894. Metallica - S&M

Release Date: 1999
Label: Elektra

Rating: 2/10

863. Billy Bragg & Wilco - Mermaid Avenue

Release Date: 1998
Label: Elektra

A collection of previously unseen Woody Guthrie lyrics, given a contemporary update with music by Billy Bragg and Wilco has the potential to either entertain or despair. Fortunately, it does the former and this album is pleasant without being brilliant.

Rating: 7/10

840. Missy Elliot - Supa Dupa Fly

Release Date: 1997
Label: Elektra

I never was a huge fan of Missy Elliot - mainly because I don't really like 'Get Ur Freak On' but this album was really good.

Rating: 8/10

812. Stereolab - Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Release Date: 1996
Label: Elektra

There are times when an album just doesn't quite do enough to warrant an 8 or above. This is one such album. If somebody put it on I'd listen to it again, but it's not something I'd consider buying at the moment.

Rating: 7/10

739. The Afghan Whigs - Gentlemen

Release Date: 1993
Label: Elektra

5/10

707. Metallica - Metallica

Release Date: 1991
Label: Elektra

This album was better than the previous Metallica efforts included in this book, but it still wasn't enough to convince me of their merits.

Rating: 7/10

666. Deee-lite - World Clique

Release Date: 1990
Label: Elektra

I've always disliked 'Groove is in the Heart', but this album wasn't actually that bad.

Rating: 6/10

646. John Zorn - Spy v Spy: The Music of Ornette Coleman

Release Date: 1989
Label: Elektra

This wasn't on Spotify either

625. Metallica - And Justice for All

Release Date: 1988
Label: Elektra

There is no reason to buy this album (assuming you have ears that is.)

Rating: 3/10

622. Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman

Release Date: 1988
Label: Elektra

I can imagine this was the kind of album that sold loads of copies when it first came out, and then found it's way into the charity shops of the world soon afterwards.

Rating: 5/10

583. Anita Baker - Rapture

Release Date: 1986
Label: Elektra

This is a pleasant album. 'Inoffensive' is probably a better term. It is similar in output to Sade without being as interesting.

Rating: 7/10

568. Metallica - Master of Puppets

Release Date: 1986
Label: Elektra

About ten years ago I was (un)fortunate enough to see Metallica headline Reading Festival. I stood very much near the back. The only song I recognised was 'Enter Sandman', which sounded nothing like The Chordettes version. 'Master of Puppets' is the first of four Metallica albums on this list, and they are possibly the most represented 'metal' band in the book. I like this more than a few people who have written.

Rating: 6/10

562. Simply Red - Picture Book

Release Date: 1985
Label: Elektra

It is not acceptable to like Mick Hucknall. Under no circumstances should anyone admit to owning one Simply Red album, let alone their first five. Even if they were bought for about £15.

Rating: 8/10

417. The Cars - The Cars

Release Date: 1978
Label: Elektra

This is another step towards the 1980s, and a lot different to their hit single 'Drive' - which you may know because it soundtracked the 1984 Ethiopian famine. I like that song, and I also like this album - though I'm not sure about the cover.

Rating: 9/10

389. Television - Marquee Moon

Release Date: 1977
Label: Elektra

As I've said before, this is a brilliant era for music - and this album is no exception. Formed by John Logie Baird in 1926, the band finally released their debut album fifty years later. It is a brilliant album that rewards with every listen, and a clear influence on the alternative indie scene.

Rating: 10/10

259. David Ackles - American Gothic

Release Date: 1972

Release Date: 1972
Label: Elektra

Prior to listening to this album, the name 'David Ackles' meant nothing to me. When it was released, the album reached 167 on the Billboard Charts and presumably did nothing in the United Kingdom. It is genuinely a lost gem. If Scott Walker and Andrew Lloyd Webber decided to write an album together, this would be it. It won't be everyone cup of tea, but if you can look beyond the theatrics you will find a great collection of songs. It's a shame it doesn't appear to be available to buy anywhere.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Oh! California

219. The Doors - LA Woman

Release Date: 1971
Label: Elektra

The final album from The Doors, and again a very good one. Jim Morrison has often been ridiculed for writing lyrics that resemble sixth-form poetry, presumably by the same people who like The Beatles but they've never bothered me. Particular favourites on this include 'Love Her Madly', 'LA Woman' - which Ray Manzarek is great on and of course, 'Riders on the Storm'.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: LA Woman

200. The Stooges - Fun House

Release Date: 1970
Label: Elektra

Another album I already own, mainly because it was so cheap when I bought it.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track:

180. The Doors - Morrison Hotel

 

Release Date: 1970
Label: Elektra

After ignoring albums 2, 3 and 4 by Jim Morrison and co. we return to The Doors with album number 5. On first glance, the only song I was familiar with was the opening number - 'Roadhouse Blues' - although 'Peace Frog' is apparently well known? After enjoying their debut I had high hopes for this record, and it didn't dissapoint. There are those who find Morrison's lyrics poor, but overall the quality of the music overrides any issues one may have with the words.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Blue Sunday

172. The Stooges - The Stooges

Release Date: 1969
Label: Elektra

Another proto-punk album in the style of MC5, The Stooges hailed from Detroit - famous for being the home of Motown. Having being rejected by Berry Gordy for being too similar to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Iggy Pop and The Stooges decided to cash on the developing punk/insurance (punksurance) craze and restyle themselves. The result? This album and a subsequent sideline career as insurance salesmen.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: I Wanna Be Your Dog