African rhythms meet big band jazz (horns) in a high-energy album. Interesting listen and historically defining album. Later combinations of African rhythmic music and jazz, e.g. Fela Kuti's afrobeat, speaks more to me though.
Vocal jazz, beautiful voice, in the same line as Billie Holliday but more cheerful and playful.
The king is back. A bit more soft and souly than the previous rock-and-roll, and he sounds more mature. Not a bit listen, but I am not terribly excited. Long Black Limousine and Suspicious Minds are standout, maybe because they are the most complex songs (some are more classic country songs that are relatively boring)
The sound of Dreams and, you know, broken marriages, revenge, and falling in love. Beautiful album!
Some of her songs are along the same line as WAP and taking back sex for women, which is cool to hear. That said, this isn't really my jam. I am between 2 and 3 stars, but 2 is more indicative of this not being the type of hip-hop I like rather than the album itself. Some cool collabs on it, a bit too many mentions of songs being exclusive Missy Elliot, however.
Not a big fan of Red Hot Chili Pepper's jam and more funky sessions. I do think I prefer this album to their previous stuff where bass guitar is supposedly even more prevalent. Furthermore, I find most of Kiedis' lyrics pretty tedious. Yes we get you like to fuck. His more vulnerable lyrics as in Under the Bridge appeal more to me (even though it isn't a poetic sensation), but that song is also generally more melodic: which is also why I prefer some of their later stuff more (e.g. Californiacation, Dani California).
Nice conscious rap with a jazzy vibe (somewhat reminscent of the Jazz elements on 'To Pimp a Butterfly'). I especially like the first song on the album 'Be (intro)'. Doesn't reach the same levels of insight as Kendrick does (but who does, really) but has interesting mixes of black consciousness, religious inspiration, and promoting ideas of being something in this world. I like the bookends some of the in between songs not being as interesting to me. Probably on a 4,1/2 stars but let's be nice.
So sweet that I think I might get diabetes. It is soft R&B infused with Jazzy vibes. Super cheesy, easy listening, but, you know, it is cute. And thankfully the album isn't that long (36 minutes), which makes it easier to sit through - would probably give it one rank lower if it was 10 minutes longer.
Prince weird androgynous fragile, rage-y sexually charged music is a beautiful combination of perverted and innovative (not to mention disturbing!). Cool mix of drum machine beats and guitars and vocals that are hysteric (Cyndi Lauper maybe learned something from this). Stand out track is 'Little Red Corvette
Southern rock. Some sweet guitar riffs and soloes, especially on the ballads but lyrically pretty thin (it is clearly some young guys who like running free). The more general country songs are rather boring to me. Simple Man stand out, also because I am fascinated by the concept of striving to be a Simple Man.
Beats are very simple and I am not a big fan of the funk mixed with the beats. Additionally, the rap is boring, classic 'I have the biggest dick'-rap, I am not struck but the lyricism. Additionally, the vocal style is grinding me down. It has this retarded twang. Overall, the album is pretty annoying and boring to listen to for me.
The interlude Something for the blunted which is guitar driven with a funky notes is the best thing on the album for me (likely because it doesn't feature rap. Furthermore, it seems more like a sample that can looped which I enjoyed).
Some catchy rock tunes mixed with a salsa-vibe (a bit reminiscent of Sympathy for the Devil) - and Steely Dan knows how to write catchy choruses!
Decent hip-hop record, I like The Champ the most with the horn arrangements. Otherwise, it doesn't strike me that much - a lot of songs about vengeance and pussy which doesn't interest me that much - still the general sound of beats and his vocals are much preferable to e.g. Cypress Hill. You get small wiffs of WuTang Clan but it is more straight.
Such a delightful album with good variation in the tunes, beautiful vocals, fun songs. Songs like Scenes from an Italian Restaurant has nice progressions and changes in tune combined with nice saxophone! And Billy's songs are good at brining my friends together which adds to the Joy. I can only ask: when will you realize, Billy waits for you?
Has a wildness to it with guitar sounds on KICK (the stand out track) reminding me of what the Velvet Underground sounds like a year later (it has proto-punk quality) but they are by no means as out-there as Velvet Underground and is instead more blues rocky. It is an alright listen, I'd say it is a big 3 but have a hard time going to 4.
Lovely jazz piano. Bill Evans is my favourite jazz pianist and this is an absolute classic by him: it has a more mellow, down-beat feel than something like Monk that speaks to my sad-boy vibes. Would likely rate 5/5 if I had listened to it more but it isn't one of my staples (yet). We're on a 4.5/5
Hmm, Madona's synth pop is alright but I liked the more synthy debut that she had. I find her anthems a bit weird in the sense that I am not really as gripped by for instance, like a Prayer that I feel I should be. It is a nice, groovy album, however, and overall an enjoyable listen I am between 3-4 but feeling generous.
A solid thrash metal album that is quite similar to Slayer's 80s albums from Reign in Blood and onwards with some Megadeth thrown into the mix. It doesn't have the same uniqueness as Sepultura's later 90s album which has stronger influences from Latin rhythm and percussion (although I am not a massive fan of the groove metal approach they take, so I prefer this), but is however still a very good album.
Oo this album is so fragile and honest, it is beautiful, focusing on the things near us, in the neighbourhood, in the suburbs, telling stories of loss-of-innocence and coming to terms with the world. It is beautiful indie rock with symphonic influences, but also draws from various Latin traditions. I am in love with WIn Butler's vocal, and am on all fours over 'Wake Up' which manifests a beautiful anger and pain that ultimately dissolves into a cathartic sensation through dance. Maybe that sounds bizzare, but that really is how it feels! Brilliant album and thankfully not the only one by Arcade Fire at that!
Classic disco vibes that takes a more jazzed out experimental approach in the end. Tunes worthy for Abi's disco pants, would recommend.
Alright jazz, wasn't bad wasn't great. Maybe it was Water from an Ancient well but it wasn't spectacular. You know, maybe it actually tasted a bit like old water.
Chill beats, pretty 90s electronic, has some nice droning and echoing that makes it less synthetic. I think 4 is pretty genorous but I do quite like this album, and hey, The Brother's gonna work it out!
Early psychedelic rock that honestly is rather boring and definitely not on the level of some of the other 60s bands. It just lacks something, whether it be the more guitar-driven and screeching guitars from Cream's Disraeli Gears or the weird intensity from 13th Floor Elevator's or unique keyboard sound from the Doors, I don't know but it is just rather unimpressive in comparison. The Yardbirds may be having a party, but I feel like I am just looking at some people tripping, looking into the wall, and they haven't offered me anything to make the trip with them.
Has the Talking Heads quirkiness but lacks the exploration from post-pun/funk into the African rhythms that makes their 'Remain in Light' absolutely fantastic. Additionally, while it is a lyrically interesting album, it doesn't have the diversity of Remain in Light and therefore ultimately, it is just a decently good album.
One of my favourite Bob Marley and the Wailers albums (that being said though, he has a lot of really good, very similar albums). This is reggae! (Although a lot of reggae sound very similar as it is quite well defined that you need the ska guitar for instance). Favourite track is Concrete Jungle followed by Slavedriver. Another thing that makes reggae interesting is the heavy themes of exodus to a promised land, fitting the oppressive government, and racism.
Quite lovely vocal jazz. Songs are fun, if standards, I am really on a 3.5 but it is Friday.
A frantic techno/break beat album. Feels like an acid trip in Madchester (which it likely was). Is very enjoyable when you want to electric out (not sure where my love for old school techno comes from: may be the only way I can excuse liking techno?) It is listed along albums by Chemical Brothers as one of the Breakbeat pioneers but it is definitely the more deranged, chemically indulgent brother if it is to be compared to them.
Debut from Jimi Hendrix: it has some of the classic Hendrix songs but I prefer Electric Lady Land. This is quintessential psychedelic rock but I am not that fuzzed, also there's quite a few fillers on the album and I would likely be more excited if it was more clear cut.
First part is cock rock (the album is called Pump and has car's humping each other on the cover ffs), the second half is more varied but ultimately it has some sound, maybe predominantly blues influenced?, that I don't care much for; I will say that the second part is more interesting to me. Also, not Steven Tyler's biggest fan.
Some fine rock with nice vocals and horn instruments. I doesn't really excite me, though. A decent listen.
Such a legendary album! But also, it is punk rock, so it sounds rather similar to all the other 77'ers. The vocal performance is quite hysteric (especially on Anarchy in the UK), which definitely adds to the enjoyment and the abrasiveness. Whereas the distortion isn't extreme, it is quite an abrasive and noisy soundscape to emerge in, which suits the album. For me, it is one of the better punk albums (with the hysteric vocals being a big contributor) but it is also hard not to acknowledge what a cultural phenomenon it was and was part of. And hey, God save the queen, 'Cause tourists are money!
Nina Simone's unique voice and fusion of jazz piano with more maybe Blues? Inspireret sound makes for a quite delightful album. She has a way of drawing you in with her voice and the it definitely grew on me (initially her deeper voice almost sounds manlike). Standouts are Four Women, describing how women with different skin colours at different times have been oppressed, and the sad Lilac Wine
Funk and jazz combined in a pretty trippy mix, with doomsayer lyrics: an recurring theme through the ages. The intro track: When You Gonna Learn is the most exciting song on the album and from there it is an alright but not thrilling listen. If it had been more trippy, maybe it would redeem or make for a more outstanding album but as it is, it is just alright.
Funky Disco that has 3-4 really big bangers. I am especially enthralled by Lost in the Music and He's the Greatest Dancer, both of which are fun. I'm guessing We Are Family must have been a smash hit but commercials have ruined that song for me. While those songs are great, listening to the entire album is a rather repetitive experience with all songs having the same guitar riffs (which are cool in smaller doses) and bass lines. Also the more quite songs are kind a meh. It is a 3 1/2 album for me, but forced to choose, we end at 4.
Classic rock with a tinge or the abrasiveness that later becomes heavy metal. Child in Time is the standout for me: I like Deep Purple the best when the go for a more progressive sound compared to more straight up blues. Good album!
I have a hard time wrapping my head around Animal Collective, I listen to one of their earlier albums a couple of years back and that was aggrivating to me. This isn't so bad, but I just don't get the hype. Just rather annoying sounds that don't strike something meaningful or cool with me.
The soundtrack for an imagined movie: quite cool noir music, but on re-listening to the album, it has too many passages of very low ambience (but not ambient on the level of e.g. Talk Talk) so overall I am not completely invested. Overall, a pretty decent album.
A decent country album but I may not be old, nor divorced enough times to truly appreciate it.
80s rap fused with distorted guitars that share resemblance with Run D.M.C. Lyrical focus on partying and getting shit faced which is fine, but not very interesting (and I am probably just a grumpy old man but doesn't make me laugh either). Also sounds very dated. Overall, rather duddy album for me.
Another album of the 90s big-beat period but somewhat more infantile and self-indulgent than Chemical Brothers or Prodigy. Additionally struck me as more repetitive than the other artists and so the album just leaves me thinking that I could here something similar but better if I put on either Chemical Brothers or something crazier but similar (and therefore more interesting) if I put on Prodigy.
Another of the psychedelic rock albums from the 60s. It was okay, but not particularly memorable and it doesn't surprise me that it isn't first in line of the albums that are remembered.
Decent hip-hop album, has resemblance to Wu-tang and Ghost face Killah. I am not particularly gripped by the album, but it has some decent cuts.
Music from down at the Bayou: to disagree with Die Hard 4.0, this is classic rock. Lots of good cuts with Bad Moon Rising rising above the rest.
Cool electronic disco with quite a few bangers, the quite track Hysteric stands out to me (although I wish the chorus was better). Overall, a good album.
Listened some time ago: recall it as a math rock fused with certain emoish/punkish tendencies as well as more arty/jazzy things. It was alright but hasn't stayed with me.
Cool mix of electronic beats and jazz. Very much as mood piece where most of the songs sound the same, but it is a nice chill mix to have on! My favourite track is the first one, but perhaps because I have a hard time telling them apart? I do appreciate the sampled spoken Spanish (the sampled vocals sounds like it may be from a film or something with some effect on the vocal - reminds me of maybeshewill?). Very enjoyable!
Another techno album out of madchester that I oddly like. Likely because it addition to being techno has electronic ambient elements and therefore seems more like a musical journey you go on instead of just being all smashed on pills
It was alright, relatively harmless, I wasn't dancing too much. Yes, Sweet Dreams is of course memorable, but maybe just due to the general exposure?
Some nice and somewhat melancholic 'alternative' rock, the lead singer's vocals are quite captivating: I particularly like the circle-song, likely because it struck a melancholic vibe in me.
