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Fri Feb 11 2022
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Mark Knopfler's songwriting skills cannot be overstated. Obviously the guy can shred like nobody's business, but he has just as strong of an ear for hooks and melody. Even songs that seem as simple and quiet as "Why Worry" have a couple little surprises that make them stand out. But what really make an impact are when Knopfler and co go big, like when he turns up the guitar in "The Man's Too Strong" or the all-timer riff on "Money for Nothing".
It's funny that I keep mentioning the guitar work on this album, because this is otherwise quite synth-heavy. I personally preferred the band's earlier work which focused more on Knopfler's passion for blues and jazz. There are still hints of that here, but you can otherwise hear plenty of compromises for the MTV era, ie all of "Walk of Life", which I understand is beloved by many, but I've never been able to stomach. But when the band goes all out, they really hit. The last two songs, "One World" and the title track, I think are near-perfect, and I would have loved if the whole album sounded like those. Still, this is a fun 80's classic, one I enjoy coming back to even if it's hardly a first choice.
B
4
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Mon Feb 14 2022
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
I'm a Dylan fan, but not a Dylan stan. He has some works I really like beyond just their reputation, but Petty has always been my Traveling Wilbury of choice.
So I have heard this concert performance before once or twice, but it's not exactly what I'd call a fun time, it's honestly more of a history lesson. A history lesson with some incredible songs, including a couple of my favorite Dylan tracks, but I don't see much need to listen to this other than to understand this point in his career. As a historical artifact, it's terrific. As a recording of this particular setlist, it's still quite good, but I'd honestly take this out for something a little more daring instead. And I find both halves pretty equal.
B
4
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Tue Feb 15 2022
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
On the one hand, I'm already growing weary of getting so many boomer rock LPs in a row. I'm ready to hit basically anything else next.
On the other, I think that Paul Simon's compositions and Art Garfunkel's angelic voice are as perfect of a musical pairing as will ever exist. I have too much love for their music to be very objective, but I'll admit that the album peaks with "The Boxer", and that last third mostly kind of coasts. That's not great for such a short album, but at the same time, I wouldn't call anything on here remotely bad. And at its best, this is pop folk at its highest form.
A
5
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Wed Feb 16 2022
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I'm going to be frank- I hate Jack White's nasally voice. I don't love his composition or guitar skills much more, either. I can't even be very objective about this, but practically everything he touches just irritates the hell out of me, and I had no fun here. At least it's brief- 40 minutes in the CD era is basically EP material.
I'll try to meet half way for those who see the appeal and give this an extra star, but it's an F for me, dog.
2
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Thu Feb 17 2022
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
This defied my expectations in a way I seriously didn't expect- it really started picking up steam as it went along. I thought that the last few songs were the best and most exciting, and honestly wouldn't have minded a couple more like that.
The rest of the album is fine, but not really my thing. Jones has a very nice voice, but she's not the commanding force that Sinatra was that makes this kind of music sound as appealing to me as his does. But I can understand why this caught on as much as it did- it's the perfect album for a mid-American mom to play when she needs "alone time".
C-
3
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Fri Feb 18 2022
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Pantera are one of the first metal bands I really fell for. I skipped past the nu metal scene, which was really fading out at that point, and went for Texas' finest after becoming acquainted with the classics, but just before discovering death metal. So I know this album pretty well.
But at the same time, while my devotion for Sabbath and Maiden will never die, Pantera do little for me nowadays. Part of that comes from recognizing their problematic elements, primarily with racism. Anselmo is by far the guiltiest, but Dime and Vinnie did love the Confederate flag... And I'm southern, yet I have no defense for said love.
Even before that, I just realized that the songwriting just isn't there. They're all fine musicians- I do have a lot of respect for Dime being a one-man guitar team and making the band sound just as full as your average twin attack in metal- but this all feels too juvenile to resonate for me beyond, like, 10th grade. I'll always go back to Beavis and Butthead's take down on the "This Love" video- "You treat your stepmother with respect, Pantera, or you'll be sleeping in the street." I laugh despite that track being a highlight for me.
Cowboys would probably rate higher for me, but even when I was all aboard the Pantera train, I always found Vulgar a little overrated.
Current grade would be a C-, but 15-year-old me would easily be in the B range.
3
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Mon Feb 21 2022
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Like Pantera, Pink Floyd are a band who I really liked when first getting into music, but have seldom use for. While I give them credit for introducing me to odder time signatures and elements of progressive and jazz, I'd much rather listen to King Crimson or Peter Gabriel-era Genesis. I find their themes and songwriting much more appealing.
That said, I'll admit that one of my all-time favorites albums is by PF- Wish You Were Here.
Dark Side of the Moon is pretty good, too. It flows together quite well and is a pretty smooth listen, even if I could go the rest of my life never listening to half of these songs again.
A solid B.
4
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Tue Feb 22 2022
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Van Morrison may be an anti-vax asshole, but damn if he’s not able to write a good melody. I do prefer Moondance, as the tracks here go a little too long for my tastes, but the songwriting is just splendid throughout.
B
4
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Wed Feb 23 2022
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
After nu, the metal subgenre I struggled to get into the most was industrial. I had a serious chip on my shoulder about synths in my heavy music for some reason, although I took to Type O right away and Neurosis eventually became one of my favorite bands. I never got the hype for Nine Inch Nails, and still don’t, while I only slightly understand Ministry a little better.
I say that I liked Ministry better because I loved how batshit “Jesus Built My Hotrod” is, but most of their other stuff tends to rank as mid for me. And that’s still mostly true, but I have grown an appreciation for the singles. Otherwise, this all sounds pretty samey to me, and I don’t see myself coming back to it anytime soon. But points for being a relatively brisk 45 minutes.
C-, could lose the minus depending on my mood
3
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Thu Feb 24 2022
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
I know Missy moreso from her early 2000's hits than anything, but this album has been on my radar for a while, after seeing it listed in Harvard's Hip-Hop Archive (sidenote, I hope they earn more to update it soon).
It's not bad, but it does get a little samey. It could have been a lot better at a brisk 45 minutes, but still earns points for that crisp Timbaland sound. He'll always be relevant IMO
C
3
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Fri Feb 25 2022
Tidal
Fiona Apple
I am shockingly ignorant on Fiona Apple. Enough so that when her last album blew up, my initial response was "when did you guys start caring about her?" I might have listened to this before, but I remembered nothing about it. All I really knew was "Criminal", which I think was alright, but hardly among my 90's favorites.
But after giving this a spin, I kind of get it. This sounds a lot like if PJ Harvey and Elliott Smith combined forces. Although I personally greatly prefer the former's music, and did generally prefer when Fiona pulled out her rock credentials. Some of the ballads worked nearly as well though, enough so that I think that this could become a serious grower for me. But just a grower for now.
A C for now, could see it raise if I give it more rotation in the near future.
3
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Mon Feb 28 2022
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
I used to find Kanye as a whole, and this album in particular, highly overrated. Despite his numerous attempts to make me discredit him over the years, though, I have really grown to appreciate his earlier work.
I still struggle a little with this one, though, but I’ll admit that it’s mostly overhype. But there are definitely tracks here that I think stand among his best, ie Monster, All of the Lights. I remember being bugged by him sampling King Crimson and Sabbath, but those also work very well.
Gonna go with a C. It’s a little all over the place for me.
3
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Tue Mar 01 2022
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
I do prefer the later Beasties, but there’s a definite charm to Rick Rubin’s early production, and how flagrant the use of samples were. Imagine a rap album putting this much Zeppelin on today!
So much has been said about the Beasties and this LP, and I can’t ignore the faults and the context. But it’s a classic for a reason, and a perfect album to blast in the middle of a traffic jam.
B
4
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Wed Mar 02 2022
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Nick Cave is an artist who I think has never really missed, but I’ll admit that I was surprised that this was chosen for this collection. It kind of stinks of recency bias, especially if the (imo) stronger and tighter Skeleton Tree isn’t here as well.
But this is another good one obviously, and it has Cave’s traditionally exceptional hook for melody and haunting beauty. But the production is a little hollow at the same time. Again, I think Skeleton Key did everything better, but I still have a good time with this.
B
4
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Thu Mar 03 2022
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
This is what I always imagined garage rock sounding like- a bunch of kids just learning to shred with the murkiest sound on earth. Forget that overpolished White Stripes and Strokes nonsense.
It’s very primitive, and I assume it won’t be a lot of people’s thing, but I do like the protometal sound and I have fun with this. But I can’t really rate it higher than a C+, although I think that I’ll give it four stars to round out.
4
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Fri Mar 04 2022
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
The production is shockingly massive, and really helps to make Dylan sound as empty as he must have felt at the time. That’s a good and a notsogood thing, since I also feel like this makes the songs here not have the same punch as most of his 60’s classics.
It’s very good, but I don’t think it’ll ever be my favorite album, either of Dylan’s or for breakups on the whole.
Still gotta be a B+, maybe an A- on another day.
4
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Mon Mar 07 2022
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
What is there to say, this is as good as it gets, and Hendrix earned his GOAT status for obvious reasons. I don’t love the slower blusey stuff as much, but even some of the “lighter” songs still kill, like “The Wind Cries Mary”.
This better join Pink Floyd in the 4+ club. An A
5
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Tue Mar 08 2022
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
I really like old school soul, but I have to admit that Solomon Burke's music has mostly eluded me. This isn't bad, but it does sound a little more primitive than my preferences, and I wish the chorus girls were cut back a little. But there are some stone cold gems in there, enough that I can see me coming back to this when I need something to groove to.
C.
3
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Wed Mar 09 2022
Close To You
Carpenters
I know that there has been recent rehabilitation for the Carpenters, and I want to give them their fair shake. I distinctly remember one quote Todd in the Shadows shared in his Trainwreckord video of their alien album. It came from an interview with the band right after their decline in popularity, and Karen basically said “okay, you don’t want our old stuff anymore, but you also don’t want our new stuff. What do you want?” That stuck with me, and made me feel bad about them.
But no, I’m sorry, I can’t get into their music. Light, tempoless rock tends to be useless to me unless you’re kings of harmony, which imo they’re not. Karen is a nice singer and drummer, and there are solid hooks and production here, but I could live without it.
D
3
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Thu Mar 10 2022
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
I own plenty of soul records, but I somehow have yet to buy any Nina Simone. Should really rectify that.
This would be a good one to start with, since it has some of her best performances. I can understand how her husky voice is not for everyone, but I admire how raw and commanding she sounds. Not every song is a banger, and some parts drag, but this is still damn fine stuff.
B
4
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Fri Mar 11 2022
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Meh. Folksy, chambery indie rock has always been one of my least favorite genres. There was a period where I was a little more suspectible to it, but at that point Arcade Fire were too mainstreamy yet not Classic enough to hit my radar.
So yeah, I didn’t have fun with this one. Credit where credit is due to a couple of decent ideas scattered in, but I can go the rest of my life without spinning this.
D-
2
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Mon Mar 14 2022
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
This really isn’t my thing normally, but it’s pretty good dance music. The production is very of its time, in a charming but still dated way. I much preferred the female vocals to the guy, but he had his moments too.
C
3
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Tue Mar 15 2022
Truth
Jeff Beck
There’s an alternate reality where the Jeff Beck Group became THE virtuoso blues group that brought rock fans into the 70’s instead of Zeppelin, and part of me is curious to see how that went.
I don’t think that they’re as tight-knit as Zepp, or as able to make blues staples their own the way they did. Yet they’re all great musicians, and Rod Stewart proves that he def has pipes here. It’s pretty damn good for what it is, but I understand why they didn’t get bigger in our timeline.
B
4
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Wed Mar 16 2022
Another Green World
Brian Eno
I like how this is kind of a best of both worlds situation- Eno is really embracing his newfound appreciation for synth/atmospheric music, while still making a couple of tunes in the vein of Roxy Music and his earlier solo stuff.
I found myself geling more with the latter this time, but his minimalist stuff is still pretty impressive to listen to. I can understand if it’s not your thing or if you’re so used to later electronic music that you find it derivative, but I’m all in. Still, this is never going to raise above “sometimes” music for me.
B+
4
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Thu Mar 17 2022
Diamond Life
Sade
Despite my appreciation for R&B/soul/jazz, I never totally got into Sade. Giving this a spin, I kind of see the appeal, but it’s not especially for me.
I can get behind bits of quiet storm, but it’s just not a sound that I can spin for a full LP. I’ll give it credit for some solid jazzy interludes and killer vocals, but I don’t think I’ll ever fully get into them.
Solid C
3
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Fri Mar 18 2022
Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
This is real “in one ear, out the other music”. It’s perfectly fine new wave, but I received almost no reaction from it. Not sure if that’s better or worse than being bad, but I don’t that I’ll return to it anytime soon.
C-
3
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Mon Mar 21 2022
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
This usually isn’t my thing at all, but I got into it alright. It hits the right level of bombast and has some solid production, but I can also see myself never listening to it again, idk
C
3
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Tue Mar 22 2022
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
I'm old enough to remember- vaguely, mind you- when Alanis broke big and how ubiquitous this album was. Maybe not THAT ubiquitous, since my mom didn't have it, but You Oughta Know was clearly a big deal. It's honestly kind of surprising that Alanis could break so big with how raunchy it gets when pop was mostly pretty sterile back then. Like sure, this is basically just proto-Good 4 u and back then, rappers and grunge bands could get away with f bombs, but imagine Mariah.
The rest of the album is pretty good too, although I never liked You Learn. A perfectly solid pop album.
B
4
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Wed Mar 23 2022
No Other
Gene Clark
I only vaguely know who Gene Clark is, so color me surprised by how I dug it! It's a pretty eclectic album, even if it isn't especially outstanding. Still, the production is solid and his voice is strong, and I can see this be a grower when I get more time.
C+, possibly higher
4
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Thu Mar 24 2022
Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Oops, missed this one apparently.
Not really a big Elvis guy, and this is largely forgettable, but it's nice to listen to in the moment. The only thing that makes it remotely essential, though, is "Fever", which is sick.
D+
3
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Fri Mar 25 2022
Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
Didn't Mr. Bambaataa get Me-Too'd? Not that it would matter too much- Michael will never be dropped from GOAT status, so why not keep this on?
This is pretty fun, but like a lot of early hip-hop, it doesn't have a whole lot of shelf life for me. I appreciate the beats and some of the production choices, but it's not one that I'll ever put on regularly. Still, when I do, it's terrific background noise.
B-
4
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Mon Mar 28 2022
...And Justice For All
Metallica
Heavy metal is the first style of music I fell for, and it’s the one I always come back to. It’s the reason I followed this group.
I have also used the term Selloutica unironically in the past.
But seriously, why are there FOUR Metallica albums featured here? That’s more than Maiden, Priest, or even fucking Sabbath (all of which were my first loves before I discovered ‘tallica). Justice, with its sterile production and boneheaded progressive elements, is no essential as far as I’m concerned. The songs are overlong and half baked at the same time. I give it points for solid riffs throughout, but meh.
D
2
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Tue Mar 29 2022
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Heavy metal is the first style of music I fell for, and it’s the one I always come back to. It’s the reason I followed this group.
I have also used the term Selloutica unironically in the past.
But seriously, why are there FOUR Metallica albums featured here? That’s more than Maiden, Priest, or even fucking Sabbath (all of which were my first loves before I discovered ‘tallica). Justice, with its sterile production and boneheaded progressive elements, is no essential as far as I’m concerned. The songs are overlong and half baked at the same time. I give it points for solid riffs throughout, but meh.
D
4
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Wed Mar 30 2022
Synchronicity
The Police
I like The Police, but really just their first couple of albums. By this point, it’s clear that they were chasing trends instead of following them. But this is also their biggest album by a wide margin, so *shrug emoji*
There are good songs on here, but the best one is easily the bonus track, Murder by Numbers. I never really liked Every Breath You Take, but giving it a couple more listens, I can appreciate the tight production and Sting’s unkempt performance. It’s also leagues better than the ballads that immediately follow it, too.
So yeah, it’s better than I recalled, but not the best that they’re capable of.
C
3
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Thu Mar 31 2022
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
I fucking hate Coldplay.
F
2
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Fri Apr 01 2022
Achtung Baby
U2
A few years ago, I would have had a similar response to U2 that I did with my Coldplay “review” yesterday. But I have warmed up to them a little bit. They’re strong, distinctive musicians, and Bono has pipes for days.
I still don’t really love U2, though, but I can respect how this was a necessary change in sound for them, and proved that they don’t always have to be so self-serious. That’s cool, and Brian Eno’s production is still rightfully massive. Still, I don’t have a whole lot of use for the tempoless dredge that a lot of this offers. I much prefer Mysterious Ways to One, basically.
C-? Idk
3
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Mon Apr 04 2022
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
I primarily know the Count from his work with Sinatra, and haven’t heard much of his instrumental stuff. But this is good! Parts of it are a little slow for my taste, as my preference towards jazz tends to be more intense, but a lot of it really swings, and every musician kills. Should really check more of his stuff out.
B
4
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Wed Apr 06 2022
Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
First of all, I accidentally reposted my Count Basie review for yesterday. I didn’t actually get to listen to that album so RIP
Anyway, I’m not very familiar with these guys, but I thought that this was alright, nothing special. I feel like I’d be more impressed if I got into them before Depeche Mode or New Order, since it sounds kind of bland in comparison. Still, it’s a solid synth rock album and I like that it never steers too close to one tempo. I believe that their first few albums are supposed to be pretty good, so maybe I’ll like the next one on here better.
C
3
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Thu Apr 07 2022
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
I have a friend who loves Gary Numan and has seen him multiple times (he’s also much older than me), but I only really knew him for Cars.
So this is new for me, and I love it? The synth work is really expressive and singular, even if it’s primitive compared to later new wave. That’s arguably part of the charm, though, and Numan comes up with some killer hooks. I don’t think that we needed the 7 minute track, but I otherwise had a lot of fun and will def come back.
B
4
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Fri Apr 08 2022
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
I’ve had fun with the new wave, but once we get into techno or electronica, you lose me. I still can’t wrap my head around that.
This isn’t BAD, persay, but it’s really not my thing at all, aside from a couple of solid hooks.
I’ll give it a D, but I’ll also go up to 3 stars out of fairness.
3
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Mon Apr 11 2022
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
I like Clapton as an artist (not so much as a person), but this was pretty mid. I think that he needs a strong co-leader to really bring his best ability out, because a lot of this is basic white guy blues. There’s still some shredding, and a couple of solid songs. I’d still rather listen to Cream instead, though.
C
3
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Tue Apr 12 2022
Murmur
R.E.M.
One of the best debuts of all time, REM came out of the gates loaded and ready to make incredible rock. It’s interesting to come back to this after decades of refining and expanding the indie scene, but the melodies are timeless and the production is charmingly limited. Radio Free Europe’s single version is better, though.
A
5
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Wed Apr 13 2022
Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I try to hold out on giving out fives, especially so soon to each other, but man, I love this album. Some insane compositions throughout.
A
5
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Thu Apr 14 2022
Signing Off
UB40
I don't get reggae, never did. But at least with Marley, I get that he's the real deal and a pioneer. UB40 just sound fake and lame. This is what I imagine my personal hell sounds like.
F
2
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Fri Apr 15 2022
La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
Okay, this is pretty smooth. I like the mix of old-school (jazz patterns, Latin influences) and new (electronic beats). A lot of it blends together for me, and I think it would have benefitted from a shorter run time, but it's something I can see myself come back to.
C
3
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Mon Apr 18 2022
Is This It
The Strokes
I used to put The Strokes and Jack White on my shitlist and swore against anything garage rock-related. My disdain for White continues, but I’ve made peace with the Strokes, even if I don’t necessarily love them, either. But the production is crisp and the songwriting is tight and less pretentious than I recall. They sound good together and some of the songs are quite good, even if little of this is material I really come back to.
C
3
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Tue Apr 19 2022
The Slider
T. Rex
The thing that I’ve always liked about T. Rex is how Marc Bolan combines pretty melodies and his soothing voice with a crunchy, dirty guitar tone. It’s an effective balance and keeps his material engaging, even this could have been a song or two shorter.
B, it might need a minus but I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt today
4
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Wed Apr 20 2022
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
I went with the UK version, since that’s the cover reflected here. But I know the US version is still in print and prefered by plenty.
Anyway, I understand why this album is considered important for the Stones. It’s around this point that the Jaggers and Richard songwriting team really started to take off, and they started to cut back on their R&B covers. But there’s still plenty of those as well, and they’re all mostly fine, although I’d consider little of this to be essential. Their best stuff here are all-timers, but a lot of it is fluff meant to fill up an LP.
I do give them credit for ending side A with Goin’ Home. Most artists would save that for the very end, and I believe they did in the US version.
B-
4
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Thu Apr 21 2022
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Pretty nice, solid R&B/funk, but I'd be lying if I said that I would pick this over any given Marvin Gaye LP from the 70's.
B-
4
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Fri Apr 22 2022
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
Pretty nice stuff. It keeps a solid beat going and I like when the strings are added into the mix, but I don't think that I'll ever really go out of my way to listen to this again, either.
C
3
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Mon Apr 25 2022
Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
The Stranglers have been on my radar for a minute, but the only album I’ve ever listened to from them is their newest.
This was good! I like the mix of classic punk with some new wave tendencies, and it has strong melodies. I do think that I would have rated it higher if I heard this when I was getting into punk stuff, but hey, I’m a yank. The Stranglers had no presence here. But this is probably the equivalent of Marquee Moon over in the UK.
B
4
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Tue Apr 26 2022
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
So this isn't super my thing, but there are some really cool little passages here, and I think his sense of melody is strong. It's a good time, but I'd be lying if I said that I see this becoming a Mountain Goats-level favorite.
C
3
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Wed Apr 27 2022
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
I used to like Sigur Rós when I was first getting into post-rock, but now I must admit that they sound kind of cheesy to me. I think the vocals turn me off, tbh. GY!BE holds up better by keeping their mouths shut in comparison, and they write more gorgeous harmonies. This is still good, but I seldom get into their work as much now.
C
3
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Thu Apr 28 2022
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
lmao how did she go from this to “you’re being a penis… colada that is!”
A
5
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Fri Apr 29 2022
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Still not really my thing, and it probably never will be, but I can appreciate it as quality regardless. I’d just personally never choose to listen to it.
C
3
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Mon May 02 2022
John Prine
John Prine
This should be up there in the “country albums for people who don’t like country” starter pack. Granted, I have warmed up to yeeha music over the years, and stuff like this is why. Incredible craftsmanship throughout, even if it is a little samey.
B+
4
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Tue May 03 2022
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
5
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Wed May 04 2022
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
(tbh I coasted on yesterday’s ranking- I love Dusty but didn’t have the time to listen to that album again)
So James Taylor kind of slaps? I always dismissed his stuff, but he’s got some killer hooks behind him. I prefer his original stuff to his covers, and I doubt this will ever be a favorite, but this is a nice, easy listen.
C
3
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Thu May 05 2022
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
That was delightfully primitive.
C
4
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Fri May 06 2022
Follow The Leader
Korn
When I first got into metal, nu was all but on the way out, and what I heard from the bands still getting radio play didn't impress me, including Korn. I've tried to give them a shot here and there in the years since and... yeah, still not a fan. I found this very annoying, actually. Probably my least favorite album so far.
F
2
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Mon May 09 2022
Hysteria
Def Leppard
I used to lump hair metal in with nu metal and pop punk for lame mainstream/pop styles of rock that I had no use for. And while there have been exceptions for all three, I’ve gravitated more towards glam metal towards the other two. There’s no pretension in most of these bands, just good times and solid hooks.
That said, it took a while for me to get into Hysteria the album. I much preferred the Lep’s harder rocking earlier stuff, and while I still do, I dig most of this now. This is 80’s production excess at its highest caliber, and the levels Mutt Lange went to is insane.
The title track is especially a favorite, probably their best song. I feel like Billy Corgan has spent his entire career trying to write a melody like this, but hasn’t come close.
B
4
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Tue May 10 2022
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
It’s funny, I namedropped Billy Corgan in yesterday’s review and he shows up today. Hmm, something something Neurosis.
But no, I did rock with Smashing Pumpkins in my youth. I never really connected with Nirvana or Radiohead, so it took some time for me to embrace the other 90’s alt rock giants. But I did gravitate to most of the other ones in due time, and I played the fuck out of my Mellon Collie CD.
In hindsight, it’s way too long, and the pattern is basic- heavy song, slow song, repeat with minor exceptions. But I can still feel the primal aggression in Bullet with Buttefly Wings, even if it’s pretty silly in hindsight, and I dig how weird some of the non-hits get while appreciating the softer tracks. It’s an imperfect thing, but I feel like this should still be essential listening for teenagers.
B
4
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Wed May 11 2022
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
As far as retro blues rock throwbacks go, you can’t top the Crowes imo. You can really hear the passion behind their performances every time. This is a pretty smooth, digestible album.
B
4
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Thu May 12 2022
Rocks
Aerosmith
The best hard rock album of all time. AC who? Guns n what?
A
5
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Fri May 13 2022
A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
I wasn’t expecting much from this one, but I kind of loved it! Very pretty throughout, and I like how his voice added a little bit of edge to offset the sugary sweet coating.
This might be my favorite week here ever. B
4
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Mon May 16 2022
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
RIP will always hold a special place in my heart, as well as metal history. The latter because IMO this was so good that this is why thrash had to fade out, there was no topping Dave’s new crew’s chemistry and his ability to balance harmony and anger.
The former because this is one of the first metal CDs I got and fell in love with. And even if I ever have to sell off my collection, there is no way that I would part with my 1990 first edition- the remaster that reverbs Dave’s vocals is just not it.
But this sounds as technically perfect as ever, even the (likely deliberate) imperfect moments. And I’ll always go to bat for “Dawn Patrol”, which is a neat little interlude before the deadly finish.
I don’t think that I can give this a full A due to Dave’s politics and Junior’s recent problems. I’m still willing to compromise for 5 stars and accept that Dave has always had his foot in his mouth (we wouldn’t have “Holy Wars” if he didn’t say some particularly insensitive shit, for instance), and Junior’s creepy behavior is a seemingly more recent development. All I know is that I feel like putting it back on.
5
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Tue May 17 2022
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
I know some people can't deal with Billy Corgan's voice, but I don't usually mind it. Others don't like Geddy Lee, and I think he sounds fine. Some of you guys expressed indifference to Dave Mustaine yesterday, and I'm generally cool with it.
But Janis Joplin's voice has always bugged me. There's definite power in it, but it's too screechy for me, there's almost no technique. The musicians themselves are great, but I don't know if I'll ever side with her abilities.
D+
3
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Wed May 18 2022
Roots
Sepultura
I understand the controversy behind this album. Nu metal has always been derided (tbh, including by myself) and this must have seemed like a sellout move for Sepultura. But I’ve always erred on the side who considers this revelatory. I don’t think Max Cavalera was chasing trends, but he genuinely has always been a guy who has had his pulse on the current scene and likes to follow course in his own way. Look at Soulfly’s recent material for an example.
When the album embraces their literal roots and adds Brazilian influences, it’s a triumph. But it goes on for way too long- the CD era had to die for a reason. Even as someone who still likes CDs and uses them, I definitely do not miss the desire to fill a disc of material. This would be a good bit better if it was at least a brisk 50 minutes.
B-
4
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Thu May 19 2022
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
I forget how I found “Sultans of Swing”, but when I heard it, that turned Dire Straits into a band that I knew of to one I had to check out. There’s no topping their first album though, which is perfectly sexy and loaded with tight musicianship. I do have to knock some points off for the weaker tracks, but this is what AOR should sound like.
A-
4
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Fri May 20 2022
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
I was just thinking that these have been too rock/metal heavy lately. Granted, I’m cool with the metal- hell yes, keep this shit separated from Rolling Stone- but we haven’t had much R&B, rap, jazz in a while.
Glad we got this welcome change of pace today. Jasmine Sullivan is a name I knew, but I don’t think that I ever heard her stuff before. This was pretty nice! You can tell that she’s hella talented and has a strong sense of collaboration, and the production is tight here. I don’t love the introductions, but I can see myself warm up to them on further listens.
C+ for now, can see this rise after some more listens
(Side note, but this is technically an EP, although a deluxe edition was released that should push this to an LP. Even before that, it’s 33 minutes which is a perfectly acceptable album length.)
4
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Mon May 23 2022
Be
Common
Not really a fan of Common and I don’t think Kanye’s trademark chipmunk effects have really held up, so I didn’t connect to this. But it’s objectively pretty good stuff regardless.
C
3
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Tue May 24 2022
Violator
Depeche Mode
I can’t believe I used to think that stuff like Depeche Mode was lame. I guess that’s what the kids call a personal flop level.
I’m really trying to be more discerning towards 5 stars though and hoard them like a dragon’s gold. And I do have the same problem with Violator that I do Rumours- it peaks with “Enjoy the Silence” and think that the last third is a step down. Where do you go from “Waiting for the Dark” and EOS?
But it’s all still very good and I love the perfect balance between unforgettable synth hooks and terrific musicianship. And Martin Gore’s voice is incomparable.
A-
4
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Wed May 25 2022
The Poet
Bobby Womack
Sometimes I wonder if I overrate certain rock records and underrate other genres, primarily soul and R&B. Because I hear good stuff here but it doesn’t really sound essential to me. I do think it’s an interesting footnote in R&B history, as this came out right when disco became passé, but no one really knew what would be the new sound. A lot of it tends to run together for me, but I have fun anyway.
C
3
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Fri May 27 2022
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
I could never get into Muse, their sound just doesn’t work for me. You want to do the mainstream Pink Floyd stuff? Cool. You want to do the weird Radiohead stuff? Also fine. But together, it doesn’t gel very well IMO.
I can appreciate that they’re solid musicians and have big ambitions, but this largely left me cold. 3 stars for effort, but my personal rating is a D+
3
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Mon May 30 2022
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
It still astonishes me how he’s able to turn sampling into an art form. He’s not the first to do so- Paul’s Boutique had already come out- or possibly even the best, as J Dilla was soon to burst out. But this is fun, beautiful and surprisingly heavy all at once. Essential.
A-
4
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Tue May 31 2022
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I never got Amy, and I don’t think I ever will. Her voice has never impressed me, and if anything, only annoys me as I get older. I hear too much of a blaccent to get behind it.
The musicianship is tight at least, but I think Ronson will have better work later on.
D-
2
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Wed Jun 01 2022
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Now THIS is my speed. I only really knew Willie as a personality and not so much his music, but damn, he has a killer voice and knows how to fill a track with hooks. I do think it peaks in the first side, but I can definitely see myself add this to my collection.
B
4
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Thu Jun 02 2022
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
I don’t know what I was expecting here, but I kind of loved it? My experience with French music is pretty damn limited- mainly just the Neigeverse and Charlotte Gainsbourg- but this is right up my alley. It’s basically a Parisian Sinatra backed by Duke Ellington, which yes please.
Will come back to. B
4
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Fri Jun 03 2022
Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
Ladies and Gentlemen is one of my favorite 90's alt rock albums, but my experience with their other stuff is surprisingly limited.
Surprise surprise, I loved this! The melodies aren't nearly as calculated as the title would make you think- it's an organic listen that has killer transitions. I don't love it as much as their opus yet, but this is def a grower.
B+
4
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Mon Jun 06 2022
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Mehhhh
I feel like the music I dismissed as a teen- ie emo, nu metal, a lot of indie and pop/R&B from this particular period- will always remain mid to me.
D
2
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Tue Jun 07 2022
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
It’s kind of funny how the better produced the Velvets became, the less interesting they became. To be fair, this was kind of by design, since this was meant to be a more commercial LP, but it still failed in that regard and sounds pretty sedated.
Mostly, at least. “The Murder Mystery” has that classic Warhol-era weirdness to it, and the more well-known songs still mostly slap. And yes, the production is much crispier than the first two albums.
B
Side note- why are the women involved with the band so problematic? Between Nico being a legit nazi and the drummer lady who sings “After Hours” having tea party connections, it’s not a great track record
4
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Wed Jun 08 2022
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
At Folsom Prison is a favorite, but I haven’t listened to Cash’s other iconic prison LP nearly as much. How stupid of me, this is great.
A-
4
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Thu Jun 09 2022
Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk is the shit. I don’t really have more to add besides side 2>side 1
B
4
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Fri Jun 10 2022
American Idiot
Green Day
I always used to hate Green Day, like most mainstreamy rock bands, but I have warmed up to some of their stuff, mostly pre-AI. I prefer when they pretend to be punk than emo, which is why this does so little for me. At the day they’re just trend changers, and this isn’t a trend I vibe with.
D
3
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Mon Jun 13 2022
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
I never really got into the Jesus and Mary Chain when I got into post-punk. They always just kind of passed me by, and I never got around to listening to much of them in the years since. Spinning this now, I can see the appeal of their jangley sound, but I think I missed the window to totally get on board with them. This is good, but I’d rather put on Depeche Mode or Slowdive or something.
Gonna say C+
4
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Tue Jun 14 2022
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
I only really knew Louis as King Louie, but hey, this is a lot of fun!
I guess this is more of a greatest hits than a cohesive album, but that's fine, it lives up to the promise.
B
4
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Wed Jun 15 2022
Sound Affects
The Jam
Yeah, I should try to get into The Jam some more. I have Setting Suns and dig that, and this is also pretty cool. It’s that perfect blend where it sounds of its time and timeless. I think indie fiends will totally dig this, too.
B
4
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Thu Jun 16 2022
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
It’s funny, SOAD never really got to be classified as underground, since they caught on almost immediately. But I don’t think a band this weird caught on since Faith No More.
I’ll always have a soft spot for their later material, but I understand why their s/t does it for so many. It is pretty bitchin’, and everyone kills it.
B+
4
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Fri Jun 17 2022
Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
IA can’t help but sound like warm-up for Loveless, which is fine. That’s still one of the all-time seminal albums, and it makes sense that it overshadows everything else they’ve done. This is still a perfectly fine album, but it’s not the one I come back to.
B
4
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Mon Jun 20 2022
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
I'm pretty ignorant on the Prodigy, only knowing some of their hits, but this is cool. I can see why they overlap with metal fans often. Will check out more.
B-
4
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Tue Jun 21 2022
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Peak-era Stevie, this is just ace songwriting and performing. I don’t love the slower stuff as much, but at its best this is pure electric.
B+
4
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Wed Jun 22 2022
The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
I don’t know about this one. It sounds kind of generic and sexist to me. But hey, there are some solid beats, and it’s pretty brisk for a rap album.
C-
3
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Thu Jun 23 2022
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
I like some of the songs and how soulful the vocals get, but it’s more meh than anything. I can understand why stuff like this would turn people away from this project.
C
3
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Fri Jun 24 2022
Pelican West
Haircut 100
I actually really liked this? And the bonus tracks are better than the main album cuts?
idk why I'm surprised, maybe it's because these guys are new to me and I was expecting something slightly different. But this is fun new wave, and if I ever see this in a dollar CD bin, it's mine.
B
4
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Mon Jun 27 2022
Van Halen
Van Halen
This must have been unbelievable when it came out. No one was playing like Eddie, mixing hard rock, classical and jazz tones into one sound. And they wisely start the album off with something easy to comprehend like “Runnin’ with the Devil” before loading it with the crazy stuff.
To fault it, the latter half has some filler, but at least it ends strong with “Ice Cream Man” and “On Fire”, even if this should have been a 10 track LP instead of 11.
A-
4
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Tue Jun 28 2022
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Really lovely music. If you don’t like mid-tempo stuff, I can see you getting bored. And I’m usually like that, but I think Ray did it better than nearly anyone.
A-
4
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Wed Jun 29 2022
Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
One of my favorite things about doing this is discovering new stuff, especially when it's pretty good like this.
It's solid post-punk and he's a great singer and songwriter, but it's definitely a little too long. Unless this is a compilation of non-album tracks, no post-punk album needs to be over 40 minutes. But I also don't know if I'd cut anything out? Will likely come back.
B
4
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Thu Jun 30 2022
Grace
Jeff Buckley
Wow, 100 days. And what a way to celebrate. Buckley’s voice really was lovely. It’s a shame that he was here for such a short period of time.
A-
4
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Fri Jul 01 2022
Boston
Boston
Cheesy as all hell, but hey, I'm not vegan, I can dig it.
Like a lot of albums from this era, it's pretty front-loaded, the first 3 songs in particular, and it never quite recovers after Foreplay. But the massive production is still charming, everything sounds massive and wonderful. Even if you're tired of hearing all the songs on classic rock radio, listen to it in full. You may be surprised.
B
4
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Mon Jul 04 2022
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk kick ass, but my problem is that I never know how to talk about them. This is good, but that’s all I’ve got.
B
4
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Tue Jul 05 2022
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
I used to hate Oasis, but I’ve slowly accepted that Noel = cool, Liam = cunt. Still not really my thing, but it has its moments.
D+
3
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Wed Jul 06 2022
L.A. Woman
The Doors
I like The Doors, but they’re largely a singles band besides the first album.
This is probably their next best LP, but I don’t know if your life will improve by listening to most of the deep cuts. Still, it’s all quite good, and “Riders on the Storm” is a hell of a way to cap off their career
B
4
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Thu Jul 07 2022
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Okay, Flaming Lips are pretty cool. A lot of it runs together, but this is solid symphonic rock. I can get behind this.
B
4
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Fri Jul 08 2022
Phrenology
The Roots
I wouldn’t call this the best album by The Roots, but it does have the one song people know by them, so I know why it’s here. But it’s still quite good. Questlove knows how to write a spicy tune.
B+
4
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Mon Jul 11 2022
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
I can separate the art from the artist enough to call Miles what he was- the GOAT. This is just one of many excellent works he conceived.
A
5
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Tue Jul 12 2022
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
Two A’s in a row? More likely than you’d think.
As white as I may sound, Kendrick is the best rapper alive, and while his next album is more vital, this is a brilliant introduction to his craft if Butterfly is too dense for you. Incredible music all around.
A
5
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Wed Jul 13 2022
Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
As one of the premiere artists of his generation, of course this album is full of strong performances from Marvin and his crew.
But this is no What's Going On. It's unpleasant and woefully light on hooks. Intentionally? Most likely, but there should be no surprise why this didn't catch on. It's a good, important album, but not an easy one to listen to, or arguably as rewarding as some of his others.
B
4
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Thu Jul 14 2022
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
I'm not a Dylan stan, but this is probably as good as he'll ever sound. A lot of his best songwriting, stripped down to their bare essence. Still, even though I understand his performance, I'd rather put on some Tom Petty instead.
A-
4
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Fri Jul 15 2022
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Like a lot of dream pop-y new wave, this is good and I enjoy listening to it, but a lot of it sounds the same and I don't think that I'll ever put this in regular rotation. I can see why this would stand out for people who are more into this sound, but it's seldom more than just fine for me.
C+
3
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Mon Jul 18 2022
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Okay yeah, this is the good stuff. Incredible blues.
A
5
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Tue Jul 19 2022
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Pretty good, but this all still sounds samey to me like most new wave. But I recognize some of the songs and those hits are cool, so I kind of understand why this was chosen.
C
3
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Wed Jul 20 2022
Document
R.E.M.
I’ll be real, I think they probably peaked with Murmur, but this has some incredible rock music as well. “The One I Love” is an all-time hit for a reason. There’s a couple of skips depending on my mood, but I definitely intend to keep this in my collection for a good while.
B+
4
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Thu Jul 21 2022
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Solid music all in all, but not really memorable or essential, either. Weller has a strong voice and some of these songs have killer hooks, but I won't lie, my reaction was something like "this is it?". Still, may listen to again.
C+
3
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Fri Jul 22 2022
Live Through This
Hole
I’m sorry, I just can’t get into Courtney Love at all. I don’t really vibe with her music or attitude… and I feel the same way about Kurt. These are formative records that I have little use for.
D
2
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Mon Jul 25 2022
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
This is probably as perfect of a jazz 101 LP as there is, and I mean, that’s for a reason- look at the talent behind his band! But time has been kind to the songs and performances, which sound as rich today as ever.
A
5
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Tue Jul 26 2022
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
This is a lot of fun, if slightly tedious. The massive jam sessions are daunting, but the musicianship stands out during the whole session. It helps that the performances are as soulful as they are. That’s why this music resonates as it does so far beyond the south.
B+
4
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Wed Jul 27 2022
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
I dunno, that 70’s blues rock sound still does it for me. And it helps that Rod’s still largely backed behind the Faces, who are a great band. The less plugged-in tracks don’t do much for me, but when Ronnie kicks in his iconic tone, this is a good time.
B-
4
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Thu Jul 28 2022
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
Still not big on the Floyd, and a lot of this is too esoteric and whimsical for my taste. But there’s some really cool psychedelic stuff here that almost makes me a believer. The production in particular is delightfully dingy, and fits their vibe perfectly.
C
3
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Fri Jul 29 2022
Pearl
Janis Joplin
Janis’ voice still grates too hard for me, but I like this better than her other album we covered. I think her band here is tighter and she has stronger songs. “Me and Bobby McGee” is an all-timer. It’s a solid album, but I just have little use for her talents.
C
3
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Mon Aug 01 2022
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I used to have beef with Karen O for some reason and called her PJ Harvey’s leftovers. That isn’t fair, since they have totally different goals, but I think I was bitter that the music group I followed were really into Yeah Yeah Yeahs but expressed minimal interest in Polly.
Listening to this the whole way through, it’s not bad. It’s eclectic but not sporadic. I don’t really care for the 2K indie take on punk, but the Sonic Youth-esq disonance tracks are cool, and the dance stuff isn’t bad. Karen’s also a decent singer and the production is solid… but this isn’t usually my thing.
C-, maybe drop the minus
3
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Tue Aug 02 2022
B-52's
The B-52's
Yeah, this is pretty good! Fast, fresh, eclectic. And "Rock Lobster" may be the most copied riff of the past 50 or so years.
B
4
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Wed Aug 03 2022
En-Tact
The Shamen
Mehhhh
D
-
2
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Thu Aug 04 2022
Odessa
Bee Gees
Oh wow. So like most people, I only really know the Bee Gees from their disco hits, although I did see their documentary and was aware that they started off in white R&B. I didn't realize that they went full Pet Sounds at some point, though!
Honestly, I like this a lot more than their falsetto-heavy hits, and I can see this be a real grower.
C+, maybe B-?
4
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Fri Aug 05 2022
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Oh wow, this is pretty new for me. But exciting! The beat is terrific, and it does a decent job of keeping the energy alive during its lengthy run. Should check out more Afrobeat.
B
4
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Mon Aug 08 2022
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Still sounds spooky today, and not in a campy way. This must have shat some pants 50 years ago.
I love the majority of the album… except for “Warning”. Blues wankery is not what Iommi lost his fingertips for, but thankfully they’ll drop this right after.
Still deserves an A
5
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Tue Aug 09 2022
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Mehhh. Always considered Gorillaz to be style over substance. A couple of cool beats aside, I don't have any real use for this.
D
2
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Wed Aug 10 2022
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
Not normally my scene, but I get it. Pretty cool!
B
4
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Thu Aug 11 2022
Play
Moby
I don't really know much Moby. Honestly, I think I'm most familiar with him from Eminem's diss on "Without Me". So color me surprised that I vibed with his sound through the full album. It's pretty well-paced, too! Could see myself picking this up in the dollar CD bin.
B
4
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Fri Aug 12 2022
Mothership Connection
Parliament
Man, imagine not liking PFunk. Couldn’t be me.
A-. These songs are meant to be heard live, but I can’t imagine going any lowee.
4
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Mon Aug 15 2022
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
After listening to a lot of Stevie, I’ve decided that I prefer his funky stuff over him being a balladeer. His slow stuff just doesn’t do a lot for me. Good thing this is mostly upbeat tracks, though.
A-
4
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Tue Aug 16 2022
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Easily my favorite AC/DC album. I know some people don’t like how crisp Mutt Lange’s production sounded compared to their earlier releases, but I think that this shows off how talented the band is, and brings their sound to life. This is still the same band from before, but a little more mature. I wish we could have seen what they would have been like if Bon stayed alive.
It’s funny though, as overplayed as the title track is, the rest of the album barely exists on classic rock radio. There are some choice cuts that deserve more spins, though.
B+
4
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Wed Aug 17 2022
Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Wasn’t expecting much out of this, but it’s solid boomer rock, and surprisingly varied. I especially like the Elvis tribute. It’s a breezy listen at a solid half hour, but I also don’t see myself returning to it.
C
3
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Thu Aug 18 2022
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
It’s funny, I was listening to Pink Moon right as I was putting in yesterday’s score.
Nick Drake was a hell of a songwriter, though, and I like the country tinges he added to his folk sound. It’s a strong combination, even if this ultimately sounds like a demo reel for Pink Moon.
B+
4
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Fri Aug 19 2022
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
This surprised me, if only because I was unfamiliar with this group until yesterday. But this is solid punk with a power rock tinge, and I could see this being a solid gap between the Ramones and Cheap Trick back in the day. I don’t think they got a chance in the states, though.
B
4
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Mon Aug 22 2022
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
The Byrds are one boomer act I have little experience or use with, so this was… not bad. It sounds like watered down Dylan by way of the Monkees, and that’s fine, but not something I’d go out of my way to listen to. Still, not a bad way to spend a half hour.
C
3
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Tue Aug 23 2022
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Elliott is many people's sad boy of choice, and I won't begrudge them that, he was a terrific songwriter, even if my heart belonged to others. This is a good album, but it doesn't contain too many of my favorite tracks of his. I think I prefer his more stripped-down tracks to the orchestral sound he played with here. Still, some of the tracks here really cut.
B
4
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Thu Aug 25 2022
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Honestly shocked to see that we’re only just now getting a Beatles album. We haven’t even had a solo album from one of the four!
Unfortunately, I don’t have much use for their earliest stuff in LP form. The hits are timeless, but most of the deep cuts are forgettable. It’s funny to think about now, but at this point, the album as a listening experience wasn’t a big draw for rock n roll- these were made with a couple of singles in mind, but little regard for the rest. Jazz artists, including Sinatra, were the ones who were expanding the LP.
But I mean, it’s still all good. Some of these even have shockingly killer work from Ringo, of all people. Should be complimented with the movie.
B
4
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Fri Aug 26 2022
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I surprisingly haven't spun this one too much, despite being big on Nick. His double albums tend to be too much for me, which is probably why Ghosteen doesn't wow me as much. The funny thing is, I think the second disc is stronger and has more of his trademark sound. But it's all pretty solid.
B
4
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Mon Aug 29 2022
Harvest
Neil Young
I don’t know if this is Neil’s best- I like his rocking stuff- but it’s his most popular for a reason. The bridge between folk and country never sounded so tight and refined as it does here.
A
5
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Tue Aug 30 2022
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
As much as I adore Simon & Garfunkel (had a serious S&G phase during my first year of community college), this isn’t one of their best albums. I still like it a lot, though.
But too much of it is spent on tracks meant to explore the themes that have little value on their own, and others sound like obvious Graduate leftovers (because they were). But the two sound so good together that it really doesn’t matter. And it’s brief, but full enough to feel perfectly concise.
B+
4
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Wed Aug 31 2022
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
I never liked this one as much as other people do. It’s a little too soft for me, and I have a particular allergic reaction to “Everybody Hurts”. But the good stuff is very good- “Nightswimming”, in particular, is life changing. Not my first choice to introduce someone to R.E.M.’s gift for melody, but it’s still a good time.
B
4
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Thu Sep 01 2022
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Still not the biggest Elvis guy, but this has some cool tracks on it. Mostly, anyway- his “Tutti Frutti” couldn’t possibly compare to Little Richard. But the rest of these tracks show off his pipes, and the backing band is solid.
B
4
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Fri Sep 02 2022
Street Signs
Ozomatli
I feel like this would be a hit if it was released today, primarily for the lyrics, which are absolute Twitter-level politics.
At least the English tracks, which is partly why I tend to prefer the Spanish language material. When it goes full Latin, I am all in. Would like this better if it didn’t have as much nu metal tinge, I think.
C+
3
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Mon Sep 05 2022
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I love discovering new music, especially for genres I love like jazz. Incredible stuff here.
B+
4
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Tue Sep 06 2022
Moondance
Van Morrison
I know he’s a COVID-denying piece of shit, but Van really knows his way around a tune. This has got to be his greatest collection of music.
B+
4
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Wed Sep 07 2022
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Normally I try to listen to an album fresh before I review it, but I know this one by the back of my hand and I’m traveling so I’ll make an exception.
Petty is probably my favorite artist of all time, and I’ll accept no slander on his behalf. You can tell that he’s working out the edges on his sound, as this takes a lot from Dylan, Springsteen and everything in between, but he and co come up with a few all-timers here. Even the songs about rock music, which I normally dismiss from other artists, sound genuine and exciting here.
A- for me
4
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Thu Sep 08 2022
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Another post-punky/dreampopy album where I can appreciate it but don’t love it. I don’t really have much to say, honestly (and I’ll probably be behind for the next few albums).
C
3
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Fri Sep 09 2022
Triangle
The Beau Brummels
Pretty basic hippie stuff, perfectly listenable but nothing to write home about.
C
3
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Mon Sep 12 2022
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Oh wow, this was such timing.
I used to like The Smiths a lot in high school/early college, but they do little for me now. Morrissey’s delivery only annoys me, as does his petluant lyrics. The musicians are solid, though, and sometimes it works well enough that I can still get behind it.
C
3
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Tue Sep 13 2022
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
My favorite hippie album of all time. It helps that Grace Slick is a GOAT singer, but this sound never gets better from here.
B+
4
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Wed Sep 14 2022
21
Adele
I’ll be straight- I don’t like Adele. I think her range as a performer is limited (almost all she sings about is her ex) and her voice is all technicality with little power. It’s not fun or exciting to listen to, and I don’t understand her massive appeal.
Listening to her mega album all the way through for the first time since it came out confirms this. Sorry.
D
2
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Thu Sep 15 2022
Atomizer
Big Black
Big Black fuckin’ rock. Don’t have much else to say.
B+
4
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Fri Sep 16 2022
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Full disclosure- Iron Maiden is my favorite band of all time. They’re the act that got me into metal, and music as a whole. It’s hard for me to be objective about them.
But at the same time, the first Maiden album is kind of a mixed bag. The songs themselves are incredible- Steve Harris’ ear for melody, riffs and harmony were evident from the very beginning. And while I know that he was waiting for a muse with a stronger range, Di’Anno’s performances are on point throughout. However, the album’s production is hollow as sin, making its tracks have a fraction of the power they deserve.
Meeting halfway, it’s a B+ for me. They’ll get much more right with their follow-up.
On another note, it’s absurd that Maiden only has 2 albums in this book, and this is one of them. We really don’t need 4 Metallicas, especially not And Justice for Mid. That should be swapped for Killers or Powerslave, easy.
4
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Mon Sep 19 2022
Bossanova
Pixies
I really do like the Pixies, but I don’t tend to spin much of their stuff past their first two albums + Come On Pilgrim. Playing this in full for the first time in ages reminds me of why. This really does feel like their attempt to court the mainstream, and has less of the charming idiosyncrasies that makes their earlier stuff timeless. Still, when it hits it hits, and it has plenty of bangers to make it worth adding to the collection.
B
4
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Tue Sep 20 2022
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
The Kinks are probably going to be forever associated with their hard rocking singles- “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night”- but that’s not really reflective of their sound. A good chunk of their material is more folksy, like this album, which I like a lot. Terrific harmonies and hooks throughout. It’s a real highlight from the British Invasion.
B+
4
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Wed Sep 21 2022
Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
So I only know the hits, and let me just say that this didn’t sound how I was expecting. Way more soulful than I thought it would be, and I also wasn’t expecting Boy George to share the limelight with a gospel singer. It’s almost like if Hall & Oates joined the Human League, which is interesting, but still not exactly my thing.
C
3
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Thu Sep 22 2022
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
This was one of my favorites in my alt rock-obsessed phase from high school/early college, and it’s probably my favorite Sonic Youth album. It still sounds so big and fresh, the rare double album that doesn’t overstay its welcome… mostly.
A-
4
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Fri Sep 23 2022
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Is it Jimi’s weakest album? From the Experience, yeah probably (although I think Ladyland is less consistent), but it still flourishes with great ideas throughout. The best stuff sounds like the logical evolution from Experienced, while the weaker stuff sounds like B-sides.
B+
4
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Mon Sep 26 2022
Tommy
The Who
It’s kind of funny, I think it’s this album where The Who start to match, if not better their live performances, but I just don’t like the concept behind the album. And unfortunately, most of the songs don’t work without recognizing the story at large. There’s some gold here, and some all-time best performances from the band, but I much prefer Who’s Next and Quadrophenia.
B
4
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Tue Sep 27 2022
Dust
Screaming Trees
My Lanegan experience will probably differ from most. I heard the big Screaming Trees songs and some of his solo stuff before, and of course his QOTSA material, but I only really gained an interest in his work after reading his book. His stuff with Queens was clearly their best and I really like his solo work (Bubblegum is a 10/10 record), but the Trees are mostly just good.
From what I recall, their previous album is the one he was proudest of, and the group was largely disconnected here. There are some solid ideas here, and I think everybody gives a solid performance, but it does sound like a band who’ve expired their need for each other. It’s a good listen, likely not their best.
B
4
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Wed Sep 28 2022
Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
Conscious/jazz rap is one of my favorite styles of music period, and I worship the first 3 + last Tribe Called Quest albums, so you’d think that I would have spun some Jungle Brothers before. But nope, this is a surprising oversight for me.
But hey, this stuff is good! A little primitive compared to The Low End Theory, but I bet that even if I was a metal-blasting teen in the 80’s, I would have bought this with no shame. Will probably play again soon.
B
4
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Thu Sep 29 2022
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Every time I think that I like new wave/synthpop stuff, I put on another of these albums and realize that I only do for a song or two at a time. A lot of it comes off as monotonous to me. Maybe it’s just me.
C-
3
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Fri Sep 30 2022
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Not even 30 minutes long and it feels more complete than many albums twice its length. Such rich compositions and strong performances… although the title track isn’t a favorite if I have to be honest.
Still, easy A-
4
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Mon Oct 03 2022
xx
The xx
I came in expecting to hate it, but I didn’t?
Still not really my scene, but it has a solid groove and I like how the male and female vocalists intercept. Unlike a lot of other indie stuff, I can kind of get the appeal, even if I don’t see me adding it to my collection.
C
3
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Tue Oct 04 2022
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
I get why Dolly is so revered for her songwriting now. She has a knack for melody and lyrical beauty, as is evident throughout. I do think that it peaks on the first side and starts to drag near the end, even for a sub-30 minute album, but I enjoy the lot of it.
B
4
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Wed Oct 05 2022
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Pretty damn primitive by today’s standards for hip-hop- in some ways, it’s really closer to rock than rap, and I don’t even mean just “Walk This Way”- but it also feels like a refinement of the first wave of rap. Like a peak of the classic style, a sign that it was time to let the music grow.
Full of bangers that I think would still get people hyped today, even if it’s firmly a product of its time.
A-
4
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Thu Oct 06 2022
Queen II
Queen
I’m not really a big Queen fan except for those first few albums. Yes, even as a total weirdo, I prefer when they were a proto-metal band than their later theatrical leanings. I guess I’m just a metalhead first.
But this stuff mostly rocks, and stays at a strong pace throughout. There are a couple of hints at their later influences which I’m mixed on, but it all mostly works for me.
B
4
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Fri Oct 07 2022
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Just really good stuff. Terrific songwriting and playing, and the pacing is perfect. If you’ve been rocked too hard, it’s time for some well-placed slow moments, and then back to the groove. The Stones at their best mayb.
A-, could be an A and 5 stars but I need to hoard these better
4
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Mon Oct 10 2022
Aja
Steely Dan
I said that I was going to hold back on 5 stars right before I got this album lol
What can I say, I love the Dan. I gel with Fagen and Becker’s sense of humor, their wordplay, and their jazz-meets-rock sensibilities. This is as good as their sound ever gets, although I also have a soft spot for Katy Lied. Still, I like how the big, progressive tracks are sequenced early on to get them out the way for listeners to familiarize themselves before going back to the lighter, catchier tracks. It’s a screw you to a big sect of the audience, and it works splendidly.
A
5
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Tue Oct 11 2022
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
I was slightly surprised, but not totally, to learn that this was kind of a response to What's Going On. I don't think it's as good, but the passion and fury here is undeniable. Really worth spinning.
B+
4
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Thu Oct 13 2022
In It For The Money
Supergrass
I had an online friend who used to be swear by Supergrass and turned me onto their first album. He’s been off the grid for a minute now, so I hope he’s doing well.
I never actually got around to listening to their other stuff, though, so this was all new to me. Still pretty good! Strong melodies and a good sense of humor, but not too cloy with its comedic tracks either. They deserve to have been at least as big as Oasis were here.
B
4
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Fri Oct 14 2022
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
I only really knew The Fall by name- they’re another punk band who didn’t quite crossover to the states- so hearing this was kind of eye (or I guess ear)-opening. I think the best ideas are used early on and the pacing isn’t strong, but I generally like their sound and I appreciate their lyrics and performances. Will check out more.
B
4
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Mon Oct 17 2022
The Man Who
Travis
I didn’t even know that post-Britpop was a thing lol
But this isn’t bad, I like the musicianship and there’s solid songwriting abound. I don’t know if it’s a GOAT album, but I think it deserved to do a little better in the states.
Man, I feel like I enjoy every Britpop act I’ve heard better than Oasis and Blur. Too bad those were the only ones to really catch on here.
C+
4
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Tue Oct 18 2022
Eagles
Eagles
Every time I try to get into the Eagles it doesn’t really work. I just don’t have much use for soft rock unless it has a jazzy tinge ala the Dan. And frankly, I don’t see what listening to the album tracks will add to your life, when they’re largely forgettable compared to the hits. Although “Take it Easy” blows.
C-
3
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Wed Oct 19 2022
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
When I started this, I wasn’t sure. It was good but not great, not on the level of what I was expecting from Q-Tip. But after a few songs, I felt like it only started getting better. Stronger hooks, more effective guest spots, more memorable bars. It’s a real grower and sounds of its time and timeless at once.
That’s what I get for undervaluing Tip. B+
4
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Thu Oct 20 2022
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
Not my favorite Heads album (always been partial to the first, and Fear of Music is a serious contender), but damn if this isn’t incredible. Still has that firesome energy and artistic spirit that makes their earlier stuff soar, but the experimentation throughout is undeniably charming. Sounds as good as ever.
A-, maybe drop the minus?
4
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Fri Oct 21 2022
Real Life
Magazine
I really like when I find something new to me that’s good, this is why I enjoy keeping up with this challenge. Solid punk that’s pretty well paced! Would definitely listen again.
B
4
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Mon Oct 24 2022
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Not really related to anything, but I still remember the first time I heard Jane’s Addiction, hearing “Been Caught Stealing” on GTA: San Andreas’ rock station. I thought it was a Beastie Boys song, because Perry Ferrell just has a similar vocal tone to the Beasties. I thought the same thing when I heard “Killing in the Name” on the same setlist, heh.
Anyway, their discography is the stuff of legends. Dave Navarro is the clear MVP, finding new ways to make his distinctive tone stand out throughout, while the rhythm section keeps up with him perfectly. I think the first third is the most basic, and it becomes more exciting as it goes along, but it’s all pretty good.
B+
4
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Tue Oct 25 2022
1984
Van Halen
Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if Roth stayed with Van Halen in the 80’s? Would their next album sound more like 5150 or Eat ‘Em and Smile? Would they be trying to recreate “Jump” with every few songs or would their next hit be closer to “Hot for Teacher”?
That first album can’t be topped, but I understand why this is their peak. Eddie needed to show the bands who followed in their wake who the GOAT is, and he embraced new wave in as classy of a manner as a band of their kind could, while still maintaining enough hints of their earlier edge to not alienate long-time fans. But this is seldom my first choice.
B+
4
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Wed Oct 26 2022
Destroyer
KISS
Van Halen and KISS back to back? I feel like some people won’t like that.
I don’t mind, though. even though I came of age around the time of nu metal, my hard and heavy discoveries were better fits for VH1 Classic than TRL. I’d still pick Destroyer over Follow the Leader any day.
Although this is far from a perfect album. KISS just weren’t as strong songwriters or musicians as Aerosmith or AC/DC, which explains why they’re better remembered for their theatrics than their catalogue. But most of these songs are still pretty good and they’re all solid performers, although I do think it’s funny that Ace, who’s generally considered the best artist of the group, had the weakest tracks here. Honestly, I think Peter wins this time, since I groove to “Beth”’s cheesy sincerity. I’d take it on the radio over another damn Foreigner song any day.
B
4
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Thu Oct 27 2022
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
I understand that if you’ve missed out on certain touchstones by a certain age that they won’t sound as appealing when you get to them later at life. Like how someone from the site recently tried to spin Joy Division and didn’t see the appeal compared to the many acts who emulated their sound. But I can’t imagine not being impressed with Bowie at any age.
Some incredible rock and roll songwriting, the kind that absolutely elevates itself above its contemporaries.
Considered giving it an A/5 stars, but “Changes” has honestly always grated on me, so I hope the minus will do.
4
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Fri Oct 28 2022
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Otis was one of the great song interpretators, someone who could turn most any track into a unique vision that only he could pull off. This mau be his best collection of studio performances, and I bet they must have been cracking live.
A-
4
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Mon Oct 31 2022
Risque
CHIC
I knew the hits but not the sequence, so listening in full helped me to appreciate the sound here. It’s a damn fine dance album and keeps the groove going like nobody’s business. Not necessarily my thing, but worth celebrating.
B
4
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Tue Nov 01 2022
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
These guys, and this album in particular blew up when I was not appreciative of indie stuff, and I was not having it. Trying it again now… and I still don’t really get it. Not my kind of electro pop at all, really.
D+, but I’ll give it 3 stars out of fairness, since it’s not really bad at all
3
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Wed Nov 02 2022
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
I knew the name Boo Radleys (moreso from To Kill a Mockingbird though…), but never actually listened to them and wasn’t expecting them to be contemporaries to My Bloody Valentine???
It’s pretty good, but there are some notes that ring false to me, like a haphazard Rodney King “tribute”.
Gonna land at a C+, but still earns that fourth star
4
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Thu Nov 03 2022
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Pretty good! Comedy rap can age badly, and there are a couple of tracks that do not stack up, but it’s not all jokes, and there are some great beats here. And of course, “Passin’ Me By” is an all-timer.
B
4
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Fri Nov 04 2022
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
INCREDIBLE guitar playing, really astronomical stuff. It all sounds pretty good, even if it’s slightly dated.
A-
4
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Mon Nov 07 2022
Disraeli Gears
Cream
I know praising Clapton is not the vibe, but I’ll hear no bashing of Cream. This is damn-near perfect hard rock, with each member bringing their all. Even the weird tracks like “Mother’s Lament” are lowkey bangers.
A-
4
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Tue Nov 08 2022
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Damn, really? Neil Young’s renaissance period surely offered some hits, and this is full of good stuff, but is it really essential?
It is a good time, though.
B
4
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Wed Nov 09 2022
Graceland
Paul Simon
I can’t imagine that anyone who would consider Paul Simon boring have actually listened to this or his work with Art.
Or maybe I can, some of the tracks here do work better than others. The African-inspired tracks are mostly the highlight vs the safer Simon tracks, but I still think it’s a hit.
B+
4
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Thu Nov 10 2022
Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
Okay, from my (admittedly limited) knowledge of Tim Buckley, I was not expecting him to make a proto-Ed Sheeran acoustic white guy funk album.
It’s not bad? Definitely sounds like what I just described, but not as embarrassing as you’d think, yet I feel like I’d prefer his folkier stuff. Or, y’no, PFunk.
C
3
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Fri Nov 11 2022
The Stranger
Billy Joel
I’m not a huge Billy Joel fan, always been more of an pre-baritone Elton guy, but this is easily his best work. It’s already basically a greatest hits, since everything but the last two has become a part of the public consciousness since it came out. And it’s a highly enjoyable pop rock album, well worth the spin even if you think you’re too cool for it.
B+
4
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Mon Nov 14 2022
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
I love jazz but I never know how to review it. It’s great and Evans kills it on the keys.
A-
4
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Tue Nov 15 2022
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
This is still pretty good, but not as life-affirming as REM’s debut, or at least it isn’t by today’s standards. Still, I think that “Blister in the Sun” and “Add It Up” will go off at any point in history.
B
4
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Wed Nov 16 2022
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I’ll never get over my teenage bias. It’s fine, but I just don’t care.
C
3
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Thu Nov 17 2022
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
I should dock this album. Slim’s shtick should come off as cringe and the casual homophobia, misogyny and ableism should make it unlistenable.
But no, this is still an all-timer. The elements that date it only make him sound dangerous in an almost charming way, and when he’s not dropping the f slur, Em’s delivery is impeccable. The features and beats are largely incredible, too.
A
5
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Fri Nov 18 2022
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I don’t really have much use for the Chili Peppers anymore. There’s no subtlety to their sound- once you hear a song, you get everything they intend from it. And other acts from the same period are more exciting.
But this album is still a part of my DNA. My mom used to play this all the time, alongside One Hot Minute (underrated), Pearl Jam’s Ten, and Tom Petty’s Greatest Hits. It’s still pretty good, too. But never my first choice.
B
4
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Mon Nov 21 2022
Purple Rain
Prince
Like Bowie, Prince is one of those artists who I can’t imagine being unimpressed with at any point of time. The way he brings so many styles of music together- pop, rock, R&B, new wave, doo wop, even touches of metal and country- as seamlessly and synthetic as possible makes sure this album never stops vibing. And when you think you know what’s coming next, he comes up with a hook that blows you away. The movie is mid though.
There are very few albums that I think deserve an A+. This is one of them.
5
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Tue Nov 22 2022
Woodface
Crowded House
Pleasant enough when you’re listening to it, but absolutely forgettable after the moment passes. I couldn’t name a single song or hook.
C-
3
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Wed Nov 23 2022
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
I feel like this list needs to have some album that only had impact in the UK every now and then to feel natural, except this one actually sounds pretty good? I like how weirdly and defiantly punk it is during Britpop’s hey day, and there are some really cool harmonies here. Would like to hear more.
B
4
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Thu Nov 24 2022
Dare!
The Human League
New wave really is more of a singles genre than an albums. That’s probably why Substance is the only New Order album I only. “Don’t You Want Me” is a triumph of the genre, but most else os forgettable.
C
3
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Fri Nov 25 2022
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
I know like half of these songs through cultural osmosis, but never listened to the whole thing. Pretty good, but definitely a product of mid-00’s rap.
B
4
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Mon Nov 28 2022
Melodrama
Lorde
I remember trying Lorde’s first album when it came out and found it drowsy and monotonous, while every bit I’ve seen from her showed an attitude I did not care for. So I never got around to her follow-up, even though I hear that it’s better.
It is, but I’m still not a fan of her sound, or Jack Antonoff’s, whose backlash seems to have been a longtime coming even if he is by all accounts solid. A couple of good moments here and there almost make me change my mind- “Green Light” is a banger- but I don’t have a lot of use for this otherwise. Would take it over Taylor or Lana any day of the week, though.
Gonna round up to a C
3
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Tue Nov 29 2022
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Long live Polly Jean. Maybe not her best LP but it has enough essentials to deftly recommend it, including the all-timer “Good Fortune” and my favorite Thom Yorke performance.
B+
4
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Wed Nov 30 2022
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I had a bit of a Siouxsie phase back in the day, but haven’t listened to her stuff in a while. It’s good! Almost like if Kate Bush joined Bauhaus.
B
4
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Thu Dec 01 2022
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Love how George Clinton decided to start the album out by having Eddie Hazel pull out the greatest solo of all time. More artists should follow suit.
A-
4
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Fri Dec 02 2022
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
I called Raising Hell somewhat primitive, but it still feels like the best possible version of its sound. Their debut sounds even more ancient, yet oddly still relatively refined. They knew their sound and what they wanted to do, while others would turn hip hop into the force it became since. This is a lot of fun, but I can see how it may not appeal if you don’t like some rock n roll in your rap.
B+
4
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Mon Dec 05 2022
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
It’s definitely less feral than the Stooges’ stuff, more polished, but still has the energy and ironic brilliance that you’d still expect from Iggy at this point. He and Bowie really were terrific bedfellows at this point; they compliment each other brilliantly.
B+
4
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Tue Dec 06 2022
Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
I stand by my previous comment that I don’t understand why Oasis and Blur are the Britpop bands to make it big when literally every other one I’ve heard is better. Mehtastic.
D
2
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Wed Dec 07 2022
Hms Fable
Shack
That had a couple of cool moments, but nothing I couldn’t live without. Not a bad way to spend 45 or so minutes, but hardly essential.
C
3
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Thu Dec 08 2022
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Is this my favorite Dylan album? Maybe. It is the first one I heard and owned. But it has to be his best, the one that I would say definitively represents him.
A
5
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Fri Dec 09 2022
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Quite good, even if it’s not the Beach Boys’ best work. But I like the somber feeling this album evokes and its equally playful and haunting look at nostalgia. Glad to own it.
B
4
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Mon Dec 12 2022
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Not my favorite Steely Dan LP, but it’s still the Dan, so the lyrics are deliciously bitter and musicianship is steak sauce.
B
4
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Tue Dec 13 2022
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
The best rap album ever. Maybe. A little misogynistic at points, especially at the end, but damn if it doesn’t sound as good as ever, and if Biggie didn’t deserve all the roses he could get.
A
5
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Wed Dec 14 2022
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Apparently this was a big inspiration for Led Zeppelin’s early sound, but we’ve yet to actually have one of their albums on here. Kind of fucked up, right?
Solid stuff, though. C
3
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Thu Dec 15 2022
Treasure
Cocteau Twins
That was quite lovely. I don’t know if I’d be ready for it in the mid-80’s, but I liked the pretty sounds today.
B
4
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Fri Dec 16 2022
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
I’m honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I think for new wave, I either need it to be as soulful as this or still have some of that post-punk energy. Otherwise, I don’t really care for synthpop.
B
4
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Mon Dec 19 2022
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
Sounds like the logical step between Lust for Life and Iggy’s later stuff, him going post-punk, and Bowie’s influence is more pronounced than ever. I think it peaks early on and the middle third is the weakest part, but it’s still good stuff.
B
4
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Tue Dec 20 2022
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
A good introduction for Tom Waits. Not my favorite, but it’s weird without being too weird, and showcases his brilliant ear for songwriting and character.
B+
4
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Wed Dec 21 2022
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
I dunno, there’s some cool stuff on here but a lot of it just isn’t my thing. Whenever I think that I’m really getting into country, I’ll hit a roadblock with a legend like Waylon that I shouldn’t.
C
3
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Thu Dec 22 2022
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Am I getting into Wilco? First I vibe with Yankee Foxtrot Hotel and now this. Who knew?
C+
4
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Fri Dec 23 2022
Dog Man Star
Suede
Perfectly competent, but I can spend the rest of my life never listening to this again.
C-
3
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Mon Dec 26 2022
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Really not a Christmas music guy usually, but these are lovely. The Ronettes are definite highlights.
What can I say, Phil Spector may be a monster, but he knew how to make a song soar.
B
4
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Tue Dec 27 2022
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
I remember playing this when it first came out and feeling unimpressed. It’s grown on me a little. I like how Fiona displays a wide range of emotions and sounds. Still not totally my thing, but I kind of get why everyone was into her for a week.
B
4
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Wed Dec 28 2022
Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
I couldn’t even finish this. Partly I was too busy, but I just wasn’t that impressed.
D+
2
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Thu Dec 29 2022
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
After a few days of stuff that isn’t Really For Me At All, I was glad to get an album that I know I love. Not one of KC’s top tier releases, but it’s bookended by some of their most lovely compositions.
B+
4
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Fri Dec 30 2022
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
I usually forget that Queen Latifah was a rapper before becoming an actress, but she’s quite good here! A lot of these tracks are of their time, but her flow is practically ageless and there are some great features as well.
Think I’ll just do a B, but it could earn the +
4
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Mon Jan 02 2023
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
I’m sorry, I hate reggae. Can’t do it.
D
2
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Tue Jan 03 2023
Blue
Joni Mitchell
I didn’t like this album the first time or two that I listened to it. I thought that Joni sounded too shrill for my liking. But I grew to love the honesty in her voice and the little twirls in her songwriting and guitar playing. She has better vocal performances elsewhere, but this may be her best collection of songs.
A
5
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Wed Jan 04 2023
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
Was not expecting Lightning Bolt to make it here, but good, love them.
A-
4
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Thu Jan 05 2023
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Pretty good, but not my favorite kind of funk. More of a PFunk guy for sure, but this will do in a pinch.
B
4
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Fri Jan 06 2023
Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
I follow a decent amount of music groups that are meant to be UK based, so sometimes artists who are big there but never crossed over to the states come up. Robbie Williams isn’t quite to the taste of those particular groups, but he’s a good example of one. Huge in Europe, practically unknown here.
And yeah, not my thing. D… +?
2
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Mon Jan 09 2023
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Not Paul’s best stuff, he was still trying to find his ground as a solo act, but definitely has its share of classics. It’s pretty good, but his best work will always be with Art.
B
4
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Tue Jan 10 2023
Liquid Swords
GZA
Not gonna do a review this time but instead bitch about how I had tickets to see Wu-Tang in September and bailed for reasons I barely even remember now, and they did a Liquid Swords set! So pissed that I missed that.
A-
4
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Wed Jan 11 2023
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Basically everything I know about The Cardigans comes from Todd in the Shadow’s brilliant video about them, primarily their big hit “Lovefool” down to their history of dreampop-inspired Sabbath covers. So this is my first time listening to one of their albums, particularly the one with said big hit, and I loved it. A good mix between low and hi fi, they sound quite groovy and charming. I kind of hope their next album is also featured, since I believe that’s a bit of a 180.
B
4
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Thu Jan 12 2023
Bummed
Happy Mondays
Pretty nice and groovy as heck, but I don’t think I’ll be coming back to it. Worth a spin though!
C
3
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Fri Jan 13 2023
Drunk
Thundercat
That was pretty cool, a lot of it reminds me of Outkast’s funkier interludes, with a couple of prerequisite singles sprinkled in. I had fun, but at the same time it isn’t very filling, it’s almost like it’s all appetizers, no main course. Will come back to it, but I’m not in love yet.
B
4
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Mon Jan 16 2023
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Blue is still her masterpiece, but this is pretty good, too. I really like the jazzy inflections, and wish there were more of them vs her usual folksy stuff.
Fun fact- this was Prince’s favorite album. Man had taste.
B+
4
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Tue Jan 17 2023
Solid Air
John Martyn
This album has been on my radar after Produce Like a Pro’s excellent video, but I only now got around to it. Good sfuff! Martyn had an exceptional ear for influences and melds sounds together that work better than they should. I definitely will look harder for a copy now.
B
4
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Wed Jan 18 2023
Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
A little Johnny Rotten goes a long way- I personally would have cut the religion poem- but there’s some pretty cool stuff here. Post-punk before it went full new wave will always be a sound I can get behind.
B
4
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Thu Jan 19 2023
The Cars
The Cars
Simultaneously nostalgic, timely and timeless, all in the best possible ways. Even if you’re not a new wave person (and I’m learning that I’m not), this is worth a listen.
Gonna go with A-, cause the middle section kind of drags. First and last thirds are where it’s at
4
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Fri Jan 20 2023
Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
My mom loves Peter Frampton and had this play a lot, but I will always associate him with the Lollapalooza episode of The Simpsons.
But in all honesty, this is decent, if overplayed classic rock, and he sure can shred. Not 100% my thing but I can appreciate it every now and the .
B-?
4
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Mon Jan 23 2023
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
The one Marley album I own, this is the one I was told that I needed, and I just don’t get it. Reggae is not my thing at all.
D-
2
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Tue Jan 24 2023
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
As much as I love jazz, I’m not great at reviewing/talking about it. this is great though!
A-?
4
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Wed Jan 25 2023
The Yes Album
Yes
This is the first Yes album I ever owned and it became a favorite during my first prog phase. It still rocks, and I like how tight it is, not super willy-nilly. It may not be their strongest work but it’s a good recommendation for prog newbies.
B+
4
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Thu Jan 26 2023
Rapture
Anita Baker
I think I’ve heard of Anita Baker, but never actually listened to any of her stuff. So color me surprised when I liked this a good bit. She has a raspy yet emotive voice and delivers everything incredibly, even when the production is kind of cheesy. Definitely here for it.
B
4
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Fri Jan 27 2023
Faith
George Michael
I knew a lot of the songs, but I don’t think that I’ve ever listened to this the whole way through. Pretty good pop music, but I don’t like the slower songs as much. Still worth a spin.
B+
4
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Mon Jan 30 2023
Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Really quite good, Tina is one of the all-time performers for a reason. Her ability to switch from smooth R&B to good old swinging rock n roll is timeless, but a lot of the production and songwriting choices do ultimately date it. But that’s still pretty damn good.
B
4
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Tue Jan 31 2023
Either Or
Elliott Smith
👍🏽
B
4
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Wed Feb 01 2023
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
It’s pretty music, but not really my thing at all.
C
3
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Thu Feb 02 2023
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Never been a Costello fan, and this doesn’t do much to change that, but I like the more interesting guitar licks he pulls out, although I don’t care for the rockabilly or reggae sounds as much.
C+
3
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Fri Feb 03 2023
Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
For whatever reason, back in the day I disregarded Pavement as the kind of indie rock I had no use for. After spinning this album a few times, I don’t understand why, it’s great! Maybe their later stuff is a little more tame? Will discover soon.
B+
4
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Mon Feb 06 2023
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Everyone’s favorite punk boy band!
Ha. The Pistols may have been kind of bullshit, but they did have some good songs and Steve Jones knew how to deliver a riff. Unfortunately, a lot of the tracks are kind of samey- the ones that caught on did so for a reason- so I’d seldom pick this over prime Clash, but I can agree that it’s worth listening to and probably even owning depending on where your tastes lie.
C, but I think it deserves a fourth star
4
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Tue Feb 07 2023
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
The only Pogues song I know is the one they played at the Irish wakes in The Wire, and that isn’t here.
This is still good, if pretty samey and not ultimately my thing. But I feel like if I was to own one Irish jig album, this would be it.
C
3
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Wed Feb 08 2023
The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
More Joni! Pretty good stuff, but it’s not as impressive as the other albums of hers we’ve covered so far IMO
B
4
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Thu Feb 09 2023
Out of Step
Minor Threat
Why would you listen to the Out of Step album when the Complete Discography LP exists? Some of the best punk out there.
CD is probably an A, Out of Step about a B
4
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Fri Feb 10 2023
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
I’m not the biggest post-rock guy most of the time. The music can be incredible, but sometimes I just need more of an edge to my instrumentalists. But I’ve always liked this particular album and think that it’s worth spinning as a sample of how the sound can inspire. Although Lift Yr Skinny Fists is still the GOAT
B+
4
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Mon Feb 13 2023
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
My limited knowledge of Tito Puente comes from him being a suspect of shooting Mr. Burns, while the title of this album recalls my sister’s dance trope. So coming in mostly blind, I like this just fine. It’s a solid dance album, one that saves some of its best grooves for the crucial second half, even if it gets a little tiresome at the very end. Still worth a listen to this rock n roll soul.
B
4
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Tue Feb 14 2023
Superunknown
Soundgarden
Is Superunknown the best mainstream rock album of the 90’s? Honestly, it’s probably not better than Badmotorfinger, which is tighter. But it’s cool that after that LP’s surprise success, they doubled down on their sludgy sound and put some of their best riffs down (“4th of July” is totally not a song that an act chasing the top 40 would make), while adding more melody.
If it was a song or two shorter, it’d be in the A range, so I hope a B+ will do.
4
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Wed Feb 15 2023
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
It’s hard to discuss Michael Jackson without his allegations, so I’ll try anyway!
I don’t know if I can agree with this being better than Thriller- the slow songs wear it down for me- but at its prime, this is some of the best disco you’ll find. Incredibly tight musicianship and he sure knew how to use his voice.
B+
4
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Thu Feb 16 2023
The Who Sell Out
The Who
The Who were such good musicans and Roger Daltry had an incredible voice, but their pre-Tommy recordings are so watered down. It sucks, because the songs here are quite good- “I Can See for Miles” especially- but these aren’t the best versions of themselves.
B-
4
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Fri Feb 17 2023
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
I like Donovan, but I’ll admit, a lot of the deeper cuts test my patience for hippie music, as it’s usually not my thing. Still, he has a good voice and a way with lyrics, enough so to make it a solid experience.
B
4
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Mon Feb 20 2023
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I mentioned before that I did not have a nu metal phase, but Linkin Park is at least a little bit easier to digest than Korn. They were a little more honest about their necessity for melody, and I think the rap and electronic influences they add do make them stand out.
This still is not my thing and probably will never be, though. A lot of it goes in through one ear and out the other.
A D for me.
2
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Tue Feb 21 2023
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
I hate saying it, but Public Enemy’s albums don’t totally hold up. They’re more of a singles band with a couple of great album tracks (although that tends to be the case with a lot of rap albums imo…).
Still, nothing here is BAD. there’s very little of the misogyny or homophobia that plagues a lot of rap albums from the time, and the crew is generally pretty entertaining. And the songs that land are all-timers.
B+, which sounds low for such an important album, but is the right score.
4
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Wed Feb 22 2023
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
Some of this sounds lame to me, while some of it sounds almost as vital as it was at the time. Real folk was definitely better, but the more exciting guitar tracks were pretty cool, would have liked more of that.
C
3
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Thu Feb 23 2023
Leftism
Leftfield
I don’t get it.
C
2
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Fri Feb 24 2023
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
I’m famous with Black Sunday, but not Cypress Hill’s other material. This sounds a little more primitive, not necessarily in a bad way, but it’s also not something that I see myself coming back to regularly compared to the Big album.
B
4
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Mon Feb 27 2023
Moon Safari
Air
Oh hey, these guys did the Virgin Suicides soundtrack. I love that movie and soundtrack!
This is pretty nice too. Not totally my thing, but I like when the strings chime in.
C
3
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Tue Feb 28 2023
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
This is probably the most important rap album ever made. It changed how the game was played and how it’s done since, but it doesn’t 100% hold up. Like many of its contemporaries, misogyny creeps its head in, some of the beats are repeated to their detriment, and frankly, Dre was always a better producer than rapper.
But everything else just sounds soooo good.
Been debating leaving it at B+, but nah, it’s an A-.
4
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Wed Mar 01 2023
Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
Not totally my thing- apparently this album has ties to Flaming Lips and their Soft Bulletin, who I’m also hot and cold on- but some of it is pretty good, with a strong electric sound and solid rhythm section. It’s decent indie rock that doesn’t overstay its welcome, which is a blessing for this period especially.
B
4
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
I had an idea of what TV on the Radio sounded like after not hearing them in over a decade, and it wasn’t quite what I got. The singer reminds me of Cold Cave, and I love me some Cold Cave!
I actually prefer the less-funky tracks, those feel less tryhard to me. It’s decent indie rock, but not something I’d return to.
C
3
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Fri Mar 03 2023
Smile
Brian Wilson
Incredible. If Brian was able to record this at the Beach Boys’ prime as intended, this would have undeniable GOAT status, but even now it’s unbelievably gorgeous music.
A
5
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Mon Mar 06 2023
Low-Life
New Order
I love New Order, but I don’t really listen to their albums. Substance 1987 is all the NO I need, so this was new for me. Pretty good, but the 12” “Perfect Kiss” is the way to go. Still, as someone who prefers new wave acts as singles artists, this is well crafted and has solid variety.
B
4
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Tue Mar 07 2023
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Easily one of the most impactful voices ever, but I also get the impression that this isn’t the best way to embrace Billie that’s out there. A damn fine album, but maybe not the finest.
B
4
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Wed Mar 08 2023
Da Capo
Love
I’m familiar with Forever Changes, but Love’s other stuff has eluded me. I really liked the extended jam on side B, which sounds like a refined “In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida”. The first side also has some good songs, and a surprising amount of variety and solid musicianship to it.
When I think that I don’t like hippie stuff, it’s really just Grateful Dead, and mostly Jerry Garcia’s voice. Otherwise, some of it is pretty cool.
B
4
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Thu Mar 09 2023
The Bends
Radiohead
I am not a Radiohead guy by any stretch, but this has to be their best album.
For one thing, it captures the band at a peak position, post-“Creep”, where they’re trying to prove that there’s more to them, but pre-OK Computer’s dull pretentions or their lame electronic phase. This has a lot of their best ideas and the band has never sounded better in synch. That, and “My Iron Lung” is an all-timer. Some of it still isn’t my thing, but this would be my pick for them.
B-
4
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Fri Mar 10 2023
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
I can see why this is considered his “leaser” album, especially when Pink Moon is so much more intimate. Still, Drake’s songwriting chops are worth digging into here, and he has some real bangers.
B
4
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Mon Mar 13 2023
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Some of the guitar work is crazy here. Clapton and Page became bigger names, but Jeff Beck is possibly the best guitarist the Yardbirds had. I’m glad that I got to see him before his passing.
The band didn’t have the best songwriting compared to the Beatles or Who, so that’s why they don’t come up that often from this era. But there’s some really good stuff if you’re willing to listen.
B+
4
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
Wow, Spanish psychedelic chamber pop, and a double album that (mostly) doesn’t overstay its welcome? This is a true win-win. Will explore some more.
B-
4
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Bad
Michael Jackson
I know more than a few people who think Bad is better than Thriller. Not me, I prefer how slight and tight Thriller is, and Bad has a couple too many midtempo songs. Additionally, the only track I’d put on the level of “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, “Wanna Be Startin Something” is “Smooth Criminal”. Still, it’s peak Michael and worth spinning every now and then.
B-
4
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
(Yes Page is a sex pest but)
Like many kids who discovered guitar music, I had a big Zeppelin phase and just don’t listen to them as much any more. Music has come a long way since their heyday, and even some of their contemporaries have really cool stuff that deserves the attention instead. I can talk UFO or Thin Lizzy all day.
But putting one of these albums back on just proves how Zeppelin were IT, and how strong of a double album this is. Just about everything they try out, they succeed with as the band branches out of their blues staples with the occasional nods to their roots. Still highly essential.
A
5
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Fri Mar 17 2023
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
I love Roky’s solo stuff- paranoia never sounded so sexy- but I’m not as familiar with his earlier stuff. This is pretty cool, solid psychedelic rock with some killer guitar and neat backing tracks. Would hear more.
B
4
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Celebrity Skin
Hole
Nah.
D…+, I guess.
2
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
The thing about rock n roll this vintage- especially the white kind- is how primitive it sounds compared to even just a decade later. Charmingly primitive, sure, but almost day and night from what I usually listen to.
And ultimately, I prefer to listen to stuff like Buddy Holly intermittengly rather than frequently. Even though some of the album tracks are quite good, this is still ultimately singles music to be. But when they hit, it’s a lot of fun. The band sounds great and Buddy’s voice is just righy.
B+
4
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Wed Mar 22 2023
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
The fact that this is the third best selling album of all time sounds weird on paper, and I usually forget why until I actually play it. This is probably among the best mixture between rock and roll and Broadway that exists, and sounds so full of life. Some of it is a little too cheesy for words, but it’s a classic for a reason.
B
4
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Thu Mar 23 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Long live Martin Gore. One of the best voices on earth.
A-. The main reason I’m leaving the minus is because this is really a trial run for Violator.
4
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Fri Mar 24 2023
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Aretha was the Queen for a reason. The power of control on her voice is incomparable. No one could match her, and the music behind her is just as good, shuffling between R&B, rock n roll and jazz with ease.
A-, just missing one more classic to drop the minus.
4
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Goo
Sonic Youth
So I always thought that I liked Daydream Nation better, that this is SY getting more commercial to their detriment… but I actually think that this IS better? The weird songs are more delectably weird and the band sounds more refined than ever. Kim’s songs in particular soar here more than before. Way better than Nevermind IMO
A-
4
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
So… I kind of like Supertramp? Maybe not love, their vocals still kind of annoy me, but the songwriting is solid, some of the best rock-meets-jazz this side of Steely Dan. I like how the sax and even harmonicas are employed in various tracks, in particular.
C+
4
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Still not my thing at all… but is this where Philomena Cunk got the inspiration to talk about her mate Paul?
D
2
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Slipknot
Slipknot
I didn’t get Slipknot when I got into metal, and I don’t get them now. I hate the percussion and I think their songwriting is pathetic. They wouldn’t know a heavy riff if it bit them in the ass. I don’t like being the guy who hates the mainstreamy stuff- I’ll go to bat for SOAD- but I don’t think there’s anything here for me. Just an annoying hodgepodge of sounds.
I’d rate this a get the fuck out of my face.
1
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
This has always been my favorite album of Alice’s, and I always admire how easily he was able to rotate from hard rock to showtunes to something entirely different at the drop of a hat. He’s a legendary performer, but I think his songwriting has always been underrated, he knows how to write a tune and get a band together.
A-
4
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
I always considered this one kind of mid for The Doors, but it has some of their best musicianship in it, their jazziest compositions and the band is up for it. I don’t always love Morrison’s poetry, but he doesn’t feel like the most important member here, despite the title. This is one of the few Doors albums I don’t own, should fix that.
B
4
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Scott 2
Scott Walker
Walker sounds like a mix between Nick Cave and Frank Sinatra and I am here for it. It’s a little monotonous, but still very pretty music, would listen again.
B
4
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Thu Apr 06 2023
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
A classic held back by too many skits. While I love rap, I seldom choose to listen to most rap albums in full over, say, metal due to all the damn skits. Also, misogyny, but what else should you expect from the G-funk era?
Still, Snoop never sounded better. He already stole The Chronic, and he goes all out here. Close to a masterpiece, but not quite.
B
4
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Probably my favorite punk album of all time. Still sounds out of this world 40+ years on, everything about it works; Jello’s snotty performance, the strong musicianship, biting lyrics and memorable melodies. I’m glad we finally got to it.
A-
4
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Mon Apr 10 2023
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
I’ve always been told that The Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a landmark performance, but honestly? I never totally got it, it sounds like The Monkees. And I mean, I like the Monkees, but what makes this a bigger deal than Dylan’s original besides actually charting?
The rest of the album ranges from decent to pretty solid, I’m not immune to 60’s pop folk, but it’s also seldom my first choice either.
C
3
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Tue Apr 11 2023
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
When I was getting into metal and rock, I thought synth was the enemy and poo-poo’d NIN. By the time I got over my biases, they were a little too mainstreamy for my liking and I struggled to get into them. I… still don’t get it. It’s like Trent Reznor wants Skinny Puppy’s credit but also wants to be as big as a new wave act, and the sounds don’t work for me.
Also, “Hurt” has really embarrassing lyrics and only works with a Johnny Cash to class it up.
D
2
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Wed Apr 12 2023
The Visitors
ABBA
ABBA is another artist I don’t get. I find their work too refined, too perfect and somehow hollow. But I can admit that this is very well written, performed and produced pop music, just not to my liking at all.
D+
3
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
Pretty nice country, and I like how Parsons’ back-up singer compliments him. Maybe not the most exciting sound out there, but it works pretty well together.
B-
4
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Heroes
David Bowie
Berlin Bowie is best Bowie. I think Low is the whole package and this one mostly peaks with the title track, but it’s still a great time. The man sounds as good as ever and I love the influences he balances here, especially the touches of jazz.
A-
4
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Mon Apr 17 2023
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
I feel like I respect NWA more than I really care about them and prefer most of their solo material. A lot of this sounds kind of trite and dated more than anything. When it’s good, though, they can be quite clever.
C
3
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Used to hate the Boss, now I kind of appreciate him, although Tom Petty will always be my guy. And while I much prefer Nebraska, which he did before this, I can’t deny how many of these songs are bangers, especially “Cover Me” and “My Hometown”. I do prefer the more rocking Bruce vs the poppy, synth-happy tracks that the biggest hits are, but I can concede that it’s good that he’s clearly having some fun here.
Gonna go with B-, which is at least a full letter grade higher than I’d give it in the past.
4
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Wed Apr 19 2023
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
Never thought that I’d learn to appreciate Belle & Sebastian, but the guitars sound incredible here, and their songwriting can be quite soothing. Ultimately still not going to be my first choice, but I get it now.
B-
4
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Thu Apr 20 2023
The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
My first experience with CHVRCHES was their most recent (or recentish, since I believe they have a new one coming out), checking it out on a whim and being blown away. Yet I checked out very little of their other stuff. This is pretty good, but it feels like practice for later highs. I can see how this would blow pop fans away at the time though, and I love how the last song interlopes The Cure’s “Plainsong”. Soon, Lauren (who really is a gifted singer) will get to duet with Robert Smith.
B
4
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
Really pretty but also kind of samey to my white ears. I can understand the appeal and it’s great background music, but maybe not totally my thing.
C
3
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
I’ll never understand why this is the critic’s metal album of choice when all of Maiden’s 80’s albums are leaps better. The big songs are overplayed and overhyped beyond belief and the lesser-known tracks aren’t very acclaimed for a reason, and the album recycles Ride the Lightning’s structure with only slightly better production values. Meh.
C
3
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
I’ll concede that Bridge Over Troubled Water is probably better, but this is my favorite S&G compositions. Full of pretentious material maybe, but also gorgeous songwriting and performances throughout. Art especially pulls off some of his best vocals.
A
5
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Shadowland
k.d. lang
Initially I was thinking that she has a pretty voice, but this isn’t for me. The more I listened though, it started to click. I definitely prefer the ballads to the more bouncy tracks, where lang shows off her full range. I get why she’s so acclaimed now.
B
4
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Thu Apr 27 2023
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
This has been on my radar for a while and I understand why. Very pretty music, almost Peter Gabriel-ish, and anything that reminds me of PG is worth a thumbs up in my eyes.
B
4
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Fri Apr 28 2023
1977
Ash
This is fine, but damn, do we really need more Britpop on here?
C-
3
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Mon May 01 2023
Thriller
Michael Jackson
Yeah, this is his best album. Brief but makes a hell of an impact with some of the best songs in pop history. Michael’s voice, the production and performances are largely A-tier.
Still going to be 4 stars/A- because I’m not as hot on certain songs as others. Also, man guilty.
4
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Tue May 02 2023
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
I’m definitely more of a solo Neil guy than a CSNY guy, but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have a good time with this too. I prefered the more electric songs over the unplugged hippie jams, and it’s clear that this isn’t Neil’s wheelhouse either- his acoustic stuff works best when he goes full country- but it’s a solid work that gives you a feel for an important part of history.
B, would probably give it a plus if there was a version with “Ohio” as a bonus track.
4
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Wed May 03 2023
Disintegration
The Cure
I’ll be honest, this would be a top 5 or 10 album if it was instrumental. I’m not the biggest fan of Robert Smith’s voice (again, not an emo guy), but I love his music.
A-
4
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Thu May 04 2023
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
Sucks that the catchiest song on the album is titled after and frequently repeats a slur.
B+ otherwise, love Devo but certain elements just don’t hold up
4
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Fri May 05 2023
Dirt
Alice In Chains
I love AIC and this is probably their best album… but it’s pretty frontloaded and peaks with “Rooster”. There aren’t any bad songs at all, but it does feel like the second half largely runs out of ideas and repeats its themes pretty heavily. I’d still take it over Nirvana any day though.
B+
4
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Mon May 08 2023
Face to Face
The Kinks
The Kinks are probably best known for “You Really Got Me” being so electric and primitive compared to the other British Invasion bands from the time, while their general sound is a little more folksy. This is kind of more like that, with the occasional hard rock riff factored in to give them a little spice. It works, but it’s still not usually my favorite sound. I may just have been born too late to totally appreciate it.
B
4
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Tue May 09 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
I was surprised at how much I liked the CSNY album the other day, but I liked this a little less. I guess Neil must have made the difference, but it is still pretty good, I won’t front. The three men vibe well together.
B
4
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Wed May 10 2023
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
Pretty good but a little too British for my liking… can I be an anglophobe if many of my favorite bands are from the UK?
B-
4
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Thu May 11 2023
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
I’ve always found this album overrated in Bowie’s canon and prefer plenty of his other LPs… but it’s still peak Bowie and has some of his best tracks.
A-
4
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Fri May 12 2023
The World is a Ghetto
War
Wow, I love this, it’s like if Marvin Gaye got P-Funk to back up What’s Going On. Will return to.
B+, can easily rise
4
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Mon May 15 2023
Live!
Fela Kuti
Second album in a row that’s new to me, but I ended up loving. Really cool, eclectic jazz!
B+
4
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Tue May 16 2023
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
That was not bad, I’m surprised, almost like if Paul Simon had Mogwai as a backing band. Almost, not quite.
C
3
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Wed May 17 2023
Viva Hate
Morrissey
Fucking Morrissey, can’t believe I used to like his music. The last song slaps though.
D
2
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Thu May 18 2023
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
I’ve always respected the Mamas and the Papas more than I really liked them. This is a nice album, they have lovely voices, but I don’t think that I’d really choose to listen to it.
C
3
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Fri May 19 2023
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
The sexier, but slightly less impactful and considerably less political What’s Going On, this is undeniably a classic and it goes down smooth. You really don’t need a longer experience here.
A-
4
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Mon May 22 2023
Station To Station
David Bowie
Like the best possible mix between Ziggy Stardust and Berlin-era Bowie. Experimental, but not too esoteric. Varied, but consistent. A strong contender for his best.
A
5
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Tue May 23 2023
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Pretty smooth, but I think that Getz/Gilberto is better and the real essential LP. Would recommend though.
B
4
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Wed May 24 2023
Manassas
Stephen Stills
Was not expecting to become a CSNY fan, but this is pretty cool, even for a lengthy double album. The guitar playing is really good, and helps to show off Stills’ songwriting. Would pick up a cheap copy.
C+
4
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Thu May 25 2023
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Pretty solid 60’s rock with touches of jazz and southern blues to it. I can get behind it, but would probably have dropped the interludes.
B
4
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Fri May 26 2023
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Yeah, so I mostly know Isaac Hayes from South Park, and only knew of his music from Shaft. As much as I love funk, I wasn’t sure if mostly instrumental funk would be my thing, but this is pretty good. Definitely on the long side, but fun and fairly varied. Makes me want to finally see Shaft.
B
4
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Mon May 29 2023
The Stooges
The Stooges
Still sounds as raw as it did 50+ years ago and it might be my favorite Stooges album. Sadly it loses steam on side B, but you can’t take away its legacy.
B+
4
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Tue May 30 2023
Blackstar
David Bowie
Heartbreaking yet invigorating, this is as perfect of a way for Bowie to say goodbye as possible.
B+
4
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Wed May 31 2023
Black Monk Time
The Monks
It’s Monk time!
B
4
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Thu Jun 01 2023
My Generation
The Who
I’ve never been in love with these earlier Who recordings- the band sound too restrained compared to how we know they could be on stage. Some incredible songwriting from Townsend, as well as strong interpretations of James Brown tracks, but not the band at their finest.
B
4
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Fri Jun 02 2023
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Funky, but not really my thing.
C-
3
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Mon Jun 05 2023
Rio
Duran Duran
Duran Duran are good actually? This is actually very well paced and a good amount of fun.
B
4
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Illmatic
Nas
Maybe the best rap album of all time for one particular reason- no skits.
Even then, Nas is at peak form here and drops incredible bar after bar, with some slick production. This is definitely an album I’d recommend for people skeptical of rap, even if it’s marred by a touch of homophobia and ableism.
Still, an A
5
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Wed Jun 07 2023
Dookie
Green Day
Gonna be brief and give it a C.
3
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Thu Jun 08 2023
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
Ambient music, like Eno’s, can be cool, but usually ends up as background music for me. This is no exception. Good background music, at least.
B
4
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Fri Jun 09 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
That’s the good stuff, fine ass blues. I haven’t thought about it before, but Muddy might be my favorite blues artists.
B+
4
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Mon Jun 12 2023
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
I can’t believe Aerosmith made the Great American Rock Album twice in a row.
Well, almost. I think Rocks is tighter and heavier. Most of the songs here are nearly as good, although “Big Ten Inch Record” adds nothing, and if I never hear “Walk This Way” again, I won’t shed a tear, but it has the bones for a perfect rock song. So yeah, a good time, might be a masterpiece if their following album wasn’t even better.
A-
4
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Tue Jun 13 2023
Revolver
Beatles
It should feel weird that I’m going to rank an Aerosmith album above a Beatles album, especially one of the “good ones”, but I could always do without one or two songs here. Still, the band was really finding their own here, and everyone offered some of their best work. Even Ringo does fine with “Yellow Submarine”.
B+
4
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Wed Jun 14 2023
Sheet Music
10cc
That was not bad! The Beatles/Kinks-esq moments were definitely my favorite parts, but it’s solid early 70’s rock, not something that excites me but I can recommend if it’s your style.
C
3
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Thu Jun 15 2023
Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
I feel like there’s a reality where this is what caused the alt rock boom in 91 instead of Nirvana, and rather than grunge, Dinosaur Jr-esq shred became the sound of the decade. That could have been cool.
B
4
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Fri Jun 16 2023
Garbage
Garbage
Okay, Garbage are actually pretty good? I only knew the hits, but there’s some good stuff here, a nice mix between grunge, trip hop and even touches of riot girl. Good on ya, gang.
C+, lingering into B territory
4
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Mon Jun 19 2023
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Not a big Tull guy, but this is as good as they get and a classic rock staple for a reason. Some of the best interception between prog and folk there is outside of Gabriel-era Genesis, and a good time throughout.
B+
4
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Tue Jun 20 2023
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
So yeah, not my thing at all, but I can admit that some of this is very pretty.
C
3
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Wed Jun 21 2023
Dummy
Portishead
Need to keep these catch-ups brief, but this is the good shit.
A-
4
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Thu Jun 22 2023
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Better than the other Tim Buckley album we covered, a B
4
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Fri Jun 23 2023
Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
Had a bit of a Meat Puppets phase back in the day, but never really come back to them. They’re good! Like a heavier REM
B
4
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Mon Jun 26 2023
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
I think I mentioned this when we did the last Zeppelin album, but they were one of my first musical obsessions. And the first album is probably still my favorite. I understand the criticisms, most of them are valid, but it’s still so good.
A
5
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Tue Jun 27 2023
2112
Rush
Peak Rush. All hail the boys.
B+
4
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Wed Jun 28 2023
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Still not into this style, but it had irs moments.
C
3
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Thu Jun 29 2023
Marquee Moon
Television
One of the first non-metal albums I fell in love with. Tom Verlaine’s guitar tone shook the hell out of me, and it sounds as good as ever. Not all songs are equal, but it still sounds quite fresh
A-, bordering on an A
4
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Fri Jun 30 2023
Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Decent hippie rock. It doesn’t excite me, but the guitar work is pretty impressive and there are enough hooks to stick around for.
C
3
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Mon Jul 03 2023
The Score
Fugees
Sometimes I think that I like The Score better than Miseducation, but nah, no way. It’s really good, though, even if there’s a clear MVP here. I’ll just say that it’s funny that Wyclef thinks that Bob Marley is in his range.
B+
4
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Tue Jul 04 2023
Nevermind
Nirvana
Still not really a Nirvana fan, but I feel generous today and can appreciate that this is one of the last times genuinely angry and avant-garde rock music really connected with the public, and some of Kurt’s best ideas are here. I refuse to qualify nu metal as such.
C
3
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Wed Jul 05 2023
Slayed?
Slade
That was alright, not surprised that these guys never caught on in the states, because we had enough bands like them at the time. The Quiet Riot covers sound almost note-to-note.
C-
3
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Thu Jul 06 2023
Hot Fuss
The Killers
I hope you’re happy, you made me listen to “Mr. Brightside” all the way through. Because I’m not happy.
D
2
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Fri Jul 07 2023
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Tolerable folk rock, but not really my thing at all. Linda has a lovely voice and they have a couple of cool hooks, but I’ll never listen to this on my own.
C
3
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Tue Jul 11 2023
Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Decent folk rock, but if I never heard “Love the One You’re With” again, it would be too soon. Rancid song.
C
3
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Wed Jul 12 2023
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
I’ve been on a Steely Dan high, so I might be overrating this… but fuck it, it’s good shit. A couple of fluffy tracks too many to achieve true greatness- Aja wins every day- but full of enough great performances and songwriting to look into for classic rock/fusion/music nerds.
B+
4
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Thu Jul 13 2023
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
There have been more than a couple of artists featured in this series that I am not a fan of, but my distaste is largely subjective. But if I can be absolutely objective- what is Marilyn Manson still doing here?
I can’t pretend that I don’t feel some fondness for his work. Like many edgelord youths who came of age during the mid 90s-late 00s, I had a bit of a Manson phase. But even ignoring his disgusting behavior towards his partners, what does his music add to the music industry that you couldn’t get from other contemporary industrial acts like Fear Factory or even his mentor, Trent Reznor? Because while “The Beautiful People” may still slap, there’s a lot of filler here. That’s largely because this is an album from the peak CD era, where more was more and filling a disc to its limit was the name of the game. But I just don’t see this as essential.
Also, guy’s a creep and always has been.
D… maybe a plus for nostalgia’s sake
2
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Fri Jul 14 2023
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
I’ll give the UK credit for being home to metal, but the US is where punk got its start thanks to the Stooges and Dolls. I’m not that big on the latter though- I respect them more than I like them. I think the riffs just aren’t heavy enough for me, although I do appreciate the intentionally simple melodies. Definitely an important album, but not a favorite.
C+
3
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Mon Jul 17 2023
In Rainbows
Radiohead
Still not a Radiohead guy, and I honestly can’t tell if this one is so acclaimed because of its release history or if people really love it. It’s not offensive or anything, just not my thing.
C
3
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Tue Jul 18 2023
British Steel
Judas Priest
Yay, more metal! I’ve been listening to Priest for nearly 20 years now and I still love these guys… but British Steel has never 100% worked for me. There are a couple too many anthemic tracks that I can do without- seriously, “You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be Wise”?- but I’ll concede that they’ve honed their sound in the studio by this point, sounding nearly as good here as they do live. I’d still recommend this for a newbie to metal, but I’m way more of a Painkiller/Hell Bent guy.
B
4
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Wed Jul 19 2023
Make Yourself
Incubus
A recentish discovery for me is learning that Incubus kind of slaps? I was mever into most radio rock, but they have some stuff that’s decently written and has tight performances, so I can definitely see myself stick around for their set at a festival.
From what I’ve experienced though, this probably isn’t their best album. Their first is a little more out there and their later stuff tighter, but this has “Drive” and “Pardon Me”, so I get why it’s here.
Gonna do a C+
3
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Thu Jul 20 2023
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The earliest Stones stuff barely sounds like the version of the band we’ll know and love, most notably since they didn’t write most of it- only one Jagger/Richards contribution, and it’s no “Paint it Black”. Still pretty charming 60s rock and roll, but I’d take what they would do a couple of years later anyday.
B-
4
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Fri Jul 21 2023
Django Django
Django Django
I’m usually somewhat weary of the more recent additions on here for whatever reason, but this wasn’t bad. Never even heard of these guys, but this is decent experimental rock, the kind that feels fresh and modern but is clearly indebted to the past. I probably wouldn’t spin it again but I respect it’s existence.
C
3
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Mon Jul 24 2023
Cross
Justice
I like the tracks with guest vocals more, but this is largely still not my thing, sorry.
C-
3
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Don’t really vibe with later Arctic Monkeys, but this is pretty solid stuff. There’s a punk edge that I’m here for, and it can get almost delightfully snobby. Still a little too poppy for my tastes sometimes but not bad.
C+
3
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Wed Jul 26 2023
On The Beach
Neil Young
Probably the one peak-era Neil album I don’t own, and that’s mainly because I just haven’t found it for a reasonable price in the wild. It’s good though! Tight, clever songwriting as always, although he definitely has better stuff from this period. Worth looking harder for.
B
4
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Thu Jul 27 2023
Scum
Napalm Death
The best grind album ever? Maybe. Despite having two different lineups together, it’s an incredibly cohesive work that continues to sound as brutal and brilliant as ever.
A
5
View Album
Fri Jul 28 2023
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
Pretty decent, a good mix between then-modern indie and eternally cool post-punk. Not the most exciting or original sound, but I think it works!
C
3
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Debut
Björk
A lot of Björk’s best ideas will come later, but this is still a promising start and shows off her incredible, timeless range. Good stuff.
B
4
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Tue Aug 01 2023
London Calling
The Clash
I’ll admit, I was surprised that I’m ranking this so low, but a lot of the album is kind of middling. The best tracks are among the best punk ever made. It’s highly recommended regardless, but double albums are a tricky endeavor.
B+
4
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Wed Aug 02 2023
Parachutes
Coldplay
Still can’t stand Coldplay, sorry.
D
2
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Thu Aug 03 2023
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
In terms of 70’s hard rock bands whose best-known works are arguably their live albums, I’ve always rated Made in Japan higher than Live and Dangerous (I think the overdubbing allegations have hurt my impression on it) but lower than Strangers in the Night (still not convinced that anyone’s guitar tone can match Schenker’s here).
I can understand how this will turn listeners, especially those who don’t like drum solos, but on this listening everything clicked for me. Gillan’s manic vocals are perfect, the band is in top form and the songs feel alive here. I think I need to give it an A.
Side note- my uncle saw Purple on this tour and said that the setlist was exactly the same as this album, down to the “Space Truckin’” drum solo
5
View Album
Fri Aug 04 2023
In Utero
Nirvana
Still not a Nirvana guy, probably will never be, but I respect that they follow up their big breakthrough in Nevermind with something as relatively uncommercial as this. Nothing on here has the same kind of hooks as Teen Spirit or “Come As You Are” (even though “Rape Me” rips off the former’s riff), so I can see why it was a disappointment at the time. And I do admire Steve Albini’s work.
C
3
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Mon Aug 07 2023
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Really not good at writing about jazz. I love it, but I can’t exactly articulate what works or doesn’t work for me. I’ve always liked this album and think it’s upper tier, but might miss my top 5. Not sure what else to say.
A-
4
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Yeah so Cat Stevens is actually pretty cool, or at least some of his tracks are. His voice is a little too nasally for my taste in some tracks, but it’s at least sincere and he’s able to have variety in his melodies which counts for something. I get it.
C
3
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
This one is kind of tough for me, because while I get the significance and do really like most of these arrangements, I am not a fan of Joan’s voice. WAY too shrill, the same problem with earlier Joni Mitchell. Unfortunately, vocals are kind of a dealbreaker for folk. I wouldn’t listen to her music for my own enjoyment, but I understand why it resonates.
C
3
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Live At Leeds
The Who
Really quite good live album. I do think it’s better the more the band experiments on here, like the extended “My Generation” and “Magic Bus” jams, but even those earlier, more sedate tracks sound more rollicking than the band did previously in recordings. I think I’m still a little too jazzed over Made in Japan from last week though, since I just can’t rank this the same.
B+
4
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Fri Aug 11 2023
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
Historically not a big Dead fan, largely due to Jerry Garcia’s voice, but I do tend to like their studio recordings better than their live jams. This is probably their best album, the band does country alright. Still not really my thing, but not bad for them.
C
3
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Mon Aug 14 2023
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
this may not be CCR’s most cohesive album but it probably has the highest amount of bangers and probably deserves to be called their best. They sound as good as ever.
A-
4
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Tue Aug 15 2023
The Next Day
David Bowie
Sounds more like a return to classic Bowie, which is probably what he needed to do after his less successful material from the previous 15 years, but I definitely prefer the more experimental Blackstar. Still, he needed to make this first and it does sound delightfully modern, even a decade on. Not one of Bowie’s best, but I’m glad we have it.
B
4
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Wed Aug 16 2023
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Always found Frank massively overrated even before the Coachella nonsense. Decent but unimpressive soul music that goes through one ear and out the other.
D
2
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Soul Mining
The The
A neat mix between soul and new wave! I get why people rave over this band now.
C+ for now
4
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Fri Aug 18 2023
Copper Blue
Sugar
Will always be more of a Du guy, but this is still neat classic alt rock. Earns its place here.
B-
4
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin were one of the first bands I ever fell in love with, and while I don’t listen to them that often anymore, sometimes nothing sounds better than their style of rock music. And it’s still pretty cool how they shook things up by unplugging for a lot of this album, but doubled down on their bluesy roots.
I mulled it over, and I’m going to give it an A and 5 stars. Page may be a creep and sloppy guitarist, but the music endures for a reason.
5
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I don’t get reggae. I respect Marley for his conviction, but this is just not my music at all.
The best I can do is a C
3
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Wed Aug 23 2023
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Wasn’t sure about this one, not usually hot on this kind of country (or most country if it isn’t Cash or Townes), but it’s a damn good time, and a surprisingly varied one despite the genre and its length. The guitar tone is especially to die for here, an absolute highlight. Not sure if it’s a new favorite, but I can see why CCR namedropped them.
C+, maybe B-
4
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Thu Aug 24 2023
Frank
Amy Winehouse
Meh. Great musicianship but I don’t get her voice.
D
3
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Fri Aug 25 2023
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
I actually do own one of her albums- New York Tendaberry- but I’m not very experienced with Laura Nyro otherwise. Should really fix that, this is great, like an even more experimental Joni Mitchell. I’m surprised that she isn’t namedropped more often.
B
4
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Mon Aug 28 2023
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Some days, I could easily swing to call this the best hard rock album ever. Maybe not today, but damn, the solo in “Heartbreaker” still hits.
A-
4
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Pretty decent Latin music. Not really my thing, but a solid way to kill 40-some minutes.
C
3
View Album
Wed Aug 30 2023
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
I don’t have much to add, Lemmy forever.
A-
4
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Zombie
Fela Kuti
Not much to say other than Kuti kicks unbelievable ass.
A
5
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Fri Sep 01 2023
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Sometimes it’s good to remember that Rod Stewart really was a generational talent. “Stay with Me” is an all-time rocker, although little of the album truly compares to it. Still a good time though.
B
4
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Another great Neil album, but it doesn’t really have any true classics of his. Although what IS a classic Neil Young song, the kind you’d expect to see him play, besides “Heart of Gold”?
Still fucks, though. B
4
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Tue Sep 05 2023
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Is this our first solo Beatle album? (I know Wings is technically a band, but c’mon)
It’s funny, George has always been my favorite Beatle, but I tend to gravitate to Paul’s stuff just as much. He was the rocker of the group, if you wanted a good time, he’d deliver. And this has plenty of groovy moments and rockin’ tunes, but I vibe as much with most of the softer songs as well. For a while, I’d sing “you’re a good girl” to my dog in the tune of “Bluebird”, so the album has a place in my heart for that alone. It’s also just a lot of fun and doesn’t overstay it’s welcome, even if it’s pretty frontloaded.
A-
4
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
I’ve always liked Dinosaur Jr., but despite having ingredients that I’d normally be all here for (basically Sonic Youth with crazier lead guitar), I’ve never really loved them. They’re a cool band who I can listen to a few songs or an album at a time but don’t feel compelled to own any of their stuff. This is some good stuff, but yeah, not something I can’t live without.
B
4
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Thu Sep 07 2023
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
Belle & Sebastian are another act who I am surprised to learn, in fact, rule. And they do, too! This has some hauntingly beautiful melodies that blew away my indie folk-indifferent heart. At their best, this stuff does actually feel kind of sinister!
B
4
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
Pretty decent, the kind of indie rock that almost swings. I prefer my music with more of an edge, but this is the kind of coffee shop background noise that I can appreciate it.
C+
3
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Justified
Justin Timberlake
I came of age right around the heyday of Britney and the boy bands, so they’ll always have some kind of place in my heart even if this was never the music that excited me. And I definitely remember when Justin became the heir apparent to Michael and just how good some of these songs are. I never listened to the album before, only knowing the hits, but some of the deep cuts are good, just the kind of 2000’s R&B that takes me back. Definitely too long and runs out of steam halfway in, but I can’t rate this any lower than a B.
4
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Tue Sep 12 2023
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Now this is prime Neil. Incredible contributions from Crazy Horse and some of his best, cutting lyrics. Cannot recommend it enough.
A
5
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Wed Sep 13 2023
Forever Changes
Love
Huh, I thought we already did tgis album, maybe it was just another Love album.
But I won’t lie, this is good stuff. Really cool guitar work and impressive harmonies. Not as into the folksy material but I still think it’s worth spinning.
B
4
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Thu Sep 14 2023
25
Adele
You know how some people still think that Taylor Swift is only capable of writing about boys and break-ups? Adele is who they’re really thinking about.
Not a fan. D
2
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Fri Sep 15 2023
NEU! 75
Neu!
About as good as Krautrock ever got. Love the progression from soft to loud to soft again in particular.
B+
4
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Mon Sep 18 2023
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
No hyperbole- this is the best rap album ever. Q-Tip and Phife Dawg have incomparable chemistry, the beats are immaculate, vintage, timeless and futuristic all at once, and it just sounds full. Not to mention fun. This is what you play to someone skeptical of rap.
A
5
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Tue Sep 19 2023
Raw Power
The Stooges
Two five stars in a row? What can I say, this really did it for me today. I love the primal aggression on this album, how Iggy and the boys knew this was it, so they might as well go all out. It absolutely stands up to the best of punk.
A
5
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Wed Sep 20 2023
Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
I didn’t know Pharrell had a super group, one that integrated rock with rap, but it’s pretty bangin’. Could have skipped the Good Charlotte appearance, but I like how it transitions from funky and soulful to somewhat aggressive, like a P-Funk or Santana track with rap verses. Would listen again.
B-
4
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Quiet Life
Japan
Nice enough, but nothing exciting. Synth-heavy music seldom invigorates me.
C
3
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
C
3
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Tue Sep 26 2023
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
That man sure could wail. And learning the original lyrics to “Tutti Frutti” does make it all the more interesting. This is a good time but I do have to knock points for how many times he repeated the melody of his biggest hit.
B+
4
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
This reminds me of how much I can get behind some good country depending on the features. Nice production, lyrics that don’t lean to the right, and memorable melodies are all I ask for, and Emmylou delivers. I can see myself return to this.
B-
4
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Thu Sep 28 2023
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Like a lot of Flaming Lips, this is pretty cool and trippy, not a bad use of background music for 45 minutes. But also like a lot of Flaming Lips, I don’t have much connection or use for this. So I’ll probably forget everything here until the next time I’m convinced to listen.
C+
3
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Fri Sep 29 2023
Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
Decent enough indie rock. Not really my thing, but it’s brief and works well for background noise. Hardly essential but far from trash.
C
3
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Mon Oct 02 2023
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
I’ve always been somewhat conflicted on Paranoid, especially after years of spinning it. I think the first side is ridiculously overplayed and I can go the rest of my life without hearing any of it, aside from “Iron Man”, which in the right moment still shakes me to my core. But side B? That’s as perfect as metal gets.
The oversaturation makes the album feel overrated to me. Give me Master of Reality or the Dio stuff any day. But this is still as essential as you can get.
A-, just missing the 5 star threshold
4
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Tue Oct 03 2023
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
*obligatory I liked Kate before Stranger Things comment*
No one compares when it comes to pop music. Her ear and eye were and still are immaculate, which is why her music resonates so long beyond its heyday and can still reach new heights with no effort on her end. The album is full of highs and lows, a cohesive and exciting collection. Essential listening.
A
5
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Wed Oct 04 2023
The Grand Tour
George Jones
I saw this called something like the country equivalent to Sinatra’s In the Wee Small Hours, and it tracks. Not really my thing, but I can see this being a cathartic half hour if you just went through a rough breakup.
Seriously, when are we getting one of Frank’s albums on here?
C
3
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Thu Oct 05 2023
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
I was honestly somewhat surprised to see that I didn’t totally hate this after years of aversion towards “Take Me Out”. I didn’t really love it either, the mix between Britpop and then-current NYC garage rock just isn’t my thing, although a good riff or hook did show up enough to catch my attention.
Just a D for me
2
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Fri Oct 06 2023
Pretenders
Pretenders
I’m going to be frank- I have a deep-seated aversion to “Brass in Pocket”. Heard it one too many times, so this was always going to be a tough sell for me. But the album is pretty decent all things considered, a solid mix between punk, new wave and (ugh) ska. If it was a little shorter and didn’t have the cod reggae stuff I’d rate it higher.
C+
3
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Mon Oct 09 2023
Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
I saw a take suggesting that while The Clash were trying to break global, The Damned were content with keeping their targets right towards the UK, and that tracks. Even though they’re in New York on this cover and the other band was about to drop London Calling lol
Anyway, terrific punk that could have been bigger than they were, but is just as good by not making that happen.
B+
4
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Tue Oct 10 2023
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Never totally understood the hype for this album, it doesn’t sound that different from most other hair metal albums from the time, just with one of the most obnoxious singers ever. There are moments where I get the hype of this as the best of hard rock, like “My Michelle” and chunks of “Rocket Queen”, but I’d rather listen to the Aerosmith albums they ripped off.
C+
3
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Wed Oct 11 2023
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
That was pretty neat! I prefer the instrumental numbers, but it’s a good time through and through, solid folk music.
C+
4
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Thu Oct 12 2023
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
Decent but hardly life-changing indie rock. I definitely preferred the female vocalist to the main guy, wish she had more stuff here.
C
3
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Fri Oct 13 2023
We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
Is this our first Zappa? Took us long enough.
His music became especially indulgent into the 70’s, but there’s already shades of that here as he keeps reminding you why he doesn’t like hippies. But damn if most the rest of the album doesn’t hold up. It’s still funny all over and the musicianship is incredible. I’ll take it over Sgt. Pepper any day.
A-
4
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Mon Oct 16 2023
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
That was pretty good! I’ve heard the name before, not really the music, but I like the variety of influences they have and the guitar tone. I could have seen this blow me away as a teen.
B
4
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Tue Oct 17 2023
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
I could’ve sworn that we already did this, but no, we’ve just done other Dylans.
Anyway, this is one of the better double albums from that period. A little too loaded still, but there isn’t a truly weak song on here. The best stuff in particular is among his most exciting and lyrical. Definitely a highlight in his career.
A-
4
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Wed Oct 18 2023
The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
Cool but pretty samey. Makes for nice background noise.
C
3
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Fri Oct 20 2023
Green
R.E.M.
Quite good, although I never felt that this was one of most essential R.E.M. albums for whatever reason. That still kind of rings true but it’s a classic.
B+
4
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Mon Oct 23 2023
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
I have a hot take about Leonard Cohen that I’ll save for another day. I do really like his music for the most part, and this has some incredible material. More lyrical than musical, but there are some killer harmonies and his voice leaves such an impact that it’s hard to deny. I can see a case made for this being his strongest LP.
B+
4
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Tue Oct 24 2023
Kala
M.I.A.
Finally trying to play catch-up. I never really listened to M.I.A. back in the day, but she sure does have more than just “Paper Planes”. This was fun if a little too much at times.
B
4
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Thu Oct 26 2023
Repeater
Fugazi
Wait, I didn’t review this? Classic post-hardcore, I can see this as a contender for Fugazi’s best, although I have a softer spot for Kill Taker and appreciate their last LPs. Still good shit though.
B+
4
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Tue Oct 31 2023
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Stripping the songs down does them favors, they sound better with less bells and whistles even if Cobain’s spotty lyrics are as plain as day. But at the same time, he really strains his voice harder than he needed to here. I don’t think I’ll ever get the Nirvana hype.
C-
3
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Wed Nov 01 2023
G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
It’s a cool experiment, but idk if it’s a hugely successful one, in that it combines rap and blues, but both sides are kind of substandard. This was probably the coolest thing on earth to some teenagers 30 years ago but it’s only a curio to me.
C
3
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Tue Nov 07 2023
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
I understand why this nearly derailed Kate’s career, it’s a little out there even for her. But it has a lot of her best ideas too, enough so that it could stand neck and neck to Hounds as her finest work.
A-
4
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Wed Nov 08 2023
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
I watch Todd in the Shadow’s music reviews, and for his Trainwreckord series (where he covers albums that derailed an artist’s career- think St. Anger, Van Halen III, Katy Perry’s Witness) he used Cyndi Lauper’s career as a typical example of a decline- a couple of big albums that were followed with diminishing examples.
Because when you listen to her debut solo LP it’s understandable why she was comparable to Madonna- girl had hits. And taste, covering Prince before he blew up. This has some of the best songs of the 80’s and production that still holds up. I’m only reserving it from 5/A status because her voice can be a little rough. Ending with a Betty Boop impression is pretty on brand for Cyndi.
Still, an easy B+
4
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Fri Nov 10 2023
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
I don’t own this?
Classic Wu project, although Rae himself seldom steals the show. It’s tight shit and a lot of fun for most of its run.
B+
4
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Mon Nov 13 2023
Hunting High And Low
a-ha
“Take on Me” is one of the best hits of the 80s and “The Sun Always Shine on TV” is even better. There are other highlights, this is more memorable than a lot of new wave albums tend to be to me, but those definitely overshadow everything else.
B+
4
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Tue Nov 14 2023
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Probably Clapton’s finest work. Terrific blues all around and Duane Allman was a perfect six-string buddy for him. Just misses out on A status for a couple of slower tracks I don’t vibe with and a mid cover of “Little Wing” (dear guitarists- stop covering “Little Wing”), but still essential.
B+
4
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Fri Nov 17 2023
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
I vetoed Taylor, but I should have saved that for Kid Rock…
credit where it’s due, this has its charms, I think he works better as a white guy trying his hand at Black music, the rock stuff clearly isn’t his wheelhouse at all. More often than not though, it’s a tedious listen.
D
2
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Mon Nov 20 2023
Lost Souls
Doves
Oops, forgot to do this. It’s alright.
C-
3
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Wed Nov 22 2023
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Zappa made some gross music from a lyrical standpoint, but his compositions are among the finest in the popular canon. This being his first straight-up fusion album makes his work all the more appealing and just sounds incredible from beginning to end. An all-time favorite.
A
5
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Thu Nov 23 2023
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
You’d think Butthole Surfers would be right up my alley, but I’m not that hot on them. I appreciate the weirdness to their craft but I’d rather listen to Melvins or Mr. Bungle.
C
3
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Fri Nov 24 2023
Clandestino
Manu Chao
Not bad at all!
C
3
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Mon Nov 27 2023
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Polly Jean forever.
B+
4
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Tue Nov 28 2023
Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Pretty smooth, definitely see this as the female D’Angelo as compared to with a bit of Erykah’s BFF Andre to it. A little too long for my taste, but it’s an early aughts R&B album, what should I expect?
C+
3
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Fri Dec 01 2023
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
One of the best and most important albums in rock history, but if I can be honest, that’s mostly true for the first 2/3rds. It peaks with “The Chain”, but while I still think “You Make Loving Fun” kicks ass, the last 3 tracks have historically done little for me. They seriously dropped “Silver Springs” for “I Don’t Wanna Know”?
A-. Wish I could drop the minus, but I shouldn’t
4
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Wed Dec 06 2023
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
I love how Captain Beefheart was basically Zappa’s answer to D-12 or G-Unit, but with more of a legacy. This is probably perfect if you want a less politically aggressive We’re Only in it for the Money, which probably means that it matters less, but I’d recommend it for any serious music lover’s collection.
A-
5