Mar 24 2021
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
4
Mar 25 2021
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Cinemascope at 33rpm.
4
Mar 30 2021
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
3
Apr 02 2021
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
What a first selection - a double 'live' album. Not really been drawn to TW and previous listening has been cursory, despite my old school mate Rob talking him up big time. Paying a little more attention here there is some neat word play and comedy. You get used to the voice but it was a stretch here.
3
Apr 05 2021
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
A few great songs, including my favourite from Bowie, the album's closer. Bought this one rather than it's predecessor on the strength of the two singles.
3
Apr 06 2021
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
3
Apr 07 2021
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
Familiar with the singles but not previously aware of the album. More immediately accessible than the 'masterpiece'. Preferred the less bouncy second side.
3
Apr 08 2021
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
Not heard of ES before. He was clearly a fine songwriter. Couldn't really get into this.
2
Apr 09 2021
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Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
The groove is too deep for me.
2
Apr 12 2021
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
3
Apr 13 2021
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Sheet Music
10cc
Too clever - maybe. But this album is great fun. Playful lyrics, good harmonies and bold chunky guitars.
4
Apr 14 2021
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Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Too clever - not half pop pickers. It has been many years since I last listened to this album. Feisty when I bought it; it's Elvis!, but just OK now.
3
Apr 15 2021
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Just after half way something akin to a tune emerged. Otherwise it felt like we had wandered into a forge. May well be better live.
1
Apr 16 2021
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
Most enjoyable. Was aware of the well known songs but had not listened to the whole album before. It hangs together pretty well, so much so that I let it run through a second time.
4
Apr 19 2021
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With The Beatles
Beatles
3
Apr 20 2021
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Purple Rain
Prince
When he's on it he's really on it and on it he is on several here.
3
Apr 21 2021
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
2
Apr 23 2021
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The Visitors
ABBA
Of course only familiar with the singles so this was something of surprise. Strong songwriting and production as expected but little that stood out. At times it teetered on musical theatre.
3
Apr 26 2021
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The Doors
The Doors
Opening so soon after another of their creations this doesn't pack the punch it once may have.
3
Apr 27 2021
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
It's bouncy, OK, but otherwise not to my taste
2
Apr 28 2021
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Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
Wired and wonderful at times with some exquisite cameos. Studious returns for further listening may discover more.
3
Apr 29 2021
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Murmur
R.E.M.
3
Apr 30 2021
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
4
May 03 2021
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
Better than I was expecting.
3
May 05 2021
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Odd band, plenty of misses. Preferred to see them live and this album does capture some of this.
3
May 06 2021
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
3
May 07 2021
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Illmatic
Nas
Ouch! Too spikey for me.
2
May 10 2021
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
2
May 11 2021
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
3
May 13 2021
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
I listened to all of his albums recently and this is one I have in my collection. Great song writing. Maybe the strings are a little overdone. Given recent events the forecast is promising.
4
May 14 2021
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
3
May 17 2021
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
3
May 18 2021
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
The title says it all. Inoffensive at the outset and then became frankly insidious.
2
May 19 2021
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Dated. More than pleasant by pretty samey most of the way, enlivened by the singles.
2
May 21 2021
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Tinklelicious!
3
May 24 2021
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Wild Gift
X
Probably better live.
3
May 25 2021
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Something of a surprise. I was expecting to have to bail but it kept me interested.
3
May 27 2021
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
Marks for influencing, marks for own compositions but otherwise messy.
2
May 28 2021
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Elephant
The White Stripes
Apart from the opener, not familiar with this band. A mixed bag really.
3
May 31 2021
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
3
Jun 07 2021
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Marvellously varied. Super strong song writing.
5
Jun 08 2021
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
3
Jun 09 2021
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
3
Jun 10 2021
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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
I did and it was just middling.
3
Jun 11 2021
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
Great songs superbly delivered, expertly produced and enlivened by splendid cameos.
4
Jun 14 2021
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Some good songs here but appears less cohesive as a concept than when I first heard it a multitude of 5 years ago.
3
Jun 15 2021
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Forever Changes
Love
Decent enough sandwich. Bright start and end but a little stodgy in the middle.
3
Jun 16 2021
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The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
More than solid side one with side two a little uneven.
3
Jun 17 2021
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Bossanova
Pixies
Liked this. Better than I expected.
3
Jun 18 2021
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Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
Simply grating. Any subtlety in here passed me by.
1
Jun 21 2021
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
2
Jun 23 2021
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
The elements are all there but not fully connected.
2
Jun 24 2021
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
A curiosity here, trying to work out whether he wants to be the lead singer in a band or a solo artist. The band bits work week. The singles are overblown.
2
Jun 25 2021
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American Pie
Don McLean
Fine collection of songs overwhelmed by the title track.
3
Jul 01 2021
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Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
1
Jul 02 2021
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Delightful.
3
Jul 06 2021
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Picture Book
Simply Red
This was way better than I expected. I knew the singles but the album was punchy with a very strong groove capped by a fine ,fine singer.
4
Jul 09 2021
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The Clash
The Clash
Definitely of its time. The cover song is the best on the album.
3
Jul 13 2021
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Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Difficult to understand how this made the list. It is too long to be consistent. It works as a record as each side has songs of a similar style. The singles are magnificent and the album shows off his song writing ability and musicianship.
3
Jul 16 2021
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
The sound engineer must have misheard the distortion setting. Everything is mixed so oddly - maybe that's the thing. So what would be the better elements are lost. This is probably dynamic in a live setting with a full stack of amps and the band really getting into foot tapping mode.
Overall it's cack.
1
Jul 19 2021
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
This was a rather hit and miss. The less shouty ones were better.
3
Jul 21 2021
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Some interesting arrangements for the covers which amply showcase the vocal talents. But something just isn't there. Maybe it is that it sounds of the time or that there were plenty of guest producers.
2
Jul 22 2021
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Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
This album should not be on the list. It has been included for apparent historical significance. Plus it was released more than 30 years after the actual event.
As to the content it is solid early Dylan showcasing his songwriting of that period. With it being live there is an opportunity to vary the delivery which is at best funny but more often irritating. The electric side is variable and now sounds a little limited. There are some songs where his vocal style works with a band.
3
Jul 23 2021
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Ten
Pearl Jam
Had not heard this album by the band. The usual hallmarks of the band are there, but maybe not as refined as their later work.
3
Jul 29 2021
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Dare!
The Human League
4
Aug 03 2021
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Pleasantly surprised. Consistent throughout.
3
Aug 05 2021
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All Directions
The Temptations
3
Aug 09 2021
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
4
Aug 10 2021
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
Had heard one of the tracks before. Sits well within the album which is strong and consistent.
4
Aug 11 2021
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
This bounces along in the usual style. No stand out.
3
Aug 12 2021
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Look what happens when unencumbered. A strong set of songs.
4
Aug 13 2021
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Who's Next
The Who
Strong stuff here. The two well known epics backed up by some interesting songs which show of the versitility of the band.
4
Aug 17 2021
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The Sensual World
Kate Bush
This was the first time listening the album which is consistently strong collection of songs. The range is there, the intricacies but it is missing something.
4
Aug 18 2021
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xx
The xx
Solid start but didn't really progress.
3
Aug 19 2021
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
Jingle jangle stuff. Mildy entertaining. Some nifty riffs.
3
Aug 23 2021
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Pretty good mix of songs. Neat guitar interplay. Similar to other bands around at the time but probably a touch off centre to have become very popular.
3
Aug 24 2021
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Coming to this only having heard single it turned out to be varied, maybe overly so. There are several goods songs, the country fusion stands out, but a few that went over the edge making it disjointed.
3
Aug 25 2021
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Solid but not sensational.
3
Aug 26 2021
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Steering a long way from the beach here into much deeper water. An interesting move that results in a lyrical win though not always a musical one.
3
Aug 27 2021
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Didn't pick up on anything here. It just seemed to get into a groove and become stuck there.
2
Aug 30 2021
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
This is very in your face. Some fine guitar work. Maybe the model for shrieky vocals which are probably more suited to a live show than a record.
3
Aug 31 2021
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Closer
Joy Division
I bought this album a day or so after its release. I was aware of the hype around the band and had been impressed by their performances on the radio. But this, this was on another level. A jagged soundscape along a narrow and foreboding route, punctuated with moments of sheer beauty. Altogether way more than the sum of its parts.
5
Sep 02 2021
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
Middling, it bobbed along merrily. Would listen again.
3
Sep 06 2021
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
The familiarity of the singles probably keeps them fresh. The general sound of the album and how different it was at the time soon got passed by. Others took it on developed it much further.
2
Sep 07 2021
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Rocks
Aerosmith
Didn't enjoy this. Some good guitar but otherwise nah.
2
Sep 08 2021
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
3
Sep 09 2021
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Solid but just not able to get deep enough into its groove.
3
Sep 10 2021
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Uncomfortably dark. The band did extremely well to hook into the mood.
3
Sep 13 2021
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
3
Sep 14 2021
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Punchy, lively and quite addictive. Given the subject of the album there is only so much railing that can be effective, hence the short running time.
3
Sep 15 2021
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Something of a messy mix here. The covers are quirky. The longer tracks verge on the rambling. Probably best suited to having on in the background.
3
Sep 16 2021
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Didn't think the music worked with his presentation style. Lyrically rich with many opportunities for others to cover.
2
Sep 17 2021
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Scott 4
Scott Walker
Some good songs, a few quirky arrangements.
3
Sep 20 2021
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
You say this to me in an affected accent.
You say this to me in front of the tired basketball beat.
You say this to me with lots of spikey works
You go on and on.
But I don't want listen any more.
1
Sep 22 2021
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Face to Face
The Kinks
Good collection of songs unfortunately firmly stuck in their time.
3
Sep 23 2021
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E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Liked this.
3
Sep 24 2021
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
A more than solid album with good songs, great guitars and a decent mix.
4
Sep 27 2021
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Fine stuff. Had not heard a great deal from this band so pleasantly surprised.
4
Sep 28 2021
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
There is a groove but with little variation. Samey. Heard it all before. Never really gets going.
3
Sep 29 2021
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
3
Oct 01 2021
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
Messy as might be expected but very little of interest.
2
Oct 04 2021
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Disintegration
The Cure
The sound is set out early and they run with it all the way. Hypnotic stuff.
4
Oct 06 2021
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
A band far better live. This is a mixed set of songs with some fine bluesy rock in there.
3
Oct 07 2021
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
A fine example of how to make the most of the medium, produce two contrasting suites. The flow of side one is a little lost through the familiarity of the singles, one of which is her finest. The second side is altogether different but still captivating.
4
Oct 08 2021
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Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Well it hits its mark and keeps going.
3
Oct 11 2021
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Some fine compositions, great musicianship. Perfectly digestible.
3
Oct 12 2021
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Melodrama
Lorde
Liked this. Some strong songs others not so. Not the strongest of singers.
3
Oct 13 2021
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NEU! 75
Neu!
First time listening to this band. An album of its geography and time, but still works today. A good example of how to use the medium with two contrasting 'suites', with the soothing soundscape of the first setting up the more clattering second.
3
Oct 14 2021
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
A long time since I last heard this album all the way through. The song writing is strong and there is a degree of experimentation in the music. Overall an impressive piece of work.
4
Oct 15 2021
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Bad
Michael Jackson
Difficult to know whether this part of a greatest hits album with so many singles on it. Had not listened to the full abum before and it suffers from being swamped by the singles. An edgier approach still with very strong production.
3
Oct 21 2021
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
This is a fine album more immediately accessible than others of his on the list. Great songs, good playing.
4
Oct 22 2021
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
Not as in your face as I expected. Some reasonable stuff but plenty of rather gnawing industrial stuff.
3
Oct 25 2021
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
This was an unexpected joy. Plenty of variation across the piece. Rhythm for the dancing.
4
Oct 26 2021
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Expansive and lively with little variation.
3
Oct 27 2021
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Pump
Aerosmith
Wasn't able to get into this.
2
Oct 29 2021
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
A strident set of songs well delivered and probably much improved by the production crew. They still stand up today although the lyrics seem a little tame.
4
Nov 01 2021
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
This is the album they became ELO rather than the Electric Light Orchestra. The voyage from pioneers to settlers was complete. The craft is evident with some great songs.
4
Nov 02 2021
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Graceland
Paul Simon
Marvellously intelligent.
5
Nov 03 2021
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
3
Nov 04 2021
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Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
3
Nov 08 2021
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Pretty good mix of strong songs.
4
Nov 09 2021
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
This turned out to be better than expected. Knew the singles of course but there are others on the album that are better.
3
Nov 10 2021
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Pioneering stuff. Clean production. More varied than the songs popular on the radio would suugest.
3
Nov 11 2021
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
It has to be nearly forty years since I listened to the whole album. I remember the anticipation of its release in that it would be a double and whether it could hold the attention all the way through. Listening after such an interval it is striking how varied the music is given the way the two songwriters collaborate. There are some standout tracks, the opener is one of the finest of any album. The closer is pretty good too.
4
Nov 15 2021
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Very much of its time but nevertheless a pretty good commentary. Enjoyable but unlikely to get many visits.
3
Nov 16 2021
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
A mood is set early on and doesn't stray far. Good song writing and fine singing. It follows a popular path of the time but lacks the musical spark that would raise the score. That spark would turn out to be only a few months away.
3
Nov 23 2021
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Big on the beaty. Witty with the wordy. More tolerable than others in this genre but unlikely to revisit.
3
Nov 24 2021
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Raw Power
The Stooges
Very hit and miss.
3
Nov 25 2021
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Ramones
Ramones
Is it pacing, a lack of stamina or simply a ride on the underground having to stop every couple of minutes. Urgent, ballsy and maybe re-breaking the ground but it can't be taken seriously. It's rock and roll after all.
3
Nov 26 2021
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Quality factory output but not particularly inspiring.
3
Nov 29 2021
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
What an assortment of songs. Some showing great use of the technology available and others very simple.
4
Dec 06 2021
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Woefully disjointed. Either make it a live album or a properly structured studio one. Very much of its time.
3
Dec 07 2021
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Hotel California
Eagles
A fine collection of songs although many are of their time. The familiarity of the singles provides them with a longevity, plus they are also significantly better than many of the others.
3
Dec 08 2021
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Goodness me this was good. Not heard anything by the band before other than the hype, which on this evidence is more than justified. The energy, the urgency, the songs, the drumming, the riffs, the baselines and lyrics make for a very large sum of the parts.
4
Dec 09 2021
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
A pretty patchy collection of songs. Many timeless but a few showing their age.
3
Dec 10 2021
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
A rather drawn out prospectus some of which resonates today. Not really a style that lends itself to repeated listening.
2
Dec 13 2021
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Solid
3
Dec 16 2021
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Signing Off
UB40
4
Dec 20 2021
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
3
Dec 22 2021
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
This is a set of songs carefully selected to highlight the singing talent. The production is excellent and it delivers. It warrants a complete listen each time rather than picking out individual tracks.
4
Dec 23 2021
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Sister
Sonic Youth
On the face of it this is just dissonant noise and comes across as messy. I suspect repeated listening would uncover something deeper. Unlikely to go there.
2
Dec 24 2021
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
Their influences are clear but there is a lack of identity. For the most part this is just messy but fleetingly there is a glimmer of cohesion.
2
Dec 27 2021
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Seasonal entertainment.
3
Jan 05 2022
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Basket of Light
Pentangle
This was something of a surprise. Slightly closer to the folky edge than I imagined. Good voices and some smart instrumentation.
3
Jan 06 2022
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Seriously strong songwriting let down by dull delivery.
4
Jan 07 2022
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3
Jan 10 2022
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Pioneering it may have been but it doesn't really stand up today. Repetition underpins this type of music and it comes down to length and the motifs. In both case this album fails.
2
Jan 11 2022
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Let It Be
The Replacements
Running through a whole range of styles. Plenty of nods to their influences. Some strong songs but others irritating.
3
Jan 12 2022
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
The album floats along merrily with a few ripples but it never really p p p p picks-up.
3
Jan 13 2022
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
A solid album with a few excellent songs hinting at something more promising.
3
Jan 14 2022
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Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
A compendium of influences. Entertaining.
3
Jan 17 2022
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
This is a pretty good consistent album of it genre. There is no outstanding track. In a live setting this would be feel stronger.
3
Jan 18 2022
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Not heard anything by this artist so this album was as surprise. An excellent set of songs from an anguished soul.
4
Jan 19 2022
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
Another artist new to me. Enjoyable and clear echoes of others.
3
Jan 20 2022
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Glorious
4
Jan 21 2022
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3
Jan 24 2022
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
A lot more varied and interesting that the early tracks would suggest. A healthy lack of seriousness and a focus on having fun.
3
Jan 25 2022
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Less abstract than earlier work but the strong cohesion between voice and drums is still there.
4
Jan 26 2022
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John Prine
John Prine
The lyrics are the highlight here.
3
Jan 27 2022
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
2
Jan 28 2022
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
Strong vocals
2
Feb 01 2022
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Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Plenty of over complication as is the want of this style from the period. Never took to Genesis in either format, despite having a great singer, drummer and guitar player. Wasn't taken with the album when I heard it about the time it came out. That has not changed. However it is a good piece of work. The three elements I picked out are prominent here and provide the better moments. The guitar fills are wonderful. It is maybe too clever but somewhat dull.
4
Feb 02 2022
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
This sounds rather dated. The popular songs stand up due to there familiarity. Live this would be pretty good.
3
Feb 04 2022
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Great voice, good mix of songs although some of the arrangements were odd.
3
Feb 07 2022
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
This was pretty inflated and incoherent but it didn't pop. Difficult to see a reason to revisit.
2
Feb 08 2022
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Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Couldn't get into this. Little stood out.
2
Feb 09 2022
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Not heard the album all the way through. Familiar with the singles. Overall a solid album, maybe.
3
Feb 14 2022
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The Stooges
The Stooges
Quite a mixture of styles here with clear influences of others around at the time.
3
Feb 15 2022
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1999
Prince
Some of the tracks are maybe stretched a little. The collection is hit and miss but they have something about them.
3
Feb 16 2022
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Starts exceptionally strongly such that the rest simply of the album doesn't maintain. Nevertheless there is much to enjoy, the playing is more than solid, the vocals are variable.
3
Feb 17 2022
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
Having only heard the weight previously the rest of the album was something of a surprise. Good songs and fine musicianship.
4
Feb 21 2022
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Simple but engaging storytelling.
3
Feb 22 2022
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The Slider
T. Rex
I remember listening to Telegram Sam in a booth at the local record store. Odd really as I was always going to buy the record. So there was much anticipation of this album a few months later. Bought on the day of release and listened to over and over. It was great, couldn't be anything else. Now decades later listening to the whole album in one session it doesn't have the same resonance. The singles and a few other tracks, title song included are still great. What I did pick up are traces of the pre Electric Warrior band in some of the songs, Chariot Choogle, Spaceball Ricochet. The production certainly added polish. While it may no longer be a regular listen it is good to reminisce and the lyrics are still playful and silly plus there is some chunky guitar work.
3
Feb 23 2022
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Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
Brash and uninspiring. Live this may well be entertaining.
2
Feb 24 2022
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The White Album
Beatles
Plenty of songs, loads of variety. Some real oddities but enough very good songs. Overall rather sprawling but it is a double album so offers room for experimentation.
4
Feb 25 2022
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Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
A solid offering, again highlighting their folky style of rock. Good guitars and harmonies against some strong songwriting.
4
Feb 28 2022
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Oh dear. The singles suggest more than the album delivers. Formulaic nonsense.
2
Mar 02 2022
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
Had not heard anything by this band before and what a surprise this album is. A fair few changes across the tracks all for the good.
4
Mar 03 2022
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
Some pretty inventive stuff here. The musicianship is very strong. The quirky voice works most of the time but can be way off. More than this I can't say.
3
Mar 04 2022
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Sea Change
Beck
Not overly taken with this. It maybe a couple of tracks too long. There is some promise of change with repeated plays.
3
Mar 07 2022
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Entertainment
Gang Of Four
3
Mar 08 2022
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In Utero
Nirvana
Could only accommodate Dumb on this album and I would be so very if I were to revisit.
2
Mar 09 2022
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
There is enough here to warrant further listening. It is certainly an album for a mood.
3
Mar 10 2022
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New Forms
Roni Size
Jiggly but it's all on cruise control. Choose one for a short journey or both for the longer trips.
3
Mar 11 2022
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
Solid
3
Mar 14 2022
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Neither here nor there. Rather varied although there are some strong elements. The singer is not particularly strong but it does sometimes work. more often being almost mixed out.
3
Mar 15 2022
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
Familiar with a couple of tracks so expecting more of the same. Unfortunately this wasn't delivered. Somewhat ranting in places which diminished the lyrics.
2
Mar 16 2022
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
Some nice guitars but overall sprawling and messy.
3
Mar 23 2022
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Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
Not overly adventurous but engaging if maybe a tad too long. It is easy to get hooked on the rhythms.
3
Mar 24 2022
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This was odd. As the tracks were playing through more and more sounded familiar so maybe the album is in the collection. Definitely possible as a lot of early Elvis was bought. A quick check and it cannot be found - seemingly has been removed from the building. There are plenty of his trademarks, the barbed lyrics, the sometimes snarly vocals. There does appear to be a shift away from the more poppy stuff. The quality is there but maybe not as accessible as earlier work.
3
Mar 25 2022
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Not much to take away from this one. A lot of pounding and scratching.
2
Mar 28 2022
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Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
2
Mar 31 2022
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Live Through This
Hole
This album, although uneven, was something of a surprise. More melodic than expected making it accessible.
3
Apr 01 2022
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Eagles
Eagles
A good collection of songs, fine harmonies, nice and easy does it.
3
Apr 04 2022
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
Starts and end well but not so good in the middle.
3
Apr 05 2022
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American Idiot
Green Day
This was good but couldn't get into it. Rhythmically strong and some neat structures but it seemed rather dated.
4
Apr 06 2022
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
4
Apr 07 2022
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
3
Apr 08 2022
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
Plenty of good songs but just wasn't taken with the delivery. Maybe better covered by others. As a collection is was a little unrelenting.
3
Apr 11 2022
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Drunk
Thundercat
.
2
Apr 12 2022
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Float, float on. Pretty impressive construction here and some neat transitions.
4
Apr 13 2022
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Arrival
ABBA
It is only through this generator that I get to listen to an ABBA album in full. So to hear the massive singles surrounding by songs not previously heard was odd. It will take a few listens for those other songs to not be swamped by the familiar ones. Quality song structure, harmonies and production as expected.
4
Apr 15 2022
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
2
Apr 18 2022
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
3
Apr 19 2022
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Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
3
Apr 22 2022
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
A goto sunday morning album. The way the songs hold together is spectacular. There are places where it feels that it could unravel but beautifully manages keeps it together.
5
Apr 25 2022
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
I've been funked senseless after listening to this. What do you want to know?
2
Apr 26 2022
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
3
Apr 27 2022
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Soul Mining
The The
3
Apr 28 2022
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
A splendid album with quality songs and excellent arrangements. The singing works but is a grating on the odd occasion. And really it's just fun and who would not jump in and sing along with their mates.
4
Apr 29 2022
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Doolittle
Pixies
3
May 04 2022
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Played over and over on its release. An amusing and varied album with some fine harmonies and solid writing. Listening again after many years it still sounds fine but is not quite there for a full house.
4
May 05 2022
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2
May 06 2022
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Simply a great pop album. Clever, sometimes too much, cheesey, fun, tongue in cheek, sumptuous arrangements, superb production and guaranteed to get you out of your chair.
4
May 09 2022
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Fragile
Yes
Pompous, overblown and very much of the time. Nevertheless it is a good set of songs and the musicianship is strong.
3
May 10 2022
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3
May 11 2022
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Still as good as it ever was.
4
May 13 2022
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
Starts off suggesting a variation then seems to revert to the norm. Solid with some punchy lyrics.
3
May 16 2022
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Harvest
Neil Young
4
May 17 2022
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The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
3
May 19 2022
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
Almost arresting to begin with but then falls into a slumber that is not released. Good to have in the background with occasional diversion when a quirky lyric pops out.
3
May 20 2022
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
3
May 23 2022
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Virgin Suicides
Air
3
May 24 2022
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Quite a mix here which makes things interesting.
4
May 25 2022
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1977
Ash
It could have been a 1977 album but the production is better and there are plenty of twiddly bits thrown in.
3
May 26 2022
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
3
May 31 2022
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
3
Jun 01 2022
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
A soundtrack to a film that you know but can't remember. A splendid mix.
4
Jun 02 2022
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
3
Jun 03 2022
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2112
Rush
3
Jun 07 2022
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
4
Jun 09 2022
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Crazysexycool
TLC
2
Jun 10 2022
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Is This It
The Strokes
After a slow start this just bounded along and was quietly infectious.
3
Jun 13 2022
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Tolerable. Such a wild collection of styles. Some neat guitar and bouncy bass lines.
3
Jun 14 2022
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Good songs but the delivery doesn't make the most of them.
3
Jun 15 2022
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Live At Leeds
The Who
A live album but let's cherry pick the tracks. Then after reviewer acclaim bung on a few more tracks to give punters better value for money. The album highlights the poor sound systems in operation at the time. Why pick out a student venue to showcase the band? Overall one wholly messy album which does not put the band in a good light, compared to their studio output which was much more creative. It probably sounded good at the concert itself.
2
Jun 16 2022
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
3
Jun 17 2022
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
With plenty of nods to their influences this is a punchy collection. The ideas are sound but the lyrics should have had a touch more crafting.
3
Jun 24 2022
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
Well this was a splendid surprise. Had not heard of the band before. The album contains plenty of thrills. The harmonies complement the lead so well. Plus the album manages to extend time. It appeared much longer than reported timing. Maybe those odd time signatures did the trick.
4
Jun 27 2022
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
3
Jun 28 2022
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
4
Jun 29 2022
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
It had its moments which were swamped by plenty of turgid grunking.
2
Jun 30 2022
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
Pleasantly surprised.
3
Jul 01 2022
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
This rolls along merrily like a peleton on the long straight roads of a flat stage in the TDF.
3
Jul 05 2022
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Pleasant collaboration.
2
Jul 06 2022
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
Not sure what it is but never taken to the band. Overly long. All in all ..............
2
Jul 08 2022
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Like a good collection of songs should be.
3
Jul 11 2022
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Moon Safari
Air
3
Jul 12 2022
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
Some the album still sounds jolly.
3
Jul 15 2022
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
3
Jul 18 2022
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Imagine
John Lennon
A varied manifesto that delivers almost all expectations.
4
Jul 19 2022
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
3
Jul 21 2022
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
3
Jul 22 2022
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The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
3
Jul 25 2022
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Not much going for this. A live set on a TV show. No great shakes. But an event happens and it gets elevated to some crazy status the performance does not merit. The unplugged moniker is simply for the franchise, it is merely the band pared down. Some songs work most do not.
2
Jul 26 2022
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
3
Jul 27 2022
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
Satisfyingly steady. Not the experience it once was, much like driving along a motorway.
3
Jul 29 2022
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
Not heard of this band before so could be interesting. Unfortunately it wasn't. Rather messy, not distinct and repetitive.
2
Aug 01 2022
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
3
Aug 02 2022
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Risque
CHIC
3
Aug 04 2022
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Sparse but clear arrangements of traditional songs. Stands up well today. Sometimes her voice gets a little shrill but otherwise good to have in the background.
3
Aug 05 2022
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
4
Aug 09 2022
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
3
Aug 10 2022
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
This is a pretty good collection of songs let down by poor production. Lacking oomph in places.
3
Aug 11 2022
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Tapestry
Carole King
Seriously good song writing. Not something for constant play but ideal for an occasion.
4
Aug 12 2022
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
3
Aug 15 2022
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London Calling
The Clash
Had not heard this all the way through before. Seriously good. The first album is stronger than the second. This is an excellent collection of varied songs by a band forging a path to set themselves far apart from others at the time.
4
Aug 16 2022
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
One of those albums that when it is on it's fantastic and when it is not it's cacophonous nonsense.
3
Aug 18 2022
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3
Aug 26 2022
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Suicide
Suicide
Rasping, discordant and brutal so a very limited outlet.
1
Aug 29 2022
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
2
Aug 31 2022
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
4
Sep 01 2022
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Bouncy and fun. Great to get things swinging.
3
Sep 02 2022
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
3
Sep 05 2022
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Sparse, personal and dextrous.
4
Sep 06 2022
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Achtung Baby
U2
4
Sep 09 2022
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
4
Sep 12 2022
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Really.
4
Sep 14 2022
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
3
Sep 15 2022
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
3
Sep 16 2022
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Close To You
Carpenters
Quite a mix of songs with interesting arrangements. Sometimes the harmonies are too cloying. Above all it's the voice that elevates.
4
Sep 19 2022
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
2
Sep 20 2022
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Synchronicity
The Police
With this album they decided to move themselves along. The singles are strong the other a mixture, many solid a couple naff.
3
Sep 22 2022
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Had heard the chatter about this band but not heard anything of their output. Rather different to the chatter but a solid uplift on progressive rock.
4
Sep 23 2022
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Timeless
Goldie
Endless loopy pap.
2
Sep 26 2022
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Wild and inventive with some splendid passages.
3
Sep 27 2022
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3
Sep 29 2022
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Have heard smattering of her work but not listened to an album all the way through. This is not an immediate pick-up and suspect that further plays would be needed to appreciate the talent.
3
Oct 03 2022
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
The mood is set and underpinned by the vocals but it doesn't stray from safety.
2
Oct 04 2022
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High Violet
The National
This is a fine album that sets it stall out from the start and just continues unwaveringly without much deviation. It suits a mood but doesn't achieve lift off.
3
Oct 06 2022
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
An apt title. If you know the PSB you know what you'll get and this album simply reinforces. Their expansive and sweeping soundscape is augmented with many more twiddly bits. It is strong fare but nothing really stands out. Still guaranteed to get you onto the dance floor.
3
Oct 07 2022
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
It sounded so good in black and white. No longer as on the mark as it was when purchased on the day of release.
3
Oct 12 2022
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
2
Oct 13 2022
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Solid Air
John Martyn
A very long time since I last heard this. Of the time but remains a fine collection.
4
Oct 17 2022
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
Couldn't get into this. Swirling around with different styles but nothing arresting.
2
Oct 18 2022
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
This motored along nicely but didn't take any off road turns.
2
Oct 19 2022
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Damaged
Black Flag
This is an unrelenting and angry collection where this listener can seriously empathize with the title.
2
Oct 20 2022
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
2
Oct 21 2022
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
This is a strong selection of songs. The concept nature may have seemed a good idea, and there was plenty of innovation at that time, but the commercials become distracting on repeated plays. If only they weren't built into the track, modern technology would have enabled a playlist without them for the better.
3
Oct 24 2022
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
It's Springsteen. It's bombastic. It suits a calling but isn't as strong as his earlier work.
3
Oct 25 2022
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
2
Oct 26 2022
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
3
Oct 27 2022
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
See it, sing it, all sorted in under half and hour. Quality.
4
Oct 28 2022
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
3
Nov 01 2022
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Having been taken by the band Argent and being aware of the hits of the Zombies I came by this album as it was bundled as a double with their greatest hits. What a bargain! The album soon became a mainstay on the turntable. It is simple a superb collection of varied songs. Yes its genesis of its time but it does appear to span the generations. Exemplified by their short, but stunning, tour of the album 40 years after its release.
5
Nov 02 2022
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The La's
The La's
3
Nov 03 2022
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
4
Nov 04 2022
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
This is a package to be commended. A more than fine example of where the music delivers to album cover. It is an interesting mix of songs that are well produced. The vocals vary but are punchy, gritty and strident throughout.
4
Nov 07 2022
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Parklife
Blur
So varied. There's humour. Many good, a few so so and a couple naff. Have never taken to the singer so their work only warrants infrequent visits.
3
Nov 08 2022
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
3
Nov 10 2022
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OK
Talvin Singh
A melding of styles that didn't work for me. Even as a background it didn't disturb.
2
Nov 11 2022
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Didn't know what to expect knowing nothing about the group. The album turned out to be disappointing, repetitive and ultimately irritating.
2
Nov 14 2022
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If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
Had heard the name but not any of their contributions. It may take repeated listens to unpick the layers but on the first run through it set sail and steered a pleasing course. The vocals were infectious supported by strong production. The songs has enough variation with some decent lyrics.
3
Nov 15 2022
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Dust
Screaming Trees
This was variable but just about passable.
2
Nov 16 2022
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Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Crikey this was weird. Deeply dark with jingly jangly bouzouki sounding backing.
2
Nov 21 2022
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
3
Nov 22 2022
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
2
Nov 23 2022
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
The song pickers for this album certainly wanted to share the royalties around. A different writer for each one. Does this make for a strong coherent album. Probably not a consideration at the time. What we get is a fine showcase of Elvis' range supported by quality musicians. Enjoyable but not essential.
3
Nov 25 2022
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No Other
Gene Clark
3
Nov 28 2022
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
3
Nov 29 2022
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
A soundtrack to an evening out sliding from pub to pub. The musical variety and tone is disturbingly funny in parts.
3
Nov 30 2022
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
You need to be in a particular mindset to get into this immediately. Some passages are just too jagged. Of all the tracks, it was D and its extension to E and F that stood out.
3
Dec 01 2022
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
4
Dec 02 2022
View Album
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
This was the least accessible of this style. The higher points are where it picks up and stays with a constant rhythm. Those with many changes were off putting.
2
Dec 05 2022
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Finally a reason to include a live album in this series. While all live albums capture a short period in time this one stands out. The pieces didn't exist prior to the concert and, for this, has merit alone. But the compositions, the flow, the interactions are bold and tantalisingly engaging. The early thought that this might be suited as a background accompaniment so dissolved and it became engrossing. For a first listen for a hitherto unknown (to me ) artist this is something.
5
Dec 06 2022
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
The first Dylan album I bought, after hearing Lily Rosemary and the Jack Of hearts on the radio. Prior to this I knew of the singles and generally preferred covers of his songs. Listening to a complete album, this album, changed my view of him. The song that got me to buy the album is not the best one but it sits nicely in this stellar collection. It is a masterful display of storytelling through song with an elevated vocal performance reflecting the theme running through the album.
5
Dec 07 2022
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Struggled with this. Some good passages but a few that were hard to get into on a first listen.
3
Dec 08 2022
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OK Computer
Radiohead
3
Dec 09 2022
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
3
Dec 12 2022
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Queen II
Queen
3
Dec 13 2022
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Station To Station
David Bowie
4
Dec 19 2022
View Album
Rio
Duran Duran
After the promise of the first album they went full Supermarionation with this one. The overblown videos were an unedifying distraction. In the context of the album the singles work well but the whole is not fulfilling due in part to the limitations of the singer.
3
Dec 21 2022
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
Strong mid 60's fayre. There is no distinctive sound to define the band. Much a case of sounds like this band, no its that band. I suppose get this and save yourself buying others thinking you have an album by those other bands.
3
Dec 22 2022
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Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
3
Dec 23 2022
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Tommy
The Who
This seems too focused as a one man obsession and while the band motifs can be heard it just doesn't come across as coherent. There are interesting ideas but the very good bits are well scattered.
2
Dec 28 2022
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
All for recycling but maybe they should have picked a better base layer. One going forward the other in reverse. Nevertheless there is plenty going on.
2
Jan 09 2023
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
The sax added an interesting twist to a solid album. The vocalist is the star here.
3
Jan 10 2023
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
2
Jan 11 2023
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Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
More range and variety than their other works. That is not necessarily a good thing. TT's vocals still shine and this elevates it a notch. The earnest themes still permeate. Pleasant enough but not Eden.
3
Jan 12 2023
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
3
Jan 16 2023
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
All the motifs are there but despite the biguns it just doesn't hit the mark consistently.
3
Jan 18 2023
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
It must be over 30 years since I last heard the album. It was purchased shortly after seeing the band live. Played often just to marvel as the guitar playing. While that is still plainly evident the album as a whole now feels somewhat underpowered.
4
Jan 19 2023
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
A right royal scam.
3
Jan 20 2023
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
2
Jan 23 2023
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Blur
Blur
An inventive mix of songs, mostly ok with a couple excellent.
3
Jan 26 2023
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Maybe not their best but my favourite. Almost never off the turntable until Pretzel Logic came along. The hallmarks of the 'band' are all in this collection.
I never got a t-shirt.
5
Jan 27 2023
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
Bold, imaginative and provocative but ultimately is too repetitive and defeats its own message.
3
Jan 30 2023
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Have found BS to be very miss and sometimes hit. This is a very heavy collection which kept me interested featuring strong guitar work and an almost tolerable Ozzie.
3
Jan 31 2023
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B-52's
The B-52's
Nothing earth shattering here but a crazy and oblique view. Solidly entertaining and just the right preparation for a night out.
3
Feb 01 2023
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
Something of a change and at times not clear that it was Springsteen. Then his trademark style pops up for reassurance. A themed collection that is ok but lacks the impact of earlier work.
3
Feb 07 2023
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Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
3
Feb 08 2023
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
The jingle got well and truly jangled here. Have heard a couple of the tracks before on their best of where they slotted in nicely. A few steps on the trajectory got missed to reach this point and it doesn't work.
2
Feb 09 2023
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Dry
PJ Harvey
Raw and maybe angry. May have worked with less brash instrumentation letting the words work. The tolerable parts are fleeting.
2
Feb 10 2023
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
3
Feb 14 2023
View Album
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Strong album with call outs to bass and guitar. Punchy and flowing only to be deflated by the final track.
4
Feb 15 2023
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
3
Feb 20 2023
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
This album is a significant upgrade in all aspects and the view from the plateau must have been a fine one. Still prefer their first album, not as good but sprinkled with freshness.
4
Feb 21 2023
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
4
Feb 22 2023
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The Score
Fugees
The tracks that moved away from the closet of the genre pushed this up a notch.
3
Feb 23 2023
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Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
2
Feb 27 2023
View Album
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
A more interesting collection than expected. More variation compared to the genre which was refreshing.
3
Mar 06 2023
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
And why not go against type. An imaginative set of covers with some fine arrangements. As a collection it doesn't do it for me but there are a couple that are very good.
3
Mar 07 2023
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Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Had no idea what to expect knowing nothing about the artist, so pleasantly surprised by this collection. Certainly worth seeking out further works.
4
Mar 08 2023
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Something of a rag bag collection. Not sure why this would make the list as it is way short of his later work. Not overly keen on his vocal style but it is more tolerable as a sol artist than when part of Genesis.
2
Mar 09 2023
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
3
Mar 13 2023
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Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
This improved on second listening. The standout tracks are those written by the heavyweight members. Others are passable but not of the same standard.
3
Mar 14 2023
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
3
Mar 15 2023
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
3
Mar 20 2023
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
The curing was in its early stages on this album. Much better was to come. Apart from the singles which work as stand alone tracks this really is just a soundtrack to a film that didn't get commissioned.
3
Mar 21 2023
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
This is an odd choice, the only album on the list by this band is a live recording, or rather a series of recorded concerts. If the original songs are not good enough to make the list how do live versions make them better.
Thin Lizzy were a very good band, they found their sweet spot with the twin leads but it was all down to the charisma of Phil Lynott. This collection showcases how good they could be live. It would have been better to just record one concert and tinker with that rather than tinker with several - or better still leave it raw as concert goers experienced it.
2
Mar 22 2023
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
A film score and it shows. It is pretty laid back which is weird given the film it is supporting. The title track is the standout providing the memorable hook - Stick any single syllable to the end of the Who is the .....
2
Mar 23 2023
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Woefully irresponsible. Passing between 90 second wham bam totally unprotected. The album came 25 years early being ideal for social media where a collection of partially formed ideas are pushed out for a vote. The popular ones developed into complete songs and the rest simply shredded.
2
Mar 24 2023
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
4
Mar 29 2023
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Solid funk. The musicianship can't be faulted. A few stand out tracks - the singles. Some songs stretched out so far they fell flat.
3
Mar 30 2023
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Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
Entertaining solid pop band fronted by a good singer. The songs are mixed, some bouncy, many fun and few with a distorted view.
3
Apr 03 2023
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
No bubbles here. The staple for this band was in abundance but there are signs of being conflicted with the closers on each side. Very much out of step with the rest.
3
Apr 04 2023
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Dookie
Green Day
This moves on at a pace with a decent rhythm section. It is standard stuff with no real invention but it is well done. The singer is not strong and someone better might elevate the experience.
3
Apr 05 2023
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
3
Apr 06 2023
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Django Django
Django Django
Not heard anything by this band previously. Entertaining with a gentle flow although parts sounded like something from a decade earlier.
3
Apr 10 2023
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
A model of sonic steadiness.
3
Apr 13 2023
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Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
2
Apr 14 2023
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Ctrl
SZA
3
Apr 25 2023
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
I struggle with this genre of music finding it repetitive and with a limited horizon. This album follows the pattern but the artist has something about her that sets it apart. It was palatable and entertaining.
3
Apr 26 2023
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Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
This turned out to be quiet varied, passable for the most part. Some of the vocals were poor.
2
Apr 27 2023
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Every so often the generator throws up an offering that is blindsiding. This is one of those. No previous knowledge of the artist. The output was totally unexpected and magnificently entertaining. Gloriously time shifting, could be a 60's album, then again it might be 70's and then with a swing upliftingly contemporary. A joy!
4
Apr 28 2023
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L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
After the lure of the band name and album title the disappointment of the actual music. Raucous, a mis-melding of styles and lacking grace.
2
May 01 2023
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
Once all the live and remix extras were ignored and down to the original nine tracks this was ok. The quieter stretchy tracks worked best.
3
May 04 2023
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Truth
Jeff Beck
A pretty mixed bag of tracks. Some very good songs others just background. Nevertheless the talent is there and there are some great riffs. Probably stunning live.
3
May 09 2023
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Able to tolerate this more than others of the genre. The scats are naff.
2
May 10 2023
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Nevermind
Nirvana
This may improve through familiarity but I' don't think I can be bothered. There are some good songs, and some raucous nonsense.
3
May 24 2023
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
3
May 25 2023
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
A solid road trip album, offering a jumbled alternative to the radio. A two for the price of one, the imagination of the musician combining with the sparkle of the vocalist.
3
May 30 2023
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Wondering how this got onto the list. The band was known but never really suggested anything original. For this album the band doesn't seem to know whether it should be rock, not powerful enough or pop, lacking memorable catchy tunes. So it fails on both.
2
Jun 01 2023
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Aja
Steely Dan
This is the album where Steely Dan reached the peak of musical evolution. From this point on the quality would ebb a little but nothing would standout or be new. This is a masterclass in musicianship, song structure and technical achievement.
5
Jun 02 2023
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Faust IV
Faust
Having been lured in to purchase the Faust Tapes which turned out to be so weird it put me off checking out their other albums. Quite the opposite of what virgin had intended with their offer. As with a number of bands Faust popped up on John Peel a few times with the offering there much more palatable.
This album still has the weird multilingual stuff on it and encouragingly many of the songs have structure. Each side is well balanced giving the album a positive feel throughout.
4
Jun 05 2023
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
A jolly romp. Aside from the fun and often clever lyrics there are some fine songs. These overcome some of the failings of the vocals. It takes the writer to realise their imagination. If you saw the band live you would understand.
4
Jun 06 2023
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Be
Common
This album just flowed along not sparking anything
arresting along the way.
2
Jun 14 2023
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Sound Affects
The Jam
A mark of a band becoming more assured. They sound much tighter on this album and the rhythm section is on point. Plus there is some spikey guitar playing. The songs are strong but again there is the feeling that Weller should have spent a little more time on refining the lyrics . That's entertainment is a couple of lines away from being superb.
3
Jun 15 2023
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
Unrelenting, strident and rough but not enough to make it standout.
2
Jun 16 2023
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
If he is the soul machine, why the need for so many collaborations? It is the solo stuff that works best where there are some fine songs. The whole album lacks coherence and consistency which may be due to having no single producer.
2
Jun 19 2023
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
Snarling and biting lyrics against a backdrop of sometimes sprawling noise. Not an enjoyable listen.
2
Jun 20 2023
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
2
Jun 21 2023
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Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
Entertaining if a little dated. Doubt that side two would hold up on repeated plays.
2
Jun 26 2023
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
3
Jun 27 2023
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
This sounded fresh on its release. The range of AL a joy and the twiddly parts from DS uplifting. Other than the singles which are baked in, this simply does not stand up today.
2
Jun 29 2023
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
2
Jun 30 2023
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Sulk
The Associates
A little too much fiddling here, such was the thing in the early electro pop. The singer providing moments of joy but more often annoying. It does sound dated but when it hits the mark it is fun and stands up today.
3
Jul 03 2023
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
Most unexpected. It started with an infectious rhythm and kept is going continuously seamlessly drifting between instrumental and vocals.
3
Jul 12 2023
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Close To The Edge
Yes
An album of twists, for a time it could have you running off the edge and every now and them jumping off and gliding on a breeze. A lot of effort went in to produce it and small things are found on every listen but you wish that when they let rip they go for it big time. I didn't really feel that.
3
Jul 13 2023
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Well produced, good songs and band but its the vocals. After the Jam Weller's voice didn't really fit the genres he moved into. But it is his project and he needed to be the frontman. Covers by other artists may well elevate some of the songs.
2
Jul 14 2023
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
A whirlwind in the right light and temperature. A nightmare with the wrong elements.
4
Jul 17 2023
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Well the album cover suggested one genre and the music delivered an interesting mix of several. Perfectly cemented in time and place. It flowed along pleasantly with nothing outstanding.
2
Jul 18 2023
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Trio
Dolly Parton
This was jolly. A pretty good collaboration that throws up some fine songs.
3
Aug 07 2023
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Not the experience is was when the album was released. The band had settled on a sound that would drive towards their single known song (not on this album). The singles are good, some of the extended songs work within the context of the album. But it does sound dated. All that glitters is not gold.
3
Aug 08 2023
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
Couldn't get into this. Rushed and raucous. Towards the close a hint of something calmer but it didn't last.
2
Aug 11 2023
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
Lapped up on release due to absence of new Steely Dan material. Thought it was good at the time but listening again nigh on 40 years later there aren't enough strong tracks. Strong musicianship and well produced as to be expected but lacking an additional critical ear to make it great.
3
Aug 14 2023
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Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
This was a treat. Much more variety than expected. Some fine arrangements, great vocals and interesting guitar.
4
Aug 15 2023
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
There is a lot of variety on the album. Good songwriting . But just couldn't get into it.
2
Aug 16 2023
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Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
Solid fayre that seemed interesting at first but seemed to stretch the theme a little too much.
3
Aug 18 2023
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Marquee Moon
Television
An album that is built around the fulcrum of the title track. There is no getting away that is stands head and shoulders above all the others. But most of them are startlingly strong as well. While the vocals may become a little whiney over time the guitar playing and rhythm section more than overcome this. There are scintillating recurring guitar motifs sprinkled across the tracks. An extraordinary rock album that teased us lyrically and musically.
4
Oct 20 2023
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
The poster that came with the album was on the wall for some time. A super fine collections of songs many of which stand up today, some down to familiarity. Plenty of positive and bouncy tunes elevated by the clever well crafted production.
4
Oct 23 2023
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It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
It's Van. It's has all his hallmarks. It;s pretty solid. It's live so a little out of place on this list.
3
Oct 24 2023
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Didn't do a lot for me. Pretty variable fayre. Sounds of its time.
2
Oct 26 2023
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Other than the vocalist who would have thought that this was SD. Very little of what came before or after is imprinted on this album. Save of course the striking songwriting.
It took a while to get into the album on release following on from Countdown which remains my favourite of theirs. This is a better album.
5
Nov 08 2023
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
A laconic stroll in search of some action that didn't materialise.
2
Nov 09 2023
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
A post punk vision in the singles so much better than the almost routine rest. Sarky, amusing but weird from the 40 years on perspective.
3
Nov 10 2023
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
A lot more varied than expected. Good songs nicely produced with some deft contributions from various glitterati.
3
Nov 13 2023
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
2
Nov 14 2023
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The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
The polish and vision had yet to become ingrained so an album of experimentation, wit and some decent songs.
3
Nov 15 2023
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The Man Who
Travis
This is the sort of album that is likely to improve on repeated plays. On the first pass, however, it felt like a steady walk along even ground with few discernible landmark until late on elevation added some interest.
3
Nov 16 2023
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Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
There are short passages that are pretty cool but for the most part it was not interesting. And the vocals well .....
2
Nov 17 2023
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
Little to ignite interest here. Standard rock album of the period. Awful vocals. There are rare guitar thrills though.
2
Nov 20 2023
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Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
A pleasant listen. Can't say there was anything outstanding but a good collections of songs providing more exposure to the genre.
3
Nov 21 2023
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Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
There is a soulful voice. There are expansive arrangements. It just feels flat. An individual song might feel arresting on the radio but as a collection each just melds into the next.
2
Nov 22 2023
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
This is a hard listen. Finely structured songs. But as with most of his output it is difficult to warm to his delivery.
3
Nov 23 2023
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Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Aptly named. An interesting collection of songs likely to grow on replay.
3
Nov 24 2023
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Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
Crikey another on the list from this band coming only a few days since the last one. This work is later in their career and there had been a change, for the better. A stronger collection of songs that seemed focused on a wider appeal. Maybe this made it more accessible.
3
Nov 27 2023
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
The songs fit the voice which channels the person. Somewhat depressing on the face of it but pretty powerful nevertheless. Whether the style was planned or arose during the sessions it clearly works. The production warrants a strong assist here. Overall a fine album.
4
Nov 28 2023
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69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
And then the doorbell rang and the trance was broken. Got just about half way. Quite a scatterbrain collection. This is car journey stuff at best where one needs something light heading up the motorway. As it is so long one might even create a playlist from it picking a select bunch of tunes. That seems the best option for repeated plays.
2
Nov 29 2023
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The Yes Album
Yes
Never been able to listened to a Yes album repeatedly. This one follows the pattern of the other I've heard. I even owned one at some point but it is not easy to skip tracks on vinyl. Anyway this is OK, yes the musicianship is excellent, yes there are some enlightening guitar passages and glorious harmonies but it feels disjointed.
3
Nov 30 2023
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
It is recognisable as The Fall through the vocals and drumming but the thrill of their raw early work is not there.
2
Dec 01 2023
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Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
An enjoyable offering with fine songs well delivered with neat arrangements. It all went sideways towards the end with an alternative style. Nothing really wrong with it but felt odd. Some songs are ripe for covering.
3
Dec 04 2023
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Musical foraging. Sometimes it can be warming and on others upset ones tummy. Here it is mostly the former.
3
Dec 05 2023
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
This got a lot of radio time on its release as the 'hero' had been away for a while. Seemed OK at the time but almost 50 years on it is so underwhelming. The guitar prowess is held back, only rarely surfacing. Having been in bands full of monster egos their output was often stellar. Being the primary ego the play offs clearly absent the quality is simply not there.
2
Dec 06 2023
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Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
True to the name this is a fun filler between the main event, whatever that may be. Of its time, but raucous seems to fair reasonably well.
3
Dec 07 2023
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Medúlla
Björk
Expect the unexpected from Bjork. This is an ambitious work that is not overly successful. There are passages that are grating and other spellbinding. Difficult to know when this would get played.
3
Dec 08 2023
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
This was fun. More diverse than expected, only knowing the album that followed this one. Holds up well.
3
Dec 11 2023
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
There are some seriously strong songs on this album. A pretty pared back production. Not keen on his vocals but they do work well on the biting social commentaries and the harmonies.
4
Dec 12 2023
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
More mature and modern? Her work has certainly been grown up and clearly reflected in the songs here. The style is contemporary with a nag that some songs feel overproduced. It sits well with her earlier work.
3
Dec 13 2023
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Third
Soft Machine
Get the sextant out and plot a course to the edge of your mind. After a start where is seems there was some frantic twiddling of knobs before the correct settings were found it hit a stride. A discordant quartet on offer with many ebbs and flows plus a smattering of wit. Give it a go there is plenty to discover.
4
Dec 14 2023
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Connected
Stereo MC's
3
Dec 18 2023
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Dummy
Portishead
Apart from knowing where Portishead is in the UK and a memory of being stuck on the M5 for 6 hours staring at the exit sign to there, the band is a mystery. Happily this interaction was more positive. Although a little samey the mix is strong and engaging. The vocals fit the style beautifully. Some of the frills seemed an unnecessary embellishment. Or maybe likened to things that distract ones attention from the monotony of being stationary in traffic,
4
Dec 19 2023
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Well this was journey! Unlike a recent offering in this list where the frills seemed superfluous, here they are important and compliment the driving rhythms. Of course it is overlong and one wonders whether anyone was still awake at the end of the concert. A tone is set and it continues it unrelenting mission save for the short spoke and somewhat ridiculous interludes. Just the thing for a long trip on the motorway.
3
Dec 21 2023
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Justified
Justin Timberlake
It's not Bad and then neither is it a Thriller.
3
Dec 22 2023
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Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Strong start with the singles. and backed up with a pretty decent set of songs. A couple are well below par but overall enjoyable.
3
Dec 26 2023
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Pink Flag
Wire
No dilly dally here. It moves at a relentless pass. A refined rawness.
3
Dec 27 2023
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This follows the other EC albums on this list, pretty good songs with a lyrical barb, which don't pack the punch they once did. Having bought the previous and following albums to this one it was the singles that had me shying away from purchasing this. Listening all these years later that has not changed.
2
Dec 28 2023
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Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
So very different. Not my cup of tea. Each song seemed to be a ramble.
2
Jan 05 2024
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
This was fun and rather unexpected. It wasn't until the last few songs that you can appreciate the journey. What seems to be an obvious underpinning rhythm cleverly evolves as the tracks go by, almost like a walk through a city with different cultures. While there is nothing startling it is infectious and calming.
3
Jan 08 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
Rather jolly. No real duds but no standouts either.
3
Jan 09 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This is a soundtrack to something... Bleak, haunting and stretched to the limit.
3
Jan 10 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Bought this on a deal while browsing in a superstore on Oxford Street, on cassette, having no knowledge of the band. This was some years after its release, around the time another band from manchester were becoming super popular. The album had glowing reviews.
Well what a revelation. A super collection of songs bookend by two stunners. Everything just works, a testament to their readiness and the production team.
5
Jan 12 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
This started brightly and was something counter to expectations. However as it moved on it got stuck in a groove and failed to shift out of it.
3
Jan 15 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Some things need to be set aside to focus on what makes this standout. It is the songs. The voice is hit and miss, the production isn't forensic enough.
5
Jan 16 2024
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Me Against The World
2Pac
A dysfunctional strut. Solid beat which soon becomes monotonous. Cross the street to avoid.
2
Jan 17 2024
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Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Little light in this industrial powerhouse. Somewhat cludgey in places although there are some subtler moments.
3
Jan 18 2024
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Lost Souls
Doves
One likely to improve with repeated plays.
3
Jan 19 2024
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Microshift
Hookworms
3
Jan 22 2024
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Berlin
Lou Reed
What a challenging narrative. Not a great listen altogether but a bold concept. There a number of fine musical moments along with a few dirge-like passages. One or two songs work outside of the concept and could be listened stand-alone.
4
Jan 23 2024
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Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Closest match ///birthday.party.unheard
Just imagine if there were such a spot you could cry alone after having heard this utter excruciating nonsense.
1
Jan 24 2024
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Plenty of depth and repetition as goes with the genre at the time. Fine to have it sweep around but not something to seek out.
3
Jan 25 2024
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
3
Jan 26 2024
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
Still in their chameleon phase. Nothing overly wrong with that but there is no real sense of what. There are some good songs often let down by overblown orchestration. What works in one song doesn't necessarily work in another. The harmonies, as to be expected, are more than fine. Overall OK if a little monotone.
3
Jan 29 2024
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
This was something of a surprise. Through the course of the album there are jumps between styles, although underpinned by the soft rock that had framed earlier work. Although a solo effort it clearly benefits from the collection of musicians assembled. It probably works better through streaming without interruptions than it would as a physical double album.
4
Jan 30 2024
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Country Life
Roxy Music
There is plenty to admire in the collection. Every member gets a fair shot to shine. Less experimental than earlier work with probably more control to create a consistent sound, albeit one with many levels.
4
Jan 31 2024
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Leftism
Leftfield
3
Feb 01 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
It is a Hendrix album so there is pretty good stuff, moderate stuff and stuffless stuff. Again there is evidence of a good songwriter as witness by other artists making covers. In general there aren't enough of them. The guitar work makes up for some of the limitation but that can only go so far. Live is would have been stuffing great as the dodgy soundsystems of the time time would have compensated for the limited vocals.
3
Feb 02 2024
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
Couldn't get into this at all.
2
Feb 05 2024
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Born To Be With You
Dion
Leaving aside the upturned crusts of the first and last tracks the filling was a surprise. Very much of the americana of the time. Good that the production did overpower the songs. Pleasant but not overly memorable.
3
Feb 06 2024
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Scum
Napalm Death
They got the title correct, best song on the album, albeit on a very low bar. In general a nightmare akin to turning the dial on the radio in search of something lighter only to find the apocalypse in motion with this as the pervasive broadcast.
1
Feb 07 2024
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
very middle of the road
3
Feb 09 2024
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Interesting to go with a live album for debut - cost? Sounds remarkably polished production wise for a live album from that time. So not as raw as one might think and lyrically offering a limited vision. Certainly powerful aggressive rock.
3
Feb 12 2024
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
This seems like the band took an opportunity to wander in the enormous shadow of the monster. Overall it is solid but uneven where the step away from the formula did not work. The trademarks are there but not in abundance.
3
Feb 13 2024
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Green
R.E.M.
This will be a grower. It seems to be the way with this band. The singles have an immediate connection. There are none that standout but it is solid fayre throughout.
3
Feb 14 2024
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
It is occasional music. Difficult to know what that occasion might be. One is set aside from ones travails while this is playing.
3
Feb 15 2024
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Nothing exceptional here. Maybe weird for the time but there have always been artists that have an alternate vision. An eclectic mix with the better songs having none or muted vocals.
3
Feb 16 2024
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
A pretty neat concept well executed. There is is some guff on the journey particularly at the start and we are taken though a sampler of all that southern rock has to offer. All that rough and all that shines can be found.
3
Feb 20 2024
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Snivilisation
Orbital
All I got from this was an image of a bunny bashing a set of drums and wishing I has bought the cheap brand.
2
Feb 21 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
A consistently strong collection. The songwriting is excellent. The production let the songs breathe which serves it well over 50 years on.
4
Feb 22 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
A rather wild mix of styles mostly underpinned by their core. As usual the vocals vary from tight fit to a little baggy. Plenty of strong performances by the band and their guests.
3
Feb 23 2024
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
3
Feb 27 2024
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
Rather jolly although a little dated.
3
Feb 28 2024
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
3
Feb 29 2024
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Future Days
Can
This didn't match my memory of the band. More avant garde and experimental. Well this was a surprise a coherent multi layered journey built around infectious rhythms.
4
Mar 01 2024
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Heroes to Zeros
The Beta Band
Not heard of the band prior to this dropping. Well what a fun mix. Nothing truly original but some sparkling songs across many rock genres. Definitely one for the road.
4
Mar 04 2024
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Couldn't get into this at all. Had the background feel to it. There were short passages, the solos, that were almost arresting.
2
Mar 06 2024
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Ah the busker in your living room. Its all good fun despite some of the earnest political stuff. There are some nifty hooks and one liners. Mixed in are some love songs and the off kilter vocal and delivery make it quite compelling.
4
Mar 07 2024
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
A definite shift from their initial poppy work. The tighter constraints of that are forsaken for a number of earnest rambling extensions. The fun and froth now gone. Not an enjoyable experience.
2
Mar 08 2024
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Ingenue
k.d. lang
Only knew of the artist through the collaborations so this was something new. And something of a surprise. An enjoyable collection of songs, well crafted with some catchy.
3
Mar 11 2024
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The Next Day
David Bowie
The invention that stands out in his work is there but not at previous levels. This is an uneven work but contains enough recognisable elements that permeate the songs to maintain an interest.
3
Mar 12 2024
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Want One
Rufus Wainwright
The lush arrangements certainly heighten the emotional drawer. Could it be more powerful pared down just vocal an light instrumentation. The presentation is on the cusp of holding one's attention and being soppy. A strong set of songs.
3
Mar 13 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
This travelled along many paths, some were sunlit most were foggy.
3
Mar 15 2024
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Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
It is a testament to the vision of the man getting a collection of fine musicians with little connection to produce such a varied selection of songs. At times thrilling and others a little discordant. But it works. Almost steeped in its time but given the variety and production standards it works today.
4
Mar 19 2024
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
This just sauntered along lacking any inspiration and depth.
2
Mar 28 2024
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
When you own the album on cassette you can't cherry pick the tracks. This means you listen to all of them and over time appreciate the nuances of each one. As a collection probably their best work. Individual tracks elsewhere may well be better.
5
Mar 29 2024
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The Libertines
The Libertines
This rattled along with some aplomb. Some nifty bouncy stuff easy to access. Overall entertaining and fun.
3
Apr 01 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
Pretty fine fayre. Plenty of hooks to grab the attention. Varied enough with enough depth to elevate above pure pop and keep the interest until the closing track.
3
Apr 02 2024
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Hms Fable
Shack
This was a surprise. Knew nothing about the band. A collection of well crafted songs with good harmonies.
4
Apr 03 2024
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
This flows along innocently and fits nicely in its genre. There is little to get excited about. The song structures can be somewhat complicated.
3
Apr 05 2024
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
All about the guitar I'm afraid. Beyond this there is little else to warrant any attention.
2
Apr 08 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Years since I heard this. The album is pretty varied in styles and themes with all the Stevie trademarks. Sounds a little dated on some track, early synthesizer stuff seems prevalent of this.
4
Apr 09 2024
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
3
Apr 10 2024
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Beyond the pail for my liking. Crash Bang but little wallop.
2
Apr 11 2024
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
Not heard of the band. Pretty varied. Generally middling.
3
Apr 12 2024
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En-Tact
The Shamen
In the cold light of the listen at home while you work it takes a lot for this genre to break out and be moving without chemical assistance. This just doesn't have it. Were it a CD it would have been shredded.
1
Apr 16 2024
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Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
A repetitive swirling adventure that sometimes drifts to something darker. The title track certainly tells a strong story.
4
Apr 17 2024
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
It's inventive, laden with humour but the band turned it up one notch beyond and it ended up a mess.
2
Apr 18 2024
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
3
Apr 19 2024
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
4
Apr 22 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Enjoyed this. Something of a departure from the singles which is what an album should attempt to offer.
4
Apr 23 2024
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Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
The fillers were fluffy and light but doubt they work on repeated listening. An album of mixed styles that is jolly in places, feisty in others and mundane elsewhere.
3
Apr 24 2024
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
3
Apr 25 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
It's great to hear the many of the tracks on the radio as one offs and interesting to see how the album is basically singles. It just feels so underpowered today. There is no doubt about the significance of the artist and that alone raises the rating.
3
Apr 26 2024
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
3
Apr 29 2024
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
Sub-standard doors off their hinges. Probably a blast live.
2
May 01 2024
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
A bold concept somewhat spoiled by the delivery. The vocals require emotion to convey the story when the language is not familiar and that simply isn't there. Possibly on repeated listens, subtle twists may well be found. Nevertheless the music is more than solid and often a quirky take on what was popular at the time.
4
May 02 2024
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
A varied collection in style and quality.
2
May 10 2024
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I Against I
Bad Brains
2
May 13 2024
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The Band
The Band
3
May 14 2024
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Arise
Sepultura
Awful angular sounds but somewhat compelling.
2
May 16 2024
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Traffic
Traffic
The competing styles made for an entertaining album. Nothing startling but kept the attention.
3
May 23 2024
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90
808 State
Plenty of repetitive diddle diddle but devoid of emotion.
2
May 28 2024
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Moondance
Van Morrison
3
May 29 2024
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The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
Pleasant enough floating by in the background. Little movement away from the core.
3
May 30 2024
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Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
3
May 31 2024
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Music
Madonna
2
Jun 03 2024
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All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Although many of the U2 hallmarks are in evidence there are few that standout. A pretty good album overall but not going to displace their early work.
3
Jun 04 2024
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The Undertones
The Undertones
3
Jun 05 2024
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
Could it be that this album is on the list just for the challenge of the title? Leaving aside the squashing of two albums to get this one does the music hold up. There is nothing groundbreaking here. A more controlled version of the genre fitting into its time frame. It is raucous, somewhat unrelenting but OK.
3
Jun 06 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Having only known the singles the expansion to an album was refreshing. String solid pop music.
3
Jun 07 2024
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Oooh eer! This sets a cool mood and runs with it. So much classier than others of this genre.
3
Jun 10 2024
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
The mark of a great pop album where almost all of the tracks could be singles, and the record company had a good go at this. Credit to the producer for keeping the songs tight and getting a consistently high vocal performance from DH.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
2
Jun 17 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
It has been sometime since I last heard the album. The singles drift through now and them. When the album was released almost everywhere you went someone had a copy or it was playing at a party. It certainly caught a wave. Forty years on it still resonates as a fine album, maybe no longer a great one.
4
Jun 20 2024
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Debut
Björk
Bought this album on spec as someone I knew kept banging on about the Sugarcubes. What an impression it made. Plugged into a emerging trend and flipped it. Still sound bright today.
4
Jun 21 2024
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More Specials
The Specials
A fair bit going on in these songs but lacking in any sort of oomph.
2
Jun 25 2024
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
Lyrics may be one thing but the overall feel is a collection of songs with a somewhat disinterested delivery.
2
Jun 26 2024
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GREY Area
Little Simz
A slight shift from the usual for this genre with passages that were tolerable.
2
Jun 27 2024
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
3
Jun 28 2024
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
3
Jul 01 2024
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Technique
New Order
After a truly awful opening this improved considerably. Plenty of the hallmarks of the band in evidence.
3
Jul 03 2024
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Ys
Joanna Newsom
2
Jul 04 2024
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Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
There are passages when things are not so glacial but overall it is a struggle to get into this, certainly without many plays. More often familiarity brings out the nuances and it become acceptable. The question being does one want to go on that journey. There is plenty in there whether it is that innovative, not sure.
2
Jul 05 2024
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
3
Aug 08 2024
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GI
Germs
Surrounded by bottles of Domestos we survived this onslaught. Grinding raucous nonsense with rare moments of almost a tune. Bizarrely the final track fractured and off the wall that it is turned out to be the most interesting.
2
Aug 12 2024
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Wildly inconsistent musically and woeful lyrically.
2
Aug 14 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
It sounds rather dated and somewhat low-fi for modern tastes but this is a collection of high quality songs with an almost exemplary delivery.
3
Aug 16 2024
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
This is where the inventive and clever collection collapses in on itself only surfacing for the one gem we all know. Not helped by the dense production.
2
Aug 30 2024
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
The concept is a bold one and it teeters on the edge of acceptability for this list. But it is still a live album regardless of the location. Nonetheless this is more than fine example of the artist as a musician and a performer. It is clear that the audience are in thrall and it is down to the man.
3
Sep 02 2024
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
2
Sep 03 2024
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Repeater
Fugazi
A case of don't judge by the first few seconds. As it went along the oh no another of this type gave way to this has something about it. More structure and a subtleness of power.
3
Sep 04 2024
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
Ponderous musings.
2
Sep 05 2024
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Multi-dementional. A soundtrack to an evening in Wetherspoons. Glorious
3
Sep 06 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
This could be a grower. Nothing sensational but enough to pique the interest. But every class is different.
3
Sep 09 2024
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Calenture
The Triffids
As requested by the final song, I will and be brief. It was good.
3
Sep 10 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Mildly impressed by this. The usual MO for this genre playing out but instead of becoming bored there was something about the collection. Maybe the odd placement of the samples. The seemingly less preachy outlook. Edging towards the hinterland of cool.
3
Sep 20 2024
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
3
Sep 23 2024
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
This was a right old mish mash of styles. Jolly enough and accessible.
3
Sep 24 2024
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
Exquisite pop music, clean, functional, easily digestible and almost disposable. Except the really good stuff lingers.
3
Sep 25 2024
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Tago Mago
Can
It does go on a bit and there are some weird passages but it does motor along with purpose.
4
Sep 26 2024
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G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
Samey Samey Weak Weak.
2
Sep 27 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
3
Sep 30 2024
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Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
2
Oct 01 2024
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I See You
The xx
Mild and unobtrusive.
3
Oct 02 2024
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
3
Oct 03 2024
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White Light
Gene Clark
An enjoyable collection of songs pretty well delivered. Fifty plus years on it now seems underwhelming.
3
Oct 04 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
2
Oct 07 2024
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Why didn't they make this a live album. It appears to be how it has been structured. The solo performances are excellent but seem out of place. This is a great band but they demonstrate it rarely here. When it works it really does.
3
Oct 08 2024
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Very Scalextrix.
3
Oct 09 2024
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
And this is the problem with live albums on the list and particularly with this artist. The music is driving and well recorded but the showmanship which must have been a key part of the performance just does not come across.
3
Oct 10 2024
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
2
Oct 11 2024
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
A good marker as an introduction to the band. Far too experimental to really be on the list. In that sense it might be good to hear once. Their later albums have stronger songs and more of a sense of a band. Here someone spent too much time on the knobs.
3
Oct 14 2024
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Woodface
Crowded House
3
Oct 15 2024
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Smile
Brian Wilson
This is a weird one. It definitely warrants being on the list. Recorded in the current century but can't break out of the previous one. It is so not of its time. Has all that one would expect of the artist, great songs, exquisite harmonies and inventive arrangements.
4
Oct 16 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
3
Oct 17 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
2
Oct 18 2024
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Kimono My House
Sparks
What a sparking collection of songs. Bought the album after the singles had run through and heard a few other tracks on the radio. Thought it very good at time but have appreciated it more over the years and with it being presented as the latest in the list it is one of the few to get a back to back play. There is plenty to digest.
4
Oct 21 2024
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
3
Oct 22 2024
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
Ambling. Ambient and Ambivalent.
4
Oct 24 2024
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
3
Oct 25 2024
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Protection
Massive Attack
2
Oct 28 2024
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
3
Oct 29 2024
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
Pleasant fun pop although rather dated.
3
Oct 30 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
A good set of songs, well produced and performed but lacking any edge.
3
Oct 31 2024
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25
Adele
No doubting the voice but it lack subtlety. It seems to get to shouty and stay there. The producers certainly got a performance but they didn't get spine tingling songs.
3
Nov 01 2024
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Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
3
Nov 04 2024
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Something of a surprise. The slower tracks much better than the rock ones.
3
Nov 05 2024
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Disappointing. Some strong songs but mostly uninspiring and samey.
2
Nov 06 2024
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One World
John Martyn
There's a definite shift from other work by this artist. This will be a grower with familiarity. On a first play the second side much stronger than the side one. The mix is odd at times but given there is experimentation going on it works. The guitar work is great.
4
Nov 07 2024
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The Coral
The Coral
A right old 60s mix with noughties production. Neat
3
Nov 08 2024
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
3
Nov 11 2024
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
There's some good stuff on the album but it's soooo slow.
3
Nov 12 2024
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You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
3
Nov 13 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
Avalon,Nirvana, They went there and milked it. But this is their peak. Everything coalesced on this album. And thereafter we were left with just the rattle and hum.
5
Nov 14 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Fine voice if a tad boisterous at times. Probably good in a bar with the atmosphere. Comes across as lacking depth.
2
Nov 15 2024
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Highly Evolved
The Vines
2
Nov 18 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
2
Nov 19 2024
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
1
Nov 20 2024
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2
Nov 21 2024
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
3
Nov 22 2024
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
3
Nov 25 2024
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The Specials
The Specials
3
Nov 26 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
3
Nov 28 2024
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
In a period when the personas became marketed as ever more extreme it clearly worked and AC became very popular in the UK. A well played album at the time in the circle of friends. It captured a teenager's rebelliousness thoughts even if they had no intention of going there. A liberal scattering of some proper sing-along pop songs that still work well belted out today.
4
Nov 29 2024
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Mask
Bauhaus
Not a grim as I thought. Production seemed a little muddy. Lacking the vocal distinction of some contemporaries.
2
Dec 06 2024
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Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
Not easy to get into this. The early tracks were an ache. Switched to headphones and the sax separation became clear and is pretty bold. The later tracks are more accessible.
3
Dec 10 2024
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
I'm at home listening and Everything seems to be right.
5
Dec 11 2024
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1984
Van Halen
I get this as a fun party night out with its semi-live feel but as a serious album it is clearly lacking. Virtuoso guitar is one thing but it needs context and subtlety. Ideal for air guitar and head nodding with one's mates.
3
Dec 12 2024
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
2
Dec 13 2024
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Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
3