Dirty in 2024, I gave it one star and pretty much accepted that they just weren't for me. But then came Daydream Nation, Goo and E.V.O.L., all of which I loved. Somewhere along the way, the noisy guitars, unusual tunings, dark atmosphere and off-kilter melodies finally clicked.

So I went into Sister from a very different place than I would have a year ago. Rather than trying to work out why people love Sonic Youth, I was genuinely excited to hear what they would do next.

Thankfully, Sister didn't disappoint. It has everything I've come to enjoy about Sonic Youth: dark, jangly guitars, brooding atmospheres, inventive songwriting and that unique ability to sound both chaotic and melodic at the same time. The album feels raw and restless, but there's a confidence to it that makes the whole thing incredibly engaging.

What I like most about Sonic Youth now is that no one else really sounds like them. Their music can still be challenging at times, but once you're on their wavelength there's something addictive about the sound they've created. Sister is another strong album from a band that has completely won me over during this challenge.

Favourite tracks: “Catholic Block” is a great song
Least favourite tracks: Everything on the album is worth a listen
Album artwork: Cool album cover with lots going on visually

Honky Tonk Masquerade was completely new to me. Looking at the title and album cover, I was expecting a fairly traditional country album, so I went into it with a reasonable idea of what was coming.

What I got was a slightly more modern and adventurous take on country music, with touches of experimentation in both the music and production. While I can appreciate that approach, it didn't really do much for me. The album has its moments, but overall I struggled to connect with it and found a lot of the lyrics fairly uninspiring.

As country albums go, it's perfectly decent, but it's just not a style of music that resonates with me. There are flashes of quality throughout, but not enough to make me want to revisit the album in the future.

Favourite tracks: “Cornbread Moon” is a really strong opener and immediately grabbed my attention. “Fingernails” was the other track that stood out for me
Least favourite tracks: “Honky Tonk Masquerade” felt quite dull and never really got going
Album artwork: A standard country album cover that gives you a good idea of what to expect from the music inside

When American Idiot came out, I remember being so anti-Green Day that I never really gave it a chance. Twenty years later, it felt like the perfect time to finally sit down and listen to it properly.

A lot of that prejudice came from Dookie, which I really disliked as a teenager. Because of that, I assumed Green Day were all loud, shouty punk rock with little substance. American Idiot proved me wrong. There are some genuinely great songs here, and a lot more variety than I was expecting.

What surprised me most was the ambition of the album. Yes, there are the big, energetic rock songs, but there are also some excellent ballads, strong melodies and surprisingly good storytelling running through the lyrics. It feels far more considered and mature than I had given it credit for all those years ago.

It's still not a genre I would naturally gravitate towards, and I probably won't be rushing back to it regularly, but I came away with a much greater appreciation for Green Day as songwriters and musicians. Sometimes revisiting an album years later can completely change your perspective, and that's definitely what happened here.

Favourite tracks: “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”
Least favourite tracks: Everything on the album was worth a listen
Album artwork: Cool album cover

Back at the Chicken Shack by Jimmy Smith was my introduction to the Hammond organ, and what a fantastic sound it is. From the opening notes, the organ completely dominates the album and gives it a distinctive character that is both soulful and incredibly cool.

The overall sound is relaxed, warm and effortlessly stylish. There’s a groove running through the entire record that makes it very easy to sink into, and at times I could hear elements that would later influence the sounds of Northern Soul and ska. Whether that's actually the case or not, there’s definitely something timeless about the feel of this album.

What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere it creates. It’s the kind of record you can put on in the background and enjoy, but it also rewards closer listening thanks to the quality of the musicianship. The Hammond organ is the star of the show, but every player contributes to the album's laid-back charm.

Favourite track: “Back at the Chicken Shack”
Least favourite track: Every track is worth listening to, although the album can feel a little repetitive at times
Album artwork: Lovely dog on the cover!

Joan Armatrading's self-titled album was a really enjoyable listen and one of those records that quietly grows on you as it progresses. The songwriting is excellent, the lyrics are thoughtful and intelligent, and there are some wonderful guitar performances throughout.

What stands out most is the quality of the songs. Joan Armatrading has a unique voice and a natural ability to tell stories and convey emotion without ever sounding forced or overdramatic. The album feels honest, warm and effortlessly crafted, which makes it very easy to connect with.

This is definitely an album I can see myself coming back to. It may not be flashy or attention-grabbing, but it's packed with strong songwriting and memorable performances that reward repeat listens.

Favourite tracks: “People” and “Love and Affection” are both fantastic songs
Least favourite tracks: I enjoyed every track on the album
Album artwork: Standard album cover

I’ve always had a soft spot for Slade. They’re a band that never seem to take themselves too seriously, and their combination of big riffs, catchy hooks and good-time rock and roll is always a lot of fun. Slayed? delivers exactly what I want from a Slade album.

The album is energetic, loud, busy and hugely entertaining from start to finish. There’s a real sense of fun running through every track, and it’s packed with the kind of singalong choruses and stomping rhythms that made the band so popular. It’s not trying to be clever or groundbreaking; it’s simply a collection of great rock songs played with enthusiasm and confidence.

My only minor gripe is the deliberately misspelled song titles. I know it's part of the band's identity and charm, but I've never been a huge fan of it. That said, it's a very small complaint on an album that is otherwise incredibly enjoyable.

This is an easy album to put on, have fun with and revisit. If you're looking for serious, thought-provoking music, look elsewhere. If you want infectious glam rock packed with energy and personality, this delivers in spades.

Favourite tracks: “Gudbuy T'Jane”, “My Life Is Natural” and “Mama Weer All Crazee Now”
Least favourite tracks: Everything on the album is worth a listen
Album artwork: Cool album cover

Os Mutantes is certainly an interesting listen. It's not the sort of album I would naturally choose to put on, and I doubt I'll return to it very often, but I have to admit it was a fascinating experience.

The album is completely all over the place in the best and worst possible ways. Psychedelic Brazilian folk-pop is already an unusual combination, and the band throw so many different sounds, instruments and ideas into the mix that it's impossible to predict where a song is going next. At times it's chaotic, at times brilliant, and often both at the same time.

You can clearly hear influences from The Beatles and 1960s American pop music, but everything is filtered through a uniquely Brazilian and psychedelic lens. The result is an album that feels inventive, experimental and unlike almost anything else I've heard on this challenge.

It's also one of those records that's incredibly difficult to rate. I can't honestly say I loved it, but I was never bored by it either. Even when it felt bizarre or confusing, it remained interesting throughout, and that's probably its greatest strength.

Favourite tracks: I particularly enjoyed the opening two tracks
Least favourite tracks: Nothing was truly bad, although the album's bizarre nature made it a challenging listen at times
Album artwork: An absolutely bonkers album cover that perfectly matches the music inside

Going into Mr. Tambourine Man, I already had mixed feelings about The Byrds from this challenge. I've discovered that I really enjoy their psychedelic, jangly pop side, with albums like Fifth Dimension and The Notorious Byrd Brothers being pleasant surprises. On the other hand, Sweetheart of the Rodeo was one of my least favourite albums on the entire list, as their move into country-rock did absolutely nothing for me.

What I've learned is that I like The Byrds when they're dreamy, melodic and experimental. The harmonies, jangly guitars and psychedelic atmosphere are where they shine for me. So I was interested to see where Mr. Tambourine Man would sit and whether it would lean more towards the side of the band I enjoy or the side that leaves me cold.

Thankfully, this falls firmly into the former category. As a debut album, Mr. Tambourine Man is a fantastic introduction to the band and a clear blueprint for the sound that would make them so influential. Roger McGuinn's 12-string Rickenbacker is all over this record, giving it that instantly recognisable jangly sound that feels fresh even today.

The songs themselves are excellent, although having four Bob Dylan covers certainly doesn't hurt. The Byrds take Dylan's songwriting and wrap it in gorgeous harmonies and shimmering guitars, creating something that feels distinctively their own. The combination works brilliantly and results in an album that is both easy to listen to and hugely influential.

This is another Byrds album that has reinforced what I enjoy most about the band, and it's definitely one I'll be returning to in the future.

Favourite tracks: “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a superb cover, and I really enjoyed “Chimes of Freedom”
Least favourite tracks: Everything on the album was worth listening to
Album artwork: A standard but very recognisable 1960s album cover

All Directions by The Temptations is a fantastic listen. It’s vibrant, energetic and packed with groove from start to finish. The Temptations have such a distinctive sound, and this album showcases exactly why they are regarded as one of the great vocal groups.

The title All Directions feels very fitting because the album explores so many different styles. One moment you're listening to deep funk grooves, the next you're hearing soulful pop melodies, and somehow it all hangs together brilliantly. There’s a real sense of variety throughout the record, but it never feels disjointed. Instead, it keeps the album fresh and engaging from beginning to end.

The musicianship is excellent, the vocals are superb, and there’s an effortless coolness running through the whole album. It’s the kind of record that’s easy to put on and enjoy, while still offering plenty of depth and quality.

Favourite tracks: “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is an absolutely brilliant song and the clear standout
Least favourite tracks: Every song on the album earns its place
Album artwork: Cool album cover

I had never even heard of Street Signs by Ozomatli before this challenge, and it turned out to be surprisingly difficult to track down as it wasn't available on Spotify or Apple Music. The description of it as Latin funk rock sounded interesting enough though, so I went into it with an open mind.

Unfortunately, this album just didn't do anything for me. There’s plenty going on stylistically, with influences from Latin music, funk, rock and hip-hop, but none of it really grabbed my attention. I kept waiting for a song or moment that would pull me in, but it never quite happened.

It's not a bad album by any means, and I can appreciate the energy and musicianship behind it, but I found the overall sound fairly uninspiring and struggled to connect with it. By the end, very little had stuck with me and it's not an album I can see myself revisiting.

Favourite tracks: I genuinely couldn't pick one that stood out
Least favourite tracks: Nothing specific, but I found the overall sound quite dull and unmemorable
Album artwork: Cool album cover – I really like the artwork and design style

Stardust by Willie Nelson was already Willie Nelson's 22nd album by 1978, which is an incredible achievement in itself.

I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about an album of covers appearing on a list like this. Part of me thinks the list should focus on original material, but on the other hand, I love a great cover version, especially when an artist brings something new to the song rather than simply recreating it.

That’s exactly what Willie Nelson does here. These songs feel completely natural in his hands, and his distinctive voice and relaxed delivery give them a warmth and character that make them feel like his own. The arrangements are simple, tasteful and timeless, allowing the quality of both the songs and the performances to shine through.

This is a wonderfully easy album to listen to. It never tries too hard, never feels overproduced and just flows effortlessly from one track to the next. Even if I have reservations about cover albums being included on the list, there’s no denying that this is an excellent record.

Favourite tracks: “Blue Skies”, “Georgia on My Mind” and “Stardust”
Least favourite tracks: I enjoyed every track on the album. Nothing felt weak or out of place
Album artwork: A simple but classic album cover that suits the music perfectly
Album artwork: Really nice album cover.

When I saw The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter by The Incredible String Band described as a psychedelic folk album, I’ll admit my expectations were not particularly high. Still, one of the points of this challenge is to keep an open mind, so I gave it a fair chance.

Unfortunately, this album did absolutely nothing for me. I found it baffling from start to finish and struggled to connect with any of the songs. The whole thing felt like an unfunny Monty Python sketch stretched across an album, with bizarre lyrics, strange vocal performances and ideas that seemed more interested in being eccentric than actually being enjoyable to listen to.

I can appreciate that it was probably groundbreaking and influential in its day, but I genuinely have no idea how it made the 1001 Albums list. This is one of those records where I finished it more confused than entertained, and it’s not something I can ever imagine returning to.

Favourite track: Honestly, I couldn't pick one
Least favourite track: The entire album was a struggle for me
Album artwork: I can see why people compare them to the Manson Family — it's certainly an unsettling and memorable cover