Feb 07 2021
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
5
Feb 08 2021
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
The sign of a great album is how well it stands the test of time. How relevant the sound compared to current music. This album definitely sounds relevant nearly 20yrs later. Sure the lyrics still sound crass with unneeded language which does come across a little more cringy today but the sound is right on and it flows just as well as ever.
5
Feb 09 2021
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
While I do appreciate this mans voice the songs do not hit any highs for me. It’s a beautiful sounding album but hasn’t really any songs I’d specifically go looking for to listen to again. Great album for background music though.
3
Feb 10 2021
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
So straight away I have to say I’m not a huge fan of folk style music and/or the sound from the 70’s that this album is full of. So my hopes were not high when I got dealt this selection. My hopes sank even lower after each track I listened to even though I kept doing so objectively and without bias. It’s just not an exciting or enjoyable album at all in my opinion. Normally on a successful bands highest rating album there is at least one track you can admire and get a glimpse into why others like their music so much...I couldn’t even see a glimmer in any of these tracks.
1
Feb 11 2021
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
I feel a little ashamed rating an album without at least giving it the decency of listening to its entire content. I then feel even more guilty for only giving it 2 stars.
Alas, I am willing to wager $10million my review would still be the same even if I did force myself to endure the remaining three songs.
I’m not entirely sure who actually listened to this album back in 1977 (or anytime since) let alone be voted into the best 1001 release of all time.
I found it quite a hard listen even while at the same time acknowledging not all music will be to my taste. I get art and avant-garde but this is neither...it’s just songs made up of irritating vocals/lyrics repeated over boring up-tempo elevator music.
2
Feb 12 2021
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
It’s Queen, it’s pop/rock, it’s non offensive & pleasantly welcoming...but it’s safe and run o’the mill. In other words a bit boring. You can drive around in your car listening to it and by the time the last track finishes you could be fooled into believing you just listened to one very long song instead of the full 13 or so on the album. They all kinda sound alike and none really stand out.
I’m giving it a rather bland 3 stars.
3
Feb 13 2021
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
It’s the standard later 80’s hair/stadium rock music. It’s fairly uneventful and sounds the same as approximately 100 other rock bands from the time. Thankfully the 80’s finally put an end to the infatuation of band members trying to look and sound overtly feminine more than actually producing interesting music. The only song on this album that stands out from the rest is Love Bites...perhaps it being the only ballad and therefore different to the rest enhances it’s appeal but I genuinely think it’s still a standalone decent effort. Anyhoo...yawn. NEXT!
3
Feb 14 2021
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
Going by the album cover and the fact I’d never heard of the band before let alone their music I was not entirely sure what I was in for, but I didn’t have great vibes.
The saying goes ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover...’ and its entirely applicable in this example. I was pleased to hear the sweet sound of distorted guitar instead of the doof of bass when the first track started and I found it enjoyable from then on. The songs are all unique enough from each other but still hold a comparative southern rock grit that holds them all together. Vocals are a mix of Curt Cobain crossed with Chris Ballew (Pres USA), which sometimes sound as though they are going to stretch the bounds of listenability, but are actually well controlled and at times even tender. They are dirty and strained yet also compassionate and haunting at all the right times.
While the music does have a 90’s feel to it, you wouldn’t immediately guess the album was from that decade. This album is guaranteed to win you over the more and more you listen. It’s a creeper in that sense. So put your prejudices aside and settle in...you’re in for a good time ride. Four stars!
4
Feb 15 2021
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
I can imagine a large portion of first time listeners tuning out early on this album through not wanting to persevere with the somewhat ‘different’ sounding melody & vocals...they would be doing themselves and this whole album a huge disservice. As well as all the great music they would also miss the chance to go about their day whilst wearing a pair of cans & and appreciating the beautiful artistic and upbeat mastery of this whole album. They’d never know they missed out on such a caring and tender song like ‘Heaven’ for example. They would have no clue how much they would’ve felt like spontaneously breaking into dance will listening to ‘Mind’. Most of all they would miss going about their day with a music induced smile as a result of listening to these tracks. There truely is something for everyone here. Sometimes you just have to dig that bit more or scratch further away at the surface to reveal some hidden gems in life...this album is full of them. Five Stars!
5
Feb 16 2021
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Low
David Bowie
The feeling of exited trepidation I feel before refreshing the page each day to reveal my next musical journey was very much dampened on this occasion when I discovered a David Bowie lp. Not being a huge fan I was still interested to hear what is supposedly one of his best pieces of work.
If this is considered one of his best albums then it kinda confirms my long held opinion of Bowie’s music...blandish and boring’ish.
David Bowie was universally acknowledged for sounding different, looking different and pushing boundaries in general yet I still find his songs fatiguing and uninspiring. Quit frankly the last three tracks on this album all sounded like instrumental lullabies aiming to set you off to sleep...which was a hazard in itself as I was driving at the time.
It’s no coincidence that the only Bowie material I own is a Greatest Hits on vinyl. After listening to this album, that’s not going to change any time soon. 1 Star!
1
Feb 17 2021
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The Stooges
The Stooges
Listening to this LP all I could imagine was a couple of Beetle fans having their minds exploded and corrupted after a friend slips them this album and gets them to drop the needle on it back in 1969. I mean the opening track ‘1969’ is enough to give listeners like myself goosebumps still today so I can only imagine what impact it had on the youth of yesteryear! Sparkly pop and cheerful melodies are suddenly overtaken in the charts by what I imagine parents would class as devil music with it’s fuzz & distorted driven guitar solos and primal sounds.
To think only 9yrs before this album hit the only music you could buy at the local record store for a comparative rock fix would have been Buddy Holly’s Peggy Sue. And Elvis Presley still had three singles in the top 30 of the same year.
Sometime between then and 1969 Iggy and his band discovered a whah pedal and the joys of driving a vox or Marshall tube amp into heavenly distorted territory few had probably even heard before. What a time it must have been to be alive...but also young and totally naive to all the legendary music that was yet to be made in your era by the most famous performers in the whole of rock music history.
But I digress...I also probably have all the exact timings in history incorrect but you get what i mean.
Older vintage albums like this, I believe, need to be scored by the impact and what was fashionable in music in their time. If the music still manages to fill the gap between then and today in listenability and reverence then it should get many more bonus points. This overdriven soul dripping rock album covers it all...and I can imagine it still exciting a couple of keen young teenagers starting out on their musically life journey today. 5 Stars
5
Feb 18 2021
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
Not really anything positive I can add for this album unfortunately.
I found it supremely mediocre and extremely boring. None of the tracks sounded like they differentiated from each other and each song was like listening to a replay of the last. The first and last songs could be passed as the same without too much convincing. In addition to this the music is mediocre and nothing to get excited over. I honestly fail to work out how this album would make it’s way into any top 20,000 list let alone 10001 of all time. 1 Star
1
Feb 19 2021
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Unfortunately this album and band are a victim of their own success. Nearly every style of successful rock band since has copied something from their music and as a result this album sounds tired and all way too familiar. It makes it hard to rate on its merits but here goes...obviously the guitar leads of Jimmy Page are the most distinctive sound on first listen but there is a great rhythm section as well helping with the melodies. At time of release this would have been a very modern sounding album as the blend of blues and hard rock merged together seamlessly for pretty much the first time, in a commercial sense anyway, and I guess that really is what it should be scored on. So for that it gains cred, but for pure enjoyment today it is kind of old and a chore to get through. So for that it loses marks. 2 Stars
2
Feb 20 2021
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Ho Hum...another uninspiring album full of folky/pop tracks. Apart from the well known commercial classics off this album there isn’t too much here I’m keen on. In saying that, the tracks released as hits are not really my cup of tea anyway. As you can probably guess...I’m not rating this one very highly. 2 Stars
2
Feb 21 2021
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
While not my favourite style of music I do give an approving nod to the complexities and the beautiful sounds of acoustic guitar finger picking & slides these songs are full of. The album though, is too mellow for me. I just won’t want to sit and actively listen anymore than is needed for me to perform this review. 2 Stars
2
Feb 22 2021
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Miles Davis is a name you’ve heard many times before but have not necessarily listened to his music. Like me, you probably knew he played a saxophone...or was it a trumpet? And that he is also a jazz musician. I must admit I did not know anymore than this before listening to this album. My mind was even more curious after discovering there are only two tracks listed on the lp. I can say this though...without coming anywhere remotely close to being an aficionado of jazz or classic instrumental music, I certainly can appreciate the ability and dedication needed to play an instrument at such a level even an outsider and self confessed non-lover of the genre finds it more than enjoyable and even moving in an emotional sense. Do yourself a favour...if you haven’t already. 3 Stars
3
Feb 23 2021
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The Specials
The Specials
If you love spending time after work down at your local drinking lagers with the lads, or chanting club songs in a group on your way to the weekend football match...then this albums for you. I don’t particularly see the enjoyment in either of those activities, hence I didn’t get much out of listening to this music. It’s dated yobbo English reggae and it’s ugly.
The whole album reminded me of the tv show Minder and the song from the same era ‘Ullo John! Got New Motor?’ by (I think) Alexei Sayle...both of which should never be allowed out of the late 70s/early 80’s and definitely be kept there under lock and key. I found listening to these tracks utterly annoying and would describe them as sloppy, crass & an insult to my senses. 1 Star
1
Feb 24 2021
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On The Beach
Neil Young
I mean it’s ok. That pretty much sums this album up for me...and also pretty much any other by Neil Young. Very good song writer obviously, but lyrics only create an impact when they find an angle to relate or they are accompanied by music that’s exciting and heightens an emotion in the listener. I’m yet to experience either of those phenomenons whilst listening to Neil Young’s music...and this album didn't change that. I do understand the appeal for others though and this album is more than listenable, which is why I’m not it rating too harshly. 3 Stars!
3
Feb 25 2021
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Elastica
Elastica
Another example, of which I find myself questioning the validity and general reasoning for it to be included in a greatest albums of all time list. ‘All time’ means exactly that and in this instance across all music genres...so it makes me scratch my head even harder when a grungy alt rock band with no distinguishable characteristics like this one is included. Yes, if it was released and universally acknowledged as one of the rock band founders of the grunge movement, by all means I’d sing it’s praises and promote it’s inclusion. But it’s not...actually not even close. For example, a well known band who absolutely should be on this list called Nirvana, were releasing material commercially at least five years before this album dropped and there had also been 100’s of knockoffs since then.
Not surprisingly most of these bands music sounded very similar. So the fact this album was released in 1995 toward the actual end of the genres height of popularity makes it’s inclusion here even more perplexing to me.
So to sum up. I found this album plain and all too familiar...but not in a good way. 2 Stars!
2
Feb 26 2021
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Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Why?? Why is this album included in this list? Undoubtedly, when released it was probably the hottest lp available. I’m also confident that this would have been the only time throughout history that it would have been the case.
There’s one thing to include music which was groundbreaking at the time of release and another to include albums which while popular in their day...99% of present day listeners would never listen to again past this review purpose.
I mean, why not include the best yodel acts from the 50’s as well? Actually...hold my beer!
Track 6 on this album incredibly does includes yodelling! But you get my point.
Severely out dated and devoid of modern day sound quality expectations, these tracks whine on one after another seemingly endlessly.
Sung by a couple of heartbroken sounding desperados...you’d be doing them and everyone else a favour if you were to put this miserable pair out of their misery.
1 Star!
1
Feb 27 2021
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
I don’t like folky 70’s hippy movement music and therefore I don’t like Joni Mitchell and/or this album. 1 Star
1
Feb 28 2021
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
After a seemingly endless run of early 70’s, mid 60’s & 50’s folk/country albums generated for me recently I was a little excited to be drawn one from within the last 30yrs at least. Especially since I had not heard of the artist previously. Unfortunately the music did not live up to the level of my pre listening enthusiasm. Good vocals and enough variance from the norm to keep me interested, but that was about it. Nothing stood out to me on this album and it won’t be staying on my download list. 2 Stars
2
Mar 01 2021
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
The album cover I found to be very misleading. It looks exactly like hundreds of metal covers I’ve seen before from all different decades, but alas the music is anything but metal. It’s instead a collection of what sounds to me like ye ole’ Irish shanties and colonial singalongs. I honestly don’t get it.
There are a mix of tracks sung in combination by a male & female vocalist and who sing them very well. I don’t know if there are any other band members as I know nothing more about them and didn’t really care to find out.
Either way...not my style. 1 Star!
1
Mar 02 2021
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Hotel California
Eagles
Almost everyone knows of this band and the same would go for at least two of the tracks on this album.
I honestly find it hard to believe anyone could actually dislike these songs. They might be a little too familiar and yes you’ve probably heard the hits way too much...but it’s surprising how much you can still enjoy them once you decide to sit and listen again.
They are comforting & homely and no doubt raise various emotions for just about every person.
Ultimately though, you know what you’re getting and it’s absolute in it’s promise...but isn’t that really what we all long for every now and then? 4 Stars!
4
Mar 03 2021
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The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
Not my cup of tea...don’t like it...and it’s an introductory/instructional album filled with four ‘tracks’. What am I missing here? 1 Star!
1
Mar 04 2021
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Sister
Sonic Youth
Considering the 90’s was my prime, I anticipate I’ll be fond of most albums from the decade. Excitement builds even more when it’s music I’ve either not heard of previously or from a band I never took time out to listen to critically...Sonic Youth fell into the latter category.
I’m beginning to learn though, in this category there is mostly a reason I never did dig any deeper.
This album sums up everything I’ve ever presumed about it and it’s bands music. Overhyped, bland, boring, kinda indy/grungy rock music. Please sir?...can I not have anymore? 1 Star!
1
Mar 05 2021
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Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
It’s fun, it’s fresh, it’s different & its French!...I think?
Anyhoo, I would’ve never listened to this album in any other instance than for this review so that in itself is a plus for broadening my mind.
I am glad I listened to these European pop songs which induce a feel good vibe with their Caribbean calypso reggae flavour.
Would I want to purchase this album or choose it out of line up to play again though?...probably not. 2 Stars!
2
Mar 06 2021
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Not a huge fan of the style of music unfortunately. This album my very well be one of the best examples in its genre but it’s not for me, and I can only rate on my experience...it wasn’t enjoyable. 1 Star!
1
Mar 07 2021
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A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
At time of writing this review I had only listened to the full album of 19 tracks once. I can tell though, it’ll need more than one listen to appreciate the sounds and music in each one.
There is enjoyment to be had but it will take time to put all the pieces together.
I read that Todd Rundgren intended for this album to be listened to in its entirety from start to finish. I can appreciate this as each track does build on the previous.
I’ve also concluded that this is a story of two parts...the first is one of, at times, crazy good times while the second settles into a more reflective life of funk, pop and
soulful vocals while including beautiful lyrics such as..
“I don’t want a thing to mar this ever,
the picture that we make;
the balance of our minds together,
the perfect give and take.”
This half is also where I found the most enjoyment.
I’ll definitely come back to this album and give it the attention it deserves. 3 Stars!
3
Mar 08 2021
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
It’s old school pure rock n roll. It’s a mixed bag of honky tonk electric guitars and sizzling tube amps on the verge of breaking up...It’s vocals on the verge of doing the same.
I can honestly say there are tracks here which make you instantly appreciate how they helped the record get the recognition it’s received. For me though...there just aren’t enough of them. 2 Stars!
2
Mar 09 2021
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
The grandfathers of nearly all rock music that anyone’s listened to since.
Almost all musical styles are credited back to the band or artist who were the first to refine them. The Rolling Stones have certainly refined blues rock n roll on this album.
Mick Jaggers voice is filled with as much swagger as ever and matches perfectly to the the electric bends & slides performed by Keith & Ronnie throughout these tracks.
This album can be played in almost any setting and be guaranteed not to conjure up one single complaint....take my word for it. 3 Stars!
3
Mar 10 2021
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Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
Let me firstly say that the sound on this album is f@cking huge!
It’s in your face balls to the wall rock and it’s coming for you & and your family.
All the tracks here could be described as comparable to early Offspring only more refined. So if that’s your thing you’ll love this album.
Just try and ignore the nonsensical lyrics, let your hair down and get your mosh on... 2 Stars!
2
Mar 11 2021
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Rip It Up
Orange Juice
Never heard of them or the album...”this is a good thing” I muse to myself, as I’m always craving something different and new to me to listen to.
Something that’s not new to me unfortunately, is the use of the description boring.
In honour of this album I’ll keep my review the same.
It’s new agey rock with heavy reggae influences.
God I hope the next album raises my pulse slightly more than resting bpm. 1 Star!
1
Mar 12 2021
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Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
I’ve had ample reggae influenced British pop bands from the 80/70’s to rate lately, and I can’t say I’ve found one more enjoyable than any of others.
Their all kinda ho hum.
I mean you’d have to been living under a rock for the last 40yrs not to have heard of Culture Club.
The same could be said for the first track on this album.
But I doubt many peeps would have sat and listened to a whole album of theirs.
I can save those people the time to do something more enjoyable though.
As predicted when I found I’d been given this album to review today...I was already looking forward to tomorrow’s. 1 Star!
1
Mar 13 2021
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
I just don’t get it? I don’t know what people hear in this album that I don’t? What is on here that makes anyone swoon on about it like it was their first born?
The music is not groundbreaking or genre defining. It’s neither a breakout sound or mesmerising enough to keep me on high alert for the start of each track.
It’s the same indie sound that blends each song into the other due to the nondescript style of the music.
I tried listening to the most played track, according to Deezer, over and over hoping to catch a peek of what the cool kids were revelling in...I didn’t even get a glimpse. 1 Star!
1
Mar 14 2021
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
I don’t like it. It’s folky and dull & ive had enough of getting stuck with these disappointing choices. 1 Star!
1
Mar 15 2021
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The Predator
Ice Cube
All I want to say about this album is...there are way superior sounding Ice Cube lp’s in my opinion. Therefore I cannot rate this one high. As matter of fact, I probably rank this album lower than all of his others. Therefore I give it 1 Star!
1
Mar 16 2021
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
My limited knowledge of the velvet underground is that it was a club in New York...or possibly LA, where you could be your freakish best and live out your sexual fantasies for a night and everyone else would have to put up with them.
It was run by an equally freaky dude who would encourage the artistic elitists to get up on stage and put some musical entertainment on for the adoring patrons.
This led to a band under the same name as the club, which led to this album...among others.
Am I close? Do I really care?
Does anyone care?
Would I recommend you go out & buy this album?...Definitely not.
1 Star!
1
Mar 17 2021
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
The Byrds??...aren’t they that hippy flower loving folkish band from the 1960/70’s? How boooooring....sad face. ☹️
Maybe they are, but this album is anything but (thank goodness).
It’s country but all electric and more swag than twang. Still plenty of twang...but in a good way.
I’m thinking all these tracks are covers but certainly recorded in a more stylish and enjoyable fashion.
Now, a piece of advice which is critical to many albums but I feel more poignant to this one.
YOU MUST listen to it more than once. It is imperative for the listener to really gain an understanding of these songs as well as get maximum listening pleasure from them.
3 Stars!
3
Mar 18 2021
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
Yes! Something from my ‘era’ that I could finally sink my teeth into...or so I thought.
I’m a closet new wave fan but this album lacks a real killer punch. In fact it lacks the jabs and upper cuts too.
Apart from a couple of released singles the rest of this album is very light on.
Sadly, each track came and went until the end left me extremely unsatisfied.
KAPOW! 2 Stars!
2
Mar 19 2021
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Rio
Duran Duran
Here we go again...I under why some like this album and even put it at top of their list of they were into 80’s synth pop. I don’t understand why it’s here though in this list?
I doesn’t say much for music from the age of modern man when a non eventful album full of lacklustre songs like this is judged one of the best of all time.
I found it drab. 1 Star!
1
Mar 20 2021
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
It’s ok. Probably needs more attention than I could give it to be honest. I will go back though.
3
Mar 21 2021
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Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
Seriously this album is sooooooooo...ZzzzzzzzzzzzZzzzzzzzzzzzZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZzzzzz😴😴😴😴😴💤💤💤💤💤
-1Star!
1
Mar 22 2021
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
I could be forgiven for thinking I’ve already listened to this album as a result of rating such a high percentage of folk/acoustic lp’s since the start of my musical ranking journey.
My point being, this genre all sounds the the same to me.
I mean what is there sonically that differs Cohen to Dylan to Neil Young for example, except for alternate decades?
Nothing differentiates their sound enough to keep me interested when I wasn’t interested to begin with. 1 Star!
1
Mar 23 2021
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Anyone who loves nothing more than winding down their window whilst driving and belting out whatever modern music they’re into at the time is really not going to dig this.
He plays a trumpet...big deal!
The music is so dated and not enjoyable at all. Remove it from this list please...for everyone’s sake.
1
Mar 24 2021
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Country Life
Roxy Music
I mean I didn’t hate it, but...
I would best describe this album as a list of pop tracks suffering from adhd.
Most of them are just too much noise and confusion and not enough coherent music. It’s like all the different instruments are competing with each other for ultimate supremacy...yet they all failed.
It gets to the point you look forward to one of the rare ballad like songs just for some peace and quiet.
The vocals didn’t match the sound most the time either, which is a shame because vocals are this albums strong point.
I found it hard to work out what this band was exactly trying to achieve on this lp.
It left me confused but more so nauseas. 1 Star!
1
Mar 25 2021
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I absolutely loved the previous album of E.Costello’s named ‘My Aim Is True’ so was extremely keen to listen to this offering.
This time though, ‘his aim wasn’t as true’ unfortunately.
It’s ok, but it’s more of the same and becomes repetitive very quickly.
I would label this album ‘safe’ to be honest.
There’s no groundbreaking tunes or hooks as per his solo record and lyrics can sound lazy.
Don’t get me wrong, you can still enjoy this album...just not as much.
2 Stars!
2
Mar 26 2021
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
I thought perhaps this was a joke...April Fools?
How is anyone in this day & age finding this album enjoyable?
Perhaps a redneck chicken pickin Trump supporter in the good ole U.S Of Aye...but nowhere else.
I’ll give it 1 Star just for the giggle factor.
1
Mar 27 2021
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
How many blues rock albums are there on this list? And how many claim to be the influence for every band thereafter who dared make songs using the pentatonic scales?
Give me a break!
Unless you’re led zeppelin and actually used blues music to make incredible adaptations and improvisations, then I’ve heard you before and you bored me the first time. 1 Star!
1
Mar 28 2021
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
I Like it...I like it a lot.
Great voice and such a unique tone.
The recording is supreme too, especially for its time and place. You can close your eyes and almost imagine yourself right there.
Wonderful piece of history from The Man In Black. 4 Stars!
4
Mar 29 2021
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Being a 70’s child I was too young to appreciative this Fleetwood Mac era. Luckily for me there are multiple ways to enjoy the music today though.
I will admit this is one band I’ve never listened to outside of a Greatest Hits album. I’m very aware of the classics but, as always, these songs do not always tell the whole bands story.
Matter of fact, it’s only recently I’ve delved into the bands catalogue and researched the members. Embarrassingly, I always assumed Nicks was the main singer... man was I wrong!
Lindsey Buckingham is seriously one of the best rock voices of any era IMO.
I like to regard my self as an (average) guitarist, and at least a musician so I understand the technical complexities & nuances involved in most of the songs on this album.
For what it’s worth I now regard Lindsey as one of the best guitarists in the world...apologies if I’m a bit slow on the uptake but the guys a freak.
I even prefer him vocally, with his raw and passionate tones but that takes nothing away from the girls.
Anyway, with all this said I knew what to expect from this album and it didn't disappoint.
From the tender ‘Storms’ to the haunting ‘Brown Eyes’ to the heartbreaking ‘Never Make Me Cry’ and then rounding off with the primal ‘Tusk’.
As you can probably guess, I have no hesitation in recommending this album. If you don’t find enjoyment somewhere here...then you best check yourself for a pulse. 4 Stars!
4
Mar 30 2021
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My Generation
The Who
I’ve always thought The Who were a brash in your face 60’s British rock band who stuck it to the establishment.
Instead I was served up an offering of syrupy rock pop singles straight out of Top Of The Pops.
Sappy pre-boy band tracks which if you were to change the bands title to ‘The Beatles’ on this album no one would notice.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out I was severely disappointed.
If this is an example of the best of The Who, then I’m very much left wondering ‘The Why’?
1 Star!
1
Mar 31 2021
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1984
Van Halen
This may be my quickest review so far.
Firstly, I pretty much detest all 80’s ’hair’ metal.
Considering 95% of music this genre produced is nothing like metal it should instead be called ‘men in drag singing shitty lyrics’ rock n roll.
Secondly, whenever I see track listings with song names like ‘Hot For Teacher’ and ‘Drop Dead Legs’ it literally induces vomit to rise into my mouth.
Thirdly, this album includes both these descriptions and I hated every f@cking second of it. Well that’s not entirely true...’Jump’ is ok.
I guess one out of nine ain't bad?
There is sooooo much of this rinse and repeat crap rock music from this era I seriously do not see how anyone can distinguish between them.
For example Poison, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Motley Crüe, etc could all record this album and even die hard fans, I doubt, would know the difference.
To summarise...this album and the genre it belongs too should be sealed in a large container and buried in a secret location...never to be found and/or opened again.
0 Stars!
1
Apr 01 2021
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
It’s Elvis. You know what your getting. I don’t find it exciting unfortunately. 2 Stars
2
Apr 02 2021
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
It’s a modern indy country album featuring many well known artists from the alternate rock genre.
I liked it, and even saved a couple tracks to my favourites, but it’s not a keeper.
I found most of the album is fairly unmemorable. I think you will too.
2 Stars!
2
Apr 03 2021
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
I have always had a soft spot for The Cure, but without ever listening to a full album the jury was still out on them as a complete package (from my point of view).
If this album is a taste of things to come though...I’m in all the way!
I absolutely love this offering.
So many tracks to get the juices flowing...so to speak.
To me it encompasses everything a ‘new wave’ album should be.
It’s beautifully hypnotic and electronically brilliant.
Man...did I say I love this album?
Sounds of eighties alt pop rock ring truer than ever and you can absolutely lose yourself in these emotion filled tracks. They flow so seamlessly together, it’s like they were always meant to be.
You’re truely missing out if you never at least listen to this album once in your lifetime. 5 Stars!!
5
Apr 04 2021
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
Not exactly what I expected from an Alice Cooper album. Although my listening experience in regards to Alice has literally only been the song ‘Poison’.
I was expecting crappy 80’s ‘metal’ but instead got genuine rock songs way more, dare I say, tender and even listenable.
In saying all of this I still found it pretty drab and not an album I could recommend. 1 Star!
1
Apr 05 2021
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
I’m an extremely late bloomer when it comes to ‘The Boss’, but I am very grateful for eventually getting there.
He marketed himself extremely well to myself when I watched and listened to his latest offering ‘Western Stars’. An album I have now listened to over and over again. There is a real heritage of this album in that album and that makes this one an instant hit with me.
There is an emotive tone to his voice I find hard to describe...yet I doubt I need to. To any Bruce Springsteen fan, they’ve known it for decades and now I do too.
The tracks here stir the same emotions I’ve felt from my limited Boss exposure and the voice has hardly changed at all.
The best thing about this album and it’s lyrics is they can all tell your very own story if you let them. They are not one dimensional but familiar enough to make you feel as though they were written just for you.
Pour yourself a bourbon neat enjoy! 4 Stars!
4
Apr 09 2021
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
You call it ‘artistic’...I call it ‘dog in pain’.
Not gonna lie. This was one tough listen.
It literally could be used as a form of torture. I could just imagine a Russian spy opting to spill the beans in preference to being subjected to another tune from Nico.
Someone please tell this woman she cannot sing, for everyone else’s sake.
The out of tune droning with the comical flute playing in the background had me Googling if this album was in fact a parody.
Unfortunately it is not and it is very real. Apparently real enough to be selected into this list and that’s embarrassing.
The only reason anyone would ever choose this album is because they are insecure and think selecting the shameful piece of noise would somehow elevate their coolness by the ‘in’ crowd.
Hopefully Nico was locked up and institutionalised after this and they threw away her key. -100 Stars!
1
Apr 10 2021
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Illmatic
Nas
Not my favourite genre of music but for rap it’s more than listenable.
While I did enjoy the pleasant flow it’s not an album I’ll actively seek to play again.
If ‘90s rap is your style though, you’ll probs really dig it. 2 Stars!
2
Apr 11 2021
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
After recently being exposed to early Talking Heads music I was anticipating I’d enjoy this offering from their lead singer Brian Eno.
I found the tracks too experimental for my taste though and way too repetitive. I felt kinda worn out by album end. 1 Star!
1
Apr 12 2021
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
When I think of Billy Joel I think of New York and smoke filled cabaret bars just off Broadway.
This album does nothing to spoil that illusion. It’s tracks ooze city life after dark scenarios and they do it in spades.
Almost all the songs here are familiar and draw at least a few memories to reflect on. Billy Joel’s voice is also probably at its best.
It’s a fun album even if the hits have been done to death over the years. 2 Stars!
2
Apr 13 2021
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Early electronica should always be celebrated. It’s the foundation for any synthesised music today. But this foundation has cracks...and their extremely repetitive and flakey.
There is a solid compound in it’s mix yet nowhere near interesting enough to want to reapply once let alone over and over again.
1 Star!
1
Apr 16 2021
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
This album starts off like a tornado and smacks you in the chops.
It’s loud and brash and in your face. It’s thrashy and punky and a little bit screamy.
Normally this combination would induce an excited curiosity from myself and these tracks did just that...but that was all.
I just can’t find anything worthwhile or standoutish.
The songs speed along happily enough, but leave you feeling unsatisfied and with an empty void.
2 Stars!
2
Apr 17 2021
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
This album starts off like a tornado and smacks you in the chops.
It’s loud and brash and in your face. It’s thrashy and punky and a little bit screamy.
Normally this combination would induce an excited curiosity from myself and these tracks did just that...but that was all.
I just can’t find anything worthwhile or standoutish.
The songs speed along happily enough, but leave you feeling unsatisfied and with an empty void.
2 Stars!
2
Apr 18 2021
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
What is this noise I subjected my poor ears to?
This album needs to be filed ‘never open’ and buried in a desert 100 meters below the surface.
There is no way in any world this shite makes its way into any musical best of list. -1000 Stars!
1
Apr 19 2021
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Woodface
Crowded House
What a beautiful album this one is...the songs sing to you in such a friendly and welcoming vibe.
All the hits could be played in almost any life situation and everyone would still sing along. ‘Fall At Your Feet’ is a classic example of one of these tracks which hits you right in the guts but somehow still gives you hope.
The ‘B’ tracks are just as engaging and a joy to listen to in their own right...and that’s honestly what makes a great album. 4 Stars!
4
Apr 20 2021
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
I get it, I honestly do...it’s just not my style. I actually prefer this slow bluesy rock genre Dylan to his standard rambling melodies though, so he gets a star for that.
I mean this album is non offensive and anyone could listen without too much trouble. It just doesn’t excite me enough to care. 2 Stars!
2
Apr 21 2021
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Whilst I did love the big atmospheric reverberating rock sound and the beautiful choruses sung by these big female voices...there was no real substance in my opinion.
It made me feel really disappointed as all the songs held so much promise. Oh well...2 Stars!
2
Apr 24 2021
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Is This It
The Strokes
Another rock album of little substance.
I was fond of the singles released from this album at the time but even those now wear thin.
This album is boring with a capital Zzzzzzz... 1 Star!
1
Apr 25 2021
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Not going to be my longest review due to a lack of knowledge and exposure to the genre, so I’ll also keep it simple.
I more than enjoyed the singles released from this album. The rest of the tracks were also a pleasure to listen to.
Whilst I doubt I’ll go back to it often I still give it a healthy and respectable... 3 Stars!
3
Apr 28 2021
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
Whilst I found these tracks groovy with a good amount of soul & funk, none of them left a noticeable impression on me.
Perhaps I’m hard to please but I find so many albums I’ve rated like this one, to be the same level of non offensiveness background music.
I went back a few times to listen again & make sure I’m not missing something...I wasn’t.
I’m not excited by anything here and certainly nowhere near the point of ordering a copy online for myself. 2 Stars!
2
Apr 29 2021
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I’ve scored previous Bob Dylan albums very poorly. Nothings going to change here.
Why, when an artist sounds exactly the same from one LP to another, does their need to be multiple albums from them on this list.
If you’ve listened to one Dylan album you don’t need further examples cause spoiler alert...he sounds exactly the same.
In summary, it goes without saying this album was as boring as the rest... 2 Stars!
2
Apr 30 2021
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Very funky and extremely soulful r&b.
The tracks simmer along very smoothly.
A great album for playing on a lazy Sunday afternoon. 3 Stars!
3
May 01 2021
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
1
May 03 2021
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Back In Black
AC/DC
Great album from this totally ‘balls to the wall’ Aussie rock group.
It’s heavy but it’s not metal as many people often categorise their music to be.
They rely on the trusted and true technique of playing the blues fast with accompanying power chords and saturated in full blown Marshall distortion.
These guys are the masters of this genre and this album is one of their best examples.
Every track is almost as good as any other, including released singles...that in itself is a rarity.
While I actually favour AC/DC with their former and original frontman Bon Scott, there is no doubting the genuine quality of these tracks. The album definitely deserves to be rated a classic.
Turn it up to 11!! 4 Stars!
4
May 04 2021
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NEU! 75
Neu!
What a little gem!
Coming across albums like this that I’d never heard before is what makes rating this list so exciting for me.
Most of the time I’m either broadening my listening vocabulary by way of expanding on bands I already know or landing on albums I’d never heard of from artists as equally unknown to myself.
I mean who the hell is ‘Neu!’??
Well I can tell you they made at least one terrific album...this one.
Track 3, Leb’ wohl, is a beautiful piece of music that transports you away to another place and time. The piano playing reminding you to take everything in and enjoy it in that moment.
There are only 7 tracks but each one has a story and that story is up to you to decide.
Give it a listen and allow your mind to roam free.... 4 Stars!
4
May 05 2021
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Despise Bob Dylan and despise the fact this is like the fourth Dylan album I’ve had to rate.
There must have been a huge fan boi amongst the vote deciders for this list.
All Dylan sounds the same...you don’t need more than two albums to discover this. -1000 Stars!
1
May 06 2021
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
2
May 07 2021
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Nothing of note here.
The albums tracks carry’s on without creating any worthwhile moments that make you want to come back to.
It’s just another example of lazy rock/pop music masquerading as something important...it’s really not. 1 Star!
1
May 08 2021
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
It’s Elton John so you kinda know what to expect before listening.
It’s what I call easy listening...exactly the same as my mother listens to. And that pretty much somes up Eltons audience. 2 Stars!
2
May 09 2021
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Man I have been so wrong in my assumptions of Iron Maiden for way too long after listening to this album.
Perhaps it’s the hideous character used in all their art work or the millions of 80’s tragic bogan followers but I had always viewed their music the same as a lot of average metal from the same era.
These tracks are so much more defined and ‘musical’ than expected.
The fact I can also hear where early Metallica gained their inspiration also gives this album a huge amount of credit and respect.
Never judge a book by it’s horrible cover art. 4 Stars!
4
May 10 2021
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Classic rock n roll album full of southern style tunes. Almost all CCR’s hits are on this album and the others are still very enjoyable.
4 Stars!
4
May 13 2021
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Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Surprisingly good album.
All the tracks have a nice casual swag about them. You could set this album on repeat and go about your business very contently. It really is a pleasant album to listen to in almost any situation. 4 Stars!
4
May 14 2021
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Let It Be
The Replacements
Very uninspiring and extremely beige.
It’s a rock album with nothing much going for it. You’ll be looking for something else to listen to by the halfway mark at least. 1 Star!
1
May 15 2021
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
I’m not a fan of this ‘rock around the clock’ 50’s/60’s teen boppy music at all.
Every track on this album is as expected after listening to the first couple. They all stick to the same script and they bore me to tears. 1 Star!
1
May 17 2021
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
I mean I didn’t hate this album.
It’s ultra funky and the use of the wah wah pedal is something else.
I couldn’t choose any real stand out track though. Each one has its own uniqueness without blowing me away.
I’ll give it a very cool.. 3 Stars!
3
May 22 2021
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
The tracks on this album start out fun and funky but quickly become way too repetitive. You’ll find yourself skipping to the next song about half way through the current one. There’s just not enough substance to rate this LP higher . 2 Stars!
2
May 24 2021
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Pretenders
Pretenders
2
May 27 2021
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
Classic prog album but not the bands best in my opinion.
3
May 28 2021
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Elephant
The White Stripes
I purchased this album at release so know it very intimately. There are some great tracks but the others aren’t anything to get overly excited by.
Has it stood the test of time?...kinda. 3 Stars!
3
May 30 2021
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
A true example of an album before it’s time.
So much heavy fuzzy distortion used to full effect in Iron Man & War Pigs for example.
Doom metal is a genre used so much these days but this album is where it all started. 4 Stars!
4
May 31 2021
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
I was truely hoping for more from this album given I had listened to and enjoyed his later work.
This album comes across as one big hot distorted mess with nothing discernible to note.
1 Star!
1
Jun 01 2021
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69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
This album is at least 68 songs too long.
Most of the tracks sound like they could have been composed and sang by a primary school band.
Whoever finds this album enjoyable obviously hasn’t broadened their musical listening too much at all. El crapo! 1 Star!
1
Jun 02 2021
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
Not bad...has potential but just never really makes the transition needed to become memorable or exciting.
I tried listening purely as background music but even then the tracks became slightly agitating. 2 Stars!
2
Jun 03 2021
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Not a unique enough voice for me to class this album as a standout.
The tracks are equally as mundane.
2 Stars!
2
Jun 04 2021
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
Pretty much the same tacky bogan music I expected before listening to this album. It’s so dated...and not in a good way. 1 Star!
1
Jun 05 2021
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The Slider
T. Rex
Not doing it for me. It’s just so same same in regards to the sound and genre of so many other albums from this time period. There is nothing here to distinguish itself from anything else I’m afraid. 1 Star!
1
Jun 06 2021
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
As a recent Talking Heads convert I can confidently encourage anyone, who’s into any of their other albums, to give this release a listen.
I love it almost as much as Fear Of Music. In saying that I absolutely love Fear Of Music so this one is still a favourite.
Go put a smile on your dial! 4 Stars!
4
Jun 07 2021
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
I don’t do Dylan...no matter how many albums are ridiculously included in this list. 1 Star!
1
Jun 08 2021
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
I respect Frank & all...but there’s just way better albums from this era & genre I’m afraid. The tracks have not aged well and seem so dull now compared to so many other artists you could choose from. It’s a shame...2 Stars!
2
Jun 10 2021
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
A beautiful album which I will always be grateful for stumbling across. This is an example of why I persist with this project…without it I would have been musically the poorer. Buy this album!
5
Jun 11 2021
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Not much to add that 90% of the music listening population doesn’t already know.
This is a solid album from an extremely solid/tight super band who were before their time. All the tracks are at least as good as any others from Zeppelins releases...and that’s saying something.
4 Stars!
4
Jun 12 2021
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
This is a great album and also a great example of the bands work. Every track throughout thoroughly represents the genre at the time.
I’m certainly more interested in digging into more Joy Division albums because of this one. 4 Stars!
4
Jun 14 2021
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Out of Step
Minor Threat
This is the music you make when you have a singer with no singing abilities, a drummer who’s just learnt the 4 4 rock beat and guitarists who’ve not moved past the most basic of power chords.
It’s the absolute maximum needed for making punk...and this contribution is the at the lower end of the spectrum.
Give it a miss...1 Star!
1
Jun 16 2021
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Gave it a couple of listens but nothing grabbed me. Pretty ho hum to be honest. 2 Stars!
2
Jun 17 2021
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Melodrama
Lorde
I found the vocals extremely annoying and lyrics read like they’re written by a 12yo filling in her diary.
This is not a classic album in any sense of the standard prerequisites.
1 Star!
1
Jun 21 2021
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
A deceiving album. On first listen I was very interested to delve in further and explore the vocals and music. On future listens I found myself questioning what it was that interested me so much.
The vocals started to actually annoy me the more I listened and the music became bland. 2 Stars!
2
Jun 25 2021
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
It’s another f@ckin Bob Dylan song!…so it’s another 1 Star!
1