Reviews by theblanderman

A classic album that definitely sets a mood. A handful of less memorable tracks and the annoying "Sexy Boy" hold it back from its full potential, but the great tracks (especially Ce matin-là) really stand the test of time. 3.5/5 -> 4/5

I'm now convinced I dislike most things that came out of Lou Reed's head. The album actually started strong with the chanting "White light/White heat" elements on the first song. The vignette described in The Gift was also very good. After that things got either forgettable or annoying. Sister Ray is a tedious trash song which the experimental aspects were improved upon by kraut rock bands of the 70s.
All around a few moments of interest in another meh Reed album. 2/5

A muted, neutered alternative rock album that trembles in the shadow of it's predecessors. Some songs had a few budding ideas, but ultimately it fell short because it sounded like Pablo Honey era Radiohead, mixed with early Oasis about 9 years too late. 2/5

I really was going in with negative expectations on this one given how overplayed the title track is, but it really wasn't all that bad. Catchy songs, some good themes... Not bad. 3/5

I've given the Byrds a lot of shit because this author saw fit to include seemingly every one of their albums on this list, but honestly this one wasn't so bad. Minimal country elements, and more psychedelic folk rock with lyrics, samples and instrumentals that subvert expectations. Still could be a bit more interesting by going much much further outside of the box, but much much better than I had expected. 3/5

This album was such a neutered mixture of both 90s radiohead and grunge music. Some nice string elements that you could definitely see translate to Bittersweet Symphony. 2.3/5 -> 2/5

I love grunge, and Superunknown is no exception. Such great hooks and amazing and timeless songs. The song "Superunknown" has to be one of my favorite grunge songs of all time. That being said, the album is pretty bloated at 70 mins with several tracks towards the second half being less than memorable. Still though, a great listen all around! 3.7/5 -> 4/5

All around a pretty good release from PJ. All around I found the songs pretty homogenous. Thom Yorke was of course a pleasant surprise. All around not bad. 3/5

Pretty good. Pretty dated sound with that basic rock n roll style but that's to be expected from the 50s. 2.5/5 -> 3/5

I really didn't enjoy this for the most part, though the size and scale is fairly impressive. I like how the first song started, but after that it became dull and lost it's luster. The punk elements did not help, of course. Make enough of an impression, but I really don't think this is a "must-listen". 1.5/5 -> 2/5

I like most genres of music, but punk and post-punk are just not my thing.
Most of the tracks sound the same, using the same guitar passages and vocal delivery as in Anarchy in the UK (which is one of the o.k. songs). Pretty vacant wasn't bad either, but still an unimpressive album overall that would probably be more interesting live. 2/5.

At first listen I found most tracks to be pretty toothless and forgettable. On second listen a few moments arose that I liked, but still not a listen I'd ever return to. All in all not horrible, but still just below average. 2.4/5 -> 2/5

Amazing to see the Mars Volta in this list. The band is certainly the definition of an acquired taste, but if one can learn to enjoy/tolerate Cedric's vocals and appreciate Omars intricate musicality then you'll really see each one of their works as a masterpiece.
Deloused is often touted as the fan favorite, though I personally prefer most of the later releases of the band (if you liked this album DEFINITELY listen to at least "Frances the Mute" and "The Bedlam in Goliath", especially if you're a fan of funk music). That being said, the ideas presented on this album are foundational the the band, and I wouldn't change a thing. The only thing that pulls this back a bit from a solid five is that is doesn't go far enough - but definitely still rounds up. (Especially when all the competitors on this list are either The Byrd's, Neil Young, or unknown UK groups)
4.5/5 -> 5/5

The instrumentals were pretty good throughout with some exceptions, but I found the singing and lyrics to be very grating. Very repetitive, monotone and non-stop. Sometimes you need to give the music space to breathe man. Also I love a good long song, but that last song way WAY too long for how little it has to say and how repetitive it was. 2.5/5 -> 3/5

Nick Drake was an amazing musician and vocalist. I'm constantly impressed with the high quality albums on this list. The only deficits are really that this album is too short, and they some of the songs in the middle of the album get slightly less memorable. Great music overall though. 4/5

What an awful album. I love modern hip hop and appreciate the rough patches we needed to get here, but damn. Over an hour of weird horny repetitive rapping in weird voices, with bad skits mixed in. 1/5

A pretty strong start that mellows out quick in the middle and end. Not bad at all, but certainly inconsistent. 3/5

Pretty good. Calm and safe music. Some tracks were better than others. The closing track was repetitive and weak, but a net positive experience. 2.5/5 -> 3/5

A waste of 28 minutes.
There have been a number of poorly sequenced live albums on here that I thought were stupid additions to this list, but I can't believe a compilation album of bad garage punk songs from a one-hit-wonder band made the cut. At least live albums typically have a story or personality.
Really a huge disappointment and a contender for one of the worst uses of a spot on this list. 1/5

A thoroughly unimpressive rendition of other soul/funk/R&B of the time. Most of the tracks are forgettable other than the singles (which really aren't that good). Not his best work. 2/5