Mar 01 2021
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Imagine
John Lennon
Some gold plated hits, a few pleasant country rock foot tappers and some introspective songs which are more a vehicle for Lennon's lyrics. A little disappointing overall.
2
Mar 02 2021
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
4
Mar 03 2021
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Young Americans
David Bowie
3
Mar 04 2021
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
Noisy but very teenage indie
3
Mar 05 2021
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Loved the breezy 70s laid-back jazz funk and beautiful Brazilian melodies and female backing singers. 1st track is very cool, pity there wasn't anything else solar in a slightly more edgy rock style.
4
Mar 06 2021
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
So lovely and warm. A gem
4
Mar 07 2021
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Woodface
Crowded House
Catchy pop. Good fun. Great in concert too.
4
Mar 08 2021
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Funky disco and it has Le Freak!
4
Mar 09 2021
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Enthused about this in 1994 and still enjoy the songs today. Energy, humour, melodies and hooks. good songwriting.
4
Mar 10 2021
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Different Class
Pulp
Great pop, not just for students. Surprisingly time-less
4
Mar 11 2021
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
I don't understand this at all. I don't like Beefheart's Trout face lp and I don't like this. To me it makes no musical sense. Why is it highly rated?
1
Mar 12 2021
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Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Punk energy, swamp blues, joy Division production in places, but not my taste
2
Mar 13 2021
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
A classic, with interesting and well crafted songs
5
Mar 14 2021
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Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Lightning fast picking. Rollicking good fun, but overlong. Great musicianship.
3
Mar 15 2021
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
Not my taste of music or genre. Found the vocal delivery and most of the music abrasive
1
Mar 16 2021
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The Doors
The Doors
Cool, groovy, bluesy and interesting
4
Mar 17 2021
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Dark, bluesy on places, great feel voice. Good.
3
Mar 18 2021
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Abbey Road
Beatles
It's the Beatles, albeit separately. Brilliant
5
Mar 19 2021
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
Crooning, but no upbeat swing
2
Mar 20 2021
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
Cool, thoughtful hip hop. Not aggressive or abrasive.
4
Mar 21 2021
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Vivid
Living Colour
3
Mar 22 2021
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
4
Mar 23 2021
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
Brilliantly Beatlesque in places, electronically wacky in others. Eclectic!
4
Mar 24 2021
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
3
Mar 25 2021
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The La's
The La's
3
Mar 26 2021
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The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
Beautiful Joni vocals and grown up music. Not as catchy as earlier albums, but much more accessible than later ones.
3
Mar 27 2021
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Rock n roll country.
3
Mar 28 2021
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
3
Mar 29 2021
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
4
Mar 30 2021
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
3
Mar 31 2021
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The Visitors
ABBA
Unmistakably ABBA, but with added melancholy and more Chess-style orchestration.
3
Apr 01 2021
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The Score
Fugees
Listenable catchy, clever
3
Apr 02 2021
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Blur
Blur
Exciting, rock and still very blur
4
Apr 03 2021
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Make Yourself
Incubus
Accessible hard rock with record scratching. Nothing too abrasive.
3
Apr 04 2021
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Third
Portishead
Not an easy listen at all. Too experimental and harsh and grating. Didn't enjoy. I'm clearly too middle of the road preferring their first two albums. Beth's voice is still poignant and emotional.
2
Apr 05 2021
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Very indie lo-fi - still slightly disappointing
2
Apr 06 2021
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Play
Moby
Relaxing and groovy. Some good dance tracks and some more mellow. All well known.
4
Apr 07 2021
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Ok, fairly energetic, but not as good as AC/DC or Iron Maiden
3
Apr 11 2021
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
Mostly enjoyed. Funky punk, a little bit Talking Heads - a little bit punky - better than early Red Hot Chili Peppers. Overlong album, but 35 mins at least is excellent.
4
Apr 12 2021
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Very 80s, excellent pop and rock. Tina Turner was on fire!
4
Apr 13 2021
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The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
Educational, interesting, hypnotic. Probably wouldn't listen to much, but understand it's importance.
3
Apr 14 2021
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Bossanova
Pixies
Not quite as exciting as their other albums, although Dig for Fire is great
3
Apr 15 2021
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Dog Man Star
Suede
Never really liked Suede apart from a few early singles, notably Stay together.
Overblown and not enjoyable.
2
Apr 16 2021
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My Generation
The Who
Great fun, US soul covers and My Generation!
4
Apr 17 2021
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
Psychedelic and disjointed. Very disappointing
1
Apr 18 2021
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Garbage
Garbage
Has not aged! Good hit singles, indie rock, super moody vocals and electronic programming too.
4
Apr 19 2021
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Black Metal
Venom
Most start with good riff, but then it's lost in muddy production and thrashing. Not my taste.
1
Apr 20 2021
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
Good, soulful pop. Eileen is quite different to others.
3
Apr 21 2021
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
The voice of soul, the music of soul, brilliant!
5
Apr 22 2021
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Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Actually quite good fun, notwithstanding the subject matter. Fairly eclectic covering much of Cave/Bad Seeds styles.
3
Apr 23 2021
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Awesome - a stone cold singalong classic
5
Apr 24 2021
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Well this easy! My all time favourite album. The best Prince lp, probably the best lp by anyone ever. Eclectic and covers everything good about Prince: pop, disco, rap, rock, blues, ballads, sex, politics, social awareness, live concert, quirkiness. An absolute masterpiece.
5
Apr 25 2021
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Parachutes
Coldplay
This has indie disco rock moments as well as poignant emotional gentler songs. The start of a stratospheric and sustained rise to the top of global stadium and festival headlining glory.
4
Apr 26 2021
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Good fun, excellent poetry, poignant ballads. Very listenable.
3
Apr 27 2021
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Jolly, upbeat New Orleans jazz standards reminiscent of Louis Armstrong but not so gravelly
3
Apr 28 2021
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A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
Reminds me of Burt Bacharach/John Barry/Neil Diamond/Jarvis Cocker. Glorious and heart-breaking pop, arrangements and lyrics.
Great fun in concert too.
3
Apr 29 2021
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Byrds style jangly guitars, infectious melodies and grooves, mumbled mysterious lyrics. It worked in 89 and still sounds great now. One of The great British albums.
5
Apr 30 2021
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The Bends
Radiohead
More accessible and perhaps conventionally rock than OK Computer.
4
May 01 2021
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The Predator
Ice Cube
Not a bad listen, actually! Educational, albeit angry, music is good. I now see the irony in the misogynistic lyrics, but still don't like that content.
3
May 02 2021
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Massive break beats, very accessible electronic music fused with soul and funk, mostly. Great running soundtracks.
4
May 03 2021
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2112
Rush
More prog than I was expecting. Relatively accessible although Geddy Lee's singing at the start is higher and more affected than in later years.
3
May 04 2021
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Childish themes (guns and marijuana). Cool beats and samples (got some Dusty Springfield too)
2
May 05 2021
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Queen II
Queen
A bit over blown. Disappointing, but not awful.
3
May 06 2021
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Out of Step
Minor Threat
Not my taste, too noisy and aggressive. Good bass work all the same.
2
May 07 2021
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Basket of Light
Pentangle
Liked the bluesy songs more than the baroque. Pleasant listening.
3
May 08 2021
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1989
Taylor Swift
Great, catchy and polished radio pop.
4
May 09 2021
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Music and beats are good. Voice doesn't grate. Don't care much for content.
2
May 10 2021
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Accessible, Doors style organ.
3
May 11 2021
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Ethereal and boring. Occasional 60s style, but mostly weird background noises.
2
May 12 2021
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Nowhere
Ride
Not as noisy and unfocused as MBV. I can see the progression towards Leave Them All Behind and Twisterella. OK, probably prefer early Verve for this type of textured music.
3
May 13 2021
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Actually more coherent than Loveless, but not as infectious. Still noisy!
3
May 14 2021
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Enjoyed far more than "wee small hours" - I prefer more upbeat.
4
May 15 2021
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Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Interesting like Radiohead can be interesting. A few funky Talking Heads meets Beck, with some good akt rick textured music.
3
May 16 2021
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Didn't like abstract side 1, but side 2 with flamenco guitar and repeated melodies was good. Reminded me of 1950s cinema and the Taxi Driver soundtrack.
2
May 17 2021
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B-52's
The B-52's
Great fun and a bit punky
3
May 18 2021
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
Sounds like the link between Carole King and Joni Mitchell. Lovely voice, soul meets jazz and pop. His did I miss this all these years?
4
May 19 2021
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Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
It has Two Weeks, but the rest is emotive, interesting, but just a little dull.
3
May 20 2021
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Smooth, soulful, enjoyable. beautiful voice
3
May 21 2021
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
I always liked this Smiths album the best despite their relationship problems.
4
May 22 2021
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Mediocre 70s Garage rock and balladeering. Not special.
2
May 23 2021
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Listenable reggae with a message even if tampered with by Island Records for international ears.
3
May 24 2021
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Good reggae with soul/R&B vibes. Tackles similar political issues, but not seemingly as poignantly (albeit earlier) compared to the preceding listing of Burning Spear's Marcus Garvey.
3
May 25 2021
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Horses
Patti Smith
Put off by "punk" links in many write-ups, but in fact far closer to Jim Morrison and the Doors. Not something I'd listen to frequently, but enjoyable all the same. Very accomplished debut.
4
May 26 2021
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Close To You
Carpenters
Warm, elegant, jaunty and sophisticated pop. Beautiful.
4
May 27 2021
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
The essence of rock n roll. Electrifying and fun.
4
May 28 2021
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
Great voice - very Jacques Brel. Quite pretentious!
2
May 29 2021
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The Sensual World
Kate Bush
Some amazing songs (Sensual World, This Woman's Work) and other interesting Bush songs.
3
Jun 06 2021
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Undoubtedly energetic and angry in a yoof/punk style, probably fun to watch their gigs, but not pleasurable to listen at home. More in tune guitar soloing please!
2
Jun 07 2021
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Rock, soul, country rock and slow tunes. Pretty good!
4
Jun 08 2021
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Cool Blues and rock, but ramshackle and rough. I realise this is controversial, but I was disappointed after Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers.
3
Jun 09 2021
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
Lived it in late 80s as a child, still do now although I haven't listened to this in about 25 years!
4
Jun 10 2021
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Half are Super funky, jazzy grooves and half are typically lush mid 70s ballads. Pretty cool.
Tracks opening each side are straight up funk. Africano is a wah wah funk jazz tour de force.
3
Jun 11 2021
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Not my favourite kind of music or even style of hip hop. Ok, beats and delivery are ok. Cool James is cool.
2
Jun 12 2021
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Sombre, down tempo, quite beautiful.
3
Jun 13 2021
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Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
Laid-back Summer-time trip-hop style instrumentals.
3
Jun 14 2021
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Good funk rock. Pity about the dross that is "Promental..."
4
Jun 15 2021
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
Very accessible and groovy. Clean disco funk basslines.
The chanty slogans are catchy enough, but the vocals are the weakest point (although they typify George Clinton P-Funk).
4
Jun 16 2021
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Not sure if this is a perfect album but it is quite superb with a mixture of light rock, pop, country rock, rock n roll, powerful slow tunes. Very listenable.
4
Jun 17 2021
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Suicide
Suicide
Accessible, but repetitive 80s style synth with bleak vocals. Punk both synth pop?
2
Jun 18 2021
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Eclectic! Very interesting and enjoyable. Haven't even had a chance to take in the lyrics and themes to see the project as a concept album. So many influences and I think I even heard some Smiths on Oh, Maker! Unfair to just say she is "like Prince". Her ambition is quite different. Impressive.
4
Jun 19 2021
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Skylarking
XTC
Very English in a Kinks/Beatles style. Listenable. Interesting to read about writing, production and release issues.
3
Jun 20 2021
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
All 3 Dexy's LPs are justifiably highly rated and on the 1001 list. Great driving soul, youthful modern lyricism and attitude. Great bass and brass. Those unmoved by Geno and There there my Dear must have ice in their veins!
4
Jun 21 2021
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
Must of these collaborations are good and more of a showcase for the relatively younger guitarists. Sacred cow or not, I don't enjoy most of John Lee Hooker's mumbling and guitar picking. 2.5/5
2
Jun 22 2021
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Purple Rain
Prince
Brilliant funky pop. Possibly Prince's best and cohesive standard length LP (Sign 'O' the times being a double!). Not too long, superb "backing" band in The Revolution.
5
Jun 23 2021
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Spiderland
Slint
Started off like Arab Strap, but boring. Then some shouty bits, but still boring. Will give 2/5 because it isn't as appalling as the albums I've given 1.
2
Jun 24 2021
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Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Shoegazing, textured and trippy. I'm not in the same place as the critics who felt this was a masterpiece.
2
Jun 25 2021
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Pink Flag
Wire
Short sharp punk attitude. Thank you Elastica for the 90s tribute.
3
Jun 26 2021
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Somehow missed this having picked up 77 and Fear of Music on cassettes years ago. Not sure it's as good as either, although Angel, Job, Girls, Love are excellent. I hear the progression towards funky dance. Cool. Still haven't got my ears around DB's lyrics, though.
3
Jun 27 2021
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Always enjoyed listening to and watching The Charlatans. Fairly consistent Stones-style rock n roll (appropriate for Beggars Banquet label!). Maybe not as good as The Charlatans eponymous album or New Order-sounding You Cross My Path.
3
Jun 28 2021
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
Lovely guitar picking. Some good indie/folk tunes. Not keen on his voice.
2
Jun 29 2021
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Some great Beatlesque pop. Well known hit singles and THAT side 3 weather sequence concluding with the gilt edged Mr Blue Sky. Pretty good, but a little long.
4
Jun 30 2021
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Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
Gorgeous, gentle, quite beautiful romantic music. Very impressed. Retro, but does that matter?
4
Jul 01 2021
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
Great example of 60s British blues explosion meets late 60s psychedelia. Great musicians. Half the album is Must Hear. A few fillers!
4
Jul 02 2021
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
I knew Revolution already so wasn't expecting such a spaced out quiet bore-fest! I did like So Hot, but it's a very short pretty song. Not a revolutionary listen, but not 1 star either.
2
Jul 07 2021
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The Yes Album
Yes
Surprisingly conventional rock. Pleasant singing. Some good bits - Wurm sounds like 90s grunge riffing. Was expecting more exquisite Chris Squire Rickenbacker picking like Roundabout.
3
Jul 08 2021
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Phat beats, cool, rhythmic delivery. I liked most of it. Not too aggressive, clever wordplay. Better than most hip-hop. 3.75 out 5
4
Jul 09 2021
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Diamond Life
Sade
Smooth, sophisticated, but not over crowded jazzy pop music with THAT voice. Very cool, good for sunny days and relaxed evenings.
4
Jul 10 2021
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Smooth, groovy, very sexy. Love the jazz undercurrents.
4
Jul 11 2021
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Teen Dream
Beach House
Ethereal, pretty, but a bit boring for me hence the middling score just reaching 3.
3
Jul 12 2021
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Starts off very angry and aggressive, but with cool beats. The music is fun (notably express yourself) but the subjects become irritating. I see why it is influencial and "classic", but not really my thing. 2.8 out of 5. Just not for me.
3
Jul 13 2021
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Very 80s synth similar to New Order of the same era. Great pop. Always liked Kings Cross, shopping and the singles.
4
Jul 14 2021
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Dare!
The Human League
I've always enjoyed this. Has some slower and darker album songs, but six of the 10 are outstanding.
4
Jul 15 2021
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
I quite enjoyed this but lost interest during the profane sex and "gangster" sections. Not what I was expecting - musically diverse. 3.5 out of 4
3
Jul 16 2021
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Some great blues rock but definitely overlong jams. Their version of Good golly miss Molly is dynamite.
3
Jul 17 2021
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Really enjoyed this - groovy melodies with pleasant sounding solos. Not too difficult, something I will listen to again.
4
Jul 18 2021
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Van Halen
Van Halen
1978 sounds like 1984 in terms of "hair rock". A better album than I remembered with much of the first half being bonafide classics. 3.5 out of 5
3
Jul 19 2021
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
Sombre, but reasonable folk/pop. Wouldn't listen to again as a whole album so 2.8 out 5 rounded up.
3
Jul 20 2021
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
Fairly average heavier 60s rock - similar to Doors, but far inferior.
2
Jul 21 2021
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Pretty good prog. Listenable with some well known hits. 3.75 out 5 rounded up to 4*
4
Jul 26 2021
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Sweet voice, but not my cup of tea
2
Jul 27 2021
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
Interesting concept, but a poor Who album in relation to their singles or later great rock albums.
2
Jul 28 2021
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
The country style is not my taste, although I admire the classic soul covers.hot burrito #2 and dark end of the street are the only sings I liked.
2
Jul 29 2021
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Who's Next
The Who
Brilliant. Love the synths and the rock elements. This is The Who that I know best.
5
Jul 30 2021
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
Mostly not my taste, although I do get the bluesy style.
2
Jul 31 2021
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
Another hip hop album that I quite enjoyed. Good music, rhythmic vocals. Usual questionable lyrics - Da Bitchez!
3
Aug 01 2021
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E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Pretty tuneless, surprised at the weakness. Started ok, then became noise. Not as bad as pere ubu!
1
Aug 02 2021
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
"one of 2004's most critically acclaimed releases"
Oh dear! Noisy, scuzzy rock. Has its place somewhere, but not with me. Still not as bad as Pere Ubu, so 2 out of 5.
2
Aug 03 2021
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Classic 70s rock with good riffing particularly on Walk This Way, but throughout. Enjoyable.
4
Aug 04 2021
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Station To Station
David Bowie
Station to station and Stay are my faves. Pretty good.
4
Aug 05 2021
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Melodrama
Lorde
Some qualities of Robyn and Taylor Swift, just not a comprehensive thumbs up, although kudos for being so young, yet so mature.
3
Aug 06 2021
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
Well well well... I thoroughly enjoyed the music and the vocals. Pity Smith didn't do more accessible Fall albums. I will listen to this again. Not quite 4 out of 5.
3
Aug 07 2021
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Astonishingly good, apart from somewhat meandering limp ending to "Listen", the final track.
5
Aug 08 2021
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
Far more mainstream than Pixies. Listenable, but not as edgy or dark as Pixies.
3
Aug 09 2021
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Energetic like only young new bands can record. Witty like the best writers and sung in Sheffield vernacular too. Great fun.
5
Aug 10 2021
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
Ok, fairly traditional, clearer vocals than later albums, but not as good as the 1987 album. Second half better than first half.
3
Aug 11 2021
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
Very 60s psychedelic space rock. Of its time. Bit boring.
2
Aug 12 2021
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The Specials
The Specials
Good ska, but a little varied in terms of quality. Best to cherry pick Specials and Terry's music.
3
Aug 13 2021
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
Very 80s rock production, sadly not enough ZZ Top blues for a higher score, but a solid album.
3
Aug 14 2021
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
I've always enjoyed this album. An early entry point to the eclectic world of Zappa. The blues of Captain Beefheart is excellent as is the electric violin (and guitar of course!).
4
Aug 15 2021
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Uplifting electro-indie. Good, closer to 4 than 3, but not quite essential.
3
Aug 16 2021
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
The funkiest jazz, most 70s sounding jazz fusion album ever
5
Aug 17 2021
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
There is a sophisticated beauty in songs like Surf's Up and Feel Flows. Disney Girls (1957) and 'Til I Die have gorgeous melodies. A grower of a 'listening' album. Not quite 4, but I think it will get there after a few more listens.
3
Aug 18 2021
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Like the sound of the guitar, but not the wailing cacophony. In this album there are only really 2 songs for me: 50ft Queenie and Dry.
2
Aug 19 2021
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This Is Hardcore
Pulp
An interesting album, very different to the excellent Different Class. More Bowie-esque. Worth listening to a few times. A bit long. Currently I'm giving it 3.5, but this might increase with familiarity.
3
Aug 20 2021
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Actually not as bad as I was expecting! Good 60s pop and garage rock. I can understand why it is so influential. Terrible noisiness in European Son, which is quite a good song for the first 2 minutes.
3
Aug 21 2021
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Exciting, rock, indie, fun. I still love this more than 30 years later.
5
Aug 22 2021
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A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Tremendous 60s/70s bluesy rock n roll. I understand why Black Crowes and Reef ripped this off.
4
Aug 23 2021
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Raw Power
The Stooges
Scuzzy, glam rock n roll. Not bad, I can hear Bowie and I can hear Joy Division, so quite influential.
3
Aug 24 2021
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Good pop album. More listening will help familiarity and I'm sure this would earn a higher rating from me at a later date.
3
Aug 25 2021
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Very 70s/80s Gainsbarre. Pretty cool and funky, albeit lecherous old man sleaze, but what do you expect from Gainsbourg?
Enjoyable. I recognise the future Portishead/Massive Attack samples.
3.5
3
Aug 26 2021
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Good transition between his early folk and electro r&b/rock n roll. I prefer "Highway...", "Blonde..." and "Nashville..."
2.75 because although it can see it's good, I hardly ever listen to it.
2
Aug 27 2021
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
Funk rhythms reminiscent of Remain in Light side 1, but not be as fun. Undeniably clever and technically forward thinking, but not that enjoyable.
2
Aug 28 2021
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Brilliant dance pop.
5
Aug 29 2021
View Album
Live!
Fela Kuti
Good funk afrobeat, but ignore the additional long drum solo tracks from track 5 (original album is 4 tracks)
4
Aug 30 2021
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Punk, metal and prog all combined - awesome. It includes Phantom of the opera, running free, iron maiden and prowler. Great debut, but not perfect - 3.75
3
Aug 31 2021
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
So so pop. A bit fey. Enjoyed hearing the song based on New Order's Procession and other influences.
Like The Divine Comedy this will need more listens to appreciate the clever lyrics.
Lovely album cover!
3
Sep 01 2021
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The Band
The Band
Good mixture of rock n roll, folk with a bit of soul. Not too country. Listenable.
Not quite a 4
3
Sep 02 2021
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Take Me Apart
Kelela
Her tone remains the same all the way through. Mellow enough, but so boring with no tonal shift. Disappointing after all the plaudits.
2
Sep 03 2021
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
By contrast to yesterday's Kelela, Erykah Badu's voice is versatile and interesting. Perhaps I just prefer "organic" music like this. Excellent.
4
Sep 04 2021
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
I read that this is a commemoration of the bass player's virtuosity, but I sadly didn't enjoy the bass solos. Piano is great, however.
3
Sep 05 2021
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Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Recognised one song and like it, but not won over by the rest of the prog-ness. Not awful, might try again.
Difficult to get past Flight of the Conchords send-up (Lord of the rings song).
3
Sep 06 2021
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Spikey - some good indie rock guitar. Mega phone vocals irritate after a while. I liked Pin and Maps. Just scraping a 3 out of 5.
3
Sep 07 2021
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Usual good and distinctive vocals, but not such a super duper sound. Ok I suppose.
3
Sep 08 2021
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
Like a companion piece to What's going on - perhaps a bit dated for 1978? Pleasant musically, painful lyrically. A small number of "essential" tracks. A low 3 out of 5
3
Sep 09 2021
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
I do like The Cure and this early album isn't too gloomy, but it isn't a classic Cure LP. However, it has one of their finest songs in A Forest so 3 out of 5.
3
Sep 10 2021
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Good rock album. I liked the guitar sound. Songs are all a bit too long. One or two are dreadful (farmer song).3.5 out of 5
3
Sep 11 2021
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Tapestry
Carole King
Well known soulful piano and melody driven album - sometimes difficult to recall originals from all the first class covers! Not greatest voice but such good musicianship and writing.
Great, but not quite a 5 star lp, sorry!
4
Sep 12 2021
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
Lovely voice, very controlled. Not won over by the country, calypso, old fashioned style although the bluesy jazzy songs are good.
Not my thing hence the lowish score, but a worthy album to include as a variation on popular country music.
2
Sep 13 2021
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Really enjoyable. A classic which I had never listened to from start to finish. Even the strummy acoustic songs rock.
4
Sep 14 2021
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
Fun, fun fun! Pretty kitsch. Super rhythms. Probably wouldn't listen to again, but enjoyed listening.
3
Sep 15 2021
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
Haven't listened to this for years, slightly disappointed it wasn't better! Listenable, dark and smouldering, big 3 singles are still fun (Lucretia, corrosion and dominion). Undoubtedly influential.
3
Sep 16 2021
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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
About halfway through. Not my cup of tea. Beats are ok, but I'm not getting the subject matter. Worthy of 2 stars.
2
Sep 17 2021
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
Reasonable 90s Seattle rock. Chris Cornell's voice is superb. RIP
3
Sep 18 2021
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Protection
Massive Attack
Superbly created music. Great for any occasion
4
Sep 19 2021
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Jaunty, but a bit cloying after a while.samey.
3
Sep 20 2021
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Odessa
Bee Gees
Mature, mostly orchestral backed down beat folk/pop. Some 60s/70s dated styles. Good, but not my cup of tea.
3
Sep 21 2021
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella's voice soothes me in the same way as Karen Carpenter's, and with superb joyful jazz standards "who could ask for anything more"!
There is also a shorter "very best of the Gershwin songbook" available too.
5
Sep 22 2021
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
Ace, early doo-wop rock n roll.
4
Sep 23 2021
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Brilliant, not as refined or mature as the classic late 90s/2000s albums, but a good fun mix of early Chilis progressing to the Californication sound. I still love this, even if it a bit too long.
5 star album.
5
Sep 24 2021
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Avant Garde. Unusual mix of classical and modern instruments. Some pleasant gentle music and some discordant.
Very interesting artwork.
2
Sep 25 2021
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
Quite beautiful for the most part, but heart breaking in terms of pain and angst. Very harsh upbringing by the sounds of things.
Musically tasteful, but probably won't rush back to it as it is anguished.
3
Sep 26 2021
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Pretty, but very similar to other classic Cohen LP's. Includes Story of Isaac
3
Sep 27 2021
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
Good as a solo record, but why not include the great Mano Negra rather than Many Chao's solo efforts?
3
Sep 28 2021
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Classic prog, but not too Genesis or Yes! Good riffs, voice and flute. I'm going to give it 4 because it is easily listenable.
4
Sep 29 2021
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
Pretty early rock n roll. Lovely harmonies. Bit dated now, though. Pleasant enough - 3 stars.
3
Sep 30 2021
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Love it. Late 60s pop with a bit of soul. Good voice, resembles Blood Sweat and Tears singer. Thoroughly enjoyable - 4 stars.
4
Oct 01 2021
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White Ladder
David Gray
Some (let's say 4) very good and celebrated songs. A famed Soft Cell cover version. I think the somewhat effected vocal style grates in the second half. The downbeat gentleness needs a boost.
Not as good as people made out at the time.3 out of 5
3
Oct 02 2021
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Debut
Björk
Enjoyed this when released, but realise now that I was just skipping through to the singles. Overall musically more accessible than her other material, but still only good for the singles.3 out of 5
3
Oct 03 2021
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Apart from "Blister", this is weak poor music. Not actually bad music, just completely mediocre and weak post-punk. Not sure why it's on the list. Disappointing.
1
Oct 04 2021
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
Don't normally like this kind of music. Pleasantly surprised - good, clear delivery. Entertaining and musically diverse. Some of the commentary and skits could be dropped. I actually might choose to listen again!
3
Oct 05 2021
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Is This It
The Strokes
Taken in by the razzamatazz back in 2001, and thoroughly enjoyed the music and the style. Still quite like it 20 years on, but Julian's vocal delivery can irritate.
4
Oct 06 2021
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
Jangly and psychodelic. Some is very pretty, not as much country as I was expecting.
3
Oct 07 2021
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
As expected, quite spare. Accessible, but it's no a Autobahn, sadly. 3.5 out of 5
3
Oct 08 2021
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Usual political balladry - voice and electric guitar - but with addition of full band in a few other songs. A good representation of Billy Bragg.
3
Oct 09 2021
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Forever Changes
Love
I already knew and quite liked Alone again or. Not sure why the full album is so highly recommended, pretty ordinary - nothing bad, just nothing special or memorable.
2
Oct 10 2021
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The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Undeniably influential for the single of The Message, and probably essential for break dancing and popping. However, overlong and samey. Nice to see them give tribute back to Tom Tom Club and Stylistics cover.
Single 5*, album 2*
2
Oct 11 2021
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Vespertine
Björk
Quietly pretty. Bit boring, better for background. Cocoon is quite sexy and intimate, Heirloom and Unison are most fully realised song in the traditional sense.
2
Oct 12 2021
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All Directions
The Temptations
Apart from Papa was a rolling stone, I found this run of the mill - even First time ever I saw your face. Disappointing.
2
Oct 13 2021
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Fun, guitar indie. Taking a lot of queued from late 70s/early 80s. Quite knowingly arty - like a punkier Pulp.
4
Oct 14 2021
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Odelay
Beck
Big beats, funky fun. Quirky and scuzzy.
3
Oct 15 2021
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
The synths surprised me although I was already familiar with First We Take Manhattan. Interesting and intimate - as with other Cohen LP's. Good.
3
Oct 16 2021
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Kenya
Machito
Love it - short big band late 50s jazz. Afro rhythms. Cuban Latin jazz. Cannonball Adderley. Superb.
5
Oct 17 2021
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Illmatic
Nas
Been waiting a long time to listen to this legendary album. Beats are good. Taps "flow". It's kind of old school. I like. High 3.
3
Oct 18 2021
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
It's superb Elvis in his later period. Not essential, but a great reason why he remains so popular. Some good soul pop crooning songs. Excellent band.
3
Oct 19 2021
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Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
Pretty enough, like most CS&N (&Y).
3
Oct 20 2021
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Glam-era Bowie - succinct and "fun", albeit dark lyrically - very listenable, but a little short of 4 stars. Iconic cover photo. Amongst the songs I wasn't already so familiar with, Panic in Detroit, Cracked Actor and Lady Grinning Soul are highlights. Mike Garson's famous dissonant avant garde piano solo in Aladdin Sane doesn't work for me.
Jean Genie and Saturday Night Drive-in are rightly Bowie classics.
3
Oct 21 2021
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Kenza
Khaled
Straight forward pop. Ok, but not special.
3
Oct 22 2021
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
It is catchy rock n roll, and maybe a few more listens might endear it to me, but for the moment so-so 3stars
3
Oct 23 2021
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Absolutely smashing pop. Heard about the LP, knew a few songs, but never listened to it as a whole. Brilliant, shiny, fun pop. Why wasn't Lennon's material as collectively good on a single album?
5
Oct 24 2021
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Ace, early 80s synth-pop and dance. Always enjoyed this LP. Jennifer is haunting and great. The singles are rightly smash hits. Awesome album.
5
Oct 25 2021
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Sea Change
Beck
Pleasant and gentle folk pop. A million miles from Oderlay and Midnite Vultures. What a talented and versatile musician!
3
Oct 26 2021
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
So many well known songs it almost felt like a greatest hits album. I also really enjoyed the long jam on "side 2". A triumph of an album.
5
Oct 27 2021
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
No. I get it's a fake soundtrack and it's moody, but really!?
1
Oct 28 2021
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
Lyrically/narratively interesting, foot tapping, but not my favourite vocal sound or music style. Some good twangy guitar tones. Good old fashioned concise songs under 3 minutes.
2
Oct 29 2021
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
Very sweet sentiments and harmonies. Feels like California, but by Scots! I do like the guitar sound, but it is a pity there is very little change across the album.
3
Oct 30 2021
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Early proof of genius pop songwriting. 60s pop rock'n'roll at its finest without studio experiments. Arguably the purest of the great Beatles albums.
5
Oct 31 2021
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Even with familiarity it sounds full of energy. Slightly tame nowdays, but still furious, clever, rebellious and electrifying take on youth rock'n'roll. Rightly one of the better punk records of all time. Not quite a 4 because it's not quite got enough hooks.
3
Nov 01 2021
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
I liked this when it came out, but it sounds quite samey and a little boring now, even if the piano playing and Kate Bush vocals are clever. Disappointing.
2
Nov 02 2021
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Might be my favourite Dylan album and possibly emotionally the polar opposite of another favourite, Blonde on Blonde. Accessible and really good songs. Yes, it's about heartbreak, but good music just gets you.
4
Nov 03 2021
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
Nine tracks and seven were hit singles. 80s pop distilled into one amazing album.
5
Nov 04 2021
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
Some stand out tracks, but I still think talking heads 77, remain in light and speaking in tongues are more cohesive and listenable.
3
Nov 05 2021
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Beautiful voice, modern-ish country, amazing and emotional ballads (Boulder obviously, but also others), excellent Beatles cover. Very good album.
4
Nov 06 2021
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
About half is excellent and the rest ok, so 3 out 5 overall. Great band in concert and a first class front man and all round top bloke.
3
Nov 07 2021
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
The blueprint of 70s and 80s British heavy metal. Amazing how iron maiden wound so similar 10 years later!
Great riffs!
3
Nov 08 2021
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Rap is growing on me. The gangster violence and threats, misogyny, drugs, potty-mouths and tales of impoverished "life is harsh" must be becoming normalised for me as I didn't mind this LP of drug lord iron man peddling "fishscale".
It helped that the samples and bscking music was familiar, soulful in and funky and not too abrasive. The rapping was rhythmic and clear.
I might even look forward to more Wu Tang related material...
3
Nov 09 2021
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
Great laid-back indie pop. I think it might be worthy of the golden 5 out of 5! Hook laden singalongs. Continually came back to this album through the 90s. Pity that Evan Dando started taking himself so seriously...
5
Nov 10 2021
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Sweet voice, not my style of folk.
2
Nov 11 2021
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
I'm not bothered that this artist or album are controversial. This is just rubbish. Awful screaming, I can occasionally pick up the lyrics which are deliberately trying to be controversial to the point of being worthless and boring. The music, when musical, is occasionally industrial hard rock, but nothing special.
Up there with Venom and Pere Ubu for most unbelievable album on this list.
1
Nov 12 2021
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Good - side 1 acoustic Neil like his classic early 70s LP's, then ROCK 9n side 2. Not as immediately loveable like Gold Rush and Harvest, but pretty good. A high 3 out of 5.
3
Nov 13 2021
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Similar to "...In Rock", which I reviewed last week. Soloing good, but lengthy. Slightly proggy. Good live recording. All the hits!
3
Nov 14 2021
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The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
Musically good heavy indie rock - heavier and more raw guitar sound than Everything Must Go, which I know well and rate highly. Sadly I can't make out the lyrics, so don't get the well documented angst that the critics go on and on about.
Will listen to again, but for now it's just a 3, albeit a high 3.
3
Nov 15 2021
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
Good singing, although Tracy Thorn always seems a little icy and emotionless even though she sings about emotions. The bleeps, break beats and electronics is good and of its time. For 90s/2000s dinner parties alongside Beth Orton's Trailer Park and Zero 7.
3
Nov 16 2021
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Rocks
Aerosmith
Fairly timeless boogie rock with a hard edge, but not heavy like Deep Purple, Sabbath, etc.
3
Nov 17 2021
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
Refreshingly gangster-free, although still posturing about ability. Good use of "daisy-age" jazz-funk samples alongside big beats. Dig the Sly and Scot-Heron samples and what about the additional remix sampling The The!?!
Pretty dated, but pleasant to hear.
3
Nov 18 2021
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
A gold plated classic. Probably better songwriting than True Blue, but not as familiar to me despite the run of hit singles in the middle.
4
Nov 19 2021
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Pleasant enough, but not knock out for me
3
Nov 20 2021
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Stand out bass playing on Travelling man and Early morning breeze. Very pleasant country album, albeit mainstream.
3
Nov 21 2021
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
Lovely - lush, warm Beach Boys style harmonies, charming folk. I'd heard good things, but never got around to listening. Quite wonderful!
4
Nov 22 2021
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
No, these musings, mutterings and noodlings are not for me.
1
Nov 23 2021
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Straight ahead blues rock n roll piano. Might have been ground breaking once, but now it's just well executed and sung big band 50s rock n roll.
2
Nov 24 2021
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
Mature dance music. Very listenable, albeit a little bit background/dinner party style. Coincidentally to the song "Frozen" the album feels quite glacial: sophisticated, but lacking in singing emotion which fits the music, but not the emotional lyrics. No True Blue, or Like a Prayer, but one of Madonna's best. A high 3 out of 5.
3
Nov 25 2021
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Speed, heavy rock n roll. Sorry to say it is a bit samey. Still legendary band.
2
Nov 26 2021
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Arrival
ABBA
Brilliant shiny pop and songwriting at its finest. Becomes heaven-sent with the inclusion of Fernando on later versions. No surprise it's their bestselling LP not called Gold. Instrumental title track that closes original LP is a bit boring, so a high 4 out of 5 for one of my favourite "pop" bands.
4
Nov 27 2021
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Grooves along well, then gets a bit repetitive and tuneless.
A pick n mix band. Very cool man, that Josh.
2
Nov 28 2021
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BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
Had to listen several times through. Not usual immediate "hits". Personal lyrics. A celebration of grown up womanhood. Very sexy. A good piece of art in the sense of personal expression. Probably won't listen to much in the future, but it is good quality.
3
Nov 29 2021
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Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
Lo-fi, short pieces, but not very interesting. Not awful, just dull.
2
Nov 30 2021
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
The extended album with the first two singles and b-sides is superior.
What's so special about Jimi is that his guitar playing still sounds extraordinary even now after guitar music has absorbed, copied and taken inspiration from what he did in the 60s.
Another exceptional aspect to Jimi is his singing phrasing and vocal timing. I think he has a natural ability much like Sinatra's phrasing. It's very difficult to do a good mimic.
What a talent.
Great album - and it's a debut! Even the less well known songs are pretty good, albeit not legendary and so familiar.
5
Dec 01 2021
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Classic era Steely Dan, polished jazzy rock before they became ultra ultra polished and jazzy. Very good indeed. A very high 4 because it's not Aja!
4
Dec 02 2021
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
Poor singing and very light weight music. Sounds like what might play in a '70s porn film. Not impressed.
2
Dec 03 2021
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Dookie
Green Day
Don't like Armstrong's voice. A few quite good singles. A 90s take on 1977 punk. I suppose it's influential, but just not my cuppa.
3
Dec 04 2021
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
Another great upbeat Latin album. Super fun.
4
Dec 05 2021
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
Freaked me out bit as a 13 year old. Sorry Mr Waters, but I find the pieces around the big 6 or 7 songs just prog padding. I'm not won over by the story either.
5 out of 5 for Brick, Numb, Run. Positive mentions to Young Lust, Hey You, perhaps Mother. Low scores for much of the rest.
3
Dec 06 2021
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Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Yes, Billie's voice is croaky, but she has good use of it even if it is past its best. The music is lush, but slow. Too gentle and slow. So I didn't it enjoy it.
2
Dec 07 2021
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Pretty good swampy blues. Just as you'd expect from Fogerty and Creedance. Has the big hits. Probably not a classic classic album, so a high 3 out of 5
3
Dec 08 2021
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Pump
Aerosmith
Quote good, intros are interesting at first but then distract from the real songs. It rocks well enough, just or all that special .
3
Dec 09 2021
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Gold plated classic. Charming, singalong, fantastic pop with great vocals and harmonies, superb musicianship and guitar work. It's one of the most popular albums of all time for a good reason.
5
Dec 10 2021
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Dust
Screaming Trees
Indie rock - slightly harder Cure or softer Pearl Jam. Strong voice from Lanegan.
3
Dec 11 2021
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
Enjoyable.lots of singing as well rapping. Very accessible and good intentions from Missy. Obviously as sex obsessed as Prince!
4
Dec 12 2021
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Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Too prog and obtuse, frenetic keyboard noodling.
1
Dec 13 2021
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Faith
George Michael
Excellent funky pop, great singing. An 80s pop gem, catchy songs. Mostly upbeat.
4
Dec 14 2021
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Driving, polished rock blues boogie. Includes Move me on down the line and La Grange. Thoroughly enjoyable. Four out of five.
4
Dec 15 2021
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Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
Very smooth, very slow, very sexy, very Marvin. Not very outstanding. Great musicianship, particularly sinuous bass lines that get under the skin.
I like, but not extraordinary.
3
Dec 16 2021
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Good, but some unneeded psychadelic noodling. Great ballsy blues voice. A few now classic songs (and covers).
3
Dec 17 2021
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
Obviously English style singing which is good, just a little too punky with the out of tune singing. I only really liked the first song. Nice idea to do a punk/country crossover (early alt-country?).
2
Dec 18 2021
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Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
Lovely voice and guitar picking. Nice mix of folk and rhythm & blues. Contains several JT hits, so a good album overall.
3
Dec 19 2021
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American Pie
Don McLean
Two first class singles making up a third of the duration, then nicely sung folk pop. Vocal is mix of Paul Simon and Jacques Brel.
3
Dec 20 2021
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
At the time friends were all over this. Me, not really. Quite good breakbeats. I can see it's technically clever cut and paste sampling, but not my thing.
2
Dec 21 2021
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Very good polished pop, occasionally a few of the songs seem a bit similar. Still one of the better 1980s pop albums.
4
Dec 22 2021
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Aja
Steely Dan
Difficult to look at this impartially, being one of my favourite and frequently played albums, so I’ll just gush.
I kind of understand some people’s “bland/Muzak” perception. I don’t often “get” much punk, early Country or a lot of hip-hop, but...
... This album has amazing musicianship - albeit very calculated and brilliantly produced. The antithesis of punk.
Love the funky pop of Black Cow, I got the news, Peg, the mature jazz crossover of Aja, the sophistication of Deacon Blues and the rock of Home at last and Josie. A perfect timeless album.
5
Dec 23 2021
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The Cars
The Cars
This is good fun, but not necessarily essential. It is fun new wave catchy singalong pop. Good driving (no pun intended) rhythms with occasional proper long guitar solos! The vocal hooks are bubblegum! A very high 3, maybe a 4 with more familiarity.
3
Dec 24 2021
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High Violet
The National
Quite earnest singing. Some refreshing alt-rock. Mostly listenable and not too much is dull. Impressive drumming and some interesting bass lines.
3
Dec 25 2021
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Very familiar, but the energy is still palpable. Classics and very influential.
4
Dec 26 2021
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Classics. Awful man, great pop music. Original "Christmas" song is one of the next on the album.
5
Dec 27 2021
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With The Beatles
Beatles
All my loving, Postman, Beethoven and Money are great, but I'm not particularly impressed with the other songs - very so-so. I don't think the Beatles hit their stride until their third LP, the awesome Hard Days Night.
2
Dec 28 2021
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
Bluesy and enjoyable apart from L'America. Preferred side 1. Changeling and LA Woman are excellent. Already knew and liked Riders and Love her Madly.
4
Dec 29 2021
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Phrenology
The Roots
Good mix of modern r&B singing alongside hip hop with pretty good music. Obviously the seed 2.0 is the big famous song, but it's not on its own. Good music. A high 3 due to the quality of the singing, samples and original music. Pretty good .
3
Dec 30 2021
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Sunshine Superman
Donovan
Interesting mix of mid 60s Beatlesey pop and Dylanesque folk. Very evocative of the times, pleasant enough Sunshine Superman the song is an enduring classic.
3
Dec 31 2021
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Nice pop album.
3
Jan 01 2022
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Superb clear recording. Very listenable and accessible album. Powerful and charming vocal delivery and band leadership. BB never really seemed to vocally or musically change between 60s and 90s!
Great guitar playing as always and a terrific sounding band notable piano and brass.
4
Jan 02 2022
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
5 star album.
Absolutely love the hits on side 1. The drowning nightmare Ninth Wave suite on side 2 is much more \"difficult\", thought-provoking and arguably impenetrable in a delightful Kate Bush manner. Glad of its inclusion in the legendary Before The Dawn concerts.
5
Jan 03 2022
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Damaged
Black Flag
Sorry Henry, too noisy.
1
Jan 04 2022
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Parklife
Blur
Such a soundtrack to my Uni days and the whole 1990s. Spikey, quirky, Brit pop, indie, truly English. Literally just two or three obvious fillers. A really good album alongside Different Class from that Brit pop 90s era.
4
Jan 05 2022
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Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
Love the singles, but the rest of the LP is patchy. Disappointing. Made me want to listen to Yazoo and New Order instead.
2
Jan 06 2022
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Love the big band jazz upbeat songs. The slower crooners are pedestrian, but quite lovely (eg. Don't let the sun catch you cryin'). A high 3 because the slots are too slow.
3
Jan 07 2022
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
Comical vocals like the singer has multiple personalities/voices. The fun is a little spoilt by the aggressive lyrics. Disjointed music. Occasionally good hard rock, but a bit too out there for me.
1
Jan 08 2022
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Refreshingly non aggressive with little of Rap's ugly braggadocio. Good pop music, samples and mix of singing and rapping. Enjoyable.
4
Jan 09 2022
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
Quite good fun, much more enjoyable than Sex Pistols. Some recognisable singles. Elements of good musicianship. Quite good.
3
Jan 10 2022
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Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
Dylan's voice is atrocious. Lyrics and poetry are to be applauded, but acoustic side is a bit boring. Electric Hawks/The Band stuff is much more fun.
2
Jan 11 2022
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Love it, great to hear real instruments playing real funk. Another album from my prime youth of the early 90s that stands up well today.
5
Jan 12 2022
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Very 1990s big beat sound, but very good fun albeit with some sweary NYC interviewees! Fun.
3
Jan 13 2022
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
Not always an easy listen with the organic sampled rhythms (cocked guns etc), but the music is interesting and really well sung by the ladies. Obviously Tricky cannot sing and his mumbles mostly work quite well too.
I listened to this a lot when it was released and it still stands up. Not necessarily a 4, but certainly a very high 3 (better than Bjork's Debut from the same period).
3
Jan 14 2022
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Fragile
Yes
Bookended by good rocking pieces. Questionable mid section. Not the classic I was expecting. A low 3/5
3
Jan 15 2022
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Cleanly spliced together, but oh-so lightweight and boring. What was all the fuss about in 2001?
2
Jan 16 2022
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Slowly moving towards proper "psychadelic soul", but not there yet.
3
Jan 17 2022
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
I just don’t get the hype. A couple of good songs here and there, occasionally charming vocals, but the off key guitars and singing irritates. Not enough quality.
2
Jan 18 2022
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Lovely harmonies. Some good pop/folk. Nice and familiar. However, it's not Bridge Over Troubled Water!
3
Jan 19 2022
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Ctrl
SZA
Pleasant r&B voice, usual sex content, but not very amusing or opaque. I liked the minimalist backing music. Nothing too complicated or over produced. Occasionally vocal would better left alone without any effects. Quite ordinary in general.
2
Jan 20 2022
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Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Pretty cool and accessible reggae. Great guitar and bass and smooth singing. I don’t agree with the sentiment, but do enjoy the music! Solid high 3.
3
Jan 21 2022
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Really enjoyed this stripped back blues and rock album. Often the weak drums are just left off altogether and are not missed. Great singing, better than later years when they appear a bit more affected/pretentious. Not so many recognisable hits, but all strong songs.
4
Jan 22 2022
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
A strong cohesive album with a 70s feel. Accomplished and sounds good. I'm not sure if I'd award it 4, but certainly a high 3.
3
Jan 23 2022
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Could be a perfect album! Funk, soul, pop. Politics, love and humour. From Stevie’s golden period of colossal 70s LPs.
5
Jan 24 2022
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Short and very sweet stripped back bluegrass roots folk. Gillian and Dave are magnetic on stage. This is a fine example of their work. Title track is the best.
4
Jan 25 2022
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Cool jazzy rap with the standard and likeable 80s drum beats (even though it was 1991). Enjoyable and not nasty aggressive hip hop.
4
Jan 26 2022
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
Much more guitar based than I remembered. Quite good actually!
3
Jan 27 2022
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
Brilliant trippy LP cover for the transitional album bridging the early beat pop years and the later groundbreaking studio experimental albums. Love the funky chops, the pretty ballads and tight pop.
4
Jan 28 2022
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Beautiful voice: clear and open then with that sexy, bluesy rasp that could be described as smoky. Love it.
The songs are either set up to showcase her voice as pop power ballads or blues rock n rollers (my preference).
I knew Bonnie in the late 80s as a blues guitarist guesting with Clapton, BB King, John Lee Hooker and Buddy Guy. Surprised to hear her straight pop voice.
3
Jan 29 2022
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Eagles
Eagles
Thoroughly enjoyable - mix of rock n roll and country rock. Love those "high flyin' harmonies", sweeter than Beach Boys and Everly Brothers. Looking forward to reviewing Hotel California!
4
Jan 30 2022
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Me Against The World
2Pac
I'm one minute into this and it's immediately aggressive, mysogynistic, gun toting woes of the poor black man's so-called American life. Depressing, unoriginal, unattractive and boring. Absolutely nothing that I, as a black man, can relate to in any shape or form or even believe in or find entertaining. It is so crass and ugly, not eloquent, interesting and far from clever.
I will listen to the whole album since it's on the list and I've only ever heard a few 2Pac songs. I look forward to my opinion changing.
A few songs in the middle (dear mama) were actually ok where 2pac almost sang.
However, it's clear that I really do not have the taste for hard hip hop, just the easy listening gentler styles that are not gangster shooting thug mysogynistic.
2 out of 5 because he rhymes well and the backing tracks are well sampled and put together.
2
Jan 31 2022
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Good deep voice as always. Interesting to hear the modern covers, but a bit weird like your grandad singing Radio 1 or 6 Music!
Some work brilliantly (Man comes around, hung my head, hurt, Sam).
Powerful, but not essential.
3
Feb 01 2022
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No Other
Gene Clark
A bit too country folk although Silver Raven was good.
2
Feb 02 2022
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
We Brits have a strange affection for the Mondays dispute out of tune singing! Subsequent albums are much stronger, although I've always really enjoyed the remix of WFL and Hallelujah from the Bummed era. However, I really don't like the messy, over-crowded, distant sounding production.
Bring on Step On, Kinky Afro, Loose Fit, Judge Fudge etc.
2
Feb 03 2022
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Paris 1919
John Cale
Very pretty chamber pop with erudite lyrics. A good surprise given Cale's Velvet Underground and avant-garde reputation. I'd guess that Divine Comedy knows this album well. Child's Christmas, Paris 1919 and Graham Greene were my favourites.
3
Feb 04 2022
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Exquisite voice and accomplished confident performer. I usually choose to listen to Ella for this type of jazz, but Sarah Vaughan's voice is so smooth. Great piano playing (drums and bass are so good you don't notice them).
Lovely recording.
4
Feb 05 2022
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Very exciting, energetic, fun performance. Good doo-wop. Amazing to think James Brown was a leading early 60s soul man as well as the godfather of funk in 70s.
3
Feb 06 2022
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
A little disappointing, not the fun, pop version of Ever changing moods. Very low key jazz first half with lots of instrumentals. Second half is much more upbeat, although the songs are more diverse. Please don't rap Paul!
2
Feb 07 2022
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
A great crossover album of funky Afro-beat dance, post punk pop and Joy Division-style alternative rock. Very accomplished and enjoyable.
4
Feb 08 2022
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
It lives up to the praise - a fine selection of classic Otis Redding and Stax House band soul pop. A great listen. Fills you with sadness that we lost another star so early and not through self destruction this time.
4
Feb 09 2022
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Not as pleasant as a previous more jazzy Ray Charles album so slightly disappointing on that measure. A bit hum-drum, lacking pizazz. Had to wait until well into the album to hear any nice piano soloing. Low 3 because it is still pleasant.
3
Feb 10 2022
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GI
Germs
Pretty awful and lacking melody. First time I stopped two thirds through. Not the worst so I’ll give them 2 stars because they don’t sound dissimilar to an old noisy band I used to mess around in, but I knew our limitations!!
2
Feb 11 2022
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
Good raspy vocals and pleasant 70s style disco and soul. Nothing very special, but certainly not bad. Low 3.
3
Feb 12 2022
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Another essential funky soul/pop LP from Stevie's classic period. Probably my 3rd favourite after Songs in the key of life (5*) and Innervisions (5*).
5
Feb 13 2022
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
A good coverage of Johnny Marr's different musical styles for the Smiths. Some of their greatest songs are on this LP.
4
Feb 14 2022
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Nixon
Lambchop
Very pretty. Lush orchestral backing. However, some mumbled vocals and a few falsetto curiosities! Reminds me of Sufjan Stevens. Was expecting alt-country not sweet melodic chamber pop/blue eyed soul!
A high 3 for its accessibility.
3
Feb 15 2022
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Risque
CHIC
Superb smooth and funky disco. I think it is better than it’s predecessor, C’est Chic due to the comprehensive and mature quality of all tracks - no filler here although there is still the repetition of refrains that keep Chic songs in clubs.
Excellent.
4
Feb 16 2022
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
Fits in well with Alanis and Tori, definitely with the emphasis on the piano. Less quirky voice than either - quite jazzy and likeable. Good album. Would listen to more of her music. High 3.
3
Feb 17 2022
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
Ok foot tapping country. Doesn’t seem essential.
2
Feb 18 2022
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Distinctive sound with the drumming and chanting, but only 3 good hit singles and a two new wave songs with sinuous groovy bass lines isn't quite enough for anything more than 3 stars, although the style was certainly influential.
3
Feb 19 2022
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Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
A bit disappointing for such a well regarded album. I prefer the first half, I'm not so keen on the Celtic folk of the second half. It is well created even if I don't like it much.
Low 3 out of 5
3
Feb 20 2022
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Copper Blue
Sugar
It has some noisy pop songs reminiscent of Pixies to and a few lighter jangly pop songs. Noisy, but quite good 90s indie rock.
3
Feb 21 2022
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Ingenue
k.d. lang
Very pretty music. Beautiful voice without annoying affectations or histrionics. No country this time, which makes this all-round appealing. A lovely album.
4
Feb 22 2022
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Good blues, great voice full of mischief and fun! Quite busy production - prefer slightly fewer instruments or a cleaner mix between lead and rhythm, so I’m only giving 3* to the blues legend that is Muddy Waters.
3
Feb 23 2022
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Not my thing - I can admire the finger picking guitar playing and melodies emphasised by the sparse instrumentation, but I just don’t think I’m won over by Willie Nelson’s country voice.
2
Feb 24 2022
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
Funny, good low key jazz and THAT voice! Feels more like a comedy record, but good all the same. I like the poetry and entertaining. wouldn’t choose to listen to much again, but I get the quality.
3
Feb 25 2022
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
I like side 1 far more than 2. I enjoy the blues rock songs and particularly funky Peace Frog. Not as overall enjoyable as LA Woman, but not awful.
3
Feb 26 2022
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Apart from Waterloo Sunset and David Watts (thanks to the Jam's cover) I found this very mid 60s and a bit lame without the rock edge of earlier Links.
2
Feb 27 2022
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Adored this 25 years ago (when the album itself was already over 25 years old) so will be interesting to revisit it today after not listening to it much in recent decades.
Yes, it's full of riffs, blues rock, blueprints of heavy rock and folk rock. Still inspirational bass grooves. Brilliant and essential.
5
Feb 28 2022
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Really enjoyed Grace Slick’s vocals. Was expecting more space psychedelic rock, so pleased to hear straight forward late 60s garage guitar rock. Superb Paul Simon/Bert Jansch-style guitar instrumental piece.
Good album - perhaps not quite essential to be a 4.
3
Mar 01 2022
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Great fun! Not full of smash hits, but plenty to enjoy.
3
Mar 02 2022
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
Too thrashy for my taste. I am familiar with One. Quite liked a few folky intros and melodic guitar solos, but prefer more melody, stronger riffs and less angry vocals. However, I do like James Hetfields deep gruff voice!
2
Mar 03 2022
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Snivilisation
Orbital
Enjoyed this in 94 and still liked it all very much today. Quite Krafwerkian with the layered sounds and (mostly) absence of big beats a la Fat Boy Slim and Chemical Brothers.
Still absolutely love Kein Trink Wasser.
4
Mar 04 2022
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Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
A good 80s Brit indie love album. Like Orange Juice meets Prefab Sprout with a hint of Smiths. Listenable without much filler, but only Perfect Skin seems essential.
3
Mar 05 2022
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Murmur
R.E.M.
Another enjoyable 80s "indie rock" album. I like the strong intro bass lines and bass chords. Good to hear Stipe's less affected and nasally singing on these early REM songs. Good and catchy too. Not quite a 4, but close.
3
Mar 06 2022
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
Disappointingly unfocused blues rock. It has the power and riffage, but not enough melody or song structure. I can see how it influenced the heavy rock to come.
2
Mar 07 2022
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Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
I really enjoyed this. Americana with a good voice, Sheryl Crowe meets Ryan Adams. High 3.
3
Mar 08 2022
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Heroes
David Bowie
Bowie is great, but I don’t enjoy or get it all. I quite like side 1, but Blackout is a bit messy. I like Arabian (very Chic), but none of the instrumentals on side 2.
3
Mar 09 2022
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Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Very industrial post punk. Could have been 1990 rather than 1980. Impressive on that basis, but too harsh for me.
2
Mar 10 2022
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Surprisingly acceptable since I don’t really like rap/hip-hop. I did accidentally download the censored version which sucked a lot of joy out with the whole flow being destroyed by constant missing words - but that also means it’s full of swearing which is an odd lack of variety and articulation against the clever wordplay throughout including a joke about being a bad influence on 4&5 year olds!
Eminem has a far less harsh and annoying voice than I recall.
Mostly clever and listenable.
3
Mar 11 2022
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
I actually knew this album from when it was released and had forgotten it. Yes, it does work better than the very experimental noisy earlier albums. A comfortable 3.
3
Mar 12 2022
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Great poetry storytelling. Very bare and stripped back guitar playing. It's all about the storytelling. Brilliant.
4
Mar 13 2022
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Let It Be
The Replacements
Nicely heartfelt singing. Melodic punky. Pretty rough and ready.
2
Mar 14 2022
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The Stooges
The Stooges
Disappointingly disjointed and wasn’t expecting the long drone psychedelic track after the knockout Wanna be your dog.
2
Mar 15 2022
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Electric blues, but Dylanesque. Some great songs here. Once heard, never forgotten - good and bad. An important album in Dylan's 60s transition.
4
Mar 16 2022
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
I liked it. Wilco seem like a good pop band and I like their singing. Billy Bragg is a very likeable chap, but his singing sometimes gets a bit morbid.
3
Mar 17 2022
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Super guitar picking. I prefer the blues pieces to folk. Jansch's version of "Angie" has long been a favourite, so although the album really doesn't pull me in, I am inclined to give it another listen a medium mark for Angie and for the amazing guitar picking.
3
Mar 18 2022
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
Not a particularly good recording. Wasn’t enthralled by the generic rock but it’s clear they are enjoying themselves with good positive vibes. Songs got a bit better towards the end.
2
Mar 19 2022
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
This rocks hard, but not thrashy. Solid and sensible. Epic feel to the songs. Good. A high 3.
3
Mar 20 2022
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
Good fun, but very samey. Nicely north London-centric. Madness always have one or two knockout pop gems amongst their Madness generic album tracks - here it's Our House with brilliant Suggs wordplay (\"the kids were playing up downstairs\").
3
Mar 21 2022
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Kala
M.I.A.
Great fun. Good beats and sound collages. Inspired samples. Paper Planes is the standout, but 20 Dollar is good with the New Order/Pixies bits.
I will check out Arular next.
4
Mar 22 2022
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Very smooth and sexy, but lacks bite and funk. It’s no What’s Going On. I’m only giving it 2* because Marvin can do way better.
2
Mar 23 2022
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Good in ‘91 and still grooves. Excellent cool as ice jazz and soul samples and covers. Rapping and wordplay are clever. Production and music is excellent. Mix of singing, reggae and rap is a good variety. Top notch, but do I prefer this to Protection? Are they both good enough for 5*? Probably!
5
Mar 24 2022
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
Still sounds cool, laid-back and clubby sometimes all at the same time. Love the 3 proper Primal Scream songs. Damaged and Movin on up are particularly good.
4
Mar 25 2022
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
4 well known classics in America, Old Friends, Mrs Robinson and Hazy shade. A few ok songs and some decidedly iffy filler. What were they thinking opening the album to such cacophony after the mutual gentle intro?!
A low 3 - it’s clearly no Bridge or Sounds
3
Mar 26 2022
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Cool jazz and pop piano grooves and melodies. Pleasant to listen. I think I liked the first 25 minutes best and then some later bits of the album which reminded me of Rachmaninov's piano concertos.
A high 3.
3
Mar 27 2022
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
Opener Pearl sounds a lot like Boulder to Birmingham. Interesting to hear almost trip-hop elements to Emmylou's music.
I like her voice, but very little in this collection is particularly noteworthy. Very low key. I probably prefer her more stripped back guitar picking albums/songs.
A low 3.
3
Mar 28 2022
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Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
Interesting stripped back bluesy afro rootsy style. Not unpleasant, but not strong enough to want to listen to again.
2
Mar 29 2022
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Over-ambitious scope. 2 hours and nearly 30 songs is huge. I'd prefer half the songs and more than half the running time please!
Good variety of rock and pretty songs. The singles cover the variety. Would have been as good as Siamese Dream if paired down to 12 song.
3
Mar 30 2022
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Disintegration
The Cure
As a whole album it captures every facet of the cure. A sweeping and lush often morose sound, but gorgeous with it. A gem.
4
Mar 31 2022
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Sound Affects
The Jam
This emphasises my view of The Jam being a superb singles band rather than a good album band. There are a few knockout tracks to compliment That's entertainment and Start (Pretty Green, house ablaze, scrape away), but I'm not won over with the full album collection. Perhaps I need to listen to it more? A low 3.
3
Apr 01 2022
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
A few well-known and now classic tracks covered by many others. However, it doesn't have the excitement of the BB King live concert that was also showcased here a few weeks ago.
Low 3.
3
Apr 02 2022
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Disappointing (apart from Bloody Well and Dreamer). I know the hit singles, so was expecting a kind of 10cc/Steely Dan hybrid, but this was more proggy. Not bad, but I'll probably prefer Breakfast in America with all the pop hits.
3
Apr 03 2022
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
This grooves and has an edge, seemingly upbeat, but quite nihilist. Made in Germany it doesn't have the psychedelic noodling of Jefferson Airplane, Doors, Iron Butterfly etc. Just mid 60s tight rhythmic beat groove and lots of fun.
4
Apr 04 2022
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Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
Very incongruous cover for the music style! Sex Beat is probably the easiest song to like. The electric US roots/blues/punk style is quite good, but needs more hooks and melodies.
2
Apr 05 2022
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Absolutely ace! A heavier, more fun version of Led Zep with a slightly less screechy vocal, but far more political lyrics. Rightly a classic with surprising laid back jazzy song as well. Great!
4
Apr 06 2022
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Political energetic punk, reminiscent of Sex Pistols, but not quite as tuneful. Not my taste.
2
Apr 07 2022
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Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
Downbeat, raw, Solomon subject matter. Not the Springsteen I like, although songwriting, musicianship and delivery are still excellent.
2
Apr 08 2022
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Sister
Sonic Youth
Not for me - too noisy and scuzzy.
2
Apr 09 2022
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Bad
Michael Jackson
Brilliant 80s dance pop, every sing could have been a hit single - however, it’s not as good as Thriller.
4
Apr 10 2022
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Vaguely interesting, but not that special. Reasonable crossover.
2
Apr 11 2022
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
Great deep voice. Smart poetry. Spare to invisible music. Not Cohen's best collection. However, it does include Famous Blue Raincoat, Avalanche and Joan of Arc.
3
Apr 14 2022
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
Classic mid 90s album. Angelic voice. Good variety. Some 90s light grunge. Definitive version of Hallelujah. Very sad that he died so young like his Dad.
3
Apr 15 2022
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
Sophisticated pop. The occasional talking vocals really show the contrasts when Tennant sings. I always really liked Jealousy and some of the others are also polished pop with good hooks. Not as catchy as Actually, but more sophisticated.
3
Apr 16 2022
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Aware of the singles and the grooving Grapevine, my first impression is utter amazement at the brilliance of the opening song until it lingers just a little too long on one musical phrase before returning to the rocking first part again. Just awesome.
I think Cosmo's shows distills the essence of CCR better than any of their preceding bluesy albums with elements of all their styles (rock n roll, blues, soul, country, "swamp" and psychedelic).
I'll have to listen to their earlier albums again now, but I think this is my favourite CCR. Essential.
5
Apr 17 2022
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Lively and fun, ascerbic lyrics don't match the tunes. Prefer the Attractions as a band, so the next LP, This Year's Model, gets a lot more listens than this. A good start to Elvis Costello's long recording career.
3
Apr 18 2022
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OK Computer
Radiohead
Epic, important and progressive rock music. They rejected Britpop and created a masterpiece of textured, sometimes hook-laden rock that definitely was not easy or formulaic. Great.
5
Apr 19 2022
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Phenomenally groovy. Just the kind of laid-back intelligent reggae designed for today's warm Easter Monday holiday afternoon. Easy to forget this is authentic Jamaican reggae and simply damn fine groove-orientated pop music. Excellent.
4
Apr 20 2022
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Slick and similar to C'est Chic, but with more hits (4 out of 8 album tracks).
4
Apr 21 2022
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
The big, celebrated LP, but I can't decide if it is better than Led Zeppelin II. Certainly such familiarity with all eight songs pushes IV up in the ratings. It is accomplished in the styles it sets out to cover. Equally good, I think.
5
Apr 22 2022
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Low
David Bowie
I first heard this over 15 years after it was released. Didn’t much enjoy the lauded second side. Still love Be My Wife.
Every time I revisit it grows on me more. This time it’s clear that my problem is that all the new music since 1977 has probably been informed by this LP, so it doesn’t sound new or innovative to me. However, we do now know that it was thoroughly new music at the time of recording. The synths, the drum effect, mixing more conventionally crafted songs on one side and instrumental textures on the other.
Yes, it’s really influential and boundary-pushing and side one keeps up with the better mid 70s Bowie material. Not quite good enough for 4*
3
Apr 23 2022
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Achtung Baby
U2
The upbeat songs with the industrial feel and loud guitar stand out. Despite wanting to not sound like 80s U2 other songs definitely do sound like U2, which isn't so bad for songs like One or Acrobat (a particularly strong song towards the end). Zoo Station, Even Better..., The Fly, Mysterious Ways are fun, but they're fairly throwaway as intended by Bono and The Edge.
It's a thoroughly important LP for U2's transition into the 90s supergroup, but fortunately also an enjoyable album even if it contrasts with the American influenced Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree and Rattle & Hum.
4
Apr 24 2022
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
Eager anticipation for my first listen of a full Roxy Music studio LP having only previously heard a compilation album and focused on later songs like Oh Yeah.
I only knew Strand here and enjoyed Editions equally. The slightly proggy other songs from Heartache onwards are great!
A good listen.
4
Apr 25 2022
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
She sings with a pleasant voice and somehow doesn't trip up with her full speed lyrics. ultra feminist content, but sensible with it.
Very polished modern r&b. Probably prefer this to Beyonce although it is missing Bey's hooks.
Having spent the day listening to Roxy Music's 1973 \"For Your Pleasure\" I have to say this very recent 2021 entry (surely new inclusions have to be absolutely knockout?) was not a particularly welcome return to the modern world, but could have been worse with horrible hip hop!
2
Apr 26 2022
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Brothers
The Black Keys
Enjoyable modern blues with soul. Can’t help comparing to White Stripes because if similar set up and I think Black Keys are far superior - more melodic, less harsh with the vocals and more groove.
Good music.
4
Apr 27 2022
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
Very 60s sounding whimsical folk. Not a fan of Nico’s voice - I find it a little cold and soulless. Musically I hear elements of Ruby Tuesday, but without the charm. Humdrum.
2
Apr 28 2022
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Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
I really enjoyed this. Mostly hyping the African links to Afro-Americans. Big beats. Funky and jazzy. Not aggressive or too braggadocio. Really good fun.
4
Apr 29 2022
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Cutting through the hype at the time of release (including my own comical hero worshipping) its not all good. Roll with it and some might say are not good singles (the b-sides are strong). Perhaps a third of the album is quite good.
Overhyped and not as fun as Definitely Maybe, even if Wonderwall and Don't look back in anger are classics.
3
Apr 30 2022
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Cross
Justice
Ok, a bit reliant on noisy synths. There are better albums of this style (daftpunk obviously)
2
May 01 2022
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Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Only bluesy on a couple of tracks, otherwise quite punky and screechily sung. Not especially enjoyable, thankfully short songs, but certainly not the worst on this list.
2
May 02 2022
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
A couple of good blues songs. Can't help but really feel the art of the English 60s band selling US blues back to the Americans - more so than even The Stones, Animals or Cream. Bit cynical, but for some reason this album made me very conscious of the copy and paste and re-sell that went on in the UK in 1960s.
Not bad, but I prefer other bands doing this, however it is great to think of the three exceptional guitarists from The Yardbirds.
3
May 03 2022
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
So pure and easy on the ear after some harsher recent albums on this selecter. Slowed down tempo, but not down-tempo, and better for it.
Very enjoyable and reminded me how much I like good quality pop songs / Americana without too much country-fication. Not essential, but very pleasant.
3
May 04 2022
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Tical
Method Man
A few good beats, but not my thing. I only really liked the Temptations/Diana Ross re-hash.
2
May 05 2022
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Lovely pop from Joni's early period. Beautiful voice, catchy tunes albeit very "wordy" in places (verbose?). 'Help me" is a treat.
3
May 06 2022
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This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
A few catchy riffs, notably Barmy, and slightly more coherent vocals than other Fall efforts but a long way to go before the accessibility of The Infotainment. Not awful.
2
May 07 2022
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The Clash
The Clash
More melodic and interesting than most punk of its era, but the vocals are still gruff and rough unfortunately. Not quite packed with as many great songs as I recall. Good subject matter. Ironic that the superb Police and Thieves is not theirs.
3
May 08 2022
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
Ok - a bit 60s psychedelic. Pleasant singing. I'm not won over.
2
May 09 2022
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
The music is "indie" and experimental - fun alternative indie-rock. The vocals switch between youthful arthouse to irritating shouty and whiney punk/art-school pretentious.
It is a knowingly art-school album. Definitely not born of "kids making music for fun", but students making music as a vehicle for their arthouse/activist pretext.
Still, it's a good listen with the guitars and synths and drum machines mixed up together. I even began to find the vocals acceptable by the end
3
May 10 2022
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Moon Safari
Air
Coffee table classic. Nearly all the tracks are radio hits or well known from bars, restaurants, clothes shops, TV programs, dinner parties. Very good melodies and fairly stripped back, but clever music that could have been set in 70s, 80s or 90s and now pretty much timeless. Almost prog (Floyd, Kraftwerk). Excellent.
4
May 11 2022
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The White Album
Beatles
I always eagerly look forward to this album and finish it disappointed. Some songs are among my favourites (including Blackbird, Martha, Glass Onion, Dear Prudence, while my guitar), others are quite poor.
George Martin was right: should have been an amazing 2-sided LP, but we know selecting songs would have broken up The Beatles way before Let it be and Abbey Road.
Pick and choose your favourites into a playlist and avoid the mishmash of great, awful, good, weak.
4
May 12 2022
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Drunk
Thundercat
Lovely mellow jazzy soul. Crisp beats, 70s style falsetto voice and Steely Dan/Doobies feel (and look, Ladies and Gentleman here’s Michael McDonald…).
Bit of rap to show its 2017, although as a dark skinned Brit I still feel uncomfortable hearing the N word particularly in such pleasant context.
Overall a breezy, well made, light-weight album.
3
May 13 2022
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Berlin
Lou Reed
Good musicianship from the stellar band. Bit overly sad and depressing towards the end. Better than expected, but not going to be playing in the future. 3 for music, but 2 for overall enjoyability.
3
May 14 2022
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Fun, classic jazzy early 90s music with light-weight content. Some swearing and fixation on sex, but at least not gangster aggression. Similar in style to Jungle Brothers, Tribe called Quest and De La Soul.
3
May 15 2022
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Folk, country, blues. I prefer the covers by Nillson and The The of Everybody's Talkin' and Dolphins.
2
May 16 2022
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
Loved their stage presence and punk/pop singles when they exploded onto the rock scene in UK. Compared to similar contemporaries The Strokes, these Swedish guys were so much more fun and didn't take themselves as seriously, but probably didn't write quite as many great catchy pop rock songs, focussing more on energetic fast-riffing punk-pop.
3
May 17 2022
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Abattoir Blues has a raucous noisy start then good bluesy old fashioned rock n roll. Enjoyable.
Lyre of Orpheus is more eclectic and perhaps richer for it. A second listen beckons.
Overall a good impression.
4
May 18 2022
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Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
Interesting poetry, music sounds like UNKLE/Mo-Wax. A rapper/poet who is also interested in the music, so lots of rap-free periods.
A revelation and pleasant surprise. Good music. Will listen again, could be a high 3.
3
May 19 2022
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
A few appealing songs: Germfree adolescents, identity. Some strong guitar riffing, ok girly vocals, but too often copycat Johnny Rotten snarls, which could be dropped.
2
May 20 2022
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
Very neat rhyming, excellent beats for jogging. Obviously very violent, but the intelligence, wit and irony are clear. Great voice. Not as awful as I would have expected for gangsta rap.
3
May 21 2022
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Doolittle
Pixies
Quiet loud quiet loud - awesome alternative rock. Weird as hell lyrics, but this was surely the future of rock, Americana, and new wave post punk back in the late 80s?
Loved seeing them back together at Brixton Academy in the early 2000s before Kim left. No disappointment even if Kim and Charles weren't talking to each other!
Doolittle is still a great listen.
4
May 22 2022
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Very much of its time. Quite tame fireside croonsome Americana. Not exactly Murder Ballads by Nick Cave!
2
May 23 2022
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Nice guitar textures. A couple of good melody singles (fear, pounding) and occasional other songs (words). Overall a bit hum-drum. Not exactly necessary for 1001 albums list.
3
May 24 2022
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The Blueprint
JAY Z
Really good use of music/samples for a very accessible and pop feel. Pretty good listen for a non hip-hopper! A high 3.
3
May 25 2022
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Bit fey. Light pop. Reminds me of St Etienne mixed with Stereolab.
Wasn’t keen to hear Black Sabbath weakened. Just like soundtracks for John Lewis Xmas tv adverts!
2
May 26 2022
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
Very Billie Holiday in vocal style. Very laid back jazz. Not quite the poptastic songs of the next album, but gently groovy. Back when Amy had no obvious tattoos, looked healthy, attractive and probably wasn’t aware of her influential status. Refreshing.
3
May 27 2022
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
Some nifty late 60s Beatlesqye/Who-et tracks, but not my favourite kind of psychedelia. Good to learn about another 60s Brit band that is not so well known.
2
May 28 2022
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Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Love the title track, diminishing returns on other power ballads, but generally good.
3
May 29 2022
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
Gruffly sung blues, industrial rhythms, but the highlights to me are a handful of tender beautiful ballads. Almost worth the rest of the rough-edged noise.
2
May 30 2022
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Good riffs, albeit pretty dark (the devil's triad in title track!). Undeniably influential, but not as good as Paranoid album.
3
May 31 2022
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Enjoyable, excellent guitar playing, Dylanesque singing, some laid-back music. I'd have never guessed this was a debut album.
3
Jun 01 2022
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Leftism
Leftfield
Reasonable mid 90s dubby electronic dance/trance music. I recognised a few of the singles and more famous tracks, but found it less interesting than Orbital or Chemical Brothers.
3
Jun 02 2022
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
I liked the gentle breezy Miles Davis influenced early track, but the rest is boring. My first listen to any Tim Buckley and I’m very disappointed.
1
Jun 03 2022
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
What a joy to listen to well known artists and their famous album, but for the first time without knowing much about the LP. A huge surprise to finally discover that the very famous Our House is a Graham Nash CSN+Y song.
Great harmonies, good catchy pop songs (thank you again Mr Hollies), country rock and straight up rock (thank you Neil). Superb collection and justifies its reputation. I’m already looking forward to listening again.
4
Jun 04 2022
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Breezy with a couple of cool grooves (Trillium and Beautiful). Pleasant enough, but not special.
3
Jun 05 2022
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
Beautiful voice - definitely the lead instrument. Beautiful and interesting vignettes of life, love and emotions. The folky side of Joni before the pop of Canyons and avant garde folk jazz of Hissing and beyond.
4
Jun 11 2022
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
Still ridiculously exciting, energetic and fun.
Nobody is condoning beating up women - it’s a song title.
Great mid 90s electronic music and mixed with rock instruments for the indie/alternative rock crowd - real electro-punk. They were a truly awesome live act. A brilliant experience and memory of seeing them at Park Des Princes in Paris in 1997.
4
Jun 12 2022
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Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
Whilst I like the guitar based music with a rap vocal (works the rhythm for me), I don't like the pimp persona and dumb party bragging content.
3
Jun 13 2022
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
So so riotgrrl punky rock. Interestingly the vocals sometimes sounded like Patti Smith. Not enough to keep my interest, sadly, but not terrible. A low 3.
3
Jun 14 2022
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
It's a pretty good album. Quirky, revelling in Englishness. If it wasn't for Ray's voice then The Kinks might have been up there with the Stones, Beatles and Who in Worldwide fame...
A high 3.
3
Jun 15 2022
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Disappointing, but not awful. Sounds like typical The Smith's, but only a few memorable songs. Not as enjoyable or memorable as the first album or Queen is dead or Strangeways or Hatful or Louder or Risk... (Not very fair to give lower than three, but it just doesn't seem as good as their other LPs).
2
Jun 16 2022
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Sincere
Mj Cole
Important: seek out the album proper and ignore the additional mixes tacked on the end of the collection after about track 16 (free my mind).
Inoffensive and very well produced UK Garage. Quite mellow. Excellent singing by Elisabeth Troy. I am surprised to say i like this. Sincere (the song) is well known and a club classic.
Definitely a 3, but although early UK Garage and influential, probably not a 4. Enjoyable enough.
3
Jun 17 2022
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Much more accessible than Holy Bible. Incredible what they achieved during such horrendous heartbreak and turmoil. Great music and stands up well more than 25 years later.
4
Jun 18 2022
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
Good jazzy r&b funk music. Very nimble wordplay and sometimes fast flow. More socially conscious than the ugly bragging gangster rap of so many. As a mixed race Englishman I still don’t get the chip-on-shoulder anti-White anti establishment downtrodden paranoia obsession of black US rappers. Isn’t there something else to write about?
3
Jun 19 2022
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21
Adele
Sounds like a superstar in the best tradition of soulful bluesy pop singers. Smooth, bluesy with a slight edge. Excellent songs and great interpretations (Cure and Dylan).
4
Jun 20 2022
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Central Reservation
Beth Orton
Mellow folk-tinged pop with added gentle electronica. Nicely done. Very similar to Trailer Park.
3
Jun 21 2022
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Iconic LP cover and great title. My jazz knowledge is not enough to understand the impact or influence of this album over others of its era. It’s pleasant enough, but not special enough. Late 1950s Miles onwards for me.
3
Jun 22 2022
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
A thoroughly enjoyable and accessible classic jazz album from the incredible late 1950s era. Particularly notable for its technical experimentation whilst maintaining a melodious and “popular” feel.
Brilliant!
4
Jun 23 2022
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Destroyer
KISS
No, I still don’t see the Kiss appeal. Just a couple or four songs made it big here in the UK. Not very well produced LP, noises and production games just don’t work early on side 1.
2
Jun 24 2022
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
I was expecting folk but I got funky 60s/70s real r&b with a hint of prog. Excellent piano/keys from Stevie Winwood. Very good grooving rhythms. A great surprise.
4
Jun 25 2022
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Haunting, beguiling, soulful, intelligent and extraordinarily beautiful. Once Nina Simone has drawn your attention, be it from a tv documentary, video clip or radio program, that’s it - there really is no escape - ever.
She was utterly magnetic in concert by the look of videos.
5
Jun 26 2022
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
I thoroughly enjoyed Minutemen, so was looking forward to this post D Boon incarnation. Nice short songs, nimble bass playing and some funky guitar work in places. This is much more Americana than Minutemen's funky jazzy punk.
3
Jun 27 2022
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Disappointing, a boring listen except for the well known IV. It's like Jarre has no concept of time and left the same sounds playing for way too long. Kraftwerk didn't do such boring lazy recordings and neither did Oldfield or even Orbital. Even Side 2 of Low, which has vague similarities, is more interesting. Did I say I was disappointed?
2
Jun 28 2022
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
Brilliant proto-punk adding even more electricity to classic 50s rock’n’roll, but less noisy than Stooges. A bit like The Monks with added joy.
4
Jun 29 2022
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Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
Bit boring in places as the pieces are left for too long. Some sounds too much like the Born Slippy hit, others sound like bjork should bee singing them. I think there were better electronic dance albums during the 1990s.
2
Jun 30 2022
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Great funky samples. Still a bit too shouty and unrefined. A touch disjointed, but at least it’s not gangsta rap!
3
Jul 01 2022
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Starts with some excellent pacey electric blues, then later the extended guitar soloing is melodic and bluesy and less psychedelic than the era would suggest. Very good.
4
Jul 02 2022
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
Not as celebrated as Bowie’s Low, given it was made more or less at the same time by the same artists. Acceptable, but not as good as Lust For Life or Station To Station.
3
Jul 03 2022
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The Man Who
Travis
Four huge, brilliant and emotive singles underpin this album. There are well written Beatlesque songs amongst the slow burning emotional album tracks, but overall I'm left feeling downbeat and slightly bored. This was genuinely everywhere in the UK at the end of the 90s and was an antidote to Oasis, with whom they toured, for sure, but I'm not going to voluntarily choose to listen to Travis.
3
Jul 04 2022
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
Very enjoyable and not hugely removed from Steely Dan or Elton John. Several recognisable hit songs.
4
Jul 05 2022
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Country Life
Roxy Music
Pretty good arty glam rock. I think I prefer For Your Pleasure that I reviewed a few months ago. Listenable nonetheless.
3
Jul 06 2022
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Rapture
Anita Baker
Very smooth soul. Some jazzy scatting. Good voice, and very accomplished performance, but nothing apart from Sweet Love is really gripping me. Pity, because this was in all the shop windows for a year or so when it came out and won lots of awards. I'm giving a 3 because it is well sung and smoothly made, but not a soul record I'm going to reach for again.
3
Jul 07 2022
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Not really my thing - not enough melody, not even Orion.
2
Jul 08 2022
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Pleasant enough with the classic soul sound. One absolute solid gold hit, but others are good, just not stand out.
3
Jul 09 2022
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American Idiot
Green Day
Much better when they ditch the 1977 punk styles, although I understand that that’s a lot of fun to play. The “proper” melodic songs are pretty good, which makes for a superior listen than Dookie for me.
3
Jul 10 2022
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Initially disappointed with Neon Bible after the enjoying Funeral and the first EP. This recent re-listen shows an accomplished slow burner with Springsteen Americana, New Order-style crescendo climaxes. And it has a slightly re-worked No Cars Go from the first EP.
A good powerful brooding accessible Arcade Fire album, but not as many "hits" as Funeral.
3
Jul 11 2022
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Haven't listened to this for a long time. What an accomplished and accessible album! Classic peej wrapped up in blues pop indie crossover. One to listen to rather than have as background music. Deservedly won awards.
4
Jul 12 2022
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Groovy title riff. Good piano and drums. Movements 1 & 3 seem most accessible. Some of Coltrane’s sax playing feels unfocused. I really only want to hear the Will Downing pop/soul inspired single!
3
Jul 13 2022
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Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
Pretty, but resolutely background. I appreciate that my ears are uneducated for this Indian classical music.
2
Jul 14 2022
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Very upbeat and bounces along with vibrancy - even when singing ballads. Reminds me how much inspiration Otis Redding must have taken from Sam Cooke’s stage-craft and singing techniques.
A proper crowd-pleasing set incorporating crowd noise and extremely tight, virtually gap-free transitions between songs. Excellent sweet soul music.
4
Jul 15 2022
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Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
Rockabilly with theatrical punk energy and vocal. Not as good as Ramones
2
Jul 16 2022
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Close To The Edge
Yes
Initially I didn't enjoy or pay attention to the Side 1, but did more or less immediately enjoy Side 2. Several repeat listens and I do quite like the majority of the album. Obviously prog organ and guitar noodling, but more accessible than I would have imagined.
3
Jul 17 2022
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1984
Van Halen
Chose to listen to this as a tribute the weekend that Eddie died in Oct 2020 and enjoyed it.
This time I'm being critical. The hits are very good (Jump, Panama, Hot for teacher) the others are not particularly memorable. So just a medium album. I think their first album is probably stronger.
3
Jul 18 2022
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Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
Usual eclectic collection of Rolling Stones-ish rock n roll alongside dancey trancey electronica. Kowalski shows signs of the aggressive electro indie to come in the next two albums.
Ok, but still living in the shadow of Andy Weatherall's Screamadelica.
3
Jul 19 2022
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Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Designed and sequenced for the dance floor. The "banging" block rocking beats too often fall into experimental blippyness, but generally it's a vibrant and energetic listen, if a little repetitive. I enjoyed the crossover work they did with The Charlatans and actually bought the Life is Sweet 12" single at the time.
3
Jul 20 2022
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Transformer
Lou Reed
A fun and pretty good little album. Lots of recognisable songs alongside a few lesser known, but listenable pieces.
My first real Lou Reed exposure was a Nelson Mandela celebration concert and I did not "get" the gruff atonal man or know about his Velvet Underground past. Now I still find his voice languid and a bit annoying, but I quite enjoy it's unique sound and it fits well with the excellent songs. I agree with others that some rhyming is childish, but so it was with the Beatles and Beach Boys.
Great album.
4
Jul 21 2022
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Microshift
Hookworms
Completely unknown to me. Sounds a bit like Friendly Fires and MGMT with a soaring and uplifting pop rock feel of The Killers.
I like the electro rhythm and driving uplifting rock. Being critical, perhaps a little too many passages of ambient atmospheric electro textures and not enough actual ear worm catchy hooks and choruses on initial listen.
Definitely going to listen again. The ear worms might grab me! High three with potential for four stars.
3
Jul 22 2022
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Not my taste. Conscience of the early connection with Metallica. Easier to hear lyrics, but more irritating voice than Hetfield. Less “noise” so guitar soloing is a little clearer, but not that enjoyable.
2
Jul 23 2022
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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
A very knowing move away from fun enjoyable pop of Wham! and Faith to “mature” serious music. Always good vocals, but fewer enjoyable songs. 3 stars for serious effort and accomplished signing.
3
Jul 24 2022
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The Slider
T. Rex
As expected from Bolan. Quite good 70s rock n roll. Nothing psychedelic or hippie. Some good riffs and guitar solos. Not bad, Marc.
3
Jul 25 2022
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New Forms
Roni Size
Too long! I’ve lost patience and given up before Ben the first hour is up.
The drum and bass is good enough, but too much airy-fairy ambience and electro blips. What’s wrong with distilling it down to under 60 minutes of proper songs - even Brown paper bag and Heroes out stay their (admittedly enjoyable) welcome.
Another reason to see the Mercury Music Prize as pretentious, overblown and a bit snooty really. I do appreciate that they are trying to be cool, edgy and relevant by praising black music, but really?!
I would have given 3 if it was under 60 minutes!
2
Jul 26 2022
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Early, quirky Talking Heads before the celebrated Afro disco and Eno albums. Interesting and unusual, but still good indie guitar pop without any shouty, punk.
4
Jul 27 2022
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
Versatile voice, but I’m indifferent to the folky pop music. Not for me.
2
Jul 28 2022
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
I’m the wrong audience. I think this is rubbish.
1
Jul 29 2022
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L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
Hardcore underground punk from Drive Like Jeru yesterday and this Swiss industrial noise today. Oh dear. The only thing I can say is that it was vaguely a novelty to hear classical strings used up against industrial production and heavy drums and guitars.
Another album that is not to my taste.
1
Jul 30 2022
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Much more pleasant than I was expecting from the reviews of ear splitting squalling feedback at Jesus & Mary Chain gigs in their early days.
I remember the April Skies single quite fondly against the usual pop trash of Top of the Pops and the UK top 40 charts. Interesting to see where Bobbie Gillespie has been influenced with his more laid back guitar-led songs.
I’m not a converted fan, but the album is ok indie jangly guitar music that’s not so heavyweight.
3
Jul 31 2022
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Guitar Town
Steve Earle
A slightly more guitar ‘rock’ side of country or Americana resembling Ryan Adams at times. Ok.
3
Aug 01 2022
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
Although I new Reward, Treason and World Shut Your Mouth, I Was expecting something folky and somewhat downbeat and political, but this is late 80s/early 90s British indie guitar pop with a sense of fun and light experimentation and similar to his previous hits. A bit like early James but less folky and fewer lyrics.
Enjoyable and upbeat, if overlong.
3
Aug 02 2022
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Back In Black
AC/DC
Great hard rocking, hard riffing, fun loving’, tongue in cheek misogyny. A classic.
5
Aug 03 2022
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Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Huey's languid rap-singing is quite seductive. The hip hop drums and rock, funk, soul guitar hits my eclectic taste buds. About 5 very enjoyable tracks and the rest are fine and listenable. Good grooves. I've a lot of time for Huey after his excellent Saturday BBC 6music program.
4
Aug 04 2022
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
I liked this band when they first appeared, bought their initial singles and 2nd album. Great fun, energy and sense of joy with their recycled nostalgia. Good talents, enjoyable and accomplished debut.
4
Aug 05 2022
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
I prefer his late 60s/70s folky stuff. Still refreshing to hear French music on this list.
2
Aug 06 2022
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Homework
Daft Punk
Boring, sparse. Not at all like the Laurent Garnier French techno I listened to in Parisian clubs in ‘96/‘97. Disappointing.
2
Aug 07 2022
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
It's all been said before. A stone cold classic. Even George's Indian song has grown on me. Difficult to analyse when you know it so well all your life!
5
Aug 08 2022
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
So-so - vaguely reminiscent of a very poor man’s Stevie Nicks. Last track is biting and also appealed to me the most n terms of rock music (Talking Heads mixed with Sex Pistols vitriol). Very telling that the LP was not a hit record in the UK…
2
Aug 09 2022
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Moondance
Van Morrison
Very easy going pleasant Van Morrison soul. Good, warm stuff.
4
Aug 10 2022
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
Absolutely mad crazy music. Some that I knew pretty well already. Definitely need to listen again and on headphones. It’s Kate Bush, so automatically gets 3* fir her voice and general individual auteurship. Might upgrade to 4, but I don’t think it’s better than Hounds of Love, which I think was her next LP.
3
Aug 11 2022
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69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
I think I managed to listen to over two thirds and I've enjoyed it. Funny, clever, catchy, thoughtful, experimental, poetic literate. So much material and ground is covered all around a theme. Good chamber pop too.huge long album. Could be better as 15 songs.
3
Aug 12 2022
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
I know around half the songs. More guitars than later crooning material, but I don’t like the change in register of Ellis’ voice in a few of these. Not as iconic as I was expecting. 1968-1973 might be a better period, so a low three.
3
Aug 13 2022
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
Yes, a modern classic (nearly 20 years old!). The best styles of 1980s Duran Duran, Simple Minds, U2, New Order…
Rousing and anthemic. Not sure they ever did better than this album.
4
Aug 14 2022
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
This gentler, funky jazzy hip hop is always a pleasure to hear (as opposed to testing aggressive gangster rap). Well done Tribe, Jungle Brothers, De La Soul. This one has Can I Kick It and Left My Wallet In El Segundo. It samples Stevie and Curtis and other cool cuts.
3.5 out of 5
4
Aug 15 2022
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Enjoyable, albeit sad due to Bowie's calculated and poignant release date. Good mix of modern rock, dance and Bowie sax.
4
Aug 16 2022
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
Exciting and in your face, but suffers from too many similar or identical sounds.
3
Aug 17 2022
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Yeezus
Kanye West
Surprisingly attention grabbing electronic sounds alongside the usual hip-hop. Samples "Strange Fruit".
3
Aug 18 2022
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Good American rock that doesn't outstay it's welcome. However a lot of songs seem to fade out just as they get going. Break out, Luna, American Girl are obvious highlights, but it's all good. Damn the Torpedoes is another terrific album. Then theirs Traveling Wilburys and Full Moon Fever be and and and. What a great artist. Gone too soon. 3.5 out of 5
4
Aug 19 2022
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
Not as catchy or joyful as the first LP, but a strong second outing. Good indie pop.
3
Aug 20 2022
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Mellow, but with more instruments than solo guitar. Good.
3
Aug 21 2022
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
Quite pretty. I like the lyrics, but not so keen on the Flaming Lips style vocals. Very mellow.
3
Aug 22 2022
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Gold
Ryan Adams
Love, love, love this album. More rocking than his first solo LP, Heartbreaker, but perhaps not as pretty. Great Americana.
5
Aug 23 2022
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Ten
Pearl Jam
Not as amazing as I remembered. Some good singing. Some 80s rock guitar and some 90s "grunge" guitar. Quite a serious album with grounded stories - no elves, devils or mysticism!
3
Aug 24 2022
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Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
Not all that interesting. Yes, the Neil Young cover is good, but no better than Neil's version. Nothing can stop us now is still very cool, but everything else is mediocre. Given Bob Stanley's musical knowledge I'm disappointed. Very 80s sounding. Perhaps this was quite good for its time, but I just remember that they were the height of cool and Cracknell was a blonde bombshell.
2
Aug 25 2022
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Excellent! Good songs, variety. Rock, piano-led rock, boogie and bits of country-rock. Ballads and thoughtful songs are well done. A well deserved critically popular album. And it does not outstay it’s double length either. Very enjoyable. Could be a 5* album, but I’m not yet familiar with it apart from the hit singles. Oh ok, it does have Bennie & the Jets and Saturday Night’s Alright. Worth a 5😉
5
Aug 26 2022
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Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
Enjoyed a previous album - the one with the magnificent Ping Pong - so was pleased to hear a similar sound, but more attention to more succinct conventional indie songs. An interesting mid 90s sound against the prevalent Brit pop, trip hop, grunge and angsty rock of the era. Not quite a 4, but good.
3
Aug 27 2022
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Very smooth and even in Super Rich Kids has a nod to Bennie and The Jets that I praised a few reviews ago.
I'm 10 years behind, but this Ocean guy has a glowing future!!
4
Aug 28 2022
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
Refreshingly ahead of it's time, but not really a great listen. I knew Roadrunner. Interesting to read the strong friendship with Gram Parsons and that Jerry Talking Heads is the keyboard player.
2
Aug 29 2022
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Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
Another "refreshingly ahead of it's time" LP. Good to hear the influential mix of hip hop, sampling, afro beats, but I'm not going to listen again.
2
Aug 30 2022
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Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Downbeat as expected from Lana's music, but quite enjoyable. Surprised to find two very recent albums on consecutive days.
3
Aug 31 2022
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evermore
Taylor Swift
I like this and am going to list to it again. I like that Swift continues her pop style, but stripped back instrumentally making this feel more folky and subdued, but actually it's just as pop as everything else Swift does. Very warm and likeable, although I can't really buy into her heartbroken lyrics, which is fine since it's just pop and not "lived through soul". Particularly enjoyed the song with Haim about the murdered cheating ex-lover - very Nick Cave!
3.5 because this is quite good, but way too new to be deemed worthy of the 1001.
3
Sep 01 2022
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
I’ve always liked the 3 big singles (Time, Electric, Kids), with their funky indie disco style, but am not attracted to the psychedelic rest. Prefer to listen to Flaming Lips or Super Furry Animals.
3
Sep 02 2022
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Ugh, I really don't like gangster rap - the aggression, the misogyny (although there is a "balanced" piece towards the end), the unimaginative swearing and being a mixed race man I squirm every single time I ever hear the N word. I like cuddly actor Cube, but to have this straight after yesterday's Taylor Swift very recent folk-pop Evermore album is such a contrast as to practically knock me down.
The beats and funky background samples are ok (well done Public Enemy). That's it.
1
Sep 03 2022
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Enjoyable jazz. Good soloing, jolly melodies. Accessible big band jazz with hints of the experimental soloing of Miles and friends in the coming few years, but less “difficult”.
4
Sep 04 2022
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
I know this album well and it is correctly highly regarded. Another listen does not disappoint. Lovely old style soul with a gorgeous “smoky” voice and lively flowing hip-hop rapping. Great tunes. No need to bother with a follow-up album after this superb effort.
5
Sep 05 2022
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Medúlla
Björk
Left this for a few weeks as I wasn’t really in the mood for Björk’s voice only experiment. Turns out it wasn’t so testing. Not great, but interesting effort. Only the last song with obvious beat boxing stood out to me. A little too much choral-styles.
Worth going on this list for the interesting experiment nonetheless.
2
Sep 06 2022
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I was a fan since Blood Sugar Sex Magic and this was a string development of their funk and straight rock sound alongside excellent songwriting. They haven’t released another album that so satisfyingly hits all the right buttons as strongly throughout (By The Way possibly, but that seems a deliberate embrace of their new found commercial market). It’s always worth waiting for Frusciante to rejoin the band.
4
Sep 07 2022
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Savane
Ali Farka Touré
Repetitive, recalls John Lee Hooker a tiny bit. I like lots too of blues and I like lots of afrobeat, but did not enjoy this.
2
Sep 08 2022
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GREY Area
Little Simz
Albums from within the last 3 years should have to be stonkingly good to make this list - I think each book should close 5 years before that edition’s release date.
Anyway…. Little Simz’s award winning Grey Area: nice and short at 35 minutes. Impressive flow and clear vocal with some good varied music, but not my taste. Too much with exactly the same vocal rhythm. It is quite good, but it must have been a bad album year for this to have won all the awards!
3
Sep 09 2022
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
I knew NWA and Jesus hotrod, but the rest is a hard listen - not many songs in a conventional sense. A lot of industrial noise interspersed with some thrash guitar. I suppose it has its place in something to hear once before I die… Not my thing.
1
Sep 10 2022
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I like this dark 80s synth-pop. Black Celebration felt like a slight departure and this develops the sound. Violator fully embraced the goth-synth Depeche Mode that took them through 90s stardom. Just the correct side of “industrial” noise.
4
Sep 11 2022
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
It has its legendary influential place in rock roll music and the hit singles are still singalongs and easy to cover in skiffle and rock bands, but sounds dated and a little boring to my relatively modern ears. Probably deserves 4 out 5 for influence, but I'm giving it 2 from my own taste. Sorry Dad!
2
Sep 12 2022
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Very smooth and melodic, easy listening, no particularly testing jazz. Very pleasant, but perhaps a little too tame.
3
Sep 13 2022
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Truth
Jeff Beck
Really enjoyable late ‘60s Brit Blues rock. Very Cream-y and some splendid vocals by Rod Stewart. Even Greensleeves is listenable, just!
4
Sep 14 2022
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Mostly industrial, noisy and abrasive, but there are several synth pop and more conventional songs that aren’t too bad (notably Closer and the original of Hurt that Johnny Cash later made his own). Far far better than Ministry or Marylyn Manson. Still not sure about all the praise - one of the important albums of the 1990s? No!
2
Sep 15 2022
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
Hum drum indie guitar music. Nothing special at all. A bit low key.
2
Sep 16 2022
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
Kind of interesting and amusing to hear such a varied mixture of styles and international music. I’d never listen again so I’m only giving 2 stars, but it’s really not bad, just quirky.
2
Sep 17 2022
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
I'm a huge fan of New Order, so should love JD too. However, everything I listen to Unknown Pleasures I feel slightly disappointed. It's powerful and dark and heavy, but I'd rather listen to the JD singles collection, Substance 1977-1980.
Awesome LP cover.
3
Sep 18 2022
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Very US late 60s sound. Some 3xcellent blues rock guitar work. Good mixture 9f styles that must have shown the seeds for what developed later by The Band, Eagles, CSN+Y.
3
Sep 19 2022
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Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
Interesting bridge between 80s hair metal, punk funk and grunge. Needed a second listen to get into it.
3
Sep 20 2022
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Side One is brilliant! Rest is not so good. I can see Robert Smith's influence (or even what inspired him?). Great sound for half the LP! As such drops down from 4 stars.
3
Sep 21 2022
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Always seems like a “Best Of” album. Superb pop music.
4
Sep 22 2022
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
Very Lynyrd Skynyd and unashamedly so - no bad thing. Good to hear their opinion on southern things and the obvious race-related perception that people like me can't help but feel.
Politics aside, this rocks along in a good ol' boys southern country bluesy boogie.
3
Sep 23 2022
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Good blues, not enough "hits". Too long!
3
Sep 24 2022
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NEU! 75
Neu!
Pretty ambient music for side one then fairly unfocused “punky” rock music, although E-Music was quite good. I think I can hear influence on Stereolab.
3
Sep 25 2022
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1999
Prince
It’s Prince, it’s disco funk excellence, but not as good as Purple Rain or Sign o the times…
4
Sep 26 2022
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Excellent bubblegum pop with fast tight drumming and locked-in bass in every song, but very little else to attract me back again. Very radio lite pop, but driving rhythms. No heaven here, Belinda and nothing stopping me in any rush hour, Jane!
3
Sep 27 2022
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Awesome funky afrobeat jazz. Loads of groove and very very tight rhythms. Brilliant title track. Slower second. Extended album featured the excellent live “Mistake”. Nonetheless, Zombie on its own is so good.
5
Sep 28 2022
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Who doesn’t love a punk album that’s finished in quarter of an hour so you can get back to listening to Fela, Prince, Creedence or Steely Dan?! Well, not me when it feels like 15 minutes too much shouty noise. Gains a star for brevity and I think I heard one actual guitar solo!
2
Sep 29 2022
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
“…plus tew bew lah bells”. Wonderful.
However, disassociating myself from something so familiar I can hear how it is disparate and and disjointed. Musically accomplished without doubt, but actually no linking musical themes. Would have been good to have the Exorcist intro brought back a few times (I think it is almost referenced in Pt2 with the acoustic/ electro guitar section?) or the Viv Stanshall master of ceremonies backing theme. My memory has those bits plus the proggy rock guitar section (“jazz”) as the highlights, but frankly it’s all fun, beautiful and exciting with pleasant melodies.
And Mike Oldfield was only 19 - makes you sick!
4
Sep 30 2022
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Pleasant easy listening electro dance. Samples Betty Davis Eyes and Gloria Estefan, so bonus point!
3
Oct 01 2022
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The Undertones
The Undertones
I've thoroughly enjoyed this. It may have been somewhat influenced by punk, but is really an excellent power pop / rock n roll by, and about, teenage boys and their preoccupation with girls.
The singing by Feargal Sharkey mostly sets it apart from shouty punk and the musical ability and sheer catchiness of the melodies and riffs is very much like 60s and early 70s power pop.
I've been looking forward to The Undertones and am not disappointed! Excellent.
4
Oct 02 2022
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Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
Excellent hip-hop and record scratching production in an Unkle/Mo-Wax style. The rapping is tongue-twistingly clever, but mind-twistingly bizarre about an alien gynecologist! Mad as a box of frogs.
3
Oct 03 2022
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Fun, Bjork before the extreme arty experimentation. Includes the wonderful Birthday and I really like the music and groove of Blue eyed pop even if it a complete ironic send-up.
4
Oct 04 2022
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Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
love the rock drums, but far too much industrial blips and noise in place of solid hooks and melodic samples. Harsh score, but needs more melody.
2
Oct 05 2022
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
I tecalkef this being an ace 80s album, but beside the platinum 4 gigantic singles there are 4 fairly straight forward covers and some other low level 80s mild funky pop. Even Krisco Kisses for lots weaker than I remember.
A little disappointing, but certainly made up for by the colossal hit singles, Born To Run, which is always welcome and a good stab at War, Jose and Ferry across the Mersey.
A high three then.
3
Oct 06 2022
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Mott
Mott The Hoople
Musically fun and accomplished, very early 70s glam rock. I liked the first song.
3
Oct 07 2022
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Bad Company
Bad Company
Nice continuity with yesterday’s Mott The Hoople with the Mick Ralphs connection.
A good 70s blues rock album very much Free part 2, but with a strong Led Zeppelin feel. High 3.
3
Oct 08 2022
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
Mature serious Moody Blues style singing if then utter primary school music lesson nonsense. Not clever. Emperor’s New Clothes to the musos.
2
Oct 09 2022
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Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Like a fusion of Marvin Gaye and Sly Stone this guitar-based soul grooves along beautifully. Excellent.
4
Oct 10 2022
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
I like the guitar sound, not over produced hair metal style, much more Sonic Youth/Pavement but still a lot of guitar. Fortunately far more melody and hooks than Sonic Youth.
Not unpleasant, but not that special either.
3
Oct 11 2022
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Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Sometimes she sounds like Peej of old, sometimes like Kate Bush and other times like a gentle folk singer. Lyrically I’m sure it’s clever and poetic, but musically I found nothing arresting.
2
Oct 12 2022
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I think I've reviewed 4 Nick Cave albums and each has been better than the last (not hard to improve on The Birthday Party!).
Abattoir Blues is very strong and rockier, but Ghosteen is beautiful, poetic and the subdued almost Bowie/Eno Low-style synths really emphasise the lyrics.
So hard to comprehend the pain and sadness of losing a child, but also a strange coincidence that most was written before Nick Cave's son died.
A true auteur.
4
Oct 13 2022
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
Maria is the famous track. Interesting project, but each track overstays it's welcome - perhaps so that the full Tango dance can be completed?
Pleasant enough, but a little boring for a full album.
3
Oct 14 2022
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
Much more laid back and mellow than I was expecting having heard the singles. Pleasant enough.
3
Oct 15 2022
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
I will listen again, but slightly humdrum and not as special as I was expecting
2
Oct 16 2022
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Very 60s cinematic sound. I like both artists, but in their usual realms. Doesn't quite pull me in enough. Not bad, but a little boring.
3
Oct 17 2022
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Trio
Dolly Parton
Good singers, but too country for me.
2
Oct 18 2022
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Begins like a Greatest Hits. Very spare vocal and drums. Little bit too shouty. Very old school. Not aggressive. "Hits" are good.
3
Oct 19 2022
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
I can hear the disco influence alongside the usual Queen, classical and synth styles. A good listen. Unmistakably Muse.
4
Oct 20 2022
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Very pleasant, gently sung and played. Not exactly ground breaking and i'd always choose other more classic versions of these standards, but completely inoffensive.
3
Oct 21 2022
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OK
Talvin Singh
Indian sounding, drum and bass, trip-hop. It won the 1999 Mercury Music Prize. Woke up from a post-Sunday-long-jog-snooze right at the end. So it clearly didn't do much for me.
3
Oct 22 2022
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Gentle hip hop, nostalgic fun, correctly famous, but not quite as amazing as I remembered.
3
Oct 23 2022
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
90s punk rock n roll, but with the bonus of horns. Ok, probably as good if not better than over-rated Green Day.
3
Oct 24 2022
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Low-Life
New Order
Arguably the best New Order album with start to finish mix of guitars, drums, synths and that bass. Oh how I CAN bear the thought of you!
5
Oct 25 2022
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Ditching 2000 light years from home psychedelia for rootsy blues and groovy rock n roll makes Beggars Banquet one of the classic Rolling Stones albums alongside Sticky Fingers and Let It Bleed.
Extra star for Sympathy and Street Fighting, but loses a star or two for too much acoustic light rock.
3
Oct 26 2022
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Spiky and very danceable with lots of synth and programming. Not quite as rock as previously. Good 3.5
3
Oct 27 2022
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Rio
Duran Duran
The 1980s Duran Duran funk-synth sound we all recall so fondly. Excellent album with three of their best songs as well as some excellent bass and synth work. Absolutely iconic LP cover.
I can now even hear elements of The Cure. Great!
4
Oct 28 2022
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
Some machine gun riffs a la at the drive-in, but an awful lot of incomprehensible rock singing and unnecessary "atmospheric" noises. Starts well, especially the first ESP, but could be more succinct and tighter.
2
Oct 29 2022
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Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
I actually enjoyed this (not being a great fan of hip-hop)! Harder and more varied than Gangstarr from the same era. Chuck D’s voice is deep and authoritative, the Bomb Squad are good on the production and turntables. The message is socially conscious and free from gun toting and too much unnecessary swearing.
3
Oct 30 2022
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Quiet, a bit muffled vocally, pretty in a very low key and laid back style, but bordering on boring. I prefer the fuller jazzier sound of the 2nd LP, Bryter Layter.
2
Oct 31 2022
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Abraxas
Santana
A-MAZ-ING! One of the LPs that my Dad would often play through my childhood. Warm nostalgia as well as sheer joy from hearing one of the great rock jazz fusion albums. Great vocals from Journey founder Gregg Rolie. A solid gold favourite album.
5
Nov 01 2022
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Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
Pleasant enough musically and rapping. Not abrasive. Good samples. Good wordplay without the swearing and guns. Good.
3
Nov 02 2022
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Very Curtis : falsetto singing, pretty guitar chops with wah, socially conscious urban themes and “big picture” love songs about getting on with one another. Nice and sensible. (Apart from the first track) Just not as funky or pop as his better material. 2.5 because I know he’s done better.
2
Nov 03 2022
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
Not art, not music, not clever. No stars.
1
Nov 04 2022
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Uh oh, favourite band alert, might be difficult to be impartial!
A good 2nd album, perhaps not as great as the debut, but it does come with the magnificent My Old School. Skunk Baxter plays guitar on it and I’m sure he had more fun with Steely Dan than he does now working at NASA or US Defence - no, really.
4
Nov 05 2022
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
I was prepared for Alice Cooper to be theatrical horror, but I wasn’t expecting full on Leonard Bernstein West Side Story and jazz on side one! Delightful, albeit kooky.
3
Nov 06 2022
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
Refreshingly eclectic: straight rock, ska, funk, pop, acoustic ballads. Really good. Immediately listened to it all again to make sure.
I vaguely remember this band at the first Reading Festival I went to in 1993 and they put on a good show.
4
Nov 07 2022
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
Serious and well crafted like Radiohead and Elbow, but slightly more immediately palatable. Falsetto can grate after a while, but not at all like Justin The Darkness Hawkins!
I can see why Wild Beasts were critically acclaimed but didn't gain wider public acceptance. Useful to be introduced to this now defunct band.
3
Nov 08 2022
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
If the songs are good and the soul and feel are there it will work acoustically. It does and very well indeed.
Sad, but as with Ian Curtis’s death, a phoenix rises from the flames.
4
Nov 09 2022
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
Really enjoyable pop album. Feels erudite and clever and I’m sure it is, but overall it sounds well crafted, fun and pleasing to the ear.
Saw Neil and the band in Cambridge about five years ago and they are very enjoyable.
4
Nov 10 2022
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Very enjoyable - starts with a punk 1-2 full of comedy vitriol then third song moves to classic Hynde vocals and some great pop/rock. Amusing to note how her “too many lyrics” vocal style reminds me of the great Joni (not the beauty of Joni’s voice, although Christ’s voice can be lovely).
Good LP worthy of its high chart position in 1980.
4
Nov 11 2022
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If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
Bops along sweetly, but is ultimately forgettable. Only a few days ago there was a Divine Comedy LP from the same era and similar stock, which I preferred.
3
Nov 12 2022
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Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Enjoyed the music, but not the gangster rapping - almost switched off after hearing the early lyric about looking for "a slut with a nice butt for me to do my nut". Why are these people not lambasted and ostracised by Society? Unacceptable.
But good music and production by Dre. So a reluctant 3 stars for the music.
3
Nov 13 2022
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Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
I love Shipbuilding, so was enthusiastic about listening to this album, but left bitterly disappointed. I only liked Seasong, the rest was cacophony.
2
Nov 14 2022
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Very emotional lyrics with a hard rock and grunge sound. Couldn’t hear the talked about influence of classic soul music, but agree that Gregg sings from the soul. Just a bit too noisy, although it did remind me of Bob Mould’s, Husker Du front man’s, Sugar.
2
Nov 15 2022
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
Soulful and groovy with a kind of What’s Going On meets afrobeat vibe filtered through a London 2020 streetwise production.
Thematically it’s all about George Floyd and Black Lives Matter movement, but not aggressively or unpleasantly like Gangster Rap, but poetically and obviously and often positively.
Maestro producer Inflow uses Michael Kiwunaka in a few songs and it definitely sounds very much like a Kiwunaka record.
I love Bow which reminds me of Fela Kuti.
Soulful, political, afrobeat and groovy. Worth the critical acclaim.
4
Nov 16 2022
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
Gazillion selling single, so it must be an amazing pop album full of gems, right? Wrong, horribly so. Nothing extraordinary or notable. Another huge disappointment, although I do know diamonds like Toxic are still to come from a host of brilliant songwriters using the pop star Britney vessel.
1
Nov 17 2022
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
Low key musically, but dense and often personal lyrically. Not enough pizazz for me.
2
Nov 18 2022
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Street Life
The Crusaders
My kind of smooth, grooving jazz soul with the scorching extended title track with the wonderful Randy Crawford. Admittedly easy listening, but with technically accomplished Steely Dan style keyboard and guitar soloing. Great rhythm. Excellent smooth jazz/soul.
4
Nov 19 2022
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Indebted to John Lee Hooker, but paying dues to classic rock and punk with an African vibe. Pleasant, quite light. Good electric guitar picking.
3
Nov 20 2022
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
Great pop, catchy and straight into the three mega hit singles. Drifts off into weak slushiness towards the end, but the majority is good upbeat pop. 3.5
3
Nov 21 2022
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Grunge punk with a kind of slightly lo-fi Dinosaur Jr feel. Not really enough hooks to grab me. A low three
3
Nov 22 2022
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Phenomenally eclectic, but rumbles along without any particularly weak moments. Good singing. Good composing (folk, orchestral, rock, blues, funk, pop, vaudeville)! Less prog than Genesis, but still wacky. I can see how Fish-era Marillion were influenced.
3.5 Good.
3
Nov 23 2022
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Cut
The Slits
Good to hear it wasn’t typical punk, but a kind of minimal scratchy post punk vaguely ska sound. Clearly they are having fun especially on Shoplifting: “do a runner”! However, Viv’s autobiography is more enjoyable, recommended even.
2
Nov 24 2022
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Graceland
Paul Simon
All of side 1 and side 2 opener "You can call me Al" are superb. Bubbling along at a good tempo, catchy and fun. After "Al" things slow down and it's good, but not as immediate. Overall a very good listen and worthy of the critical standing.
Breaking the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa now seems unimportant and distant, but I remember in the 1980s it really was massively controversial - even whilst working with non-white musicians. I have no belief that Gracelands or the gigs/tours made the slightest political difference, but it would have been annoying to set up a boycott only for a superstar of Paul Simon's stature to largely ignore it, even having consulted various worthy people.
4
Nov 25 2022
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Document
R.E.M.
Really enjoyed this 80s rock album. I imagined early REM being mumbling and airy fairy music, but it’s as good as Out of Time and more fun, but not as high-brow as Autimatic for the People.
Very good!
4
Nov 26 2022
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Joy! Loved this when it came out and although very long, it had some excellent song writing.
4
Nov 27 2022
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Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Very mellow, seductive and sexy. Like a more playful bossa nova Sade. Bebel has a sweet, soulful voice. Bananeira (live) was most upbeat.
Note: Amazon wouldn't let me play the album so I made a playlist from live versions and songs found on compilations.
3
Nov 28 2022
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Future Days
Can
Starts with rhythms not far from previous selection's bossanova (Bebel Gilberto). Overall too much ethereal ambience, but sounds modern and has genuine dancey rhythms (amongst the ambience).
2
Nov 29 2022
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Overdubbed or not, it still makes for an exhilarating and positive compilation. Excellent proper rock n roll to wipe away the joke of punk!!!!
4
Nov 30 2022
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Mixing up genres and experimental, this is clearly different for it's time, but I prefer their second album, For Your Pleasure. This starts well, but gets weaker. I didn’t warm to the last two songs at all.
2
Dec 01 2022
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Found the previous Elliot Smith album a week ago a bit humdrum, so not really looking forward to this, but if it’s meant to be his best work then I’ll go in open minded.
Much better! Still low key quiet singing, but the songs are much more in the vein of Brendon Benson, but not as catchy.
3
Dec 02 2022
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
Much more accessible than “…and Nico” LP. Having said that I found The Murder Mystery experimental track pretty interesting and arresting! Altogether an OK listenable 1960s LP, nothing special, but I’m no big fan. Gets a three because it’s not awful!
3
Dec 03 2022
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
A classic 90s album, but it turns out I only really know the singles, which are rightly renowned. Angst and angry, but also tender. Good guitar pop.
3
Dec 04 2022
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Rip It Up
Orange Juice
Good UK 80s funk. Like Spandau Ballet crossed with Talking Heads and Aztec Camera.
3
Dec 05 2022
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Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Majestic pop. Clever, erudite, smooth and catchy. Like Steely Dan through a UK 80s wine bar with a disco floor.
4
Dec 06 2022
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Ok beats and noises. Excellent deep voiced authoritative rapping from Chuck D. Some iconic raps. Political, racial and angry, but none of the ugly sweary aggressive nonsense that proliferates gangster rap.
3
Dec 07 2022
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
Eclectic, some very ambient pieces. Enjoyed the mellow BBC indent bit.
2
Dec 08 2022
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Beautiful Freak
Eels
Quite interesting rock. Wouldn’t switch off if it came on the radio, but not going to go headlong looking out for the music.
3
Dec 09 2022
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
Extremely laidback. Some pleasant Latin bits mixed in with the modern production, but quite muddy and messy electro-trance which becomes more and more aimless through the album. Not very good.
2
Dec 10 2022
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Fits well amongst Goldrush and Harvest. Good to hear Neil's sweet early 70s voice.
3
Dec 11 2022
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
Quite good - some Grateful Dead style 60s/70s rock noodling and some beautiful CSNY folk rock melodies. Not bad.
3
Dec 12 2022
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
More than half the album are considered standards, which in my regard makes this an outstanding classic. The soul and incredible blues rock vocals are better than most out and out rockers.
Along side Lady Soul this is a standout LP from Aretha’s body of work.
5
Dec 13 2022
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Awesome southern blues rock. The eight songs fly by and even the honkytonk country rock n roll of Things Goin On and Mississippi Kid are good rollicking fun.
Obviously the big hits are Platinum-plated.
4
Dec 14 2022
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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
Disappointing- I like her voice and the Prince interpretation is amazing, but I only really liked Emperor’s New Clothes of the rest (and the funky drummer sample).
2
Dec 15 2022
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Gris Gris
Dr. John
I liked his bluesy growl - reminded me of Captain Beefheart, I also liked the New Orleans Cajun blues, but mostly found it all too psychedelic.
2
Dec 16 2022
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
But boring. Little bit gothic with electronics, but thankfully not nine inch nails!
2
Dec 17 2022
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Epic symphonic funk soul that lays the template for the great funk of the 1970s. Slow burning, but Walk On By is magnificent.
3
Dec 18 2022
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Pretty (in Radiohead terms) and less rock than might have been assumed from hearing Bodysnatchers. A really good all round Radiohead album.
4
Dec 19 2022
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Signing Off
UB40
A bit samey. Thundering bass. Food for thought is very good.
3
Dec 20 2022
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Concise album and easy to listen. Good pop, blues and gentle rock. An enjoyable collection, but how did Eric get away with the Led Zep rip on Let It Grow? 3.5
3
Dec 21 2022
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Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
Starts off sounding typically late 60s guitar rock, then becomes psychedelic and, to my ears, less precise and focused and more messy. Slightly lower than 3 (average)
2
Dec 22 2022
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
One of my favourites from the early 90s. Thick layered guitar riffs, catchy melodies. My younger self perversely enjoyed the alternative-style awful nasal singing. Also has some tender sweet songs. “Mayonaise” still gives me goosebumps.
Not sure what happened to the brighter clearer album cover - don’t much like the washed out monochrome version displayed now.
Other than that, it’s a triumph.
4
Dec 23 2022
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Surprisingly R&B soulful with lots of brass. Also incredibly similar to Bat Out Of Hell album. In any case, it's very good and accessible.
4
Dec 24 2022
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Not as out and out funky as Sly and the Family Stone, but similar to Stevie Wonder's funk and soul of the same era (makes sense now that I read they recorded at the same time and studio as "Innervisions" and shared synth gurus). Enjoyable guitar soloing in the two enormous singles.
3.5
3
Dec 25 2022
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
Less R&B than Born To Run and much more "typical" Bruce. Some proper rock songs and lots of piano-led ernest story songs. Ok, but I prefer the two "Born" albums.
3
Dec 26 2022
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Violator
Depeche Mode
Loved it then and it still sounds minimal, electronic, serious, but cheeky and very danceable. Plugged the gap between New Order albums. Awesome.
4
Dec 27 2022
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Very laid back, very groovy. Lovely pop songs. Exodus is one long groove and I haven't even looked at the lyrics! Another all time great album.
4
Dec 28 2022
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Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Pretty stripped back and minimal apart from the obvious rock tracks. Political, but not nasty. Worth another listen to really hear the lyrics.
3
Dec 29 2022
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Solid Air
John Martyn
Gentle, with some blues. Not loving all the singing as John Martyn "eats" the vocals sometimes. The big hit song (may you never) is really very beautiful.
3
Dec 30 2022
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One World
John Martyn
Second John Martyn album in consecutive days. I think this is more accessible than Solid Air and has a more pop feel about it than the blues/jazz/folk of Solid Air.
Not bad. John's gruff rock voice is growing on me, but I still prefer his more natural pretty vocals.
3
Dec 31 2022
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Virgin Suicides
Air
A film soundtrack with a pretty leitmotif, but needs to be heard with the film playing. Not sure why it's considered outstanding.
2
Jan 01 2023
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Smile
Brian Wilson
I was really into this at the time of its eventual release in 2004. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Slightly heavy-handed construction, but lovely melodies. Bit too long and "twee" in places, but Beach Boys melodies from the late 60s. High 3.
3
Jan 02 2023
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Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
Some bits were close to straight forward rock n roll which I liked. The collaborator sounds a bit like Cash. Ok for country. High two.
2
Jan 03 2023
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Harvest
Neil Young
Still full of good songs and only a few are rock. Heavy on the piano, harmonica and acoustic guitar. Unite good singing - for Neil.
4
Jan 04 2023
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Brings to mind Simple Minds and Joy Division. Ok, but nothing special - prominent baselines, but nothing particularly athletic. Low 3.
3
Jan 05 2023
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
Big beat electronica with a dark, gothic rock feel (like Screamadelica with a dark heart).
3
Jan 06 2023
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
Tight and repetitive. Jerky punk without the silly aggression and pointless noise. However, the musical repetition is not a huge step away. Very famous, but not that great - disappointing. The chapter in Simon Reynolds's "Rip It Up and Start Again" is illuminating and far more interesting than the music (see also Throbbing Gristle, which expresses loads of substance over actually anything resembling music!!!!!!)
2
Jan 07 2023
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
I do like bits and pieces and some albums throughout Miles Davis' career, particularly Kind of Blue, In a Silent Way and big favourite Tribute to Jack Johnson. I really enjoyed the fusion of blues rock guitar and funky bass.
I've wanted to like Bitches Brew, but it never works for me like Jack Johnson and is far too messy to be similar to A Silent Way.
Genius and forward thinking with the editing, loops and cut and paste, but this one's not for me.
Cover art is afro magnificent.
2
Jan 08 2023
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Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Better than Jefferson Airplane - not as noodly, but still over indulgent in places. Low 3
3
Jan 09 2023
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Very 80s, a little bit Janet Jackson/Paula Abdul, but not quite enough Salt n Pepa! Always liked Neneh’s voice. Hit singles are still great, but dated.
3
Jan 10 2023
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Some pleasant tunes and good covers. Maggie May is gorgeous. Title track rolls along well. Elvis cover rocks. Not as bluesy or rocking as with The Faces or Jeff Beck, but Rod’s vocals in the 60s and early 70s were great for the style.
3
Jan 11 2023
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The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
Didn’t interest me. It’s not a patch on Stephane Grapelli and the Hot Club.
2
Jan 12 2023
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
I particularly liked the groove of Taaw, but the second track was too sombre for my Afrobeat party!
3
Jan 13 2023
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Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
Very old skool hip hop. Not much of an advance from Rappers Delight or Grandmaster Flash’s hits. Good to hear Kraftwerk, but generally disappointing given all plaudits for being so influential.
2
Jan 14 2023
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25
Adele
Lovely, rich voice full of soul and emotion. No real hits on this collection, so not special and really only a trillion seller based on her star power alone. I won't be listening to 25 again since 19 and 21 are so much better.
3
Jan 15 2023
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Repeater
Fugazi
Punk hardcore “alternative rock”, neither metal nor grunge. Bass and drums work well together, but I don’t really like the noise.
2
Jan 16 2023
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In Utero
Nirvana
Not really overrated because there are some gems of melodic catchy ‘pop’ songs amongst the hardcore punk screaming. Nirvana and Cobain were genuinely talented and stratospheric sales warrant this album in the list even if it’s not ultimately my taste.
3
Jan 17 2023
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John Prine
John Prine
Not my taste. Like Dylan and Don MacLean,
albeit jollier, with a strong country vibe. Just not for me.
2
Jan 18 2023
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Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
Pre-punk, garage rock obsessed with teenage dreams of cars, girls and wrestling. Not heavy, not glam, not punk, not Aerosmith, Kiss or Tom Petty. Definitely not as accomplished or enjoyable as Undertones with similar, albeit Northern Irish, subject matter.
Interesting that people believe they influenced Ramones and other punk forerunners.
I don’t feel this is essential.
2
Jan 19 2023
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Certainly an album worth listening to once before I die. Pleasant, but not my thing, thank you.
2
Jan 20 2023
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Obvious influence on punk. Sounds like punks emulating Rolling Stones with added aggression and poor vocals. Not awful, but not my taste.
2
Jan 21 2023
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
Punk rock, but musical. Not very good vocals, but medium enjoyable rock. Nothing as good as New Rose or Eloise.
2
Jan 22 2023
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Very lovely and compelling poetry, guitar picking and deep morbid vocals. Good and the 10 songs don't overstay their welcome, even if a few begin to sound samey. High 3.
3
Jan 23 2023
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White Light
Gene Clark
Pleasant enough, but nothing grips me at all. I'd have preferred to listen to another ex-Byrd: David Crosby who just died in the week.
2
Jan 24 2023
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Dry
PJ Harvey
Still my favourite Peej album even after all these years (must be a teenage galvanising thing). So much more accessible and fun than Rid Of Me. Muddle of album is particularly impressive (Victory, Hair, Sheela, Dress, etc).
4
Jan 25 2023
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
I thought I’d already reviewed this such is it’s fame and fortune. Great rock and not as scary or hard to listen to as non-metallers might think. Terrific anthemic heavy metal songs and a catchy singalong "pop" song in Run To The Hills, albeit about marauders laying waste to a village settlement! And what an ending - The Guardian voted five of the eight songs on this LP into their list of Top 30 Greatest Maiden songs with Hallowed Be Thy Name at No.1. Possibly true, if it wasn't for the earlier Phantom Of The Opera🤟🏽
4
Jan 26 2023
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
I don't really like much of Sonic Youth's music. I have liked about a third of Goo, but almost nothing on Sister or Daydream Nation (just teenage riot and candle really).
Whilst it's good to hear a lot of guitar, I find the general lack of structure and cohesion difficult. Accomplished as they are, it just doesn't appeal. I'm tempted to call Emperor's New Clothes on all the muso critics, but I do think Thurston, Lee and Kim (and drummer... sorry...) are capable musicians and trying to be unconventional in a post punk hardcore manner.
2
Jan 27 2023
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Kimono My House
Sparks
Uplifting pop on the verge of disco. Slightly unhinged. I'm not getting the glam rock, but it does feel ahead of it's 1974 year. Slightly resembles Roxy Music or Supertramp. Ok-ish.
3
Jan 28 2023
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Good mix of programmed sounds and rock guitars etc. Fine as a Radiohead album, but still too often a bit inaccessible and difficult. However the good bits are really very good.
3
Jan 29 2023
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Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
Back to his ‘70s best. Sharp, cynical lyrics and catchy music. Very good.
4
Jan 30 2023
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Slipknot
Slipknot
I'm not the audience for this. Better than Marilyn Manson. I skipped through in a few minutes to hear the variety of vocal forms and buzzsaw guitars. I’ll only give 1 star if I think it’s atrocious with no musical value, but I can understand the appeal here for the modern thrash metaller.
2
Jan 31 2023
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Hotel California
Eagles
It rocks, it has soul, blues, tenderness, good guitar soling, vocals other than Don Henley’s. Every song is either immediately likeable or grows immeasurable on 2nd or 3rd listen. Gentle songs often have moments of melodic or bluesy guitar brilliance.
Great singalong. A bona fide classic.
5
Feb 01 2023
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En-Tact
The Shamen
Apart from the two successful singles, Make It Mine and ProGen-Move Any Mountain, this is a boring album from the rave-era. Adamski, Orb, Orbital and Prodigy did this far better around the same period and would be worthy of listening to before you die.
I could only listen to the US version, but I’m sure the first 10 or 11 tracks are similar enough to the original UK release.
Disappointing.
2
Feb 02 2023
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Bringing to mind Waterboys Mike Scott's vocals and Springsteen's style with textured guitar and other sounds. I also keep hearing Sam Fender's "17 going under". Not sure about the extended outro of the first song. Second half is a bit better, but it's really very good.
4
Feb 03 2023
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Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
Quite different to a previous Time Buckley LP on The List. This is psychedelic funk of the Van Morrison feel rather than the superior Sly Stone. Ok, nothing to write home about.
3
Feb 04 2023
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Hugely influential and featuring Chuck D’s baritone: “the voice of God in a storm” according to The Bomb Squad.
Still not really my thing, but I’d take PE over most other narcissistic, violent and mysogynistic rap music. A million miles away from De La Soul’s light and funny 3 feet high.
3
Feb 05 2023
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Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
Power rock with slight punk tendencies, but loads more melody and talent - clearly inspired Green Day especially with the vocal style. A bit disappointing having heard the catchy power pop of Sugar. Low 3 as there a no real stand out songs.
3
Feb 06 2023
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All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Much more soulful than the other U2 albums from the 1990s. Mature, less experimental. Strong, sensible songwriting. A very good U2 album.
4
Feb 07 2023
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
First time listening to the Dead. Was expecting Jefferson Airplane psychedelia, but this was like The Band or a less accomplished Allman Brothers. Ok,nothing particularly pressure, singing was pleasant, ambience was convivial. Low 3.
3
Feb 08 2023
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Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Great bluesy growl. Reasonable blues rock that fits with the mid ‘60s era. Glad it wasn’t the extremely difficult Trout Mask today🙉!
3
Feb 09 2023
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
One of the top Dylan albums showcasing his move into mainstream rock n roll blues. Catchy songs and lots of fun. An easy listen and definitely one of the important albums of the mid ‘60s.
4
Feb 10 2023
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Born To Be With You
Dion
Big Spector production as expected. Slow enough for easy singalong except the songs aren’t memorable or particularly strong. Pleasant enough voice and delivery, just nothing special.
2
Feb 11 2023
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Soul Mining
The The
One of my favourites. Love the introspective lyrics, love the synth. Soul Mining, This is the day, Uncertain Smile with Jools Holland’s piano solo, it goes on.
Then there’s Giant where it all comes together with the cool synths, the lyrics, those drums and chanting. Unimpeachable and magnificent. ImThat one song on its own makes this legendary.
5
Feb 12 2023
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Remedy
Basement Jaxx
Good fun, upbeat mostly interesting dance (funky house?). Just a couple of slower, repetitive or irritating songs.
4
Feb 13 2023
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
I'm a bit "square" for "Post rock". Too disjointed and unfocussed.
2
Feb 14 2023
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Good mix of jazz and proper 60s r&B. Heavy on the horn section.
4
Feb 15 2023
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
Possibly the most enjoyable Waits album so far with groovy blues and trademark ballads. Still ridiculously quirky, but without the weird instrumentation and noises that appear later in the 1980s.
3
Feb 16 2023
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Fun House
The Stooges
First two songs are ok with grooves and form, then it becomes scuzzy, messy and noisy. I've now listened to the first three Stooges LPs and I only like one or two songs from each album. Disappointing, given the excellent Bowie produced Iggy albums, but I can see how they and The MC5 are seen as influential proto-punk.
2
Feb 17 2023
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
Good variety of intelligent pop and camp fire strumming. Disillusion and Once Around The Block are strong.
"Have You Fed The Fish" album is slightly more concise and better still.
3
Feb 18 2023
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
Guy Garvey doesn't initially sound like a singer, but his range is really good and he sings in tune with lovely melodies. Add in some quality poetry, wordplay, wit and emotive description to the hook laden music and elbow become the accessible and relatable version of Radiohead.
Well deserved Mercury winner and an album that gets better with each listen.
4
Feb 19 2023
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Great 80s bass sound and synths. Catchy hit singles and atmospheric songs. Mature sounding, but with groove. Not yet the stadium rockers of the late 80s. Caught between Bunnymen, Duran, U2 - in a very good way.
4
Feb 20 2023
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
Pleasant mature dance music, but a touch boring. I can hear what he did for Madonna. Low 3
3
Feb 21 2023
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
A very catchy hook-laden jazz album. Very engaging and accessible. Every musician shines.
Even after all these years I still don't really know what \"modal\" means in this context, but the album is a winner for any mood, time of day, or social function. Definitely a 5.
I can only imagine how ultra cool it would be to drop the stylus on the vinyl version!
5
Feb 22 2023
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Lush and intricately orchestrated. However, nothing grabs me firmly like some of the catchy hookier songs on the Yoshimi album. It all just washed over me. Wayne Coyne’s voice is a bit irritating after a while.
3
Feb 23 2023
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Very Hendrix. Straight ahead funk rock. Unnecessary sound effect noodling son Armageddon and Back In Our Minds is the weakest song. High 3 - good.
3
Feb 24 2023
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Released between two absolute 5 star crackers (Innervisions and Songs in the key of life). First few songs seem light weight sentimental ditties, and it takes a few songs before the funky grooviness starts. Then you realise that they’ve all got under your skin and you’re humming away to some lovely love songs. Subsequent listens double down on all this and before you know it your listening to a classic Stevie album. Just a pity it falls between such giant corkers!
4
Feb 25 2023
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
I’m a few songs in and I can tell this aggressive hip hop is not my thing. Always strange that rappers who trade is words should fall to the lowest denominator and fill their diatribe with unimaginative basic swearing. Sweating can convey emotion, but more often, as here, it shows no lyrical, descriptive or witty art and hardly any feel or emotion.
2 stars because there are some rhymes and the samples beats are reasonable.
2
Feb 26 2023
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Wonderfully powerful blues voice. Good blues record. Rightly her most celebrated album.
4
Feb 27 2023
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
Starts off with a middle eastern vibe then the Latin hip-hop rock kicks in and it's party time. Surprisingly eclectic with traditional Latin as well as the modern fusion.
3
Feb 28 2023
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Synchronicity
The Police
The extreme awfulness of Mother is so atrocious that even the 7 good songs pale under the putrid weight of its detritus. Even the song about the blow up doll in an earlier Police LP seems good in comparison.
Only a few old style Police. The ballads and jazzy songs are brilliant, but it's hardly the fun and spikiness of Regatta or Zenyana. A good send off, but surely album filler like Mother is unnecessary? A mostly excellent lp, but the new wave spike is replaced with slick Sting craft including that song about a creepy stalker, you know the one! 3 stats because I can't get over Mother.
3
Mar 01 2023
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
Very clever to make it sound like a CD skipping, but an absolute noisy racket. A few times I thought it was going to break into Van Halen-style guitar tapping, but it remained awful. Totally rubbish sounds.
1
Mar 02 2023
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
I immediately recognised Peter Saville’s style on the cover, but the music is not as cold and industrial as the Joy Division art connection implies. It’s really very lovely.
Lush orchestral flourishes and beautiful melodies. I’ve always quite liked Andy McCluskey’s strained voice over the synths.
Yes, a good one.
4
Mar 03 2023
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xx
The xx
Quietly beautiful. I love the stripped back spareness of sound. And I really like Romy’s voice - like Tracy Thorn but with more emotion and colour.
There’s a bit of mumbling, but it’s a million miles from the silly mumble whisper style of Billie Eilish.
Highly influential, something for everyone here if you have the patience to listen - and it’s only a little over 30 minutes.
4
Mar 04 2023
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
The one with Tiny Dancer! Quite dark compared to his and Taupin’s other early records. Pleasant to listen to, but doesn't shine as much as Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
3
Mar 05 2023
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Beautiful harmonies, sweet melodies. Very accessible.
Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, Guinevere, Wooden Ships, Long Time Gone - great.
However, it is very of it’s time, particularly Marrakesh Express.
4
Mar 06 2023
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Will OIdham is the darling of the music critics. I like his Americana take on a quite English sounding folk style. Pleasant.
3
Mar 07 2023
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Good, accessible and radio friendly. Five hugely popular and quality songs - notably Night Swimming and Everybody Hurts. Crossover between indie, rock, Americana and chart pop. Very accomplished.
4
Mar 08 2023
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Pretty cool! Liked it much more than the dark gangstery Moss Side Story. This is funky, jazzy and has some good guest vocalists. Lots of vibraphone, but not too kitsch.
Nothing links this to Adamson’s Magazine days!
3
Mar 09 2023
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Hms Fable
Shack
Unmistakable sound of Liverpudlian jangly guitar Brit pop (La’s, Cast, Lightning Seeds, etc). A delight, but not necessarily essential!
3
Mar 10 2023
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
6 or 7 hits and gold standards (including the imperious Anyone Who Had A Heart). Wonderful 1960s pop gem. Dusty improved, so only a high 3 stars.
3
Mar 11 2023
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Pleasant, light, but very samey (just as What's Going On is samey, but still excellent).
3
Mar 12 2023
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Mask
Bauhaus
eclectic early ‘80s resembling elements of PiL/Joy Division/Cure/Talking Heads. At times really enjoyable funky dance bass locked in with tight drums.
Generally too diverse covering lots of styles. Not bad, just too varied. A very low 3 stars
3
Mar 13 2023
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Wasn’t expecting to like this, but the riffing is excellent, catchy and pretty damn heavy. The singing isn’t my taste, but isn’t as awful as growling howling metallers are known for. Similar to Metallica from the same period without such clean melody lines and memorable tunes, nonetheless it’s actually ok to listen to.
3
Mar 14 2023
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Not as dark and heavy as earlier Sabbath. Better song development and singing, but lack of knockout riffs. Easy enough to listen to, but relatively forgettable.
3
Mar 15 2023
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Oh no, my bete noir, extremely challenging avant-garde “piece”. There is a valuable place for experimental music, but did this have to be so long?
However, it’s easier to listen to and more amusing than Marylyn Manson and other awful 1 star garbage. They rehearsed for 8 months!
2
Mar 16 2023
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Excellent quality across the very long album. Potentially the best post Beatles album, if it wasn't for being far from bitesize. I love Band On The Run, but even that is not as consistent as this. Excellent.
4
Mar 17 2023
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
It is good dance music with particularly excellent production. Very good songs with the female vocals, but I don't really like Jazzy B's talking. His commentary/poetry might work if sung or rapped with rhythm. Talking doesn't do it for me.
3
Mar 18 2023
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Fun and exactly as expected from The King. Great voice, good mix of rock n roll, pop and crooning. No enduring classics, but good short listen.
3
Mar 19 2023
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Dummy
Portishead
Dark, haunting, groovy and incredibly cool and classy. I don't feel it's aged, although many others disagree with me! Just enough time for Beth's vocal style to stay the good sign of irritating. Excellent guitar sound.
4
Mar 20 2023
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Ramones
Ramones
Short, lively stabs of garage rock without silly noisy feedback or ugly vocals. Sometimes very catchy. Good, but I was expecting even better from the reputation.
3
Mar 21 2023
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Marquee Moon
Television
Such an awesome title track that I hardly ever listen to the rest of the album. Foolish, because it’s really good in that Talking Heads way, but with more love for traditional rock rather than anti-rock for the sake of it.
Cool, not punky. A high 3 (would be a 4 for the title song on its own).
3
Mar 22 2023
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Django Django
Django Django
Begins like a John Carpenter soundtrack - very exciting. Then some catchy indie-dance reminding me of Hot Chip collaborating with Beta Band. Good music.
4
Mar 23 2023
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Some well known and good songs (albeit awfully misogynistic!): Mother's little helper, lady Jane, Under my thumb, out of time. A few blues influenced songs, but not quite dated. Some time to go before Let It Bleed etc.
3
Mar 24 2023
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Too Country for my liking, but it does end with the evergreen Memphis Tennessee.
2
Mar 25 2023
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Classic alert! Very protest, but listenable. Good mix of stripped back and full pop band. Excellent.
4
Mar 26 2023
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Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Yes, yes, yes! Funky guitar work, highly interesting lyrics and subjects. Has that punky vibe, but without the unpleasant screaming. Really enjoyable.
4
Mar 27 2023
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Pleasant enough, but a little boring.
2
Mar 28 2023
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Knowing the gentle nature of lead single Where Are We Now, I was surprised to find this very much a rock album sounding similar to the funk rock songs from the famed Berlin period.
This will delight fans of Bowie’s late ‘70s period. Good.
4
Mar 29 2023
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
One of my favourites up there with Sign O the Times and Hard Days Night.
Perfect culmination of Stevie’s golden album era. Excellent pop, rock, funk, soul, ballads, jazz - and he often plays all the instruments! Magnificent.
Only small criticism would be that a few songs are a bit too long, but not “As”, which is perfect!
5
Mar 30 2023
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
A bit like Iron Maiden, so not awful, but not as good! A low three.
3
Mar 31 2023
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Ok, reasonably catchy and edgy. Quite 4AD. Low three
3
Apr 01 2023
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Metallica
Metallica
Memorable riffs and some genuine classic rock songs (all five excellent singles) - all well played and bellowed (I like Hetfield’s range). More accessible than earlier Metallica, but still a bit too thrashy overall for my taste across the entire album.
A four because the singles are excellent.
4
Apr 02 2023
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Among The Living
Anthrax
Too thrashy for my liking.
2
Apr 03 2023
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
Good, upbeat synth pop music with "novelty" guitar song! Gets under your skin and is pretty infectious.
4
Apr 04 2023
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Excellent blues rock and musicianship, but some cringey vocal antics. Quite disjointed in places. Led Zeppelin II is better all round.
3
Apr 05 2023
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American Gothic
David Ackles
Sounds like show tunes done by an admirer of Jacques Brel and Scott Walker. Not as interesting as Taupin’s work with Elton John. Not awful.
3
Apr 06 2023
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
My older sister was obsessed with Morten and by association I also loved and played this album a lot in 1985/86. The perfect package of cool, handsome guys that girls fancied and boys wanted to be, coupled with cool synth pop that you can dance to or do your homework to. The epitome of cool. And I just discovered that Take On Me gas the perfect beat and drum pattern for my morning running!
It’s been over 35 years since I last listened to the full album and I can’t fathom why. This is utterly brilliant synth pop easily as accomplished as Lexicon Of Love, Dare, Low Life, New Gold Dream, Sweet Dreams, Music For The Masses, The Innocents… you get the theme.
Five stars without doubt.
5
Apr 07 2023
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LP1
FKA twigs
At first I didn’t like the high pitched wailing and bleeps, but it got under my skin and could feel the sexiness. There are hints of The XX but far raunchier and more experimental.
Not really my thing, but I can understand the critical acclaim.
3
Apr 08 2023
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
Very UK mod-ish in that late 80s/90s style giving respect to Kinks and the Who and also The Jam.
I always liked this Blur album and although it doesn't get heard as much as the following celebrated albums it certainly stands up well in their discography.
3
Apr 09 2023
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1977
Ash
Youthful garage rock energy combined with very catchy pop melodies and choruses. Like the The Undertones for my generation. Great singles (checkout "Intergalactic 7s"), but I feel "Free All Angels" and the heavier "Meltdown" might be even better.
4
Apr 10 2023
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Superb! Musically catchy as hell, lyrically nasty as hell. My favourite Elvis Costello and Attractions LP. Fast paced anti-love songs - only slightly slows for Little Triggers. Love, love love.
4
Apr 11 2023
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Surprisingly bland, even boring. Never really seen the fuss about Get It On or Jeepster. Disappointing.
2
Apr 12 2023
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Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
A bit too twangy country for me. I do like Emmylou, but have never been able to enjoy country Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers or solo Gram Parsons.
Nothing wrong with this, I just don’t care for the style.
2
Apr 13 2023
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
I’m open minded and willing to try something different and outside my comfort zone, but this certainly meets expectations. Mostly slow and boring and way (“wayayayayeahairohwohoh…”) too much wailing - literally no space without her singing, ever. Not enough faster hip hop beats.
Maybe four ok songs: Honey, Bones Thugs collaboration, Butterfly remix dominated by other more powerful singers and the Prince cover thankfully not killing the original.
2
Apr 14 2023
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
Like an amazing blend of Aztec Camera, House of Love and Prefab Sprout. It really is that lovely. Not about the riffs, but pretty pop songs. Streets Of Your Town is an immediately wonderful favourite. Can't wait to hear another of their albums.
4
Apr 15 2023
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Dream pop indeed. Vocally similar to Kate Bush (particularly The Dreaming album). Smooth indie, covering chorused guitars, synthpop and other smooth styles.
Good unique sound, certainly worth hearing before I die, but I'm still not won over as a proper fan.
3
Apr 16 2023
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Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
Good, sophisticated 198ps wine bar pop music. I like Tracy Thorns voice - sounds like she's bored but it works well. A high 3.
3
Apr 17 2023
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
I can sense the relaxed enjoyment from the players, some wonderful jazz/classical piano, but overall just a sense of over-rated, over-hyped celebratory. Competent, but not the best Latin album on this list by a long shot.
3
Apr 18 2023
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Fun, sweet, a bit too ethereal , so pleasant background music. Would be good in a Sunday afternoon. I like the effects laden bass and guitar.
3
Apr 19 2023
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Voice sounds a little bit like Lou Reed, better maybe. Songs are sweet about relationships and animals. Pleasant, but I’ll not be returning. Low three.
3
Apr 20 2023
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
It’s got the big rock, funk, blues and pretty songs PLUS Kashmir. Many pieces overstay their welcome - 4 minute ditties please!
The arrangements are a bit busy too. For example I’d have preferred a slightly stripped back Trampled.
Led Zeppelin II remains the benchmark. A low 4?
4
Apr 21 2023
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
I listened to the original 5 track album. Very good fun jazz. Superb soloing. Beautiful smooth bass sax and trumpet soloing. Mostly fast danceable rhythm.
Really very good.
4
Apr 22 2023
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Goo
Sonic Youth
Starts off well. Some proper tunes, but still lots of squall. Marginally more accessible, but still not worth the critical acclaim. Like the follow up, Dirty, I'll give this 3.
3
Apr 23 2023
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Face to Face
The Kinks
Fun English 60s pop record. Actual lp didn't contain the excellent Dead End Street, nonetheless this is a fine collection of mid 60s typical Kinks social observation songs.
3
Apr 24 2023
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Very much two separate albums. I preferred Andre 3000‘s “The Love Below” with its Parliament/Funkadelic/n*e*r*d/Prince vibe. Humourous and fun.
Big Boi’s Speakerboxxx is a well produced hip hop album, not aggressive, but still proliferated with the n-word and bragging. Music is good and relatively varied.
3
Apr 25 2023
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Closer
Joy Division
Very timely - saw Peter Hook & The Light playing Unknown Pleasures and Closer just last week!
Musically more sophisticated, intricate and occasionally heavier than Unknown Pleasures. More synths, which I like, but I don’t think quite as entertaining as the debut.
3 out of 5.
3
Apr 26 2023
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Viva Hate
Morrissey
A few cracking songs which have become classics. Overall not as strong as Smiths, but good.
3
Apr 27 2023
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
Slightly irritatingly "right on" lyrics, but nothing Stevie Wonder wouldn't have sung. Obviously influenced by The Beatles and Wonder and a little Hendrix - no bad thing when done well.
Very enjoyable from my nostalgic standpoint and what appeals to me. But I already knew this!
4
Apr 28 2023
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Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Along with Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, this is an obvious jump point, if not actual influence to Dylan, Byrd's et al. Very rootsy blues/folk.
Not a fan of the yodel/howl!
2
Apr 29 2023
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Good rollicking rock n roll - hardly slows. Surprisingly not as many hooks and catchy choruses as would be expected from such a top selling album. Classic Springsteen storytelling. Terrifically misunderstood title song!
4
Apr 30 2023
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Jangly, beatlesque, sweet harmonies. Pleasant and short (half an hour), but can't help thinking that music had changed with Rubber Soul and Revolver. Thankfully not as "country" as later albums.
3
May 01 2023
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
Here we go again with silly gangster / sex bragging and swearing.
2
May 02 2023
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Tommy
The Who
Never really understood the acclaim. Didn’t “get” the film either. A few excellent songs should not necessarily make a phenomenon. Low three for good intentions.
Underwhelmed. Bring on Who’s Next, please.
3
May 03 2023
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Chris
Christine and the Queens
Awesome synth pop dance. Love the sound of 80s brought bang up to date. Great.
4
May 04 2023
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
A grown up, warm rock album. Nothing too testing, some interesting lyrics, melodies and tunes. Obviously Killing Moon is the highlight and overall an enjoyable listen, worth another play to get under my skin.
A strong, even high three.
3
May 05 2023
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The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
Enjoyed "Missed", but rest is poor garage rock. Sonics and Black Monks are far better.
2
May 06 2023
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I like the three rock tracks, although the long songs are over-jammed. Surprised this is 1969 and so early in Neil's oevre.
3
May 07 2023
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Arise
Sepultura
I don't enjoy this kind of thrash metal, so I'm only going to give 2 stars. It's not as awful or worthless as my 1 star ratings.
2
May 08 2023
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Proper soundtrack mixing 60s and 70s soul with lush orchestration. Theme From Shaft and Do Your Thing are funk highlights. The rest are smooth soul. Very good, but I prefer Curtis Mayfield's song based soundtrack for Superfly in the blaxploitation genre.
3
May 09 2023
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Very smooth, mellow and calm. Quiet and minimalist.
3
May 10 2023
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
Haha! Yesterday’s choice was Getz/Gilberto very mellow, quiet samba jazz album and today it’s noisy thrash metal from Slayer - literally sublime to ridiculous.
Too noisy and thrashy for my taste (same as for recent Sepultura, Megadeath, Anthrax, some Metallica, etc).
Thankfully over within 30 minutes.
2
May 11 2023
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The World is a Ghetto
War
Good early 70s fusion of funk, jazz and rock and a hint of country too. Mellow moments as well as straight up funk. Good horns.
3
May 12 2023
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Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Melodic guitar pop songs under a squall of feedback. A different approach! Very english mid 1980s indie/alternative rock. Influential. Worth hearing once.
3
May 13 2023
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Opus Dei
Laibach
As admirable and fun as it is to mix military classical, popular middle ground rock and industrial noise along with a dose of local politiking, I'm sadly outside the joke and the culture and don't really "get" this. I'd rather actually listen to Queen or Opus, but kudos for putting it together AND getting picked for the 1001 albums book.
2
May 14 2023
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Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Really enjoying this. A bit of dub, a bit of Arabic world music, a snippet of 80s indie - all with a positive feel. Only negative is Wobble’s voice which I’m sure he’d agree is not very good! A high three stars.
3
May 15 2023
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New Wave
The Auteurs
It’s quite good, like a cynical and more guitar heavy Divine Comedy. I can see how it snuck in at the start of “Brit-Pop” and has aged better.
3
May 16 2023
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Gorgeous singing, lovely piano playing. Really relaxing and slow tempo. Was everywhere for a year or two when it came out. Sadly also very boring! But it is well crafted sweet Nashville jazz.
3
May 17 2023
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Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
I found it a bit of a trial. It’s Eno, so I wanted to enjoy it, but it was mostly too experimental and psychedelic.
2
May 18 2023
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90
808 State
Turn of the decade listenable rave techno a bit like Orbital. So much better than The Shamen of the same period (still no idea why Boss Drum is included in this list).
3
May 19 2023
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Highly Evolved
The Vines
Entertaining rock. Mixture of slow moody songs with the faster raucous. I can hear occasionally the Nirvana influence, but a good tight set of straight forward rockers.
3
May 20 2023
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Scott 4
Scott Walker
Strong voice, good storytelling. Still sounds like anglicised Brel.
3
May 21 2023
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Elephant
The White Stripes
Great fun, good riffs. Nicely paying homage to 50s/60s rock and blues. Good link to Raconteurs and Brendan Benson's power pop work.
4
May 22 2023
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Kid A
Radiohead
Just a few songs amongst the textures and moodscapes (everything, national anthem, idioteque, optimistic). Amazingly it actually translates well to a concert setting, but I’m not all that impressed by the album as a whole.
2
May 23 2023
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Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
Beautifully clear and controlled voice. Good mix of laidback and upbeat jazzy pop. Vaguely similar to Randy Crawford and The Crusaders, but more Bossanova.
4
May 24 2023
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
Quite melodic rock. Less guitar noodling than Led Zep and more middle of the road singing (a favourable comparison to Robert Plant). Ok.
3
May 25 2023
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
Mostly upbeat pop. Very listenable PSB album. I'm very fond of Actually, so am not sure if this is better, but it is very good with no filler.
4
May 26 2023
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Infected
The The
Now you're onto my taste! Still with the synths hanging over from previous Soul Mining album, but with addition of real full band instrumentation and excellent backing vocals from guests like Neneh Cherry and Tessa Niles.
Matt Johnson’s musings are still overly bleak and introspective, but now include wider world view subject matter.
Magnificent.
5
May 27 2023
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Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
All the punk attributes, not awful but very little of interest. Lack of riffs albeit catchy choruses. High two.
2
May 28 2023
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Heavily indebted to Bowie and New Order. Mostly good fun indie electro-clash dance music.
3
May 29 2023
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I needed a 2nd proper listen to really hear the post punk Joy Division-inspiring sound. It really has punk energy with progressive rock sound from the cymbal-less tribal drums and screechy (in a good way) guitars.
I gather it was genuinely a first of its kind among the straight forward punk records of ‘76-‘78, however I prefer the early ‘80s sound of JuJu with the other rhythm section.
3
May 30 2023
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Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
Long mostly bluesy jams, some a little psychedelic (and 7 minutes of feedback to ignore - helpfully labelled “feedback”). Not bad.
3
May 31 2023
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
It’s like Katy Perry singing for Depeche Mode or New Order. I love this dark, mature icy electro-pop. I can hear the indie/alt rock influence on the song writing. A great new discovery for me.
4
Jun 01 2023
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Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
But too country, although I liked Boxcars
2
Jun 02 2023
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Slayed?
Slade
Neither heavy metal nor Zeppelin-style blues noodling. Better than Status Quo and T-Rex. Fun like AC-DC but with less memorable riffs. Great raw guitar tone. High 3
3
Jun 03 2023
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
One of my favourites - certainly favourite album by an ex-Beatle. Always been a fan of Paul’s excellent pop and knack for melody. I don’t mind that his music is less “worthy” or serious as John’s. Great tunes. Another superb album cover.
Those tracks which aren't fully formed excellent songs are still very good ideas albeit underdeveloped.
4
Jun 04 2023
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
I really enjoyed the guitar riff on the first track, but the rest is not bossa nova enough for me - bit too folky. Sweet gentle guitar work, but little that makes me return.
3
Jun 05 2023
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
Scuzzy, lo-fi, but ok apart from the noisy and unmusical last track. 2 and half.
2
Jun 06 2023
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
Great - 5 out of 9 are more or less essential. The slide guitar country tracks grow on you, but are not classic.
4
Jun 07 2023
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Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
In the same “art” mould as Throbbing Gristle. Industrial noises. I don’t appreciate the art or hear any music. Glad I only took 30 second samples across each track so I got through it in 15 minutes.
1
Jun 08 2023
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A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
Slightly disappointed after such glowing reviews by many critics. Clearly an accomplished musician and producer, but only a few songs are particularly strong (the later medley certainly). More creative control and filtering please!
3
Jun 09 2023
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
Usual thing - I don’t like aggressive sweary gangsta rap. Music is quite good, well sampled and produced.
2
Jun 10 2023
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Over-rated, a few good funk tracks, but too much of the album sounds similar, like one very long song. Excellent bass playing and beautiful noble, if naive message. Lovely sound, but just not The Best Album In The World as so many critics claim. Very good all the same.
4
Jun 11 2023
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
I want to like Randy Newman as a cooler Billy Joel. His songs are clever and he gets right inside the characters. Some is great, but perhaps like Dylan, others cover him better?
3
Jun 12 2023
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Indie alternative and dream pop. Different. Influential. Still not going to be listening to this much again. What can beat Massive Attack’s Teardrop?
3
Jun 13 2023
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
Interesting vocal play. I hear the Bjork influence. Different. Don’t really like it though.
3
Jun 14 2023
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
Good quality country covering bluegrass with banjo and violins and also country ballads and storytelling. Just too country and twangy for my taste.
2
Jun 15 2023
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Yes, enjoyable fusion jazz apart from overlong drum soloing and final vocal song. Good fusion, I like the electric keyboards.
4
Jun 16 2023
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Ok, not really sure what the fuss is about. I did enjoy the ambience of the concert and audience to take me to the gig. But is it really that special?
3
Jun 17 2023
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
Superior hip hop. Don't mind the swearing, glad it's not gangster rubbish. Enjoy the jazzy samples.
3
Jun 18 2023
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Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
Good 60s rock with excellent organ. Crazy as a box of frogs narration by Stanley Unwin of side 2s psychedelic quest story.
3
Jun 19 2023
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A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
Polished, intelligent and mature carefully crafted beautiful pop. Like a less avant-garde Talk Talk. Very slick and I can hear why these guys are adored by critics. Not sure I’m going to listen often enough for 4 stars, but it is very well executed. Ok then, 4.
4
Jun 20 2023
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Being There
Wilco
A bit too long, but good 8ndie rock with some pretty alt-country added for old times sake. Quite Rolling Stones on places.
3
Jun 21 2023
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
I wanted to like this when it came out, but I don’t really enjoy the art noise of Radiohead. Kid A was probably a bit better.
2
Jun 22 2023
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
Not for me, although I did hear Corey’s versatile voice change in one sentence from growl/scream to relatively pleasant US rock singing. Kudos Corey!
1
Jun 23 2023
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Some of the organ and drumming got pretty funk-jazzy in one or two bits, but most was 70s space-age synth noodling and then Greg Lake’s boring folk. I read that ELP concerts were spectacular, but based on this I would stay at home and read.
2
Jun 24 2023
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
Incredibly polished mid 80s studio produced commercial pop. Could only have been made in studios of the mid 1980s. Slick, upbeat, vocals a little under mixed. Not as lovely as Prefab Sprout or x-factor as Culture Club. I couldn’t make out the lyrics, so will listen again - as I gather they’re clever. Sound is so 80’s!!
3
Jun 25 2023
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The Joshua Tree
U2
BIG important 80s album when I was 13. Absolutely loved this LP. Still sounds good. Hard to find a better first three sonhsshit singles on an LP that isn’t a Greatest Hits compilation!
4
Jun 26 2023
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It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
Superb rhythm and blues soul. Wonderfully performed. Better than the two Van Morrison Greatest Hits collections? Perhaps.
4
Jun 27 2023
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Music
Madonna
Good follow up to Ray of Light with some harder house and some indie songs. Awful version of American Pie with unnecessary nursery music.
3
Jun 28 2023
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
Comedy vocals with a blues tinge. Experimental music. Reminds me of Beefheart. And Throbbing Gristle (but far more musical, albeit stripped back). Great arty gimmicky eyeball anonymous image.
2
Jun 29 2023
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
Good and interesting mix of Latin and modern and folk.
3
Jun 30 2023
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Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
It’s Zappa, so I expected puerile silliness. Wasn’t expecting Zappa sounds and phrases that continue to appear throughout his other works this early in his oeuvre. Clever to hear his mimic/pastiches of contemporary styles.
Not a keeper for me. I’ll stick to Hot Rats, Grand Wazoo and live at the Roxy, but if it was shorter it might pass as entry level Zappa.
2
Jul 01 2023
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
Good to hear Stepping Stone, but nothing else elevates over other 60s garage rock/pop.
2
Jul 02 2023
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
Less quirky than White Stripes, more focussed and "mature" songs with good singing, guitar riffs and piano. High 3, might be as good as a 4 after multiple listens.
3
Jul 03 2023
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
I’ve always enjoyed this album. An expansive sound and feel with some great bass playing from Jaco Pastorius. It’s not particularly easy to dip in and out. I think it’s much more of a textured whole album listening experience and surprisingly works well as background music too. A high 3, but not immediate enough for the big 4.
3
Jul 04 2023
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
Some brilliance (History), some excellent indie rock (This is music), some cool funky indie (Life's an ocean), some charming acoustic/strings on a par with Drugs don't work (On my own), some vaguely interesting indie shoegaze noodling (A northern star). The rest is weak.
3
Jul 05 2023
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Technique
New Order
An essential New Order album, completely showcasing the rock-meets-dance nature of their music. Superb.
5
Jul 06 2023
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Bleep bleep. Laid back electronica, but it's not Kraftwerk!
2
Jul 07 2023
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Guero
Beck
Very cool! Funky, hip hop beats and slacker coolness. Everything you expect from Beck. Comparable to Oderlay and Midnight Vultures.
4
Jul 08 2023
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
Very unbritish rock. Joe's voice is better in later LPS. About 5 superior songs including standout "Photograph". High 3.
3
Jul 09 2023
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Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
Was expecting fey folk, but got some beautifully sung songs, pop, blues, rock and roll. Autopsy and Sailor are my standouts. Really surprised I like this! High three.
3
Jul 10 2023
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Much more reggae-lite than I recalled, but still very catchy. The controlled pacing of Walking On The Moon never fails to impress - such a good groove. All the singles are so impressive - Message in a Bottle is fabulous. Great bite, pop hooks and tight playing.
The Police hardly put a foot wrong with their five albums.
4
Jul 11 2023
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Timeless
Goldie
Good, but too long. Mellow almost ambient d&b. Ok.
3
Jul 12 2023
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Electric
The Cult
“Y-air, yeah, yeah, yay-air, ye-hay-air!”Thought I’d already reviewed this because I listen to it so often, must have mixed it up with AC-DC or Zeppelin! Riffs everywhere. All the different ways to say “yeah”!
Influences stolen from all over, love The Beatles in Aphrodisiac Jacket. Simply outstanding balls out rock and roll. Amazed few other reviewers agree with me - hey-ho, never mind.
5
Jul 13 2023
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
Cracking wordplay and hilarious narrative. Tawdry British young people’s social low life (drugs, gambling, pulling, late night chippies, stealing lovers), but so cleverly described. Humourous and worth hearing the whole album for the final conclusion.
4
Jul 14 2023
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I Against I
Bad Brains
Noisy and messy in an unfocused way. I can’t hear the riffs. I did prefer the second half of the album, but still a bit mid ‘80s unfocused heavy rock, but thankfully not thrash or just industrial.
2
Jul 15 2023
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
I guess it does what Eno intended. Bloody boring.
2
Jul 16 2023
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
Superbly infectious hook. The main 20 minute piece is essential, the others considerably less so.
4
Jul 17 2023
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
Fairly eclectic - straight rock, thrash, RHCP style rap/funk rock, Queen style theatrical rock, jazz rock - everything!
3
Jul 18 2023
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Afrobeat funk jazz. Love it. Think of Remain In Light side A along with Fela Kuti 1970 funk jazz. Lots of sax and trumpet.
4
Jul 19 2023
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#1 Record
Big Star
Very Beatles sounding after the initial Robert Plant/glam rock wailing. I enjoyed this much more than the third album. Thirteen was a standout song.
3
Jul 20 2023
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Very eclectic. Blur frontman’s anything goes multimedia project - unleashing the shackles of anyone telling Damon what he can and can’t do.
Mostly hip-hop beats, but a bit of almost anything added to electronica and alt-rock and even some Latin. Comparable to Beck with clearer singing. Half is good. The singles definitely work well.
History shows the project was a success. So I’ll round up to Four for genuine fashion and cultural influence and chart busting hits.
4
Jul 21 2023
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
Ok, quite good music, varied rap vocal styles. Very few aggressive, abrasive raps. I see the attraction and intelligence. Just not my style.
3
Jul 22 2023
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Starts off sounding like Eno took the Station To Station tapes and added his vocal! I really thought I’d accidentally put on Stay! No problems copying his Bowie work, pity his vocals are not as exciting.
Second half is into Eno’s ambient project - a but dull for my taste.
A low three since two would be extremely harsh given the musicality.
3
Jul 23 2023
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
More singing than rapping and this is a good thing to showcase the album as modern R&B closer to Aaliyah than Jay-z.
I like it. Laid back, smooth, good singing.
3
Jul 24 2023
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Orbital 2
Orbital
I remember this at the time. Good, sensible techno. As always, overlong and repetitive, but really interesting catchy melodies/hooks. Lucky to see some of their set at Glastonbury 1995.
3
Jul 25 2023
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
Nicely pitched between electro-funk disco and Elton John/Steely Dan. Very well sung by Jake Shears and music is good fun and accessible. Very enjoyable. Might become a 5 star favourite in a few more listens.
4
Jul 26 2023
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Wild Gift
X
Starts off with some rocking riffs and female vocals, then a gentler song - refreshingly beyond punk, then reverts to more punky territory via classic rock n roll and rockabilly. Good energy, good guitar playing, just not quite up there for me.
3
Jul 27 2023
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Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Funky house music, better than Daft Punk, fewer big beats than Fatboy Slim and not as techno as Chemical Brothers.
Good.
3
Jul 28 2023
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Liquid Swords
GZA
What’s happening to me? I actually liked the sound of this hard hip hop. Maybe it’s the kung fu film clips or the fast rhythmic rapping, but this actually did not grate. I might even listen again!
4
Jul 29 2023
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Follow The Leader
Korn
Was expecting similar to Slipknot. Not as heavy or industrial. Nothing awful, but nothing special to my ears, so 2.5.
2
Jul 30 2023
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
Far more funky than Human League (sounds like real 1980s slap bass, not a bass-synth, but I might be wrong). "Right on" anti-establishment political lyrics are vaguely interesting, but a bit embarrassing.
Vocal is deep and a good cross between Japan's David Sylvian and Human League.
A good "sister" album to Dare.
4
Jul 31 2023
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
A great Prince mimic, even the dance moves. Arrogance weakened his later works although his third LP is underated and fantastic.
4
Aug 01 2023
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
More bluesy than the folk / rock of Goldrush and Harvest. I liked Lookout Joe.
3
Aug 02 2023
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
Enjoyable hip-hop soul with some rapping. High 3
3
Aug 03 2023
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Sweet choir boy voice reminiscent of Buckley.
Beautiful, but a teeny bit boring after a while, but did I just hear Rufus Wainwright on one of the songs?
3
Aug 04 2023
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
Starts brilliantly with the awesome Celebrity Skin title track/single. The rest is good rock with a hint of grunge (four years or more had passed since Live Through This and grunge rock's finest period).
Love's singing ranges from ballsy rock to clean singing to ugly grunge/punk, sometimes in the same phrase!
3
Aug 05 2023
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Not as good or catchy as Rumours, but similar.
3
Aug 06 2023
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Slightly disappointed as only half the songs are great. Big fan of Suzanne Vega, but I mis-remembered more "under the skin" songs on her 1st LP.
3
Aug 07 2023
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Very gentle, well sung. Quiet and pretty bossa nova. Sweet for a relaxing sunny day.
3
Aug 08 2023
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Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Long album, but packed with good music. Sometimes sounding like Steely Dan, sometimes like Beach Boys and sometimes like early 70s guitar rock. Enjoyed far more than the other Rundgren long album.
4
Aug 09 2023
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Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
Roots blues, very very repetitive. Not enough variety to really enjoy, but well played nonetheless. Two and half stars.
2
Aug 10 2023
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Suede
Suede
Not as boring as I expected or remembered - and not as good as it is purported to be. Some good rock songs and some pretty quieter songs. Ok.
3
Aug 11 2023
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
Lovely - similar to Teenage Fan Club. Sweet vocals and 60s sun kissed melodies with occasional squalling guitar and feedback. A bit like Pavement crossed with Pixies crossed with Beach Boys.
Obviously Lazarus is the huge hit and key song, but it’s all sweet and pretty guitar power pop.
Their next LP, Wake Up, is wonderful.
4
Aug 12 2023
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
More solo albums from the CSN+Y gents. Stephen Stills has a soulful, raspy bluesy voice. I like it. His songs cover the range of folk, pop and rock.
Solid, but not amazing.
3
Aug 13 2023
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
Not enough going on. Over reliant on the same reverb/slap back effect. Best piece, "Theme" (NME single of the week in its day), doesn't come along until after 40 mins.
2
Aug 14 2023
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
A fantastic folk rock album and as equally good an entry point to Young's fine music as Harvest.
4
Aug 15 2023
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Amidst breakups and reunions they still managed to improve on their second album and produce excellent pop songs and groove jams. Timeless soulful and groove based rock.
4
Aug 16 2023
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Palo Congo
Sabu
Latin bongo music. That’s it really. Thanks.
2
Aug 17 2023
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Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
Great - I still really like Fairport Convention's folk rock having only listened to this and the following LP as recommended by this 1001 list.
4
Aug 18 2023
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Da Capo
Love
Quite varied. Still not won over by Arthur Lee and Love.
2
Aug 19 2023
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Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
It has the important big hits, but is a bit too waily in a U2 style. Nonetheless not bad.
3
Aug 20 2023
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
So-so. Surprisingly gruff voice for a Beach Boy. Songs were varied mix of 70s rock and pop - nothing cheesy, but nothing amazing either.
2
Aug 21 2023
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I enjoyed this album. The Attractions, particularly piano and bass, are excellent with the varied styles of pop and light rock. Costello sings strongly and with more word play and feel than spite.
Although This Years Model is my favourite, Imperial Bedroom has good pop songs and rolls along well.
4
Aug 22 2023
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Not too country for me. Singing is clear, but just not my taste.
2
Aug 23 2023
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Less eclectic and more settled on his 1980s style. Interesting and at times arresting for it’s lyrical content. I didn’t know Kate Bush sang the “Jeux Sans Frontieres” line.
3
Aug 24 2023
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Very entertaining and feels like I’m really at this performance. Good roots rock'n'roll - miles from yeehaw country. What a deep, velvety voice.
4
Aug 25 2023
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
Good collection. Not so keen on the Byrds twangy country section, but the rest is high class CSN&Y.
3.5
3
Aug 26 2023
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Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
I really enjoy Rod Stewart’s ‘60s and ‘70s music and singing. His work with the Faces and particularly Ron Wood and Ian McLagan is excellent: bluesy, soulful, melodic.
Rod’s a superstar for a reason. It’s a pity my generation and younger don’t like him as much for his excellent blues/soul first 10 years work.
4
Aug 27 2023
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
When originally released I enjoyed the clever novelty of "TV" and punk musical references in "California".
Beats are ok, music is a little industrial, voice is strong (not quite Chuck D, but similar) but socially conscious lecturing irritates after 30 minutes! Pity that Franti doesn't sing more as he has a slight Gil Scot Heron style on "Music and Politics", the one song where he breaks away from rapping.
Kudos for trying to educate America.
3
Aug 28 2023
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Quite good fun 60s jangly and occasionally psychedelic music, before the Byrd's got too country.
3
Aug 29 2023
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So
Peter Gabriel
Very 1980s production, which is a good thing with this kind of material. Not sure if Genesis copied this LP or vice versa, but In Your Eyes could be lifted from albums like Invisible Touch or later.
Big Time is essentially a remake of Sledgehammer, which is fine in my books.
The only criticism I have for the arresting and brilliant Don't Give Up is that Tony Levin's superb bass groove in the last minute is not extended - gets right under the skin. And how does Gabriel bring out such quality from all those good collaborations (Kate Bush, Lori Anderson, Youssou N'Dour, Jim Kerr, Stewart Copeland, PP Arnold, Tony Levin...) Fantastic and very atmospheric and evocative of the serious nature political popstars found themselves in during the mid 1980s. Gets better on subsequent listens.
It's not all just doesn't get going even if it's all about the lyrics; We Do What We're Told is an indulgent unfinished experiment that doesn't catch fire.
Overall very impressive
4
Aug 30 2023
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Not as strong as Are You Experienced or Electric Ladyland. Less than half is great (Little Wing, Castles…, Bold as Love, Floating, Little Miss Lover), but too much backwards guitar experimental treatment and weird psychedelic noodling.
3
Aug 31 2023
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Arular
M.I.A.
I enjoyed Kala when it was recommended and I equally enjoyed this. Great fun, good beats, innovative noises. Quite different to conventional hip hop.
4
Sep 01 2023
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
My memory says 5 star and after listening again … it’s a five star classic! We all know the tunes, great singalong. Catchy as hell and some beautiful singing, melodies and light orchestration. Beautiful, thoughtful, then upbeat, world beat, rock’n’roll.
There are few albums deserving all the accolades and this is one.
Should be in everyone’s collection.
5
Sep 02 2023
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Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
Weird noisy stuff. I can see how Kurt Cobain could be influenced by some of this and I did hear a melodic guitar riff in the last “song”. It might be slightly disingenuous to give it one star, but it really was not an enjoyable listen.
2
Sep 03 2023
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Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
Pretty in Pink is good. Bass and drums are excellent. Vocal always irritated me, but the sound for 1981 is good post punk and pre stadium rock. Not brilliant, but they did have a huge cult following.
3
Sep 04 2023
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Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
Somewhere between punk, hardcore, '80s "hair" metal and lo-fi noise experimental styles of Sonic Youth. Easy to hear the connection and influence on grunge and Nirvana.
Nonetheless, I don't like it much and thankful I only listened to the original 6 track LP plus The Rose to see how differently they interpreted it to Bette Midler's classic version (actually not too badly in their scuzzy rock style).
2
Sep 05 2023
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Movies
Holger Czukay
Was expecting a “noodling” CAN/ELP/YES-style escapade and it was better than expected, but still a bit weird. First song was fairly funky, but I’m not going to be listening again. 2.5 stars.
3
Sep 06 2023
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
I've always liked the singles particularly Careering and Memories. It's really the bass and drums that I enjoy mixed in with icy synths and with guitar reminiscent of Martin Hamnett producing Joy Division.
Way too long songs and Levine's guitar work is hit and miss. All the drummers seem to get it right along with Jah Wobble's delicious groovy basslines.
John Lydon's singing is mostly dreadful, of course. I realise he's trying to irritate and push our buttons and show just how non-rock and "clever" he is. He hits it right with the astonishingly awful Chant. A nadir.
However, unlike most reviews, I kind of enjoyed much of the album, although it was so very long.
I'll give it a 3 because there are at least four songs I'll choose again.
3
Sep 07 2023
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Stankonia
OutKast
Good mixture of harder rapping and Prince-style sexy pop with a preoccupation with sex. Varied music. Fairly good. I already knew and enjoy two singles, Ms Jackson and So Fresh, So Clean.
3
Sep 08 2023
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World Clique
Deee-Lite
Pleasant funky house/dance music with the world conquering essential Groove Is In The Heart. Nothing offensive, very accessible dance music. Good grooves and singing.
3
Sep 09 2023
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
Very “emo” quite depressing lyrics which are harsh to listen to in retrospect of Chester's suicide.
A successful blend of heavy rock, rap, electronica and acceleration rock. Two singers range from rap to rock screaming with accessible singing in between. Guitar riffs are thick and beefy. Neither too hardcore, ugly or industrial. Like Faith No More, but higher ratio of good songs.
Pretty good - a 3.5 stars. I also throughly enjoyed the Jay-Z collaboration mini album.
3
Sep 10 2023
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We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
I like Zappa's rock blues guitar playing and funky jazz, but this early pastiche or send up of doo-wap and psychedelic late 60s pop and rock is just silly and lacks artistry.
2
Sep 11 2023
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G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
Album is too long and overstays its welcome. 40 minutes is a good album length. In direct contrast to yesterday's Linkin Park "Hybrid Theory" this is light guitar, roots blues, skiffle, rockabilly drumming and lethargic rapping about generally positive, albeit bland subjects. A rootsy bluesy version of Fun Lovin Criminals? Surprisingly infectious, but still way too long!
3
Sep 12 2023
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Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
I like this. Less refined and catchy as the later album with Sex On Fire etc, but a good guitar sound reminiscent of The Strokes. Accomplished drumming and bass too. Singing is pretty rapid fire, but not unpleasant. High 3 stars.
3
Sep 13 2023
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Very influential on UK 1960s blues rock. Good riffs. Mayall’s singing is a bit variable, doesn’t always hit the mark. Naturally Clapton’s playing is excellent. The band are tight.
Could do without the extended drum solo in What’d I Say, but this is redeemed with Clapton’s Daytripper riff!
3
Sep 14 2023