Jan 31 2022
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Back In Black
AC/DC
From the ashes rises the phoenix. When you lose a frontman like Bon Scott that had such a distinct sound and presence, it seems impossible that ANY band would be able to carry on. ACDC is the obvious exception.
The iconic bells opening the album are iconic, symbolizing both a funeral and and inauguration of amazing frontmen. The lyrics of many of these songs are the best ever written by the band, embracing the transition.
Every track is HIT after HIT after HIT. Album that has been acclaimed by both critics and the masses. 5 star review.
5
Feb 01 2022
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Many of my most-liked Zep songs are on this album. I wonder what it was like to get another fantastic album right after the first, which was also groundbreaking.
4
Feb 02 2022
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
First Parliament record I heard front to back. I enjoyed it! They're usually hit or miss for me but it was actually good background workday music for me.
3
Feb 03 2022
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
New album for me! The first song "Bittersweet Symphony" I grew up with, and it's pretty well known among my generation. The strings used throughout the album create such an interesting dynamic. They sound like a more-polished version of Oasis. Really enjoyed this one!
4
Feb 04 2022
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
I was today years old the first time I listened to Q-Tip. Usually not my speed but this was a good record! I particularly liked Move. I would def listen to this album again
3
Feb 07 2022
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
One of those albums that I totally see how important it is for the rap/hiphop genre and the messaging. While I respect it, it's just not for me.
1
Feb 08 2022
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
I don’t like Lynyrd Skynyrd. All the more shocking that I LIKED this album. The deep cuts were great and more bluegrass-y which I loved! Favorite song: Things Going On. Little more honky-tonk/blues!
3
Feb 09 2022
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Dry
PJ Harvey
Ok I had no idea who PJ Harvey is. Kind of a big deal?? Very experimental album dated 1992 and you can hear the grunge-y vibes without it really being grunge. I'm happy I learned about the band/artist and liked a couple songs.
2
Feb 10 2022
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Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
I tried. I couldn’t. Not for me.
1
Feb 11 2022
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
I.... am stunned. This album blew me away! Didn't know this band. I also don't quite know how to describe them. Tango? Jazz? All I know is I love it.
4
Feb 14 2022
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Dummy
Portishead
Not bad. Mellow. Pleasant. Might not make my regular rotation but glad I heard it. I never heard of the "trip hop" genre, but it sounds like it's under the alternative branch. Maybe even a little prog??
2
Feb 15 2022
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Well, I liked it a little better than Straight Outta Compton. Enjoyed the good beats but didn't quite hit home for me. Cool early hip-hop record though.
2
Feb 16 2022
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
This album came out right around when Genesis was forming. You can tell there are storytelling elements in here shared by both bands, but this band is a little more eclectic.
Did I think there'd be an album in here with jawbone? Nope.
2
Feb 17 2022
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GREY Area
Little Simz
This was an interesting listen for me. The first time I wasn't sure if I quite liked it, but after a second time I dug it more! How talented is she?!?!
3
Feb 18 2022
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Goddamn it this album has to come with a trigger warning. This may be the saddest thing I've ever heard. His telling of heart-wrenching stories paired with the melancholy music is too much. And his VOICE. It SOUNDS like he's in pain. Wow.
Need a pick me up. I'm putting Graceland on again.
3
Feb 21 2022
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Graceland
Paul Simon
Game over. Best Paul Simon Album ever IMO. I love the African influence and recognition given to those contributors. Is and will always be one of my favorite albums, period.
5
Feb 22 2022
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
This was such a pleasant, enjoyable album. I like it a lot for what I call "campfire songs". :)
3
Feb 23 2022
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
I actually listened to this twice and I liked it better the second time! It's like
a more melodic Zeppelin, with bluesy vibes still. Glad I gave it another shot!!
3
Feb 24 2022
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
This is super interesting - there's multiple genres in these tunes. I actually enjoyed listening to this while I worked.
3
Feb 25 2022
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
This album is wild. I've heard of MC5 before, but didn't know their genre. They're like a punkier version of The Who's early years! Must be the US take on the sound. Appreciation, I give it a 3. Personally, 2.
2
Feb 28 2022
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The Joshua Tree
U2
Seriously? Wow. This album is GOOD. I've never listened to it in its entirety. And WTSHNN as an opening track?? WTF. Tho I'm not a U2 fan, I'd lisiten to this again.
3
Mar 01 2022
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
First off, this is their 10th album?? They've been around since '83?? Wow. So this album has the only FL song I know (Do you realize). The rest of this was a nice mellow listen though! This is a studio album, but it seems they incorporated some live cheering.
Wiki says this is a departure from their old sound -- I have no idea what that sound was but I really dug this a ton.
4
Mar 08 2022
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Usually with music, the instruments speak to me first before lyrics. That said, I could NOT enjoy this album. My key takeaway from this is that I'm really upset whenever people say they don't like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, because TP is in a CLASS OF HIS OWN. And Dylan can't sing. Half the time he switches to spoken word and it feels like a cop-out. I felt that the harmonica and special effects were forced and did not add to the songs.
I can't even get behind giving it 2 stars because of Like a Rolling Stone.
1
Mar 11 2022
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1984
Van Halen
Start to finish, this album is fantastic. Van Halen's earlier stuff was more rock/edgier, while this definitely shows their progression into the 80s sound, as evidenced with the synth in "Jump". Every song on this album is a winner (as long as you like Van Halen!)
4
Mar 15 2022
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Another delightfully mellow album. I like this a LOT for working. Dare I say it has a strong prog feel? Many times I felt like they played Genesis-type drumming fills (no pun intended haha). I think I actually like this one better than the Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots?? I would give it 4.5 if I could.
4
Apr 29 2022
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Note this is a completely bias review ;)
One of my favorite bands. One of the things I love about them is that you always know one of their songs when you hear it. All the music they released after you can tell was rooted in this record. And who can go wrong with Breakdown?
Albeit not my favorite album by them, I give 4 stars for the impact and legacy factor.
4
May 24 2022
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
I'm really hit-or-miss with The Doors, but this album is a BANGER. In my opinion some of their best work. There's a fantastic blend of blues, rock and roll, and psychedelic rock that comes together perfectly. Notable track: Been down so Long. Sick blues groove.
4
Aug 18 2022
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Live!
Fela Kuti
Holy crap. I was blown away here. Rated one of the best live albums ever. I didn’t realize Ginger Baker had such chops. This whole album has an underlying jazz feel to it that meets so nicely with Fela Kuti’s music. No complaints.
5
Aug 23 2022
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The Clash
The Clash
I knew a few of these songs from The Clash's greatest hits album. I didn't think I like a lot of old punk but this is fantastic. There's a lot of that 70s London sound in this as there were many songs that were reminiscent of The Who's work. I also don't think this sounded super messy like some punk can.
4
Dec 14 2022
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Headquarters
The Monkees
I personally give this 5 stars and note that there is some bias in play. This was the first album they played their own instruments on, which was a big deal for them. It's an even bigger deal that when it came out, it topped both The Beatles and Beach Boys. Probably a largely underappreciated album, but one of my favorites for sure.
5
Jan 11 2023
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Boston
Boston
Every song a jam. I live this whole album. Perfect classic rock. Harmonies, builds, raging lead guitar. No notes.
5
Jan 19 2023
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
Hm. Is this ska? Pop? His voice is kind of David Bowie-like? But deeper? I think I'm just super confused on what this lol. But also, I just could not. This wasn't pleasing at all and I have 3,000,000 albums to review and I can't waste time listening to something I don't enjoy.
2 stars only. I reserve one star reviews for albums offensive to my ears.
2
Jan 20 2023
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Listening to this album was like being slapped in the face by 1989. The elements of early hip-hop and rap with the underlying drum machine beats. Strong TLC, Salt-n-Pepa, and Janet Jackson vibes.
The beginning of the intro track is a little odd, calling out instruments. Super dated. I will say that her rap is VERY good. Clean and excellent cadence. Probably won't listen to this again, but I can appreciate it.
3