Sep 09 2021
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My Generation
The Who
I was surprised by this album. It was a part of British Invasion but atill had an identity of its own
4
Sep 10 2021
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Very folksy and well written. Title track was the best but probs wouldn’t listen to it again
3
Sep 12 2021
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
I was surprised by this album. I could tell it’s psychedelic folk almost immediately. Fav songs: a sight to behold, this beard is for siobhan
4
Sep 13 2021
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I found this album to be very boring personally but well made objectively. Nick Cave’s voice was monotone but the minimalist production was solid along with good songwriting. Not horrible but not enjoyable. Fav song, ig: black hair
2
Sep 14 2021
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Solid, hard-rocking debut album. The guitars are great, Alex Turner's voice is fitting for the British punk revival the album is going for. Fav songs: I bet you look good on the dance floor, dancing shoes
4
Sep 15 2021
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
This was a really solid concept album. It has excellent writing and each song felt like it contributed to the themes of the album. There are also some great guitars on here too. Fav songs: shangri-la, Churchill says, drivin
4
Sep 16 2021
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
This may be because of the state of mind I was in while I listened to this album, but I found it to be pretty boring. Nothing differentiated it from other British Invasion albums and it was pretty lame by Rolling Stones standards. I can appreciate the attempt at psychedelic vibes from the stones though.
2
Sep 17 2021
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
I liked the vibe of this album more than I liked any particular song. It’s a decent rock album with good production and is very of its time but nothing really stands out in particular.
3
Sep 18 2021
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Achtung Baby
U2
I appreciated how different this album was from the rest of U2’s discography. It was much more alternative and heavy that their other more pop-sounding music. It wasn’t amazing but it wasn’t bad either. Fav songs: mysterious ways, even better than the real thing
3
Sep 19 2021
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Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
This album was my introduction to experimental hip hop and this album hasn’t convinced me on the genre. The flow and bars were good and the production was interesting at the very least with its Asian influences, but none of it really stood out. It was also a bizarre choice to have jazz tracks seemingly randomly inserted in between hip hop songs
2
Sep 20 2021
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
I really liked this album and I had never heard of paul welled before. I really like his blues rock sound and it sounds like a precursor to modern blues rock bands such as the black keys. Fav songs: can you heal us, wild wood, holy man reprise
4
Sep 21 2021
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
This album was much better than aftermath in my opinion. It was still a unique stones album from their earlier work and clearly showed that they wanted to experiment with blues, country, and continue working with psychedelic sounds. I was surprised by the Black influence in you gotta move as well. I can still hear this album in modern indie blues with songs like moonlight mile and wild horses has always been one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs. Fav songs: moonlight mile, wild horses, sister morphine, moonlight mile, you gotta move
4
Sep 22 2021
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Stankonia
OutKast
This is a quintessential 2000s hip hop album and it certainly feels like an encapsulation of the era in which it was made. Ms. Jackson is still a classic to this day and the bars in each song still hold up for the most part. I liked it but it’s not my favorite era of hip hop/rap. Fav songs: gasoline dreams, ms. Jackson, bombs over Baghdad
3
Sep 23 2021
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
This is an album I’ve always heard singles from but never listened to all the way through. I’m glad I finally did because it’s a really good album. It definitely is different from parachutes and is more upbeat and uses piano/electric guitar more. Solid album from start to finish. Fav songs: scientist, clocks, god put a smile upon your face, politik
4
Sep 24 2021
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Follow The Leader
Korn
This was another surprising album. It was much better than I thought but some of the songs are comically edgy and the lyrics can be very dated at times. However, it’s about as good as nu metal gets. Fav songs: freak on a leash, bbk
3
Sep 25 2021
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
This album really grew on me upon multiple listens. The haunting vocals and stripped down to the bone production made this album extremely sad to listen to but also very enjoyable. I don’t have a favorite song because I just like the sound of the album in general
4
Sep 26 2021
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
This album was interesting. It sounds very similar to what Coldplay was making at around the same time but was still heavier and more unique. I’d have to listen to it again to find favorite songs because I also enjoyed this one as more of a complete experience
3
Sep 27 2021
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
It’s weird to think that this album came out just as the Beatles were breaking up because brit rock and heavy metal seem so far apart from each other but they were almost contemporary. This album isn’t bad but the title tracks sound is wildly different from the rest of the album. Plus each track is 3 songs lumped together which was annoying to find a fav song. Overall, not amazing but a very interesting look into the genesis of heavy metal. Fav song I think: the wizard
3
Sep 28 2021
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Me Against The World
2Pac
Going into this album, I had never been a big fan of old school hip hop but this album made me appreciate it slightly more. Tupac’s lyricism is excellent and the production is pretty good even though it’s what I don’t like about older rap. Fav songs: dear mama, temptations
3
Sep 29 2021
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World Clique
Deee-Lite
This album was the most 90s thing I’ve ever heard and it was not enjoyable at except for the one-hit wonder groove in the heart. Every song is both boring and annoying with lame production and okay singing until you reach groove is in the heart and there’s finally a catchy baseline. Without that one song this album would be completely irredeemable. Fav song: groove is in the heart
1
Sep 30 2021
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
This was probably the most standard 60s country album I've ever heard. It was by no means bad and had some good tracks but nothing stood out to me. With Marty Robbins, I'll always remember his biggest songs but I likely won't remember as much about this album. Fav songs: streets of laredo, cryin' time
3
Oct 01 2021
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Between this and the Tupac album from a couple of days ago, I think I'm beginning to warm up to old-school rap. This felt like the second generation of NWA, with even sharper political commentary and better production. Fav songs: Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos, Party For Your Right To Fight
3
Oct 02 2021
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
This album is mostly known for sultans of swing, and for good reason, but the album as a whole was pretty good. The chill guitars on each song were really nice and knopflers voice is relaxing. A nice chilled out rock album. Fav songs: sultans of swing, most of the other ones
4
Oct 03 2021
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Rocks
Aerosmith
I got a lot of guns and roses and even some nirvana vibes from this album. It’s not the most memorable rock album I’ve ever heard and it has a couple stand out songs. Always hated back in the saddle though. Fav song: sick as a dog
3
Oct 04 2021
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
I’ve never been a huge fan of live albums, with some exceptions, but this was a perfectly fine one. My favorite song of cheap tricks was on here and there were a couple other good ones. Fav songs: ain’t that a shame, I want you to want me, surrender
4
Oct 05 2021
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Homework
Daft Punk
I really like a good amount of Daft Punk's music but I've never been able to get into this album. It's super repetitive and some of the beats get annoying but there's something about it that doesn't make me hate it. It's still really well produced and the music isn't bad it's just not meant for focused listening. Fav songs: Da Funk, Alive
3
Oct 06 2021
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Odelay
Beck
This was very obviously a Beck album from the first song. He seems to skip from genre to genre in a care-free manner but he manages to keep a consistent theme through the album as well. Hotwax is country and High 5 is hip hop and other songs are blues. I see where he got his reputation as being able to master any musical genre. Fav songs: Devils Haircut, Hotwax, Ramshackle
4
Oct 07 2021
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
This album is awesome. I had always liked reggae and lover's rock but had never actually listened to a Bob Marley album, and I'm glad I finally did. All of the songs perfectly encapsulate the reggae vibes of the 70s and 80s and all of the singles are still bangers. Fav songs: so much things to say, the heathen, exodus, three little birds, one love/people get ready
5
Oct 08 2021
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The La's
The La's
This was obviously another one-hit wonder album. It wasn’t hard on the ears but it wasn’t very memorable except for one or two songs. Fav songs: there she goes, doledrum
2
Oct 09 2021
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
After the first two songs of this album, I started to get the feeling that this was another album with like two good songs then 80% filler. While this wasn’t completely true, I still didn’t get much out of this album other than some pretty cool guitars. Fav songs: strange brew, sunshine of your love
3
Oct 10 2021
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
I only know Aimee Mann from the magnolia soundtrack and this album isn’t as good as that but it still solid. I wa shining to it by the end but few songs really stood out. Feels like a proto-Taylor Swift album. Fav song: Say anything
3
Oct 11 2021
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I had only ever heard of Elvis Costello before this but I’m glad I finally listened to one of his albums. This was a fun and catchy album that was solid the whole way through. Makes you nostalgic for a time you’ve never lived in. Fav songs: welcome to the working week, mystery dance
4
Oct 12 2021
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
The abattoir blues section of this album was awesome. It reminded me a lot of meatloafs bombastic, operatic rock music and I would’ve given it a five. Unfortunately, the second half of the album slows down and becomes much more like the boatman’s call, which I’m less fond of. Overall, it’s still a solid album but the first half is much much better. Fav songs: get ready for love, hiding all away
4
Oct 13 2021
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
The garage-rock blues sound that's showcased on this album is one of my favorite genres of music and this album was over an hour of just that. It's a great live album and one I can just listen and vibe to forever just because it sounds so good. Fav song: done somebody wrong
4
Oct 14 2021
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
This album felt like a natural evolution of Homework by Daft Punk. It was still repetitive, catchy electronica but kept it fresher than Homework, in my opinion. Overall, sounded good the whole way though while still having quite a few standouts, with acid 8000 sounding like a Daft Punk song. Also the original album cover is way cooler than the American version. Fav songs: The Rockafeller Skank, Soul Surfing, Love Island
4
Oct 15 2021
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Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
This was another album that I liked in general but can’t really pick out a specific song I really liked. It was just a solid blues, country, honky think revival album. Fav song: I got you
4
Oct 16 2021
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BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
This album grew on me as I listened to it. At first, I wasn’t enjoying it at all but by the time I got about halfway through I was thoroughly vibing to it. It’s definitely one of the horniest albums I’ve ever listened to and shows why Beyoncé is called the queen. Fav songs: drunk in love remix, jealous, XO
4
Oct 17 2021
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
Here we have another album that has no bad songs yet no songs that really stand out from the rest. It’s just a competent, solid Grateful Dead album. Fav songs: candy man, truckin
3
Oct 18 2021
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Just like the Grateful Dead album I had before this, it was easy listening. No standout amazing songs but no songs that I hated. I have nothing else to say about this album except that it got very weird in the last song compared to the rest of the album. Fav song: everybody’s talkin
3
Oct 19 2021
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
At first, I filed this album away under all of the other mid-90s/early-00s indie music I've ever heard but it really grew on me after the first couple of songs. I got tired of the breathy vocals on some of the tracks but I really liked the production throughout the record. Fav songs: stop breathing, unfair
3
Oct 20 2021
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
This was an alright english punk album. It’s nowhere near the Sex Pistols or anything but it sounds good at least. The lyrics on most of the songs certainly haven’t aged well. Fav songs: princess of the streets, peaches
3
Oct 21 2021
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
I got tired of this album pretty quickly. The sound wasn't bad but it wasn't interesting either and I was not a fan of the vocals at all. It sounded both unique and completely bland and mediocre at the same time
2
Oct 22 2021
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Dust
Screaming Trees
This was certainly the most unique grunge/rock/blues album I've heard so far. It has a lot of different elements incorporated and while I probably wouldn't listen to this very often, it was still an interesting listen. I especially enjoyed how psychedelic the last few songs got; it got me interested in their earlier music which I hear is more psychedelic. Fav songs: All I Know, Traveler
3
Oct 23 2021
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Tapestry
Carole King
What a banger of an album. This has every right to be one of the best-selling classic albums of all time just because it sounds so good. King's voice, songwriting, and quintessential 70s sound all come together to make every song enjoyable. Fav songs: I feel the earth move, its too late, way over yonder, where you lead
5
Oct 24 2021
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
I was surprised to see this recent of an album on this list, but it was a worthy addition. The vocals and writing on this album are great and it had a great R&B sound. It did seem somewhat anemic considering it was half an hour including the intermission stories though. Fav songs: pick up your feelings, price tags
4
Oct 25 2021
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Tical
Method Man
It's likely the mood I was in when I listened to this album, but it was not for me. I think I enjoy the more complex production of 90s rap like in that Tupac album I got a while back as opposed to this which felt pretty stripped back. The lyrics were still pretty good though.
2
Oct 26 2021
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
This album proves Eric Clapton amazing talent as a guitarist. Every song is enjoyable to listen to just for the guitar playing but the tracks themselves are still well-made all around. Fav songs: motherless child, I shot the sheriff, let it grow
4
Oct 27 2021
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LP1
FKA twigs
This was a weird one. I’m not sure how to describe this album but I think I liked it. It really grew on me as I listened to it more and by the end I was vibing to it. Fav songs: two weeks, pendulum
4
Oct 28 2021
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Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
I was mostly bored by this album throughout listening to it. No songs stood out and it just sounded like 80s pop. Didn’t despise it but couldn’t find anything that would make me listen to any one of the tracks again
2
Oct 29 2021
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Here we have Dolly Parton bringing her distinctive voice to the dominant folk country of the early 1970s. This was a pretty standard 70s folk album and is nowhere near Dolly's best but it still shows off her musical talent. Fav song: Here I Am
3
Oct 30 2021
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
A Quentin Tarantino movie is the best way to describe this album. Like his movies, this album creates something original out of a plethora of preexisting media from classical music samples, to audio clips, to other samples. In addition, all of the electronica albums I've gotten so far have been very distinct from each other yet still tend to have the same markers. Fatboy Slim is different from Daft Punk is different from The Avalanches yet they are all undeniably the same genre. This felt more ambient than those other albums though. Fav songs: Radio, Live at Dominoes
3
Oct 31 2021
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
This album took me completely by surprise. I had never heard of this artist before this album but what an album it is. The first half of this album started out really strong and felt like the electronica version of Radiohead with strong, ominous production. I wasn't as big of a fan in the second half but still enjoyed it nonetheless. Fav songs: Dirge, Death Threat
4
Nov 01 2021
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
I’ve always heard that Tom waits has a reputation for being divisive and I see where that comes from. I hated this album and all it had going for it was the jazz house vibe. Otherwise, all of the intros were boring and the actual songs were a slow, unenergetic version of jazz that sucks all the fun out of the genre
1
Nov 02 2021
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
I had only heard a couple of Leonard Cohen songs before this and this was my first album. What an album it is. The songwriting mixed with Cohen's haunting, deep voice makes for a really good, ominous-sounding album. Gives me total True Detective vibes. Fav songs: You Want It Darker, Leaving the Table, String Reprise/Treaty
4
Nov 03 2021
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Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
After listening to this album, I don't think I see the similarities between classical and neo-psychedelic. This sounded like a standard UK rock album from the 80s more than any type of psychedelic genre album. Still not bad though. Fav song: kingdom of love
3
Nov 04 2021
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Country Life
Roxy Music
I think this is the most eclectic album I’ve had so far. Each song is completely different from the other but the album as a whole still has a strong identity. Hard to pinpoint fav songs but: bitter sweet
3
Nov 05 2021
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
I was into this album at first but I just got bored of it by the end. It had a cool spacey sound but I think it ended up being relatively lame in terms of slow rock like this. It also didn’t help that I started to space out the album while I worked on other stuff. Fav song: if I were with her now
2
Nov 06 2021
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Teen Dream
Beach House
This is the type of music I regularly listen to so it’s safe to say I enjoyed this album. It does sound quite a bit like most other dream pop albums but there’s something different about this one. I think it’s a hypnotic quality to the production. Btw I’m in dc right now. Fav songs: a walk in the park, lover of mine, real love
4
Nov 07 2021
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
I didn’t realize how good of a voice solange had until I listened to this. This was mostly better than the Beyoncé album I got a while back just based off the voice and production. Every song was enjoyable but there were a few too many interludes. Fav songs: weary, don’t touch my hair
4
Nov 08 2021
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
I’m not sure how I feel about morisseys voice, but this album was perfectly fine. I don’t have much to say about it other than that it was completely acceptable in terms of sound and lyrics
3
Nov 09 2021
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Protection
Massive Attack
I’m not sure how I feel about morisseys voice, but this album was perfectly fine. I don’t have much to say about it other than that it was completely acceptable in terms of sound and lyrics
1
Nov 10 2021
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Remedy
Basement Jaxx
I’m honestly getting sick of the weird amount of electronica albums I’ve gotten recently. As I listen to each of these, I’ve come to realize why daft punk and fatboy slim have lasted into the 21st century while all of the artists like this one are relics of the 90s at this point. Not as bad as the last album though. Fav song: red alert
2
Nov 11 2021
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Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Sixty-three days in, I finally have a favorite album of mine to listen to yet again. I've loved this album since I was 13 for its bombastic, lighthearted, energetic vibes. Paradise by the Dashboard Light makes it easy to imagine what being a dumb teenager in the 1970s would be like and the title track is a great driving song. Also, Jim Steinman is a genius songwriter. Fav songs: all of them but especially PBTDL
5
Nov 12 2021
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
It's pretty tough to beat Johnny Cash performing live at a prison. The man seems to do his best work there because the way he comes off on this album make it feel like these performances are where he's most at home. Loved hearing all the classics plus some that I hadn't heard before. Fav songs: wanted man, I walk the line, boy named sue, folsom prison blues
4
Nov 13 2021
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In Utero
Nirvana
It’s amazing how influential nirvana became after essentially only 2 albums but it’s understandable. Both this and nevermind are all time greats for good reason, not much more to be said. Nevermind is still better in my opinion. Fav songs: heart-shaped box, rape me, all apologies
5
Nov 14 2021
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Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
This is the first time I've heard one of Springsteen's more slow albums and I must say that I'm not the biggest fan. I definitely like his more upbeat and energetic music but this still isn't terrible. A little boring but the lyrics are good and Bruce's voice is solid. Fav song: Highway Patrolman
2
Nov 15 2021
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
I definitely liked this album more than Pink Moon, and that was a pretty good album. This one had more instruments and a more complex production which I liked. Like Pink Moon, none of the songs stand out on their own, they just seem to blend together into a really good listening experience. Fav songs: time has told me
4
Nov 16 2021
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Pornography
The Cure
This album was fine. It was extremely goth and extremely 80s. It was an enjoyable enough listening experience but I probably wouldn't listen to this very regularly. Fav song: one hundred years
3
Nov 17 2021
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
I didn’t finish this album not because it was bad but because I just got tired of it. Each song sounded like the same type of space rock with ambient noises and some good guitars/drums
2
Nov 18 2021
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Violator
Depeche Mode
Personal Jesus alone is enough to give this album at least a 3 but the rest of the tracks were pretty enjoyable as well. I think it's only the second 90s electronica album I've gotten that I actually fully enjoyed. Quintessential 80s sound. Fav songs: PERSONAL JESUS, halo, enjoy the silence
4
Nov 19 2021
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Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Holy shit did this album catch me by surprise. I had never even heard of Prefab Sprout before this and I loved every track on this album. This might be the first album this generator has introduced me to for the first time that I absolutely, fully enjoyed. Literally don't have enough good things to say about it. Fav songs: bonny, when love breaks down, goodbye lucille
5
Nov 20 2021
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
This was a pretty enjoyable live album. It didn’t all sound the same and the big hits were fun. Not much to say about it other than that it was a good listen. Fav songs: emerald, boys are back in town
4
Nov 21 2021
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
I had fun listening to this album. It’s at the heavy metal point where it’s still energetic and fun but still hardcore enough to not be regular rock. Fav songs: 22 acacia avenue, run to the hills
4
Nov 22 2021
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Queen II
Queen
This was a lot closer to something like metal than what I associate with Queen. It’s still very much Queen though and March of the black Queen sounds like a proto bohemian rhapsody. Good album. Fav songs: fairy-fellers master stroke, March of the black Queen
4
Nov 23 2021
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Literally every single one of my favorite oasis songs are on this album. What a classic banger of an album. Even if wonderwall is overplayed it’s still good and I love champagne supernova, it’s been my alarm in the morning for years. Fav songs: literally no skips
5
Nov 24 2021
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
We all know why this album is on here, but it was surprisingly enjoyable despite the one-hit wonder. Very energetic and fun plus can’t hate on come on Eileen. Fav songs: Jackie Wilson said, old, come on eileen
4
Nov 25 2021
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Good album. Not my favorite rem music but still good. Everybody hurts is still one of the bests though. Fav songs: drive, everybody hurts, man on the moon
4
Nov 26 2021
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
This was a perfectly standard heavy metal album. Everything started to blur together at a certain point but there were a couple standouts. Fav song: good mourning/black friday
3
Nov 27 2021
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
This was a good album. I don’t have much to say about it but I liked the blues/folk sound of it. Fav song: every mothers son
3
Nov 28 2021
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
This was the first time I had heard the later albums of Bob Dylan. I liked it because I like that style of blues but I’m not sure bob dylan is the best fit for it. I could just be saying that because I’m biased toward more modern blues like the black keys. Definitely not as good as his older music. Fav song: dirt road blues
3
Nov 29 2021
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
While this is still a classic album, I think it’s my least favorite Beatles album. It’s not bad by any means but I find revolver and sgt peppers to be a lot better. Fav songs: nowhere man, Michelle
5
Nov 30 2021
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
It's clear that this is Foo Fighters first album because while there are glimpses of the sound that the band would one day embrace, it mostly feels like an impression of Nirvana. This is fine for a debut album as Dave found his footing and the later albums feel much more original, so I'd say this is a solid debut album. Fav song: This is a call
3
Dec 01 2021
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
Britpop albums like this have had a mixed record with me so far, but this is one of the good ones. The vocals sounded like the Doves and the production was a lot more abrasive and electronic than I expected. Fav songs: a touch sensitive, run! Christian, run!
4
Dec 02 2021
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Forever Changes
Love
This was a perfectly fine psychedelic album. Each song tended to blend together, but it had a nice sound that wasn't too abstract but was still mellow and retained its identity as psychedelic
3
Dec 03 2021
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Like Prefab Sprout, this was another shocking album for me. I had never even heard of Jurassic 5 before this, but they delivered the first alternative hip-hop album I not only liked but loved. The lyricism and flow on each track are better than nearly any other classic-era rap artist I've heard. Definitely didn't like the final track though, just a bunch of ambient noise. Fav songs: Most of them but especially: what's golden, if your only knew, react
5
Dec 04 2021
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Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
This was a unique album. Each song sounded notably different from one another in a good way. Fav song: Driving Me Backwards
3
Dec 05 2021
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
At first, this album sounded like a carbon copy of the album I got the day before, but the more intently I listened, I found it to be far less enjoyable. I"m very much not a fan of the vocals and the overall sound is just average
2
Dec 06 2021
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
It was refreshing to finally get an album that was in a genre I have rarely ever heard. Not only was it unique, but it was extremely enjoyable to listen to as it went from soft lullabyes to uplifting chants. Miriam has a baller voice and I'm glad this is on the list. Favs: the click song, mbube
4
Dec 07 2021
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
This isn't the best music from the doors that I've heard, but it still sounded like the doors through and through. Fav: riders on the storm
3
Dec 08 2021
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Back In Black
AC/DC
This was another childhood album of mine and it's hard to take off nostalgia goggles for it. I've listened to every song so much I don't think I can judge it from a fresh perspective. With that being said I still find it very enjoyable to listen to and there are no skips.
5
Dec 09 2021
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
So far, I've been pleasantly surprised by the classic hip hop/rap albums I've gotten, but this one was an example of one confirming my pre-1001 albums opinion that I'm not a big fan of old school hip hop. The title track wasn't bad though. Fav song: mama said knock you out
2
Dec 10 2021
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
While this album was alright, I've never been the biggest fan of Tom Petty in general. He has some good songs and was great with the Wilbury's but I've never enjoyed most of his music. Objectively though, this wasn't an awful album and had some good songs. Fav: Rockin Around, American Girl
3
Dec 11 2021
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
This was definitely a better album than Nebraska, but I still don’t find Bruce Springsteens earlier music that great in general. I think his more energetic music is just better than his slower music Fav: Adam made a Cain
3
Dec 12 2021
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
At first, I liked the sound of this album but as it went on I got more and more tired of it. Some of the songs are way too long and repetitive but others that have actual vocals are pretty good. Fav: damaged
3
Dec 13 2021
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Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
This was simultaneously a weird and completely standard indie rock album. Most of the tracks sound like stereotypical indie rock from the 1990s but every once in a while there's like a screamo song or something which threw me off. Either way, it wasn't bad but not super notable either. Favs: soul and fire, fantastic disaster
3
Dec 14 2021
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The Slider
T. Rex
I had only ever listened to bang a gong by this band before this album, but I liked this album. It was just a solid glam rock album, not much else to say. Fav: rock on
4
Dec 15 2021
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Roots
Sepultura
Screamo is a no from me dog
1
Dec 16 2021
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
After listening to this album, it's clear that I'm a Fleetwood Mac normie. It wasn't bad and I get that they're going in a new, experimental direction but I just found it mostly boring more than anything else. Title track wasn't bad though
2
Dec 17 2021
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The Joshua Tree
U2
I know this album by its first three songs in addition to its own reputation as the best U2 album. It is a good u2 album and I love still haven’t found what I’m looking for but I think the last half of the album really doesn’t do the first half justice. Favs: streets have no name, still haven’t found what I’m looking for, with or without you
4
Dec 18 2021
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Of all of the classic rap albums I've heard on this list, this has been one of the better ones. It was also much less aggressive than what I associate with. Fav: can it be all so simple
3
Dec 19 2021
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
I think I got one of the weirder albums on this list because I haven’t heard anything like this before. It felt like the experimental Spanish version of psychedelic music and it felt totally unique. Based off music alone, this is a 3 but the sheer uniqueness makes it a 4. Fav: a minha menina
4
Dec 20 2021
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Based on this album, Gillian Welch is the folk version of Aimee Mann because they have like the exact same voice. Regardless, I liked this album overall but a 14 minute final track was a tad excessive even if it was still good. Fav: dear someone
4
Dec 21 2021
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
A perfectly fine experimental ambient jazz album I suppose
2
Dec 22 2021
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Marquee Moon
Television
I have literally nothing interesting to say about this album except that it has the usual problem of okay production but shit vocals
2
Dec 23 2021
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. This is the energetic classic hip hop that I like over the slower, darker stuff.
4
Dec 24 2021
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Nevermind
Nirvana
Ahhhh another classic. While in utero was a 5, this is even better. Every song except for maybe the closer is excellent. Favs: smells like teen spirit, in bloom, come as you are, breed
5
Dec 25 2021
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I’m surprised I listened to this album all the way through given that it’s Christmas Eve and I wasn’t in the mood for alt hip hop. Regardless, it wasn’t my favorite thing but it was objectively pretty good. I liked that they sampled sir duke and the beat on can I kick it was good. Ham n eggs was a goofy song. Fav: can I kick it
3
Dec 26 2021
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Obviously biased judging this on Christmas but I think most of these songs still hold up if I listened to them in March or august. Can’t beat the classics. Favs: sleigh ride, christmas
4
Dec 27 2021
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
I've never listened to a led zeppelin album all the way through before and this is a good place to start. It's a lot more energetic than songs on led zeppelin 4 and it sounded like an ancestor to the black keys in a lot of ways. Fav: whole lotta love
4
Dec 28 2021
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Everyone knows ray charles but I feel like there isn’t any single song or album anyone points to when referencing him. However, this album was great from start to finish. Loved the trumpets and rays voice. Fav: just for a thrill
5
Dec 29 2021
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Closer
Joy Division
I’ve only heard songs off of unknown pleasures and I’ve never been that huge of a fan. The sound is very bare and empty feeling and I’ve never liked the vocals but I suppose I appreciate the impact joy division's and all that.
2
Dec 30 2021
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Rapture
Anita Baker
Ahhh 80s-90s sex music. Nothing bad to say about it except that the full album wasn't on spotify and out of order on youtube so I probably didn't get the intended listening experience
4
Dec 31 2021
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White Light
Gene Clark
Gene Clark sounds like a less nasally bob Dylan which is fine, but the music as a whole wasn’t as good as Dylan’s peak folk music. Still easy listening tho even if it felt long and sorta repetitive. Fav: tears of rage
3
Jan 01 2022
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Not much to say about this one. I liked the sound and the voice and it was a quality album
3
Jan 02 2022
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
Amy winehouse made awesome music. Her unique modern r&b and jazz combo is super good. It’s not as good as back to black but it’s still full of bangers. Fav: you sent me flying
4
Jan 03 2022
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
This album sounds like it was exclusively used to score B movies from the 80s even though it came out in 1978. It also sounds like a sort of progenitor to daft punk because it’s much more simplistic but still well produced.
3
Jan 04 2022
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
This dude's voice is annoying and I didn't enjoy this album very much at all. It's typical early punk music I suppose but not a fan
2
Jan 05 2022
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Who's Next
The Who
This throws back to my very first album of this list: I didn’t like this album as much as my generation. Baba o Reilly is still great though
3
Jan 06 2022
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Another childhood album of mine. I loved shine on you crazy diamond and wish you were here as a kid but now I’ve come to appreciate the rest of the album more
5
Jan 07 2022
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
This is the first Billy Joel album I've listened to all the way through and its what I expected from a billy joel album. Every song is at least listenable and there are quite a few bangers. Favs: moving out, only the good die young, everybody has a dream
4
Jan 08 2022
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Green onions is a song everyone’s heard but doesn’t know the name of but everyone should hear the rest of the album. Really catchy and led me on a binge of this and Smokey Robinson and such. Favs: green onions, one who really loves you
4
Jan 09 2022
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
Albums like this are the ones I look forward to the most on this list due to their sheer uniqueness. Latin rock is much more interesting than hearing another boring 70s-80s rock album. Fav: who founded America
4
Jan 10 2022
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
A perfectly solid 90s indie rock album. Enjoyed the production. Fav: the concept
4
Jan 11 2022
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Pure, distilled 80s music. Can’t hate on annoyingly catchy dance music. Favs: we got the beat, vacation
3
Jan 12 2022
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
Aggressively British people do Tupac. Not a fan and the first track was fucking awful
1
Jan 13 2022
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
This was a really really good album. Definitely my kind of music and I’d never heard of them before. Fav: white winter hymnal
5
Jan 14 2022
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The Sensual World
Kate Bush
Eh. Not a huge fan. Some of it felt like tv music some felt like 80s sex music but all of it had pretty lame vocals
2
Jan 15 2022
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
This album contributed to half of the Alice coopers greatest hits that I listened to as a child. Some of the songs were kinda shitty but no more mr nice guy and elected make up for it
4
Jan 16 2022
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
For the first 30 seconds I was really excited to hear a full on blues rock album but then I heard the vocals and my expectations were lowered to just another 70s rock album with blues influence. Still not bad tho fav was carol
3
Jan 17 2022
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Another classic album I’d never listened to. It’s really good and I quite enjoyed it. Fav: bridge over troubled water, quite a few others
4
Jan 18 2022
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Oh boy. Another standard 70s rock album. Woohoo. Bloodsucker was cool tho
3
Jan 19 2022
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
There’s literally one reason that this album is on this list and it’s a worthy reason. The rest of it wasn’t terrible though. We all know which song is the favorite
3
Jan 20 2022
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
I don’t think I’d ever listened to Janet Jackson before this but it was a pleasant surprise. Most of the songs were catchy but it got verrrry preachy in parts
4
Jan 21 2022
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
Mostly forgettable 90s indie rock. Some cool sounds but that’s about it
2
Jan 22 2022
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Some nice jazz that was much much better than bitches brew
3
Jan 23 2022
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Wasn’t on Spotify and wasn’t gonna bother with YouTube. The first couple tracks sounded pretty funky and groovy though.
3
Jan 24 2022
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Big fan of this ZZ Top sound. Very garage blues sounding and la grange is always fun to hear again
4
Jan 25 2022
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
I’d only ever heard of Fiona Apple and after this she might be one of the best female rock artists from the 90s that I’ve heard. Much better than Aimee Mann. Fav: criminal
4
Jan 26 2022
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Of all of the live albums I've gotten so far, this one felt the most like a concert with all of the guitar solos and added stuff to each song. Unfortunately, I don't like Deep Purple that much so I couldn't fully enjoy the live vibes. Smoke on the Water is still cool though
3
Jan 27 2022
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
This album has a reputation of being like the best shoegaze album ever, which must mean that I’m just not a big fan of shoegaze. Wasn’t bad but def wasn’t a fan
2
Jan 28 2022
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
I think this album might be directly responsible for the entire sound of 80s sci-fi and some mainstream sound that's seen even today. For 1976, this shit feels way ahead of its time and it's also super enjoyable to listen to. Parts 3 and 6 are the best ones
5
Jan 29 2022
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Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
I got the most of this album after like half an hour, did not need to be 2 hours long. Perfectly fine 80s bluegrass type stuff tho
3
Jan 30 2022
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
I love David Byrne and talking heads but this is one of the lesser albums of the band. Still good and psycho killer is still great but the later albums are much better
3
Jan 31 2022
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
Can definitely do worse than System of a Down in terms of nu metal but it still isn’t the greatest. Not horrible by any means
2
Feb 01 2022
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Easily the best Springsteen album I’ve gotten. Born in the USA, dancing in the dark, and glory days are all classic bangers
4
Feb 02 2022
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Pump
Aerosmith
I was surprised by how many of aerosmiths hits were on this album. Every other song I’ve heard on the radio a bunch of times at some point in my life. All those hits make it a pretty solid album overall. Young lust, going down, and what it takes are all great
4
Feb 03 2022
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
While I still appreciate getting albums like this, this is the first one I didn't enjoy very much. The last few songs were pretty good but the rest were more annoying than anything.
3
Feb 04 2022
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British Steel
Judas Priest
I hope they knew what they were doing when they named this album British steel and then making each song as patriotic for the US as possible. Breaking the law still a classic
3
Feb 05 2022
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
The Beatles second best album and still a classic. Like all the other albums the first like 3 songs are legendary then the rest is just solid
5
Feb 06 2022
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Dry
PJ Harvey
I'm beginning to realize that I enjoy 90s female indie rock quite a bit in between this and fiona apple. The guitars are really good on this album
4
Feb 07 2022
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
It’s not as good as Queen 2 but it’s still catchy and fun to listen to. I like the vibes of Leroy brown and killer Queen is still solid
4
Feb 08 2022
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
The first track sounds like something that would be in the soundtrack for an indie pixel art game but after that the repetitive basic electronic music got annoying
2
Feb 09 2022
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C'est Chic
CHIC
I assumed this album was gonna be the same vibes as le freak the whole way through but it got a lot slower and smoother than I was expecting. Still groovy and funky and all that
4
Feb 10 2022
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
This was just a generally solid 60s album. Some psychedelic, some blues, some other stuff. Just very enjoyable
4
Feb 11 2022
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
It’s not necessarily bad but this kind of music is very lame imo
2
Feb 12 2022
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
The music and the album cover both go hard. Music gets better the louder it is
5
Feb 13 2022
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Nothing bad to say about this album except that it wasn't Spotify. Still fun to listen to though
4
Feb 14 2022
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Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
Cool that this album is on this list but not much of a fan at all. Mostly boring 90s African music,
2
Feb 15 2022
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The White Album
Beatles
I can respect being eclectic but holy shit dude. Almost every song on this album was good in its own right but had no continuity from one to the other. Also what the fuck was revolution 9. Back in the ussr and obladi = classics. Also liked the blues songs
4
Feb 16 2022
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Much much better than the last doors album I had to listen to. It has a couple of classics on here and all of the rest of the songs were really good
4
Feb 17 2022
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Really solid country music album from someone I've never heard of. Really liked the first two songs of the album and the rest kept me engaged. Feels ahead of its time too
4
Feb 18 2022
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Not much that was memorable on this album except for some of the production. By no means bad to listen to
3
Feb 19 2022
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
This kind of music is right up my alley and I liked every song but it gets a five mostly because I listened to it while on a really relaxing walk on the first nice day in February. Immaculate vibes
5
Feb 20 2022
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Like every other Brit Rock album like this: good production, boring and shitty vocals. Overall a pretty boring album
3
Feb 21 2022
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Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
Very psychedelic but got very abrasive and annoying by the end
2
Feb 22 2022
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Sound Affects
The Jam
Completely standard 80s rock, post punk album I guess
3
Feb 23 2022
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Night Life
Ray Price
I have not heard a more generic and standard country blues album. Love the genre and this fits in that genre but there's like nothing unique about it.
3
Feb 24 2022
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Love this kind of music even if no one song stood out and the guitars in the first song sounded like every single blues song ever.
3
Feb 25 2022
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
The hit single off the album already turned me off cuz it’s just annoying to me at this point. Otherwise it was fine, nothing too notable
2
Feb 26 2022
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Is This It
The Strokes
Solid album. Classic and has quite a few bangers. I’m insanely drunk rn
5
Feb 27 2022
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Horses
Patti Smith
The music is fun and energetic and maybe catchy but pattis voice sucks ass. Also in a somewhat bad mood when I listened to this
2
Feb 28 2022
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Goo
Sonic Youth
The screamo elements I heard every once in a while pissed me off but overall it was actually a pretty decent album.
3
Mar 01 2022
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
None of the songs bested the title track, but it was still a pretty good album. Not as good as billion dollar babies but still good. Very eclectic production
4
Mar 02 2022
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Even though I enjoyed Queen Latifah's album I got a while back, I still don't think this type of music is entirely my thing
2
Mar 03 2022
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
Sounds like an annoying, repetitive, overlong version of a kraftwerk album. Also first song sounded like diarrhea
2
Mar 04 2022
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
This is the kind of psychedelic I’m talking about. Killer guitars and that’s almost all u need. Can you get to that is really good
4
Mar 05 2022
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
Grounds for Divorce made this album rocket up to a 4 automatically for me. It started out kind of slow but just kept getting better and better.
5
Mar 06 2022
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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
George Michael has a killer voice but the album as a whole was just fine. Still love freedom 90
3
Mar 07 2022
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
I didn’t realize time after time and girl just wanna have fun came off the same album. Pure 80s pop and it’s pretty great
4
Mar 08 2022
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Stevie wonder is awesome and this album was really nice to listen to on the long drive to New Mexico.
4
Mar 09 2022
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Pretty fine album but didn’t listen to it too intensely cuz New Mexico. Still love walk this way
4
Mar 10 2022
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Really really liked this album. Felt like a 90s rap classic even tho it came out in 2008. Really liked the first track and move
5
Mar 11 2022
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
Most of these mediocre punk albums I rate a two but this one was just interesting enough to be average
3
Mar 12 2022
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
I liked this album at first, then it got pretty experimental, then it got good again. Not music meant for me but it’s still really good and the Spotify radio that came on after it was great and I’m still listening to it
4
Mar 13 2022
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Everyone loves David Bowie and this album shows why. I had only ever listened to Ziggy Stardust but this album is really good as expected
4
Mar 14 2022
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
This is definitely the best foreign language album I've gotten so far. They switch between English, Spanish, and French and it flows pretty well. Very catchy as well
4
Mar 15 2022
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White Ladder
David Gray
This was good album to get in the post-spring break shitty period. Wistful romantic stuff and pretty decent
3
Mar 16 2022
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
All of the hits on this album are bangers and the rest are pretty good too. Epitome of the 80s and still holds up
4
Mar 17 2022
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Solid frank album. Didn’t seem to hear much of the other guy but it was good all around
3
Mar 18 2022
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The Score
Fugees
Not a huge fan. Can barely summon the effort to explain my feelings toward this album
2
Mar 19 2022
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1999
Prince
I love prince and I really like this album doesn’t have all of his best songs on it but it’s still a super good album except for a couple songs at the end
4
Mar 20 2022
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The Cars
The Cars
I was surprised by how many hits were on this album from good times roll to best friends girl to bye bye love. All the other songs were pretty good and enjoyable too.
4
Mar 21 2022
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Nixon
Lambchop
Not what I was expecting from a band called lambchop but it was solid chill music
4
Mar 22 2022
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
A very experimental hip-hop album and not as weird and lame as welcome to the afterfuture. Still not the most amazing music ever though
3
Mar 23 2022
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
Somewhat hard to hear over the chaos of a frat house, but the album overall sounded pretty nice. I’ve become a bigger fan of this type of music since the start of this list I think
3
Mar 24 2022
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Felt like a slightly more modern miles Davis album. Very nice ambient jazz type music and such. Also I found out that the endtroducing album could be called trip hop and I’m just noting that here
4
Mar 25 2022
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Document
R.E.M.
Rem makes another good album. Idk if it’s as good as the last one I got but end of the world as we know it is still a banger
4
Mar 26 2022
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
While I’m still a hardline tpab fan, holy shit this album still holds up. All of the singles are still great and everything about it is great
5
Mar 27 2022
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
I hated the vocals of this album at first but it got better as it went along. Missing some songs on spotify but the ones I did hear were fine
3
Mar 28 2022
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
The man can play a mean piano. And that’s about all I have to say
3
Mar 29 2022
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
I knew this was Def Leppard's biggest album but I didn't realize that basically every song became a classic from Love Bites to Animal to Hysteria to Armageddon It. Lots of bangers and the epitome of hair metal
5
Mar 30 2022
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
Very 80s gothic rock. Not my favorite genre or anything but it was alright. Especially the corrosion song
3
Mar 31 2022
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Very lame psychedelia. Not a fan
2
Apr 01 2022
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
Not my favorite ambient music but still fine to listen to in the background. Will still never beat c418
3
Apr 02 2022
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Faith
George Michael
I don't think it was as good as the last album of George Michael's I got but it was still good if only for his voice in some songs. Faith is one of my fav songs of his
3
Apr 03 2022
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Medúlla
Björk
I can’t tell if I like this for my principled appreciation of weird, experimental shit or if I actually enjoyed it. Either way bjork and sault are like the only two artists I’ve gotten that have made me seek out more of their music. Side note: her music is eclectic asf. Submarine was my fav and sounded like a demonic barbershop quartet
4
Apr 04 2022
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Tago Mago
Can
Oh boy more 70s psychedelic woo hoo. This one didn’t do it for me and I can’t even be bothered to fully listen to it right now as I play elden ring
2
Apr 05 2022
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
This is my second Stevie Wonder album and it further confirms that he's a national treasure and can do no wrong. Pretty crazy that I haven't even gotten songs in the key of life yet. Also Higher Ground is a banger
4
Apr 06 2022
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Damn this album is sad as fuck but it’s also hella good. Not a huge fan of the voice but the songwriting is top notch
4
Apr 07 2022
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
I’m usually not a big fan of shoegaze/soft core stuff like this. But this one’s pretty alright. Also just thought about my last album and it def felt like a black womans version of a bob dylan album
3
Apr 08 2022
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
I had honestly only ever listened to fly away before this but this was a great intro into Lenny kravitz. Excellent album and his yelly voice with the production just works
5
Apr 09 2022
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Bad Company
Bad Company
This is an album I’m familiar with but had never listened to fully. With that being said, I feel like I have at least heard each song on this album at least once at some point in my life. No misses and a classic in classic rock
4
Apr 10 2022
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
This album wasn’t bad but it def started to drag on since it’s 73 minutes of traditional African music. Not great bike riding music
3
Apr 11 2022
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
This was lesser talking heads in my opinion. Still not bad but not as fun as stuff like stop making sense. Take me to the river is still good tho
3
Apr 12 2022
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Each of these songs seems to have certain moods you need to be in to listen to them. Like black screen is apparently really good for an angry/tense car ride. Overall though it wasn’t awful for my first lcd album
4
Apr 13 2022
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
This kind of music is insanely outdated and very cringe but there’s something about the sound that I don’t totally hate. And when there’s only a modest amount of screaming like on psychosocial it’s actually not bad
2
Apr 14 2022
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Honestly over The Who being on this list. I’ve been lucky with live albums so far despite not preferring them but I was not thrilled with this one
2
Apr 15 2022
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
A pleasant album. Not much else to add, just that I enjoyed listening to it
3
Apr 16 2022
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
After about 13 hours since I listened to it, I don’t remember much of this album but I do remember enjoying it and thinking that it’s one of my favorite types of 60s music
4
Apr 17 2022
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Honestly didn’t enjoy this type of jazz very much. It was choppy and annoying but still technically good
2
Apr 18 2022
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
This album grew on me slowly as I listened to it. I hated the first song but by the time it got to fistful of love I was into it partly cuz that song itself is a banger. This is another album like sault where the Spotify radio is better than the album
3
Apr 19 2022
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
Okay now I’m really tired of getting The Who albums. But that being said I liked the concept behind this one and it was definitely better than the last one I got
3
Apr 20 2022
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Skylarking
XTC
I had no idea what to expect from this album but it was pretty good. I really liked 1000 umbrellas and the rest of the songs were enjoyable too
4
Apr 21 2022
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
Today sucks and this album sucks. There’s some decent sounding stuff on it but it’s not enjoyable to listen to. But maybe it’s just the headspace I’m in
2
Apr 22 2022
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Not quite as good as exodus but still really good bob marley. I really liked rebel music
4
Apr 23 2022
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
Idk how much kraftwerk I need to listen to to before I die but I almost died of boredom from the song autobahn. Overall this album was mildly boring but mitternacht was good
2
Apr 24 2022
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Viva Hate
Morrissey
never been a huge fan of the smiths and this solo album didn't garner any more goodwill for Morrissey from me. just as boring as most smiths music
2
Apr 25 2022
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
It’s not a perfect album but the bangers like scar tissue other side and californication make up for all the duds. Also the second half has some like psychedelic sounds or something but it’s cool
4
Apr 26 2022
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Classic Elvis and all of the songs were good but suspicious minds and the gentle on my mind cover were great
4
Apr 27 2022
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Yeezus
Kanye West
This is probably my favorite Kanye album. On sight and black skinhead are all time bangers and bound 2 is also hella good
5
Apr 28 2022
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
This was overall one of the most boring foreign language albums I’ve gotten. Surprised this came out in the late 90s since it sounds like something from the 60s
2
Apr 29 2022
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Quiet Life
Japan
This is not great music to listen to while fighting the fire giant in elden ring but honestly it didn’t even sound that great in general
2
Apr 30 2022
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
At first I only recognized and fully listened to the title track since that’s the popular one, but the rest of the album is really great soul music too. At first I only had it on in the background but relistening to it in the car alone made it much better
4
May 01 2022
View Album
A Night At The Opera
Queen
Bohemian rhapsody aside, this album was good and the opera vibes were there the whole time. I also really like you’re my best friend. Also bohemian rhapsody holy shit bro
4
May 02 2022
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
While there were some enjoyable parts on this album, I got tired of it at some point in its 70 minute runtime. Not bad alternative Brit rock from the 90s but not entirely my thing
3
May 03 2022
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
This album was a very pleasant listening experience. It was the type of sad, wistful romance stuff that you'd hear in like 2000s dramedys or something but its still good on its own.
4
May 04 2022
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Kimono My House
Sparks
I've always heard of Sparks and have wanted to listen to their music since they just had a documentary come out about them but never got around to it. This was a good introduction though because I loved this album. It was so unique sounding and energetic and all the songs were catchy. The first two on the album were my favorite though
5
May 05 2022
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Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
This was nice easy listening and well-written folk. Not much else to say honestly
3
May 06 2022
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I didn’t really listen to this song super in depth since I was in the process of beating elden ring while I had it on in the background but it was definitely bobs most political album and it’s was pretty good
4
May 07 2022
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Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Parts of this were boring and parts were interesting but overall it was just an alright dark storytelling album. Henry lee was pretty good
3
May 08 2022
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Wild Gift
X
This album didn’t make a great first impression but it grew on me after a while. Still not great and not good canvassing music but oh well
3
May 09 2022
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
It’s tricky and walk this way are both awesome but I did get a little tired of the signature run dmc flow that emphasizes the last word in a bar after a while. Also enjoyed the title track
4
May 10 2022
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
I love music like this and just a gigolo is great but this album got on the annoying side after a while with how high energy and busy some of the songs are. Not too annoying tho
4
May 11 2022
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A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
The Wikipedia for this album said it was the result of Todd’s experimentation with lsd and I think that really comes through in the music. The production gets insane sometimes and super overwhelming but most of it was actually really good and well put together as you would expect from an artist on lsd in the 70s
4
May 12 2022
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Honestly I’m just surprised by how many ambient jazz albums there are on this list. This was one of the better ones though
3
May 13 2022
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
Just like the last sonic youth album I got, I thought this was good but wasn’t super memorable. The mood is what stuck with me the most especially on tracks like shoot
3
May 14 2022
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Close To The Edge
Yes
This had none of the famous yes songs on it and was more prog rock than anything. Wasn't super memorable
2
May 15 2022
View Album
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
Fuck this album for not being on Spotify but that being said it felt a lot like the Marvin Gaye what’s going on type of music where it’s just slow tempo social commentary. This definitely isn’t as good as Marvin Gaye though
2
May 16 2022
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Moondance
Van Morrison
The memories with chloe that’ll be associated with this album already give it a 5 but it’s also a great album and van Morrison is awesome
5
May 17 2022
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The Blueprint
JAY Z
I wish this was a bad album so I could make a joke about it being the worst thing to happen on September 11 of 2001 but unfortunately it's really good. The production is great on almost every song (some are very early 2000s) and all of the features are excellent too. renegade and u don't know are my favs
5
May 18 2022
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Honestly not much to say. It’s a classic who doesn’t like this album
4
May 19 2022
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No Other
Gene Clark
Thoroughly enjoyed this album and especially liked the title track. Good mix of blues and 70s rock
4
May 20 2022
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Low
David Bowie
Crazy how all of David Bowles album sound ahead of their time, futuristic, and emblematic of the time it was made all at once
4
May 21 2022
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
They sure are incredible based on this album. Very glad they didn’t just make the whole album all bongos all the time but just kept them a prominent feature more than anything
4
May 22 2022
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
More like this album is rubbish
2
May 23 2022
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Not quite as good as 2 and 4 but still great. Also a surprising amount of bluegrass songs
4
May 24 2022
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
Hard to make heads or tails of this album. I really liked the seedy atmosphere of some of the slower more ambient tracks but it felt long and I was getting bored in the beginning. Very interesting album either way
4
May 25 2022
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Phrenology
The Roots
This album was great. Some experimental stuff and good lyrics. The first half with songs like rock you were way better than the second half though
4
May 26 2022
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
I love me some retro 80s music but this one sorta got boring by the end.
3
May 27 2022
View Album
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
I like bob dylan and this sure is bob dylan but it’s not something I’d really listen to regularly like I would with highway 61
3
May 28 2022
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Vivid
Living Colour
Honestly could’ve quit listening to this album after cult of personality
2
May 29 2022
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Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
This was a fun French album. Nice easy listening and not awful bike ride music either. Only love can break your heart stood out
3
May 30 2022
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
Everyone’s heard these days but the rest of the album was just boring to me. I just don’t think it’s my vibe
2
May 31 2022
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Drunk
Thundercat
I’ve heard thunder at quite a bit through Kendrick’s music and other stuff but this is my first album of his. Overall, really good and has a lot of standout songs. Them changes is still good despite tik tok getting it’s hands on it
4
Jun 01 2022
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Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
I started off thinking that this was yet another boring album that’s on here for some historical or music critic reason but by the end I was totally on board. The vocals are basically nick cave from the boatman’s call mixed with frank Sinatra but the production is on a whole other level of mixing genres and it’s all really beautiful sounding
4
Jun 02 2022
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
I started off thinking that this was yet another boring album that’s on here for some historical or music critic reason but by the end I was totally on board. The vocals are basically nick cave from the boatman’s call mixed with frank Sinatra but the production is on a whole other level of mixing genres and it’s all really beautiful sounding
3
Jun 03 2022
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Kinda lost interest in this one half way through. It was alright and somewhat unique
3
Jun 04 2022
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Billy Corgan is undeniably talented but I’ve never been the biggest fan of his voice. With this album, I actually liked the middle more than either end with the exception of cherub rock. Today is overrated
4
Jun 05 2022
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Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Honestly insane that this album still even sort of holds up almost 2 decades later. All the beats are catchy and many men and in da club are still bangers. Even the album length isn’t that bad since each song sounds pretty distinct
4
Jun 06 2022
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Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Completely forgot to rate this one so I’ve kinda forgotten everything about it but I remember liking it a good amount
4
Jun 07 2022
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25
Adele
I think this album is overrated and all of the singles except send my love aren’t that great but it’s still Adele so it’s good even if it’s not as good as 19 or 21 or 30. All I need and send my love are the standouts
4
Jun 08 2022
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Street Life
The Crusaders
This is basically the American version of Japanese city pop except i don’t like it as much as Japanese city pop. Still decent easy listening tho
3
Jun 09 2022
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
After like the first two songs, which were great, it became just like the other couple sonic youth albums I’ve gotten. Pretty standard I guess
3
Jun 10 2022
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Instrumentals are way better than the vocals but overall it’s alright. All the mokran mixes stood out though
3
Jun 11 2022
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Sunshine Superman
Donovan
I’ve never heard mideval psychedelic music like this but it’s really good
4
Jun 12 2022
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
This was a surprising album given that I’ve never heard of either the album or the artist before but it was really solid. The shining and camping next to water were standouts. Second half I didn’t enjoy quite as much but giving it a 5 mainly just to remember it
5
Jun 13 2022
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
This is the first time I’ve heard janelle monae outside of features and movie soundtracks and it was solid. Very different from what I’ve heard before but also good in its own right. Definitely can tell it’s inspired by metropolis
3
Jun 14 2022
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Boston
Boston
Pretty much every song on this album is a classic. I still love long time and rock and roll band but more than a feeling is just tired at this point. Plus not a huge fan of the second half of the album
4
Jun 15 2022
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Dear Science
TV On The Radio
I hadn’t ever heard of tv on the radio before this but I loved this album. My fav song was actually a song of theirs that came on after the album ended on Spotify but overall I liked every song on the album especially crying and dlz
5
Jun 16 2022
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
The title track was definitely the star of the album for me but the rest of it was also really solid. Felt very 60s for 1977
4
Jun 17 2022
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S&M
Metallica
The length is somewhat intimidating but it’s basically a Metallica greatest hits album with a symphony orchestra added to it so what more could you want. Even liked fuel a little more than the original
4
Jun 18 2022
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Very much enjoyed this album and how sort of orchestral it was. Also Alex turner is very talented from a vocal and writing perspective. Calm like you was the stand out for me
4
Jun 19 2022
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B-52's
The B-52's
It's definitely the B-52s but it sounds more late-60s than late-70s. Overall, it was listenable but lava and maybe planet claire were pretty much the only notable ones and even those weren't amazing
3
Jun 20 2022
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The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
This album has a drastically different sound from anything Pink Floyd made after the 1960s and I’m assuming that that’s mostly due to the departure of syd barrett. This was mostly cool from the perspective of hearing what the band sounded like at the start before they found their footing. And that sound was a pretty standard psychedelic rock vibe
3
Jun 21 2022
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
Like the missy elliott album I got, survivor is very emblematic of it’s time but it’s definitely much less dated than that album. Survivor still makes me feel like a bad bitch even though I’m a straight white man
4
Jun 22 2022
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Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Pretty basic 70s psychedelic blues. Not very subtle/nuanced in its message but whatever. Also didn’t listen to this one too intently cuz it got pretty boring
2
Jun 23 2022
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Bad
Michael Jackson
While this is an insanely popular and important album, thriller just can’t be beat. The production and lyrics and sound are overall more mature and darker but it just isn’t my jam the way that something like billy Jean is. Smooth criminal, dirty Diana, etc. are all still deserved classics though
3
Jun 24 2022
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is a weird band to me. They’re very distinct mostly because of the amazing guitar work but also a lot of the less popular songs sound like a standard 80s rock band like Def Leppard or something. The popular songs like sharp dressed man on this are very distinct from the rest of the album. Still good either way though
4
Jun 25 2022
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Technique
New Order
This album was in one ear and out the other for me. Like it was a fine 80s album but whatever. I remember sorta liking the last track
2
Jun 26 2022
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
Not quite my thing but it’s really well made. The whole vibe of the album from the title to the song names kinda made me roll my eyes with how self serious it is but it was alright to listen to
3
Jun 27 2022
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
Felt like standard 60s rock music. Yet another completely average album. First song wasn’t bad
3
Jun 28 2022
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
This was pretty cool retro, Stevie wonder type album at first but the last two songs really elevated the whole thing. They were the perfect blend of 70s r&b and modern stuff, especially revolution 1993
4
Jun 29 2022
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
While I’m not a huge fan of the genre, this is one of my favorite pieces of prog rock. Not only was it used in the exorcist but just the obsession of making it is super interesting. Idk what the other two tracks on the album are and I don’t really care either
4
Jun 30 2022
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The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
I hate joe Rogan as much as the next guy but Joni’s music not being on Spotify is a pain in the ass. Plus it wasn’t even that great of an album
2
Jul 01 2022
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Take Me Apart
Kelela
While it’s not bad, this album got pretty tiring by the end. Its basically just a love-making album and that’s fine but it gets old after an hour
2
Jul 02 2022
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
It’s not the greatest Marvin Gaye but it still had some good tracks on it. Also kinda tiring since this had similar sexy vibes to the last album I got, just in different eras
3
Jul 03 2022
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
This album was very pleasant to listen to. Not much to say other than that; very good paul Simon. Me and Julio in the courtyard is great
4
Jul 04 2022
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
I’ve heard the first track on this album a million times but never knew this is what it was from. Overall though, everything except that song kinda blurred together but I liked the essential 80s vibe despite being from 1990
3
Jul 05 2022
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
At first this sounded like basic 90s rock music-definitely stoner rock-but then the last track of the album really elevated the whole thing for me and made me go back and listen to parts of the album again. So hats off to I was a teenage hand model for getting this album from a 3 to a 4
4
Jul 06 2022
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
On its own, this album was kinda boring with songs that went on for way too long. The lyrics were decent and the vocals were alright. However, the blessing and curse of this generator got me on a 90s rock kick with queens of the Stone Age yesterday only to have to listen to 40 lame minutes of 60s folk the next day
2
Jul 07 2022
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Highway to hell is an all-timer but the rest of the album is a standard AC/DC album: Ultra listenable, 70s rock
4
Jul 08 2022
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High Violet
The National
Not much to say about this album. Nice enough 2010s indie music. I had never heard of this band but apparently Chloe really likes them
3
Jul 09 2022
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Honestly the behind the scenes interview at the end of the special edition was more interesting than most of the music. The music itself was good and I felt like I should have been paying more attention to the lyrics the whole time (playing it mostly in the background) but I can’t be bothered to ever relisten to this album
3
Jul 10 2022
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
This mix of breathy 30s music and country blues is like crack to me honestly. Idc what it is but I’ll always enjoy it. Especially lock stock and teardrops
4
Jul 11 2022
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
It was fun to actually listen to the album that hey ya and roses came from. Both of the albums manage to perfectly compliment each other despite being wildly different in multiple ways and offer great showcases of big boi and Andre 3000. Speakerboxx is a solid, straightforward hip hop album while the love below is a wildly creative and eclectic album of psychedelic and jazz and a million other influences. Overall, it’s a classic for more than just hey ya and although I wouldn’t relisten to the whole thing very often it’s still got enough memorable songs like the way you move and vibrate to be a 5
5
Jul 12 2022
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
This was a fun listen. I've never been super into arcade fire but this was a fine introduction into them
3
Jul 13 2022
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
I rolled my eyes when this album first started but by the end I was fully enjoying it. Aside from sparks this is one of the more truly unique albums I’ve had. John’s folk voice singing Weird Al but edgy lyrics in a indie rock/pop album was a really interesting combination. All of the songs were good but sigourney weaver, jesus hates faggots, and the last couple songs really stood out
5
Jul 14 2022
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Given how perfectly average of an 80s album this was, I want to imagine that this was a moderate hit that came out the exact same day as thriller or some shit and was just completely overshadowed. Regardless, lots of sad love type vibes and one of the later songs on the album I remember thinking was alright
3
Jul 15 2022
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
I was preparing for this to be one of those albums that’s only on here for the one popular song but I was pleasantly surprised. Lovefool almost got completely outshined by step on me and the iron man cover was super interesting and fun
4
Jul 16 2022
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John Prine
John Prine
This is much better folk than the last folk album I got. The lyrics are packed with anti-war and other social commentary but the music is still fun to listen to
3
Jul 17 2022
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More Specials
The Specials
Very whimsical and somewhat catchy. I listened to this early in the morning and I barely remember much about it by when I’m writing this at 11pm except that I liked the jet set song
3
Jul 18 2022
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Live!
Fela Kuti
The last song was missing from Spotify but this was totally acceptable funk. Not much else to add
3
Jul 19 2022
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Tommy
The Who
By this point I meet another The Who entry with complete contempt not because the music is bad but because I do this list to discover new music. The Who is the opposite of this because they’re neither a fun band to revisit like a Beatles album but they’re not interestingly bad. Like pinball wizard is a good song but not exciting like a Queen of Denmark or sparks
2
Jul 20 2022
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
This kind of music is right up my alley already, but this album had the added benefit of being the originator (I think) of classic songs like satisfaction and what a wonderful world. So both an enjoyable and interesting album
4
Jul 21 2022
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Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
This is one of the lowest rated albums on the list and rightly so. Usually with an album like this I’d admire it’s uniqueness and experimentation but about 10 minutes in I just got a headache. Frantically playing the saxophone and drums is not enjoyable free jazz.
Also with Otis blue I got a lot of shit wrong in my notes so: satisfaction was a cover of the stones, respect was another interesting track, and it’s just wonderful world not the Louis Armstrong song
1
Jul 22 2022
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
This type of English punk is very quickly becoming grouped in with what I was talking about on my tommy review: not bad but not very interesting or particularly personally enjoyable.
2
Jul 23 2022
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Transformer
Lou Reed
I like velvet underground so I was surprised by how much I disliked this album. If it weren’t for walk on the wild side, this album might’ve been a 1 cuz songs like Andy’s chest were awful
2
Jul 24 2022
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Paul Simon is always a good listen. I didn’t get a chance to rate this before ragbrai but I enjoyed listening to it on the way to sergeant bluff
3
Jul 25 2022
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Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
For the first album I missed while at ragbrai, this was exactly what I expected it to be based off the title, band name, and year it was released. Pure psychedelic rock and the trippy instrumental tracks are almost always better than the vocals, except for love
3
Jul 26 2022
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2112
Rush
Ragbrai album 2: While I know that this is a pretty famous fantasy/prog rock album, aside from the vocals, it pretty much sounded like most other rock music from this era. Plus just have never been a huge fan of rush
2
Jul 27 2022
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Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
Ragbrai album 3: This album is going alongside Japanese city pop in my ambient road-trip music. Pleasantly passed 50 minutes on the trip back from mason city. Next to last song stood out
3
Jul 28 2022
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Ragbrai album 4 of 4: While it’s before my time, I definitely buy that this was a influential, innovative hip hop album in the early 90s. However, it’s not quite my style of old school hip hop plus the typical homophobia is always a turn off. Call cops pigs is one thing but calling cops fags is just lame
3
Aug 02 2022
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
It’s been almost a year since I got that kinks concept album but I still remember that I enjoyed shangri-la more than anything on this album
3
Aug 03 2022
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
For 1979, this album felt a couple years ahead of its time. However, this is also one of the few albums where the background of the album is just as interesting as the actual music. Mariannes personal struggles since her previous album definitely give the album an extra weight it wouldn't have had otherwise
3
Aug 04 2022
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Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
For 1991, this is a very unique album so it gets props for that at the very least. Wasn’t a huge fan and definitely wouldn’t listen to it again but still somewhat memorable.
Side note: I did relisten to violator by Depeche Mode and I definitely should’ve given it a 5 instead of a 4
3
Aug 05 2022
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
This is one of the most eclectic albums I've gotten so far. Every song felt like peter gabriel just decided to pick a random genre and do his version of it. However, I wasn't super engaged by the album which might be more because it was on in the car while I was driving but nonetheless I didn't find too many of the songs enjoyable by themselves. The smooth jazz one was decent but other than that I already don't remember too much about it
3
Aug 06 2022
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
Might as well have been British white noise. I found nothing notable from this album
2
Aug 07 2022
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
I had heard of this album because of coconut being the end song of reservoir dogs but I had never listened to the whole thing. Safe to say I was surprised by how many hits and catchy songs were on this. Never knew all of these were Harry Nilsson let alone all on one album. 4.5/5
4
Aug 08 2022
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
Brazil does 60s psychedelia. Pretty straight forward and not my thing
2
Aug 09 2022
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
This was a very pleasant funky album. I hadn't heard much pre-disco earth wind and fire and this definitely had EWF trademarks but wasn't the super well-known September sound. I really liked shining star
4
Aug 10 2022
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
I think this is one of the first concept albums I fully engaged with. Stuff like aqualung always just sounded like a regular album but I felt like the story was pretty clear in general. Also very fun songs and a fun concept. Ego tripping and do you realize we’re my favs
4
Aug 11 2022
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Raw Power
The Stooges
I saw in the Wikipedia blurb that this had an impact on a bunch of other artists and I can definitely tell because it sounds like it would have influenced almost every major rock movement from 1975-1995. From punk to grunge this album has notes of all of it. I feel like I’ve been harsh on punk so far but this proto punk is actually pretty good
3
Aug 12 2022
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
A classic, banger after banger album. Peak Elton John that has almost every single hit he ever made. It has party songs, slow songs, funeral songs, and anything else you could ever want from Elton John. Everyone knows which songs are the standouts but even the lesser known ones are still good. It was cool that he used the “I’m only sleeping” reverse guitar on one song
5
Aug 13 2022
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Arrival
ABBA
Abba is one of the few bands whose music is impossible to not like, despite mamma Mia’s best efforts. Every song makes you want to jam out and each has a unique sound. Very cool to hear dancing Queen organically and fully enjoyed my first full abba album, Fernando was also great
4
Aug 14 2022
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
I tend to like this type of punk slightly more than the other punk albums I’ve gotten so far but I was not a fan of this one. Get an annoying voice with not very notable vocals
2
Aug 15 2022
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Yet again Simon and Garfunkel made an album that is super easy and pleasant listening. Can't complain about any part of this album except that mrs. robinson got overplayed. fakin it and hazy shade of winter are the highlights
4
Aug 16 2022
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
While Radiohead is still my male manipulator music of choice, this is a good entry into that genre. I still love supermassive black hole and knights of cydonia but the rest of the album also goes hard, especially the first two songs. Overall, right up my alley and it’s getting an objective 4 but subjective 5
5
Aug 17 2022
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
I didn’t think there’d be another British rap album to rival that streets album but here we are. This grime album was just as hard to listen to despite being slightly better with flows and production. I would even go so far as to say I luv u is an alright song but the rest is ass
1
Aug 18 2022
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
This is another one I had on in the background but I like this vibe of music and it was really nice to listen to even if I didn’t listen totally in depth
4
Aug 19 2022
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
Between this and Yeezus it’s crazy how much Kanye’s sound has developed over a decade. While I like yeezus more, this is still great music. Very innovative and unique while still very much sounding like a 2004 rap album. The mix of religion and typical hip hop themes is interesting here before it got completely overdone in his later albums. New workout plan and I’ll fly away both have great beats
5
Aug 20 2022
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
I got really excited for this album based off the first two songs but after that it kinda petered out and became boring if well made r&b. At least it had a good start tho
3
Aug 21 2022
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Based on the wiki article, this sounds like a very influential album but lyrically it reminds me of Tracy Chapman and the wavy folksy vocals sound like tons for stuff that came before 1992 I think. Either way I was pretty bored by this album and will probably forget about it at like 11 tonight when I get the next album
2
Aug 22 2022
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
This is a great late night, chill vibes album. Was really nice to get play chess and listen to monster love. Felt like a French version of Japanese breakfast
4
Aug 23 2022
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Unfortunately, this album is great. It's true that 90% of the lyrics have not aged well in the slightest but it's also true that almost every song is catchy or interesting. The real slim shady was one of my favorite high school songs and stan is a great song about obsessive fans but Kim is like the most violent song I've ever heard and homophobia and misogyny run rampant throughout the whole album. This has led me to a dilemma where I want to rate this album a 5 because I like almost every song but I also don't because I'd have a "guilty conscience" lol. Whatever fuck it
5
Aug 24 2022
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
This sounded like even less interesting Nick Cave album. This type of music has to be really really good to appeal to me and this did not cut it. Spent most of my day listening to the Marshal Mathers LP some more.
2
Aug 25 2022
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
There were a lot more genres in this than I expected at first glance. It’s still very much typical female folk/country but there’s also like ZZ Top guitars on one track and some blues rock influences on the others. Overall very nice listen
4
Aug 26 2022
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Infected
The The
I can’t decide to give this album a 4 or a 5. I love the band name, infected and heartland are super good, and it’s a standout post-punk album. However, I don’t see myself remembering this in like 2 days
4
Aug 27 2022
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Elephant
The White Stripes
I've always wanted to listen to this album fully because I like what I've heard from the white stripes beyond the usual seven nation army and I think we're going to be friends. That's not to say that 7 nation army isn't a killer way to start an album that keeps you amped pretty much through the entire tracklist. The song still makes you want to run through any wall you see even after being overplayed for 20 years. Otherwise, I also liked the more (relatively) mellow closing song
4
Aug 28 2022
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Bossanova
Pixies
This album went by insanely fast for 14 tracks. I wasn't expecting it to be this punky since my only exposure to the pixies is basically just where is my mind. But by insanely fast I also meant that it kinda went in one ear and out the other unfortunately
3
Aug 29 2022
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Almost nothing beats a night alone listening to an album like this while just chilling out. I love soul music and there are a ton of soul classics on here from chain of fools to natural woman and all the rest are just as banging. You know an album is usually a 5 when the spotify radio that comes on afterward is also awesome
5
Aug 30 2022
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
I was not expecting the first song of this album to appear on this list because it feels like a one hit wonder that shows up in 00s alternative playlists a lot. However, while nothing is quite as good as that song, the rest of the album is still pretty good. Plus I’m pretty sure this is the first greatest hits album I’ve gotten
4
Aug 31 2022
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
I think I need to watch a documentary about punk to fully understand this type of music. Between proto-punk, punk, post-punk, and every other type of punk I clearly don’t fully understand the prominence of this era of music. As it stands, this album was like most punk albums I’ve gotten where it has some cool guitars but I can’t find any other positives. This is like a 2.5
2
Sep 01 2022
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
I've been looking forward for this album for a while due to its reputation as being one of the greatest hip hop albums ever. I've had a mixed record with this era of hip hop so I was interested to see what this brought to the table. Safe to say, it brought a lot of great stuff to the table from the way ahead of its time production to the great lyrics and engaging themes of religion and love. Each song sounds like a Kendrick-type track which I love and each song was just great, especially ex factor and can't take my eyes off you. Definitely deserves all of the praise and accolades its gotten.
5
Sep 02 2022
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
While it sounded a bit too close to a billy Joel album, I enjoyed listening to this. Nothing ultra standout but just a nice 50 minutes
4
Sep 03 2022
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
While I like the talking heads I don’t think I’ve ever heard a single track off of this album. It’s definitely a talking heads album with all the weirdness but this felt a little more psychedelic or something idk
3
Sep 04 2022
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Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
This was a fun album. The first half was more fun than the second but it was funky and the keyboard synthesizer thing was used really well. It's the most 80s sounding instrument you can get but it sounds great here
4
Sep 05 2022
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Sea Change
Beck
I think I like this one better than odelay but it was still a typical beck album where he showcases his jack of all trades abilities this time with bluesy folk rock. I liked little one but otherwise nothing stood out too much.
3
Sep 06 2022
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
A classic album that I’m glad to have finally heard all the way through. Heart of glass is a top 10 song (and the Miley Cyrus cover is pretty great too) and I also like one way or another (with a good 1D cover). I can’t quite give this a 5 but I liked it a lot
4
Sep 07 2022
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
I didn't have high hopes going into this album but I thoroughly enjoyed the parts of it that were on Spotify. While it's on the talkier side of experimental hip hop, I liked the radical messaging and each song made me want to make molotov cocktails or something. It's a shame a third of the album isn't on spotify but hey the parts that are on there are good
3
Sep 08 2022
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
I had no idea that the bee gees made music like this or any music outside of disco. Nevertheless, this album was a bunch of kinda boring love ballads that didn't ever really catch my interest. It may must be my bias against the bee gees and most disco in general but the vocals in this weren't great either.
2
Sep 09 2022
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
This was a groovy album. I liked the 80s vibes mixed with like arcade fire or something. Really kicked it up a notch with the architect and the lightning back
4
Sep 10 2022
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
While I still don’t particularly like the smiths, I found this album to be much better than meat is murder. Maybe I only liked it more given the present circumstances (also lol @ making this the album for today) but I thought the title track was a standout. Overall I think I like the smiths more if I hear less morrissey and more cool instrumentals
3
Sep 11 2022
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Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
I'm not super into psychedelic trip-hop stuff like this but some of the beats and production on this album was pretty good. Also, the theme of this album was weird as shit like they went above and beyond with the gynecologist bit
2
Sep 12 2022
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
I love the band name but otherwise it seemed like a typical country album from the early 60s even though it came out later on. It was fun to listen to but nothing stuck too much
3
Sep 13 2022
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Elastica
Elastica
I only like a very specific type of alternative 90s rock like this and this album is part of that specific type. I love this kind of female led retro punk type stuff. 2:1 and connection are the best tracks
4
Sep 14 2022
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
The wiki blurb said that Fiona produced this whole album in her apartment and that definitely shows in a good way. The instrumentals were really stripped down and it was fun to hear her dogs barking in the background at the end of a couple of songs. This definitely felt like an album an artist would make late in their career after they've had their biggest successes and are just fucking around. At first, I wasn't the hugest fan of the weird experimentation but songs near the end like cosmonaut and drum set were really good and changed my mind a bit
4
Sep 15 2022
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
The album cover led me to believe that this would be a slow, Tracy Chapman-type thing but it was actually a lot more lively than that besides the untitled track. It starts out as like a sort of activist album that was typical for the 80s in the first song but ended with neo-soul which was interesting.
3
Sep 16 2022
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
This one wasn't as good as Seventh Tree and didn't have a song that reached monster love levels but it was still alright. Had a very sultry, smoke-filled 30s lounge vibe to most of it
3
Sep 17 2022
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
While I don't have a particular song to add to the playlist from this album, I enjoyed it quite a bit. I think I've realized that I enjoy the arrested development, Lauryn Hill type of 90s hip hop more than the Tupac, BIG type. For this album though, I really liked the interesting, inventive production and catchy beats. Also, any song that talks about revolution makes me happy in albums like this.
4
Sep 18 2022
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OK
Talvin Singh
I was definitely not high enough to listen to this album and even worse I was drunk on Husker game day which is like the worst mindset for listening to music like this. It was pretty calming I suppose but I just could not get into it and have no interest in ever listening to this again
2
Sep 19 2022
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
This is sort of what I was talking about in my Elastica review. I liked that album but this album is pretty much the same vibe and I didn't like it. I guess nostalgic 90s post-punk is my thing but proto-post-punk isn't? Idk
2
Sep 20 2022
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This was apparently the first album by the chili peppers that featured their trademark sound and I can definitely tell because it's not quite to the greatness of Californication but still very distinct. Under the bridge is a great song and the album got better as it went along but I still wasn't enjoying it as much as other peppers music. Also give it away is an overrated song.
3
Sep 21 2022
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Mask
Bauhaus
This was a weird ass album but also a totally average English rock album at the same time. It sounded sorta punky and of its time but also sounded super stripped down yet not quite experimental. Idk man I didn't hate it but also didn't really enjoy it.
2
Sep 22 2022
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
I really really liked this album but unfortunately, it wasn't on Spotify so it loses points for that. It was just a really good-sounding 60s rock album that I probably won't ever listen to again since it's not on my main avenue of music consumption.
4
Sep 23 2022
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
When this album started, I thought Irish folk-punk was my newly discovered favorite genre of music because the first couple songs were super fun but as I went along the novelty wore off and I felt like it started to get repetitive. However, the last song was really fun even though it sounds kinda similar to the first one. Overall, I think I enjoyed it more as a one-off novelty album than a new genre of music
4
Sep 24 2022
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Like probably everyone else, I loved this album. Everything from the original songs to the well-chosen covers, hurt being the most famous of them, are excellent and perfectly showcase johnny cash in his twilight years. The album definitely has a more modern, melancholy theme than anything else cash ever did and knowing the condition he was in when he recorded this makes it hit even harder. He also does everything from love songs to sad songs to modern pop songs on this album and doesn't falter in any genre.
5
Sep 25 2022
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
This got to the point where it felt like a parody of punk rock. Each song was like a minute long and each one felt like a string of transgressive and angsty lyrics set to intense guitars and drums. It was even complete with funny, raunchy song titles. Feels like the inspiration for Sex Bob-Omb from Scott Pilgrim.
2
Sep 26 2022
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Woodface
Crowded House
This album was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting some mediocre rock but it was actually really really good. I liked the title track and the rest of it was a really nice listen too.
4
Sep 27 2022
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
Minus the group sex album, I'm on a streak of pretty good albums including quite a few that I've never heard of. This was a good female-led, neo-punk album and the first track was especially good.
4
Sep 28 2022
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Revolver
Beatles
I don't even know what else there is to say about this album. It's my favorite Beatles album by far and it's just one of the most ahead of its time and unique albums of the 60s. From taxman to tomorrow never knows each song is at the very least good. Eleanor rigby is one of the best Beatles songs and I grew up with yellow submarine just like pretty much every other kid I think. Also, the reverse guitars on I'm only sleeping really struck me the first time I listened to this album a teenager and it still hits me every time now
5
Sep 29 2022
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Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
This album was just a lot of good vibes. It was nice easy listening bordering on ambient funk. The first song somewhat stood out and the rest of it was good too.
3
Sep 30 2022
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Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
The deluxe version was the only version on Spotify and the 2:15 hour runtime definitely scared me so I only listened to the original 22 minutes at first. It was an interesting mix of post punk and pre grunge that definitely captures a weird grey area of rock like this in the late 80s. Regardless, this was a 3/5 but once the original tracks ended I wanted to keep listening to the whole deluxe thing so I suppose that bumps it up to a 4
4
Oct 01 2022
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
I feel like I’ve shit on a lot of punk albums on this list but this one, of course, is an exception. It’s one of the most influential album of not just punk but of the 70s and Johnny rottens voice is just so compelling and unique. While I still wouldn’t say I loved this whole album I liked each song and understood why it’s so highly regarded. Obviously anarchy in the uk is the standout; it’s one of the best songs ever. Interesting that it was the only song with the original bass guitarist before Sid vicious came in.
4
Oct 02 2022
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Once again, this feels like an album that is only on here for one song, been caught stealing in this case. It's not a terrible song but it's not at the level of take on me for hunting high and low.
2
Oct 03 2022
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Pretenders
Pretenders
I haven't gotten one of those completely bland albums that plagued my first six months of this list in a while but here's another one. "An album that mixes punk, pop, and rock" describes countless albums and this one doesn't contribute much to that massive pool of similar albums. I like the album cover for some reason though, maybe ironically.
2
Oct 04 2022
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
This was a pretty decent live album. I've always felt like Peter's guitar playing stood out among 70s rock like this (aside from dire straits) and have liked it. Also the sound box stuff near the end and in show me the way I really like. Baby I love your way has always been a little overrated to me but otherwise its an alright 70s rock album.
3
Oct 05 2022
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
I honestly don't remember much about the last album I got from roxy music other than the album cover so I can't really compare these albums other than to say that I probably won't remember this album either. I really liked the second half of in every dream home a heartbreak but other than that there isn't much here that's likely to stick with me.
3
Oct 06 2022
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
I'm guessing this was another "not-random" album just like The Queen is Dead due to Loretta Lynn dying yesterday. Regardless, I appreciate it because Loretta has a great voice and made pretty progressive music for the 1960s country scene. The title track was great and all of the other songs were super fun. It's one of those albums where you can't go wrong with any of the songs and it's just a straight up fun album.
5
Oct 07 2022
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Berlin
Lou Reed
Just like the last Lou Reed album I got, it just isn't working for me outside of velvet underground. His voice is just so boring compared to the great production and dark lyrics on most of the songs.
2
Oct 08 2022
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
This was a perfectly fine album that I don't have much to say about. Father and son is my favorite and the rest were listenable
3
Oct 09 2022
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Fun House
The Stooges
This was an early punk album I actually somewhat enjoyed up to the very end. Initially, the vocals weren’t annoying and the production was pretty good but then it devolved into like free jazz trash at the end which came out of nowhere. So I’ll probably end up remembering this album by it’s last track more than anything tbh
3
Oct 10 2022
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Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
It's a bummer that my run of good and memorable albums from last month has come to an end since the past week's worth have been completely boring to me and even the parts that did stand out have escaped my memory already. Same goes for this album, punk that I won't remember in like 2 days.
3
Oct 11 2022
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Parklife
Blur
While this is a lot better than the last album I got by blur which was ultra shitty and should’ve gotten a 1, I still didn’t enjoy it very much. Just not for me I guess
2
Oct 12 2022
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Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
I barely remember a single thing about the other primal scream album and this one appears headed to the same fate. This is a good one to listen to high though. The interesting album drought continues I suppose.
2
Oct 13 2022
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
Dexy's midnight runners made an album that doesn't have come on eileen? really? There was one song, idek which, that I remember liking but that was it.
2
Oct 14 2022
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
It’s wild to me that where is my mind wasn’t released as a single for this album. I get that it caught on through fight club but it’s so much better than the rest of the album and so unique it’s crazy that they only chose gigantic. It’s interesting to hear some Spanish lyrics and the last song was pretty good also, plus I can definitely see where Kurt contain got his inspiration from in this album.
3
Oct 15 2022
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The Visitors
ABBA
This felt a lot like abbas kid a. It was wildly different for the first song and they definitely tried something completely different for the album but at the end of the day you can still tell what band it is. The album itself is great too with Abba delivering yet another album where there aren’t really any skips. Slipping through my fingers is still a standout and so is the first song + the day before you came just because they’re so different from typical abba
4
Oct 16 2022
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Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
This was a pleasant album after the endless punk and rock albums I’ve been getting. I only know ryan adams from his 1989 cover album Chloe made me listen to and this is a much better introduction to him than that. Adams voice and songwriting is great and songs like Amy and come pick me up are the best showcases of that. However, shakedown on 9th street is my favorite song on the album even though it’s totally out of place compared to the rest of the tracks
4
Oct 17 2022
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Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
This felt somewhat similar to my last album but with a lil more rock instead of blues. Every song on this album seemed to start off pretty average and then turn into a banging powerhouse in the last half, Jupiter and teardrops + fuzzy being the best examples of this. Overall, I think this is either a really weak 4 or a really strong 3
3
Oct 18 2022
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The Band
The Band
Growing up my dad liked watching the last waltz and that was my intro to the band. I always liked their greatest hits and this album showed that they’re talented way beyond just those songs. They feel about a decade ahead of their time and it’s a perfect mix of blues and rock. Cripple creek and Dixie down are both excellent and this whole album was excellent too
5
Oct 19 2022
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Blur
Blur
While this was the best blur album I’ve gotten, I really hope it’s the last cuz I’m tired of them. Song 2 of course was a standout and death of a party was a cool smiths like song but otherwise I still am not a fan of blur
3
Oct 20 2022
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
This album obviously needs no introduction and definitely deserves a 5 but honestly it's starting to feel overplayed. I used to love Don't Stop and go your own way but now I'm just like eh. Dreams and the chain are still bangers though.
5
Oct 21 2022
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
This album definitely gets points for creativity regardless of how much I enjoyed it. The mix of punk and country works really well if you’re into both of those things. Unfortunately I wasn’t a huge fan of the punk side and didn’t enjoy this as much as I wanted to. Either way points for being unique
3
Oct 22 2022
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If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
I don’t have much to say about this album but I liked it. Felt like a more modern version of nick drake.
4
Oct 23 2022
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Kenya
Machito
Finally, after Tom waits and experimental miles Davis, I got a jazz album that I really really like. John Coltrane was pretty good but it can’t compare to the high energy afro Cuban stuff that’s on this album. I think this is also one of the oldest albums I’ve gotten. Conversation and tin tin deo are my favs
5
Oct 24 2022
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
A lot of this album was in the background but it was pretty alright. It rose above the forgettable blandness of a lot of the albums I've gotten on this list but not too far above. I liked the second half more than the first half and maggie may was a standout.
4
Oct 25 2022
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Imagine
John Lennon
Honestly went into this album wanting to hate it given John Lennon as a person, but I really enjoyed it. Imagine might actually be one of the lamest songs on the album compared to songs like crippled inside and I don't wanna be a soldier mama. This was a very eclectic album too, went through a surprising number of genres with each song. Doesn't quite get a 5 because of John Lennon and it's so hard though.
4
Oct 26 2022
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Garbage
Garbage
This album has that same sweet spot combo of alt rock and post punk that that elastics album did. This one was more alt rock and pop leaning than the elastics album though. I liked this quite a bit and only happy when it rains is probs my fav
4
Oct 27 2022
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Besides the weird ass sex machine song that’s like 12 minutes, I like this album. However, I feel like I would enjoy learning about the historical contexts that went into making this album rather than actually listen to it. The music isn’t bad but with stuff like the second track it’s almost more interesting to find out what society was like at the time the track was made. Regardless, I want to take you higher and everyday people were standouts
4
Oct 28 2022
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
I had this on in the background while I was focusing on work, so I don't have many nuanced things to say about it. Regardless, I enjoyed it simply because I like this type of 80s music and the general sound of it. The guitars on the second half of the second track stood out to me.
3
Oct 29 2022
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
I was introduced to Sam Cooke through animal house and I’ve enjoyed his music ever since. His music evokes memories as if I was in high school 40 years before I was born. This was a good live album too and twistin and bring it on home were the standouts obviously
4
Oct 30 2022
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
Surprisingly I didn’t hate hearing all I wanna do on this album even though they played it once every 20 minutes when I worked at hyvee. Otherwise the album was better than I was expecting since I’ve never been super impressed by Sheryl crow. The first song was pretty good
4
Oct 31 2022
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
I had heard about this album through pop culture osmosis but still never realized how many of Skynyrds' hits are on this album. Might as well be a greatest hits album tbh.
5
Nov 01 2022
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Between this, sam cooke, and even lynyrd skynyrd I've gotten a good mix of different types of blues and soul recently. This wasn't quite as good as those and there isn't a song that really sticks out to me but it's definitely a really solid 3/5. Fun live music atmosphere and decent music.
3
Nov 02 2022
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Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
Honestly this review is going to be exactly the same as my hunting high and low review. This album and has one reason and one reason only why it’s on here. Unfortunately tainted love doesn’t make up for the rest of this album like take on me did for that album. Also Where did our love go doesn’t count since it wasn’t originally on the album.
2
Nov 03 2022
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
I don’t really need to even say anything about this album. Peak David Bowie and even if it’s not my fav album of his it’s still getting a 5
5
Nov 04 2022
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Sir Duke was my first real introduction to Stevie Wonder (minus superstition) in high school but I had never listened to this album before. In a 100-minute album, I never got tired of any of the music or felt that it was overlong. It was great from start to finish and joy inside my tears was awesome too
5
Nov 05 2022
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
I was kinda in a rush listening to this album and skipped a couple of the songs but I pretty much got the gist from the first 3 or 4 songs. This isn't nearly as good as his more modern, deep, and haunting stuff. This was just boring folk.
2
Nov 06 2022
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
This was a really unfortunate day to get an 85 minute album as the rush I was in yesterday will continue until Tuesday. Somehow I was able to listen to the whole thing and it did not live up to any of the self titled albums that preceded it. Kashmir is still good but otherwise it just felt like more of the same I guess. The same is still good and maybe it was just the circumstances of the day but I wasn’t a huge fan.
3
Nov 07 2022
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Slipknot
Slipknot
I remember being pleasantly surprised at how not terrible the last slipknot album was but this one sucked ass. The lyrics were cringe and the screaming on every track was grating the whole time. No person needs to listen to more than one slipknot album before they die
1
Nov 08 2022
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
I was bouncing in between Omaha and Gretna a lot today and this was a really good album to drive to. It was relaxing and mellow but the lyrics were still engaging. I'm not always a huge fan of Bob Dylan-type folk music but this was pretty nice. Masters of war and Oxford town were my favs
4
Nov 09 2022
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I was surprised that I could even listen to this whole album on Election Day but I got through it. It wasn’t quite as good as elephant but it was still a nice listen from start to finish. Fell in love with a girl and I think we’re gonna be friends are standouts even though that second one is waaaay overplayed in indie movies
4
Nov 10 2022
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
This was a weird ass album. It’s only memorable because of the distinctive effeminate voice and it was occasionally interesting but was mostly irritating
2
Nov 11 2022
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
I barely remember the last byrds album I got but I vaguely remember enjoying it. This one just felt like second rate Beatles music. While second rate Beatles still isn’t bad I was not a fan of this album until the second half where it got slightly better. Also surprised at how many albums end with well meet again
3
Nov 12 2022
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The Next Day
David Bowie
This definitely felt like a David Bowie album. It wasn’t as memorable as his classic stuff but it was still an alright listen. Moments stuck out to me but not entire songs really except the last one which stuck out as not good.
3
Nov 13 2022
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
This was an alright album for my birthday I suppose. It has arguably their biggest (and most overrated) hit but it was still good. Tears of rage was probs my fav but overall not quite as good as the self titled album
3
Nov 14 2022
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Being There
Wilco
I think I got a Wilco album before??? And didn’t really like it but regardless this one was really good. It was a mix of country blues and rock and the whole thing, while long, was nice to listen to. Monday was my fav song
4
Nov 15 2022
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Blackstar
David Bowie
It was interesting to get this and the next day so close to each other since I could more easily compare them. This felt much more experimental and dark whereas the next day was more traditional David Bowie music. I usually appreciate experimental stuff but I was not a fan of this really at all. It definitely sounds like an album made by someone who knew they were going to die soon though.
2
Nov 16 2022
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En-Tact
The Shamen
I’m not quite sure how this album ended up on this list. It’s just standard dance music and I can’t find a single thing unique or special enough about it to warrant it as one of 1001 important albums.
2
Nov 17 2022
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Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
Perfectly fine early 90s old school rap. Not exactly my thing but this one I can at least appreciate. Good production too
3
Nov 18 2022
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Diamond Life
Sade
This was nice and relaxing. One of those albums where nothing really stuck with me but the spotify radio that came on after the end was pretty good.
3
Nov 19 2022
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Finally an album that breaks the 80s one-hit wonder plague on this list by being really good in addition to having one really great standout song. Get fucked a-ha and soft cell annie lennox can actually make both a classic song and good album to go along with it that has fantastic use of synthesizers and sounds ultra 80s but also not dated. I also really liked somebody told me and jennifer.
4
Nov 20 2022
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90
808 State
Yet another edm album that I appreciated as edm but didn’t see how it stood out in any way enough to be on this list. It was fine I guess
3
Nov 21 2022
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
The sound of this album is exactly what I think of when I think of dad rock. Not that it was bad, pump it up was good, but a lot of it just made me instinctively roll my eyes.
3
Nov 22 2022
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
I get where joni is coming from but pulling all of her music from spotify really sucks. Not only is it a pain in the ass to listen to it but, like the last album of her's, the music itself isn't even worth seeking out. It's just boring hippie folk music and I was gonna give it a 2 but now I'm almost thinking about giving it a one because of the situation now.
2
Nov 23 2022
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Synchronicity
The Police
Yet another one hit wonder 80s album to add to the a-ha and soft cell pile. We know which song is good and then the rest of it was lame af
2
Nov 24 2022
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
For the longest time, I only knew ice t from svu and thought he was pretty cool on that until I found out he used to be a famous rapper. I was interested to hear this album since I’d never heard any of his music until now and it was pretty much what I expected. Early 90s hip hop that isn’t really my thing but I can appreciate objectively. The lyrics/storytelling on here are good but still didn’t fully do it for me except for body count which shows how white I am I guess. The final skit was good but is cancelled out by the cringe first skit
3
Nov 25 2022
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Suede
Suede
I feel like this type of Brit pop is hit or miss for me but this one was more in the middle for me. I liked the sound of it generally but none of it stuck with me either. The wiki says this is like the first Brit pop album and that makes sense given that it sounds more like the smiths than oasis
3
Nov 26 2022
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Hotel California
Eagles
It’s one of the best selling albums ever for a reason. All of the songs were at the very least a good listen while songs like wasted time and obviously the title track are amazing. Life in the fast lane is lame and overrated though
4
Nov 27 2022
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Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
While it can’t be much more than ambient music for me since I don’t speak French, I’m glad to get an album like this every once in a while. French hip hop is pretty cool apparently and nice to have on while you play overwatch. A couple songs in the second half (idk what they are) were sorta standouts
3
Nov 28 2022
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
I went into this expecting another mediocre psychedelic album like the last byrds album I got but this was actually really solid. Hard coming love was good, stranded in time sounded a lil too much like eleanor rigby, and I liked how chaotic american way of love got by the second and third part. Also very leftist, counter-culture lyrics which was fun.
4
Nov 29 2022
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
I've always generally liked Steely Dan and there's a lot of enduring hype around them on tik tok or whatever but this is the first album of theirs I've listened to. Rikki don't lose that number is the big hit but I much prefer any major dude will tell you, east st. louis toodle-oo, as well as pretty much every other song on this album
4
Nov 30 2022
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Yet another great jazz album from one of the greats. Like all the other jazz albums, I do get tired of it after about 30-40 minutes but it’s all still good. This one even made me want to go back and try to listen to bitches brew again (still wasn’t a huge fan, but it was a little better)
3
Dec 01 2022
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Odessa
Bee Gees
This was drastically different from what I was expecting from The Bee Gees and it made me think that they just did whatever was trendy but less good. This sounded a lot like the Beatles and some random orchestral music but had like nothing unique about it. Then in 76 the went to disco after no one liked them anymore and got successful again. This still wasn’t terrible, give your best and lamplight were good, but it’s destined to the same fate as trafalgar where I completely forget about it after like one day. Low 3
3
Dec 02 2022
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Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
Of all the prog rock albums I’ve gotten, this is definitely high on the list. It was much cooler than 2112 and the larks tongues in aspic parts 1 and 2 were the standouts.
4
Dec 03 2022
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
I was expecting this to be more lame music that old white divorced men play when they work on their motorcycle but it’s actually awesome. Every song gets you amped but especially ace of spaces and fast and loose. Just a great kinetic energy running through the whole thing.
Also I was looking through my history and I meant for kind of blue to be a 4. Th Bee Gees are nowhere near a miles Davis John Coltrane collab and should not have the same score.
5
Dec 04 2022
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Real Life
Magazine
Oh yay another punk album. This one was fine I guess. Whatever
2
Dec 05 2022
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
It’s not quite as good as goodbye yellow brick road but it was still better than almost every punk album I’ve ever gotten on this list. Tiny dancer (obviously) and Indian sunset were the standouts
4
Dec 06 2022
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Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
It was almost one in the morning, but I'm pretty sure that this is what made me almost fall asleep. It was just really slow and soothing in a way that would make me drowsy at almost any point in the day honestly. Definitely doesn't sound like the voice of someone who's gonna die of alcohol poisoning within the next year though.
3
Dec 07 2022
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Face to Face
The Kinks
This sounded much more similar to the concept album I got by the kinks super early on than the more recent one that I got. I have nothing to say about this album to be honest. Will not remember it in 24 hours.
3
Dec 08 2022
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
The only thing I was really thinking throughout this whole album was "Wait is that Bjork??" and then finding out that it is and subsequently researching Bjork's entire music history leading up to that 2004 album I got from her. It's weird hearing her voice outside of unsettling dark music (minus it's oh so quiet) but I still liked her performance on this as well as the album in general for its uniqueness. Birthday is probably the best song and maybe also sick for toys.
3
Dec 09 2022
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
This definitely isn't as good as the fat of the land, which I need to listen to again to see if it still deserves my surprised 5 star because I don't remember it a whole bunch, but it's still about as good as big beat rave edm gets. It gets you hyped, then you get exhausted of it by the halfway point, then eventually you just start vibing. It sounds like ass if you listen to it any other way besides as loud as possible though. Voodoo people was my fav and is also another fun origin of a tik tok sound.
4
Dec 10 2022
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
I would've immediately forgotten about this album right after listening but reading the wiki really changed my perspective. The fact that this album led to the death of his mother and the destruction of his commune at the hands of the Nigerian government is pretty crazy and makes me admire this album more than I would have otherwise. Also would've appreciated it more if I could've understood the lyrics. Taking away that context, however, it just sounds like Afro music and is perfectly alright. The two bonus tracks were definitely worse than the original two tracks though.
3
Dec 11 2022
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
This one definitely had a slower, more soulsy vibe to it than moondance or brown eyed girl and I appreciated that more than I fully enjoyed it. I much prefer his more upbeat stuff but this was still good. Sweet thing and it’s instrumentals was the standout
4
Dec 12 2022
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Everyone's heard at least one song from it but doesn't know it's from this album which I think speaks to how influential it is for folk rock. For me it was you don't have to cry but after listening to the whole thing, wooden ships was my favorite track
4
Dec 13 2022
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
I was afraid this album would be like bad where I ended up actually disliking it but this shit was awesome. Every song was masterfully produced and the big hits are still great even though I’ve heard beat it and Billie Jean hundreds of times. Doesn’t get more 80s than this but also doesn’t get too much better than this.
5
Dec 14 2022
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
Alright was the only familiarity I had with this album before I got it and it’s still the best song on the album. It’ll never fail to get u in an upbeat mood and it’s just banging in general. Otherwise, sofa of my lethargy was another standout. The rest of it was good but was surprising given that I was only used to alright.
4
Dec 15 2022
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
I think Leonard cohens early stuff is the only era I don’t like. This album was cohen evolving into the 80s really well and was nice to listen to. No songs really were memorable though, maybe on another listen
4
Dec 16 2022
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
It's definitely just the mood that I'm in because I hit 1500 on chess.com while listening to this album, but what a fun album. It's like a perfectly unique mix of jazz, soul, 80s pop, and even hip-hop. I also learned that paul weller started The Jam, whose albums I've given like twos and threes but this is such a step up from that. My Ever Changing Moods is a great exhibit of the first 3 of this combo and is my favorite on this album. It also reminds me of that prefab sprout album I gave a 5.
5
Dec 17 2022
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
This was another alright album by the kinks. The title track is always great and makes me think of hot fuzz and the rest is another 60s kinks album where it seems very focused on middle class British life with the Walter song and such. Also, I’m not to the point I’m at with the who but I’m ready to be done listening to kinks albums on this list now.
3
Dec 18 2022
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Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
I went into this knowing it’s the lowest rated album on the list but honestly, while it isn’t pleasant or easy to listen to I was okay with it. I’m not a big punk guy but this was so deconstructed it was unique. In reality I’m guessing this was a bunch of college kids smashing pieces of metal together and if I spoke German I feel like I’d probably roll my eyes at the lyrics, but for some reason it was clicking with me. It’s by no means good but not deserving of being the worst. Also, I learned while deep diving on this album that the lead singer became the guitarist for nick cave and the bad seeds which is an insane piece of music trivia I can’t share with anyone ever because no one listens to nick cave anymore let alone a German experimental band
1
Dec 19 2022
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Based on the song titles this is some vaguely mythological concept album but honestly the only things I’ll remember from this are that it’s much heavier than cherry colored funk and that the cover reminds me of that slipknot album
2
Dec 20 2022
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Apparently if punk gets proto enough I end up really liking it because this was super fun hard rock. Personality crisis and the song about falling in love with the nurse treating your overdose were standouts but the whole album was rocking. This is one of those albums where I want a documentary about it because I feel like being a queer/androgynous hard rock band in 70s New York would be wild in addition to pioneering punk and glam rock
4
Dec 21 2022
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Yeah a boring ass post punk album like this was not what I needed on a night as frenetic as this. Most of it went in one ear and out the other while I spent all my brain power thinking about other things.
2
Dec 22 2022
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
I think it says something when the radio that comes on after the album ends plays far better synth-pop than the album itself. This wasn't great but I'm guessing it was pretty influential for this kind of music in the early 80s
3
Dec 23 2022
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
My experience with this album was similar with that oxygene album I got where I was completely pleasantly surprised by a mostly instrumental soundtrack. The first song was amazing and the rest wasn’t as good as oxygene but I still really enjoyed listening to all of it
4
Dec 24 2022
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
I definitely have a soft spot for this type of early 00s late 90s female-led alternative because this wasn't nearly as good as that Elastica album but I still mostly enjoyed it. It was a pleasant surprise to hear Thom York on a song that also happens to be my favorite on the album. This is a low 4 btw
4
Dec 25 2022
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Dummy
Portishead
After all of the hip-hop albums I've gotten that incorporate and/or straight up are trip-hop, it's crazy that it was pioneered by in English electronic band. The vibes of this album were immaculate and it's a fire and glory box were the most immaculate songs. Loved this album.
5
Dec 26 2022
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Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
The first two songs of this album were great then the third track got super weird and lost me. The guitars and heavy soul feel was good and it was cool that it was live I think but then I ended up tuning out lost of it because it got like experimental/improvisational. Also didn’t help that I still have dummy music stuck in my head. The last song was short and sweet though.
3
Dec 27 2022
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Of all of the jazz albums I’ve gotten, while this isn’t my favorite, I think this is the first one where I really began to appreciate the process of making jazz. This whole album was so rich and complex in all of its instrumentation and felt simultaneously highly choreographed and highly improvisational
4
Dec 28 2022
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Copper Blue
Sugar
This is a stereotypical 90s alternative album but also has really killer guitar work. The vocals and overall vibes could be found in any album like this but the heavy instrumentals make it more exciting and fun to listen to. Helpless and slick were my favorite tracks.
4
Dec 29 2022
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
I was excited to listen to this album because I've always enjoyed Jimi Hendrix whenever I happened to hear his music and wanted to listen to a full album. He didn't disappoint. The guitars were as mindblowing as ever and all along the watchtower never gets old. He also hopped between different genres a lot; mainly garage blues but also a good amount of jazz. Voodoo Chile and its reprise were also standouts.
4
Dec 30 2022
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
I think I appreciated this album more than it takes a nation of millions although I feel that I probably underrated that album when I got it. I love the lyrics of public enemy because they're still relevant and are constantly hard-hitting but for some reason, I don't love them like I feel I should. It might be the production style but even that is pretty high quality and complex and I don't think it's the flow or the sound of the vocals. Either way I liked 911 is a joke, fear of a black planet, and fight the power.
4
Dec 31 2022
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Van Halen
Van Halen
Honestly this was a pretty whatever album. It wasn't bad by any means but it wasn't notable to me in any way really. Maybe I only feel that way because I've heard running with the devil and eruption so many times but by the end I was just like "yup that's van halen, alright"
3
Jan 01 2023
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Melodrama
Lorde
I remember being excited for this album when it came out because I liked Pure Heroine so much and then being disappointed after only listening to green light but 15 year old me was clearly a dumbass because 21 year old me thought this album is excellent. It's dreamy, nostalgic, and sad all at the same time while also being a pioneer of the type of female pop music that's been done to death at this point. I love Sour but there's no way Olivia Rodrigo is where she is without stuff like this. Perfect places, green light, and super cut are my favs but mainly perfect places.
5
Jan 02 2023
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
The first few songs of this album, I might have been queen and show some respect, were pretty decent and interesting even though what's love got to do with it is still overrated. After that, the covers were hit and miss (lets stay together, okay; help, bad) and the rest was just mildly boring.
3
Jan 03 2023
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
The start of this album sounds like cartman but overall it was fun. Very very 80s and just quirky all around. It's a sin was the top song.
4
Jan 04 2023
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
I was reminded of the flaming lips and that hour of bewilderbeast album listening to this even tho there isn’t much concrete reasoning behind it, just vibes. This is still good 90s music but wasn’t as good as those two things I just mentioned. opus 40 is a banger though
4
Jan 05 2023
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We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
I honestly shouldn’t have expected anything different from a 1968 Frank Zappa led album with a cover parodying the Beatles. It was weird, satirical, bizzare, annoying, political, sporadically fun, and very of its time. Take your clothes off when you dance was probably my favorite followed by what’s the ugliest part of your body
2
Jan 06 2023
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Of all of the laurel canyon albums this one had the best balance of psychedelic and folk type stuff. It was better than the byrds but not quite to the level of like the mamas and papas. Sham was my favorite
4
Jan 07 2023
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Another quality steely Dan album. Didn’t like it as much as the last one though. I have nothing else to add
4
Jan 08 2023
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
I first heard of this album from Anthony fantano and I couldn't make it past dachau blues on first listen. This time around I somehow made it all the way through in one sitting and honestly, the actual music parts are pretty good. Moonlight in vermont is actually a solid track and it clearly takes a lot of talent to make music like this, but the rest of the album is just packed with random bullshit like orange claw hammer and skits that make it almost unbearable to listen to. It's already exhausting to listen to by its experimental polyrhythmic jazz nature and the unnecessary fat just sinks it. If it were a 30-minute album I might even give it a 3 but instead it gets a high 1
1
Jan 09 2023
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Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
I cannot imagine a worse experience during this list than getting two bottom ranked 70+ minute albums. Unfortunately, I actually enjoyed the first 4 or 5 tracks in a guilty pleasure sort of way. It’s embarrassing to even admit given how cringe the lyrics are but I guess I can take solace in the fact that the rest of the album fucking sucks and I don’t have to give it more than a 2. It’s all downhill after the party one, gets worse with the auto tune song then unbearable once you get to the racist final track. Also fuck kid rock as a person
2
Jan 10 2023
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
This was a really good palate cleanser after the last two albums. I always like getting albums like this because they're snack-sized and doo-wop music is crack for me because I can never stop listening to it once I start. There are no bad songs on here and there were also no bad songs once the radio started playing. Sucks that he died in a plane crash.
4
Jan 11 2023
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
This album didn’t really change my very negative opinion of tom waits very much but it was definitely better than the last album. I still don’t like his voice but the production was at least varied. Feels like he went on a Leonard cohen arc when his music got darker and weirder as he got older
2
Jan 12 2023
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
This was some pretty bland glam rock but until I get you saved most of the album. Otherwise nothing really notable
3
Jan 13 2023
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Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
Yawn. Lyrics felt a lot like Tracy Chapman but with a less interesting voice. I briefly got excited by a song until I realized that the album had ended and it was actually a style council song, a much better band.
2
Jan 14 2023
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
This album was good enough to the point where I went back and listened to protection, which I gave a 1 because I was in a really bad mood and it was the worst music for that mood. Turns out it also deserved at least a solid 3 because both of these are really good trippy electronica albums. Five man army on this one and karmacoma on protection are both excellent, too bad the latter will forever be on my worst albums list.
4
Jan 15 2023
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
The wiki blurb said that many people though that the who was inspired by this band but I saw more of that kinks album about wartime Britain. That said, this album did give me the same indifferent feeling as the who.
3
Jan 16 2023
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
This album picked up a bit around the third or fourth song but still not to the point of being memorable. Pretty lame grunge but the baseline on something so clear is solid.
3
Jan 17 2023
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Female post-punk is still pretty much undefeated on this list. This and elastica, while not exactly the same era, both stand out as really solid female rock albums. Monitor was my favorite off of this
4
Jan 18 2023
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Even though it’s a bit too similar to oasis, this album started out super strong with the first 3-4 songs being great. I got somewhat tired of it by the end though so it’s a low 4. One to to another or north country boy are probably my favs.
4
Jan 19 2023
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Not only was this album boring but I also had to miss watching the Australian open to listen to it. Sure it has an unpolished feel to it but that doesn’t make it any more fun to listen to when I could just listen to nick drake or bob dylan who are far better folk singer-songwriters
2
Jan 20 2023
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Stevie wonder does it again and makes a banger album that feels way ahead of its time with songs like you and I while also defining the 70s with superstition. There’s virtually no misses on this album but I’m not sure if I like it quite as much as songs in the key of life. Still a high 4 though
4
Jan 21 2023
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This definitely feels like CCRs magnum opus based on the sheer number of hits that're on it; to the point where I can't tell if I'm just tired of hearing them or it just wasn't my thing to begin with. I think the former because run through the jungle was still good but long as I can see the light doesn't hit as good as it did when I first heard it play over the credits of the movie State of Play starring Russell Crowe (don't ask me why I have this association). Overall, though, it's still a really solid album all around.
4
Jan 22 2023
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Trio
Dolly Parton
This album made a 50 minute drive in the snow go from unbearable to just excruciating which is honestly a pretty big feat. I couldn’t imagine a comparable album today where the three biggest artists of a genre got together to make a banger filled album. Closest thing after this was probably traveling wilburys
4
Jan 23 2023
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
The feeling I get when I get a steely Dan album is exactly the opposite of how I feel when I get a who album where I feel actually excited instead of filled with dread. This album was jam packed with the bands biggest and best hits, with dirty work being especially important for my first political job. Definitely the best steely Dan album I’ve gotten so far and that was a pretty high bar to start.
5
Jan 24 2023
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
This is by far the best lcd Soundsystem album I’ve gotten. All my friends and I love you New York are both bangers plus North American scum is a fun one. Still maintains the weirdness of the other albums but is way more fun to listen to
4
Jan 25 2023
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
I’d been looking forward to this album since I’d never listened to it all the way through. I have to admit I’m biased toward the black album because it’s what I grew up with (which I know is heresy to some) but I can still appreciate the importance of this album. It also helps that it rocks and is both fun and heavy unlike sepultura albums. The title track is definitely the best but I also enjoyed Orion a good amount, which probably just shows my black album leanings.
4
Jan 26 2023
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Picture Book
Simply Red
Woohoo my 500th album! I was considering talking about my favorite of my 5 stars but I don’t feel like it right now and I think relistening to all of those after the 1001st album would be more fun. I can say that dummy and kimono my house have stuck with me the most so far, though. As for this album, I was expecting it to be like tainted love where holding back the years was the only good song but I was wrong. This album was a good British pop soul thing that slightly reminded me of prefab sprout and the top song wasn’t even my favorite. Jericho and sad old red were probs my favorites
4
Jan 27 2023
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
I was surprised by how many songs I’d heard from this album that I thought was totally obscure. Both epic and war pigs are tracks I’ve heard around but never knew their origins, with war pigs being solid and epic being meh. This was also a very eclectic album as the super heavy war pigs was followed by like a chill nick cave style closer. Falling to pieces was maybe my fav
4
Jan 28 2023
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
This is by far the best non-English language album I’ve gotten on this list so far. It’s exactly my type of blues rock and every song is a banger from start to finish but especially soubour and petit metier. Even if I can’t understand I can feel the political message through the music and that’s just the icing on the cake for a great album; would kill to hear it live. Also, this has been a great run of albums the past week or two
5
Jan 29 2023
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The Bends
Radiohead
I’ve been looking forward to getting a Radiohead album since album 1 and of course the first of the (I think) 4 albums I get is my least favorite of the bunch. That’s not to say it’s bad—just, fake plastic trees, and high and dry are really good—but it doesn’t hold a candle to in rainbows or ok computer or kid a. Just is an especially good song and partially introduced me to Radiohead.
4
Jan 30 2023
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
With the Queen is dead I said that less vocals and more cool production would’ve made it better and I think this album finally found the right balance between the two. It could also be that I’ve just grown warmer to the smiths/morrissey but I liked this one quite a bit. The first track had solid instrumentals and the rest of the album stayed right around that level.
Side note: when I was looking for my Queen is dead review I saw my siouxsie reviews and realized that I had given one album a two then the next one a 4 and said I’d never heard of them lol.
4
Jan 31 2023
View Album
Pyromania
Def Leppard
It might just be because I’m in a different mood but I didn’t find this as good as hysteria and thought it was closer to the lame dad rock Def Leppard music is stigmatized as. That being said it’s still fun and songs like photograph and rock of ages were fun so there epic streak of good albums continues. I was also surprised to hear the pretty fly for a white guy intro sound effect on here.
4
Feb 01 2023
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
I am now officially blown away by how many good albums I've gotten in a row at this point. I'm glad to see this album on this list because I've only ever listened to Blonde from start to finish and always wanted to listen to this even if I've heard most of the songs at some point. This shit was great and makes me sad that he doesn't make music anymore because this album is perfect for smoking weed/just chilling/listening on headphones alone/having sex/driving all at once and can basically fit any vibe that you're looking for. Super rich kids, lost, bad religion, and forest gump are my favs
5
Feb 02 2023
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The Stooges
The Stooges
I think the streak of 4 and 5 star albums has come to an end with this one. The vocals were boring but the production was great for the most part. That we will fall song was god awful and ruined any chance this album had of getting a 4 but the rest was alright.
3
Feb 03 2023
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Bright Flight
Silver Jews
This was some really nice Nashville indie rock. Let’s not and say we did was my favorite and the rest was pleasant but sad. Not much more to say.
4
Feb 04 2023
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
This album is another exception to my distaste of old-school hip-hop. The rest of the album doesn't really compare to the first two songs (except for maybe I aint tha 1) and the misogyny still hasn't aged well (but better than Eminem music) but as a whole it's still really solid. It very clearly captures the anger and rage about discrimination and police brutality at the time that still resonates to this day. It's also really good driving music.
4
Feb 05 2023
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Purple Rain
Prince
Going into this I'd only heard the big hits so I was excited to listen to the rest of it. Honestly, though, I was very slightly let down because none of them really stuck with me the same way that let's go crazy sticks with me. It was by no means bad but I think I was just let down by extremely high expectations. The hits still hit really hard though.
4
Feb 06 2023
View Album
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
I was really surprised by this because I have made my disdain for Tom Waits pretty clear but this album was actually pretty fun. I think it's more of a high 3 than a 4 but it's still the best Waits album I've gotten so far (and hopefully no more unless they're like this). I liked gun street girl and the rest of it had a kind of unique fantasy blues kind of vibe.
3
Feb 07 2023
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Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
I know I mentioned that I like public enemy except for the vocals but this album was almost the opposite. I liked everything except for the beats which started out cool then got grating by the end of the song. Can’t truss it is the worst example of this while by the time I get to Arizona is the best example. Still good hip hop all around but starting to make me wonder if the issue I had with this was what I really had with the last one. Btw listened to this during a big fight with Chloe so that might’ve skewed my opinion idk.
3
Feb 08 2023
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Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
Ain’t nothing wrong with good old fashioned honky tonk. Even though it was made in the 70s it makes me feel like a highwayman in the 50s
4
Feb 09 2023
View Album
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I definitely prefer nick caves more bombastic and operatic stuff but I have to admire how versatile he is even if I was bored by this album for the most part. Like yes the lyrics are very meditative and poetic but that doesn’t make it any more fun to listen to. I liked the minimalist, stripped back production though. This probably would’ve been a good visual album or stage play or something.
3
Feb 10 2023
View Album
Celebrity Skin
Hole
Once again female led 90s alternative rock delivers and this time at the hands of the person that killed Kurt Cobain. I'd never had much exposure to Hole except for the Cobain jokes and this was definitely a good first impression. I'd heard celebrity skin maybe once before and it's definitely the standout of the album. Malibu and awful are also fun songs and this song goes in the ranks of elastica and the last siouxsie album I got.
4
Feb 11 2023
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
At first I was surprised that a non Breakfast in America supertramp album was on this list but by the third song it had surpassed 75% of the other prog rock albums I’ve gotten so far. Bloody well right was my fav
4
Feb 12 2023
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On The Beach
Neil Young
This album almost rose above the bad will I have toward it since it isn't on Spotify and I have to use YouTube but at the end of the day it was some good but not super memorable folk music. Not quite enough to get above the average 3 for a non-Spotify album
3
Feb 13 2023
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
It was refreshing to have a nice short and sweet 27-minute album since I feel like I've been getting a lot of longer albums recently. This was just good old-fashioned blues and that's just too much was my fav.
4
Feb 14 2023
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
I have very similar feelings toward this album as I do to the last one I got: very pleasant and fun. The only difference is that this one is better due to it having more memorable tracks like stardust, Georgia on my mind, and *especially* blue skies. I know they're all covers but honestly, the only one that doesn't surpass the original is unchained melody.
4
Feb 15 2023
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The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
While it’s probably not the first, it feels like the first post-disco album on this list. The post-disco combined with very early hip hop makes a very fun and unique combo that’s also timeless with songs like it’s nasty and the message still are sampled to this day. Those also happen to be the best tracks along with Scorpio but there are def no bad tracks. The lyrics are also interesting since they’re pretty dark compared to the production.
4
Feb 16 2023
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Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
If TRON was a 37-minute movie, this album would be a perfect soundtrack and I can even see similarities between this and Daft Punk's score for the sequel. It sounds so futuristic, ethereal, and timeless all at the same time. It's not quite as powerful as Oxygene but it's definitely what I wished I got out of Kraftwerk's music. The first two tracks were the strongest.
4
Feb 17 2023
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Once again I have been won over by 20-30 year old female-led rock music. I think I liked this one more than elastica but not quite as much as hole overall. I was surprised to hear heads will roll aka the frat lip sync song on here and it was my favorite song along with dull life. This album also did a good job of moving from powerful, energetic songs in the beginning to more slow stuff by the end.
4
Feb 18 2023
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
It probably wasn’t a good idea to listen to an album like this while I was winding down for the night because I feel like I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would’ve if I listened to it while working or something. Regardless, this is still a classic album that shouldn’t have lost to jethro tull even if I got tired of it after One finished. I think I still prefer the black album over puppets and puppets over this.
4
Feb 19 2023
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
I was almost ready to give this album a 5 but then it seemed to take a dive after fight for your right (which is easily the best song along with she’s crafty). All the intense guitars and stuff seemed to disappear and it felt really repetitive. Overall thought it’s still some really fun white boy rap.
4
Feb 20 2023
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
I was filled with dread when I saw that it was influential to punk but I came to really really admire this album. I would say I enjoyed reading up on its wiki and on the background of the monks more than the album itself but it still had good tracks like monk time complication and we do. This is the first experimental avant- grade album I’ve gotten that I’ve fully respected because it really was just 5 guys that didn’t like rock and decided to just fuck around while deployed in Germany with no moderation trying to make a new sound. No bullshit with clanging together found objects and recording industrial sounds. Even the cover is just black with default text on it.
4
Feb 21 2023
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Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
I like Run-DMC but honestly this album was boring. It was their usual flow but without the fun, catchy production that makes them enjoyable to listen to. This isn't a bad thing but the lyrics also felt more edgy and political than their more popular albums.
2
Feb 22 2023
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Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
This was pretty lame 90s reggae with shitty production. It got decent for a couple songs in the middle, namely even after all and ride on but the rest was sad. Honestly a little comforting getting a couple of twos after the last month of 4s; back to the old giveth and taketh list.
2
Feb 23 2023
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Well so much for getting a couple more lower rated albums I guess I get the greatest folk rock album of all time. Some of bobs acoustic stuff gets boring after a while for me but this stuff is so lively and energetic while still maintaining genius songwriting it’s insane. The all of the songs are bangers back to back with tombstone blues and ballad of a thin man being my favorites.
5
Feb 24 2023
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
After enough of these live jazz albums I'm beginning to realize that I shouldn't judge these the same as most of the other albums. I began to enjoy this much more when I back to listen to it ambiently as opposed to critically like I do with most of the albums. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to translate that to a criticism and a rating because it was nice for around an hour of messing around on my phone but would've bored me if I had listened any more intently. In general, though, it was really nice, relaxing jazz and I didn't even notice that they put multiple takes of the same song on there.
3
Feb 25 2023
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GREY Area
Little Simz
I refuse to believe that British hip hop has evolved this far from trash like the streets in less than 20 years. Two albums from this genre managed to get into my 1 stars while this honestly might make it into my 5 star dependent on how much I listen to it tomorrow because it’s great from the lyrics to the beats to the overall sound.
5
Feb 26 2023
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London Calling
The Clash
This is obviously a quintessential, influential, landmark punk album that everyone loves but honestly I wasn’t super impressed. It’s miles better than most of the punk albums I’ve gotten on here but there still weren’t many songs aside from the first and last track and hateful that I was really struck by. Maybe I just prefer the more sneering, aggressive Sex Pistols because a lot of this was honestly kinda lame. I can definitely see this having a death grip on like all of the 18-25 demographic in 1979 though
3
Feb 27 2023
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
This was a fun album to get since I’ve only ever known randy Newman from movie scores and was never familiar with his actual music career. You can definitely see the career trajectory from this though since both are really well made and pleasant and just feel cozy and comforting. It was just a nice half hour and I especially liked the first track.
4
Feb 28 2023
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
I was surprised that a movie soundtrack would be on here but I suppose if you're going to include one this is a pretty good pick since it was pretty influential in how Black-led movies were scored. I was only familiar with the theme song but the whole thing was pretty good. At some points I got bored but then remembered that this was probably for a slower part that was dialogue heavy and just waited for the next big action scene and all of those tracks were really funky and fun.
Side note: I was looking through the controversial tab in my history and I saw that I gave stankonia by outlast a 2 which is embarrassing cuz after like a year and a half I think that albums a 4. Probably just shows how my rating system has evolved
4
Mar 01 2023
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Slayed?
Slade
This was basically Led Zeppelin crossed with a really early version of hair metal and it was whatever. It was energetic and fun enough I guess but nothing super interesting or enjoyable.
3
Mar 02 2023
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Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
This album somehow managed to redeem itself after losing whatever open mindedness I had after the screaming in the first 5 seconds with really rockin guitars and almost nothing else. Definitely seems like a great live show in some blues bar and it does get a little exhausting after a while but overall I ended up enjoying it I think. Wail was my fav and it’s a bonus that weird al was involved in some way.
3
Mar 03 2023
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Black Metal
Venom
This was marginally better than shit like sepultura because there's still a bit of musical talent behind it but I still wasn't a fan at all. Joes Blues explosion or whatever was fun even though I couldn't understand the lyrics but it was just lame on this one. I still managed to make it through the entire album so I'm not sure if it deserves a 1 or not.
2
Mar 04 2023
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Abbey Road
Beatles
This is tied with if not a close second to revolver for my favorite Beatles album. Every song on this album is just so great and the infighting with the band members ended up making even better showcases of each person since paul and john appear as much as they usually did on a lot of these songs. Every song has a different influence and sounds so distinct and makes the album perfectly eclectic. I would list off my favorite songs but its most of them so I guess my top tier picks are oh darling, here comes the sun, either carry that weight or sometimes. Maxwells hammer and octopus's garden are nostalgia songs for me too.
5
Mar 05 2023
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
It’s impossible to not love elo and especially this elo album. It’s just so fun and funky from start to finish that it’s impossible to not jam out to at some point. If don’t let me down was on here it would be the all-in-one ELO album but as it stands it’s still great. I’ve always loved turn to stone Mr blue sky and sweet talking woman but starlight was the new fav from listening to this album all the way through the first time
5
Mar 06 2023
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
I feel like the order that I’ve gotten Black Sabbath albums on this list so far are in ascending order of quality. This is better than their first album but I highly doubt I’ll enjoy this more than paranoid when I get it. Overall this was really good and has some excellent guitar work throughout, especially at the end of the first track and on supernaut. It was also shocking to hear a cover of the big mouth theme on here and it was even more shocking to find out that this is the original. I just assumed it was a soul song first but it’s honestly much better this way. It’s also just surprising how versatile Black Sabbath is with their writing, production, and singing since they can do sad poignant stuff like changes as well as the classic heavy metal stuff they’re known for.
4
Mar 07 2023
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
It's weird for me to think that most of Devo's popular stuff came out in the late 70s as opposed to the 80s since that's the decade I mostly associate them with. This sounded more 70s than whip it but still. As for the actual album, I thought it was largely unnotable. There wasn't much besides maybe the first track that really interested me.
3
Mar 08 2023
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Yet another soul/funk album that just absolutely fucks. The first track blew me away with its insane guitar work and I was completely on board the rest of the way; the next brightest spot is you walk your way. It pulls off slower songs and energetic, happy songs perfectly and is a perfect blend of funk and soul that is just so soothing to listen to. Also you know it's good when Kendrick Lamar samples one of your songs.
5
Mar 09 2023
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Boringggg. Some of the instrumentals were good but the vocals were too boring even if the lyrics were okay. Much better folk music but also much worse.
2
Mar 10 2023
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Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
I felt like I knew this album from somewhere but after listening to it, I definitely haven't heard it anywhere except for jane says. This toes the line between hard rock and metal and it was alright; nothing I would listen to regularly but it was well made and not a chore to listen to. I enjoyed the thank you boys track that was a mellow ambient intermission that sounded like an outro track only for there to be another heavy track right after it. Also nice album cover.
3
Mar 11 2023
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I wasn’t really wowed by this album like it was just what I expect from ccr but I still can’t resist this kind of swampy garage blues. It sounds about the same from track to track but it at least does one thing really really well. Born on the bayou and proud Mary relatively stood out compared to everything else.
4
Mar 12 2023
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Obviously money for nothing and walk of life are the standouts of this album but I was honestly surprised by how this album slams on the brakes after those two songs. It just becomes slow rock/jazz with a bunch of saxes which isn’t bad it just was not what I was expecting at all. Overall it gets a high three for the two big songs then the rest was just fine
3
Mar 13 2023
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
This wasn't a completely miserable 90s hip hop experience which puts it above about 50% of the other such albums I've gotten so far. I can't think of a song I thought stood out (maybe I'm that type of nigga) but I mildly enjoyed listening to the whole thing for the most part.
3
Mar 14 2023
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With The Beatles
Beatles
It’s fun to get this Beatles album almost right after abbey road and see the contrast. Abbey road is ahead of its time and ultra original while this is a solid mix of covers and original songs; both are good in their own right but abbey road is still better and Smokey Robinson really got a hold is much better than this. Overall though this is a really high 4 because all the covers just assisted in white people stealing black music as was normal in the era.
4
Mar 15 2023
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
It was nice to get another mellow smooth jazz album instead of a super lively miles Davis type thing. While similar, this was way better than Billie holiday album I got but still has the usual problem of getting samey and old by the end. Fortunately this was a tight 35 minutes and the final track was cute and funny. High 3
3
Mar 16 2023
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Based on the Wikipedia blurb, I expected to enjoy this album a lot more than I actually did. This shit was a slog and completely unmemorable. Maybe it was super influential in the mix of electronica, R&B, and hip-hop but it definitely hasn't aged well because it just sounds totally dated and lame.
2
Mar 17 2023
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Hearing this album makes me wish that I got 36 chambers after this because I feel like I didn’t fully appreciate the wu tang clan and their members. This was a really good trip hop album that had an excellent atmosphere and vibe throughout; kinda made me wonder if dummy influenced this at all. I especially liked 4th chamber
4
Mar 18 2023
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
It's wild that this album was never released in the US even though it had our house on it. I don't know why they didn't have faith in it because it's a good 80s brit rock album that doesn't have anything crazy on it but isn't bad. Also only gets a high 3 instead of a 4 because most of it isn't on spotify.
3
Mar 19 2023
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
Yet another case of alright sound and shit vocals. Sounds like your standard 90s alternative/grunge but the dudes voice just sucks and only gets worse with the low point being that dumb song that just starts out with screaming.
2
Mar 20 2023
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Suicide
Suicide
I was scared when I heard "minimalist electronics and harsh rhythms" but this was actually nice until the end. It was cool to hear non-Kraftwerk, pre 80s electronic rock music and while the vocals weren't amazing they weren't annoying *until the last two songs*. Frankie Teardrop was grating, boring, and bad all around and the last track didn't save the ending at all. Ghost rider was probs my fav though.
3
Mar 21 2023
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
After all the jazz albums I've gotten on this list, something really needs to stand out to get above a 3. This album had no such thing and was once again ambient jazz I would hear at a nice restaurant or a 50s-themed bar. Does its job of being background noise but nothing beyond that for me. I'm sure this was some revolutionary jazz album or whatever but I don't care.
3
Mar 22 2023
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Stairway to heaven was one of my first introductions to 70s rock and I always skipped to the guitar solo like I'm sure every other 12 year old did as well. Black dog was probably the second song that got me into led zeppelin in general and it was fun to finally hear the rest of the tracks from beginning to end. There's a reason I was highly influenced by some of the songs on this album because the whole thing is just great and is equal to if not better than led zeppelin 2.
5
Mar 23 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Holy shit this was a long album and I really wasn’t impressed by it. It’s Prince so it wasn’t bad by any means but it felt stripped back production wise and I think that it just made it less interesting 80s pop rock. Starfish and coffee and I could never take the place of your man are both sort of standouts
3
Mar 24 2023
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The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
It’s cool that this album is on this list in theory because it gives you insight into how Indian music is made and why it’s cool. In practice it’s boring as fuck and can only be enjoyed on a theoretical level for me.
2
Mar 25 2023
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
I've heard enough south american albums on this list to know that there are far better ones than this. At first, I thought this was the Brazilian version of Japanese city pop but then it went through a bunch of different sounds through a very long one-hour runtime. There are a couple of good tracks like gusto del sol but by the end I just wanted it to be over and that's why it gets a high two.
2
Mar 26 2023
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
I’ve gotten quite a few shitty punk or punk adjacent albums but none as bad as this one. The vocals are terrible which is par for the course but even the production is completely unlistenable about 80% of the time.
1
Mar 27 2023
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Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
I listened to this album this morning and I’ve already forgotten the specific things I had to say about it. Just some lame electronica that was really long I guess.
2
Mar 28 2023
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
I’m a sucker for wistful indie singer songwriter stuff like this and this album really hit that sweet spot. I really liked son of Sam and lost and found but all of the tracks were pretty much good. Reminded me of badly drawn boy
5
Mar 29 2023
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GI
Germs
This has all of the characteristics of a shitty hardcore punk album that I would give a two any day of the week. Unfortunately, it's not on spotify which knocks it down a point as well as just being shitty enough all around that I feel fine giving it a 1 regardless of the spotify technicality.
1
Mar 30 2023
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Honestly, I think of this kind of music as what plays at the end of artsy TV show episodes where a plot twist or major character development just happened. It's country/folk/sad boy hours and it's fine but also somewhat boring. Great addition to visual media though, adding songs like this to Justified season finales really works. Also minus a point for not being on spotify.
2
Mar 31 2023
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
This album was like a bias test for me because I’m not sure if I went from “this is bland, inoffensive yacht rock” to “this is pretty mellow and fun” because the tracks started to get better or because I realized that this guy was one of the founders of steely Dan after about 3-4 tracks. Looking back though I still found it somewhat bland the same way some people (losers) critics actual steely Dan music.
3
Apr 01 2023
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
First of all, there’s something about this album cover that I both love and hate. Like it’s a tacky 80s metal cover but also kinda cool. Regardless, the album is good, fun metal that probably isn’t technically as good as Metallica but is still enjoyable to listen to. It’s still not my favorite genre ever but it was still a nice 40 minutes while I played far cry. Definitely a low 4
4
Apr 02 2023
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
This was an unfortunate day to get this album because I was super busy with moving and by the time I had a free hour to listen to it I just wanted to take a nap. I probably heard 40% of the album by the time I drifted into sleep but overall I still liked it. Gz and hustlas & who am I were my favs because they had fun production, which the album had quite a bit of overall. Unfortunately the lyrics and skits did not age well and are pretty cringe to me at this point. On any other day this might’ve gotten a 4 but instead it gets an above average 3
3
Apr 03 2023
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
While it does have bangers like me myself and I and say no go, I see it more as a whole greater than the sum of its parts. I hate the shitty echo sound effect and I don't love the flow but by the end I was like "wow this is a pretty unique and fun rap album" even though I wasn't actively jamming out to every single song. Definitely understand why this album has so much prestige behind it though. Hearing this when in 1989 would be crazy because its about a decade ahead of its time.
4
Apr 04 2023
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
While I'm starting to get tired of jazz albums that are 40 minutes long but only consist of two songs, this might be my favorite miles davis album so far. I loved the last like 8 minutes of the second half especially. It even made me go back and listen to kind of blue again while I played chess.
4
Apr 05 2023
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21
Adele
As a 9-10-year-old when this came out, I can still remember the grip this album had on pop music in the early 2010s and was thus a big part of my initial exploration of the music and Vevo side of youtube (rolling in the deep music video). I can even remember a year or two later, when I got my iPod touch, downloading rolling in the deep, set fire to the rain, and someone like you on iDownloads+ from mp3skull.com because I didn't want/know how to buy music. Anyway, the point is that this album is awesome and all of the big hits still hit and the less popular songs are also great. While I've heard the hits a million times, I never knew how country and twangy adele gets in some of the later songs which I really liked.
5
Apr 06 2023
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
For some reason it was very weird to learn that Public Enemy associates did a lot of producing this album because them and Ice Cube occupy such different areas of hip hop in my mind even though they were contemporaries. Anyway, this was a lot like the Ice-T album because the production and flow is great but the lyrics really really haven't aged well. You can't fade me and its a mans world are great examples of this but its also hard to hate on because it sounds so good. Once upon a time in the hood is one that was just good all around though. Very high 3
3
Apr 07 2023
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Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
I’m sure bob dylan would be fun to see live but hearing him live did nothing for me. Overall this was fine but I was just mildly bored for most of the songs and my fav bob dylan song, ballad of a thin man, wasn’t even that great on this. Also I understand that this is historically important but it’s just a live greatest hits album which probs shouldn’t be in this list when I already heard most of these songs from other albums. Barely gets a three because bob dylan is still talented even if I was personally bored.
3
Apr 08 2023
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
I was surprised to see issac Hayes again because I thought he was just the shaft guy but it makes much more sense why that soundtrack was so good after hearing this. The album really lives up to its title and is just some really really great soul music. The third track is definitely the weakest but this still gets a 5 due to the sheer power of walk on by.
5
Apr 09 2023
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Sincere
Mj Cole
You know it’s bad when I can make it all the way through trout mask replica but not this. By the fourth song I was out this shit sucked major ass.
1
Apr 10 2023
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I think this album cements Depeche Mode as one of my top 3 favorite artists of the 80s because—except for a few duds and a random moonlight sonata—this album was excellent. I don’t think its as right of an album as violator and doesn’t quite reach a 5 but it’s pretty darn close. The pure 80s synths and overall sound still holds up.
4
Apr 11 2023
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
As a 21-year-old white dude, I have nothing new to say about the most influential and possibly best hip-hop album of its era but I will also say that it's insanely well-produced. I think this album finally pushed me over the edge into fully enjoying most 90s hip-hop because it had great beats all around despite the typical occasional cringe lyrics and especially dumb skits. Regardless, the radio that played after the album ended made for a very enjoyable afternoon. I am now very excited to get Illmatic and 2001.
4
Apr 12 2023
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
The incredible bongo band version was far better than what I'm assuming is the original of the title track. Overall pretty bland psychedelic rock, doesn't deserve a 2 but at the same time I don't want to give it a 3. Also, this album just *starts* like I thought spotify started the album in the middle or on shuffle or something. On a second listen I guess it gets a 3
3
Apr 13 2023
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
This has to be like the most influential album ever for lame dads everywhere. As soon as I heard hard to handle start I could hear the grills get fired up and the belts looped through all the Jean shorts get tightened. While it definitely feels like the most cliched dad/bar rock album ever, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that. It filled up 43 minutes with not totally awful rock music I guess.
3
Apr 14 2023
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Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
First off the wiki blurb that says this is a lofi band is definitely bullshit based on this album. This is as 90s indie rock as it gets and while it started off decent, by the song that sampled snoring I was completely over it. It’s especially bad when it’s only 41 minutes and it feels like 60. Usually I like albums almost entirely made up of 1:30 songs but this one didn’t really give me anything to latch onto. I feel like that format is better for crazy hyper shit like 100 gecs more than bland rock like this.
2
Apr 15 2023
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Soul Mining
The The
It’s not as good as infected but this is still my favorite synth pop band I’ve discovered on this list. The song writing is interesting and the production is still super groovy and unique. Also the cover art for this one is among the weirdest I’ve seen so far. This is the day was my fav; mid to low 4.
4
Apr 16 2023
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
I've been excited to get this album because I've only heard Rooster and if a fucking great song came off the album, it's gotta be good. That turned out to be pretty good logic because this album slaps. It's an excellent balance of grunge and more metal stuff and Layne Staley's vocals are just amazing. Rooster remains the top track but them bones, would?, and down in a hole are all also worthy of a podium.
5
Apr 17 2023
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
This album probably saw a huge global ratings bump after stranger things came out—and that definitely is the best song on the album—but overall I was slightly underwhelmed. I don’t know how to describe it because the songs both sound ahead of their time and really 80s in a weird bad way. I think I generally liked it but feel victim to high expectations because of how huge running up that hill is. Definitely a high 3
3
Apr 18 2023
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
I think this is the last Led Zeppelin album I’m going to get on this list and it’s honestly a sad one to end on because instead of it feeling like a young band that’s rough around the edges it’s just more of the same after hearing far better work. Like yeah this is all well and good hard blues rock but I’ve already listened to Led Zeppelin 2 and stairway to heaven. I know the list should be random but for albums like this I wish I could’ve gotten them in order.
4
Apr 19 2023
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
I made it just past the song with a surprise tik tok sound in it and threw in the towel. I already hate spoken word so the combo of that with 70 more minutes of jazz punk stuff was just too much.
1
Apr 20 2023
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This Is Hardcore
Pulp
My first listen of this album was while high and playing video games and it’s a fucking great album that has a scary bit in it. Very operatic and emotional and cheesy but also awesome. Weirdly sounds like lcd sound system but less experimental with production. Who knows what I’ll think about it tomorrow.
Well I listened to it a second time today and unfortunately it didn’t fully live up to my stoned hype. A good number of songs like help the aged were still good but overall it’s more of an above average 4 instead of a 5
4
Apr 21 2023
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Guitar Town
Steve Earle
It’s country by Steve Earle so of course it’s good but nothing stuck out to me too much. Maybe that was just the circumstances I was listening to the album in but it just gets a high 3.
3
Apr 22 2023
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Eagles
Eagles
The eagles get a lot of hate for reasons that go over my Gen Z head but I've never reacted to their music very poorly. This album wasn't mind-blowing or revolutionary by any means but it was a pleasant 37 minutes. The equivalent of a popcorn movie. Probably also a high 3.
3
Apr 23 2023
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
It was really refreshing to get a chill and relaxed electronica album for once. Not big beats and harsh sounds, just some good vibes that would be nice to listen to as you’re hanging out with a small group or something. Flutes was my fav.
4
Apr 24 2023
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
I have like nothing interesting to say about this album. It was the pet shop boys typical 80s electronic music with the typical pet shop boys weird nasally voice.
3
Apr 25 2023
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
This was another album that I was looking forward to getting at some point. It's pretty long but didn't noticeably drag at any point and I definitely enjoyed it more than soma. Bullet with butterfly wings and 1979 are still the best but I really liked how eclectic the tracks were overall. Like the song after 1979 is full on metal.
4
Apr 26 2023
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Snivilisation
Orbital
I can’t give this a one because it’s not irritating to listen to but this was the most boring, “can I put you on hold for an 75 minutes” album I’ve gotten in a while. Like I get that it’s supposed to be ambient but Jesus dude. The penultimate track was about as good as it got
2
Apr 27 2023
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Pavement is a band that I’ve discovered through this list and has also grown on me a fair bit. I never thought much of the first albums I got of theirs but now I can at the very least appreciate them. This album wasn’t as good as the one with stop breathing on it but it was still alright. High high 3
3
Apr 28 2023
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So
Peter Gabriel
This is a good benchmark album for me to see how far I’ve come after 600 albums because it was one my dad owned on cd and I listened to in high school. Back then I exclusively listened to sledgehammer and when I tried to listen to the whole thing I thought it was boring filler. Now, I really appreciate the album from start to finish. Sledgehammer and it’s music video still can’t be beat but big time, the Kaye bush duet, and in your eyes are all pretty solid. This is also probably the most quintessentially 80s album I’ve gotten outside of shit like Michael Jackson. The synths and other production is just so 80s in a way that’s almost indescribable.
4
Apr 29 2023
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Arise
Sepultura
Yeah. Once again: nope.
1
Apr 30 2023
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D
White Denim
I think I’ve found another gem of an artist. This album was pretty good and I kept listening to their music after the album ended and this shit is my jam. It’s like blues and rock and a little psychedelic and there’s a lot going on but doesn’t get irritating. I’d probably put it at a high 4 but I want it on my summary just so I remember this band from time to time. Is and is and is is by far my fav but street joy is pretty good too.
5
May 01 2023
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
I don’t think I quite liked this as much as sticky fingers but this was a pretty good stones album. It honestly felt like a precursor to the real blues rock of sticky fingers, which I’m pretty sure it was. Gimme shelter was my favorite.
4
May 02 2023
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Out of Step
Minor Threat
I was gonna make a “thank god it’s only 20 minutes” joke when I saw that it was hardcore punk but it’s unfortunately not *that* bad. However, I would still say that if it was longer than like half an hour I would hate it a lot more than I do. This is also probably the most juvenile punk album I’ve gotten at least lyric wise. High 2
2
May 03 2023
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Abraxas
Santana
This was a great album to listen to while high and it was also fun to hear classic Santana that’s totally different from his 21st century stuff. Oye como va was my favorite and Santana can fucking shred. It also held up the whole next day while I was sober. Pretty great album idk if it’s worth a 5 but I think it’s close enough.
5
May 04 2023
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Lame ass folk music. It’s exactly what you expect when you think of 60s folk and I was so tired of it by the end. However it doesn’t get a 1 because this is the pre-animals house of the rising sun is pretty good but fucking what. I guess it’s just a traditional folk song so it’s not originally from this album either but it’s still wild that there was a semi-big version of it before the one everyone knows. Also girl of constant sorrow is the same way but both of these don’t hold a candle to the animals and soggy bottom boys respectively.
2
May 05 2023
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
This was definitely a more interesting than similar ones I’ve gotten. The first track is one of those for me that I might’ve heard playing at some random point in my life but never truly listened to it cuz it sounded familiar and I associated it with radio music. It’s actually pretty good and fun to hear in this setting. The rest was a bit of a mixed bag with to the kill and some other ones being pretty good but I didn’t love the album overall. Can’t decide between a high 3 or a low 4
4
May 06 2023
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
When I first saw that I got another Byrds album I was honestly pretty upset because they are wayyy overrepresented on this list even if their albums were influential or whatever. I was ready to rip this album apart but unfortunately this album rocked. I'm a sucker for country rock like this and this is about as good as it gets unless you're mainlining marty robbins. It's one of those albums where I don't really have a favorite song it was just a really fun 40 minutes of music.
5
May 07 2023
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The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
This album rides a mighty fine line between homage and blatant rip off of black music of the 50s and 60s. Like it might as well be chuck berry but with mick jagger singing. While that means that it’s still pretty good music to listen to, it gets negative originality/uniqueness points. Also doesn’t help that like every single song is a cover. Glad they found their own voice as they released more albums; I t’s still heavily inspired by black artists but it’s way more creative than this.
3
May 08 2023
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
I’ve been looking forward to listening to some Madonna albums from this album but honestly I wasn’t a huge fan of this one. The first two songs are classic 80s Madonna but then it starts to become bland abba like music before the last two tracks turn into rock or something. It wasn’t bad but it was almost too stereotypically 80s for its own good. Excited for like a virgin though.
3
May 09 2023
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1989
Taylor Swift
As soon as I got this album, I thought I was going to for sure give it a 5; but now that I've finished it I'm not so sure. Shake it off, bad blood (I listened to the kendrick lamar version even though it's technically not on the album idc), and blank space were seminal songs for me when I was in middle school--especially shake it off--but I forgot how much this album drags in the last three tracks. They're not terrible I guess but they're not nearly as fun as the bulk of the tracks that came before it. However, I feel like I've given 5s to albums that have had worse tracks and this album almost deserves it off the strength of shake it off and blank space alone so I think a 5 is fine but comes with some qualifiers.
5
May 10 2023
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
I’ve definitely warmed up to the smiths over the course of this album and have wanted to relisten to the Queen is dead but this is a whole different thing than most smiths music I’ve gotten. It feels more orchestral and less guitar focused than the other stuff. Even if I was never wowed or fully into it, I think this was the most interesting album of theirs I’ve gotten. Stop me… is my favorite.
4
May 11 2023
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Between this and renaissance, q-tip is pretty safely my GOAT old school rapper and it’s cool that I discovered him through this list. His jazzy production abilities and his rapping/lyricism is almost unmatched by anything else from this time period on this list. It didn’t excite me like renaissance did and isn’t something I want to relisten to a lot but it’s still great. Check the rhime is probably my favorite.
4
May 12 2023
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
I expected to mildly dislike this album based off of my experience with loveless and I was entirely right in that expectation. I usually like harsh music in this style (can’t think of an example rn, maybe early Radiohead or sonic youth) but something about shoegaze just doesn’t do it for me.
2
May 13 2023
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
This is about as hippie, counterculture, psychedelic as it gets but I wasn’t really wowed by this album. It was cool to hear white rabbit and somebody to love, which are the standouts, but everything else was just fine. I didn’t realize there were extra tracks at first but could basically tell once an out of place blues song kicked in. Overall grace slick is the most talented out of everyone based on this album but it’s still all average 60s counterculture music with the exception of white rabbit which is really good.
3
May 14 2023
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m b v
My Bloody Valentine
I finally get shoegaze thanks to this album I think. At first I was pissed to get another mbv album this close to the last one but this is the one that finally made it click. I’ve always liked dream pop type stuff like the chromatics so this is just a slightly more intense version of that. I think my problem was that I didn’t listen to the first two albums very intently and just listened to the grungy guitars but the ethereal voices are what makes the whole thing for me. This album made me go back and listen to loveless again and that album definitely deserves more than what I gave it so I’m probs gonna overrate this album even though loveless deserves it more. Sometimes is probably my favorite off of that one and who sees you is my favorite off of this one.
As a genre, though, I’m not sure if I’m fully down with shoegaze. Mbv obviously have it down but I haven’t heard too much that makes me love it as a genre even though the ideas behind the form is pretty interesting and compelling to me.
4
May 15 2023
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Connected
Stereo MC's
I heavily judged this album by its cover at first but my fears were allayed by the first track which was one of those songs I’ve heard but never knew the details of. It’s also my favorite track on the album. It keeps going along well enough for the next handful of tracks but I’m not sure if I was sleepy or what but I got bored about halfway through and was pretty much over it. Maybe making this album about a half hour wouldve really helped it.
3
May 16 2023
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
By the time I gave up on this album just over halfway through I wished I was, in fact, killed. I couldnt even make it through the title track and only survived past the weird James Bond cover because of the sorta okay Rodney yates song. This is the kind of electronica I despise.
1
May 17 2023
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Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
This is apparently some hugely important album in introducing western audiences to traditional Indian music but given that there’s stuff like RRR now this is definitely quaint. It’s not bad but it’s not something that caught my interest like some of the African music has. Overall was just bored through the whole thing.
2
May 18 2023
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
This was a great album to get after a bit of a skid of 2-3 shitty to mediocre albums. I’ve loved the title track since middle school and the rest of it keeps up that energy. I also really love jet and let me roll it. It’s just a fun album that’s a hella good listen from start to finish.
5
May 19 2023
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
At this point, I’ve gotten plenty of bizarre and totally unique albums and this is one of the least notable ones I’ve listened to. I was mostly bored and uninterested the whole time but it wasn’t bad enough to get a 1. On the other hand, at least I still remember listening to kollaps and how I felt toward it. This one is getting forgotten at exactly 1020 tomorrow and just frees up the next 24 hours for whatever music I want.
2
May 20 2023
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
At first I tried to admire the excellent guitar work on each of the songs on this album but by about the halfway point of this 80 minute album I couldn’t take it anymore. This shit is made for the whitest of white dads and is very bland blues rock type stuff. Usually I’m pretty favorable to this stuff but it was just so boring. I won’t give it a 1 because Layla and nobody knows you are good but it’s only about a mid 2.
2
May 21 2023
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
I was surprised by this album because I started it and looked at its length and thought that I was gonna hate it by the end. Weirdly, while I still thought it was really long, I didn’t totally despise it even though most of these ambient electronica albums wear me down too much by the end. This one I was fine with for probably 80% of it. There were some duds but mostly fine.
3
May 22 2023
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
This album had some pretty overtly radical/political music that I definitely identify with but I can’t say I really enjoyed listening to it too much. Like yeah it’s cool that there’s a song about how badass unions are but there are so many (mostly hip hop/60s folk) artists I’d rather listen to for politically charged music cuz this guys voice sucked and the sound wasn’t very notable.
2
May 23 2023
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
So first reaction before listening: what the fuck? Why do I have this guy again but also yay Wilco. Post listen: I was pretty much validated in my first look but not quite how I thought because this shit was actually pretty good and I think it’s mostly because of Wilco (yay). Braggs hallmarks are still all over it with yet another song about the godly nature of unions and more political lyrics but this one had way better production and the vocals were far less grating. California stars and way over yonder are my favorites.
4
May 24 2023
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Dare!
The Human League
I would put this album maybe one step above the soft cell and a-ha albums and a few steps below the eurythmics album in that the whole thing revolves around one song and the rest of the tracks are just fine. Not dumb like the first two albums or good like the other album I mentioned, just whatever. Unfortunately, dont you want me isn't as strong of a single as take on me so it gets the same--maybe slightly higher--score as hunting high and low.
3
May 25 2023
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Vulnicura
Björk
Even though it’s usually something I would never listen to again, I always have to admire bjorks albums. They’re just so different and unique that it’s hard to shit on them even if you don’t personally love the music; I wanted to keep listening to this album even though I wasn’t thoroughly enjoying it just to hear what she was gonna do on the next song. She’s obviously very talented and is willing to work in every genre of music using her own style. This one was very orchestral and notget was the main song that stuck out to me. I’m excited to get some of her classic 90s stuff.
3
May 26 2023
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
Yeah this is another “whatever” international album. I have no I’ll feelings toward this album except that I was bored by it and was glad it was only 34 minutes.
In other news: I finally connected the dots that war pigs on the pigs no more album was a cover and I realized that it’s basically the same as the original but not as meaty so that album takes a hit cuz I dislike covers that are basically a copy of the original. It’s one of those where you discover you only like the sound of it because it’s near identical to the original that you also like.
2
May 27 2023
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Honestly I had a feeling that this would suck as soon as I clicked rate on my last album and lo and behold I was right. Sometimes judging by the cover works out pretty well. I’m sure this was a competent album but it was not my type of prog rock at all; just boring most of the way. All the people there sounded hype about it though so I hope there was a cool light show or a pile of lsd on the floor or something to go along with the set.
2
May 28 2023
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
Unfortunately after the excellent little simz album, the British rap albums on this list have gone back to being bad. This isn’t the worst one mostly due to the production but the lyrics are completely unrelatable to me and made me cringe most of the time. There are a couple songs I’d maybe think about possibly listening to again but that’s it.
2
May 29 2023
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
This was a fun lil album. It felt like a bloke from your local pub decided to make some music about all of the regulars he interacts with. It’s crude and goofy and somewhat catchy and suppose that’s all you need. I didn’t listen to the bonus tracks or anything but billericay dickie was a bop. What I imagine the British version of colt 45 to be.
3
May 30 2023
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
Don’t have much to say about this album and was admittedly only half listening through the first half. The reason for these things is because it’s a pretty boring and mostly unnotable hip hop album. A couple decent beats here and there but that’s about it and keeps it from being a 1. Maybe a big deal in its day but I really did not feel it.
2
May 31 2023
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
I’ve been looking forward to a George Harrison album for quite a while because I like all of the Beatles music he made and a couple solo songs including my sweet lord (which is also one of my favorites on this album) and this didn’t disappoint. This album feels like an explosion of George’s creative energies that we’re kinda bottled by John and Paul in the Beatles. It’s 2 hours long and some of the songs really feel like they were Beatles songs that never made the cut for some reason. That’s not to say they’re bad though, this whole album was thoroughly enjoyable even if the second half did sag more than the first. My sweet lord, let it down, and hear me lord we’re my top three on an album that was flush with bangers.
5
Jun 01 2023
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Debut
Björk
Once again I'm still fine with Bjork even though it's not my thing but this one was admittedly more dull and straightforward than the other albums I've gotten so far. It makes sense because it's her solo debut but still...I want the weirdness. However, her vocals and even the basic instrumentals are still unique enough to carry it to a low three I think.
3
Jun 02 2023
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Young Americans
David Bowie
Once again David Bowie proves himself capable of being able to master whatever genre of music he feels like making an album of. This time it’s soul/r&b and it’s unsurprisingly good. However, fame is one of my favorite Bowie songs and it honestly feels a little out of place here because the rest of the album has a bunch of backing vocals and sounds more r&b then fake comes at the end and is nothing like what came before it.
4
Jun 03 2023
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
As has been well documented, I'm a big fan of soul music like this. While this wasn't the best of this genre I've heard from this list and wasn't incredibly memorable, I still enjoyed it nonetheless. High 3
3
Jun 04 2023
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
This album seemed to skip between shoegaze, indie, and alternative rock throughout its hour length and thankfully I’ve already had my mbv breakthrough on shoegaze or else I would’ve liked this album a lot less I think. Overall it was alright with a few standout songs (wish I was skinny, best lose the fear), a good amount of unnotable songs, and one or two songs that made me viscerally uncomfortable (the runway and white noise songs near the end). Honestly the shoegaze section in mainly the first quarter was my favorite part of the whole album which would’ve been pretty surprising 2 months ago.
3
Jun 05 2023
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Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
Even though the last couple songs don’t live up to the rest of the album, the album as a whole kicks ass. It’s just one of the purest forms of 2000s alt rock short of the arctic monkeys I’ve heard in a while. The run of songs from golden skans to forgotten works is just excellent.
5
Jun 06 2023
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
It was fun to hear the early iterations of synth pop that this album offered. The second track was probably the standout of the main album as well as the first bonus track. Since it’s early synth it’s nothing extravagant or really exciting but it was still a nice album that embodies the 80s.
4
Jun 07 2023
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
What can I say? It’s Frank and it’s great. This one doesn’t have many super hits but it’s 50 minutes packed with slow ballads and pretty much exactly the type of music that you think of when you think of Frank Sinatra. Even if you’re expecting the vibes, though, it’ll still make you sad but also warm and fuzzy inside the whole time as the lyrics are emotional but the music is comforting.
However, I ended up listening to more architecture and morality throughout today than Frank which really surprised me. Something about the synth pop on that album really clicked with me between yesterday and today and even Chloe liked it when I played it over dinner. Since I tend to give 5s to albums I go back to even after I rate it, I want to retroactively give a 5 to that album and let this 5 serve as that 5 as well.
5
Jun 08 2023
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Opus Dei
Laibach
The list giveth 3 great albums in a row, the list also giveth a bottom rated follow up that completely doesn’t match the vibes of the last 3. While it sounds like I’m going to hate on the album, I’m mostly just fascinated by it. I can’t imagine that any regular person born after 1970 and/or outside of Eastern Europe would find this album even moderately comprehensible. Even if I spoke German I wouldnt have a clue what they’re going for, I feel; and short of a class in late stage Soviet era culture I’ll never understand this. It’s a mix of patriotic trumpets, heavy metal with vocals recorded by a singer with a mouthful of gravel, and samples of Winston Churchill quotes and the only thing I took away from it was that ramnstein had to have been influenced by this in some way. I was fine with it at first and excited to give it a 3, but then jagerspiel hit and that all too familiar feeling of physical discomfort came over me as I listened to something just awful. In general, I appreciate albums like this that are radically different from anything I’ve ever heard and are completely opaque to me because it makes me try to understand what the artist was trying to say with this. Unfortunately this came at a bad time at the tail end of an epic three album run so it doesn’t get quite as much slack.
2
Jun 09 2023
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
I was intially going to give this album a high three like I feel I’ve given to a lot of 80s rock albums like this but the second half of this album with songs like a forest and at night bumped it up to a 4. It was definitely better than pornography which I think is the only other cure album I’ve gotten so far. If you vibe with Robert smiths voice and the slower sound there’s nothing to not like here.
4
Jun 10 2023
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
This album was a perfectly fine alt rock/grunge album. It was by no means in the leagues of Nirvana or Pavement but it definitely wasn't the worst 90s rock album I've heard so far on this list. The vocals sounded like Trent Reznor and the lyrics were basically a concept album about a toxic relationship. I especially liked the track from the woman's point of view. High 3
3
Jun 11 2023
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
This album opened as a 1 for me but then managed to claw its way up to maybe a mid 2. At first it was the typical annoying hardcore bullshit and luau was probably the worst of this but then super unison and new union actually broke up the unrelenting noise for a bit and it was actually alright. Overall it still made me physically uncomfortable by the end like these overlong hardcore albums do but it at least doesn’t deserve a 1. Also the Spotify artist banner of this band is the most white suburban dad “getting some buddies together to mess around on guitar” core I’ve ever seen.
2
Jun 12 2023
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Highly Evolved
The Vines
This was a strong contender for a 5 from the first track and it was solidified as a 5 for me as soon as I heard get free, song I’ve always heard but never really knew where it came from. I love early 2000s alternative rock like this and this was 50 pure minutes of it with 90s grunge influences galore (I don’t think this is “the second coming of nirvana” but it’s definitely heavily inspired by them). Another favorite of mine was outtathaway.
5
Jun 13 2023
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
At first I was going to give this a really solid 4 because it was a really pleasant listen throughout and I especially liked the saxophone solos. However, after listening to it throughout the entire day, I realized that this was a rare jazz/bossa nova album that transcended simply ambient listening and became something I actively enjoyed for 40 minutes straight. Girl from Ipanema was a great start to the album and it kept up those good vibes throughout.
5
Jun 14 2023
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
This album was a mix of the byrds and bob dylan and it was alright. It wasn’t super amazing but it’s good enough to get a very ambivalent 4 because of songs like nine pound hammer and old Kentucky home.
4
Jun 15 2023
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
This album really snuck up on me. It started out with a goofy ass rap song that was somewhat cringe but I didn’t dislike it and it just grew in quality for me song by song. I was hit with the shock that the iconic genius of love riff came before it’s nasty and after that I was totally won over by tracks like as above so below, Lorelai, and under the boardwalk. The energy, quirkiness, and richness of the production is what makes it good I think. We’re it not for tracks like Tom Tom theme it’d get a 5
Edit: this whole album makes so much more sense knowing that it’s a side project of talking heads members that aren’t David byrne. Completely explains the eccentricity throughout.
4
Jun 16 2023
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Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
I’m glad I listened to all of mbv albums before this because I definitely would not have appreciated this album as much had I not come around to shoegaze through their albums. This one is a bit more pop forward that the mbv albums and it’s not nearly as good overall. Nothing offensively bad but nothing really standout.
3
Jun 17 2023
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
At this point I’m running out of things to say about Beatles albums so I’m just gonna give it a 5 and savor it since I’m pretty sure let it be and maybe magical mystery tour are the only two left (I don’t remember if I got help already). I’ll just say that this one is definitely better than with the Beatles and the white album but clearly doesn’t hold a candle to revolver and abbey road. Title track and can’t buy me love are the favs.
5
Jun 18 2023
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
Well I can say that noise rock definitely sucks based on the albums I’ve gotten so far. This one had fleeting moments of things that I could’ve enjoyed but none of it lasted before regressing back into annoying, edgy, shitty-sounding rock. Overall it was just a less interesting Kollaps without any increase in listenability.
1
Jun 19 2023
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Honestly the standard I hold all these types of metal albums to now is megadeths rust in peace and unfortunately this one doesn’t compare. It’s still not bad but it was just a half hour blur of 80s metal sounds with shitter than usual vocals in which nothing stuck out to me. Number of the beast was also definitely better.
3
Jun 20 2023
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Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Post punk albums like this might as well be white noise to me at this point. I felt absolutely nothing throughout this entire album and struggled to even pay attention to it when I was driving home from my parents (I was really trying to focus on the music but just kept spacing out).
3
Jun 21 2023
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
This is an album I've been looking forward to for a while because I've heard this is considered the best arcade fire album and I really wanted to like the last couple albums of theirs I've gotten on this list. Thankfully, this really lived up to the hype and is essentially banger after banger starting with the first track. I especially liked the suburbs, modern man, and sprawl 2. The mix of synths, keyboard, and vocals all work perfectly to create a vibe that makes me nostalgic for a decade I wasn't born in.
5
Jun 22 2023
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
I'd only ever heard I can't decide by this band and I had no idea that they were from the early 2000s. I assumed that it was an 80s thing but after listening to this whole thing I can see the early 2000s vibes. It was pretty good overall, with the first half being way better than the second half, and was a fun 2004-version-of-synth/glam-rock type thing. My favs were Laura and take your mama and the comfortably numb cover was my least fav.
4
Jun 23 2023
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Rio
Duran Duran
This was a good album to get because I’ve heard rip and hungry like the wolf a million times so it’s nice to understand the album those songs came from now. Unfortunately, the rest of the album isn’t super notable and hungry like the wolf remains the best track by a mile. I would’ve given it a 4 we’re it not for the last song that just left a bad taste in my mouth. I think this album is a notch above stuff like soft cell and aha albums where it has a couple great singles and nothing else going for it.
3
Jun 24 2023
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
I was pretty drunk for about 75% of this album and during that time I thought it was overlong, boring, and had terrible vocals. However, as I sobered up throughout the course of the album, I began to enjoy it slightly more while still thinking that it was overlong and also learned that this artist was the frontman for the pixies which I generally like. If I relisten to this tomorrow, I’ll reevaluate but as of right now it gets a low three on account of killing my drunk vibes and being generally lame while I was intoxicated and to a lesser extent while I was relatively sober. I listened to a couple songs the next day and honestly enjoyed them a bit less. Not enough for a two but definitely a shitty 3
3
Jun 25 2023
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
I think this is the last pure nirvana I get on this album and I’m glad I get to go out with this one since it’s a perfect cap to nirvana as a band as well. It’s a perfect selection of songs that combine excellent covers like man who sold the world with thematically fitting originals like all apologies and something in the way. They arranged and performed a flawless set list that mirrored Kurt’s headspace at that point along with the feelings the band had toward their status in the music world. This is either at or slightly below nevermind for me.
5
Jun 26 2023
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Murmur
R.E.M.
I don't think I'd ever heard of this REM album let alone heard any of the songs off of it, which is surprising. It makes sense in that their subsequent albums have surpassed this with better singles but this was still really solid and has a well-rounded set of tracks. They had a solid, distinct sound coming right out of the gate. I especially liked pilgrimage and catapult.
4
Jun 27 2023
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
The first few elvis Costello albums I got always had a couple songs that really jumped out to me and explained why he had so many entries on this list. For this one, I couldn’t find much memorable about it at all and am even struggling to write this roughly 24 hours after listening. He’s clearly talented but I really don’t see why he gets so many spots on this list while some other classic albums aren’t on here.
3
Jun 28 2023
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Perfectly alright ambient, flute-heavy jazz. Even Wikipedia has nothing to say about this one.
3
Jun 29 2023
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
This sounds really similar to every other British new wave album and that's neither a good nor bad thing. There were moments that stood out but otherwise, it was an intensely generic record that had an unusual amount of saxophone solos.
3
Jun 30 2023
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Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
Really? I thought I had gotten through all of the lame ass, okay-guitars-shitty-voice, obnoxious punk albums earlier on this list.
I'm completely over albums like this at this point so I'm just going to discuss my thoughts on the director's cut woodstock documentary I watched today: It's the best concert doc I've ever seen. It gives a perfect feel of what it would've been like to be there for the full three days and also does a great job of contextualizing how the event became what it was. My favorite parts were just the slice of life looks at how people acted and what they did in between sets as well as how the event functioned logistically. The sets were almost all great but I was surprised that they mostly avoided the most popular songs from each featured artist (i want to take you higher and purple haze being the most notable exceptions) and didn't show ccr or the band which were personal bummers. Joe Cocker was probably my favorite raw performance due to the sheer energy (it looks like he's having a full-body seizure at all times) and I can't recall one that I actively disliked. Overall, it was not only a great documentary but a piece of history in and of itself that functions as an archive of the greatest musical event ever. Also, I don't think I would've appreciated the doc as much had I not been doing this list because people like Joan Baez would've gone completely over my head while the doc simultaneously added context to some of the albums on the list I've gotten like Country Joe and the Fish and Joan Baez. This dumb punk album gets a 2 but this documentary gets a 5.
2
Jul 01 2023
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
And another album I’ve been really excited for. I really love rehab and back to black so I had high expectations for the rest of the album and it didn’t disappoint. The few tracks in between my favs were amazing but the entire second half of the album makes up for it. For being less than 40 minutes it really packs a punch, especially with the tragic context of the subject matter.
5
Jul 02 2023
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
This was a nice 40 minutes of very choral soul music. I was admittedly distracted reading the Wikipedia page of prousts in search of lost time for a couple tracks but I still enjoyed the album overall.
4
Jul 03 2023
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Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
As someone that’s only listened to the biggest hits of kings of leon, this album was more interesting from the perspective of being a blueprint for the magnum opus work later in the decade that they would come out with. Outside of that, this is an unapologetically early 2000s alternative rock album that has a couple of duds but is still a fine listen. Holy roller novocaine is probs my favorite.
4
Jul 04 2023
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Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
How can you hate classic honky tonk music like this? It’s just a great listen in every way and never fails to be a fun time. It’s not quite a 5 but I know I’ll still be listening to west texas waltz and cornbread moon all of tomorrow.
4
Jul 05 2023
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
This is classic cash but I never knew that this literally saved his career. I just thought it was him continuing in his prime or something. I’ve loved Folsom prison blues, cocaine blues, and Jackson since I was a preteen and 25 minutes and egg suckin dog were new favs. I also really appreciated how great of a performer he was here with the little skits in between songs as well as how he sings some of the lines in each song. There’s a good amount of filler songs in here but the highs are so high I think I’m gonna give it a 5 more out of respect than anything.
5
Jul 06 2023
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
The most memorable thing about this album is by far the album cover like lmao. Otherwise it’s just another punk album with lame vocals about teenager stuff. This one had a couple redeeming qualities like the song hard luck and good instrumentation but nothing to bring it even close to a 4.
3
Jul 07 2023
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Another solo wu tang album that is magnificently produced and has excellent flows. I still think I like liquid swords more but the first like 5 songs on this are all bangers especially shaken dog, the champ, and back like that. The sheer star power of both the features and the production are also insane and works as a great bridge between old school 90s rap and more melodic 00s stuff, back like that and it’s remix with Kanye come to mind the most. Idk if I’m getting softer with my 5s or getting a chance to listen to the album more and thus appreciate it more but after listening to this album multiple times throughout the day it’s pretty great all the way through and doesn’t really drag at all.
5
Jul 08 2023
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Another solo wu tang album that is magnificently produced and has excellent flows. I still think I like liquid swords more but the first like 5 songs on this are all bangers especially shaken dog, the champ, and . The sheer star power of both the features and the production are also insane and works as a great bridge between old school 90s rap and more melodic 00s stuff, back like that and it’s remix with Kanye come to mind the most.
3
Jul 09 2023
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I've always heard a lot of different things about sufjan stevens and a lot of good things about this album but I'd never listened to him at all. This album felt really fresh and new compared to stuff I've been getting recently for some reason. It's definitely a complete left turn from fishscale and moving pictures but there's something more to it than just that. The folksy music and mountains of Illinois references that mostly went over my head combined to make an immaculate vibe and overall cozy/wistful feeling in me. It was just a really nice and pleasant album to listen to overall despite a weird more aggressive song in there just over halfway through. All the song names are too long for me to fully remember which ones I liked but the john wayne gacy one and they are night zombies definitely stood out.
4
Jul 10 2023
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Pink Flag
Wire
An album like this would usually get my standard contemptful indifference to boring punk thatre a dime a dozen on this list but the 21 songs in 35 minutes thing at least makes it interesting to talk about. Since I listened to this at 2 in the morning after a Taylor swift concert Im probably biased but honestly the constant switching of songs made the album seems far longer than it actually was despite also feeling faster paced. It was very odd.
3
Jul 11 2023
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Despite being better than sepultura and having a cool album cover, this was still very much not for me. I appreciated this slightly more than other metal based on the guitar work and varying of sounded but I still had a headache by the end and was wishing that it had ended about 20 minutes earlier.
2
Jul 12 2023
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
Atlanta night 1: I didn’t write this review right after I listened to it so it’s already pretty hazy after a full day of exploring but I remember that it had really lame simplistic production that worked sometimes and not at all in other tracks while the vocals were solid throughout. Pretty average britpop.
3
Jul 13 2023
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A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
It wasn’t super memorable for me but this was a pretty solid blues rock album. I’m usually not a huge rod stewart fan but his voice really fit the bluesy electric guitar.
4
Jul 14 2023
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Parachutes
Coldplay
This album is good on its own but is more interesting as a point of comparison for rush of blood because this shows how much the band had improved by the time they released that album. Here, they seem quiet and without a really unique sound doing wistful love songs while their next album is more bombastic and confident in both production and writing. Regardless of quality in between albums, yellow, trouble, and shiver are all great on their own.
4
Jul 15 2023
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
This was definitely an interesting album. The mix of rock and ska made it sound like it would’ve come out in like 2004 and have aged really poorly but for some reason it actually worked pretty well. I listened to the whole thing in an airport so I didn’t listen super intensely but I did enjoy most of the tracks on the album.
4
Jul 16 2023
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
This is definitely one of those iconic albums I very much appreciate but don’t fully enjoy from start to end. The opening track is still iconic but some of the more psychedelic guitar heavy songs start to weigh on me and I begin to get tired of the whole album. Despite those moments, however, I understand why this is such an important album and can still enjoy tracks like Sunday morning and heroin.
4
Jul 17 2023
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
This album didn’t hold a candle to pet sounds but it was still a solid beach boys album that goes into more of a doowop, love ballad direction. I don’t have much else to say about it honestly.
4
Jul 18 2023
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Spiderland
Slint
For about the first 15 minutes I thought that this was gonna be another sleeper hit album for me but unfortunately it got much less interesting as the intensity mellowed out in the second half. I liked the harsh noises and singing when it appeared but it was mostly outnumbered by a lot of talking which I found much less interesting. Fortunately the overbearing feeling of dread comes back in the last track for a while which only makes me more conflicted on whether to give a 3 or 4. Much like the velvet underground/nico album, I can also see the influence this had on rock music in the 90s from grunge to alternative to experimental with the heavy bass guitars and such so I appreciate it on that level.
4
Jul 19 2023
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Typically with albums that aren't on Spotify, I give them tougher reviews because it's a pain in the ass to listen on Youtube and is rarely ever worth it (ads on top of john zorn was just cruel). Unfortunately, this album was actually really good and had some songs, mainly powderfinger, that I wish I could add to my spotify playlist. So good job neil, you and Joni really showed joe rogan who's boss by making your good music less accessible.
4
Jul 20 2023
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Aside from message in a bottle this album was pretty bland which surprises me. For how many hits the police have and how big they were, I thought they’d have stronger albums than a one hit wonder, soft cell type band.
3
Jul 21 2023
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
It was really fun to hear groovin in the wild; otherwise this was just a fun collection of psychedelic pop rock type stuff.
4
Jul 22 2023
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
This is vastly different from every other album I’ve heard from The Beach Boys in a very refreshing way. It definitely felt more seventies and electronic and you could tell that the band was overtly trying to get away from the surfer sound between the title and the production. It was a good album overall but long promises road was excellent and played on repeat for the whole day.
4
Jul 23 2023
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
I listened to this while driving home at night in cool summer air and while high and those were probably the two best ways to enjoy this album. I’ve been looking forward to this one because it’s widely regarded as the best ambient album and it’s a genre I was never that into. Fortunately, It was by far the best non-jazz ambient album I’ve ever heard. The tracks kept me engaged for the whole length and I didn’t get tired of them by the end, which is exceedingly rare for me in this genre. I needed up listening to this most of the day and I realized that it’s not an album to listen to for 70 minutes straight; it’s something you reliably use whenever you need it for as long as you need it and it’s perfect for any situation from walks to sleeping to driving to doing drugs.
5
Jul 24 2023
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Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
I'm surprised to get two Kings of Leon albums and neither of them was the huge 2008 album that was super popular with my generation. Either way, this one was still really good with a good mix of emotional slow songs and some really fun fast-paced ones. I especially enjoyed King of the Rodeo and the Bucket. The previous album of theirs that I got came on after this one ended and I think I've grown to appreciate that one a bit more too.
4
Jul 25 2023
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
I always love getting big band type stuff and this satisfied that sweet spot for half an hour. It wasn’t as good as the Afro Cuban Kenya one but it was still solid.
4
Jul 26 2023
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Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
This album has to be a plant because there's no way I'm getting it the day after Oppenheimer's opening weekend as a coincidence. Regardless, I'm glad I got it now because nuclear weapons have been on my mind and this did a great job of conveying the emotions that come with thinking about nuclear war and WMDs. It also conveyed those emotions about nukes from a totally different perspective than any other media I've seen from Japan to America. Unfortunately, I got a bit tired of it and was wishing it was over 2/3 of the way through but the vibes all the way through were heavy and the news clips were thought-provoking, even the now-tired Oppenheimer bit at the end felt recontextualized coming from an artist with a Hindu background.
4
Jul 27 2023
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
This album was foundational to my understanding of rap and hip hop in high school and made me seek out new music instead of sticking to the boring ass music taste of rural midwestern white people; so not only is this album a landmark in contemporary rap but it’s also personally important to me to some extent. I’ve listened to tpab countless times but what made this listen fresh is that it came in the second half of the list for me after a number of albums that exposed me to the full history of hip hop. I think I came out of this listen with an even greater appreciation of it because I better (but not fully) understand its influences from dj shadow to a tribe called quest. As for my thoughts on the album itself it’s mindblowingly well produced and accompanies songs focusing on interesting and thought provoking subject matter. Every song is an absolute banger except for maybe you ain’t gotta lie and mortal man only because the Tupac convo at the end goes on too long.
5
Jul 28 2023
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
This album was foundational to my understanding of rap and hip hop in high school and made me seek out new music instead of sticking to the boring ass music taste of rural midwestern white people; so not only is this album a landmark in contemporary rap but it’s also personally important to me to some extent. I’ve listened to tpab countless times but what made this listen fresh is that it came in the second half of the list for me after a number of albums that exposed me to the full history of hip hop. I think I came out of this listen with an even greater appreciation of it because I better (but not fully) understand its influences from dj shadow to a tribe called quest. As for my thoughts on the album itself it’s mindblowingly well produced and accompanies songs focusing on interesting and thought provoking subject matter. Every song is an absolute banger except for maybe you ain’t gotta lie and mortal man only because the Tupac convo at the end goes on too long.
4
Jul 29 2023
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Graceland
Paul Simon
The website fucked up and repeated my review of TPAB for Under Construction so instead of writing out my original review again here's a shorter version: It's very much of its time but holds up surprisingly well (aside from the usual cringe lyrics on tracks like work it). I especially liked the first half of the album up to the Jay-Z feature (minus the long skits). Now onto Graceland, an album with an even shorter review.
It was another 45 minutes of fun Paul Simon music that was very similar to the Juilo down by the schoolyard album.
3
Jul 30 2023
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Atomizer
Big Black
I'm coming down from a high and not only did I have to listen to this shit album but I had to go on youtube to listen to it. There were moments that reminded me of the hyper aggression of 100 gecs but this was nowhere even close to that level quality and was instead just an assault on the ears.
1
Jul 31 2023
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Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Based on the album art and the 90s electronica genre, I was fully expecting this to suck shit but it was surprisingly okay. It's not an album to listen to very intently so my attention drifted in and out while I did a crossword. Some points I remember as being very abrasive and obnoxious and other points being pretty funky and cool with the final track being a stand out especially because the vocals were pretty good too. It wasn't great but it did just enough for me to mildly enjoy it.
3
Aug 01 2023
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
Going into this album, I was fully expecting it to be pretty lame outside of Mr. brightside and somebody told me but man was I wrong. The whole album was quintessential 2000s alt rock and still holds up despite being played to death for almost two decades now. I've heard Mr. brightside at every single party I've ever been to since I was in high school and all through college and it never fails to blow the roof off regardless of the vibe leading up to the point where you hear the opening riff. As for the other tracks, the first half up to all these things I've done is non-stop banger after banger while the second half really shines in the final two tracks of the whole album. It's a landmark in its genre and rightfully so.
5
Aug 02 2023
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Disintegration
The Cure
While I’m still a bigger fan of boys don’t cry, this is by far my favorite cure album I’ve gotten on this list. It’s a little long and sometimes the songs start to drag since they average around 5 minutes in length but overall I was never annoyed like I was when I listened to pornography. This is a good balance of their earlier, lighter stuff and their later heavier stuff. Homesick and love song were standouts.
4
Aug 03 2023
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
While it still isn't quite as good as You Want It Darker, I liked this one much more than the last album of Cohen's I got. It's more interesting that his songwriting talent never got stale or deteriorated over half a century than anything else. Definition of a generational talent even if I'm not an avid fan. I especially liked So Long, Marianne.
3
Aug 04 2023
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
I agree with the wiki that this is a very accessible noise rock album because its the only one I've heard that I've even sort of understood the appeal of. I still started to get a headache by the end but in the first half I really enjoyed the repeating guitar chords on tracks like assassins and dracula mountain. I would still never listen to this on my own volition but I at least appreciated and got where this one was coming from. The album art is also very fitting because it's like a peak at real hardcore talent and interesting ideas behind mountains and mountains of overwhelming noise.
2
Aug 05 2023
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The Grand Tour
George Jones
I still love this type of bluesy country and I have no complaints about this album's contribution to that genre. She'll love the one shes with was a standout for me.
4
Aug 06 2023
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Along with paul revere and the red raiders, I was introduced to the mamas and the papas through Quentin Tarantino and OUATIH and whenever I listened to the movie soundtrack, I always liked their stuff the best (that and neil diamond). This album was a fun deeper dive into their work as well as a chance to relisten to my old favorites straight shooter and California dreamin (before TikTok). The album as a whole is so quintessentially sixties but has also aged like a fine wine. It was a great listen with start to finish with no duds I can remember and some new hits like do you wanna dance.
5
Aug 07 2023
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Illmatic
Nas
It's nice to get two five-star albums in a row that couldn't be more different from one another. One is a very thoughtful and well-produced album about a specific coastal area of America at a specific time that became a landmark in its genre and the other is Illmatic. Lol jk but there's a reason that this album is widely regarded as one of the best albums of the 90s and one of the best rap albums of all time. It's a definitive East Coast rap album and you can see influences from it even today (TPAB comes to mind a bit). I wish Q-tip got used a bit more in his feature and it made the song a bit lame but the rest of the tracks, especially NY state of mind and the last two tracks, have proven to be timeless. I’m now on my second listen and I just wanted to note that he uses “nine” to make like 90% of his rhymes work yet it never gets annoying.
5
Aug 08 2023
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
It doesn't really surprise me that tracks from this album take up most of his popular songs slots on Spotify because this is elliott smith music meant even more specifically for breakups and melancholy than the songs from Figure 8 and I can see this album being a comfort album for depressed millennials. Regardless, I still like Figure 8 a bit more with its bigger production and higher intensity since this was more low-key and singer-songwriterish but it's more a matter of personal preference than objective quality. The lyricism is still top notch and the production is still interesting and well crafted.
4
Aug 09 2023
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Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
Is this really the band that people followed around religiously? I suppose I could see how it’d be fun in some of the later tracks (aside from feedback, which was also bad) but the early tracks were half hour long slogs that I found nothing good in at all. It’s not deserving of a 1 star but I still got barely any enjoyment out of this album whatsoever.
2
Aug 10 2023
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Well this is about as far apart as you can get on live albums back-to-back. Unfortunately, I don't have much to say about this one since a lot of it went in one ear and out the other (plus I got into a fight w/ my gf right before listening which couldn't have helped). It was cool to get more french music because I don't think I've gotten too much of that so far. Even the wiki blurb doesn't have anything interesting to say about this album. Also, "avec" in the 4th song is used so much it just started to annoy me; that hard consonant doesn't work with the vibes.
3
Aug 11 2023
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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
While this album started out slow I found myself really enjoying everything including and beyond emperor's new clothes. Her lyrics mostly hold up and even the lines bagging on Margaret Thatcher are still true. Combined with her excellent voice, the songs are all thick with emotion and weight. Obviously nothing compares is my fav but I also really enjoyed emperor's new clothes, black boys on mopeds, and the song that had Irish fiddles in it. My biggest takeaway was that she got far more hate than she deserved in her heyday because her songwriting and live performances were no more subversive and edgy than the grunge and metal and rap movements happening around the same time. Satanic panic won't kill your career but tear up one picture of the pope and you're fucked.
4
Aug 12 2023
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
Holy shit this album cover aged insanely poorly lmao; I wonder what Jeru thought of this 7 years later. Anyway, I think at this point I'm able to give my personal opinion of 90s rap/hip hop without totally qualifying everything I say with "it wasn't my thing" or "maybe I didn't get it" now that I've gotten enough of them on this list to hear a pretty diverse collection of the genre. I still don't have much of the historical contexts behind these albums but even so I don't really see it being alongside Illmatic and 36 chambers as one of the albums that revived east coast hip hop. This one I thought was just okay; it had some cool beats and perfectly fine lyrics but overall I just wasn't very impressed. However, that could be because I just got illmatic and I'm still fully in recency bias mode with that one.
3
Aug 13 2023
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
This album was drastically different from the last emmylou album I got and it made me really appreciate how she evolved her sound over the three decades between the two albums while still maintaining her own unique voice. It's still singer-songwriter folk but has some really interesting electronic production on quite a few tracks. Everything else was a bit of a blur but I enjoyed one big love and boy from tupelo.
4
Aug 14 2023
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Guero
Beck
My thoughts on this album are very similar to my thoughts on odelay in that it all sounds like beck but dabbles in a multitude of different genres, namely pop and electronic this time around. I liked this album about as much as odelay except in a completely different way given how different the music is. Broken drum was my favorite track and was an excellent memorial to elliott smith and go it alone and emergency exit were my other, more electronic-inspired favs.
4
Aug 15 2023
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Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
This album got a special disclaimer on the list for its inaccessibility but I found it on youtube in its entirety. While it was interesting to hear a native german artist tackling the remnants of WW2 that still remained in the late 80s, I found this whole album painfully boring. Her voice is good but the sparse instrumentation and switching between english and german made it impossible for me to really fully engage with any of it.
2
Aug 16 2023
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
I was really excited for this album mainly because of sabotage but honestly I was slightly let down. The eclectic genre mixing is cool at first when they go from hip hop to punk to soul but then it skips around for another 50 minutes and I was just tired of it at the end. Flute loop was pretty good and sabotage is obviously great but everything else just felt too scattered to put together a cohesive sound. Also, some of the songs like the update sound almost exactly like kid rock with the heavily altered vocals and kind of aggressive tone/flow.
3
Aug 17 2023
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Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
At first I thought this was going to be another inoffensive album that was going to go in one ear and out the other for me but about 5 songs in I was really engaged and fully enjoying it. It's a fun singer-songwriter album that doesn't get super slow or wistful (for the most part) and instead delivers a lot of neat 90s country/rock sounds especially on tracks like joy and drunken angel. I spaced out during some of the tracks so I might relisten to some of those but the first listen was still super positive regardless. I listened again and everything was on par with a 4 but nothing that elevated the album beyond first impressions.
4
Aug 18 2023
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Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
I wasn’t a huge fan of this album overall but by the end I was wondering why I liked selected ambient works so much but not this. I think it’s because that aphex twin album has a perfectly soothing quality that this record lacks. There were definitely some decent tracks on here but nothing stood out a lot except for the first track that had a bit that sounded like a sample I’d heard somewhere before. Maybe if I only listened to it as long as I needed instead of in its entirety, like I did with aphex twin, I’d have liked it more.
3
Aug 19 2023
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Destroyer
KISS
For some reason, I was obsessed with kiss as a small child despite only ever listening to two of their songs, one of which is one this album (shout it out loud). However, I never really stuck with them as I grew up and haven't listened to them in quite a while so I found my nostalgia levels to be minimal. If it had also included rock and roll all night it would've been a perfect kiss album for me. As it stands, however, this was a cheesy glam rock album that has the meatloaf energy (though not as fun) of always feeling like charismatic rock anthems made specifically for 14 year olds. As a 21 year old, I now get why 5 year old me liked it so much because the lyrics and sound are a completely inoffensive shiny object that sounds nice if completely shallow. Crazy that weirdos in the 70s and 80s thought this was too evil and inappropriate for the general public when it's actually suitable for ages 2 and up.
3
Aug 20 2023
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
This might be one of the first albums in this genre that I didn’t at least think was generally fun and pleasant. Idk how many of these songs were covers but most of the tracks on this album have been far surpassed by other versions, leaving behind a pretty generic sounding 50s jazz album. It might be a “the cliche came from somewhere” thing but honestly wasn’t impressed especially compared to the much more raw and unique in the wee small hours album.
3
Aug 21 2023
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McCartney
Paul McCartney
I can see why this album was so hated when it came out since everyone basically expected another Beatles album and also blamed Paul for the breakup, but this was a really great standalone album. It’s admirable that Paul decided to go so far in his own direction with a lofi, one man production that still has the trademark Beatles songwriting but in Paul’s own way. Every night was the standout for me.
4
Aug 22 2023
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
This wasn't as good as the last neil young album I got and no I'm still not over the fact that none of his music is on spotify anymore. Overall, it was fine though.
3
Aug 23 2023
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1984
Van Halen
This was far far better than the other van halen album I've gotten so far. It's still the same blandish 80s glam/yacht rock with cringe song subjects (hot for teacher) but jump and Panama are rightfully classics and mostly save the album.
3
Aug 24 2023
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
I had never heard of this band so as soon as I heard Damon albarns voice I guessed that it was another one of his projects just like the gorillaz or blur or something but apparently it’s the 2000s art rock version of blues traveler, which is pretty cool. I had the same reaction to this as I normally do to Frank Sinatra/big band stuff in that I thought it was totally fun and pleasant all around even though nothing really stuck out to me. The first track and Herculean were my favs.
4
Aug 25 2023
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Kenza
Khaled
It's cool to get an Algerian album but I really wasn't a fan for 90% of it. The first couple of tracks leading up to the imagine cover sucked and then it wasn't terrible for a little bit but then I just got sick of it after about 45 minutes. Combined with how much of a pain in the ass it was to listen to this album even on YouTube, this album is lucky to get a 2.
2
Aug 26 2023
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
This felt like an almost textbook definition of a white artist aping black music. Almost every song but especially black queen and church might as well be copies of Black gospel music of the mid 20th century. However, the lack of originality doesn't mean it's bad and I thought this album was fine on its own merits. Nothing super notable except maybe love the one you're with but I would feel bad giving it the same rating as that shit algerian album I just got.
3
Aug 27 2023
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The Specials
The Specials
I had fun listening to this album but I was simultaneously ready for it to end at any point. I'm not a huge ska fan but I like it well enough and there were a couple fun tracks on here (rudy, stupid marriage) but also a decent number of duds (too hot). In all honestly will probably completely forget about this album about three albums from now.
3
Aug 28 2023
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Much like bat out of hell and tpab (and ok computer when I get it) I didn’t really need to listen to this album again to know my thoughts on it. In my opinion, this album is the peak of radioheads turn into more a electronic sound that started with kid a. Ok computer feels like a transition between more traditional rock and synthetic/electronic music and this feels like a transition between the electronic sound and the more overtly orchestral vibe of some of the stuff on moon shaped pool. It’s a tight album with no weak points and a great mix of sadder tracks like and more upbeat stuff like jigsaw falling into place and 15 step. Disc two is also really good.
5
Aug 29 2023
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
The first track for this album really put me off but by the end I realized that I enjoyed more songs than I disliked from this album. I’m pretty sure I’ve had another album on this list from this artist but I can’t remember what it was at all (apparently it was if you’re feeling sinister and I thought it was good). Regardless, Electronic renaissance was my favorite and everything else was good enough that I’ll give this probably the weakest 4 I’ve given
4
Aug 30 2023
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
This is about as lame as Elvis gets but it's impossible for me to hate classic doo-wop music like this. There aren't any iconic elvis songs on this and it's not as interesting as the 50s or 70s stuff but its still a good listen even if every song except fever blends into one another (and fever is one of the bad kinds of covers that sounds basically like the original). He might've just been a white guy singing black music but he did it really really well.
4
Aug 31 2023
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Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
When I saw the 2 hour length, the confederate flags on the cover, and didn't see fishing in the dark anywhere on the track listing I was extremely pessimistic going into this album. Against all odds, however, this album rocked. While I wouldn't ever listen to it in one sitting again, nearly every track was at least good and most of them were exemplary nashville country/folk. I loved all of the first disc and most of the second disk, with tracks like the title track, the first two tracks, losin' you, I'm thinking tonight of my blue eyes, plus many more being the biggest standouts. Apparently, the nitty gritty dirt band was attempting to unite multiple generations of Tennessee country and essentially make an Avengers of country music; it's amazing that the result was this successful and sustainable for a two hour album. You really do get the vibe that every song is a showcase of one or two out of like 20 artists performing out of their mind and working together seamlessly.
5
Sep 01 2023
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Entertainment
Gang Of Four
What a shame to follow up such a surprisingly good album with a bland, boring punk album. This sounds just like all the other ones and unsurprisingly also has a bunch of political commentary in the lyrics. It has just enough funk to avoid a 1 but it chose a really bad time to be generated on this list.
2
Sep 02 2023
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
This album wasn't as memorable as some of the other albums in the same vein, but it still hit the soft spot I have for female-led hard rock. I really liked little babies and the title track; heart factory is also pretty good but I might just be saying that because it's what I'm listening to as I write this.
4
Sep 03 2023
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Close To You
Carpenters
This album felt like the mashup of the mamas and the papas and late-60s beatles (despite covering one of their earlier hits) and I really like both of those things. It had the hippie vocals of the mamas and papas and the production of a more orchestral beatles song. I can't really call it original but I still enjoyed listening to it.
4
Sep 04 2023
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
More pleasant music from Simon and Garfunkel that also sounds very similar to both of their solo albums (mainly Paul simons). This album was like a piece of bubblegum where it’s short and sweet but gets old after like 5 minutes (in this case 28). I liked homeward bound the most and the dumb silent night cover the least.
3
Sep 05 2023
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OK Computer
Radiohead
I already said a decent amount about this album when I got in rainbows so I’ll try not to repeat myself too much. This album was very important to me in high school and was highly influential in expanding the types of music I listen to. Without discovering this album on my own, I’d probably still be listening to the most basic classic rock that my dad listens to. Paranoid android remains one of my go-to songs whenever I’m angry or sad and I don’t think any finale to a song can ever top exit music. I even used SHA as an alarm for a year in college. Just as in rainbows felt transitional in radioheads discography, this feels to me like the beginning of the switch from alt/grunge rock to electronic music that was fully cemented with kid a. The themes of isolation and alienation run strong throughout every track and the abstract lyrics are both clever and thematic. At this point it’s somewhat cliche to call this one of the best albums of the 90s or list it as a favorite album but it’s cliche for a reason because it really is just that good.
5
Sep 06 2023
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Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
I was excited to see that these guys have another album on this list. I listened to quite a bit of their music after I got dear science but was still unfamiliar with this album. It wasn’t quite as good as the rest of their music but still sounded like their signature (if a little rougher) sound that I liked so much before. This album had a couple duds (especially the bonus tracks) throughout but songs like dreams outweighed them.
4
Sep 07 2023
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NEU! 75
Neu!
This was very reminiscent of Kraftwerk, and I have very similar opinions on both in that I'm very indifferent to them. Kraftwerk is slightly more interesting but both just feel like cutting edge 70s projects that other innovations in electronic and rock music have left behind. This album in particular sounds like a very prototypical version of 2000s radiohead where the building blocks are there but it hasn't been developed enough. I'm sure this was highly influential to German dance music or something in the same way Kraftwerk practically invented electronic/computer rock but I don't think it really holds up anymore. However, this made me go back and listen to man machine which I think I have a better appreciation for now; feels like the progenitor to all of 80s synth wave. Really liked the model off that album.
3
Sep 08 2023
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The White Room
The KLF
I was reluctantly preparing for another terrible British electronica album but I actually enjoyed this one quite a bit. Disclaimer: I listened to the director's cut version of it because it was the only version available on spotify, so I'm assuming it's the version the KLF wanted everyone to hear. I was wondering what made this one so different from all the other Eurotrash that I've heard (even though this is still pretty eurotrashy) and I realized that this is basically the unironic version of the Planet of the Bass song that took over twitter for like a week. The best tracks like build a fire and no more tears have boring whatever male vocals and a standard dance sound until some female comes in (Biljiana Electronica) and makes it really catchy and fun by belting out some vague thing about unity. "they're gonna build a fire" might as well be "all of the dream, how does it mean?" and it completely justified this album being good for me.
3
Sep 09 2023
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Besides maybe when I got dummy, I don’t think I’ve ever been as drawn in by a vocalist as I have by this guy on this list. He struck the perfect balance between yelling and emotion and range and it’s great. The first half of this album is excellent, especially Enola/alone, and I enjoyed the second half too. Overall, non British UK music delivers another a banger of an album that I hadn’t ever heard of before.
5
Sep 10 2023
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
I’m not a huge fan of double albums and I still wasn’t a huge fan of it here but overall I liked the sound and vibe of this album. It felt similar to the black keys but with worse vocals and went on 45 minutes too long. I was also a lil drunk when I listened to it which may have biased me but the couple of songs I relistened to I still mostly enjoyed. It gets a very qualified 4.
4
Sep 11 2023
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Hms Fable
Shack
To be fair today and yesterday were probably the least engaged I've been with this list in quite a while. I vaguely liked both this album and the previous one (moreso the last one) but I can't really pinpoint anything I liked besides the overall sound and maybe one or two songs between the two. I liked comedy and I liked some of the genre changes of this album but in general it just sounded like a bland 90s britpop album.
3
Sep 12 2023
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Palo Congo
Sabu
I’m usually very lenient on old non English music but this was the worst one I’ve gotten in recent memory. It’s a lot of annoying call and response with not a lot of interesting instrument work. At this point I think I’m more engaged with the albums again but I’m just in another rough patch.
Since this album was so lame, I decided to relisten to southern rock opera and the generally positive 4 turned into a confident 4 because I really enjoy the overall themes of the album on top of the garage blues sound. Southern history and politics were some of my favorite topics in college and I really liked hearing a non-academic, non-literary perspective of the South and segregationism. I especially liked the three great Alabama icons spoken word thing (which is crazy for me) and the song about George Wallace that followed. I have no idea if everything was true but I found Wallace's portrayal as a blindly ambitious demagogue as opposed to hateful segregationist (which he still embraced) to be a really interesting perspective.
2
Sep 13 2023
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Sex Packets
Digital Underground
I went in expecting a 3, halfway through was entertained enough to make it a four, and by the end I'm somehow considering giving it a five. The concept of the album was funny and entertaining with the peak being packet man near the end but it was backed up by fucking great beats and production that makes it relistenable. The "main theme" beat on the sex packet song and reprise is super sexy and catchy r&b while other songs like the way we swing and doowutchyalike are just straightforwardly good hip hop tracks. I'm also really glad that there's more outwardly comedic albums on this list (still hoping for weird al).
Looking into the wiki more and this launched Tupac's career??? I guess I see where he got the inspiration for Temptations lol.
5
Sep 14 2023
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
The first minute of this album had me really on board for the one hour runtime but I don't think it could quite keep up that momentum. I felt similar to this as I did to selected ambient works in that you only really need to listen to it for as long as you want to instead of trying to force yourself through a full hour. However, selected ambient works far, far outclasses this album in pretty much every way. That album has tracks that I'd listen to on loop regardless of mood while this album is strictly for studying or relaxing and most tracks blend together with the exception of the very start and Deus ex machina.
3
Sep 15 2023
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The Clash
The Clash
I think the clash are a band that I really want to like but can't quite get there. Between this and london calling I've heard what are widely considered their best albums and they still haven't clicked for me. I appreciate everything from the lyrics to the production (less so the vocals) but I just can't engage with it the way I want to. It might just be punk fatigue from this list but they don't stand head and shoulders above the rest for me. I liked police and thieves but otherwise it thought it was pretty similar to London calling just thankfully shorter.
3
Sep 16 2023
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
When I saw that this album was a early 2000s indie album I went in expecting at least a decent album and it exceeded my expectations. This album started off really strong and mostly kept up the momentum throughout the whole thing. I liked the first song and I was really surprised by the cover of A Minha Menina like I never expected to hear that anywhere beside that os mutantes album. It was also weird and fun to hear a waltz come out of nowhere near the end. I loved the overall vibes but some of the songs near the end kinda let me down so I'm not quite sure if this gets a 5. I listened to this the whole day and I still not idea if I should give it a 4 or a 5 but I’m giving it a really solid 4 only because I didn’t get that excited feeling that I get when I’m listening to most of the other albums I’ve given a 5 to.
4
Sep 17 2023
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
I'm just going to cut straight to my thoughts on the two main talking points of this album: The screechy Freddie Mercury vocals were terrible at first but they really grew on me by the time I got to I Believe... and yeah its a decade and a half too late for this album but hey it's still better than a lot of hair metal. It's hard not to respect them for confidently slamming all of their shallow 80s rock cards on the table--even down to the naked woman on the album art--in the midst of the golden age of nu-metal, especially when the result is as fun as they managed to make it. I can just imagine how much fun karaoke I Believe in a Thing Called Love would be at like 1 in the morning at some shitty local bar. Also, the production sounds like guns n roses in quite a few tracks which I was totally fine with since I grew up on their music.
4
Sep 18 2023
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Gold
Ryan Adams
This album wasn't bad by any means and I can still appreciate it to an extent but I was honestly really bored for most of the longggg 70 minute runtime. The vocal work was good and the writing was fine but compared to Heartbreaker it just wasn't interesting to me at all. I'm assuming that this was so popular because it was a mostly slow and sad album with a couple upbeat songs that came out like two weeks after 9/11 and everyone latched onto it. Who wouldn't connect with new york, new york, or when the stars go blue in the rally around the flag patriotism post-9/11; even the album cover gives post-9/11 vibes. Unfortunately, it's been 22 years and I wasn't even born yet so the tracks probably don't hit quite the same. Tina Toledo's... was the only track I even sort of engaged with.
3
Sep 19 2023
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Lost Souls
Doves
I liked this album enough to go back and relisten to the last broadcast, which was one of my earliest albums on this list, and between these two albums doves should've been the main British rock export of the 2000s instead of Coldplay (and I like Coldplay). Lost souls has such a good ethereal yet overbearing atmosphere running throughout the entire thing and it's everything you could want from an early 00s indie rock album. I couldn't pick out as many individual tracks that I really liked except for the man who told everything but there was never a point in the album where I wasn't enjoying myself.
4
Sep 20 2023
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Junkyard
The Birthday Party
I always underestimate the extent to which shit albums like this can really ruin my mood for the night that I listen to them. Not that I was in a crazy good mood before starting this but my god by halfway through I realized I was physically uncomfortable and felt angry and irritated even though I was just casually playing stardew valley. It's a god awful post-punk album but I have to commend it for how quickly it elicited a visceral reaction from me; at least it got a reaction I guess. Also, reading though the other reviews I found out that this was Nick Cave's first band, which as soon as I found that out I instantly heard it in the vocals unfortunately. He's so much better than this.
1
Sep 21 2023
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
I remember being positive about the last PJ Harvey album I got and I feel like I'm gonna have a similar opinion on this one because they sound pretty similar in my head. I'm still a fan of this type of music but this one did start to wear on me by the end, so maybe my single listening session limit is sub-40 minutes. Either way I enjoyed how raw and angry this felt and rub til it bleeds was my favorite; the highway 61 revisited cover was cool too.
So I looked though my history and I totally forgot that I've already gotten two of her albums so far. Dry I vaguely remember being more alternative but I don't remember anything about the other one.
3
Sep 22 2023
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
This was one of those in one ear out the other type albums except for all the satirically racist stuff that hasn't aged well. I'm sure randy newman knew what he was doing and was just trying to shit on "good old boys" in the South but that still doesn't fix him using the hard R quite a bit. I think it mainly starts to fall into the pitfall of becoming a bit like the thing you're satirizing. I liked his other album a lot more.
3
Sep 23 2023
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Among The Living
Anthrax
Metallica albums and rust in peace are the high water marks for me in this genre and this one fell far far short of the mark. It had some of the most annoying vocals of any of these thrash albums—which is saying something—and there weren’t any songs where the guitar work/production stood out to me
2
Sep 24 2023
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Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
Seeking out and listening to this album gave me another philosophical moment on this list. It wasn't on spotify, plus there's an entirely different version that I had to avoid in order to find the original on youtube. Moreover, I think it's the longest album I've gotten on this list so far (until I get 69 love songs). All of these factors made me question what the point of even finishing the album was. I wasn't enjoying it as a fully engaged listener, I can't add any songs--even if I did like one--to my playlist so I can revisit it, and it's too long and inaccessible to have the same quality as aphex twin where I can just use it as ambiance for a little bit; so what would I even get out of finishing the whole 2.5 hour runtime in the long run? This might just be rationalizing because I didn't like this album specifically because there are a couple good beats and ethereal sounds and the wiki explains a little cultural significance, but it did make me start to wonder about where the line is for an album to be totally worthless to me. However, this album got me to think these things which demonstrates that it has some unintentional worth I suppose. If I go any farther I'll start talking in circles so I'm just going to give it the 1 star and move on.
1
Sep 25 2023
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
I was expecting a really boring rock album but I was pleasantly surprised by some really unique and interesting production that used classical instruments and some electronic sounds. I especially enjoyed why can’t I be free.
4
Sep 26 2023
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Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
I don't really have strong feelings toward this album and wasn't super engaged the whole time but I thought that it was pretty unique and interesting in terms of vocals and its electronic alt-rock sound. Not something I'd listen to regularly aside from the first and last track but it has a cool title and was perfectly alright for an hour of listening.
4
Sep 27 2023
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
This was another really unique album, albeit not quite as fun to listen to for a full hour. It's like a mix of frank sinatra and neil diamond singing in some western musical or something. I liked the orchestral production and scott has a killer voice but the lyrics are a little cringe/dated at certain points. I generally liked it but was kinda bored of the novelty by the second half. However, I suppose I'd check out Scotts 1, 3, 4, 5, etc.
3
Sep 28 2023
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Movies
Holger Czukay
I was very worried about this album when I read the wiki description but I ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I'd put in the same category as oxygene (but not quite that good) of late 70s proto electronica/ambient music. I think it comes down to the fact that this avant grade experimental album actually turned out to be good.
4
Sep 29 2023
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Central Reservation
Beth Orton
This felt like the 90s version of Joan Baez but even though I didn't really enjoy Joan Baez that much, I thought that this was pretty good. It was a nice mix of singer-songwriter and 90s indie that I think blended together better than I thought it would. The last track was good but overall I don't really have a song that stands out above the rest.
4
Sep 30 2023
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Fragile
Yes
I was expecting a really boring rock album but I was pleasantly surprised by some really unique and interesting production that used classical instruments and some electronic sounds. I especially enjoyed why can’t I be free.
4
Oct 01 2023
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
This was yet another fine enough jazz album but I'm really starting to get fatigue from jazz just like I got fatigue from punk. It also doesn't help that I had a really shitty day today and ended it with this lame album.
2
Oct 02 2023
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Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
I’ve gotten into old school hip hop quite a bit—especially grandmaster flash—but this really didn’t click for me. The production was super simplistic to the point being bad and none of the lyrics really grabbed me.
2
Oct 03 2023
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
I really liked the production of this album but honestly the breathy vocals kept me from enjoying this album for the most part. It had a nice late 2000s, early 2010s indie vibe but deerhunter did it much better (even though I don't really think that album deserves a 5 anymore)
3
Oct 04 2023
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
First off, this cover looks almost exactly like Since I Left You by the Avalanches in my brain. The actual music I was mostly surprised I didn't hate because I got real offput by the vocals at the start. Fortunately, it grew on me and I liked the variety of genres they went through from song to song. It wasn't anything amazing but I wasn't itching to turn it off by the end. Only other note is that I swear I've heard plateau before but maybe it's because it sorta sounds like nirvana.
3
Oct 05 2023
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Dookie
Green Day
I was excited to listen to this album all the way through since I'd only heard the two really popular songs off of it (which are definitely the top two songs) and it was mostly a good listen. The ending skit was a wet fart of an ending and some of the songs in the second half dragged a bit but the energy of the first half in tracks like longview and burnout more than makes up for it.
4
Oct 06 2023
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
While it doesn't quite compare to Highway 61, I still enjoyed this as a precursor to the best Bob Dylan album that has some great folk-rock songs in the first half like SHB and Maggie's Farm before returning to long, acoustic, mildly boring, but well-written folk songs for the last 20 minutes. While this is a good album on its own, it's hard not to compare it to its successor because that album is pretty much a fine-tuned and perfected version of this album. It's amazing that Bob got pushback for going in a new direction that ended up being so influential and--in my opinion--vastly superior to his older stuff.
4
Oct 07 2023
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#1 Record
Big Star
I didn't go into this album with any expectations, which thankfully meant that I was pleasantly surprised by yet another 70s rock album and wasn't holding it in total contempt. This sounds like every single pop rock band of the 70s from steely dan to tom petty to the eagles but still delivers enough fun songs to be worth the listen despite falling off somewhat in the second half. I really liked feel, in the street, and thirteen. I'm assuming that this is the unknown progenitor of the entire pop/power rock movement in the 70s and 80s which would make a lot of sense just based on the music. Another surprise was hearing the origin of the That 70s Show theme song, and they were smart to cover a song from the most 70s-sounding album ever.
4
Oct 08 2023
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
I listened to this high so I might’ve enjoyed it more than if I had been sober but I still got a little tired of it by the end. I’m sure this is an important album for punk just judging from the sheer number of t shirts and pop culture references originating from this album but that doesn’t fix the mostly annoying vocals that are on par for this type of punk album. The viva Las Vegas cover was odd but I suppose it somewhat fit with the rest of the album. Overall, this sounded like the most stereotypical punk album ever but is probably what a lot of people think of when they think of punk alongside the Sex Pistols so I suppose they get a pass unlike all the other endless punk albums on this list.
3
Oct 09 2023
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Faust IV
Faust
I know I was talking about warming up to Kraftwerk somewhat recently but this album has completely soured me on krautrock for a while. The sparse vocals sounded like they were recorded with the mic outside the recording booth and the rest of it was just really boring. It's not good enough to be ambient music and it's not interesting enough to listen to fully engaged. It doesn't deserve a one but it does deserve to be immediately forgotten about by me within an hour.
2
Oct 10 2023
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Ray Charles does country at the height of his popularity and it’s about as good as you’d expect. I don’t have much to say about this album except that it didn’t sound as country as I was expecting and was still mostly soul and blues to me. Regardless, I listened to both volumes and everything started to blend together after a while but teardrops in my heart and the first few songs were standouts for me.
4
Oct 11 2023
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Savane
Ali Farka Touré
My only standard of comparison for this album is songhoy blues and it pretty much holds up under that standard, which is saying something. It's a lot slower and stripped down than what I've heard from songhoy blues which is neither good or bad, just a different style. I didn't enjoy this quite as much as music in exile but it was still pretty good overall. Desert blues continues to be a good genre for me that I only know about because of this list. I especially liked yer bounda fara.
4
Oct 12 2023
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Although the last album was desert blues, I still felt a bit fatigued by African music once I got done with this album. But that could also be because I thought that this one was overlong and a bit boring. There were a couple of tracks that had some cool instrumentation and if it were a half hour shorter it’d probably get a 3 but unfortunately I was getting that irritated feeling I get from 2 star albums by the end.
2
Oct 13 2023
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Apparently the theme for this week is me getting gradually lower quality albums of African origin each day. If I end up getting the African version of Kollaps on Friday I'll be convinced that the guy running this site rigs more than just Christmas albums and albums on days when English royalty dies. This doesn't deserve a 1 because it was good a capella I guess but I didn't enjoy listening to it really at all. I didn't feel like the tracks held up with only a capella and even at 36 minutes it still felt really long; plus I had to listen to this one youtube which is another ding against it.
2
Oct 14 2023
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
This album had a little bit of almost every genre that I love but the whole didn't quite live up to the sum of its parts. It had the sound of a slower, bluesy black keys album and the sultry, haunting vocals of Beth Gibbons from Portishead, and while I really really enjoyed this album, there was something about it that kept me from unconditionally loving it like I do Dummy or Brothers. It might just be that there weren't many energetic songs to keep things fresh but I also liked each of the slower songs. Either way, if I was going through a breakup or setting a sexy mood in a rural Southern town, this album can cover both. Between these guys and The Band, Canada really did produce some great country/blues/folk artists.
4
Oct 15 2023
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Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
I'm sure I'm not the first to make this joke here, but I was really not satisfied while listening to this album. The wiki said it was a more energetic massive attack, which sounds shitty since massive attack is supposed to be slower and trippier, but production-wise it was even more stripped down than the massive attack stuff I've heard. For some reason, I didn't hate this album despite being very annoyed by quite a few of the songs, the rough and the quick being the worst culprit. The only thing that saved the album were a couple decent beats and ambient electronic sounds but even those I'll probably forget by this time tomorrow.
2
Oct 16 2023
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
Dinosaur Jr. sounded vaguely familiar but I was still surprised to see that I had already gotten one of their albums because I hardly remember a single thing about it. In my review I said it was another case of shit vocals and decent sound, which can also be said of this album but I definitely don't have as hard of feelings toward this one as I did toward bug. I'm not sure if my tastes have just evolved to like the style or if this one was just straight up better but I mildly enjoyed it overall. Really good guitar work and felt like proto-screaming trees alternative type thing.
3
Oct 17 2023
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Orbital 2
Orbital
This was pretty much a less good aphex twin. It had a couple of tracks like halcyon and maybe the lush tracks I’d throw on an ambient playlist but the intro and outros were so insanely stupid and bad I would never really listen to it from start to finish again.
In other news, I relistened to power in numbers by Jurassic 5 and while what’s golden is still a banger I’m not sure I’d still give it a 5. I think I’ve listened to enough old school hip hop that’s been better so it didn’t quite hold up on relisten. It’s still a strong 4 overall though
3
Oct 18 2023
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
This album title is fitting because I am beginning to love and hate having to listen to more Leonard cohen albums. As I've said in previous cohen reviews, I prefer his newer, gravellier, sadder music and I'm sticking to that for this album because this once again just sounds like if early Bob Dylan used more than one guitar and had a less nasally voice. It's not bad by any means but it sounds just like the other three and it doesn't do much for me. I did like diamonds in the mine though.
3
Oct 19 2023
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California
American Music Club
A boring album that I had to sit through on YouTube. Very slow and everything sounded the same. Nothing else to really say.
2
Oct 20 2023
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Born To Be With You
Dion
This was much different from everything else I've ever heard from Dion (The Wanderer and that's basically it). It was interesting to hear his voice used more for Elton john style ballads as opposed to 60s doowop music. I liked pretty much all of the songs and even listened to the extra tracks on Spotify but nothing stood out too much to list here really.
4
Oct 21 2023
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Since I only really know oasis through what's the story morning glory, I really appreciated getting another album of theirs. This is definitely safer and more straightforward than morning glory since it's pretty much rock all the way through without any champagne supernova type songs. Fortunately, it never got boring for me and each song was super fun even if there wasn't a ton of variety. Liam's voice sounds like he's at a live show and is belting everything out despite being in a recording booth and the overall vibes are reminiscent of the beatles (except for the goofy writing). I especially liked supersonic and married with children and every song would go crazy at a party. Also, I always find it fascinating that this is what became huge after Nirvana broke up because it both makes sense to me since it's like second wave Beatles-ish britpop but is so different from grunge that it's a little surprising.
4
Oct 22 2023
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I Against I
Bad Brains
For about the first half of this album it was the exact type of hardcore punk that I hate before it became okay 80s pop rock for a couple songs, then went back to being shit for the last couple songs and I got that irritated feeling of just wanting it to end. I can't say I hated it enough to give it a 1 but it's really fucking close.
2
Oct 23 2023
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
I was hoping that this would be another 80s new wave, prefab sprout type thing that I'd really like but it was unfortunately pretty forgettable 80s pop rock stuff. I liked streets of your town and everything else was listenable but I've honestly forgotten most of it and it's barely even been an hour.
3
Oct 24 2023
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Killing Joke
Killing Joke
It might just be because I listened to this at work while drinking a bang energy, but I really really liked this album. At first, I thought it was going to be a 2 at most but each song grew on me more and more until I was listening to all the bonus tracks and restarting the album from the beginning. I think this album shows that I would really like all the other punk/post punk albums I've gotten if the production had anything interesting going on at all aside from shitty guitars because this had the usual shitty vocals but each track had interesting stuff going on production-wise. Requiem almost has a rave electronica type beat, complications has fun bass guitar work, tomorrow's world has a cool keyboard chord, and the rest is what you imagine is playing when you walk into a seedy biker bar where there's a perpetual fight happening over a disgusting pool table.
5
Oct 25 2023
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Once again Neil Young not being on Spotify loses him what might've been a very weak four from me and instead gets an indifferent 3. This album wasn't as good as the last one of Neil's I got and definitely felt more hippyish with tracks like mother earth that just kinda made me roll my eyes.
3
Oct 26 2023
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
I could've sworn I had already gotten this album because the cover looked really familiar so I went through my history and found that I've had not one but two of Echo's albums before. I vaguely remember like one song total from those two combined and won't remember anything about this one either aside from the killing moon, which basically saves this album. It's very similar to the a-ha and soft cell albums in that this had basically nothing going for it aside from the one song that's really good and was super popular. Boring post-punk/new wave trash then like 4 minutes of good shit then trash again. Unlike Take on me, though, killing moon isn't good enough for the entire album to get a 3.
2
Oct 27 2023
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
I don’t have much to say about this album except that it was a nice 40 minutes of smooth, peaceful jazz. Take five was the only real standout since I’ve heard that in different places but never really knew its origin. Plus it’s the most fun of all the tracks.
4
Oct 28 2023
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
By sheer coincidence, I went down the sex pistols wikipedia rabbit hole shortly after I saw I got this album and was shocked to find out that this was johnny rottens next thing after the sex pistols. Once I listened to the album I could immediately tell it was him even if I hadn't come in with that background knowledge but it added context to why this was even on the list. I didn't like it very much but it's one of the most literal post-punk albums I've gotten since it's the face of punk making an album after he leaves his punk band. It's also very post-punk just by being punk but slowed down and heavier since the lyrical content is just as edgy as ever. I didn't hate this but it wasn't super fun to listen to. Killing joke helped me appreciate this genre a little more but still pretty grating.
2
Oct 29 2023
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
I didn't love this album but there were quite a few interesting qualities about it that I liked. The warbly lead vocals sounded a lot like deerhunter or something and the whole album had sound that at times was either super 70s and even psychedelic or it was proto-synth, mainly on virginia plain which was also the highlight of the whole thing.
3
Oct 30 2023
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
This was another album that really reaffirms why I've spent over 700 days listening to albums from this list because this album was totally unique and came out of nowhere. Like, where else would I have started to listen to Icelandic indie electronica or whatever. This album sounded beautiful and I could just imagine how cool a concert with a light show or something would be for this. I have no idea what the lyrics are but it sounds peaceful/maybe sad and was super relaxing for me especially paired with super intricate production. I was gonna give this album a 4 but then I realized that I've given 5's to worse, more forgettable records than this and I've never heard something like this so it's more than deserving of a 5 even if I won't listen to this as regularly as an album like Illmatic.
5
Oct 31 2023
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Gotta love early rock and roll. I don't have much else to say other than it was a fun half hour and tutti fruitti is still a fun song. This is one where I'd have more to say if I listened chronologically because then I could see the development of rock from here to Beatlemania etc.
4
Nov 01 2023
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
This was a very pleasant 80s indie rock type thing. I really enjoyed the first couple songs and then the rest blurred into each other but I was still vibing with it by the end. It reminded me a little bit of steve miller band and the smiths but mixed with like 2010s indie rock while still being made to sound like it's from the late 80s. Very unique and very fun.
4
Nov 02 2023
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Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Girls Against Boys
I honestly thought that this was gonna be another female led 90s indie rock thing but it was actually just an average male 90s indie rock album. It felt like a less memorable queens of the stone age thing where I had no strong feelings while listening to the album and will probably immediately forget about it as soon as it ends. It was by no means bad or grating, it was just whatever.
3
Nov 03 2023
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
This album flies by but also packs a hard punch in just over 20 minutes. Jerry's belting it out and singing all the hits that are still played at karaoke and piano bars despite a lot of people probably not knowing the origins of bangers like money and great balls of fire. It's impossible to not start to at least tap your foot listening to this. It's so fun it'll make you forget how awful jerry lee lewis actually is and also that this was all probably stolen from black people.
5
Nov 04 2023
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Scum
Napalm Death
I only really know this album from the global stats page of the generator, namely it being on the worst reviewed albums and the legendary review about a guy fucking a fat goth chick in Dresden to this song. I can't really articulate the vibes of this album any better than that guy did but I will say that I didn't think it was unlistenable trash. Obviously I wouldn't listen to it more than the 33 minutes (with 28 songs lol) I had to but I was fine with the hardcore punk/thrash metal guitars and the unintelligible vocals weren't as grating as I've found them to be on shit Sepultura albums and the like. I also liked that they really hammered home the anti-capitalist messaging using comedically gothic song titles and cover art since you can't understand the lyrics
2
Nov 05 2023
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Heroes
David Bowie
I was glad to get this album as more of a historical listen than something I fully enjoyed from start to finish. This and the Berlin trilogy more broadly are more interesting to me as cultural touchstones of both the revolutions beginning to happen in the ussr at the time and the entrance of electronica into the mainstream than as music to listen to without context. That’s not to say there aren’t bangers, mostly heroes, that make it a fun listen but a lot of the songs aren’t super memorable other than the fact that they helped electronica music become the major genre it is today. I definitely liked Low more than this but I’ll probably still give it the same rating because it doesn’t deserve a 3 if only because heroes is one of the most inspirational songs ever.
4
Nov 06 2023
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
I wasn't encouraged at the start with ace of spades sounding mostly identical to the album version, but my fears were quickly laid to rest as the next 40 minutes were everything a live rock album should be. Kinetic, fun, and loud. Getting hammered and going to this concert in 1981 had to be a life-changing experience as in you either had tons of fun innocently jamming out or got the shit kicked out of you during one of the epic guitar solos. Motorhead was probably my favorite since it was the original closer of the album and they went all out. Plus, the album was good enough to make me want to listen to the expanded edition songs which is always a good sign.
4
Nov 07 2023
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
So I finally get one of the seminal dad rock albums of all time. It's definitely not the worst bruce springsteen album I've gotten on this list but it still didn't do much for me aside from a couple of nice songs, obviously including the title track as well as backstreets and jungleland. The rest is by no means bad but it kind of blurred together for me since I'm not a huge boss fan in general. It's also odd that the guitar is so prominent on the cover because most of what I remember from each song are pianos and saxophones more than any guitar. I'll give it a 4 but its the weakest 4 I can remember giving an album.
4
Nov 08 2023
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The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
Even though this was waaaaay too long, I was still pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I know about Genesis through cultural osmosis but never really listened to much of their music despite hearing a lot of peter gabriel growing up. I knew it was prog rock but I wasn't expecting it to be as bombastic and eclectic as it was. Every track felt like a showstopper with entire orchestras (or whatever other random instruments) going all out at almost every moment which unfortunately still got a little stale at points throughout a 90 minute run time. It reminded me a lot of moving pictures by Rush but was much better than that album IMO. The gold standards of long albums remain the nitty gritty dirt band and aphex twin so far and am still dreading 69 love songs
3
Nov 09 2023
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
This is still the era of Bob Dylan that I like but goddamn it really felt like it dragged on. None of it was bad, I just got sick of it like halfway through the 70 minute runtime. Highway 61 was just under an hour and that felt like it flew by but something about this one made it feel 2 hours long. I don't know if it's just this album or it's because I'm getting sick of Bob Dylan albums on this list like I was with the Who. Stuck inside of mobile was my favorite and everything else I already barely remember.
3
Nov 10 2023
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A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
It's ultra 80s, it's ultra new wave but it also sounds very unique within that genre for some reason. A lot of new wave albums on this list use a variety of orchestral instruments and electronic sounds but I guess I hadn't ever heard them put together in this way. There are a couple dull spots like the last track and rags to riches but there are also quite a few bright spots like tinseltown in the rain. To be honest, I wasn't super engaged by this album overall but the production was so interesting I enjoyed it for that alone.
4
Nov 11 2023
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
I felt like this album should have worked better than it did for me because it was fun jazz mixed with a little rock but it felt like something was missing. It picked up a little bit with god bless the child but everything else was just mediocre to me. Maybe if it was made like a half decade later and there was more of an Issac Hayes influence I'd have liked it more idk. Side note: it was weird to hear the sunshine of your love chord come out of nowhere at the end of an 11-minute song.
3
Nov 12 2023
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Play
Moby
I love getting albums that were apparently super popular that I've never even heard one song from once because they're usually pretty good and mostly interesting. I'm still a little high so I'm not sure how biased I was but this music was great for the mindset I was in at the time and also felt like really solid electronica that was a different take on the repetitive daft punk/fatboy slim type stuff that was contemporary at the time. I liked inside, south side, and honey the most but the whole album was solid throughout with few to no duds.
Edit: It was still a good album the next day and it was especially nice walking through the park as the sun set.
4
Nov 13 2023
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I’ve always loved Clint Eastwood and liked 19-2000 but never fully listened to this album so I was excited to get it. It’s not music I would really listen to a lot on my own but would still enjoy if I happened to hear a song here or there, if that makes sense. 5/4 and tomorrow comes today were pretty good but overall I didn’t come out of this with new tracks I enjoyed in the same way I enjoy Clint Eastwood.
4
Nov 14 2023
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Ten
Pearl Jam
I liked this album. Even flow, alive, and garden are all great songs and the rest of it is really well made, even including the weird ending of release. But for some reason I just don't vibe with it as much as I do. I enjoy early 90s alt/grunge type stuff and eddies voice doesn't bother me like it irritates some other people but for some reason Pearl Jam jsut isn't a slam dunk home run artist for me. This should be a 5 for me but I jsut can't get past a 4.
4
Nov 15 2023
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Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
I think this might finally be the album that broke my enjoyment of African albums on this list. It started out great with music in exile but since then no other album has lived up to/surpassed it and I finally felt totally fatigued by the genre with this one. It isn't objectively bad but it was just miserable for me to sit through another 70 minutes of similar sounding music even if the production was alright.
2
Nov 16 2023
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Cut
The Slits
At first glance, I thought that this album was going for punk stereotypes bingo. Shitty cover? Check. Tits on the cover? Also check. Half hour run time? Yep. Each song is like a max of 2 minutes? You bet. So I was pretty much right about it being a stereotypical punk album from the start and it got even worse with a shitty white reggae sound mixed with lame punk production but the two small bright spots were the lead singer, who sounded familiar but I couldn't tell from where (maybe it just sounded really generic) and the heard it from the grapevine cover which was really good. This seems to be a really influential album on some bands I like but I really don't think it's aged well.
2
Nov 17 2023
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Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
I was hoping for NFR since that's the Lana Del Ray that I know and really like but I suppose this is a pretty important album in her discography at this point. Aside from wild at heart, not all who wander are lost, and especially dark but just a game, I was mildly bored by this album. Even those tracks, though are all somewhat similar. It was well produced and lana has a great voice but I just don't vibe with a lot of it, even the title track was pretty mid. Dark but just a game was really good but it was still no NFR or Doing Time. It's weird because this is pretty similar to the lana stuff I like but it just isn't doing it for me in the same way.
3
Nov 18 2023
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Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
I'm surprised that this is considered one of the first examples of punk rock becasue it sounded more like the metrosexual rock sounds of the early 70s with kiss and especially new york dolls. I guess I can kinda hear some punks progenitors in the drums but I feel like I've heard 60s albums that are more punk than this. A cover/original? of the song from groundhog day also doesn't really scream punk lol.
Side note: I gave both this and the lana album a 3 despite them being totally different and it got me thinking about when I finish this list and look back through all my scores and have an aneurysm from various equivalent scores. like the lana 3 and this 3 and the meat puppets 3 are so different I'm not gonna know what to make of it by the end.
3
Nov 19 2023
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
I’ve really never understood the hype of Janis Joplin. Even though this is better than her more aggressive stuff and isn’t terrible on its own, I just don’t see the staying power she’s had. Her voice definitely packs emotion and the songs are well put together tracks that borrow from quite a few genres but it isn’t *that* good.
3
Nov 20 2023
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Shleep
Robert Wyatt
I've never heard an album devolve from a totally average opening track to a completely shit avant garde music so quickly. The second song was so bad that I was about to give this a 1 but the rest wasn't quite bad enough to go below a 2. Just weird, boring rock; I can't even be bothered to describe the sounds.
2
Nov 21 2023
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Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
I knew I wasn't done with Elvis Costello but it doesn't make it any better when I get another one of his albums. I get why david bowie and the beatles get like 8 albums, even the who makes sense, but why this guy? It's not bad; and he's definitely evolved his music from the first album to this one unlike the who which is basically all the same but I don't get the cultural impact like I do with the others. I'm glad it's "Elvis Costello does the 90s" rather than "Elvis Costello clings to the 70s and 80s in the 90s" but it wasn't anything special and definitely didn't beat the fatigue.
3
Nov 22 2023
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Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
It's funny that this band is known for their weird, grating, experimental album that most people ironically talk about instead of this totally normal and functional blues rock debut. Autumn child was good and while it might not be as interesting as trout mask replica it's sure as hell easier to listen to.
3
Nov 23 2023
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
I got really excited by this album for the first like 10 seconds but after that I was a bit let down. It was fine overall but there was nothing that's really making it stick in my mind. There's cool production stuff here and there but other than that I doubt I'll remember this in like 2 days. It sounded like my jam on the surface as a mashup of soul and club music but it just didn't fully work for me. I feel like I’ve been in a 2-3 star rut album enjoyment wise
3
Nov 24 2023
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
Each album I listen to while I'm high tend to get more favorable reviews since I tend to enjoy music more in general that way; but this one definitely deserves praise sober or not. It's one of my favorite types of blues rock and has a surprising amount of high profile features from santana to bonnie raitt to George Thorogood. It might not hit the same spot on relisten but it's definitely well produced and well written.
4
Nov 25 2023
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Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
I didn't like or dislike this album except for the fact that I had to spend another hour listening to a mostly boring genesis album. This one felt aggressively British in the same way that arthur by the kinks does but wasn't as good as that album. The cinema show had some interesting stuff going on but otherwise a flatline for me. However, broadway melody of 1974 from their other album came on right after and I definitely should've put it on my playlist back when I got that album.
3
Nov 26 2023
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
It's always a welcome surprise to revisit another radiohead album (I didn't expect this one to be on the list) especially one that I haven't listened to a whole bunch. I listen to 2+2=5 regularly, which is still my favorite after this listen, but there are only a few other bangers--backdrifts, there there, and sorta wolf at the door--that I really enjoy. The rest just feels like a kind of middle of the road between electronic Kid A and electronic rock In Rainbows. I'd put it slightly below the bends but way above pablo honey or king of limbs even though backdrifts kinda sounds like a king of limbs song.
4
Nov 27 2023
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War
U2
I was ready to be done with U2 after I got joshua tree but I had totally forgotten about this album. While I think the quality steadily declines after new years day, that song and sunday bloody sunday are both really good. The rest kinda just blurs together into the usual U2 sounds for me. Still better than their new stuff at least.
4
Nov 28 2023
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
This was my jam. Isaac hayes sound plus marvin gaye songwriting made this a great listen that still holds up sonically and in what it was trying to say. There wasn't a standout track for me at least on the first listen but I have a feeling I'm going to listen to this quite a few more times. On second listen though, the fact that there weren’t many hits made it less enjoyable because I wish there was one song I could come back to rather than the whole album. Makes me wonder how many albums I’ve given 5s just because there was one awesome song and the rest was just alright.
4
Nov 29 2023
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
This sounded basically exactly like oasis/every other male 90s britpop rock artist but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I liked a number of tracks--lazy days and killing me--and enjoyed the album overall despite it feeling pretty derivative. A lot of the lyrics also sounded really goofy even though I can't remember what they were exactly and the 10 minutes before the dumb poetry hidden track was pretty cool back in 1997 I'm sure. I sound like I'm roasting this album but I actually did like most of it I promise.
4
Nov 30 2023
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
I felt like I had seen this album cover somewhere before even though I was totally unfamiliar with the music until Cars came on and it made sense since that's the hit song everyone knows. Fortunately, this album broke the 80s (even though this is 70s it feels like 80s) new wave mold of having only one good song by delivering a really cool sound in each song. It's pure, glorious synths layering over each other constantly and it sounds great. Cars was my favorite but I also liked conversation and I think films but I'm not sure.
4
Dec 01 2023
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Aside from maybe maggot brain, this has to be the funkiest album I've gotten on this list. Pure 70s soul/funk stuff that I love and he's the greatest dancer is the greatest song on the record. It's so easy to listen to and so iconic sounding to me it's impossible to not at leat enjoy every song even when there are momentary lulls.
5
Dec 02 2023
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Truth
Jeff Beck
Every time I think I've heard the blandest, most unmemorable album on this list I'm always surprised by the depths of boring I have yet to listen to. This album is about as forgettable as 60s rock gets and I'm assuming it's only here because it's apparently how ronnie wood and rod stewart got their start.
2
Dec 03 2023
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I really wish I could be done with non-spotify albums now because not only is it annoying with ads and having to find the right playlist and everything, but I also won't be able to relisten to tracks I liked because I'll never remember it outside of today. With most of these types of albums they aren't my jam anyway and it's not a problem but I really liked the title track of this album. Fortunately the rest and especially the last two songs kinda suck but even still it just discourages me from revisiting it so much.
3
Dec 04 2023
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
I don't have much to say about this album that hasn't already been said so I'll just reaffirm that it's still an absolute banger that goes insanely hard from end to end. War Pigs is the rare song where all of its covers hit as hard as the original song, especially the Cake one; Paranoid and Iron Man are some of the most hype songs ever and Hand of Doom is also a standout among standouts. Even Planet Caravan is a nice change of pace after two super energetic songs. I've always wondered how they came up with the cover art.
5
Dec 05 2023
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
This was another very unique album that I found more interesting than enjoyable. The house beats and electronica sounds were fine but not mindblowing, but this album uses some of the oddest samples I've ever heard. The list of "deviant" bands on destroy rock and roll made sense thematically but the earlier one about some hippie that rode their bike to eureka california was just weird. It sort of worked with the song but it was just so goofy to me. I thought Otto's Journey was a nice bit of ambient music though.
3
Dec 06 2023
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Sister
Sonic Youth
I don't think this was as good as Teenage Nation but it's still Sonic Youth which means it's at least decent. Sounds like this was kind of a precursor to that album and is somewhat transitional between sounds. I liked hotwire my heart and schizophrenia while the rest kinda blended together but not in the same way that most albums like this normally do. It has enough of a melodic sound on stuff like schizo to keep the more hardcore no wave stuff from becoming grating. It's the second best album with a naked baby on the cover that I've heard.
Looking back at my old sonic youth reviews, i really was not that kind even though somewhere along the way I really started enjoying their music. Maybe I just listened to teenage riot too many times but their sound is anything but standard.
3
Dec 07 2023
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Nowhere
Ride
I'm glad I got this album when I did because I feel like a was able to appreciate it a lot more than if I had gotten it before my shoegaze epiphany with mbv. This was shoegaze mixed with British pop vocals which I wasn't sure about but it grew on me after a while. I especially liked seagulls, vapor trails, and taste. There was a stretch I probably missed because I was distracted trying to find parking at work but I still liked it overall.
I also recently saw a reddit post about the 4chan /mu/ list of music and how lists like this don't allow you to fully experience an album and associate it with events in your life (e.g. me with radiohead) and only serve to allow you to tick boxes on a list. It really made me think about all the times that I said an album was good but kind of blurred together and wonder how much I've missed out in fully understanding these albums. On the flip side, I thought about all the times I listened to an album I got from this list on a certain point and it really affected me (e.g. Moondance by van morrisson or selected ambient works). I think I have gotten quite a bit more than just exposure out of this list but I do think that I've probably missed out on quite a bit by listening to a new album every single day, which makes me want to go back through a selection of the albums and relisten once I'm fully done with the list; because the Reddit post was definitely right about one thing: there's nothing better than actually discovering a new album or genre and having an associated memory with it.
4
Dec 08 2023
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Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
So I tried to listen to this one more intently than I have the last few albums and I definitely feel like I got more out of it than I would have otherwise. Unfortunately, it was still a mostly unnotable 80s English rock album. They did some interesting stuff with the keyboard on dumb waiters and pretty in pink I'm pretty sure is the hit I've heard before. The rest was just fine but even though I listened closer I don't think I'll remember it any better.
3
Dec 09 2023
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
John Lennon may have been a pretentious piece of shit but he really did make good music. I've always really liked hold on (especially the cameo by the cookie monster) and the blue rock middle of this album plus the more power balladish isolation were all great. It loses me a bit at the end with his usual pretentiousness on tracks like god but overall it was pretty good.
4
Dec 10 2023
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
I was surprised to see this on the lowest-rated list at first because it was a band that played Woodstock and probably had a big cultural impact or something but in reality it makes total sense that everyone hates it because it's the embodiment of the worst stereotypes of psychedelic/hippie music. From shittily recorded shitty vocals singing shitty nonsense lyrics to grating instrumentals made from whatever the band had lying around in the shed they were recording in, I just couldn't make it to the end. There's about 2 minutes at the start of A Very Cellular Song that I liked (goodnight) but I couldn't take any more when i got to the water song and saw there was another 5+ minute song queued up. The only other positive??? is that it really does give off the vibe of being recorded in a dirty commune somewhere in southern California while everyone was on mindblowing amounts of LSD.
1
Dec 11 2023
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Live Through This
Hole
My getting this album today sparked a really intense (albeit dumb) debate with my best friend about pitchfork rating this album higher than nevermind and while I don’t think it’s quite that good-and even think it’s the lesser album compared to celebrity skin-I still really enjoyed this. Violet was a great starter and it was a rocking good time from start to finish.
4
Dec 12 2023
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This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
Between this and killing joke, I think I'm really starting to get fully into post-punk. This is less hardcore than killing joke but I think I might like it even more. The bass in each song is killer and the production blows the vocals out of the water throughout the entire runtime. There's also an interesting country/western vibe on a couple of the tracks which was fun. Barmy was probably my favorite but most every song was at least pretty good, spoilt victorian child and rollin dany were also standouts. Even though I think I like this more than killing joke I'm not sure if I'm going to give it a 5 because looking back killing joke was probably only a solid 4 and I got overexcited because I finally liked a post-punk album.
4
Dec 13 2023
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Smash
The Offspring
It’s really exciting for me to see this album on this list because it’s another one my dad had that, along with rise and fall rage and grace, are pretty nostalgic for me. I’ve listened to this front to back plenty of times but back then I only really listened to bad habit, self esteem, and maybe come out and play. Now, I really appreciate the thing as a whole from skits that aren’t annoyingly long, genocide and nitro, and the electric vibes from this album that never get exhausting at really any point. Might be biased but I still think this 5 is well deserved regardless.
5
Dec 14 2023
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
I was instantly interested by this album since it started off with a cool accordion but was progressively let down once the sitar got introduced. There are a handful of decent songs, especially brimful of asha, the second half really lost me with extended boring instrumental parts and the heavy Indian influence. It was honestly kinda confusing since it's apparently a British indie band but after a certain point doesn't really sound anything like what I think of as late 90s British indie. Definitely gets points for uniqueness. Norwegian Wood cover was also alright.
3
Dec 15 2023
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
This album was so much better than the last T. rex album it’s mind blowing. It’s the glam rock that they’re known for but I didn’t realize how good the whole thing was past get it on and life’s a gas. Mambo sun and planet queen were probs my favorites outside of those two but the whole thing was packed with super sick electric guitars.
5
Dec 16 2023
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
Another shitty punk album like this couldn’t have come at a worse time. Having to go from an actually fun 70s rock album to a shitty one really sucks because I was just desperate to go back to T. rex after every single one of these ass songs that all sounded the same. The fact that it sounded a bit closer to 80s post punk and used a couple of unique instruments are the only silver linings to this album.
2
Dec 17 2023
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
It was shocking to hear an instrument that wasn’t an acoustic guitar on a nick drake album and even more shocking that it retained and even elevated his usual style. This was a solid album that really felt like someone let nick have full control over an entire orchestra and he used it really well. Hazey Jane 2 and northern sky were my favs
4
Dec 18 2023
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
Slayer is still probably one of my least favorite thrash bands in terms of vocals (except maybe early megadeth) but this album far surpasses peace sells and is easily in league with master of puppets and rust in peace for me. I immediately added the title track to my hype playlist and honestly I could probably add every other song on the album as well.
4
Dec 19 2023
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
Once I got over the fact that there was a Verve album on here that didn't include Bitter Sweet Symphony, a song I hate but is like the only thing I know the Verve for, I thought it was just a discount Oasis album and nothing more. While it kind of still is that, I actually really enjoyed this album. I loved the bombastic production, especially on This Is Music, and the vocals basically sound like a Gallagher but whatever; more Oasis isn't bad. This is definitely one of the most surprising albums I've gotten recently.
4
Dec 20 2023
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Even though nothing really stuck out to me on this album, I really want to remember it because it had an overall great vibe. Perfect music for driving through the heartland, especially last of the true believers, and is just a real pleasant listen all the way through.
4
Dec 21 2023
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
I was in a really bad mood while I was listening to this today and it only made my mood worse when I realized that I would actually really be enjoying this if I was happy. It's a fun 45 minutes of early 2000s indie pop and the lead vocalist sounded a lot like the lead for the flaming lips. Even though I was upset, I really liked santa cruz and don't steal our sun.
4
Dec 22 2023
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The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
I always disliked the Pink Floyd music that Syd Barrett had a hand in making relative to the rest of the band's more Roger Waters heavy records but I actually didn't mind this one. It felt like a very anachronistic album in a lot of ways to me because it floated from 60s psychedelia that I know barrett for all the way to proto-80s rock but also included 70s sounds as well. I'm writing this a day after listening and I've already forgotten quite a few of the songs I remember liking but I still remember it being a positive experience overall.
3
Dec 23 2023
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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
Aside from Tical (which I probably didn't give a fair review at the time) this is probably the least favorite Wu-Tang album I've gotten, not because it's bad but because I think the rest are just so much better. Between 36 chambers, Fishscale, and liquid swords this album just can't compete even though the production is still good and all of the features are solid, especially the Nas one. There also felt like an excessive amount of skits which got annoying after a while. I liked criminology and guillotine the most.
3
Dec 24 2023
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Damaged
Black Flag
Oh yay another hardcore punk album. I was hoping I'd like this more since I've been enjoying post-punk recently but I was still pretty irritated with it by the end. I will say that I didn't mind the first track and didn't hate it as much as some of the other hardcore punk albums I've gotten but it's far from standing out as a diamond in the rough in the genre for me.
2
Dec 25 2023
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
I don't understand how there's more dexy's midnight runners on this list. I didn't even know they made more music than just come on eileen and now I'm expected to believe they made two entire other albums neither of which have that song on it? This was mildly boring and sounded pretty much like the non-come on eileen songs from the other albums. I tried to give it a fair shake to break the one-hit-wonder allegations but it's just not there
2
Dec 26 2023
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Stripped
Christina Aguilera
I was expecting another really poorly aged early 2000s pop album but this is closer to survivor by destiny’s child than some Mary j blige album in more ways than one. Not only because it’s aged well but also because it once again makes me feel like a bad bitch when I listen to some of these songs, mainly walk away and fighter. There are a couple songs in the second half that all sound the same, slow, and Amy winehouse esque and make it feel a bit overlong but overall it was a really solid listen. Christina has an excellent singing voice and I also really liked beautiful.
4
Dec 27 2023
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Django Django
Django Django
This might be one of the only 2010s indie rock albums I didn’t overwhelmingly enjoy. It wasn’t bad in any way but there were only sporadic moments on songs like default and life’s a beach that really engaged me in any way. Maybe it’ll get better on relisten but currently it’s just average modern art rock with vocals that occasionally made me think of The Beach Boys for some reason.
3
Dec 28 2023
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
I knew I was in for a bad time after the first 5 seconds of this album. It got better in the second half of that first song but the rest was just as terrible as my first impressions. I thought it was unique enough to carry me all the way through to the end but I had to tap out with about 5 songs to go.
1
Dec 29 2023
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Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Although as sick of rod stewart on this list as I am of the who, this is probably my favorite of all of his stuff I’ve gotten on this list. I’m still not a huge fan of his voice but there were some solid blues rock type tracks on here. Not super memorable on first listen but still good.
3
Dec 30 2023
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
Once again no one was doing it like Kate bush in the 80s and once again it isn’t clicking with me. I definitely appreciate her music more than I like it because it really is unique and fun but it’s not something I want to listen to more than once. I liked hounds of love a lot more but this was still alright.
3
Dec 31 2023
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Kala
M.I.A.
I had really high hopes for this album because I’ve always loved paper planes ever since I heard it on far cry 3 when I was 11 and I really was not expecting what I got. Its a very unique album compared to the one hit song and features aggressive production choices along with vocals ranging from fun to grating. Sometimes it hits and some times it doesn’t. Unlike aha or soft cell, the best song elevates an uneven album instead of saving a shitty album. Basically, mia walked so that remi wolf could run.
4
Jan 01 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
There’s not much to say about this album because it’s the ramones, the lasting name in American punk and the entire concept of garage rock. Each song radiates teenage energy in the 70s with blitzkrieg bop still being the top track. It was also interesting to hear let’s dance on here because I only know that from the animal house soundtrack and can’t tell which one is the cover.
4
Jan 02 2024
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
This was a perfect album to get after an exhausting new years. I was still high and laying bed and this easy listening was perfect for relaxing. Plus this is just the music I love to listen to when I’m toasted. I registered the next day and it mostly held up aside from the circus song and the song near the end with the kid singing.
5
Jan 03 2024
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
While I didn't love it in the same way that I loved the Suburbs, I still thought this album was excellent. It still had the same bombastic, almost operatic production but was a little rougher around the edges and never reached Sprawl II levels. My body is a cage came very very close though.
4
Jan 04 2024
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Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
I honestly wasn’t in a huge music listening mood today but I still gave it my best effort and it was ok. This was ultra 90s in the best and worst ways from confidently trashy lyrics to lame slow songs and extremely 90s production. Mesmerizing was the standout for me. I’m sure this was groundbreaking from a general sound and writing perspective back in the early 90s but for me it was pretty forgettable.
3
Jan 05 2024
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Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
I feel like I really like this album in theory. It has a unique sound that crosses a lot of genre lines with even some 2010s level production near the end and Pharrell is in his prime but for some reason I just couldn’t get into it. I honestly thought I was listening to the same song for the first like 20 minutes and I was just mildly bored for the rest of it. The second Lenny kravitz feature was probably my favorite but I doubt I’ll remember this album by tomorrow.
2
Jan 06 2024
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
I always love when artists try to expand/branch out from what they’re most popular for even if it means losing some of that popularity. This won’t be remembered the same way that elephant is but it’s just as worthy of recognition in its own way even if I personally liked white stripes music slightly more. Jack took some of his white stripes sounds and made it funky and bluesy which I think worked really well. I’m shakin was probably my favorite track and sixteen saltines was also a standout.
4
Jan 07 2024
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
I was excited to listen to this album once I got it and it definitely didn’t disappoint but honestly my expectations were so high I probably couldn’t help feeling slightly let down. It’s an incredible feat of guitar work and the pinnacle of psychedelic blues rock in the 60s but it still couldn’t keep me fully engaged for the entire hour. Obviously purple haze and foxey lady and the title track are all great plus the last handful of songs are super fun too and I liked it more than electric lady land but for some reason I can’t give it a 5.
4
Jan 08 2024
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Let It Be
The Replacements
At first I was gearing up to bitch slap this album in my review for being another boring 80s post punk album but it really beat the hostile expectations by mixing the best parts of 80s and even 90s pop rock. Even though I didn’t really love any of the songs except androgynous I heard some Billy Joel and some offspring type sounds at various points which is enough from giving it the same fate as the minutemen album.
3
Jan 09 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
Objectively, this album is a little cheesy and dated, but I can't help but be subjective about this one. Boulevard of broken dreams has been a nostalgia track since I was like 5, american idiot followed not long after, and then by middle school I was listening to Jesus of Suburbia and Wake me up when september ends all the time. The rest of the songs are all fine but virtually irrelevant to me because it could just be a 20 minute album of the first 3 (technically 4) songs and wake me up and still get 5 stars from me.
5
Jan 10 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Back to back nostalgia albums is nice. Although this is one is a bit more recent for me, it’s hard not to eventually get nostalgic for kids and electric feel when it’s played at every high school and college event. Even though this album is basically a shitpost about pop music it continues to blow most pop music out of the water. In addition to time to pretend and the youth, this also has stronger non-hit tracks that make it a better 5/5 album than American idiot
5
Jan 11 2024
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