Oct 14 2021
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Revolver
Beatles
Lilting, pre-psychedelia with some all-time classics. It's the Beatles - of course I was already familiar with several songs on this album but had never listened to it in it's entirety. The eastern-inspired instrumental arrangements on Love You To were a highlight. Tomorrow Never Knows is a fantastic closer and sounds well ahead of its time - no wonder really given the Chemical Brothers sampling of it in Setting Sun which didn't seem out of place in the 1990s.
3
Oct 15 2021
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Enjoyable folky fare.
3
Oct 18 2021
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Dummy
Portishead
Dreamy trip-hop, a 1990s classic.
4
Oct 19 2021
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Some great drum beats on this one, would listen again.
4
Oct 20 2021
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Majestic. From Nile Rodgers' signature guitar riffs glittering all over the show, to the funky driving basslines, this is one of THE disco classic albums.
5
Oct 21 2021
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Live!
Fela Kuti
Some cool afrobeat rhythms, with a feelgood, erm, feel.
3
Oct 22 2021
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Some great tunes on here, can certainly hear how they have influenced later artists
3
Oct 25 2021
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Lively jazz with plummy piano and some fun double bass, but not really for me.
2
Oct 26 2021
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No Other
Gene Clark
Dreamy 70s psychedelia
3
Oct 27 2021
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Some great disco classics on this album, although some of the slower tracks are a bit saccharine.
4
Oct 28 2021
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Folky rock, not really my bag but a pleasant enough listen. Didn't realise this was the original recording of "Everybody's Talkin'"
2
Oct 29 2021
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Interesting latin music with a funky edge.
3
Nov 01 2021
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Dreamy 60/70s rock, didn't really go anywhere
2
Nov 02 2021
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Soul Mining
The The
I knew very little about The The prior to listening, but this was a very pleasant surprise. Shades of Nu-romantics, very much in keeping with my impression of the early 80s, and some interesting lyrical themes.
4
Nov 03 2021
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
It's great folk rock, not really my bag but I can appreciate the musicianship and lyric writing
3
Nov 04 2021
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Roots
Sepultura
The opening of Roots Bloody Roots promised so much, yet as soon as the vocals started it was a big fat no for me. A shame as potentially some bangers with the guitar riffs but I couldn't persevere with vocals that sound like a cat being dragged bum first over a sandpaper covered rasp.
2
Nov 05 2021
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Great record, Psycho Killer is an all-time fave
4
Nov 08 2021
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Great album, Running Up that Hill, Hounds of Love and Cloudbusting personal highlights. Kate's voice works really well with the music
4
Nov 09 2021
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Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Hmmm, an interesting listen, one that I will come back to definitely. Particularly enjoyed Bitter Branches
4
Nov 10 2021
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
70s folk rock, some interesting tunes but at times drifted into inoffensive background noise almost to the point of elevator music. Two stars on the strength of some of the more interesting songs.
2
Nov 11 2021
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Lively samba, but not really my bag
2
Nov 12 2021
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Harvest
Neil Young
Had a few listens and definitely a grower. Will certainly revisit, some good folky rock and Neil Young's vocal range sets him apart. Heart of Gold a standout track.
3
Nov 15 2021
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Synchronicity
The Police
Decent album, Every Breathe You Take is the standout track. Some slightly more... out-there tracks as well.
3
Nov 16 2021
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
Standard fare from Arcade Fire, a decent listen.
3
Nov 17 2021
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Lively jazz, and some expert level trumpet playing, but nothing really stood out
2
Nov 18 2021
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
I loved this album when it came out, and still a classic. I remember being entirely sceptical of Robbie, being as he was a former Take That member and initially feeling validated in that by his awful cover of Faith (thankfully not on this album). But his brash take on Britpop was infectious and I always felt his arrogance was somewhat tongue-in-cheek.
5
Nov 19 2021
View Album
Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
What a find. I was aware of David Holmes as I loved his soundtrack to the film Out of Sight, starring a certain J-Lo. This pastiche of urban ramblings against a backdrop of urgent beats works really well.
4
Nov 22 2021
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Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
Cultured hiphop. I was aware of Guru but had never listened to Gang Starr, worth revisiting.
3
Nov 23 2021
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
Healthy slice of 80s power rock.
3
Nov 24 2021
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Inoffensive stuff from the Pet Shop Boys, but nothing really catchy.
3
Nov 25 2021
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dreary and a bit self indulgent.
2
Nov 26 2021
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
A decent record, 80s rock with a country twist
3
Nov 29 2021
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Soulful, melodic rock - an enjoyable listen
4
Nov 30 2021
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Raw Power
The Stooges
Decent protopunk fare from Iggy and the lads, spanning 60s influences with more forward-thinking elements
3
Dec 01 2021
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Classic rock, Whole Lotta Love opens with its infectious riff. Good stuff
3
Dec 02 2021
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Live Through This
Hole
This was a pleasant find, angsty, impassioned rock.
4
Dec 03 2021
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
Beige, inoffensive 60/70s rock. An easy listen, but didn't really inspire
2
Dec 06 2021
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Pleasant, easy listening
3
Dec 07 2021
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Brash, frantic, funky... this album will slap you round the face and command you to party!
5
Dec 08 2021
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Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
Soporific and gentle, good background music, worth another listen
3
Dec 09 2021
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Hmmm, not really my thing
2
Dec 10 2021
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Copper Blue
Sugar
Good stuff, proto-grunge. I enjoyed it!
4
Dec 13 2021
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Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
5
Dec 14 2021
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Brash, punky and lively. Enjoyable rock with a strident vocal performance
4
Dec 15 2021
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
As ivory-tinklers go, Elton is of course up there with the very best. Just a shame this album is quite dreary, perfect for BBC Radio 2, which I don't consider a good thing
2
Dec 16 2021
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Sunshine Superman
Donovan
Pleasant surprise, bright catchy 60s rock.
3
Dec 17 2021
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The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
Not much substance
2
Dec 20 2021
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
2
Dec 21 2021
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Lively, jazzy swing a pleasant listen
3
Dec 22 2021
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Ramones
Ramones
Wild, brash punk rock. Good stuff
4
Dec 23 2021
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Beige... saccharine... meh
2
Dec 24 2021
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Well, it's a classic obviously, and there are tracks I was already very familiar with - like Lucy in the Sky, Help from My Friends - that are great, but I'm not bowled over by the album as a whole. I'm sure in the 60s it was groundbreaking but now, it's ok.
3
Dec 27 2021
View Album
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Iiiiiiiiit's Christmaaaaaaaaaas! Chapeau for the 24th December suggestion. Having had Heart Xmas pumped into my ears solidly by more festively minded members of my household for the psst month, I must say this was a nice collection - not as whiny or as showy as newer Christmas numbers and striking a nice balance between secular and religious references. Go on then, I'll admit it. 4 stars!
4
Dec 28 2021
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Hard to find but worth it, some catchy numbers and great crooning
3
Dec 29 2021
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Lively afrobeat, fascinating back story (thanks Wikipedia)
3
Dec 30 2021
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Ok... I respect Dylan's musicianship, but he's a bit whiny for my taste
3
Dec 31 2021
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Fantastic. Favourite ever live album
5
Jan 03 2022
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In Utero
Nirvana
A masterpiece, maybe less raucous and brash than its predecessor Nevermind, but nonetheless heartfelt and passionate
5
Jan 04 2022
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Pretty enjoyable listen, somewhat hazy psychedelic 60s rock. Somebody to Love and White Rabbit standout tracks
3
Jan 05 2022
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
This album was great, I particularly liked Hospital. Will definitely be returning.
4
Jan 06 2022
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Sunny, pleasant rock. Particularly liked Fooled Again
3
Jan 07 2022
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Any album that opens with the line "Someday I'm gonna smack you in the face" is always going to stand up and demand attention. This is brash angry punk at its finest, I enjoyed it.
3
Jan 10 2022
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Horses
Patti Smith
Patti Smith's distinctive voice works perfectly with some pretty haunting lyrical themes. I found the album an ok listen.
3
Jan 11 2022
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Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
This album was pretty forgettable... very 70s sounding rock
2
Jan 12 2022
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Dreamy rock with some catchy tunes
3
Jan 13 2022
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Imagine
John Lennon
Hmmm, John Lennon eh? I like the titular track but the rest I could take or leave
2
Jan 14 2022
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Pulsating alternative rock. Even without Thom Yorke's cameos there are shades of Radiohead there. PJ Harvey certainly does concept albums well, these songs are indicative of New York
4
Jan 17 2022
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John Prine
John Prine
Dreary whiny folk rock... the electric bits were ok but overall not my thing
2
Jan 18 2022
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Ok but a bit forgettable
2
Jan 19 2022
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Awesome album, Timbaland's crisp beats make this an absolute banger. Hip-hop at its finest
4
Jan 20 2022
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Ok grunge, not quite as angsty or infectious as some of its contemporaries *cough* Nirvana *cough*
3
Jan 21 2022
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Classic 70s rock
3
Jan 24 2022
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Standard fare from the Stones with blues and country infused, a couple of standouts
3
Jan 25 2022
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Forever Changes
Love
Catchy folky rock
4
Jan 26 2022
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
A beguiling slice of proto-punk. Lyrically very interesting - probably more so than musically
3
Jan 27 2022
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Pornography
The Cure
Great stuff from The Cure, one of their darker, bleaker records
4
Jan 28 2022
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Sunny slice of 90s indie... nice
4
Jan 31 2022
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Lively. Interesting backstory
3
Feb 01 2022
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
A classic breakup album. Ironically, probably my least favourite track is the most well-known one. Some really good driving basslines underpinning solid 90s rock
4
Feb 02 2022
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Good stuff, notwithstanding any personal impressions of Morrissey
4
Feb 03 2022
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All Directions
The Temptations
Smooth soul
3
Feb 04 2022
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Classic rock, iconic voice. Born to Run is of course a belter, but the album as a whole? Not really my bag
3
Feb 07 2022
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
Beards at the ready! Thrusting power chords evoke visions of American road trips. Decent enough
3
Feb 08 2022
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Wasn't expecting much from this album, but was pleasantly surprised. Smooth jazz, a likeable backdrop sound
3
Feb 09 2022
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
Fresh and funky pop, politically powered. Bit too earnest for my liking but of the age and danceable
3
Feb 10 2022
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
Pour out your whiskey, gather round and lets have a good ol'sing song. Lively and evocative, not really my cup of tea but it wasn't unenjoyable
3
Feb 11 2022
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Great stuff, Sultans of Swing is an all-time classic but I enjoyed the whole album.
4
Feb 14 2022
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Stankonia
OutKast
Some absolute belters on this album, but not quite a 5-star as there's also a lot of dud filler. Prefer Andre 3000's leads to Big Boi's, some of it does veer a bit too much towards the bragadocious. Miss Jackson, So Fresh, So Clean and Bombs over Baghdad stand out
4
Feb 15 2022
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Bluesy rock, very much of the age
2
Feb 16 2022
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The Joshua Tree
U2
Excellent. Some all time classics on here
4
Feb 17 2022
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Great ambient tracks, smooth chillout background. Four stars!
4
Feb 18 2022
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Melodrama
Lorde
Full of angst and tension: Lorde sets out a missive of sass and retribution.
5
Feb 21 2022
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
Some fresh beats on here, important themes and the like. I would put it somewhere between 3-4 stars, may listen again
3
Feb 22 2022
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Disintegration
The Cure
Superb. The Cure explore a range of angsty emotions in a lengthy masterpiece
5
Feb 23 2022
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Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Ok, Rod's vocals are unique over the top of folky rock
3
Feb 24 2022
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Bluesy rock, surprised it was recorded as long ago as 1969 - sounds more modern.
3
Feb 25 2022
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Gentle, dreamy, folk. I enjoyed this more than I thought I would!
4
Feb 28 2022
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Not just an album, but a journey through an aural landscape. Majestic
5
Mar 01 2022
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1989
Taylor Swift
As a slice of 2010s pop, this is pretty much the blue riband. Some very catchy, dancy numbers, but it didn't really excite all that much
3
Mar 02 2022
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Funky! Some great basslines and beats on this feelgood album
3
Mar 03 2022
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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
Dreamy and heartfelt, Sinead's voice is so smooth
3
Mar 04 2022
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
I imagine this album would have been groundbreaking at the time with its use if synthesisers and drum machines. The music itself is pretty good too, you can hear the influences on the likes of Daft Punk
4
Mar 07 2022
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Good stuff from the Foos, before they became rock behemoths as today. There's a freedom and release compared with the last throes of Nirvana here, as Dave Grohl breaks free of the grunge mould
4
Mar 08 2022
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Nice voice and some nice piano parts, but overall a bit too saccharine easy listening for my taste
2
Mar 09 2022
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The Predator
Ice Cube
I like Today Was a Good Day, but on the whole I was a bit disappointed, the levels of aggression I found uncomfortable even though it does broach heavy subjects
2
Mar 10 2022
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Wild Gift
X
I knew nothing of X before this came up, and what a pleasant surprise. Lively, brash punk - will be returning for more listens
4
Mar 11 2022
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Listenable enough, started well with a cool 70s rock sound but ended up a bit dreary
3
Mar 14 2022
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Punchy 80s pop, including some absolute bangers
4
Mar 15 2022
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
It seems quaint that this album is titled 'Modern' when the music would not seem out of place in a 1950s motion picture soundtrack, or a Hanna Barbara original animation. But top musicianship shines through nonetheless
3
Mar 16 2022
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Feisty 80s pop-rock with a definite punk flavour. Some classic dancy hits here to grace any indie disco
4
Mar 17 2022
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
Bouncy, inoffensive pop, just not quick got the hook to be catchy
3
Mar 18 2022
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Compelling rock, evoking themes reminiscent of an HG Wells novel
4
Mar 21 2022
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Wow, the title of this album was truly apt- bleak, mournful, reflective. A perfect epitaph to a musical legend
4
Mar 22 2022
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
My heart sank when I saw this come up... heavy metal?! I'm not going to lime heavy metal!! But... the music is actually pretty compelling, thrusting bass riffs a guitar solos a plenty. A revelation!
4
Mar 23 2022
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Virgin Suicides
Air
Dreamy, melancholic. Great stuff from the French duo
4
Mar 24 2022
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Interesting album from Billy Bragg and Wilco, feels like pub sing-along folky type music
3
Mar 25 2022
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
Standard stuff here from the Stones
3
Mar 28 2022
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Fun folky guitar music
3
Mar 29 2022
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
Lilting folky rock with slightly darker lyrical themes
3
Mar 30 2022
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
A seminal album for the Chilis, marking a level of maturity to their sound. Flea's funky bass line decorate chugging rock riffs whilst Antony Kiedis' sometimes abstract lyrical stylings meander across the top. Top stuff.
5
Mar 31 2022
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The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Fresh, funky and just plain cool. Brilliant album
5
Apr 01 2022
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
As something of a 90s Indie kid I have always been aware of the Manics without listening to their full albums. All the hits are here and it definitely transported me back to my teenage years
4
Apr 04 2022
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London Calling
The Clash
Punky rock. London Calling is an absolute belter, but some other good stuff here too
3
Apr 05 2022
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Damon Albarn's first forays into something a little more experimental than Blur's usual stuff. An interesting mix of dance, electronica, hip-hop and indie (hard to detach Damon's... sorry 2-D's vocals from Blur)
3
Apr 06 2022
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Funky soul, slightly too much on the sickly sweet romantic side for me.
3
Apr 07 2022
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
William Orbit's electronica influence is all over this as Madonna sought to re-invent herself. Spiritual and dancey, there are some good tracks on here
3
Apr 08 2022
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
Brash hip hop, musically very good but some fairly misogynistic lyrical stylings make this a tough listen
3
Apr 11 2022
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Inspired. Trip hop at its smoothest, freshest and funkiest, full of brooding emotion.
5
Apr 12 2022
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
A very funky album, with some brilliant tracks. Wonder's punchy clavichord keeps this disc moving and grooving as it ambles between dancey numbers to more crooning ones
4
Apr 13 2022
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Interesting take on some western covers, almost a reverse-Beatles effect. An interesting fusion of traditional Indian instruments and rock
3
Apr 14 2022
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Moondance
Van Morrison
A decent album
3
Apr 15 2022
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
I'm not a fan of Country but Dolly's storytelling abilities are fine, painting vivid pictures of tales of woe and betrayal
3
Apr 18 2022
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Lively rock, with Costello's distinctive voice decorating the music nicely
4
Apr 19 2022
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Ten
Pearl Jam
Immense. Eddie Vedder's vocals are full of feeling as they explore several deep subjects, soundtracked by some pulsating rock riffs.
5
Apr 20 2022
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Calenture
The Triffids
Decent album, no idea about The Triffids before it popped up, but a heavily 80s-pop rock sounding album
3
Apr 21 2022
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The Visitors
ABBA
A bit repetitive, didn't inspire me.
2
Apr 22 2022
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
I enjoyed some of the funky slap bass on this album, which is a decent listen
3
Apr 25 2022
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Funky jazz, some nice trumpet, bass and piano playing
3
Apr 26 2022
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Pleasant electronica, evoking images of a transcontinental journey
3
Apr 27 2022
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
Wistful, melancholic, full of feeling. Great album
4
Apr 28 2022
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Smash
The Offspring
Rowdy and spiky, and decidedly American. A decent listen
3
Apr 29 2022
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Pink Flag
Wire
Raw and punky, some really catchy grooves on this record
4
May 02 2022
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Hmmm. The beats are awesome (Dr Dre's influence surely), the rapping skills are top notch and even the humour is welcome. But the misogyny and homophobia is toxic and impossible to overlook, maybe more so with the passing of 20 years or so. I still can't work out whether it is all front or not, but that probably isn't the point.
2
May 03 2022
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
This is the third Rolling Stones album that I've had so far and was the one I enjoyed the most (vs Beggars Banquet and Let it Bleed)
4
May 04 2022
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Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
Decent listen, elements of blues and country
3
May 05 2022
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Bit dull really, you can tell they've not really found their own sound and it just comes across like a load of covers.
2
May 06 2022
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Protection
Massive Attack
More sultry and seductive than Blue Lines, but a steaming, chilled album
4
May 09 2022
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Great album, full of swagger and bluesy tinged rock riffs
5
May 10 2022
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GREY Area
Little Simz
Smashing. The beats are immense and whilst I'm not hugely into rap the lyrical dexterity of Little Simz is something to be admired. Cutting content, a great British talent
5
May 11 2022
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Lively, fun, afro-latin romp!
4
May 12 2022
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Dare!
The Human League
Great album, full of bouncing brooding electronic beats and melodies
4
May 13 2022
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The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
Wistful and melancholic
3
May 16 2022
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Decent 80s pop, but other than the hits I found it a bit boring
2
May 17 2022
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Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
At university I happened to make acquaintance with a guy called Nick, who was a friend's housemate. Nick was an odd fellow. Infamously, one drink and drug fuelled evening, he declared to another two housemates, both named Tom (who incidentally adored him) that he was so heartbroken that he would stab himself. Which he duly did, with a penknife. Fortunately the injuries were only minor but afterwards he delighted in recanting this story, chuckling all the way.
The other odd thing about Nick was that he was obsessed with Tom Waits, and would listen to him endlessly.
So when I saw this come up on my feed, I wasn't overjoyed, but being open minded and some 20 years on from my experience of Nick, I put this album one. My goodness, what a load of shit - it's so bad almost to the point of parody, in fact I spent most of the time listening to it trying to figure out if it was a parody.
Just awful.
1
May 18 2022
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Rikki Don't Lose That Number is a great tune. The album was ok, a fairly lively listen, but nothing to gripping
3
May 19 2022
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Some banging tunes on this electro-dance-rock disc
4
May 20 2022
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Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I only vaguely knew of Nick Cave before listening, I had a hazy recollection of the duet he did with Kylie (on this cut). I wasn't looking forward to listening too much given the rather grisly concept of the album, and certainly this collection of songs channel a macabre, dark, grim essence. And yet, as much as it is quite a hard listen in places, I found this album oddly compelling; there are some really catchy tunes and Cave's growling vocals suit the subject matter perfectly. After listening, I found myself confused... had I enjoyed it? It certainly evoked feelings of disgust and yet also allure, and maybe that is the whole point of the album.
4
May 23 2022
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Violator
Depeche Mode
Some very catchy tunes; Enjoy the Silence and Personal Jesus are standouts.
4
May 24 2022
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
An absolute classic album, probably THE break-up record. Go Your Own Way is superb, but among a very strong field
5
May 25 2022
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
I mean, it's Elvis, I guess you either like his voice or you don't. I could take it or leave it, not an unpleasant listen but equally probably won't be revisiting.
2
May 26 2022
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Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
One smooth, laid-back album, full of groove and soul. Nice
4
May 27 2022
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
Mournful and melodic, recognise the talent but all too beige for my taste
2
May 30 2022
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Interesting collaboration between Miles Kane and Alex Turner, like an orchestral, less indie rock version of Turner's mother band. I remember buying it at the time, it was on repeat for a few weeks but not an all-time classic
4
May 31 2022
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Wow, what a fun album, blending elements of R&B, swing and pop. Definitely will be back for more!
4
Jun 01 2022
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Transformer
Lou Reed
I felt the first half of this album was stronger, some well-known classic tracks, but it petered out a bit towards the end.
3
Jun 02 2022
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
Plenty of fun, bouncy, uplifting Celt-folk rock, but I did feel every track apart from the last suffered a bit by 'Not Being Come On Eileen'. Still, a decent listen, and now my jeans are rolled up
3
Jun 03 2022
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Ok, but a bit forgettable.
2
Jun 06 2022
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
I'll start with the positives. Some of the beats are epic, and there's no denying Biggie's vocal dexterity is impressive.
However, I just can't get overly excited about and admittedly disadvantaged guy venomously spitting about gratuitous violence, avarice, misogyny and supposed sexual prowess.
Glad I've listened to it as it probably is worthy of it's place on the list in terms of it's significance to the development of Rap and Hip-hop, but I won't be listening again.
Honourable mention to the reference of pagers making this album somewhat of a time capsule, Biggie's demise coming many years before much more advanced communication technology, his deference to being paged is somewhat sweet if you can overlook all of that other stuff I mentioned.
2
Jun 07 2022
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
I like Talking Heads, but none of these tracks really gripped me in a way that some of their other stuff does. Still, a decent listen.
3
Jun 08 2022
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Some decent classic rock stuff on here. Smoke On The Water definitely stood out
3
Jun 09 2022
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Station To Station
David Bowie
Ok stuff, but I probably wouldn't listen again.
3
Jun 10 2022
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
There's a fine line between romantic and soppy... I'm not sure where this album falls. It was ok
3
Jun 13 2022
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Cool beats and lo-fi rhymes
4
Jun 14 2022
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Bossanova
Pixies
Decent punky album
3
Jun 15 2022
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
More of a soundscape, pretty experimental stuff - didn't really land for me
2
Jun 16 2022
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
If anyone were to ask me to name songs written in unusual time signatures, Take Five would be one of the first songs I would think of (thanks, GCSE Music). As a keen teenage trumpeter and bass guitarist, it was one of my favourite songs to learn.
Of course, there are six other tracks on this album, a concoction of pleasing jazz, perfect for a fine restaurant or some such.
3
Jun 17 2022
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Central Reservation
Beth Orton
There were some tracks that I really liked, but also a fair amount of filler
3
Jun 20 2022
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Sultry blues, a good listen
3
Jun 21 2022
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Wow, this album picked me up by the ears and knocked me around on a fun, wild, whimsical adventure. Hadn't heard much of Jane Weaver, but what a find!
5
Jun 22 2022
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Had no idea that I already knew the song 'Green Onions'. The most striking thing about this album is that is recorded in the 60s, it sounds much more contemporary than that. Pure groove, so funky
5
Jun 23 2022
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
I didn't hate this album, but it got a bit tedious as it wore on - a bit whiny power rock. Don't need to re-listen.
2
Jun 24 2022
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Purple Rain
Prince
I love Prince, but I'm actually wavering on 4 or 5 stars for this album, which seems crazy. It's got some of his most recognisable hits and the titular epic closer, it's just that some of the lesser known tracks don't really have the same pizazz.
4.5/5... fuck it, it's Prince. Have the 5 stars!!
5
Jun 27 2022
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Hmm, Elvis doesn't really do it for me. This is his early stuff as well and that rawness comes across. Great voice, but it didn't land for me.
2
Jun 28 2022
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
This album is probably in my top 10 of all time, let alone top 1001.
In 1997 I had just entered my teenage years, full of angst and dealing with a bereavement. The summer holidays were spent with a heavy emphasis on watching music TV and you couldn't go more than about 30 mins without The Box (channel 17) VH1 (23) or MTV (30) playing Bittersweet Symphony. A family friend bought me Urban Hymns on CD and wow, it was so much more than BSS. Full of feeling and resonating as much with my teenage psyche as it does now I played all 74 min of it over and over.
The culmination of the album with the 'big fuck you' in Come On also features one of my favourite lyrics - I must be feeling low /
I talked to god in a phonebox on my way home / I told you my answer /
I left you my dreams on your answering machine
5
Jun 29 2022
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Early stuff from The Cure, and a distinct rawness to the dark and brooding sound on this album.
4
Jun 30 2022
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The Score
Fugees
I remember this album from the time, The Fugees were massive in '96 what with Killing Me Softly and Ready or Not smashing up the charts. I liked Wyclef's stylings and Lauren's vocals are smooth but it's a middling 3/5 for me.
3
Jul 01 2022
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
Considering it's age, this was quite an enjoyable listen. Definitely can hear Lou Reed's folk-tinged rock sound that developed in later recordings
3
Jul 04 2022
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Phrenology
The Roots
I bought this album in the mid-2000s on the strength of The Seed which is a cracking tune. There are some fresh beats on this album and it's somewhat more cultured hip-hop than most.
4
Jul 05 2022
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Hazy 60s rock, I enjoyed this album - it's stood the test of time.
4
Jul 06 2022
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
I wasn't relishing listening to this album much, but it was more pleasant than I anticipated. That said, it did conform to my preconceptions: silky smooth R&B underlying Mariah's unique voice. Wouldn't listen again, but don't feel that my ears have been violated.
3
Jul 07 2022
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
A pleasant enough listen, beautiful vocals and fun upbeat samba/bossa nova backdrop
3
Jul 08 2022
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This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Darker and less poppy than earlier releases, this was a very enjoyable listen with some witty lyrics
4
Jul 11 2022
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Heroes
David Bowie
Didn't really find this album from Bowie particularly inspiring... it's one of those I wanted to like more than I actually did. Still, Heroes itself is a great song even if a little overplayed and for that this album gets a solid 3/5 from me
3
Jul 12 2022
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Like with my previous album suggestion (Heroes by David Bowie), this is another album that I wanted to like a lot more than I actually did. Bob Dylan's craft is clearly immense but it just doesn't tick the boxes for me. Sorry Bob
2
Jul 13 2022
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Relax, Two Tribes, The Power of Love - these were all tracks I was well aware of and liked, but I had never ventured further into the Frankie Goes To Hollywood oeuvre. Well, I'm very pleased that I now have! I would have originally said Frankie... was decidely 80s pop rock but there are tonnes of different elements going on here, I hear tones of jazz, funk, dance and R&B. Fantastic record!
5
Jul 14 2022
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
BOOM! I put off listening to this until my kids were out of earshot which was a sensible move. But moving beyond the explicit lyrics, this album is absolutely banging! The beats are raw and gripping and Ice-T's raps are on point. I can overlook my unease as a non-black person listening to an album laden with references to a certain word beginning with n, have a 5/5
5
Jul 15 2022
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Psychedelic rock, probably would sound great while tripping, but I don't dabble in that so it was a bit boring.
2
Jul 18 2022
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Kid A
Radiohead
This is a cool album, darker, more urgent and more electronic than earlier Radiohead material. A good listen!
4
Jul 19 2022
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Lively jazz, pleasant background listening with enough going on to keep interest!
4
Jul 20 2022
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Raw, feisty and angry, plenty of distorted open guitar chords and drum fills. Great album!
4
Jul 21 2022
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
Surely pressing social commentary, but it was a bit too schmoozy R&B for my tastes.
2
Jul 22 2022
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
I wasn't all that familiar with Randy Newman beyond "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story. That's a great track and perfect for the movie, although completely irrelevant for a review of Sail Away. I couldn't help but feel like the aforementioned song would be next, such is the idiosyncratic style of the music, maybe mainly driven by Newman's distinctive drawl. You Can Keep Your Hat On was ok but the rest of the album faded a bit into insignificance. Not an unpleasant listen but don't feel like I need to come back to this one.
2
Jul 25 2022
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
It seems a pretty divisive genre, but I quite like jazz. This album is pretty out-there, freeform and experimental, basically a genre-defining artist at the top of their game. I quite enjoyed it, but it's a pretty long haul listen
3
Jul 26 2022
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Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
Hmmm, another Bob Dylan album. This one's a live one, so a bit of different take on things. But still, as with the previous 3 Bob Dylan albums suggested, I'm left feeling like I should have enjoyed them more. Not unpleasant but equally not much lasting interest.
2
Jul 27 2022
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Boom! Spiky riff rock full of power chords and energy. Really enjoyed this one, particularly Simple Man (which I hadn't heard before) and Free Bird (which I had), the latter one of those rock epics that go on an on through seemingly so many phases. So close to giving this the full five stars, but some of the early tracks weren't quite as interesting. But still, definitely worth further listens.
4
Jul 28 2022
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Rocks
Aerosmith
Hmmm. Bit forgettable really, aged power rock from Aerosmith
2
Jul 29 2022
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Pretty dreamy sounding album; I didn't pay close enough attention to the lyrics (nor is my French that good) to pick up on the themes which appear to be somewhat controversial
3
Aug 01 2022
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Elastica
Elastica
A writhing, pulsating mass of 90s Britpop indie energy. The girl power on this album is far more raw, kick-ass and, dare I say, Spicy than other iconic female (led) groups from the decade. Nice touches of grunge influence and I'm getting shades of the Pretenders. All in all a solid record
4
Aug 02 2022
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Cracking album, it's a shame Morrissey is such a bell end - I was tempted to dock a star - but Johnny Marr is a wizard, so 5/5 it is.
5
Aug 03 2022
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
I remember when this came out in 2007, and the innovational pay what you want concept, and yet at the time the album passed me by. Shame, because it is a banger - Radiohead at their most polished, a much more mature angst than that of their 90s offerings, almost cinematic in its delivery. Outstanding.
5
Aug 04 2022
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
Knew nothing about this album, at all. Had quite low expectations but was pleasantly surprised, a dark, almost gothic sounding album with chilling vocals
4
Aug 05 2022
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Lilting melancholic guitar based folk. Inoffensive
3
Aug 08 2022
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This is one of those albums that makes this project so ace - I had only a vague notion of The War on Drugs (the band) prior to this recommendation. Pulsating, haunting indie rock, right up my street. Boom!
5
Aug 09 2022
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Rio
Duran Duran
Brilliant, classic slice of 80s new wave
5
Aug 10 2022
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The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
Lively latin fare, but it wasn't really exciting enough for me to get into
2
Aug 11 2022
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1984
Van Halen
Jump is one of those songs that I always think of synonymously with 80s music... it's a great track, but I couldn't get into the rest of this album really, felt quite aged.
2
Aug 12 2022
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Vespertine
Björk
I didn't think I liked Bjork before I listened to this album.
The music is actually pretty good, quite chill and ambient. Indeed, after the album finished some of Amazon Music's related tracks playlist included the likes of Massive Attack who I love.
However, I can't really get beyond Bjork's voice, it's just a bit too nasally and whiny.
So, after listening, I still don't like Bjork.
2
Aug 15 2022
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Liquid Swords
GZA
As with a lot of hip-hop albums, this is interspersed with numerous skits, broadly themed on shogun culture and mostly tedious.
The music is actually pretty good, as is the vocals.
3
Aug 16 2022
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Superb. Dark, brooding, melancholy, this is one of the all-time greatest indie records ever made. Ian Curtis' haunting vocals forbode a terrible demise, but the genius is timeless.
5
Aug 17 2022
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Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
Love it! So quirky, joyful and upbeat, such intelligent use of the most obscure samples.
5
Aug 18 2022
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
Well that was odd. Album started quite jauntily, cockney story-telling almost in the vogue of Chas and Dave, then developing into something a little more darker and unhinged.
3
Aug 19 2022
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
I know this is a seminal album, but beyond the perfection of Stairway to Heaven, it didn't fully hit the mark for me.
4
Aug 22 2022
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Parachutes
Coldplay
Simply wonderful.
So evocative of late teenage years... I remember first hearing Trouble on the radio and thinking it was Oasis. Given what Coldplay have become I think it is easy to forget that they were once a straightforward indie band, and a bloody good one at that.
Trouble, Don't Panic, High Speed, Everything's Not Lost, Yellow... there's so much good stuff on here. Screw the haters
5
Aug 23 2022
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Gentle, lilting Latin music, evocative of a dusky night drinking mojitos in the barrios
4
Aug 24 2022
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
I thought I would enjoy this album a bit more than I did, Happy Mondays are obviously a significant band in the scope of 90s indie, but I didn't really get into this album
3
Aug 25 2022
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Signing Off
UB40
Lovely bit of reggae-dub to chill out to.
4
Aug 26 2022
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Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
I quite like Elvis Costello, it turns out, although this wasn't as infectious as some of his other albums
3
Aug 29 2022
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Goo
Sonic Youth
Decent, grungy rock album. Switching from male/female vocals track by track kept interest
4
Aug 30 2022
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Dreamy electronic indie, quite calming
3
Aug 31 2022
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Illmatic
Nas
Pretty solid hip hop album, decent lyrics and cool beats
3
Sep 01 2022
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Dark and brooding, a good listen
4
Sep 02 2022
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Pretty cool album, as jazz goes, this is pretty avant-garde. You need to listen with a different mindset to most albums on this list, since the interest comes through the instrumentation rather than vocals (which are completely absent)
3
Sep 05 2022
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Decent nu-wave/electropop album, Annie Lennox's distinctive vocals complimenting the squelchy synth sounds
3
Sep 06 2022
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
I remember buying this album of the back of We Used to Wait which is a quality tune. The album is pretty decent as well, taking a journey through suburbia and the 'thrills' of city life. I listened to it loads at the time and it's still worth a spin now and then, but can't quite warrant the full five stars as it loses a bit of energy towards the end.
4
Sep 07 2022
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Black Metal
Venom
The music actually isn't so bad, but I can't get on board with the screaming vocals, it's all just a bit tedious.
1
Sep 08 2022
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
Hmmm, setting aside the fact Morrissey is an utter bellend, this album consists of his light, whimsical vocals but without the masterful backdrop of Johnny Marr's guitars. As such, it feels like it's missing something. I won't be back for another listen.
2
Sep 09 2022
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
I was expecting to hate this, but actually, it wasn't too bad. And at only 15 mins it didn't really grate much. A lot of - for want of a better word - spunk, and tellingly songs that are over somewhat prematurely. I couldn't really hear the lyrics in their entirety due to the frenetic pace
3
Sep 12 2022
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Ah the 1001 Albums Generator again at it's finest, nominating this album the day after Lizzie has popped off this mortal coil.
I feel any review of The Smiths/Morrissey need mention that Morrissey himself is an utter bell-end, but now that's out the way we find a solid album, containing some of the band's best material - Bigmouth.., There is a Light..., The Boy with the Thorn. Some of the other tracks don't hit such high notes, hence it's a 4/5 from me.
4
Sep 13 2022
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
Ok, so there are two thorny issues to contend with here. (1) The dubious behaviours of Michael Jackson throughout his life, from the bizarre to the (definitely not smooth) criminal, (2) the quite frankly absurd appearance of Paul McCartney on The Girl is Mine (instantly rendering it the weakest song on the album).
Without those factors, this album would be an undeniable 5/5, certified gold-standard, all-time superlative superlative superlative superlative.
Can we detach the artist from the art? In my view, whether one can or not, this is some of the finest music ever written, such catchy bass lines and crisp beats. For me, the music stands alone, and it's a solid 5/5.
5
Sep 14 2022
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
Pretty catchy riff rock, double album which maybe worked against it in my mind although probably would have done for the concept if it had been one disc. Wavering between 3 and 4 stars - would be a 3.5/5 for me
3
Sep 15 2022
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
Strange album, it was ok, but felt like it was building to something that never came
3
Sep 16 2022
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
I wasn't expecting too much from this album, but it's pretty catchy, will listen again
4
Sep 19 2022
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
I hadn't listened to thus album previously, despite knowing the tragic story of Jeff Buckley and the poignant Hallelujah. Album is a lot more electric than I thought it would be, and is a healthy slice of 90s rock
4
Sep 20 2022
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
I always thought I didn't like Elbow, they were too far to along the way to soppy soft rock for my tastes. Despite being familiar with the single releases on this album, I hadn't listened to it in entirety. Something obviously moved me because I went back for a second listen. The more electric, heavy tracks are pretty good but maybe there's something about Guy Garvey's voice that holds me back from really enjoying it.
3
Sep 21 2022
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More Specials
The Specials
I was a bit disappointed with this album, not the polished ska sound I was expecting. It's very evocative of singalongs in a pub in the early 80s (at least I would imagine so, I was only in my infant years at the time) - see "it's all a load of bollocks!" for example.
2
Sep 22 2022
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Decent album featuring music from the motion picture, pretty dated but a cool 70s sound.
3
Sep 23 2022
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1999
Prince
A storming opening to the album with 1999 (the track) and Little Red Corvette. Prince is a master of both songwriting and instrumental proficiency. The album tailed off a bit towards the end but on the whole, it felt like a joyous party.
4
Sep 26 2022
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
When I was in my early 20s, I lived in Camden, just around the corner from one Amy Winehouse. She was a notorious botherer of the Hawley Arms nearby, although I only actually saw her once or twice. However, several times I was awoken at 3 am as she stumbled past our house, a baying mob of paparazzi in tow. At the time I was pretty pissed off but looking back it's pretty tragic, given what became of her life and then untimely passing.
Anyway this album; nocturnal disturbances notwithstanding I was never that keen on Amy Winehouse, although her voice is amazing. This album was a fairly enjoyable listen but not one I'd put on repeat.
3
Sep 27 2022
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
I didn't really enjoy this album, which is a shame given how iconic the Who are.
2
Sep 28 2022
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Different Class
Pulp
This is a pretty iconic album in 90s music, I can certainly place Common People, Disco 2000 and Something Changed to particular points in my teenage life. Probably Pulp's most solid offering.
4
Sep 29 2022
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
Hmmm. Usually I would give an album two stars if I don't like it but the music is inoffensive enough that I can sit through it. Although I did sit through this, and not want to rip my ears off, it was pretty bland and there are some other features that have really annoyed me about it. Firstly, how very fucking unoriginal to name your album after your first name, and not only that, this is Scott 2, the sequel to Scott as I later discovered, and furthermore the precursor to Scott 3 and Scott 4. The lyrics verge from the soppy to the downright misogynistic. I also later found out Walker was English, so even more unforgivable is his use of 'ass' rather than 'arse' (get it right if you must).
On a more charitable day this would be a 2, but fuck you Scott, here's another 1 star review
1
Sep 30 2022
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Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
I liked this album, definite 60s sound - reminiscent of the Kinks for me.
4
Oct 03 2022
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
Cracking album, dark brooding trip-hop, full of 90s swagger.
4
Oct 04 2022
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Nice... dark psychedelia
4
Oct 05 2022
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Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
I've always loved a bit of Karma Chameleon since it was number one the day I was born. This album itself has quite a fun easy-going sound to it.
3
Oct 06 2022
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Pretty raucous affair - rock with a distinctive 80s sound, plenty of power guitar solos and fevered drum fills. Some of the lyrics were a little twee for my ears...
3
Oct 07 2022
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
Prior to listening, I only knew the Boo Radleys for the Wake Up! era; I purchased that album on a holiday in the US and loved it. I hadn't ever delved further into their catalogue, but this is a brilliant album. Proper 90s indie sound
5
Oct 10 2022
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
I wasn't sure what to expect from this, when I realised it was a live album, but whoa! It's awesome! Some fantastic guitarmanship
4
Oct 11 2022
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Country is not really my bag. This album was inoffensive, interesting in places - if a little bizarre e.g. the murder of a woman for an attempted theft of a pony.
2
Oct 12 2022
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Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Having no prconceptions of this album, its epic opener, Agnus Dei left me stunned and feeling like the album could go one of two ways, either an absolute better or a confused abstract mess. Though it was neither, it veered far closer to the former with poignant lyrics and fresh instrumentation. At its conclusion, I felt I had experienced something, though I wasn't sure whether it was a good thing or not. Moving.
4
Oct 13 2022
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
A bit drivelly
2
Oct 14 2022
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Nowhere
Ride
I wasn't aware of this album but it was pretty good, a very 90s sound but that's no bad thing.
4
Oct 17 2022
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Me Against The World
2Pac
My recollection of the 90s is the Tupac was one of the biggest names in hip-hop. There is the aggression typically associated with the genre evident on this album, but it's paired with so slick tunes and a real rhythmic quality to the deliver of the rapped lyrics. I enjoyed it more than I was expecting, and much more than other contemporaries - notably notorious rival Biggie.
4
Oct 18 2022
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Ok album, sounds quite dated now but wasn't unpleasant
3
Oct 19 2022
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Leftism
Leftfield
Dark, brooding electronica... felt like it was bubbling and simmering but then never quite came fully to the boil.
3
Oct 20 2022
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this much, but it was ok - there are so many tracks that are either well-known hits or have been covered/sampled. Turner's voice is pretty special, but the soundscape is distinctly of the era - slap bass, early synths, sax solos... all very 80s
3
Oct 21 2022
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Just supremely chilled and groovy. I was surprised to find this was as late as Bob Marley's fifth album - other than Stir it Up, I didn't recognise any of the tracks. But Bob Marley does what Bob Marley is best at, making awesome reggae
5
Oct 24 2022
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Live Blues, pretty good live performance but I wasn't bowled over by the music.
3
Oct 25 2022
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Abraxas
Santana
Super chilled latin rock. Santana's guitarmanship is God level, and the groovy beats are entrancing. Outstanding
5
Oct 26 2022
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
Fresh and funky hip-hop, with slick rhymes and some super groovy basslines. Slight deficit of bombast which for me makes it 4/5 rather than a solid 5/5.
4
Oct 27 2022
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Suede
Suede
Classic 90s indie. I had never listened to any Suede albums although I knew them from singles. A solid effort.
4
Oct 28 2022
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
Dark, thumping, raging rock. Some absolutely belting riffs decorate this epic. 5/5
5
Oct 31 2022
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Everyone knows Let's Get It On. The rest of the album could be more aptly be named "Marvin Gaye is Horny" as the topic matter is pretty single focussed. Nothing wrong in that, mind, just a bit boring over and over.
3
Nov 01 2022
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
An absolute belter. This is one of the best albums of the 2000s, if not of all time. It's interesting to see what The Killers have become since, but this is them in their rawest, most indie incarnation. From the banging bassline in the opener, Jenny was a Friend of Mine, through the spectra of emotions of Mr. Brightside, Smile Like You Mean It and Somebody Told Me and beyond, this album soundtracked my early 20s and brings back memories of drunken house parties; the first throes of independence.
5
Nov 02 2022
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
As a teen I was obsessed with Jamiroquai in the 1990s. I was probably too young to understand the charges of cultural appropriation many have levelled against them, and of accusations of Jay Kay being a white rip-off of Stevie Wonder. I listened again and preferred to listen with my innocent ears of the 90s. There is a sniff of hypocrisy when Kay passionately sings about environmental catastrophe, yet is a massive petrolhead. Yet beyond all of that, there is some fantastic musicianship on this album. Stuart Zender is an absolute bass wizard, some of these riffs are just too funky - it's a great shame he later fell out with Kay only 2 albums on. The late Toby Smith's keyboards are exquisite and there's even Wallis' digeridoo for something a bit different. For all the funk, it's a solid 5/5.
5
Nov 03 2022
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
A distinctly dark sound, with Cohen's gravelly voice offering lamentful tales
3
Nov 04 2022
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
I really enjoyed this album, I looked it up and 'folk-punk' seems a perfect description. Bragg is unashamedly left-wing and his songs are full of meaning and purpose. I particularly like the line "How can you lie there and think of England //
When you don't even know who's in the team" in Shirley, which I now note features the legend Johnny Marr.
4
Nov 07 2022
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Drunk
Thundercat
Wow. Drunk is a pretty decent title, this collection of many short songs which are a blend of jubilant and lamenting, somewhat disjointed but in a very fun way. I enjoyed it!
4
Nov 08 2022
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Hmmmm, Bowie... I just don't really get the hype, which I'm aware is a borderline sacrilegious thing to say in some circles. This album obviously has a great significance beyond the music, given the timing of its release days before Bowie's passing. On the music's merit, there is a modern sound to it, most of the songs feel quite dark (as would befit an album titled Blackstar). I like the cover art, the text styling is very clever.
3
Nov 09 2022
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Low
David Bowie
Two Bowie albums in two days, after Blackstar yesterday. I'm really not a fan, but whilst this album was a lot less modern sounding than the aforementioned, it was better than some of the other Bowie albums I've already had.
3
Nov 10 2022
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Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Surprisingly dreamy and bleak in equal measure. I hadn't ever really appreciated Phil Collins drumming ability, seeing as most of my thoughts on him are based on his solo stuff, which I really am not a fan of.
3
Nov 11 2022
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
I found this album quite dreary, just wasn't into it.
2
Nov 14 2022
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evermore
Taylor Swift
Wow, ok so I knew Taylor Swift, yes - the ultimate pop kitten. But this album... she's clearly off the back of some massive break-up which is not unusual for a pop record, but this is so heartfelt, and has a much softer, folkier feel to it. Amazing!
5
Nov 15 2022
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Delightfully folky and quintessentially 60s sounding.
4
Nov 16 2022
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Pretty dark affair, although not unexpected from Nick Cave. Missing some of the swagger and verve of some of his other stuff, this felt all too introspective and didn't really get going.
3
Nov 17 2022
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Boston
Boston
A glorious slab of riff rock, I was convinced this was an 80s record but turns out it was 1976. Nonetheless More Than a Feeling is a classic and the rest of the album continues in a bold and fun vein
4
Nov 18 2022
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
Pretty niche electronica, but plenty of interest, I really enjoyed it
4
Nov 21 2022
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
This is a great album by one of music's true legends, featuring some really funky grooves.
4
Nov 22 2022
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Tapestry
Carole King
Gentle and folky, a decent background soundtrack but not much more interesting than that
3
Nov 23 2022
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Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
Neither annoying or interesting, just a bit boring
2
Nov 24 2022
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En-Tact
The Shamen
I felt sure I knew The Shamen by name, but couldn't place their music. Sure enough the album opener "Move Any Mountain" was the song I was thinking of. Decent 90s electro-indie-rave type stuff, but much like an extended trip it went on a bit too long and didn't really progress to great heights that were hinted at earlier.
3
Nov 25 2022
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
I wasn't expecting to like this album, and by and large even trying to listen with an open mind, I was right. The good bits: some of the guitar riffs are pretty catchy, and the drumming is fairly epic. The main bad bit that renders the whole thing somewhat unpleasant is the vocals. I guess I just don't get the appeal but I don't find screamed gravelly vocals particularly fun
1
Nov 28 2022
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
A delightfully fun romp, impossible not to be in a good mood while listening. On the flip side, also not too memorable other than the hits
3
Nov 29 2022
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
I was quite disappointed by this album, I quite like Dr. Dre but maybe this one was just a bit too fresh for me.
3
Nov 30 2022
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Dreamy electronic album, I found myself thinking of Hot Chip, but not really America.
4
Dec 01 2022
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Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
Didn't think I was all that keen on country, but this album was pretty rocking. Full of feeling but with enough power to feel a bit feisty. Lovely stuff
4
Dec 02 2022
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Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
That was a pretty fun listen, the opening track was impressive by just how 'big' the sound was. For an album recorded in 1968 it had a feel of something more (relatively) modern but with a good dose of swinging 60s spirit
4
Dec 05 2022
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
A refreshing journey with funky hip-hop beats pushing forward positive vibes.
4
Dec 07 2022
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Angsty rock with some cracking tracks.
4
Dec 08 2022
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New Forms
Roni Size
Boom! Yes! As a child of 90s Britain, time was that you couldn't adjust your stereo without landing on a pirate drum n bass station. I'm sure the purists will hate this album but in the genre they don't come bigger than Roni Size. Iconic
5
Dec 09 2022
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
Meh, bland dirge. None of the fun that make disco-era Bee Gees listenable in a somewhat cheesy way, and little of the feeling of ballads such as How Deep is Your Love.
2
Dec 12 2022
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
I really enjoyed this album, some really fresh 90s indie rock
5
Dec 13 2022
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High Violet
The National
I'm not sure where I first heard it but I remember listening to Anyone's Ghost on repeat back in 2010, I loved (still do) that song, but never really ventured further into The National's oeuvre. This is a decent album, I was tempted to go 5 stars but there's a certain lightness to the sound which maybe loses something for me. Still a cracking album and well worth another few listens.
4
Dec 14 2022
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Fun Anglo-Punjabi fusion, brilliantly bouncy and quirky. Everyone needs a bosom for a pillow!
4
Dec 15 2022
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Pretty fresh and funky hip-hop, quite accessible and easier on the ears than most.
4
Dec 16 2022
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Kenza
Khaled
In my teenage years, I had a Casio keyboard. One of the features was that it had 128 backing drumbeats for you to jam along to. I was minded of one of them in the World Music section 'Rai' which stuck in my mind as also being the name of a member of the 1994 Brazil World Cup squad.
Anyway, pleased with myself that I could identify this album as Rai, it was also quite enjoyable even if I had no idea what was going on. The Imagine cover was perhaps unnecessary but there were some good basslines and brass work to be enjoyed.
3
Dec 19 2022
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21
Adele
Not usually my kind of thing, but Adele's voice is somewhat beguiling and this collection of songs is deeply infused with feelings of hurt and heartbreak. The hits that have had heavy rotation stand out - Rolling in The Deep, Set Fire..., Someone Like You
4
Dec 20 2022
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
There's some awesome tracks on here, that are well-known. Some of it is slightly over-egged testosterone tinged but it's a solid album. Slash rocks.
4
Dec 21 2022
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
This feels like a seminal album in Stevie Wonder's opus, not that I am overly familiar with all his work. There are so many tracks that I recognise from having been sampled latterly, and it rings pretty true that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Wonder's musicianship is without question, his voice is unique and the sound is wholesome, if a little of the era.
3
Dec 22 2022
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
Plinky plonky country, not really my thing
2
Dec 23 2022
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Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Fantastic album. I got into Gang of Four about 3 decades late, but their jagged guitars and infectious licks are beguiling.
5
Dec 26 2022
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Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
This was a really fun listen, flavours of celtic folk but with rock sensibilities; a really nice blend.
4
Dec 27 2022
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The Specials
The Specials
A classic ska album, this has the quintessential hits like A Message to You Rudy and Much Too Young. Good listen.
4
Dec 28 2022
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
I can see this album has received a lot of shade. I went into listening to it with an open mind, and it's not terrible. But equally it begins to get a bit nauseating and is not really my thing.
2
Dec 30 2022
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
My second Kate Bush album on this list, after Hounds of Love. This album veers far more towards the experimental than pop, and I didn't enjoy it as much.
2
Jan 02 2023
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Bombastic spiky rock, a good listen
4
Jan 03 2023
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
I really enjoyed this album, something about the brash and uncompromising sound
5
Jan 04 2023
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
Generally inoffensive, if not a little dull plinky-plonky folky rock, very 60s sound
3
Jan 05 2023
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Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Pretty listenable psychedelic indie
4
Jan 06 2023
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Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
Fresh and funky beats, plenty of attitude. Great album, maybe lacking slightly in some all out bangers that stops this being a 5/5 for me
4
Jan 09 2023
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Paul Weller is an all-time legend. This is a great album, the one thing I did feel was that maybe it dragged on a little but that's the only blemish stopping this being a solid 5/5
4
Jan 10 2023
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Let It Be
The Replacements
Brash and angsty, this was a refreshing surprise
4
Jan 11 2023
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Interesting to have a soundtrack on this list - most of the tracks are instrumental and it's very easy to imagine them as background pieces. I've not seen Shaft the movie, but am aware of it's cult.
As for the music, it's insanely groovy - itchy guitar hooks aplenty; deliciously mellow at times. I've always felt Isaac Hayes was like a much cooler Barry White. Such a shame that he fell in with the Scientologists; for South Park to offer a tender tribute rather than an all-out character assassination speaks volumes.
A fantastic composition.
5
Jan 12 2023
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Spiderland
Slint
I'd never heard of Slint before, but this is an awesome album. Veers seamlessly from gloomy introspection to all-out brash rock with some epic riffs. 5 stars!
5
Jan 13 2023
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Rapture
Anita Baker
I'm not really one for schmoozy 80s fare, but this album was fairly listenable and reasonably uplifting to boot!
3
Jan 16 2023
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Meh, found it a bit repetitive and annoying. A few catchy riffs, but... not for me
2
Jan 17 2023
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Another artist I did not previously know, this is a great album - cultured indie rock.
4
Jan 18 2023
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Classic, fun, bouncy rock. Get it on!
4
Jan 19 2023
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This has aged pretty well for something recorded in 1970, decent rock album.
4
Jan 20 2023
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Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
Folks rock, I enjoyed some of the shifts from song to song but it was a bit too dreamy for my liking. Still, not unpleasant
3
Jan 23 2023
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I had to check because the cover looks distinctly 60s/70s but I could have been convinced this was a throwback 90s/00s band, certainly the opener sounds like it's been recorded in a modern studio. As for the music itself, there were some nice moments but probably won't be revisiting.
3
Jan 24 2023
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
I wasn't much taken in by the cover art but this album was pretty good. Classic rock but interesting enough to set it apart.
3
Jan 25 2023
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Wow! This is an album out of nowhere for me, but it rocks! I could have predicted a lot of the shade being thrown its way in the reviews but it's really cool and quirky. An experience as much as anything, the opening 21 min track bending and winding its way through the soundscape.
5
Jan 26 2023
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
Mercilessly bright and upbeat. Not really for me but I didn't hate it!
2
Jan 27 2023
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I think this is my third or fourth Nick Cave album that's cropped up on the 1001 albums generator. I wouldn't have expected to like his music much but there's something quite beguiling about his darkness, with a twist of humour thrown in. This album is slightly more upbeat than previous offerings, possibly even some pop elements, but it is decidedly not mainstream! On the whole, I enjoyed it
4
Jan 30 2023
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
The album title is slightly lacking in humility, but it's fairly listenable. I imagine if 50s jazz is your bag, this is a fine album, as it is I'm not a huge aficionado but it was, on the whole, tolerable
3
Jan 31 2023
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Play
Moby
I remember this album from when it came out, I wanted to say 2001 but Wikipedia confirms 1999. Moby seemed to get a lot of heat at the time, I recall it mainly centred around his veganism, pacifism and general hippie NY existence. 24 years on and it seems bizarre that these now comparatively mainstream interests should be marginalised but it seems the 90s was quite happy to consider Moby a bald prick for having such radical views as compassion, what a wierdo. Much like Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP which was an earlier album on this list, that hasn't aged well (I use Eminem as an example since Moby was lampooned in one of his tracks).
Anyway, the music. This is a pretty solid album, and since most of the tracks are largely instrumental or at most scant lyrics, you can imagine a lot of them being used as background music to film or TV (maybe that's the Jason Bourne effect).
4
Feb 01 2023
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Meh, I found this album pretty boring, maybe you had to experience it at the time.
2
Feb 02 2023
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Ingenue
k.d. lang
Pretty boring album, just too lightweight and MOR for my taste.
2
Feb 03 2023
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Gentle funky stuff from the legend Stevie Wonder. There weren't any tracks that stood out, mind.
3
Feb 06 2023
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Hotel California
Eagles
Hotel California the song is God-level, but the album peaks with it as it's opener. The rest was probably awesome in the 70s but feels a bit tired now.
3
Feb 07 2023
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
Lively rock 'n' roll, a fun listen!
4
Feb 08 2023
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Interesting one this, quite dark dancy-electronic vibes. The Bjork-esque vocals did get on my nerves a bit though.
3
Feb 09 2023
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Oooh, a live album. Can't fault the energy here, but the 60s rock sound wasn't all that captivating
3
Feb 10 2023
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
I was expecting this to be a bit too folky for my liking, but it was actually pretty listenable. A whole extra star for The Calvary Cross which is an absolute belter!
4
Feb 13 2023
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Odelay
Beck
There's something pretty quirky about Beck's sound, a blend of rock with elements of hip-hop, country and other influences and a heavy twist of Americana. The album was a good listen but I'm not sure I would have it on repeat
4
Feb 14 2023
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Murmur
R.E.M.
I am a big fan of REM, but this album was one that had slipped by me. Given it's their debut, it definitely has a fresh sound but all the elements that I love are there, full of feeling, and Michael Stipe's voice is truly evocative.
5
Feb 15 2023
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
A bit quirkier than standard britpop/indie, but definite shades of contemporaries like Blur.
4
Feb 16 2023
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Headquarters
The Monkees
Hey hey, it's the Monkees! Very much sounding of the era it was recorded, but perfectly pleasant and sunny.
3
Feb 17 2023
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Decent album, alternative indie rock
4
Feb 20 2023
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Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Some absolutely belting fat beats, this album started strongly but I felt it petered out a bit towards the end, if not for that it would have been 5/5
4
Feb 21 2023
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Ah, another Bob Dylan album. I get the acclaim for him as an artist but even though this album contains some classics like Mr Tambourine Man, it really lacks variety - it's all strumming, strange stories told through lyrics, harmonica solos and, what I found unreasonably frustrating, outros that just fade out. The latter as I say really irritated me for some reason, it felt incredibly lazy. Just finish a song with a flourish once in a while!
2
Feb 22 2023
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The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
A bit of a confusing one this, like a hazy dream full of psychedelia.
3
Feb 23 2023
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
Quite bland, foresty folk
3
Feb 24 2023
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
A fantastic mix of broody sass and attitude, an original punk heroine!
4
Feb 27 2023
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
Ah Amy, once a nearly neighbour of mine in Camden Town, how I remember your nocturnal activities and the clamour of the paps as they followed you around at 3am outside my bedroom window.
Truly tragic what happened to a clearly troubled soul and you would hope not even 15 years on society would be able to help such an individual better.
Anyway, the music... not my usual cup of tea but this is surely her magnus opus, Winehouse has not only found the greatest extent of her vocal abilities but has a sass and confidence to flaunt them in the best possible way. Sultry, seductive and sexy, it draws you in.
4
Feb 28 2023
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Bright and sunshiny, swinging and soulful. Not something I would usually listen to but pleasant enough
3
Mar 01 2023
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Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
This is one of those cool albums I would probably never have heard of let alone heard, were it not for this project.
Brilliant, ambient, intricate... couldn't really care less if it is authentic, I enjoyed it.
4
Mar 02 2023
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Dreamlike and airy indie rock, quite pleasant
4
Mar 03 2023
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Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
Cracking album, super chilled, laid-back trip-hop. I know it's not to everyone's taste, but I just wanted to lay back, roll up a fat one, and get stoned
5
Mar 06 2023
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Bluesy rock, fairly catchy but not one to revisit
3
Mar 07 2023
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Fantastically quirky, full of intelligent samples and catchy beats
4
Mar 08 2023
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Homework
Daft Punk
I'm a big fan of Daft Punk and recall being really excited when I first heard Da Funk back in the 90s, with the bizarre music video adding to the mystique of the sound. This album has a few standouts but definitely has the rawness that debuts often do, and that is just what holds this back from being a solid 5 stars for me
4
Mar 09 2023
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
This really feels like a complete Rolling Stones album, full of swagger, sex and soul. Good stuff
4
Mar 10 2023
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
I can imagine this sounding futuristic and innovative in the late 70s, but I tired of the vocoder. Mr Blue Skies is a great song and I like how it moves between parts, but I found this quite a tiring listen
2
Mar 13 2023
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
Loose, punky rock, a fairly decent listen
3
Mar 14 2023
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Dusky motown fare, Dusty Springfield's silky voice decorating the music.
4
Mar 15 2023
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Funky, soulful and wild, this is a great live performance by a legend. I enjoyed it, but probably won't be back for more.
3
Mar 16 2023
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Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
A decent enough listen that I went back for a second hearing. I knew of Underworld through the track Born Slippy which is not on this album, but the music is in keeping, if lacking a bit in the weight of the sound. Still, good as an ambient soundtrack and I imagine awesome if you are pilled up.
4
Mar 17 2023
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Quite a cool album, lo-fi early electronic vibes with classic 80s rock tones mixed in.
3
Mar 20 2023
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
OK album, distinctive early 2000s American rock
3
Mar 21 2023
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Debut
Björk
Not as annoying as I thought it would be. Won't be re-listening though
3
Mar 22 2023
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Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
Cracking album, full of sass and sex... a great find!
4
Mar 23 2023
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BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
Pretty boombastic sound, great for stadium-filling epics. I wouldn't class myself as a huge fan of either artiste or genre, but there's no denying Beyoncé's talent or appeal. Good stuff
4
Mar 24 2023
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Pulsing riff-rock, pretty catchy tunes
4
Mar 27 2023
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
A little bit hazy and dream-like to be too interesting
3
Mar 28 2023
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The Cars
The Cars
Cracking album, pretty unique sound but really groovy.
4
Mar 29 2023
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Sea Change
Beck
A lot more chill and melancholic sounding songs than what I would have expected from Beck. An alright album but lacked a bit of energy
3
Mar 30 2023
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Sometimes lilting, sometimes chaotic. Some fine musicianship going on here. I enjoyed it
4
Mar 31 2023
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
The garage-rock sound is slightly dated now, but this album was inoffensive to the ears, if slightly dull
3
Apr 03 2023
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Meandering between lilting and melodic ballads and heavier electric sounds. Neil Young is a great songwriter but I didn't find this album as interesting as some of his other stuff
3
Apr 04 2023
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
A live performance steeped in high-energy, some epic drum solos. I wasn't too taken with the actual music though
3
Apr 05 2023
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Bluesy rock, always enjoy a bit of Elvis Costello
4
Apr 06 2023
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Dark psychedelia, certainly can hear the space themes
3
Apr 07 2023
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Decent 70s rock
3
Apr 10 2023
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Nina Simone is of course an absolute legend, and has a brilliant voice. The musicianship on this album is also top-notch with some lovely jazz piano. I probably wouldn't listen again but it was pleasant enough and I can appreciate the genius present.
3
Apr 11 2023
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Brothers
The Black Keys
I love the Black Keys sound, bluesy rock twinged in Americana. This record is one of the earlier ones and is quite raw, and perhaps they have not truly found their groove at this point. Still, a decent listen.
4
Apr 12 2023
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
Brilliantly sunny tunes, so evocative of the early 90s. From the party classic Step On to the superbly cheeky Bob's Yer Uncle, it's a great ride, pun intended. You're twisting my melon man!
5
Apr 13 2023
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
Nice album - pleasant Afro-beat. I only knew of Youssou N'Dour because of his collaboration with Neneh Cherry on 7 Seconds but his distinctive voice works well with the music
3
Apr 14 2023
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Decent jazz, evoking images of a smoky club venue, but as this was a live album it went on for soooo long that I was quite relieved when it finished.
2
Apr 17 2023
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Document
R.E.M.
Brilliant. Michael Stipe manages to fit so much emotion in his vocals and the music is very catchy.
5
Apr 18 2023
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
I remember this being released, I was about 11 years old and there was a buzz about this new band called Oasis. They really blew up with the subsequent What's The Story..., but this album as a raw energy and some absolute belters. I remember listening to Live Forever on repeat, then Slide Away, then Married with Children. Fun times.
5
Apr 19 2023
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
A good listen - 80s party electronic vibe
4
Apr 20 2023
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The Yes Album
Yes
Rocking with some decent riffs, pretty catchy tunes
4
Apr 21 2023
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Classic 80s rock. A slight whiff of cheese but fundamentally awesome riffs and banging tunes
4
Apr 24 2023
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My Generation
The Who
Classic rock, there are some decent tunes on there but I wouldn't be revisiting much
3
Apr 25 2023
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Nice and bright, uplifting rock
3
Apr 26 2023
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Palo Congo
Sabu
An interesting listen, generally a happy latin groove. I wouldn't have listened if it weren't for this list, and I feel glad for that.
3
Apr 27 2023
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Microshift
Hookworms
Pretty cool album, a decent listen and one which I would revisit
4
Apr 28 2023
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
On the face of it, this is not an album I expected to like, but there is something quite seductive about the songs. Some great song-writing craft and skilful crooning.
4
May 01 2023
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
Gritty, but ultimately catchy and infectious grime, Skepta repping for the UK.
4
May 02 2023
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A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
I liked this album, although it faded a bit in the second half. Definite stream-of-consciousness type vibe to it, lending well to the psychedelia. Wavering between a 3 or 4 star rating but as mentioned I think the weaker second half loses the extra star for me
3
May 03 2023
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The World is a Ghetto
War
Had no preconceptions about this album as I knew nothing about War. Pretty pleasant surprise, folky, singalong rock infused with latin rhythms and so funky congas.
3
May 04 2023
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Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
So straight off the bat, this isn't really my kind of thing, but the songs are well written and the musical parts are OK. Maybe if I was more inclined to country and/or blues I would have enjoyed it more
2
May 05 2023
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Yeezus
Kanye West
Kanye is clearly quite a disturbed character and some of the brashness of his lyrics worn thin very quickly, but ignoring that here is a collection of innovative tracks, banging beats and catchy hooks. Would be a 5-star if he could have been slightly less of a bell-end
4
May 08 2023
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
I bloody love this album, loved it in 2004 when it came out (no pun intended), love it now. Just full of fun, joy and party. A slight shame that at the time they were characterised as 'that gay band' (which I don't think would be the case in 2023) as there is something for all stripes here.
A slight shame that one of the most horrible sounds I have ever heard precedes the bonus tracks, but it's so banging I can forgive that.
5
May 09 2023
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
Sounds a little cheesy now, but some solid tunes on this album. Some great funky slap bass and urgent drumbeats.
3
May 10 2023
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Infected
The The
Lively post-punk with a sound very much entrenched in the 80s
3
May 11 2023
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
A classic voice, and an album I probably would never have listened to were it not for this project. Not to my usual taste but I can definitely appreciate the talent.
3
May 12 2023
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Deliciously smooth with a hint of funk. Nice stuff if a little dated
3
May 15 2023
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Faust IV
Faust
I had never heard of Faust before, I'm not sure if I would listen again but it was a good record, some nice soundscapes and a bit dreamy and ethereal.
3
May 16 2023
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Moon Safari
Air
Superb album, one of the greatest electronic chill records ever made
5
May 17 2023
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Cracking album, really nice raw 90s indie sound to it
5
May 18 2023
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Fun and funky hip-hop, as has been noted in other reviews the lyrical content is of the age and somewhat dubious but there are fresh beats and cool melodies too
4
May 19 2023
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I Against I
Bad Brains
Great album, pretty fresh and raw. Some of the earlier tracks were a bit heavy which is why I'm going 4 as opposed to 5 stars. She's Calling You, Sacred Love and Return to Heaven were stand-out tracks
4
May 22 2023
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
Pretty smooth and groovy, an enjoyable listen
4
May 23 2023
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Da Capo
Love
Classic rock album, the finale of which is nearly 20 mins long and features some impressive musicianship
3
May 24 2023
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The Stooges
The Stooges
I was expecting this album to be too punky for my tastes but it was actually pretty great. More mellow than I was expecting but a great sound.
4
May 25 2023
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25
Adele
Adele's vocal talents are undeniable, and this is a well-polished and smoothly produced album. A bit too middle of the road for my liking, though I respect the talent.
3
May 26 2023
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#1 Record
Big Star
Meh, fine but a bit dull. I found the vocals a bit whiny, but not so much that I wanted to turn it off.
3
May 29 2023
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
I understand the gravity of this album on the zeitgeist at the time and thereon, and the songs are perfectly well constructed and executed. I think I just don't 'get' Bowie, there's little that excites me about the music here
3
May 30 2023
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Decent album, Cohen certainly has a distinctive voice and the songwriting is excellent
3
May 31 2023
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Dreamy 70s pop-rock
3
Jun 01 2023
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Be
Common
Some real fresh beats and Common is a more cultured rapper than some of his more mainstream contemporaries. Musically this is an album that hits the right notes
4
Jun 02 2023
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
I had to listen to this album a few times to get a good feel for it, but it was certainly worth it! Distinctly quirky but also pulsating and driving, a fantastic find!
5
Jun 05 2023
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
A certain darkness to the sound, but a compelling listen. The epic The Bogus Man strides on and on and the drumming across the album is pretty interesting.
4
Jun 06 2023
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Night Life
Ray Price
Hmmm, I didn't get into this album, perhaps it is due to being nigh on 70 years old, or perhaps I'm just not taken by bluesy schmooze.
2
Jun 07 2023
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Van Halen
Van Halen
Got pretty much what I expected from this album - banging riff rock with eccentric guitar solos. It was a lot more fun and upbeat than I'd reckoned too
3
Jun 08 2023
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
I'm not a massive fan of folk but Baez has a beautiful voice, and the music is quite relaxing to listen to
3
Jun 09 2023
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S&M
Metallica
A live album! I was quite surprised at how much I enjoyed this from Metallica, it's pretty epic although at over 2 hours long it really felt like a slog. Some classics in there like Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters. The strings sounded live as well which really gave the feeling of an impressive film score. If it were a little shorter I would probably have scored it higher, but a decent live album.
3
Jun 12 2023
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Kala
M.I.A.
I had only heard Paper Planes before and wasn't all that taken with it. However Kala is a pretty impressive, eclectic album. M.I.A. has some vocal talent and some of the beats are pretty quirky, with some cool fusion going on.
4
Jun 13 2023
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Cracking album. Delicious mix of funk, rock and soul. The harmonies work so nicely and the instrumentation is great. The cover of Summer Breeze has long been a favourite for me
5
Jun 14 2023
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
It's Bob Marley - that warm, chilled feeling. Ironically I didn't enjoy the recorded version of No Woman No Cry as much as the more oft-heard live version, but other than that, a solid album.
4
Jun 15 2023
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Teen Dream
Beach House
I found this to be a very pleasant listen, dream-like almost. Nice light indie sound
4
Jun 16 2023
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Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
Lively, bouncy country. Good fun, but not my cup of tea at all
2
Jun 19 2023
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
Noisy, angsty but with plenty of feeling. An electric rock album, good stuff
4
Jun 20 2023
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Arise
Sepultura
As this is the second Sepultura album that has come up on this list, I thought I was going to hate this. And yes, the same screeching, screaming vocals are annoying and off-putting. Yet beneath them some of the riffs and drumming is really quite captivating, so I can't give this one star. Would be more if the vocals were cleaner and less hoarse.
2
Jun 21 2023
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Sheet Music
10cc
The opener, Wall Street Shuffle, was pretty catchy and promised much for the album. However it was a bit bland from there on in
3
Jun 22 2023
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
Wonderfully crafted album, from whence the electronic sound was new and relied much more heavily on artistic talent than loops and samples. Numan is a pioneer in the field. As an aside I had no idea that the Chemical Brothers' "Where's Your Head At?" sampled Numan, the riff being from M.E. featured in this album.
4
Jun 23 2023
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
I'm not sure where I truly sit with Arcade Fire, I like a lot of their music but find if I listen for too long I get a bit bored. This is probably my second favourite of their albums after The Suburbs. Keep the Car Running and No Cars Go are two belters
4
Jun 26 2023
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
Fresh and fun beats from Dizzee Rascal, repping for east London!
4
Jun 27 2023
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
Super punky, a great big ball of angsty energy. I like!
5
Jun 28 2023
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
I'd never heard of Bonnie Prince Billy, and based purely on the album artwork was not looking forward to this. But it just goes to show you should never judge a book (or album) by its cover. Dark and melancholic, this is really evocative stuff.
5
Jun 29 2023
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
Eurrrrrgh. No thanks Tom. Musically it's not too bad but the chanty, sneery vocals are just too annoying
1
Jun 30 2023
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Some absolutely belting riffs. Wasn't too sure how much I would get on board with this album, but it is a cracker
4
Jul 03 2023
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Skylarking
XTC
Lightweight sound, drenched with 80s feeling. Inoffensive but a bit boring
3
Jul 04 2023
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Folky stuff, a bit too bland for my liking.
2
Jul 05 2023
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Some pretty catchy riffs on this blues-rock disc. A decent listen
3
Jul 06 2023
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
Warm and sunny latin stuff, with a bit of world fusion thrown in. Decent album
3
Jul 07 2023
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Music
Madonna
I vaguely recall when this album came out, and it was being heralded as a marked turn in Madonna's career. Listening some 22 years later, it doesn't really have much sense of being groundbreaking, indeed some of the content seems quite dated (see 'Feels Like For A Girl'). Still, there are a few decent tracks, including the titular 'Music' which I recall featured none other than Ali G in the accompanying video
3
Jul 10 2023
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
Decent stuff, latin dance party!
3
Jul 11 2023
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
Pretty joyful, good old rock from The Boss. An enjoyable listen!
4
Jul 12 2023
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
I quite liked this, pretty dreamy and hazy with a slightly folky feel.
4
Jul 13 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Exactly what I would expect from a Prince record, sassy, sexy and outrageously groovy. Sign 'O' The Times finds the Purple One in a direct, if stripped down form. The beats are decidedly 80s, but that works. I Could Never Take The Place of Your Man stands out.
4
Jul 14 2023
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Arrival
ABBA
Classic dreamy pop from the Swedish 4-piece. Some of the major hits are here, including Dancing Queen, Money Money Money and Fernando. It's fine as background music but didn't excite me much
3
Jul 17 2023
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
So this is my 7th Bowie album in the 1001 project, and I am still no closer to understanding why he is revered as much as he is. That said, this is a solid album and the best of the 7 I have listened to. Changes and Life on Mars are very pleasant songs so I will be charitable and give this 4/5
4
Jul 18 2023
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
Delightfully quirky and groovy, this album really feels like Talking Heads have found their sound. Great album
4
Jul 19 2023
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
I love Cee-lo Green's voice, and as a big fan of Gnarls Barkley, I was looking forward to this one. The music is good too, catchy and soulful in parts.
4
Jul 20 2023
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Everyone's favourite narcissist here with a pretty banging album, mixing hip-hop beats with elements of rock and R&B to good effect. The machismo is sometimes a little grating but otherwise a solid album
4
Jul 21 2023
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
As expected, dramatic, operatic and ever so slightly camp. Musically this is a behemoth, but the 70s sound is hard to shake.
4
Jul 24 2023
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
As ever, raucously good fun from Madness. One of their most famous hits, 'Our House' is here, the whole album infused with nostalgia. The faux-Indian accent on New Delhi is slightly uncomfortable in 2023 but other than that, this is solid
4
Jul 25 2023
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Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
This was a good listen, pretty hazy 80s rock that has stood the test of time
4
Jul 26 2023
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Lovely stuff. Before listening I only really knew Erykah Badu from 'On & On' and that she was Andre 3000's ex and subject of Ms. Jackson. I wish I had been more aware because this album is fantastic, groovy neo-soul fused with hip-hop beats, all underneath Badu's mesmerising vocals. Boom!
5
Jul 27 2023
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
An album full of energy. Little Richard's vocal stylings are unique on top of bluesy jive. Impossible not to feel good while listening!
4
Jul 28 2023
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
Fantastic album, excellent songwriting.
5
Jul 31 2023
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
Brilliantly brash and aggressive, the alternating male/female vocal leads showcasing a breadth of emotions
5
Aug 01 2023
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Didn't expect to like this album, but it was actually a pretty good live performance. I knew very little about Peter Frampton beforehand but recognised some songs. Very solid classic rock.
3
Aug 02 2023
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Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
Trés bien! I knew who MC Solaar was largely (solely) due to his collaboration with Neneh Cherry on 7 Seconds but hadn't heard any of his own stuff. This is an incredibly catchy hip-hop/trip-hop/rap blend and the French language has the perfect cadence for rap. Je aime ça, cinq étoiles!
5
Aug 03 2023
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
I had a few listens to this and it grew on me steadily. Quite a few changes in tempo and tone but generally pleasant indie rock
4
Aug 04 2023
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Cracking stuff, a cocktail of angst and daze.
5
Aug 07 2023
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
I preferred the Fugees, although Ex Factor is a great track, particularly the guitar solo. Nice little cameo from Carlos Santana elsewhere.
3
Aug 08 2023
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye is rightly consider a, if not the legend of soul. His voice is so distinctive and evokes pure emotion. I only became aware of the context after listening to the album but the themes of global and social destruction and despair definitely felt prescient
4
Aug 09 2023
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
The word I would use to describe this would be experimental. I can imagine in the late 70s when this was released it was quite groundbreaking, but is just a bit odd now. Not unpleasant though
3
Aug 10 2023
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Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
Decent album, wore on a bit towards the end.
3
Aug 11 2023
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Not really a fan of Bowie but this album was a lot more catchier than the many others in the 1001 list
4
Aug 14 2023
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Interesting concept for an album. Johnny Cash's sound is so distinct and the songs have a great storytelling element.
3
Aug 15 2023
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Vulnicura
Björk
Bjork... that's the onomatopoeic sound I'd like to make when listening to her music. Vague, scatty and dreamy. Not entirely unpleasant but I was quite happy to experience the relief when it was over
2
Aug 16 2023
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Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
A confusing cocktail of rock, hip-hop, nu-metal and country. I see this album has got quite a lot of shade, but a large part of it is comprised of pretty catchy riffs. I don't quite get the Kid Rock persona but maybe you need to be American to understand. Overall, not a bad listen but probably won't be back for more.
3
Aug 17 2023
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Although I know of Rod Stewart, I'd never listened to a full album of his. The voice is special and the songs are also quaint in a good way.
4
Aug 18 2023
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Just brilliantly funky, sexy and in your face. Flea's basslines are simply epic on this record and Antony Kiedis' rapping is something else. Everyone knows Under The Bridge and it is indeed a great song, but shoutouts to the likes of Breaking the Girl, Naked in the Rain and Apache Rose Peacock. Brilliant
5
Aug 21 2023
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Dust
Screaming Trees
Really liked this album, from a band I don't ever recall hearing about. But makes complete sense Josh Homme was a touring musician for this album. Nice hard emotive sound to it.
5
Aug 22 2023
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
This album was ok, rock with elements of metal and funk.
3
Aug 23 2023
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Some excellent songwriting and storytelling. Not my usual cup of tea but I can appreciate the craft
4
Aug 24 2023
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Suicide
Suicide
This album felt a bit like a one trick pony, light synthy sounds over a clicky electronic beat. It was alright to begin with but wore thin towards the middle. Frankie Teardrop was just plain weird. In fact, that is the perfect word to describe the album as a whole
2
Aug 25 2023
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Sulk
The Associates
Distinctly joyously 80s, but quite fun.
3
Aug 28 2023
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Cross
Justice
Decent dance album, on the heavier side and actually I prefer the more instrumental tracks.
4
Aug 29 2023
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Boom! A superb debut album as the Arctic Monkeys cam swaggering into the public consciousness. Banging guitar riffs and frenetic drumming underlie the urban poetry of a young Alex Turner, describing the trials and tribulations of a 20-something Steel City native.
5
Aug 30 2023
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Hms Fable
Shack
This is a good solid album, there were a couple of stand out tracks (Streets of Kenny, Re-instated) but I enjoyed the whole thing.
4
Aug 31 2023
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Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Ah, good old Limp Bizkit. My memories of the emergence of nu-metal in the early 2000s as a late-teen/twenty-something, was that it was the domain of a particular social subset, not quite goth and not quite emo. Whilst I did not subscribe to either, I was quite partial to 'My Way' and 'Rollin''. This was my first time listening to this album in full, and beyond the juvenility inherent (not just the album title), there are some pretty catchy tunes on here, perfect for a good bit of headbanging. I'm sure a lot of purists will hate on Fred Durst and crew, but I would listen unapologetically again.
4
Sep 01 2023
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Interesting listen, there were some elements I enjoyed - the stadium-style depth of the music for instance - but others that I didn't get so on board with
3
Sep 04 2023
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Doolittle
Pixies
A very cool album, some great tunes (Monkey Gone to Heaven is a favourite)
5
Sep 05 2023
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Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
Whoa. Undeniably frenetic, chaotic, manic. I wasn't sure if this, 494 albums in, would be the first album I couldn't sit the whole way through (Roots by Sepultura was the only other contender).
However, once it calmed down, there were some redeeming features. The later tracks were pretty listenable to, the experimental nature of them notwithstanding.
I can understand the shade being thrown the way of this album, and whilst I probably won't listen again, I am glad I experienced it.
3
Sep 06 2023
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
My dad being a massive Doors fan, I know this album like the back of my hand having listened to it throughout my childhood years. The Changeling is such a booming start to the album and considering the Doors never had a permanent bass player, the bassline is like a mission statement for the album. And of course, the finale of Riders on the Storm is typically epic. Could only be 5 stars
5
Sep 07 2023
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
I'm pretty lukewarm when it comes to the Beatles, and less enthused when it comes to their respective solo works. Considering how much flack Yoko Ono cops for the Beatles demise I was expecting not to like this one too much. Whilst it didn't rock my world, the songs are pretty decent and it was quite comfortable listening.
3
Sep 08 2023
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Live At Leeds
The Who
A live album eh? The Who bring plenty of energy but the crowd seems a bit lacking, seems a strange choice to release let alone include in 1001 albums
3
Sep 11 2023
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, not having heard of the band let alone the album. It was ok and not even all that dated for a 1960s record. Even the artwork made the album difficult to place.
3
Sep 12 2023
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Good stuff this - bright lively jazz. Really pleasant listen from the Duke.
4
Sep 13 2023
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Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
Pretty inoffensive stuff, light folky bluesy guitar driven fare. Not too much of interest but nice enough to listen to.
3
Sep 14 2023
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
A little more raw than later releases, but nonetheless still full of punky spirit. A solid album which I thoroughly enjoyed
5
Sep 15 2023
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
Interesting to learn that this was Jeff Buckley's estranged dad, I had no prior knowledge of that context. Very much a 60s record right down to the 'made for vinyl' album cover, but some nice songwriting and impassioned singing. Nice
3
Sep 18 2023
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Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
I had never heard of this band or album before, but it's a banger! Louche loud and brash indie rock... boom!
5
Sep 19 2023
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
This album was a decent enough listen, I particularly enjoyed The Killing Moon. But I probably wouldn't be listening to the album in full again
3
Sep 20 2023
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Delightfully sunny and positive sounding samba. The Portuguese language has an interesting cadence - the natural rhythm of romance languages but with some more slurred and softened consonants. It works well with the music here. Girl from Ipanema of course is the well-known jewel in the crown here.
3
Sep 21 2023
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Some pretty epic riff rock here, spanning a whole double album.
4
Sep 22 2023
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Great album, easily the best pre-1970s album I've had so far in the 1001 albums project. Beautifully tender but with enough substance
4
Sep 25 2023
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Delightfully fresh and funky, brilliantly upbeat.
4
Sep 26 2023
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I was never really sure of the White Stripes back in the early 2000s but listening with 20-odd years of experience gives an interesting perspective. Lots of catchy guitar hooks and Meg's at times frenetic drumming maintain interest throughout. A great album!
5
Sep 27 2023
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Rough and ready, abrasive and slightly funky. Good stuff
4
Sep 28 2023
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On The Beach
Neil Young
I've got to say, since embarking on the 1001 albums project, I have developed something of a partiality to Neil Young. I enjoyed this, it's up there with Harvest in my opinion
4
Sep 29 2023
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Bright Flight
Silver Jews
Quite an interesting album, not at all what I was expecting. Pretty folky but quite modern indie rock.
3
Oct 02 2023
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Plinky plonk country from the 1960s... meh
2
Oct 03 2023
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
As with other Pink Floyd albums, the first word that springs to my mind is 'epic'. Pretty much the definition of a concept album, Pink Floyd paint a bleak and desolate soundscape with gorgeous guitar parts. My only criticism of this is that it is so long, the callbacks to different riffs lead you to expect the full song which is a little ungratifying.
4
Oct 04 2023
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Classic synthpop done brilliantly.
4
Oct 05 2023
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Chris
Christine and the Queens
Pretty fresh and crisp, some nice beats and cool synthy frills.
4
Oct 06 2023
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Not bad for an album so old. Not my usual bag but it was alright
3
Oct 09 2023
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
This album opens with a bang, Destiny's Child's string of hits from the resolute Independent Women and Survivor to the party-tastic lexicon-expanding Bootylicious. Destiny's Child were a key pillar of late 90s/early 00s music and whilst not in any of my go-to genres, this was an enjoyable listen.
3
Oct 10 2023
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
I had never heard of this band or album prior to listening, but it was quite fun - rock but with lots of reggae rhythms
3
Oct 11 2023
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
I'm certainly no prude but I didn't enjoy this much, some of the beats were cool but there was way too much swearing, and not even functionally so as well as overuse of certain racial slurs.
2
Oct 12 2023
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Basket of Light
Pentangle
With a name like Pentangle, I was expecting some sort of death metal so it was actually very refreshingly pleasant to hear the light folky strains of this album. Some nice percussive guitar playing and a mixture of male and female leads.
4
Oct 13 2023
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Green
R.E.M.
I bloomin' love REM
5
Oct 16 2023
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Definitely sounds like QOTSA but certainly a lot more raw. Good stuff
4
Oct 17 2023
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
A bit confusing this one, in some aspects it feels quite pioneering, in others, a little annoying. Probably doesn't help that I'm clouded by my negative opinion of John Lydon in his later years. The punkier elements are pretty cool but I can't go more than 3/5
3
Oct 18 2023
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Despite having known about this album, this was the first time I'd listened to it. Firstly, I was expecting something a lot harsher, despite the language. Secondly, it was a bit more basic than I thought it would be. An important album for sure, despite it's themes aging poorly, but only a 3/5 on the quality scale.
3
Oct 19 2023
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Shleep
Robert Wyatt
Wikipedia classes this as art rock and that's pretty apt, it feels a bit like an exhibition piece. There are moments of genuine musical quality but then at other times it feels a bit performative. I did particularly enjoy Blues in Bob Minor
3
Oct 20 2023
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I was vaguely aware of Sufjan Stevens given he was referenced on Snow Patrol's Eyes Open album, but hadn't ever listened to his stuff. Pretty folky stuff, I can imagine a lot of it being written around a campfire with an acoustic guitar. I didn't really get into it
3
Oct 23 2023
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Sincere
Mj Cole
Some pretty banging UK garage to reminisce to... I can imagine some of the shade being thrown on this in the reviews but as a child of the 90s/00s garage was right up my street. This probably isn't the finest exponent of the genre but it's decent enough for me
4
Oct 24 2023
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
An absolute banger, full of sass, jaggedy guitars and frenetic drumming. Yes!
5
Oct 25 2023
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
This album felt still very recent to me so I was surprised to see it was 10 years old already. Some pretty joyous electro-indie, a fine album although slightly surprised it's included in the 1001 list
4
Oct 26 2023
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
Having never heard of this band or album, wow what a fantastic banger! Full of punky brash guitars and urgent drums with impassioned vocals. LIKE!
5
Oct 27 2023
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Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
This album was a lot of fun, some nice 80s electro hip-hop
4
Oct 30 2023
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
Suitably dark and wistful given the album title. Cohen's songwriting is once again wonderful and considering relatively scant instrumentation the moodscape is rich and at the forefront of each song.
4
Oct 31 2023
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Diamond Life
Sade
So smooth and sultry, some lovely bubbling bass and silky vocals. Not my usual cup of tea but a nice way to spend 44 minutes.
3
Nov 01 2023
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
Pretty light and inoffensive, classicly 80s.
3
Nov 02 2023
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Some good moments but they are unfortunately the exception rather than rule with some of this album heavy-going.
3
Nov 03 2023
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Close To You
Carpenters
Gentle and sedate, and some all-time classic songs on here - We've Only Just Begun, Close To You - but not my bag
3
Nov 06 2023
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Deliciously funky with some cool groovy slap bass intertwined throughout
4
Nov 07 2023
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Brilliant album full of crisp beats and urgent basslines
5
Nov 08 2023
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
Wow, just soooo incredibly funky! Haters gonna hate but the percussion on this is off the charts. Fantastic album, a reason to embark on the 1001 project is to find gems like this. So many samples!!
5
Nov 09 2023
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
Some nice 90s guitar-based stuff, very emotive
4
Nov 10 2023
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
As a teenager I had a fairly sizeable teenage crush on Sheryl Crow - I don't believe unreasonably however I don't think she was really ever on the radar of my immediate peers. I'd never really listened to this album although I am fairly familiar with many of the songs (the most prominent of which, All I Wanna Do is actually my least favourite), but I wish I had, Sheryl just became even more attractive in my eyes, sexy and talented! I'm sure this will be some comfort to her
5
Nov 13 2023
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Kimono My House
Sparks
Wow, this was somewhat of an oddball album! Not unpleasant to listen to but felt a bit chaotic at times.
3
Nov 14 2023
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Not that big into country but this was definitely one of the better proponents of the genre, Emmylou Harris' voice is wonderful and the songs are well written
3
Nov 15 2023
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
Pretty dreamlike and ethereal, but alright
3
Nov 16 2023
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
If you like soul, then I completely get why Arethra is the absolute gold standard, or GOAT in the parlance of today's youth. I can take or leave soul, but her voice alone makes this a pretty beguiling listen. In short: glad I listened and experienced the album, unlikely to be playing it back again
4
Nov 17 2023
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B-52's
The B-52's
My first thought was "where's Love Shack?" since my only knowledge of B-52s (the apostrophe is irritating to my OCD) related to the aforementioned song and their appearance on (as it turns out fellow Athens, Georgia natives) R.E.M.'s Shiny Happy People.
Nevertheless, what my ears experienced was a pretty cool album, some of the vocals were a little too screamy but on the whole it was good fun and quite groovy.
4
Nov 20 2023
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Meh, not bad so that I didn't want to listen, and while I can respect the craft and musicianship on show it was all a bit too gentle and bland for me
2
Nov 21 2023
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
An album I knew nothing about prior to the suggestion. A good find, some dark sounding tunes with a latin edge.
4
Nov 22 2023
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
When I was learning GCSE Music, I grew particularly obsessed with percussion and indeed timbales specifically. Not playing necessarily, but just the sound. I also played trumpet and a teacher put me on to Tito Puente. I think I only *cough* legally *cough* downloaded a few tracks, this being the days of dial-up modems and before streaming services, which I enjoyed. This full length album is quite a nice trip down memory lane - I guess beyond a certain point it does begin to sound a bit kitsch and Tuesday night village hall salsa class but on the whole I enjoyed it.
4
Nov 23 2023
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
Never heard of this band before but the album was decent, laid-back indie rock. Good stuff
4
Nov 24 2023
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Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
Quite liked this one, it's always a little hit and miss with the world music suggestions on this list but this was pretty groovy. I would have guessed it was of African/Arabian origin so the fact Baaba Maal is Senegalese fits with that.
4
Nov 27 2023
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
This was ok - louche jazz from the 1980s
3
Nov 28 2023
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
Great punky album, full of energy and spirit. Probably the only thing holding it back for a 5 star for me was the length
4
Nov 29 2023
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Orbital 2
Orbital
If you're a fan of ambient electronic dance, then this probably ticks the boxes for you. I don't mind the genre but I think it's probably best enjoyed in a rave/club/festival type atmosphere, rather than as some stimulating work music.
3
Nov 30 2023
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
I really dug this, cracking alt rock album. I know it's 80s but it has that early 90s proto-grunge feel to it. Great stuff
5
Dec 01 2023
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Solid Air
John Martyn
Pretty chilled out 70s rock, a little meh for me
3
Dec 04 2023
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Being There
Wilco
This album was ok, it went on a bit too long. I quite like Wilco without being overly keen, a bit like Arcade Fire - can take it or leave it.
3
Dec 05 2023
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Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
THis was almost a bit psychedelic, I enjoyed it
4
Dec 06 2023
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Timeless
Goldie
Fuck yes, this is an absolute banger. Goldie smashing it to bits with a heavy chunk of drum n bass junglist meat
5
Dec 07 2023
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Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Classic sounding soul-jazz type stuff
2
Dec 08 2023
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Tical
Method Man
Well, the beats were fresh, the rhymes were tight and the hooks were catchy, but I felt this album lacked a sprinkling of platinum (so beloved by the genre) dust. A decent listen nonetheless.
3
Dec 11 2023
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
Sort of reminded me of Nick Cave - an artist I can't work out if I think is a genius or don't like. Dark but with a knowing nod. Decent listen
3
Dec 12 2023
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
Loud and brash but not really doing much with the aggression. I didn't mind it but it didn't really rock me.
3
Dec 13 2023
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Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
Well that was brash, loud and in your face. It was also infectiously catchy and I found myself enjoying it a lot more than I would have expected to
4
Dec 14 2023
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The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
Ah the Stones' debut, nearly 60 years old now. Certainly sounds fresh and their youth (as strange as it is to imagine) shines through. Great 60s rock
4
Dec 15 2023
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
I love David Byrne and Talking Heads, and I've heard Brian Eno in interviews and he always sounds very interesting. But this was just a bit too experimental for me, a bit more of a noisescape than anything else.
2
Dec 18 2023
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
Fantastically funky! Had me grooving and nodding along... some amazing basswork here.
4
Dec 19 2023
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Connected
Stereo MC's
The titular song has been appropriated endlessly in the UK mainly for a certain telecommunications company which distracts somewhat from what is a solid album. I can remember listening to it as a young child and enjoying something that sounded completely new and fresh and it still has that air.
4
Dec 20 2023
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Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
Glad that's over. I stuck with it but it baffles me that that would be an album someone would think, hey, let's listen to that and stick it on. Very industrial, very noisy, very intense. Not very musical
1
Dec 21 2023
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
Feel like there have been a lot of The Byrds on this list. This album was the most country. Meh
2
Dec 22 2023
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
Laura Nyro has an incredible voice and the quality of the production I found surprising for a 60s record. It's not really my thing but respect for the talent
3
Dec 25 2023
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Some nice funky basslines but felt a bit too much like Muzak at many junctures
3
Dec 26 2023
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GI
Germs
Full of punky spirit but ultimately a bit drab
3
Dec 27 2023
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Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
Not what I was expecting from the title but actually although it didn't rock my world it was better than I was expecting! Abrasive punk rock, maybe I'm just a bit worn down by it after the Germs yesterday, but, meh.
3
Dec 28 2023
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
I enjoyed this one, a completely new one on me. Something a little different but very catchy, if a little dark in places. Vocals reminded me a bit of Jarvis Cocker
4
Dec 29 2023
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
It's always a bit odd having live albums pop up on this list, 'in the wild' I would only stick on a live album of a band I really liked, and even then it would have to be a pretty special performance. Thin Lizzy are cool enough but at an hour and a half, this was wearing thin towards the end.
3
Jan 01 2024
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Justified
Justin Timberlake
Well this was a real blast from the past. It had slipped my mind how much of a megastar JT was back in the early 2000s, as he shook off the boyband innocence of his N*Sync days and embraced post-Britney manhood.
That there's a lot to like here for me is largely down to the heavy influence of the Neptunes and Timbaland, whose own signature beats make the bulk of this album incredibly catchy. The slower, more R&B style tracks weren't so much to my taste but the big bangers catch fire in just the right way.
4
Jan 02 2024
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
This was one of those that whilst it didn't blow my socks off, I'm happy it was on the 1001 list and therefore I had the reason to listen to. I had never heard of Boards of Canada before but this album was quite interesting, if not fully absorbing. Lots of samples and neat use of synths.
3
Jan 03 2024
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Vivid
Living Colour
Pretty generic 80s rock, big snares and cutting guitars. Not too exciting though
3
Jan 04 2024
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Meh, shite 80s country-pop. Not for me
1
Jan 05 2024
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
My main point of reference with the Lemonheads is the Mrs Robinson cover, which didn't appear on the original release of this album. Still, what's on it is that same sun-soaked thoughtful indie rock very muc of the early 90s. Good stuff
4
Jan 08 2024
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Six albums after the Thin Lizzy live album, and I could cut an paste my comments from there. Decent energy and shorter than that aforementioned album. Was an ok listen
3
Jan 09 2024
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Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
Quirky and a little different. Particularly like X-Tra Wide and Shiver
4
Jan 10 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
I remember finding my dad's UK original release LP of this, and the delights of its cover art (I was probably only a teen at the time). It was a few years later as a young adult that I actually got into the music. Hendrix is rightly an instrument-defining musician, his guitarmanship on God-like levels. Part blues-rock, part psychedelic trip, part stoner's chillout, all fantastic
5
Jan 11 2024
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
I remember when this album came out, it was sometime after Blur and Damon Albarn's Gorillaz project and I was quite excited to hear it. There are the same catchy hooks and it's a decent album
4
Jan 12 2024
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Kenya
Machito
Lively, fun and energetic!
4
Jan 15 2024
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
I think pretty much every Smiths or Morrissey record that's come up so far, I've taken a pop at the militant vegan xenophobic Brexiteer. So it would be a bit boring to do so again.
Without the Smiths and Johnny Marr in particularly, Morrissey starts to sound a bit bland IMO.
3
Jan 16 2024
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
I quite enjoyed this, only a short album although half is consumed by the titular track, an epic 17 min journey showcasing all the instruments. Quite psychedelic in places and a little bluesy here and there, but definitely rocking.
4
Jan 17 2024
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
Punk AF! I loved it, full of spark and energy and sounding thoroughly English
5
Jan 18 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
I was somewhat surprised to see this album was 20 years old now. The skits were pretty annoying and although Kanye hadn't reached late 00s/early 10s levels of nauseating, he himself was a bit annoying in places. Some good beats here and there though.
3
Jan 19 2024
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Gotta love a bit of the Floyd. Their albums are always like an aural journey and this is possibly their finest. As a slight music geek Money always has a special place in my heart for the rare use of the 7/4 time signature which works so well to provide an ebb and flow to the intensity. Lovely stuff
5
Jan 22 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
This is the second Iron Maiden album that has come up on my list, and again, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Yes, there is a heaviness to the sound, but the music is well-written and well-performed.
4
Jan 23 2024
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Je ne comprends pas assez le français pour comprendre toutes ces chansons, mais j'entends bien l'esprit français. Typiquement romantique et passionné mais un peu daté
2
Jan 24 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
From the falsetto to the glam rock riffs, this album reeks of cheese... and yet, it is so embarrassingly catchy. Reluctantly I'll have to say 3.5/5, and round up at that.
4
Jan 25 2024
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Classic hip-hop by some of the kings of the genre. The title track is a cool sister piece to Rock Box from their debut album
4
Jan 26 2024
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Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
I'm not really sure what I just listened to, it was so wacky. Can't place it genre-wise but there was some impressive scratchwork and I would imagine it's been sampled a fair few times
4
Jan 29 2024
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Loud and with an edge, I was entertained at times but a little bored elsewhere.
3
Jan 30 2024
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
Hmmmm nah. Not for me. Occasionally melodic in places but otherwise nope.
2
Jan 31 2024
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Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
I found this quite gentle and soothing, a bit like a nice warm bath with maybe a little essential oil dropped in.
4
Feb 01 2024
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
I really liked this, gruff, raw, laid-back 90s indie rock
5
Feb 02 2024
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Lovely ambient electronica. Good as background music, but not much as a standalone
4
Feb 05 2024
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
This was a cool album, fresh and lively, like an old-time jive for the 80s.
4
Feb 06 2024
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Queen II
Queen
Queen are one of the most famous bands of the 70s and 80s, and although I was only alive during the later stages of the latter decade, for me Queen's best known work is super-glam. I enjoyed this album as it feels pre-stadium era, a little less polished and a little truer. RIP Freddie
4
Feb 07 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
Heavyweight stuff here from Cream, some delicious riffs (see Sunshine of Your Love) and a good dose of psychedelia.
4
Feb 08 2024
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Pleasent, light jazz, perfect for an easy Friday afternoon
3
Feb 09 2024
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
This was pretty fresh and fun! Read about the connection to Talking Heads after listening and it made sense in retrospect
4
Feb 12 2024
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Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Something a little different. I didn't hate it but maybe a little too avant-garde for my tastes
2
Feb 13 2024
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
This is my third Tom Waits album on the list, and for many reasons, I bloody hate the guy. To be fair, I was fully expecting to hate this album and whilst I didn't like it, it was a lot more bearable than Swordfishtrombones and Rain Dogs, which is something. Whilst both those two albums I scored 1/5, I'm willing to extend to 2/5 for this one, but still, fuck Tom Waits.
2
Feb 14 2024
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Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Took a while to track down this album and even then I think I was missing some tracks. Perfectly pleasant lilting samba, lovely for a bit of background music
3
Feb 15 2024
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White Light
Gene Clark
Alright, just a bit bland and boring.
2
Feb 16 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Now here is an album that I'm glad was on the list, even if it's not one I will be listening to over and over again. At a time when guitars were just going electric, it took people like Buddy Holly to push the envelope and create new sounds. You can hear the influences on so many later rock acts.
3
Feb 19 2024
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
I thought this might be a nice bit of 90s nostalgia but beyond the massive titular track, and to a lesser extent Sometimes, (You Drive Me) Crazy, and Born to Make You Happy there was not much to remind me of my youth. Yes, it's pop in it's purest form, but it's also a pile of wank in my opinion. Makes me wonder why Britney made it so big, so much of it is anodyne and saccharine sweet to the point of nausea.
2
Feb 20 2024
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Closer
Joy Division
A stunning album. The world of music lost Ian Curtis all too soon, but this album and Unknown Pleasures are a befitting legacy for greatness.
5
Feb 21 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
This is great, slightly more on the chilled/stoned end of the Hendrix oeuvre, but nonetheless awesome.
5
Feb 22 2024
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Great album, really enjoyed the sound and the concept.
5
Feb 23 2024
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Junkyard
The Birthday Party
I was tempted to rate this a 1/5, but there were moments where it looked like there was some ideas of musicality. But for the most part it was a noisy shapeless approximation of punk, and was a bit grating.
2
Feb 26 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Liked this one, somewhat loose but pretty sunny feeling to it.
4
Feb 27 2024
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
Plinky plonky country outdated social values meh
2
Feb 28 2024
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Opus Dei
Laibach
An odd album, but one perfectly worthy of inclusion in the 1001 list if not only for its uniqueness. A lot about it I found quite strange, the odd Germanic vocals/vocal sound, but some parts were almost hypnotic - the driving and captivating drum beats for instance. Some of it felt like an imperial march, some like a 1970s supervillain's supercomputer
3
Feb 29 2024
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Trio
Dolly Parton
Three great voices, undoubtedly. Just not my cup of tea unfortunately.
2
Mar 01 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Definitely my favourite musical Elvis. In fact, I don't really know any non-musical Elvises except the buffoon Elvis from Fireman Sam who was so hapless his aim was never true.
Anyway, Mr. Costello's album here was great.
4
Mar 04 2024
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
I was a big fan of this album when it was released and it still sounds banging nearly two decades later. For me, it is pretty much the pinnacle of Muse's oeuvre, fusing rock with more classic and futuristic elements.
5
Mar 05 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
I grew up on a diet of The Doors owing to my father's penchant. Morrison Hotel is quite a lot more towards the bluesy end of their work, with a couple of touches of psychedelia. I don't recall hearing as much of this album as for instance LA Woman, Strange Days or the eponymous album, but it's still good.
5
Mar 06 2024
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Arular
M.I.A.
Here's an artist who I was only limitedly aware of prior to this, the second of her albums on this list to come up. I enjoyed it, decidedly spiky and spunky, full of sass and attitude in a very urban Brit way, beneath which punchy drumbeats and phat bass abounds.
4
Mar 07 2024
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Some fresh and lively beats and cool, politicised rhymes
4
Mar 08 2024
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
There were moments when this album looked like it might turn into something better, but it was largely just and angry throbbing mess
2
Mar 11 2024
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Enjoyed this more than I was expecting, catchy riffs a lot of which I wasn't aware originated here.
4
Mar 12 2024
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
This was great, very chilled and laid back. A perfect summer album
4
Mar 13 2024
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Good fun, this album. Cyndi Lauper has a great voice and is backed by pulsing pop-rock tunes, including a cover of the brilliant Prince's If You Were Mine
4
Mar 14 2024
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
The Beatles at a rawer stage of their careers, sounding more pop than anything else. Quite enjoyable, even for someone who is not a massive fan of the Fab Four. Bonus: iconic album art!
4
Mar 15 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
OK album, relatively plodding and without the glam that featured in later works.
3
Mar 18 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Fantastically tight, lovely percussive sounds and some great tunes!
5
Mar 19 2024
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Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
The 1950s feels like a very different world to the 2020s, but Ramblin' or not these songs are pretty evocative of a seemingly simpler epoch.
3
Mar 20 2024
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
Smashing album, I had never really listened to much of Hole but Courtney Love is so much more than the paramour of Kurt Cobain. Fun and feisty, yes!
5
Mar 21 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I've always liked a bit of Linkin Park. I remember nu-metal getting a bit of a bad rep around the early 2000s but these tunes are steeped in emotion. There's also some innovative turntable work and elements of hip-hop here too. RIP Chester
4
Mar 22 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
I'm not a huge fan of the Beatles, but this subsequent album from Paul is alright.
4
Mar 25 2024
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Dry
PJ Harvey
Lots of catchy guitar hooks, very raw, emotive sound.
4
Mar 26 2024
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
The whimsical title didn't inspire me with much hope that I would enjoy this, but it was alright in the end, if a tad bland. Didn't realise Without You was Harry Nilsson but there you are.
3
Mar 27 2024
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
Never heard of this band, but I am here for this! Cracking album with some great musicianship, enjoyable drums, bass and guitar at various points. Love it!
5
Mar 28 2024
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
I liked this album, cultured rock from the 70s, something a little different.
4
Mar 29 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
As I wrote of Thriller, I think it's important to assess the art on it's own merit, detached from the artist. Some of the grooves (particularly Don't Stop... and Rock With You) are some of the finest, funkiest ever written. The slower numbers are a little too soppy for my liking, hence a star lost. But nevertheless, a cracking album.
4
Apr 01 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
There are few more distinctive voices than Billy Corgan's and this album is a belter.
5
Apr 02 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
Dreamy indie rock, quite pleasant indeed
4
Apr 03 2024
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Great album, real nice blend of afrobeat and rock
4
Apr 04 2024
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Just plain miserable
2
Apr 05 2024
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Pleasant enough jazz...nice
3
Apr 08 2024
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Pretty good - nice and loose guitars and raw emotion
4
Apr 09 2024
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Quite ethereal and dreamy. Not bad.
4
Apr 10 2024
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Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
I hadn't heard much of Fatboy Slim's earlier stuff but this album is a cracker. Loving the retro album art too (although it wouldn't have been retro in the 90s obvs)
5
Apr 11 2024
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
Warm and comforting, but a bit like listening to Toy Story soundtracks
3
Apr 12 2024
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
Had really low expectations of this album but it was actually OK - some decent power chords going on. A bit too brash for me though.
3
Apr 15 2024
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
I can't fault the energy, but this was pretty shite
2
Apr 16 2024
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
Curious and experimental, if a little 'all-fart-no-poo"
3
Apr 17 2024
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A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Rod Stewart's voice is so distinctive and is backed up by some solid grooves.
4
Apr 18 2024
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
This was a fun album - forthright feminist lyrical flows over a heavy cocktail of funk, disco and hip-hop. I liked it!
4
Apr 19 2024
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
Yes! What a cracker. Loved it
5
Apr 22 2024
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The La's
The La's
There She Goes is the obvious stand out track here but the rest of the album is alright, there were a couple of tracks that were a little more than alright too
3
Apr 23 2024
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
I enjoyed this album, it was fairly punky and had good energy
4
Apr 24 2024
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Felt like a pretty lightweight album, not very interesting. That said, there was one interesting thing about it, that pink polka-dot giraffe... WTF?! 😂
2
Apr 25 2024
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The Slider
T. Rex
A lot of catchy riffs here, elements of power/glam rock at play. Good stuff
4
Apr 26 2024
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Dookie
Green Day
Cracking album, raucous and full of energy. I remember loving Basket Case at the time and the rest of the album is just as good.
5
Apr 29 2024
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Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
Proper good 00s throwback. Sex on Fire was all the rage on the airwaves at the time (ca. 2007-08 I think) but this album has some other great tracks too
5
Apr 30 2024
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Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
I enjoyed some of the beats but all in all it was a little to gruff and aggressive
3
May 01 2024
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Disappointed with this one, before listening my preconceptions were it was an iconic album. The lengths of the two opening tracks suggested, as was borne out, this was going to be a musical journey and things started well with that well-known musical motif, but it got a bit too artsy and unhinged as the minutes wore on.
2
May 02 2024
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Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
My expectations of an album titled 'Locust Abortion Technician' by a band named 'Butthole Surfers' which has been a consistent presence on the Global Stats lowest-rated albums since I started this project (incidentally, this album suggestion is number 666 for me) were certainly not very high at all.
And yet this was alright - sure it was pretty out-there and avant-garde, as you might expect of an album titled 'Locust Abortion Technician' by a band named 'Butthole Surfers', but there were some catchy guitar hooks and I really liked the drums on many of the tracks.
While I probably won't be listening to this on repeat, it is certainly worthy of the 1001 list and I'm glad I listened to it.
3
May 03 2024
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
This felt like a much more chilled out album from Talk Talk compared to their other records. I liked it, and Life's What You Make It is a banger
4
May 06 2024
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
I've always liked Johnny Cash's voice and it really creates a warm, melancholic atmosphere to this record. The covers are certainly an interesting take - Hurt is amazing and I liked Personal Jesus. The rest is not quite my bag but certainly I have respect for the craft.
3
May 07 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
A couple of stand-out tracks, a lot of energy and pretty emblematic of the 00s soundscape
4
May 08 2024
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
An interesting one - I don't like Bjork but I felt there were shades fo her here, and yet I did enjoy this album. Also elements of bands like Air, who I do like.
4
May 09 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
This was a fun album, some nice rhythms snd vocals
3
May 10 2024
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Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
There were moments when this was good, very good - I enjoyed the titular track, but then other times when it just was a little boring. I guess in the 70s it would have been pretty cutting edge, but not so much now.
3
May 13 2024
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
I liked this one, a nice slice of craziness loaded into a solid album.
4
May 14 2024
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
I like Peter Gabriel's voice and there's some decent songwriting here but I found the album a little bland.
3
May 15 2024
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Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
A little bleak and dreary, didn't do much for me.
2
May 16 2024
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Awesome - there are none better than Hendrix on 6 strings.
5
May 17 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
This album was OK, but I'm really not so keen on Bowie.
3
May 20 2024
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
I like Lenny Kravitz but this is an album of his I've not listened to too much. A lot of the good bits are there - catchy bass parts, soulful crooning, epic guitars, but seeing as it is his debut it's pretty raw
4
May 21 2024
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
Really enjoyed this - lovely bit of blues rock from a legend, featuring cameos from many other legends.
4
May 22 2024
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Close To The Edge
Yes
My first impression on seeing the album consisted of 3 tracks spanning 37 minutes was this may be a bit of a journey. Indeed, it was a bit of a hazy experience, I think it would be enjoyed better with the accompaniment of some psychedelics but in the absence of illicit substances this was a bit meh.
3
May 23 2024
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
I don't like Tom Waits, but as this album is earlier in his ouevre, he hasn't developed as much of the rasping growl that I really detest. The music was OK - I was not expecting much jazz, but overall I couldn't really get into this one
2
May 24 2024
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
I wouldn't ordinarily listen to this sort of country-pop but I actually enjoyed it more than I was expecting. I had never heard of Kacey Musgraves before but this was a decent listen.
4
May 27 2024
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
I enjoyed this more than the other two Eno albums on this list, it still sounded pretty experimental but had a bit more purpose to it.
3
May 28 2024
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
Deliciously funky - such warm fat (phat, I believe) bass and crisp drums, bright brass. Excellent stuff
5
May 29 2024
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Pretty fun and fresh album, infectious drum beats and pleasant brass and bass.
4
May 30 2024
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Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
Took a while to find this one as not on my preferred streaming service, but once I did listen, whoa! What a banger! Another fantastic gem thrown up by the 1001 list to offset some of the shite. Frenetic drum n bass, a lovely aural adventure.
5
May 31 2024
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Nevermind
Nirvana
Just an absolute classic. Genre-defining, era-defining, the works. I knew this was a 5/5 when it popped up, I listened anyway (must have already listened 100s of times), still awesome.
5
Jun 03 2024
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Beautiful Freak
Eels
Gave this a few listens - I knew Novocaine for the Soul and recognised a couple of other tracks but otherwise was coming to this album fresh. It's certainly a grower (and from a high starting point as I enjoyed it on first listen). Good stuff, classic 90s indie rock
5
Jun 04 2024
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McCartney
Paul McCartney
I've been suffering a bit with Beatles-fatigue having worked through 68% of this list, but this album was quite refreshing, Paul cutting loose and being a bit more groovy.
4
Jun 05 2024
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LP1
FKA twigs
Well this was one from out of nowhere. I had only known the name FKA Twigs from an unsubstantiated map on Facebook showing best-selling artists from each UK county, and not having a clue who Miss Twigs was despite her being the representative of the county I reside in.
The album is husky, sultry and sexually charged, a bit of M.I.A., a bit of Lourde but with quite a bit of FKA Twigs. Good stuff!
4
Jun 06 2024
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Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
With 28 songs in 41 minutes, this felt like a lot of ideas for songs that never got very far. I quite liked it though
4
Jun 07 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Nice bit of organ-infused jazz from the self-styled Incredible Jimmy Smith.
3
Jun 10 2024
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The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
I wasn't overly enthused by the prospect of the 1 hour 34 min running time for this double album, however it wasn't as dragging as I was expecting. Peter Gabriel's vocals are pretty distinctive, and on the whole this was a decent album.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Nixon
Lambchop
A pleasant enough album with a few exciting bits, but most passed by as nice enough background music
3
Jun 12 2024
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Did not expect to like this, but maybe I should be less prejudice against metal - it was actually alright.
3
Jun 13 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
I enjoyed this album, had enough about it to stand out in an unnecessarily large pool of 70s albums on this list.
4
Jun 14 2024
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Bad Company
Bad Company
Classic 70s rock. Fine, but maybe lacking some excitement.
3
Jun 17 2024
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
A banger of an album, notwithstanding the slightly unneccesary cover of Cure perfection at the end.
5
Jun 18 2024
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
Being as this is, The Prodigy's second album, and one preceding arguably the breakthrough Fat of The Land, this album had a rawer, darker feel too it. Indeed, Keith Flint (RIP) had yet to take up vocals with the group and this does feel a little more 'underground'. Still, some good beats on here.
4
Jun 19 2024
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
Pleasent enough but also pretty soporific.
2
Jun 20 2024
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Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
Ok, but ultimately unsatisfying, like a limp wristed handshake...
3
Jun 21 2024
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Groovy stuff, I enjoyed this one
4
Jun 24 2024
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
This was a pretty groovy album, freeform all the way. The tracks went on a little too long hence not the full 5 stars, but good stuff nonetheless
4
Jun 25 2024
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Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
Some great beats and mighty rapping
4
Jun 26 2024
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OK
Talvin Singh
I bought this album in the 90s and don't remember it being on repeat too many times. It's pretty cool and ambient with hints of trip-hop/DnB but not as much substance. The Indian flavour works well but the tracks are a little lightweight.
4
Jun 27 2024
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
I liked this, it was loud and brash if a little loose in parts
4
Jun 28 2024
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Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
This was an alright album, bluesy psychedelia
3
Jul 01 2024
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Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
Hmmm. Not really for me
2
Jul 02 2024
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
Enjoyed the faster numbers, the whole record was scattered with some delicious slap bass. But ultimately fell a bit short, a little dreary in places
3
Jul 03 2024
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
I'm not hugely into country, but this album was pleasant enough
3
Jul 04 2024
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Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Girls Against Boys
Loved it, never heard of this album before. Full of raw, aggressive energy, grungy guitars and gruff vocals.
5
Jul 05 2024
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The Undertones
The Undertones
As 70s records go (and there are a disproportionate amount in the 1001 list) this is towards the top end for me. Fun lively punk-rock featuring John Peel's favourite track of all time, Teenage Kicks.
4
Jul 08 2024
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Brilliant album, probably the R.E.M. album that has the biggest collection of their commercial hits although I would argue it is not necessarily the pinnacle of their oeuvre. Contains one of my most ridiculous misheard lyrics as for ages I thought Sidewinder featured a 'Homily to Cheryl Baker'
5
Jul 09 2024
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
As 60s rock goes, this wasn't bad
3
Jul 10 2024
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Tommy
The Who
Due to the length of this album and my stubbornness at not feeling able to rate an album unless I've had at least one clean uninterrupted full listen, it took several goes at listening to this album. It definitely grew and grew on me, and in the end I really enjoyed it. Interesting concept album and one which definitely felt like a journey.
4
Jul 11 2024
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Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
A banger - lovely fresh crisp beats and some nice instrumental work. All the best elements of hip-hop
4
Jul 12 2024
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E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Nice stuff - lots of big ringing guitars and urgent drums
4
Jul 15 2024
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White Ladder
David Gray
I wasn't all that keen on David Gray first time round in the 90s, finding him a bit bland. However, it goes to show things can change with time as I actually really enjoyed a full listen to his breakthrough.
4
Jul 16 2024
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
Well, the genre 'Noise Rock' was a new one on me, but it does pretty much what it says on the tin. It's quite predictable that this album has received so much shade in the reviews - indeed it is among the very lowest rated albums - but it was completely terrible. I'd rather listen to this than Tom Waits or Scott Walker for instance.
3
Jul 17 2024
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Third
Portishead
I knew Portishead were chilled, but this is pretty stripped back. A bit too stripped back for me, some of the hooks are catchy but it's a little bare and devoid of interest
3
Jul 18 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
In the 90s, when My Name Is first came out, I remember the buzz around Eminem and it genuinely felt like he was doing something massively groundbreaking. Then again, I was 15 and associated with mainly other 15 year-olds. 15 year-olds are generally impressed with bad language and crass topics appearing in music and that's probably a lot of what drove the interest.
Listening back nearly 30 years on and the shock factor is gone. The tunes are still pretty good but lyrically it's not aged too well.
3
Jul 19 2024
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m b v
My Bloody Valentine
This was a good album, quite grungy but chilled out with it.
4
Jul 22 2024
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
If you want a neat album comprising a selection of songs, this is not the choice for you. I can see a lot of hate for this album, and sure, by conventional assessment it is distinctly lacking. Yet, I found it to be quite a profound musical journey. Not one I would want to relive, but one that meant something - and that is surely is the point of the 1001 list
3
Jul 23 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
Quintessentially 90s sounding indie rock. The hits are the strongest tracks for me, and whilst a nice nostalgia trip, I probably won't be listening on repeat
3
Jul 24 2024
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All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Late-stage U2: more commercial, stadium-filling stuff. Not as edgy or captivating as earlier works. However, Beautiful Day will be forever linked to ITV's ill-fated early evening 'The Premiership' highlights programme featuring Dishy Des and Andy Townsend's Tactics Truck for me, and this slice of 00s nostalgia makes me look more favourably on the whole album.
3