Reviews by tallis12

I’m a fan of Spirt of Eden so was excited to see a Talk Talk album this morning but then at the same time disappointed to find out Spirit of Eden isn’t on the list.

This is a more accessible album than Spirit of Eden, as it still retains some of the 80s synth-pop elements of their previous work. However, it also explores more complex and diverse musical styles, such as jazz, art pop and ambient. The album is beautifully produced, with a rich and layered sound that reflects Talk Talk’s experimental approach and artistic vision. The Colour of Spring is a sonic stepping stone that transcends the boundaries of genre and time.

Stand alone this album is a soild 4 stars out of 5, but because the spirit of Eden followed this and it’s not on the list, I’m going to give this album the full 5 stars to make up for that injustice.

There is already too many Bowie albums
On the list, therefore we don’t need albums from cheap imitation's either.

This album begins with a bang, featuring two of Röyksopp’s most iconic songs, “Eple” and “Poor Leno”. However, the rest of the tracks fail to maintain the same level of excitement and innovation, and end up sounding like generic ambient music. While the album is not bad as a background soundtrack, I don’t consider it an album you should listen to before you die.

I was skeptical when I heard this was a punk country album, but I was pleasantly surprised by how creative and innovative it was. It must have been a groundbreaking album when it came out in 1985.

The lyrics are strong and deal with the dark realities of war and oppression. However, some of the country elements feel a bit cheesy and out of place. This is an album worth listening to at least once, but I don't think I'll revisit it often. I give it three stars out of five.

This isn't a bad album, but I'm not sure why it is in the book. It would make more sense if the book was called 1001 Albums to Listen to from the 00s.

It is strange to have only one Arctic Monkeys album on the list, but also include a Last Shadow Puppets album. I would prefer AM, Favourite Worst Nightmare, and Humbug over this album. For that reason, I can only give this album two stars.

New York Dolls is a landmark album that paved the way for punk rock and glam rock, blending raw energy, catchy hooks, and outrageous style. I would describe it as The Rolling Stones meets Punk meets Glam Rock.

This album was ahead of its time and influenced many bands and artists that followed, such as the Sex Pistols, the Ramones, Kiss, or Guns N’ Roses. It challenged the trend of musical sophistication and virtuosity in popular music, particularly progressive rock, and embraced a more simple and direct approach.

A classic and deserves a lot of respect for its originality, influence, and impact. It is is a cracker of an album, that comes out the traps fighting, mixing glam rock with what would become to be known as punk music.

Though stand alone It’s not a perfect album with a few filler tracks in there. But the album is a must-listen for any fan of punk or rock music. I give it 4 stars out of 5.

This album is a brilliant fusion of jazz and bossa nova, showcasing the best of both musical worlds. It features some of the most iconic songs of the genre, such as "The Girl from Ipanema", "Desafinado", and "Corcovado", which are recognisable as have been covered by many artists over the years. I can see why the album was a huge commercial success, becoming one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time.

The performances are flawless, creating a smooth and elegant sound that blends the coolness of jazz with the warmth of Brazilian rhythms. This album is a masterpiece of jazz and world music, and a landmark in the history of bossa nova. An album Iv now added to my frequent rotation list, I give it 4 stars out of 5.

Bitch where you when I was walkin'?
Now I run the game got the whole world talkin', King Kunta

With To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar has created a modern day masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of hip-hop. The album is a musical and lyrical tour de force, exploring the complex realities of African American life and culture in the 21st century.

He combines diverse influences, from jazz and funk to spoken word and soul, to craft a rich and innovative sound that showcases his poetic prowess and social consciousness. The album tackles themes such as racism, oppression, self-love, depression, and redemption, with honesty, courage, and creativity.

In addition, the album features some stunning singles, such as “King Kunta”, “Alright”, “u”, and “The Blacker the Berry”, which are up there with Kendrick’s best. For instance, “King Kunta” is a powerful homage to his roots and influences, while “u” is a heartbreaking confession of his inner struggles and guilt.

To Pimp a Butterfly is not just an album, it is a cultural phenomenon that will resonate with generations to come. It is a work of art that deserves to be studied and celebrated for its artistic excellence and its profound message. This album is a masterpiece that earns 5 stars. Thank God for Rap.

As a Pixies fan, I was curious to check out Frank Black’s solo work. Teenager of the Year is his second solo album, released in 1994, and it features 22 tracks of eclectic rock music. The album title and cover immediately put me off but apparently they are inspired by a magazine contest that Black won when he was a teenager.

The album has some great songs, such as Headache, Speedy Marie, and Freedom Rock, that showcase Black’s distinctive vocals, witty lyrics, and catchy melodies. However, it also has some filler tracks, such as Fazer Eyes, The Hostess with the Mostest, and Superabound, that drag down the overall quality and coherence of the album. The album could have benefited from some editing and trimming, as it feels too long and uneven at times.

Teenager of the Year is a good album, but not a great one. It has some flashes of brilliance, but also some dull moments. It is not as memorable or consistent as the Pixies’ albums, which I stick to in the future.

Django Django is a band that deserves more attention.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 2012, is a refreshing and original mix of genres and influences, from surf rock to synth-pop, from folk to funk. The album showcases the band’s talent for crafting memorable melodies, intricate rhythms, and playful lyrics, while also experimenting with different sounds and textures. The album is full of surprises and twists, such as the spaghetti western-inspired “Hail Bop”, the hypnotic and groovy “Waveforms”, the quirky and catchy “Default”, and the epic and atmospheric “Skies Over Cairo”. The album also features some more subdued and introspective moments, such as the tender and harmonious “Hand of Man”, the dreamy and nostalgic “Love’s Dart”, and the elegant and refined “Silver Rays”. The album is a cohesive and coherent whole, with each song complementing and enhancing the others. The band’s production is also impressive, as they manage to create a rich and diverse sonic landscape with minimal instrumentation and equipment.

The album is a testament to the band’s creativity, versatility, and originality, and a delight for the ears of any music lover. Django Django is an album that I will keep coming back to, and I give it 4 stars out of 5

This is a good Neil Young album and important as it’s his first with his backing band crazy horse. The album showcases Young’s distinctive guitar style, blending folk, rock, and country influences. The songs are catchy and anthemic, but also have a raw and spontaneous edge, reflecting Young’s personal and artistic struggles at the time. The album contains some of his most iconic tracks, such as Cinnamon Girl, Down by the River, and Cowgirl in the Sand. Enjoyable listen but he has better albums and this wouldn’t be his masterpiece by any means. 3 stars out of 5.

I had high hopes for this album, as I am a fan of punk rock. However, I was disappointed by the lack of originality and creativity in this debut album by the Dead Kennedys. The songs sound like a poor imitation of the Sex Pistols. The music is fast and loud, but also monotonous and repetitive. The vocals are shrill and annoying, and the production is poor and amateurish. The only song that stands out is “California Über Alles”, which is a catchy and sarcastic satire of the hippie culture and the political situation in California. The rest of the album is forgettable and boring, and the final track, a cover of “Viva Las Vegas”, is a terrible way to end the album. It is a mockery of the original song, with distorted vocals, distorted guitars, and distorted lyrics. I would not recommend this album to anyone, unless they are a hardcore fan of the Dead Kennedys or punk rock in general. I give it 2 out of 5 stars.

Really soild album from one of the early pioneers of popular music. Charles showcases a unique blend of blues, jazz soul and gospel. But in comparison to modern music this does feel a bit dated now. One that’s worth a listen but won’t be making my frequent rotation list.

I remember the songs Scooby Snacks and Fun Lovin’ Criminal from my youth. They were not my favourites back then, but they had a catchy vibe.

However, listening to the whole album now, I now realise how bad it is. I have no idea how it ended up in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Rap rock is a genre that has not aged well, and this album is one of the worst examples I have listened to recently. The lyrics are cheesy, the music is bland and the vocals are annoying. The only redeeming quality is that it is not too long, so it does not torture you for too long. It barely deserves two stars out of five.

Violator is the first Depeche Mode album that I have listened to, and I was blown away by it.

The album has a dark and captivating atmosphere, with lyrics that are powerful and provocative. The production is also superb, blending electronic and rock elements in a unique and innovative way. The album reminded me of The Cure’s Disintegration (probably because I reviewed it yesterday), which I also loved and gave a perfect score. Violator may not be flawless, but it is definitely one of the best albums of the 80s (even though it came out in 1990). I would give it a 4 out of 5, one I’ll be coming back to.

Another band Iv never heard of before today.

I enjoyed this album for its catchy melodies, fuzzy guitars, organ solos, and vocal effects. It has a lot of charm and personality, and it captures the spirit of the 60s. However, I also found some of the songs to be too formulaic or silly. I think there are other psychedelic rock albums that are more innovative and memorable than this one.

I would give this album a 3/5 rating. It is a worthwhile listen for fans of psychedelic rock, but it is not a masterpiece or a must-have. It is a fun and lively album, but it also has some flaws and limitations.

Disintegration by the Cure is a gothic rock masterpiece that explores the themes of depression, betrayal, and love. The album captures the dark and gloomy mood of Robert Smith, the lead singer and songwriter. The music is haunting and hypnotic, with layers of guitars, keyboards, and drums creating a rich and complex sound. The vocals are emotional and expressive, conveying the pain and despair of the lyrics.

I have listened to some of the Cure's previous albums, but I never really understood their appeal until I heard Disintegration. This album blew me away with its depth and intensity. It made me feel things that I had never felt before. It made me want to revisit their other albums and appreciate them in a new light. Disintegration is not just an album, it's an experience. It's a journey into the dark side of the human soul. It's a masterpiece that deserves five stars.

I have never heard of this band before, but being a fan of post-rock bands like Sigur Rós and Mogwai, I quickly saw this as a big influence on their sound. The album is divided into two distinct halves, each showcasing a different side of the band’s experimental style.

The first half of the album is more ambient and melodic, with soothing synths, piano, and guitar creating a dreamy atmosphere. The opening track “Isi” is a perfect example of this, with its hypnotic rhythm and ethereal sounds. The second track “Seeland” is a slow and somber piece, with mournful guitar lines and sparse percussion. The third track “Leb’ Wohl” is a farewell song, with spoken vocals over waves and piano.

The second half of the album is more aggressive and energetic, with distorted guitars, fast drums, and punk vocals. The fourth track “Hero” is a proto-punk anthem, with Klaus Dinger screaming over a wall of noise. The fifth track “E-Musik” is a 10-minute groove, with a catchy bass line and funky guitar riffs. The sixth track “After Eight” is a reprise of “Hero”, but even more chaotic and wild.

I love the contrast between the two halves of the album, as it shows the versatility and creativity of the band. However, I prefer the first half more, as it is more relaxing and immersive. I think this is a hugely influential and important album in the history of rock music, as it paved the way for genres like post-rock, ambient, punk, and new wave.

It deserves to be in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die1, but it isn’t quite a masterpiece in every part. Some tracks are too long or repetitive, and some vocals are too harsh or unintelligible. I would give it a solid 4/5 rating, and recommend it to anyone who likes experimental and adventurous music.

Metallica’s …And Justice For All is their fourth and most ambitious album. It features some of their longest and most complex songs, such as Blackened, One, Harvester Of Sorrow, and the title track. The album explores themes of injustice, corruption, and oppression with a dark, heavy, and technical sound.

However, the album also suffers from some flaws, such as the poor production quality, the absence of bass guitar, and the tediousness of some tracks.

This album is often underrated in Metallica’s discography, as it is sandwiched between two classics: Master Of Puppets and the Black Album. It is a great example of progressive thrash metal and deserves more recognition, but it is not as accessible or enjoyable as their other works. I appreciate the album for its ambition and intensity, but I prefer to listen to their more balanced and dynamic albums. Therefore, I give it a solid 3 stars out of 5.

This is a cult classic that deserves more attention. David Ackles delivers a performance of songs that explore the diverse aspects of American life, from the rural to the urban, from the past to the present. The album is rich in lyrical and musical details, and features the production of Bernie Taupin and the orchestration of Robert Kirby.

However, the album does not appeal to my taste, (or a lot of others I suspect). It is more of a musical journey that requires patience and attention. Glad it’s on the list but not one I’ll come back to. 3/5.