@mikepurtell.bsky.social
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.
76. Superfly, Curtis Mayfield, 1972, 36:58
This is a soundtrack album, at times evolving the sounds from Marvin Gaye's What's going on, with added elements that now almost seem like stereotyped 70s - wah pedals, disco-ey guitars, but an amazing funk groove throughout. Fun stuff!
This is a soundtrack album, at times evolving the sounds from Marvin Gaye's What's going on, with added elements that now almost seem like stereotyped 70s - wah pedals, disco-ey guitars, but an amazing funk groove throughout. Fun stuff!
November 13, 2025 at 7:21 PM
76. Superfly, Curtis Mayfield, 1972, 36:58
This is a soundtrack album, at times evolving the sounds from Marvin Gaye's What's going on, with added elements that now almost seem like stereotyped 70s - wah pedals, disco-ey guitars, but an amazing funk groove throughout. Fun stuff!
This is a soundtrack album, at times evolving the sounds from Marvin Gaye's What's going on, with added elements that now almost seem like stereotyped 70s - wah pedals, disco-ey guitars, but an amazing funk groove throughout. Fun stuff!
75. Lady Soul, Aretha Franklin, 1968, 29:51
That voice! This is a quick but satisfying listen with some classics.
Key tracks:
Chain of Fools
People Get Ready
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
That voice! This is a quick but satisfying listen with some classics.
Key tracks:
Chain of Fools
People Get Ready
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
November 13, 2025 at 7:20 PM
75. Lady Soul, Aretha Franklin, 1968, 29:51
That voice! This is a quick but satisfying listen with some classics.
Key tracks:
Chain of Fools
People Get Ready
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
That voice! This is a quick but satisfying listen with some classics.
Key tracks:
Chain of Fools
People Get Ready
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
74. The College Dropout, Kanye West, 2004, 76:13
This is an amazing album that combines some classic R&B, rap, gospel, soul, humor, and serious observations on life. Top tracks include:
All Falls Down
I’ll Fly Away
Jesus Walks
Slow Jamz
Two Words
A great listen!
This is an amazing album that combines some classic R&B, rap, gospel, soul, humor, and serious observations on life. Top tracks include:
All Falls Down
I’ll Fly Away
Jesus Walks
Slow Jamz
Two Words
A great listen!
November 13, 2025 at 7:18 PM
74. The College Dropout, Kanye West, 2004, 76:13
This is an amazing album that combines some classic R&B, rap, gospel, soul, humor, and serious observations on life. Top tracks include:
All Falls Down
I’ll Fly Away
Jesus Walks
Slow Jamz
Two Words
A great listen!
This is an amazing album that combines some classic R&B, rap, gospel, soul, humor, and serious observations on life. Top tracks include:
All Falls Down
I’ll Fly Away
Jesus Walks
Slow Jamz
Two Words
A great listen!
453. Pretty Hate Machine, Nine Inch Nails, 1989, 48:42
I had this queued up for a while and though this would be a great contrast with the albums in the upper half of the Top 100. I remember when I first listened to this, along with Ministry's The Mind is a Terrible Thing and how blown away I was.
I had this queued up for a while and though this would be a great contrast with the albums in the upper half of the Top 100. I remember when I first listened to this, along with Ministry's The Mind is a Terrible Thing and how blown away I was.
November 13, 2025 at 7:05 PM
453. Pretty Hate Machine, Nine Inch Nails, 1989, 48:42
I had this queued up for a while and though this would be a great contrast with the albums in the upper half of the Top 100. I remember when I first listened to this, along with Ministry's The Mind is a Terrible Thing and how blown away I was.
I had this queued up for a while and though this would be a great contrast with the albums in the upper half of the Top 100. I remember when I first listened to this, along with Ministry's The Mind is a Terrible Thing and how blown away I was.
73. Loveless, My Bloody Valentine 1991, 48:31
I never listened to this, but a lot of bands I did listen to (The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Lush) certainly did as this kicked of the dreamy, submerged vocals, layered sounds of Shoegaze. This is extremely atmospheric and a bit hypnotic.
I never listened to this, but a lot of bands I did listen to (The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Lush) certainly did as this kicked of the dreamy, submerged vocals, layered sounds of Shoegaze. This is extremely atmospheric and a bit hypnotic.
November 10, 2025 at 11:44 PM
73. Loveless, My Bloody Valentine 1991, 48:31
I never listened to this, but a lot of bands I did listen to (The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Lush) certainly did as this kicked of the dreamy, submerged vocals, layered sounds of Shoegaze. This is extremely atmospheric and a bit hypnotic.
I never listened to this, but a lot of bands I did listen to (The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Lush) certainly did as this kicked of the dreamy, submerged vocals, layered sounds of Shoegaze. This is extremely atmospheric and a bit hypnotic.
72. Harvest, Neil Young, 1972, 37:10
At times country, at times bluesy, at times symphonic, always calling for an active listen. Loaded with guest performers.
This is one of the most complete albums of the lower half of the top 100.
Half of the tracks are classic rock radio staples.
At times country, at times bluesy, at times symphonic, always calling for an active listen. Loaded with guest performers.
This is one of the most complete albums of the lower half of the top 100.
Half of the tracks are classic rock radio staples.
November 10, 2025 at 3:48 PM
72. Harvest, Neil Young, 1972, 37:10
At times country, at times bluesy, at times symphonic, always calling for an active listen. Loaded with guest performers.
This is one of the most complete albums of the lower half of the top 100.
Half of the tracks are classic rock radio staples.
At times country, at times bluesy, at times symphonic, always calling for an active listen. Loaded with guest performers.
This is one of the most complete albums of the lower half of the top 100.
Half of the tracks are classic rock radio staples.
71. Renaissance, Beyonce, 2023, 62:14
Covered a wide range of genres including rap, retro R&B, House, and bits and pieces of various pop and other stuff. Its less coherent and more daring than Lemonade. That said, while I liked individual songs, this didn't resonate as a whole like Lemonade.
Covered a wide range of genres including rap, retro R&B, House, and bits and pieces of various pop and other stuff. Its less coherent and more daring than Lemonade. That said, while I liked individual songs, this didn't resonate as a whole like Lemonade.
November 10, 2025 at 3:39 PM
71. Renaissance, Beyonce, 2023, 62:14
Covered a wide range of genres including rap, retro R&B, House, and bits and pieces of various pop and other stuff. Its less coherent and more daring than Lemonade. That said, while I liked individual songs, this didn't resonate as a whole like Lemonade.
Covered a wide range of genres including rap, retro R&B, House, and bits and pieces of various pop and other stuff. Its less coherent and more daring than Lemonade. That said, while I liked individual songs, this didn't resonate as a whole like Lemonade.
70. Straight Outta Compton, N.W.A.,1988, 60:16
Very NSFW, some funk and jazz grooves in some songs, an almost Jackson 5 groove, and some great samples including the Beastie Boys and even Anthrax! Mostly driving and danceable.
Very NSFW, some funk and jazz grooves in some songs, an almost Jackson 5 groove, and some great samples including the Beastie Boys and even Anthrax! Mostly driving and danceable.
November 10, 2025 at 3:34 PM
70. Straight Outta Compton, N.W.A.,1988, 60:16
Very NSFW, some funk and jazz grooves in some songs, an almost Jackson 5 groove, and some great samples including the Beastie Boys and even Anthrax! Mostly driving and danceable.
Very NSFW, some funk and jazz grooves in some songs, an almost Jackson 5 groove, and some great samples including the Beastie Boys and even Anthrax! Mostly driving and danceable.
I have been listening but not motivated to write, so to break this block I am going to post some shorter ones today to clear my writing backlog a bit.
November 10, 2025 at 3:29 PM
I have been listening but not motivated to write, so to break this block I am going to post some shorter ones today to clear my writing backlog a bit.
Bonus Alanis: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfbQ...
Alanis Morissette - Uninvited Live at the GRAMMY´s
YouTube video by Mateo Shakifan Madder
www.youtube.com
October 15, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Bonus Alanis: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfbQ...
69. Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morissette, 1995, 57:23
I bought this on the strength of You Oughta Know, and was amazed at the depth of the album. Overall about half of the album's songs were released as singles as a result of this, many still iconic.
I bought this on the strength of You Oughta Know, and was amazed at the depth of the album. Overall about half of the album's songs were released as singles as a result of this, many still iconic.
October 15, 2025 at 12:29 AM
69. Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morissette, 1995, 57:23
I bought this on the strength of You Oughta Know, and was amazed at the depth of the album. Overall about half of the album's songs were released as singles as a result of this, many still iconic.
I bought this on the strength of You Oughta Know, and was amazed at the depth of the album. Overall about half of the album's songs were released as singles as a result of this, many still iconic.