Sep 27 2021
View Album
Young Americans
David Bowie
Man, there' s a lot of juicy sax on this album. And a trippy Beatles cover. And even a John Lennon collab. This is about as 70s Bowie as it gets.
4
Sep 28 2021
View Album
Suede
Suede
This one brought back memories of a club I used to go to in the late 90s - Pure Pop at Club 77. The DJs would play Suede all of the time but I never got into the band. I can hear now the glam and Bowie influences.
3
Sep 29 2021
View Album
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
I always thought ZZ Top were jokey redneck rockers so this was a nice surprise, a bit of earthy hard blues rock. Not my scene but I appreciated the effort.
3
Sep 30 2021
View Album
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Pretty kooky and eccentric, I can see the humorous side of it but not my cup of tea.
2
Oct 01 2021
View Album
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Was so excited to listen to this - I love Kate Bush. But never given a whole album the time of day. I liked a few of these well enough, especially the first track, but most of it I found a bit...meh. I think I prefer 1979 Kate Bush
3
Oct 04 2021
View Album
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
GREAT ALBUM CHOICE, I listened to this just recently. Elton and Bernie developing their more epic and experimental sound that would come to fruition on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Good times.
5
Oct 05 2021
View Album
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
WOW. I love this album. I'd put this in my Top 5 all time for sure. Stunningly beautiful melodies, soaring rich harmonies, insane instrumentation, and poetic lyrics. A classic.
5
Oct 06 2021
View Album
Grace
Jeff Buckley
Another good one. I haven't given this a full listen to since the late 90s I reckon. An amazing voice and some great songs. Last Goodbye and Hallelujah are both awesome.
4
Oct 07 2021
View Album
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Random generator...from son to father?
Very different from Jeff - jazzy, soulful, folky tunes that demand multiple lessons. A bit too slow and dreamy for me.
3
Oct 08 2021
View Album
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Great album - rock solid tunes, a great marriage of the mod sensibility to folk and Britpop. Love it.
4
Oct 11 2021
View Album
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
A few great moments on this, especially Blister... but I found a lot of it a bit samey for me. I should like this more...but not today.
3
Oct 12 2021
View Album
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Smooth as smooth can be. He does have a good voice, and I don't mind a bit of jazzy crooner big band when it's done right. And having some old-time music after a couple of weeks of 1980s-1990s heavy stuff was nice. Weird to think my grandad probably had this on the turntable back in '56.
4
Oct 13 2021
View Album
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
There's a bit of talent in this lineup. I've heard much of this but never listened to the album through. Our House is just such a lovely song. And a few of the others are very great. Like this one.
4
Oct 14 2021
View Album
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
First group in the list I've barely heard of. They sound like music from the future for 1984. Definitely interesting, creative, ethereal...but not my thing so much. I can see why people would love this though.
3
Oct 15 2021
View Album
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
YES! What an amazing record. For such a long double-player the overall quality of the tracks is amazing. Stevie's talent shines through on this. The musicality and lyricism is incredible.
5
Oct 18 2021
View Album
Music From Big Pink
The Band
Another cracker of an album. The Weight is in my top 10 songs of all time. There are some real flashes of brilliance on here and I could easily sit back and listen to this any time.
4
Oct 19 2021
View Album
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
This is a definite gap in my musical experience. Somehow it passed me by back in the 80s. I really enjoyed the samples, the lyrics, the beats - but overall not quite for me. I did like hearing a bit from Queen's 'Flash' in there somewhere. Wish I could give a three and a half, not quite a four for me.
3
Oct 20 2021
View Album
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
More Frank? Not so soon. I'm a little Franked out.
"In the wee small hours of the morning
While the whole wide world was having a snooze
Frankie crooned on in a smooth baritone
About ciggies, the moon, love and booze"
3
Oct 21 2021
View Album
Who's Next
The Who
I'd gladly listen to The Who
I'd gladly say this ain't half bad
To hear this, I'd say it makes me pretty glad
I'd pay...a bit? just to get Who's Next
I'd work part of my life and I will
To win you, I'd stand naked, stoned and stabbed (scratch that) - but
I'd call that a bargain
The best album the Who ever had?
The best they ever had
4
Oct 22 2021
View Album
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
What'll you do when you go crazy?
And your listeners are no longer by your side?
You've been racist and anti-vax much too long
You know it's just your foolish pride
Eric, you've got me on my knees
Eric, I'm begging, dude please
Eric, you're talented but you're out of your mind
4
Oct 25 2021
View Album
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
"Sing, sing PJ, with your other-worldly voice
Pack up your troubles and let's head out
To the fountain of joy and listen out
Swim back, forth, back, back, laugh out loud"
4
Oct 26 2021
View Album
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
I'm a blues album
I'm a full-grown blues album
ALBUM!
I'm a natural born blues album
ALBUM!
I inspired the Rolling Stones
Man, I'm a natural born blues album
I'm a blues album
I'm a hoochie coochie blues album (repeat ad infinitum)
3
Oct 27 2021
View Album
Goo
Sonic Youth
Time to take a ride, time to take in some alt guitar rock
And if you want tonal interest, get on to Goo
Punking out the day, dreaming out the crazy way
3
Oct 28 2021
View Album
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
No lyrics for me to alter in my review for this one.
Love a bit of Indian classical music - very peaceful, pensive, and emotional. And nice to have something that isn't a western rock band!
4
Oct 29 2021
View Album
Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
People of the world today
Are we looking for some gated drums
We are a part of the rhythm nation
People of the world unite
Brisk electro-beat, we can get it right
One time
We are a part of the rhythm nation
3
Nov 01 2021
View Album
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
And I was listening to each side of the disc
Words falling in my ears
Hearing an album of pain and grief
Lord knows there's some amazing tunes getting through
Tangled up in Bob
5
Nov 02 2021
View Album
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
My album of many plaintive country songs
That Dolly made for me
Made only from fiddle, bass, steel and vibrato voice
But I listened so pleasantly
Although they sounded pretty samey
I was happy as I could be
With my album of many country love songs
That Dolly made for me
4
Nov 03 2021
View Album
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
Oh Lord, I got to raise a fuss, Lord I got to raise a holler
About a playin' proto heavy metal just to try to earn a dollar
Oh Lord, I tried to destroy my amps, your ears I did abuse
Sometimes I wonder what I'm a gonna do
Lord, there ain't no cure for the early hard rock heavy ear-splittin' blues
3
Nov 04 2021
View Album
All Mod Cons
The Jam
Artistic Freedom. Do what you want.
But just make sure that everything is very Mod
I'll tell you what, I got you sussed
You haven't wasted my time, this listening time was fun
3
Nov 05 2021
View Album
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
Vento de maio
Supa smoovo jazzo
Estrela cadente
Vergin on fromage
O fim da viagem
Funkita basso e sinthesizo
Pra voltar atrás
Nota so mucha for meo
2
Nov 07 2021
View Album
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
All at sea again
And now my album generator has brought down this Ocean Rain
To bathe me again
In some Smiths-esque, sometimes acoustic, haunting rock
Can you hear its tender frame
Sounding from beneath the waves
Sounding from beneath the waves
3
Nov 08 2021
View Album
Berlin
Lou Reed
On Berlin, old school
Lou Reed sings in his crackly drawl
It was very nice
Candlelight and Dubonnet on ice
We were in a small cafe
You could hear the guitars play
It was very nice
Oh honey, it was paradise
3
Nov 09 2021
View Album
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Ambient
3
Nov 10 2021
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Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
You sound different from other albums
You come from the foam-crested mind
2
Nov 11 2021
View Album
Dog Man Star
Suede
Dog man star took a suck on a pill
And stabbed a cerebellum with a curious quill
First album was a bit better
Introducing the band
3
Nov 12 2021
View Album
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Sometimes I wonder why I spend
The lonely nights singing old songs
Those melodies haunts my reverie
And I am once again with you
Willie singing tunes
And each track an inspiration
Ah, but that was long ago
Now my consolation
Is in the stardust of a song
3
Nov 13 2021
View Album
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
Do you love this?
(They can really move, )
Do you love this?
(I'm in the groove.)
Now do you love this?
(Do you love this garage rock?)
3
Nov 14 2021
View Album
Violator
Depeche Mode
The sweetest perfection
To some listeners
The slightest correction
Not really my bag
But some nice stuff going on
3
Nov 15 2021
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Saw it written and I saw it say
Pink moon is on its way
And none of it is completely ill or brill,
But Pink Moon is chill
3
Nov 16 2021
View Album
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
There's an alternate universe where i'm a major jazz-fusion-funk fanatic. It would be a rather weird place.
2
Nov 17 2021
View Album
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
This old world ain't never change the way it's been
And all the ways of war can't change it back again
I've been a-searchin' for the album that's folksy
And sometimes I sing, "Everybody's talkin' at me"
3
Nov 18 2021
View Album
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Listenin' easy
Lovin' the rock
Seems I've heard some of these before
Aussie classic
Lots of riffs
Takin' everythin' in my stride
Don't need reason
Don't need rhyme
Are some things that I'd rather do
Goin' down
Party time
Fun when I'm in the mood
3
Nov 19 2021
View Album
In Utero
Nirvana
Teenage angst has paid off well (on Nevermind)
Now I'm bored and old
3
Nov 20 2021
View Album
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
I woke up this morning, I had them Allman Brother Blues
I woke up this morning, I had them long guitar solo blues
Well, I played this album, baby
And it seemed to have them too
3
Nov 21 2021
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2112
Rush
We’ve taken care of everything
Turned prog rock into hard rock
The songs we sing
Haven't really heard of them
But they're OK
3
Nov 22 2021
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Oh, the revolution was here
That would set you free from those bourgeoisie
For some, electronica rock makes everything clearer
But my review exposes my age - or taste
3
Nov 23 2021
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Fragile
Yes
I'll be the roundabout
The words and music will be pretty way out
3
Nov 24 2021
View Album
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
Hahaha, yeah, nine-deuce
Death Row Records, creepin' while you're sleepin'
Songs with attitude? Shit yeah, songs with a mid-90s flava, brought back some memories
If I quote any more lyrics
I'll get arrested
Love the beats
Sexism can go get flipped
4
Nov 25 2021
View Album
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
The salt of the earth
What is your impression?
Elements of Air
Surreal, ethereal, disconnection
3
Nov 26 2021
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
4
Nov 27 2021
View Album
Disraeli Gears
Cream
4
Nov 28 2021
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
(Comical voice) You've got to be in the right mood for a big dose of Randy
3
Nov 29 2021
View Album
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
Say, this sounds like it influenced a lot of 90s indie music.
3
Nov 30 2021
View Album
With The Beatles
Beatles
It won't be long yeah (yeah) till the Beatles have a 5-star album.
4
Dec 01 2021
View Album
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Brings back memories of shared houses, Sydney Olympics and Rage on the TV.
4
Dec 02 2021
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I'm not gonna to get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
This is a great little album
And Declan McManus is close to genius
4
Dec 03 2021
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Odessa
Bee Gees
Man, that's a lot of Brothers Gibb.
3
Dec 04 2021
View Album
Dookie
Green Day
27 years ago? Some amazing classics on here. Yes. This is now a classic album. It can be played on Oldies stations.
4
Dec 05 2021
View Album
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
Some Doors, some Jefferson Airplane... I had never heard of these guys but their influence on the late 60s is pretty obvious.
3
Dec 06 2021
View Album
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
This sounds like an extended mix of the theme tune for the fictional sit-com, 'Jerry'.
2
Dec 07 2021
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
Some very good quality tunes by this band I've never heard of
3
Dec 08 2021
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Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
I'm more rock than prog, I've figured.
2
Dec 09 2021
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
This was a solid 3. Then Kashmir came on.
4
Dec 10 2021
View Album
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
I hated this stuff in the mid-90s. Now it gives me a bit of a warm nostalgic f***ing glow.
3
Dec 11 2021
View Album
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Phew! Don't leave anyone hanging on the telephone with this one. Corker of an album!
4
Dec 12 2021
View Album
Damaged
Black Flag
Black Flag raised some red flags with me. Had to check if they were Nazis, apparently not at all, but some of their listeners are, not their fault but not my bag.
2
Dec 13 2021
View Album
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
Sure, here's a three-hour concept album, you have a day to listen to it.
But it does what it says on the box.
3
Dec 14 2021
View Album
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Some Natty, no cry
4
Dec 15 2021
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Very mellow Cure here
3
Dec 16 2021
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
This is such a great bit of Bob. If the next two albums weren't so spectacular, this would be in 5 territory.
4
Dec 17 2021
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
Some pleasantness here, nothing jumped out.
3
Dec 18 2021
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
SHAFT
3
Dec 19 2021
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
3
Dec 20 2021
View Album
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
3
Dec 21 2021
View Album
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Thanks Rod!
3
Dec 22 2021
View Album
Atomizer
Big Black
Too hard too fast too loud
2
Dec 23 2021
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
My kids: this sounds weird
3
Dec 24 2021
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Works just right as a bit of Welsh britpoprock
3
Dec 25 2021
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
I've come round a bit on NIN but still just not for me
2
Dec 26 2021
View Album
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Try to forget that Phil is involved and this is a real Christmas cracker.
4
Dec 27 2021
View Album
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Sounds as fresh today as it did then. But too many bitches to make it palatable
3
Dec 28 2021
View Album
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Two meats out of loaf ain't bad
3
Dec 29 2021
View Album
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Bang bang. A smooth listen as I cooked some Mexican food.
3
Dec 30 2021
View Album
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Smooth as can be.
3
Dec 31 2021
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
That's alright Elvis
3
Jan 01 2022
View Album
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
Very Boss roadtrip
3
Jan 02 2022
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Da Capo
Love
Very 1966
3
Jan 03 2022
View Album
My Generation
The Who
The birth of great rock.
4
Jan 04 2022
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Deep and long
3
Jan 05 2022
View Album
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
4
Jan 06 2022
View Album
Eagles
Eagles
4
Jan 07 2022
View Album
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
3
Jan 08 2022
View Album
Face to Face
The Kinks
I love Ray's stories and Sunny Afternoon is just a masterful song.
4
Jan 09 2022
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
So THAT'S where grunge came from
3
Jan 10 2022
View Album
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Very reminiscent of early Split Enz - it outstays it welcome but has some pleasant moments.
3
Jan 11 2022
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London Calling
The Clash
A pretty masterful bit of Clash here
4
Jan 12 2022
View Album
One World
John Martyn
Pretty easy listening at times, but some moments
3
Jan 13 2022
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
It was about time we had some salsa
4
Jan 14 2022
View Album
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Love the sentiment but the music just doesn't move me as much as I'd like it to. Good bloke though.
3
Jan 15 2022
View Album
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Tuneful, bright, twangy, light
3
Jan 16 2022
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Some good rocking here
4
Jan 17 2022
View Album
Nevermind
Nirvana
Not everything on here is incredible. But enough of it is. This is the sound of the early 90s for me.
5
Jan 18 2022
View Album
White Ladder
David Gray
I genuinely enjoyed this and found there were a bunch of songs I knew but had never really thought to put into the same basket.
4
Jan 19 2022
View Album
Different Class
Pulp
This is the soundtrack to me being 16. It's probably a 4 but I feel that's too churlish considering how much these songs are in my brain.
5
Jan 20 2022
View Album
Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
An acquired taste, and I don't really have the appetite.
2
Jan 21 2022
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Leftism
Leftfield
Atmospheric and electronic
3
Jan 22 2022
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
A bit rude!
3
Jan 23 2022
View Album
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
This sounds a little bit like Bruce Springsteen
3
Jan 24 2022
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Smooth and classy
3
Jan 25 2022
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
I felt stoned just listening to this.
4
Jan 26 2022
View Album
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Realised I really like a few songs on this album.
4
Jan 27 2022
View Album
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Great beats, I liked this.
4
Jan 28 2022
View Album
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Pretty trippy and ambient, I didn't mind this.
3
Jan 29 2022
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
A bit of 1980 heavy
3
Jan 30 2022
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Some pretty classic Madge here
3
Jan 31 2022
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Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
This has 1983 written all over it. In pink.
3
Feb 01 2022
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Pump
Aerosmith
I can almost hear Steven Tyler's lips
3
Feb 02 2022
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Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Very inoffensive
3
Feb 03 2022
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Ba-ba-BAAAAAAA
3
Feb 04 2022
View Album
Make Yourself
Incubus
I was apprehensive going into this one...but it was alright
3
Feb 05 2022
View Album
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
1-star.
5
Feb 06 2022
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
This is some original Afrobeat - I like what they're doing but I don't think I'd seek it out too often
3
Feb 07 2022
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Some pretty passable Seattle grunge, but someone else did it better
3
Feb 08 2022
View Album
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Man that was some proto Britpop fun
4
Feb 09 2022
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Sex Packets
Digital Underground
Not my thang
2
Feb 10 2022
View Album
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Mucha samba
3
Feb 11 2022
View Album
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
Yeah pretty good.
3
Feb 12 2022
View Album
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Yeah I love these guys. A bit samey after a while though.
4
Feb 13 2022
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Sounds a bit like a futuristic video game soundtrack.
2
Feb 14 2022
View Album
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
When I was about 9, I had a mix tape that had Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick on it - I had no idea who was singing it, or why, but I found it mesmerising.
3
Feb 15 2022
View Album
Parklife
Blur
Bank Holiday I could do without, but otherwise what a lineup of delicious Britishy pop.
5
Feb 16 2022
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Yeah they were pretty good. I like the opener.
4
Feb 17 2022
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Woodface
Crowded House
Like a fine teak cabinet full of treasures.
5
Feb 18 2022
View Album
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
This brings back memories of the older kids break-dancing in the canteen when I was in Year 1.
3
Feb 19 2022
View Album
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Man he just so angry with Britney and Christina. A few less homophobic slurs and this would be a 4
3
Feb 20 2022
View Album
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Some very soulful Stevland here. Good times.
4
Feb 21 2022
View Album
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
I like Donovan. But this is a lot of acoustic warbling.
3
Feb 22 2022
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Very chilled but maybe too much to excite my feelings
3
Feb 23 2022
View Album
Sincere
Mj Cole
Not really in the mood for this one
2
Feb 24 2022
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Terrible name, okay tunes.
3
Feb 25 2022
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
Some pretty melodic and listenable pop rock - way gentler than I remember
3
Feb 26 2022
View Album
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Good, solid Lenny but not his best.
4
Feb 27 2022
View Album
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
Yeah so not so bad really, I can see where the 90s came from
3
Feb 28 2022
View Album
The Doors
The Doors
Some amazing stuff on here, certainly lit my fire
4
Mar 01 2022
View Album
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
I just love this album, a lot of nostalgia for me with this one. Masterfully Cubano.
5
Mar 02 2022
View Album
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Minus 1 star for Morrissey being a dickhead.
3
Mar 03 2022
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Picture Book
Simply Red
Before Mick Hucknall went full tosser.
3
Mar 04 2022
View Album
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
There's a lot of easy skankin going on here.
4
Mar 05 2022
View Album
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
The best album by my favourite duo. Sublime in parts.
5
Mar 06 2022
View Album
Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
Yeah, I enjoyed some of this...was thinking it would be a country album so was pleasantly surprised.
3
Mar 07 2022
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Ctrl
SZA
You know, good standard late 2010s pop
3
Mar 08 2022
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Rocks
Aerosmith
Some relatively generic Rocks
3
Mar 09 2022
View Album
Among The Living
Anthrax
Technically proficient. But too hard, fast, loud, and short for me.
2
Mar 10 2022
View Album
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
A bit plucky and twangy for how I was feeling, but a pleasant interlude nonetheless
3
Mar 11 2022
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Night Life
Ray Price
A bit too night time country
2
Mar 12 2022
View Album
Back In Black
AC/DC
Does exactly what it says on the box
3
Mar 13 2022
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
A lot to listen to
3
Mar 14 2022
View Album
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Never listened to the Lips before... this was a fun album
4
Mar 15 2022
View Album
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Some soulful tunes here, if there's an Elvis period I like it might be this one.
4
Mar 16 2022
View Album
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
They do this stuff well.
4
Mar 17 2022
View Album
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
Yes, this was very David Byrne, some of the tracks I've never heard but I felt like I could have known them for years.
4
Mar 18 2022
View Album
Raw Power
The Stooges
I like some bits but overall not quite what I'm after
3
Mar 19 2022
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Street Life
The Crusaders
A step above telephone hold music, with added smooth sax.
3
Mar 20 2022
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
There are some classic live renditions on here.
4
Mar 21 2022
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
That's a lot of vocoder
3
Mar 22 2022
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
That is some smooth samba.
3
Mar 23 2022
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Scott 4
Scott Walker
I think the word that best sums this up is, interesting.
3
Mar 24 2022
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Kimono My House
Sparks
This be pretty kooky, I wouldn't have placed this as 1974.
3
Mar 25 2022
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
Some kooky Brazilian psychedelia here. Wow
3
Mar 26 2022
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The Cars
The Cars
Some good solid driving.
4
Mar 27 2022
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
Amazing voice. Not my kind of music but there are flashes of great.
3
Mar 28 2022
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Very Eno.
3
Mar 29 2022
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No Other
Gene Clark
This was a lovely one I'd never heard of, like finding a piece of the 60s-70s I was supposed to know about but had missed.
4
Mar 30 2022
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
This was actually fantastic.
Ahead of its time in ways, rooted in old school folk idioms in others. Nearly every song full of emotion.
I'm doing it, I'm giving it a 5.
5
Mar 31 2022
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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
This just about sums up the early 90s.
3
Apr 01 2022
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Pornography
The Cure
Some standard Cure, Rob is in good voice.
3
Apr 02 2022
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
I just really love a spot of Paul Simon. Very laid back and sweet.
4
Apr 03 2022
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New Forms
Roni Size
I found this grating and unedifying.
2
Apr 04 2022
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
I really liked the vibe of this one and would love to know a bit more about it
3
Apr 05 2022
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
STONE COLD CLASSIC
Harmony is just a beautiful, perfect song.
So much pop culture imagery and perhaps Elton's most diverse and interesting piece of work.
5
Apr 06 2022
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
Sounds pretty Eno to me
3
Apr 07 2022
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Play
Moby
This is 1999 in Sydney for me
4
Apr 08 2022
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
You know what actually pretty ok.
3
Apr 09 2022
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
Definitely a return to fomr, but not quite the best of form. Still, a few good moments
3
Apr 10 2022
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Faith
George Michael
An extra mark because of the intro to Faith
GM gets better with age
4
Apr 11 2022
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Kenya
Machito
I felt like I was in Vegas in 1964.
3
Apr 12 2022
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Some Britpop singer-songwriter vibes here, was surprised to hear how he died sooon after this album.
How did you like it Adam?
3
Apr 13 2022
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
This is some pretty standard early 70s hard rock. A bit samey but some grinding organ
3
Apr 14 2022
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
I love this album... Ray Davies at his whimsical best. happy it was the last one I got to listen to in Australia.
5
Apr 15 2022
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
Pretty much as Happy and Monday as expected.
3
Apr 16 2022
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
This is me and my mates drinking beers underage and acting silly.
3
Apr 17 2022
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Tenacious D should sue these guys for ripping them off.
3
Apr 18 2022
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Moon Safari
Air
This is share-housing in 1999 for me. Great album.
5
Apr 19 2022
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Closer
Joy Division
This might be controversial... but I'm not a fan of Joy Division
2
Apr 20 2022
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Ramones
Ramones
Boppy, rocky, tuneful punky goodness.
4
Apr 21 2022
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Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
I dunno. Maybe 1986 proto-hip hop isn't my thing.
2
Apr 22 2022
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
I was going to say, this sounds like the Gallipoli soundtrack.
Oxygene Pt 2 IS on the Gallipoli soundtrack.
I have heard this song about 200 times and never knew who it was.
3
Apr 23 2022
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Some good ol' fashioned jazzy Steely Dan.
3
Apr 24 2022
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
Some Byrds stuff I'd never heard before, a bit country, a bit twangy. Nice.
3
Apr 25 2022
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Faux reggae, easy blues, power ballads, big hair. Like a time machine to the mid-80s.
3
Apr 26 2022
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Let It Be
The Replacements
I'm being a bit generous here because I really want to like the Replacements more than I think I do. A bit gruff and ready for me.
3
Apr 27 2022
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Another US act I've been meaning to check out, that got thrown at me this week. Good hard rocking punk.
3
Apr 28 2022
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
This is terribly 2000. I like some of it but it doesn't quite feel finished.
3
Apr 29 2022
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
That horn-heavy Chicago sound. A fun listen but nothing really stood out...except was that where The Prodigy got that riff?
3
Apr 30 2022
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I still think of this as a 'new' RHCP album... but I now realise it is old, and a classic. Perhaps their best.
5
May 01 2022
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Sheet Music
10cc
Not my favourite 10cc stuff, but gee, they're having a lot of fun here aren't they?
4
May 02 2022
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
Just a bit too creepy electronic for me
2
May 03 2022
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Marc Bolan really was terribly good at what he did.
4
May 04 2022
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Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
I know this was groundbreaking stuff at the time, but sounds like some standard beats today. Fun though.
3
May 05 2022
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
This was just what I needed, some gentle country harmonies as I cooked dinner. Thanks, Willie.
4
May 06 2022
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The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
Ravi, what a master! Loved hearing this. And his little explainers for the uninitiated were great.
4
May 07 2022
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Some pretty solid beats, a nice listen.
3
May 08 2022
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Smooth, funky, laden with disco strings. Good for a Friday night perhaps.
3
May 09 2022
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Some cut-price 90s electronica
2
May 10 2022
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
This is one of the most inspired and inspiring slabs of vinyl ever dreamed up by a human. Incredible from start to finish. Can I give it a 6?
5
May 11 2022
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Some prime LZ here, Rob is in fine voice and there's a nice mix of styles and moods.
4
May 12 2022
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
Don't think I've heard any of these tunes...but they all sound really nice. I need more Byrds in my life.
4
May 13 2022
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
Like a happier boppier Duran Duran, with bongos, saxes and a nod to 1980s sitcom soundtracks.
3
May 14 2022
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The Slider
T. Rex
Some more T-Rex to spice up May. Some goood ones on here, a nice combination of rock and bop.
4
May 15 2022
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90
808 State
I think I need more vocals on my electronica.
2
May 16 2022
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Some classic rap here. I'm bumping it up a star for the Beatles sample and the Bob Dylan reference.
4
May 17 2022
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Moving Pictures
Rush
I just found this very tiresome after a while. Didn't really give me a Rush.
2
May 18 2022
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Some pretty soulful vocals on this one...and they were REALLY going through a Dylan phase weren't they?
4
May 19 2022
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Is this album 20 years old already? Nice, but not much more. Very jazzy and light.
3
May 20 2022
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Joan does some good stuff with these songs, but I do find 30+ minutes of her warbling away a little testing.
3
May 21 2022
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Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
There's a few great moments on this, I do love the title track, good work all round.
4
May 22 2022
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Low-Life
New Order
Some good poppy stuff on here, offsets the proto-electronic stuff that I'm not a big fan of.
3
May 23 2022
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
A stone-cold classic in its way, not all to my liking, but there are some truly seminal musical moments on this album.
4
May 24 2022
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
If these rhythms were any more latin I think I might dance-form myself into a maraca.
3
May 25 2022
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Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
Call me an old softie, but I do love me a bit of James Taylor. And Sweet Baby James was my son's baby song.
4
May 26 2022
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
This is a seriously great album with some amazing songs on it. I remember even in 1992 thinking that REM were geniuses. That still holds.
5
May 27 2022
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
The early Jamiroquai is the best... as a 14-year old I remember loving Blow Your Mind, and I can still get the chills listening to that song. Great album.
4
May 28 2022
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Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
Some nice, cruisy 1967 West Coast rock, a pleasant vibe.
3
May 29 2022
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Very chilled jazz, just what the Saturday afternoon ordered.
3
May 30 2022
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Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
Very different from what I was expecting, a pleasant enough interlude, less folk and more bluesy rock.
3
May 31 2022
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Synchronicity
The Police
Not as much fun as I expected - but I was in a bit of an anti-Sting mood when I listened.
3
Jun 01 2022
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
Never heard this but I do love some of Aimee Mann's stuff. I found a lot to like on here. Very lovely.
4
Jun 02 2022
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
A rock suite constructed around a Modest Mussorgsky classical piece? I'd say this errs on the slightly pretentious side of prog-rock.
2
Jun 03 2022
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Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
Some pretty tuneful and enjoyable punk here, I had a bit of fun with this.
3
Jun 04 2022
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The Clash
The Clash
A second day of punk, I have to say this one wasn't the best Clash I've heard, but the elements are all falling into place.
3
Jun 05 2022
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Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
I liked the ambience and cruisiness of this one.
3
Jun 06 2022
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
It's been a very punky week. I liked tios one, and from Brisbane of all places! I'd listen to more of the Saints, in the right mood
3
Jun 07 2022
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Aja
Steely Dan
There are quite a few Steely Dan songs I enjoy, but many I find just a bit too soft-rock-jazz - which was the majority of this album for me.
3
Jun 08 2022
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
I didn't even know that Beyonce had a sister! A lovely voice and some pleasant-enough beats.
3
Jun 09 2022
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I'm not the greatest Nick Cave fan but there were quite a few golden moments across this album. I probably won't delve any deeper but now I know there are some good albums to put on in the background
3
Jun 10 2022
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
I listened to this two or three times, it really grew on me. A bit more ramshackle than the other Dexys album a few months ago, but a really happy vibe.
4
Jun 11 2022
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
There's some really fine moments on this - it just suffers from being too much of the same sound. The green cardigan look is a classic which I tried to replicate as a Darwin teenager, not advisable in 33 degrees.
4
Jun 12 2022
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Teen Dream
Beach House
Very melodious and beautiful, I will be giving this a spin for a while to get into the nooks and crannies.
4
Jun 13 2022
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
There were some really beautiful moments on this. I will definitely be giving Arcade Fire a deeper investigation. Thanks, 1001albumsgenerator!
4
Jun 14 2022
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
I do like LZ, but I sometimes get a bit Planted out.
3
Jun 15 2022
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Brown Sugar is as hard and vulgar as the Stones get. Wild Horses is as beautiful as they get. A great album.
4
Jun 16 2022
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
I found this one a bit jarring on the ear. Not really for me. And, sadly, there was no dub to be heard on the whole record.
2
Jun 17 2022
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Nowhere
Ride
Feels like hearing some of the soothing birth gurgles of Britpop. And there's even a future Oasis member singing lead!
3
Jun 18 2022
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Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Some OK stuff on this one but probably only one listen for me.
3
Jun 19 2022
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
A bit snarly for me but there's shades of Franz Ferdinand which I quite like.
3
Jun 20 2022
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Timeless
Goldie
I'm probably being generous here because mostly I found this repetitive and a bit, well, too drum 'n' bassy. But i can see the artistry and the effort shinign through.
3
Jun 21 2022
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The Man Who
Travis
It was a delight to be reintroduced to this little gem. This was on high rotation in a share house I was part of in Galway, Ireland in 2001. Good memories and lots of beautiful melodies from Fran Healy.
4
Jun 22 2022
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The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Gee, the first hip hop albums were cheery old things!
3
Jun 23 2022
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Ol' Fogerty is in great voice here, and there's a lovely homeliness to Out My Back Door and a fabulous rhythm to Grapevine. Good stuff.
4
Jun 24 2022
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
Was really nice to have some Afrobeats playing as I tried to bake a cake yesterday afternoon. Some lovely stuff on here. Always happy to listen to Youssou.
3
Jun 25 2022
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Oh, Morrissey, you sound so good but everything now is tinged with your later-in-life bitterness and weird racism. So I'm detracting a point because I just can't get past it.
3
Jun 26 2022
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Future Days
Can
A bit too way out for me I'm afraid.
2
Jun 27 2022
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
A really lovely vibe, was just what was needed for a Sunday family board game soundtrack
3
Jun 28 2022
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
A good window into the birth of hard rock at the end of the 60s. Ozzy is definitely in finer voice than he would be today.
3
Jun 29 2022
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
Y'know, I didn't like MM's schtick when I was a teenager, and I like it even less now. Plus there's been too many questionable human beings in the list this week. So I'm giving my lowest mark yet.
1
Jun 30 2022
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American Idiot
Green Day
There's a lot of great melodic moments on here, and the lyrics give a reminder of just how fucked Bush's America was.
4
Jul 01 2022
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
Quite airy, and dreamy, a bit of Pink Floyd in there, and some Radiohead, and some...other things. Very pleasant.
3
Jul 02 2022
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Yeah this is some OG white boy rap. Some good fun on this album.
3
Jul 03 2022
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Homework
Daft Punk
Mostly pretty average Daft Punk considering how good some of the later stuff is. But a few good moments.
3
Jul 04 2022
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
A nice spot of acid-tinged rock. My dad asserts it's a 5 but I beg to differ.
3
Jul 05 2022
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
There was a lot of good stuff on here that increased my admiration for Mr Pop. I loved the Bowie collab!
4
Jul 06 2022
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Some fabulous covers and reimaginings on this album, rather fitting for the guys who were covered by the Beatles for Twist and Shout.
4
Jul 07 2022
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Bright Flight
Silver Jews
The vocals are a bit out of tune but that's maybe what makes this so goddamn cosy.
3
Jul 08 2022
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
I'd love to be more into this, and I can completely appreciate why people would be, but it doesn't press enough buttons for me. Still good though.
3
Jul 09 2022
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Bad Company
Bad Company
Never listened to Bad Company before. They do the job competently.
3
Jul 10 2022
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Yeezus
Kanye West
Yeah nah.
2
Jul 11 2022
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Rapture
Anita Baker
A little smooth and maybe too MOR for how I was feeling today.
3
Jul 12 2022
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Obrigado for some funky Brasil-Afrobeat good times. I managed to pick up the melody that Rod Stewart got sued for.
4
Jul 13 2022
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Some very lovely moments on this, a fun listen. I feel like I need more Sufjan in my life.
3
Jul 14 2022
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
You could pack this up in a little bumbag, pop a blonde mullet on it, and call it the Eighties.
3
Jul 15 2022
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
This is some real premium, bass-heavy Bob. I was in a reggae mood so a full 5 from me.
5
Jul 16 2022
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
I really like There Must be an Angel from later on, but this is pretty good.
3
Jul 17 2022
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The Predator
Ice Cube
Some solid rap here, plenty of MF and N and F and S. Good opportunity to explain genre-appropriate language to the kids.
3
Jul 18 2022
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
Touches of the Cure, a solid listen on our car trip into Malaysia
3
Jul 19 2022
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Plenty of energy and fun being had. I could probably do with a bit more Stranglers in my life.
3
Jul 20 2022
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
What a voice. Slap bass, funky beats, disco guitar, soppy strings. Nice.
4
Jul 21 2022
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Arise
Sepultura
I think I have figured out my least favourite type of music, he said in a throaty growl.
1
Jul 22 2022
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
An easy listen by the beach. Good vibes.
3
Jul 23 2022
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The Specials
The Specials
I saw the Specials about 12 years ago for their 30th anniversary tour, man they were amazing. This album is patchy at times but anything that contains a stone-cold classic such as Rudy needs at least a 4 out of 5.
4
Jul 24 2022
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Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
A bit scruffy and scrappy, not quite what I was after today
2
Jul 25 2022
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
The Pet Shop Boys really are very good - uplifting melodies, a lovely interplay between major and minor keys, Neil Tennant's ethereal voice. Good listen.
4
Jul 26 2022
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Kid A
Radiohead
I really want to like this one more than I do, but my musical tatses are just too conventional I'm afraid. That said, this was the most enjoyable listen to Kid A for me yet.
3
Jul 27 2022
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
I have to say, this was an interesting listen - but not necessarily always a very fun one. I appreciate the effort though.
3
Jul 28 2022
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
I was surprisingly impressed by this. I heard some Pixies in there but also a melange of other early 90s stuff - Madchester maybe? Pop? Grunge? Good fun overall.
3
Jul 29 2022
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Perhaps ambitious is the word? Some great ideas but I feel that this would be bettter cut down to half the length.
3
Jul 30 2022
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
This is definitely the start of something special in Stevie's career - you can sense the creativity brimming over, and the pure musical proficiency he brings - wow.
4
Jul 31 2022
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
Like going into an Alabama bar and hearing people sing about sensible things
3
Aug 01 2022
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Dummy
Portishead
Wow that is some quality sound construction right there. Quite an amazing album. Big memories of first year uni.
4
Aug 02 2022
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Garbage
Garbage
Another great mid 90s album, there are some legitimate bangers on this one. Much fun had listening to this
4
Aug 03 2022
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Creepy once you realise this was the Exorcist theme... some impressive instrumentals but I'm not entirely sure what all the original fuss was about.
3
Aug 04 2022
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
So - the good. Amazing harmonies. If I Fell. I'll be Back. George's jangly guitar. John's creativity spurt. The bad? Not enough Paul. Too much puppy love in the lyrics. Sounds very samey. No George-penned songs. Overall? A very good album, though not a great one.
4
Aug 05 2022
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
I really enjoyed the soul stuff on this, a lovely listen
4
Aug 06 2022
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1989
Taylor Swift
I'm a sucker for a bit of Tay Tay. Some kick arse pop right here.
4
Aug 07 2022
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Live!
Fela Kuti
Wow feel that rhythm.
4
Aug 08 2022
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Abbey Road
Beatles
This was probably the first Beatles album that I really listened to properly. These songs are imprinted on me at a pretty deep level. There's so much amazing stuff on here - the arrival of George as a tour-de-force, the Long Medley, the final harmonies and guitar solos on The End, Ringo's voice overpowering the chorus on Carry That Weight, I Want You - just wow.
5
Aug 09 2022
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
It was nice to hear this. As a teenager I was very unfair about this album as my sister loved it. I realise now it's pretty darned great.
4
Aug 10 2022
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
There's few voices as recognisable, or as quick to induce a spot of melancholy for what was lost. Especially in this week when we've lost a few iconic female singers. Some good solid blues with some raucousness.
4
Aug 11 2022
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
I have to admit I quite enjoyed this, there's actually some great atmosphere and feel to some of the songs. And I did get to explain to the kids why Morrissey is such a disappointment, and how sometimes when people get older they become embittered and angry.
3
Aug 12 2022
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
I never liked Foo Fighters in the 90s - I thought they were pretty forgettable and I had heard that Dave grohl was an AIDS denier so I didn't give him the time of day. In hindsight - this is a very listenable album, with shades of Nirvana - and Grohl seems a thoroughly nice chap.
3
Aug 13 2022
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Document
R.E.M.
Yes thanks. What a great album.
4
Aug 14 2022
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Viva Hate
Morrissey
Too much Morrissey for one lifetime.
3
Aug 15 2022
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Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
This is a real late 90s throwback. I'd only heard Born Slippy before, so this was nice to fill out my knowledge a bit. But overall I found it a bit repetitive and slow.
3
Aug 16 2022
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
On certain days, I just got to listen to some Kinks. This is one of their best - moments of pure genius such as Waterloo Sunset are slightly offset by some more forgettable tracks. But a fine listen.
4
Aug 17 2022
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
I've checked out on Morrissey a bit after the algorithmic glitch which has frontloaded him these past weeks. I feel like this list is overstating the cultural importance of a midly influential group. That said, I found this more melodic and listenable than the last one we had to listen to.
3
Aug 18 2022
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Some really great songs on here, Dusty does a great job with interpreting some classics. This is 1964 in a nutshell
4
Aug 19 2022
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
I was ready to totally dismiss this as garbage but there are actually a few interesting musical things going on. But I can't say I actually enjoyed listening to it too much.
2
Aug 20 2022
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Well that was fun.
3
Aug 21 2022
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
This is the Summer of Love in an album - tuneful psychedelia with some great vocals and familiar melodies.
4
Aug 22 2022
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Elastica
Elastica
Some good memories here from my Britpop clubbing days, not a bad listen.
3
Aug 23 2022
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21
Adele
That voice - amazing. There's a lot of soul on this album. Rolling in the Deep is a modern classic for sure.
4
Aug 24 2022
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
People Everyday wasn't as funky as I remembered it, but Mr Wendal was good, and this album definitely conjured up a refreshing 1992 vibe
3
Aug 25 2022
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
I don't like it when the reviewer promises a 'truly challenging listening experience". This is definitely hard, fast, loud, but there's some artistry to it. Now, how do I get rid of this ringing in my ears?
2
Aug 26 2022
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En-Tact
The Shamen
This is a solid sequence of tracks. With a tab of acid, it'd probably be 6 stars.
3
Aug 27 2022
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xx
The xx
This one passed by my ears like a wispy cloud of echoey guitars and unobtrusive vocals. Nice but not the groundbreaking indie music I had been led to believe
3
Aug 28 2022
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Illmatic
Nas
As with most of these 1990s hip-hop albums - I love the beats, the samples, the lyricism - not so hot on the subject matter or music overall. Still it was nice to hear this as I'd never heard of Nas - another of my musical blindspots.
3
Aug 29 2022
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
There's not nearly enough synths on this!
Some real Highs, Take on Me is a case in point. And quite a few Lows too. Almost a middling album but enough to keep it interesting. And I am partial to that Norwegian falsetto.
4
Aug 30 2022
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Soul Mining
The The
One of these songs had the exact same opening drumbeat as the previous day's A-Ha offering - so yes, another good dollop of pure 1980s here. Nothing really stood out for me though.
3
Aug 31 2022
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Funny, I'd never heard of Moby Grape and then an hour after listening to the album, they were a topic of discussion on a podcast I listened to about Neil Young and Buffalo Springfield. The gist was, they were brilliant but never really made it. I did enjoy the album but it seemed like pretty standard West Coast fare from the late 60s.
3
Sep 01 2022
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Oh so puerile and misanthropic and crude and silly, but it also seems so innocent now. I am partial to Eminem and without the homophobia and misogyny this would be a 4.
3
Sep 02 2022
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25
Adele
There are just some very impressive moments on this album, Adele has one hell of a set of pipes.
4
Sep 03 2022
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Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
Thoughtful, jazzy, a pleasant interlude to accompany dinner.
3
Sep 04 2022
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Sea Change
Beck
I've always wanted to like Beck more than I do. This album has some nice semi-psychedelic moments and plenty of lovely melodies but it never quite hits as I think it should.
3
Sep 05 2022
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Imagine
John Lennon
This is a fabulous album, for the most part - probably John's best post-Beatles. But I'm subtracting 1 for him being such an arsehole to Paul in How Do You Sleep.
4
Sep 06 2022
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
Some nice early punk with a few fun moments, I most like the Pablo Picasso song.
3
Sep 07 2022
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Chris
Christine and the Queens
Some relatively inoffensive pop with an interesting twist of having it in the two languages.
3
Sep 08 2022
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Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
I was going to say, this is a bit too Disney musical for my taste, and then I read that Ute is a cabaret and musical singer. So that makes sense.
2
Sep 09 2022
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This Is Hardcore
Pulp
I'm a massive fan of Different Class and Pulp's early singles. This album I remember being quite disappointing back in '98, and though there is the odd flash of brilliance that's largely how I still feel today.
3
Sep 10 2022
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
I really loved bits of this, it was music that felt like it had real joy and real stakes to it. Some real hard-thumping desert blues.
4
Sep 11 2022
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John Prine
John Prine
At first I thought this was just some redneck trad country but then a few songs in it got political and emotional and musical with shades of Dylan. I enjoyed it
4
Sep 12 2022
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
I had never heard of ABC and then Poison Arrow kicked in and I was like, oh, THEM. Martin Fry, what a voice, I'm sure I've heard him on a thousand other things. I really liked this and I can see now where Duran Duran hatched from.
4
Sep 13 2022
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi is amazing on guitar. The drumming on this album is incredible. Voodoo Chile is great but outlives its welcome.
4
Sep 14 2022
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Tago Mago
Can
When I read about this, I thought, Oh-oh, what is krautrock? But it was pretty good it's just like normal rock, but it's German. With some bits in Japanese. And backwards.
4
Sep 15 2022
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
It was nice to have a bit of Kate. I listened to this with my daughter who I think was puzzled by some of the screaming and shouting. I appreciate Kate's eccentricity and eclecticism but I'd say her earlier albums are better.
3
Sep 16 2022
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Some nice indie rock, I enjoyed the vibe of this.
3
Sep 17 2022
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Live At Leeds
The Who
It starts a bit shaky but once Keith Moon's drums and Entwhistle's bass kick in, this has some real heft and excitement. Enjoyed it a lot.
4
Sep 18 2022
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
This was a great album, loved this and quite a few songs I'd never heard before.
4
Sep 19 2022
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1984
Van Halen
Some pretty generic mid-80s hair rock. Apart from Jump it's largely pretty listless.
3
Sep 20 2022
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Shades of Stevie Wonder, some cool songs on here worth another listen.
3
Sep 21 2022
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
I punished Eric on the last one for being a racist bugger, so I will be generous here and say, I Shot The Sheriff is a great cover, and Let it Grow is a beautiful ballad.
4
Sep 22 2022
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Very listenable, generic 1986 rap? Check.
3
Sep 23 2022
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Infected
The The
I get the distinct impression that the compiler of this list was a fan of alternative music in the mid 80s. This is okay but I wouldn't seek it out.
3
Sep 24 2022
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Rule the World is a fabulous song. The rest of the album has never really grabbed me but I can appreciate TFF's talents.
3
Sep 25 2022
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Palo Congo
Sabu
Good atmosphere on this one
3
Sep 26 2022
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
A bit too rough and raggedy for me
2
Sep 27 2022
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
4
Sep 28 2022
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I love a bit of EC, even this one which isn't one of his best.
3
Sep 29 2022
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Is This It
The Strokes
A bit same but I think this captures the early 2000s zeitgeist well. There are at least two amazing songs on this one.
4
Sep 30 2022
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Vivid
Living Colour
A bit too much hair and rock for me
2
Oct 01 2022
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
So many people at school wore these shirts. I can appreciate the mastery of the guitar neck but this isn't something I really enjoy
2
Oct 02 2022
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I'm still not a keen listener to DM but this has some okay moments.
3
Oct 03 2022
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Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
This was a fun little thing.
3
Oct 04 2022
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Some rock solid Doors, Jim is in fine voice.
4
Oct 05 2022
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Even if this only had Rolling Stone and It Takes a Train it would still be a 5. Amazing album.
5
Oct 06 2022
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Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Ooh. Not the punk I'm into, I'm afraid.
1
Oct 07 2022
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I Against I
Bad Brains
Some moments of okayness but overall a bit too dirty rock
2
Oct 08 2022
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
More rock than funk
3
Oct 09 2022
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
I can appreciate the skill of the piano playing and improvisation, but modern jazz just doesn't grab me much
3
Oct 10 2022
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Some of the sharpest rock 'n' roll the boys ever delivered. It needs more ballads in my mind, but a hefty, quality album nonetheless.
4
Oct 11 2022
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Certainly an eclectic collection of tunes, I do have some respect for old PG and his ability to change it up.
3
Oct 12 2022
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Basket of Light
Pentangle
A bit too much treble and wheedling vocal performances but overall a satisfactory bit of late 60s folk.
3
Oct 13 2022
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NEU! 75
Neu!
Not a bad listen but it would have been nice with some vocals.
3
Oct 14 2022
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
I was listening to this, and I thought, gee, these songs all sound a bit like that long, groovy, repetitive early-90s song - which then popped up as track no 7, Loaded. This whole album made me feel like I was in a Scottish dance club in 1991.
3
Oct 15 2022
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Without You is a fine fine song. Nilsson has a great voice and there are some cool songs on here I'd never heard before.
4
Oct 16 2022
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
There's too much, too many ethereal moon sounds, too much indulgence. Whittle it down to a strong 6-song album.
2
Oct 17 2022
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
So FUNKY. Loved a lot of this. Also got to talk to the kids about what funk music is.
4
Oct 18 2022
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Nice to hear some energetic live music from Harlem. Sam is in good humour and pulls out the hits, the songs are good but just a bit simplistic.
3
Oct 19 2022
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
The music is dead simple but the effect this album had on popular music is almost immeasureable. And That'll Be the Day is a stone cold classic.
4
Oct 20 2022
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
I really enjoyed most of this - some lovely melodies, great mood-setting songs.
3
Oct 21 2022
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The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
A little too much vibraphone for me. I think I'd enjoy it more sitting in a jazz tango bar in Buenos Aires.
2
Oct 22 2022
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Not a relaxing listen, but plenty of good energy
3
Oct 23 2022
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
A bit too smooth,like the adult contempo radio station on Grand Theft Auto Vice City.
2
Oct 24 2022
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
This was something I'd never heard before, but it makes complete sense when you put it next to contemporaneous stuff like the Cat Empire or Manu Chao. Good fun.
4
Oct 25 2022
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
Lots of really fun rocking tracks on this one, almost a bit of Smashing Pumpkins in amongst the Britpop.
4
Oct 26 2022
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
There are some classic Joni vocal moments here, let down a bit by some very mid -70s production and musical choices
3
Oct 27 2022
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High Violet
The National
A pleasant listen, not much stands out but would be a nice soundtrack to an afternoon
3
Oct 28 2022
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
What a fantastic album, really liked a lot of this. Melodic, fun, bouncy, plenty of nods to rock and pop heritage.
4
Oct 29 2022
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B-52's
The B-52's
Some kooky old classic B 52s, plenty of fun but won't make it to my play list as a regular
3
Oct 30 2022
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Ooby Doo I wanna be like you hoo hoo
Good voice, fun popular jazz listen
3
Oct 31 2022
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
I gave this two listens, lots of beautiful singing, chilled rhythms and pleasant vibes. Will come back to it for sure.
4
Nov 01 2022
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Heroes
David Bowie
There's a few classic moments on this but mostly this is not a patch on the Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie.
3
Nov 02 2022
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Kala
M.I.A.
Some nice surprises here, such as finding that MIA is of Sri Lankan background, and discovering rhat annoying song Paper Planes was one of hers. Not my type of music but I do appreciate the lyrical themes, musical creativity and diversity of influences.
3
Nov 03 2022
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New Wave
The Auteurs
There was a nice aroma of melodic Indie here. Some good tunes. Worth another listen.
3
Nov 04 2022
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
Some down and dirty early 80s rock. Couldn't get the image of frizzy beards out of my head.
3
Nov 05 2022
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
I'm a sucker for ELO - this album is loaded with some amazing cheesy faves, but there's enough misses to warrant not giving this a five.
4
Nov 06 2022
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Love that voice, the funky music and the overall vibe. Nice album.
4
Nov 07 2022
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Who'd have thought that Frank doing some bossa nova standards would sound so good?
4
Nov 08 2022
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Never heard this album, it was a really good one with some classic Neil hallmarks.
4
Nov 09 2022
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Orbital 2
Orbital
It gets better toward the end but I'm really just not that into 90s electronica. A bit too repetitive too.
2
Nov 10 2022
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Van Halen
Van Halen
For a moment I had to check, I thought this was a spoof album by Spinal Tap.
2
Nov 11 2022
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
I really enjoyed the deep bass, good humour and playfulness of this
3
Nov 12 2022
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
A brilliant, funky, exuberant album. Minus one star for MJ being a creep.
4
Nov 13 2022
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Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
Quite a gentle and listenable spot of 90s rock
3
Nov 14 2022
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Murmur
R.E.M.
The murmurings of something great about to happen, but not quite there yet.
3
Nov 15 2022
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
THAT VOICE and oh what a collection of soulful, funky, rockin' songs.
5
Nov 16 2022
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American Pie
Don McLean
The Rolling Stones get a raw deal on the main song, but there's so many great moments on here it'd be churlish to knock any marks off.
5
Nov 17 2022
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Mott
Mott The Hoople
There's a lot to like on here, but I still can't help but see them as a cut-price David Bowie ripoff.
3
Nov 18 2022
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
I had high hopes for this, so I've got to say it was a letdown. Track 1 is a classic, track 2 is good, and the rest sound like generic offcuts from the Spice Girls, Natalie Imbruglia and Backstreet Boys. I do love that there is a track called Email My Heart, that's wild. Maybe the next album is better?
3
Nov 19 2022
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
This brings back fond memories of late night listens in Year 12, of learning bass with an old friend, of discovering alternative music. Mellon Collie has more good songs but this has some special moments.
4
Nov 20 2022
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A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
Shades of Let's Dance era Bowie, I'm guessing some of the curators of this list might have been Gen X with Scottish heritage.
3
Nov 21 2022
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
This passed me by back in the day. This is the sort of hip hop I think I like, clever, jazzy, strong beat, funny, melodic.
4
Nov 22 2022
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Horses
Patti Smith
Not half as punk as I thought it would be. Some cool moments but mostly not my bag.
3
Nov 23 2022
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
It was so lovely to return to this album. I think, in the future, when any Top 5 representative 1990s Brit (pop) album list is put together, it'll contain this, alongside Definitely Maybe, Parklife, Different Class and OK Computer.
5
Nov 24 2022
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Being There
Wilco
A long breezy slice of acoustic indie that might be enough to get me to explore Wilco a bit more
3
Nov 25 2022
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
This is the album to show anyone who thinks the Blues might be a bit pedestrian and formulaic. Perfect interplay of instruments and wow those BB vocals. Loved it
5
Nov 26 2022
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Some good strong punk, just not where my head was at today though.
3
Nov 27 2022
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
This was some kooky stuff. That said, it went well alongside a Saturday board game.
3
Nov 28 2022
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Pretenders
Pretenders
This was a little slow burn for me but some great tracks on there make this just beyond good
4
Nov 29 2022
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
An incredible voice, some pretty great compositions - but I wasn't feeling very Gershwin when I listened.
3
Nov 30 2022
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
This is a super-interesting and bold album that has some truly funky tunes exploring important topics. That said, I'm a white male prude who listens to music that doesn't challenge or intimidate me too much so I still have a way to go to feel this might be for me.
3
Dec 01 2022
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Melodrama
Lorde
I've known Lorde is supposed to be good but this was the first time I've given an album of hers a listen. Some pretty good songs and musically very interesting. Will come back to this.
4
Dec 02 2022
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
There's some massive tunes on this big boy.
4
Dec 03 2022
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Revolver
Beatles
Worst. Album. Ever.
Sorry I meant best.
Just an amazing line-up of amazing tracks by amazing people. Still sounds as fresh as if it'd been recorded yesterday.
So yes, my favourite album of all time.
5
Dec 04 2022
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
Gotta say this is a constantly interesting album.
3
Dec 05 2022
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
I enjoyed this more than I thought. A dramatic hybrid of Queen and Radiohead. Just a bit too dramatic though.
4
Dec 06 2022
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
It was nice to hear the Portishead/Tricky melange again. Some very mid-90s stuff going on here.
3
Dec 07 2022
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Where is My Mind? is a fantastic song. Nothing else on here matches it but there is certainly some passion on display.
3
Dec 08 2022
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A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
I really wanted to enjoy this as there are a few TR songs I like. But this was a bit of a self-indulgent slog. I wanted to give a 2 but I'm awarding an extra mark for effort.
3
Dec 09 2022
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GREY Area
Little Simz
Not my sort of thing, and the first song really put me off. But after a few tracks I could appreciate the sentiment.
3
Dec 10 2022
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Dry
PJ Harvey
Forgive me Adam I know this will be a 4 or 5 for you... didn't really spark my interest except for the last couple of tracks.
3
Dec 11 2022
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Connected
Stereo MC's
I felt like I was watching a Telstra ad during a lot of this. But it provided a chilled soundtrack to a Sunday morning game with the kids.
3
Dec 12 2022
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Fuck that was a slog. My throat hurts.
1
Dec 13 2022
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
This might give Pantera a lesson in how to do hard with a bit of soul. Ozzy is in good voice and there's some great moments on this album. Even some quiet ones.
3
Dec 14 2022
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
What?! No Tom's Diner? Must be on the next one. Suzanna V sounds a lot like Edie Brickell here, all stories and understated mid-80s acoustic adult contempo. Good but not great.
3
Dec 15 2022
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
A bit scrappy and scruffy but gee there's some great tracks on here. Loved hearing the original release of Help Me Rhonda (re-recorded a few months later for a single release). What's most amazing is that Pet Sounds came out just a year and a bit later.
4
Dec 16 2022
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Some superb musicianship, great covers... but 40 minutes of instrumental blues is just a bit too much. I was longing for some searing vocals to kick in.
3
Dec 17 2022
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Achtung Baby
U2
Well that's my quota of U2 for the year.
'One' is a legitimately great song.
The rest, meh.
3
Dec 18 2022
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
I'd only ever heard one of Queens etc's later albums. This was much the same but maybe less bombastic. Some melodic and interesting rock but not something I'd come back to much.
3
Dec 19 2022
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
One of my musical blindspots. I'd never heard of Laura Nyro, despite her being in the Rock hall of fame. I definitely had my interest piqued.
3
Dec 20 2022
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
This is rudimentary but very listenable TP. I prefer the 80s stuff but American Girl is a banger.
3
Dec 21 2022
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Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
Haven't heard any SA for decades. A bit harder than I recall. Definitely distinctive.
3
Dec 22 2022
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Just the right amount of smooth that I required whilst cooking dinner.
3
Dec 23 2022
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
I always thought DL were more like Pantera but they're actually more Bon Jovi meets Guns and Roses. A few familiar moments on here which was nice because I didn't think I knew any of their songs. Not really for me, I gave a bonus point because they do it all with a one-armed drummer.
3
Dec 24 2022
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Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Nothing special but nothing terrible.
3
Dec 25 2022
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Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
This sone funky shit.
4
Dec 26 2022
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Kenza
Khaled
Well definitely an eclectic mix of... just about everything.
3
Dec 27 2022
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
There were a few familiar moments on this one. A definite mid 90s throwback.
3
Dec 28 2022
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
A very chilled album to cook along to.
3
Dec 29 2022
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Right amount of jazz for today's purposes.
3
Dec 30 2022
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
The creaky voice and air of melancholy are just the thing this album needs. Sadly beautiful in its way.
4
Dec 31 2022
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Marquee Moon
Television
I liked a lot of this quite a lot.
3
Jan 01 2023
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Cross
Justice
Not really my bag but the French do EDM really well. Shades of Daft Punk here.
3
Jan 02 2023
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
Spacey and chilled vibes
3
Jan 03 2023
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The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
A bit too quirky at times but undeniably a pretty impactful album, and deservedly so.
4
Jan 04 2023
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Some cool calm and collected 60s groovy rock. Not overly memorable but nice.
3
Jan 05 2023
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
I'm sure Metallica have done some better stuff than this. Just too much chugga-chugga-grr
2
Jan 06 2023
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Calenture
The Triffids
Some relaxed Oz rock vibes, perhaps a bit too long
3
Jan 07 2023
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Another sound album from Black Sabbath - does what it says on the box.
3
Jan 08 2023
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Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
Light and folky, whispered away on the wind.
3
Jan 09 2023
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
A band that passed me by in the 2000s. Worth another listen I reckon.
3
Jan 10 2023
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Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
Never heard this before. Quite melodic and chilled.
3
Jan 11 2023
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
There are some great songs on here but Randy's schtick gets a bit tiresome quite quickly
3
Jan 12 2023
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Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
This is good competent blues psychedelic live rock - but I think you have to be in the mood for 20 minutes of Who Do You Love.
3
Jan 13 2023
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
An iconic album, a mixed bag for me, but no denying the raw power of Stairway.
4
Jan 14 2023
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. The beats and samples were very cool.
4
Jan 15 2023
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
This was some good fun, passed me by quite pleasantly.
3
Jan 16 2023
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
A really interesting album by a band I had never heard of. Not something I'll revisit any time soon but I feel somewhat more musically educated.
3
Jan 17 2023
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
Solid 80s blues rock by a veteran master of the genre
3
Jan 18 2023
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Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
I thought this was bad French electro and then found out it was bad UK electro. I found a lot of this album genuinely annoying to listen to. Why put this in the Top 1001 when there are so many better examples from the time?
2
Jan 19 2023
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
I felt like I was listening to the sundtrack from Homeland. Relaxing and good vibes.
3
Jan 20 2023
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
I'd never encountered the Flamin' Groovies, these guys ROCK. Shades of the Stones and CCR. Good find.
4
Jan 21 2023
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Ray has an incredible voice, but this is more the crooner end of his spectrum. I prefer the bluesy rock 'n' roll Ray.
3
Jan 22 2023
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
Good strong early soul
3
Jan 23 2023
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Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
There were some really interesting moments and intepretations of other songs on this. Not my bag but I was okay with carrying it for a while.
3
Jan 24 2023
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Solid Air
John Martyn
I'd never heard of this guy. True to coincidence form, a half hour after listening to this, I was on a podcast episode about a faded pop star called Beverly Martyn...the narrator said the following: "John Martyn, meanwhile, wrote and recorded a critically-acclaimed album about how sad he was his wife had left him. That album often gets included in some of those “albums you need to hear before you die” lists, and as if to rub salt in the wound, he gave Beverley co-writing credit on the last track" (he'd just mentioned JM's domestic violence and controlling behaviour credentials before this). So I ended up disliking this guy almost immediately after hearing about him. The music is fine.
3
Jan 25 2023
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Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
Not even a little bit.
1
Jan 26 2023
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Black Metal
Venom
Wow that was hard work. And this is a rough week.
1
Jan 27 2023
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
This used to be my least favourite of Queen's early albums, but it grows on me every time I listen. Some incredible Brian guitar work on Brighton Rock, beautiful Freddie melodies on Lily of the Valley, and some left-field Roger songwriting on Tenement Funster. John holds it all together with that bass. This album lifted my week!
4
Jan 28 2023
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I really loved this album. Beautiful melodies, complex harmonies, great songwriting, clever lyrics. A real treat after a week of too much heavy metal.
5
Jan 29 2023
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Some good rock-solid reggae, nice to hear some that isn't Bob.
4
Jan 30 2023
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
Some real shades of 80s and 90s stuff here. Nice, but nothing especially grabbed me.
3
Jan 31 2023
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
What a fantastic album - a genius songwriter at the peak of his powers. If someone asked me to distill Bowie into a single musical statement - this would be it.
5
Feb 01 2023
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Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
I enjoyed this quite a bit, I kind of wish I could go back to 12 year old me and try again, this time actually giving rap a red hot go.
3
Feb 02 2023
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Transformer
Lou Reed
Perfect Day is just about a perfect song. There's a few other greats on here. At times I was a little underwhelmed, but overall, a great album.
4
Feb 03 2023
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
There's some fantastic guitar playing on this album, as you might expect. It really feels like something from ten years ahead of when it was recorded. Jimi changed the way that rock bands did guitar. Most surprising was learning that part of I'm Too Sexy by Right Said Fred was lifted direct from a riff on Third Stone from the Sun.
4
Feb 04 2023
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Jazzy and smooth like warm treacle.
3
Feb 05 2023
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Country Life
Roxy Music
Some tuneful Roxy but not much I'd heard before or listen to again
3
Feb 06 2023
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The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
The voice is great. The music a bit too MOR and soft jazz.
3
Feb 07 2023
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Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
The rhythm is pumping (yeah!) and the music is pretty okay (woah!!) but I just can't get past the attitudes that inform the album (uh-huh!)
2
Feb 08 2023
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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
Nothing Compares 2 U - amazing song. The rest is a bit of a hodgepodge, some of it OK but nothing up to those lvels.
3
Feb 09 2023
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
Ths started badly but definitely improved. Apparently after this album Common promised to stop using homophobic slurs in his songs so that is kind of admirable in a fucked up way.
3
Feb 10 2023
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
This album really scratches my 80s rock itch. It conjures up memories of family road trips and Dad discovering CDs in about 1985. Some classic tracks that stir up the emotions.
5
Feb 11 2023
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Me Against The World
2Pac
A lot of anger but I suppose it comes from some complex trauma. This is just about as 90s gangsta rap as you get.
3
Feb 12 2023
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Yeah okay. I lind of like this. Probably as brutal lyrically as 2Pac but it sounds less aggressive.
4
Feb 13 2023
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Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
Third day in a row of 90s hip-hop/rap. This is by far the weirdest of the three. Also the one that makes me feel most creeped out. Some of it sounds good but I can't get past the bizarre theme and imagery.
2
Feb 14 2023
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
Oh I do enjoy this album a lot. Some classic William.
4
Feb 15 2023
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
Hmm. Sounds a bit like Crosby, Stills and Nash. And the Byrds. And Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. And Neil Young. Quite a nice, cosy album.
3
Feb 16 2023
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
Father and son both very talented. There was some very pleasant folky stuff on this album.
3
Feb 17 2023
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Slayed?
Slade
Slayed ar gud fn nd alwayz garanteed too plai sum sollid rok.
3
Feb 18 2023
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
There are three bona fide amazing classics on here. Then some good songs, a couple of fillers, and one cringer. Sir Paul, the girl is yours, Michael didn't even like her.
4
Feb 19 2023
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
I really love the Kinks when they're all whimsical and eccentric like this. A few great tracks and a couple of less focused ones. When I'm in the mood I really dig this album, especially Victoria and Australia.
4
Feb 20 2023
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Savane
Ali Farka Touré
Some lovely chilled bluesy Malian vibes
3
Feb 21 2023
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
Engaging but a bit listless at times. Plot twist, I watched the completely unrelated film of the same name tonight as well.
3
Feb 22 2023
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A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
What a lovely album... shades of 60s and Blur and Pulp. Will give TDC more time for sure
4
Feb 23 2023
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Follow The Leader
Korn
This should probably be a 2.
But I used to do support work with a guy who would get filled with rage.
And he'd listen to this album to 'calm down'.
It didn't work.
So I attach some slightly traumatic memories to it.
Plus it's a bit shit.
1
Feb 24 2023
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
I gotta be honest, Joy Division got better later on. A bit glum for me.
2
Feb 25 2023
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
I really liked this, lovely songs and sounds.
4
Feb 26 2023
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Some okay ambience for the afternoon, but largely forgettable
3
Feb 27 2023
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Queen II
Queen
This Queen album has grown on me over the years, I now love the faerie themes and over-the-top glam elements. Nevermore, what a song, I wish it was three times longer.
4
Feb 28 2023
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Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Brogue, tin flute and acoustic guitars, that's what I needed
3
Mar 01 2023
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Never listened to Joan's less famous stuff before. Nice, but verging on too easy listening for me today.
3
Mar 02 2023
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
Just a bit too gangster for me. I'm not the OG, I'm more PG.
3
Mar 03 2023
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
I enjoyed the attitude and musicality of what I managed to listen to... will come back to this
3
Mar 04 2023
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Fun House
The Stooges
What the actual fuck, punk was invented 5 years before I thought it was. Grrrr
3
Mar 05 2023
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
There's enough amazing classics on here to warrant a 4 I reckon. Some filler, but mostly pretty brilliant. Ray has such a great vooice.
4
Mar 06 2023
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Wow - I was blown away by this - I was expecting some pretty generic Motown standards but the funk and soul really shine through. Love the bass vocals and the instrumentation as well.
5
Mar 07 2023
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
There are some really beautiful songs on here - this deserves multiple lessons to get to grips with. I really enjoyed it.
4
Mar 08 2023
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
I love the Mac and Rumours is just an absolute classic. Tusk, not so much, but I think there's enough moments of pop beauty to outweigh the occasional lazy or silly addition. Full American marching band, anyone?
4
Mar 09 2023
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
A really pleasant album which reminded me of similar time-period offerings from Badly Drawn Boy and Sean Lennon. Was sad to read what happened to this artist not long after.
3
Mar 10 2023
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OK Computer
Radiohead
A couple of the songs don't quite hit for me, but otherwise this album is almost pure genius. Take a liberal dose of Britrock/pop melodic sensibility and add some amazing experimental instrumentation and harmonic movement and cerebral ideas and lyrics. An absolute classic.
5
Mar 11 2023
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
A bit frenetic for me. But I understand Devo better now.
3
Mar 12 2023
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Scum
Napalm Death
Gawd help us
1
Mar 13 2023
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
I don't mind a bit of melodic twangy country. This is almost too much of it but every time I got bored I looked at that velour jacket and sports shirt combo on the album cover and was invigorated again.
3
Mar 14 2023
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Elephant
The White Stripes
This one largely passed me by back in the day. I feel that Jack listened to a lot of Cream, Led Zepp and Rolling Stones before recording this. Really very good.
4
Mar 15 2023
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Not a difficult listen, mostly very melodic and swinging. Still not really what I'm into but I appreciate the craft. WELCOME SUKI
3
Mar 16 2023
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The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
It's quite bare bones and slight in its way, but you can sense the power and the fun behind all of it. The first Jagger-Richards song is great, and their reading of some of the Blues classics is near-faultless.
4
Mar 17 2023
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
I'd never heard of this guy. The first 3/4 of this album I thought was quite amazing. Loved the drums and melodies. Last few songs were more, meh.
4
Mar 18 2023
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
Slower and more restrained than I thought it would be. Some quite pleasant songs but nothing that really blew me away
3
Mar 19 2023
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Wow. There is not a bad song on this album. In fact, there's at least three or four amazing ones. This is a singer-songwriter at the height of his creative powers. Love this so much. Check out the 2020 re-issue and re-recording of the album where 2020 Yusuf duets with 1970 Cat on Father and Son.
5
Mar 20 2023
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
There are some cracking live renditions on here. Pure raucous West Coast blues rock. Good stuff. Especially Janis.
4
Mar 21 2023
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Man this is some sexy music.
4
Mar 22 2023
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
This all sounds very Talking Heads. There's nothing of the calibre of Psycho Killer or Road to Nowhere, but Once in a Lifetime comes close.
3
Mar 23 2023
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Hotel California
Eagles
A guilty pleasure that I always enjoy way more than I should. I loved showing the kids the guitar solo at the end of Hotel California, iconic.
4
Mar 24 2023
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
This really is a very fine album. Man, Lauryn can sing with true soul.
4
Mar 25 2023
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Serious nostalgia with this one, it felt like Year 11 all over again. Watching Rage with mates on a Sunday morning, sharing the back stories of Darcy and Iha and Billy in a pre-internet world where information was currency. Some cracking tunes and some beautiful ones and a few too many. This would have been a sublime single album.
4
Mar 26 2023
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Cut
The Slits
Not half as tough as I thought it would be. In fact quite a pleasant listen.
3
Mar 27 2023
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Sound Affects
The Jam
So that's where Blur came from.
Some of it is average but there are some brilliant songs on here too.
4
Mar 28 2023
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa
What a lot of fun they seem to be having
4
Mar 29 2023
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Not Paul's best, a bit too much sax, but a few very good songs, including his semi- Lennon tribute.
3
Mar 30 2023
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Dust
Screaming Trees
I prejudged this as being some sort of death metal by an objectionable band. It was actually pretty okay, a bit generic in parts, but okay.
3
Mar 31 2023
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
Pretty standard Who stuff. A few crackers and a fun concept but overall a bit samey.
3
Apr 01 2023
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Holy hell the trumpet player is incredible. Hard to believe this was recorded live, if it wasn't for the banter in between.
4
Apr 02 2023
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
I've always enjoyed a spot of Baaba Maal. I just love that voice and those Afrobeat rhythms. There are some really lovely chilled songs on this album. Nice.
4
Apr 03 2023
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
A classy and boppin little album of cool, cool R and B with more than a tinge of disco. I enjoyed this.
3
Apr 04 2023
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
Mot my favourite kind of music but I enjoyed some of the songs.
3
Apr 05 2023
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
A bit slow and melancholy, not really a patch on Urban Hymns.
3
Apr 06 2023
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Generic hard rock. Minus one for that album cover.
2
Apr 07 2023
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Too mechanical for me.
2
Apr 08 2023
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Dave is in fine voice and fine form, this could be from 20 years earlier. It is very very Bowie.
3
Apr 09 2023
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Two fantastic songs, a few good ones, some kooky tunes that don't even sound like The Police. A very good album.
4
Apr 10 2023
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
This was fun, like finding the soundtrack for a lost Tarantino Bollywood film.
4
Apr 11 2023
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The La's
The La's
The rest of the album is strangely eclectic and very different from their most famous song and the centrepiece of the album. Good, but not earth shattering.
3
Apr 12 2023
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
I thought, oh another Gen X postpunk album, and then I heard this familiar voice and I thought, Iceland punches above its musical weight.
3
Apr 13 2023
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
This sounds pretty fresh for a 32 year old album. Not really my bag but I quite liked it.
3
Apr 14 2023
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Not all of it hits, but the bits that do, really do. The musical and conceptual themes are quite magnificently integrated.
5
Apr 15 2023
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Some real classics on this bad boy. Sweet harmonies and stoned vibes.
4
Apr 16 2023
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Sone of this is very interesting and funky. Some doesn't hit very well. Overall, maybe worth one more listen.
3
Apr 17 2023
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Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Yeah okay but pretty generic, more a rattle than a commotion
3
Apr 18 2023
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Close To The Edge
Yes
The first track was just too much. But just when I was thinking, No, I heard the cover of America, and I thought, maybe a slight Yes.
3
Apr 19 2023
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Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
No just too much, I didn't enjoy this. Loud and out of tune. Plenty of energy though
2
Apr 20 2023
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Not bad at all. Like the Smiths meets the Cure meets Duran Duran. Never heard these guys and I'm sure I should have.
3
Apr 21 2023
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Low
David Bowie
A more ethereal and synth-heavy Bowie. I'd need to be in the mood for Vangelis-style dreamscapes before listening to this one again.
3
Apr 22 2023
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Yeah I suppose he is. Not a bad listen. In strong voice but as my son James pointed out, when I told him that Elvis was the most famous rock 'n' roll artist, this isn't rock 'n' roll
3
Apr 23 2023
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Ah the Tramp are always good for some very familiar, cheesy, sax-heavy proggy tunes. Enough iconic ones on here to warrant a 4.
4
Apr 24 2023
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Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
This had some elements of 90s R and B that used to turn me off: the louche lyrics, the air of arrogance, the soft jazz vibes. But I liked quite a bit of it and it sank in quite satisfactorily.
3
Apr 25 2023
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
I really hate the idea of Morrissey. Sadly, or maybe not, this is actually pretty good. A reminder of what he was before he was a grumpy racist.
3
Apr 26 2023
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Not every one of these songs slaps, but most of them do, and Keef and Mick are finding their songwriting chops and Brian is playing some weird instruments, and the psychedelia is just about creeping in and the blues is giving way to rock. A fun fun album.
4
Apr 27 2023
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Nixon
Lambchop
A chilled and enjoyable spot of early thou's indie, might come back to this
3
Apr 28 2023
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American Gothic
David Ackles
Started promising, but became a bit Broadway musical meets Peter Allen meets Hot August Night. Anyway nice to discover someone I'd never heard of.
3
Apr 29 2023
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Disintegration
The Cure
Wow, what an epic album. This has to show everything The Cure is capable of. Some of it I really like, a lot I find okay, some I'm not into. But I have to give credit where credit is due.
4
Apr 30 2023
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Only five songs but two of them are absolutely iconic. There's not many 13-minute songs I'd gladly listen to from top to tail but Shine On is one of them.
5
May 01 2023
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Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
Not a bad dose of energetic, happy punk. They certainly seem to be having fun and they sound more musically competent than many of their peers. I'll check out further.
3
May 02 2023
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I was prepared to give this a go, but I just do not like it. Nu-Metal crossed with bad rap. I can appreciate some of the creativity, but I won't be spinning this one again.
2
May 03 2023
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C'est Chic
CHIC
There's some iconic guitar work in here but overall just a bit too silky smooth for my tastes.
3
May 04 2023
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Headquarters
The Monkees
I do enjoy a spot of the Monkees, and this had lots of lovely moments, especially Randy Scouse Git. I am a little torn on whether this is a 3 or a 4 but I'm having a sad day so giving this a 4 will uplift me a tiny bit.
4
May 05 2023
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Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
Phew that is some intense trumpet screeching. And the drumming. I'm exhausted just listening to it. I can't say I'm a free jazz aficionado but I can see a place for it in 1950s Otto Preminger films.
3
May 06 2023
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
I learned a few things from this album: Eric Clapton and John McVie were in a band together; Eric was an amazing guitarist way back in '66; British bands could do the Blues rather well.
4
May 07 2023
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More Specials
The Specials
Gee this is a fun album. Enjoy yourself!
4
May 08 2023
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Truth
Jeff Beck
This rocks and blues and blues rocks. Nice to hear the Rods and Rons having a go too.
4
May 09 2023
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Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
This had moments of being great and then a few of being average. But 28 songs in 41 minutes? No time to get bored I suppose! The occasional Beatlesque tune which I liked. Might check this out further.
3
May 10 2023
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
Hmm. I tried I really did. But I don't like the voice, the music, the rapping, the sentiment. I appreciate the effort.
2
May 11 2023
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Graceland
Paul Simon
From start to finish, I love this album. It's euphoric, melancholy, funky, folky, melodic, harmonic... just about one of the most effective blending of different musical styles, and all of the emotions seem real. Well done Mr Simon.
5
May 12 2023
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S&M
Metallica
You know what, this isn't half bad. This would have been one hell of a live show to attend. Orchestral, epic, blistering guitars and great vocals. Well done lads.
4
May 13 2023
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
A cruisy listen on a relaxed Saturday afternoon. Some nice jazzy sax.
3
May 14 2023
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Brimful is a great song. The rest I found okay.
3
May 15 2023
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World Clique
Deee-Lite
Not really my kind of thing, but a real snapshot into the dance scene of the early 90s. And Groove is in the Heart is such a great song. Go Bootsy!
3
May 16 2023
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Debut
Björk
I think this will warrant further listens. Love the first track. Many of the rest I found a little challenging. I need to adapt to the cadences of Ms Gudmundsdottir's voice.
3
May 17 2023
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
This had plenty of boppy good moments. Time After Time is a great song.
3
May 18 2023
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Wow, this album rocks. The first half was all songs I knew, but didn't know I knew. The second half wasn't as good, but still great. Good work Whites.
4
May 19 2023
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Protection
Massive Attack
A very chilled and atmospheric collection of songs. Not entirely in my wheelhouse but I can see situations where I might call on this again.
3
May 20 2023
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Well I think this has to be full marks as a cultural touchstone alone. The songs do have a similar kind of sound but the lyrics and vocals and sentiment are spot on.
5
May 21 2023
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
This is nice exuberant but still political rap. A pleasing and nostalgic listen.
3
May 22 2023
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
This is one funky collection of tracks. Everyday People I could listen to on repeat, what a driving rhythm! Stand! is also awesome.
4
May 23 2023
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
These folks passed me by I'm the late 00s. Not bad but a bit generic Indie sounding. I think I've always mixed them up with Arctic Monkeys.
3
May 24 2023
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Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Yeah nah this was pretty much unrelentingly awful.
1
May 25 2023
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Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
What an interesting album. An odd collection of Caribbean, African and proto- hip-hop. I need to listen to this again.
Oh and that's where Eminem got it from.
3
May 26 2023
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
I was very impressed with this - I really haven't given Tori the requisite amount of time, and I should, and I will.
4
May 27 2023
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Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
It was so good to get this album this week. I'm listening to a favourite podcast at the moment and the latest episode is on The Grateful Dead. They are one of the 60s bands that has passed me by, somehow. I enjoyed this but I'd love to check out some of their studio albums. They are way more blues rock than I thought they'd be
3
May 28 2023
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Hmm yeah okay. Not a fan.
2
May 29 2023
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Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
Some good ole country vibes, nothing out of the ordinary, twangy and light.
3
May 30 2023
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1977
Ash
Oh how I loved this album back in 1997, first year at uni, into all things Brit-adjacent. Some cracker tunes and some great guitar work.
4
May 31 2023
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D
White Denim
This was interesting, never heard of them before. Bits of it I really liked, others weren't as easy on the ears.
3
Jun 01 2023
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Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
Nice to hear a bit of 60s rocker become an 80s proggie/poppie dude. I loved the first song, the rest were okay.
3
Jun 02 2023
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
I listened to this three times and liked it more and more each listen. Arriba!
4
Jun 03 2023
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Timely, this one. I just did a podcast on the rise and fall of Britpop, and of course Blur has a new album coming, as does Noel Gallagher himself.
It may be unfashionable to say this, but this is an amazing album. Strip away the ego and hype and bullshit and you have a collection of truly beautiful songs. Noel never wrote better, Liam (and Noel on one) never sang better.
Just love this.
5
Jun 04 2023
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
A bit too raucous for my tastes but this album had its moments
3
Jun 05 2023
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
This is kind of exactly what I thought it would be, reminiscent of Lauryn Hill but lighter and airier. Some lovely vibes and I liked the duet with Stephen Marley. But a bit too early-2000s R and B at times.
3
Jun 06 2023
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Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
I enjoyed this WAY more than the Trout one he did two years later. Experimental and plain kooky in parts, but there's enough on here to find some enjoyable country-blues-psychedelic rock that is enjoyable.
3
Jun 07 2023
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Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
I know of these guys and have maybe heard two songs, and I also know they've recently reunited for a new album. This was very smooth late 80s stuff, fine for a casual listen.
3
Jun 08 2023
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
I got heartily sick of this after a while. Which is a shame, I don't mind a good tango.
2
Jun 09 2023
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
"Hello, could I please have fourteen serves of 1989?"
"Certainly sir, take this Neneh Cherry album !"
3
Jun 10 2023
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Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
Soft Cell are certainly one of a kind. This had some fun moments. Not really my thing but I didn't find it objectionable.
3
Jun 11 2023
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The Undertones
The Undertones
A lovely serve of jaunty, happy, semi-punk. Very tight and well arranged.
3
Jun 12 2023
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
What's that? You're all out of Neneh Cherry? How am I going to relive the salad days of 1989?
Oh, you have some Queen Latifah? Well that will substitute nicely.
3
Jun 13 2023
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Ingenue
k.d. lang
I actually really enjoyed this. Great voice, some smart songwriting, a casual and relaxed vibe.
4
Jun 14 2023
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
This was a nice find. Now i know where Powderfinger got their name. Quite a mix of stuff that sounds more early 70s than 1979.
4
Jun 15 2023
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The Band
The Band
A lovely bit of homespun comfort from the country-folk-rock-Canadiana/Americana boys. How good is Dixie Down?
4
Jun 16 2023
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evermore
Taylor Swift
This has always been the lesser of Taylor's lockdown albums for me - there are a few great tunes but mostly it breezes over you more than astounds you like the tracks on Folklore. Still great though.
4
Jun 17 2023
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
This is a four, for Blueberry Hill alone.
4
Jun 18 2023
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
Very chilled vibes this passed me by without incident
3
Jun 19 2023
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Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I try and try but I can't get into Nick Cave. Saying that, there are some moments on this that are tuneful and interesting, especially the duets.
3
Jun 20 2023
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The White Album
Beatles
Ok ok.
If this was distilled down to 14 tracks, it would be perhaps the greatest album ever.
As it stands it's just in the top 10.
Plus we get 14 extra pretty kooky Beatles tracks.
So good decision to go for the double.
5
Jun 21 2023
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
A bit scrappy and raucous for me at times, but I like the spirit and the attitude. At the end of the album it automatically switched to a 'similar' artists, and the Tori Amos song that kicked in was so different in tone that it was a little jarring.
3
Jun 22 2023
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
I always think of BST as a disco group, probably getting mixed up with Earth Wind and Fire. I listened to this in the car with my Dad and it was a nostalgic listen for him, so this was a positive listening experience. They seem like another of the long line of 1968/69 generic country-blues-jazz-psychedelic rock groups that evolved into prog and 70s easy rock.
3
Jun 23 2023
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Honking saxes, chiming guitars, crashing pianos - and more Meatloaf than I would have thought. I felt like I was on a cracked bitumen roadway in western New Jersey.
3
Jun 24 2023
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
A gentle dose of soft Aussie rock
3
Jun 25 2023
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Beautiful Freak
Eels
I liked some of this. Good alternative 90s rock
3
Jun 26 2023
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
I was thinking a 3, then my dad said it should be a 1 as it was so much saccharine 60s orchestra bits with the same wavering vocals. So let's be mean and give it a 2.
2
Jun 27 2023
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
Dad says good voice, songs are rubbish, good after a few beers and a joint.
3
Jun 28 2023
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
Interesting for sure, occasionally listenable, intermittently not. Giving an extra star for the effort.
3
Jun 29 2023
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Hms Fable
Shack
Good solid northern British rock with a shade of Oasis and Beatles
3
Jun 30 2023
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
I like the Bee Gees a lot, but there's only so much warbling over a treble-heavy strings ensemble I can take. First song is amazing though.
3
Jul 01 2023
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Great renditions although a tad too long perhaps.
4
Jul 02 2023
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
Some functional punk, was pleased to hear the Jackass theme on this.
3
Jul 03 2023
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Pure Bruce. I'm not sold on him but he goes down like a cheap wine.
3
Jul 04 2023
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Faust IV
Faust
I had a few moments of interest in this but it mainly served as background music.
2
Jul 05 2023
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Harvest
Neil Young
Wow this is a fine piece of craftsmanship from start to finish. Incredible lyrics and themes that should have been written by someone twice his age, beautiful fragile musicality, and enough anger under the surface to keep it all tense and interesting.
5
Jul 06 2023
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
That Stevie really did do some amazing stuff in the early to mid 70s. Incredibly this was already his FIFTEENTH album. A few less impressive tracks but overall great.
4
Jul 07 2023
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
This is quite an amazing album, and despite Joni's voice getting a little tiresome after a while, the cosy familiarity and brilliant songwriting offset the shrillness.
5
Jul 08 2023
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
There's probably better Madness albums than this, but it's certainly very interesting, and Our House is such a great song, which knocks it up a point.
4
Jul 09 2023
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Simple Minds has largely passed me by. They sound melodic and emotional and all that, but there's something not quite there for me.
3
Jul 10 2023
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Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
I loved Something 4 the Weekend when it came out but I didn't give SFA albums much of a listen. This is great, poppy and slightly kooky, with shades of early Blur.
4
Jul 11 2023
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
Does the Roxy Music job. None of it sticks with me but flows by nicely.
3
Jul 12 2023
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
This was a lovely listen. I think I liked Wilco's efforts more than Billy's... they sound like a new version of The Band.
4
Jul 13 2023
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Smash
The Offspring
This is a guilty pleasure. Great memories of moshing at Balinese nightclubs during Schoolies '96. The Offspring never sounded this good again.
4
Jul 14 2023
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Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
Oh dear, another inscrutable prog rock album. A few rock-y moments but mostly interminable noodling.
2
Jul 15 2023
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Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
An OK listen. Jaunty in parts, but mostly just a soundtrack to my morning.
3
Jul 16 2023
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Hmm. Ordinarily this would be a 3, as it is pretty listenable and melodic. But I feel it should go down due to Kanye's repulsiveness and also the repetitive nature of his shtick. But some songs are good. Ok, a 3 it is.
Most relevant line: "You've been putting up with my shit just way too long"
3
Jul 17 2023
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
I gotta say, after a few of these albums, I'm just not a Tom Waits fan.
2
Jul 18 2023
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Another one of Neil's classics, perhaps a little gentler than Harvest except for the absolutely scathing Southern Man. Love it.
5
Jul 19 2023
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Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Jeez that's a hell of a lot of bluegrass and trad country.
I almost picked up a jug in the kitchen and started blowing into it.
Appreciate the craftsmanship though.
3
Jul 20 2023
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This is the best Nick Cave album on the list so far, by a margin. Some genuinely beautiful melodies but the odd lyric had me worried that this was almost a Christian album.
3
Jul 21 2023
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
This was a pretty fun listen - very repetitive, and I'm kind of done with the early-70s country-folk-blues-rock by white guys schtick - but it was done well. Colorado was a lovely song.
3
Jul 22 2023
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
This got a bit grating after a whle. i quite like the chunky guitars but the vocals I can take or leave. Just too long...
3
Jul 23 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Try as I might, I just can't get into most of Prince's stuff - too many gated drums, too much performative sexiness, too much synthetic sound. This album was no different: listenable but nothing really stood out.
3
Jul 24 2023
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Album review written by Tom, feat. nobody el$e
I used to hate this music, and what it stood for, the conspicuous consumption and brazen sexuality and egotism. I think that my analysis was very simplistic and I appreciate more of what people like Missy were doing, which barriers they were breaking down. I still don't like most of the music but some of it is passable. I'll be generous and give a 3.
3
Jul 25 2023
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Brothers
The Black Keys
This album is pretty ROCKING. Nice to hear, I've always let the Black Keys pass me by a bit.
4
Jul 26 2023
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Guero
Beck
I got to say, I really enjoyed this. Good Beck is good music.
4
Jul 27 2023
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Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
I'd never heard of these chaps, they started a bit shaky, like a sort of Bloodhound Gang copy, but they evolved into a mix between Silksonic and Flight of the Conchords. I genuinely really liked a bunch of these tunes.
4
Jul 28 2023
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I wasn't keen on the first song or two but then this really started to do things for me. This is the most Beatle-esque I've heard Elvis go, I think, and comparisons to the fab Four finally kind of make sense. Some great tracks towards the end of the album.
4
Jul 29 2023
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I had lots of fun with this. Great drums, bass and crazy David Byrne vocals. I must be in a good mood this week because I'm giving another 4.
4
Jul 30 2023
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Some lovely sweet country vibes. No relation.
3
Jul 31 2023
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Trio
Dolly Parton
Some lovely sweet country vibes. Hang on, wasn't that yesterday?
3
Aug 01 2023
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
This is about the most accurate description I've seen of any album yet. Pretty slight, but exactly what I needed this morning.
3
Aug 02 2023
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Blur
Blur
Oh wow. So timely. Been reconnecting with Blur a lot recently. This album was HUGE the year I started uni, in fact it became an obsession of mine. Beetlebum was the song that served as my gateway Blur drug, and Song 2, despite being overplayed, is still a mad headbanger. I saw Blur twice in Sydney in a couple of days, the second concert at the Hordern we managed to catch Dave's drumstick after it flew into the audience during Song 2. I still don't know what happened to that, I had it for years. We managed to blag our way into the after party in Kings Cross, and I sidled up to Graham Coxon at the bar, and what did I say? 'Great guitar Graham'. Damn what a loser.
Oh and the album is a real mixed bag, some I love, some I'm a bit indifferent, but as a package and a statement and a disc full of memories, this has to get full marks.
5
Aug 03 2023
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Not my kind of thing, but smooth and silky enough to provide some background sounds.
3
Aug 04 2023
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
I can appreciate the kraft and the werk but I don't know if I enjoy listening to 22 minute electronic songs from the 70s.
2
Aug 05 2023
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Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
Ah, so that's where the Foo Fighters heard it.
3
Aug 06 2023
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Crazysexycool
TLC
I veered between hating this and almost liking a few songs, especially the last one. I just didn't like this stuff when I was at high school and it's hard to detach. But these obviously very talented ladies were a product of their time and social milieu. They made some good music. And said Sexy a lot.
3
Aug 07 2023
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Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
Ah, beaucoup de fun! Always thought rap and hiphop sound better in French.
4
Aug 08 2023
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
This was not as challenging as I thought it might be, a pretty generic slice of early-90s hardish rock. Nothing jumped out but nothing jumped away either.
3
Aug 09 2023
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
A bit too angry and mean spirited for me
2
Aug 10 2023
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
Punk is fine, but once you start calling it art punk maybe the original intention is being lost. Anyway I found this a difficult listen.
2
Aug 11 2023
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
This sounds like it would have been one helluva show. Love how he humanises the audience so naturally.
4
Aug 12 2023
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
A microcosm of 1966: sitars, backwards guitars, jangling 12 strings, psychedelic imagery, close harmonies, eastern melodies. I liked this a lot.
4
Aug 13 2023
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
This is just about as funky as it gets. Unfortunately I wasn't feeling too funkadelic myself, maybe this would be a 4 on a party night.
3
Aug 14 2023
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Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
A rather eclectic and interesting record, a few different things emerged during my one and a half listens
3
Aug 15 2023
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
As easy on the ears as can be, nice to hear a samba cover of one of my favourite Lovin' Spoonful songs, got to say the original was better. There were real shades of Burt Bacharach at his most saccharine on this album.
3
Aug 16 2023
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
I've never been a massive fan of Madge, but I recall the impact this album had back in the late 90s. A worthy and memorable reinvention with some classic tracks. Well done. It was all downhill from here (cue worst James Bond theme ever)
4
Aug 17 2023
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The Libertines
The Libertines
Not half bad, actually, kind of Living End meets Britpop. I'd never heard Pete Doherty's stuff and my estimation has risen slightly.
3
Aug 18 2023
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
This was so 1966 but also so ahead of its time. I liked it but it was too garage for me, I like a slicker bit of 60s production.
3
Aug 19 2023
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
This had a weird 80s or 90s vibe, like a chirpy New Order or something. I did enjoy the melodies and the quirkiness but I'd grow tired of it after a while I think.
3
Aug 20 2023
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Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
Very generic mid-2000s rock. I'd heard a few of these, you know, they're fine, but I can't see how they've achieved a billion streams on one of their tunes. The singer had the sound of a less committed Damon Albarn.
3
Aug 21 2023
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
This one I half listened to in the car, and then I thought it deserved a second listen, which I'm glad I did, as it had more nuance than I thought. Nothing hugely innovative, but you can see where the first wave of grunge bands got some of their inspiration.
3
Aug 22 2023
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
A pleasant enough listen - just enough electro and acoustic and nice vocals and easy charm to keep me bopping along, but not overly enthused. I was more into Oasis and lad rock at this time.
3
Aug 23 2023
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Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
Ah, country music that was more friendly and optimistic and accepting than the current racist, right-wing nonsense parading on the charts. Some lovely tunes.
3
Aug 24 2023
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Arrival
ABBA
Is this the first appearance by the Swedish legends? I am very partial to a spot of ABBA, I have a real sweet tooth for those melodies and voices and songwriting hooks.
There's a few mishits here, including the morally questionable first song, but the inclusion of Fernando on the Australian album version, plus at least two other bona fide amazing songs, keeps this at a solid 4.
4
Aug 25 2023
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
Yeah nah. I'm not into late 80s Goth rock. Too many gated drums and emotions.
2
Aug 26 2023
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Arular
M.I.A.
I should like this more, but the overall effect was a bit grating and repetitive
2
Aug 27 2023
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Motorhead do one thing and seem to do it quite well. Lemmie is certainly in fine fettle.
3
Aug 28 2023
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California
American Music Club
Never heard of these guys. A pretty okay slice of 80s indie, some nice vocals, pretty sounds. If you'd told me they were a MOR Aussie act from the time, I'd have believed you (excepting the band and album names)
3
Aug 29 2023
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Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
There were moments on this I really enjoyed, and quite a few others which were a bit 1990s-naffpop. Kind of Stone Roses meets vague electro. I'd give it another listen for sure.
3
Aug 30 2023
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Ooooh, that some smooth sax and bossa nova vibes. Good music to mark to.
3
Aug 31 2023
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Some smooth as silk jazzy sax. Music to drive to.
3
Sep 01 2023
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Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
Some good ole thoughtful country with shades of Johnny Cash among others.
3
Sep 02 2023
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
Love some mariachi trumpets with indie rock.
3
Sep 03 2023
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Sister
Sonic Youth
More of the same from these guys. Music to BBQ by.
3
Sep 04 2023
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
Good rock but not up to his White Stripes standards
3
Sep 05 2023
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
Definitely interesting. Had never heard of this fella. I really like one or two of these, might give this another spin.
3
Sep 06 2023
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...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
I really got a lot out of this, these guys sounded awesome and had such a distinct and full sound. A real flashback to 1997.
4
Sep 07 2023
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Not a bad bit of rock guitary stuff, feels newer than 1980
3
Sep 08 2023
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Second time today I'm rating this...the last review didn't take.
An absolutely sublime album. A band where all members were firing on all cylinders musically and creatively...not so much romantically. An amazing listen.
5
Sep 09 2023
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
There are some really great songs on here that I've never properly listened to before. Old Jimi was many years ahead of his time.
4
Sep 10 2023
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
It's amazing what a redneck cousin-marrying pedophile can do behind a piano.
4
Sep 11 2023
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Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
I approached this with no real knowledge of what to expect, and I was very pleasantly surprised. A lovely album with some really interesting songs. Will listen again.
4
Sep 12 2023
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Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
Shades of the Sunnyboys, Midnight Oil, other early-80s Aus Rock acts. Has its moments.
3
Sep 13 2023
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
A pretty kooky and interesting selection of tracks. I enjoyed how different it was.
Fun fact: I played one song in my Year 8 class and one of the students asked if it was Le Tigre. Kudos to them!
3
Sep 14 2023
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
This all hangs together very well, but I feel that it needs the film to really lend context to some of the soundscapes and snippets. I give this a base of 4, minus 1 for the short, less impactful songs, plus 1 for the amazing tunes (Comfortably Numb - wow), plus 1 for the pure chutzpah of the whole thing. So a hard-earned 5.
5
Sep 15 2023
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
I'm a bit ambivalent about Rod, some of his stuff is great, a lot of it is very MOR and cheesy. But this early period stuff is rock solid. I really enjoyed this album
4
Sep 16 2023
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So
Peter Gabriel
Sledgehammer is a high point, there's a few other okay ones, nice to hear Kate Bush, otherwise it's a bit mid 80s over produced, innit
3
Sep 17 2023
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The Grand Tour
George Jones
Good old-fashioned steel pedal poignant country. Slow and low.
3
Sep 18 2023
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
A rather weird and rambling concoction. Once I read the tragic story of Spence, this one-of-a-kind solo album took on a new shade of meaning. The last gasps of a fading genius?
3
Sep 19 2023
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Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Heard of the band but never listened to them. Very mid-80s, perhaps echoes of early Crowded House and Squeeze and the Beautiful South. I got to say I quite enjoyed this.
3
Sep 20 2023
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Did a bit of reading, now called Anhoni (?) and a really interesting back story. Quite an amazing voice but the music isn't quite what I'm into. Appreciate the beauty and effort though.
3
Sep 21 2023
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Another group I've never heard of, I enjoyed this as it glided by. Got me in the mood for my end-of-term 1993 dress-up tomorrow (30th anniversary of my school).
3
Sep 22 2023
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
I only ever knew these guys from a Simpsons episode. I quite enjoyed some of the songs, very 1968 in their way. The extended final cut was a little too much rock organ and killer riffs.
3
Sep 23 2023
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Copper Blue
Sugar
There's little bits of Oasis and grunge and Lemonheads and all other manner of 90s rock in here. Glad to have heard some for the first time.
3
Sep 24 2023
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Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
I've not heard this FBS album, certainly not as iconic as his next one.
3
Sep 25 2023
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
One minute in I was about to turn this off. Then I got a bit hooked and then I read that this is a Talking Heads offshoot and then I heard some rather cool and kooky music and I overall enjoyed it.
3
Sep 26 2023
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
This brought some comforting loveliness. I will be listening to this band some more for sure. I hearted about four songs.
4
Sep 27 2023
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Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
If I was in a club in 1997 this would be much better. Setting Sun is still an amazing piece of music though.
3
Sep 28 2023
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The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
There are some genuinely beautiful musical snippets amongst all of the self important over-the-top grandiosity. I love Peter Gabriel's voice and some of the dramatic moments are great. But there's just so much of it. This one truly outstayed its welcome.
2
Sep 29 2023
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Central Reservation
Beth Orton
Some serious 1999-2001 memories for me here,my darling wife used to have this on high rotation. I liked some of the songs then and still now but this isn't my go-to music.
3
Sep 30 2023
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
There are moments I love the kookiness of Roxy Music. But I never seek them out, best enjoyed randomly or in small doses perhaps.
3
Oct 01 2023
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Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
This was never not interesting. Some really great Indian fusion stuff going on. And even an Oppenheimer quote (well, a Bhagavad Gita one). An extra point for pure effort.
4
Oct 02 2023
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
I've tried and failed to get into late period Radiohead. I love the mid-90s stuff but this is all to avant-garde for my ears.
That said, I enjoyed this and there were some beautiful moments. Another listen required.
3
Oct 03 2023
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Green
R.E.M.
There's some fabulous tracks on here, not all of them, but plenty.
4
Oct 04 2023
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#1 Record
Big Star
There are some lovely Beatlesque moments on this album, sweet harmonies and lush chords. A kind of missing link between the Fab Four and Fleetwood Mac.
4
Oct 05 2023
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Microshift
Hookworms
There were some ok moments on this but I'm not really sure what this band is. I read about why they folded so not keen to follow up.
3
Oct 06 2023
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Gris Gris
Dr. John
Kooky as all get up. Quite fun though.
3
Oct 07 2023
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
A bit too electronic and synth-y for me to be head over heels, but there are enough melodic moments to have made this a lovely listen.
3
Oct 08 2023
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Music
Madonna
I was prepared for this to be an utter trainwreck. But it wasn't, some of it was quite, ahem, 'musical.' However the less said about the horror of the American Pie cover, the better.
3
Oct 09 2023
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BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
Far too self referential and wallowing in her own genius for my likes. But an amazing voice and musicality.
3
Oct 10 2023
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Tapestry
Carole King
This is a near perfect album in terms of songwriting. Truly a great composer at the top of her game. Her voice never quite comes to the same heights but there is a vulnerability and emotion there that just works. And these two versions of Woman and Friend are beautiful reimaginings of songs that were already amazing.
5
Oct 11 2023
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
Kooky and inscrutable at times, though not as difficult to listen to as I recall. Still, I much prefer the earlier, more shallow but more melodic iteration of the band.
3
Oct 12 2023
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
I liked this, some beautiful melodic songs. Will listen again.
3
Oct 13 2023
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
Too fast too loud too many arpeggiated guitar solos.
My head hurts.
I think I just don't like generic heavy metal.
2
Oct 14 2023
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Suicide
Suicide
This was too glitchy and meandering for me. Not very enjoyable.
2
Oct 15 2023
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
I feel like this album, more than any other Blur one, captures the zeitgeist of the moment - the calm before the Britpop storm, the angst and ennui of 1993, pre-Cool Britannia. Half of this album is a bit naff, the other half is incredible. Sitting on the threshold, waiting for the madness to begin.
4
Oct 16 2023
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Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
Ah, 1989. Back when I could understand rap lyrics.
Cheeky, fun, a sense of playfulness. Not bad at all.
3
Oct 17 2023
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
The voice is great, the songwriting is occasionally awesome - but the mid-70s production is where this suffers. A bit too polished or trebley, or maybe it's the high bass lines, or something. Nice but not the best Joni on offer.
3
Oct 18 2023
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
Started a bit meh but this soon grew on me, loungey yet dramatic and accusatory. Great voice. Good work Ms Apple.
4
Oct 19 2023
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
Man, I listened to this about a thousand times during a road trip through Central and South America. A chill dope-smoking French dude, living in Colombia, singing a variety of genres in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese... lovely memories of backpacking and being a global citizen. I even saw Manu in Sydney in the mid-00s. Or was that a fever dream?
4
Oct 20 2023
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
I just wasn't in the mood for 80s hair metal today. It does it competently but too much slick screechiness for me.
2
Oct 21 2023
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
Holy shit.
1
Oct 22 2023
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1999
Prince
I still struggle to really get into Prince. I can tell he's good but some of his songs just don't resonate. That said, there's a couple of crackers on this album.
3
Oct 23 2023
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
I had completely forgotten about this Damon Albarn (plus random other luminaries - The Clash! Fela Kuti! The Verve!) side-project. Like a weird cross between Blur and Gorillaz - how about that then?
Some great stuff, Damon always impresses me with his enthusiasm.
4
Oct 24 2023
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
What an amazing set of songs. Aretha can take any source material and just turn it into hers. And the thumping rhythm section and horns just complement her incredible voice so well. Great work all round team.
5
Oct 25 2023
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Dare!
The Human League
A bit synthed out after that. I'd say that apart from Don't You Want Me, the rest of the songs sit in the average category. There's a few flashes of brilliance, but mostly hiding behind some spacey electronic noises.
3
Oct 26 2023
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Birth year record!
I'm not a huge fan of Faithfull's voice nor her interpretations of some pretty iconic songs. I'm feeling generous today, so a 3, but some days this would be a 2.
3
Oct 27 2023
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All Directions
The Temptations
Some real funky moments on here. 12 minutes of Papa is a proper treat. There's even some surprising before-its-time use of a particular racial slur. Overall, though, a bit patchy.
3
Oct 28 2023
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
It was lovely to hear a whole album by these folks. I just love Nina's voice, the funky bass, the flutes, the kooky lyrics. A nice time capsule from the era of gentle Indie.
4
Oct 29 2023
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
My daughter asked why old Lennie couldn't sing properly. I winced and tried to explain how iconic a songwriter he was. I then played Avalanche again and she kind of understood a bit. That said... beyond the amazing songs, they do start to sound the same.
4
Oct 30 2023
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
This is definitely kooky and ground breaking and fun. Thing is, most of it isn't my kind of music.
3
Oct 31 2023
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Risque
CHIC
Loving that Nile Rodgers guitar and the funky disco vibes. A bit samey at times but on a Friday night this would be one pumping album. Now, where's my flowing satin dress?
4
Nov 01 2023
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This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
After reading some reviews, I was prepared for industrial punk noise. Happily, a lot of this was pretty melodic and listenable. Not great, but not terrible.
3
Nov 02 2023
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
The audio equivalent to jamming three interlocking berets down onto your head, then sticking a Gauloise cigarette, soaked in Chartreuse, into each ear. I enjoyed this for what it was.
3
Nov 03 2023
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
I always thought Mars Volta were an electronic act. But evidently not. More a kind of Muse-meets-Limp Bizkit-meets-Yes. So some of this is just fine, and clever, but there's just too much. Too much I tell you.
3
Nov 04 2023
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
I was pleasantly surprised by some of this. A real eclectic mix of songs, occasionally pretty melodic.
3
Nov 05 2023
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
I really don't like The Streets. I don't like the rhymes, the vocal, the flow, the themes, the music, the fake amateurism, the sexism. It should be a 1 but I'll give it an extra point for the pure commitment to being consistently crap throughout.
2
Nov 06 2023
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
I enjoyed this quite a lot - very topical commentary on the environment, society, the media. Funky beats and a strong, rhythmic flow. If anything, though, I found it all rather depressing. Need a bit more joy in my music.
3
Nov 07 2023
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Woah, this is way better than I recalled. I just remember being so turned off Radiohead's stuff after OK Computer, finding it too dense and complex and ethereal. But twenty years later, this sounds like a natural evolution from the likes of OKC. Heaps of beautiful melodies, intricate guitar work, and nods to their pop-rock past, wrapped in a prog-spacey package.
4
Nov 08 2023
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Forever Changes
Love
A very lovely, emotional album. I listened to this first around 6 years ago, and remember being pretty bowled over by it. This time around, it didn't have the same effect, but there were certainly flashes of brilliance. It is nice to think of a 1967 multi-racial band doing psychedelic stuff, kind of represents a better zeitgeist.
4
Nov 09 2023
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
This was lots of fun. A nice mashup of cute, gentle psychedelia, pop and Indian classical. I loved the cover of Light My Fire, super funky.
4
Nov 10 2023
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
This was a lovely album, a bit slow and vague at times. Reminded me of The Frames or a low-fi Neil Young. Will try some more BPB.
3
Nov 11 2023
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
A bit more milktoast than tigermilk. Softer than I remembered
3
Nov 12 2023
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Good to hear these lads with their rough and ready blues stylings. Definitely one of the more proficient British Invasion bands, but nothing that really set the world alight.
3
Nov 13 2023
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Vespertine
Björk
Kooky and ooky, as predicted. Still not a fan but I can happily listen.
3
Nov 14 2023
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Drunk
Thundercat
A strange album, very technically proficient but it left me feeling a little empty and unenthused. I think I could enjoy it more in a different frame of mind. Echoes of Silksonic but not as fun.
3
Nov 15 2023
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
This is not usually my kind of music, but there's no doubting that this was a seminal album, and perhaps the best of its kind. There are three legitimate classics of electro dance on this one release.
For pure nostalgia value, I'm adding a star.
4
Nov 16 2023
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
I wasn't super excited about this one at first, but pretty soon it was rocking track after rocking track, some familiar, some pleasingly new. It's not all Mr Brightside after all! A good little album.
3
Nov 17 2023
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
There was a lot to like here - like a Beatles/Stones/Beach Boys mashup. Some cool left turns and spot-on musicality. I will listen to these fellas again.
4
Nov 18 2023
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
This album is Year 11 for me. I listened to it over and over and over. Just a fantastic statement out of the gates for the lads. Supersonic, Live Forever, Rock 'n' Roll Star, Cigarettes and Alcohol, Slide Away... hell, even Digsy's Dinner and Married With Children are incredible. Makes you want to snarl fuck off into a microphone with your hands behind your back.
5
Nov 19 2023
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Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
I veered between hating this and quite liking some of the tunes, samples, vocals. Overall, not for me. But I'm bumping it up to a 3 due to the lovely Daydreamin'
3
Nov 20 2023
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Moondance
Van Morrison
Okay, Van Morrison has become a grumpy old shit. That said, this album is so full of classic bluesy bangers that I am willing to ignore his current nonsense. Into the Mystic and It Stoned Me are just about two of the best songs to come out of the 70s. Moondance is overplayed but gee that voice.
5
Nov 21 2023
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Bossanova
Pixies
At times a bit too searing for me, but there are enough melodic moments and interesting songs to warrant a further listen down the road.
3
Nov 22 2023
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
The Buzzcocks have mainly passed me by, I always kind of hazily thought they were an American Ramones-style group. Nice to hear this bit of cheeky fun, like Bur meets the Sex Pistols.
3
Nov 23 2023
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
One of those bands I should know better, but never give the time of day to. I feel like later 2000s indie for me is a blur of Killers, Strokes, Arctic Monekys, Tame Impala, these guys, plus many more, and I haven't yet separated it all out in my mind. Will definitely give these more of a run around. Some lovely tunes on here.
4
Nov 24 2023
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Destroyer
KISS
At their best, KISS are theatrical and fun. Not here - plain, average and sometimes cringey. Perhaps one track worth a listen.
2
Nov 25 2023
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Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Flows past like a dreamy bit of guitar fluff with echoes of early U2, but better.
3
Nov 26 2023
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
Well that was shit.
1
Nov 27 2023
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Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This is an absolutely solid listen from end to end. Great lyrics (including, I'd argue, the head turner in Oliver's Army, which is actually a reference to the racism experienced by the Irish in the British army); just kick-arse bass playing; ol' Declan's voice in full flight; and the vibes of Accidents Will Happen and Party Girl among others. This was released the day after I was born, so maybe a bit of birth year bias, but I'm giving the full 5.
5
Nov 28 2023
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Captain Beefheart is a sadistic, weird Tom Waits without the musicality and goofy likeability.
1
Nov 29 2023
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The Score
Fugees
This is Year 12 all over for me. Not really my bag but the vocals and arrangements are certainly pretty great. I much preferred Lauryn Hill's solo efforts but this is okay for a listen through.
3
Nov 30 2023
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
An old classic, I know, but something I've never really wished to explore, I put it in the Stairway to Heaven hobbit music category. Anyway it was good enough, my Mum heard it in the car and said it was an album she bought when it was released.
3
Dec 01 2023
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Not really into this sort of stuff. The first few songs really put me off but the more ambient and relaxing later tracks brought me back a bit. A bare pass for this though.
3
Dec 02 2023
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
Maybe the name put me off, the expectation of generic pop not enough to entice me. But I really liked this. Doing a deep dive now into their catalogue. A missing link between 80s indie rock and 90s Britpop, fusing elements from both sides of the Atlantic, with the odd Beatlesque hook (or blatant borrowing). Good Times.
4
Dec 03 2023
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Ys
Joanna Newsom
Bjork with a harp.
Only joking. It's genuinely great to encounter unique and interesting music I've never heard before, nearly 800 albums in.
3
Dec 04 2023
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
What happens when you drop 60% of your band between albums? You lose some of the ebullience and chaos that made you such fun to listen to. Some poignant and beautiful tunes but missing the sense of good old-fashioned hijinks of the first two albums.
3
Dec 05 2023
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
Surprisingly tuneful for a band called Meat Puppets.
3
Dec 06 2023
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Well yes, terrible cover art, so expectations were low. But this was more proto-metal with elements of punk and 70s rock. So I quite enjoyed it.
3
Dec 07 2023
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
This is either the best or second-best John solo album. I love the rawness, the emotion, the bitter anger tempered with soothing love. A few too many rough edges for me but a fine album that captures where our boy was at in 1970.
4
Dec 08 2023
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Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
Twangy, occasionally violent, forgettable. I liked the Buck Owens cover though.
2
Dec 09 2023
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Technique
New Order
New Order just New Ordering, nothing new, just what the doctor ordered.
3
Dec 10 2023
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Yeah you know, some sick beats and some interesting samples and raps and stuff. But not really how I like to fill my listening time.
3
Dec 11 2023
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
Yeah nah. Johnny is just a bit crap I'm afraid.
2
Dec 12 2023
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
There's two bona fide beautiful songs on this, a few interesting ones, and a couple of head-scratchers. But mostly ethereal and melodic enough to warrant a few dedicated listens. I could do Holes and Opus 40 over and over though.
4
Dec 13 2023
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Funky and fly as can be. I liked the instrumental the most.
4
Dec 14 2023
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Very 80s, very tuneful, very emotional - it hits some of the right spots but not all of them. A solid effort though.
3
Dec 15 2023
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Bad
Michael Jackson
Well not bad at all I suppose. He certainly was, but his mid-80s music was a notch up from that.
4
Dec 16 2023
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
I'd say the opener and closer are about as good as The Stones get. I'm feeling generous today.
5
Dec 17 2023
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
This got better as it went along. Very Peter Gabriel.
3
Dec 18 2023
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
I hate hate hated this in 2001. Thought it was another clone of all the crap R and B doing the rounds.
20-odd years later this sounded like nostalgia and competent singing. Hearing Beyonce before she was bigger than God was quite interesting.
3
Dec 19 2023
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Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
Subpar electro DJ stuff, not for me this day.
2
Dec 20 2023
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The Blueprint
JAY Z
Not a bad collection of songs and samples, given time I could probably develop a bit more tolerance for this sort of thing.
3
Dec 21 2023
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
This started off like an 8 bit Nintendo game and improved, but not enough to hook me in at all.
2
Dec 22 2023
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
I'd always known the name but never heard their music. I was relatively impressed, especially liked track 3. Will keep listening.
3
Dec 23 2023
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
...and growly vocals for all
3
Dec 24 2023
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
The 1970s Beach Boys, but with a hangover. I liked the vibe a lot though.
4
Dec 25 2023
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Somehow I missed this rather major post-Britpop band altogether. I really enjoyed it, shades of Noel Gallagher and Coldplay when they were great.
4
Dec 26 2023
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Straight after Doves? Weird.
I used to really love Coldplay. Now I find them very irritating.
Listening to this fine album reminded me why I liked them, and I'm no longer embarrassed to say they were a very brilliant group.
Not a dud song on here.
5
Dec 27 2023
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LP1
FKA twigs
There were a couple of bright moments but overall this wasn't the vibe I was feeling today.
2
Dec 28 2023
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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
This reminded me of the film Ghost Dog. Dark and stormy and lots of pent up rage.
3
Dec 29 2023
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Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Some pretty solid early 70s rock, but nothing life changing
3
Dec 30 2023
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
What an amazing voice. Plenty of emotion and pain in these songs, but she makes them beautiful.
4
Dec 31 2023
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Rip It Up
Orange Juice
A couple of fun little ditties, mostly the usual post-punk fare that is regularly served up by 1001
3
Jan 01 2024
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Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Must be a vocal jazz week.
Distinctive and pretty great voice, with interesting orchestration weaving sinuously between the phrases. A good vibe for a rainy New Year's Day.
4
Jan 02 2024
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
I was expecting some rollicking twangy country but got a pretty flat collection of fairly insipid yet tuneful slow ballads.
3
Jan 03 2024
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Oh yeah this was fairly huge. Some crackers on here, amazing songwriting but maybe a bit repetitive in terms of production and instrumentation. A nice listen.
4
Jan 04 2024
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
This one breezed by like a guava mocktail at a hipster bar
3
Jan 05 2024
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Paris 1919
John Cale
This was a nice spot of whimsy. I really like the title track, very music hall meets prog.
3
Jan 06 2024
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
I appreciate some of the artistry on this but mostly I think this is a single listen album for me. A grudging 3 stars.
3
Jan 07 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
This sounded like a novelty record at times. I enjoyed the vibe occasionally but I left it not really knowing what they were trying to do.
3
Jan 08 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
First few songs are pretty great I suppose. But it's U2 and they're insufferable.
3
Jan 09 2024
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Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
Too much ethereal bleeping and wavy phasing for this listener. Perhaps if I was on the moon.
2
Jan 10 2024
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Great attitude but the 80s production and instrumentation really hurt this. Man he can go low with that voice. Two or three actual bangers on here that would be good just with an acoustic guitar.
3
Jan 11 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
More of the same old Metallica sound, lifted to the heights of metal greatness by Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters.
4
Jan 12 2024
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Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
Nothing too amazing going on here, but a solid set of rock tracks worth a single listen
3
Jan 13 2024
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Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Not my kind of vibe, but they seem to do chilled electronica quite well, so I'll be generous today.
3
Jan 14 2024
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Lovely acousticy country vibes, well sung and well plucked and well strummed. Good road trip music.
3
Jan 15 2024
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The White Room
The KLF
3
Jan 16 2024
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Shleep
Robert Wyatt
Hmm. Some interesting ideas but I feel like this would have made more sense in 1977 than 1997.
2
Jan 17 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
Oh dear. Here it is.
Perhaps one of my favourite albums of all time.
Operatic, over the top, melodramatic, ballsy, camp, silly, wondrous, magnificent, unique.
Top marks to all four lads for this one, but a bonus star for Freddie's artistic vision.
5
Jan 18 2024
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Parts of this are the old ho-hum generic RHCP funk, and parts are pure genius. Under the Bridge, gee, what a corker. Almost a 5, but not quite the consistency required.
4
Jan 19 2024
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Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Rod at his godliest. He didn't write much but he can growl a good tune, and I loved the louche ruggedness of his backing band.
4
Jan 20 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
About as great as grunge gets. Love Chris Cornell's voice. Black Hole Sun, awesome song.
4
Jan 21 2024
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
I'm a sucker for a bit of cheeky lad pop, especially when it sounds like it's been put through a 1965 Beatles song generator. Confident and faintly ridiculous.
4
Jan 22 2024
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
This was significantly more interesting than I thought it would be: gloomy cowboy and pirate vibes with a touch of music hall, new wave and postpunk. I heard some Duran Duran, Blur, Specials and Talking Heads in there.
3
Jan 23 2024
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I See You
The xx
Lovely voices, songs a bit too spacey for me.
3
Jan 24 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
Smooth, jazzy, repetitive
3
Jan 25 2024
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Wow, I really enjoyed this, very unique. Going to check out the stuff he did as Smog. A lovely find.
4
Jan 26 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Hands down, the best solo album by a former Beatle. The last few novelty songs are best left untouched, but the rest of the tracks are an absolute tour de force. George has found his slide guitar mojo, and his songwriting is at its chromatic best. Fun fact, 'If Not For You' was our wedding song.
5
Jan 27 2024
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Pretty generic mid period Neil, not bad but not great
3
Jan 28 2024
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
Pretty basic Irish folk semi punk rock, done extremely well.
Somehow Shane takes an Aussie folk tune about Gallipoli to another level.
Dirty Old Town is a lovely little ditty.
4
Jan 29 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
This is exactly what Early Santana should sound like. Pass the reefer please!
3
Jan 30 2024
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Medúlla
Björk
File this in the basket marked 'challenging'
3
Jan 31 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
So puerile and gross and stupid at times, but Snoop has an undeniable flair for clever cheeky rhymes, and catchy melody and harmony. And man, this took me back to 1993.
3
Feb 01 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Another lovely little acoustic album by our mate Nick, breezes through the ears quite nicely but doesn't really set the world on fire. Better than the other Drake.
3
Feb 02 2024
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Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Good hard reggae, done well. Not quite at Bob levels but close.
4
Feb 03 2024
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
This sounds just like the Pet Shop Boys!
3
Feb 04 2024
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Hmm. I appreciate the cheekiness but I got fed up of him talking about his willy.
2
Feb 05 2024
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Real Life
Magazine
A kind of kooky bit of punk, post-punk, rock, pop - never heard of this but I had moments of enjoyment.
3
Feb 06 2024
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
I've got to say, I didn't like this album. Too flat, too low energy, if you hadn't told me the year it was from, I'd have guessed it was 10 years older - stale before its time.
2
Feb 07 2024
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
It'd be the height of churlishness to criticise any of the performances on this. Not perfect, but close to it.
5
Feb 08 2024
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The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
A study in how mental illness can affect the critical and creative faculties. Moments of brilliance, mostly a bit...well, madcap.
3
Feb 09 2024
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
Big nostalgia hit here. All the ballady bits of Michael Jackson with some memorable percussion.
3
Feb 10 2024
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
A strange album this, a transition between their orchestral pop of the late 60s and the meandering nostalgic rock of their later career. Til I Die and Surf's Up are two of their most beautiful songs. It's almost a 5 but the inconsistent tone and underlying sadness bring it down.
4
Feb 11 2024
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Movies
Holger Czukay
That was some damn kooky business.
3
Feb 12 2024
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L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
It appears that French industrial rock from the late 80s was not what I was after this fine public holiday Monday
2
Feb 13 2024
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Heroes to Zeros
The Beta Band
Um, okay I suppose. It passed me by like an easy breeze.
3
Feb 14 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Good solid British rock. Music to make models to, well today it was, anyway.
3
Feb 15 2024
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
Oh dear. *shakes head slowly* Oh deary deary dear.
1
Feb 16 2024
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
17th Sonic Youth album much the same as the others
3
Feb 17 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
Some fairly funky easy listening. Might need to focus more on the lyrics next time around.
3
Feb 18 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Probably not his best work, a bit too much rock at the expense of space pop. But very fine nonetheless
4
Feb 19 2024
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
No thanks, I just can't get into this sort of thing. Try again later.
2
Feb 20 2024
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Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
Well that was a bit of Congolese poppy fun.
3
Feb 21 2024
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
The Doors seemed way cooler back in the 90s. There's a couple of crackers on here but I'm not feeling very generous.
3
Feb 22 2024
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
I've heard lots of good stuff about Kendrick, in fact a colleague of mine teaches his lyrics as a poetry unit.
I, however, remain largely unenthused.
3
Feb 23 2024
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The Sensual World
Kate Bush
Some relatively generic Kate, warbles and smooth ethereal music alongside. Not her best but very listenable.
3
Feb 24 2024
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Soothing and soaring, beautiful harmonies.
3
Feb 25 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I thought this was going to be some old school Jamaican ska or a rustic spot of Louisiana blues. Was surprised to hear some pretty smooth and luscious sax-based jazz. Not my favourite sort of thing but performed with great flair.
3
Feb 26 2024
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Ten
Pearl Jam
This is peak Grunge at just about its peakiest. Some real old school corkers on this album.
4
Feb 27 2024
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
no I want to be a horse.
It has some ok moments but overall quite the assault on the ears.
1
Feb 28 2024
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Amazing beats
Shit lyrics
Of its time
3
Feb 29 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
I'd only ever heard one Boo Radleys song and it was very different to these and I loved it. I liked lots of this but it didn't blow me away.
3
Mar 01 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
Some cool 60s vibes, feel like I've been on this electric roundabout before
3
Mar 02 2024
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Now I know who Graham Coxon was listening to in the late 90s.
Not bad and worth another run around.
3
Mar 03 2024
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
A stirring sliver of Gallic brio. Bravo!
3
Mar 04 2024
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Purple Rain
Prince
This is some peak 1984. Prince is amazing, yes, but the production brings this down a bit for me.
4
Mar 05 2024
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
I'm amazed I've never actually encountered Pretty Things before. This was a legitimately awesome piece of music. A real 60s gem.
4
Mar 06 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
I thought this was going to be soulful sax. I was very wrong.
3
Mar 07 2024
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Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
This is very early 90s, it's got indie rock written all over it. I like the vibe more than the individual songs.
3
Mar 08 2024
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
This very very 60s, I've heard of them and always wondered if they sounded like the Beatles. Not so much. More like a copy of a copy of the Beatles.
3
Mar 09 2024
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Never heard of these guys. Breathless, melodic, poppy and punky, good times all round. More please.
4
Mar 10 2024
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OK
Talvin Singh
Quite chilled with nostalgic throwbacks to late 80s backpacking tunes
3
Mar 11 2024
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Repeater
Fugazi
A bit too hard for me, yesterday it was a 2, today I softened to a 3, but prob won't listen to it again.
3
Mar 12 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Definitely a seminal moment in the history of rock. The music is a bit scrappy at times but the atmosphere, sentiment and spirit bring this one romping home. Good on you Johnny.
4
Mar 13 2024
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
Another from my birth year - a good year for music I maintain. This was beyond passable punk, to downright melodic and quite musically interesting.
3
Mar 14 2024
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Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
I didn't have high hope for this. So I was almost pleasantly surprised.
3
Mar 15 2024
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
These folks were just huge back in the early 00s. Laura and Comfortably Numb are great tunes. Love the vibe, the vocals, the retro disco crossed with rock crossed with 21st century gender ambiguity.
4
Mar 16 2024
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The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
Nice to hear some older MSP. Started strong but got a but samey towards the end.
3
Mar 17 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
Peak peak Duran Duran. Hungry Like the Wolf always connects well, I used to go the the restaurant in Colombo where the video was filmed. Fewer tables being flipped when I went though. And no saxophones in sight.
4
Mar 18 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
I've somehow never listened to this album. Seems they had already perfected the formula - poppy rockish bluesy ballads with a minor inflection, a Dylanesque vocal and plenty of twiddly guitar fills. For the opening track and Sultans, this gets lifted from a satisfactory to a very good.
4
Mar 19 2024
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Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
Moments of quite ok listenableness. Not really a fan of KOL.
3
Mar 20 2024
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Hot Shots II
The Beta Band
Hmm. A strange one. Not uneasy on the ears but won't feature on my listening list again I conjecture.
3
Mar 21 2024
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
As twangy as Apple pie and banjos. Always reminds me of George Costanzas's porn name, Buck Naked.
3
Mar 22 2024
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Live Through This
Hole
Very Hole very 90s indie rock
3
Mar 23 2024
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
Not her best work. But I enjoyed this way more than I would have 27 years ago. Melodic and highly musically competent
3
Mar 24 2024
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War
U2
Wow, U2 were interesting once.
4
Mar 25 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Ah, such joy and good times with some great samples. But I can almost taste the bright yellow Reeboks.
3
Mar 26 2024
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Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
Let's file this under Interesting.
3
Mar 27 2024
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
Another one to file in the Intriguing folder. Some genuinely cool instrumental tracks, would make a good soundtrack to my life in the late 1990s.
3
Mar 28 2024
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Mask
Bauhaus
I was hovering between a 2 and 3 but overall this just felt too dark and choppy for me.
2
Mar 29 2024
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Creepy, cool, tragic, fun, all the best bits of the man who we knew and loved and lost just two days later.
4
Mar 30 2024
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Spiderland
Slint
Nothing to see here folks
2
Mar 31 2024
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Boston
Boston
70s rock at its epic daddest. Squealing harmonised guitars and melodic vocals over chugging drums. The first song is amazing, the rest are so-so but the overall effect is... quite welcome on this Sunday morning.
3
Apr 01 2024
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Oh sorry I thought yesterday was the peak of Dad Rock.
3
Apr 02 2024
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Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
Lovely twangy bluesy West African vibes. Music to drink a cold beer to.
4
Apr 03 2024
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I was never a real fan of Amy, but this collection of songs are certainly very soulful, and her voice absolutely rocks.
4
Apr 04 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
Bet punters were disappointed when they found out a quarter of their LP was John Cale talking over a guitar jam.
2
Apr 05 2024
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Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
A pretty kooky mix of ideas and styles. I veered between disliking it and vaguely enjoying it. Almost a 2.
3
Apr 06 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
This is so much better than the VU album that popped up last week. A few genuine classics on here which I'm sure changed some of the trends in pop music back in the day.
4
Apr 07 2024
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Quiet Life
Japan
An interesting mix of Duran Duran and Joy Division, seemingly ahead of their time, this sounds more 1982 than 1979.
3
Apr 08 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Some lovely songs and a few head scratchers
But overall, great album.
4
Apr 09 2024
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
I was surprised at how melodic this was. Kind of semi-epic and orchestral and listenable.
3
Apr 10 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Paul at his solo best. So many great moments on this album.
5
Apr 11 2024
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Pink Flag
Wire
I started off not hugely impressed but my tolerance levels rose with each song. Not a bad bit of punkish rock.
3
Apr 12 2024
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
So country it makes my toes twang.
3
Apr 13 2024
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
A very enjoyable concept album with lots of familair sounds and even a fake Ronald Reagan cameo. In the end though the 80s production and repetitiveness just did me in a bit.
3
Apr 14 2024
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The Stooges
The Stooges
Suitably Stoogey.
3
Apr 15 2024
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Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
I was surprised by this. Thought I'd hate it. Not as experimental and freaky as I imagined. Quite fun at times.
3
Apr 16 2024
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
Yeah some nice crass rockin' punk, very late 70s UK.
3
Apr 17 2024
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
That was a lovely vibe, perhaps a bit too 90s in terms of production, but some really funky moments.
3
Apr 18 2024
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
This was really lovely and unexpected. Beautiful songs.
4
Apr 19 2024
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Slipknot
Slipknot
Oof. That wasn't right.
1
Apr 20 2024
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Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
Please replace this album with anything. The new Taylor Swift album would be nice.
This became near unlistenable once this unlikeable dicked started rapping about his balls and then brought in a child to accompany him.
1
Apr 21 2024
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Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
Surprising addition, never heard of Rich but of course would have heard him as part of Pulp. A lovely little collection of Divine Comedy style pop tunes.
3
Apr 22 2024
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
Shades of Prince, Stevie, John Lennon, even some grunge. I liked a lot of this.
4
Apr 23 2024
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E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Really? Four Sonic Youth albums? I think they made their major statements in the first. Enough already.
2
Apr 24 2024
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
A bit low energy but I guess that's just how he does it.
3
Apr 25 2024
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Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
Some chilled reggae-in-the-90s vibes. I remember liking some of these once upon a long ago.
3
Apr 26 2024
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Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
Some highly competent country blues hippie rock
3
Apr 27 2024
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I was pleasantly surprised by how tuneful and enjoyable this was.
3
Apr 28 2024
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
It's kind of like what you'd get if you asked AI to generate a mid-90s alternative rock compilation
Some bits good, mostly pretty generic
3
Apr 29 2024
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Tommy
The Who
Well yes the Who certainly know how to pull off a cheeky rock opera.
4
Apr 30 2024
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
This the 90s
3
May 01 2024
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
I mean, how much bongo can one person handle
2
May 02 2024
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Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
There are some pretty excellent vocal performances on here. A bit too much but I'm feeling generous.
4
May 03 2024
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
I was worried when I saw this pop up. I always put these guys in the Slipknot/Korn category. So I was a tiny bit surprised to find more emotional depth and subtlety to their songs than I expected. Still, not my kind of music at all.
2
May 04 2024
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GI
Germs
Not the greatest release from my birth year. Punk has been done much better.
2
May 05 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Not a huge fan of late era Lenny but he certainly has a style about him.
3
May 06 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Ethereal, at times quite beautiful, but maybe too wispy
3
May 07 2024
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Man this fella could SING and play the BLUES
4
May 08 2024
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
This was a nice surprise, a bit of baroque northern British supergroup pop, will listen again for sure
4
May 09 2024
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
I'm being gnerous here but to be honest I'm a bit over meandering Gen X indie stuff from the 80s that the 1001 moderators obviously have a penchant for.
3
May 10 2024
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Be
Common
Yeah some of this was pretty OK.
3
May 11 2024
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The Coral
The Coral
Interesting little thing, a bit like Cat Empire meets Liverpool folk pop
3
May 12 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
I used to listen to this album during my uni years to look more sophisticated.
Very samey but So Long Marianne is an amazing song.
4
May 13 2024
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Traffic
Traffic
This was some fun late 60s British stuff I'd never heard. Again, please!
4
May 14 2024
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Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
Sloppy and raw at times but man what a document of Robbie Z and his talents. One mark off for scruffy vocals, one added for inspiration.
5
May 15 2024
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We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
I oscillated on this one, but in the end, I just don't like Zappa very much. (Sorry Dad).
2
May 16 2024
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Lost Souls
Doves
I really quite enjoyed this, atmospheric, melodic, epic. Britpop with some grandeur.
4
May 17 2024
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
I really like Paul Weller but I didn't like this. Not sure why but it didn't hit.
2
May 18 2024
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Phrenology
The Roots
Ho hum I'm not feeling the albums this week. Not my thing.
2
May 19 2024
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
Cut price Michael Jackson sings the soundtrack to a generic 1980s fish-out-of-water comedy.
2
May 20 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Jeez this guy can sing. What a collection of amazing performances.
5
May 21 2024
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Woah, two crackers in as many days. This is a masterclass in producing a kooky Bowie album, by none other than...Bowie. Amazing stuff.
5
May 22 2024
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Stripped
Christina Aguilera
I was suprised by this. Truly a document of the early 200s - but what a voice. 'Strip' out 8 of the weaker songs and you have an absolutely kick-arse album. I enjoyed this a lot.
4
May 23 2024
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Good ole fashioned dad rock
3
May 24 2024
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
She's a lot more harmonious than you think
3
May 25 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
Not a bad effort, wonder what became of these fellas.
5
May 26 2024
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
Not too bad, another birth year record so I'll go easy on this, and also the lyrics/vocals are pretty interesting.
3
May 27 2024
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Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Pretty generic mid 80s fare. Unobtrusive and unlikely to cause me to become a fan.
3
May 28 2024
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
Hmmm. Too angry for me today.
2
May 29 2024
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Neil can be amazing, Neil can be croaky and out of tune. This has both Neils.
3
May 30 2024
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Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
This was a really interesting and varied album, by a group I feel I should know a bit better. Might come back to this if I can be bothered finding it again on youtube.
3
May 31 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is meandering stock standard CCR, better was to come.
3
Jun 01 2024
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Take Me Apart
Kelela
A pleasant enough listen, seems like a typical bit of late 2010s genre mixing
3
Jun 02 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
I can see why this is clever and fun and good, but it still doesn't quite hit for me
3
Jun 03 2024
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Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
This is a LOT
But I enjoyed it for a while
3
Jun 04 2024
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
Ah, this was a lovely spot of poppy rocky sunshine, they weren't too bad were they?
3
Jun 05 2024
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Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Woody Guthrie vibes, nice and rustic.
3
Jun 06 2024
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
I'd never heard this, nice to have a dose of SFA. They sound a little like Welshy Blur on this record. I was gung-ho for it first listen but less so second time around, still giving it a 4 though.
4
Jun 07 2024
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McCartney
Paul McCartney
A bit light and fluffy but also cosy and intimate in the most McCartney of ways. Two or three genuine classics on here. Also two or three bum songs.
4
Jun 08 2024
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G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
I only know G from a couple of songs he recorded with Jack Johnson, and now I can hear where Jack got a lot of his influence, especially those echoey old snare drums. Anyway this was cool.
3
Jun 09 2024
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Some good tunes but too long and monotonous for my tastes
3
Jun 10 2024
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You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
Crashing Bores indeed Mr Morrisey. Heading into his angry old racist phase. Still some nice tunes though.
3
Jun 11 2024
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Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
Nice relaxed country pop vibes
3
Jun 12 2024
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Gold
Ryan Adams
There's a lot of good stuff on here. I seem to remember this guy was everywhere in the early 00s.
4
Jun 13 2024
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Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
I was expecting some real dark Scando Metal but got this odd hardened mix of Oasis, Offspring and old-school punk. A bit puerile but not a bad listen.
3
Jun 14 2024
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Electric
The Cult
This be some 80s rock
3
Jun 15 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
The original and best before they disappeared up their melodic stadium pop arses.
5
Jun 16 2024
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Some dreamy indie pop with shades of Springsteen and Dylan. Nothing amazing.
3
Jun 17 2024
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
Fascist flute vibes. Too much for this weekend.
2
Jun 18 2024
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Yeah this was quite good.
3
Jun 19 2024
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
Bit of baggy Madchester fights off the midweek blues.
3
Jun 20 2024
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
Not their best work. Some good tunes but overall it feels a bit scrappy and undercooked.
3
Jun 21 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
The world is indeed full of crashing bores.
2
Jun 22 2024
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Virgin Suicides
Air
Some beautiful tunes and I do love Air but maybe a bit repetitive and too soundtracky
3
Jun 23 2024
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Spotify said this album was from 2012 so at first I thought this was a modern artist doing an ironic attempt at an old school album. Realised it was just old school. Good fun. And she sounds like quite an amazing person.
4
Jun 24 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
Wow, I'd forgotten just how awesome this album is. Back to back incredible songs, this might even pip OK Computer for best Radiohead album.
5
Jun 25 2024
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A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
Probably about as good as 2002 R and B gets.
3
Jun 26 2024
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Vulnicura
Björk
Just wasn't feeling like electronic Bjork today.
2
Jun 27 2024
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
Great discovery, never heard these guys, a lovely mix of harmonic country and surf pop and Irish hugs. Love that 1001 is still throwing me curve balls at #993.
4
Jun 28 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Oh I do love these guys. Maybe a tad too much twangy guitar and warbling falsetto but still great.
4
Jun 29 2024
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It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
Iconic songs, great backing band, huge voice. But too much Van for one sitting.
3
Jun 30 2024
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Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Now that's country
3
Jul 01 2024
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Doolittle
Pixies
Some angry loud pixies and some soft happier pixies
3
Jul 02 2024
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
This was subpar kdl by my measure.
3
Jul 03 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Hopefully my last problematic yet talented human on the list
Would have been quite a show
3
Jul 04 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Quite a fantastic showcase of our Dusty's talents. Happy 1001.
4
Jul 05 2024
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
This was just kind of sad to listen to: a band which had such promise, recording a bunch of half-arsed covers and crap. A few shining moments but overall, pretty terrible.
2
Jul 06 2024
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Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Too much Nick. Get the Gen X crew off the 1001 selection panel.
3
Jul 07 2024
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Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
This wasn't my mood today, but I can see the attraction for some.
3
Jul 08 2024
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
I wanted good ska.
2
Jul 09 2024
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Tical
Method Man
Nah not quite the music I needed today. It improved over the course of the album but I couldn't get into the motivations.
3
Jul 10 2024
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All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
I'll go and say it, this could be a great U2 album.
4
Jul 11 2024
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Super sweet and lovely country trilling. Appreciated this today.
4
Jul 12 2024
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Um what was that
2
Jul 13 2024
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
This sounded like it had come from the future.
3
Jul 14 2024
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Funkadelic for sure
3
Jul 15 2024
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Signing Off
UB40
Low-key and earnest, this is pleasant early UB40
3
Jul 16 2024
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Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
Well that was not to my liking
2
Jul 17 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Lovely but there's just so much piano.
3
Jul 18 2024
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
This was surprisingly listenable and fun for an artist I don't particularly like. Good work Tommo.
3
Jul 19 2024
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Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
There are better Byrds albums but mostly this is fine, and Eight Miles High Rocks.
3
Jul 20 2024
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Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
I'd never heard this one, it's definitely an EC album and it has some lovely tracks that I'll be revisiting. Thanks Dec.
4
Jul 21 2024
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Django Django
Django Django
A strange little beast, elements of 60s folk, psychedelia, surf rock, acid jazz... definitely a wild ride.
3
Jul 22 2024
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Roots
Sepultura
Ooh, ow my ears hurt a little. Not my favourite thing but I was interested to learn that this band I mostly know through 90s metal shirts worn by other people, is from Brazil.
2
Jul 23 2024
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Who Killed...... The Zutons?
The Zutons
So I'd never heard of these kooky cats, I did enjoy a lot of this and will come back for a bit more at some stage.
3
Jul 24 2024
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Want One
Rufus Wainwright
Wow, I really loved this - what a great voice and interesting compositional style. Lots of fantastic new songs to explore and I will check out more of Rufus' stuff.
4
Jul 25 2024
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Oof. Not my thing. Stop banging that spanner.
2
Jul 26 2024
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
Peak 90s dad rock Bruce
3
Jul 27 2024
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Out of Step
Minor Threat
Too much hurty ears this week for the love of Pete.
2
Jul 28 2024
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
"Fuck You", indeed, Mr Green. Let's get this flaccid bag of homophobic misogyny out of the 1001 please. He sucked 20 years ago and he sucks now.
1
Jul 29 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Hey I knew so many of these. Enough bops to make me happy.
4
Jul 30 2024
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Snivilisation
Orbital
Ho hum, bleep blop.
2
Jul 31 2024
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White Light
Gene Clark
Very easy on the ears, you can hear the early Byrds sound, and some lovely songwriting especially the first track.
3
Aug 01 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Ah, silly stuff but all in good fun.
3
Aug 02 2024
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Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
Flashes of brilliance on this album I'd never heard of, but perhaps just a bit too long.
3
Aug 03 2024
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Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Man this holds up well. What a bunch of awesome grooves. And I wasn't expecting a Louis Armstrong James Bond cover. Good times this one.
4
Aug 04 2024
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Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
This started really strong but petered out a little for me, perhaps a bit too slow and brooding. The duet was lovely. Definite Dylan and Beck vibes.
4
Aug 05 2024
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Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Hmmm strangely I wasn't really up for avant-garde German classical pop today.
2
Aug 06 2024
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
I'd not listened to much Stills solo stuff but yes this is exactly what it should sound like. Gentle and hipsy-folkish.
3
Aug 07 2024
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Good dose of pure dad rock, sometimes they sound like Status Quo, sometimes they sound like Led Zep, mostly they sound like some good ole boys from Florida.
3
Aug 08 2024
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
They do one thing and do it very well.
3
Aug 09 2024
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Justified
Justin Timberlake
Maybe two decent songs the rest is candy floss
2
Aug 10 2024
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Odelay
Beck
I feel I should appreciate Beck more than I do. That said, the beats on this album are SICK in the fullest and best sense.
3
Aug 11 2024
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
What do I find more irritating, the flute riffs, or Van himself? But yes this is a pretty epic album.
4
Aug 12 2024
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Yeah nah, too fast, too loud, too angry. I'd maybe re-listen to one of them.
2
Aug 13 2024
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Not a bad bit of bluesy background music. I've softened on Frank a little tad more.
3
Aug 14 2024
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Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
This was very much how I'd imagine a Small Faces concept album to sound. Raggy and British and a bit silly
3
Aug 15 2024
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Just some cut-price Oasis innit.
3
Aug 16 2024
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
Not so much sex positive as sex in your face. Much better than I remember feeling about Missy and her music in the early 2000s.
3
Aug 17 2024
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
This is a really beautiful album, America and Old Friends are such lovely tracks. Perhaps a bit too shrill in other parts, and the old people voices a little too much. Depending on my mood this could be a 4 or 5 but I'm feeling happy to reconnect with it.
5
Aug 18 2024
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Guitar Town
Steve Earle
Good ole boy from the good ole 80s.
3
Aug 19 2024
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Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
Oh dear, too much dududududududududududududududududuud I think I made it through about an hour of the 3 hr remix album
2
Aug 20 2024
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What's That Noise?
Coldcut
Hmmmm not the sort of late-80s stylings I was hankering for today.
2
Aug 21 2024
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The Yes Album
Yes
Yes? or maybe no? Or perhaps the songs are too long and prog?
3
Aug 22 2024
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Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
Sweet soothing Senegalese sounds.
3
Aug 23 2024
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Born To Be With You
Dion
Hey Dion I thought you only did The Wanderer, this isn't half bad 1970s singer songwriter stuff. Shades of mid-70s Lennon and Simon.
4
Aug 24 2024
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
Beautiful harmonies, some familiar tunes, not a bad way to zone out at work for a bit.
3
Aug 25 2024
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Highly Evolved
The Vines
I had completely forgotten about these guys. They were OK but not worth the hype.
3
Aug 26 2024
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Killing Joke
Killing Joke
I had a bad cold over the weekend and this didn't help things.
2
Aug 27 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
The boys are most certainly back in town.
3
Aug 28 2024
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m b v
My Bloody Valentine
A pleasant enough listen but nothing ground-breaking for me here.
3
Aug 29 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Yeah this was pretty ok but again nothing to rave about. Been a few of those of late.
3
Aug 30 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
The master of words at work. Not all of this hits but gee it made an impact. Don't Think Twice is nigh on a perfect song.
5
Aug 31 2024
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Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
I just don't like this band. The voice, the energy, the sound. Not for me.
2
Sep 01 2024
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If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
Ho hum,very pretty but very samey.
3
Sep 02 2024
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Remedy
Basement Jaxx
This is some HARD uni memories. I guess they did this stuff pretty well.
3
Sep 03 2024
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Sulk
The Associates
Sulk indeed, found this a bit too whiney.
2
Sep 04 2024
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Definitely stringy. Sounds like a band (of bearded hippy types I'd wager). Perhaps not incredible, maybe more average.
3
Sep 05 2024
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
I'm kind of done with mid 80s indie synth postpunk
2
Sep 06 2024
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Skylarking
XTC
A strange and pleasant mix of Ben Folds and Elvis Costello and the Beatles and God knows what else.
4
Sep 07 2024
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
Too much noise
2
Sep 08 2024
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Third
Portishead
A bit too acid not enough jazz
3
Sep 09 2024
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Station To Station
David Bowie
Not peak Bowie but yes it is Bowie.
4
Sep 10 2024
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Smile
Brian Wilson
It may not fire on every cylinder, but I think it's a true gift to the world that Brian managed to get this together 37 years later. The opening track is sublime.
5
Sep 11 2024
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
Ah, 1989, a golden age. Not my kind of music, even when I'm at the club, but the vibes are solid.
3
Sep 12 2024
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Close To You
Carpenters
I don't mind the Carpenters in small amounts but this was verging on an overdose of artificial sweetener. I did enjoy track 1, their cover of Help! and the Bacharach tune. Almost a 4
3
Sep 13 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
You can almost hear the smoke and sweat on this one.
3
Sep 14 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
The history of music is littered with shit people.
A man with a colossal ego yet so much to be humble about.
1
Sep 15 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
Cut-price Queen
3
Sep 16 2024
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
Some bits good, some bits ho-hum, probably good for the background.
3
Sep 17 2024
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Melodic and easy to listen to but not something I'd seek out
3
Sep 18 2024
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Wild Gift
X
Tuneful enough at times, not enough for a return listen
3
Sep 19 2024
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The Visitors
ABBA
4
Sep 20 2024
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Third
Soft Machine
Not the greatest ABBA album. But enough melancholic Nordic synth pop to keep me very happy.
4
Sep 21 2024
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Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Girls Against Boys
Too angry for today
2
Sep 22 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Woh I used to love this album. The first four songs hit pretty hard. Dark of the Matinee, good stuff.
4
Sep 23 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Good but death by fiddle
3
Sep 24 2024