Nov 26 2020
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Really jazzy neo-soul It's pretty easy listening, like I'd hear it in a lounge or coffee shop. Honestly I think what's keeping mre from LOVING it is her voice, it's really raspy and kinda wish it just hit me with more oomph. Flies by though. Can't believe it's 71 minutes
4
Nov 27 2020
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Man some really killer songs, classics even, but I think some of the deeper cuts are just kinda meh. Great stuff tho.
4
Nov 28 2020
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Classic album! So many great songs, such great lyrics. Goes by so quick too
5
Nov 29 2020
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Some great tracks on here, I'm sure super influential, but some ones I don't really care for too. The intro is legit awful. But a really cool and a really ahead of its time album
4
Nov 30 2020
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Low
David Bowie
A couple cool songs. I get this might have been really influential at the time, but idk. Can’t see myself listening to it a ton over the next few years. Some of the ambient stuff is kinda cool, but not like a great tangerine dream album or anything like that.
4
Dec 01 2020
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Top to bottom this might be one of their best. Starts off super strong, some solid deep cuts, not the most mind blowing thing in the world, but a lot of fun, some cool bluesy sounds packed through it
5
Dec 02 2020
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Definitely a fave. So many great tracks, this album makes me feel lots of things
5
Dec 03 2020
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Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
She definitely doesn’t have as much gruff in her voice as her past records, but I think it suits her better. The intro track is a little odd. It’s not COMPLETELY blowing me away but I definitely enjoy it. The production from inside the church definitely has this cavernous feeling to it. Like you gotta lean in to it. Nice reverb to everything. GREAT instrumentation. It sounds pretty consistent, maybe “uniform” if you want to be harsh. Butevery track is super solid.
5
Dec 04 2020
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Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
4.5 stars. This is close, but the last two songs aren't my favorite. Very nu-disco, synth pop, Daft Punk style electronica. Super danceable. THIS THING IS STRAIGHT BANGERZ. I just wanna dance. Almost every song has at least one part I just love. Last two songs tail off maybe a little but I liked this a lot
4
Dec 05 2020
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Really cool guitars. Almost shoegazey at times. The voals plus a couple psychadelic effects like phasers and backwards guitar give it a retro 60s feel. I like it a lot. You can hear how Oasis would be influenced by them
5
Dec 06 2020
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Let It Be
The Replacements
This took a second listen, but I really loved this. Just a very kick-ass punk/post punk album. Definitely feels like it inspired Nirvana and The Strokes. 4.5 Stars
4
Dec 07 2020
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Real Life
Magazine
Weird, post-punk, art rock, almost new wave record. Pretty heavy use of synth, eccentric vocals. This might take another listen. Supposedly super groundbreaking, and it’s pretty cool and out there, but it’s not grabbing me on listen #1. Some Bowie influence here and there. Very vibrant and frenetic
4
Dec 08 2020
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
I feel like the recording quality is kinda ass, even for 1969. Maybe it sounds better on vinyl, idk, but it sounds super dated. Honestly I’m not in love with it, it’s very art rocky, maybe even rock opera-y, almost proggy? But it’s not gripping me, might need another listen.
4
Dec 09 2020
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
I REALLY liked this. It’s got a cool art rock, post-punk vibes. Some Jim Morrison style vocals at time, with some really cool arrangements. Just liked this a lot. Surprised at how good I thought it was. Back half is phenomenal
5
Dec 10 2020
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Absolute classic album. One of the best folk rock albums ever. Great guitars, great diversity, and of course, the harmonies. Legends.
5
Dec 11 2020
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Classic hard rock album. I think there’s a couple duds, but this was really a moment in rock, and even the songs I’m not crazy about have some kick ass-ity to em
5
Dec 12 2020
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Dookie
Green Day
Just such fun punk/pop-punk songs. Classic. Short sweet, and I forgot how much the drums kick absolute ass on this album.
5
Dec 14 2020
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Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
“Acid-Jazz”, kinda trip hoppy. Not sure why it’s in this list. I’ve never heard of it, the wiki article is like 3 sentences. It’s okay but you have to hear it before you die? Idk. Some solid tracks on the back half though
3
Dec 15 2020
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Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Pretty solid reggae, which I’ve never loved. A couple pretty solid songs though. Pretty short, only 9 tracks, 40 mins
3
Dec 16 2020
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Idk if I’ve graduated from jazz appreciator to jazz lover. Some of it sounds incredible, but the really dissonant off-key notes really throw me off. I get that they’re kinda supposed to make you feel a little uncomfortable but it’s just not the most pleasing jazz to me.
3
Dec 17 2020
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
I’ll have to give this another listen. Sounds pretty good for 1965, but kinda tame by today’s standards.
3
Dec 18 2020
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
You know what, for 1988 this is pretty great stuff. Think I might like Public Enemy a little more, but the beats from Dre and Yella are all great, the flows are really great, some pretty corny bars though. Wish there were some more hooks though
5
Dec 19 2020
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
4
Dec 20 2020
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Harvest
Neil Young
I’m not gonna sit here and tell you it’s my favorite album, but this thing is such a classic. Feels like every folk record for 50 years has this one to thank. Neil’s voice isn’t my favorite but it’s packed with such great tunes. Ends super super strong.
5
Dec 21 2020
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Make Yourself
Incubus
Honestly it’s not nearly as bad as I thought it might be. Still not sure why it’s on here though. Kinda feels like a Soundgarden, sounds like it might even have influenced bands like Linkin Park(?). Pretty groovy bass and drums. Part of me just hears it and feels a little cringey though (Make Yourself has some CRINGE). Am I gonna come back to this ever? Probably not. Pretty mild, middle of the road.
3
Dec 22 2020
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Good jazz fusion, maybe even a little bit of proto-prog. Some crazy instrumentation on this, sometimes to its detriment like on the opener, not in love with the weird accordion sounds, but it’s fun, it’s groovy, jazzy, and the playing is awesome
5
Dec 23 2020
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I need to give this a second listen. I really liked a lot of it, feels very ahead of its time imo, but definitely some filler songs that I think could have been cut to keep the runtime down. Like, you don’t need the instrumentals or the moonlight sonata on there. Very harrowing, unique vocals, great synths, very atmospheric.
4
Dec 24 2020
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Quiet, reserved, almost mystical sounding folk. Love the strings, the guitars, and the vocals are quiet, not too dynamic, but they’re still very melodic and I feel like I’m hanging on every word. Feels like a mystic dream or a dark fairy tale. Really enjoyed this and will come back
5
Dec 25 2020
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Glad I’m relistening to it. I’ve always enjoyed the later Foos albums and was never huge into this one, so it’s cool to revisit it. Forgot how killer some of the riffs are on this one. The songs are all unique and diverse but still pretty killer. Lyrics aren’t the best or most powerful. Some duds but who cares, it’s the Foos
5
Dec 26 2020
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
It’s a bunch of classic christmas songs from bands that Phil Specter produced. Classic stuff, lots of songs that are still played every year
5
Dec 27 2020
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Boston
Boston
Idk what I can say about this. One of my favorite albums of all time. Incredible guitar work from Tom Scholz, incredible vocals from Brad Delp, incredible drumming, God I love this album so much
5
Dec 28 2020
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Odelay
Beck
I like the instrumentation a lot, there’s some really cool samples and beats (guessing from the Dust Brothers) and some odd but fun grooves. Some cool effects to go along with some eccentric lyrics. Like his deep voice and some of the country inspired tunes. Not as strong at the end. Still a really good album though
5
Dec 30 2020
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Look, it’s not his best work. A couple duds (Darlington County, Working on the Highway), but it’s The Boss. Some of his best, most high profile tunes show up on this thing.
4
Dec 31 2020
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Goo
Sonic Youth
I’ve never been a huge sonic youth fan. The guitars and drums are all pretty awesome, but the vocals and lack of hooks really make this kind of a wash for me. So many talked vocals and they feel like they kind of ruin things for me. Big noise rock and no wave feel. Once again, great guitars. But idk how often I'll come back to it
3
Jan 01 2021
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Pink Flag
Wire
British punk album. Lot of super short songs. Great energy, similar to The Clash. Which is probably the lazy comparison, but sue me. Very tight, which quick catchy riffs and tight drumming. Some songs are maybe just a little too short, but I really like it all. The guitar riffs and bass lines are GOOD.
5
Jan 02 2021
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
The beats on this thing are so freaking good. The Bomb Squad was on FIRE on this one. Way ahead of its time. Chuck D is so charasmatic on the mic, one of the best to ever do it. Flava Flav is a top tier hype man, he never feels like he takes away from the tracks, lots of charisma on Cold Lampin’. So cinematic, it flows together so freaking well, lot of incredible social and political commentary
5
Jan 03 2021
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
You know, I really liked this a lot. More than I thought I would. There’s a very cinematic feel to it, maybe kind of a broadway show feel. You’ve got kinda synthy stuff like Relax, you’ve got bossanova on the San Jose cover, there’s a Born To Run cover, there’s a skit or two. I’ve listened to it like 3 times in a day because it flows together so well even though it might not be the BEST.
4
Jan 04 2021
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
5
Jan 05 2021
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Abbey Road
Beatles
Classic record, one of my favorite, if not favorite Beatles album. Something and Come Together, I want you, Here Comes The Sun are bonafide classics. Side B, while I don't really love any of the big long song individually, as a whole it's super cohesive and fun, they flow very well. Really nail what they were trying to channel on Sgt. Pepper
5
Jan 06 2021
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Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
The breakbeat drums are sick, I love how they sound. The grooves are pretty gnarly and scuzzy. Sounds a little like some of the stuff you might hear on a rage album. Explosive, dancey, groovy. The tracks are never stagnant, hardly drag, honestly I really love this
5
Jan 07 2021
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
So I’ve always found reggae kind of boring, not all that interesting, but… wow I was wrong. I get why all my friends were super into this. Songs like So Much Things To Say and The Heathen are so interesting and have a lot going on. The guitars are basically kind of part of the percussion. The group vocals sound heavenly, spiritual. Inspired, pointed lyrics, loved the messaging. Just a really brilliant album that I can’t believe I didn’t get to earlier
5
Jan 08 2021
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Abraxas
Santana
You know I love Santana. This one feels a lot more jammier than their debut. We do get some ventures into Jazz Rock on Incident at Neshabur. I don’t think anything is like mindblowingly incredible, but Carlos is ON POINT and the songs kick ass. They fuck. Not in love with the intro, but all the other songs absolutely go hard.
5
Jan 09 2021
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The Predator
Ice Cube
Ice Cube is spitting and flowing on this. One of my favorite rappers ever. When Will They Shoot is hard af. Pretty hard beats.
4
Jan 10 2021
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Achtung Baby
U2
I like a lot of it, I like a lot of the instrumentals, there’s some really sick guitar parts from The Edge, but Idk I just feel like it’s missing something. The vocals are good but I feel like some of the passion from their earlier stuff isn’t always there
4
Jan 11 2021
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Gold
Ryan Adams
The fact that this appeals to me so much either says a ton about me or Ryan Adams lol. Kinda in that Wallflowers mold. PROTO TAYLOR SWIFT. Just some light, easy going alt rock, some good story telling, really nice melody lines and guitar riffs. Didn’t really care for Sylvia Plath. His different voices throughout the record throw me off a little too – like what the hell is that voice on Gonna Make You Love Me?
4
Jan 12 2021
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Blur
Blur
I think this is a really interesting record, definitely a precursor to a ton of Gorillaz stuff. Alt Rock, Art Rock, Garage rock, maybe some mild psych rock. Some tracks though that I just don’t care for. Maybe I’d warm up to em with other listens, but for now I’ll call this flawed but very interesting. I will say it’s a very unique sounding album. Doesn’t sound like much else
4
Jan 13 2021
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
It’s just so peaceful and blissful. Relaxing, weirdly enough. I love the harmonies and the rhythms of the vocals. Some mouth sounds, like clicking and hissing. Idk, I feel like I’m having a really nice spiritual experience. I really like it, but let’s be honest, they run together a lot. By the end of the record, I felt like I could really use some other instrumentation or something to break it up. The stomps and claps on the last track were so welcome.
4
Jan 14 2021
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Might require a second listen. It’s a really weird, interesting, quirky record. Definitely some Beatles influence. I think you can draw a line from this to some of the chamber pop of the 2010s. I don’t LOVE it but I think it’s pretty fun, pretty solid, I don’t know if I like it better than his earlier records, but it feels very distinctly Elvis Costello
4
Jan 15 2021
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
There’s some really good tracks on this thing. Very mellow, the group vocals and harmonies are really nice, I think some songs feel maybe a tiny bit redundant. Babydoll is a standout. Feels so sexy and groovy. Honestly I had a great time with this lol
4
Jan 16 2021
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
This feels very Remain In Light inspired. Long, drawn out grooves. Feel like it’s not quite as much a hodgepodge of sounds and soundplay as This Is Happening or Sound of Silver. I think it’s really cool background music. The vocals could be mixed a little higher imo. Some songs I think maaaybe overstay their welcome a little, I think some of the vocals are just a little TOO trying to be eccentric. I think it sounds really good but I’m not in love with it. I don’t think it’s BAD, but Idk I do think the magic isn’t quite here on this one
3
Jan 17 2021
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
It’s ok. Venezuelan singer songwriter, mostly solo guitar, but also some string arrangements. Mostly under 2.5 minutes. I didn’t hate it, so not gonna go below 3, but I’m not sure I’ll ever listen again to be honest. There’s some interesting poetry and guitar playing here and there, but nothing that great. The vocals kinda go back and forth between compelling and slightly off putting. The title track is legit great. I think I’m more of a fan of the more mystical, almost indigenous folk sounding tracks like Fall.
3
Jan 18 2021
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty’s debut album! It’s a little all over the place, some songs aren’t my favorite, but some songs just hit me like a ton of bricks. I fuckin’ miss you Tom. Super short, never overstays its welcome.
4
Jan 20 2021
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Aretha’s energy is absolutely infectious on this album. Something that surprised me on this is the instrumentals. Some really great horns, piano, bass, drums, strings, etc. It sounds a little dated, as far as recording goes. I wonder what it sounds like on vinyl. Man, this is so good
5
Jan 21 2021
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
Dad loves this album lol. This is super synthy and sounds pretty modern compared to stuff like DARE or Pet Shop Boys. I definitely see a ton of parallels with this and some stuff that’s come out in the last decade. The vocals are interesting. Some Chris Isaac-y vocals here and there, some really nice harmonies on a couple tunes
4
Jan 30 2021
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Very much like early The Who. There’s some really jammin’, rockin’ songs like Hey Grandma and Fall On You and some more country, The Byrds style songs like 8:05. Great guitar playing. Recording quality isn’t the best, also it’s not on Spotify? Had to look it up on YouTube. All short, quick hitting songs, only barely over a half hour
4
Jan 31 2021
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
It’s very 60’s, incredible voice, very cinematic voice and the arranged, orchestrated instrument is very lavish and grand. Some weird story lyrics. I really enjoyed this top to bottom. Was kinda casually listening to it, so I'll have to come back later for my favorite tracks and a more in depth listen, but I thought every track on first listen was great. Voice never got old, felt like it had a lot of weight and emotion to it.
5
Feb 01 2021
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Illmatic
Nas
Nas’s flows on this are so good, literally flowing. Just so smooth. The instrumentals aren’t super grand or anything, but they’re groovey and funky, sort of minimalist here and there. Almost lo-fi hip hop/jazz inspired. I think it’s good, I know how influential this was, how big it was and has been since, but I can’t rank it a 5. Would like more hooks, more instrumental changeups, bigger sound. A couple songs that maybe go on 45 seconds too long
4
Feb 02 2021
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
3
Feb 03 2021
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
Did SPIN magazine make a mistake ranking this over Nevermind in 1991? Yes. Lol. Yes. It is VERY much 90s jangle pop, if that's your vibe or you really like old power pop, then you'll love this, but it's not doing a ton for me.
I like a lot of the guitar work, but the vocals and the general songwriting aren't my favorite, and I think the back half is a lot stronger than the first. It really reminded me of another album that dropped a few years later, Weezer (Blue), which I think has a lot of similar power pop vibes, but was much more musically and lyrically compelling. Alcoholiday and Is This Music? are probably my favorite tracks, would have liked more tracks to grab me like those
3
Feb 04 2021
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Electronic synth oddyssey, it’s very atmospheric (makes sense given the name!) and otherworldly. There’s a panning wind-sound on a few tracks, and theramin on part 3.. Apparently he did a ton of soundtrack work which makes a ton of sense. Part 1 is a little slow, it’s an alright intro, but it’s not really until part 2 that things pick up. Not sure how listening to tracks individually would be but I really enjoyed this as a 40 minute experience. Part 2 is a bop, 3 is fun, 4 I’m on the fence with, 5 I loved the 2nd half but thought the first half was just ok, and part 6 had a fun neo-noir video game vibe.
4
Feb 05 2021
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
I’ve never been a huge Byrds fan, so I wasn't expecting to love this as much as I did. I will say though this album is a lot more wild and fun than Mr. Tambourine Man. Twangy and folksy, but also acid-dripped and psychadelic. Lots of really off the wall moments on this album (CTA – 102, Mind Gardens, for ex). There’s a pretty wide variety of styles, but it comes together well. 4.5 stars but I'm feeling generous so I'll bump it up. Very good record.
5
Feb 06 2021
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Kenya
Machito
I think what makes this album great is very apparent on the surface. This is a fun, dancey, big band latin jazz album. Great performances, loved all the percussion, and clave rhythms. Nothing to really dive too deep into, just put it on and dance. Sounds incredible, great recording and mixing, not dated at all
5
Feb 07 2021
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is CCR coming into their own, but maybe not quite nailing it perfectly. The highs are high. Born On A Bayou and Proud Mary are all time classics, Bootleg is solid, but the lows aren’t cutting it for me. Good Golly Miss Molly and Penthouse Pauper are fine, but not standout. Graveyard Train is WAY too long, Keep On Chooglin is also a bit long but it’s little more fun and engaging.
3
Feb 08 2021
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Parklife
Blur
Kinda on the fence with it. Some songs I think are really cool and unique. I definitely can see where ideas for later Gorillaz records were kind of incubating on here. But a lot of the songs just aren’t really doing it for me, some are even kind of grating to me.
3
Jan 29 2023
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Believe it or not I’ve never listened to a Smiths album front to back. I thought it was very good and I could see it growing on me in the future. Very strong start with the title track and loved the finish as well. It is very verbose, which is part of the charm, but sometimes it feels like I could use maybe a little instrumental break between verses or vocals? Just a minor complaint, I will definitely listen again.
5
Jan 30 2023
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
I wasn’t a huge fan of Behavior, but I really enjoyed this one. Synthy, dancey, and campy. Pet Shop Boys vocals in the past have grated on me a little bit, but I find them much more enjoyable on this record. The hooks are all really sticky, the dance grooves are fun and bouncy, and each song feels like it brings a different vibe to the album without it feeling all over the place. Definitely coming back to this.
5
Feb 01 2023
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
Fun, new wavey, punk rock great for jamming out to on a summer day. The songs have a very cheeky, sarcastic vibe to them. Some tracks are a little more aggressive, some are a little more lyrically centered, and I think there's a good mix throughout to where the album never gets stale. I wouldn't call it a must-listen, but I could see myself enjoying this one again down the line.
4
Feb 02 2023
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
4 stars because Kraftwerk were so groundbreaking and influential, and it is a fun record, but I’d be lying if I said right now in 2023 I was blown away. The Robots is a fun intro, and the repetitive lyrics don’t bug me as much as they do on Spacelab. I think that one could use more of a switchup, which metropolis thankfully delivers. The Model is fun, but the vocals and lyrics don’t really do a ton for me. And I really like the last two songs, which add a bunch of different layers and variations,. Neon Lights is definitely my favorite track here. It’s the longest, but I think delivers the most over its runtime.
4
Feb 03 2023
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
I was honestly blown away by this album. Song for song, just a ton of great rock songs. Courtney is such a great front woman, and every hook hits for me. No lulls, no filler, just great track after great track. I will 100% come back to this.
5