Apr 20 2024
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Don't Throw Stones
THE SPORTS
Good energetic rock n roll (not punk)
3
Apr 21 2024
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A City Dressed In Dynamite
That Handsome Devil
Rockabilly with some cool hip-hop vibes from time to time. Worth a listen because The Cramps and Stray Cats are my only other references!
3
Apr 22 2024
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Daisies Of The Galaxy
Eels
Indie music crossing over with Beck and guitar driven rock.
3
Apr 23 2024
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Forced Witness
Alex Cameron
Indie pop music crossing over with Beck and simple guitar pop. An 80s feel with quirky lyrics that strangely remind me of John Grant for some reason.
3
Apr 24 2024
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Enema Of The State
blink-182
Really enjoyable, albeit slightly juvenile, power pop. Hardly any hardcore punk and so much sleeker and more radio-friendly than, say, Green Day’s “Dookie” or Offspring or Sum…
3
Apr 25 2024
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Nonagon Infinity
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Another Australian obscurity. It gets better as the album progresses although there is a definite riff through the first two songs. Not really my thing, but certainly more melodic as it goes on and not quite as “hard” rock as it first appears.
2
Apr 26 2024
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Music For People In Trouble
Susanne Sundfør
Beautifully sung and mostly very sparse arrangements. Starts well, like a purer Lana Del Rey, then, for me, just gets a bit boring. However, i can see why it has been submitted as a strong “album to hear before you die” in the same vein as fellow Scandinavian Bjork’s minimalist folk albums.
2
Apr 27 2024
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The Black Parade
My Chemical Romance
Accessible concept rock album with shades of Queen in some lead guitar sounds and quirky Vaudeville/music hall tunes. Some good pop songs.
Yes, I think it's worthy of inclusion.
3
Apr 28 2024
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Oncle Jazz
Men I Trust
Dream pop. Pleasant and ethereal. Reminds me a bit of the gentle feeling induced from those old Cafe del mar mellow Ibiza dance CDs.
3
Apr 29 2024
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Ænima
TOOL
Serious hard and heavy rock in the Sabbath zone. Shane the good lyrics are a little muffled. Not a bad choice for inclusion in the list.
3
Apr 30 2024
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Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera
Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera
Elements of Who, Kinks and Beatles. I preferred the New Orleans and more traditional blues songs.
Not bad for an obscure late ‘60s group, but better represented by the more famous bands.
3
May 01 2024
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Boys And Girls in America
The Hold Steady
Like a rockier Counting Crows. I like the storytelling and the piano. Classic rock done properly! Riffs and grooves, but not too heavy or grungy. Although I like the lyrical content that I could make out, I’m not a fan of the over talkative vocal style (Springsteen just about gets right).
Excellent and worthy inclusion nonetheless.
4
May 02 2024
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King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown
King Tubby
Thank you for adding in some dub reggae (as opposed to superstar Marley, Tong, Toots). Not essential, but good to hear and test the bass speakers! First half is entertaining then it gets boring.
2
May 03 2024
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Hammersmith Odeon, London '75
Bruce Springsteen
There’s lots of Springsteen on the list including the outstanding “Born To Run”. Yes, the E Street Band were/are great live and given Metallica and Van Morrison and The Who and Deep Purple amongst others have concert albums I suppose this is a fair user submission.
3
May 04 2024
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Give Up
The Postal Service
Good synth dance music reminding a little 9f Hot Chip. Good.
3
May 05 2024
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Misplaced Childhood
Marillion
As an 11 year old I had no idea Phil Collins or Peter Gabriel were anything but clever popstars. Genesis meant nothing to me and so I adored Marillion and Fish on face value. Even now I don't mind that they were unashamed copycats. They made the Genesis/Gabriel sound much more commercial, personal and relatable.
I love the synth sound. The guitar, bass and drums are full-on '80s rock. The lyrics are introspective, poetic and pompous in an innocent and warm way. The melodies are infectious and the hit singles are glorious singalongs.
Yes, this was my own submission and I believe it deserves inclusion in the original 1001.
5
May 06 2024
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Madvillainy
Madvillain
Very clever rhyming tongue-twisting word-play. Not altogether my thing, but kudos to the rhyming and assonance.
3
May 07 2024
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Watch Out!
Alexisonfire
Music isn't over-the-top heavy, but lacks hooks and strong melodies. Singing is passable, but the screaming is not! Generally not my thing but not as awful as my 1 star reviews.
2
May 08 2024
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Nuyorican Soul
Nuyorican Soul
Just the kind of latin groove jazz that I like. A few oddball additions of disco pop and 90s club sounds and record scratching, but majority is a kind of 70s Latin jazz fusion. Very good.
4
May 09 2024
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Kick
INXS
Great 80s guitar pop. Arguably a more enjoyable, catchier, easier listen than U2’s 80s albums. One of my favourites and glaring omission from the book. Pleased someone else agrees! I also agree with the person who felt the guitar sound was weak - it does have a lot of treble and a lack of bass and body, which would have given it a more muscular sound.
4
May 10 2024
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Bloody Kisses
Type O Negative
I can hear the heavy goth style reminding momentarily of Sisters of Mercy. Tends to get a little long and meandering. Not really my taste, but fun and not entirely awful. I admire their sense of humour.
2
May 11 2024
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McDonald and Giles
Ian McDonald
I like this more than King Crimson - more easy to digest with some great drum rhythms and Beatles-style singing. Good.
3
May 12 2024
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22, A Million
Bon Iver
Too experimental with vocoder voicings and weird electronica. Not enjoying this one
2
May 13 2024
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Hand. Cannot. Erase.
Steven Wilson
I really enjoyed listening to this. Complex, but accessible progressive rock with elements of so much (Crosby Stills and Nash, Pink Floyd, Marillion, even Elton John). Intriguing and heartbreaking story concept. A worthy bonus inclusion
4
May 14 2024
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After Hours
The Weeknd
I liked Blinding Lights, but this album was an incredibly disappointing listen after all the hype. It hardly ever changes gear and feels bland.
2
May 15 2024
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A Salty Dog
Procol Harum
It's pretty interesting and a better Brit 60s LP than a lot of those included in the book.
3
May 16 2024
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Racine carrée
Stromae
Enjoyable. He sings/raps slow enough for my French to keep up and it’s clever and often funny. The music is bouncy and varied.
Not necessarily groundbreaking, but good to hear something popular from outside UK/USA.
The list could do with more francophone albums (my 1980s musical love affair would have been satisfied with an Indochine, but not a Telephone!).
3
May 17 2024
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Tomb
Angelo De Augustine
Gentle, pretty and inoffensive. Very much inspired by Sufjan Stevens but without the experimental pop.
3
May 18 2024
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Lahai
Sampha
Very good. Beautifully and soulfully sung with the bonus of interesting experimental dance music. “Experimental” always works well when there are solid songs sung attractively so that the production doesn’t become the overriding factor. Deserves the awards.
4
May 19 2024
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No.1 In Heaven
Sparks
Quite a change from their earlier 70s output. I like the Moroder disco synth, but the songs are a little too similar. However, two of the big singles are great: Beat The Clock and The Number One Song…
3
May 20 2024
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Nurture
Porter Robinson
I like it. Lighter and more electro-pop than a band like Chvrches, who I discovered from this book/list.
3
May 21 2024
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Game of Fools
Koritni
Good old fashioned guitar rock like Aerosmith and mainstream Guns’n’Roses, but lacking the killer memorable hooks of superstar hard rock.
3
May 22 2024
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Don't Say No
Billy Squier
Pleasant radio friendly rock.
3
May 23 2024
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Silent Alarm
Bloc Party
Reminds me of early Cure. Impressive drumming. Enjoyable indie rock that was a deserved hit in the UK when released. Proof that creative arty types (Kele) will always get heard and continue prolifically.
4
May 24 2024
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Recipe for Hate
Bad Religion
I recall this band in 1994 but thought it was more noisy and heavier than it is. Still relatively heavy guitar playing, but more melodic than even Green Day who have vaguely similar vocals. A bit like The Wildhearts. Not bad.
3
May 25 2024
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Nail
Scraping Foetus off the Wheel
Not nearly as noisy and bad as the band name suggests! Was expecting USA hardcore punk/metal and actually heard slightly rockabilly/blues-tinged songs with relatively acceptable singing. Brings to mind The Cramps and Birthday Party with a hint of “Rain Dogs” era Waits.
2
May 26 2024
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Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens
Gentle modern folk from Sufjan rather than his eclectic gentle pop. Sweet sounding.
3
May 27 2024
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Peasant
Richard Dawson
Didn’t enjoy any of this. Muddled music and sounds. Poor vocals. Couldn’t follow many of the character’s stories. Not the kind of folk music I enjoy or care for.
1
May 28 2024
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Because the Internet
Childish Gambino
Nicely modern music and interesting rapping and vocals.
3
May 29 2024
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I Am
Earth, Wind & Fire
Superbly played disco funk. More disco than the funk of the book's chosen EW&F album.
3
May 30 2024
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Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides
SOPHIE
A disaster. The critics have been sucked into an a case of emperor’s new clothes. Perhaps two songs and the rest is experimental techno drivel like someone has just acquired their first sampler. Awful.
1
May 31 2024
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The Beautiful Letdown
Switchfoot
Straight forward radio-friendly rock reminding me slightly of U2 (including the Christian lyrics). Ok.
3
Jun 01 2024
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Continuum
John Mayer
Tame, inoffensive well sung, jazz rock guitar playing vaguely reminiscent of Steely Dan without the bite, but pleasing nonetheless.
3
Jun 02 2024
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F♯ A♯ ∞
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Very different "rock". Designed to be atmospheric and there is definitely an Ennio Morricone vibe.
3
Jun 03 2024
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Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Tally Hall
Reminds me of They Might Be Giants. Very quirky, amusing pop with guitar riffs, but a touch too much barbershop-style vintage vocals a bit like what Freddie Mercury and Queen liked to do.
3
Jun 04 2024
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St. Jude
Courteeners
Typical UK indie of the 2000s sounding like Libertines and Arctic Monkeys with shades of Smiths and early James. Probably got caught up amongst the other similar bands of the time, but not bad.
3
Jun 05 2024
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Piledriver
Status Quo
Not all Quo rockers, some nice slow blues and a hint of their 60s psychedelic past. Enjoyable and fun in the same vein as the Slade album from the book.
3
Jun 06 2024
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The Lion's Roar
First Aid Kit
Sweetly sung and sounding very Nashville without much hint of Scandinavian background. Slightly more folk than country. Gentle.
3
Jun 07 2024
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Fuzz
Chucklehead
Refreshing to hear straight up funk from a 90s perspective rather than 70s or anything Prince or Red Hot Chili Peppers. Harder than the UK’s Acid Jazz movement of the same era. I like traditional funk, so appreciate this addition, thank you for highlighting. Entertained me well on my 10k run this morning.
4
Jun 08 2024
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The Best of The Hot 5 & Hot 7 Recordings
Louis Armstrong
I prefer the Ella and Louis albums and the slightly more modern recordings. Early New Orleans jazz is fine enough, but doesn't quite do it for me.
3
Jun 09 2024
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I Need to Start a Garden
Haley Heynderickx
Good to middling alternative folk rock.
3
Jun 10 2024
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Poesía Básica
Extrechinato y Tu
I like the proggy rock music. Not keen on the spoken vocal rather than sung vocal. Might listen to one of the two bands that merged for this music.
3
Jun 11 2024
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A1A
Jimmy Buffett
It’s ok, but I’d rather listen to Eagles.
3
Jun 12 2024
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Blink-182
blink-182
Definitely more mature step-up from the previous User Submitted “Enema Of The State”. Some good music here.
3
Jun 13 2024
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Night Drive
Chromatics
Some ok electro-pop reminiscent of icy Depeche Mode or early New Order, but the boring soundtrack bits were way too long. Two minutes of synth-wind at the end of one track is unnecessary.
2
Jun 14 2024
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Stranger In Town
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
Quite good inoffensive radio rock. Good.
3
Jun 15 2024
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Blue Is The Colour
The Beautiful South
Pleased to see recognition for this excellent British pop band, but disappointed to find the incredibly beautifully sung and often amusing and witty songs are a bit dull. The huge hit singles are great, the Tom Waits pastiche is fun, but the exquisitely sung thoughtful songs just don’t pull you in once you’ve got past the opening delight of the pretty singing.
A band whose hits collections are a triumph, but individual albums are just a bit disappointing. The same goes for Heaton’s Housemartins albums. Get the compilations.
3
Jun 16 2024
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Emotional Mugger
Ty Segall
70s-style garage rock, bit samey, not very attractive gruff voice. Some incidental weird buzzy noises. Not to my taste.
2
Jun 17 2024
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1, 2, Kung Fu!
Boy Azooga
Quite good Welsh indie pop. The loud buzz-saw guitar in the last song was a big and enjoyable surprise.
3
Jun 18 2024
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Cleopatra
The Lumineers
Good melodies and hooks elevate this folk music above the usual Nashville-style Americana. Reminds me a lot of Whiskey Town.
3
Jun 19 2024
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Come And Get It
Rachel Stevens
Excellent electro pop, obviously no soul, but who cares when the Pop is this good?
4
Jun 20 2024
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Vedergällningen
Garmarna
Like a Scandi Fairport Convention with middle-eastern tendencies through a dark 1990s trip-hop filter. Just too much industrial clanging to keep me fully on side.
3
Jun 21 2024
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Englabörn
Jóhann Jóhannsson
Neo classical soundtrack music. Good strings.
2
Jun 22 2024
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Transatlanticism
Death Cab for Cutie
An enjoyable serious indie guitar album. Good songs. Brings to mind Embrace if they had better singing voices.
3
Jun 23 2024
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Weezer
Weezer
Well chosen, thank you!
Shows that erudite and fun rock music could still be made during the heyday of grunge and fey Brit-pop.
4
Jun 24 2024
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Rêver mieux
Daniel Bélanger
Vaguely interesting french language folk pop mixed with trip hop.
3
Jun 25 2024
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Silence Yourself
Savages
Nothing wrong with using Siouxsie and the Banshees as a platform for developing singing style and muscular music. Or Joy Division! All good and darkly enjoyable.
3
Jun 26 2024
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Afraid Of Sunlight
Marillion
I particularly enjoy Fish-era 1980s Marillion and stopped following them after Seasons End. This is mature and sounding like Talk Talk and U2. Out of this world has the Marillion instrumentation that I recall fondly, but they seem to have moved away from the synth sound or as much chorused guitar I enjoyed.
Nonetheless, it's a pleasant sound.
3
Jun 27 2024
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Home Sweet Home
Kano
Refreshing to hear UK rap for a change. Usual subject matter, though. Well produced and occasionally excellent music.
3
Jun 28 2024
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Sublime
Sublime
I like it. The vocal is particularly clear and pleasant without silly affectations that plague punk (eg. Billie Armstrong mimicking British accent) or hard rock (growling and screaming). Sad to hear about the lead singer's death.
4
Jun 29 2024
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Frosting On The Beater
The Posies
Note: not on Amazon Music.
I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the glaring similarity between first song and Don't Fear The Reaper. No great issues using a great song as the basis of another as long as you don't get into trouble!
Pleasant enough early 90s power pop.
3
Jun 30 2024
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El Circo
Maldita Vecindad Y Los Hijos Del 5to. Patio
Brilliant inclusion, thank you for submitting.
Love the ska, brass, Latin rhythms and percussion. All mixed in with ska guitars and a strong party vibe. Bringing to mind Police, Manu Negra, Pogues and slightly B52s. Great!
4
Jul 01 2024
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Yeti
Amon Düül II
Thankfully shortish tracks and so-so guitar-based psychedelic krautrock. Becomes boring with the last three tracks.
2
Jul 02 2024
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Dimanche à Bamako
Amadou & Mariam
African folk pop - fine, but makes no great impression on me apart from Senegal Fast Food (featuring Manu Chao) which was an excellent rhythm for my running pace!
3
Jul 03 2024
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Before These Crowded Streets
Dave Matthews Band
Sophisticated light rock with “rock” violin. Surprised DMB weren’t already on the list given their popularity with the USA students I met in the 1990s.
It’s quite good, but doesn’t quite keep my interest.
3
Jul 04 2024
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Join Us
They Might Be Giants
Good to hear TMBG again and find that their clever quirkiness continues. Fun listen, but not going to give many repeat listens.
3
Jul 05 2024
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Maestro
Kaizers Orchestra
It was ok, not too heavyweight and not too light. Kind of oompah band stylings. Nothing wrong with concept albums for a focus.
3
Jul 06 2024
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The Hazards of Love
The Decemberists
Well-executed concept with three different singers taking on the main characters - seems obvious, but seldom done.
Very pastoral and folky in concept story with a good balance of rock and folk.
Choice cut: The Waiting Comes In Waves (very Beatles, strong rock riff).
3
Jul 07 2024
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Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
Arctic Monkeys
Good lyrics and poetry as usual. Much more subdued musically from the fun guitar pop and rock normally associated with the band.
3
Jul 08 2024
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Carolina Confessions
The Marcus King Band
Nothing original or innovative or ground breaking just excellent classic rhythm and blues soul executed to an extremely high standard with feel and appropriate voice, guitar work, rhythm section and keys and horn arrangements.
Wonderful.
4
Jul 09 2024
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Sailing The Seas Of Cheese
Primus
As a bassist I've always been told I should love, admire, respect Primus and Les Claypool. However, the vocals are just too much like The Goon Show by Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers et al: very silly or occasionally weak like early Chili Peppers vocals before Kiedis found his strong voice.
However, the bass playing is virtuoso. The music is swamp blues, funk and sometimes avant-garde jazz bringing to mind - unfortunately for me - Trout Mask Replica.
Ultimately it's worth at least one listen to hear the bass being used so well and with so much innovation.
3
Jul 10 2024
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Gemstones
Adam Green
Simplistic music that sounds a bit old fashioned and just a vehicle for lyrics. Words are a little Morrissey (but nothing like his vocal delivery), occasionally interesting, but with bland music it's ultimately not for me. I persevered up to track eight.
2
Jul 11 2024
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Control
Pedro The Lion
Indie rock with lethargic indie singing. Not very inspiring.
2
Jul 12 2024
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Wild Planet
The B-52's
We already had the B-52s debut (with Rock Lobster) and this is very similar. Post punk guitar pop. Fun and cool.
3
Jul 13 2024
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Relatives in Descent
Protomartyr
I persevered through the first two unattractive and unappealing songs to My Children which lifted my ears and reminded me a lot of Joy Division.
However, I
it's all a bit mumbly and quite similar.
2
Jul 14 2024
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The Animal Years
Josh Ritter
Very musical folk/Americana. A better choice than a lot of the twangy country that was on the list.
3
Jul 15 2024
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Dogrel
Fontaines D.C.
The current darlings of the “indie” music world and they tick the box of youthful thoughtful rock, but only Boys In The Better Land is actually any good. Also seems strange to do spoken word delivery when the final song, Dublin City Sky, shows the singer has a passable singing voice.
Overall I’m disappointed. Emperor’s New Clothes - again.
2
Jul 16 2024
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Version 2.0
Garbage
Their 1st excellent album is on the main list (I scored it 4 and felt it hadn’t dated, contrary to some other reviewers). This is still very pop with synths and chiming guitars that are not too heavy, but have an industrial edge.
Surprising number of radio hits.
4
Jul 17 2024
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Spilt Milk
Jellyfish
This is just my taste. Thanks for selecting this.
I like Beatles, Beach Boys, Steely Dan, 10CC, Supertramp, Tears For Fears, Crowded House. Jellyfish unashamedly sound like all these great bands.
It's great to hear the obvious Beach Boys harmonies and Beatles melodies and instrumentation. Nothing at all wrong with copying gilt-edged former heroes!
Wonderful pop and easy on the ear (except for the obviously different and noisy All Is Forgiven - perhaps to remind us that grunge was the order of the day in 1993). Even the puerile He’s My Best Friend is just about acceptable if you don’t think too much!
4
Jul 18 2024
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Nightbirds
LaBelle
There's more of an edge than Diana Ross, but nowhere near the grit and funk rock of Betty Davis or the funky disco sheen of Chic/Sister Sledge.
However, Lady Marmalade is unquestionably one of THE best songs ever!
3
Jul 19 2024
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When Smoke Rises
Mustafa
Nice, mellow and smooth. Wonderfully short. Similar to, but not as good as, Sampha who collaborates on an early track here.
3
Jul 20 2024
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I And Love And You
The Avett Brothers
Good piano-driven folk rock. Pleased to hear clear vocal without any Country or typical Nashville twang.
3
Jul 21 2024
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La cagaste... Burt Lancaster
Hombres G
Fun 80s light rock. Raspy singing brings to mind French band Telephone.
3
Jul 22 2024
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"Awaken, My Love!"
Childish Gambino
Expected hip-hop and got Funkadelic "space funk-rock". Very cool.
3
Jul 23 2024
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Re
Café Tacvba
Thought I was listening to a Mexican Now That’s What I Call Music compilation! So many diverse styles. However only a few songs where the multiple styles are fused together, which would have been more progressive.
Accomplished nonetheless.
3
Jul 24 2024
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Currents
Tame Impala
Sophisticated electro-pop. Good, but not special.
3
Jul 25 2024
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Loss
Mull Historical Society
I remember this when it came out. Heavily influenced by Beach Boys. Not too surly like other macho Brit-Pop. Barcode Bypass reminds me of Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Flowers as well as perhaps a little early Arcade Fire. Fits in well with Belle & Sebastian, Snow Patrol etc.
3
Jul 26 2024
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The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking
Roger Waters
LP cover made an impression on me as a 13 year old in 1988! However I preferred ‘70s Pink Floyd and Dave Gilmour’s sound so never warmed to Roger Waters’ material after The Wall. Good blues rock guitar playing throughout (Eric Clapton).
2
Jul 27 2024
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Goat
The Jesus Lizard
Initially thought the music was poor, but their take on psycho-rockabilly swamp bluesy rock grows on me. The “singing” is uniformly awful. The short album length is truly wonderful.
I think I may have seen these fellows at Reading Festival 1993, so at that point they had an extra couple of years to hone the sound… I was probably similarly unimpressed!
2
Jul 28 2024
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10,000 gecs
100 gecs
Surprising mash-up of heavy rock and electro as is the electro-clash fashion du jour in the early 2020s. The experimental noises later in the EP are not useful.
2
Jul 29 2024
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Piñata
Freddie Gibbs
Not a fan of the gangster rap. Gibbs vocal tone is ok. The production and noises are quite good, but overall not my taste.
3
Jul 30 2024
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Gotcha! Gotcha! Gotcha!
Gotcha!
enjoyable P-Funkery with restrained heavy guitars and pushing on the mellower soul vibes a little more.
4
Jul 31 2024
View Album
Live in San Francisco
Thee Oh Sees
Really exciting and energetic rock. Bringing to mind Hives, Stooges, MC5 and even elements of Joy Division (JD's live cover of Sister Ray notably).
(Strange that I was unimpressed with Ty Seagall, but not this).
“Tidal Wave” could be their take on “Have Love, Will Travel” - brilliant. Bass and drums locked into the groove on the last extended jam is what garage rock is all about! I don't even mind that the vocal is incomprehensible, yelped and snarled.
Thank you for introducing me to this.
4
Aug 01 2024
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Apostrophe(')
Frank Zappa
A pretty good example of Zappa's zaniness alongside some good rock guitar and psycho-manic disjointed instrumentation. Personally I prefer the jazz-funk-rock instrumentals of Grand Wazoo and Hot Rats over the amusing, but silly vocal songs.
3
Aug 02 2024
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People
The Burning Hell
Summed up by the line, "where would I find time for my comedy career" from Amateur Rappers. Very knowingly clever and not revelling in heavy music. Good variety of other instruments. Second half is a bit lacking.
3
Aug 03 2024
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In the Aeroplane Over the Sea
Neutral Milk Hotel
Indie-folk. Not really won-over, but it has some mature appeal.
2
Aug 04 2024
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Zuckerzeit
Cluster
Definitely more pop and sugary than Kraftwerk, but, as with sweet confectionery, not nearly as satisfying.
3
Aug 11 2024
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Funeral Dress
Wussy
It's okay indie guitar pop some light fuzzy rock. Male singer sings with a fairly high strained voice so not always easy to tell between male and female harmonising vocals. It feels like they're having fun.
3
Aug 12 2024
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Korn
Korn
Similar feeling as their album in the book/main list: Nothing awful, but nothing special to my ears, so 2.5.
3
Aug 13 2024
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Discosis
Bran Van 3000
Another album of very eclectic styles. I knew the good Astounded through my love of Curtis Mayfield and I knew the previous hit Drinking in LA, but was not expecting rap, indie, pop, folk and a song totally inspired by Springsteen. Great fun and better than it ought to have been! 3.5
3
Aug 14 2024
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A Live One
Phish
Some good bits amongst the meandering, over long jams. There's pleasant pop, jazz, funk rock, light rock, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s styles. But way, way too long.
For fans only.
3
Aug 20 2024
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Go Farther In Lightness
Gang of Youths
The first 20 minutes or so are outstanding anthemic soaring stadium rock similar to Springsteen, Simple Minds, U2. The rest is less rocky and more pretty particularly the string arrangements, but not as special.
3
Aug 21 2024
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Savage Sinusoid
Igorrr
This has artistic merit for a unique vision. Doesn’t always stick together and certainly is often unpleasant to hear, but definitely worth inclusion for the genuine effort in mixing styles. I liked the Zappa-sequel jazzy “Houmous” and the almost traditional French “Cheval”.
2
Aug 22 2024
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Contra
Vampire Weekend
The soarer sings with clear singing are most appealing and that makes up at least half the album. Good word smithery and enjoyable synths accompanying the Vampire Weekend guitars and slightly Afro polyrhythms. A high three.
3
Aug 23 2024
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We Like It Here
Snarky Puppy
Jazz fusion in my style. Some funk, some Latin, lots of smart trumpet and even jazz rock guitar. I like it.
4
Aug 26 2024
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Super Ape
The Upsetters
For the reggae fans and dub purists. A variety of singers on some 70s Lee Scratch Perry dub and reggae. This is ok, but not really essential.
2
Aug 27 2024
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Ultra Blue
Hikaru Utada
Shiny pop. Clear mature singing, but feels a little vacuous probably because of the language barrier. Not enough hooks to reel me in. Good clean production, slightly lacking in fun.
2
Aug 28 2024
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Squeezing Out Sparks
Graham Parker
Enjoyable new wave - very much in the style of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello. Added kudos for veering too far towards punk.
4
Sep 08 2024
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Dead Man's Party
Oingo Boingo
Very 1980s guitar pop/rock. At times a bit Duran Duran, Art Of Noise and even Blancmange or Wang Chung.
3
Sep 09 2024
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Whipped Cream & Other Delights
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
Sexy LP cover. Smooth melodic trumpet and tight arrangements. Very “easy listening” and a bit bland. Certainly we’ll conceived and executed and if it’s time. Not of this time, however!
2
Sep 10 2024
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Tales Of Mystery And Imagination
The Alan Parsons Project
I liked Orson Welles narration/recitals. Music was a slight step-up from rockier Jethro Tull circa “Aqualung”. Classical cinematic music was not my cup of tea.
3
Sep 11 2024
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Out of the Blue
Debbie Gibson
Good that Debbie writes the pop songs and ballads herself. Nowhere near as good as Madonna’s late 80s pop albums. Quite forgettable albeit with catchy choruses and completely inoffensive without any edginess. Scrapes three stars because it’s so wholesome!!!
3
Sep 12 2024
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Pushin' Against a Stone
Valerie June
Rootsy. Don’t really warm to her slightly whiny voice.
3
Sep 13 2024
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Phantom Power
The Tragically Hip
This is superior educated rock, like REM but better singing! I was immediately taken by “Bobcaygeon” - good storytelling. A solid and engaging “indie” rock album.
4
Sep 14 2024
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Eye
Robyn Hitchcock
Kind of fun and some good poetry. Also some pretty guitar picking in places.
3
Oct 05 2024
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Mm..Food
MF DOOM
Very cool, interesting jazz/funk music. The super heroes/villain inserts work well to bins together the concept into a cohesive whole, but are also a bit annoying! Overall I enjoyed it.
4
Oct 06 2024
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Dilate
Ani DiFranco
Must have been a big influence on Alanis Morrisette. Quite similar sound and attitude. More hooks with Alanis, but I prefer Ani's voice.
3
Oct 07 2024
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A Deeper Understanding
The War On Drugs
I think I prefer the album that was on the main list. This washes over you sweetly with that mellow 80s Springsteen/Dylan vibe, but isn't as poignant to me as the first TWOD album I heard.
3
Oct 08 2024
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Human Racing
Nik Kershaw
Good hit singles, but not such a good overall LP. A bit too experimental with those achingly 1980s synth sounds, perhaps.
3
Oct 09 2024
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Moffou
Salif Keita
Pleasant Afro folk
3
Oct 10 2024
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Chet
Chet Baker
Gorgeous, smooth and melodic. Dripping with the cool jazz style. Excellent suggestion, thank you very much indeed.
4
Oct 11 2024
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We Rock Hard
Freestylers
Mix of big beat and techno. Well produced. Some mc/vocals of straight forward hip hop and ragga/dancehall influence. Nothing more groundbreaking than Cold Cut did several years previously.
3
Oct 12 2024
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You'd Prefer an Astronaut
Hum
It's got a Smashing Pumpkins overlaid and overdriven guitar sound alongside fairly normal full throated rock bellowing. It's ok.
3
Nov 06 2024
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Ruin
The Amazing Devil
Very dramatic hard-edged folk (British folk rock?)
3
Nov 07 2024
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Pop
GAS
Ambient- I’m the wrong audience.
2
Nov 08 2024
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All Hail West Texas
The Mountain Goats
Poorly recorded voice and electric guitar - like basic demos. I’d rather listen to Billy Bragg.
2
Nov 09 2024
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Young Team
Mogwai
Atmospheric instrumentals. This is not my thing.
2
Nov 10 2024
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Djarimirri
Gurrumul
A nice sound. The voice is a good instrument. Some orchestral sections are very similar.
3
Nov 11 2024
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Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You
Big Thief
Pretty and enjoyable female-sung bluegrass and indie folk. 3.5 stars
3
Nov 12 2024
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Diary
Sunny Day Real Estate
Ordinary emo rock. Nothing special
2
Nov 13 2024
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O
Damien Rice
Good songs, well put together. Superior “folk”.
4
Nov 14 2024
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World Of Echo
Arthur Russell
No - mumble, murmur, bounce a bow on a string. I’m struggling to work out why you’ve chosen this, unless the submitter is in fact Arthur Russell!
1
Nov 15 2024
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Real Life
Joan As Police Woman
I enjoyed this, soulful voice, pleasant songs and piano playing. Brings to mind Joan Osborne crossed with the mellow jazz and piano playing of Norah Jones.
4
Nov 16 2024
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Alive Or Just Breathing
Killswitch Engage
Well named band and album title for the music. Nothing subtle here.
2
Nov 17 2024
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Come On Come On
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Excellent voice. Purer and less country-twang than wonderful Emmylou, so pretty good in my ears. More rock n roll than straight country, but ballads are right up there with Emmylou’s and other classic singers.
4
Nov 18 2024
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Set Yourself On Fire
Stars
Enjoyable indie pop with guitars padded out with orchestral arrangements. 3.5
3
Nov 19 2024
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The Universe Smiles Upon You
Khruangbin
Inoffensive bluesy soul and pop guitar instrumentals. Some excellent passages, all pleasant and very little mediocre.
3
Nov 20 2024
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Leak 04-13 (Bait Ones)
Jai Paul
I realise it was unfinished, but I don’t like the weird silences/drop outs. It sounds disjointed. I hear talent, but also a huge amount of bedroom producer herders. Not for me.
2
Nov 21 2024
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Somewhere In The Between
Streetlight Manifesto
I’d prefer vocals closer to Sublime than Green Day, but the vibe and songs are well constructed. The horn section, however, really elevates this. Fantastic sound, melodies and composing. Really enjoyable because of the brass.
4
Nov 22 2024
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Boys And Girls In America
The Hold Steady
Strange, I already had this early on with the User Submitted list and enjoyed it, giving 4 stars.
4
Nov 23 2024
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Bleed American
Jimmy Eat World
Good indie power rock, strong riffs, but not too heavy and singing is also not obviously heavy rock style. I liked Sweetness.
3