Nov 18 2021
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
I guess I just don't understand classic rock... The album wasn't bad - it just didn't have a whole lot of variety. I had heard "Sultans of Swing" before, and when the first track started, I actually thought it was SoS, that's how alike they sounded. It's a style I suppose; just one I'm not super fond of.
2
Nov 19 2021
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Fun House
The Stooges
The vocals are just not for me. And that’s a shame because the music is quite pleasant to listen to.
3
Nov 22 2021
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Still not a massive classic rock fan, but this album was pretty good, start to finish.
4
Nov 23 2021
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Like a much less talented Billy Joel!
3
Nov 24 2021
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
Live albums are garbage. Why would I want screaming nonsense on top of my music?!?!? 3 stars because the music was good. Would have been higher if it weren’t live.
3
Nov 25 2021
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
The first album randomized that I listened to more than once! The king of pop, crushing it as usual.
5
Nov 26 2021
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Closer
Joy Division
I just don't understand the intrigue of bands with lead singers that can't carry a tune. I'm giving this a three because musical arrangement was good. Vocals are abysmal.
3
Nov 29 2021
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Hard to think of a better debut album. True shredder!
5
Nov 30 2021
View Album
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
I wasn't expecting to like this one. Didn't realize who it was! After looking them up, I felt silly but understood why the guitar had me hooked.
4
Dec 01 2021
View Album
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
I get that the album as one of the first full length album in the rap/rock genre. Problem is, Kid Rock is an AWFUL rapper. Only giving it three stars because Bawitdaba is a MELTER!
3
Dec 02 2021
View Album
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
I have no idea what to even think about this album. It's all over the place, some fabulous, some complete garbage. I feel like their influence must be wide though, as there are many current bands that have a similar, if more refined, sound.
3
Dec 03 2021
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Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
I'm assuming that this was included on the list of albums to hear before I die just so I could understand how bad music can be. I've gotta check to see if my ears are bleeding now. Absolutely awful.
1
Dec 06 2021
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Live Through This
Hole
I prefer my vocalists to be able to sing in tune. The pitiful vocals ruin these songs for me.
2
Dec 07 2021
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I guess I'm realizing through this process that a good vocalist is important to me. Songs/melody is fine. Vocals are just terrible in some cases. Three stars for composition reasons, not vocal efforts.
3
Dec 08 2021
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Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Music has come a long way. This was pleasant, but boring. I've heard countless female artists list Billie as a major influence, but I was underwhelmed.
3
Dec 09 2021
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
I've hated every Coldplay song that I've ever heard on the radio. Their non released stuff was good to excellent. So pleasantly surprised!
4
Dec 10 2021
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Why did I need to listen to this? It just wasn't very good. Insanely repetitive.
2
Dec 13 2021
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
What a classic! Fats sure could play the piano!!!
4
Dec 14 2021
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
So many classics here! Great album.
4
Dec 15 2021
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The Band
The Band
Not awful, but nothing to write home about either.
3
Dec 16 2021
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
This is one of the least memorable albums I've ever heard. I won't remember one song from this more than ten minutes after the album ends.
2
Dec 17 2021
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Nothing particularly bad about this album. Also nothing I would call exceptionally good. Just some easy listening music I suppose.
3
Dec 20 2021
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Great album! Love me some MGMT!
5
Dec 21 2021
View Album
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I had only heard one Arctic Monkeys song before this, and never looked into them. Not bad. Punk rock isn't something I listen to much, so I doubt I would seek them out, but not awful music by any means.
3
Dec 22 2021
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Infected
The The
An interesting album. Pretty unique new wave feel. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. Shame I can't rate half stars or it would probably get a 3.5.
3
Dec 23 2021
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In Utero
Nirvana
Cobain is one of the few lead singers that I know, that can't hit notes, but is still an amazing lead. Incredible album.
5
Dec 24 2021
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Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Legalize it
4
Dec 28 2021
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Can't go wrong with Willie!
4
Dec 29 2021
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
This album is just fun. Don't know how anyone wouldn't like it.
4
Dec 30 2021
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My Generation
The Who
I know people love the who., but I just don't get it. I don't find their music enjoyable at all.
2
Dec 31 2021
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
It's incredibly hard for me to like an album that has a song that says "if you don't like this album, it's not for you." Seems like a participation trophy attitude.
3
Jan 03 2022
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Not a huge classic rock guy, but I can certainly appreciate a legendary album. So many iconic songs on this one.
5
Jan 04 2022
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Willie is always a good listen although this one wasn't his best. 4 stars.
4
Jan 05 2022
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
This is another one that needs half star ratings. I'm gonna give it 5 stars because it's chock full of iconic memorable melodies and arrangements. But some of the vocals are so screechy it makes my ears bleed.
5
Jan 06 2022
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
I just don't see the appeal. It's not absolutely horrible, but I certainly wouldn't call it good either. A couple of decent songs, but mostly hot garbage.
2
Jan 07 2022
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
I'm taken completely by surprise. I don't understand one word of this album, but it's one of the best recommendations so far! It's not perfect, but some of it is absolutely fabulous! First track was rough, but it picked up quickly. Great chill music.
4
Jan 10 2022
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Different Class
Pulp
A very average album. Some highs, some lows, and lots of in between. Nothing particularly bad, but nothing particularly good either.
3
Jan 11 2022
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
I'm sure that this is a great album as far as Irish folk music is concerned. Problem is, Irish folk music is an unrelenting assault on my eardrums and my better senses. Maybe you have to be Irish to understand it -clearly I'm not Irish.
1
Jan 12 2022
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Can't go wrong with the silky smooth voice of Marvin Gaye!!!
4
Jan 13 2022
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Somebody is going to have to explain the who to me because I just don't get it. Nothing about their music grabs me in any way. It's not excruciating, but I don't particularly enjoy it either.
2
Jan 14 2022
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
I enjoyed this album far more than I expected to. I feel like this album was probably highly influential on 80's pop.
5
Jan 17 2022
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Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
This was just strange. No idea how to explain it.
1
Jan 18 2022
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Fragile
Yes
Insanely average is the only way I can describe this one. Some spectacular lead guitar, but a lot of the melodies are all over the place. Songs that outlast their welcome as well.
3
Jan 19 2022
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Assuming this was included as a precursor to EDM. It's not terrible, but a little boring.
3
Jan 20 2022
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This album is awful. The vocals are terrible. The lyrics are juvenile. The arrangements are boring. I'm stunned that this sold one copy. The confusion is real.
1
Jan 21 2022
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Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
If you are into punk rock, I'm sure this is fabulous. A lot of it sounded like noise to me. If your song is overwhelmed by speaker feedback, I'm probably not going to like it much, but maybe that's just me.
2
Jan 24 2022
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
The queen! This isn't my favorite genre, but you can't help but appreciate and adore Aretha!
4
Jan 25 2022
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I get that his voice is an acquired taste, but if there's a better story teller, I don't know who it is.
4
Jan 26 2022
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1999
Prince
Full transparency - I've been a huge Prince fan my whole life, so I'm pretty biased, but this is just another example of how Prince has always been ahead of his time. I believe many of these songs would be hits if they were released today and not in 1980.
5
Jan 27 2022
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
The second CCR album I've been presented, and it was another pleasant surprise. Not sure I'm becoming a big fan or anything, but it's decent stuff for sure. Particularly liked the instrumental tracks near the end.
4
Jan 28 2022
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Transformer
Lou Reed
Aside from the racism, it wasn't terrible.
3
Jan 31 2022
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
I had very low expectations going in. Never really liked their radio stuff. But I was pleasantly surprised. Didn't blow me away, but there are some very good tracks on this album. 3.5 stars.
3
Feb 01 2022
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
I feel like I really need the book to understand why some of the albums are included. There was nothing wrong with this album, but there also wasn't anything that I found particularly compelling. Vocals are okay. Melodies are okay. Instrumentation is okay. Everything is two scoops of "just okay." Rating an awfully bland 2.5 stars.
2
Feb 02 2022
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Purple Rain
Prince
The G.O.A.T. with one of my all time favorite albums. I could ramble on for hours about this one, and nobody wants that, so I'll just say 5 stars and leave it at that.
5
Feb 03 2022
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
This one exceeded expectations. It's a little depressing in parts, but I think you are always gonna get that with country music. Her voice is not really my jam, but I can recognize it's beauty. Songs were well written.
4
Feb 04 2022
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Another pleasant surprise. Never heard of these guys, but it was a chill little album! 3.5 stars.
3
Feb 07 2022
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
This one is tough to rate. There was nothing particularly awful, but I can't say that I enjoyed listening to it. A lot of music from the 60s seems a bit "all over the place" to me, and this album fits that description perfectly.
2
Feb 08 2022
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Another mediocre album. It wasn't awful, but I can't imagine I'd ever go back and listen to it again.
3
Feb 09 2022
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Country Life
Roxy Music
Had no idea what to expect here; knew absolutely nothing about the band going in. It was decent. Not life changing by any means, but mostly enjoyable. Yet another 3.5 star album imo.
3
Feb 10 2022
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
While this is certainly not a preferred genre of music for me, I feel like I can appreciate talent, and these musicians are clearly talented! If you like this style, it probably doesn't get much better.
4
Feb 11 2022
View Album
Nowhere
Ride
This album would have been quite enjoyable were it not for the vocals. Parts of it were downright hard to listen to because it reminded me of stepping on a cat. Shame because some of the melodies and arrangements were great.
3
Feb 14 2022
View Album
GREY Area
Little Simz
I was wondering when I would get my first rap album. Expected Tupac, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Eminem, Jay-Z, NWA, Biggie, or any other of the pioneers of rap. Instead I got a no name, marginally talented, British rapper that no one has heard of. Trying not to let that effect my rating, listening to this with an open mind, it still was below average at best.
2
Feb 15 2022
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
Nothing terribly bad about this album. Also nothing memorable about this album.
2
Feb 16 2022
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Destroyer
KISS
Never really got into KISS. Maybe I should have. This album was a fun listen!
4
Feb 17 2022
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Another insanely average album. Didn't turn it off, but will never listen again.
3
Feb 18 2022
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
This album was nice. A chill vibe.
4
Feb 21 2022
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Live albums are still the absolute worst.
2
Feb 22 2022
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The Cars
The Cars
I had no idea that I was a Cars fan. I know their releases, and liked them well enough, but this whole album was stellar!
5
Feb 23 2022
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
This album is iconic for so many reasons it's hard to do a comprehensive review. Let's just say that I feel like this album is a "must listen"
5
Feb 24 2022
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Like the dance scene in napoleon dynamite, I don't know what's going on here, but I think I like it!
4
Feb 25 2022
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I wasn't overly impressed. Not awful, but I've heard Amy Winehouse hype since this album came out. My first time listening, expected to be blown away. Was not blown away.
3
Mar 01 2022
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
I expected this to be better than it was. Have heard that Muddy Waters is a legend and pioneer with wide reaching musical influence. Thought I would be blown away. Not bad, but not incredible either.
3
Mar 02 2022
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Otis was the man!
4
Mar 03 2022
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
A couple absolute gems on this one, but overall, not a great record.
2
Mar 04 2022
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Paris 1919
John Cale
Minus a song or two, this album was hot garbage.
2
Mar 07 2022
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
I get why this album is included and it's significance, but the only thing worse than a live album is a live album from prison.
2
Mar 08 2022
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Heroes
David Bowie
I don't even remotely understand the appeal of Bowie. This album was somewhere between garbage and a waste of my time.
1
Mar 09 2022
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Interesting album that I'll never listen to again.
3
Mar 10 2022
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
I forgot just how good this album is. An incredible entry from a legendary group.
5
Mar 11 2022
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
As far as classical/orchestra music goes, this was fine. If you've got an elevator around, this would be right at home there.
2
Mar 14 2022
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Hotel California
Eagles
One of the all time great albums. Easy rating here!
5
Mar 15 2022
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
The only thing worse than a live album is a two hour live album.
1
Mar 16 2022
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Truth
Jeff Beck
Hot ass garbage. Who listens to this stuff?
1
Mar 17 2022
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Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
Interesting sound. Not terrible, but I am unlikely to revisit this artist or album.
3
Mar 18 2022
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Disco shouldn't exist.
2
Mar 21 2022
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
I guess this is "British Pop Punk?" Not awful, but not much memorable here either. Another middle of the road offering.
3
Mar 22 2022
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
This album was better than I remembered. I feel like I should have been more into this when it was released!
4
Mar 23 2022
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The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
Do people listen to this when they aren't on hardcore mind altering drugs? Because I tried and it sucked.
1
Mar 24 2022
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Soul Mining
The The
Not bad. Nothing that changed my life, but a decent effort.
3
Mar 25 2022
View Album
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Everybody knows "Love Fool" but there were a few others here that are worth knowing! Unexpectedly good album.
4
Mar 28 2022
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Early Clapton < The other Claptons.
2
Mar 29 2022
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Aja
Steely Dan
This album was absolutely awful. Matter of fact, it may have completely ruined the saxophone sound for me.
1
Mar 30 2022
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
This one was strange for me. Several songs that are incredible works of art, and several songs that are not the least bit memorable. Good album overall though. 3.75 stars?
3
Mar 31 2022
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
Don't speak Spanish, but it had some jams.
3
Apr 01 2022
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
I would have liked this so much more had just about anyone else been lead singer. Music was really good. Dudes voice was rough for me.
3
Apr 04 2022
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Not a lot of variety, but a fun album none the less.
3
Apr 05 2022
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Eagles
Eagles
There are a handful of debut albums that just blow me away. This is most certainly one of them. It's easy to understand why Eagles are one of the most popular rock bands of all time.
5
Apr 06 2022
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
This was the best album that I'll never listen to again. Some really cool stuff there, but not my preferred genre.
4
Apr 07 2022
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Nevermind
Nirvana
I'm not worthy of reviewing this one.
5
Apr 08 2022
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Medúlla
Björk
I'm at a loss for words. I'll keep it simple. This sucked. Like a lot of suck. A whole lot.
1
Apr 11 2022
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Why? I mean there's nothing wrong with Q-Tip, but in terms of rap pioneers, I'm guessing there will be some left off this list that could easily replace this entry.
3
Apr 12 2022
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Blackstar
David Bowie
I almost had to shut this one off. It was really tough to get through. I just don't get the appeal of Bowie. Guess anything really is "art"
1
Apr 13 2022
View Album
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
This was creative, interesting, and unique, but WAY TOO REPETITIVE. It made it feel like each song was 10 minutes long. Worth a listen, not worth a return.
3
Apr 14 2022
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
This was an interesting combo. Big band meets psychedelic rock? It wasn't terrible, but I wasn't in love with it.
3
Apr 15 2022
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
I knew Echo existed, but had never listened to anything by them. Not bad. Pretty standard 80s fare imo.
3
Apr 18 2022
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Street Life
The Crusaders
If I were an elevator, I'd love this. Not sure who thought a 10 minute opening track was a good idea though.
3
Apr 19 2022
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The Yes Album
Yes
If you are into this type of sound, I'm sure this is fabulous. I'm not into it at all.
2
Apr 20 2022
View Album
Crazysexycool
TLC
In my opinion, there aren't many R&B/Hip-hop albums with unskippable tracks. This is certainly one of those unicorns. A must for any collection.
5
Apr 21 2022
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Take Me Apart
Kelela
Had never heard of this artist, and this album was a pleasant surprise. A couple bad tracks, but some great work overall.
4
Apr 22 2022
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OK
Talvin Singh
This was incredibly unique, yet somehow not at all memorable. It wasn't awful, but I also have no desire to ever listen to it again.
3
Apr 25 2022
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
If you think Billy Joel is just way too talented, then "shitty Billy Joel" here might be just your style!
2
Apr 26 2022
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Boston
Boston
I don't know how anyone could dislike this one. Just feel good rock!
5
Apr 27 2022
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Not particularly my cup of tea, but I'm sure it's considered good for the genre. My man needs to calm down. See a therapist or something.
3
Apr 28 2022
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
If you love "Come on Eileen" then you'll probably love the rest of this album. Exceeded expectations for me honestly.
4
Apr 29 2022
View Album
The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
Nothing particularly awful about this album. Also completely forgettable. Generic 80s album.
2
May 02 2022
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
I know this is blasphemy to some, but I feel like this is an average album by an average band. I'm just not impressed. My bad yo.
3
May 03 2022
View Album
evermore
Taylor Swift
Because Taylor Swift is my wife's favorite artist, I've heard more of her work than I probably care to. Imo, this isn't her best work. It's good. It's chill. It's not exactly ground breaking.
3
May 04 2022
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
R.I.P.
5
May 05 2022
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
My problem with this album is that it makes me wish I was on a Caribbean vacation, but instead I'm at work.
4
May 06 2022
View Album
Headquarters
The Monkees
I grew up in the 80s, but fell in love with the Monkees watching reruns of the television show. I bought copies of all their albums and knew all their songs. This album happens to be my favorite of theirs. A little something for everyone.
5
May 10 2022
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I finally ordered the book so I could find out why this list is full of mediocre albums. This was another snoozer imo.
2
May 11 2022
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
Unique. Creative. Art. I don't know that I love the music, but I love that it's different.
4
May 12 2022
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Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Nothing awful about this album. Equally nothing noteworthy. Insanely average.
3
May 13 2022
View Album
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
This one is tough to rate. SoaD is such a good band, but I can't stand the screaming growling vocals. If he would just sing, I think they would be one of my favorite bands.
4
May 16 2022
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
I expected this to be more 80s hair band rock. It was a bit deeper than that imo. A pleasant surprise!
4
May 17 2022
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Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
Just a rock solid early 90s rap album
4
May 18 2022
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
I've been a rap fan forever, but never listened to much Common. After hearing this album, I'm thinking that may have been a mistake. Above average album for sure.
4
May 19 2022
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
An album that launched a genre. And every track is outstanding without that context. Easy rating here.
5
May 20 2022
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Another difficult rating. I didn't hate it, but lyrics were lost on me since I don't speak the language.
3
May 23 2022
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
This was a fun album. I had heard several songs from the record, but didn't realize they were Fatboy Slim. I'm down for it!
4
May 24 2022
View Album
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
I get that Dylan is an icon and a master storyteller. But his voice is like a cheese grater on my nerves.
3
May 25 2022
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
I guess I'm just not an Arcade Fire guy. Album wasn't bad in any way. Also didn't grab me in any way.
3
May 26 2022
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Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
This album was very very good. Not quite five stars, but close. I don't know much about Ryan Adams, but I am interested in trying some of his other work after this. Lots of great emotional story telling in this one. Reminded me of Bob Dylan with a much better voice.
4
May 27 2022
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White Light
Gene Clark
This may have been the singular most boring album I've heard. It wasn't bad music, just dull.
3