Aug 28 2024
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Apostrophe(')
Frank Zappa
This seems definitely the most approachable of the albums we’ve heard from the list… and sonically it is pretty interesting, definitely doing a lot more to demonstrate craftsmanship while not being entirely experimental. What keeps holding me back is the lyrical writing isn’t particularly clever, it just comes off as juvenile. Most of it is a miss for me, though Uncle Remus is the closest where it comes to working as there is a fun/joy in the vibe that I can more easily engage with. Overall, it was good to hear a different aspect of his catalog, but Frank is just not my cup of team.
2
Aug 29 2024
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Before These Crowded Streets
Dave Matthews Band
I enjoyed the journey. The strings and woodwinds layered with a warm contemporary slower jazz has a great vibe to it that was able to keep me engaged. Though Crush and Don’t Drink the Water stand out the most for me, the rest of the album has does a pretty decent job of staying interesting. The arrangements are really the king here. Definitely fun!
4
Aug 30 2024
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Savage Sinusoid
Igorrr
This is an awesome kind of madness. It certainly challenges you from the outset, but it feels that the abundance of screams and panic in the early tracks is actually used in moderation with lots of other more open and orchestral pieces. Mix this with the occasional metal skrillex electronic vibe and this is something that is entirely unique. It is engaging and something that I came back to multiple times over a few days… I expect to explore this more.
4
Aug 31 2024
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Continuum
John Mayer
This is really easy to approach and enjoy. What stands out the most is the slow blues guitar feel in many of the tracks that seems to perfectly capture the emotion of the song and carry it forward. It doesn’t need to be flashy or fast, but just hits the vibe and elevates the song. Beliefs, Gravity, Slow Dancing and Bold as Love as all standouts though the album is really strong from start to finish.
5
Sep 01 2024
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Lahai
Sampha
This is my kryptonite. It’s a jazzy electronic rap R&B vibe that’s all over the place and isn’t particularly fun to wade through. It sounds somewhat tolerable, but other than wave therapy, they all pretty quickly become irritating.
1
Sep 02 2024
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Enema Of The State
blink-182
I frickin' love this album. Pop punk at its finest. Maybe the Party Song is a bit weak, but otherwise the album is start to finish catchy mostly fun (thanks Adam's Song) bangers that double down on goofball youth and their priorities.
5
Sep 03 2024
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The Animal Years
Josh Ritter
A solid singer-songwriter vibe in the vein of Iron & Wine and lo-fi Father John Misty. The songs are a bit hit and miss through most of it. They're fine, but they don't do a lot to differentiate themselves. Enjoyed Girl in the War and Monster Ballads at the start. It wasn't until Thin Blue Flame that this really comes into its own. It has a great developing passion and energy that carry it like any of the prior tracks. Really solid.
3
Sep 04 2024
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A Salty Dog
Procol Harum
What's most suprising about this album is that it isn't actually bad. Late 60's prog rock? It is almost universally dated and is generally pretty uninteresting. All of this is completely fine, rock and blues, without fuzztones, prog rock noodling or anything that really hobbles it. There's nothing award winning here, but the tracks are pretty even and generally enjoyable.
3
Sep 05 2024
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Weezer
Weezer
I’m already a Weezer fan and like many others, pretty shocked that this wasn’t in any editions of the book. It is a seminal album in the nerdy college alt rock domain, and though I’ve found Pinkerton to have more enduring interest, there isn’t a bad track on this album and Say It Ain’t So is one of my 5 favorite songs of all time.
5
Sep 06 2024
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The Hazards of Love
The Decemberists
Definitely a really strong showing. I had considered proposing the Decemberists to the user list, though i put both Picaresque and The Crane Wife ahead of this. This is still very cool as it continues the theaterical story telling of their style. Well written, and i enjoy Colin Meloy's delivery. The tracks are a little bit more uneven, feeling more like the musical that has a handful of filler or connecting songs to get you from one point of the story to the next, but the effort to make a banger was not there. Still, The Wanting Comes in Waves, The Rake's Song, and Hazards of Love 4 are all fantastic, and the album is engaging. Enjoyed!
4
Sep 07 2024
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Transatlanticism
Death Cab for Cutie
Saw Death Cab in a tiny club touring with this album back in 2003. The thing that surprised me the most was that the album initially comes off to me as a pretty mellow alt rock delivery, Title and Registration is awesome, Sound of Settlings, We Looked Like Giants… all just great songs. But in there, and especially noticeable live, they can crank the noise with the best of them. They aren’t afraid to occasionally create the wall of noise that really steps on Ben’s vocals, but I think I like this approach as they also give the vocals lots of room at the front. Its a variety that definitely works for me and this great set of tracks.
5
Sep 08 2024
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Come And Get It
Rachel Stevens
Pretty formulaic synth pop. I feel like i'm listening to an album of rejects from the Shrek soundtrack.
2
Sep 09 2024
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22, A Million
Bon Iver
He is definitely an artist missing from the list, though I definitely in the For Emma, Forever Ago camp... one of my absolute favorite albums. This is definitely way more experimental, though his approach still shows a lot passion. The slightly more traditional tracks like 8 Circle really work for me, but there's not enough like that which makes most of the album more of a curiosity.
3
Sep 10 2024
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Poesía Básica
Extrechinato y Tu
This is just crazy. If this is introduced as a spanish-language collection of poems done to music, you would never guess what you were about to experience. This is wild and fun. Though I'm not sure i'm likely to listen to this again, the music was really solid and so much fun. Enjoyed!
4
Sep 11 2024
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Forced Witness
Alex Cameron
Easy to approach, and has a very “Killers” vibe to the sound. Nothing stands out as too memorable or catchy, and tracks like Stranger’s Kiss seem a bit forced to me. What I caught of the lyrics doesn’t particularly work for me which seem to hold it back a bit. Overall OK.
3
Sep 12 2024
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Tales Of Mystery And Imagination
The Alan Parsons Project
A more approachable and reasonable prog roc delivery. The instrumental sections seem to be the strongest… as most of the singing doesn’t actually seem to make it much better. Nothing too memorable but an interesting listen.
3
Sep 13 2024
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I And Love And You
The Avett Brothers
I had never heard of this before and was pretty impressed at how easily approachable it is and that tracks like I and Love and You are exceptional, with a sincere passion that elevates it. Songs like Kick Drum Heart do a lot for the album, giving new tempo and energy that also carries a good pop hook. Really enjoyable.
4
Sep 14 2024
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Join Us
They Might Be Giants
Cool to see someone added They Might Be Giants to the list... i've enjoyed a bunch of their hits that i've heard but haven't delved too deep. This album is quirky and fun, with certainly some songs that make you pause (e.g. When Will You Die?), but ultimately there is not much that is really catchy that elevates it. A fine listen.
3
Sep 15 2024
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Sublime
Sublime
Definitely enjoy the ska punk reggae vibe from Sublime. There is enough really strong tracks in here (Santeria, Wrong Way, What I Got, Sam in the End, Caress Me Down, Doin’ Time) that make the long journey worthwhile. There a bit of uneven content, nothing bad, but not particularly interesting.
4
Sep 16 2024
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Wild Planet
The B-52's
Not sure why this needed to be added. The self-titled B-52's album has several stronger songs, though is a bit more uneven. Wild Planet brings us Private Idaho and Strobe Light, which are both great, but everything else is pretty forgettable. It is more of the quirky party B-52's sound, which is enjoyable in limited doses.
3
Sep 17 2024
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Squeezing Out Sparks
Graham Parker
Huge fan of this. Similar in time and style to Elvis Costello... its got an intellectual vibe, and delivers an amazing blend of rock, punk and pop hooks. Both slow and sneery attitude driven rock songs work here. Enjoyed!
5
Sep 18 2024
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Gemstones
Adam Green
It sounds like late 60's musical theater with modern references. Though unusual, it certainly doesn't seem very compelling. Happy when it was over.
2
Sep 19 2024
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Piledriver
Status Quo
Fascinating. I have no idea how i've never heard of this band... popular in England and an active band for over 50 years (60 years if you allow the precursor bands). The surprise of that is more interesting than the album... which is some fine bluesy boogie rock. I like the slower tempo A Year and All the Reasons best. Their cover of Roadhouse Blues is a bit of a travesty, but the rest of the album is fine, though ordinary genre music.
3
Sep 20 2024
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Pushin' Against a Stone
Valerie June
Her vocal style really works for me and the bluesy and soulful arrangements are enjoyable. Wanna Be On Your Mind and Pushin' Against a Stone work best for me. Though there are a few tracks that are kinda 'meh', there is enough passion and power in the style that made it an enjoyable surprise.
4
Sep 21 2024
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I Am
Earth, Wind & Fire
There's nothing really like Boogie Wonderland... an absolute banger. After the Love is Gone certainly also stands out, though it's not enough to carry an entire album of otherwise just serviceable 70's disco/r&b/funk.
3
Sep 22 2024
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Eye
Robyn Hitchcock
There was a moment in time where i was into Robyn Hitchcock's voice and i found Globe of Frogs to be decent. Unfortunately this is a bit too artsy and experimental to get into. Didn't find anything that really stuck for me, and the extended spoken bits made it feel like a bit of a slog.
2
Sep 23 2024
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Carolina Confessions
The Marcus King Band
Surprised and really enjoyed this. It soulful and southern... like a cross between Chris Stapleton and The Commitments (soundtrack). Goodbye Carolina and Autumn Rains are great and there's enough else that is easily approachable and hits that vibe to stay engaged.
4
Sep 24 2024
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Stranger In Town
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
How could this have not already been on the list. Definitely justified. Maybe Brave Strangers is a bit boring, but otherwise this is one of the strongest top to bottom albums around. Nobody does it like Bob. Awesome fun!
5
Sep 25 2024
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Boys And Girls in America
The Hold Steady
A fine alt rock vibe, but nothing particularly special. Citrus seems the most interesting, but I'm not that big of a fan of the lead singers vocal style. Its fine but nothing i would seek out.
3
Sep 26 2024
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Dimanche à Bamako
Amadou & Mariam
It just works. The vibe and energy are easily approachable and just make you feel cool. I feel like if you were watching this live, you couldn't help yourself from dancing, head bobbing, and moving to the groove. Greatly enjoyed. I even think the french language works with the style despite not being able to understand anything.
5
Sep 27 2024
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The Lion's Roar
First Aid Kit
Really compelling singer-songwriter album that starts out huge... Lion's Roar and Emmylou are strong and engaging. There's a few other gems along the way, like To a Poet, but it suffers a bit from being very samey by the time you get to the end. Promising and approachable.
4
Sep 28 2024
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Nightbirds
LaBelle
Lady Marmalade is OG, and there's a couple more strong tracks, Somebody Somewhere and You Turn Me On stand out, but most of the rest seems like standard issue disco-R&B genre music. It's fine, but doesn't stand out for me.
3
Sep 29 2024
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Tomb
Angelo De Augustine
Not sure I get this one. It is entirely the style of an Elliott Smith or Sufjan Stevens but seems to be an octave higher and more waifish without the warmth or those other artists. This is fine singer songwriter material, but nothing really immediately engaging on first listen.
3
Sep 30 2024
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La cagaste... Burt Lancaster
Hombres G
Damn, this is a pretty fun album. Lots of strong tracks with a fun beat, melody and energy. En La Playa, Te Quiero, and Marta Tiene are my favorites, but it has a fun pop bubbly vibe with some decent hooks that make it a nice surprise.
4
Oct 01 2024
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Ænima
TOOL
I love the dark angsty vibe of Tool. Tracks like Stinkfist are exceptional and convey a powerful mood. Unfortunately after Stinkfist, there isn't anything that really delivers at the same level of the first track. I compare this to Fear Inoculum and 10,000 Days, which i think are much more engaging, with greater consistency track by track, that really have some exceptional standouts. This shows promise, but there's not enough to be excited about.
3
Oct 02 2024
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The Best of The Hot 5 & Hot 7 Recordings
Louis Armstrong
It's fine. Old timey trumpet music doesn't do much for me... certainly tends to sound all the same, but i can acknowledge its importance.
3
Oct 03 2024
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Bloody Kisses
Type O Negative
The sound is actually pretty clean and seems well produced. Unfortunately what they produced seems overly serious but just comes off as dumb, laughably dumb.
2
Oct 04 2024
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Piñata
Freddie Gibbs
It seems well crafted, lyrics, beats, however the content itself isn't in my wheelhouse. It ends up being a bit more regrettable. Pass on this.
2
Oct 05 2024
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Korn
Korn
I really LOVE the korn numetal sound. Jonathan Davis' voice (especially the range and different styles he uses). The bass is so dark and dirty and the whole vibe can get so angsty, aggressive and heavy... there is SO much potential here. It works best for me on Blind, Daddy (the first few minutes at least) and Faget. The other tracks have that vibe, but it seems like it fails to deliver the big punch. A bit too uneven to recommend further.
3
Oct 06 2024
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The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking
Roger Waters
I really like the journey that this takes you on. I have definitely been a fan of Pink Floyd, and appreciated the heavy Roger Waters story influence that applied to the Wall, and even more so to The Final Cut. This still feels like an extension of that (i do think his output becomes less interesting with Radio KAOS and forward). But this is still visceral, emotional and engaging. The title track is the closest to something catchy and traditional, but the whole album does a great job in playing like a story. Excited to see this as a user submitted album.
5
Oct 07 2024
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Relatives in Descent
Protomartyr
Kind of a beat poet/rap delivery over generally interesting/mini-wall of noise alt rock instrumentation. The lyrical delivery is uninteresting, and there’s nothing particularly engaging or catchy with the music either. It is different but not particularly great. Kind of aimless. There’s nothing that is a major turnoff, it just gets old after 20 minutes.
2
Oct 08 2024
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El Circo
Maldita Vecindad Y Los Hijos Del 5to. Patio
Fun and hip, but there's little here that really stays with me... blends together to easily. Un Gran Circo was the standout for me and the only track that really engaged. Still an interesting listen.
3
Oct 09 2024
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Englabörn
Jóhann Jóhannsson
Enjoyed a modern take on classical that felt like it was a bit of a mood journey and travel experience. Nice discovery and definitely under-represented in the original list.
4
Oct 10 2024
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Control
Pedro The Lion
I really like the tone and the lead singer's voice. This genre is kind of a perfect fit for me, however the album underwhelms a bit. Options and Rapture are promising, but most of the rest meanders around until Second Best, which is the standout track for me. I actually like the subsequent album, Achilles Heel, better.
3
Oct 11 2024
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Vedergällningen
Garmarna
Reasonably interesting. The opening track is a bit of a shot, with a higher energy electronica vibe than most of the rest of the album. It definitely settles into a more folky atmospheric haunting energy that conveys feeling but doesn’t do a whole lot to engage the listener. The singer has a Dolores O’riordan delivery that I like, but the tracks aren’t particularly catchy.
3
Oct 12 2024
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Hand. Cannot. Erase.
Steven Wilson
An interesting hybrid. A little introspective/heartfelt singer-songwriter, that goes into several experiments in the rock/classic rock/prog rock genre. Perfect Life was the first track that stood out, though it wasn't until Ancestral that i felt the rock side of things took off a bit better. Not a bad listen, just not too much to return to.
3
Oct 13 2024
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A Deeper Understanding
The War On Drugs
I absolutely love the style and vibe here. Pain was one of my favorite songs in 2017 and the rest of the album has lots of introspective quiet passion tracks that really work for me. Great atmosphere and feeling. Could listen to this over and over.
5
Oct 14 2024
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Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Tally Hall
Fun and unexpected. Quirky, melodic and really enjoyable. Reminds me of something in the vein of Ben Folds, Jellyfish, Fountains of Wayne and Barenaked Ladies. Though some of the songs become a bit goofy, Banana Man, Two Wuv, they all have pretty good hooks which make the album a great surprise.
5
Oct 16 2024
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All Hail West Texas
The Mountain Goats
The first three tracks are an absolute home run. Quirky clever low-fi storytelling. Though it sounds like it was recording on a cassette tape, it has charm. Unfortunately the success of this is based on whether the remaining songs can continue to capture your interest... and they start to fizzle a bit. The music doesn't seem to be the star... it is just there as background to carry along the storytelling, and though there are some interesting bits here and there, it is definitely starts to blend together. Interesting find.
3
Oct 17 2024
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Sailing The Seas Of Cheese
Primus
Definitely like the Primus sound and vibe. When it works it works, but it is a bit too experimental and strange at times. Really enjoyed Jerry and Blue-Collar Tweekers, though tracks like Sgt. Baker and Fish On were interesting enough.
3
Oct 18 2024
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Nonagon Infinity
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Disappointing. I was looking forward to this, but it is just buzzy, high energy rock with a jazzy randomness and a vocalist that doesn't do much for me. It all starts to sound the same unless the repeat the title over and over and over again (I'm looking at you Mr. Beat). There's nothing that particularly catchy or engaging... maybe the last track, Road Train, has a glimmer, but by that time i have long ago checked out.
2
Oct 19 2024
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Silence Yourself
Savages
A cool raw energy... very reminiscient of Siouxsie & the Banshees. There's definitely points where the music really hits its groove and drives forward, but it doesn't seem consistent enough to really elevate the whole album.
3
Oct 20 2024
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Fuzz
Chucklehead
This is not my jam. Annoying from start to finish. The jazzy bass line, big bandy percussion, staccato rap, and weird vocal harmony choices. One of the most challenging in a while to simply have to listen to it all the way through.
1
Oct 21 2024
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Loss
Mull Historical Society
Pleasant but ultimately ordinary. If you're going to go with the pop angle, you need to have something catchy, a hook, a groove. This is samey, and though easily approachable, doesn't make me very interested in anything else they might do.
3
Oct 22 2024
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Misplaced Childhood
Marillion
I definitely get the Lamb Lies Down on Broadway/Peter Gabriel/Genesis vibe from this, but it feels overly dramatic and self-serious. Like the bombast of Meatloaf without the humor. Nothing was really offputting, but it also didn't really click for me.
3
Oct 23 2024
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We Like It Here
Snarky Puppy
Ugh. Its not horrible sounding, but also its not really enjoyable. Proficiency in playing and busy-ness in music isn't enough to maintain my interest. I equate it to listening to a guitar solo without any of the music/context around it. There are a handful of guitar solos that can really stand on their own, but there far more in the "hey cool" or "this guy rips" category, but it isn't enjoyable to just listen to guitar solo after guitar solo. Was happy when it was over.
2
Oct 24 2024
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"Awaken, My Love!"
Childish Gambino
A unremarkable soul and funk experience. It is fine, with Redbone really being the only track that really stands out and is instantly catchy. The rest is well executed, but isn't very engaging for me.
3
Oct 25 2024
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Go Farther In Lightness
Gang of Youths
Reminds me a bit of The National or War on Drugs with the occasional orchestral flair. Though there were some decent tempo shifts, the music did end up getting very samey over the long length of the album. Do Not Let Your Spirit Wane was the standout track for me. Overall it was fine but not enough strong tracks that connected for me.
3
Oct 26 2024
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Blink-182
blink-182
Not my favorite Blink album (not as poppy as Enema or Jacket), but there's definitely enough here that keeps me interested in what they do next. I Miss You is the runaway hit, though Feeling This, Violence, Down and Always are really strong. Really enjoyed my time here.
5
Oct 27 2024
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Dogrel
Fontaines D.C.
Doesn't do much for me. If Billy Bragg was a bit more rock-punk and wasn't very melodic (more spoken lyrics), this is what I think you'd get. There wasn't much that engaged me, and grew a bit boring by the end.
2
Oct 29 2024
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Zuckerzeit
Cluster
Not bad. Surprisingly minimalist. It really seems like a very basic electronic loop with a few layers and a little atmosphere. Stripped down and each track doesn't wander too far from that. Interesting to listen to, but it doesn't do a lot to capture your attention. I did have a moment where i was getting a Heroin/VU vibe from James.
3
Oct 31 2024
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Silent Alarm
Bloc Party
Wish this did a bit more for me. It has a Damon Albarn/Blur vibe and Like Eating Glass and Helicopter are great kick off tracks. Unfortunately the rest of the album starts to fall off pretty quickly, and there's only occassional tracks that are still interesting/engaging for me... The Pioneers is decent. Nothing bad here, but also not much to really want to come back for.
3
Nov 01 2024
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Kick
INXS
A stellar album. Though I wasn't the biggest INXS fan at the time, there's no denying that this tracklist and the variety of hits on this one album is exceptional. Though there is an INXS sound, I do feel that their variety/breadth is greater than most. The non-hit tracks are all pretty solid, so there isn't too much of a dip anywhere on this release. Never Tear Us Apart and Mystify are my favorites. Really enjoyed.
5
Nov 02 2024
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People
The Burning Hell
Definitely an album that lives or dies by your perception of how clever the lyrics are. The music is fun, but the star is the writing. I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't feel too forced most of the time and there were some definite home runs with Amateur Rappers, Barbarians and Industrialists. Really enjoyed.
4
Nov 03 2024
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Give Up
The Postal Service
I'm a big Death Cab fan, so Ben Gibbard's delivery is something that really works for me. I really like it in this setting, an electronic vibe that has a really simplistic approach but delivers surprising warmth in its style. Though it gets a little uneven by the end, the album as a whole is a great background sound that sets a cool mood.
5
Nov 04 2024
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Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera
Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera
Despite the dated genre, and what i feel are already enough example of this style on the list, the album kicks off with a jam, both Mother Writes and Mary Jane are solid. Unfortunately it quickly devolves into the worst of psychedelic brit rock, with each track showcasing a new way to be annoying. It recovers a bit by Long Nights of Summer and I'll say the last few tracks are solid, reminding me of Decca Bowie and really old Floyd. I don't think i'd do it again, but still interesting.
3
Nov 05 2024
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A Live One
Phish
After to listening to the first half, i thought i was going to be okay with Phish. Unfortunately then you hit Tweezer and eventually Harry Hood, and it is exactly the jam band noodling that is a pretty strong turnoff. Still, there's enough here that is just a cool rock album that was interesting, but there are also some dark corners that i don't want to visit again.
3
Nov 06 2024
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Ultra Blue
Hikaru Utada
Definitely seems underrepresented genre in the list. Nice to listen to something different than what i'm used to.
3
Nov 07 2024
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Contra
Vampire Weekend
I was VERY surprised to find this album as annoying as it is. Alt rock is my jam, understated vibey, a little eclectic... check! But the vocal delivery here plus a nothing that struck me as that melodic or catchy... feeling a bit more pretentious & smugly clever. Even though this is barely over 30 minutes, i was happy for it to be over.
2
Nov 08 2024
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1, 2, Kung Fu!
Boy Azooga
Really approachable. Alt rock with strong pop sensibilities. The music really shines here, with engaging rhythms and fun harmonies. Loner Boogie is a great example that just gets the driving beat going. Enjoyed.
4
Nov 09 2024
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Pop
GAS
Not sure what to do with this. I think i like ambient, but it doesn't have to go somewhere... even just a little. This barely has a heartbeat. This is some life later, Untitled 4 seems to have a little something as does Untitled 7, but it just isn't enough to want to stick with it, especially as they add a little static at times which makes it a bit less listenable.
2
Nov 13 2024
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Racine carrée
Stromae
Sure, i didn't understand it, but the energy and fun combined with the fact that it is pretty unrepresented in the book, made this an enjoyable listen. Humain a l'eau was probably the only tough one to get through, but the rest were cool electronic pop.
4
Nov 14 2024
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In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Neutral Milk Hotel
I love this album, and Jeff Mangum's tortured poet vocal style. He really has a great passion and voice that can carry an entire song. Having listened to the Decemberists recently, there is something aligned there. King of Carrot Flowers and Holland, 1945 stand out from the album, but I can even find long tracks like Oh Comely pretty engaging. This stands out as deserving to be in the book.
5
Nov 15 2024
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Version 2.0
Garbage
Great album. Really like the electronic alt pop/rock vibe and Shirley Manson's delivery. They do as well in the higher energy tracks (I'm Think I'm Paranoid, Push It), as well as the slower tempo ones, such as The Trick is to Keep Breathing. Enjoyed this from start to finish.
5
Nov 17 2024
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10,000 gecs
100 gecs
I really like the aggressive buzzy electronic version of alt rock that 100 gecs delivers. Hollywood Baby is just a home run and MeMeMe is super solid as well. The rest seems a bit up and down, with definitely some pretty quirky tracks (most notably Frog on the Floor). But overall, i like the experimental nature and vibe.
4
Nov 18 2024
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Maestro
Kaizers Orchestra
This is actually pretty engaging despite being not able to understand any of it. The pace and style has enough variety and interest to work pretty effectively. Kind of a vibe on arctic monkeys. Rounding up a little bit, but the music was good.
4
Nov 19 2024
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Because the Internet
Childish Gambino
Definitely seems very dense in content and there's a lot going on. The experiment is interesting, but there isn't much here that gets a hold on me.... I'd say the first time I was really enjoying the rap was on The Biggest Troll, the last track on the album. Worth the listen.
3
Nov 20 2024
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Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones)
Jai Paul
I definitely like the elements that go into this.... very droning beats, electronic focused, with a lot of experimental vocals and samples. I think it starts super strong with Str8 Outt Mumbai and Zion Wolf.... definitely engaging and cool. Unfortunately i think the rest of it definitely misses the mark, being experimental without being engaging... maybe Jasmine gets halfway there. Still an interesting listen.
3
Nov 21 2024
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Frosting On The Beater
The Posies
It doesn't do a lot for me... a fine alt. rock vibe, akin to Toad the Wet Sprocket, which also shares a bit of a weakness which is that the lead singer's voice doesn't have a lot of personality. It is fine clean singing, but isn't too interesting. Most of the songs don't really have a hook, and it is the darker songs which i think are a bit more successful, Burn & Shine, How She Lied and Coming Right Along. The guitar work is really solid as well.
3
Nov 22 2024
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When Smoke Rises
Mustafa
His vocal delivery is beautiful and soulful. I was instantly engaged into the performance. Though the album is short, it also seems a bit one note-ish... the approach is pretty similar track to track and blends together very quickly.
3
Nov 23 2024
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McDonald and Giles
Ian McDonald
There's some small amount of promise here as the start of a few pieces has a mellow Beatles feel to it, though unfortunately it goes into the jazzy, noodling, prog rock experimenting that is pretty tiring to listen to.
2
Nov 24 2024
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Game of Fools
Koritni
A very welcome sound in this list. Pretty straight forward hard rock... it sounds as if Kix took the Black Crowes singer. Everything is pretty energetic and fun, reasonably melodic and has a good driving beat. Rounding up a little bit.
4
Nov 25 2024
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The Beautiful Letdown
Switchfoot
Pretty straightforward alt. rock/pop... seems a bit milquetoast to me, though I did think tracks like Dare You to Move, On Fire, and Adding to the Noise were a bit stronger than the rest. Unfortunately even those were like a watered down Goo Goo Dolls hits, so not sure if this quite qualifies to be missing from the book.
3
Nov 26 2024
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The Black Parade
My Chemical Romance
This is pretty great. Definitely has a perfect sing along energy that works well with high energy rock style here. I do like that they can definitely bring the noise as well as hold back the tempo at key points. The album is solid from start to finish... though Disappear, Black Parade, and Teenagers probably my favorites. Adding this to my music library, will listen again.
5
Nov 27 2024
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A1A
Jimmy Buffett
Definitely has a country vibe, with a folk-pop angle. It seems a pretty standard issue for the genre/vibe and they are all pleasant, but generally unremarkable. Even A Pirate Looks at Forty has an interesting topic, but the song itself is just okay. A nice listen, but i don't see it as book worthy.
3
Nov 28 2024
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Come On Come On
Mary Chapin Carpenter
This sounds like an "adult contemporary" version of country. Pleasant, easy, all sharp edges removed. And ultimately if the song itself doesn't have a hook, pretty forgettable. The Hard Way and He Thinks are the most interesting and the rest is a glass of room temperature water.
3
Nov 30 2024
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Young Team
Mogwai
Pretty interesting release. At first it seems a bit aimless with Long Way from Home, but Like Herod starts to kick it up several notches by delivering an energy and groove that immediately works. Though there is some filler material, there's enough that works, exploring different tempos and energy levels, but still drives a great vibe (Katrien, Tracy and Mogwai Fear Satan are all strong). Enjoyed!
4
Dec 01 2024
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Dead Man's Party
Oingo Boingo
Really enjoy Danny Elfman and Oingo Boingo. Unique sound and plenty of fun energy. I'm pretty done with Weird Science, and much prefer Just Another Day and Stay, the best songs on this album. There's a bit too much filler here that prevents it from hitting the highest tier.
4
Dec 02 2024
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Dilate
Ani DiFranco
Wow. I'm not sure how you rate this now and not compare it to Alanis. Certainly interesting that she pre-dates Alanis' popularity, but given the heights that Jagged Little Pill achieved, it is just such a similar tone and style that today it just feels like a shadow. It is still decent, but ultimately doesn't have the hook/engagement of the comparable artist.
3
Dec 03 2024
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Discosis
Bran Van 3000
My buddy gave me a copy of Glee when it was released and i was instantly hooked at the weird sampling/mix thing that was BV3. Drinking in LA is just amazing, but its even the weird other segments and attempts that work for me. Though Loop Me stands out on this album, not much else has the charm and fun of glee. Still worth listening to, but not sure it is above average.
3
Dec 04 2024
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Mm..Food
MF DOOM
An interesting exercise in rap and storytelling. He has a pretty understated delivery that I like and dense lyrical content. Still there wasn't much here that got me engaged beyond the curiosity of hearing something new. Deep Fried Frenz was the highlight for me.
3
Dec 05 2024
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Stage Four
Touché Amoré
I can completely understand the criticism that the music is actually pretty interesting, but the vocal delivery is as uninteresting as you could imagine. Still, i don't know what it is about it, but it completely works for me. The vocal delivery is pretty monotone in its style, but it does have passion and pain, the lyrics are intentional and certainly evoke a feel of pain and loss. Never heard of this group before, but i will definitely be exploring more of the catalog. Loved it.
5
Dec 06 2024
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Nurture
Porter Robinson
This is like a casio electronic keyboard amped up to 20 on the HAPPY slider. It seems to have a CHVRCHES vibe without the intrique and mystery. Overall pleasant and peppy, but nothing really stayed with me.
3
Dec 07 2024
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Ruin
The Amazing Devil
This has the feeling of an offbroadway-level Disney animated movie soundtrack. Dramatic and theatrical, and a little overserious. An interesting listen.
3