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Wed Jan 13 2021
In Utero
Nirvana
4
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Thu Jan 14 2021
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3
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Fri Jan 15 2021
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
2
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Mon Jan 18 2021
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
4
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Tue Jan 19 2021
The College Dropout
Kanye West
2
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Wed Jan 20 2021
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
First listen. Excellent. Bit long. (3.4)
3
View Album
Thu Jan 21 2021
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Liked at the time, but doesn't hold up. (2.6)
3
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Fri Jan 22 2021
Heroes
David Bowie
3
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Mon Jan 25 2021
Mothership Connection
Parliament
3
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Tue Jan 26 2021
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3
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Wed Jan 27 2021
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
2
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Thu Jan 28 2021
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
1
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Fri Jan 29 2021
Tical
Method Man
Pretty good. Much better than Kanye's debut.
3
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Mon Feb 01 2021
Eliminator
ZZ Top
It's good , but the relentless pounding drum machine is bit much...
3
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Tue Feb 02 2021
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
4
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Wed Feb 03 2021
Ingenue
k.d. lang
Listened to more than half, but then quickly skipped through the rest as I couldn't take it any more. Not for me. Though Constant Craving is a good song.
1
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Thu Feb 04 2021
Da Capo
Love
Was going okay until the extended jam last track...
2
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Fri Feb 05 2021
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Clearly excellent, though not sure how often I would listen to it.
3
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Mon Feb 08 2021
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
3
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Tue Feb 09 2021
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
4
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Wed Feb 10 2021
Palo Congo
Sabu
Had a go at a few tracks. I'm sure it's an important record in its genre but... would I ever choose to listen to it? No.
1
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Thu Feb 11 2021
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
Listened to about half, skipped through the rest. Okay, but percussion tracks really boring, and kick sounds like it's being amplified through a shitty sub in a lada riva and recorded from underneath the car using yoghurt pots and string instead of a mic.
2
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Fri Feb 12 2021
LP1
FKA twigs
4
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Mon Feb 15 2021
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Like the production. Sounds great for 1956. Some tracks a bit samey. Wouldn't listen again though.
2
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Tue Feb 16 2021
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Pretty cool. Probably wouldn't listen, but definitely appreciate. 2.8
3
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Wed Feb 17 2021
Homework
Daft Punk
It's an absolute classic, but far too long.
3
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Thu Feb 18 2021
Eagles
Eagles
I like some of the hits and more rocky tracks, but a lot of the record is too country for me.
2
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Fri Feb 19 2021
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
Not really for me, but much better than I expected. Only knew the hits before, which aren't on this record. 2.7
2
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Mon Feb 22 2021
Doolittle
Pixies
4
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Tue Feb 23 2021
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Not awful, but not for me. Grates a bit. Gets boring. Didn't get through it.
1
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Wed Feb 24 2021
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
When started listening thought it would be better than it was. Felt like a lot of filler. A cappella album version of 'back to life' pretty boring. Bonus version of tracks better.
2
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Thu Feb 25 2021
Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
Disappointing. Like some songs, but a few stinkers on there (e.g. na-na song). All I wanna do is great though. 2.7
3
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Fri Feb 26 2021
Make Yourself
Incubus
DJ is superfluous, but apart from that it's a great album.
4
View Album
Mon Mar 01 2021
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Liked it. A bunch of nice, short, pop songs.
3
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Tue Mar 02 2021
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
4
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Wed Mar 03 2021
Chelsea Girl
Nico
Absolute shit. Production is awful - guitars quiet and muddy with terrible tone. Would have been better without strings and flutes. Bad lyrics, worked into even worse melodies. Not as smart as it thinks it is. Ended up skipping through a lot as I couldn't take it any more. Pretentious wank.
1
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Thu Mar 04 2021
Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
Not something I would usually listen to, but pretty good. Good musicianship.
3
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Fri Mar 05 2021
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Not for me. Too folky, airy fairy.
2
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Mon Mar 08 2021
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Like this. Great musicianship, good songs, well produced. Definitely one of the better psychedelic records from the 60s.
3
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Tue Mar 09 2021
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
5
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Wed Mar 10 2021
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Trying too hard. Didn't like the 'push everything until it clips' sound. Not as edgy as it seems to think it is.
2
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Thu Mar 11 2021
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Only Sambora's guitar playing saves this from being 1 star. Pretty terrible.
2
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Fri Mar 12 2021
Pink Flag
Wire
Liked it. Can see how it was influential.
3
View Album
Mon Mar 15 2021
Bad Company
Bad Company
3
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Tue Mar 16 2021
Aja
Steely Dan
Not a huge fan of the music, but max points for musicianship and production values. Immaculately produced record. 3+
3
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Wed Mar 17 2021
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
Not really for me, but did enjoy it.
3
View Album
Thu Mar 18 2021
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Thought this was great. Not the Beach Boys I'm used to. Harder edged, more sombre, very cool. 3.4
3
View Album
Fri Mar 19 2021
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Pretty good. Backing tracks a bit repetitive. Not quite Tribe, but better than Kanye.
3
View Album
Mon Mar 22 2021
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
4
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Tue Mar 23 2021
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
3
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Wed Mar 24 2021
S&M
Metallica
Not a fan of Metallica anyway, and the addition of an orchestra and crowd noises only makes it more unbearable. Orchestra sounds forced and out of place. >2 hours way to long, skipped most, came back for hits at the end and guitars on 'One' sound atrocious. Surely any of their studio albums would have been a better pick?
1
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Thu Mar 25 2021
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Front loaded with solid hits, but pretty weak otherwise, particularly in the middle section.
2
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Fri Mar 26 2021
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Not a fan of a lot of the spoken word samples laid over the top of some tracks, but otherwise a really nice record. Lots of great synth sounds, basslines, production. From the good old days before popular electronic music got all samey.
3
View Album
Mon Mar 29 2021
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Some nice songs, but don't particularly like the instrumentation. And the Jew's harp throughout is an annoying and unnecessary distraction.
2
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Tue Mar 30 2021
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
This is cool. I only knew one of the tracks, but the whole thing was good.
3
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Wed Mar 31 2021
Pornography
The Cure
Not that familiar with this record, but it's great. Really dark and twisted. 3.4
3
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Thu Apr 01 2021
Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
For a live album, it's an excellent one. Some great guitar playing. Last track is a belter.
3
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Fri Apr 02 2021
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
Can definitely hear Bowie's influence all over it. Pretty good.
3
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Mon Apr 05 2021
Melodrama
Lorde
It's okay. I like the 'bigger' sounding tracks, and definitely a lot of Kate Bush influence. But a lot of cliched, minimalistic, sad indie girl tracks - pretty boring. And I don't understand the weird accent she puts on. Some tracks a 4, but weak as an album.
2
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Tue Apr 06 2021
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Not really for me, but not too bad. Wouldn't listen again though.
2
View Album
Wed Apr 07 2021
Hms Fable
Shack
Ned rock, albeit well crafted. Musical, but entirely uninteresting. Got bored, didn't finish.
2
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Thu Apr 08 2021
Out of Step
Minor Threat
3
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Fri Apr 09 2021
Skylarking
XTC
4
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Mon Apr 12 2021
Savane
Ali Farka Touré
I wanted to like this more, but not really for me.
2
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Tue Apr 13 2021
Rio
Duran Duran
3
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Wed Apr 14 2021
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Still don't get it. Some interesting production choices, but would benefit from a few more chords and a lot less of Ian Curtis' vocals.
2
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Thu Apr 15 2021
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
3
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Fri Apr 16 2021
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
Always felt like The Street are let down by melodies - like the lyrics got written first and then forced into any old melody. But I like the album and the concept.
3
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Mon Apr 19 2021
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
3
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Tue Apr 20 2021
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Thought this was great. Much better than the more recent album. All over the place, but in a great way.
4
View Album
Wed Apr 21 2021
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
3
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Thu Apr 22 2021
American Pie
Don McLean
2
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Fri Apr 23 2021
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Hated it. As if Johnny Cash studio recordings weren't bad enough, it's even worse live. Don't get it at all.
1
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Mon Apr 26 2021
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
3
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Tue Apr 27 2021
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
3
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Wed Apr 28 2021
Scum
Napalm Death
Really enjoyed this, though clearly it won't be to everyone's taste. Brutal, powerful, and its legacy and influence are completely understandable. Not something I'm likely to make an effort to listen to often, but happy to have it on in the background.
3
View Album
Thu Apr 29 2021
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Classic thrash metal album. Great musicianship - Marty Friedman's guitar and Nick Menza's drums, in particular. Music to motivate. Always much preferred Megadeath to Metallica. A truly great and inspiring metal record.
4
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Fri Apr 30 2021
More Specials
The Specials
I liked this record. The contrast of styles coming from the different band members; the variation between some instruments sounding live 'in-the-room', and the more polished close-miked sound of others; the dark themes set to upbeat music. A solid and enjoyable listen (3.3)
3
View Album
Mon May 03 2021
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
Really like this album, although I may be a little biased as they are local to me. Nothing ground-breaking musically, but a beautiful collection of ear-pleasing songs. Only slight let down are the recorders on 'Judy and the Dream of Horses' - nobody needs that.
4
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Tue May 04 2021
In Rainbows
Radiohead
Beautiful songs and instrumentation. Everything flows - feels very cohesive. Not even my favourite Radiohead album, but still a masterpiece.
5
View Album
Wed May 05 2021
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Great songs and energy. Love the vocal delivery, and guitars holding it all together. Not so sure about some of the lyrics.
3
View Album
Thu May 06 2021
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
I try so hard with this kind of music, but just can't get into it. Guitars sound abrasive, vocal harmonies are impressive at first but grating after a short while, and I got bored of the general style of songwriting very quickly. Traditional country music just isn't my bag.
1
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Fri May 07 2021
Dookie
Green Day
An amazing collection of guitar-driven pop songs. Always happy to hear this record, and still holds up after more than 25 years. A hugely influential album. In my opinion, the pinnacle of pop punk.
5
View Album
Fri May 28 2021
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Some decent musicianship, but that's where it ends for me. Can't get into traditional country at all. Despite the varied instrumentation, thick harmonies etc., the songs just come off as bland and uninteresting. Maybe okay for Bob's Country Bunker, but not for me.
1
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Mon May 31 2021
Rubber Soul
Beatles
Incredible songwriting, as you would expect. Only criticism is that a lot of the guitar tones sounds pretty weak - I'm guessing recorded straight into the desk. Some people like this aesthetic, but I feel better sounding guitars would have filled out the sound more. Still a great record, though.
4
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Tue Jun 01 2021
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Some really great tracks with incredible lyricism, in amongst some questionable content. Also not a fan of skits in general - could definitely do with cutting these as the album already runs a bit long. Still, a great hip-hop record that (mostly) stands the test of time. 3.4
3
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Wed Jun 02 2021
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Really cool album. Lots of 'feel' and emotion that really comes across in the playing. A lot of reviewers seem to focus on the first and last tracks, but I thought the whole thing was great.
3
View Album
Thu Jun 03 2021
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Nice collection of songs. Lots of energy, solid hooks, some great musicianship.
3
View Album
Fri Jun 04 2021
Faust IV
Faust
I enjoyed this, and particularly the 'noisy' elements. Probably not something I would choose to put on and actively listen to, but good background music.
3
View Album
Mon Jun 07 2021
All Directions
The Temptations
Pleasant, soulful collection of songs. Incredible collection of voices. Enjoyed it and would happily have it on in the background. Something wrong with the production/EQ on the first couple of tracks though, which spoils it a bit.
3
View Album
Tue Jun 08 2021
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
I don't enjoy Dylan at all, and never have. A poet, maybe, but I find his melodies uninteresting (and often near non-existent) and his nasal tone and delivery painful. Also, why is the harmonica always so high in the mix? As if his whiny vocals weren't bad enough, you then get assaulted with equally obnoxious mouth organ in almost every song. I listened to the whole thing, and hope that I never have to again.
1
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Wed Jun 09 2021
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
I liked the storytelling style of some of the lyrics, but the music isn't for me. Never been a fan of whistles and banjos. Definitely not something I would ever choose to put on. Listening on Spotify, there were also some serious issues with EQ on some tracks - they kept losing high end. Actually preferred some of the additional tracks from the expanded addition... but not by much.
2
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Thu Jun 10 2021
Protection
Massive Attack
Really like this record. It was fresh and interesting at the time, and still sounds great today. However, it should have ended after 'Heat Miser', as that would have felt like a pleasing and natural conclusion - the addition of the live version of 'Light My Fire' at the end disrupts the cohesiveness and doesn't sit well with the rest of the album.
4
View Album
Fri Jun 11 2021
Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
Found this incredibly boring for the most part. I didn't hate it, just thought it was uninteresting and uninspiring. Not a fan of music where it's just a series of samples repeated over and over ad nauseam, which is basically what this is. Some of the tracks towards the end were a little more interesting, but not enough to leave me wanting more.
2
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Mon Jun 14 2021
Parachutes
Coldplay
It might be fashionable to deride Coldplay, but there's a reason they became one of the biggest bands in the world. Great melodies sitting over well structured songs, beautiful sounding guitars (I'm a fan of delay and modulation effects used tastefully), plenty of dynamic range.
5
View Album
Tue Jun 15 2021
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Wouldn't go out of my to listen again, but I did enjoy it. Some nice and interesting compositions, and I like that it covers a range of different styles yet still sounds cohesive as an album.
3
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Wed Jun 16 2021
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Excellent pop/rock record. Fantastic melodies and hooks, and the band is superb - really cool guitar parts set against a super tight rhythm section. A classic that still sounds great today.
4
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Thu Jun 17 2021
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I do like Talking Heads, though this isn't my favourite album of theirs. Some good songs , and love Tina Weymouth's bass playing, but I feel like they perfected their chops on later records. Still very much worth a listen.
3
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Fri Jun 18 2021
The Yes Album
Yes
Really like this record, and Steve Howe's guitar playing in particular. However, it was in the albums that followed where I feel Yes really hit their stride, both in terms of composition and performance. Regardless, a nice collection of songs and a sign of what was to come.
3
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Mon Jun 21 2021
Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
An incredible dance record, which was hugely influential in its time and continues to sound great. Lots of energy and some really cool synth sounds. Some real standout tracks, particularly throughout the mid section of the album, though the whole thing flows well. The kind of music best listened to while off your face in a nightclub/warehouse/field. Too long though, like a lot of dance albums from this era.
4
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Tue Jun 22 2021
1989
Taylor Swift
It's a great pop album, with a few absolute pop bangers (mostly the Max Martin/Shellback songs). However, there are quite a few less interesting tracks too (i.e. filler), and the album really tails off after Bad Blood. And as much as I do tend to love the Max Martin/Shellback stuff, they come up with some really awful bridges. Blank Space, Shake It Off, Bad Blood - all really weak bridges that just kill the momentum in otherwise excellent pop songs.
3
View Album
Wed Jun 23 2021
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
Absolute wank. Unless this is all a masterful troll, in which case it could be genius. Cliched, pathetic lyrics that sounds like they were written by a 12 year old edgelord. Weak songs, with the horrible autotuned country song being a particularly notable low point. Only saving grace is that some of the production and musicianship is actually pretty good. I have no doubt that Kid Rock is talented, it's just disappointing that he didn't choose to funnel that talent into something with a bit more artistic merit. The fusion of rock, country and rap is something the world could have done without.
2
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Thu Jun 24 2021
xx
The xx
I liked the first track, but went downhill from there. Possibly a bit too minimalist for me, but I think my biggest issue is that it sounds like they just couldn't be bothered putting in any effort when recording it. I realise that is part of their style, but the vocals in particular are so lacklustre that it really puts me off. And all the delay and reverb can't cover up the fact that the guitars just don't sound very good. Comes across as very pretentious. They couldn't be bothered with it, and neither can I.
2
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Fri Jun 25 2021
Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
Enjoyed this. Nothing particularly interesting or exciting, but pleasant enough collection of songs.
3
View Album
Mon Jun 28 2021
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
It's okay, and I get why it was popular at the time, but I find a lot of it pretty uninteresting, and very, very repetitive. I was fully expecting to enjoy this a lot more than I did.
They say a line. And then they say it again. And then they say it again. And then they say it again. And then they say it again. And again, and again, and again. And then - is that something different coming in?.. Nope. Same line again. And again, and again...
Something about a matinée. Matinée, matinée, can't stop saying matinée. Singalong songs for people who struggle to remember lyrics.
I suppose they deserve at least a little recognition for their ability to take about 3 min of actual unique musical content, stretch it into a 40 min album, and somehow make it a hit.
2
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Tue Jun 29 2021
Teen Dream
Beach House
Nice enough. Inoffensive indie, maybe a little bland, but happy to have it on in the background.
3
View Album
Wed Jun 30 2021
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Enjoyed this album overall, though some parts more than others. Good musicianship, lots of interesting ideas, and can clearly see why it was so influential. Not sure how much I would be likely to revisit, although it seems like it could be a grower.
3
View Album
Thu Jul 01 2021
Arrival
ABBA
An incredible pop record. The songwriting, the arrangements, the musicianship, the production - all fantastic. Perhaps not something I would choose to listen to regularly, but I still think this is probably one of the greatest pop records of all time.
4
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Fri Jul 02 2021
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
I enjoyed this. Solid collection of rock songs. There are a few absolute classics on it, but the whole thing was good. Some intriguing themes and ideas (both musically and lyrically), and interesting production too. Would definitely consider revisiting, though I might be tempted just to head straight for a Greatest Hits compilation.
3
View Album
Mon Jul 05 2021
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Not really a huge fan of Neil Young, though I can appreciate the music and its influence. Not bad - some nice songs, but I probably won't be revisiting any time soon. (2.6)
3
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Tue Jul 06 2021
The Band
The Band
If I was trying to be purely objective I think I would score this higher, but it's veering a bit too close to country for my own tastes. Not for me, and I can't imagine ever revisiting, but I wouldn't run to turn it off if it came on the radio.
2
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Wed Jul 07 2021
1984
Van Halen
A classic rock/metal album. Van Halen really mastered the art of fusing metal and pop to create anthems that would appeal to a wide audience. And of course, Eddie's guitar playing is incredible - an innovator who spawned millions of copycats, and influenced guitar players everywhere. And despite all the imitators, he remained inimitable. Eddie always sounded like Eddie. Only criticism is that the album is over too quickly.
Some might think a few of the lyrics are a bit questionable, but they were never meant to be taken too seriously. Van Halen were ridiculous and over the top, but they knew it and embraced it. It's unfortunate that a lot of the bands that followed in their wake didn't seem to get the joke.
4
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Thu Jul 08 2021
Beautiful Freak
Eels
A great record that I will happily listen to any time. Fairly simple songs structures, but well executed, with clever use of samples and some interesting instrument choices. Nice melodies and hooks, and I really like Mark Everett's distinctive vocals. Some of the lyrics can come across a bit patronising / condescending, but not enough to put me off listening.
4
View Album
Fri Jul 09 2021
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Not something I would usually listen to, but I did enjoy this. Unconventional song structures and rhythms, and some fantastic playing. Not an easy listen, but an enjoyable one.
3
View Album
Mon Jul 12 2021
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Good Bowie album. Front loaded with hits, but enjoyed most of it. Not sure I'm that keen on the chugging acoustic guitar that goes through a lot of it, but otherwise liked the songs, arrangements, production and instrumentation.
4
View Album
Tue Jul 13 2021
Dirt
Alice In Chains
Classic album from the grunge era. Excellent song writing with great melodies, harmonies, and heavy guitar sounds. The whole band sound fantastic on this record. Also one of the greatest opening riffs to any album, ever.
5
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Wed Jul 14 2021
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
It was okay. Generally inoffensive, but not that exciting. Not sure I really needed to hear it before I die. Feels like it might be a grower...
Seems I was right about it being a grower. Enjoying it more on second listen. Some really nice guitar sounds. Vocals reminiscent of Mark Everett. Don't think it will ever be a favourite album, but I like it enough to revisit again.
3
View Album
Thu Jul 15 2021
Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
I liked parts of this album (the song with Tracy Thorn singing was great), but other parts not so much. Started much stronger than it finished. Feels like it's trying to be too many things - Paul Weller stepped out of his comfort zone in a few places on this record, and it shows. The rap and funk efforts in the mid-section of the album, in particular, are horrible clichés. In fact, the entire back end of the album sounds like a series of poorly executed parodies of a range of genres, but I get the impression they were supposed to be sincere... which makes it that much worse. I definitely won't be coming back to this one.
2
View Album
Fri Jul 16 2021
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
I found this uninteresting. Very little variety throughout, particularly in terms of melody. Feels like the same song repeated multiple times at different tempos. I kind of like his voice, but don't like what he does with it.
2
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Mon Jul 19 2021
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
Great album from a great band. A rock album at heart, but with elements of pop, psychedelic, glam, synth etc. all seamlessly woven through. Excellent songs with wonderful melodies, counter melodies, harmonies, and instrumentation. And solid production - all the instruments sound great and have well defined spaces within the mix. A refreshing alternative to the brit pop of the time, and still sounds good today.
5
View Album
Tue Jul 20 2021
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
James Brown certainly lives up to his name as the Godfather of Soul. I'm not usually a big fan of live albums, but this is an excellent recording, and the performances are incredible. James Brown's vocals are outstanding, and the band are incredibly tight and all sound fantastic. Crowd noises didn't even annoy me as much as they usually do, as they punctuate the recording nicely and almost behave as another instrument in the mix.
4
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Wed Jul 21 2021
Sound Affects
The Jam
Good album. I only knew the hits previously, but liked the whole thing. Was expecting it all to just be straightforward vocals, guitars, bass and drums, but there were a few other interesting instrumental and noise-making elements in there. Solid songs - well structured, nice melodies, some great poppy hooks, good lyrics. Cool production as well, and the individual instruments all sound great. Would happily revisit this one.
3
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Thu Jul 22 2021
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
I don't think there's anything I can say that hasn't been said before. An absolute masterpiece of songwriting, performance, and production.
5
View Album
Fri Jul 23 2021
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Not really sure why this album is on the list, as I don't feel I particularly needed to hear it before I die. I found the songs quite uninteresting and unoriginal. Simple songs, with simple and predictable melodies. My French is mediocre at best, so can't really comment on the lyrics.
I won't be coming back to Jacques.
1
View Album
Mon Jul 26 2021
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
Great opening track, cool fuzz guitars, like the vocal delivery, lots of interesting sounds and noises worked in to the music, but... pretty repetitive, most songs plod along but don't really go anywhere. Happy to listen to the odd track here and there, but can't imagine ever going back for a full album. (2.7)
3
View Album
Tue Jul 27 2021
Goo
Sonic Youth
Never previously gave this band much of a listen, despite being a fan of a lot of the bands that they influenced and inspired, but I really liked this record. There are good songs, but with the addition of lots of layered noise and feedbacking guitars, which is definitely my kind of thing when done well (which it is here). Not sure how often I would listen to it, but good background music for when working.
3
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Wed Jul 28 2021
Phrenology
The Roots
I really like The Roots - excellent musicians and songwriters. Some great tunes, and I like the amalgamation of different styles to produce something that still sounds cohesive and flows. However, I do think this record is too long. It could have easily lost a few tracks. It's also too loud and compressed for the most part. Whenever you see footage of The Roots playing live there is much more dynamic range and swing, and I feel a lot of that is lost on this recording. (3.4)
3
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Thu Jul 29 2021
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Love the rockin' guitars, the vocal harmonies, and the live feel, but I struggle with a lot of Neil Young and this is no exception. Some good songs, but his voice always seems quite weak and whiny in comparison to the music. This album also feels far too long, and drags in places. Rhythm section is mediocre at best. But the aforementioned rockin' guitars definitely bring it up a notch. (2.6)
3
View Album
Fri Jul 30 2021
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Was instantly impressed with this, despite only really knowing the hits previously. Track 2 comes in with heavy synths, and some really incredible production that sounds much more modern than I expected. Fantastic use of reverbs to create a very dynamic feel of size and space. Choice of instruments, arrangements, and musicianship are top notch. And it goes without saying that Paul Simon is an amazing songwriter.
I wouldn't usually consider giving an album that I am only hearing for the first time 5 stars, but I'm so blown away by this that I have to.
5
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Mon Aug 02 2021
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Not really a big reggae fan, but I can dig it. Probably wouldn't normally listen to this, but I can imagine enjoying it in the right circumstances. (2.7)
3
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Tue Aug 03 2021
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
First off, this needs to be treated as two separate albums. Even when doing this, each of the albums is still way too long! There are a lot of tracks that feel like filler, and the various skits should just have been left out completely. It feels like there are potentially two excellent albums in here, each of around 40 min in length.
All that aside, there are some really fantastic tracks on both. The bits that I liked, I loved. Two different styles, both with really cool rhymes and flow, great music.
Would both easily be a 4 for me... if they were streamlined considerably.
3
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Wed Aug 04 2021
The Undertones
The Undertones
Liked it. Lots of short, poppy, punk songs. Not much variety, but the songs are great.
3
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Thu Aug 05 2021
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Nice enough, but certainly didn't love it. In fact, there were a few tracks I didn't really like at all (El Condor Pasa, for one). It feels like they really nailed it with Bookends, but went too far with the production on this record and it just ends up a bit of a mess at times.
3
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Fri Aug 06 2021
Ray Of Light
Madonna
When I started listening to this I thought it was going to be excellent, but became more and more disenfranchised as I worked my way through it. A handful of really great tracks, and plenty of tracks which were similar in sound but much weaker overall. I feel that getting rid of a few of the tracks, and shortening the length of some of the others, would have resulted in a much stronger album. I did really like some of the production and instrumentation (William Orbit's influence), but even that gets a bit monotonous as it's all pretty similar sounding.
I think it's fair to say I was bored shitless by the time I got to the end. (2.3)
2
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Mon Aug 09 2021
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
I really like this album. A wonderful collection of pop/rock songs. Accessible, but not generic, with beautiful melodies and interesting arrangements. I love Nina Persson's voice, and Peter Svensson's guitar work is incredible - an absolute master of guitar tone, and always seems to play exactly what is required for the song (and no more). Love the production too, with all the instruments and vocals clear and defined and exactly where they need to be. (4.3)
4
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Tue Aug 10 2021
Sheet Music
10cc
Really liked this record. Kind of pop, but in no way conventional. Great musicianship, interesting ideas and themes. Glad I listened to this and definitely keen to check out some more, as I only knew the hits previously.
3
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Wed Aug 11 2021
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
I can just about see why this is on the list, but it's really not for me. Incredibly corny. The drum beats and samples are monotonous and abrasive throughout. A few tracks that I was almost liking are then ruined by unwelcome samples of whistles, crowd noises and scratching. Feels like a great example of everything that went wrong with pop at the end of the eighties. Her voice is kind of cool, but that's about it.
The whole thing sounds like a novelty album. As if some kids in a popular TV programme formed a band within the show and then the producers decided to try and release some music for real. Serious PJ and Duncan vibes, though I would much rather listen to Let's Get Ready to Rumble on repeat for an hour than have to suffer through this again.
1
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Thu Aug 12 2021
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
This was cool. Nice songs, interesting structures, well produced, great musicians. Accessible prog. They certainly have their own sound. Only really knew the hits before, but would happily listen to more of this band. (3.4)
3
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Fri Aug 13 2021
Arise
Sepultura
It was okay. A bit cookie-cutter and cliched as far as metal goes, although I suppose it wasn't so much at the time. Guitar solos were just widdly nonsense and lacking much in terms of musicality. Don't think I would listen to again.
2
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Mon Aug 16 2021
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
I really like this album. Probably my favourite from Talking Heads. Lots of cool polyrhythms, with wonderful songs built around single chords and instrumental loops (though played live rather than sampled). A real mesh of styles, and Brian Eno's production excellent as ever. Amazing bass playing from Tina Weymouth. Guitars sound great. Love the percussion. Excellent use of effects, drones, noise throughout.
A very interesting approach to writing and recording, and it really paid off.
4
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Tue Aug 17 2021
Metallica
Metallica
Not a fan. A few decent riffs here and there, but I find the tracks quite bland and uninteresting. For me, a lot of the tracks from this record are not too far removed from Nickelback. High praise indeed!
Boring, uninspired drum parts, and the actual drum sound is pretty terrible - overpowers the mix and is abrasive. Kirk needs to lay off the wah pedal. Prefer their thrashier, heavier stuff, though still not by much.
2
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Wed Aug 18 2021
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
I feel like this would have worked much better as an instrumental album. Great music, ruined by Marianne's vocals.
2
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Thu Aug 19 2021
Back In Black
AC/DC
This is how a hard rock record should sound. The songs are great - nothing particularly ground-breaking or avant-garde, but amazing riffs, fantastic to sing along to, and definitely elicits an emotional response (especially when turned up loud). Some questionable lyrics, but they never took themselves too seriously and I don't think they expected the audience to either.
In terms of overall sound, it's clear to see why this album is held up as one of the pinnacles of hard rock production. Solid rhythm section, and the guitars all sound incredible. The sound of a Gibson into a Marshall and turned up loud can't be beaten. Guitar solos suit the music perfectly, as do Brian Johnson's vocals.
Makes me want to go grab my guitar and turn it up loud.
5
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Fri Aug 20 2021
Dog Man Star
Suede
Overall, it was okay. Maybe even pretty good. I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it, but wouldn't rush to turn it off either.
Production not great - some good ideas, but poorly mixed and sounds muddy. Excessive reverbs and delays don't help with this. Superfluous strings.
Highly pretentious. I don't think either Brett Anderson or Bernard Butler were as musically gifted back then as they seemed to think they were.
But... I like a lot of the songs. Often dark and broody, and yet somehow sounding optimistic. Very Bowie-esque. I like that some of the guitars were clearly recorded very loud and on the edge of uncontrollable feedback.
3
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Mon Aug 23 2021
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
Not my kind of thing, but I didn't hate it. It's definitely got a groove. I think I would appreciate music that incorporates elements of this style, but a full album is a bit much for me.
2
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Tue Aug 24 2021
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Really liked this. Nice collection of pop songs, but with a few interesting asides. 80s guitars, 80s synths, 80s drums... all sounds that I like. Cyndi Lauper has a cool voice and delivery. And the hits are absolute pop bangers. (3.3)
3
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Wed Aug 25 2021
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
There is no doubt that Stevie Wonder is an absolute musical genius. Incredible songs, incredible groove, incredible musicianship. I do feel that the album is way too long. The quality is there throughout, but it feels like it should have been split into two separate offerings. Also, I found the child noises throughout 'Isn't She Lovely' pretty annoying - they take you away from the music.
Regardless, Stevie absolutely deserves his legendary status, and this album absolutely deserves to be on this list.
4
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Thu Aug 26 2021
Headquarters
The Monkees
It's okay, but really just sounds like a group trying (and struggling) to impersonate the more poppy elements of the Beatles, which I suppose is essentially what they were doing. It's well recorded and produced, but the songs just fall a little flat for me. There were a few interesting asides though - I now know where Del the Funky Homosapien got the main sample for Mistadobalina!
Probably wouldn't listen to again, but it wouldn't annoy me if someone else wanted to put it on. (2.6)
3
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Fri Aug 27 2021
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
I do really like Public Enemy. The lyrical flow, the emotion, the message, the delivery - all excellent. However, I'm not a always a fan of the constant repetition of short samples that backs the majority of the tracks. Sometimes it works great, other times it can become a bit monotonous. The whole album also feels a bit long.
Regardless, this is a classic from the golden era of hip hop and, due to tighter restrictions on the use of samples, records in this style will probably stay resigned to the past. (3.7)
4
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Mon Aug 30 2021
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Good songwriting, interesting song structures, incredible harmonies, and Stephen Stills is a musical genius. Perhaps a little twee at times, but really enjoyable nonetheless. (3.3)
3
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Tue Aug 31 2021
The Specials
The Specials
Probably wouldn't go out of my way to listen to The Specials, but I do really enjoy them when I do. Solid meshing of genres, and hugely influential. Strong messages, and despite the often bleak lyrical themes the actual music relays joy and positivity. And I like the fact that it sounds like a band playing together, rather than an amalgamation if individually recorded parts. (3.1)
3
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Wed Sep 01 2021
Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
Liked this. While I enjoy much of the music that it influenced more than I enjoy this, its importance in guiding the way for others can't be understated. A solid punk album. Not sure I would listen to again, but would have no issue if someone else put it on.
3
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Thu Sep 02 2021
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
It's musical, and Bonnie has a great voice, but I found the whole thing pretty uninteresting. Inoffensive background music at best - the kind of thing you might expect to hear being played in the toilets of a chain restaurant.
2
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Fri Sep 03 2021
White Ladder
David Gray
The singles from this album were everywhere when it first came out, and I hated it then. I was a teenager at the time, and it seemed like everyone's mum was a fan. I had hoped it might have improved upon a revisit, but no. It actually sounds even worse. The mixes are sparse, poorly recorded, terrible production, really awful electric drum and synth sounds, acoustic guitar loops incredibly weak and monotonous. His whiny, nasally voice was, and still is, an assault on the ears. And the songs themselves are just... nothing. As if the singles weren't bad enough, the other tracks are beyond boring.
I can't believe this was as popular as it was, though it clearly struck a chord with a lot of people. About as bland and uninspiring as it is possible to be. Despite being ubiquitous when first released, it thankfully never stood the test of time and seemed to disappear before too long. Unfortunately, I was reminded of it when it came up on this list. Hopefully this is the last time I ever have to hear this abomination. I have no idea why this album is on this list. Nobody needs to hear this before they die. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if a few people have died from boredom while being subjected to this steaming pile of shit.
1
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Thu Jan 27 2022
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Liked this a lot, and think it definitely deserves to be on this list. I like how it is front-loaded with the obvious singles, and then gets more progressive in the second half. Really interesting songs, arrangements, melodies. Lots of cool production choices, plenty of dynamic range, and her use of samples works extremely well. Hard to define (synth/pop/prog/rock?...) and all the better for it.
4
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Fri Jan 28 2022
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Was pretty good. Not really my kind of thing, but did enjoy. A nice bit of smooth jazz for background while working.
3
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Mon Jan 31 2022
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
First track was better than expected, but nothing else was. And I didn't expect much. Really not a fan of traditional Johnny Cash, and his take on the more modern songs didn't do much for me either - I much prefer the original versions in every case. Bridge Over Troubled Water was particularly painful, especially when the backing vocals come in. Danny Boy has been murdered by many before, and it's good to hear Johnny Cash keep up that tradition.
I listened, so at least I can say I gave it a chance, and I definitely preferred this to most of his other music.
Still hated it.
1
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Tue Feb 01 2022
The Blueprint
JAY Z
Really well produced. Excellent flow and delivery. Consistently high quality the whole way through - not marred by stupid 'skits' that were so prevalent in a lot of hip-hop at that time. Questionable lyrics - not particularly into the whole 'guns and bitches' thing - but as it's all bullshit bravado anyway I'm okay with it. (3.3)
3
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Wed Feb 02 2022
Future Days
Can
Was pretty cool. Nice background music. Wasn't particularly moved or inspired by it, but I did enjoy it and would happily listen again. Relaxed, easy-going rock music centred around guitars and keys, with pleasant grooves and nice ambient soundscapes to accompany. Feels like something I would probably enjoy more and more on repeated listens.
3
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Thu Feb 03 2022
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Not for me. I like some Wilco, but can't stand Billy Bragg and his influence is too much for me here. Sort of country, sort of folk, and mostly pretty uninteresting. I did like some of the lyrics (courtesy of Woody Guthrie), but less of a fan of the music.
I actually enjoyed a couple of the tracks - generally the ones that sounded more Wilco than Bragg - but overall not a fan and certainly won't be coming back to this again.
2
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Fri Feb 04 2022
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
A bit mad, somewhat challenging, and yet highly enjoyable. Like a blend of Talking Heads, Roxy Music, Devo, and a little bit of Cardiacs. Wasn't familiar with them before, but interested to check out more of their stuff now. Wouldn't say I loved it, but definitely liked and, and feels like it could be grower.
3
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Mon Feb 07 2022
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Never been much of a fan of Eurythmics, and listening to this album in full hasn't really changed anything. The hits are definitely the highlight, and despite some cool synth sounds and productions choices a lot of the other tracks felt like filler.
2
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Tue Feb 08 2022
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
The song writing, the production, the musicianship and performances - all excellent, as you would expect from the Dan. However, while objectively very good musically, not sure how likely I would be to revisit much of this. Nice enough as background music.
3
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Wed Feb 09 2022
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
It's a very good record. The rhymes, the wordplay, the delivery are all excellent. Of course, the hits are top notch and have stood the test of time. Some of the other tracks I find a bit samey - many are just backed by simple 808 beats on loop - though that puts more focus on the rhymes, so not necessarily a bad thing. At times the drum sounds are a bit harsh for me, but I suppose that is the sound they were going for.
Definitely a highly important and influential album, though I might be tempted to head straight for the hits in future.
3
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Thu Feb 10 2022
...And Justice For All
Metallica
Despite being a big metal fan I have never managed to get into Metallica, despite my best efforts. This album only acted to strengthen my overall disdain for the band.
The production on this album is truly awful. Nothing about the mix is cohesive. I tried both the original and the remaster, and both sounded horrible albeit in slightly different ways. The vocals sound okay, but everything else sounds like absolute shit and I can't believe it was ever allowed to be released in this state. The drums are way too far forward in the mix and overpower everything else, and this alone is enough to completely ruin the listening experience. The bass is pretty much non-existent despite being sorely needed to round it out. Guitar tones are mostly awful - rhythm guitars often too scooped and muddy, lead guitar too harsh and brittle, clean tones just pathetic and weak. Kirk's solos generally don't align with the songs at all, and it often feels like he wasn't even listening to the same tracks as the rest of the band while recording. Mindless guitar wanking devoid of musicality.
All that aside, I did think there were some okay songs, and Hetfield's rhythm playing is solid as a great big shit-covered rock.
2
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Fri Feb 11 2022
A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
Generally enjoyed this. More than I thought I would. Pleasant collection of pop songs. Lots of nice instrumentation and excellent vocal harmonies throughout. Some real hits (e.g. Love Hurts, Cathy's Clown), and some horrible misses (their cover of Lucille is particularly weak), but overall pretty good. Also helped by clear, crisp production.
3
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Mon Feb 14 2022
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
Didn't enjoy this as much as I thought I would. The hits are strong, but a lot of the album felt a bit monotonous, abrasive and relentless. Enjoyable if you were out of your mind in a field somewhere, but not something I would just put on for casual listening.
3
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Tue Feb 15 2022
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Not my favourite Talking Heads album, but still really like it. Poppy without being overly pop. Great band, and love David Byrne's voice and delivery.
3