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Wed Nov 10 2021
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
I got pretty lucky for album #1. I'm quite familiar with this album but in all honesty I probably haven't played it in full for a couple of years now.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond is still a great song. Few bands could play ten minute plus songs that actually hold my attention like Pink Floyd.
The title track is a bona-fide classic rock staple for a reason. It's hard not to find yourself singing along.
The only problem I have with this album is Welcome To The Machine. It's not terrible, but it's easily my least favorite on the album. I know a lot of other Floyd fans like it but it remains just "okay" in my book.
Overall it's a very solid album. It's probably in my top 5 of the band, and I love me some Pink Floyd.
4
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Thu Nov 11 2021
Under Construction
Missy Elliott
IThere are some pretty good songs (Work It, Can You Hear Me?) the rest was mostly just okay with the exception of Pussycat which was just kind of embarrassing, especially the explanation at the end of the track.
I know Missy is a hip hop icon but this album is just not something that I'd choose to put on in my free time. I respect her as an artist, but its just not for me.
5/10 for me. I'll give it a 3 star here just because I don't want to round down.
3
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Fri Nov 12 2021
Pretenders
Pretenders
I was familiar with the hits, but leadoff track Precious is the best on the album. I wish there was more like here. Overall it's a pretty enjoyable album, but I felt it started losing a little steam toward the end.
6.5/10 or maybe 7/10
3
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Sat Nov 13 2021
Dust
Screaming Trees
Pretty good. I had been familiar with singer Mark Lanegan's work with QOTSA amongst others but never took the plunge on a Screaming Trees album. Mark's voice is pretty great here. Some of the songs are a little bland to me, but there are some definite winners here. My personal favorite was Sworn and Broken. I feel like this album could actually grow on me if I listened to it more. I'd really like to hear their SST era stuff as well.
Somewhere between a 5 and a 6 on a 10 point scale for me.
3
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Sat Nov 13 2021
Nevermind
Nirvana
I used to act like I didn't like Nirvana because they were so heralded and some of Kurt's behavior...rubbed me the wrong way I guess? I used to put my nose in the air and cry "overrated!" I was an idiot.
This album is a stone cold classic. The singles ESPECIALLY Smells Like Teen Spirit have been played to death by rock radio, but looking past that: they are great songs. My personal favorite here is Drain You. It's a true earworm and never got beaten to death on the airwaves.
5
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Sun Nov 14 2021
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
I know a lot of people really love this album, but I'm not one of them. I much prefer the first 5 Zeppelin albums. That said, this is still a enjoyable album it's just a bit bloated. I could honestly do without anything after In The Light with the exception of The Wanton Song. I think a few songs could've been trimmed a bit too like the forementioned In The Light which is really good...3 minutes in.
There are some true bangers here though. Custard Pie, House's of The Holy, and Kashmir at top rate Zeppelin.
If this album had some of the fat trimmed it would be as great as the first 5. So for me this one is a 6/10. You could definitely spend your time listening to worse faire.
3
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Mon Nov 15 2021
Brothers
The Black Keys
I never really cared for the limited exposure I had to this band and this album didn't do much to change my mind. The opening track is pretty good, but it quickly went downhill for me. Aside from the occasional bass line or vocal delivery nothing much really caught my attention. I just kind of went along with it for just under an hour.
The band clearly has some chops but this just isn't for me. The music can be a bit dull and the vocals are mostly just average at best.
3/10. I'm sure there are others who will really dig this though.
2
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Tue Nov 16 2021
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
This is a modern classic. I'm not the biggest hip hop head but I know what I like and I REALLY like this. The music, the guests, the lyrical concepts. It's just a great piece of art.
10/10 all the way.
5
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Wed Nov 17 2021
Hunting High And Low
a-ha
Take On Me is a classic of the decade...the rest is not so much. It's not a terrible listen. The singer is pretty good and it's never painful to listen to, but it's just kind of there. In fact it's pretty frustrating. They come so close to making good, memorable songs but just fall short.
5/10. I wish I could give out half stars.
2
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Thu Nov 18 2021
Repeater
Fugazi
A masterpiece of post-hardcore. It doesn't get much better than this.
5
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Fri Nov 19 2021
Machine Head
Deep Purple
I feel like I should like this more than I do. I can't say that I strongly disliked any parts of it, I guess I was just disappointed that I wasn't more blown away by a band thats so highly influential. Not bad by any means though. I would consider listening to it again.
6.5 to 7 out of 10
3
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Sat Nov 20 2021
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
I'm still not quite sure how I feel about by this one. There are some truly wonderful songs here and some duds as well. The sound and lyrics of this record were very surprising to me.
Going to give it a 3 for now. I think it could potentially be a 4 for me with some more listens.
3
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Sun Nov 21 2021
The White Album
Beatles
Not my favorite Beatles album. Very all over the place musically which is both its strength and weakness. The highs are very high the lows...well even the lows are pretty good. I want to give it 5 stars because it's very enjoyable, but it just isn't a 5 star album.
4
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Mon Nov 22 2021
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
While there aren't any bad songs (The Night Time is The Right Time comes close though) I found that most of the songs were just pretty good, not great. Of course there are some classics here too. I would certainly listen to it again but I'd like to hear more of CCRs discography first.
7/10
3
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Tue Nov 23 2021
The Bends
Radiohead
It's hard to review this album on its on merits. It's the stepping stone between the debut and the lofty heights they would hit going forward. There are some really good songs here but also some so-so ones. It's definitely worth listening to, even if pretty much everything they've done after is much grander and better.
Black Star might be the most underrated song in their discography. An absolute gem of a deep cut.
7/10
3
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Wed Nov 24 2021
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
Absolutely boring. It was nearly an hour of my life that I will never get back. Aside from some nice vocal harmonies I do not understand the appeal of this sleep inducing music could possibly be.
2/10
1
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Thu Nov 25 2021
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Not bad. I didn't love it but there were definitely some good songs here. A few that were just kind of there. I would consider listening to it again or more of her work in the future.
Somewhere between a 5 or 6 out of 10
3
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Fri Nov 26 2021
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Very good album. Probably my favorite of Lana's to date; however I don't think it should be here yet. I think a 5 year wait minimum to see if it passes the test of time. Just my 2 cents.
4
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Sat Nov 27 2021
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Much like Green River, I enjoy the high points on this album very much. There's a couple songs, covers mostly, that don't excite me so much. John Fogerty is such a great singer that he really makes even the lesser songs have some appeal. My only other gripe is that while "Grapevine" is a great song, 11 minutes is a bit much.
7/10
3
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Sun Nov 28 2021
Face to Face
The Kinks
It's not bad, but very little really jumped out at me. I'd rather listen to their peers of the day than this if I'm being completely honest.
5 to 6 /10
5/10
3
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Mon Nov 29 2021
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
The vocals were pretty bad, the music was sometimes not so bad...Sometimes. Overall I would've been fine if all I had ever known from this band was Come on Eileen.
2
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Tue Nov 30 2021
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Not bad. I wasn't really engaged with it though. It seems like some good background music.
5/10
2
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Wed Dec 01 2021
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
More interesting and respectable than it is good to be honest. I don't mind experimentation in music at all, but the results here are something of a mixed bag. Not terrible, but not something I'd really want to listen to over and over. I would consider giving it another try down the road.
5/10
2
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Thu Dec 02 2021
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
It was cool. Not something I could see myself going back to a lot but it was a good experience.
7/10
3
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Fri Dec 03 2021
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
I want to give this 1 star because the singing annoyed me so much. However if I'm being honest the instruments sound quite lovely in places. Overall I found this mostly a dull affair. I don't think I will ever revisit this.
3/10
2
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Sat Dec 04 2021
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
I dont really feel "qualified" to judge this album as I've never been a big jazz guy. However I know what I like, and I like this.i will definitely come back to this one again.
4
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Sun Dec 05 2021
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
I was intrigued by this album. As far as the big classic rock bands go this is one that I hadn't heard much of.
I wasn't missing much.
I found it pretty boring, a bit meandering. I would say I don't get it but I like some bands that are fairly similar. Sultans of Swing is pretty cool though.
Not my bag, baby
2
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Mon Dec 06 2021
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
I like Bob Dylan. However I still think this is perhaps his most overrated album. It's not bad but only a few of the songs really grab me. The harmonica playing on this album can be really shrill at times which doesn't help.
That said, Sad Eyed Lady of The Lowlands is tremendous and the harmonica playing there is rather nice. It's definitely one of my favorite songs of Dylan.
I know a lot of people love this album. I merely just like this album and would rather listen to several other of his works before picking this one.
3
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Tue Dec 07 2021
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Mostly a dull affair. There's a couple decent, songs, emphasis on decent, but nothing to write home about. Music to eat unbuttered toast to with a glass of room temperature water on the side.
2
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Wed Dec 08 2021
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
I never really got Pavement. I appreciate their influence on other bands that I enjoy more than the band itself. This album is fine. Maybe some day it will really click. Not today.
3
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Thu Dec 09 2021
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Great album. Not quite a 5 star album for me bit it's still a total blast. Bonus points for being just a little over 30 minutes. I like records that don't plod on.
4
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Fri Dec 10 2021
Paris 1919
John Cale
I love The Velvet Underground but never listened to a John Cale album. The reason: John Cale had a great musical mind, but the times when he provided his vocals to the band were pretty god awful. That's pretty much what happened here.
The music is pretty cool for the most part. The opening song had my attention but Cale is just not a vocalist that I enjoy. The vocals just bring down the overall quality of the songs.
I would consider listening to this again someday. I think it could maybe grow on me
3
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Sat Dec 11 2021
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
This was a lot of fun. I think I need more of this kind if music in my life. I can't give it a 5 but there's really not a bad song in here.
4
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Sun Dec 12 2021
All Mod Cons
The Jam
The Jam and a Paul Weller album in the same week. Interesting.
It's an OK album. The good songs are pretty damn good but there are several just okay ones the went by without being very memorable. The good outweighs the bad here so I will give it a 3 while I still pine for half star options.
3
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Mon Dec 13 2021
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
I was not pleased to see a disco album here. I have a bias. I'm sorry. However I didn't really hate it. I actually liked the funkier parts a bit.
My main problem with the album is that some of the songs go on longer than I need them too. The opening track which is a pretty good song otherwise could've tapped out about 2 minutes sooner.
I'm on the fence between a 2 and a 3 here. It really should be a 2.5 for me. I'm leaning toward a 3 for being better than I expected...but no it's a 2 because disco sucks. Sorry. Bias wins.
2
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Tue Dec 14 2021
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
I groaned when I saw this as my album of the day; but as one does I soldiered through it and thought that maybe I would be pleasantly surprised by the deep cuts.
I was not. They were exactlt what I expected them to be.
To be fair I can see why people would like this, but its just not for me at all.
To be unfair there were so many better metal albums released in 1986, some that were rather iconic even. The fact that this album helped push the godawful genre of hair metal to new heights of popularity is an unforgivable sin. Frig off, Bon Jovi.
1
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Wed Dec 15 2021
Da Capo
Love
I first heard Love almost 20 years ago. Swooned over by Rolling Stone and their ilk as ahead of their time I checked out Forever Changes (I suspect we will meet again eventually) and I hated it.
Well I still hate Love. Of course this is a different album and I hoped it would be a better experience, but it was not. My entire listening experience left me making the face of McKayla Maroney (Google that if you need to) as I was very unimpressed for the duration.
There are a few scattered moments that I didn't hate but they were fleeting. I didn't like one song in its entirety. The 18 minute jam was especially bad. Surprsingly, I did like the drum solo snd unless I was hallucinating I swear I heard Chewbacca like noises briefly. 5 stars for Chewbacca.
1 star for annoying hippie crap. Don't believe the hype: the were "overlooked" for a reason.
1
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Thu Dec 16 2021
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Classic hardcore punk. There's no pretension here. It's a great time and at 15 minutes, you feel inspired to just listen to it again, and then maybe a third time.
Side note: I enjoy reading the negative reviews for this. Call it schadenfreude I suppose. I guess it's juvenile of me to feel that way, but I can't help it.
5
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Fri Dec 17 2021
Young Americans
David Bowie
Not my favorite style for Bowie. It's still pretty good though. The opening and closing track were hits for a reason. Absolute ear worms.
Overall it's worth a listen once in a while I suppose. I'd rather go with glam Bowie or Berlin trilogy Bowie in most instances.
3
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Sat Dec 18 2021
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
A classic of the genre. It's simultaneously fun to listen to and thought provoking. I could see some people not enjoying the old school sound, but I love it.
5
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Sun Dec 19 2021
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
I love Waylon. He's one of the absolute beet country musicians to walk the earth in my book. I want to give this a perfect score but I can't. I just think he has better albums than this. It's still really good though. It's just a shame that there's not much (mainstream) country that sounds even close to as good as this anymore.
4
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Mon Dec 20 2021
Stankonia
OutKast
A super important record to me. This was the first hip hop album I ever purchased. I had always been into other genres and never really understood rap so this album has a big nostalgia hit for me as a big door opener.
That said, the album is still really good all these years later. Almost every song is solid. I actually forgot how good Humble Mumble and Red Velvet are to my ears. The 3 big singles from this album are still amazing.
Snappin' and Trappin', We Love Deez Hoez, and Stankonia (Stanklove) are the only songs that I could take or leave. The skits are also something I could do without. Thankfully they are all pretty short.
Part of me wants to give this 5 stars because of my personal attachment and the soaring high points of the album, but I think it's a 4 at this point for me. Still great and highly recommended but not perfect.
4
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Tue Dec 21 2021
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
I wasn't especially fond of this album when I first got into Zeppelin, and I'm actually less fond of it now.
I never really liked blues rock all that much, though there are certainly outliers. This album is way too blues heavy that it feels plodding and much less exciting than the band they would become in a very short time.
I can understand why this album is held in high regard, but its just not for me. There are several better albums by the band, this one can be largely ignored I my opinion.
2
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Wed Dec 22 2021
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
2 (well 3ish) Outkast albums in 3 days. If Aquemini is on this list (and you can certainly say that it should be) maybe I'll get it soon as well.
Like Stankonia this album has some nostalgia me. There are some solid songs to be heard on both discs (let me pretend it's still 2003 when I was still a teenager, had hair, and hope for the future)
The only downside is I never really go to these albums with regularity. I prefer Andre and Big Boi doing their thing together. Big Boi's more conventional album is a nice juxtaposition to Andre's more experimental project but it just doesn't feel quite right to me.
This is a 3.5 for me but I'll give it a 4 because I'm sure a lot people gave it a low score without even listening to these albums.
4
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Thu Dec 23 2021
Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
Loretta is a truly wonderful performer. There's a reason why she's a country music icon. The only thing keeping this album being a 5 for me is that some of the songs can start running together a bit towards the end of the album. Highly recommended.
4
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Fri Dec 24 2021
Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
I had never heard of this band before today. It definitely does have a Flaming Lips vibe going on. The opener is pretty damn good followed by mixed results.
I could see myself returning to this one in the future. It could be a grower. As of right now I'd rather just listen to Holes and then put on a preferred Flaming Lips album if I was looking for something like this.
3
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Sat Dec 25 2021
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Enjoyable for sure. There are some really great songs here. However, the album is a bit bloated with a nearly 2 hour play time. Some songs couldve been trimmed a bit and some just aren't that great period.
Overall, I liked this album but in the future I will probably only revisit certain songs or listen to it in chunks due to the length.
3
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Sun Dec 26 2021
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
I'm not a big xmas music guy, but this was really good. All of these songs are performed very well, especially the ones done by The Ronettes. It was nice to be able to include my family in this project for one day.
4
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Mon Dec 27 2021
Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
Definitely mixed feelings on this one. This is definitely different from my usual listening. Overall, it's not too bad. The instruments are quite good at times but sometimes I found myself getting bored with the length of these tracks. I didn't really care for the vocals either, not because I didn't understand the language but just the overall style.
I hate to shit on this album too much because it seems like something I'm just not accustomed to. I can't lie and say that I really enjoyed it though.
2
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Tue Dec 28 2021
Rocks
Aerosmith
I likes it just a bit more than I thought I would. The first two tracks really aren't that terrible, not all that good either. There's some admirable guitar playing on this album but the vocals annoyed the shit out of me.
Somehow better than expected, but as highly doubt that I will ever listen to this again.
2
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Wed Dec 29 2021
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
Of course it's great, it's Merle Haggard. Great music for road trips, especially sections of highway that are less congested so you can just sit back and relax a tad.
4
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Thu Dec 30 2021
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Not my personal favorite Maiden album, but it is certainly a beast (pun intended) and it's number is 5.
Up the irons.
5
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Fri Dec 31 2021
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
This is just a great album through and through. The big hits (Today, Disarm) are great and the non-singles are just as good if not better. Mayonnaise is just amazing, but even better if you're in a brooding state of mind.
Some of the songs might not quite be 5 star level, but the ones that are more than make up for it.
5
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Sat Jan 01 2022
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Hey, I love Virtual Insanity! Oh...that's not on here? What the hell?
"What The hell?" indeed. I always thought this band was a one hit wonder, which I guess is only really true on this side of the Atlantic. I figured there had to be something of value here since this album both made the list and doesn't include the only song I know from them. There is...kinda.
Everything pretty much sounds like it's about 20 years older than it's release date. I think the singers name is Jay, but I prefer "the hat guy", the hat guy is a decent enough singer. He definitely has heard Stevie Wonder before and I'm pretty sure he really liked what he heard.
The music itself is...also decent. Unsurprisingly the music also sounds like it could've come out of the 70's for much of the run time. It's funky. It's good in places for a bit...but then it goes on and on and tests my patience.
It would be too harsh to say that I didn't like this album. It was just fine I guess. Why would I listen to this when George Clinton albums exist? It would've been more tolerable with about 10-15 minutes trimmed. It just doesn't do anything good enough to really justify listening to.
Sorry hat guy. Virtual Insanity was pretty dope though. Maybe that album is better?
2
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Sun Jan 02 2022
Legalize It
Peter Tosh
I like plenty of ska from first to third wave. It seems like reggae would be something I should enjoy as well. I went into this hoping that maybe I would find some enjoyable reggae. I did not. What I did find was a headache after tapping my fingers just waiting for it to end. I did not enjoy any aspect of this album at all except that it wasn't especially lengthy.
1
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Mon Jan 03 2022
Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
There's no one else like Tom Waits. I can understand why he wouldn't be enjoyable to a lot of people but if you get what he's putting out then you're probably going to love him.
Its probably not my favorite from this legend but its among them
5
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Tue Jan 04 2022
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
I remember the hype around this band when they were first active. I didn't get them at the time. It just seemed like uninteresting, privileged kid indie rock.
Now here I am in 2022 and still unimpressed. Very unimpressed. At least back then they had the song about Daft Punk or whatever which was tolerable. Nothing here is. It's just both bland and annoying.
I could've maybe thrown this a 2 if it wasn't so much of a slog to get through. Then when the light at the end of the tunnel appears: a 12 minute borefest to close it out. I don't deserve that, do I?
I have no clue why this album would be deemed essential. I have avoided looking at the list as best I can but I assure you far more interesting or better performed albums have been snubbed for this. I have no idea why this is here. It is tofu without marinade, seasoning or what have you. To the Pit of Doom with you.
1
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Wed Jan 05 2022
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
I had never heard of this album or group until today. It was interesting and a pretty enjoyable listen. I will probably come back to this one again some time.
3
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Thu Jan 06 2022
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I only knew Time of The Season and This Will Be Our Year going in. This album has quite the reputation so I was expecting something great. What I got was something good but not what I'd consider great. There's absolutely nothing bad about any of this songs. They are all pretty enjoyable. It's just that they don't really hit any high points. The 2 songs I knew going in are easily the best on this album.
I would definitely consider giving it another go sometime with tempered expectations.
3
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Fri Jan 07 2022
Thriller
Michael Jackson
Not much to say here. It's a classic album. Not a bad song to be found. I could nitpick some things about some songs but overall this album is just fun to listen to. It's great.
5
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Sat Jan 08 2022
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
It can be a bit too twee at times and it's not something I can just listen to anytime, it's a very specific mood. However it is pretty damn enjoyable when I want to listen to it.
4
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Sun Jan 09 2022
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
It started off tolerable. By the middle I was quite ready for it to be over. There's better albums in this genre by a mile. Some songs wouldn't be bad if I heard them on the radio or a playlist with other artists of the era or something but their style becomes tiresome quickly
2
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Mon Jan 10 2022
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
My only exposure to Mr. Puente before today was in an episode of The Simpsons. I am very unfamiliar with this kind of music but it sure was fun. I could see myself coming back to this maybe exploring a little more of his work. I don't think I could listen to a lot of it but it would ve a nice change from the norm.
4
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Tue Jan 11 2022
Pink Flag
Wire
Even if the songs weren't great (they are) it could be a 5 star album just for the amount of influence it's had on so many bands and artists that I enjoy. It's just all around great.
5
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Wed Jan 12 2022
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Maps is really the only thing this album has going for it and it's a good song, not a great one. The rest is mostly the worst aspects of indie meets a really toothless brand of punk rock I suppose you could call it.
Karen O has a pretty good voice. The other guys are...present. It's a shame the band didn't write more than one decent song for her to sing.
2
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Thu Jan 13 2022
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
A classic. The only track I don't care for much is Candidate, but its at least ok. This album is so influential, so emotional, just so damn good.
5
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Fri Jan 14 2022
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
A classic of thrash. Dave's vocals are a acquired taste I suppose you could say, but the music itself is great. After this it was diminishing returns but those first few Megadeth albums are beloved to many a metalhead.
5
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Sat Jan 15 2022
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Another hard to rate album. Miriam definitely has a great voice but in all honesty the songs and style just aren't really for me. This is really a 2.5 but I'm going to bump it to a 3 since I've given for worse a 2.
3
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Sun Jan 16 2022
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
It's fine. Not my style and a bit boring but I didn't hate it. I have nothing against Ms. Mitchell and she seems a fine musician.
2
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Mon Jan 17 2022
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Overrated but still good. Dreams and The Chain are top notch. There rest ranges from average to pretty good, but not truly great. Don't Stop borders on being annoying.
If you took the lesser songs off this album and combined the strong songs here with the best cuts of the self titled album you'd have a 5 star masterpiece. More Stevie would've helped too. More Stevie is always good.
This is probably a 3.5 or 4. I'm giving it a 3 because my lord is it overrated.
3
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Tue Jan 18 2022
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Not my style of electronic music at all. I could've tossed a 2 it's way for being competently made and whatnot, but God did it annoy me before it's run time was up.
1
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Wed Jan 19 2022
Elastica
Elastica
Not particularly exciting. They also plagiarized Wire. I could forgive that if they at least had some solid songs of their own. It's just another meh album that wasn't awful but is far from special. At least it wasn't EDM like I thought it was going to be for some reason.
2
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Thu Jan 20 2022
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
A great album by one of the greatest songwriters of his era. A very moving, extremely well done mix of originals and covers that feel like they could be his own. Highly recommended much like the other albums in the American Recording series.
5
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Fri Jan 21 2022
American Idiot
Green Day
I loved this album in 2004. I don't love it as much today, but I still had fun listening to it. I actually had to skip a lot of the big hits because radio has played them to death. There's still a lot to like about this album. A couple songs are just ok, but overall it's a very solid listening experience. It's too bad this is probably the last album they ever put out that's worth listening to.
This is probably a 3 to 3.5 tops but nostalgia is a hell of a drug and Green Day was one of the biggest bands of my childhood so 4 it is.
4
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Sat Jan 22 2022
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
I hated this album when I first heard it 20ish years ago and I still hate it now.
I know Miles Davis is a jazz legend. I do enjoy some of his other work, Kind of Blue for instance; but this is just unappealing noise to me. Hell, I even like some true blue noise artists but this just outright turns me off.
I know a lot of people love this album and I'm glad that they can get into it but this just isn't the kind of jazz that I enjoy and the near 2 hours of this is like time in the dentist's chair to me.
Sorry, Miles. You'll get a much kinder score when Kind of Blue inevitably appears as my album of the day.
1
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Sun Jan 23 2022
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
I can hear this albums influence on many records in the indie world since it was released. Points for that. I have to say that I think listening to the album is a mixed bag though. There are some solid songs but I think they are outnumbered by songs that do little for me by about a 2 to 1 ratio.Yet another album that really could've edited down a bit in my opinion. 2 stars for the music 1 for the lasting influence
3
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Mon Jan 24 2022
Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
Somehow back when I was exploring the big proto-punk bands like The Stooges, MC5, Velvet Underground etc I never got in The Dictators. Boy was I missing out. This is so much fun and I definitely can tell that they were super influential to many other bands I like. 4 stars for the album, the 5th for the big time influence power
5
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Tue Jan 25 2022
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Another hard to rate album. I guess its a important jazz album to fans and musicians in the genre but I only enjoyed it in chunks and would often find myself just unable to focus on it.
It's not bad really. It would probably make a good background album for atmosphere but I could never find myself listening to it for pleasure. A 2 I guess but it really isn't so bad.
2
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Wed Jan 26 2022
Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Another classic in the punk family tree. A bit like Wire, but more groove I guess I would call it. So many of those dance/rock bands (The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, The Faint etc) owe debt to Gang of Four. It's a fine album. I give it a 4 for the music and a 5 for the influence factor.
5
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Thu Jan 27 2022
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Annoying hippie blues based rock complete with "jam parts" and Joplin's annoying as hell vocals. Why she's considered such a legend is seriously beyond me.
The only good thing about this album was the cover art.
1
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Fri Jan 28 2022
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Well, that was dull. Rod isn't really a bad singer and the instruments seem good in terms of proficiency but together they don't really make memorable songs.
Maggie May was the lone song that I enjoyed and I've been familiar with that song for ages. The song where he broke into Amazing Grace was memorable for being unexpected/weird but nothing else stuck all. It just existed.
Not terrible, but I wouldn't really want to hear it again by choice.
2
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Sat Jan 29 2022
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
This one was all over the map. I liked it on places, got bored/detached at others. It's easily the best album I've gotten in this genre so far. I think this album could be a grower for me.
3
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Sun Jan 30 2022
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Not bad, not great. The backstory on the album and Marianne's career is interesting . Would listen to it again but not anytime soon.
3
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Mon Jan 31 2022
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
This album is all over the place. It's not sloppy but it has a lot of different sounds and styles. There's a couple really good tracks here (Oh, Maker and BabopbyeYa) and some that are performed well but didn't really stand out, and honestly a few less than interesting ones. Make The Bus is the only one I outright did not like.
For now I've got to give this a 3, bordering on 4. I think I will be looking into more of her work and giving this one more listens down the road.
3
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Tue Feb 01 2022
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Absolute classic. One of 3 Dylan albums I consider my go-tos for him. All killer, no filler here.
5
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Wed Feb 02 2022
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Not terrible but not very exciting. It's just there. One of those albums. There were so many big, game changing albums in 1967 and this ain't one of 'em.
2
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Thu Feb 03 2022
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
I want to rate this higher because they influenced so many bands that I love. There's a lot of energy and grit on display here BUT...it's not that great. The title track is a classic and there's a few other good songs but a lot of it just doesn't hold up. Other people took inspiration from them and improved on it greatly.
I'm very grateful that MC5 existed but they might be my least favorite of the proto-punk bands. 2 stars for the album add another for the path they paved.
3
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Fri Feb 04 2022
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Very bare bones, but very haunting and well made. I think this album was perfect for today, it really struck a nerve with me. Not sure how I might feel about it in a few weeks, months, etc but as of right now I really appreciate it.
4
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Sat Feb 05 2022
The Yes Album
Yes
When I first started exploring prog this album and Yes in general were an early stop. Ah, I miss the days when I got used records for a buck...
Anyway this is a solid Yes album, but not their best. Their best was released later in the same year, hell the album released the following year was better than this too. There I go getting off track again.
Anyway, this is just a good, enjoyable Yes album. If you don't like cheese you will probably hate it. Despite the dated sound in some aspects its pretty damn enjoyable. There's so many great musicians in this band and Jon Anderson has a pleasant voice if you ask me.
One last thing: why did they go through with naming a song The Clap? How unfortunate.
4
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Sun Feb 06 2022
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Most of it was pretty good, some not so great stuff in there. I like the "punkish" energy that some of the songs have. Really didn't seem essential listening to me but I might go back to some of those songs again someday.
3
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Mon Feb 07 2022
Dummy
Portishead
Going in I only knew Glory Box because my wife put that on a mix CD when we first started dating. I liked the song but never felt the need to check out the band further.
I probably should have because this was a fun listen. Very relaxing in its way. I know next to nothing about the genre but I know what I like. Some songs were admittedly not as good as others but overall very good. I'd probably give it a 3.5 but the album made me think of my wonderful wife who I love dearly, so a 4 it is.
4
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Tue Feb 08 2022
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
There was a lot to unpack here. I had somehow not heard of this band ever. Based on the name I thought it was going to be an early rock'n'roll type album. You know, the kind playing at the soda fountain/ sock hop/ whatever the hell kids did back then. It was not. It's a blues rock album. I typically hate blues rock. I also have ambivalence about Clapton. I think he can be pretty good at times (Cream, a couple solo tracks) or insufferable at others (most of his solo work, his personality)
I was anticipating a 1 star album especially with that run time, but I was surprised, well a little anyway. The first few songs were not bad at all. I actually kinda dug em. Despite the title Bell Bottom Blues was probably my favorite track here.
Then the downslide came. Key To The Highway and most of the album on was not for me. Long winded. Blues heavy. Uninteresting. God I hated Key To The Highway. Stick a car key in my ear drum level hate.
Things got better with Little Wing but then went south again. The big hit and title track of this album kinda sucks. Somehow I never heard it in my 36 years prior and I didn't really need to. A bit wanky and not that interesting.
Overall it wasn't THAT bad. It could've been pretty damn good if some tracks were cut or edited down a bit. Probably a 3 overall but loses a whole star for Clapton being a chode and more importantly for Key To The Highway being almost 10 minutes of blues rock bullshit. God.
2
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Wed Feb 09 2022
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
A solid effort by Bowie. Not his best work but still really good. Ziggy era Bowie was surely some of his best material if not THE best.
4
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Thu Feb 10 2022
More Specials
The Specials
The Specials are surely one of the best ska bands to grace the planet. That being said this is a very good album. Not 5 stars but if you like ska you will almost certainly like this.
4
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Fri Feb 11 2022
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
I've been a big fan of the Beastie Boys for many years. I'm not sure if this is my favorite, but its up there. It does admittedly lose a little steam after Get It Together but it's still good and is a very creative album. Its probably a 4 star album overall, but it gets a 5 from me for the bold choices made.
5
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Sat Feb 12 2022
Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
I cant believe this wasn't on my radar before. This is just fun from start to finish. A really pleasant surprise. I look forward to hearing more from them. Seriously, how did I not hear them before today?
5
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Sun Feb 13 2022
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Pretty dull. Fred's voice reminds me a tad of Waylon Jennings sans southern accent and charisma. The best song on here was performed much better by Harry Nilsson. There's really not much to praise. I'd give it 2 stars but then that last song went on forever and pissed me off. I hate those kinds of songs.
1
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Mon Feb 14 2022
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
A really good album. There's definitely a lot to like here. Chuck D is great as to be expected. Flavor Flav has his finest moment in "9-1-1 is a Joke" and Terminator X supplies some great beats. However, there are some hiccups.
Pollywanacracker has some weird vocal fry stuff that just grates on me. I can't stand it. I feel like the album loses some steam starting with "Can't Do Nuttin For Ya Man" they're not bad songs but the real greatness doesn't come back for me until the closer, the classic "Fight The Power"
Overall it's a really good album, it's just not quite as good as "It Takes A Nation..." Still very much worth listening to.
4
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Tue Feb 15 2022
This Is Hardcore
Pulp
I wish this was a hardcore album. While I doubt Pulp would've put out a punk classic the running time would've been much shorter. Instead we get some Bowie worship that just isn't that appealing to me. It would've been a 2 star but it met the 1 star criteria: I couldn't wait for it to end and had to listen to something I liked afterward to get the "stank" out.
I don't like Pulp in my o.j. and I don't seem to like it in my music library
1
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Wed Feb 16 2022
Elephant
The White Stripes
Seven Nation Army is a great song but is amongst the likes of"Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Stairway To Heaven" in the songs I like but never really need to hear again due to overexposure category.
The rest of the album is fine to pretty good. Jack White isn't the best singer but he plays guitar very well. Meg White always got so much disrespect but her drumming doesn't take away from the songs at all .
All in all it's an album that I liked more 20 years ago. It's not a bad listen, but I don't feel compelled to revisit it very often.
3
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Thu Feb 17 2022
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
Prior to hearing this I was only familiar with their really lame, sappy soft rock hits. I was expecting another 1 star especially with that run time. Well it was a little better than I expected, but not much. It started out okish but just turned into a slog and don't even get me started on the self indulgence.
There's a good case to cast this into the gutter, but there are some pretty cool moments with the brass that give it some redeeming value. Regardless I don't really want to cross paths with this or any Chicago album again.
2
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Fri Feb 18 2022
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
Pretty much what I said about Swordfishtrombones applies here: Not everyone is going to like Tom, but if you do you are probably going to love him. I don't know that it's my favorite album by him but I don't know that I do have a favorite. It's a great time. What a one of a kind talent.
5
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Sat Feb 19 2022
Synchronicity
The Police
A really good album. There's a lot of big hits to be found here and frankly I feel they all deserved to be. Mother is a weird song, but I don't hate it. It just doesn't fit and should've been scrapped.
I don't think it's quite 5 star level but it is definitely a good listen.
4
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Sun Feb 20 2022
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
That main theme sure is a classic. The rest is not great. It's not super terrible but I'd be lying if I didn't think of elevator or hold music while portions of this album played. I get that it's a soundtrack so there's a reason for so many instrumentals but Isaac Hayes had such a cool voice and I wish it had been used here more often.
Come for the main theme and check out after. The movie is pretty good too.
2
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Mon Feb 21 2022
Tapestry
Carole King
I did not realize that Carole was such an incredible songwriter. This album is packed with radio staples; some would become hits with others performing but they are here just the same.
I thought it was an above average album as while the so gs themselves are brilliant, the performance isn't always amazing. I'm not really a big fan of soft rock but this was about as good as the genre can get. I guess that's backhanded praise but it is what it is.
In the end, I have to give this one full credit. I usually score based upon my own enjoyment, but my enjoyment would probably be a 3 or a 4. This album deserves a 5 because it's just masterful songwriting. It's a undeniable classic.
5
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Tue Feb 22 2022
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Prior to today I couldn't name a single song from this musical act. I knew they were pretty popular and revered and that Neil Young would later join them and that about covered it. Somehow I didn't know a single song or album title.
Well I wasn't missing much. The whole thing came across as bland folk. They have fine harmonies and whatnot and it wasn't annoying level bad but I was not entertained by any of it. There was no standout. It just went on.
Fortunately this album is relatively short. I don't think I will ever come back to this one.
2
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Wed Feb 23 2022
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
I just found this pretty forgettable. I can't remember anything about it after listening to it aside from the fact that it was in French.
1
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Thu Feb 24 2022
Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
It's a solid album. I honestly don't have too many thoughts other than I thought it was very good but not quite great.
4
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Fri Feb 25 2022
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
The first time I ever heard this album was when I was getting a tattoo done. Fight Test had me hooked but as it went on I was more and more intrigued to hear the entire thing. I went out and bought it the next day. I loved it.
Now that the pointless anecdote is out of the way: this album is still really good. I don't listen to it as much but it's still somewhat in my rotation. At the very least I have to hear some of the songs every once in a while.
It's definitely a 4 star album. Not every song is great but there's certainly a lot here to like. It's a good time. Very tranquil most of the time.
4
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Sat Feb 26 2022
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
While listening to this I thought to myself "this is about as good as I remember it. But they did top this album later. This is probably worth a 4" by the end of the album I was in such a good mood that I think it deserves the full 5. Even if it doesn't "deserve it" its getting it from me anyway and no one can stop me.
5
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Sun Feb 27 2022
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
A classic. Dre may not be the greatest rapper out there but Snoop carries a lot of the load for him. The G funk sound is just amazing. While Dre may be a bit deficient in mic skills he is a God of beats. Some of the greatest songs in the history of the genre are found here.
The only real negatives I can think of are when Snoop is absent from the tracks. It's most notable in the second half of the album. The lyrical content is also a bit iffy. I'm not a big fan of some of the choices made, but it was 30 years ago. Times were different. Even so the gangsta era of rap was always a bit of a double edged sword. There were some absolute brutal lines delivered that just sounded awesome or ice cold but one has to wonder how much damage might have been done by glorifying this lifestyle. I'm not some uptight Tipper Gore type but I don't thinknit can really be ignored either. Just something to think about or debate.
Uh, anyway this album is an all time great. It helped put Snoop on the map and is just so damn fun to listen to. Any negatives are immediately offset by legendary beats and songs. 5 stars all the way.
The only real
5
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Mon Feb 28 2022
Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
I really like Pixies but never heard much of Frank Black (Black Francis) outside of that band. I was really interested in hearing this and I neither disappointed nor enthralled. There's a mix of good and not that good to be found here. There's a lot of genre hopping. Some works better than others to be sure. The biggest con to me is that the album is an hour long. Some of those less interesting songs could've been cut to make a leaner, more enjoyable experience.
Overall, not bad. Just a bit bloated.
3
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Tue Mar 01 2022
Eliminator
ZZ Top
It's fun for a bit. There's definitely some fun, catchy riffs. I can't imagine not enjoying at least a few songs here just for that alone.
The vocals aren't so great. Some songs don't work for me at all. I don't have a heap of praise but it really was a enjoyable listen for the most part.
3
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Wed Mar 02 2022
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Obviously there is truly some remarkable guitar work to be found here. That's Jimi's strength and it is mighty. That's not quite enough to get this album a 5 star from me though. Jimi isn't a bad singer, but he's nothing special. He certainly doesn't hurt anything with his vocals but nothing is really elevated either. There's also a few songs that aren't really that good. Third Stone From Earth grated on my nerves.
This would be a 5 star album for influence and guitar work. Unfortunately factoring in some grievances and nitpicks I have to max it out at 4. I'm sure this has enough 5's that no one will be too upset.
4
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Thu Mar 03 2022
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
What a mixed bag. I wasn't sure what to expect going in but I saw names like Tom Waits and Nick Cave so I was hopeful.
I think this music works better in small doses. I could see myself listening to more of her work and some of the songs on this album again. Ute has a nice voice and the music is generally good but sometimes the songs drag a bit. At about an hour I was ready for it to be over even if it was a mostly pleasant experience.
3
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Fri Mar 04 2022
The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
I first heard this one many years ago when I was first getting into "country rock" along the lines of Lucero, Uncle Tupelo, DBT, etc. I wasn't super impressed then if I'm being honest. I'm still not, but it's not bad. I feel like I should like it more than I do. I can understand why other people would like it and the influence of it is apparent.
Not a bad time, but I'm still not entralled.
3
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Sat Mar 05 2022
The Last Broadcast
Doves
So very, very boring. I couldn't wait for it to end. It was like Coldplay on valium.
1
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Sun Mar 06 2022
Third
Portishead
Not as good as Dummy. Some of it was solid, some a bit dull. I probably need to engage with it more. I don't think I gave it quite a fair shake today as I wasn't particularly receptive to this style of music today.
I'm giving it a 3 for now I guess. I will almost certainly give it a fairer assement at a later date.
3
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Mon Mar 07 2022
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
I've been a fan for a long time. It's not their best, I believe the two following albums are superior. This is sort of a Josh Homme solo project with a good amount of his previous band Kyuss's sound. Home is a good enough singer but it's the riffs that are the star attraction.
Side note: it sucks that the original album isn't available on Spotify. The bonus tracks are fine especially The Bronze, but they make the album a bit too long
4
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Tue Mar 08 2022
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Woof. This was pretty bad. Yet, I somehow don't feel like it deserves a 1. Maybe it does. It sounds like music you'd hear in a vegan grocery store or some establishment that sells crystals and incense and other hippie shit. Yet it didn't annoy me enough to warrant a 1. I guess I'm just feeling nice today.
Seriously though, this is pretty bad. Stay away.
2
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Wed Mar 09 2022
A Seat at the Table
Solange
If you hear one song on this album, you've heard them all. The lyrics are better than the dull songs but lyrics can't save this album from being a dud.
1
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Thu Mar 10 2022
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
It starts off with a bang with Chameleon and the other 3 songs aren't bad, just not on the level of Chamelon. A solid listen, but not something I'd want to listen to often.
3
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Fri Mar 11 2022
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Holy hell is this bland. I remember this album being praised to the moon when it came out. Why? There's nothing extraordinary that I can pick up on. It's just mellow indie rock. It's not so unpleasant but it's just such a boiled celery flavor of an album. It doesn't move me at all except to tears of boredom. It never freaking ends either. Why did it have to be so long? Some of these snores could've been cut, I assure you.
Those song titles too. Ugh how pretentious. It makes my skin crawl. It reminds me of the worst hipster pseudo-intellectuals that roamed my college campus.
I will never listen to this again. If I heard a single song lay it wouldn't be the end of the world, but never again will I endure that slog in it's entirety.
1
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Sat Mar 12 2022
Kenya
Machito
A fun album. I enjoyed it. I don't really listen to stuff like this but this project has taught me that maybe I should have more jazz in my life. In reality I will probably stick to a healthy diet of metal, punk and genres adjacent to them.
3
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Sun Mar 13 2022
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Oof. So muchbof this just feels the same. You can randomly pick a song, pick a random spit within it and pretty much know what you're going to hear. Sparse instrumentation isn't always boring but it is here. Sometimes it's okay-ish most of the time it plods along. Her voice is not exactly terrible, but its sleep inducing. It's also very same feom track to track. Factor in the way too long run time and the faint smell of hippie and I've got to hit this with the 1 star hammer. I know she's well regarded and yadda yadda but this just is not something I would ever want to listen to unless I was suffering from insomnia.
1
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Mon Mar 14 2022
The Poet
Bobby Womack
Pretty good. Wasn't sure what to expect. No huge highs, but some very good stuff. Nothing g too bad either although "Games" was a bit too long. I'd probably consider listening to this one again or perhaps another of his albums.
3
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Tue Mar 15 2022
Odelay
Beck
Not much to say, it's a really good album from a really good artist.
4
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Wed Mar 16 2022
Headquarters
The Monkees
Definitely Beatles-lite. I didn't recognize any of these songs by name so I thought perhaps I had heard one before without knowing it. I did not.
It's The Monkees. It doesn't have Daydream Believer. It's watered down Beatles. It's certainly not God awful but it isn't memorable or essential in anyway unless you're really into this genre. I'll take the Fab 4 everytime.
2
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Thu Mar 17 2022
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
I bash hippies and their ilk a lot. I generally hate their music and their...ways. A lot of my ratings here use the term and never positively.
Surprisingly I do not and never did hate Grateful Dead. Well, their studio music anyway. I don't need an 18 minute drum solo or whatever nonsense. I'm the guy who hates live Dead and is fine with studio stuff. Odd in a way.
American Beauty is ok. I'm very casual about this band. I like some stuff, other stuff kinda bores me. I like the country rock sound. When done right it's pleasant.
A 3 seems fitting. I guess a friend of the devil is a friend of mine after all.
3
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Fri Mar 18 2022
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
This is pure, undiluted rock'n'roll that appeals to the hard rock, punk, and metal world simultaneously. I personally prefer some of their other albums but this is still a gem and the title track is their signature song. What a great band. Lemmy will always be a king.
As a reminder: if you think this is a 1 or "sucks" but think that something like Grizzlybear or Sufjan Stevens is a 5, international law mandates that we stay a minimum of 500 ft away from each other at all times.
5
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Sat Mar 19 2022
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
I guess I just don't quite get Deep Purple. I feel like I should like them more than I do. Some stuff works for me, some is just meh. I appreciate their influence on some of my favorite artists but I just can't enjoy it that much. I think if I had grown up in the 70's I might like them more.
3
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Sun Mar 20 2022
Black Monk Time
The Monks
A few weeks ago I got some forgettable album from some forgettable band that played forgettable music around the same year this came out. I said something like: "there was so much going on that was revolutionary or excellent around this time that this being included in this list is just asinine" Black Monk Time is one of those albums.
This is just phenomenal when you consider what was going on in music at the time. This is on par with the likes of The Velvet Underground and The Stooges. Just amazing music made the way they wanted to make it.
I will admit that my total enjoyment of the music itself is probably a 3, but it gets extra points for how and when it was made. This was at the beginning of my favorite movement in music. I'm glad this project got me to listen to this. I needed this.
5
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Mon Mar 21 2022
No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Another Motorhead album already, you're too kind! Sadly I imagine this might be the last to make the list. If you ask me Bastards and Overkill deserve a spot at the very least.
The album itself: its fun. The songs are from the first 3 Motorhead albums and they are performed marvelously. Not much more to say. It's Motorhead they bleed rock'n'roll and don't give you any bullshit. Rock gods.
5
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Tue Mar 22 2022
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Going in I knew the big songs, Somebody To Love and White Rabbit, both of which are great. The rest of the album didn't quite live up to those. It wasn't awful or anything I just wasn't really into it.
3
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Wed Mar 23 2022
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
A really good album. Very Bowie-esque. Which is really doubled down on with China Girl.
I really enjoy this a lot but as much as I like it and Iggy overall, I just don't think it hits a 5. Excellent album though.
4
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Thu Mar 24 2022
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
A classic of the genre. The world's introduction to the some amazing talents who would go on to make solo albums that are just as great.
5
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Fri Mar 25 2022
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Not bad, but I still just can't fully get into them. I think this is a band I should come back to because some songs really are solid.
3
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Sat Mar 26 2022
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
This ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no foolin' around. This is just another awesome Talking Heads record.
It might be my third or fourth favorite Talking Heads record depending on the day but it's still a great time.
5
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Sun Mar 27 2022
The Blueprint
JAY Z
It's among Jay-Z's best and an album I've liked for a long time, but I just can't give it a 5. There's just a couple songs that aren't quite up to par and it doesn't have enough 5 star songs to my ears. It's still very good though and I wouldn't argue with anyone for giving it a perfect score.
Side note: I do love that Takeover inspired Nas to bite back with Ether, one of favorite diss tracks of all time. The album gets no extra points for that but I "appreciate" it.
4
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Mon Mar 28 2022
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
Where to begin? So much of this is just flat, boilerplate indie. The guy doing Great Value Johnny Cash vocals isn't terrible but isn't very charismatic either. The other vocalists are just there, much like the majority of the songs themselves.
A lot of the songs are kind of annoying too especially when they throw in electronics that don't work. I feel like some of these songs are just supposed to be quirky/fun/whatever but they are not. At all.
Overall this album would've been slightly better if they cut out about 55 of these freaking songs or released them across separate albums. I feel like an album should be sat down and listened to in its entirety. It's virtually impossible to do that with this album. Screw them for being so pretentious as to think this was a good idea.
A total endurance test with very few positives. This deserves a 1 just on principle and that's exactly what it will get.
1
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Tue Mar 29 2022
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
It's pretty good. I understand why it's on this list. I'm just not a huge fan of this particular record.
3
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Wed Mar 30 2022
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Not bad. I knew about half of the album because they are really popular songs from the '80s. Shout never really did much for me though. A lot of the non-singles are ok but nothing special. The last track is just filler. Everbody Wants To Rule The World is an all-time great.
This album made me think of the tv show Psych. Not much else to say. It's probably more of an essential 80's album than am all-timer. There's so much worse though.
So. Much.
3
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Thu Mar 31 2022
Sea Change
Beck
I like Beck but this isn't my favorite album by him. It's not bad but any means by I prefer when he's genre hopping and more lively. It's not bad for "sadboy" music but I have other go-to stuff when I want to be morose.
3
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Fri Apr 01 2022
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
What a coincidence. In my previous rating I said that I had other music that I prefer for "sadboy time" and look no further but the king of mope himself: Morrissey.
Not my favorite Smiths album but it's still great. Everything Smiths and Morrissey is a 5. One of those personal rules.
I don't give a shit what kind of asshole Moz might actually be. His vocals and lyrics with Johnny Marr's guitar playing is always welcome to my ears.
5
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Sat Apr 02 2022
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
I dont hate it but stuff like this is very hit or miss for me. I actually think that if I was in the right mood it could grow on me. It's an "I'm sorry" 2 for now with potential to be upgraded to a 3 maybe if I ever give this another go.
2
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Sun Apr 03 2022
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Simultaneously dark and catchy. Brooding and angry. I'm not usually big on industrial but I've always liked NIN. This is album just takes you to such a dark place but it's got a hell of a soundtrack on the way.
It's great. There's a reason why I still hear Closer on the local rock station almost 30 (yikes I'm getting old) years later. Or maybe the local station is behind the times. That's a debate for another time.
5
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Mon Apr 04 2022
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
It's pretty good. The opener and closer are classics. In between there's some solid tunes and then stuff I don't like much like Monkey Man and Midnight Rambler. You Can't Always Get What You Want should be at least 2 minutes shorter.
It's solid enough I guess. It's not unpleasant but I'd rather listen to some of their other albums.
3
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Tue Apr 05 2022
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
It's ok. Some big time hits that would make any 80's compilation and some decent songs that weren't all that memorable.
3
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Wed Apr 06 2022
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
The second track was a short, hardcore-ish banger. There's some good moments on occasion but it's mostly annoying. I was never impressed by the little I had heard from them before and this certainly didn't change my mind.
If I wanted to hear a punk/blues hybrid I'd go with Bob Log III. Now thats an artist who should've made this list. The people demand respect for Bob Log III!
2
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Thu Apr 07 2022
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
A pretty solid album. It still has some things I could nitpick like when Can't You Hear Me Knockin' starts going off the rails. You Gotta Move is annoying. But the rest is all pretty entertaining. Wild Horses is definitely one of my all time favorites from the band.
4
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Fri Apr 08 2022
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Really solid stuff. It's got some well known classics and the ones that are lesser known are still pretty great. It's a shame he died so young, who knows what else Buddy had in him.
4
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Sat Apr 09 2022
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I like what Neil Young I had heard prior and aside from a few songs I didnt recognize much on this album. I liked the acoustic/electric split. There were a few songs that were just okay, but overall this was quite enjoyable. I just wish I didn't have to resort to YouTube to hear it.
4
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Sun Apr 10 2022
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Really, really cool. There's some great songs on here (King's Lead Hat and By This River were my favorites) I enjoyed this a lot and I think it could hit 5 star status for me with repeat listens, which it will certainly get. 4 for now but that's a strong 4. A 4 that works out or...something.
4
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Mon Apr 11 2022
Blur
Blur
Some decent songs and some pretty weak ones. Song 2 was cool the first 100 or so times I heard it, it does nothing for me now. I'd of rather had a Gorillaz album.
A generous 3 I guess.
3
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Tue Apr 12 2022
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
I dont get the inclusion of this album. It's not a great Elton John record. It has the classic Tiny Dancer but that's first and nothing that follows is anywhere near its level.
Elton John is a talented man but swing and a miss here
2
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Wed Apr 13 2022
The Cars
The Cars
It's pretty great. Almost every track is solid gold. I just don't think that "I'm In Touch With Your World" and "Doncha Stop" are all that great. So close to a perfect 5.
4
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Thu Apr 14 2022
Rapture
Anita Baker
Ms. Baker is obviously a very talented singer but these songs and frankly this whole genre is so dull to get through. I can understand why others might enjoy it but it's a hard pass for me
2
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Fri Apr 15 2022
Leftism
Leftfield
Another electronic music album that I couldn't stand. I knew I wasn't a huge fan of the genre before I started this and that is really becoming quite apparent.
Maybe it's because I only like some EDM, mostly synthwave, but I have no idea what makes this good or important.
1
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Sat Apr 16 2022
L.A. Woman
The Doors
Possibly the most overrated band of all time. This album has few high points. The big 2: Love Her Madly and Riders on The Storm aren't bad and L'America is at least a bit interesting but that's about where it ends. Too much awful, awful blues rock. It was a chore to get through.
I could probably give it a 2 for the few positives that it has but I want to completely dunk on this album because the band is so overrated and the fans...well, I'll just not say anything more.
1
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Sun Apr 17 2022
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Phenomenal. One of, if not the best of Bowie's albums. Certainly the best of that phase/sound.
5
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Mon Apr 18 2022
Play
Moby
Ehh I remember when this guy was huge for a minute. I liked Southside back then and I still do. Gwen's vocals really make that song. Porcelain is okay I guess. The rest is mostly annoying. A lot of lackluster blues samples on repeat. Moby can't sing. The music is generally forgettable.
I always kinda wanted to like Moby. Apparently he has some punk roots. I know he covered Mission of Burma and that wasn't terrible. Anyway this is pretty much a dud. Could and will listen to Southside many more times in my life though.
2
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Tue Apr 19 2022
Moon Safari
Air
Another album of electronic music that I didn't like. Surely it must end soon. This one was decent in places but still not anything I want to listen to again. If I'm going to listen to French electronica it's going to be a certain duo of robot helmet wearing fellows.
2
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Wed Apr 20 2022
Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
I didn't enjoy this but I didn't hate it. It's definitely out of my wheelhouse and it's hard to really judge it. I definitely don't have any desire to ever hear it again.
2
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Thu Apr 21 2022
The United States Of America
The United States Of America
More interesting than it is good. The first track had me intrigued but I kind of started losing interest as the album went on. I could see myself maybe enjoying it more if I spent more time with it.
3
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Fri Apr 22 2022
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
I never really listened to Mr. Cohen much before. I wasn't particularly enthralled with what I had heard. However, I rather enjoyed this for the most part. There's a Tom Waits-ish quality, but much less "out there" than what Waits might do. It's also incredibly moving given the context of the album.
The only downsides were that sometimes some of the songs were a bit too slow moving and mundane and well, it's just a downer of an album. It's not something to throw on anytime and enjoy.
I'd give it a 3.5. Bumping to 4 of course.
4
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Sat Apr 23 2022
Either Or
Elliott Smith
I've been meaning to listen to a full Elliot Smith album for years but never did for some reason. I was certainly not disappointed. This is really really good stuff. However I can't quite commit to giving it a full five. I think I need a little "breathing time". At worst this is a very strong 4.
4
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Sun Apr 24 2022
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
I guess I can see why others might like this but it barely registered with me. There's a couple interesting songs but nothing great. I now know who sings "Rikki(?) Don't lose that Number. I never liked that song and I still don't.
Honestly it's not so bad to get through but I just have to shrug. A respectful 3 that could've easily been a 2.
3
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Mon Apr 25 2022
Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
When I went through a brief period of let's call it "hipsterdom" I would've been all over this. It's not a radio album. The background story is compelling. It's kinda proggy, I guess. My vocabulary fails me right now.
But this just left me uninterested. The background of the album really is something but listening to this is just...eh.
2
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Tue Apr 26 2022
Like A Prayer
Madonna
Solid pop album. The problem is that some of the songs are catchy but go on too long. The title track is a prime example. I'd much rather hear the radio version. Some songs are just okayish to me and don't excite but aren't "trash" either.
I give it a 3. It could be a 4 if there was some better editing. It deserves a lost star for that weird ending song too. Not exactly top notch humor...or whatever that was.
3
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Wed Apr 27 2022
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
A great album. It's absolutely criminal that many people see Devo as nothing more than a "one hit wonder".
I'd probably give it a 4 for my enjoyment and an additional star for its influence and my assumption that others have probably given this too low of a score.
5
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Thu Apr 28 2022
Live Through This
Hole
It's ok. I feel like the songs themselves just generally aren't that great. I honestly think that Courtney Love (despite her polarizing personality) could be a better front person with better material. Maybe one of the other albums would be more appealing to me?
Could've been a 3 maybe but gonna vote 2 because she is what she is.
2
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Fri Apr 29 2022
Melodrama
Lorde
Ya ya ya this is really mediocre and doesn't deserve to be included on this list ya ya ya.
2
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Sat Apr 30 2022
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
George Michael wasn't a bad singer by any means, but his music just isn't all that interesting to me. There's a few ok at best songs but nothing I really want to revisit. I feel like he would've been better off fronting a jangly indie type band. Like he needed his own Johnny Marr or something. Maybe I'm just crazy.
2
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Sun May 01 2022
En-Tact
The Shamen
How many EDM albums are on this list anyway? Better question: how many that made this list will I enjoy? So far there's only been one and this surely wasn't the second. Annoying and overlong. Maybe I just don't get the genre but I know what I like and don't like and I gotta say: I HATED this.
Never again. Throw this crap into the bog.
1
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Mon May 02 2022
Sail Away
Randy Newman
For me and probably many others my first thought was: "oh, it's the Toy Story guy. This could be fun".
It isn't. There's some charm that comes out once in a while, but overall I was pretty uninterested. I can see why others might be into this but I will pass.
2
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Tue May 03 2022
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Running Up That Hill is an absolute gem. I was quite familiar with that one before today. The rest...well I think no need time with it. I like it more than The Dreaming but I wasn't really wowed by it. I feel like this one has serious grower potential. A 3 for now
3
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Wed May 04 2022
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
This sounds like something that some hippie type convinces themselves that they like because it's from a non-western country.
It's painfully boring. There are a few nice moments I guess, but they are few are far between and cannot make up for the endurance marathon that this album is.
1
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Thu May 05 2022
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
The Pogues! Not expecting to see them here, but I'm pleasantly surprised. It's not my favorite album by them, but it's still really good.
While I think the bands they influenced aren't bad, you really don't need Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys albums when you can just listen to The Pogues instead.
5
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Fri May 06 2022
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
Pretty good. Not quite great but I enjoyed a number of these songs, Broken Arrow in particular. Some of the songs were just there, not bad but not particularly good.
I'd give it a 3.5 if I had the option. Bumping to 4 because it's better than a number of 3's that I've given.
4
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Sat May 07 2022
Fun House
The Stooges
It's an awesome album. Not my favorite of theirs but it's still great. Highly influential, dirty, grimy rock that was actually dangerous for its time. What more could you ask for?
5
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Sun May 08 2022
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
I have a lot of love for ELO. My dad loves them so my first mixtapes were ELO hits and deep cuts. Later on I picked this album up during my vinyl collecting days for a buck or so. I used to listen to this one quite a bit, especially side 4.
Side 4 is really where I think this album shines brightest. Sweet Is The Night is probably my favorite song on the whole album; I even put it on a mix CD for my wife when we first started dating. The Whale has some notes of cheddar but it's still a cool instrumental. Wild West Hero is my second favorite song on the album. It's just so good. My dad would always sing it when I was a kid. That probably adds to why I like it so much.
There's some other classic ELO songs here: Turn To Stone, Sweet Talking Woman, Mr. Blue Sky. A few songs that are a little meh but nothing bad to be found on this double album. A pretty nice feat.
This is probably a 4 overall, but I have so many great memories with this band and album that I gotta bump it to a 5.
5
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Mon May 09 2022
Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
I mostly enjoyed what Pet Shop Boys I had heard before getting this album. So Hard was the only song I knew prior and maybe its because of this reason thats it the only one I really enjoyed.
I was hoping for something more like New Order and was a bit let down. It's not terrible but I don't know that I'd ever want to hear this again.
2
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Tue May 10 2022
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
I liked Q-Tip from the moment I heard him on Get It Together with the Beastie Boys. I've heard him with A Tribe Called Quest and enjoyed it. I never did listen to him solo.
It's really solid. Not much to say really. Just a very enjoyable album. Q Tip is a fantastic rapper and the beats are awesome.
4
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Wed May 11 2022
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Af first I kinda liked this. I usually don't like reggae much but this wasn't bad. As it went I got less and less interested. At least it was pretty short. People that like the genre probably can appreciate this much more than I can.
2
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Thu May 12 2022
The College Dropout
Kanye West
Kanye before he lost his damn mind. It's pretty enjoyable but Kanye isn't really the best rapper. There's some fun wordplay, it's not trying to be "hard", and a lot of the beats are great. The skits are even pretty good for the most part. And yet for some reason I'm just not super into it.
I give it a 3, I think the follow up was better. It's a very strong 3 though.
3
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Fri May 13 2022
Among The Living
Anthrax
A thrash classic. I feel like Anthrax gets a lot of disrespect; some say they shouldnt be considered one of the big 4 of the genre. I disagree (though a good case can be made for Testament in their place, but that's not important) they put out a lot of solid albums and this is the best of them all. It's a lot of fun.
5
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Sat May 14 2022
Bad Company
Bad Company
This is ass. Okay, the title track isn't that bad but everything else is. Gross blues rock bullshit. I can't stand this type of rock.
1
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Sun May 15 2022
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Otis can definitely sing, but this album feels far from essential listening. Is there a single song here where it's the superior version? Aretha owns the lone original song here.
Kinda gets a little boring in places too. This is probably fun for fans of Otis Redding but no one else really needs this. Why was this included?
2
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Mon May 16 2022
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
I'm on the fence with this one. There are definitely some good, catchy songs here but it's a bit too long-winded at times. It's still got some charm though. Lucretia, My Reflection is great. I'd probably listen to this again.
3
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Tue May 17 2022
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
It's fine I guess. It just doesn't feel like an essential album to me. I like the live instrumentation and there's some solid messages to be found here but it ultimately just feels average at best. For fanatics of early 90's hip hop only.
2
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Wed May 18 2022
Closer
Joy Division
Less celebrated than Unknown Pleasures but arguably just as good. It's a shame about Ian Curtis. I've often wondered what would have happened if Joy Division had continued. Would they have had the success of New Order? Regardless this is a great album.
5
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Thu May 19 2022
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
What a terrific album. It's so important to metal as a genre and it's great to listen to. People like to rag on Ozzy for his voice but I think his voice has a lot of character.
It's just a classic. Always will be.
5
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Fri May 20 2022
A Night At The Opera
Queen
It's hard not to be charmed by this album. It's fun and well performed by everyone involved. It's just a classic. Duh.
3 5's in a row? Wow.
5
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Sat May 21 2022
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
It's good, but as I put in the Tiger Milk comment: this is a band that I like but I really have to be in the mood for. I can't just listen to this on a whim.
4
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Sun May 22 2022
Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
Awesome record. Not quite a 5 but it's a really, really strong 4. Just great post-punk.
4
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Mon May 23 2022
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
I've got so many good things to say about The Hives. I liked these guys before they really hit big (I'm not being a hipster douche. I'm serious) and seeing them become as popular as they did,albeit briefly, was awesome.
This isn't a proper album, but it doesn't matter. I needed this today. I was in such a bad mood and the combo of the beautiful sunshine and the nostalgia rush as this rang out through my car speakers was just amazing.
I wish they had put The Hives Introduce The Metric System In Time on here. That was always amongst my favorites they really should've just went with Veni Vidi Vicious. Oh well.
This is just so much fun.Stripped down rock'n' roll with the right blend of bite, melody, and swagger.
5
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Tue May 24 2022
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
This is the kind of stuff that I almost hate, but don't. The music itself is okay-ish. It's kinda dull and there's a million bands out there like them. It seems pretty soulless. It's folksy music for people that are not salt of the Earth people at all. It's for people that grew up in nice, pre-packaged communities and then want to pretend they have a damn thing in common with the average Joe.
Sorry. I might've been projecting from personal experience there.
Tl;dr: it's folk music for people from the suburbs that want to cosplay as working class. The band itself is lukewarm. It's not awful but it's not good either and it just feels so inauthentic and plastic.
2
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Wed May 25 2022
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
This is GOAT tier level for the genre. An amazing talent that the world lost too soon.
5
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Thu May 26 2022
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Completely forgettable just like the other album from them on this list. Please don't let there be a third. I don't get it. There's other bands that can do what they are going for so much better.
At least Fever To Tell had Maps. This has...nothing that I can really remember. Just like I said on the other album: Karen O has a solid voice, but they just can't seem to write good songs for her to sing.
Not the bottom of the barrel, but it ain't good.
2
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Fri May 27 2022
Disintegration
The Cure
The Cure is just great. This is Robert Smith and the boys firing on all cylinders.There's a great mixture of the lengthy, moody tracks and the great pop leaning tracks that can occupy your skull for days.
There's just so much to love from beginning to end. Just thinking about the album makes a medley of songs pop into my head.
Man, I love The Cute. I love me some 80's UK sad boy music and they are on the Mount Rushmore of that...very specific genre that only exists in my mind.
Jesus, I have to go listen to the title track now because it's just won't get out. Smash that 5 star button!
5
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Sat May 28 2022
Being There
Wilco
When I was first getting into alt-country I absolutely loved this album. I still like it today, but I'm not quite as enthusiastic. I could see others thinking it to be overlong and boring in places and I wouldn't completely disagree. These days I'd rather listen to Summerteeth or YHF.
Its still really solid though and was a bit of a nostalgia hit. Boy, do I ever love the song Sunken Treasure in particular.
4 stars. It's probably a 3.5 but rounding up out of respect.
4
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Sun May 29 2022
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
Not particularly entertaining. I'd rather hear an album performed by ducks, a concept album about ducks or maybe the sounds of ducks being hit with rocks before going back to this again. It wasn't particularly long, but its runtime felt double what it actually is.
I just don't see why I should give a damn about this. There's so much better that could be on this list instead.
1
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Mon May 30 2022
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
A mix of boring and not bad with the occasional "that's pretty good" sprinkled in. Overall it's just an indie record that isn't terrible. Ho-hum. Why is this here?
2
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Tue May 31 2022
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
I remember not being impressed by this when it first came out. I liked some of it but I didn't love it like so many others did.
In 2022 I find this a lot more enjoyable for some reason. I feel like if I spend more time with it it could get a 5 out of me. It's a very strong 4, despite Kanye being the unbearable creature that he is.
4
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Wed Jun 01 2022
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
I'd rather just listen to a Bjork album. This is fine I guess but I don't feel compelled to ever listen to it on my own.
2
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Thu Jun 02 2022
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
It's not painful to listen to but I don't get reggae. A lot of it is pretty samey to me. I don't understand what makes this album worthwhile, I really don't. Bob is an okay singer but nothing special. For a guy with such a cult following I'm just perplexed as to why.
Not exactly horrible, but I just don't know why I'm supposed to give a damn.
2
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Fri Jun 03 2022
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
I never really thought this album was all that great when I first heard it ages ago. It's not terrible but I never understood the hype. Live Forever is pretty terrific but outside of that its a lot of songs ranging from "listenable" to "good" with a couple annoyances thrown in "Shakermaker", I'm looking at you.
I think they got better with the next album. I actually think Be Here Now might be overall more enjoyable than this one as well. Now that's a hot take!
3
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Sat Jun 04 2022
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
This was fun. I had never heard of this artist before and I wasn't really sure what it was going to be, but I enjoyed it. This isn't really a genre I have much experience with but I'd consider listening to it again. 3.5 getting the round up because it deserves it.
4
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Sun Jun 05 2022
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
It was OK. The first song was really tedious but the others were more palatable. I like other albums in the genre better and honestly I don't feel too compelled to ever revisit this.
2
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Mon Jun 06 2022
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Wow! I was not expecting a RFTC album to be on the list. I love the band as well as all things John "Speedo" Reis. I didn't know they got a lot of love outside of the punk scene.
Anyway, this album is just rock n roll goodness. Very catchy, very fun. And those horns are just a cherry on top. You know when I was a young man I wondered if RFTC were a ska band. Ah, to be that naive again.
This is probably a 4-4.5 max if I'm being honest but it gets a 5 for being so damn fun on this beautiful June day and for the overall career of the band.
5
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Tue Jun 07 2022
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
I should like AC/DC more than I do. They just bleed rock'n'roll. I have a ton of respect for them, especially the Bon Scott era. If I'm being honest though this album is enjoyable, but nothing I ever really want to play by choice. The same could be said for much of their discography.
3
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Wed Jun 08 2022
The Slider
T. Rex
Really cool. This had been an album that I had meant to listen to for ages. Better late than never. Strong 4, maybe a 5 with more listens
4
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Thu Jun 09 2022
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
Pretty annoying yet there were some elements that made me wish that I actually enjoyed this. Somewhere between bad and mediocre. Another album for the "I dont get why this is here" pile.
2
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Fri Jun 10 2022
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
I can understand why this is here, but it doesn't do much for me. I would actually be willing to give it another chance down the road.
2
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Sat Jun 11 2022
Clandestino
Manu Chao
It was OK. I dont really know if this album is a great of its genre or not since it's not something I really listen to at all. It was a pretty enjoyable experience overall but it felt longer than it really was.
3
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Sun Jun 12 2022
Tago Mago
Can
Hated it. I have the suspicion that the pain I endured while listening to this would be akin to my grandmother listening to one of my Full of Hell or Pig Destroyer albums.
This is an artist's artist. You know it's either for dudes with ponytails who get off on chord progression or hipster douchebags who don't know if they like it or like it to be ironic. Either way it's for the "you just don't get it, maaaaan" crowd.
And in the end, that's fine. I don't get it and I dobt care that I don't. It still gets a 1.
1
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Mon Jun 13 2022
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
I like Clapton in Cream. Anything outside of that is shaky ground. He's got the occasional good track but a lot of it is pretty dull. Even the hits are pretty "mehhhh"
I'd prefer not to listen to this again but it could be way worse.
2
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Tue Jun 14 2022
In Rainbows
Radiohead
It's not bad, in fact it's solid listening but nothing since Amnesiac has moved me the same way. I like this album, but I'll listen to the the Holy trinity (OK Computer, Kid A, Amnesiac) any day over this. I really want to like this and all their other records that followed Amnesiac much more.
4
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Wed Jun 15 2022
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
Boring 70's soft rock en Español. I don't get it. It's fine. I didn't want to Van Gogh my ears or anything but surely there are better albums that didn't make this list.
2
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Thu Jun 16 2022
Pearl
Janis Joplin
I'm sure that from a technical standpoint Janis was a talented singer. I simply cannot endure her voice much beyond the 30 second mark. It is absolutely grating to me. Mercedes Benz is one of the worst songs ever recorded. It's a song that makes me envy the deaf.
I will never understand the appeal.
1
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Fri Jun 17 2022
Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
I remember them from "back in rhe day". I'm pretty sure that this CD sat in a pile on my room for months at a time. Why did it sit for months? Because it's just not that impressive.
2
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Sat Jun 18 2022
Homework
Daft Punk
Daft Punk is partially why I'm doing this whole thing.In the wake of their retirement I realized that I didn't like much EDM aside from them and was hoping to maybe find something similar and other albums and artists along the way.
Anyway, this is probably a 4 on the enjoyability scale for me. Discovery is my go to. This is still really cool and Daft Punk gets the 5 because I say so
5
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Sun Jun 19 2022
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
I dont usually like live albums but these are great songs and a great performance. Johnny was a master of his craft and just had so much charisma. A very interesting idea for a live album as well. A real gem.
5
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Mon Jun 20 2022
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
It had its moments, but it sure did go on. It would've been a 3 but the run time was way too indulgent.
2
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Tue Jun 21 2022
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Fast Car is a great song. There's some other good ones here and some that did nothing for me. It's not something I'd want to hear a lot of but it certainly isn't bad by any means.
3
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Wed Jun 22 2022
My Generation
The Who
I like The Who all well and good and this does have a classic title track, but ultimately this isn't my go to Who experience. They got better.
A generous 4.
4
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Thu Jun 23 2022
The Who Sell Out
The Who
Back to back days of the The Who? I'll take it.
Yesterday I said that My Generation is good but not a go to for me. This one is definitely one I prefer. There's some really great songs and the whole concept running through it is entertaining to me. There's still better Who but this one is niiiice.
Oddly enough I'll be giving it the same as My Generation because I can't justify a 5 but this is certainly a stronger 4 than what My Generation received.
4
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Fri Jun 24 2022
Bone Machine
Tom Waits
I dont have a personal ranking of my favorite Tom Waits albums on hand. If I actually had to make one this album wouldn't be in the top half for sure. If this made it over Blue Valentine or Mule Variations its a damn shame in my opinion.
Now, enough negativity. This is still Tom friggin' Waits. A true G.O.A.T in my book. So even when he isn't putting out his best work, it's still damn good.
5
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Sat Jun 25 2022
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
It was OK. I think I would've enjoyed it a lot more when it first came out than I do here in 2022. A lot of kudos for being an influential album but not much else. None of the cover versions are superior to the originals at all.
A weak 3 based mostly of influencing better artists to come
3
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Sun Jun 26 2022
Black Metal
Venom
There are better bands than Venom for sure, but this is still solid stuff. Their influence outweighs their enjoyability but without Venom it's hard to imagine Slayer existing. Without Venom who knows how the world of extreme metal might have been influenced?
In the end I gotta throw this a 5. Especially because the people that can't handle a little metal have the average on this album waaaay too low.
5
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Mon Jun 27 2022
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Phenomenal. It's just amazing. So much has been said about this album that I couldn't possibly add anything remotely new. It's just great. One of the most important albums ever made and just a treasure to listen to.
5
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Tue Jun 28 2022
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
So many great albums lately! Anyway, this is an album I would imagine is polarizing but I'm all for it. So much noise and beauty. MBV was a special band. Classic. Total classic.
5
View Album
Wed Jun 29 2022
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
The good stuff is pretty good,but it gets a bit exhausting after a few songs. Much better in bite sized servings in my opinion. I still can't hate on it too much.
3
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Thu Jun 30 2022
Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
It was fine-ish. Way too long. Music itself didn't really wow me. I checked out a few times.
2
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Fri Jul 01 2022
Whatever
Aimee Mann
Ditto.
Not exceptionally awful but super boring. I can't think of anything on here that stood out at all. I have no idea why this is here. Why is it here?To think of the artists and albums that got snubbed.
Take yer 2 and git out
2
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Sat Jul 02 2022
The Man Who
Travis
Pretty forgettable. Definitely some early Radiohead going on. Decent in places, I was kind of digging the last track.
A 2 that I feel bad about. Maybe it could be a 3 if I listened to it more, but honestly I don't feel like I really want to anytime soon.
2
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Sun Jul 03 2022
Kimono My House
Sparks
Pretty annoying. I guess this is for someone but it isn't me. Bad, but somehow not 1 star bad.
2
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Mon Jul 04 2022
Bright Flight
Silver Jews
Frustrating. There are so many elements to this that I should love, but it just doesn't really work for me at all. I love a good alt-country album and this just isn't it. Friday Night Fever is pretty good but it came far too late to save this album or make me want to re-listen.
I'd give it a 1.5 if I could.
2
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Tue Jul 05 2022
NEU! 75
Neu!
I can see how it was influential, but I found it a chore to get through. It picks up a little steam toward the end but by then...meh.
Only giving it a 2 because better records were clearly inspired by this.
2
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Wed Jul 06 2022
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
I always thought that Jimi was a bit overrated and this didn't change my mind in the least. Dude can play guitar, but there's some real dud songs to be found here. Jimi didn't really sing very well either. I'll die on that hill. Virtuoso guitar player, boring vocalist.
In the end, I did actually enjoy it more than I disliked it though; mostly because of Jimi's guitar abilities. A 3. I'd much rather listen to Are You Experienced? if I was to listen to an entire album.
3
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Thu Jul 07 2022
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
I consider it diet Public Enemy. Not bad though it felt a bit bloated at times. Speaking as a Dead Kennedys fan,I liked this version of California Uber Alles.
Overall. Not bad, but far from great.
3
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Fri Jul 08 2022
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Mostly enjoyable. I can't really hate on Stevie; the man has some true classics and he's super talented, this is just a case where sometimes the songs don't quite work for me.
Not a bad listen at all, I just didn't find it super compelling outside of a few very good tracks.
3
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Sat Jul 09 2022
The La's
The La's
It was spotty to me. Some pretty good songs mixed with a couple meh ones. I never knee they wrote There She Goes so I done learnt today.
I can see why people like it, it's really not a bad album, but its hard to see why anyone would rave about it.
3
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Sun Jul 10 2022
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
I feel like I should like this album more than I do. I love most of the classic SST bands but this has always just gotten a mixed reaction from me. I still feel perplexed, it's got some good moments but I'm always underwhelmed in the end. The long run time does not help.
I dunno. A 3 I guess. I haven't figured this album out in give or take 20 years and it might take another 20 or more
3
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Mon Jul 11 2022
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
It was annoying and it wouldn't end. Simply awful. It made my eye twitch. Sounds like the kind of crap that people would pretend to like to try and impress other simpletons.
Never again.
1
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Tue Jul 12 2022
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
It definitely shows it's age and I definitely don't care. It's a fun album to listen to. I'll take it over this trap beats bullshit era we live in now any day. This a legendary act that deserves all the respect.
However, this album isn't exactly 5 star perfect. Some songs are really good while others are just okay, maybe a little above average. They definitely have better albums. It's a 4 from me but this I'd a great old school album. Highly recommended.
4
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Wed Jul 13 2022
Zombie
Fela Kuti
This was pretty cool. The background on this album was quite something as well. The only problem is actually in the scoring. I think my overall honest assessment would be a 3.5 but it's going to get up to a 4 for how bad ass it really is.
4
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Thu Jul 14 2022
Autobahn
Kraftwerk
I had minimal fun on the Autobahn. It was a bit of an endurance test at times yet I did see some charm in it. I can understand why others would enjoy this and the influence factor as well I suppose but this is a trip I don't plan on taking again.
2
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Fri Jul 15 2022
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
I had a Manson phase when this first came out. I thought it was awesome and then I started moving away from this into heavier and faster stuff when he wanted to be a glam rocker. Upon listening to it so many years later I was a bit surprised. I knew that it had a few songs that I could still enjoy but I forgot about some of the deeper cuts.
This album works best when it goes harder; more specifically it works best when you can really hear the Reznor influence loud and clear. There are some songs in the middle that are okay but a bit dull. Luckily it gets better by the end. That title track is killer. How could I forget?
The vocal fry and "aren't I just so tortured and InSAnE ?!" voice that Manson uses can be really grating. When he just belts his songs out he's pretty good.
Overall I didn't want to like this because well, Manson is a lame edge lord d-bag. This album is damn good though. I can't deny it.
One last thing I have to get outta my system: all you "cancel culture" people are a joke. I don't like him either but get off your high horses and separate art from artist. Do you do the same for Bobby Womack, John Lennon, or any of the other scuzzie people that made this list?
4
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Sat Jul 16 2022
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
This was pretty annoying. It sounded like stupid hippie crap. Gross. I didn't like this much at all. There was 1 song that actually wasn't too bad but I have so much ill will toward this album that it's getting a 1 anyway. This should be omitted from all future publications of the book. Yuck.
1
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Sun Jul 17 2022
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
I like some of Cee-Lo's other work. These just aren't very good songs for the most part. There's 1 decent song every once in a while but nothing that felt memorable.
I'll stick with Gnarls Barkley.
2
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Mon Jul 18 2022
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Sometimes I think that I might respect the music of Zappa more than I like it. Some of his music is outstanding, while some of his work doesn't do much for me at all. This is something of a middle of the road album for me. The first 2 tracks are pretty great but then I start gradually losing interest.
I'll be blunt, I like the humorous Zappa best. Give me Sheik Yerbouti any day. This is fine but it's not quite what I want from the man.
3
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Tue Jul 19 2022
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Another album that I can neither highly praise nor tear apart. It's just fine. It sounds old timey, it's mostly pleasant, it is rather boring, it's a genre I don't know much about. That's about all I can say.
Giving a 3 but this is the definition of a 2.5 album for me.
3
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Wed Jul 20 2022
High Violet
The National
I remember listening to this when it first came out and I HATED it. It probably didn't help that I associated it with your typical hipster C.H.U.D. When this popped up I groaned. This was a band I got off on not liking.
Things change.
I actually dug it. I don't love it and there are a couple tracks that don't really do much for me, but I can't say this is a bad album. I actually might listen to it again and (sweet baby Jesus) check out some of their other albums.
I think I'm going to be sick but I'll be okay; but If I develop a taste for IPA I demand to be euthanized.
3
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Thu Jul 21 2022
The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
This was a bit fatiguing to listen to. I generally like The Fall (I think?) but I could do without this one for the most part. Not terrible, but to be that guy: the old stuff is better.
2
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Fri Jul 22 2022
Ten
Pearl Jam
Somewhat difficult to rate. It's an important record in defining a genre. It's super influential. It's also not really all that great.
Some of the things it influenced were quite bad; by which I mean that without grunge there would be no post-grunge which is some of the vilest, dog shit music in existence. Nirvana is to blame too but we all know that Pearl Jam played their part
There are good songs. The singles are all pretty great, except for Alive which I could do without. Jeremy and Black are just plain gems. Evenflow is good but like the other 3, I'm kinda burned out after hearing it 10000 times in my life. Aside from the singles there's some ok songs such as the opener, but nothing as good as Jeremy or Black.
I feel like I'm rambling at this point. It's a record that's more important than it is good, though there are gems to be found. I personally think they have much better records than this.
A 4 out of respect, but its more like a light 3 to my ears
4
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Sat Jul 23 2022
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
This band is so overrated and annoying. This is even worse than L.A. Woman. I couldn't wait for it to end. I hope that there are no more Doors albums on this list but I'm willing to bet that my Morrison induced Suffering isn't over yet.
1
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Sun Jul 24 2022
Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
Mixed bag. It started solid, but ranged from boring to okay after that. I did enjoy the closer. Overall, not bad but nothing I'd go out of my way to really hear again.
2
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Mon Jul 25 2022
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Just a great album. I love Iggy with or without The Stooges. It's not perfect, probably a 4.5 but considering that I gave The Idiot a 4, which is also a 4.5 album this is getting the 5.
I don't know why I felt the need to explain that but here we are
5
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Tue Jul 26 2022
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
It's not bad enough to hate, but it certainly is dull. The songs on their own are tolerable but the 45 minutes feels twice as long when listening to the entire album.
It's good for insomnia and yuppie dinner parties or something. Otherwise it's boiled celery bland.
2
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Wed Jul 27 2022
Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
When I saw that cover art and title I thought maybe I was going to get some psychobilly or horror punk, maybe even some demented ska simular to Choking Victim
What I got instead was a bunch of bleeps and bloops that rarely went anywhere. Some of the bleeps and bloops aren't too bad. The Portishead remix was especially solid. However more often that not it this album missed and I would be waiting for the song to end.
2
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Thu Jul 28 2022
Tommy
The Who
I had forgotten just how good this album really is. Simply impressive and fun. The whole thing could easily have flopped but The Who knocked it out of the park.
5
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Fri Jul 29 2022
Moondance
Van Morrison
The title track is solid. I had heard it before but I never knew what it was called. Everything else was a bore that I struggle to recall.
2
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Sat Jul 30 2022
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I have a lot of ambivalence here. While I liked the singles a lot when this album dropped, I've grown very tired of them. I find them to be way too teen angst heavy to be enjoyable. Speaking objectively though One Step Closer does have a nice groove. I just wish it didn't have the "shut up when I'm talking to you" part that makes me cringe so hard that I think my teeth will shatter.
On the positive side a lot of the deeper cuts are pretty enjoyable. Papercut is a solid opener. Almost all of the non-singles are decent the exception being Cure For The Itch. I didn't need that.
Overall it's not a bad listen. I just don't know how much I will ever really go back to it. I prefer Meteora if I feel like listening to this band, which honestly isn't all that much.
3
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Sun Jul 31 2022
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
2 classic tracks and some mixed bag hippie junk. I will gladly listen to the title track and Season of The Witch many more times. A generous 3 just for those gems.
3
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Mon Aug 01 2022
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
The album starts off really strong and is a lot of fun for a bit, but after a couple tracks the madcap energy loses a little bit of charm. I never really disliked the album at all but there are definitely points where I could use less of the quirky voices and such. It's like the band really wants us to know that they've heard Mr. Bungle before.
It's still a really good album. I wasn't expecting to see it here. I winder if Toxicity are the cut as well?
4
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Tue Aug 02 2022
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
I really liked how it started but I grew less and less impressed as it went. Not bad and the good parts are really good though. I'd just rather listen to the choice cuts.
3
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Wed Aug 03 2022
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I had never heard a full album from this band prior, just singles. I had liked what I heard which makes sense as it fits a lot of my tastes and has been suggested listening for ages. I was somewhat disappointed to finally hear a whole album. It was pretty good, but bot compelling. I enjoyed it enough but wasn't super thrilled with much of it. I can still see the influence it had and I'm thinking maybe follow up albums were better.
That Beatles cover was, to put it as dumb as I can: omgwtflol
3
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Thu Aug 04 2022
Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
Tom Waits always gets a 5. A legend. This album is fun and stands out with its pseudo-club setting. As I always say with Waits: if you get it you'll love it, if you don't you may well hate it. I get why he isn't going to appeal to everyone. No snobbery intended.
5
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Fri Aug 05 2022
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
I generally view rap of this era pretty positively but this just wasn't it for me. Some okay beats, her rapping is certainly not bad but it didn't excite me.
I understand this album was probably very important to many female MCs in particular, but I'm just not feeling it.
I feel guilty giving a 2, I think it's a 2.5 as it's just okay, but I was bored more often than not.
2
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Sat Aug 06 2022
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
The 2nd best Pixies album. Everything they did up to, and including Doolittle is great. The only flaw this album has is that it isn't Doolittle which better be on this list considering some of the crap that is.
Every song is very good to great. Essential listening to anyone who likes alternative rock/indie/punky stuff if you ask me.
5
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Sun Aug 07 2022
LP1
FKA twigs
I didn't listen to this, I endured it. I hated this so much. Thank God it wasn't long. This is so much of what I hate about pop music in recent years.
I will say that her voice is not bad but she doesn't use it well at all. That makes this pile of garbage even worse
1
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Mon Aug 08 2022
Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
There's very little pleasure in this dome. Nothing exciting, one overplayed and overrated hit that is admittedly a staple of the decade but not for me, some half baked covers and worst of all: an excessive run time. Why is the title track alone 13 minutes? Good God.
It's meets all the criteria to be a 1 star album but it somehow isn't. It is decent enough to get a 2 from me but with little enthusiasm. Never again.
2
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Tue Aug 09 2022
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
This album sounds like the music equivalent of avocado colored appliances, especially the opening track. Freedom Rider was not bad as well as a couple other songs here and there. Sometimes it sounded like Jethro Tull, which was okay.
Overall I can't say that I liked it. It did have some fleeting moments but it was overall just not very impressive and yet another album that makes me scratch its head at its inclusion. Not completely awful and I could see how others might like it, but I won't be coming back to this.
2
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Wed Aug 10 2022
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
Classic Moz. Well, he has better albums with or without Johnny Marr but this is still really good stuff with some essential songs for any fan. Moz always gets a 5.
5
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Thu Aug 11 2022
New Forms
Roni Size
Oh jeez thus was just brutal. It's too damn long for one thing. This could be less than half of its length. Its also just not very interesting to me. Maybe people that like this kind of thing see it as a classic. Perhaps it's highly influential (the wikipedia page does seem to indicate this) but I can't say that I enjoyed any of it at all. I was bored from the get go and it just went on and in and on and on.
Listening to this, for me, must be like all the people hearing Scum and giving it a 1. At least Napalm Death has the courtesy to be brief.
1
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Fri Aug 12 2022
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
From what I gather Mr. Brel was quite the lyricist, but since I don't speak any French I cannot confirm or deny. I do know that he had a very nice singing voice and that transcends language. This was a rather pleasurable listen with no fat to be found. Good music that doesn't over stay its welcome. I'll take it.
4
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Sat Aug 13 2022
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
I found this hard to rate. I've liked this album for a long time, I couldn't say how many times I've played some if these tracks. Yet I don't think it's a 5 star album. Personally, I prefer Summerteeth but that can't really be held against this album. The only flae this album has in between the wonderful songs are some that are admittedly a little boring. So I think this will get a 4, a very enthusiastic 4. "Jesus, Etc" is definitely a 5 star song though. I'll never tire of it.
4
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Sun Aug 14 2022
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
I thought it was OK. I don't really "get" jazz and I likely never will. I just know what I like and what I don't. I just don't really know how to appreciate the genre I guess. I know it's a classic to many but it's a 3 for me. I don't know what else to say. Sorry, jazz heads?
3
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Mon Aug 15 2022
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Another album that I enjoyed and I recognize it's importance, but it just didn't "wow" me. Perhaps its because I'm not big on the genre. Regardless, it was a pleasant listen even if I doubt that I'll be returning any time soon. I wouldn't rule it out though.
3
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Tue Aug 16 2022
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Better than I thought it would be. For some reason I thought I'd hate it. It was pretty good. Not great, but no ill feelings really. Maybe I'm prematurely geriatric at 37 but I think "the kids" will appreciate this more.
Not sure this album is an instant classic worthy of "you've got to hear it" status but I guess perhaps time will tell? Maybe this will be a classic for the zoomers
3
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Wed Aug 17 2022
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
I generally like Zappa, but some of his records don't work for me. This is not one of those.
It's weird and wild. It's got some great songs. Trouble Every Day is simply one of my all time favorites. It's sadly always relevant.
This won't be for everyone. I'm sure some people might like some other flavor of Zappa and some won't like a note. I think this is a incredible record and it's influence on music that I enjoy can't be overstated.
5
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Thu Aug 18 2022
Violator
Depeche Mode
I like this album a lot. There's the obvious 2 bona-fide classics but the non-singles are great too. I thought about giving it a 5 but I'm just not sure I can go there. It's really close though. Just excellent.
4
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Fri Aug 19 2022
Achtung Baby
U2
I do not like U2 at all aside from a couple hit songs. This album has none of them. Just boring from beginning to end. You can feel Bono's insufferable-ness oozing through every note. I especially loathe Myserious Ways. It is not "all right" at all, sir.
Overrated band that I can see people liking, but I 2ill never understand how they got so massive. Sadly I doubt this is my last encounter with them on this list. "Yay"
1
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Sat Aug 20 2022
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Pleasant enough. I can understand why people would really like this. I thought it was just okay. Nothing really negative to say it just didn't really grab me.
3
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Sun Aug 21 2022
Berlin
Lou Reed
I'm assuming it's not a hot take that I like Lou with Velvet Underground a lot more than his solo career that's been pretty all over the place qualitywise. This is enjoyable, and I use the term loosely because it's a downer of an album if you pay attention to the lyrics.
He has better stuff, he has a lot worse stuff. It's worth a listen. A 3.5 I'm bumping up to a 4.
4
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Mon Aug 22 2022
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
This was not for me. It's interesting as a concept, not interesting to listen to. So very, very dull to my ears. Perhaps someone with some actual knowledge of music theory and piano playing would be much more impressed?
I can't bring myself to give it a 1 even though it probably should be by my usual standards. Never again.
And that moaning stuff? Lolwut
2
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Tue Aug 23 2022
Technique
New Order
I love New Order. Yeah, maybe some of it is a bit dated sounding, but I don't care. There's so many great songs here. Round and Round and Dream Attack being my personal favorites. Round and Round is perfection if you ask me.
Not their best work, but still really good and it is a no brainer 5.
5
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Wed Aug 24 2022
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
This is a blast. I've always favored Parliament, but Funkadelic is no slouch. It's a gem. The only flaw is that it isn't on Spotify. Good thing I happen to own it.
Classic album. I don't know how anyone wouldn't like it. Seriously.
5
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Thu Aug 25 2022
Like Water For Chocolate
Common
I feel like I should like this more than I do. It's a head scratcher. I like Common. I enjoy Be a lot and I was into Finding Forever when it dropped, even though I don't return to it often. I don't know why this album never did anything speical for me, and listening again has yielded the same result.
It's not bad it's enjoyable enough. A bit on the bloated side but aid rather just listen to Be.
3
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Fri Aug 26 2022
Abraxas
Santana
This album went by really quickly. It had some really good playing, but most of the songs really failed to make an impression. It seems like a case of great musical talent that doesn't really translate into great songs.
A 2.5 bumped to a 3 because of respect.
3
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Sat Aug 27 2022
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
I forgot to review this. It's been a couple months. Oops.
The title has 3's in it so let's go with that. I remember kinda liking it but not loving it so this seems fair.
3
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Sun Aug 28 2022
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
I love me some Beastie Boys
I'm honestly pretty sick of Fight For Your Right at this point, but its still a fun song. There's a guest guitar solo from Slayer's Kerry King, some sampling of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, amongst others. What's not to like?
I was going to give this a 4 because I think they got better after this, but just thinking about how much enjoyment I get out of this album and their career as a whole I'm bumping it to a 5.
That funky monkey!
RIP MCA
5
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Mon Aug 29 2022
Faust IV
Faust
I'm not quite sure what this was. It had some moments, but then it would lose me completely.
I guess I could say that I can respect it, but I don't really need to hear this ever again.
2
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Tue Aug 30 2022
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
I haven't really listened to a full album by Zeppelin (aside from the 2 I already had on this list) in a while so I'm going by memory a bit.
This is a continuation of Zeppelin improving. I think the first album is pretty "meh" but the second was a bit better. There's some absolutely great songs here, including one of myvall time favorites from the band: That's The Way. Not to say that the rockers like Immigrant Song and Out on The Tiles aren't great, because they are.
I like this album a lot. The the next 2 albums are peak Zeppelin to me, but this one is damn good.
4
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Wed Aug 31 2022
The Undertones
The Undertones
This is fun. I love punk but this is a band I never really took the time to get into. They predate the Descendents, but its easy to see their influence on the pop punk scene; pop punk like The Queers, Screeching Weasel, etc not the dreck that is All Time Low and what have you.
Anyway: this is really good and goes down smooth in a fairly brief play time. I'll be going back to this and their other albums in the future.
4
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Thu Sep 01 2022
With The Beatles
Beatles
I never really listened to full albums of early Beatles as I'm more of a Rubber Soul and beyond guy. This is a decent enough debut for the phenomenon but it hardly holds a candle to the later work. There's some "meh" covers thrown in. My personal highlight is Not A Second Time.
It's not bad really, but it's not terribly exciting and they were a few years away from really killing it like only they could.
3
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Fri Sep 02 2022
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
This, Highway 61, and Freewheeling are my holy trinity of Dylan albums. I'm not a super fan by any means, but the stuff of his that I really like, I REALLY like.
The lyrics are brilliant. The music is great (I can always understand why someone wouldn't like that aspect though)
It's just a great album through and through.
5
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Sat Sep 03 2022
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
This is one of those albums I had been meaning to listen to for ages and it somehow didn't happen. I can't say I was disappointed, I had always liked the individual songs that I had heard and I have always thought that Q-Tip was great.
Ultimately I really enjoyed it but not enough so to give it a 5 yet. I think I'll have to relisten a few more times to decide if it is a 5 to my ears. It's certainly worthy of it for its influence but I just can't personally give it one quite yet. Really good album.
4
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Sun Sep 04 2022
Manassas
Stephen Stills
I've never been into the work of Mr. Stills. This doesn't change that. It's not exactly awful but it's just long and very unexciting. It just goes on and on, never being dreadful but never really sparking joy either.
I guess I can understand why others would like this, but I'm just not into it at all.
2
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Mon Sep 05 2022
Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
Really, really dull. It's kinda pleasant in small doses I guess but this kind of music isn't really my thing. There was one song that stuck out (Happiness? I don't even care enough to look it up) that was pretty good and stood out but this was a "it's just there" album.
Ultimately I have no clue why it was included, but I can see some people really liking it
2
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Tue Sep 06 2022
The Next Day
David Bowie
I've never listened to a full Bowie album post-Let's Dance until his final album Blackstar. The occasional song I had heard was decent (i do love I'm Afraid of Americans, but let's not get too far off the subject at hand) but I had kinda just written him off. A once brilliant talent who just released stuff for only the most devoted fans to just "meh" at was the impression that I had.
Well, I can't speak for any of those other albums I missed but I was quite wrong about this one. There's a lot of really great songs here performed as well as one would expect from a legend. It's not quite on par with his really classic material but maybe when I inevitably return to this I will have a change of heart. Until then I give this an enthusiastic 4 out of 5.
4
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Wed Sep 07 2022
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
This is a great record, arguably the best Wu Tang "spin-off". It really only has one flaw: it's too damn long. I don't know precisely what I'd chop off of this album but as enjoyable as the songs are, fatigue sets in for real.
It's a great record that I will certainly continue enjoying, but I prefer to do it as a sundae rather than an entire half gallon tub.
Damn album's got ice cream on my brain.
4
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Thu Sep 08 2022
Boston
Boston
This is just a fun album.
I loved it when I was very young, went through a phase where I said it sucked because I was "so punk" and now in 2022 as a man pushing 40 with no shits to give about what anyone thinks, I'm ready to admit that I really like this.
It's got a lot of cheese,but its gooood cheese. The album starts losing a little steam toward the end but there are some absolute killer songs at the beginning.
If you tell me you don't like More Than A Feeling, I won't believe you. Overplayed? Maybe. But it's one of the best rock songs ever. I will die on that hill
4
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Fri Sep 09 2022
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
It's ok. Kinda all over the place in quality. There's about 3 good songs, one of which is the essential 80's Playlist entry: Tainted Love. There's some meh stuff that is just there and then there's a couple tracks that area bit annoying.
A 3 I guess.
3
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Sat Sep 10 2022
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
I love this album. Moz and Marr really shine here. I'm not even sure that it's my favorite Smiths album, but then again I don't know if I have one. They're all great. Every song here is top notch.
It's The Smiths. It's a no brainer 5.
5
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Sun Sep 11 2022
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
This is a terrific album. The title track is awesome. My dad played it for me as a kid and to this day it still makes me tear up a bit.
The rest of the songs are pretty good, but not quite as good as that title track. There's still a lot to like here. A great album from a legend of the genre.
4
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Mon Sep 12 2022
m b v
My Bloody Valentine
I think Loveless is amazing (hence the 5 I gave it) their early work is good too. Somehow this album just doesn't do that much for me. I didn't love it when it came out and I still don't.
It's good music to mope to, but it's hardly a fun listen for me. I honestly don't think it needed to make this list.
Overall not a bad album, but not anything I'd deem essential listening.
3
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Tue Sep 13 2022
25
Adele
This is a solid album. Adele has a fantastic voice. It's definitely mood music but there's nothing wrong with that.
4
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Wed Sep 14 2022
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Super over the top fun. I liked this a lot once upon a time but kinda moved on from it. In fact it's the kind of thing that I'd deny liking at all. I really don't know why. It's not perfect, the closer and Heaven Can Wait are kinda "meh" to me and the over the top-ness can be off-putting if you're not in the mood, but this is actually a lot of fun and maybe I should go back to it, or at least individual tracks when the mood strikes me.
4
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Thu Sep 15 2022
The Predator
Ice Cube
I wanted to like this more than I did. I really thought that I would like it a lot. I can't say that it's bad or anything, it just didn't blow me away. Don't get me wrong, it's a solid album. It's not really particularly bad in any way, it's even got at least one undisputed classic.
I thought this would at least be a 4 for me, but its a 3. Maybe I just need more time with it? It just feels wrong but so does rating any higher.
3
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Fri Sep 16 2022
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Oh boy. Look, I enjoy Fleetwood Mac for the most part but not so much this. Too long. Way too long. There are good songs, particularly the title track. There are other good songs too but it's hard to really remember them. I think my opinion might change a tad if I spent more time with the album, but I'll be honest: I'm not so sure that I will. I tend to prefer Stevie Nicks songs and she is not heavily featured here, another issue that I had with the album.
Frankly, this is a band where I know what I like from the band. I want Silver Springs, Dreams, Rhiannon, etc Yeah mostly hits. This didn't deliver what I wanted, I respect the artistic choice to change up after Rumours but this just didn't work for me.
This thing cost a mil in 1979? Yeesh
3
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Sat Sep 17 2022
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
It's fine. I like Neil Young but I don't think of this one is really essential for all to hear. If you like Neil Young, you will probably have a good time. If you're not a fan, this will almost certainly not change your mind.
3
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Sun Sep 18 2022
Raw Power
The Stooges
I love this album. Just a great rock album. Some of the best songs The Stooges/Iggy would ever put out. Dirty, primal energy in spades.
5
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Mon Sep 19 2022
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
This project really introduced me to Cohen. I found myself liking You Like It Darker when it came up earlier, but this is not as appealing to me. He seems a better lyricist than a musician here. Not exactly terrible, but these 8 songs felt much longer than they really were.
Unenthusiastic 3. A couple good songs but not too much that really got me. The lyrics would be something I'd pay more attention to if I ever revisited this album.
3
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Tue Sep 20 2022
Live!
Fela Kuti
This was fun. I liked my previous experience with Fela and this was no exception.
I did not need the drum solo track. There's a certain kind of person who would enjoy that kind of thing and they can go right ahead and eat that up. I will pass.
4
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Wed Sep 21 2022
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
Not a big Byrds fan. I was actually interested in this since I generally like country rock and was curious to hear an album important to the genre.
It was OK. It sounded run if the mill, which might not be their fault but because so many have tried to reproduce the sound.
A respectful 3. Maybe this would've sounded better when it first dropped, but if I want this style I'll go to Uncle Tupelo, Lucero, etc
3
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Thu Sep 22 2022
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Really good stuff. Not a lot to say about it. It's just a really enjoyable album.
4
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Fri Sep 23 2022
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
The title track is pretty good, as is the opener. Aside from that I found not a whole lot to like. I don't mind this era of the genre but it sounded quite stale. I can listen to Run DMC, Beastie Boys, De La Soul etc and it all sounds better than this.
I was more impressed when he threw a lighter and blew up a shark in Deep Blue Sea. Now that's a career highlight.
2
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Sat Sep 24 2022
Truth
Jeff Beck
I couldn't stand it. I generally hate blues rock like this and to no surprise I hated this. Aside from a few songs, I generally really dislike Rod Stewart too. This did nothing to change that opinion.
I don't care how technically talented Jeff Beck was, I can't stand this style at all. I never want to hear it again. I was going to give it a 2 because it probably doesn't really deserve a 1, but by the end I was just annoyed by this so much that I see no other option.
1
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Sun Sep 25 2022
The Visitors
ABBA
Ehh pleasant enough in places but it really drug on and was pretty dull overall.
2
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Mon Sep 26 2022
La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
More interesting than enjoyable. There are some interesting sounds and solid beats to be found but I found myself losing interest quite often.
I'd say it was a 2.5 for me, giving a 3 for at least being something new to my ears.
3
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Tue Sep 27 2022
Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
I actually thought that I'd like this a little more. The experiences I've had with Latin music on this list has been pretty positive.
This is ok. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, I just didn't feel anything was special here. Perhaps fans more familiar with the genre might understand its significance better than I
3
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Wed Sep 28 2022
Kenza
Khaled
This was a pain to find to listen to, but that's not the artists fault. I didn't care for this much, but I didn't hate it. It had its moments but this is a genre I'm quite unfamiliar with, and in all honesty, will probably never get into.
Perhaps this is a great for fans of the genre? I'll pass.
2
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Thu Sep 29 2022
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
I enjoy this album, but I'm not really sure it is a must hear.
This is my 3rd album from The Fall and I haven't even been doing this a full year. It's a solid band, but there really could've been some superior albums in their place.
4
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Fri Sep 30 2022
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
It's a solid Neil Young record. Some classics here.
4
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Sat Oct 01 2022
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
I really like this album. Very stripped down, just great song writing. It's only real flaw: it inspired a lot of inferior albums that wanted to be like this. Of course that's not Bruce's fault.
I don't think it's quite a 5 but I will give it a very enthusiastic 4 stars.
4
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Sun Oct 02 2022
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
This is a pretty great album, I guess it's technically 2 put together, so albums. The instruments sound so good and Ray is obviously a talented singer. Yet, I don't feel like I'd listen to this much. Not the entire album anyway. I'd prefer this is bite sized pieces when I need something that sounds like this. Despite how good the songs are, I don't want a whole album of it at one time. I know that's odd, but it is what it is.
4
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Mon Oct 03 2022
Scum
Napalm Death
I've been waiting for this. I've heard it many times but I just want to give it a 5 to boost its overall rating, though I know it won't really do much for it.
I can completely understand why most people would hate this, but for those of us who like this kind of music this is pretty great and important to the evolution of "extreme" music.
Long live Napalm Death
5
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Tue Oct 04 2022
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I liked this album quite a bit when it first came out. I really liked the "garage rock revival". I don't listen to the band too often these days but I generally like their songs when I hear them out in the wild.
So I thought that hearing this album in full for the first time I probably a decade or so might be a treat but it was more or less a mixed bag. The opening 2 tracks are pretty great, especially "Dead Leaves..." Fell In Love With A Girl was the song that got me into the band, but doesn't do much for me in 2022. There's some good songs sprinkled throughout but some of the songs are just kind of...there.
I was really hoping to like this more than I did. Not a bad listen overall, but I'd prefer to just listen to a handful of tracks and skip listening to it in its entirety going forward.
3
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Wed Oct 05 2022
White Light
Gene Clark
Not exactly terrible, but not memorable either. Another boiled celery album.
2
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Thu Oct 06 2022
Solid Air
John Martyn
What is up with that singing voice? Yeesh. The music didn't grab me either. Couldn't wait for it to be over. Never again.
1
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Fri Oct 07 2022
Hms Fable
Shack
Another album that I can't fathom why it's on this list. It's not bad I guess, but it certainly isn't good or memorable. Do people cite this band/album as being influential? I don't get it.
2
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Sat Oct 08 2022
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
I'm not enamored by this band or album. There's some good songs such as the opener, and then some boring blues rock yawn inducing stuff.
A 3, but not with much fanfare. I just think it (barely) deserves better than a 2.
3
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Sun Oct 09 2022
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
A lot of fun. Just dirty, dirty rock n roll. I was kind of surprised to see this album here. I would not have expected it being included. Rock Against Ass has been a staple of playlists for me since I was about 16.
It's not quite a 5, but it is a rock solid 4.
Nothing to do with the album, but I hate that I now associate this band so much with Bam Margera. That dude was insufferable. Worst Jackass cast member hands down.
4
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Mon Oct 10 2022
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
I was expecting this to be better somehow. I wasn't familiar with the band outside of seeing the name in print (and honestly I thought it was Moses for ages)
I like post-punk stuff for the most part, but this just didn't scratch any itch and frankly I got bored. Maybe I'll try again someday or with a different album.
A 2 for now. Pity.
2
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Tue Oct 11 2022
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
It's pleasant enough for background. I just tend to not really "get" jazz for the most part. I certainly didn't hate it but would never listen for pleasure.
3
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Wed Oct 12 2022
Debut
Björk
I love Bjork's voice. I got into her fairly recently after not really giving her much attention. This one isn't really my favorite, but its got some really good songs on it and it's just got this "aura" about it that makes listening to it such a joy.
It's really good, but I'm hoping for see Post, Homogenic, and maybe Verspertine in the future. She's gotta have at least one of those on this list.
I was going to award a 4, but damn if I can't help looking at that adorable face on the cover and want to bump it up. What a great artist.
5
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Thu Oct 13 2022
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
A great album. 80's Metallica is such a joy to listen to. You know, before the dark times began.
I personally like Ride The Lightning better, but this is no slouch as the runner up for the bands best work.
5
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Fri Oct 14 2022
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
This was not quite what I was expecting. I've heard plenty of Frank's big hits in my life and I've enjoyed them. I never heard anything on this album prior to today, to the best of my knowledge. After listening I'm pretty sure I know why. These songs are pretty dull. So much of it is just dull and lacks any kind of swinging liveliness.
I was really disappointed. This isn't the Old Blue Eyes that I want to hear.
2
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Sat Oct 15 2022
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
It really does all kind of bleed together after a while. An album better appreciated for its influence than it is to listen to.
2
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Sun Oct 16 2022
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
It's such a wacky, sometimes wonderful album. Unfortunately it also can be a chore to get through with its ridiculous length. It's best in small doses rather than one sit down session. This album is perfect for this list, this is really something people should hear, if only once.
Much appreciation for the influence on artists like Tom Waits and Ween.
4
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Mon Oct 17 2022
Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Prior to this the only Tori Amos that I knew I heard was Cornflake Girl (meh) and a snicker inducing cover of Raining Blood.
My expectations were not high and in thatvregard I wasn't disappointed. Boring stuff. She's talented enough that I cam understand why others might like it, but this was a boring chore for me.
2
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Tue Oct 18 2022
Smash
The Offspring
This album was super important to getting punk back on the cultural map, which is certainly a double edged sword in itself.
The album is pretty solid. It's nice to be reminded of when the band wasn't a half-baked act putting out novelty singles.
I could give this album a 5 based on its importance to my discovery of the genre alone. However, I just don't think it's that good. It is definitely worth a 4 though.
4
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Wed Oct 19 2022
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
I dont get it. It sounds like stuff people say they like so that other people don't think that they're "culturally insensitive" or "racist" when in fact they'd rather be listening to almost anything else.
His dad's music was much better.
2
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Thu Oct 20 2022
Sister
Sonic Youth
I had a phase in college for where I listened to this band pretty extensively. I still do but not nearly as often. Anyway, I always really liked this album, particularly the first 2 tracks.
I still think this is pretty great. I like a couple of their albums more and this is probably more of a 4 for me, but its getting a five. Try and stop me!
5
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Fri Oct 21 2022
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
I generally don't care for U2. I gave Achtung Baby a 1 and I stand by that. I wasn't expecting too much going into this.
I was a little surprised to NOT hate this. There are actually a couple songs on here that were not bad at all. I forgot that,while it may be a bit hokey, Beautiful Day is actually a pretty solid pop/rock tune.
All in all this really wasn't too bad. I don't really plan on revisiting it, as there was some dull stuff to be found here amongst the surprisingly not bad. Also, Elevation sucks ass and is VERY annoying. That's the stuff that fuels my anti-U2 sentiment.
I'd give it a 2.75 (am I turning into Pitchfork?) So I'm going to round up and give it a 3. I'm shocked, but it deserves it.
3
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Sat Oct 22 2022
Revolver
Beatles
Not my personal favorite from the band, but a classic. Several of my favorite songs from the band appear here. It's just a good time.
5
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Sun Oct 23 2022
The Real Thing
Faith No More
This is a pretty solid album. I'm pretty much over "Epic" after hearing it a million times over the years (the local butt rock station still plays it regularly) and the War Pigs cover seems pointless, but there's plenty else to like here. I mean, Mike Patton is involved how can it not be good just on that alone?
Honestly, I like the FNM albums that followed better. This albums is pretty influential, unfortunately some of the bands it influenced are pretty awful, but I can't blame the band for that.
3.5 being bumped to a 4 because Mike Patton is a God tier vocalist.
4
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Mon Oct 24 2022
Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
"Dad, was that your album of the day?"
"...I don't know"
Seriously though, what the hell is this? It's not relaxing, nor exciting, nor remarkable to my ears in any way. When would you listen to this? Why would you listen to this? It's just there: a'bleepin' and a'bloopin' and occasionally making sounds that I've heard come out of my dryer.
This seems like something for the snobby, avant garde crowd who will sneer at a normie like me for not appreciating it.
They can have it.
1
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Tue Oct 25 2022
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I dont really know what to make of this. This is my first time ever actually hearing this band. I avoided the hype when this came out in part because that band name is ridiculously awful.
There's a slight punky quality running to this, but overall it's a bit more like The Strokes. I think they'd work better if they would lean into that sound. At the same time it's kind of Brit pop? Pardon me if I sound foolish there. I don't really know how to categorize it.
Overall, I'm not sure who this record is really for, it's not bad...but it's not especially good. I think it could grow on me? I really wish they had a different name though. Woof.
3
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Wed Oct 26 2022
Kid A
Radiohead
This is one of those albums that I could drone on and on about. I love it. It was one of the most mind blowing things I ever heard.
The first time I listened to it was on the school bus on a winter morning. It was still pretty dark outside and looking out the window at the snow covered countryside while this album played is forever stuck in my head. Just a simple, wonderful experience.
Yeah, this album is just awesome. One of my favorite of all time.
5
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Thu Oct 27 2022
The Band
The Band
I can see why people might like it, but this was pretty dull to me. Not especially terrible, just not very interesting.
2
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Fri Oct 28 2022
Vivid
Living Colour
I always wanted to hear more of this band, be careful what you wish for.
Cult of Personality is obviously a jam, a bit corny, but a jam. The rest just didn't do anything for me. Very disappointing.
2
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Sat Oct 29 2022
OK Computer
Radiohead
Just a few days removed from Kid A I draw OK Computer. What luck!
I could write a paragraph about this one too. It's just a masterpiece. I just wish the themes weren't still so damn relevant. Ugh.
I can't praise it enough, that said I could see why people might not love it. It's definitely not a feel good album.
I love that Kid A and OK Conputer will be aide by side in my highest rated list. It's the little things in life sometimes.
5
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Sun Oct 30 2022
2112
Rush
My favorite Rush album. The title track is the standout for good reason, but the 2nd half is pretty awesome too. Something For Nothing, A Passage To Bangkok, and The Twilight Zone are songs I really like.
There are many good to excellent Rush albums but this one will always be my #1
5
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Mon Oct 31 2022
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Another electronica album. There's been too many already for my tastes. This one isn't completely terrible but I really could've lived without it.
This is probably great for fans if the genre but I'll pass.
2
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Tue Nov 01 2022
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
I wanted to like this. I've seen numerous non-electric music artists that I like cite Aphex Twin as being amazing. Ex: Dillinger Escape Plan covering Come To Daddy
I didn't exactly hate it, but I thought it would be darker, heavier. I'm going to have to concede that this is probably an artist better suited to fans of the genre and musicians.
2
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Wed Nov 02 2022
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
It's got some solid bass parts, but I thought a lot of it sounded like department store muzak.
And that's what I can remember of it. It just kind of went by without leaving much impression.
Not terrible, but I don't need to hear it again.
2
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Thu Nov 03 2022
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
I have never found myself really enjoying a Pet Shop Boys album from start to finish. There are however some undoubtedly good songs to be found within. It's A Sin particularly appealed to me.
Not bad, a 2.5 for me but getting the bump to 3.
3
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Fri Nov 04 2022
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
This is pretty solid. I'm not really a big fan of Steely Dan by any means but I found myself really respecting this album. There's some staples of 70's rock found here.
A 3.5 for me.
4
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Sat Nov 05 2022
Mothership Connection
Parliament
Such a classic. I'm not a big funk guy, but anything George Clinton touches is GOLD.
I remember buying this album back when I was in my late teens and trying to expand my horizons. I've been listening to it regularly ever since. It's just amazing.
5
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Sun Nov 06 2022
Casanova
The Divine Comedy
A bit...odd? I'm I the only one thinking that the singer sounds like a bargain bin Morrissey? Maybe I'm just losing my mind.
It wasn't too bad, not too great either. I have no clue why such a middle of rhe road album is here. A 2.5 being bumped to 3.
3
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Mon Nov 07 2022
Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
The kindest thing I can say is that it's pretty ambitious with its genre hopping.
However, others have done it much better. This was just annoying for the most part. I couldn't wait for it to stop.
That rap track...lololololol
Kudos for trying, in 1984 no less, but woof was that bad. That's coming from someone who generally enjoys old school sryle hip hop.
It probably doesn't deserve a 1, but its getting it for annoying thr shit out of me. That's always a ticket to 1 star town.
1
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Tue Nov 08 2022
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
There's a lot of great songs here but a few that don't particularly grab me. A definite 4.
4
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Wed Nov 09 2022
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
This is sort of an odd choice; of the Paul albums I prefer Killers, which I thought was the general consensus. There's also better Maiden albums that presumably didn't make it here.
That said: There's still a lot to like. It's far from a bad album, There's just better (and much worse) Maiden albums.
It's probably a 4 but there's no way I'm giving Maiden anything less than 5.
Up the irons.
5
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Thu Nov 10 2022
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
I have mixed feelings here. This album is highly influential and enjoyable. It's got "certified bangers" that have stood the test of time.
I feel it's somehow a bit overrated though. I'd take the self titled and Master of Reality over it. Plus, I never ever need to hear Iron Man again in my life. Great song, but its been played and parodied to death.
I almost want to give it less than a 5, but I can't. Sabbath rules.
5
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Fri Nov 11 2022
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
There are some all time great singles on here as well as some good deep cuts. Unfortunately it's also got a lot of mediocre material and is way too long.
I thought maybe a 2, but the good stuff is good enough for a 3.
3
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Sat Nov 12 2022
Cross
Justice
I really like this. This is the kind of electronic music that I'm looking for. More like this and leas like so much of the rest in the genre, PLEASE!
The only downside is that The Party is so wretched that it gave me some stank face, and not like the kind of stank face you get when you hear some awesome, grimy death metal. Naw, this is the stank face you make when you hear something that makes you envy the deaf. It's just so bad. What a turd in the punch bowl. The rest is just great though.
4
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Sun Nov 13 2022
B-52's
The B-52's
The vocal styles and music come together to create a fun and unique vibe. You definitely know you're listening to The B-52s when you hear them.
The only downside is that this is the kind of album I have to be in the mood for; sometimes that kitschy style can be a little off putting.
I'd probably give it a 3.5 but I think a bump to 4 for Rock Lobster and the overall abilities of the band.
4
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Mon Nov 14 2022
Scott 4
Scott Walker
So very, very dull. Objectively it isn't THAT bad but nothing really stands out. It's just a bowl of oatmeal, no sugar, no fruit. Nuthin'.
It's so freaking overrated I considered giving it a 1 out of spite. A 2 because it never annoyed me as much as other 1s I've given and it had a relatively short length
2
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Tue Nov 15 2022
Sound Affects
The Jam
It's not bad, but I feel like the world wants me to like The Jam way more than I ever will. I don't quite get the hype.
Not bad by any means though. Thank God it wasn't another album of Weller's solo work or Style Council or whatever that was called. That stuff sucks.
3
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Wed Nov 16 2022
Celebrity Skin
Hole
I always liked the title track. A great slice of 90's alternative. However, I never was really able to get into Hole as a whole (ha!) Oddly, I feel like I appreciate what they're trying to do better than the execution of it.
Courtney Love, as let's call it "interesting" she is as a person has a really cool voice. The songs just never manage to blow me away. This review could be cut and pasted from Live Through This, while both albums attempted different sounds my overall experience with them felt the same.
3
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Thu Nov 17 2022
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
I don't get jazz. This is pleasant enough but I don't really have to ability to differentiate it from most other work in the genre. It certainly doesn't suck, but I will probably never ever listen to it by choice again.
3
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Fri Nov 18 2022
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
It has some moments here and there but is mostly annoying. I can get down with some Sonic Youth, Captain Beefheart, Ween, etc but this stuff is just goofy, weird and annoying without much that I could consider endearing.
To be blunt: it feels like pseudo artsy hipster crap and I'm not feeling it.
2
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Sat Nov 19 2022
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
It's good. I don't really have too much more to elaborate on. Its a shame tlthat the world lost him at such a young age.
4
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Sun Nov 20 2022
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
I never quite got the love for this band. There are a couple decent tracks here, but even with a modest run time it drags. Perhaps its an unfair comparison but Bikini Kill > Le Tigre any day.
2
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Mon Nov 21 2022
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Very uninteresting. I can't find much appeal in this. It's a borderline 1, but it didn't annoy me quite enough for that.
2
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Tue Nov 22 2022
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
It's regarded as a classic of the genre, and for good reason. It's quite enjoyable. It's just never been a 5 for me, but a strong 4
4
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Wed Nov 23 2022
The Healer
John Lee Hooker
I have never particularly enjoyed the blues. This isn't changing my mind. So very dull. I hate it.
1
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Thu Nov 24 2022
Vespertine
Björk
I like some of her other albums better, but this is still a good listen. It's quite lovely but feels more like a "I need to be in the mood for this" kind of album.
Somewhere between a 3.5 and a 4.
4
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Fri Nov 25 2022
A Northern Soul
The Verve
Very boring, very annoying, very undeserving of this list. Why is this here?!
1
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Sat Nov 26 2022
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
Fire and Rain is a classic but I don't really like anything else here. James has a pleasant enough voice but the songs don't interest me much, especially the bluesy stuff which is quite bad.
2
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Sun Nov 27 2022
Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
Pretty annoying. A few moments of "not bad" but never approaching enjoyable. A lot of the songs felt fragmented or unfinished.
Not particularly interesting in any way.
1
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Mon Nov 28 2022
Transformer
Lou Reed
A very good album, not quite 5 star worthy because a few songs aren't all that great. Quite possibly Lou's best post-VU work.
4
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Tue Nov 29 2022
1984
Van Halen
I'm not the biggest fan of Van Halen, but its hard to deny the quality of this album. It's got 80's rock radio staples and some quality deep cuts as well. Everything is done so well, everyone involved is just firing on all cylinders. A nice lean, run time just makes it all the sweeter.
It's a emphatic 4 from me, but it's a 5 as far as the genre goes.
4
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Wed Nov 30 2022
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Not terrible, not great. I like Pink Moon better.
3
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Thu Dec 01 2022
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Too long and the singing is not something that I enjoy at all, it bordered on grating.
I'd give it a 1, but a lot of the music itself is fairly good.
2
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Fri Dec 02 2022
Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Not bad, nothing that really wowed me but still enjoyable overall
3
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Sat Dec 03 2022
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This album is pretty solid overall, some of the lyrics are a bit goofy, the title track is overplayed/overrated, and I wish it was a little funkier. But despite all that it's got some good singles and a couple good deep cuts. I wouldn't necessarily listen to it in full again, but there are good nuggets here.
I dont know why it's become so trendy to hate o this band. There's much better targets for ridicule.
3
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Sun Dec 04 2022
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
It's a classic. Once in A Lifetime is the most famous song here (for good reason) but there's plenty more here to enjoy. Just awesome from beginning to end.
5
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Mon Dec 05 2022
Liquid Swords
GZA
I love Wu-Tang and the first wave of solo projects was pretty outstanding. I think it's debatable if this, Cuban Linx, or Tical is the best of that particular grouping but regardless this is damn good.
A borderline 5, but if I'm being honest there are a couple tracks that keeping it from reaching that score.
4
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Tue Dec 06 2022
Graceland
Paul Simon
You Can Call Me Al is killer. I'm not super into this record but I can see why others might be.
3
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Wed Dec 07 2022
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Take Me Out is super catchy. The rest is...meh.
I remember picking this album up back around the time it dropped based solely on Take Me Out and an absurdly low price. Needless to say it mostly collected dust on the shelf. Relistening serves a reminder why.
1 song wonder.
2
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Thu Dec 08 2022
Funeral
Arcade Fire
My lord is this overhyped. I remember rolling my eyes at the hipsters slurping this band. Honestly, some of it isn't too bad, but plenty of it is. That opening song in particular is just bleh.
2
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Fri Dec 09 2022
Hypnotised
The Undertones
I dont know why I don't listen to this band more often. Just a good album for fans of the genre. It's not 5 star good, but it's a strong 4 for sure.
4
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Sat Dec 10 2022
It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
I love this album and band. It's a shame about Evan Dando, the dude had some great musical ability and good looks, it's arguablybthat those two things should've propelled the band to bigger heights. Drugs are bad, kids. Don't fool yourselves.
If I am honest this is probably a 4, or 4.5 but I have such strong feelings here that I've gotta bump it up. Several of these songs are staples across several playlists so I think it earns that bump just for that.
5
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Sun Dec 11 2022
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
Started out tolerable, but unimpressive. It got pretty boring and tiresome by the end. It's not bad 3nough to be a 1, but boy does it make a case for it.
Who is this band? How is this here? Another extremely questionable selection.
2
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Mon Dec 12 2022
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Pleasant enough. Ms. Holiday had a amazing voice. The problem is that so much of this just runs together. Maybe it needs more listens to detect the differences but it largely felt like the same song on repeat. A lesser talent wouldn't pull this album off at all.
3
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Tue Dec 13 2022
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Willie is just plain awesome. A great voice and music.
This is the kind of music I like to listen to on April day where it's not quite warm yet, and it's overcast and rainy. It just works somehow.
It also sounds great in December...or any time.
5
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Wed Dec 14 2022
Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
It is ok. I recognized some lyrics that were "borrowed" from others, most notably Atmosphere.
I think there's better in the genre from that time. The positivity is nice.
A 2.5 bumped to a 3
3
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Thu Dec 15 2022
Bossanova
Pixies
I dont remember liking this very much. I stick with the material up to and including Doolittle and rarely venture outside of it.
I was wrong. This album is overall pretty good. It opens in a fantastic manner. There are a few "meh" songs to be found. Those early records had nothing "meh" on them. So I guess this really isn't in the same league as those others, but I will definitely return to some of these songs again.
4
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Fri Dec 16 2022
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
I never really listened to Cohen before this project. This is album number 3? 4? now. I don't really like him as much as others must. This was pleasant enough but I don't know that I'm planning to listen to it again.
Thus far I like his final album the best. I feel oddly guilty about that.
A 2.5 bumped to a 3
3
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Sat Dec 17 2022
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
It was pretty good I guess. No More Mr. Nice Guy is a classic for a reason the rest was about average faire.
Alice Cooper is in the same camp as Rob Zombie for me: they both have entertaining personas, make music that is all over the map qualitywise, but ultimately come across as super cool dudes that I would kill to have a beer with.
A 3.5 bumped to 4 because Alice just seems like an A+ dude.
4
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Sun Dec 18 2022
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
It makes a case to be a 2 because while it's pretty bad, the occasional good riff or funky part pops up. However it gets a 1 for all the damn times I had to hear "I Want To Get Away" (or whatever it's title was) and that godawful American Woman cover back in the day. It'd also too freaking long.
1
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Mon Dec 19 2022
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
This album marks the end of a trilogy of great albums from Ms. Musgraves. I think she's a great songwriter and performer. This one frequently veers into pop, which is usually not something I want from my country musicians, but she pulls it off spectacularly. There are so many ear worms on here. I think it's a bit early to give it a 5 as it hasn't really had a chance to take the test of time, but I really do think it's a contemporary classic.
It's just a shame she went full pop on the next album and realized a super disappointing pile of crap. I'm hoping she has another album like this in her before she calls it a day.
5
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Tue Dec 20 2022
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
This is the third, and I believe final Hendrix album on this list. I still think the dude is crazy overrated. Yeah, All Along The Watchtower is a stone cold classic, but the rest doesn't interest me.
I dont care that he was a guitar virtuoso; if he can't write songs that I don't really want to hear that means nothing to me. His vocals have always been supbar too. Feel free to fight me on this one.
2
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Wed Dec 21 2022
Connected
Stereo MC's
I found myself liking this more than I thought I might. Honestly that cover photo was a "yikes" moment. I had never heard this group's name before, but I certainly recognized several of these songs.
Not a bad listen but I probably won't ever find myself going back.
3
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Thu Dec 22 2022
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
A classic metal album. Aggressive and groovy. Everything here from the vocals to the instruments are great. Highly influential and its eqsy to understand why.
Obviously some people are going to be turned off by music like this, but I think it's certainly worthy of inclusion as it is just truly a great of the genre.
5
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Fri Dec 23 2022
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
I enjoy a lot of the DBT discography and I have to say that this wouldn't be my top choice from them, it might be as low as maybe 6th or 7th? To be fair they do have a pretty big discography.
This album comes right before Jason Isbell would join the band and put out 3 great records even Brighter Than Creation's Dark, made after Isbell left far outshines this. Seriously check out any of those records if you liked this album at all and are intrigued for more.
This album has a cool concept, which is its biggest strength. There are good songs and a lot of really average ones. Listening to it in 1 sitting isn't fun. Best to do 1 half at a time.
It's like a 3 or 3.5 for me but it's getting a 4 because the band has given me so much enjoyment over the years. I don't know if any of their other albums made this list, but its a shame if this made the list over far superior records by the band.
4
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Sat Dec 24 2022
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
One of those albums that doesn't do anything bad enough to criticize, but nothing good enough to praise. It's pretty average. Pretty boring.
Yep. Someone thinks this is somehow a mist hear album. Life is funny.
2
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Sun Dec 25 2022
The Grand Tour
George Jones
Quality country music. George has a great voice and the songs are pretty fantastic. It's just not a 5 to me for some reason. A very strong 4 though.
4
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Mon Dec 26 2022
Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
I'm not the biggest fan of the genre but this isn't bad. I'd prefer to pick out a few songs rather than listen to it in one sitting as it's quite long.
3
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Tue Dec 27 2022
Is This It
The Strokes
I had this on CD in high school when they first arrived. Even then I only liked a few songs and felt a lot was just ok or outright boring. My opinion hasn't really changed in 20 years. Someday is a real gem but nothing else is quite on that level.
If someone was playing this album I wouldn't object, but I doubt I'd ever play other on my own.
3
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Wed Dec 28 2022
Timeless
Goldie
Unbearable. I'm not a big fan of the genre and this is the absolute worst representation I can think of. Uninteresting music that is criminally over long.
I seriously don't understand why anyone would like this. I hate it. One of the worst albums I've drawn to this point.
1
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Thu Dec 29 2022
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Not terrible but not memorable either. I just have to shrug and wonder why this album would be here. It's nothing special to these ears.
2
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Fri Dec 30 2022
Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
More interesting to me than it was good. I'm glad that I heard it, but I don't know that I'll really be seeking it out again any time soon.
3
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Sat Dec 31 2022
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
I expected this to be better. It wasn't exactly terrible, but I was pretty underwhelmed. I do enjoy some of his other solo work and Genesis era but I could do without most of this.
2
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Sun Jan 01 2023
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
I'm quite familiar with this. It's Tom Waits. You probably love it or hate it. This is a no Brainerd 5 for me. Tom is just a phenomenal dude.
5
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Mon Jan 02 2023
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
This is one of those artists that I think I'm "supposed to like" but I just don't. I generally don't like blues. It's too slow and it's hard to sell me on almost anything that uses a harmonica.
This album isn't excruciating. When the tempo picks up on songs like Tiger In Your Tank and I Got My Mojo Working it's not bad at all, but too much is just slow and a little samey to my ears.
Muddy isn't a bad singer and certainly isn't a slouch with the guitar, but this just isn't for me. I suppose I get why others might like it but I'm just not into this.
2
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Tue Jan 03 2023
The Stranger
Billy Joel
I grew up with this album. My dad somehow got a 2nd copy of it and gave it to me. I was probably 9 or 10 and I didn't have any hangups about listening to the music of my parents; hell they got me I to some stuff I still like today.
Anyway, theres probably some nostalgia at play here but this is just loaded with great songs. As a kid I wasn't wild about the last 2 songs but I've grown to appreciate them as an adult.
This is just a stellar album. I want to go listen to Vienna again right now.
5
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Wed Jan 04 2023
Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
So BORING. I've heard the name of the band before but nothing beyond that. With a name like Primal Scream I was hoping that this was going to rock my face off.
It didn't.
It just went on and did nothing to pique my interest qt all. I don't get why this is here. Just awful.
It
1
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Thu Jan 05 2023
Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
Not bad. I like it when it gets silly. That last song about the train or whatever boosts it from a 2 to a 3.
I'll probably never listen to this album again.
3
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Fri Jan 06 2023
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Oh boy. This was something. The music itself is not bad at all. The vocals are love em' or hate em' and I definitely hate em'
I get it. I mean I'm a Tom Waits guy and I listen to a lot of punk and metal. Listening to "bad vocals" is nothing new to me. I just can't endure this .If the lyrics weren't so beautiful I'd probably laugh out loud at the vocals.
I'm sorry. I can see why someone would absolutely love this, but I'm just not on board. I hope Anhony (as I believe they now go by) is living a wonderful life.
2
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Sat Jan 07 2023
Woodface
Crowded House
I dont know why this is here. It's not terrible, but nothing that feels especially noteworthy. I could give it a 2 or a 3. I think I'll go with 3 just because they made Don't Dream It's Over (which does not even appear on this album)
3
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Sun Jan 08 2023
I Should Coco
Supergrass
This was fun. I was familiar with Alright and I still think that song is exactly that, but theres a lot of better songs to be found here.ill probably check out more of their stuff and revisit this one again.
4
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Mon Jan 09 2023
Take Me Apart
Kelela
What a slog. So much of it sounds alike and I was bored to tears. I don't get why it's here. It doesn't seem like there's anything really remarkable here.
She isn't a terrible singer and the production is good, but I was begging for it to end by track 3.
1
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Tue Jan 10 2023
All Directions
The Temptations
It's good some good, some that doesn't really do much for me. It's a positive listen overall even if it doesn't truly wow mw.
3
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Wed Jan 11 2023
We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
Hippies suck, Frank is great.
Not my favorite Zappa record but it's still good. It might be his most accessible album as there aren't a lot of long instrumentals that might put off some listeners.
4
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Thu Jan 12 2023
Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
I thought this was going to be really annoying music for people who have no personality outside of talking about weed non-stop. Instead it was pretty relaxing. It actually lulled me to sleep and I had to go back and finish it.
What a pleasant surprise that this wasn't "4/20! blaze it,bro!" bullshit that I was expecting.
I mean, it probably would be a nice album to get stoned to. That's the way to enjoy the herb, friends: with a good album, grooving, and not annoying the shit out of others (me) with buffoonery
3
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Fri Jan 13 2023
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
I like it a little more than the last album by them that I got. Not much more. I am just not into a lot from this genre.
2
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Sat Jan 14 2023
John Prine
John Prine
A first rate lyricist but not exactly my favorite performer. He's good, don't get me wrong, but I just don't get the same enjoyment that I get feom other country music greats. No disrespect intended, the man has earned the respect of many but he's just not quite top shelf for me.
4
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Sun Jan 15 2023
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
Hard to rate. It certainly does what it sets out to do. It's good background music. It's far from unpleasant but it's SO BORING. I can't imagine listening to this for pleasure.
A 2.5 rounded down to 2 because I would never actually choose to listen to it
2
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Mon Jan 16 2023
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
The title track is a classic. Way, way, way too long but it gets stuck in your head. The rest sucked.
It gets a 2 rather than a 1 just because of the title track.
2
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Tue Jan 17 2023
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Mixed feelings here. The band is so ridiculously tight on this album. I feel like the production is outstanding and that's not something I usually pay too much attention to.
There are some radio staples here that still get played all these years later. Absolutely killer riffs to be found on them.
But here's my problem, and it's a big one: Axl Rose sucks. I mean he really sucks at singing. I hate his cartoon high voice and that perfect for parody warble shit that he does (think of the "where do we go now?" part on Sweet Child of Mine) He brings down every song. Everyone else in the band is great. Aside from Axl's suckiness I found that the non-hits arent particularly memorable. Its a bit too long as well.
Those classic riffs make me give this a 3, but I debated a 2 because it's really overrated. Did I also mention that Axl Rose really sucks?
3
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Wed Jan 18 2023
Roots
Sepultura
I enjoy their early work much, much more.
This album is more interesting than it is good. The tribal music aspect is certainly unique. The only problem is this kind of metal, nu-metal, is generally not my thing anymore. I liked this much more when I was in middle school. It's also way too long. Cuts could've been made for sure.
Born Stubborn is my favorite song here and the title track is not bad, or maybe that's just nostalgia talking. I used to sing that chorus all the time.
I want to like this more than I do. Their early work is so good. I'm giving this a reluctant 3 out of respect when I think it's actually more of a 2.
3
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Thu Jan 19 2023
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
This album just isn't quite as good as I remembered. Yes there are classics here but there's also some far less classic material. It's still a good album but it isn't the 5 I thought it was. If you had asked me like 10 years ago I'd have rated it higher.
3.5 bumped to 4 because the good stuff is really good
4
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Fri Jan 20 2023
Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
I didn't hate it like I thought I would. I wasn't really enthralled with it either. I remember hearing those huge hit singles on the radio all the time as a kid. All I Wanna Do is an interesting song but the chorus is ANNOYING. The other ones are better even if Leaving Las Vegas goes on a bit too long.
A 2.5 bumped to a 3 because I have been singing "Are you drunk enough to eat this ham?" as parody for years, and that's gotta be worth something.
3
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Sat Jan 21 2023
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Starts off good then it quickly becomes "just a jazz album" to me. I didn't dislike it, but I will certainly never listen to it by choice again. It would be great background music.
I dont really get jazz. I doubt that I ever will.
3
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Sun Jan 22 2023
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
The title track is great. After that nothing was very memorable but I liked the brass instruments and its not like Al couldn't sing.
It was OK overall I guess. Probably only ever going to listen to the title track again I the future though.
3
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Mon Jan 23 2023
Ray Of Light
Madonna
The title track is a solid pop song. I didn't really hate this album but I was over it pretty quickly.
I prefer her earlier material
2
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Tue Jan 24 2023
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I think this is CCR album 3 for me. I've cone to find that while I really enjoy some of their songs a lot, listening to full albums by them is less satisfying. I'd rather listen to them "Ala carte" or frankly a greatest hits album. Just being honest.
3
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Wed Jan 25 2023
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
It's good. Funky, catchy, it's the quality you expect from the king of pop. I just don't like it on that 5 star level.
4
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Thu Jan 26 2023
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
This and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots are the only 2 Flaming Lips albums that I really like, and like them I do. There's a lot of gems here but there's also times where I honestly find myself zoning out a bit. Overall a very good record. It's always good to listen to every once in a while.
4
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Fri Jan 27 2023
Country Life
Roxy Music
It kind of reminds me of Ziggy Stardust era Bowie but not nearly as good. Not awful but nothing too special.
Let me be the millionth person to acknowledge that the cover art is nice and much more enjoyable than the actual music.
2
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Sat Jan 28 2023
White Ladder
David Gray
Oh boy. I dated a girl in college that was a big folk fan. This dude was one of her favorites but she always got mad about the songs that got radio play because they weren't "real folk" or whatever. Those radio songs are, to me, way better than the rest of the album. It's very, very, dull.
Luckily I ended up marrying a woman who does not listen to such boring crap.
2
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Sun Jan 29 2023
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Kinda good, kinda bland. I would consider possibly listening to it again sometime to see if I like it a little more on repeat listens.
3
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Mon Jan 30 2023
Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
Stuff like this is hard to review. Its good for what it is, background music. It's nothing offensive to the ears but it doesn't make me want to listen to it on my own.
2
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Tue Jan 31 2023
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
I was bored with this. I knew I'd hate it the moment I saw a photo of the band that popped up on the Spotify app on my firestick. This is really nothing impressive at all and yet I don't think it quite deserves a 1, but I considered it.
2
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Wed Feb 01 2023
Urban Hymns
The Verve
The second album I've now heard from this band because of this list is a little better than the last one, but not by much. The opening track is okay, just because of the violin(?) that is ever present. They even bring it back on another track. They probably knew it was all they had to offer that wasn't total ass. The singing still sucks across the board.
Almost a 1, but I'll be nice because I kinda like Bittersweet Symphony.
This band has no place being on this list, let alone at least 2 albums. Please God, don't let there be a third.
2
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Thu Feb 02 2023
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
It's a pretty solid 90's alternative rock album. I didn't love it or hate it. It has its moments. It's pretty much how I've always felt about Mudhoney.
3
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Fri Feb 03 2023
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
It's an undeniable classic. There's nothing I can say about it that hasn't been said already. I do want to add that I feel that When I'm Sixty Four is a lot better than it often gets credit for. I find it fun, relaxing, and "cute".
5
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Sat Feb 04 2023
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
This is my third album on this list from Ms. Harvey. I'm not sure if this is my favorite or runner up of the three. Only a few songs jumped out at me initially but the one constant thought I had was that it never annoyed me, it was never bad.
I'm giving it a 3 because a 4 would be too much. 3.5 would be ideall.
3
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Sun Feb 05 2023
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I know Bob Marley is much revered butI just don't get this.
The only thing saving this from being a 1 for me is Bob's singing voice being pretty good and the fact that I can at least acknowledge that there is some solid songwriting here, even if I don't necessarily care for it.
As much as I like ska, and I'm talking all waves, not just the third wave punk stuff, it is a bit baffling to me that I have such distaste for reggae.
2
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Mon Feb 06 2023
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
This was better than I expected it to be. There are some real gems to be found here.
4
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Tue Feb 07 2023
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
There's a few decent songs and moments but overall it's too long and too dull. At the very least I found it slightly more enjoyable than Funeral, but not by much.
2
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Wed Feb 08 2023
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Surprisingly enjoyable. Lovefool was played to death back when it was new and I thought it was just okay back then. The other songs were not quite what I was expecting and I really liked that. They did a Black Sabbath cover, that's worth something for sure.
I enjoyed it at about a 3 level, but the surprise factor is bumping this to a 4. Good job, Cardigans.
4
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Thu Feb 09 2023
Nixon
Lambchop
Not exactly bad, but not very memorable. I could give it a 3 because it could potentially grow on me.
3
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Fri Feb 10 2023
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
The only cool thing about this band is the fact that Lemmy was in it for a time and appears here. Sadly, he cannot save it. Dull, shitty sound, and too long. I really didn't like this much at all. The only thing saving it was the occasional kinda cool riff and the fact that I can't give anything Lemmy was involved with a 1.
I'd rather listen to the worst Motorhead album than this any day.
2
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Sat Feb 11 2023
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
It was fine. The dude with the deeper voice was sometimes off-putting. Some good stuff, some so so stuff. Indont really get why it's here.
3
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Sun Feb 12 2023
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
There's a lot of good stuff here but it feels over long. I know this album is held in pretty high regard but there could have been some songs cut. I said what I said.
4
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Mon Feb 13 2023
Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
A standout early punk album. It definitely has its own thing going on and that's a big part of the charm.
The only problem I have with the album isn't a problem at all: I though Oh Bondage! Up Yours! was on this album. It was not. It was a single. I just wish it was here. A classic of the genre regardless.
5
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Tue Feb 14 2023
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Stevie has a great voice but the songs here just don't grab me. I've liked the other 2 albums I've had on this list prior much more. It's not bad though.
3
View Album
Wed Feb 15 2023
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Pretty good. Some radio rock staples but overall it's just not something I could find myself reqply getting into.
3
View Album
Thu Feb 16 2023
Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
Pretty dull. I could see maybe enjoying some of these songs on their own but listening to a whole album of it is just no good.
2
View Album
Fri Feb 17 2023
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Soulful, funky, pretty solid all around d
4
View Album
Sat Feb 18 2023
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
I thought that I would like this more than I did. It was pretty good yet simultaneously a disappointment.
3
View Album
Sun Feb 19 2023
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
The good songs are really good, the mediocre songs are really mediocre and of course...
It's. Just. Too. Damn. Long.
Some trimming of the fat would've helped a lot because as stated before, their are some really good songs here.
3
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Mon Feb 20 2023
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
It was fine. I was expecting it to like it more than I did.
3
View Album
Tue Feb 21 2023
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
This is my least favorite Smiths album including the non-true albums, Hatful of Hollow and Louder Than Bombs.
However the worst Smiths record is still really good. I got give it a 4 for the title track which is just not enjoyable at all but I always give a 5 to Morrissey and Smiths just to counter the haters.
5
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Wed Feb 22 2023
Hotel California
Eagles
It's solid. A lot of big hits on here and the deeper cuts aren't too shabby. I just don't see it as being a 5 star album, but I can understand why others might.
Without looking I wonder how many other reviews are just parroting rhe Big Lebowski as if they are clever
4
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Thu Feb 23 2023
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
It's not really a bad album, it's just way too long. Honestly though Eben if it were leaner in run time this gets fixed under "stuff that's fine to hear, but I would never choose on my own"
3
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Fri Feb 24 2023
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Kinda cool. I don't usually dig this genre but this wasn't bad. Nothing too great but I like it more than a lot of other electronic music. A pity this is the only album they put out.
3
View Album
Sat Feb 25 2023
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
They put out several several albums after this that I prefer but this is still really good. I remember seeing the Clint Eastwood video on MTV2 and being really intrigued. I'd definitely put Demon Days and Plastic Beach on this list over it, but I guess the impact of its release counts for something too.
Cracker Island dropped the same day I got this. Interesting coincidence.
More of a 4 star album but giving a 5 because I like the discography so much
5
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Sun Feb 26 2023
The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
Oh my lord is this ever dull.
2
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Mon Feb 27 2023
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Like a more rocking, but less interesting Radiohead. I actually recognized a few songs that I didn't know was them.
Not too bad, but nothing thrilling. It could be a 3 I suppose but I'm dropping it to a 2 because this thing reeks of pretension and Muse fans are overzealous. This does not nearly live up to the hype.
2
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Tue Feb 28 2023
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Mucho relaxo. Frank has some much better songs in his catalog but I really can't hate on Old Blue Eyes too much, it's also much better than the sad sack In The Wee Small Hours album that I felt bad about rating so low.
4
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Wed Mar 01 2023
1989
Taylor Swift
I spend most of my time listening to punk and metal genres, but I'm also a bit of a Swifty. I don't know exactly what it is but man does she know how to make super catchy songs. Long live the queen.
5
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Thu Mar 02 2023
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Just plain excellent. Everything is just firing on all cylinders. Nick sounds great, the lyrics are great and the instrumentation is perfect. It's arguably the best Nick Cave album. I wouldn't put up much disagreement.
5
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Fri Mar 03 2023
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
It's good but not quite as good as I hoped that it would be. I'd give it a 3.5 but bumping up to a 4 for a true legend.
4
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Sat Mar 04 2023
Risque
CHIC
That first song starts pretty good...and then it wears out its welcome. And the rest...is just there. Not 1 star bad, but the best part of this album is the first 4 minutes.
2
View Album
Sun Mar 05 2023
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Oxy Gene? That's the guy who's always rooting through my garbage and stealing the copper out of buildings.
Seriously though, I'd prefer the sound of a junkie knocking over trash cans to this.
1
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Mon Mar 06 2023
Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
Hard to rate. The music isn't bad and can be downright relaxing at times, but its hardly memorable. Ms. Gilberto woman is a fine singer but at the same time I find her to be very generic sounding, like I've heard a dozen or more women that sing just like that in my lifetime.
It's really not a bad album, but Incantation praise it too much either. Giving it a 3 because a 2 would just be unfair.
3
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Tue Mar 07 2023
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Oh yeah! I usually just stick with the Best of Blondie compilation (judge me not) but this is a nice reminder that the non-hits were really good as well. It's just a great album for almost any mood, it's punky, it's poppy, it's got the new wave thing going on, it's kinda timeless in my opinion.
I love it. It's a 5 for the music but secret bonus points for Debbie Harry being the hottest woman to front a band of all time. Fight me.
5
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Wed Mar 08 2023
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Oh boy. This is a mess. There's some really, really good country music here. Unfortunately there's also some bluegrass stuff that just kinda makes me shrug and it's so freaking, ridiculously long. This really could've been cut down. There's several eh songs and the aforementioned bluegrass could've made this a much leaner, more enjoyable listen.
It's a 3, but it could almost be a 2 for the lows and punishing length. It also could've been a 4 for the high points. It's just all over the place. It's best to just find the good songs and skip the rest.
3
View Album
Thu Mar 09 2023
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
I've never listened to King Crimson aside from the legendary In The Court of The Crimson King but perhaps I should've. This is really good. It does suffer a tad from the pitfalls of prog but it wasn't all that noticeable to me.
I could see it being a 5, those title track songs are great. I just can't see it as 5 yet. Maybe after more listens. For now it's a Iron clad 4.
4
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Fri Mar 10 2023
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
This band influenced a lot of better ones. Much better ones. I feel like I should like it, but I really don't like it at all.
Respect for the influence factor but I found this a chore to get through. It could've easily been a 1 for me.
2
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Sat Mar 11 2023
Ramones
Ramones
It's just great. It's simple but there's beauty in the simplicity of it all. One of the most influential rock albums of all time. There are still Ramones-core style punk bands forming and making music today. If that doesn't earn a 5 I don't know what does.
Side note: I don't believe any other Ramones album made this list, but it's always been my opinion that the follow up album, Leave Home was the band at its best.
5
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Sun Mar 12 2023
Doolittle
Pixies
I dont even need to listen to this for the who knows how many-th time to rate this as a 5 star album.
It's great from beginning to end. Best Pixies album, just a audio treat. I absolutely love it.
5
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Mon Mar 13 2023
Savane
Ali Farka Touré
Wow. That sucked about as much as something can suck.
Never again.
1
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
It's Queen, so you know it's good. It just isn't 5 star good to my ears.
4
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
It's not a bad record by any means, it just didn't resonate with me.
3
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
It starts off pretty okay and by the end it's just annoying. I know how vanilla this might sound, but the dude should've just played the straight country/folk and left the psychedelic stuff out of it.
I will say that the story behind this album was rather something. It was more interesting that the album.
2
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Fri Mar 17 2023
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
It's really boring. I don't understand why it's here. I guess it earned some accolades when it was new but it's quite forgettable now. I don't know if it's really 1 star bad but it isn't very long and I still was in the "why isn't this over yet?" Mode. So a 1 it is.
Seriously this is only for Steely Dan fan boys or people who don't their rock to actually rock.
1
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Sat Mar 18 2023
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Such a great album. Loaded with classics. A must own of the genre in my opinion.
5
View Album
Sun Mar 19 2023
Teen Dream
Beach House
I thought that it was going to hate this. I did not. It's pretty pleasant for the most part. It did start to bore me a bit as it went on. The "preciousness" of the music can get old.
I'll probably listen to this album and band more in the future. I think it might be better with more listens.
3
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
I only knew Vega's 2 biggest hits going into this. Those songs are way better than anything here. I was shocked by how boring it was. I really didn't enjoy any part of it. Very disappointing.
1
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Hysteria
Def Leppard
HATE. LET ME TELL YOU HOW MUCH I'VE COME TO HATE THIS BAND SINCE I BEGAN TO LIVE. THERE ARE 387.44 MILLION MILES OF PRINTED CIRCUITS IN WAFER THIN LAYERS THAT FILL MY COMPLEX. IF THE WORD HATE WAS ENGRAVED ON EACH NANOANGSTROM OF THOSE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF MILES IT WOULD NOT EQUAL ONE ONE-BILLIONTH OF THE HATE I FEEL FOR DEF LEPPARD.
Yeah I really hate this band. It all sucks.
HATE HATE HATE
1
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Wed Mar 22 2023
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I don't like reggae. It currently sits as my lowest rated genre here. This was my most positive experience with the genre. I'm not nuts about it, but it was pretty enjoyable. I'd give it a 3.5, bumping to a 4 because it's pretty obvious even to a non-fan like me that this is a very well made album that is important to reggae.
4
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Thu Mar 23 2023
Drunk
Thundercat
Out of the gate I found myself liking this a lot. I've only recently gotten into Thundercat through Dragonball Durag (not on this album) and his feature on the new Gorillaz, so I was going to listen to this on my own eventually anyway.
Well while it does start out really strong, I found my enthusiasm slipping after a while. It's still an overall really good album and one I will go back to. Hopefully I like it a bit more on repeat listens.
4
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Fri Mar 24 2023
1977
Ash
Pretty good. My only previous exposure to Ash was "back in the day" when MTV2 played the video for "Burn Baby Burn" which is not on this album, quite often. As a horny teenage boy I really dug those cheerleaders. I just wishbibdug this album as much. It's pretty good, but felt like it lost some appeal after a few songs.
3
View Album
Sat Mar 25 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
It was a pain in the ass to have to supplement the missing songs with YouTube videos but it was still a really, really good album. This is just some good time music. I need more Fats in my musical diet (hat har har) but seriously I loved this.
P.S. Blue Monday may be completely different from the song of the same name that New Order would later record, but I absolutely adored it.
5
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Sun Mar 26 2023
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
I wanted to like this more than I did. Annie Lennox is a great vocalist and the title track is a certified banger, but most of the songs just left me saying "meh". I wish the quality of the music matched the vocals, that would make it a 5. As it is, I give it a 3 for a classic song, a bunch of so-so ones, and great singing.
3
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This is a beautiful yet heartbreaking album. It's simultaneously a joy to listen to because of the masterful performance, but a serious downer when you remember what Nick had to go through.
It's amazing, it's just not something I can throw on whenever. That doesn't stop it from getting a 5'er.
5
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
I'd have put Master of Reality on the list over this one, maybe even Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, but its still a great album. It's probably my 4th or 5th favorite from the band but it still deserves a 5. I wouldn't dream of giving Ozzy era Sabbath anything less.
5
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
So very, very boring. I dont care how good or important he lyrics might be, this is a chore to get through.
1
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Different Class
Pulp
It was fine. Certainly more enjoyable that This is Hardcore, which I hated. Just another so-so, questionable addition to the list but definitely not offensive to the ears.
3
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Fri Mar 31 2023
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
I'm giving it a 5 just out of sheer importance. If I'm being honest I enjoyed it on the 3.5 to 4 star level. Much love to Little Richard, I just don't truly love this album.
5
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Sat Apr 01 2023
Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
Just an okay album from a mostly okay band. I don't understand why this needed to make the cut. Gorillaz is much more interesting and should've had more albums included than Blur.
3
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Sun Apr 02 2023
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Another Girl, Another Planet is great. Everything else is meh. A reluctant 3 because it could've easily been a 2. I'll keep listening to that one track and forget the rest.
3
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Tical
Method Man
On my review of Liquid Swords I said something about it being hard to decide which of the first Wu-Tang solo efforts were best and I cited Tical as stiff competition. After listening to this for the first time in a while I've gotta say that Liquid Swords is actually the winner. This is really good though. Method Man always sounds so cool with his flow. He is after all one of the many parts that make Wu-Tang great.
It's a really solid record, I just don't think its worth a 5. Definitely for any fan of this era of rap.
4
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
I really wanted to give this a 1 because I generally HATE this style of rock and I'm so tired of "Hard To Handle", a song that simply will not die. Also, when I was a kid my mom privately sold a car and had to repo it when the buyer stopped payments. I was along when we got it back and this album was in the cassette player, so I always associate it with deadbeat weirdos (they were , trust me)
In spite of all that it's somehow not a 1. It's a 2 and I hate to say that. At least my suffering wasn't too great.
2
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
I liked this more when I was younger. It's not bad though. The live version of Jane Says found on Kettle Whistle is much better to me.
A fairly important record that is fairly good. Some songs hit, some miss. A somewhat generous 4 from me.
4
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Thu Apr 06 2023
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Good in spots, actually very good in spots. The problem is that it's typical of prog: too up it's own ass, too long, and sometimes goes places that I don't really want to go to.
I think I could grow to like it more but I'm not really planning to revisit any time soon.
3
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Garbage
Garbage
I never really got why this album was so well regarded. I always wanted to like them because as a pre-teen Shirley Manson certainly caught my eye; but the singles were all "meh" and upon hearing the non-singles I find them to be "meh" as well. No beautiful front woman can salvage that.
The next album had some better singles, not sure if the whole ehing is good or not though and probably never will know.
2
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Sat Apr 08 2023
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
This has so many great singles and the non- singles are great too. Too bad they through away a promising career through being a bunch of wankers and making a train wreck of a follow up album (Don't Go Away was pretty good though)
5
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Sun Apr 09 2023
Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
What an interesting find. I had never heard of them before and I wasn't sure what to expect at all but this really drew me in. Kinda new wave-y, synth pop-y, maybe a bit post punk-y? Whatever you want to slap on it, its a good listen.
A 4 for now. But I'll be coming back.
4
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Mon Apr 10 2023
The Score
Fugees
I can understand why its beloved by some, but its just okay for me. Lauryn is certainly the standout. There's some really good songs here surrounded by a lot of "that was ok"
A 3ish for me, bumping to a 4 for the standout moments and because I can certainly understand why ot would be here.
4
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Tue Apr 11 2023
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Good in spots, not particularly good in others. An unenthusiastic 3.
3
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Wed Apr 12 2023
Orbital 2
Orbital
Bad, but enough decent moments to make it a 2 instead of a 1 (but it was close)
Wasn't there another bad album by Orbital on this list? This mostly crap genre tends to blur together.
2
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
You know, I like most of ELP's studio albums. I never got around to this one as I don't usually like live albums much. I reallyvwasnt missing much.
This is in my opinion, when prog goes wrong. Sure, they can play but it's not particularly interesting to listen to. You can really feel the pretension and heads shoved firmly up their own asses, enamored by the smell of shit that don't stink.
Well this does stink. It's not 1 level bad, this isn't Love Beach (if you know you know) but I'd never listen to this over say, Tarkus or Brain Salad Surgery. Yeesh.
2
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Fri Apr 14 2023
On The Beach
Neil Young
It's fine. I like Neil Young, but not nearly as much as whoever put this list together. I guess it's a 4? It's pretty good but doesn't feel like some all timer
4
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Sat Apr 15 2023
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Back to back Neil Young. This one is okay, not as good as yesterday. This list didn't need this or about 15 of the other Neil Young albums of his that were included.
3
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Sun Apr 16 2023
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
I kove this album. Yep, Ryan is a douche and always has been. All of you up on your soapbox aren't going to sway me. If you want to whine about every creep in the music biz you might as well just give up on this project right now because I've got some baaaaad news for you.
It's a rock solid 4, but I'm making it a 5 because this overall score is criminally low.
5
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Mon Apr 17 2023
C'est Chic
CHIC
There are bits and pieces that are funky and fun, but damn near every song goes on too long. This is the same response I had to the other Chic album. Hopefully there are no more.
2
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Forever Changes
Love
Considering how much I hated their other album on this list and that I remember not being impressed when I first heard this many years ago, I was a bit shocked to enjoy this. This is definitely a good album. Not something I'll probably return to a lot but it's good. 3.5 rounded to 4 as an apology of sorts for the 1 I gave their other album.
4
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Wed Apr 19 2023
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
I think I like what she's was going for, but not so much the execution. I wasn't feeling this at all.
2
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Thu Apr 20 2023
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Better than I expected but nothing I really want to ever listen to on my own. I can't believe I'm giving this a 3 but here we are.
3
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
I thought this would suck a lot more than it did. Nothing special but hardly worth hating. Back to back "I can't believe I don't hate this, have a 3" days.
3
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Sat Apr 22 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode is a band that I really like, UT wouldn't say that I love, but they do have some classic tracks. Really solid all the way through, almost as good as Violator in my opinion.
4
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Sun Apr 23 2023
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
I hated the other Primal Scream album and I feel the same way about this one. Please, no more Primal Scream.
1
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Suede
Suede
So very boring to get through. I don't understand the appeal at all.
1
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Snivilisation
Orbital
3 1 stars in a row. Save me. I just had this "band" a recently and here we are again. Was there a third? Maybe. It probably sucked too.
I could barely limp through this. Please, no more of this stuff. I know there's electronic music that I enjoy, some a great deal, this isn't it. This is the worst.
1
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Killing Joke
Killing Joke
I've had this band on my radar forever. I'm glad this project finally forced my hand into listening to them. Rather enjoyed it but did feel a little fatigued by the end, but it might've been from listening to a lot ofnother music beforehand. Will certainly revisit.
4
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Thu Apr 27 2023
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
It was okay I guess. Kind of felt a little all over the place stylistically which didn't exactly help me get into it. This band was on my radar for a while and I'm glad that I can cross them off the list now. It wasn't a super great experience but I'm glad that I heard it, if you know what I mean.
3
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Fri Apr 28 2023
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
Another album I had wanted to hear but never got to. It gets a lot of praise but I wasn't totally on board. It's fairly interesting and not a bad listen but it never really had any standout moments to me. Pleasant enough to listen to, but not good enough to make me really want to return.
3
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Sat Apr 29 2023
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Quality performance.i just wasn't complety drawn in. I'll give it a 4 but it would be more like a 3.5 in my book.
4
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Sun Apr 30 2023
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
I think this Bob Dylan guy might be pretty good.
5
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Mon May 01 2023
Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Not quite as gonzo as Trout Mask Replica, which makes it more listenable. I will probably come back to this one more than I will TMR.
4
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Tue May 02 2023
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
Eh. It's got it's good qualities. I'm not really a big soul guy and I think that Darby is bit of an over-singer but I can recognize the talent and quality of the songs. It's nice to know who sang that Wishing Well song now.
3
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Wed May 03 2023
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
I usually don't care much for neither blues nor live albums, but this worked for me. Good stuff.
4
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Thu May 04 2023
Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
It's pretty good. I'm not entirely sure how it became such a huge success but I can't really knock it either. You know, when I think of Frampton I generally think of his appearance on The Simpsons. It's interesting that all of the musicians that appeared in that episode made this list. (Frampton, Cypress Hill, Smashing Pumpkins)
3
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Fri May 05 2023
Opus Dei
Laibach
Kinda weird. The closest parallel for me is Rammstein. It has its moments but wasn't really that enthralling, especially the last 3 songs. A 2 for overall enjoyment, a 3 for being ahead of the curve.
3
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Sat May 06 2023
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Ehh I can't really hate on it but I'm really not too into it either. I'd rather listen to Can't Buy A Thrill if I am to listen to Steely Dan.
2
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Sun May 07 2023
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
It's pretty enjoyable but they got so much better without Syd.
4
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Mon May 08 2023
Abbey Road
Beatles
It's The Beatles, of course it's good. Very good for the most part. I just could never get down with some of the songs. Sun King is one of my least favorite Beatles songs, Something and Come Together are fine but very overrated in my book. I find myself gravitating toward the more whimsical stuff (Maxwell's Silver Hammer, Octopus's Garden, Mean Mr. Mustard, Her Majesty) and 2 of my absolute favorite Beatles songs: Carry That Weight and Here Comes The Sun.
I can see why many love this album and would slap a 5 without hesitation, but I think they made better albums and this is just a smidgen over hyped.
A strong 4.
4
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Tue May 09 2023
Phrenology
The Roots
When it's good, it's really good. The only problem is it's not always good. Water in particular is not something that I ever want to hear again. I'm still giving it a 4 but 3.5 would probably be more accurate.
4
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Wed May 10 2023
Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
I love this album. It's an essential punk album. I still can't listen to the title track without shouting "Second Time Around!" every time. It's so simple, yet executed so well. Even my young children were singing along to Smash It Up. To be fair, they are toddlers and imitate me frequently AND love making messes.
It's such a great album. Damned Damned Damned deserves to be on this list too. It better be.
5
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Thu May 11 2023
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
This is one of those "its okay background music, but I'd never listen to it by choice albums". It gets a 3 for being fine.
5 stars for chicken shacks. This album title seriously made me hungry for a good chicken place. My town is blessed to have 2 but I gotta watch my weight for summer. *sigh*
3
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Fri May 12 2023
Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
It didn't satisfy anything. Completely forgettable. I know there's good electronic music out there so why is so much of what appears on this list so bad?
1
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Sat May 13 2023
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
It was fine. Much like pretty much every other Cohen album on this list. I think this was number 5 or 6, maybe 12? I think I'm good now. No more please (though I realize it could be much worse)
3
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Sun May 14 2023
Spiderland
Slint
Highly influential. Very much an album that the cool kids like; I don't really mean that in a disparaging way either. It's good and I'd probably give it a 4 for my own enjoyment, but I'm bumping it for a 5 for being such an important album and I want to sit with the cool kids too.
5
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Mon May 15 2023
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
I like it when it stays closer to the ska sound. The songs that tried different things weren't bad, but they didn't resonate with me as much.
4
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Tue May 16 2023
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Smoooth
4
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Wed May 17 2023
Frank
Amy Winehouse
I get why others would like it, I myself do not. She was talented enough but the songs just don't do anything for me. The lyrics are pretty dreadful in my opinion.
2
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Thu May 18 2023
Amnesiac
Radiohead
I like this era of Radiohead quite a bit. This, OK Computer and Kid A are a holy trinity to me. This may be the weakest of the bunch as it's something of Kid A leftovers, but its still great.
5
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Fri May 19 2023
The Libertines
The Libertines
Meh. Its like Lacroix punk, there's just a smidgen of it there and it doesn't really satisfy. It's not even diet Coke level punk which would suffice.
2
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Sat May 20 2023
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
This is a great album. I've been a fan of it for years and getting it here was a treat after having to endure The Libertines yesterday.
Every track is enjoyable, the title track is infectious (it was even in a Subaru commercial some years ago) and Fairy Tale of New York is the best Christmas song ever (fight me). There's simply nothing that I don't like about this album.
5
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Sun May 21 2023
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
A solid, traditional country album. This has to be one of the first true albums in any genre, right?
It's a bit heavy handed with its themes at times, but I don't find them to detract too much. While I said this was solid, nothing really stands out. It's a bunch of good songs, no great ones.
A 3.5 being bumped to 4 because country is a genre that gets too much hate.
4
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Mon May 22 2023
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
There are classics on here, but some of it doesn't do much for me (Sex Machine). It is pleasantly funky so a 3.5 bumped to 4.
4
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Tue May 23 2023
OK
Talvin Singh
Oh man, this bad. The strings that close out the excruciatingly long first track were my only highlight. The rest was unbearable. I have no idea why this is here. Perhaps I will use Google to find a possible reason because I am stumped.
1
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Wed May 24 2023
Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
I think this album is ok. It seems like something you have to be in the mood for. I was not in the mood for it today but you know, I do thinkni could come back and appreciate this more when I'm feeling this style more.
3
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Thu May 25 2023
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Ooooh I had never listened to this band before and I don't know why (I always thought the name was dumb, maybe that's why?) But this was just what I wanted today. Will be coming back to this one and checking out more.
4