The 1001 Album Generator Project Thread

[gaporter]

Next up:

This was alright, though it's definitely more background music than something I would actively listen to very often. To be fair, I'm sure any number of these songs would kill at an actual disco, but to sit down and listen to it as an album doesn't do it a ton of favors. It doesn't help that it's extremely front-loaded; the first half is breezy enough, but side B leaves quite a bit to be desired. I Want Your Love at least has an interesting musical idea in the bells used during the main hook, but the last two songs are completely unremarkable and the 7-minute At Last I Am Free is just a straight up dud. Honestly the stand out for me isn't even one of the more dance-oriented cuts, but Savoir Faire, an instrumental with a laid back vibe that also has a killer groove and central riff going for it. I don't know, it's pleasant enough to listen to, probably one of the stronger 3s I've given, but too much of a mixed bag for me to give it my full seal of approval.

 

[gaporter]

And yesterday's album:

A classic. Few albums in the history of music have changed the course of their respective genres the way this one did and that alone justifies it's place on the list. But it's also just really fucking good? I had a Zeppelin phase as a tween and this was definitely one of theirs I kept in rotation. I hadn't revisited the whole thing in a while, though, but it still holds up. In terms of impact and importance, I'd say it deserves a 5, but rating based on my own personal enjoyment, I stuck with a 4, only because I know there's other LZ records I enjoy more than this one. If the website let me use half stars, this would probably be my first 4.5.

 

[gaporter]

Today's album:

 

[Nee Lewman]

I've been listening to a bit of this band over the last couple of years, but I really don't know them beyond what played on the radio.

 

[AndySlash]

well, i don't have to listen to this fresh since i literally listened to it (twice!) after listening to songs of leonard cohen last week. the title track, with that groovy, propelling bass line and lyrics of defiant acceptance but willful surrendering to fate from a god that he never got answers from, is one of my favorite opening tracks to an album ever. as i mentioned last week, music will grab me before lyrics do and what this album has in every track that songs of... does not is music that really supplements and complements cohen's voice and words rather than acting as a background to 'sing' over. the violins weaving their way around cohen's vocals throughout the song steer your way are a perfect example. yes, leonard, i do want it darker.

 

[Nee Lewman]

well, i don't have to listen to this fresh since i literally listened to it (twice!) after listening to songs of leonard cohen last week. the title track, with that groovy, propelling bass line and lyrics of defiant acceptance but willful surrendering to fate from a god that he never got answers from, is one of my favorite opening tracks to an album ever. as i mentioned last week, music will grab me before lyrics do and what this album has in every track that songs of... does not is music that really supplements and complements cohen's voice and words rather than acting as a background to 'sing' over. the violins weaving their way around cohen's vocals throughout the song steer your way are a perfect example. yes, leonard, i do want it darker.

This is the group pick for tomorrow.

 

[Nee Lewman]

Maybe Dire Straits is a band I need to hear on vinyl. They are nice enough. I always think the hits are the highlights of these albums. I'm not gonna change the station on any of this, but as of yet, there hasn't been a yeah I need that or I would reach for this when... moment in exploring them. 3 stars

 

[gaporter]

Beauty and the Beat is decent, breezy Blondie-ajacent new wave pop rock, though the album gets repetitive pretty quickly and many of the deep cuts blend together for me. There's nothing wrong with the music technically, but I don't know, once it starts to sound like slight variations on the same song over and over again, you start to lose me.

The ubiquitous singles featured on here are the definite standouts, although there's one or two non-singles worth keeping (I especially like Tonite). Overall, my conclusion is that the Go-Go's are a fun band that I like but I'm not sure listening to them for 36 minutes straight is something I'd want to do very often. It's closer to a 3.5, but I rounded down to a 3 for the website score.

 

[gaporter]

I knew it was only a matter of time until I pulled a jazz album. This genre has never been my favorite, but I'll give this an honest chance. At least I got one of the most acclaimed jazz records out there, so I can hope that if anything will convert me, this will.

 

[gaporter]

I do remember listening to Giant Steps a few years ago and liking it, so I feel like I'm not wading into this completely blind.

 

[Nee Lewman]

I do remember listening to Giant Steps a few years ago and liking it, so I feel like I'm not wading into this completely blind.

I think this may be more accessible than even Giant Steps. I'll be curious to see what you think. I'll leave my feelings out of it for the time being. The Jazz heads know a bit of my feelings on this album.

 

[Yer Ol' Uncle D]

I mean, I don't really have to say it, do I? This, for my money, is his masterpiece. It's not his most accessible. It's not his most popular. It is his most heartfelt. It's not one to put on every night. It's raw. It's imperfect. It's magnificent. It is probably the most human piece of art ever made. If you partake, it is worthy of a contemplative night in a dimly lit listening room with a couple of fingers of real good whiskey. 5 stars.

37/1001
Lou Reed - Berlin

First time listening. From the get go, no question that this one is a grower. Lyrical content is pretty bleak. Production is a smidge over the top throughout. Didn't hate it, didn't love it.

Personal highlights: "Lady Day," "Caroline Says II"
Rating: 2.5/5 [Decent]

These are two of my favorite artists. These are also arguably the darkest, bleakest, most emotionally draining records from each of them.

They require personal investment and immersion (these aren't records you play while you do your taxes) but the payback is rich.

 

[Nee Lewman]

These are two of my favorite artists. These are also arguably their darkest, bleakest, most emotionally draining records from each of them.

They require emotional investment and immersion (these aren't records you play while you do your taxes) but the payback is rich.

I mean, I think Tonight's the Night could very well be a good soundtrack to doing the taxes. I did listen to Minor Threat this year.

 

[Rip_City]

38/1001
KISS - Destroyer

First time listening. Serviceable hard rock. But, I have a take...

KISS is a pre-boy band.
Think about it, it's all there. You see it in the individual personalities of the members, the constant merchandising, the obsession with image over music, all of the band provides vocal contributions, it fits perfectly. Except that it's not marketed towards preteen and teenage girls, it's marketed to dudes of my father's generation (and maybe even before that). On this record is particular, no individual member's musicianship overshadows the other.

"Detroit Rock City" is fun, but the album doesn't really retain that intensity much at all afterwards. They remain a singles band to me. Maybe some other time.

Personal highlights: "Detroit Rock City," "Shout it Out Loud"
Rating: 2.5/5 [Decent]

I believe this is an N&G AotM, yes?

 

[Nee Lewman]

38/1001
KISS - Destroyer

First time listening. Serviceable hard rock. But, I have a take...

KISS is a pre-boy band.
Think about it, it's all there. You see it in the individual personalities of the members, the constant merchandising, the obsession with image over music, all of the band provides vocal contributions, it fits perfectly. Except that it's not marketed towards preteen and teenage girls, it's marketed to dudes of my father's generation (and maybe even before that). On this record is particular, no individual member's musicianship overshadows the other.

"Detroit Rock City" is fun, but the album doesn't really retain that intensity much at all afterwards. They remain a singles band to me. Maybe some other time.

Personal highlights: "Detroit Rock City," "Shout it Out Loud"
Rating: 2.5/5 [Decent]

I believe this is an N&G AotM, yes?

If the Beatles and the Monkees are boy bands (and they are) then are they a postboyband?

 

[Rip_City]

39/1001
Femi Kuti - Femi Kuti

First time listening. This one is lively and joyous. Afrobeat music mixed with sharp horn sections, making for a energetic and colorful journey. The lengthy track times are very necessary to sustain the festive atmosphere. Some sections did come off as easy listening at times, like the intro of "Frustrations," to my chagrin. The thing is, would you reach for this over a record of his father's?
I will earmark for later. A very enjoyable experience overall.

Personal highlights: "Survival," "Nawa," "Live For Today"
Rating: 3.5/5 [Great]

 

[Nee Lewman]

39/1001
Femi Kuti - Femi Kuti

First time listening. This one is lively and joyous. Afrobeat music mixed with sharp horn sections, making for a lively and colorful journey. The lengthy track times are very necessary to sustain the festive atmosphere. Some sections did come off as easy listening at times, like the intro of "Frustrations." The thing is, would you reach for this over a record of his father's?
I will earmark for later. A very enjoyable experience overall.

Personal highlights: "Survival," "Nawa," "Live For Today"
Rating: 3.5/5 [Great]

I actually had an album (Shoki Shoki - the album right after this) by Femi long before I knew who Fela was. It was the guys at the old place that got me into Fela.

 

[Nee Lewman]

Confession time, I’ve never listened to this album, I know Back to Black like the back of my hand but never gave this a listen.

 

[Rip_City]

40/1001
Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin III

​

Haven't visited this in a long while. While it is recognized as an iconic classic rock staple, "Immigrant Song" is a bit irritating, and one of my least favorites here. I must have overlooked "Friends" since last listening...what an incredible track.
It may be Led Zeppelin's least representative album, yet it is one of their most eclectic for certain, with much of the album emphasizing their roots: folk music. Being several years older since playing this last, I can appreciate the efforts of what the classic rock group achieved here far more. Perhaps still not my favorite, but it is a high quality entry in their discography.

Personal highlights: "Friends," "Since I've Been Loving You," "Tangerine"
Rating: 4/5 [Excellent]

 

[Hemotep]

I forgot to post yesterday because I listened to the OkNotOk version last night. Obvious 5/5.