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Thu May 06 2021
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Very blues-ey, at times felt like I was at a southern US country music festival. Overall, a good album by one of the most iconic bands in music history.
Best: Sympathy for the Devil, Stray Cat Blues and Salt of the Earth.
Worst: No Expectations, Factory Girl
3
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Fri May 07 2021
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
One of the OG glam punk rock groups formed in the US, which paved the way for the likes of the Sex Pistols, Guns & Roses, Kiss, The Dammed and The Smiths.
In listening to this album, you can hear where each of these bands have drawn their influence from. I found this an easy listen, and fell straight into the album with a now fairly familiar sound. High tempo, shredding guitar riffs, and punching rock vocals.
Best: Personality Crisis, Frankenstein, Jet Boy
Worst: Looking for a Kiss, Bad Girl, Subway Train
3
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Mon May 10 2021
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Funky disco beats, started high tempo with what I think is their standout, then mellowed into a late night jazz club vibe. Lots of sax and instrumental beats that for me dragged out a little too long in some cases.
Not my favourite kind of music.
Best: Shining Star, That's the Way of the World
Worst: Reasons, All About Love (First Impressions)
2
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Tue May 11 2021
Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
An ok listen, nothing really too polarising on the album.
Best: Machine Gun Etiquette, I Just Can't be Happy Today, Liar
Worst: Melody Lee, Looking at You
2
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Wed May 12 2021
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
Scottish pop/electro band who's only Top 40 hit, "Rip It Up" was the first hit to use the Roland TB-303 synthesizer.
Lots of electro synth beats, with some sax and horns thrown in. At times could hear some Franz Ferdinand.
Best: Rip It Up
Worst: Hokoyo
2
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Thu May 13 2021
Dirty
Sonic Youth
Heard a bit about Sonic Youth growing up but never got the chance to listen to any of their stuff. This album fits in with the timeline of the grunge movement of the early 90's. Lots of long guitar shredding solos midway though songs, presumably to help the headbanging movement. Lots of socio-political references to the era of the album.
Best: Sugar Kane, Youth Against Fascism, Swimsuit Issue
Worst: Chapel Hill, JC, Purr
3
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Fri May 14 2021
The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
Not my cup of tea. Too slow and jazzy, maybe it's that I don't understand the context of the time the album was written. Almost fell asleep listening to it.
Best: idek
Worst: The whole album??
1
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Mon May 17 2021
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
A good listen to old school rap. A lot of the themes in the songs resonate to today's climate in the USA.
Best: The N***a Ya Love to Hate, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, It's a Man's World
Worst: Who's The Mack?, Get Off My D**k and Tell Yo B***h to Come Here
4
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Tue May 18 2021
In Rainbows
Radiohead
A very slow, lo-fi rock album leaning to electronic. Kind of nice to have in the background whilst doing work. Will need a few listens to get into, I think it will be one that grows on me.
Best: Nude, Jigsaw Falling into Place
Worst: All I Need, Faust Arp
3
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Wed May 19 2021
Kala
M.I.A.
Most of the album is very afro-beat hip-hop type. Not too much of a fan of this type of music. The notable exception would be the commercial radio friendly Paper Planes, and I would argue that Come Around also fits this, likely in large part due to their producers (Diplo & Timbaland respectively)
Best: Paper Planes, Come Around
Worst: BirdFlu, Jimmy
2.5 Stars
2
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Thu May 20 2021
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Did not enjoy, not into Reggae at all. I get that Bob Marley was very good at what he did, it's just not for me.
Best: Natty Dread, No Woman No Cry
Worst: So Jah S'eh, Rebel Music (3 O'Clock Roadblock)
2
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Fri May 21 2021
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
An ok listen, not really outstanding for me.
Best: How Could I Just Kill a Man, Hole In the Head
Worst: Psycobetabuckdown, Latin Lingo
2.5 Stars
2
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Mon May 24 2021
Pearl
Janis Joplin
A good album, after having only ever heard of Janis, but not what her music sounded like, it was almost a surprise in listening to it. A lot Blues-ier than I thought. Can see how her music will have influenced many that came after her.
Best: Cry Baby, Mercedes Benz
Worst: My Baby, Trust me
3
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Tue May 25 2021
Picture Book
Simply Red
Music styling is pop-jazz-saxo beats. But good grief! Didn't really think too much about the lyrics until it got to "Jericho's" first verse. That sounds like some messed up crap, and made me go back and look at the other lyrics a bit closer. Hope there is a reasonable explanation for those lyrics on Jericho.
Should re-think having this album in the best 1001 of all time in my opinion.
0 stars if I could
1
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Wed May 26 2021
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
An ok listen, haven't heard about this group before, but it was a decent rock'n'roll album.
Best: Anything that's Rock'n'Roll, Breakdown
Worst: Fooled Again (I Don't Like It), Strangered in the night
2.5 Stars
3
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Thu May 27 2021
Maxinquaye
Tricky
A slow jam type of album, can see many of those songs as the background music of a moody teen drama or movie. Not too bad, but not my style of music.
Best: Ponderosa
Worst: Suffocated Love
2.5 Stars
2
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Fri May 28 2021
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Pavement are a real alt rock band, with their sound not out of place in today's alternative scene. A good album that spoke about the time. A good listen and would add to my streaming library.
Best: Cut your hair, Range Life
Worst: Filmore Drive
3
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Mon May 31 2021
Solid Air
John Martyn
Dreamy, folk-jazz album, many songs could work well as a part of a dinner party playlist to have some ambient background music.
Best: Solid Air
Worst: I'd Rather be the Devil (Devil got my Woman)
3
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Tue Jun 01 2021
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
A good prog rock album that I enjoyed. Didn't think I'd enjoy too much from this era but here we are. The woodwind instruments were a nice surprise throughout and fit in quite well.
It's a nice listen and I think it would sound awesome on vinyl.
Best: School, Asylum
Worst: Rudy
4
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Wed Jun 02 2021
A Seat at the Table
Solange
An ok listen, not too much a fan of the genre, but can see a bit of Alicia Keyes in the album.
Some of the interludes made the album flow nicely, and kind of put me into a dreamlike state, and raised some still valid socio-political points (2021)
However I struggled to take Solange seriously as she will always be Camille from "Bring it On: All or Nothing" to me.
Best: Cranes in the Sky
Worst: Mad (Feat. Lil Wayne)
3
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Thu Jun 03 2021
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
A folksy rock (heavy on the folk) album that I did not expect to recognise any songs from, but 'Our House' was the one. Not too out of place for an alternative radio station by today's standards.
Best: Our House, Woodstock
Worst: Almost Cut My Hair, Country Hair
2.5 stars
3
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Fri Jun 04 2021
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Wow, so good haven't listened to the entire album previously, but the title track is only the beginning for this album.
After having a quick scan of the Wikipedia page there was more to Marvin's story than I was aware of. His personal struggles with his stunted sexuality due to his father's physical abuse when he was a child. Not only are his lyrics suggestive, but as David Ritz wrote:
"If the most profound soul songs are prayers in secular dress, Marvin's prayer is to reconcile the ecstasy of his early religious epiphany with a sexual epiphany ... In those songs of loss and lament—the sense of separation is heartbreaking. On one level, the separation is between man and woman. On a deeper level, the separation is between man and God."
Prior to this I would not have guessed that deeper level that the album goes to.
Best: Let's Get It On
Worst: You Sure Love to Ball
4
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Mon Jun 07 2021
Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
A perfectly fine album, very garage rock for the time. Can see some modern albums that fit within this framework in some stylistic and sound choices.
Best: Kicks
Worst: Melody for an Unknown Girl
2.5 Stars
3
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Tue Jun 08 2021
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
An all time classic anthemic song in We are Family. I don't think I've been to a wedding without this song playing! The whole album is very disco pop and familiar sounding.
Best: We are Family, Thinking of you.
Worst: Somebody Loves Me
3.5 Stars
3
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Wed Jun 09 2021
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
One of the all time classic albums, even though I would not actively go out and listen to it, but can appreciate the significance it's had on the music landscape.
Best: Born in the USA, Dancing in the Dark
Worst: Bobby Jean
3
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Thu Jun 10 2021
Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Really lovely listen to this album, the ultra familiar tones of Elvis was strangely very comforting. Although I don't think I've heard any of the Elvis originals in the album, it feels like a more mature outing than his earlier songs. The different styles and pace of music take some getting used to, and can see that there might have been mixed reviews when this initially was released. The production on Fever is just gorgeous!
Best: Fever; Dirty, Dirty Feeling
Worst: I will be home again
4
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Fri Jun 11 2021
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
This album sounds typically like something out of the early 70s by way of soft/psych rock. A perfectly ok listen. The album cover is next level crazy though.
Best: Reelin' in the Years
Worst: Brooklyn (Owes the Charmer Under Me)
2.5 stars
2
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Mon Jun 14 2021
Low-Life
New Order
Bernard Sumner's voice left a lot to be desired. Not too sure if it was the production that hampered it, but it felt very whiny to me. I did enjoy the instrumentals on all of the tracks particularly Elegia. They have a very distinctive 80s sound, with their use of synths throughout.
Best: Elegia
Worst: Face Up
2.5 Stars
2
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Tue Jun 15 2021
Remedy
Basement Jaxx
What an album, one of the original acts from what was the birth of the mainstream house scene that we know today.
It gives me "Ministry of Sound" vibes well before it was propelled into existence.
Best: Rendez-Vu, Stop 4 Love,
Worst: N/A
Couldn't fault it, a fantastic debut for Basement Jaxx!
5
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Wed Jun 16 2021
Revolver
Beatles
I did enjoy listening to this album, having never fully listened to any Beatles albums from beginning to end. Only knowing a few of their major singles, this definitely felt more psychedelic/experimental than perhaps their earlier work. Especially with the sitar and other instruments. It seemed obvious that they were on some good drugs around the time of recording this album.
Controversial opinion - didn't care too much for Yellow Submarine.
Best: Taxman; Elenor Rigby
Worst: Here, There and Everywhere
4
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Thu Jun 17 2021
Face to Face
The Kinks
An ok album, had a psychedelic Beatles vibe, with a more pop leaning. Not sure if I got the full experience as Spotify only had the Deluxe Edition.
Best: Party Line, Dandy
Worst: Holiday in Waikiki
2.5 stars
3
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Fri Jun 18 2021
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Funky Brasilian/Latin American beats. Not really my jam, but in the right setting this could be a cracker album. Definitely think the back half of the album is better than the front.
Had to re-listen to Rod Stewart's 'Da Ya think I'm sexy' to hear the similarities in 'Taj Mahal' that would constitute a settlement.
Best: Meus Filhos, Meu Tesouro; África Brasil
Worst: O Plebeu
2
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Mon Jun 28 2021
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Didn't realise that this album was from the late 70's, I associated their main singles firmly from the 80's!
An all round decent pop/rock album with instantly recognisable classics in "One way or Another" which has been endlessly covered, and "Heart of Glass" which was personally a staple in PlayStation 2's SingStar game.
The album takes you on a journey and I think there are no real stinkers on the album which makes for a quintessential pop/rock album.
Best: One way or Another; Heart of Glass
Worst: no real outliers here!
5
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Tue Jun 29 2021
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
The heartbreak in this album is evident. Much lamenting and sorrow throughout. Lots of harmonica riffs really touch to the sadness of a broken heart.
Best: Oh my Sweet Carolina; Shakedown On 9th Street
Worst: Sweet Lil' Gal
3
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Wed Jun 30 2021
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
A relatively easy listen, definitely one to put on if you were in the mood for some salsa like tunes. Not something I would go out of my way to listen to, but hosting a latin night or something like that would be good to put on in the background.
Best: Chan Chan
Worst: Buena Vista Social Club
2.5 Stars
3
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Thu Jul 01 2021
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
A really funky jazz/hip-hop mix from the Beastie Boys with their trademark rap sound over the top.
Lots of instrumental tracks throughout, where I perhaps wasn't expecting it.
Best: Sure Shot; Root Down
Worst: Sabrosa
3
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Fri Jul 02 2021
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
An good listen overall, Violent Femmes have been on my list to listen to for a while, but before this I thought they had a bit more of a harder rock edge to them.
Random aside, not sure if there's a connection but the part in Gone Daddy Gone (the na na na na bit) sounds like the "Hippogriff" song featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie.
Best: Blister in the Sun; To the Kill
Worst: Please Do Not Go; Good Feeling
3
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Mon Jul 05 2021
Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
Upon getting this album pop up for today's listen - I was really skeptical. But the first song on the album is Apache which at first didn't recognise by name, but recognised the sound from countless covers, samples and features in films.
The entire album has a soundtrack like quality to it, which makes sense when you realise that Michael Viner was a record artist manager and executive at MGM Records. Overall a good listen for a Friday afternoon
Best: Apache; In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Worst: No real weakness just a nice flow through the album as a whole
Disclaimer - I only listened to the first 8 songs on Spotify as they were part of the original album. The remainder was part of the 2006 CD Release
3
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Tue Jul 06 2021
Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
A very dreamy instrumental album, where based on the title could easily see people listening to this on a lazy arvo smoking up a storm.
Not really a fan of the album, but it makes ok background music for studying/working
Best: Stars
Worst: Groove St
2
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Wed Jul 07 2021
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
The Low End Theory is regarded as one of the most influential albums in hip hop history. Even though its been called the "Sgt. Pepper's of hip-hop" and helped meld the lines between jazz and hip-hop in the early 90s, this is not really an album for me.
Best: Scenario
Worst: Butter
2
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Thu Jul 08 2021
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
How can you go past some absolute classic Sinatra?
Its a pleasant listen and kind of reminds me of a simpler time. Classic big band sound, dulcet tone of Frank how can you go wrong?
Best: I've Got You Under My Skin; Anything Goes
Worst: We'll be Together Again; Swingin' Down the Lane
4
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Fri Jul 09 2021
Being There
Wilco
A good alt/rock record with a sound that would not be out of place on some radio stations today.
The first disk of the double album was stronger than the second. I think they should have left it at the end of the first one.
Best: Outtasite (Outta Mind)
Worst: Someone Else's Song
2.5 stars
3
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Mon Jul 12 2021
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
An interesting concept album, and can definitely see how they adapted this into a musical.
A lovely soft rock/sci-fi vibe throughout the whole album, somehow reminds me of Neon Genesis Evangelion (maybe that's just the album cover)
Best: Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 1
Worst: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt. 2
2.5 stars
3
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Tue Jul 13 2021
The Bends
Radiohead
The Bends is an album I have heard of but never had the chance to listen to. After "Creep" it catapulted them into the stratosphere. Their sound has influenced so many Brit Pop/Rock bands that have come after them, and in listening to this it becomes evident where the influences are.
Best: The Bends; High and Dry
Worst: Bullet Proof... I wish I was
4
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Wed Jul 14 2021
Autobahn
Kraftwerk
Autobahn was an interesting listen, at first I was a little skeptical when I saw the length of the title track was over 22 minutes! Upon listening I would never have thought that the album was released in 1974, the sound is well ahead of it's time. It was quite a relaxing listen and really took you through a sonic journey.
Best: Autobahn
Worst: N/A
3
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Thu Jul 15 2021
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Lady in Satin was a dip into the soulful and quite mournful sounds of Billie Holiday. She has such a gorgeous voice, however this album just didn't grab me. It was a little too heavy on the "You have to have felt loss to love" vibe for me.
Best: But Beautiful
Worst: You Don't Know What Love Is
2
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Fri Jul 16 2021
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra's crooning tones can't be surpassed. In the Wee Small Hours takes you through a journey of the end of a relationship, which mirrored Sinatra's personal life at the time with his separation from his second wife Ava Gardner.
It's hard not to hear the emotion in his voice throughout, however this really has brought my mood way down for the day. Would have been 1 star if not for his dulcet tone and emotion throughout the album.
Best: Dancing on the Ceiling
Worst: Deep in a Dream
2
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Mon Jul 19 2021
In Utero
Nirvana
If Kurt Cobain wanted a more un-polished and un-refined record than Nevermind, I think they successfully accomplished this without a doubt. In Utero is possibly the quintessential grunge/garage rock albums of the early 90s. At times the raw sound could be a little grating, but looking past those couple of tracks, it's one to have a good head-banging sesh to.
Best: Heart-Shaped Box; Pennyroyal Tea
Worst: Scentless Apprentice; Radio Friendly Unit Shifter
4
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Tue Jul 20 2021
I Against I
Bad Brains
I Against I is not what I was expecting upon looking at the album cover. I was expecting some reggae/hip-hop - guess it shows that you don't judge a book by it's cover! This was a cool listen to some mid 80s punk/ska of which I have never heard of the band.
Best: Hired Gun
Worst: Sacred Love
3.5 Stars
3
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Wed Jul 21 2021
Gris Gris
Dr. John
The first track grabbed me as being a perfect soundtrack to a horror movie set in the deep south of the USA. The psychedelic rock of Dr. John would also not be out of place on a mind bending trip. Although not sure if I'd recommend going down that route.
The ending of "I Walk on Guilded Splinters" capped off an odd album.
Best: Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya; I Walk on Guilded Splinters
Worst: Danse Fambeaux; Croker Courtbullion
2.5 Stars
2
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Thu Jul 22 2021
Heroes
David Bowie
Bowie takes you on a journey from upbeat and relatively radio friendly electro-rock tunes, right through to quite experimental instrumentals in the latter portion of the album. I quite enjoyed the ambient relaxing sounds of Moss Garden which transported me to another place.
Amazingly, most of the tracks on the album were created in one take both instrumentals and lyrics.
Best: Beauty and the Beast; Heroes; Moss Garden
Worst: V-2 Schneider
4
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Fri Jul 23 2021
Cross
Justice
Justice's Cross is a punchy and in your face Dance/EDM/House record that is one to get you really going either on the dance floor or one to pump you up. I love that singles are still played out on the youth radio station in my country.
Their clever use of samples and hundreds of microsamples throughout are a showing that music can truly be anything you make of it.
Best: Genesis; D.A.N.C.E.; One Minute to Midnight
Worst: Hard to pick a bad song in the entire album. Each song captured my attention from the get-go and didn't let me go.
5
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Mon Jul 26 2021
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Bluesy folk rock is not really my jam. However I can appreciate the deep Baritone of Fred Neil's voice.
Best: Everyobdy's Talkin'
Worst: Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga
2
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Mon Aug 09 2021
Vivid
Living Colour
Cult of Personality on Guitar Hero was my first and only foray into Living Colour. For a US based band there is a noticable British rock/punk sound in the beginning of the album. When you find out the bassist was British born, this connects the dots. It then moves to more of a funk vibe, and finishes off the album with turn to some metal.
Best: Cult of Personality
Worst: Open Letter (To a Landlord)
3
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Tue Aug 10 2021
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
This album is not my jam. I can appreciate the cool Afro Beats, but it's not something that I'd willingly listen to. The arrangements were very long, which dragged out the album.
Best: Wonder Wonder
Worst: Stubbor Problems
2
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Wed Aug 11 2021
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Interesting arrangements to the entire album and an interesting look into post-punk from the late 70s. At times it was a little grating, but overall an ok album.
Best: Dub Housing
Worst: Blow Daddy-O
2.5 Stars
2
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Mon Sep 06 2021
Da Capo
Love
Overall, an ok album. Not minding some of the harpsichord trilling and flute arrangements. A very folksy album epitomised by the 19 min jam session Revelation, with its spoken word lyrics, guitar, harmonica, and drum solos it's what one would expect. When it got to the sax solo, started to hurt my ears. :/
Best: 7 and 7 Is; She Comes in Colours
Worst: "¡Que Vida!"
3
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Tue Sep 07 2021
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
The album is lo-fi electronica mixed with Latin american beats. It would be good to have on in the background at a low-key dinner or a chill-sesh.
Best: Abraço; Samba Do Gringo Paulista
Worst: Antropófagos
2.5 Stars
2
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Wed Sep 08 2021
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen's Nebraska is in the vein of telling the story of the 'True America' not glossing over anything and telling it as he sees. Very solemn and seemingly deliberate in taking you on a journey, through mid-western USA. Springsteen doesn't hit the mark for me, perhaps, because its not really something I can relate to.
Best: Nebraska; Open All Night
Worst: Highway Patrolman
2
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Thu Sep 09 2021
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Absolute Classic MJ. I have never previously listened to this album but there were several songs that are so ubiquitous that you can't not have heard them. Funky disco vibes throughout and mellowing towards the tail end of the album.
Best: Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough; Rock With You
Worst: It's The Falling In Love
4
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Fri Sep 10 2021
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Right off the bat, listening to this reminds me of the Beetles, and to almost no surprise it was recorded at the Abbey Road Studios. The Zombies is a foray into the psychedelic rock of the mid to late 60s and has an airy lightness to it with the backing harmonies. Although there are darker toned themes such as prison, breakups, wallowing in ones sorrows, and yearning for a great love, it appears it's told through the haze of LSD (have you seen the album cover?).
Best: Care of Cell 44; Butcher's Tale
Worst: This will be our year
3
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Mon Sep 13 2021
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
The album got off to a cracking start. How could you go past the classic Ace Of Spades? As it progressed it kept those hard nosed guitars and drums but the content of the lyrics progressively got more and more rapey. Culminating in both Jailbait and The Chase is Better Than The Catch. I wanted to enjoy the entire album but I really couldn't, it makes sense as to why the only released single from the album was the Ace of Spades.
This album would've had a much higher rating from me only if the lyrical content was not so rapey.
Best: Ace of Spades
Worst: Jailbait; The Chase is Better than the Catch
2
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Tue Sep 14 2021
Live Through This
Hole
Although I had heard a lot about Courtney Love through the years, I didn't realise she had her own band. Heavy grunge reminiscent of the 90s with a strong female empowerment/feminist overtone lyrically, that as a whole was often criticised and mocked for being whiny and overdramatic due to the 'Riot grrrl' movement, would resonate with audiences today.
Best: Miss World; Jennifer's Body; Doll Parts; Gutless
Worst: N/A
5
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Wed Sep 15 2021
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Overall a good album, its very easy listening and fits in nicely with the pop/folk rock of the late 60s. Its a real shame that it was released on the same day as the Beetles "White" album. With themes such as the nostalgia of childhood and small village life contrasting to the quickly changing youth of the late 60s it cements itself as one to listen to on a lazy afternoon and watch the world go by.
Best: Village Green Preservation Society; People Take Pictures of Each other
Worst: Monica
4
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Thu Sep 16 2021
Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
It was such a weird mish-mash of electronica/rock and to be honest not really a fan. It felt like it jumped around from place to place and no real cohesion throughout. I can kind of see what they were trying to go for but it just didn't really work.
Best: It's Not the End of the World?
Worst: Run Christian Run!
2
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Fri Sep 17 2021
Dookie
Green Day
Such a classic modern pop-punk record, this takes me right back to being a moody-too-cool-for-school teenager. Dookie guides you through the inner musings of Billie-Joe around themes such as boredom, anxiety, relationships, and sexuality.
Best: Longview, Welcome to Paradise; Basket Case; When I Come Around
Worst: FOD
5
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Mon Sep 20 2021
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
The arrangements throughout are a mish mash in a good way of jazz, classical, Spanish and African themes. It feels very improvised, something you may hear at a jazz club, quite nice as some background music.
No best or worst as the entire album feels like a collective that should be treated as a whole.
3
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Tue Sep 21 2021
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Music for the Masses is obviously ironically named. Depeche Mode would not have been classified as mainstream in any sense of the word. It is moody and dark, but also decidedly 80s in feel. Overall a great listen and one I'd venture back into.
Best: Never Let Me Down Again; Little 15
Worst: Pimpf
4
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Wed Sep 22 2021
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Spotify only had the 2011 re-issue album in their catalogue, I believe the omission of some of the added songs may have made the album flow a little better. Might have given it a slightly higher rating if it was the original track-list. Overall I thought it was a good intro to QOTSA being their debut album.
Best: Regular John
Worst: These Aren't the Droids You're Looking For
3
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Thu Sep 23 2021
Tapestry
Carole King
Once I saw the track-list of this album I knew I was in for a surprise. Seeing tracks like 'I Feel the Earth Move' and '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' which are absolutely iconic songs, of which I had no idea who originally sung them. Its a very relaxed pop/folksy album with acoustic guitars and piano playing that has an old world feel to it.
Best: I Feel the Earth Move; (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Worst: Way Over Yonder
3
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Fri Sep 24 2021
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Honestly surprised me that there was a female voice on the album - genuinely thought it was a male led band. Then I do some extra digging and find out the Stevie Nicks is that voice?! Definitely a TIL. Overall a good alt album which I can see some songs making it onto a road trip playlist. But for the hype that everyone talks about Fleetwood Mac, IMHO, totally overrated.
Best: Angel
Worst: Honey Hi
3
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Mon Sep 27 2021
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
This album is so full of energy, it makes you want to get up and jump around head-banging. It's a politically charged album throughout, being anti-war and touching on topics of genocide, religion and brainwashing. All of these themes make sense when you realise that the band-members are Armenian, whose people have been subject to tragedies.
Best: Sugar; Peephole
Worst: Spiders
3
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Tue Sep 28 2021
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
The PetShop Boys, Actually is a quintessential 80s album. With songs including "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" and "Rent" have the iconic sound of pop synths and dramatic electro-drum beats.
Best: What Have I Done to Deserve This?; Shopping
Worst: It Couldn't Happen Here
4
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Wed Sep 29 2021
Protection
Massive Attack
This is a great album to chill out to, or to have on in the background whilst studying or working or doing something you need to focus on.
Best: Protection
Worst: Spying Glass
2.5 Stars
3
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Thu Sep 30 2021
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
More Songs About Buildings And Food has the familiar production of producer Brian Eno. The story of how the album name came about sounds like a typical band decision. Quote from Tina Weymouth the bassist:
"When we were making this album I remembered this stupid discussion we had about titles for the last album. At that time I said, 'What are we gonna call an album that's just about buildings and food?' And Chris said, 'You call it more songs about buildings and food.'"
It seems that a number of artists have been influenced by the sounds of this album, in my experience, MGMT immediately comes to mind through their similar sounding Avant-pop/new-wave electro sounds. Whether that was a direct influence of the producer or Talking Heads themselves remains to be seen.
Best: With Our Love
Worst: The Big Country
Note: Spotify had the 2005 Remastered album with bonus tracks, I only listened to the original tracks off the album.
3
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Fri Oct 01 2021
Berlin
Lou Reed
It's a pretty dark album we get from Lou Reed here. With what is essentially a concept album, with the telling of a couple's struggle with drug addiction and abuse.
Best: Caroline Says I
Worst: The Bed
2
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Mon Oct 04 2021
Station To Station
David Bowie
Station to Station is a space-age-cocaine-fueled insight into the mind of Bowie at the time with the Thin White Duke persona that he adopted. There are some very odd references that Bowie attributes to the album including references to the stations of the Cross and the Kabbalah. As Bowie was so disconnected with the album as a whole he attributes it "as a piece of work by an entirely different person".
Best: Station to Station
Worst: Wild is the Wind
4
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Tue Oct 05 2021
Celebrity Skin
Hole
From the satirical look at the cult of celebrity to orgasms and rehabilitation clinics - and that's just in the first four songs. Courtney Love really knows how to get the world bopping without paying too much attention to the lyrics. It is a testament to the alt-rock-pop sounds throughout this album. Overall a listen that takes you back to the sounds of high school teen movies from the very late 90s and very early 00s.
Best: Malibu; Petals
Worst: Dying
4
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Wed Oct 06 2021
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Merriweather Post Pavilion is a good psych-electronica album that being sample heavy, it allows a creative flow of interesting soundscapes.
Best: My Girls
Worst: Lion in a Coma
3
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Thu Oct 07 2021
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
This album is perfect to have on in the background whilst studying or working. Great lo-fi beats and sounds like something a 24/7 YouTube channel would be playing.
Not sure if I can pick a best and worst, the whole album is pretty cohesive.
3
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Fri Oct 08 2021
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
Quite a dreamy alternative album. There was a gamut of instruments throughout the production which kept things fresh and interesting.
Best: Pissing in the Wind
Worst: Be Wilder
3
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Mon Oct 11 2021
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
70s soul vibes throughout. Not something I'd go out of my way to listen to normally. Its very slow and to me it drags on and I couldn't wait for it to be over.... all 71 minutes of it.
Best: Cleva
Worst: ...&On
1.5 Stars
1
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Tue Oct 12 2021
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson's Stardust is a collection of more 'pop' style music than I was expecting from what I've heard of Nelson's country pedigree. The album was a lookback at his childhood, Nelson wanted to bring these songs to a new audience, along with bringing an older one back into the fold of listening to music again. Overall an enjoyable compilation album of covers which, similarly to its namesake, has a starry quality throughout.
Best: Stardust; Unchained Melody
Worst: On the Sunny Side of the Street
3
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Wed Oct 13 2021
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Melody AM is a look into the world of chilled out house music. Lovely to listen to whilst relaxing on an afternoon, a perfect addition to a background music playlist also.
Best: So Easy
Worst: Poor Leno
3.5 Stars
3
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Thu Oct 14 2021
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
It's a fast paced alt-rock bordering on metal in the first half of the album. then in the second half of the album it takes a turn to the dark side. Of which is a delve into love and loss. Firstly of Perry's girlfriend who overdosed at 19 along with his mother who committed suicide when he was 3. Overall it's an album that feels a little disjointed. Going from one side of the record to the other you'd just about think you put on an entirely different LP.
Best: Stop
Worst: Been Caught Stealing
3
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Fri Oct 15 2021
Closer
Joy Division
Closer is melancholic and austere. Given that it was released posthumously from Ian Curtis' suicide it feels more poignant. Coupled with the cover art image of the Appiani Family tomb from Genoa, you have a haunting album, of which in hindsight makes it seem that Ian's suicide was inevitable. A seminal album in post-punk/alternative with the introduction of the synths so prevalent of the 80s.
Best: Isolation
Worst: Passover
4
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Mon Oct 18 2021
American Idiot
Green Day
Whew, American Idiot is an absolute classic in my eyes. The entire album is filled with commentary on the political and disenfranchised state of the USA in the early/mid 00s, and although the album is almost 20 years old, sadly it still speaks to the state of USA. This conceptual album is multi Grammy award winning, has been adapted for Broadway and has a documentary that was filmed about the process of making the album.
This takes me back to early high school blasting this in my headphones on my discman, and to what we now know as a much simpler time considering what the Trump Administration has brought to the world.
Best: American Idiot; Boulevard of Broken Dreams; Wake Me Up When September Ends
Worst: Are We the Waiting
Note: Spotify has joined some songs as one, which I can see why they've done it for the flow, but I have always listened to them as separate songs. (Holiday/Boulevard of Broken Dreams; Are we The Waiting/St. Jimmy, and a couple of others)
5
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Tue Oct 19 2021
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
The Byrds seemed like they may have put up a good fight against the tsunami that was The Beatles, however at the time there was no real way to stop them. Mr. Tambourine Man is a solid pop-folk album that would have been enjoyed by audiences all over.
Best: Mr. Tambourine Man
Worst: The Bells of Rhymney
Note: Spotify has the 1996 reissue with additional tracks. I only listened to the original 12 tracks on the album.
3
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Wed Oct 20 2021
School's Out
Alice Cooper
Schoooooooollll'sss Ouuuutttt!!! Classic song that's been used as an anthem for school leavers since it's release. The rest of the album doesn't quite hit the mark in terms of the peak that School's Out was able to achieve. Interesting to note that on their greatest hits album, the only featured song from this album is School's Out. The remainder of the album is a little lacklustre with some potentially questionable lyrics - it's ambiguous if the lyrics relate to consensual acts or otherwise. A couple of other songs do have the themes of school/school leaving but the others do not. The instrumental's weren't too bad either.
Best: School's Out; Public Animal #9
Worst: Blue Turk
3
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Thu Oct 21 2021
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
Iron Butterfly's In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida's standout song is quite obviously the title track. The remainder of the songs are perfectly fine, however are clearly only filler.
I feel younger audiences, would know the title track from The Simpsons classic church scene where Bart Sells his Soul to the Devil. The song was supposed to be "In the Garden Of Eden" but the organist was so drunk and slurring his words it was transcribed as In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.
Best: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Worst: Are You Happy
3
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Fri Oct 22 2021
Back In Black
AC/DC
AccaDacca! If you're looking for the quintessential Australian Rock album, this has got to be one of the top ones for sure. It has classic tracks, hard-nosed guitar riffs and solos that will get your head bopping and ears bleeding!
Best: Hell's Bells; Back in Black
Worst: Shake A Leg
4
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Mon Oct 25 2021
Abraxas
Santana
A totally smooth album filled with what Santana are known for, cool latin/jazz fusion rock.
Best: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen
Worst: Samba Pa Ti
3
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Tue Oct 26 2021
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
A very dark and heavily moody album, of which whose title reflects the state of mind of Trent Reznor's spiral into drug abuse and depression. If you're not paying attention to the lyrics then you may mistake this for a regular distortion filled album but it is so much more than that.
Best: Heresy
Worst: A Warm Place
3
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Wed Oct 27 2021
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
A Hard Day's Night is what can only be described as Absolute Classic Beatles.
Interesting to find out that the first half of the album was a part of the soundtrack from a film of the same name. It was their first album to feature entirely original compositions.
It was such a delight to listen to, it felt so comfortable and familiar to listen to, even though this is the first time I have listened to this album in full.
Best: A Hard Day's Night; Can't Buy Me Love
Worst: Can't pick.
5
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Thu Oct 28 2021
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
The album is a perfectly ok listen. That kind of country rock doesn't really appeal to me, but it was nice to hear that it wasn't a typical 'country' album.
Best: Green River
Worst: Broken Spoke Shuffle
2
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Fri Oct 29 2021
Parklife
Blur
Parklife feels like a new record, yet so familiar. Having never heard the album, but familiar with Blur's 'Song 2' it feels worlds apart from that song, yet all cut from the same cloth.
Best: Girls and Boys
Worst: Trouble in the Message Centre
4
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Mon Nov 08 2021
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Super boppy and a very bluesy album overall. This style of music would have been a staple at numerous parties and events from the late 50s onwards.
Best: Blueberry Hill
Worst: The Fat Man's Hop
Spotify did not have the entire album, had to resort to finding the songs on YouTube to complete my listen.
2
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Tue Nov 09 2021
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
I've heard of the Dire Straits, however this album isn't what I was expecting. I was expecting a little heavier rock than the slight blues twinge to the record. That's not to say that it was bad, just unexpected.
Best: Down to the Waterline
Worst: Wild West End
3
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Wed Nov 10 2021
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
Lots of jazz, naturally lending itself to big band energy.
Overall an ok album, however nothing that would really grab me to go back and listen to it.
Best: Southern California Purples
Worst: Liberation
2
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Thu Nov 11 2021
The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
Wow for a band to have their 15th (!) album in the top 1001 albums either some of their other stuff juuuust missed out or it wasn't that good to begin with.
The Fall's 'The Infotainment Scan' is reminiscent of early to mid 90s alt rock with house/dance undertones throughout. It has a very abrupt, poetry style to the lyrical content of the album. Overall an ok listen.
Best: Ladybird (Green Grass)
Worst: Light/Fireworks
2.5 Stars
NOTE: Spotify had the double disc version of the album. I only listened to the first disc as it would have been released on CD at the time.
2
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Fri Nov 12 2021
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
An interesting listen, definitely something that I would not normally listen to unless I was perhaps going to a concert specifically for this. I can appreciate that Keith Jarrett is a very good pianist, but I will probably never listen to this again.
No Best/Worst as I think it should be treated as a whole performance.
2
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Mon Nov 15 2021
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
After looking at the album cover and the year it was released I wasn't expecting too much from this album. however when I popped it on, immediately I recognised the sound, although can't pinpoint from exactly where I recognise it from perhaps from movies or TV shows. Overall a good instrumental album with many familiar melodies.
Best: Green Onions
Worst: One Who Really Loves You
3
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Tue Nov 16 2021
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
I've heard of Leonard Cohen, but never listened to any of his music. From the first note I wasn't sure what to expect, but when that deep, booming yet soulful voice came at me I was taken aback. Overall it was a very dark and somber album that was ok but wouldn't go out of my way to listen to.
Best: You Want It Darker
Worst: Steer Your Way
2
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Wed Nov 17 2021
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
There was only one song that I have heard previously of in the entire album of course it was 'Wouldn't it Be Nice'. Other than that, the album was a delve into the sound of the 60s pioneering new sounds and instruments used for rock at the time including bicycle bells, French horn, flutes, Electro-Theremin, string sections, and beverage cans. Overall an ok album but not as good as the hype that I have heard surround this record.
Best: Wouldn't It Be Nice
Worst: Sloop John B
2.5 Stars
2
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Thu Nov 18 2021
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Whilst I have kind of heard of Frankie Goes to Hollywood I didn't realise that the absolute classic "Relax" was by these guys! Welcome to the Pleasuredome is an amalgamation of what I think the 80s would've sounded like. Full of deep synths and electro dance pop goodness.
Best: Relax; War
Worst: Tag
4
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Fri Nov 19 2021
The Who Sell Out
The Who
There's no doubt that The Who Sell Out by The Who is a concept album. It's dripping with the irony of 'Selling Out' with all of their "Sponsored" commercials and "Public Service Announcements" interspersed between songs. Overall it was an ok album but quite possibly very niche in terms of the whole concept.
Best: Tattoo
Worst: I Can See For Miles
3
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Mon Nov 22 2021
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Bizarre Ride II has that early form Hip-Hop flavour in the way of their flow and overall beats and sound with a familiar cadence and flow of the late 80s early 90s.
Their lyrical content is typically not as heavy as those of other artists of the time - particularly NWA and the like. Overall an easy listening album, where lots of the tracks would work well in things like skate videos or skate video games
Best: Oh Shit; Ya Mama
Worst: Return Of the B-Boy
Note: Spotify didn't have the track Officer - had to jump over to YouTube to listen.
3
View Album
Tue Nov 23 2021
Murmur
R.E.M.
Quite a good indie/alt debut album from REM. I can understand why at the time it would have been very out there with such a new sound and lyric style. In 1983 I don't really think anyone had a sound like REM and that is part of the reason they're a mainstay in the music industry.
Best: Radio Free Europe
Worst: We Walk
Note: Spotify had the Deluxe reissue version of the album. Only listened to the songs on the original album.
4
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Wed Nov 24 2021
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
A look into the lives of the LA rappers moving into the 90s. This lengthy album has many interludes and asides where it felt a little drawn out. Definitely some tracks could've been cut, or edited a little better.
Best: O.G. Original Gangster
Worst: Fly By
2
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Thu Nov 25 2021
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
It was a jazz album that was pleasant enough to listen to, however not something I'd actively go out of my way to listen to again. An album that would be good as part of some background music at a speakeasy type bar.
No best/worst as they all flow into one another.
2
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Fri Nov 26 2021
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
I can understand why people liked Bob Dylan, however it is not my jam at all, way too folksy and kind of a whiny voice overall - kind of difficult to listen to over 1.5 hours.
Best: Mr. Tambourine Man
Worst: Desolation Row
2
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Mon Nov 29 2021
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
A very folksy, psych rock, a very familiar sound, not sure if I've heard some of their tunes previously or if their sound has been replicated throughout time.
Best: Bluebird
Worst: Broken Arrow
2.5 Stars
2
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Tue Nov 30 2021
Metallica
Metallica
A very heavy and dark outfit from Metallica. It's probably their best and most well known album, having been number 1 in about 10 countries and a mainstay in the charts. It is the quintessential metal/heavy rock album. Its a heavier sound than the likes of the metal albums of the 80s, but does not disappoint.
Best: Enter Sandman
Worst: Of Wolf and Man
4
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Wed Dec 01 2021
Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
Underwater Moonlight is a psych-rock with tones of influence from The Beatles, with note of the sitar throughout. Whilst they haven't had much commercial success, they have been credited as early influencers of the likes of REM.
Best: I Wanna Destroy You
Worst: Old Pervert
NOTE: Spotify had ALL of the reissue tracks on the one album. I only listened to the original 10 songs off the album.
3
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Thu Dec 02 2021
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Very baroque in style and dreamy, Rufus has a voice similar to Matt Belamy from Muse - when he's singing on some of their softer tracks. I can see why some people would really like this its very adult contemporary in style, however it's too dreamy and flowery for me.
Best: Angus Dei; Crumb by Crumb
Worst: Old Whore's Diet
2
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Fri Dec 03 2021
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
A very fun and flirty mambo album that would get a lot of people up and dancing. I can appreciate the album for what it is but it's not something I'd pop on for going out over the weekend.
Best: Mambo Gozon
Worst: Varsity Drag
2.5 Stars
2
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Mon Dec 06 2021
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
A dreamy album full of vast orchestral instrumentals that take you to a place off into the ether. Just as the album name suggests - we are left to feel as though we are indeed floating in space (and time).
The addition of Elvis' 'Can't Help Falling in Love' on the title track, sets you up for a kind of mystique the album is going to bring.
Best: Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space (I Can't Help Falling in Love)
Worst: No God Only Religion
4
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Tue Dec 07 2021
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Back At The Chicken Shack is probably only going to be on a background music playlist. Tracks were quite lengthy.
Best: Back At The Chicken Shack
Worst: Messy Bessie
2
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Wed Dec 08 2021
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
This is why they tell you not to judge a book by it's cover. Looking at the album cover I was expecting a country album, but surprisingly what I got was a pop/Motown record including a cover of 'You Don't Own Me'. The album has a similar soul to the likes of Adele, but sounds like Hairspray.
Best: You Don't Own Me
Worst: Wishin' and Hopin'
Note: Spotify had the 1997 reissue with 20 tracks. I only listened to the original 12 tracks from the album.
3
View Album
Thu Dec 09 2021
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
It's a politically and socially charged album that is fast paced with a dense and chaotic production style that relied on found sounds and avant-garde noise as much as it did on old-school funk.
Listening to it today, it still sounds fresh and relevant.
Best: Bring the Noise
Worst: Mind Terrorist
3.5 Stars
4
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Thu Dec 16 2021
Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
A concept album that if released today would pop up on some indie station. Their psychedelic sound is pretty chill and easy to listen to. Didn't really enjoy the speaking parts throughout the album - but I guess that's what you get from a concept album.
Best: Long Agos And Worlds Apart
Worst: Happiness Stan
3
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Fri Dec 17 2021
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
A really good listen to a lot of familiar songs, but never as a whole album. It's evident that The Beatles were well and truly over their teen heart throb status and were more than willing to branch out on something really new and different from their sound and concept for the album to their looks and really keeping with the times of the 'hippy' and drug liberated era.
Best: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band; With a Little Help from My Friends; Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Worst: When I'm Sixty-Four
5
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Mon Dec 20 2021
Pornography
The Cure
The Cure's Pornography is a look into the substance-abused mind, delving into the obscenity of violence, exploitation and abuses of power. Lots of imagery around the colour red, seemingly a metaphor for blood, flesh and sex to showcase the fullness of despair, hopelessness and darkness.
As it's hard to make out the lyrics and with the way the instrumentals are arranged it's very easy to fall into the trap of tapping along and enjoying the music without realising that there are some really heavy things lying in waiting.
Best: The Hanging Garden
Worst: Siamese Twins
3.5 Stars
3
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Tue Dec 21 2021
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
TV On The Radio's Dear Science is more of an indie/electro/rock style of an album. Not sure why it was classed as the best album of 2008 by a number of major publications, considering things like Kanye's "808s & Heartbreak" and Kings of Leon's "Only by the Night" were out the same year.
Best: Family Tree
Worst: Lover's Day
2
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Wed Dec 22 2021
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Only ever heard one song by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and it was not on this album. Overall it's an ok album fitting into country blues rock style which I'm not really a fan of.
Best: Gimme Three Steps
Worst: Mississippi Kid
2
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Tue Jan 04 2022
Snivilisation
Orbital
Nice house/dance vibes with Snivilisation, great to chill out to or have in the background whilst working/studying.
Best: Science Friction
Worst: Are We Here?
3
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Wed Jan 05 2022
Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
Tuesday Night Music Club has a very familiar sound and voice where it takes you back to an earlier time. Although most of the songs on the album don't really live up to "All I Wanna Do", overall it's an ok listen.
Best: All I Wanna Do
Worst: No One Said It Would Be Easy
3
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Thu Jan 06 2022
Pretenders
Pretenders
I feel I've heard of the Pretenders from an older uncle or aunty who were really into them. I can see where the hype would have been back in the day a pop/punk outfit that would appeal to a lot of people.
Best: Brass in Pocket
Worst: Private Life
3
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Fri Jan 07 2022
I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
It's a very stripped back indie folk album which goes through the musings of a man going through some stuff and feels a little personal.
Best: Death To Everyone
Worst: Today I Was An Evil One
Note: This Album is NOT available on Spotify - needed to head to YouTube to listen to it.
2
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Mon Jan 10 2022
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Thankfully Spotify had both the UK and US versions of the album. After listening to the UK version, initially, I thought it was a perfectly good album by the Rolling Stones, but there was something lacking from it to elevate it to the next level. Then I decided to listen to the US version, and instantly found what was missing - "Paint it Black" along with the arrangement and placement of songs throughout the album.
It really is amazing what changing around, adding and cutting a few songs does to an overall album sound and flow. I found the US release much tighter and flowed so much better than the UK version. Where the songs had more cohesion as a whole and sonically seemed to make better sense.
Best: Paint It Black
Worst: What To Do
4
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Tue Jan 11 2022
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Let's be real here - "Proud Mary" is the only good song on this album. Wikipedia definitely had it right in calling this genre 'Swamp Rock'. Listening to this feels like I've been transported to the deep American south where we're in either a trailer park or down by some swampy lake fishing. (If that's what they were going for then I guess they nailed it?). Two stars only for Proud Mary.
Best: Proud Mary
Worst: Graveyard Train
Note: Spotify had the 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition - I only listened to the songs on the original album.
2
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Wed Jan 12 2022
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
A slightly different take on the concept album by structuring it as a live album, it does add a bit of flair and interest to it overall. A good acid/psych rock album with a bit of blues thrown in for good measure.
The album cover certainly is unique. It gives an overview of what to expect from the album - as though it was a live show played out in comic. Although, some of those drawings in particular wouldn't fly in today's market.
Best: I Need A Man To Love
Worst: Ball & Chain
Note: Spotify had the re-release album with bonus tracks - I only listened to the original songs.
3
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Thu Jan 13 2022
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
One of the first bands to use the term psychedelic rock - if you couldn't tell by the colourful trip-inducing album cover. The use of the "hillbilly" jug as a sound is thankfully not too prominent and blends in quite well.
Overall, a good psych rock album, although there weren't too many standouts.
Best: You're Gonna Miss Me
Worst: Don't Fall Down
2.5 Stars
Note: Spotify had the 2008 Remaster Edition, but I only listened to the original tracks
2
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Fri Jan 14 2022
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Very dreamy and ethereal. I will say though I am pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Whilst at the time of release I can see how it would have been quite out there and different. This would not have been the same record had they not included the backing drums on each of the tracks. It reminds me of the "Mermaid Song" from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie.
It's a good album to pop on when you're in the mood for a chill/space-out session.
Best: Ivo
Worst: Amelia
3
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Mon Jan 17 2022
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
I'd heard of the name Frank Zappa, but never any of his songs. It was an interesting - mostly instrumental - ride that has some great guitar solos with a pop of sax and surprisingly organs.
Wouldn't mind some of these popping up on a playlist randomly.
Best: Peaches En Regalia
Worst: Willie The Pimp
3
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Tue Jan 18 2022
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Quite a progressive album from The Smiths for the time it was released. There is clearly a lot of underlying dissent to the archaic way Morrissey was treated in school and yet it's also very forward thinking, contrary to the popular sentiment of eating meat as well as jokes at other's expense not being ok.
Best: That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore
Worst: Nowhere Fast
4
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Wed Jan 19 2022
Ingenue
k.d. lang
Blegh. This is very much in the genre of "Adult Contemporary" and just about put me to sleep. Could not get into this album at all. She must have some listeners to have been around all these years but jeez, dunno who would listen to her willingly.
Best (of a bad bunch): Constant Craving
Worst (saying something): Season Of Hollow Soul
1
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Thu Jan 20 2022
Connected
Stereo MC's
This album was a nice mix between Hip-Hop and Electronica, a nice easy listen and good to pop on and nod your head to - but would have been amazing to see at a festival. It was nice to hear some female vocals throughout the album - something that was not common at the time of release.
Best: Connected
Worst: Chicken Shake
3
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Fri Jan 21 2022
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
A real iconic album from Kanye and a great follow up from 808s & Heartbreak. There are several songs on the album that are still in rotation on many playlists (as of Jan 2022) that never fail to please. At times throughout it can be a bit self-indulgent with the extra long tracks. (9 min+).
Best: Power; Monster
Worst: Devil In a new Dress
4
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Mon Jan 24 2022
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Could this album be any longer? I get that this is a progressive album hearing life perspectives from the female side, and the whole classroom vibe at the end of some of the songs being about learning fitting into the vibe of the album cover and title. But sheesh it gave me a headache and almost put me to sleep at work. Any way something could have been cut from it's 77 minute track list?
Best: Can't Take My Eyes Off You (I Love You Baby)
Worst: When It Hurts So Bad
1
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Tue Jan 25 2022
No Other
Gene Clark
Overall it was an alright album. Laid back and chill if not a little slow, nothing really stood out and grabbed my attention.
Best: Strength of Strings
Worst: Some Misunderstanding
2
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Mon Jan 31 2022
New Wave
The Auteurs
An ok album that had a chill but haunting vibe to it overall.
Best: Starstruck
Worst: Idiot Brother
2.5 Stars
3
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Tue Feb 01 2022
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
This is one long album clocking in at 77 minutes one of the longer albums I've listened to so far throughout this journey. It's blues rock focus can at times feel a bit repetitive and a lot of the guitar solos could have neatened up the album a bit.
Best: Bell Bottom Blues; Layla
Worst: Key to the Highway
2
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Wed Feb 02 2022
Under Construction
Missy Elliott
This is a surprisingly deeper album than I would have expected. Missy's love for the overall hip-hop community really shines through. With all of the intro/outros throughout the album really hark back to where she came from and pays tribute to who came before her (I'm not normally a fan of intros/outros). She really brings the love for the music and the music alone and does away with the huge egos and all of the unnecessary 'gangsta' deaths.
Best: Work It
Worst: Slide
4
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Thu Feb 03 2022
The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
After reading a little background of the album, it's indeed a very sad state of affairs. It is clear whilst listening to it that there the lead singer is not in a good place mentally and physically with documented reports of self-harm, anorexia nervosa, alcohol abuse and depression. The lyrical themes reflect heavily on politics and human suffering, yet it's one of those albums if you weren't paying too much attention to the lyrics themselves you'd happily bop along to the songs themselves without realising it's true meaning.
Best: Yes
Worst: Ifwhiteamericatoldthetruthforonedayit'sworldwouldfallapart
3
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Fri Feb 04 2022
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Wow, initially listening I thought I could get on board with this album the first couple of tracks were a little kooky but manageable. Then came "A Very Cellular Song" - all 13 mins of it and it was just about as much as my mind could handle. The trippy lyrics and use of sitars and finger cymbals was way too much for me and I was definitely not high enough to appreciate much else.
Some of the vocals (not sure who was responsible for them) reminded me of Italian folk music (similar era so maybe it was a thing) where the singing gets all whiny sounding like having a stomach ache. Which is what it gave me to be honest, not very pleasant.
Best: The Minotaur's Song
Worst: A Very Cellular Song
2
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Mon Feb 07 2022
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Something in the back of my mind thought there was something familiar with the band Cream, but couldn't put my finger on it. Then I heard the second track off the album and the bell went off. Overall Disraeli Gears is an wonderful and eclectic mix of pulling away from blues rock and diving headfirst into psychedelic rock. A lot of the tracks don't really make much sense lyrically and fit exactly in the psych era.
Best: Sunshine of Your Love
Worst: Blue Condition
3.5 Stars
3
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Tue Feb 08 2022
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
There is as really chilled urban landscape vibe to the entire album. At times it can be a little slow and drawn out.
It was slated for initial release on September 11, the cover image and some of the songs were later seen as an allegory to the attacks although the album was recorded before the attack had ever occurred. A very interesting coincidence.
Best: Heavy Metal Drummer
Worst: Kamera
3
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Wed Feb 09 2022
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
What a great punk rock album. It really captured and embodied that teen/early adulthood angst. With shredding distortion and punching lyrical delivery, this is one I wish I had heard earlier.
Best: No Time to Be 21
Worst: Bombsite Boy
Note: Spotify had all the 2002 release with Single Edits & Live performances. I only listened to the original 13 tracks.
4
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Thu Feb 10 2022
Microshift
Hookworms
A neo/psych/synth rock album that was a pleasant listen with a dreamlike quality to the whole thing.
Too bad one of the band members are a total piece of shite.
Best: Static Resistance
Worst: Each Time We Pass
3
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Fri Feb 11 2022
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
I had almost forgotten how playful and outrageous Eminem's early lyrics were, interspersed with those skits. Eminem gives the world a glimpse into his lower socio-economic class upbringing (although potentially slightly exaggerated). His flow throughout is quite loose and free coupled with his cartoonish, satirical alter ego, makes for a fun listen. Anyone taking these lyrics at face value need to check themselves.
Best: My Name Is
Worst: Role Model
4
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Mon Feb 14 2022
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
An ok alt-rock album that has paved the way for some similar sounds we hear in today's music. Some of the songs could have had less instrumentals and be tightened up a little.
Best: I Wanna Be Adored
Worst: I am the Resurrection
3
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Tue Feb 15 2022
Hotel California
Eagles
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this album and although I have heard of the Eagles, I haven't really listened to much and thought they were just American Country.
Hotel California is a great concept album by their own admission. It embodies all of the themes and connotations of what California encompasses, the allure of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood but it also speaks to the illusion of it all.
Best: Hotel California; The New Kid in Town
Worst: The Last Resort
4
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Wed Feb 16 2022
The Joshua Tree
U2
It's so weird to see Bono without his trademark glasses. The Joshua Tree is really one of those quintessential albums, I had always discounted it being just a bunch of hype (never listening to it in it's entirety before now), but it definitely holds it's own.
The powerful voice of Bono with the smooth arrangement of the music and backing vocals make it a powerhouse album with a cinematic quality. Lyrically, it was the beginning of U2's sociopolitical awakening with embellishments of spiritual imagery.
Best: With Or Without You
Worst: Trip Through Your Wires
4
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Thu Feb 17 2022
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Although it's from the 90s (let's say late 80s really) Shake Your Money Maker sounds like it's from the mid 70s. I'll have to agree with this Entertainment Weekly review which sums up the sound of the album:
"The Black Crowes are to the early Rolling Stones what Christian Slater is to the young Jack Nicholson: a self-conscious imitation, but fine enough in its own right."
Best: Jealous Again
Worst: She Talks to Angels
3
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Fri Feb 18 2022
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Strangeways, Here We Come is filled with a familiar sound. But honestly, nothing really stood out with a wow factor, but it was a good solid album nonetheless.
Best: Death of a Disco Dancer
Worst: Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me
3
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Mon Feb 21 2022
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
This record probably houses two of Cyndi's most famous releases - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Time After Time.
It's a very pop heavy record, with the iconic sounds of the 80s including heavy synths and electronic drum beats. Coupled with Cyndi on the album cover, full of costume jewellery, fishnets, bright make-up and that glorious mullet, it signals a grand entrance to what 80s pop was really known for.
Best: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun; Time After Time
Worst: All Through the Night
4
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Tue Feb 22 2022
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I feel in listening to this album, I'm missing a lot of context regarding very, very specific references to the state of Illinois.
This album gives off a carnival vibe to me, perhaps it's the vast array of instrumentation and whimsical nature of it all. But my god, it's such a looooonnnngggg album! And the song titles aren't lacking in length either!
Best: Jacksonville
Worst: Come On! Feel the Illinoise!" (Part I: The World's Columbian Exposition – Part II: Carl Sandburg Visits Me in a Dream)
2.5 Stars.
3
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Wed Feb 23 2022
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
It was an ok album, not sure if the collaboration with Wings added much to what really feels like a Paul McCartney Album. When you find out that the production of this album, was just Paul & Linda and one of the members from Wings, it all begins to add up.
There are many familiar sounds throughout, but definitely didn't hold up to the Beatles heyday.
Best: Jet
Worst: Picasso's Last Words (Drink to Me)
3
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Thu Feb 24 2022
White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
White Light / White Heat is a fantastic foray into very early punk rock. The Velvet Underground were lyrically transgressive, and likely one of the first bands to demonstrate to the audience, through their lyrics, that they were the embodiment of Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll.
Best: Whole Album
Worst: N/A
Note: the Link to the album above on Spotify is the deluxe version. I only listened to the original album.
5
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Mon Mar 07 2022
Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Frampton's live album was a good stadium rock album. Never heard of Frampton himself, but didn't realise he was the one behind 'Baby I Love the Way'. You can really feel the energy of the crowd in this one, and after 2.5 years of no live music from COVID it felt really good to hear.
Best: Baby I Love the Way
Worst: Lines on My Face
3
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Tue Mar 08 2022
21
Adele
Absolute perfection. Adele's 21 was my first real introduction to her and I instantly fell in love.
From 'Rolling in the Deep' to 'Someone Like You' 21 doesn't miss a beat. With almost half of the album released as singles, along with topping the music charts in over 30 countries, it's not hard to see how much of an impact this has had within the music world.
Adele's soulful voice coupled with her deeply personal trials and tribulations that resonate with so many worldwide, and is touted as one of the best break-up albums ever created.
Best: All of it
Worst: N/A
5
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Wed Mar 09 2022
Live At Leeds
The Who
A live album that felt like it captured all the high and lowlights of a concert - including lots of interspersed talking and long ass guitar solos. I'm not sure if it was the way it was cut in studio or not , but it seemed to drag on a little towards the end.
Best: Shaking All Over
Worst: Amazing Journey/Sparks
3
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Thu Mar 10 2022
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
I actually didn't mind listening to this album. I did think going in, that it would be unbearable considering the runtime reaches almost an hour long. But the beats and flow of Jurassic 5 were able to keep my head bopping along. The fan interaction at the end of "If You Only Knew" was definitely an unexpected highlight, it really captured the essence of an Aussie fan - no matter what they're a fan of you can expect a similar reaction.
Best: Freedom
Worst: One of Them
3
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Tue Mar 22 2022
Manassas
Stephen Stills
It was an ok country rock album, perhaps those late nights/multiple days of recording hindered the overall quality of the album.
Best: It Doesn't Matter
Worst: Hide it So Deep
2
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Wed Mar 23 2022
Nevermind
Nirvana
An absolute classic album! Although more "polished" than their previous album, Nevermind is a cornerstone of the grunge movement in the early '90s. Although the band - in particular Kurt Cobain - resented some of it's success, it truly brought grunge to the masses. Everyone under the age of 25 at the time, would have sold their soul for a ticket to any of their shows.
Best: Smells Like Teen Spirit; Come as You Are
Worst: Lounge Act
5
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Thu Mar 24 2022
Paris 1919
John Cale
Paris 1919 is a very poetic take on the pop genre, and thankfully had a reasonable runtime. With numerous pop-rock influences and countless literary and cultural references throughout it makes for a rich listen.
Likely John Cale's most famous work "Paris 1919" he described it as "an example of the nicest ways of saying something ugly."
Best: Paris 1919; Antarctica Starts Here
Worst: Hanky Panky Nohow
2.5 Stars
3
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Fri Mar 25 2022
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
The Go-Go's are one of the original all girl pop punk bands. What a joy to listen to this album in full.
I was already across their two main hits in Our Lips Are Sealed and We Got the Beat, but the whole album was full of great songs that really makes you feel like you're a part of their girls club, in the best possible way.
Best: Our Lips Are Sealed; We Got the Beat
Worst: Skidmarks On My Heart
5
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Mon Mar 28 2022
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
An ok jazz instrumental album, but to my untrained Jazz ear nothing really stood out.
Best: Unhomé
Worst: Ingoo Pow-Pow (Children's Song)
2
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Tue Mar 29 2022
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
An ok album a little more upbeat and reggae than I expected (particularly on Mother and Child Reunion). I expected it to be a lot more 'folksy' than it was. As it was Simon's first solo album it probably felt good to experiment with what he wanted to do rather than to also be tied to Garfunkel's whims.
Best: Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
Worst: Hobo's Blues
2
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Wed Mar 30 2022
The Undertones
The Undertones
It was a good boppy pop punk album that really showcased the youth of the time.
Best: Teenage Kicks
Worst: I know a Girl
Note: Listened to the 2016 remastered version on Spotify to avoid the anniversary edition.
3
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Thu Mar 31 2022
Repeater
Fugazi
A really high octane outing that is probably a seminal rock album at a time of style transition. It really bridges the gap in between a more 80s style of hard/glam rock to what has now become known as garage/grunge rock.
Repeater's subject matter addresses a wide variety of themes such as greed, violence, sexuality, privacy, drug abuse and death. Of which the themes are at the forefront of the grunge movement.
Best: Repeater
Worst: Brendan 1
4
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Fri Apr 01 2022
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
This is an album that is meant to be taken as is. From what I have read about Bragg & Wilco, their styles differ quite a lot in comparison to this album. Mermaid Avenue is really about bringing to life the lyrics of American folk singer Woody Guthrie. Personally I think what Bragg & Wilco were able to do with the limited references to the music stylings (Guthrie was really only a lyrics man) were quite remarkable, although not my favourite style of music I can appreciate what they have done.
Best: California Stars
Worst: Birds and Ships
3
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Mon Apr 04 2022
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
I can see how the Shaft Soundtrack went onto influence future movie soundtracks - especially those with a predominantly black cast. It's a very catchy offering, provides some good background music, coupled with some funky items that will no doubt get you into the feel of the movie itself.
Best: Theme From Shaft
Worst: No Name Bar
3
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Tue Apr 05 2022
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Live at the Apollo was a great jazz album that lead itself as something akin to a time capsule. It is wonderful to experience the energy from the crowd back in the day. Any woman over the age of 60 who complain about the way girls go gaga for singers these days, should take a good listen to this album, nothing has changed.
Best: Try Me
Worst: Think
3
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Wed Apr 06 2022
Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
It is a solid prog rock album that takes the listener on a musical journey. The title track (with its many parts) was a great listen and the conceptual-ness of it all allowed me to really think about themes such as life, religion, war, death and the fate of the world.
Being not as experimental, I felt the second half was lacking in overall feel and sound in comparison. They almost sound like two different albums.
Best: Tarkus (all parts)
Worst: A Time and a Place
4
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Thu Apr 07 2022
Copper Blue
Sugar
Copper Blue by Sugar sounds like the type of music that you'd find in a 90s to early 00s teen angsty movie or tv show. This album is only helped by the fact that it came out around the time of the Nirvana Boom in 1991.
Best: Man On The Moon
Worst: The Slim
2
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Fri Apr 08 2022
Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
Done By the Forces Of Nature takes you back to the golden age of Hip Hop with their afro-centric lyrics and sampling music from all kinds of genres. It felt like being transformed back to the 80s surrounded by a crew of b-boy dancers.
Best: What U Waitin' 4?
Worst: In Dayz 2 Come
3
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Mon Apr 11 2022
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
It was a very expansive record, ELO takes us on a journey through space and time with the mix of orchestral sounds and experimental electronica. Perhaps it might take a few more listens to really get a feel for it, but it didn't grab me as much as the iconic album cover.
Best: Starlight
Worst: Mr. Blue Sky
3
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Tue Apr 12 2022
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
A Nod's As Good As a Wink... to a Blind Horse was the first time I'd heard of Faces, then to find out that in it was Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood was a nice surprise. A very succinct album that hit all the right notes for a country/blues rock album.
Best: Stay With Me
Worst: Last Orders
3
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Wed Apr 13 2022
xx
The xx
Didn't realise that The xx have been around since 2009! It feels like they only really came into consciousness in the last few years (being 2022 atm), but upon reflection it really has been a long time!
The xx have a way of making music that just slips into you consciousness and take over your soul without you even noticing it's there.
Best: Intro; Shelter
Worst: N/A
5
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Thu Apr 14 2022
LP1
FKA twigs
LP1 is very soulful and hymn like in quality, yet has a sensuality that draws you in. FKA Twigs' futuristic take on R&B, melds into electronica quite nicely, and is uniquely it's own thing.
Best: Two Weeks
Worst: Numbers
3.5 Stars (so very close to 4 stars)
4
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Thu Apr 21 2022
The Sensual World
Kate Bush
Overall a very grandiose record, especially with the string sections throughout and Kate's ethereal voice. The title track was a little hot & heavy to be listening to at work, but the subject matter of the rest of the album twists and transforms, never really knowing what you'll get next.
I can see how Kate Bush was popular, but its not something that I'd reach out to listen to on the regular.
Best: Love and Anger
Worst: Between a Man and a Woman
3
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Fri Apr 22 2022
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Such a seminal album, this was my first full listen to it and its an amazing concept that really hits hard. The overarching story throughout takes you on a the titular "Pink's" journey that was likely similar for many post WWII children, from their experiences then moving onto adulthood an the trials, tribulations and insecurities that come with growing up and being a part of a post war world.
Best: Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2
Worst: Waiting for the Worms
5
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Mon Apr 25 2022
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
The Pogues' second album is full of very good drinking songs, and most of it wouldn't go astray on a pirate ship at all (judging by the album cover - it's very appropriate).
A super fun listen!
Best: The Sickbed of Cuchulainn
Worst: And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda (seemed really out of place on an Irish album with such thick accents)
3.5 Stars
4
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Tue Apr 26 2022
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
It was an ok listen overall, the themes of discovering oneself and experimentation in all kinds of forms. A witty insight into the youth of the mid-90s that takes some inspiration from the past and can undoubtedly inspire future generations.
Best: If You're Feeling Sinister
Worst: Like Dylan in the Movies
3
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Wed Apr 27 2022
Pump
Aerosmith
Pump was almost a surprise to listen to - whilst I've heard a bit about Aerosmith, I didn't realise how much their lyrics really leant into the 'sex, drugs & rock 'n' roll' stereotype pretty hard - guess that's why its a stereotype, it needed to be somewhat true!
Aerosmith come out with all guns blazing on this record with exactly what you'd expect from a hard metal/glam rock band. Most surprising of the record for me was Janie's got a Gun and the themes surrounding it, not a topic I had pictured Aerosmith singing about.
Best: The Other Side
Worst: Monkey On My Back
3
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Thu Apr 28 2022
Rubber Soul
Beatles
Rubber Soul was a great first time listen. It still amazes me as to how effortless The Beatles songwriting and musicianship feels. Quite literally each song on the record could have been a single.
Beginning to see some of that psychedelic influence that was quite separate from their initial sound. But this was not so far removed that it still would have been palatable for those that fell in love with their original sound.
Best: Drive My Car
Worst: Run For Your Life
5
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Fri Apr 29 2022
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
The Fat of The Land is a super high octane outing from Prodigy, in which you'd really expect no less. With the controversy of 'Smack my Bitch Up', it only saw to drive the popularity of the record itself and cement Prodigy as psych-electro gods.
I know 'Breathe' is more about the pull that drugs can have, but it has been a part of my workout soundtrack for the better part of at least the last 20 years (which blows my mind!), and it always gets me to push further.
Best: Breathe
Worst: Narayan
5
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Mon May 02 2022
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Literally only know of ZZ Top from the song 'La Grange' and that Billy Gibbins is Angela's dad in the TV Show Bones. Thankfully 'La Grange' was on this record.
Overall it was a little meh. Gibbins' guitar shredding is probably the only thing that saved the entire album.
Best: La Grange
Worst: Hot, Blue and Righteous
2
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Tue May 03 2022
Dirt
Alice In Chains
Overall a decent grunge/metal album by Alice in Chains. It's a very emotional album that deals with some heavy subjects including depression, pain, anger and war that are played out with such raw emotion.
Best: Dirt
Worst: Would?
3
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Wed May 04 2022
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury is an ok album that speaks to many issues of the time, and unfortunately still to a degree speaks to today's plights faced by many not just in the US but around the world.
Best: The Winter of the Long Hot Summer
Worst: Water Pistol Man
2
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Thu May 05 2022
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
A great debut from Dizzee, it definitely brought the UK grime movement to the mainstream masses. This album seems more raw and unpolished in comparison to his later works, but doesn't suffer from it's "green-ness".
There are pockets in the album where his flow is not quite there, but there are gems where you can see he's taken that flow and honed it.
Best: I Luv U
Worst: 2 Far
3.5 Stars
3
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Fri May 06 2022
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
An interesting contemporary/world music album that put together a whole bunch of sounds and evoked a feeling of whimsy. Not a favourite, but could potentially have a couple of tracks on as background music.
Best: Merengue
Worst: Duck for the Oyster
2
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Mon May 09 2022
The Blueprint
JAY Z
There's a reason why Jay-Z is one of the top rappers of the late 90s/early 00s, and this album is one of them.
Overall it was a decent hip-hop album, but I think it's just the style of late 90s/early 00s hip-hop that I have never really enjoyed, but there's no doubt that this album had a huge influence at the time.
Best: Izzo (H.O.V.A.); Renegade
Worst: Jigga That Nigga
3
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Tue May 10 2022
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
A pretty boring album by the Greatful Dead. Felt like any other country rock from the 70s.
Best: Truckin'
Worst: Candyman
1
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Wed May 11 2022
Timeless
Goldie
Goldie was able to create an expansive atmosphere, coupled with ethereal vocals and a litany of stringed instruments. Timeless is truly a timeless album that will always take you back to the mid 90s house/trance scene.
Best: Timeless
Worst: Adrift
3
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Tue May 24 2022
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Lost in the Dream was an ok prog-rock/Americana album, however I feel it was let down by the Americana that came through. It was an easy listen albeit with one that was filled with half an album full of songs that were over 6 mins each.
Best: The Haunting Idle
Worst: Eyes to the Wind
2
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Wed May 25 2022
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
Just gonna start off by saying that Marilyn Manson scared the crap out of me as a kid, and to be quite honest, still kinda scares me today 😬
There is no doubt however that he is the master of heavy industrial/gothic rock/metal, and Antichrist Superstar is definitely up there. A horror filled concept outing that revolves around a supernatural being who seizes all power from humanity, driven by resentment, and despair, he uses this position to destroy the world.
It can also be seen as a social critique, using this storyline as a metaphor for the perceived fascist elements of the conservative political movement and the Christian right in North America. (This is not the first album that I have listened to where themes that were relevant over 25-30 years ago are still very much in the forefront of the American people's minds.)
Best: Beautiful People
Worst: Tourniquet
3
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Thu May 26 2022
Truth
Jeff Beck
It was an ok blues/rock album that really didn't bring much to the table. Felt like there was a heavier blues influence rather than rock, even though at the time there was the transition phase between the classical blues/blues rock and what we now know today as rock.
Best: You Shook Me
Worst: Blues Deluxe
Note: Spotify had the Remastered album with additional songs, I only listened to the original tracks from the album.
2
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Fri May 27 2022
Vespertine
Björk
I've only ever heard of Bjork because of her - shall we say - out-there dress at the Oscars in 2001. So it almost comes as no surprise that she is donning that exact dress on the cover of Vespertine.
This album was an overall nice surprise, as what little press I'd heard of Bjork was all about the swan dress, and how strange it was. Of which I then formed a pre-conceived notion of what her music sounded like, and that it wouldn't be something I would enjoy.
The ethereal like quality to her music, draws you in with her understated beats and unique voice, of which I would liken to someone like Norwegian artist Aurora, paired with the sensuality of FKA Twigs.
Best: Aurora
Worst: Heirloom
5
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Mon May 30 2022
Soul Mining
The The
The The's Soul Mining is a strange combination of 80s punk, synth and weirdly reggae-like in parts.
It feels too convoluted and all over the place for me. Not a fan.
Best: Soul Mining
Worst: This Is The Day
1
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Tue May 31 2022
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes has to be the master of ultra smooth soul. This album, as the title suggests, is nothing but fully Hot Buttered Soul. Although the tracks are lengthy, it has a way about it that will just mellow you out and take you to another place.
Best: Walk On By
Worst: By The Time I Get To Phoenix
3
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Wed Jun 01 2022
Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
It's funny that sometimes, you can look at an album cover - not knowing the artist or what the album will remotely be like and just pick the style of music that it will contain. Devendra Banhart's Rejoicing In The Hands definitely fits the bill for this.
Overall the slow indie/folk vibe seems to be alright for popping on in the background, or would fit seamlessly into countless indie movies/TV shows from the early/mid 00s.
Best: Insect Eyes
Worst: When the Sun Shone on Vetiver
3
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Thu Jun 02 2022
A Night At The Opera
Queen
With the wide range of sounds, genres and influences that are present in A Night at the Opera, you would think that there would be no coherency and that it would be all over the place. However, Queen manage to wrap it all up in a neat bow, hell there's even an instrumental version of the British National Anthem to tie it altogether!
AJ Ramirez of PopMatters sums the album up much more eloquently than I have "... while the transitions between genres would conceivably throw listeners for a loop, none are jarring. Instead, Queen succeeds because it pulls from all the best tricks in the library of showbiz history to deliver laughs, heartache, grandeur, and spectacle to its audience at precisely the right moments."
Best: Bohemian Rhapsody (cliche I know)
Worst: Good Company
4
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Fri Jun 03 2022
Blackstar
David Bowie
Blackstar truly sounds like its both written and sung by someone who is knocking on deaths door. Unfortunately for wider humanity, this was indeed the case for Bowie. Blackstar has quite an experimental sound with a mish mash of genres entwined from jazz to art rock onto industrial rock, folk pop and hip hop.
Although not Bowie's best work, it is indeed a fitting end to what was a groundbreaking and illustrious career of a legend of music.
Best: Lazarus
Worst: Dollar Days
4
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Mon Jun 06 2022
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
John Barleycorn Must indeed Die. What even was this album? I for one would not want this to be played in Traffic or I'd be the one raging on the road! Did not like the weird mix of folk jazz and what I'd call jamming with mates in public. It's not great at all. The singing makes me almost want to spew up - it's got that sound of when you have an extremely sore stomach and you make that cry out/wail in pain sound.
Best: Freedom Rider (juuuust)
Worst: Empty Pages
1
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Tue Jun 07 2022
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
A perfectly fine jazz album, another one to pop in a chill background music playlist. Nothing particularly offensive but perhaps a little too mellow for my taste - it definitely feels off the cuff, but in the most practiced way.
Best: Solar: Live At The Village Vanguard
Worst: All Of You: Live At The Village Vanguard
2
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Wed Jun 08 2022
Street Signs
Ozomatli
A very eclectic mix of sounds ranging from Bollywood and Sitars that was mixed with rap and Salsa dancing. I think it would be worth a listen to as a full album as it's kinda fun but also a little strange. Not sure how I feel about it as a whole because of how disjointed it felt trying to find as many tracks as possible.
Only 2 songs were on Spotify AU. Could not find "Te Estoy Buscando", "Doña Isabelle" and "Nadie Te Tira"; for "Santiago" only found a drum cover, not ideal but could get a feel for it.
Best (from what I heard): Love and Hope
Worst (from what I heard): Ya Viene El Sol
3
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Thu Jun 09 2022
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
Wow, this is the definition of white trash. It's so misogynistic and sexist it just sounds like the definition of a rich white boy getting his rap on, and definitely not in a good way. Also, what's with the kid (as in it sounds like an actual child) rapping on Devil without a Cause?? The whole album has this weird fusion of country, rap and rock, and at 71 minutes in length it is WAY too long, and almost wish I had skipped listening to this, the only saving grace was listening to Eminem's verse on Fuck Off.
Best: Fist of Rage
Worst: Cowboy
1
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Fri Jun 10 2022
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
A good easy listening to, brit rock album. Even with the dark undertones, full of lament and asking for forgiveness for moving on from the disappearance of their rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards (who has since been presumed dead).
Overall, it has the sentiment of a bittersweet album, wrapped up in an upbeat rock album.
Best: Everything Must Go
Worst: Kevin Carter
4
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Mon Jun 13 2022
The Doors
The Doors
What a debut album by The Doors! An absolute instant classic masterpiece that helped usher in the era of psychedelic rock and was even touted as inspiration for The Beatles Sgt. Pepper album. In true psychedelic style, the drug references are numerous as are the sexual innuendos whilst we delve into the altered mind of Morrisey.
Best: Break On Through (To The Other Side)
Worst: N/A
5
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Tue Jun 14 2022
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
An absolute classic hip-hop album from NWA. Straight Outta Compton moved straight into the hearts of millions, even through all the controversy. In particular, after 6 months of playing Fuck Tha Police, Australia's youth radio station Triple J were censored from playing it, and subsequently staged a protest. The entire station went on strike and Express Yourself was put on repeat for 24 hours (350 times) instead of regular programming.
The entre album is full of energy and angst, that allows everyone living outside their way of life to begin to understand and appreciate.
Best: Fuck Tha Police; Express Yourself
Worst: If It Ain't Ruff
5
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Wed Jun 15 2022
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
Sorry, just don't get the hype of Lenny Kravitz. Yeah he's a good vocalist, good looking and basically this entire album is a one man show (apart from a couple of songs co-written by his then wife Lisa Bonnet), but it doesn't really offer me much else.
Best: Fear
Worst: Mr. Cab Driver
2.5 Stars
2
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Thu Jun 16 2022
Kimono My House
Sparks
Kimono My House is the glammiest of glam rock albums. It's full of quirky lyrics and upbeat tempo and very, very high falsetto (guess it could've been a byproduct of the '70s tight pants too! haha).
Overall, it was a decent glam rock album - even if that high falsetto threw me a little to begin with.
Best: Equator
Worst: In My Family
3
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Fri Jun 17 2022
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
So boppy and up-tempo it really makes you want to tap your feet and do a little ske-doodley-bop dance (don't ask what that means, I've got no idea).
If one were to head to a cool jazz bar, you would totally expect something like this to be playing.
Best: Take 5
Worst: Kathy's Waltz
3
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Mon Jun 20 2022
Harvest
Neil Young
The slow, somber timbre of the album now makes sense when you learn that Neil Young had a broken back and recorded this at his farm, where he literally couldn't play any other instrument other than an acoustic guitar.
Whilst it does provide some grandeur and atmosphere, The London Symphony Orchestra is able to lift the album in parts a little, however sadly, it doesn't provide much in the way of lifting the album up entirely.
Best: Heart of Gold
Worst: A Man Needs A Maid
Note: Most of this album is not available on Spotify so had to find a YouTube stream of it (thankfully not too difficult).
2
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Tue Jun 21 2022
Aja
Steely Dan
A perfectly ok album that straddles the bridge between jazz and more of a pop rock focus, I believe the term is yacht rock (whatever that is). It is quite a smooth and chilled out album, which is an ok listen for a background music playlist IMO.
Best: Peg
Worst: I Got The News
3
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Wed Jun 22 2022
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
Numan's The Pleasure Principle is likely one of the pioneering records for what is now the big synth movement of the 80s.
Was not expecting the M.E. track, it was quite distracting though, I kept expecting Basement Jaxx to yell out in my headset. And I really enjoyed Asylum, it had a dark haunting quality that would be home in a good sci-fi show or movie.
Best: M.E. ; Asylum
Worst: Oceans
3
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Thu Jun 23 2022
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
Why in the world is this album on this list. With all of the great albums that were released between 2005 and 2010, what even is this entry?? I've never even heard of this guy - I'm not saying that alt music shouldn't be included but c'mon. Nothing interesting, quite bland and broody sounding, perhaps it's included for that "alternative" or "interesting" voice in the new album lineup.
Best: Outer Space
Worst: JC Hates Faggots
2
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Fri Jun 24 2022
Let It Be
The Replacements
A solid punk album that took us on a journey through the funny awkwardness of adolescence coming into adulthood.
Best: Unsatisfied
Worst: Sixteen Blue
Note: Spotify had an extended version album however I only listened to the original 11 tracks.
3
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Mon Jun 27 2022
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
I wasn't sure what to expect from this album but I was pleasantly surprised. The Songhoy Blues' story is truly inspiring, from having to flee their country where the new regime, among other things, banned music. Although they don't look like your traditional blues band, they certainly play like one. It is the perfect blend of that blues sound we are all familiar with, combined perfectly with Malian groove.
Best: Nick
Worst: Al Tchere Bele
3
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Tue Jun 28 2022
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
I haven't heard too much music from Stevie Wonder but have definitely heard his name, however I didn't really expect the sound from the album. I envisioned that Innervisions would have more of a saxophone jazz sound rather than the piano style jazz it has. (I may be confusing Stevie with Bleeding Gums Murphy from The Simpsons 🤦♀️(please don't crucify me!!))
Overall a solid album that has the smooth/funky sounds of soul and jazz that has a way of seamlessly working serious themes without being too in your face.
Best: All In Love Is Fair
Worst: He's Misstra Know-It-All
3
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Wed Jun 29 2022
Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
An great debut post-punk album that sounds so familiar in today's ears. It's exactly what lots of teen punk/rock bands aspire to produce, something that's moody, mysterious, full of angst, horror and despair.
Best: Rescue
Worst: Happy Death Men
4
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Thu Jun 30 2022
Superunknown
Soundgarden
Soundgarden is the epitome of the soundscape of the rock/metal/grunge of the 90s. Chris Cornell & Co were able to successfully pivot from their earlier punk influences and transform it into a truly fresh sound, with obvious new influences such as Nirvana.
It's easy to see how Soundgarden are generally known for being stoner music, and with Superunknown being a long album, but it's definitely worth the listen (even if your're not high).
Best: Black Hole Sun
Worst: Half
4
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Fri Jul 01 2022
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
Heaux Tales is a very poignant album, released in 2021, with themes of feminism, sexuality, classism, body-shaming and all other struggles that women face, and seems to have become even more relevant in mid 2022.
Having never heard of Jazmine Sullivan she is not my general go to listen or even something to have in rotation on a playlist, however I can see the importance of this album in the overall worldview.
Best: Pick Up Your Feelings
Worst: The Other Side
3
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Mon Jul 04 2022
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
A look into the absolute rawness and absolute genius of Nirvana. This set contains songs that are so unbelievably vulnerable, and filled with so much passion - particularly for an acoustic set (even if the guitar was run through an amp).
Their covers are just as good - if not better than their originals in this set, who can look past their cover of Bowie's The Man Who Sold The World. This performance will go down as one of the greatest live sets of all time, especially as to how soon after this performance we lost Kurt.
Best: The Man Who Sold The World
Worst: Oh Me
4.5 Stars
4
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Tue Jul 05 2022
Ten
Pearl Jam
Ten is one of those quintessential rock albums of the 90s. Coming around the time of Nirvana, it's another album that helped the grunge/alt-rock movement shoot straight into the consciousness of the mainstream - no matter how much they were maligned as sellouts - eventually even outselling Nevermind.
The lyrics tend to lend themselves to heavier subjects, pretty much standard for that alt-rock scene. What brings this album alive is the anthemic sounds on tracks such as Jeremy & Alive.
Best: Jeremy
Worst: Release
4
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Wed Jul 06 2022
Moving Pictures
Rush
"It's a Saturday night, I have no date, but a two litre bottle of Shasta, and my all Rush Mix-Tape. Let's Rock" *Space Invaders shooting sound plays* - Fry, Futurama
This is my one and only intro to Rush, and was mildly disappointed that the record didn't really come with a Space Invaders overlay. But in all seriousness many songs in Moving Pictures would work well in any playlist (or mix-tape - let's keep that theme going), for a huge gaming sesh or even a workout sesh. For a band's eighth studio album that ain't bad at all in my books.
Best: YYZ
Worst: Witch Hunt
3
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Thu Jul 07 2022
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
This is totally the sound I had envisioned when hearing about Hendrix. Its got the psychedelia, it's got the guitars and all of the guitar solos which are undoubtedly absolute top notch. However, that is not enough to save many of the songs of the album of which are quite frankly forgettable.
Axis: Bold As Love has an airiness to it, where it is easy to see how Hendrix & team have a high (pun intended) association with hippies and stoners. Looking at the album cover will definitely trip you out.
Best: Castles Made Of Sand
Worst: One Rainy Wish
3
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Fri Jul 08 2022
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Funk, soul and rock all rolled into one. Perfectly ok, but nothing that blew my mind.
Best: The Lady
Worst: The Highways of My Life
2
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Mon Jul 11 2022
Woodface
Crowded House
Ah, Crowded House, featuring Neil Finn, one of Australia's favourite not-so-sons. The amount of people that Aussies claim as their own (particularly New Zealanders) it's amazing there's anyone else left to claim! hahah
But seriously Crowded House are probably one of the best bands with a New Zealand front-man. It's easy to see with their catchy relatively non-offensive lyrics, and undeniably alluring melodies.
Best: Weather With You
Worst: Whispers & Moans
3
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Tue Jul 12 2022
Blur
Blur
Blur's self titled album is an interesting one. For one thing, it's got one of the most recognised hype songs in the world on it, on the other hand, it was jarring to go from Song 2 to Country Sad Ballad Man, mood went way down, and it never really picked back up.
I'm really torn with this one, if it wasn't for Song 2 I don't think this album would make the list. That being said I don't think its a bad album, just a little lack-lustre.
Best: Song 2
Worst: Essex Dogs
3
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Wed Jul 13 2022
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Not a bad folk/punk album (didn't really think I'd string those two genres together) that's full of the plight of the British Battler. It's quite heavy on the political themes, particularly left leaning, and challenging the societal norms. The musicianship is easy to get into and sounds quite uptempo and the message could quite easily get lost in the vibe.
Best: Levi Stubs' Tears
Worst: Wishing The Days Away
Note: Spotify had the reissued edition & I only listened to the original 12 songs from the album.
3
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Thu Jul 14 2022
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
I can now say that I am indeed Experienced. Hendrix's debut is a classic for a reason. Melding fusions of R&B, Jazz, and a bit of Blues Rock and creates a wholly new style of psychedelic & harder rock. Guitar work throughout is obviously top notch and can't be dismissed, as anything but genius.
Best: Purple Haze; Foxy Lady
Worst: Third Stone From The Sun
3.5 Stars
3
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Fri Jul 15 2022
Arrival
ABBA
Good Lawd. First ABBA Album on the list ticked off for me. ABBA basically sound-tracked a LOT of weddings and events growing up for me and this album doesn't disappoint. How can you go past hits like "Dancing Queen" (absolute all time - fight me!), "Money, Money, Money", "Knowing Me, Knowing You" and "Fernando".
However there are definitely some lulls ("Arrival") and problems ("When I Kissed The Teacher"). In spite of this, it's really hard to go past those four hits, which are embedded in our (my) cultural history.
Best: Dancing Queen; Money, Money, Money; Knowing Me, Knowing You; Fernando
Worst: Arrival
4
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Mon Jul 18 2022
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Emergency On Planet Earth was an ok listen, it was more funky and jazz-y than I anticipated from Jamiroquai, although it was filled with Jay Kay's signature voice. Having heard his later radio hits, this album is more experimental and feels like they have a freedom that isn't seen often. The didgeridoo is a nice touch that isn't often been heard, even in Australian popular music.
Best: When You Gonna Learn?
Worst: Revolution 1993
3
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Tue Jul 19 2022
Play
Moby
So I've heard about Moby, but I just thought he was a weird bald dude that made some kinda electronica music. I never really got the hype. But listening to the album, it made me realise that it has been a part of the wider soundscape for at least the last 23 years. There were so many familiar songs throughout, although I couldn't exactly pinpoint from where they were familiar - whether it was movies, ads or TV shows it's been a part of the wider musical zeitgeist.
The lo-fi electronic beats, expertly moulded into ambient background music, it was really what I needed at work today. Not to sound too corny, Play took me to a zen, meditative state, where I was really able to focus and remove all intrusive thoughts. Definitely gave LoFi Girl a run for their money.
Best: Procelain
Worst: N/A
5
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Wed Jul 20 2022
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
You can always count on Slipknot for some good heavy metal thrash about. Having had listened to this album years ago, I didn't realise how hefty it was, coming in at 72 minutes (for what was the deluxe edition on release) - you're definitely in it for the long haul. The drill-like drumming, heavy distorted guitar riffs and the distinct vocals of Corey Taylor make it a great album in the most part. The latter portion of the album lags a little and lets it down - only slightly.
Best: Sulfur
Worst: Snuff
4
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Thu Jul 21 2022
B-52's
The B-52's
This was a great funky pop/rock/new-wave album that I think really stands the test of time. A fantastic debut that feels well and truly like we have entered the 80s with this album, full of hook-laden beats and kitschy vocals. Definitely one to add to the playlist.
Best: Rock Lobster
Worst: Downtown
4
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Fri Jul 22 2022
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
If you were to call an album punk/thrashcore jazz - this would be it. Like all good thrashcore music Spy vs Spy is a wild ride that doesn't let up. The frenetic pace of it all and, the fact there are two saxophonists isolated in each ear make it feel like you don't know which direction you're being pulled in, or really what you are listening to. At times it can feel like a noise explosion. I'm quite used to hearing thrashcore when it's coupled with metal music, however with the type of instrumentation used here it's something that is completely foreign and a little grating at times.
Best: Ecars
Worst: Peace Warriors
Note: This album was not on Spotify at all, so had to resort to ol' mate YouTube.
2
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Mon Jul 25 2022
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
I always thought Iggy Pop was this kooky weird old dude that always performed with his shirt off. But, this album is quite interesting in that, you can definitely hear the Bowie influence in the early part of the album, and the latter half morphs into this almost experimental electronic/rock that has something a little robotic about it, but still feels very Bowie-esque.
Best: Sister Midnight
Worst: Tiny Girls
3
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Tue Jul 26 2022
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
Nothing's Shocking was really nothing shocking. I suppose the only shocking thing was really the album cover - thankfully those ladies are just sculptures. With the obvious undertones and not so "under" tones of addiction and all its struggles, it was a totally ok album that left me feeling a little flat.
Best: Jane Says
Worst: Ted, Just Admit It
2.5 Stars
3
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Wed Jul 27 2022
The Specials
The Specials
It was an interesting early sounding ska/punk album that was definitely leaning towards the ska side of things. Not something I'd have in regular rotation.
Best: A Message To You Rudy
Worst: Too Much Too Young
2.5 Stars
3
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Thu Jul 28 2022
My Generation
The Who
First few songs were pretty boppy and definitely pop-rock. All of a sudden it then switches to the harder angst-filled tune of "My Generation", which was quite new for the time, and then straight back to that pop-rock sound. The latter part of the album turned a little more bluesy and southern american rock.
I would liken this album to starting off as Beatles-esque then with an inflection of what could be argued as early punk rock, and ending in the vein of the early works of the Rolling Stones.
Best: My Generation
Worst: I Don't Mind
3
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Fri Jul 29 2022
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Adult contemporary is one of my least favourite genres and Tracy Chapman's self-titled debut is no exception, it's pretty slow and overall kind of unremarkable. Although lyrically, it is charged with social and political commentary, it fails to grab me in any meaningful way.
Best: Fast Car
Worst: For You
1.5 Stars
2
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Mon Aug 01 2022
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground & Nico was more artsy than I expected however considering it was recorded during an Andy Warhol tour things started to line up. Themes throughout, are quite avant-garde and for the time would have been somewhat confronting, this reflects the limited number of copies that were sold on it's original release. However it's easy to see that it has been very influential to many future bands and releases in the vein of alternative, rock, punk, goth & indie.
Best: Sunday Morning
Worst: European Son
4.5 Stars
5
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Tue Aug 02 2022
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is truly a smooth soul singer, Fulfillingness' First Finale is a very easy listen, perfect to ease into the day. It is truly hard to believe that this is his 17th(!!!) album as it feels so effortless both musically and lyrically, although not as dance-y or grandiose as I might have assumed, the subdued nature allowed me to feel the groove of it and had to stop myself from dancing at my desk. His signature harmonicas throughout remind you that you're listening to Stevie (if you needed the reminder).
Best: Smile Please
Worst: It Ain't No Use
3
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Wed Aug 03 2022
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Very folks-y and not really to my taste. There is a lot of whiney sounding lyrics that would be made out as unique, but what it really is, is annoying.
Best: The Words That Maketh Murder
Worst: England
1
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Thu Aug 04 2022
Sea Change
Beck
A real sombre album from Beck, with themes including loneliness, heartbreak and desolation, it proved a turning point for Beck musically. Going from a highly experimental musician to a much more emotionally charged view - both lyrically and sonically. It was an easy listen, however it was pretty mood deflating.
Best: Lost Cause
Worst: Round the Bend
3
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Fri Aug 05 2022
Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
Overall, it was a good album that really felt like a teenage band, albeit a good one. Plenty of easy to listen to tunes with good riffs and hooks.
Best: I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
Worst: The Toonerville Trolley
3
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Mon Aug 08 2022
Fragile
Yes
The best thing about this album was the heavy use of psychedelic keyboards, thankfully they quickly replaced the guy who didn't want to play them initially. You would hardly realise that there were several songs that were arranged by individual members alone, in order to cut studio costs, Yes, flows with such ease.
Best: Roundabout
Worst: Mood For A Day
3
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Tue Aug 09 2022
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
I keep being surprised at how the early heavier rock songs/albums are so clearly influenced, by blues music, and Led Zeppelin is no exception. However, their difference is they don't overly rely on the Blues sound (personally, I think early Elvis and The Rolling Stones). Also didn't realise that they were English - totally though they were an American band.
Best: Good Times Bad Times
Worst: You Shook Me
3.5 Stars
4
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Wed Aug 10 2022
Tommy
The Who
It was a good concept album, that I feel upon additional listens it will grow even more on me. The melodic hard rock provides a journey of Tommy's story, but also provides a way to allow listeners to listen to their favourites without needing to be consumed or drawn in by the full operatic piece.
Best: Pinball Wizard
Worst: Welcome
3.5 stars
4
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Thu Aug 11 2022
The Cars
The Cars
The Cars self titled album was an ok listen. It was very reminiscent of the 70s style of pop-rock, however it leant a little more into the synths that would become synonymous with the 80s.
Best: Just What I Needed
Worst: Bye Bye Love
2
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Fri Aug 12 2022
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
The absolute genius of Fatboy Slim *chefs kiss*. What a seminal album with some amazing heavy-hitting all time bangers. I was relatively young when this record came out, but all of the singles released were EVERYWHERE, and inescapable. I'd argue that there wasn't a kid in the playground that hadn't at least heard of them - it was all over TV ads and throughout the radio. The Big Beat genre is a perfect mix of electronica, heavy drums, loops and impeccable use of sampling, and Fatboy Slim is one of its masters.
Best: Right Here Right Now; Rockafeller Stank; Praise You
Worst: Fucking in Heaven
5
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Mon Aug 15 2022
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
The Temptations failed to tempt me. There were a couple but it didn't really do anything for me. The second half of the album were basically songs on trying to get a girl back with very little luck, seemed a little sad and desperate really.
Best: Cloud Nine
Worst: I Need Your Lovin’
Spotify didn't have many of the songs- needed to fully listen to the album on YouTube
1
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Tue Aug 16 2022
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Listening to this it's like an ambient soundscape production, with the themes of birth, childlike wonder, and love. At times it is slightly strange sounding, but also sounds like the late 90s - almost like a "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve vibe. Couldn't understand a word of what was being sung, but it was ethereal nonetheless.
Best: Svefn-g-englar
Worst: Viðrar vel til loftárása
3
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Wed Aug 17 2022
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Eh, well, it was overall an ok record. It's very chill but really not my vibe at all. The best were the two singles that were released. I get that he's basically a musical genius but I just didn't enjoy it.
Best: Superstition
Worst: You've Got It Bad Girl
2
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Thu Aug 18 2022
Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
An ok album that is full of what I'd term gritty underground pop, thanks to the feedback and fuzz. All that feedback and white noise sound seems to almost be a precursor to the Grunge scene of the 90s.
Best: Just Like Honey
Worst: It's So Hard
3
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Fri Aug 19 2022
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
James Taylor sounds like the epitome of the struggling artist. Couch surfing, basically broke when creating this album, and finishing the album well under budget. Heck, to complete the album and get his promised $20k upon completion, mashed together three unfinished songs into one that was cheekily titled "Suite for 20G". Overall it was an ok folk rock album, but didn't really have much to grab me.
Best: Fire and Rain
Worst: Oh Baby, Don't You Loose Your Lip On Me
3
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Mon Aug 22 2022
Achtung Baby
U2
Whilst U2 is not my favourite band, I can see why they have a lasting effect on those Gen Xers that absolutely swear by them. One of the truly big stadium rock bands, with mass appeal. Achtung Baby is a fresher take on the alternative rock they have curated previously, with more of an industrial rock/electronic influence throughout.
Best: One
Worst: Ultra Violet (Light My Way)
3
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Tue Aug 23 2022
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Sheer Heart Attack was definitely moved more into the hard/glam rock sound that they were most famous for. There was some great guitar work by May and fantastic as usual vocals from Mercury.
Best: Killer Queen
Worst: She Makes Me (Stormtrooper In Stilettos)
3.5 Stars
4
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Wed Aug 24 2022
Homework
Daft Punk
A very lengthy 16 track - 74 minute album. Great album overall but by far not their best. There are a few main standouts, but there's just something lacking throughout. Perhaps it may be knowing their latter works or that they went into their record deal thinking they were just making a bunch of singles, there's a definite lack of cohesion throughout the Homework.
Best: Da Funk; Around The World
Worst: Teachers
4
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Thu Aug 25 2022
The Real Thing
Faith No More
A great thrash metal fusion album that melds a multitude of genres. The diversity of the members of the band really help make it a cohesive release. It's one of those records that helped show the world that metal didn't have to be just a one dimensional thing. It's interesting to see that there were many comparisons between Faith No More and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, not something that I would have associated with initially, but upon listening - the comparison seems a little stretched.
Best: Epic
Worst: Zombie Eaters
3
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Fri Aug 26 2022
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
Smooth, sultry understated evening R&B/jazz that will do well in a candlelit dinner or a late night wine bar.
Best: Dancewitme
Worst: Whenever Wherever Whatever
2.5 Stars
3
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Mon Aug 29 2022
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Bridge Over Troubled Water, I thought it was a decent folk album. Although at times it was a bit lacklustre but then there were times that it pulled you in and lifted you up a bit.
Best: Cecilia
Worst: Bye Bye Love (Live)
3
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Tue Aug 30 2022
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Holy crap, I remember buying this album just for "Roses" and "Hey Ya!" but good lord, this album really opened my eyes, at a time where in my life where I thought all mainstream music was filled with 'posers & sell-outs' this felt like a breath of fresh air. (Also looking back, this album is totally inappropriate for a 12-13yo child to listen through multiple times, in particular The Love Below's half of the album).
I also forgot that this was a DOUBLE album with a full 20 songs on each disc, with a total runtime of over 2 HOURS, it sill absolutely SLAPS. (Although 'Speakerboxx' is, in my opinion, the stronger of the two halves.) Basically this is two entire albums that OutKast just made their own solo albums, completed in distinct styles, however, complement each other well, and with the multitude of feats on both records, all the accolades are well deserved.
Best: GhettoMusick; The Way You Move; Happy Valentine's Day; Hey Ya!; Roses
Worst: Unhappy; Bamboo (Interlude); Where Are My Panties? (Interlude)
5
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Wed Aug 31 2022
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
One of the band members described the album as the "the perfect combination between London melancholy and Sydney sunshine" and I would agree. This album also fits well into the musicsphere of the late 80s indie rock, that's still got typical 80s synths throughout.
Best: Streets Of Your Town
Worst: I'm Alright
3
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Thu Sep 01 2022
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
A really weird mish mash of songs and thoughts, lots of short sharp alt-punk guitar heavy tunes that has that typical frenetic pace of a punk album.
However this album should have been a quarter of the actual length, it felt way to long for the quick pace of the song lengths.
Best: Maybe Partying Will Help; Three Car Jam
Worst: Don't Look Now
2
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Fri Sep 02 2022
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Generally speaking, not usually a fan of live albums - unless it's an act I'm really into. BB King's Live At The Regal kind of sits in the middle for me. On one hand it's a great masterpiece in amazingly good blues with fantastic guitar solos, but on the other, it's a live album. What this album also is - it's pretty tight, there's no real rambling or over-drawn-out solos, which help keep the vibe up and about, without getting bogged down.
Best: How Blue Can You Get?
Worst: Woke Up This Mornin'
3
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Mon Sep 05 2022
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Hunky Dory is an album that was a part of my life that I never knew existed - I'd heard a good chunk of the songs and they have been in the background but never really knowing where they'd come from.
This album serves as a turning point for Bowie and his career, with his next album being Ziggy Stardust, this album was more conventional, however evolved into more of an art rock/pop sound.
Best: Life On Mars?
Worst: Eight Line Poem
4.5 Stars
4
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Tue Sep 06 2022
Born To Be With You
Dion
Not that great at all, the folksy- guitars and yodel like singing really does nothing for me. No surprise that my "Best" song is a cover.
Best: (He's Got) The Whole World in His Hands
Worst: Make the Woman Love Me
1
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Wed Sep 07 2022
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Too folksy for my liking, that slow drawn out drawl for singing is not my cup of tea. There were some good guitar riffs and solos but really nothing to wow me at all.
Best: Veronica
Worst: Casbah
1
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Thu Sep 08 2022
Either Or
Elliott Smith
Elliot Smith is able to perfectly balance the folk/Americana sound with indie rock, without making it too whiny or annoying. Speaking about what he knows best he is able to weave his experiences from his hometown coupled with the immense personal struggles he was - and continued - to go through.
Best: Pictures Of Me
Worst: Alameda
3
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Fri Sep 09 2022
Disintegration
The Cure
One of the seminal gothic rock albums that they tried to go back into that 'indie' space, away from the commercial success, however it just catapulted them into the full force of the mainstream. This album as a whole is decidedly depressing, with the use of slow synthesisers and guitar progressions, it allowed Smith to really get into his feels. However there are glimpses of some more - well I wouldn't call it upbeat, perhaps not as depressing - songs. It feels like they are at their most comfortable throughout this record.
Best: Pictures of You
Worst: The Same Deep Water As You
4
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Mon Sep 12 2022
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
The coincidence - or is it irony? - that this album came up on my list the day after QEII passed away? This album was a great follow up from Meat Is Murder. It brings the Smiths back into the Indie Rock fold and it's quite humorous. That slow progressive guitar rock rhythms and synthesisers really bring it into the 80s.
Best: The Queen Is Dead
Worst: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
4
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Tue Sep 13 2022
All Directions
The Temptations
Wouldn't expect anything less funky from The Temptations, they really know how to do a funk. However their traditional funk in the latter half of the album turns into a deep soul that feels very sombre and reflective.
It was interesting to learn that they didn't want to record a couple of the songs on the record - one being "Run Charlie Run" due to it's opening lines and the other, with what was undoubtedly their biggest hit of the record in "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" because the lead singer's father had recently passed away.
Best: Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On
Worst: Run Charlie Run
2
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Wed Sep 14 2022
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
A solid indie album that holds up in todays world. There is something in it's soundscape that screams 90s but it's a little hard to put my finger on what it is - perhaps it's the countless 90s teen shows that had soundtracks that were similar sounding.
Best: Soul & Fire
Worst: Fantastic Disaster
3
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Thu Sep 15 2022
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Having heard a lot about Black Sabbath and Ozzy's famous bat biting incident, I've never listened to an album in full. Vol. 4 is full of hard hitting metal, yet with one surprising ballad in "Changes" helps give the album a little nuance. And despite Iommi calling "FX" a total joke, created whilst they were high, it worked pretty well as part of the album.
Best: Changes
Worst: St. Vitus Dance
3
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Fri Sep 16 2022
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Sounds both '80s and early '90s at the same time. Not sure how that happens when it was released in '81. Perhaps that's just the legacy of Siouxsie And The Banshees, having such a rich and diverse sound that endures through the years.
Best: Spellbound
Worst: Night Shift
3.5 Stars
3
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Mon Sep 19 2022
Violator
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode's Violator draws you into their moody, hypnotic, synthed out world, full of mystery and deception. With sleek electronics, coupled by synth bass and just a little bit of funk, has an ambient music feel to it, but you know a live show would absolutely go off.
Best: Enjoy the Silence; Clean
Worst: Blue Dress
4
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Tue Sep 20 2022
Horses
Patti Smith
I can see a lot of modern acts that have been influenced by Patti Smith. With her powerful rock/punk to the punchiness of her spoken word, she is definitely a seminal artist in the punk rock scene, particularly in New York - even beating The Ramones on this release by 5 months. Patti's style has never gone out of fashion, and has set the tone for smart, unbending female rockers of generations since, and undoubtedly will into the future.
Best: Gloria: In Excelsis Deo
Worst: Elegie
4
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Wed Sep 21 2022
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
One of the OG Hip-Hop groups that broke through to the mainstream. Hailing from New York, it definitely has a different feel to that of hip-hop from the West Coast. Wu-Tang feel more freestyle in their flow, which is punctuated by more subtle references to crime and violence and underscored by underground beats and numerous samples.
Best: C.R.E.A.M
Worst: Tearz
3
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Thu Oct 13 2022
Among The Living
Anthrax
A great thrash metal album that really woke me up this morning! Full of heavy guitar riffs and heart thumping drums really brought the album to life. Having supported Metallica on tour really opened up their audience and cemented them as one of the all-time great thrash metal groups.
Best: Caught In A Mosh
Worst: One World
3.5 Stars
3
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Fri Oct 14 2022
Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Industrial hip-hop/electronica/lo-fi sounds often juxtaposed with a backdrop of raw conversations from the underbelly of New York.
Relatively easy listen and although the runtime is coming close to an hour, it went by very quickly.
What I found most interesting is that David Holmes is not only known for his DJing but also has a long association with creating musical scores, most notably his frequent collaborations with Steven Soderbergh on films such as Killing Eve and the Oceans Trilogy.
Best: Rodney Yates
Worst: Freaknik
3
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Mon Oct 17 2022
Amnesiac
Radiohead
Amnesiac is filled with Industrial sounds that have a slow, sleepy like quality to them. It sounds like it could soundtrack a modern contemporary art installation. Pretty boring overall with at times wailing like singing heard over the top of the soundtrack.
Best: Knives Out
Worst: Like Spinning Plates
2
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Tue Oct 18 2022
NEU! 75
Neu!
A predominantly instrumental album by Neu, however nonetheless a decent listen. The contrasting styles of the two halves of the album weren't too conflicting and overall complemented each other well.
Best: Hero
Worst: Leb' Wohl
3
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Wed Oct 19 2022
Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Typical 60s psych rock band with a bit of funk thrown in for good measure. Moby Grape rightly or wrongly are very Beatles-esque in sound with lots of short and sharp songs to keep you hooked.
Best: Sitting By The Window
Worst: Changes
Note: Spotify didn't have the full album, listened to it on YouTube.
3
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Thu Oct 20 2022
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Thought I'd dislike this album more than I did. I think it's saving grace was that it was mercifully short. Nelson has a way with words and is able to evoke feelings of wanting to head out camping in some remote part of the US, sitting in front of a campfire, having some s'mores and strumming on a guitar.
Best: Down Yonder
Worst: Can I Sleep In Your Arms
3
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Mon Oct 24 2022
Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Steve McQueen is an interesting mix of pop, rock and jazz - pretty much new-wave without being entirely new-wave if that makes any sort of sense. Prefab Sprout are able to bring together ideas and themes of the joys, fears and disappointments of love.
Best: When Love Breaks Down
Worst: Blueberry Pies
3
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Tue Oct 25 2022
All Mod Cons
The Jam
Some outlets called it one of the "truly essential rock albums of the last few years" (being late 70s), I'd hardly call it that. All Mod Cons is an ok new-wave/punk album, with definite feeling of coming into a very early 80s new wave sound, but typically British.
Best: Billy Hunt
Worst: Fly
3
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Wed Oct 26 2022
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Nothing but punk rock from start to finish. With a larger budget than their previous releases, they definitely utilised it to it's fullest potential. With string sections, brass sections and of course the mainstay distorted guitars and heavy percussion made the listen quite rich. However, I found the last few songs on the album a little lacking.
Best: On a Rope
Worst: Salt Future
3
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Thu Oct 27 2022
Sound Affects
The Jam
Meh, that's what this album felt like. It's an ok sounding album overall, but nothing that makes it truly special. To me their sound feels quite generic, perhaps its their heavy influence from other post punk groups such as Joy Division, even going so far as to copy the baseline from The Beatles Taxman and borrowing elements from Michael Jackson's Off the Wall album.
Best: Monday
Worst: That's Entertainment
2
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Fri Oct 28 2022
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
With an industrial sound comprising of screeching guitars, angsty lyrics, and the low almost spoken like lyrics allows Sonic Youth to peer into your soul with what is commonly referred to as their Goth record. By sharing the vocalists amongst the band, it gives EVOL a way to break up the record and creates a nice juxtaposition.
Best: Bubble Gum
Worst: Death to Our Friends
3
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Mon Oct 31 2022
Phrenology
The Roots
With lyrical themes of hip hop culture and its commodification, with musical elements of rock, jazz, techno, hardcore punk, and soul music, there is a track for almost everyone. At times however the trap of lengthy jazz/soul improvisation kicked in and dragged out the album a little too much for my liking.
Best: Thirsty!
Worst: Pussy Galore
2.5 Stars
3
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Tue Nov 01 2022
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba's self-titled album was an interesting listen. It was good to hear some 'world music' representation in this list, however similarly to a lot of other albums, it's not one of my favourites. With a sound that is akin to lounge singers or singers that would have performed at a club/dance hall, backed by a large jazz band, back in the 50's and 60s.
Best: Where Does It Lead
Worst: One More Dance
2
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Thu Nov 24 2022
The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
An overall ok hip-hop album that helped with the revival of East Coast Hip-Hop. The album cover is evocative with it's use of the burning World Trade Centres from only one year prior, with it so fresh in the minds of the public - it might draw you towards the album or you may feel outrage.
Best: D. Original
Worst: Come Clean - E New Y Radio
2
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Fri Nov 25 2022
Parachutes
Coldplay
An amazing debut from Coldplay. Although through the years there have been countless memes and brush-offs that Coldplay have sold out. However with a wildly successful commercial debut album, how can they have ever been sold out?
Parachutes includes absolute classics such as Yellow and Don't Panic - where would we be as a society without these songs?
Best: Yellow; Don't Panic
Worst: Everything's Not Lost
4
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Mon Nov 28 2022
The Healer
John Lee Hooker
Bit of a meh album, not sure how it even reached number 17 on the ARIA Charts. The album cover is quite eerie, and could be the cover of a horror movie to be honest.
Best: I'm in the Mood
Worst: No Substitute
2
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Tue Nov 29 2022
British Steel
Judas Priest
A solid heavy metal album and really highlights why Judas Priest is a real classic in the genre. Never having heard much of their stuff, with this album as their sixth outing, they clearly haven't lost any steam with their face melting guitar riffs, heaving drums no doubt influencing the era of 1980s hair metal bands.
Best: Breaking the Law
Worst: Red, White & Blue
3
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Wed Nov 30 2022
Suicide
Suicide
Suicide starts off like your typical rock album but then it melds into an electro-synth-wave piece that evokes the feeling of going under into a much darker place with the band. Particularly on Frankie Teardrop, with it's storytelling of a father's eventual descent into hell.
Best: Johnny
Worst: Rocket USA
3.5 Stars
3
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Thu Dec 01 2022
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Quite a lo-fi electronica album that almost leans into ambient sound territory. Lots of understated drum beats that permeate throughout the album, whilst unchanging in tempo, acts like a heartbeat for the self-titled debut.
Best: Keep the Streets Empty for Me
Worst: Seven
Note: I only listened to the original track listing
3
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Fri Dec 02 2022
Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Their voices are quite grating and really not my thing. To me, sounds like hillbilly rock that is the precursor to current bad country music. Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band, more like Captain Vegetableheart and is Lacklustre Band, there is absolutely nothing beefy or magical about this group or album, super whiny and the twang of the guitars coupled with his voice hurt my ears. What's with the album cover - using the fish-eye lens trying to be edgy and cool, only a British band could pull the look off successfully.
Best: Autumn's Child
Worst: Yellow Brick Road
NOTE: Spotify had the CD bonus tracks, I only listened to the original 12 tracks.
1
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Mon Dec 05 2022
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I've heard a bit about Elvis Costello, but not much of their stuff - didn't even realise he was in a band. Throughout the album, the theme of political effects on human relationships was quite prominent and not hard to mistake. Their overall sound does sound quite modern for the time it was released, however coupled with the themes the lyrical content feels slightly dated.
Best: Oliver's Army
Worst: Chemistry Class
2.5 stars
3
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Tue Dec 06 2022
Synchronicity
The Police
Having heard Every Breath You Take, probably a million times (don't know why people love it tbh) I expected the rest of the album to sound very similar. I was pleasantly surprised, but also mildly confused that this wasn't the case. In spite of all this, The Police did a decent job of melding a number of different styles, tempos and genres throughout.
Best: Synchronicity II
Worst: Every Breath You Take
3
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Wed Dec 07 2022
L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
Wow its been a while since I've had a truly interesting album come through. The Young Gods with their dark industrial sound symphony like arrangements and the deep guttural voice of their lead singer was like a match made in heaven. Would love to see them live!
Best: Crier Les Chiens
Worst: Pas Mal
4
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Thu Dec 08 2022
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
MGMT, what can I say. This album really opened my eyes up to what music could be, at a time where I was basically an "emo kid". The neo-psychedelia/indie production coupled with Andrew's ethereal vocals came at the perfect time and was the perfect album to begin to expand what I thought music was.
With their kooky look, and really freaking crazy music videos it was just what my weirdo teen brain needed.
Best: Time To Pretend; Electric Feel
Worst: 4th Dimensional Transition
5
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Fri Dec 09 2022
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
Songs of Love and Hate started off well, with beautiful guitars and haunting deep vocals, but then kind of fell off the wagon from there. Which mirrors Cohen's state of mind at the time according to an interview with Throat Culture magazine stating that "absolutely everything was beginning to fall apart around me: my spirit, my intentions, my will. So I went into a deep and long depression."
Best: Avalanche
Worst: Diamonds In The Mine
2
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Mon Dec 12 2022
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
R.E.M.'s eighth studio album is nothing to sneeze at, I can see why their appeal has lasted the test of time. Whilst there were some songs that were lacking, the majority were pretty good. Themes of mortality, loss, mourning, and nostalgia dig deep into the melancholy of Stipe's voice.
Best: Everybody Hurts
Worst: The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite
3
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Tue Dec 13 2022
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
An ok funk/soul R&B album that still sounds fresh to my ears today. I've mentioned this before and I'm sure I'll mention it again but there are themes throughout this album that have themes that are unfortunately still relevant particularly about the African American experience in the USA.
Best: When Seasons Change
Worst: Jesus
2
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Thu Feb 16 2023
Ray Of Light
Madonna
Ray of Light is a very different sound to what Madonna became famous for. The electro/techno pop sound was perfectly timed for the late 90s surge of dance clubs and raves. With most of the album it would be at home in a lot of nightclubs.
With her newly found spirituality in the Kabbalah religion, coupled with Buddhist and Hindu traditions, she has managed to encapsulate the feeling of these in this album. And all credit to her, she worked to get the correct pronunciations of Sanskrit words for the track Shanti/Ashtangi.
If only she was able to shorten some of the track lengths, averaging about 5 mins per song, it did feel like it dragged on a bit.
Best: Skin
Worst: Little Star
3
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Fri Feb 17 2023
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Ready to Die was BIG's first album, and the only one released whilst he was alive. Whilst in some parts it felt a little drawn out, overall there is some stellar quite cinematic storytelling, with easy flows and great beats.
Best: Ready To Die
Worst: Me and My Bitch
Note: Listened on YouTube as Spotify did not have all of the songs
3
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Mon Feb 20 2023
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
A perfectly nice bossa-nova/jazz album that got me grooving a bit in my seat at work. Whilst not my favourite genre, I can appreciate that in the right setting, would be a great listen.
Best: Desafinado
Worst: Samba Triste
3
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Tue Feb 21 2023
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
It's Blitz! is a fantastic album, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have melded synth-punk with alt pop in a way that just makes sense. It's upbeat tempo coupled with the emotional lyrics let you know that they want you to forget about your loneliness/heartbreak by literally dancing the blues away.
Best: Heads Will Roll
Worst: Hysteric
5
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Wed Feb 22 2023
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
A Wizard/A True Star is a decent 70's psych rock/pop album. It feels very experimental in it's composition, with many short sharp pieces, with many of them seamlessly transitioning to the next, along with a couple of much more epically sounding and long tracks.
After hearing this album it was no surprise that Todd was experimenting with drugs whilst creating this album. There is nothing that I have heard in more
contemporary music that is likened to the late 60s/70s psychedelia rock/pop sound.
Best: Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel
Worst: Is It My Name?
3
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Thu Feb 23 2023
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
The randomness of the daily album is strange, I just listened to Todd's A Wizard/A True Star album the day before this one. However this being a double album- big ouft - I was not looking forward to the slog of such a long listen.
This outing by Todd, is much more traditional pop rock and not so much experimental yet each sides of the original records are distinct in their own way with a flow that creates 4 mini albums/EPs. So as an entire album it doesn't feel like I've listened to 1 album, which kept it relatively fresh throughout.
Best: I Saw the Light
Worst: Marlene
3
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Fri Feb 24 2023
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
What an album, Slippery When Wet is what I'd call an essential 80s album. Bon Jovi really knocked it out of the park with this one. With all time classic tracks like You Give Love A Bad Name and Livin' On A Prayer, it doesn't get much bigger than these.
What was most surprising to learn was that Jon Bon Jovi thought that Livin' On a Prayer was not a great song, guess he ate his words pretty quick.
Best: You Give Love A Bad Name; Livin' On A Prayer
Worst: Wild In The Streets
3.5 Stars
3
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Mon Feb 27 2023
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
A lovely album to ease into the day. With his seventh album, the dulcet tones of Ray Charles never disappoints. A big-band sound upfront on the album, coupled with a much more subdued ballad/string second half, shows that Charles can do it all, although personally I enjoyed the big band sound more.
Best: Let The Good Times Roll
Worst: Am I Blue
3
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Tue Feb 28 2023
Garbage
Garbage
Garbage was probably one of the first female led grunge rock bands I was introduced to growing up, and it's always so refreshing to hear a female singer in a grunge band.
Their self-titled debut is a solid mix of pop/punk fundamentals, all pulled apart and put back together, finished off with the grittier vocals of Shirley Manson, show that angst with some direction in the right hands is a winning combination.
Best: Only Happy When It Rains
Worst: Dog New Tricks
3
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Wed Mar 01 2023
Damaged
Black Flag
A good punchy punk/hardcore album that was great for an energy boost. The punchy vocals of Henry Rollins and rip-snorting guitar riffs made for a wild ride of listening. Throughout it's time many a rebellious teen would love to blast this record, much to the chagrin of their parents.
Best: Rise Above; TV Party
Worst: Room 13
3
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
The album cover looks like decent early 90s computer render of a game scene. Is that mound in the front of the wall a pile of elephant turd?
Released on the cusp of the ending of psychedelia and the beginning of country rock, is a perfect bridge for the two genres.
Best: Darkness, Darkness
Worst: On Sir Francis Drake
2
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Fri Mar 03 2023
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin, one of the original divas with such a powerhouse voice. Who knew that Respect was not even two and a half minutes long?! It was surprising to learn that this album only spent 2 weeks at #1 in the overall Billboard charts, after what we know today as some of her most famous works. However listening to it, it is understandable as there is not really much else on the album that really holds a candle to the two released singles.
Best: Respect
Worst: Don't Let Me Lose This Dream
3
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Mon Mar 06 2023
Who's Next
The Who
With 'Who's Next' best tracks stacked at the end of the album, it is a steady climb through. Being part rock opera, with a combination of hard rock, prog rock, and art rock, as well as its influential use of synthesizers this album was an interesting listen.
Best: Behind Blue Eyes
Worst: The Song Is Over
Note: Spotify had the 1995 Remastered Issue and I only listened to the original 9 tracks.
3
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Tue Mar 07 2023
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
A great album from Bob Marley and Co. In true Bob Marley fashion, it was a very chill and laid back album epitomised by the Three Little Birds or what I like to refer to it as the "Don't Worry" song.
Exodus was completed after his assassination attempt and exiled to England (hence the album name). The overall typically Marley reggae sound is a laid-back production and stoned atmosphere that's simultaneously funky and political.
Best: Three Little Birds
Worst: Natural Mystic
3
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Wed Mar 08 2023
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
With his slide guitar and interesting solos, its one of the reasons why Clapton is such a renowned guitarist, it was a really enjoyable listen. This one critic's line sums up the entire album in my opinion "the climate comes out in Clapton's work, ten tracks ranging from bright blues rock to, well, 'Let It Grow'."
Best: I Shot The Sherriff
Worst: Let It Grow
3
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Thu Mar 09 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
The outrage that conservatives have over albums like this is hilarious. It's like the outrage that exists today for the mumble rappers and how they're the next devil re-incarnate. At least with metal bands they embraced the "stereotype" and had fun with it - just look at the album cover!
Overall it was a fun head-banging album that really does stand the test of time, oh to have been to one of their early gigs would have been incredible!
Best: The Number Of The Beast
Worst: 22 Acacia Avenue
4
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Fri Mar 10 2023
Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
An interesting album, though I'm not sure if I enjoyed it. Felt Mountain has a very experimental sound that I think, brings out sonically the difficulties in the recording process where Goldfrapp was often alone and disturbed by the mice and insects in the bungalow. Yikes.
Generally I don't mind electronica, ambient and trip-hop sounds but the wailing lyrics brought it right down for me. Which is unfortunate, because when there was no wailing, it was really wasn't that bad.
Best: Pilots
Worst: Deer Stop
2
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Mon Mar 13 2023
The Last Broadcast
Doves
The Last Broadcast felt like a warm hug, so familiar and comforting with their Indie rock/neo-psychedelia sound. You really can't beat the sound of the early 2000s Brit rock with an infectious, melancholy and ultimately euphoric barrage of sound wrapped in a sheeting of guitars and subtle effects this was one I wish I had heard earlier.
Best: There Goes The Fear
Worst: The Sulphur Man
3.5 Stars
4
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Catch A Fire's songs' lyrics deal with political injustice towards blacks and poverty, as is the case in much of Bob Marley's work. Catch a Fire is about the current state of urban poverty" and "Slave Driver" connects the present to past injustices, which are still ongoing themes today for people of colour.
Best: Concrete Jungle
Worst: Midnight Ravers
2
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
Wasn't sure what to expect for this album but it was an ok rap album, really good to have on in the background whilst working. But other than that I probably wouldn't listen to it otherwise. It didn't really sound as old as the it's 1991 release date.
Best: Bouge de là
Worst: Ragga Jam
3
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
A very on the nose album, I can see a LOT of housewives in the 60s rinse this LP on their record players. Imagining themselves as the narrator of these songs and becoming sick of their husbands shenanigans and going off and becoming the wild women they wished they were - all whilst dragging on a cigarette and sipping on a cocktail.
Love it for what it is and represents but won't be a part of my regular rotation anytime soon.
Best: Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind); I Got Caught
Worst: I'm Living In Two Worlds
3
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Fri Mar 17 2023
Third
Portishead
Third by Portishead is a soundscape album that really experiments with a more electronica and psychedelia rock with heavy synths create a dark cinematic feel with a touch of a bleak art installation.
Liked it more than I thought I would and for me it would fit on a playlist to listen to whilst at work.
Best: Plastic
Worst: Nylon Smile
4
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
Judging this album by it's cover is probably a good thing. Being the Netherlandish Proverbs by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, it's definitely an interesting choice, but is actually fitting for the album itself. Being an indie-folk, chamber rock sounding album, fits right in with this middle ages scene.
Best: Your Protector
Worst: He Doesn't Know Why
3
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Classic RHCP. This is probably their first foray into what I would deem their signature sound. With classic tracks like Suck My Kiss, Under the Bridge and Give It Away, Blood Sugar Sex Magik is quintessential RCHP listening.
Best: Give It Away; Under The Bridge
Worst: They're Red Hot
3.5 Stars
4
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Wed Mar 22 2023
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
This is terrible. Country rock music is not my thing. Coupled with that kind of yodelling/singing that country is kinda known for. Big yuk. My heart is not on fire, my ears are!
Best: Ooh Las Vegas
Worst: Hearts On Fire
1
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Thu Mar 23 2023
Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
Whilst sounding quite heavy, it's overall rockabilly sound was something unexpected. It felt very "underground" in composition and very garage rock band. Overall, not too great but something that I wouldn't mind hearing again if it was on.
Best: I Was A Teenage Werewolf
Worst: The Mad Daddy
2
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Fri Mar 24 2023
Close To The Edge
Yes
Another great prog rock album from Yes. Whilst I don't generally like long tracks, the way that Yes is able to piece together these tracks allows for some really good flow throughout.
Best: Close To The Edge
Worst: Siberian Khatru
3
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins, whilst overall a great band, I couldn't help but feel that this album was a little lacking. It didn't grab me in the way I expected it to as other similar albums of the era have. Don't get me wrong I thought it still was a good listen, just not great.
Best: Cherub Rock
Worst: Sweet Sweet
3.5 Stars
3
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Tue Mar 28 2023
American Pie
Don McLean
Let's be real, this album is only known for American Pie. Honestly, probably not a bad thing, though I didn't realise it is an eight and a half minute song! It was ok, nothing to write home about, but also not my preferred style of music.
Best: American Pie
Worst: The Grave
2.5 Stars
3
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Rubbish. Boring, whiny RnB, like there's good RnB but this was terrible. Who even is D'Angelo? Literally never heard of him. Too many of the songs were drawn out and way too much of that "woo woo yah yah" crooning that kinda gives me the ick.
Best: Brown Sugar
Worst: When We Get By
1
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Ramones
Ramones
Just like with pretty much all punk rock, no one can see the influence until well after the fact. Nothing is different for the Ramones here. With their self titled debut, they had relatively little commercial success, with their two singles that failed to chart. Also the album didn't even crack the US Billboard top 100, peaking at 111. Critics for once knew where it was at and it was pretty much widely acclaimed at the time.
Best: Blitzkrieg Bop
Worst: I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend
5
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Fri Mar 31 2023
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
Country Rock. Ugh, why is it so popular? I love me a good guitar, but I can't get past the real country twang vocally. Please get it away from me.
Best: Guitar Town
Worst: Hillbilly Highway
1
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Dummy
Portishead
This is a great debut from Portishead, there are so many samplings, loops and techniques such as skating with and walking on vinyl to give it a distorted sound, along with playing through a broken amplifier, gives this album such a unique sound. All without the use of digital recordings.
With the trip hop sound makes me feel that I'm walking through a laneway on a gloomy rainy evening, coupled with just the sound of your footsteps and the odd passing car.
Best: Glory Box
Worst: Biscuit
3.5 stars
3
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
A decent alt-hip hop pulled straight out of the mid '00s. The album cover full of that nostalgia, with an original Nintendo DS, what looks like an early blackberry phone, CDs and wearing some Chuck Taylor Converses brings me right back.
With themes of poverty, Islam, terrorism, racism, and individuality, this is one of the great hip-hop albums of the 00s. Although the Outro track was probably a bit self aggrandising, over 12 minutes for what is essentially a thanks track - the album is definitely better off without it, and lowered the score I am giving this album.
Best: Kick Push
Worst: Outro
2.5 stars
2
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Dare!
The Human League
At first I thought I was getting another 80s synth-pop/nu-wave album styling. Then I looked at the song list, right at the very end, is probably one of the best songs of the 80s 'Don't You Want Me'.
Looking back the lyrics are somewhat concerning, yet gives the female protagonist a voice to move forward with her life when the relationship comes to an end, and move onto bigger and better things.
Overall it was a great album and really opened up the 80s to the new sound of the synth.
Best: Don't You Want Me
Worst: I Am The Law
4
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Thu Apr 06 2023
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys Today! had glimpses of what is to come in their latter albums, but something feels like it's missing through the familiar Beach Boys Californian beach carefree sound. The final track really brought the album down and felt entirely unnecessary.
Best: Dance, Dance, Dance
Worst: Bull Session with the 'Big Daddy
3
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
You can't get much more iconic 80s than Culture Club. Just look at that album cover - if you've got an 80s dress-up party just go as one of those guys! Apart from Karma Chameleon, the overall album wasn't that great. Yes Boy George has a great and varied voice, but there wasn't much that grabbed me throughout, even with the other singles.
Best: Karma Chameleon
Worst: Man Shake
3
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Mon Apr 10 2023
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
It was an ok folk rock album by Neil Young. I can see why at the time of release it would have garnered a great following, particularly amongst the middle America scene, even though he's actually Canadian!
This quote from The New Rolling Stone Record Guide from 1983 sums this record up perfectly:
"The record chronicles the post-hippie, post-Vietnam demise of counterculture idealism, and a generation's long, slow trickle down the drain through drugs, violence, and twisted sexuality. "
Best: Come on Baby Let's Go Downtown
Worst: Roll Another Number (For the Road)
Note: Needed to listen on YouTube Music as it was not available on Spotify.
3
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Tue Apr 11 2023
The White Album
Beatles
The famous White Album by The Beatles. This album is mildly experimental in nature with multiple styles of music throughout. Having been on a retreat in India and written most of the songs there, it feels like they wanted to just really get into their feels, yet at the same time it seems as though they placed all of the songs written since their last album onto this record.
Whilst there are some absolute classic Beatles songs throughout this double album, I wish it was curated a little better.
Best: Blackbird
Worst: Good Night
4
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Wed Apr 12 2023
New Forms
Roni Size
A decent drum and bass album by Roni Size. It perfectly encapsulates the sound of the 90s, with the repetitive drums and high hat synths with underlays of record scratching that were often heard in many 90s movies.
Best: Brown Paper Bag
Worst: Mad Cat
3
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Thu Apr 13 2023
In It For The Money
Supergrass
In It For The Money is an ok alt-rock/brit-pop album that didn't really grab me. There is really not too much to say, another unnecessary double album that didn't need to be. If only Supergrass knew how to curate their songs for this album.
Best: Richard III
Worst: Sex!
2
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
A fun live rock and roll live recording from one of the very greats of the era. Even though the entire album is basically a re-jig of the blues scale, it still manages to be fun and make you want to get up and dance!
Best: Great Balls of Fire
Worst: Long, Tall Sally
3
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Mon Apr 17 2023
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Such a seminal Brit-Rock Album. (What's The Story) Morning Glory has so many great hits on this and likely in the top 10 albums of the 90s.
With their six released singles from the album, it's hard to deny they are all now classics with deep nostalgia attached to them... anyway, here's Wonderwall ...
Best: Wonderwall
Worst: The Swamp Song - Version 1 & 2
5
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Eh, it was ok. I can appreciate that Miles Davis is a legend in the jazz trumpet scene, but the album was way too melancholy for me. The tracks were very long and drawn out as well which didn't help grab me at all.
Best: Blue In Green
Worst: All Blues
1
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Wed Apr 19 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
A very slow album. Actually almost put me to sleep, I had a real struggle keeping my eyes open at work. I was hoping that it would be a little more up tempo but alas, it wasn't to be.
Best: 49 Bye-Byes
Worst: Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
2
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Thu Apr 20 2023
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
Unfortunately not a great funk/soul album in my eyes (ears). This another album where I can appreciate that it was kind of a ground breaking new sound and way of producing, however, I just couldn't get into it at all.
Best: Family Affair
Worst: Time
2
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Van Halen
Van Halen
Almost don't really care about the lyrics in this album, I'm all in for the face-melting cheese-shredding guitar work. Also, I had no idea that "You Really Got Me" was a Van Halen song and Eruption was an absolutely incredible instrumental with electrifying guitar work by Eddie!
A high energy head-banging album that makes you want to go back in for more.
Best: Eruption; You Really Got Me
Worst: Jamie's Cryin'
5
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
While Snoop Doggy Dogg is a good rapper with a very smooth even flow, it's hard to rectify the content of his stuff in my eyes. I get that all of the was unfortunately kind of normalised at the time but the content of the lyrics, heck even the album cover makes my skin crawl a bit.
Best: Gin & Juice
Worst: For all my N*#gaz & Bitches
2
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
great industrial electronica/dance mixed with a bit of acid house. this is the sound of 90s/early 00s movies when they cut to a rave/dance club.
Best: Leave Home
Worst: Alive Alone
4
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Gold
Ryan Adams
Absolute trash, waste of 90 minutes of my life. Ooh look at me, I'm so edgy, got my American flag upside-down, blue-jeans with my face looking down and my spiky hair. Please give me a break. Whiny, country music, that doesn't deserve to have any Grammy Nominations in the "Rock" Category.
Waste. Of. Time.
Best (this was hard to pick): Firecracker
Worst: The rest of the album
1
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Thu Apr 27 2023
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
An interesting if unconventional album by Kate Bush, I was only mildly disappointed that this album did not contain "Running Up That Hill" or "Wuthering Heights". But it perfectly encapsulates the wild and wacky nature of who and what is Kate Bush. Very experimental and wacky, but without that, it wouldn't be the same.
Best: Set In Your Lap
Worst: Get Out Of My House
3.5 Stars
3
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Fri Apr 28 2023
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
A very dreamy album by Kiwanuka, taking the concept album to a different level, a more autobiographical healing piece. Michael has a smooth soulful voice that could probably heal anyone's pain. Wouldn't normally have this on my rotation, but an interesting addition to the album list.
Best: Hard to Say Goodbye, Solid Ground
Worst: Piano Joint (This Kind of Love) (Intro)
3
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Mon May 01 2023
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
The album really lives up to it's name - white reggae. Before this I would never have thought that The Police was a reggae band, but this album definitely begs to differ. It effortlessly straddles the line between post-punk, new-wave and reggae rock.
Best: Message In A Bottle
Worst: Contact
3
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Tue May 02 2023
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Whilst Led Zeppelin are one of the all time greats of the genre and have had some great albums and singles, this release didn't grab me the way I though it would. Being a double album was already on thin ice - most of the time I don't generally enjoy them. But then coupled with the album having some unreleased tracks from their previous works, it felt like an amalgamation of songs just for the sake of it.
Best: Bron-Yr-Aur
Worst: In My Time Of Dying
2
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Wed May 03 2023
Virgin Suicides
Air
Having never seen the movie, and only reading some of the synopsis, the album feels like it captures what a slow, drawn psychological thriller, involving the minds of the feeling of being a trapped teenager.
Not one of my favourite albums thus far, but can appreciate what Air have done with this one.
Best: Dead Bodies
Worst: Dirty Trip
2.5 stars
3
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Thu May 04 2023
Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
A very strange sounding sci-fi-esque album by Spirit, it almost feels like being possessed by some at parts! I can see how this would have been enjoyed by many college radio stations in the 70s, and not so much by the mainstream charts.
Best: Nature's Way
Worst: When I Touch You
Note: Spotify had 1996 reissue bonus tracks - didn't listen to these.
2
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Fri May 05 2023
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
Not sure how I feel about this album, it was perfectly fine, but nothing to really go nuts about. But Morrissey on the album cover has a way to stare into your soul with those piercing blue eyes. Good melodies but not sure about some of the lyrics throughout.
Best: Spring-Heeled-Jim
Worst: Used To Be A Sweet Boy
3
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Mon May 08 2023
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
A perfectly fine soul/rock early RnB album by Solomon Burke. Generally not my cup of tea, however I can appreciate how albums like this allowed us to progress to both the rock and RnB music of today. His quote sums it up perfectly - "without soul, there'd be no rock, and without rock, there'd be no soul."
Best: If You Need Me
Worst: Hard, Ain't It Hard
3
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Tue May 09 2023
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Overall an ok album however there wasn't really anything that stood out as fantastic to my ears.
Best: Sweet Thing
Worst: Madame George
3
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Wed May 10 2023
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
Such a haunting and ethereal voice, whilst her songs are rather lengthy, this I feel, is one of those times where it's needed to have that breathing room to fully appreciate her voice and the arrangements around her.
Best: Nothing Compares 2 U
Worst: You Cause As Much Sorrow
3.5 Stars
3
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Thu May 11 2023
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
This album is putting me to sleep. Definitely not what I need on a Monday (or most days really). Pretty horrid really, weird sounding instruments also, it felt like the guitars weren't tuned correctly and something was a little off. This is definitely not an album where longer songs are better. The way his voice is mixed it sounds like it's layered over the top of the music, but as with almost everything in this album, is not good at all.
Best: Eid Ma Clack Shaw
Worst: Jim Cain
1
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Fri May 12 2023
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
A solid heavy metal album that was great to listen to and really just get some head-banging in, to really feel the drums and guitars and just jump around (or as much as I wanted to whilst at work). Another classic metal band that still stands the test of time.
Best: Walk
Worst: This Love
4
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Mon May 15 2023
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
First Band On The Moon was a good listen to some pop/alt-rock from the mid 90s. Who couldn't forget that absolute banger Lovefool from the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack? That track was the most nostalgic and brought me right back. I can't recall any other track from the album from the time, or whether or not they had any other hits from any other albums, to me they were a one-hit wonder, with a decent album to back up the single's success.
Best: Lovefool
Worst: Never Recover
3
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Tue May 16 2023
London Calling
The Clash
The Clash's London Calling Somewhat surprised me. Thought it would be a little harder rock/punk, however the majority of the double album sounded more like a pop rock/pop punk album. It is clear to see that there are many other albums that have taken influence from The Clash.
Best: London Calling
Worst: The Right Profile
3.5 stars
3
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Wed May 17 2023
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Overall, it was an ok album. Nothing too intriguing, a little too much country/folk for me but definitely not the worst that I've heard. It was good to break up the singing between the two vocalists.
Best: I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Worst: The Little Beggar Girl
2
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Thu May 18 2023
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge was a fun album that had me bopping my head along to the grunge guitars of '91. I enjoyed the short sharpness of the majority of the songs, apart from the only song that was longer than four minutes.
Best: Good Enough
Worst: Broken Hands
3
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Fri May 19 2023
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
I can appreciate a voice like Norah Jones, but good grief, she puts me to sleep. I didn't remember until I got this album for today's listen, but there was a seemingly relentless campaign on TV and Radio of the "Sounds of Norah Jones, Buy the album now", wow how wild and random. The jazz-pop/adult contemporary is definitely not my jam.
Best: Don't Know Why
Worst: I've Got To See You Again
2
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Mon May 22 2023
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
I think everyone has heard The Girl From Ipanema, but not heard of Getz or Gilberto. Getz/Gilberto is perfect for having on in the background at a gathering or a nice restaurant. Definitely not something that I'd often go out of my way to listen to ordinarily.
Best: The Girl From Ipanema
Worst: O Grande Amor
3
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Tue May 23 2023
...And Justice For All
Metallica
A decent album by Metallica, full of intense guitar and drum riffs, and melodies that make it classically Metallica. But what is it with these bands from the 80s having such long albums and in particular releasing double albums?
Best: Eye of the Beholder
Worst: To Live Is To Die
3
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Wed May 24 2023
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
It was an ok jazz contemporary album that would be perfect for a nice chill evening. I can appreciate what Bebel Gilberto has done, but it's really not my cup of tea.
Best: Samba da Bencao
Worst: Alguem
3
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Thu May 25 2023
High Violet
The National
An alright album that perfectly fits into the 2010 era of indie rock. In certain sections the melodies and overall sound was very Arcade Fire-esque. l really enjoyed the listen and would probably have it on a background music playlist.
Best: Terrible Love
Worst: Lemonworld
3.5 stars
3
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Fri May 26 2023
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Ever amazing Rage Against The Machine, politically on point and full of energy. The self-immolation of the Vietnamese monk as the album cover is just a taste of what you can expect to hear throughout the record. You can't deny this genre bending amalgamation is perfect to pump you up and get you started for whatever you are doing.
Best: Killing In The Name
Worst: Take The Power Back
4
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Mon May 29 2023
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
With the typical southern drawl of Elvis' voice, it's hard to deny his pull over the youth of the 50's and beyond. His debut, whilst being mostly full of covers, is the perfect introduction to the enigma of Elvis.
Best: Blue Suede Shoes
Worst: I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Cry (Over You)
4
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Tue May 30 2023
Transformer
Lou Reed
It was interesting to find out that Bowie was one of the producers on this album, to me there isn't too much of him in there. I believe it's too much of Reed trying to have that glam sound, with the overexposed image on the front cover along with the understated sound of each of the tracks - Bowie could never.
Best: Walk On The Wild Side
Worst: Goodnight Ladies
3
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Wed May 31 2023
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
A good cover filled soul album that kind of blows my mind that it came out at the time when bands like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles were really beginning to hit their stride. Otis' voice, gritty, rich and most importantly sounds very much alive, is one that anyone couldn't complain about.
Best: My Girl
Worst: Rock Me Baby
3
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Thu Jun 01 2023
Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon, what a great debut album, Youth & Young Manhood is a fantastic testament to early 2000s alt-rock/garage-rock. There are so many great singles on this that you can't help but do at least a little head-bop to. With songs featured in TV Commercials, in Movies and as part of the FIFA games soundtrack, it's easy to see why this album is part of this list.
Best: Red Morning Light; Molly's Chambers
Worst: Holly Roller Novocaine
4
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Fri Jun 02 2023
Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
A good rock album by Big Star that wasn't too out there but still provided an interesting listen. It's a shame to hear that they only reached commercial success after the declining mental state of the lead singer which produced this record.
Best: Thank You Friends
Worst: Downs
3
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Mon Jun 05 2023
Boston
Boston
A quite epic rock opera album that whilst only 37 minutes long, feels like the perfect amount for how grand Boston have made it feel. I believe that has to do with the instrument effects used, which was quite revolutionary at the time.
Best: More Than A Feeling
Worst: Something About You
3.5 Stars
3
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
A new wave, experimental album that takes a lot of influence from African grooves and funk sounds, with an electronic twist helped along with the producing efforts of the prolific Brian Eno.
The first half of the album is definitely the stronger side, with insane electronic loops coupled with afro-funk/rock beats that both made you want to get up and dance and feel somewhat familiar, but at the time totally fresh and accessible to the wider population.
Best: Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On)
Worst: The Overload
3.5 Stars
3
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Wed Jun 07 2023
The Rise & Fall
Madness
As an album, The Rise & Fall is a bit of bouncy and boppy new wave pop, yet distinctly British. Madness have a recognisable sound and whilst I have never listened to the album, they sounded familiar, and wasn't until it got to "Our House" where it all clicked.
Best: Our House
Worst: New Dehli
Note: Deluxe album is only available on Spotify, I listened to the original 13 tracks only.
3
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Thu Jun 08 2023
Funeral
Arcade Fire
A great debut by Arcade Fire, it has the typical sound that we have come to know of Arcade fire, but at the time of release, their style was quite new and fresh. Filled with lots of emotion and atmosphere, I think it's one to add to the record collection!
Best: Neighbourhood #3
Worst: Neighbourhood #4
4
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Fri Jun 09 2023
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
It's easy to see how Eminem's third album really made it's mark on the musical landscape. It was probably most people's introduction to horrorcore. I remember the controversy it cause when it was released - due to it's explicit nature and the fine line in discerning whether or not to take his content as satirical or literal. At about 77 minutes long - despite how good it is, by the end of it, it feels entirely too long.
Best: Stan; The Real Slim Shady
Worst: Ken Kaniff-Skit; Bitch Please II
4
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Mon Jun 12 2023
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Highway to Hell is one of the most iconic Aussie rock albums, in the history of rock albums. Who can beat the thumping beats of Angus Young's guitars, and Bon Scott's piercing vocals?
Best: Highway To Hell
Worst: Beating Around the Bush
4
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Tue Jun 13 2023
Brothers
The Black Keys
Brothers is a great blues/garage rock album with the familiar sounds of Dan Auerbach's vocals and guitar riffs. Despite it's length and the personal issues the
bandmates had at the time, it manages to keep you engaged throughout.
Best: Howlin' For You
Worst: These Days
3.5 stars
4
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Wed Jun 14 2023
Medúlla
Björk
A strange acapella album by Björk, but then again - she has always been a little kooky. Didn't enjoy this as much as her previous album Vespertine, probably due to it's wildly experimental nature. The track "Who Is It" sounds like there's some beatboxing going on, then "Ancestors" sound like people in compromising positions! You never know what you're gonna get with Björk!
Best: Where Is The Line
Worst: Show Me Forgiveness
3
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Thu Jun 15 2023
Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
I can appreciate Janet Jackson's concept album based around the social issues including tragedies and inequalities facing America of the late 80s and like so many albums I've listened to so far, many of these issues are still plaguing the USA today.
Rhythm Nation 1814 is full of 80s synths and samples that manages to hit at the heart of what the people really wanted to hear at the time.
Best: Rhythm Nation
Worst: Someday is Tonight
3
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Fri Jun 16 2023
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
What a weird album, but oddly enough - it was ok. With a mix of noise, psychedelic and experimental rock, this experimental album really pushes the boundaries for what you can do with limited recording equipment.
Best: U.S.S.A.
Worst: Weber
3
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Thu Jul 06 2023
Music From Big Pink
The Band
Music From Big Pink was an ok Americana roots/rock album, most likely helped by the number of Bob Dylan songs that were covered, that wasn't his only influence - he painted the album art! The instrumentation was quite good with a really laid back vibe and felt really organic overall.
Best: We Can Talk
Worst: Lonesome Suzie
2.5 Stars
3
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Fri Jul 07 2023
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Lots of samples and funky beats, with a very positive vibe that was quite different to where most of the gangsta rap was heading in the 80s and 90s. With lots of samples and various soundscapes, and conceptually was completed with game show segments interspersed between tracks. Interestingly it's been described as the first psychedelic hip-hop record.
Best: The Magic Number
Worst: De La Orgee
3
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Mon Jul 10 2023
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Paul's Boutique has quite the distinctive sound of the Beastie Boys, although I wouldn't go so far as some have in describing it as the "Sgt. Pepper of hip-hop". It's fill of energy and life, with what would have been quite a fresh take on hip-hop at the time as well - even so far as the black hip-hop community loving the take on new beats.
Although it's not to my preference, I can appreciate the way the Beastie Boys have curated this album.
Best: Hey Ladies
Worst: High Plains Drifter
3
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Tue Jul 11 2023
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
The Dark Side Of The Moon is one of the most seminal psych/rock albums of history. Centred around the ideas of madness, with themes of conflict, greed, time, death, and mental illness. Built upon experiments from previous live shows and recordings, cohesively pieces, across the two sides of vinyl, continuous pieces of music. The first exploring the nature of the human experience and the second highlights the common traits shared by humanity, namely mental illnesses, conflict and personal relationships.
By modern standards the hyped psychedelia of the album is a little overhyped in my opinion, however I can certainly see that this album has paved the way for modern psychedelic rock and trance. I enjoyed listening to this album in it's entirety for the first time and would love to have this sitting on my vinyl shelf.
Best: Money
Worst: Speak To Me
5
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Wed Jul 12 2023
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
When this album came out - I had absolutely zero interest in whatever Kendrick had to say. Didn't like the singles he put out, in my opinion it sucked. I HATED the fact that King Kunta made the Number 1 spot in Triple J's Hottest 100, with the number 2 song absolutely ROBBED. However as time rolled on, I have begun to appreciate the lyricism and mixture of genres that Kendrick brings to Hip Hop and Rap.
Best: Alright
Worst: Mortal Man
3
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Fri Jul 14 2023
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
For a Rolling Stones album Sticky Fingers didn't really hit me in the way I expected it to. It was more blues rock but not in the same way their earlier works sounded, where I expected more of a rock n roll vibe. Probably the most interesting part of the album was the cover art where they managed to have an image of a man in tight jeans with a fully functioning zipper exposing some tighty-whities.
Best: Wild Horses
Worst: I Got The Blues
2.5 Stars
3
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Mon Jul 17 2023
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Cannot deal. I really don't get the appeal of Leonard Cohen. Any other kind of arrangement to his lyrics, and even different artist singing them might make his song writing more palatable, but as it is, I would never again, willingly, listen to this album.
Best: The Partisan
Worst: Seems So Long Ago, Nancy
1
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Tue Jul 18 2023
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
I was really only here for one song and one song only. The rest of the album was pretty average in my opinion. I expected it to have more heavy industrial style electronic synths - similar to Sweet Dreams - but alas this was lacking for the most part.
Best: Sweet Dreams
Worst: Somebody Told Me
3
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Wed Jul 19 2023
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
It was an ok album, The Scream was definitely not a misnomer, along with the Banshees portion of the band's name. Full of noise rock and roll, there are elements of letting each instrument operate in their own space but together at the same time, yet also sounding as though they are all one instrument, which at times can be a slightly overwhelming.
Best: Suburban Relapse
Worst: Jigsaw Feeling
2.5 stars
3
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Thu Jul 20 2023
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
I didn't realise that this album is over 10 years old! It feels as though Channel Orange has permeated our consciousness without being too overbearing, in my opinion. Frank Ocean isn't someone who I would normally gravitate towards, however I can appreciate what this album has done for hip-hop, soul and R&B in a modern context.
Best: Lost
Worst: Pyramids
4
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Fri Jul 21 2023
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
A far cry from previous Velvet Underground albums I have listened to thus far on my 1001 Albums journey. A marked change in styling and sound make it feel like a different band. Not sure if I quite enjoyed their third outing as much as the previous two, much of the album feels very preachy and, an allegory for finding and becoming a part of the Christian denomination church.
Best: What Goes On
Worst: Jesus
3
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Mon Jul 24 2023
Future Days
Can
I enjoyed the ambiance that was provided by this album, I think Ian MacDonald of NME said it best by exclaiming Future Days is "sheer good music and is perfectly easy for anyone with a pair of ears attached to their heads to get into and thoroughly enjoy."
Best: Spray
Worst: Bel Air / Spare a Light
3
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
An ok album, the sound really wasn't my vibe and am struggling to comprehend how it made the top 50 in both UK and US with over 1 million albums sold worldwide. PJ Harvey looks like the Veronicas if they were cosplaying as an early 00s office-worker. Average album at best in my opinion.
Best: This Mess We're In
Worst: We Float
2
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Wed Jul 26 2023
Skylarking
XTC
A really strange album, not quite rock, not quite pop and not quite psychedelic - a real mix of all three with leanings towards the rock/pop side.
Despite all of the issues they had with the recordings and the abundance of choices they had with their demos, XTC managed to capture the feeling of significant life milestones including birth, young love, family, labour, illness, death, sprinkled with moments of wonderment.
Best: Dear God
Worst: Dying
2.5 stars
2
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Thu Jul 27 2023
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
FREEEDOOOOMMMMM!! The sound of this album is what I associate with George Michael. The moody sounds of the late 80s/early 90s synth ballad styling really brings out, in my opinion, the best of George Michael. Whilst sales and reception of this album weren't the greatest, I believe this album still holds up over 30 years later.
Best: Freedom! '90
Worst: Cowboys and Angels
3.5 Stars
3
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Fri Jul 28 2023
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
I can appreciate hat Cee-Lo is a very good R&B/soul artist but it's not something that I can get into. Personally, this album did nothing for me, it's filled with that kind of misogynistic/sexist overtones in music that was popular back in the 00s and just kind of rubs me the wrong way.
Best: Soul Machine
Worst: My Kind Of People
2
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Close To You
Carpenters
The Carpenters have that 70s soft pop/rock with an almost choral sound down to a T. It definitely won't be something on my regular rotation of music, but I can appreciate what they have done with this record. It was kind of a shame to hear that their parents still held a lot of control over their musical careers.
Best: Crescent Noon
Worst: Another Song
2.5 Stars
3
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Tue Aug 01 2023
Me Against The World
2Pac
This brand of Hip-Hop/Rap/R&B is really something I'm not into. I can appreciate that 2Pac is truly one of the all-time greats in the genre but jeez I can't stand it at all. I really want not very much to do with this album or much of his music in general.
Best: Dear Mama
Worst: Young Niggaz
2
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Wed Aug 02 2023
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix is truly the God of the guitar. Whilst Electric Ladyland is a Double album (generally my most despised type of record), it was truly a breath of fresh air. The way Hendrix really feels his guitar and music throughout this album, is totally on another level.
Best: Come On (Let The Good Times Roll)
Worst: 1983...(A Merman I Should Turn To Be)
5
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Thu Aug 03 2023
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Unsure why people think the French language sounds sexy, in the context of this album in particular it sounds quite creepy and slimy, even if I hadn't read the context/story of the album on it's Wikipedia page. Good lord do yourself a favour and do not give this album a listen. This album is all about glamourising paedophilia, from this middle aged man who falls in love with a 14 year old girl and taking her virginity. No thanks, can't even deal. Not to mention the album "art" with a topless girl clutching at a doll, I just hope that the model they used was of age, but being the 70s probably not.
I truly don't get the acclaim that this album has, considering it's subject matter. If the female protagonist was just 10 years older I wouldn't have this strong of a reaction to the album, there are some ok trip-hop spoken word beats underlying the story - from the short sample I listened to. However, there is no place in the world, or world of music where we should be praising a story like this.
Listened to the first song as I was reading the Wikipedia page, then stopped after I read what it was about.
Best: N/A
Worst: Entire Album.
0 Stars if I could
1
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Fri Aug 04 2023
1989
Taylor Swift
The powerhouse juggernaut that is Taylor Swift! Whilst I have never listened to 1989 in its entirety, I am familiar with over half of it due to the singles she has released from it. It is hard to deny the influence she has had on the music scene in the last 15 years or so (coming from a mid 2023 review), full of ups and downs, countless boyfriends helping to spawn the success of her career. This album is her first real foray into the "true" pop genre, Shaking Off (eyy see what I did there? haha) the hard country music tag and really growing to what she is today.
Best: Bad Blood
Worst: Clean
4
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Mon Aug 07 2023
Imagine
John Lennon
If it wasn't for Imagine, this album would not even be talked about. Whilst it's not bad, I found it kind of average overall. There are some ok songs throughout, but there are a couple that don't seem to quite fit in my opinion.
Best: Imagine
Worst: Oh Yoko!
3
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
A soul-like album by The Young Rascals, that didn't really give much in my opinion. It sounds like a teeny bopper album that would have been listened to by people going to social dances where they would get to interact with the opposite sex, but then told to leave room for Jesus whilst dancing together. Perfectly fine for it's time but doesn't fit in with the world of today.
Best: A Girl Like You
Worst: You Better Run
2
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
It was much more of an art rock vibe than I thought it would be. I expected more of an electronic vibe. Definitely not a bad album, but left a pretty flat impression on me.
Best: Ambulance
Worst: Poppy
3
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
Never heard of Liz Phair before however she provides an album full of 90s indie "girl" grunge vibes, with some good stories told throughout. It is a long album, and at times it felt like a little bit of a slog to get through it.
Best: 6'1"
Worst: Shatter
Note: Had to listen on YouTube as the full album was not made available on Spotify.
2
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Fri Aug 11 2023
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
This is the epitome of the Sex Pistols, the rock god anarchists of the UK! This album is truly high octane and relentless in its energy. With classic tracks that have permeated throughout history and have gone onto inspire countless artists since then.
Best: Anarchy in the UK
Worst: EMI
5
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Mon Aug 14 2023
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
Oh my Jesus, this album sucks. It's actively giving me a headache as I am listening to it! Ugh, why is this album on the list?? Why would you want to listen to some whiny almost yodelling type music? It blows my mind!
Best: Sweet Jane
Worst: Blue Moon Revisited (Song for Elvis)
1
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Tue Aug 15 2023
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
A great debut by The Rolling Stones. It's great to hear how far have they come from their true blues roots with this album and the changes that they made in moving onto their later albums. Not to mention how clean-cut they look on the cover of the album! Whilst the album is mainly covers, you can see how they were able to capture the zeitgeist of the youth of the 60s. Bringing a fresh spin on blues classics, with more of a guitar heavy feel, such a great vibe.
Best: Route 66
Worst: Little By Little
4.5 Stars
4
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Wed Aug 16 2023
White Ladder
David Gray
I can understand why this would have been mildly popular when White Ladder came out. But this is yet another album that has almost put me to sleep at my work desk. It's the perfect "mum" album with that crooning voice and slow-ish tempo.
Best: Sail Away
Worst: Silver Lining
2
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
A strange 80s pop/synth/electro album that isn't too bad, but doesn't really grab me at all. Thankfully it's a short album and I didn't have to endure that for very long.
Best: Absolute
Worst: Don't Work That Hard
2
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Fri Aug 18 2023
Technique
New Order
An ok album that for the time it came out, would have been a bit out there, if you weren't in the party scene. You can definitely feel the Ibiza vibes from where they recorded it.
Best: Vanishing Point
Worst: Guilty Partner
2
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Mon Aug 21 2023
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
A classic album by The White Stripes, White Blood Cells explores themes of love, hope, betrayal, and paranoia, which were inspired by the increased media attention they were receiving. There is something about the distorted guitars and pounding drums that is so comforting.
Best: Fell In Love With A Girl
Worst: Aluminium
4
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
Ooft. Those opening few bars of Closer transported me right back to high school. Kings Of Leon really blew up in the late 00s and epitomised the alt-rock sound of that era. With four songs from this album making Triple J's Hottest 100 for the year including "Closer" which didn't even get an official single release goes to show the pull of the Kings at this point in time.
Best: Crawl; Sex On Fire; Use Somebody
Worst: I Want You
5
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
I appreciate the effort that NERD put into creating this album, including learning all of the instruments so they can play them live! Overall it was a good rap/rock album that really put the likes of Pharrell Williams on the map.
Best: She Wants To Move
Worst: Chariot of Fire
3
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Thu Aug 24 2023
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
The solos on the first half of the album was a great example of chill psych rock, then the second half of the album was pretty average. It was a lot slower and didn't grab me the way the first half did.
Best: Who Do You Love - Pt. 1
Worst: Happy Trails
2.5 stars
3
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Fri Aug 25 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Not too many super famous songs on this album, although the most notable is Tiny Dancer. Madman Across The Water is one of Elton's lowest charting albums reaching only 41 in the UK albums charts and peaked at 8 in the Aus & US Pop Album charts. Seems like the public didn't really like the prog rock feel of this album by Elton John whatsoever, and I'm inclined to agree for the most part.
Best: Tiny Dancer
Worst: All The Nasties
3
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Mon Aug 28 2023
Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
It was an ok album, I can appreciate that they are a great African acapella group but really not my cup of tea. Without wanting to offend anyone it reminded me of the soundtrack to The Lion King.
Best: Hello My Baby
Worst: Wawusho Kubani?
2
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
What a strange concept for an album. A concept album that is based on a made-up soundtrack for a totally non-existent noir movie or book. Initially didn't really buy into it, but listening throughout the album made me believe that it could be the soundtrack to an actual noir film.
Best: On the Wrong Side of Relaxation
Worst: Everything Happens To Me
2
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Wed Aug 30 2023
The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
It was an ok album by Death In Vegas, full of the 90s electronica sounds, yet there was something lacking. There were some good beats and overall feeling, but The Contino Sessions didn't quite hit the mark.
Best: Soul Auctioneer
Worst: Broken Little Sister
2
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
This whole album was two whiny boys complaining and carrying on about the fact they're not getting married/have a wife or baby and they are only put on earth to die. Get this outta here, seriously, their southern drawl and what I like to call "singing voices to throw up in the car to" can no quicker leave my ears.
Then we get to Knoxville Girl what the actual eff did I just listen to?! Yeah it's a cover from old folk stories but it's all about how he murdered this girl, dragging her down to the river by her hair, then telling his mum that the blood on his clothes was from a bloody nose. And has the guts to say that that he loved her at the end of the song?! I can only assume it was because she was looking at some other boy. Holy heck.
Best: N/A
Worst: Knoxville Girl
Note: Spotify had a few extra songs in the album listing. I only listened to the original 12 songs.
1
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Fri Sep 01 2023
GI
Germs
A really cool look at one of the earliest versions of a hardcore punk album. It was pretty hectic from start to end but a great listen overall.
Best: Lexicon Devil
Worst: The Slave
4
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
An ok album by My Bloody Valentine full of fuzz rock guitar and lo-fi vibes, with probably one of the first albums in the Shoegaze sub-genre. The sound of the album checks out with the whole band sleeping together in one house and recording off of a couple of hours sleep. However that surprisingly isn't a detriment to the overall ethereal and spectral quality of the album.
Best: Lose My Breath
Worst: Nothing Much To Lose
3
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Tue Sep 05 2023
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Nice to see that Leonard Cohen's style didn't change throughout the years. Once a contemporary artist, always a contemporary artist. Is debut album definitely set the tone for his entire career, however with this album I can see why people may have liked this album. His voice is markedly different as well, it hasn't yet taken on that gravelly tone that he became well known for, which to be honest I think I prefer the voice on this album.
Best: Suzanne
Worst: One of Us Cannot Be Wrong
2
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
An interesting look into the sounds of the life of an Indian shepherd. It was quite a relaxing listen and a decent background music to help focus on tasks.
Best: Ode To The Sun God
Worst: The Shepherd Girl
3
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Thu Sep 07 2023
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Hail To the Thief is a solid outing by Radiohead, yet as with most of Radiohead's sound, I struggle to enjoy Tom Yorke's vocal work. However, despite this their melodies are almost soothing to listen to on this record.
Best: The Gloaming
Worst: I Will
3
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Pretty average, alternative country is not my cup of tea at all. In my opinion no one needs to listen to 51 minutes of that at all.
Best: My First Lover
Worst: I Dream a Highway
2
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Very slow, and kind of monotonous, yet also kind of dreamy. Would put something like this on a sleep playlist.
Best: Glass Museum
Worst: Djed
2.5 stars
3
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Tue Sep 12 2023
Destroyer
KISS
What an album, whilst never having listened to this album from cover to cover, I was familiar with about half of the album. Naturally a powerhouse heavy metal band like Kiss, it's hard not to know at least a couple of the songs off this album.
Best: Detroit Rock City
Worst: Rock 'n' Roll Party
4
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Wed Sep 13 2023
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Whilst this style of music isn't my usual musical fare, but it is easy to hear that Sam Cooke's approach to music and live performance is impeccable. It would have been amazing to be at this performance in person.
Best: Cupid
Worst: Twistin' the Night Away
3
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Thu Sep 14 2023
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
With the sounds of Brit rock/psychadelia, The Teardrop Explodes provides a decent listen wrapped up in their debut album. A little talky, a little distorted, definitely more rock than psychadelia, particularly by today's standards.
Best: Reward
Worst: Strange House in the Snow
Note:The Spotify version is the 2000 Reissue version
3
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Drunk
Thundercat
This album sounds like the musings of the YouTuber Bill Wurtz, but with more star power. It has an electro/autotune like quality that is very reminicent of Bill's songs. I don't mind it, it's pretty chill and cruisy, perfect for a lazy weekend morning around the house drinking coffee.
Best: Walk On By
Worst: Jameel's Space Ride
3
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Vulnicura
Björk
Bjork being Bjork, Vulnicura contains all the hallmarks that make Bjork. The ethereal sounds, her dreamy quality, you can't replecate elsewhere. I can't say that this album is any better than her previous ones, but still a solid effort even if it feels more drawn out, yet not as captivating as her debut.
Best: Lionsong
Worst: Black Lake
3
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Is This It
The Strokes
What an amazing album. Full of fuzzy guitars and distorted vocals, filled with the sounds and experiences of New York. At a time just before 9/11, The Strokes were able to bust through into one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the decade. Who went onto go and inspire a whole gamut of British rock bands including the likes of The Libertines and the Arctic Monkeys. It is truly a crime that it only made No. 33 in the US charts.
Best: Last Nite
Worst: Take It Or Leave It
4.5 Stars
5
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Mon Sep 25 2023
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
What a wild listen - hardcore punk through and through, and I believe the shortest album I've listened to thus far. Truly chaotic and just what I needed for a Friday arvo!
Best: Live Fast Die Young
Worst: Operation
3
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Tue Sep 26 2023
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
Soul II Soul's Club Classics Vol. One is pretty much a meh album, the R&B sound doesn't really get into my soul, but functioned ok as a background music listen.
Best: Back To Life
Worst: Feelin' Free
3
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
A pretty average reggae album by Burning Spear. I can appreciate there is a lot of meaning that was "diluted" as a remix of the album for a western audience. I imagine that the original release was more reggae heavy so it may have 'felt' more real. Still not really something I'd go out of my way to listen to.
Best: Marcus Garvey
Worst: Resting Place
2
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Thu Sep 28 2023
When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
I expected a little more electronica by judging Cornershop's When I Was Born For The 7th Time's album cover. And this is why they say not to judge. But I was quite happy to be taken on the journey of this album from pseudo Indian with electronic sitar sounds to hip-hop/trip-hop vibes and a whole lot more inbetween. Didn't really enjoy the sitar style sounds, but it was interesting to hear once and likely never again.
Best: Candyman
Worst: Norwegian Wood
2