Reviews by mikey_nc

A very 90s album, though I wouldn’t really call it grunge; closer to something like Fugazi. A bit repetitive (and maybe bordering on misogynistic) but the music is pretty good.

Best song: Debonair

John Lee Hooker’s got plenty of respect from me, but wow that was one of the most boring albums I’ve ever heard.

Best song: No Substitute

Dated, without question, but also a bright and daring slash through the racial barriers of American music in the mid-20th century. Charles takes country music and dresses it up in the styles of jazz and R&B to make it his own. A fascinating intersection of American musical traditions, and a great album.

Best song: I Can’t Stop Loving You

A colossal and quite creative album that takes some weird turns but consistently dazzles. I’m not even the biggest fan of him personally, but I still think Prince probably hasn’t quite earned his due as one of our best all-around musicians.

Best song: Adore

A strange little album with a sound that’s hard to pin down, tossing acoustic guitar into a surprisingly textural and atmospheric album that somehow still feels like punk. I didn’t love it but I did enjoy it.

Best song: Understanding

I’m not a big fan of the 80s sound, but I can recognize when it works, and it works here. Similar to Tears for Fears or Depeche Mode, I think I’m into this album because there’s an awareness of how icy and robotic its synths sound, and the band leans into that rather then letting the dissonance sit there unacknowledged. Helps that a lot of it is really catchy.

Best song: Don’t You Want Me

Gorgeous and understated, wall-to-wall full of great songs. Maybe the shiniest hidden gem that the generator has treated me to.

Best song: Love at the Five & Dime

A profoundly creative album, packed full of soundscapes that would have been unrealizable just a couple years prior to its release. Of course, much of it is self-indulgent stoner BS, but if you have at least as much of a stomach for it as I do then you’ll probably like this.

Best song: Astronomy Domine

A few too many excessively long songs, but overall a great album driven by a strong, unique voice.

Best song: Didn’t Cha Know

I acknowledge Leonard Cohen’s talent but damn dude, sometimes I’m just not in the mood.

Best song: Joan of Arc

This is mostly 80s slop, though I acknowledge there is more effort and vision here than most 80s slop. An interesting album if not one I liked.

Best song: The Power of Love

This album is quite well-produced, has some solid melodies, and deserves some credit for being a successful shift in sound for the band. That said, I don’t think this holds up super well. It’s often a little too slick and professional, and overall just kind of lacking in passion.

Best song: One

One of the most profoundly strange albums that the generator has offered up. I appreciated its unique vibe and sound, but I can’t say I enjoyed much of the actual music.

Best song: Opus Dei

A rich album with a distinct sound and an artful voice. It can be self-indulgent, but it’s a great piece of work.

Best song: Revelator

A fun and well-made pop album. I recognize this is quality but I can’t say I’m super into it myself.

Best song: You Might Think

I started out a little iffy on his voice, but I actually got super into this as it stretched on. His voice can be an acquired taste though, and then I discovered he’s kind of a creep. Whoops. The album’s still pretty good I guess.

Best song: Die Trying

From Kings of Leon to the Beta Band to this guy, I can’t help but feel like the makers of this list did not have great foresight about who was going to come out of the 2000s interesting or relevant.

Best song: Peach Trees

Kind of all the same thing, but very consistent and heavy with some great guitar.

Best song: Desperate Cry

There’s no way you can convince me that the damn Beta Band deserved two albums on this list.

Objectively, this album was pretty dense and unique, with lots of original ideas and beats. Personally, I kind of hated it. We’ll split the difference.