490: Gang of Four - Entertainment!

Year: 1979

01. Ether
02. Natural's Not in It
"03. Not Great Men
04. Damaged Goods
05. Return the Gift
06. Guns Before Butter
07. I Found That Essence Rare
08. Glass
09. Contract
10. At Home He's a Tourist
11. 5.45
12. Anthrax"

RollingStone Says:
Formed in 1977, Gang of Four combined Marxist politics with punk rock. They played staccato guitar-driven funk, and the stiff, jerky aggression of songs such as "Damaged Goods" and "I Found That Essence Rare" invented a new style that's still influencing young bands such as the Rapture
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Adam Says:
While I wasn't as in love with this record as my partner below, I did find that I liked it quit a bit. It's a very dirty record. the music is just raw, (seemingly) no frills rock, though the vocals in comparison, are somewhat tame. the Bass on the opening track track "Either" is absolutely filthy, love it to death.  Likewise the Guitar on the third track cuts through the funky groove like a razor sharp knife.

I love hearing the mix of Funk, and Punk. It's somewhat jarring at first, The Bass and Drums are very heavily influenced by Funk, but then you have it juxtaposition with some overtly punk vocals and guitar playing, it comes together in can almost be described as "a perfect storm". Oh, and the Melodica? Don't even get me started on how amazing and quirky that sounds thrown in to the mix. Had the vocals stood out a bit more, I think I may have liked it more, but honestly they're raw, unpolished and part of the charm, and changing anything on this would have resulted in a radically different record. I'll take it as is, thank you.

*Note: Melodica - An odd instrumental that I had never heard of before. Look it up though, it's pretty neat. I almost thought it might have been a Harmonica, or even possibly an Accordion I was hearing at first, had to look it up to be sure.

Overall - 4/5
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Dan Says:
This is the best album that I have listened to thus far on the list. This is raw, angry, fascist, pissed-off, noise rock n' roll. And I love it! I can see why so many bands have drawn from it's influence. Listen to it! Respect it!

Overall - 5/5

491: Mott the Hoople - All the Young Dudes

Year: 1972

01. Sweet Jane
02. Momma's Little Jewel
03. All the Young Dudes
04. Sucker
05. Jerkin' Crocus
06. One of the Boys
07. Soft Ground"
08. Ready for Love/After Lights
09. Sea Diver

RollingStone Says:
Mott the Hoople were a hard-rock band with a Dylan fixation until David Bowie got ahold of them and turned them into glam rockers. He penned the androgyne title track and had Mott cover Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane." Mott would sound more soulful but never more sexy or glittery.
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Adam Says:
I was pretty much interested in this right when I saw that David Bowie essentially produced this record. I love Bowie, and I figured at the very least it would be an interesting listen. Oddly enough it isn't nearly as interesting as the band name, or the Bowie collaboration would lead you to believe. The Bowie influence is clearly evident in the albums sonic blueprint. It's just that it's the more tame David Bowie we're hearing here, not the off the wall, man from space character that he would grow legendary for. In truth there's nothing wrong with this, because in all fairness this isn't a David Bowie record. It's just with all the hoopla surrounding his involvement in this, I expected some mind blowing, epic backdrops.

What we get is a fairly straightforward rock record, and very good one at that, even if it is a bit traditional. Nothing done here is going to blow your mind, but it is very polished and well thought out. Not a single one of the 9 tracks is wasted, and Bowie brings a cohesive sound to the album that ties everything together rather nicely. The song writing is also fairly solid, though none of it matches the single Bowie contribution (the title track). It's a great glam-rock record though, even if I was somewhat surprised by how tame the "glam" in it was.

Overall - 4/5
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Dan Says:
This is good glam rock. David Bowie both helped write and fully produce this album, saving the band from an imminent breakup. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this record. It has some really interesting mix features with the left-right panning. I also wanted to say that I know when we write reviews we mostly talk about the music. But I also wanted to say that I absolutely love the album cover! The art gives ambiance to how the record feels. Definitely recommend giving it a listen.

Overall - 4/5

492: Pearl Jam - Vitalogy

Year: 1994

1. Last Exit
2. Spin the Black Circle
3. Not for You
4. Tremor Christ
5. Nothingman
6. Whipping
7. Pry, To
8. Corduroy
9. Bugs
10. Satan's Bed
11. Better Man
12. Aye Davanita
13. Immortality
14. Hey Foxymophandlemama, That's Me

RollingStone Says: 
They were the most successful rock band in the world by the time of their second record, Vs. They celebrated by suing Ticketmaster and making Vitalogy, where their mastery of rock's past and future became complete. Soulful ballads such as "Nothingman" are matched by hardcore-influenced rockers such as "Spin the Black Circle."
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Adam Says:
Unlike my partner below, I don't mind Pearl Jam. I was never a huge fan, but I have almost always loved the bands singles. Having just recently (within the last two years) gone through the majority of the bands discog though, I can honestly say i'm surprised to see this here. I don't think it's necessarily a bad record. In fact it has moments of absolute brilliance (See the hit single: "Better Man"). It's just that, as a whole I don't feel this represents one of the bands stronger bodies of work. To be blunt, it sticks out on this list like a sore thumb.

The problem I have with this album, and the majority of the groups work to be honest is this; Nothing on this album is as good as its single, "Better Man". An unpopular opinion with Pearl Jam fans i'm sure, but to me a lot of these songs lack strong songwriting, rather it more-so sounds like a jam session or a loose collection of ideas for future songs. I do enjoy Vedders vocals, and I think the band is one of the best when it comes to playing loud, fast grunge music. It's just I don't feel like there's any structure here. No rhyme or reason to what's happening. Once the album starts, it takes off like a bat out of hell and never stops.

All that being said, when I am in the mood for it, I do dig the album. True it's not the most amazing lp on this list, or even one of the bands stand out releases in my opinion, but it does have its charm. There's a certain addictiveness to the madness and mess of it all. It's the type of record you can throw on and lose your mind to, just get wild too. I'm sure it translates amazingly well to Pearl Jams legendary live shows, and perhaps that was the point, but as a studio lp? It's a bit lacking.

Overall - 3/5
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Dan Says:
I can't stand Pearl Jam. Especially this record. Something about his vocals just turn me off. It also pisses me off when people lump this music in with Nirvana. As successful as this band may be, they are nowhere near the aesthetic value of Nirvana. That's my opinion anyway. I will give this record 1 star. Merely for the fact it is a decent recording and has had success, drawing upon my reluctant respect. The lack of 4 stars is due to my lack of interest, and also my general disgust of such lackluster music.

Overall - 1/5

493: Earth, Wind and Fire - That's the Way of the World

Year: 1975

1. Shining Star
2. That's the Way of the World
3. Happy Feelin
4. All About Love
5. Yearnin' Learnin
6. Reasons
7. Africano
8. See the Light

RollingStone Says:
Before he got into African thumb piano and otherworldly philosophizing, founder Maurice White was a session drummer at Chess studios (that's him on Fontella Bass' "Rescue Me"). EWF's seventh album is make-out music of the gods; its title track is one of funk's most gorgeous ballads.
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Adam Says:
I'm not a huge fan of "Funk", but I've always had a special place in my heart for Earth, Wind and Fire. they're one of those all time classic groups, the kind that transcends their given genre of music and go on to become universally loved. I'm more familiar with the groups singles then I am their lps, so I was interested to see if their albums were as smooth and well produced. The answer is a resounding "Yes".

The thing that makes this group work so well is that they never pigeonhole themselves, never force themselves to make strictly "Funk" music. Instead they experiment with Jazz. Rock, R&B, Blues, and well...pretty much everything under the Sun. They bring all of these sounds together and make wonderfully cohesive pieces of pop music. My only real knock would be that, at times I feel like the album is kinda just floating along. Not in a bad way, but more like music that you would throw on in the background at a party. Not every song here is going to make you jump to your feet and party, a good chunk of it is more relaxing, late night, kick your feet up and vibe out type of music. Make-Out music as RollingStone likes to call it.

I enjoy it though, I would recommend this group to fans of any genre, and while this lp may not pack the same exciting punch of a Greatest Hits compilation, it's still an amazing point of entry for one of musics all time greats.

Overall - 4/5
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Dan Says:
This is one of those albums you could have sex to. It's just sexy all the way. I'm not a huge fan, but enjoyed it (by myself mind you) nonetheless.

Overall - 3/5

494: Cyndi Lauper - She's So Unusual

Year: 1983

1. Money Changes Everything
2. Girls Just Want to Have Fun
3. When You Were Mine
4. Time After Time
5. She Bop
6. All Through the Night
7. Witness
8. I'll Kiss You
9. He's So Unusual
10. Yeah Yeah

RollingStone Says:
Lauper's first band had broken up, she had filed for bankruptcy, and she was singing in a Japanese restaurant. Then this debut album of razor-sharp dance pop became the first by a female performer to score four Top Five hits, including "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time."
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Adam Says:
I grew up listening to this music. 80's pop was my mothers music of choice, and as such I heard songs from this album on an almost daily basis. 20 years later and "Time After Time" is still one of my all-time favorite songs. It's such an epic, just a perfect storm of vocal harmonies, and smooth pop production. Likewise the other smash single, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" is still a fun, breezy little piece of pop history.

Like a lot of pops albums though, none of the other cuts can match the sheer infectiousness of the two hit singles. The songwriting is solid throughout, and I appreciate that none of the songs feel like blatant filler, but when you have two of the greatest pop songs ever written in the first 4 tracks alone....well needless to say you're giving the rest of the album a lot to live up to.

It's also worth mention that at times Cyndi Lauper's vocals come across a little too unhinged for my taste. You can tell she was having an absolute blast while recording these songs, but she often sounds like a child whose had too much sugar, just bouncing off the walls and having trouble focusing. Then again I suppose that's part of the charm. It's a good album though, and a huge part of my childhood. I enjoy it as much today as I did when I was 4.

Overall - 4/5
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Dan Says:
I have only heard the hits "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" and "Time After Time" off of this album. I love synth driven 80's pop music. I love the clean guitar tones, and the vocals are flawless. One weakness that I did find with this album is that some songs are a bit lengthy and become repetitive. In all a great album.

Overall - 4/5

495: Hüsker Dü - New Day Rising

Year: 1985


1. New Day Rising
2. The Girl Who Lives on Heaven Hill
3. I Apologize
4. Folk Lore
5. If I Told You
6. Celebrated Summer
7. Perfect Example
8. Terms of Psychic Warfare
9. 59 Times the Pain
10. Powerline
11. Books About UFOs
12. I Don't Know What You're Talking About
13. How to Skin a Cat
14. Whatcha Drinkin
15. Plans I Make

RollingStone Says:
These three Minneapolis dudes played savagely emotional hardcore punk that became a key influence on Nirvana and other Nineties alt-rockers. Guitarist Bob Mould and band created a roar like garbage trucks trying to sing Beach Boys songs, especially on the anthems "Celebrated Summer" and "Perfect Example."
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Adam Says:
This is exactly why I decided to do this list. Here's yet another band I have never heard of, that completely blew my socks off. It's amazing. I wish I could go really in-depth to explain just how immaculate this record and  band is, but truth me told I literally know nothing about this group, so i'm not going to try to bullshit my way through it. I can only really tell you what I heard on my first few listens...

When RollingStone says these guys were influential to Nirvana, they're not kidding. I can hear Nirvana all over this record. One listen to "The Girl Who Lives on Heaven Hill" reveals where Nirvana got the whole Sonic Blueprint for its "In Utero" album. In fact RollingStone wasnt far off when they said you can practically hear the whole damn 90's alt rock genre here. It's mind blowing how many bands have borrowed ideas from this group and built their houses on the foundation that Hüsker Dü laid.

Enough talk though. This album is a masterpiece. So, so happy I got to check it out.

Overall - 5/5
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Dan Says:
If I had to use one word to describe this record it would be "Dirty." This is punk to the core. The songs are quick and to the point. The guitars are buzzy. The vocals are sloppy. A great rock n' roll record to say the least.

Overall - 4/5

496: Kiss - Destroyer

Year: 1976

1. Detroit Rock City
2. King of the Night Time World
3. God of Thunder
4. Great Expectations
5. Flaming Youth
6. Sweet Pain
7. Shout It Out Loud
8. Beth
9. Do You Love Me?
10. Rock and Roll Party

RollingStone Says:
By the time their fifth album was released, KISS was the most popular band in America, with sold-out stadium tours and eventually its own pinball machines, makeup line and a TV movie. Built around the proto power ballad "Beth," this is a ridiculously over-the-top party-rock album that just gets better with age.
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Adam Says:
Kiss was my favorite band as a kid. There, I said it. Something about the makeup and theatrics just dazzled my still developing mind. To be honest, like many children, I think I liked the "image" of Kiss more then the actual music. Luckily I find that as I get older, I grow to apreciate the music more and more.

Having now listened to the majority of Kiss's work, I would probably agree with this being one of their strongest efforts. Songs like ''Shout It Out Loud'' and "Beth" are among the best that "Classic Rock" has to offer. On the other hand though, tracks like "God of Thunder" really bring the whole silliness of Kiss to the forefront. While not a bad song per se, it comes across as very over the top and cartoonish. Most of this is due to Gene Simmons growling his way through the vocals and sounding maybe just a teensy bit too in to his character. Likewise ''Great Expectations" sounds wildly out of place....at first. One listen to the lyrics though reveals Kiss is still as lowdown and dirty as ever.

Still I hold a special place in my heart for this band, and this record. I guess I can understand how some might be turned away from Kiss, but to me they're probably the most pure, dirty, unadulterated fun you can have in Rock. What you see is quit literally what you get. Over the top, cartoon rock, built on a very sturdy foundation.

Overall - 4/5
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Dan Says:
I have a great hatred for classic rock. No particular reason mind you, but a hatred I have nonetheless been burdened with in my short 26 years of life. However, I didn't find this album altogether putrid. The ballads were enjoyable as far as the melodies go on such songs as "Great Expectations" and especially "Beth." Other than that I found the rest of the songs with the party-rock sound annoying. Hopefully one day I will come around to enjoying such music (as my counterpart Adam I'm sure wishes), but not today.

Overall - 2/5

497: Public Enemy - Yo! Bum Rush the Show

Year: 1987

1. You're Gonna Get Yours
2. Sophisticated Bitch
3. Miuzi Weighs a Ton
4. Timebomb
5. Too Much Posse
6. Rightstarter (Message to a Black Man)
7. Public Enemy No. 1
8. M.P.E."
9. Yo! Bum Rush the Show
10. Raise the Roof
11. Megablast
12. Terminator X Speaks With His Hands

RollingStone Says:
On the debut by Long Island's hip-hop revolutionaries, baritone rapper Chuck D and his production crew the Bomb Squad introduced an intense, booming new sound and an urgent social and political message to rap music, especially on "You're Gonna Get Yours" and "Miuzi Weighs a Ton."
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Adam Says:
Chuck D was easily one of the greatest mc's the "Golden Era" of Hip Hop had to offer. He was fiercely political and had one of the greatest voices to ever grace music. His Booming vocals absolutely demanded attention. Couple this with the frantic, almost post-apocalyptic production style provided by the Bomb Squad and you have an album that scared the absolute hell out of me as a kid. it's just so loud and fast, it was almost the Hip Hop answer to "Punk". Chuck D was pissed, and he spent the length of this LP venting about absolutely everything.

That being said, this is actually my least favorite of Public Enemy's classic records. I give them credit for arriving almost fully formed in their sound, but having heard the albums they would release after this almost lessens its impact for me. Mind you this album was released a year before I was born, so I'll never be able to fully appreciate the impact i'm sure it had when it dropped. This is still an essential lp for anyone's collection though, and a wonderful gateway in to the world of Hip Hop. It does sound dated, but in all the right ways, and perhaps most surprising of all; many of the subject Chuck D touches on are just as relevant today as they were in the 80's.

Overall - 4.5/5
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Dan Says:
I had no idea what to expect going into this. I have never been one for rap. Don't get me wrong. Nothing in particular against it. It just has always been a genre of music that I felt no relation to. However, this record impressed me. Especially the song "Miuzi Weighs A Ton." I think I enjoy old school rap more than the new school. The beats bring back my early childhood from the eighties. I remember hearing music like this, and in my sheltered state of life, wondered what was really going on in the world. The beats are catchy. The lyrics are powerful. In all a great record that I suppose pioneered present day rap. I am amiably respectful.

Overall - 4/5

498: ZZ Top - Tres Hombres

Year: 1973

1. Waitin' for the Bus
2. Jesus Just Left Chicago
3. Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
4. Master of Sparks
5. Hot, Blue and Righteous
6. Move Me on Down the Line
7. Precious and Grace
8. La Grange
9. Sheik
10. Have You Heard?

RollingStone Says:
A decade before the Texas blues trio became MTV stars, ZZ Top got their first taste of national fame with this disc, which features one of their biggest hits, the John Lee Hooker-style boogie "La Grange," as well as the boozy rocker "Jesus Just Left Chicago" and the concert anthem "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers."
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Adam Says:
I've never actually taken the time to sit down and listen to any ZZ Top album, ever.  Something about them just didn't strike me as something I would enjoy. So I ignored them. My bad.

I wasn't sure what to expect going in to this album, but I can say for sure I didn't expect to enjoy it. Mind you I wasn't going in to hate, I just didn't expect to have my opinion altered one way or the other. Surprisingly enough though the album did just that. I'm still not a huge fan of the group, but I did enjoy this album. It finds a lovely balance between 'Blue's and 'Rock', and even has a few hints of  'Country' tossed in for good measure (Though I suppose some will just call it "Southern Fried Rock").

I also appreciate that like most of these early albums, it doesn't overstay its welcome. It's a lean 10 tracks, the longest of which is only a bit over 4minutes.  The songwriting is good, and while I didn't really hear anything that leapt off the record, it's a very solid, enjoyable collection of cuts. I was more blown away by the fact that I actually enjoyed the album then I was the music, but it's a step in the right direction.

Overall - 4/5
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Dan Says:

Once again I have to admit I have not listened to ZZ Top at all in my lifetime. A problem I once again will admit that I need to rectify. This album is a great blues album with a very southern flair. I love the steady grooves with clean guitar riffs. There are some really nice ballads on this album as well. A great listen if you are in the mood for some relaxing blues. The vocals have a lazy feel to them which was appealing. From what I understand, this album is considered as the original sound of ZZ Top. They apparently changed their sound after this and lost a lot of their original fans. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it! Great blues with a Texas-southern feel. I am interested in listening to ZZ Top's albums that proceed after this one to see what kind of progression they made.

Overall - 4/5

499: Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign

Year: 1967

1. Born Under a Bad Sign
2. Crosscut Saw
3. Kansas City
4. Oh, Pretty Woman
5. Down Don't Bother Me
6. The Hunter
7. I Almost Lost My Mind
8. Personal Manager
9. Laundromat Blues
10. As the Years Go Passing By
11. The Very Thought of You

RollingStone Says:
King's first album for the Stax label combines his hard, unflashy guitar playing with the sleek sound of the label's house band, Booker T. and the MGs. Hits such as "Crosscut Saw" and "Laundromat Blues" influenced rockers from Clapton to the Stones and earned King a new rock & roll audience.
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Adam Says:
I'm a huge Blues fan, so I've been aware of Albert King for a while now. Mostly though I had only heard his work through random Blues compilations and "Greatest Hits" packages; so this is my first time actually sitting down with a full lp from Mr. King.

To keep a long story short; I'm absolutely blown away. This is, without a doubt the greatest Blues album I have ever heard in my life. Bar None. Kings voice is Blues perfection, and his guitar playing is immaculate. Electrifying to say the least. The backing band is also amazing, but the real star here is King, and you're never let to forget that. It also doesn't hurt that every single song here is essential.

This album is a must. I'm actually almost upset that this isn't a bit higher on the list. My only complaint would be that I can't actually track down a copy of this on cd....it's out of print....*sigh*

Overall - 5/5
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Dan Says:
This is blues at it's best. That is all. The entire record can be summed up with that statement.

Overall - 4/5

500: Eurythmics - Touch

Eurythmics - Touch

Year: 1983

1. Here Comes the Rain Again
2. Regrets
3. Right By Your Side
4. Cool Blue
5. Who's That Girl?
6. The First Cut
7. Aqua
8. No Fear, No Hate, No Pain (No Broken Hearts)
9. Paint a Rumour

RollingStone Says: 
Annie Lennox looked like a gender-bending robot zombie, but she sang with soul; producer Dave Stewart hid behind his beard and masterminded the sound. Together they made divine synth-pop, especially "Who's That Girl," a tale of kinked-up sexual obsession, and their biggest hit, "Here Comes the Rain Again."
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Adam Says:
My first thought when seeing this cover: "So....is this a David Bowie album or what?". The Answer is No. Admittedly I hadn't heard of this duo, the first of many on this list I don't know sadly, but I can honestly say I'm happy I had the chance to check this album out. RollingStone pretty much hit the nail on the head when naming the key tracks. I thought "Who's That Girl" was absolutely amazing, One listen and I was hooked. "Here Comes the Rain Again" is equally as good, and a very strong way to start the lp.

Sadly I didn't feel as strongly about the rest of the record as I did with those two tracks. Nothing here is bad mind you, just a lot of it doesn't stand out from the other Pop music that dominated the 80's. The best way I can describe this album; think of the soundtrack to just about any 80's movie you've ever seen, that's this. Annie Lennox is an exceptional singer to be sure, but a lot of the production just sounds dated. I applaud them for the variety of sounds the duo cooks up, but in the wake of everything that would follow it in the 80's, it just doesn't sound as timeless as I would expect a classic lp to sound. Great album though. Looking forward to checking out more from the duo

Overall - 3.5/5
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Dan Says:

I have never heard of this album even though it has sold over a million copies in the US. That's because I have not listened to many bands from the 80's, a problem I am rectifying.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this record. I am a huge fan of bands that use electronic instruments. The melodies and rhythms are fantastic. I didn't enjoy the vocals or lyrics (though the back up vocals caught my attention). The mix is incredible. Out of five stars I give this record a 4. Very well produced and worthy of a listen.

Overall - 4/5

The 500 album challenge

I love music. Period. I love discovering it. I love reading about it, and most of all I love listening to it.

While browsing through rollingstone.com I came across their "500 Greatest Albums Of All Time" list. I quickly set to work on reading through the list to see what albums I had, and had not heard. Much to my disappointment I soon came to the realization that I hadn't heard even half the albums on this list. this simply wont do. 

So I start this blog with one thing, and one thing only in mind. I'm going to go through this whole list in its entirety, and listen to/rate every single album. I'm going to post my own comments alongside the original Rolling Stone comments and see how it stacks up. An exciting endeavor for a music lover such as myself, but a rather large one all the same. Still it's a challenge I look forward to.

I'm also toying with the idea of bringing in some of my equally music crazed friends to get some more varied opinions on the albums. Nothing set in stone mind you, just a fun idea.

Here's the full list that we will be digging through
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231/touch-eurythmics-19691231

Anywho, enough talk. On to the list!
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About the Authors

Name: Adam (aka Vocab)
Age: 23
Favorite Genre: Hip Hop
Least Favorite: Love it all!
About Myself: I love music. It's a huge part of my life. I collect albums fanatically and I'm always looking for new things to listen to.

Name: Dan
Age: 26
Favorite Genre: Rock 'n Roll
Least Favorite: Country
About Myself: I work 2 warehouse jobs. I'm the lead singer in a Ambient Screamo Rock band called The Widow. I am married and have two daughters. Music is my favorite hobby/job. I am eccentric and strange, but a nice guy nonetheless.