@mikepurtell.bsky.social
98. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Lucinda Williams, 1998, 51:40
Alt country/country rock, reminded me a lot of Sheryl Crow and sometimes Bonnie Raitt. Catchy hooks and deep lyrical focus, and almost a punk attitude in some songs.
Alt country/country rock, reminded me a lot of Sheryl Crow and sometimes Bonnie Raitt. Catchy hooks and deep lyrical focus, and almost a punk attitude in some songs.
December 27, 2025 at 4:48 PM
98. Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Lucinda Williams, 1998, 51:40
Alt country/country rock, reminded me a lot of Sheryl Crow and sometimes Bonnie Raitt. Catchy hooks and deep lyrical focus, and almost a punk attitude in some songs.
Alt country/country rock, reminded me a lot of Sheryl Crow and sometimes Bonnie Raitt. Catchy hooks and deep lyrical focus, and almost a punk attitude in some songs.
97. Master Of Puppets, Metallica
I reviewed this one earlier. Still an amazing metal album.
I reviewed this one earlier. Still an amazing metal album.
December 24, 2025 at 5:42 PM
97. Master Of Puppets, Metallica
I reviewed this one earlier. Still an amazing metal album.
I reviewed this one earlier. Still an amazing metal album.
96. Automatic For the People, R.E.M., 1992, 48:52
I own this, or maybe I should say I have a copy of this on CD. I borrowed it from my sister and never gave it back to her. I hoping she is not reading this.
I own this, or maybe I should say I have a copy of this on CD. I borrowed it from my sister and never gave it back to her. I hoping she is not reading this.
December 24, 2025 at 5:37 PM
96. Automatic For the People, R.E.M., 1992, 48:52
I own this, or maybe I should say I have a copy of this on CD. I borrowed it from my sister and never gave it back to her. I hoping she is not reading this.
I own this, or maybe I should say I have a copy of this on CD. I borrowed it from my sister and never gave it back to her. I hoping she is not reading this.
95. Take Care, Drake, 2011, 80:18
Combining catchy melodies and rapped and sung story telling, this is immersive from the start. One song even sounds a bit like Stevie Wonder. Overall R&B vibes are mixed into the hip hop.
Combining catchy melodies and rapped and sung story telling, this is immersive from the start. One song even sounds a bit like Stevie Wonder. Overall R&B vibes are mixed into the hip hop.
December 22, 2025 at 5:55 PM
95. Take Care, Drake, 2011, 80:18
Combining catchy melodies and rapped and sung story telling, this is immersive from the start. One song even sounds a bit like Stevie Wonder. Overall R&B vibes are mixed into the hip hop.
Combining catchy melodies and rapped and sung story telling, this is immersive from the start. One song even sounds a bit like Stevie Wonder. Overall R&B vibes are mixed into the hip hop.
94. Fun House, The Stooges, 1970, 36:35
Stripped down, distorted at times, noisy, pounding, driving, often angry. This is mood music for the angry young man - definitely protopunk. Sometimes with wailing sax.
Stripped down, distorted at times, noisy, pounding, driving, often angry. This is mood music for the angry young man - definitely protopunk. Sometimes with wailing sax.
December 20, 2025 at 4:37 PM
94. Fun House, The Stooges, 1970, 36:35
Stripped down, distorted at times, noisy, pounding, driving, often angry. This is mood music for the angry young man - definitely protopunk. Sometimes with wailing sax.
Stripped down, distorted at times, noisy, pounding, driving, often angry. This is mood music for the angry young man - definitely protopunk. Sometimes with wailing sax.
93. Supa Dupa Fly, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, 1997, 60:06
Take some Funk groove, some solid R&B underpinnings, a bit of soul, and mix it into the hip-hop core. This is infectious.
Key Tracks:
Hit ‘Em wit da hee
Sock It 2 Me
The Rain
Beep Me 911
Take some Funk groove, some solid R&B underpinnings, a bit of soul, and mix it into the hip-hop core. This is infectious.
Key Tracks:
Hit ‘Em wit da hee
Sock It 2 Me
The Rain
Beep Me 911
December 17, 2025 at 8:25 PM
93. Supa Dupa Fly, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, 1997, 60:06
Take some Funk groove, some solid R&B underpinnings, a bit of soul, and mix it into the hip-hop core. This is infectious.
Key Tracks:
Hit ‘Em wit da hee
Sock It 2 Me
The Rain
Beep Me 911
Take some Funk groove, some solid R&B underpinnings, a bit of soul, and mix it into the hip-hop core. This is infectious.
Key Tracks:
Hit ‘Em wit da hee
Sock It 2 Me
The Rain
Beep Me 911
92: Axis: Bold as Love, Jimi Hendrix Experience, 1967, 38:49
Psychedelic from the spoken intro, experimental from the first note, this is the feedback genius not fully present on the previously reviewed albums. Still preserves its blues heritage, but adds something unique.
Psychedelic from the spoken intro, experimental from the first note, this is the feedback genius not fully present on the previously reviewed albums. Still preserves its blues heritage, but adds something unique.
December 15, 2025 at 4:24 PM
92: Axis: Bold as Love, Jimi Hendrix Experience, 1967, 38:49
Psychedelic from the spoken intro, experimental from the first note, this is the feedback genius not fully present on the previously reviewed albums. Still preserves its blues heritage, but adds something unique.
Psychedelic from the spoken intro, experimental from the first note, this is the feedback genius not fully present on the previously reviewed albums. Still preserves its blues heritage, but adds something unique.
91. Darkness on the Edge of Town, Bruce Springstein, 1978, 42:29
Like Neil Young, this is lyrically driven, but with more of a every man mainstream rock set of melodies. A lot of this can still be heard on classic rock stations. An excellent listen.
Like Neil Young, this is lyrically driven, but with more of a every man mainstream rock set of melodies. A lot of this can still be heard on classic rock stations. An excellent listen.
December 11, 2025 at 7:04 PM
91. Darkness on the Edge of Town, Bruce Springstein, 1978, 42:29
Like Neil Young, this is lyrically driven, but with more of a every man mainstream rock set of melodies. A lot of this can still be heard on classic rock stations. An excellent listen.
Like Neil Young, this is lyrically driven, but with more of a every man mainstream rock set of melodies. A lot of this can still be heard on classic rock stations. An excellent listen.
90. After the Gold Rush, Neil Young, 1970, 34:32
Country influenced, with some rocking guitars. In some ways it reminds me of Dylan - lyrically focused, with indifferent vocals. Several of the songs are still rock radio classics. Less impressed by this than his later and higher ranked Harvest.
Country influenced, with some rocking guitars. In some ways it reminds me of Dylan - lyrically focused, with indifferent vocals. Several of the songs are still rock radio classics. Less impressed by this than his later and higher ranked Harvest.
December 9, 2025 at 7:33 PM
90. After the Gold Rush, Neil Young, 1970, 34:32
Country influenced, with some rocking guitars. In some ways it reminds me of Dylan - lyrically focused, with indifferent vocals. Several of the songs are still rock radio classics. Less impressed by this than his later and higher ranked Harvest.
Country influenced, with some rocking guitars. In some ways it reminds me of Dylan - lyrically focused, with indifferent vocals. Several of the songs are still rock radio classics. Less impressed by this than his later and higher ranked Harvest.
89. Baduizm, Erykah Badu, 1997, 58:15
A groovy mix of Jazz, hip-hop, trip-hop, a bit bluesy, and a bit of soul. Her voice is amazing, the music is engaging. Perhaps the only weakness is the lyrics can be a bit repetitive at times, but the groove and syncopation overcomes this for me.
A groovy mix of Jazz, hip-hop, trip-hop, a bit bluesy, and a bit of soul. Her voice is amazing, the music is engaging. Perhaps the only weakness is the lyrics can be a bit repetitive at times, but the groove and syncopation overcomes this for me.
December 7, 2025 at 7:14 PM
89. Baduizm, Erykah Badu, 1997, 58:15
A groovy mix of Jazz, hip-hop, trip-hop, a bit bluesy, and a bit of soul. Her voice is amazing, the music is engaging. Perhaps the only weakness is the lyrics can be a bit repetitive at times, but the groove and syncopation overcomes this for me.
A groovy mix of Jazz, hip-hop, trip-hop, a bit bluesy, and a bit of soul. Her voice is amazing, the music is engaging. Perhaps the only weakness is the lyrics can be a bit repetitive at times, but the groove and syncopation overcomes this for me.
88. Hunky Dory, David Bowie, 1971, 41:50
At times experimental, other times sounding like the Beatles, and yet others forging what would become pure Glam. For any other artist, this could be considered a transitional album, but really, all of his albums were. Ch-ch-ch-changes!
At times experimental, other times sounding like the Beatles, and yet others forging what would become pure Glam. For any other artist, this could be considered a transitional album, but really, all of his albums were. Ch-ch-ch-changes!
December 5, 2025 at 6:08 PM
88. Hunky Dory, David Bowie, 1971, 41:50
At times experimental, other times sounding like the Beatles, and yet others forging what would become pure Glam. For any other artist, this could be considered a transitional album, but really, all of his albums were. Ch-ch-ch-changes!
At times experimental, other times sounding like the Beatles, and yet others forging what would become pure Glam. For any other artist, this could be considered a transitional album, but really, all of his albums were. Ch-ch-ch-changes!
87. Bitches Brew, Miles Davis, 1970, 93:57
Another album I enjoyed a lot. It melds improvisational jazz, rock, funk, and some wild jams. At times atonal and dissonant, but almost always with a killer groove.
Key Tracks
Pharoah’s Dance
Bitches Brew
Miles Runs the Voodoo Down
Another album I enjoyed a lot. It melds improvisational jazz, rock, funk, and some wild jams. At times atonal and dissonant, but almost always with a killer groove.
Key Tracks
Pharoah’s Dance
Bitches Brew
Miles Runs the Voodoo Down
December 4, 2025 at 9:00 PM
87. Bitches Brew, Miles Davis, 1970, 93:57
Another album I enjoyed a lot. It melds improvisational jazz, rock, funk, and some wild jams. At times atonal and dissonant, but almost always with a killer groove.
Key Tracks
Pharoah’s Dance
Bitches Brew
Miles Runs the Voodoo Down
Another album I enjoyed a lot. It melds improvisational jazz, rock, funk, and some wild jams. At times atonal and dissonant, but almost always with a killer groove.
Key Tracks
Pharoah’s Dance
Bitches Brew
Miles Runs the Voodoo Down
86. The Doors, The Doors, 1967, 43:44
I also own this one, and at least 8 of the 11 songs are still in rock radio rotation, so I am pretty familiar with this one. And I still thoroughly enjoy its mix of bluesy-organ-psychedelic
rock with its poetic lyrics. Good stuff!
I also own this one, and at least 8 of the 11 songs are still in rock radio rotation, so I am pretty familiar with this one. And I still thoroughly enjoy its mix of bluesy-organ-psychedelic
rock with its poetic lyrics. Good stuff!
December 4, 2025 at 8:59 PM
86. The Doors, The Doors, 1967, 43:44
I also own this one, and at least 8 of the 11 songs are still in rock radio rotation, so I am pretty familiar with this one. And I still thoroughly enjoy its mix of bluesy-organ-psychedelic
rock with its poetic lyrics. Good stuff!
I also own this one, and at least 8 of the 11 songs are still in rock radio rotation, so I am pretty familiar with this one. And I still thoroughly enjoy its mix of bluesy-organ-psychedelic
rock with its poetic lyrics. Good stuff!
I am already listening to the next album on the list, and comparing that and Black in Black to Plastic Ono Band made me wonder why is so highly regarded. Like a lot of others on the list, it seems it also was met with mixed reviews at the time, but retrospectively found acclaim.
November 27, 2025 at 5:45 PM
I am already listening to the next album on the list, and comparing that and Black in Black to Plastic Ono Band made me wonder why is so highly regarded. Like a lot of others on the list, it seems it also was met with mixed reviews at the time, but retrospectively found acclaim.
85. Plastic Ono Band, John Lennon, 1970, 39:16
Raw and mostly spare, lyrically focused, some blues, and even a little gospel influences. Not a bad album, but perhaps does not belong in the top 100, it lacks the variety and even pop power of the albums around it, but I can't speak to its influence.
Raw and mostly spare, lyrically focused, some blues, and even a little gospel influences. Not a bad album, but perhaps does not belong in the top 100, it lacks the variety and even pop power of the albums around it, but I can't speak to its influence.
November 27, 2025 at 5:38 PM
85. Plastic Ono Band, John Lennon, 1970, 39:16
Raw and mostly spare, lyrically focused, some blues, and even a little gospel influences. Not a bad album, but perhaps does not belong in the top 100, it lacks the variety and even pop power of the albums around it, but I can't speak to its influence.
Raw and mostly spare, lyrically focused, some blues, and even a little gospel influences. Not a bad album, but perhaps does not belong in the top 100, it lacks the variety and even pop power of the albums around it, but I can't speak to its influence.
84. Back In Black, AC/DC, 1980, 42:11
Surprisingly this is the first time I have listened to this album, but 8 of its 10 songs do have some airplay so I was familiar with those. As befitting the second highest selling album of all time.
Surprisingly this is the first time I have listened to this album, but 8 of its 10 songs do have some airplay so I was familiar with those. As befitting the second highest selling album of all time.
November 26, 2025 at 4:15 PM
84. Back In Black, AC/DC, 1980, 42:11
Surprisingly this is the first time I have listened to this album, but 8 of its 10 songs do have some airplay so I was familiar with those. As befitting the second highest selling album of all time.
Surprisingly this is the first time I have listened to this album, but 8 of its 10 songs do have some airplay so I was familiar with those. As befitting the second highest selling album of all time.
Up next, the second highest selling album in history, with over 50 million records, only behind Thriller (70 million). I am not sure this ranking will change much as we are past peak album sales, and there is no album past 1992 in the top 10. Streaming has killed the album star.
November 19, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Up next, the second highest selling album in history, with over 50 million records, only behind Thriller (70 million). I am not sure this ranking will change much as we are past peak album sales, and there is no album past 1992 in the top 10. Streaming has killed the album star.
83. Dusty In Memphis, Dusty Springfield, 1969, 32:39
Classic 60s soul by an English singer, plus some easy listening and lounge gold. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, as my only knowledge of Dusty Springfield was from Pulp Fiction. The lyrics were unexpectedly vivid.
Classic 60s soul by an English singer, plus some easy listening and lounge gold. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, as my only knowledge of Dusty Springfield was from Pulp Fiction. The lyrics were unexpectedly vivid.
November 19, 2025 at 3:41 PM
83. Dusty In Memphis, Dusty Springfield, 1969, 32:39
Classic 60s soul by an English singer, plus some easy listening and lounge gold. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, as my only knowledge of Dusty Springfield was from Pulp Fiction. The lyrics were unexpectedly vivid.
Classic 60s soul by an English singer, plus some easy listening and lounge gold. I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, as my only knowledge of Dusty Springfield was from Pulp Fiction. The lyrics were unexpectedly vivid.
82. There’s a Riot Goin’ On, Sly and the Family Stone, 1971, 47:33
Funk, blues, soul, gotta wonder if Prince was a fan of this album, some of these could pass for his songs. There is also even yodelling and a country groove in one tune! Great album.
Funk, blues, soul, gotta wonder if Prince was a fan of this album, some of these could pass for his songs. There is also even yodelling and a country groove in one tune! Great album.
November 19, 2025 at 3:41 PM
82. There’s a Riot Goin’ On, Sly and the Family Stone, 1971, 47:33
Funk, blues, soul, gotta wonder if Prince was a fan of this album, some of these could pass for his songs. There is also even yodelling and a country groove in one tune! Great album.
Funk, blues, soul, gotta wonder if Prince was a fan of this album, some of these could pass for his songs. There is also even yodelling and a country groove in one tune! Great album.
81. Beyonce, Beyonce, 2013, 66:35
I liked this one better than Renaissance as this higlighted her amazing vocals much better. It may not be as daring, but it is solid pop.
Key Tracks:
Drunk In Love
Partition
Rocket
Flawless
Blue
I liked this one better than Renaissance as this higlighted her amazing vocals much better. It may not be as daring, but it is solid pop.
Key Tracks:
Drunk In Love
Partition
Rocket
Flawless
Blue
November 17, 2025 at 4:21 PM
81. Beyonce, Beyonce, 2013, 66:35
I liked this one better than Renaissance as this higlighted her amazing vocals much better. It may not be as daring, but it is solid pop.
Key Tracks:
Drunk In Love
Partition
Rocket
Flawless
Blue
I liked this one better than Renaissance as this higlighted her amazing vocals much better. It may not be as daring, but it is solid pop.
Key Tracks:
Drunk In Love
Partition
Rocket
Flawless
Blue
80. Nevermind the Bullocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, 1977, 38:48
I own this on CD but admit I probably haven't listened to it all the way through in years. Looking back on the rest of top 100 so far I am sure this included for its influence, not necessarily the musical consistency or quality.
I own this on CD but admit I probably haven't listened to it all the way through in years. Looking back on the rest of top 100 so far I am sure this included for its influence, not necessarily the musical consistency or quality.
November 14, 2025 at 7:22 PM
80. Nevermind the Bullocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, 1977, 38:48
I own this on CD but admit I probably haven't listened to it all the way through in years. Looking back on the rest of top 100 so far I am sure this included for its influence, not necessarily the musical consistency or quality.
I own this on CD but admit I probably haven't listened to it all the way through in years. Looking back on the rest of top 100 so far I am sure this included for its influence, not necessarily the musical consistency or quality.
79. Blond, Frank Ocean, 2016, 60:08
This amazing album is multilayered with amazing production, heartfelt lyrics, some jazzy, dreamy, soul, hip hop grooves, some cool dissonance throughout, almost like R&B meeting Radiohead.
This amazing album is multilayered with amazing production, heartfelt lyrics, some jazzy, dreamy, soul, hip hop grooves, some cool dissonance throughout, almost like R&B meeting Radiohead.
November 14, 2025 at 5:52 PM
79. Blond, Frank Ocean, 2016, 60:08
This amazing album is multilayered with amazing production, heartfelt lyrics, some jazzy, dreamy, soul, hip hop grooves, some cool dissonance throughout, almost like R&B meeting Radiohead.
This amazing album is multilayered with amazing production, heartfelt lyrics, some jazzy, dreamy, soul, hip hop grooves, some cool dissonance throughout, almost like R&B meeting Radiohead.
OK, I am feeling much better now I have cleared my backlog. I am also feeling a bit more confident about reaching a personal goal of completing the top 100 this year.
November 14, 2025 at 4:38 PM
OK, I am feeling much better now I have cleared my backlog. I am also feeling a bit more confident about reaching a personal goal of completing the top 100 this year.
78. The Sun Sessions, Elvis Presley, 1976, 39:47
This is another compilation album, containing 16 of 20 songs recorded at the Sun label from 1954-56. While these tunes are of considerable influence on subsequent rock artists, I will not review this as they were never intended to be an album.
This is another compilation album, containing 16 of 20 songs recorded at the Sun label from 1954-56. While these tunes are of considerable influence on subsequent rock artists, I will not review this as they were never intended to be an album.
November 13, 2025 at 7:27 PM
78. The Sun Sessions, Elvis Presley, 1976, 39:47
This is another compilation album, containing 16 of 20 songs recorded at the Sun label from 1954-56. While these tunes are of considerable influence on subsequent rock artists, I will not review this as they were never intended to be an album.
This is another compilation album, containing 16 of 20 songs recorded at the Sun label from 1954-56. While these tunes are of considerable influence on subsequent rock artists, I will not review this as they were never intended to be an album.
77. Who’s Next, The Who, 1971, 43:39
I own this one, and have listened recently, and most of the songs on it are staples of rock radio. The best are:
Baba O’Riley
Bargain
Behind Blue Eyes
Won’t Get Fooled Again
It was great to listen to this again and get back to some of my musical roots.
I own this one, and have listened recently, and most of the songs on it are staples of rock radio. The best are:
Baba O’Riley
Bargain
Behind Blue Eyes
Won’t Get Fooled Again
It was great to listen to this again and get back to some of my musical roots.
November 13, 2025 at 7:23 PM
77. Who’s Next, The Who, 1971, 43:39
I own this one, and have listened recently, and most of the songs on it are staples of rock radio. The best are:
Baba O’Riley
Bargain
Behind Blue Eyes
Won’t Get Fooled Again
It was great to listen to this again and get back to some of my musical roots.
I own this one, and have listened recently, and most of the songs on it are staples of rock radio. The best are:
Baba O’Riley
Bargain
Behind Blue Eyes
Won’t Get Fooled Again
It was great to listen to this again and get back to some of my musical roots.