Jul 11 2022
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Imagine
John Lennon
2.5 stars. It was fine, pleasant to listen to. Nothing really stood out. His voice could be annoying on occasion. Appreciated the melodic sound, various supporting instruments
3
Jul 12 2022
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Bittersweet Symphony incredible. Album feels a bit like U2 or simpler Oasis, pleasant alt/radio rock. 'Space and Time', 'Catching the butterfly', other good tracks
3
Jul 13 2022
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
Reminds me a little of Counting Crows. Easy-listening, simple. Steel guitar in "Hannah & Gabi" is a nice surprise. "Kitchen" is pretty fun.
2
Jul 14 2022
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
"Candy's Room" is fast-paced and fun, not super into the power ballads, but liked "Streets of Fire". Not the most exciting album.
2
Jul 15 2022
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
3.5 stars. Really solid album, good guitarwork. Love the continuity yet unique vocals. Standouts "Carry On", "Woodstock", "Everybody I Love You".
4
Jul 18 2022
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Risque
CHIC
Only 7 tracks but they're long, overall decent disco. "Good Times" fun but repetitive, "Warm Summer Night" namesake, sensual R&B,
3
Jul 19 2022
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Street Life
The Crusaders
Pleasant jazz. 6 tracks long Only "Street Life" - 11 min long - has vocals.
3
Jul 20 2022
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
4.5 stars. What a debut album! Every track is solid from start to end. Bennington's singing with Shinodah's rapping blends so well. Album is harder/heavier than I remember. "A Place For My Head" is a microcosm for the album and the band.
5
Jul 21 2022
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Great album, enough variation to keep it interesting. Uptempo drumbeat contrasts well with 'bleak' sounding vocals. Organs, strings, horns on various tracks to make up for repeating chorus lyrics bore. Catchy standouts: "Keep the Car Running", No Cars Go".
4
Jul 22 2022
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
Country soft rock, not bad not overly exciting, "Christine" was best
3
Jul 25 2022
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Arrival
ABBA
3.5 stars, Catchy fun pop, a little bit of variation between tracks too, "Dancing Queen" "Fernando" standouts
3
Jul 26 2022
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Shorter album, but a good listen. A little more raw/early sounding. Standouts are: "Born on the Bayou", "Proud Mary",
4
Jul 27 2022
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Viva Hate
Morrissey
2.5 stars. Not a big fan of his voice on this, a little boring, no standout tracks. Liked the piano on "Late Night, Maudlin Street"
2
Jul 28 2022
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Gold
Ryan Adams
Liked this album, hints of Counting Crows, Turnpike Troubadours, Rob Thomas, Black Crows. Standouts are "Firecracker" "The Rescue Blues", "Gonna Make You Love Me",
4
Jul 29 2022
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Probably a lot of fun actually live, but this album was too noisy. Decent protest rock and guitars wail, but not my cup of tea.
2
Aug 01 2022
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Really fun salsa, surprising amount of variation across tracks. Hard to not want to dance when listening.
4
Aug 02 2022
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The Specials
The Specials
Great album. Alternates between ska and reggae. Enjoyed the faster tracks more than the slower. Standouts are "A Message to You Rudy", "Concrete Jungle", "Little Bitch,
4
Aug 03 2022
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
3.5 stars "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" "Superstition" standouts
4
Aug 04 2022
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
3.5 stars Beautiful voice, most enjoyed "I got caught"
3
Aug 05 2022
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
Mostly too weird and experimental for me. Liked "No Love to Give", "You Can Never Come Down",
2
Aug 08 2022
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
4.5 stars, beautiful albums. Upbeat stuff has Beck vibes, slower stuff Hozier or Sam Smith. Pleasant listen all the way through but standouts are "You Ain't the Problem", "Rolling", "Light"
5
Aug 09 2022
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
4.5 stars. One of the seminal, early metal albums for a reason. Standouts "War Pigs", "Iron Man", "Paranoid".
5
Aug 10 2022
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
3.5 stars. Good early country. Standout from original album (not including "Act Naturally") is his "Memphis" cover
3
Aug 11 2022
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
3.5 stars. Enjoyable, soft-listening indie feel. "Pale Blue Eyes" is beautiful, "The Murder Mystery" is strange but I liked it.
3
Aug 12 2022
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Abraxas
Santana
Phenomenal album, creative covers. Impressive guitaring.
5
Aug 15 2022
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White Ladder
David Gray
Really nice album. Standouts "Babylon", "Please Forgive Me", and "Sail Away". Pleasant voice, sounds like a precursor to James Blunt sounding English soft rock, piano rock, pop feel. Not stripped down but not overly produced to still feel folk-y.
4
Aug 16 2022
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Long showcase of Jimi shredding the guitar. Standouts "All Along the Watchtower", "Voodoo Child"
4
Aug 17 2022
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Pretty strange, not sure I'd seek out to listen to again
2
Aug 18 2022
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
3.5 stars. Americana classic, distinct sound. Standouts are "The Weight", "This Wheel's On Fire", "Chest Fever".
4
Aug 19 2022
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Nothing blew me away, but front to back it was just a good, well-produced listen.
4
Aug 22 2022
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Truth
Jeff Beck
Not bad, not my personal taste. Need to listen more
3
Aug 23 2022
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Good jazz
4
Aug 24 2022
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Hard not to bob your head along with this disco-y pop. Fun, upbeat. Standout is \"Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough\"
4
Aug 25 2022
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Cut
The Slits
3.5 stars. Post-punk all female. Not a big fan of the vocals, but like the music. "Newtown" has creative instruments. Standout is "Typical Girls", "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"
3
Aug 26 2022
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
Pure metal. Heavy guitaring, fast double bass pedal drumming. Standouts are "Angel of Death" and "Raining Blood" opening with it's iconic riff.
4
Aug 29 2022
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
80's hair metal at it's finest. Clean layering gives it a pop, glam feel. Standouts "Pour Some Sugar On Me", "Animal", "Women".
4
Aug 30 2022
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Album goes so hard. Not a dull moment, everything is great from start to end. Favorites are "Master of Puppets", "Disposable Heroes" and "Leper Messiah"
5
Aug 31 2022
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
Brazilian, beautiful voice. Standout is "Alegria, Alegria"
3
Sep 01 2022
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Dookie
Green Day
4.5 stars. Surprisingly timeless. Birth of pop punk. Billie Joe Armstrong's moody vocals, Dirnt's memorable bassline make this a great listen. Nothing special instrumentally but it works well for what it does. Standouts are "Basket Case", "Longview", "Welcome to Paradise", "When I Come Around".
4
Sep 02 2022
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Jazz, kinda boring, maybe don't appreciate it like I should
2
Sep 05 2022
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Pornography
The Cure
Not my cup of tea. A little ethereal at times which was cool, but overall just boring.
2
Sep 06 2022
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Solid album. Standout is "Fight the Power" but the whole album is a good listen. Can now understand how this album was so important for future hip hop.
4
Sep 07 2022
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Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
Really wasn't into this. Dreary voice. Would really have to be in the mood for slower sad stuff. Did enjoy "Open All Night" though.
2
Sep 08 2022
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
Enjoyable electronica. Nice and groovy. Slow builds that never get too big.
3
Sep 09 2022
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
2.5 stars. Vocals more spoken than sung. Repetitive in build up, heavy distortion. First part of album slow and boring, takes a while to get going. Gets better with "Revolution" to end
2
Sep 12 2022
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Decent album, listener friendly. Cheery.
3
Sep 13 2022
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Really enjoyed this, similar to the Beatles. Standouts are "Picture book" and "People Take Pictures of Each Other"
4
Sep 14 2022
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Roots
Sepultura
It was good, but wasn't in the mood for this type of music at the time of listening so it put me on edge
3
Sep 15 2022
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Unreal. Can't believe this is a debut album, what a talent. Standouts are "Purple Haze", "Foxy Lady", "Hey Joe"
5
Sep 16 2022
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Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
Great album, comforting vocals, standouts "Fire and Rain", "Sweet Baby James"
5
Sep 19 2022
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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
Not for me. Felt really corny.
2
Sep 20 2022
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Elastica
Elastica
2.5 stars. Wasn't super into it but not bad
3
Sep 21 2022
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Rocks
Aerosmith
3.5 stars Classic hard rock. Standout is "Back in the Saddle".
3
Sep 22 2022
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
2.5 stars. Piano heavy, decent.
3
Sep 23 2022
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Fantastic album. Southern rock with multiple anthemic hits. Standouts are "Tuesday's Gone", "Gimme Three Steps", "Simple Man", and "Free Bird".
5
Sep 26 2022
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Fun Irish sailor shanties! Sounds like a precursor to Flogging Molly.
4
Sep 27 2022
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Solid early 00's alt rock album. "Take Me Out" major hit but the rest of the album keeps the vocals-driven feel throughout.
4
Sep 28 2022
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Connected
Stereo MC's
3.5 stars. Easy listening hip-pop. The standout "Connected" is very catchy and the rest of the album carries on the funky easy feel and the simple lyrics.
3
Sep 29 2022
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Fun House
The Stooges
2.5 stars. Like a more rowdy or punky version of The Doors or the Stones. Less polished in a not great way though.
2
Sep 30 2022
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Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Brutal murder ballads. Nice storytelling but gruesome and difficult to sit through the visceral tales at times.
3
Oct 03 2022
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Liked this album, lots of variety. Could feel jazzy at times, folky, 60's classic rock. Good blend.
4
Oct 04 2022
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The Blueprint
JAY Z
Amazing album. Standouts "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)", "U Don't Know", and "Heart of the City".
5
Oct 05 2022
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
Very strange and experimental. Lots of layers and sounded pretty busy. Should probably give more time listening. Standout was "Houdini".
3
Oct 06 2022
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
Very British, illicit humor. Standout is "Clevor Trever"
2
Oct 07 2022
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Early German techno. Standout is "The Model".
3
Oct 10 2022
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Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Growly, masculine, vocals. Sometimes ballad-y, sometimes jazz-ish.
3
Oct 11 2022
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
This album is gangster rap personified. So many skilled verses, catchy hooks, and in-your-face choruses. C.R.E.A.M. is the anthem.
5
Oct 12 2022
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Enjoyable poppy prog rock album. Standout is "Solsbury Hill" which is extremely catchy. Felt a little over-produced at times, with some exaggerated ballad-y moments.
4
Oct 13 2022
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Picture Book
Simply Red
This album was alright. At times had elements of disco, pop, jazz and always had an 90's feel to it. Standout was the catchy "Come to My Aid"
3
Oct 14 2022
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
Female vocalist led punk with anti-consumerism sentiment. Standout is "Art-I-Ficial."
3
Oct 17 2022
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Nothing blew me away but it was a good album. Standout was "Powderfinger"
3
Oct 18 2022
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Let It Be
The Replacements
Early post-punk indie rock. Fairly diverse, faster paced but also slower tempo tracks. Standout is "I Will Dare".
3
Oct 19 2022
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Parklife
Blur
3.5 stars. 90's alt-rock. Nice vocals. Standouts "Magic America", "This is a Low".
4
Oct 20 2022
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Really fun glam that isn't overly-obnoxious. Standout is "Sailing Down the Tears".
3
Oct 21 2022
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
3.5 stars. Enjoyed the instruments, especially the guitar. But the vocals were a bit grating at times.
3
Oct 24 2022
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Starts with a fast-ish paced alt/radio rock sound before gradually mellowing out to more melodic and piano-heavy. Nice vocals that convey emotion. Doesn't shy away from raw, coarse lyrics. Standouts are "Big Exit", "You Said" and the duet "This Mess We're In"
4
Oct 25 2022
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Smash
The Offspring
4.5 stars. Fantastic album. Could do with fewer "ooohhoohhh's and yeaaaheeaaahhs" but this is just a great punk rock album. Lots of energy, catchy choruses. Takes a little edge off of some of the rawer punk, but not overly pop-y. Standouts are "Bad Habit", "Gotta Get Away", and "Self Esteem".
5
Oct 26 2022
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
4.5 stars. Easy to understand why this was so poignant at it's release. Lyrically powerful. Unique vocals. Bringing really old folk to the modern age in tumultuous times so well. Hard to believe he was only 21 yrs old at the time of recording.
4
Oct 27 2022
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Gorgeous voice. Album is platform for showcasing it. Instruments are just an afterthought. Slow melodies, light piano makes for a lullaby, soothing type of sound throughout. Standouts are "Don't Know Why" and "Come Away With Me"
4
Oct 28 2022
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
Solid enough album, but felt a little repetitive to me at times. Standout is "One"
4
Oct 31 2022
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
4.5 stars. Really enjoyed this. Started kind of slow and took a bit to get into, but it really picked up toward the middle and onward. Standouts are "Bow" and "Eternal Life" and "Monsters".
4
Nov 01 2022
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
3.5 stars. Pretty decent indie. Fairly psychedelic and more poppy than rocky, but catchy at times. And a good listen. Lot's of variation in length of songs. Standouts are "Revival" and "Fountain Stairs"
3
Nov 02 2022
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
2.5 stars It was alright, but wouldn't really go back and listen to anything specific from it. Collection of live tracks from various shows. Mostly instrumental.
2
Nov 03 2022
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Just wasn't really into this. Pop that was catchy at times and had "deeper" lyrics and the cultural impact was probably meaningful, but I doubt I'll re-listen.
2
Nov 04 2022
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
3.5 stars. Really solid debut album, good vocals. Standout is "Criminal"
3
Nov 07 2022
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Impressive but harder for me to get into live albums. Guitarwork was phenomenal
3
Nov 08 2022
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
4.5 stars. Great album. Prince shows phenomenal talent. Crosses multiple genres. Very well-produced, crisp and clean but doesn't lose emotion. Standout is "The Cross".
4
Nov 09 2022
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Just super fun swing music. Hard not to tap your foot to the groove. Saxophone drives the rockin' album. Standouts are "Jump, Jive, An' Wail" and "Just A Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody"
4
Nov 10 2022
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Rowdy and lyrics centering on social issues. Fast-paced punk. Standout is "Kill the Poor"
2
Nov 11 2022
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
3.5 stars, pleasantly surprised. More than just "Lovefool" this Swedish pop-rock album is catchy and the clean production doesn't drown out some fun alt rock guitar and basslines. Other standouts are "Step On Me" and "Your New Cuckoo"
3
Nov 14 2022
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2112
Rush
3.5 stars. Different layout than most albums, but this was impressive musicianship. Standout is "A Passage to Bangkok"
3
Nov 15 2022
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Arctic Monkeys front man side project. Has a "grand symphonic" feel but soens totally do it for me, not bad though. The opening title track is the standout.
3
Nov 16 2022
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Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
Precursor to punk rock. Album picked up as it went on, last four songs are actually pretty listenable. Standout is "Two Tub Man".
3
Nov 17 2022
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
Goofy brit-pop. Tongue-in-cheek "romantic" lyrics. Catchy at times but really nothing special. Standout is "Something for the Weekend"
2
Nov 18 2022
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
3.5 stars. Beautiful voice. Fun atmosphere that very much makes you aware it's a live recording. Standout is "September in the Rain"
3
Nov 21 2022
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NEU! 75
Neu!
Kinda ethereal and mostly instrumental. Nothing special.
2
Nov 22 2022
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
3.5 stars. A lot of heavy and dark lyrics, can feel the emotion from the singer. Musically the ominous rock is distorting and grinding. Standouts are the sexually explicit "Closer" and "Ruiner"
3
Nov 23 2022
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The Grand Tour
George Jones
Drawl-y country western. Standout was slightly faster-paced "The Weatherman" but for the most part it was a pretty bland.
2
Jan 24 2023
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Fairly non-descript alt-rock. Not objectionable, but a bit dull. Standout is "Meat is Murder".
3
Jan 25 2023
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Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Alternated between undesirable noise and interesting, catchy melody. Standout is "The Hardest Walk"
2
Jan 26 2023
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
This album is a great listen, I wish it were longer. King is hard to tune out, and easy to connect to. Soulful jazz that just calmly draws you in with it's rhythms. Standout is "You Upset Me Baby"
4
Jan 27 2023
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
This album is beautiful. The combination of the strings and woodwinds with the folk guitaring is and Drake's pleasant voice is really neatly done. Good balance of over-produced vs stripped down.
4
Jan 30 2023
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Solid rock album. Guitar-driven Standouts are "Cinnamon Girl" and the catchy "Down by the River"
4
Jan 31 2023
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Starts off with iconic guitar riff in "Brown Sugar," other standout is slower "Wild Horses". Occasional older, folkier sound to offset the rock and roll.
4
Feb 01 2023
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Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
This is a great album, 4.5 stars. Reggae influences without being full-on reggae/repetitive. Balances blending lots of different instruments with still feeling simple. Vocals set a tone that feels 'relatable' and guitar is given freedom to shine at times. Pace changes throughout but is never too fast or too slow. Standout is "Sunday Shining"
4
Feb 02 2023
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90
808 State
Not impressed. Lackluster techno. Feels like boring, background music to an early video game. Standout is "Pacific 202"
2
Feb 03 2023
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Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
Solid hip hop album. Slower paced, has lots of electronic elements. More something I would enjoy in the background instead of listen to actively. Standout is "Bladerunners"
3
Feb 06 2023
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Catchy beats, ill rhymes, this is a lot of fun. Implementing the electric guitar was a great idea and pulled off well. Lyrics are whimsical at times and poignant at others and nearly every song is quite catchy. A couple duds, but overall quite an album. Standouts are "It's Tricky" and "My Adidas."
4
Feb 07 2023
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Love the emotion and passion of "To Zion", standout is "Doo Wop (That Thing)" is a banger, so catchy. A lot of spirituality woven implicitly and explicitly in the lyrics. Album seems to lose a bit of momentum toward the end, 76 min length could've been cut back a bit.
4
Feb 08 2023
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
3.5 stars. Pretty decent listen, albeit short. Interesting crossover of folk rock and prog rock. The singer is what makes this more than an mediocre album. Standout is "Empty Pages"
3
Feb 09 2023
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New Wave
The Auteurs
2.5 stars. Pretty boring, uninspired alt rock. Singer fairly monotone, drum beats really simplistic. Standout is the more lively "Early Years" and the hidden track at the end was pretty good.
2
Feb 10 2023
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
3.5 stars. Different sounding electronic album. Brings in a lot of elements and sounds and samples. Standout is "Frontier Psychiatrist" which seems chaotic but underlying beat and overall mix keeps it really fun.
3
Feb 13 2023
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
1.5 stars. Really didn't dig this. Voice is annoying to listen to, musically it was OK but nothing special.
2
Feb 14 2023
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
Album instantly drops you into a different cultural experience, strongly Cuban-influenced with the leadoff standout "El Cayuco." Music seems so danceable and variations of faster and slower numbers led by horns, keys and Spanish language singers make this a lot of fun.
4
Feb 15 2023
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
2.5 stars. Grungy and shoegazey, the singer's monotone made it tougher for me to get into. Standout is "Summer Babe"
2
Feb 16 2023
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Sounded like a dollar store Bob Dylan record. Really repetitive at times. Musically mostly uninteresting despite incorporating a range of instruments. Standout is "Mandolin Wind."
2
Feb 17 2023
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
3.5 stars. Enjoyed this record. Felt like it started to emerge from the 80's and bring in some 90's alt rock influence. Standout is "April Skies."
4
Feb 20 2023
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
While sprinkled with iconic hits this album otherwise felt a little more hair-metal at times than I was anticipating. The vocals are impressive for hard rock/metal. Lyrics don't hold back from the "sex, drugs, rock & roll" theme and the guitar solos are prominent throughout, most highly featured in intro to the standout "Sweet Child O' Mine." Other hits are "Welcome To The Jungle" and "Paradise City."
4
Feb 21 2023
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
4.5 stars. First half is a really good mix of high energy rock without feeling overly rowdy. Guitars have some great breakdowns best highlighted in "Three Days." Second half gets slower and more emotional due to subject (memoriam of singer's girlfriend). Standouts are "Been Caught Stealing" and "Stop"
4
Feb 22 2023
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Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
Way too experimental for me. Cool to incorporate random industrial sounds, but this is just noise to me. Can't imagine ever going back to listen again to any of it.
1
Feb 23 2023
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Strong influence from the Beatles and the Beach Boys. Vocals carry the album, lots of good harmonizing. Not too much filler front to back. Standouts are "California Dreaming" which is a great song, a cut above the rest. And "Monday, Monday."
4
Feb 24 2023
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Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
1.5 stars, because "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" is nostalgic and not as obnoxious as the rest. Try hard angsty lyrics that overpower any semblance of musical acumen that might have showed up in the second half of the record. So many albums run only 30-40 min and thanks to a nearly 10 min pointless outro this album is 75 min of something only a 'rebellious' young teen could put themselves through.
1
Feb 27 2023
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British Steel
Judas Priest
4.5 stars. Great metal/hard rock album. Radio ready hits "Breaking the Law" and "Living After Midnight" interspersed into heavier, faster tracks. Expected more heavier metal sound, but the singing and arena rock-ish elements were a pleasant surprise. Record flowed well from start to end, keeping up the energy.
4
Feb 28 2023
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Pleasant folk rock/jazz. Dream like at times, album highlights Van Morrison's vocal talents. A record meant to be listened to front to back with each track carrying into the next with good continuity. Standout is "Sweet Thing"
4
Mar 01 2023
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
4.5 stars, indie folk at it's finest. Vocals can be a little too studio-y/echo-y at times but this album has a lot of energy blended with gentle melodies. Plenty of great tracks with standouts "White Winter Hymnal" as well as "Blue Ridge Mountains" and "Ragged Wood."
4
Mar 02 2023
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
Enjoyed the variety. Starts off like fast and punk-ish, gets a little more pop-y ("Alright") and then slows down toward the end. For 1995 seemed somewhat ahead of it's time in ways. Got Jack White vibes in "Strange Ones."
4
Mar 03 2023
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Marquee Moon
Television
Art punk an apt description for this. Doesn't stop/start in bursts of high energy like typical punk. Not my personal taste, but can see how this album was influential.
3
Mar 06 2023
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
3.5 stars. Electronica that is really solid ambient music. No lyrics but ethereal sound draws you in.
3
Mar 07 2023
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
3.5 stars. Blues-y southern rock starts slow and builds into more energy halfway through. Standout is "La Grange" which takes it's iconic guitar groove from a John Lee Hooker boogie blues song.
3
Mar 08 2023
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Tical
Method Man
A darker, heavier hip hop album by Wu-Tang's premier rapper. Solid production for mid 90's, record's strength is Method's rhymes. Standouts are "Bring the Pain" and "All I Need."
4
Mar 09 2023
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
New Wave just isn't really for me. Sounds at times like a punkier, dollar store Beach Boys. Standout is "Come Back Jonee"
2
Mar 10 2023
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
Blegh. It's here because if it's influence as early pop punk. But what a slog of a listen.
2
Mar 13 2023
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
4.5 stars. Folk at it's best. Front to back a gentle yet bright and usually acoustic listen. The vocals is what makes this record, the harmonies as well as individual moments are really beautiful.
4
Mar 14 2023
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25
Adele
Soul-infused pop showcases Adele's supreme vocal ability. Musically isn't super interesting as the focus is on her singing. Standouts are bookends the powerful piano ballad "Hello" and the uplifting "Sweet Devotion."
4
Mar 15 2023
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
The ultimate baby-makin' album. Gaye's crooning and passionate voice and jazzy saxophone hooks sets the mood.
4
Mar 16 2023
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Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
A lot going on in this album leading to good results. Starts with heavy distortion and grungy. Moves a little more prog-y. Middle of the record is more rock and roll, times when there's horns accompanying ("Idiots Rule"). Acoustic guitar-driven "Jane Says" is the standout.
4
Mar 17 2023
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Garbage
Garbage
'Doomy' alt rock shifts from hints of grunge to more mainstream rock. Elements of more dance/repetitive sounds mix with sharp guitarwork. Standout is the catchy "Stupid Girl."
4
Mar 20 2023
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Too 'elevator music-y' for me. Not a jazz connoisseur by any stretch of the imagination, but I think there's a lot else out there that I'd like instead of this.
2
Mar 21 2023
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Not usually into live albums, but this was a decent listen. Pure rock and roll and mildly entertaining banter between songs.
3
Mar 22 2023
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Would need to be in a very particular mood to listen to this again. Very melancholic "baroque pop." Singer tells tale of journey relating to gender?
1
Mar 23 2023
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
Best-selling album with ephemeral hits including the title track, "Billie Jean", and "Beat It" Jackson's post-disco pop acclaimed as maybe the best pop record of all time. Hard to separate the tracks from their pervasiveness but it is enjoyable and an easy, catchy listen.
4
Mar 24 2023
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Crazysexycool
TLC
3.5 stars. 90's R&B. An easy listen but nothing overly special. Standout track is the catchy "Waterfalls."
3
Mar 27 2023
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Musically a fun folk journey led by Dylan's meandering, drawn out vocals. Elements of jazz throughout. Standout is "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again."
4
Mar 28 2023
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Just hard for me get into jazz like this, at least right now.
3
Mar 29 2023
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The Clash
The Clash
The classic early punk album. Speedy guitaring, angry lyrics. Short (32 min) but solid album. Standout is "White Riot"
4
Mar 30 2023
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
2.5 stars. Meh. Brit alt punk. Catchy at times but fairly bland. Standout is "Billy Hunt."
2
Mar 31 2023
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Forever Changes
Love
3.5 stars. This a good folk rock album that starts a little slow and picks up pace and energy as it goes. Has a hippy and happy feel to it. Standouts are the acoustic guitar driven "Alone Again Or" and "Bummer in the Summer."
4
Apr 03 2023
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Odelay
Beck
3.5 stars. Fun and at times wacky. Gets a little experimental-ish at times which I wasn't a fan of, but overall enjoy Beck and this earlier work even if track by track it's hit or miss. Standouts are "Where It's At" and "Devil's Haircut"
4
Apr 04 2023
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
This album rocks. Exciting front to back. Mostly flowy alt rock but brings in ethereal elements and clean distortion that brings an extraterrestrial feel. Standouts are "Knights of Cydonia" "Assassin" and "Map of the Problematique"
5
Apr 05 2023
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
The title track being catchy and anthemic is the only appealing part of this album. Lyrics have a bit of a creeper/predator feel to them. Mostly boring arena rock.
3
Apr 06 2023
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
This was such a slog to get through. Far too experimental for my taste and the "art" of it was lost on me due to grating vocals and out of tune instruments. Those with refined musicianship seem like they "get it" but not me.
1
Apr 07 2023
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Paris 1919
John Cale
Art/baroque pop that is not very pop-y. Has a pretty and gentle sound, upbeat at times and slow and beautiful at times. Standout is the title track.
3
Apr 10 2023
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
This is peak rock. "Ramble On" is one of the best songs ever written. Shredding guitars, drum-driven tracks, memorable bass lines, Plant passionately taking the listener on a journey. Hard to get much better than this.
5
Apr 11 2023
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
3.5 stars. Musically this is interesting. Wandering folk at times catchy and at times trippy. Goofy lyrics that knock the seriousness don't really align with the impressive instrumental writing. Standout is the piano-drive "Gotta Get Up"
4
Apr 12 2023
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Not purely rock and roll. Lots of horns and piano complementing the standard guitar, drums and bass. Lighter than their earlier work. Incorporate a lot of blues and jazzy swing feel to the record. Works well as a full listen as it doesn't have the standalone hits that other Stones albums do.
4
Apr 13 2023
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Fully solo Grohl project in the post-Nirvana/pre-Foo days. Produced a bit raw, but this recorded really rocked. Singing ranges from yelling angrily ("Wattershed") to smoother ballad easy-listening ("Big Me"). Album begins to wane just a little bit after 7th track. Personal favorite is "Good Grief."
4
Apr 14 2023
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D
White Denim
This was a good indie rock album. Felt tropical/psychedelic at times and folk-y at times. Experimental enough without going overboard. Standouts are "Street Joy" "It's Him!" and "Drug" which exemplifies the band's instrumental talent.
4
Apr 17 2023
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Flea's funky basslines carry this sexually-charged early 90's alt rock album that pushes back against the grunge of the time. Ranging from silly to serious, contemplative to corny and always explicit, the bluesy guitar riffs over creative bass lines make this a solid listen. Major hits include "Give It Away," "Under the Bridge," and "Breaking the Girl."
4
Apr 18 2023
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Album would've been much better if it ended after the first song (the title track). Instead it was another half hour of more of the same but worse. Drum track was uninspired and same schtick with the high energy guitaring and growling, masculine singing was not much to write home about.
3
Apr 19 2023
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
3.5 stars. Experimental jazzy blues. Liked his deep almost ominous voice. Slow and sometimes dark but overall enjoyed this.
3
Apr 20 2023
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
3.5 stars. Early Michael Franti hip-hop that has activist heavy lyrics. Themes touching on homophobia, misogyny, immigration, race, economics, etc. are poetically carried over laidback beats. Very progressive for it's day. Production value felt a little lacking, but good record nonetheless.
4
Apr 21 2023
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Dreamy throughout and psychedelic at times this indie rock album is a great listen. Vocals illicit strong Bob Dylan vibes and lyrics are heavy and depressing. Ethereal effects overlays bring a bit more depth to each track. Standout is "Red Eyes"
4
Apr 24 2023
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Cuban son, bolero and dazon on full display in this ensemble of Latin American talent. From slow and beautiful, to catchy dance, instrumental to traditional singing this hour long listen has a full range of variety. There's also something in the way in which it was recorded (probably the nature of it being such a so many musicians in a large room) that makes it sound incredibly rich. Title-track highlights wonderful piano, but the standout is the leadoff "Chan Chan," what a banger.
5
Apr 25 2023
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
4.5 stars. This album feels really ahead of it's time, something you'd hear a 21st century folk indie artist record. Simple acoustic guitar and vocals, occasional piano but it really works and the pacing is quicker than expected and I wish the run time was a bit longer (only 28 min). Pleasant sound, calming/lulling singing, but not too slow. No low points throughout but the standouts are the bookends: title track and "From the Morning."
4
Apr 26 2023
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
Decent 90's alt rock as solo project from the Pixies lead singer. Songs are short but there's 22 of them. Standout is "Headache."
3
Apr 27 2023
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Live album of spac rock/prog rock. Long, loose tracks that have interesting bits of instrumentals, but mostly too drawn out for my taste. Standout is "Orgone Accumulator"
3
Apr 28 2023
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The World is a Ghetto
War
Soul/jazz album with a funky vibe that is a good listen. Brings the listener into a 70's black neighborhood. Leadoff "The Cisco Kid" is the standout.
4
May 01 2023
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The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Early 80's old-school hip hop. Great beats, smooth listening, no duds as the whole album explores different sounds while generally at a relaxed pace. The ice cold title track is the standout.
4
May 02 2023
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
Goofy glam metal that can be a lot of fun. Falsetto singing of sophomoric lyrics over riffing guitars. The ultra-catchy "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" is the anthemic standout.
4
May 03 2023
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Infected
The The
3.5 stars. Very 80's post punk. High production value, the bleak lyrics contrast with the upbeat music. The singing is actually a good listen and better than the instrumental backing. Standouts are title track and "Heartland"
3
May 04 2023
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xx
The xx
Chill indie dream pop. Calm female vocals over relaxed beats. Music that is nice to have on in the background. Standouts are "Intro" and "Crystalised"
4
May 05 2023
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
3.5 stars. Solo Beach Boy album that really would've been good if it lasted only 1 disc. What started out as an enjoyable mix of piano ballad, pop rock, funk, and good singing became a slog. Standouts are title track and "Rainbows."
3
May 08 2023
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Close To You
Carpenters
2.5 stars. Brother sister folk duo. Somewhat generic album with two big hits, the better of which is "We've Only Just Begun." Pretty female vocals is the strength of the record.
3
May 09 2023
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Not a big new wave fan but liked this. Gothic rock and "gloomscape." Minimalist but had some intrigue. Standout is a "A Forest."
4
May 10 2023
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The Libertines
The Libertines
3.5 stars. Decent garage rock indie. Nothing extraordinary but it was a fine listen. Simple musically, duo vocals are good not great. Occasional fun guitaring.
3
May 11 2023
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Timeless
Goldie
2.5 stars. Groundbreaking electronic album that feels dated. The fast beats are good at times but nearly 2 hours of this drops the rating for me. I appreciate something that moved forward the EDM genre but probably won't go back and listen to any of it.
2
May 12 2023
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
The 80's meets late 90's boy bands. Pretty forgettable pop.
2
May 15 2023
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
4.5 stars. The name defines it. Rock and roll elements by one of the fathers of soul. Contagious singing that is hard not to get into. Contains lots of hits but standout is "Cry to Me."
4
May 16 2023
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
3.5 stars. Soul with funk and motown feel. Easy-listening, nothing super special. Leadoff title track is the standout.
3
May 17 2023
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
This was fine. Senegalese singer uses synthesizers and local sounds.
3
May 18 2023
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Central Reservation
Beth Orton
Enjoyed this had a good rhythm throughout. She has a pretty voice but the album didn't just rely on that as it had some interesting instrumental backing her vocals. Folk but has electronics supporting it which is different but works well. Standout
4
May 19 2023
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Heroes
David Bowie
Art rock that is just enough experimental in a good way. Mood of the album swings back between gloomy and upbeat. Occasional guitar riffs and synths throughout. Album ends with 4 pleasant instrumental tracks. Standout is the title track which is 80's ballad-y in a good way.
4
May 22 2023
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
3.5 stars. Chill mostly instrumental trip hop that feels like a precursor to Lo-Fi. Created entirely from samples high production quality. Impressive for a debut album. Personal favorite track was "Organ Donor."
4
May 23 2023
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So
Peter Gabriel
3.5 stars. This is one of those albums that I respect more than I like. The genre/sound isn't my cup of tea but I can appreciate the audio engineering and crisp, clean production. Standout is "Sledgehammer."
4
May 24 2023
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
4.5 stars. Longer album that is still great and doesn't feel like it drags on, hard to achieve. Plenty of tracks in here ended up getting sampled in the future. Littered with hits and filler is nearly as good. Standouts are "Sir Duke," "I Wish" and "Isn't She Lovely."
5
May 25 2023
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
This was fine. Not the same energy as other albums by him and more of a swooning/swaying sound to the whole thing. Still decent but not Stevie at his finest, in my opinion.
3
May 26 2023
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Wow, what a performance. Usually difficult to convey energy in a live album but the key-slamming vocal drive and rocking mix does this flawlessly. Can't imagine what this would have been like to experience in-person, rock and roll at it's finest. Half a star off for being so only 22 min long (some tracks not included).
5
May 29 2023
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Cross
Justice
3.5 stars. Solid house EDM album. Lots of sampling, it's a good listen but nothing extraordinary. Standouts are "D.A.N.C.E." and "Genesis."
3
May 30 2023
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
3.5 stars. Very impressive debut album. Lyrics tend away from "gangster" feel and are more introspective. The sped up beats/production as well as the guest artists are the strong points of this album. Although there are plenty of hits, personal favorite is "Spaceship."
4
May 31 2023
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
3.5 stars. Upbeat fast-paced rowdy early garage rock that is produced to have a live sound. Tracks are all under 3 minutes and have gain-y riffing guitars and loud yells from lead singer. Lots of covers and a few originals, the best being "The Witch" but the LP standout is their version that popularized "Have Love Will Travel."
3
Jun 01 2023
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GI
Germs
2.5 stars. Rowdy fast-paced early punk with a lot of repetitive choruses. Shorter tracks save for the long outro. Not my cup of tea but I can appreciate it for being one of the earliest punk albums.
3
Jun 02 2023
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
4.5 stars Creative hip hop double album that spans different sounds . First Speakerboxxx by Big Boi and lots of guest artists is just solid track after track and sounds a little more like traditional hip-hop. Then The Love Below by Andre 3000 is more poppy, jazz/funky and longer and drawn out with more filler and doesn't have the same bass-driven oomph as the former. There's absolute hits that are timeless led by "Hey Ya!," "The Way You Move," and "Roses." This record is expansive and showed what hip hop could be. Half star deduction for The Love Below not being on quite the same level as Speakerboxxx.
5
Jun 05 2023
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Soul-infused funk that blends genres and is catchy and easy-listening. Lots of variety: male/female, black/white, gospel, rock and roll leads to a great overall sound. Standouts are "Everyday People" and "I Want to Take You Higher."
4
Jun 06 2023
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
4.5 stars. Solid indie rock album despite feeling a bit repetitive and metronomic. Similar sound throughout means no really strong hits but no weak tracks either. The steady pace gives a consistency as the husband + wife duo singers alternate and lead a feeling of floating toward a dreary future while holding on to nostalgia.
4
Jun 07 2023
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
4.5 stars. As smooth as the hip hop group's name rolls off the tongue this debut album is wonderful and creative. Strong beats that a sample a range of musicians, lyrics range from comedic to comedic giving the record a positive vibe. Standouts are "Me Myself and I" and "Eye Know."
4
Jun 08 2023
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Ten
Pearl Jam
4.5 stars. Vedder's impassioned, growling vocals drive this iconic 90's grunge rock album. The guitars, bass, drums all feel powerful and make this quite extraordinary debut record. Standouts are "Even Flow," "Alive," and "Jeremy."
4
Jun 09 2023
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Different Class
Pulp
Definitional Britpop. Has a fairly 80's feel but matures out of it well enough. It's lyrics center around sex, social class, nostalgia, and regret. Standouts are "Common People" and "Disco 2000."
3
Jun 12 2023
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
4.5 stars. This is really good. Feels like a progression of English rock from the 80's to 90's, even track by track within the record itself. There is a lot of variety: upbeat and rhythmic at times, and romantic at times ("Waterfall"), and builds toward an alt-rock sound by the end. Clean production without sounding overcooked. Gets a little weird/experimental and mostly instrumental toward the end.
5
Jun 13 2023
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Meh this didn't do a whole lot for me. Musically it was OK but Bowie's age really shows itself and makes it hard to get into. Standout for me was "Love Is Lost."
2
Jun 14 2023
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Leftism
Leftfield
This is a really solid progressive house record. The pace starts slow and then picks up as it goes on. Very listenable beats and the sampling fits in well. Standout is "Afro Left."
4
Jun 15 2023
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Take Me Apart
Kelela
3.5 stars. Creative album that goes beyond the standard R&B genre. Standout is "LMK."
3
Jun 16 2023
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
Oof not a fan. Airy, breathy voice over boring R&B/pop beats really made this an annoying listen.
1
Jun 19 2023
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
4.5 stars. Creative basslines, catchy guitar riffs, steady drumming, this album derives a lot of it's feel and mood to the production which creates a dark and eerie, atmospheric sound. Only Joy Division record before death of front man Ian Curtis and spinoff of New Order. Standout is the leadoff "Disorder" which is phenomenal.
4
Jun 20 2023
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Mostly covers, 60's pop with mo-town influence. It's fine and easy-listening but doesn't really do a ton for me. Standout is her rendition of "Wishin' and Hopin'"
3
Jun 21 2023
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Surprisingly enjoyable shoegaze album. Maybe because it pioneered the genre it did it well. I still wish the mix didn't have the vocals as quiet as they are compared to the instrumentals. Drums on "Feed Me With Your Kiss" are great.
4
Jun 22 2023
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Classic Stones, a really good listen. More rock than pop but influences of international sounds add a bit of flavor to this. Standouts are the leadoff and six minute long "Sympathy For The Devil," and "Street Fighting Man."
4
Jun 23 2023
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Garage rock husband wife do with lots of hard beat drumming and distorted guitar riffs. Jack White's talent on display here as front man and producer. Creative, raw, foot-stomping, fun ("Fell In Love With a Girl"), sentimental and Beatles-esque ("We're Going To Be Friends").
4
Jun 26 2023
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
3.5 stars. Fun and catchy New Wave that borders on too poppy but is still overall enjoyable. The leadoff track "Hanging On The Telephone" that really does a good job of setting the tone for the album. Other standouts are "Heart of Glass" and the earworm "One Way Or Another/"
3
Jun 27 2023
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
Solid rap album but overall vibe wasn't my favorite. Standout is "Nuthin But a 'G' Thang"
3
Jun 28 2023
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
3.5 stars. More from the 'Madchester' britpop genre, that gives a summer Oasis-y sound. And while it isn't quite as good as Stone Roses, it is catchy. Lot's of keyboard effects that set the listener squarely in the 90's. Overall there aren't major standouts nor are there duds, just a front to back decent listen.
4
Jun 29 2023
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
3.5 stars. A bit weird, this electronic indie rock has some great moments while being a bit too out there at times. The vocals can be a detractor at times, but overall this is a good album. Standout is the superlative "All My Friends" whose steady build and catchy beat is a masterpiece that carries the record.
4
Jun 30 2023
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Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
60's British folk rock that has a bunch of covers of unreleased Bob Dylan music. Not bad, not amazing. Didn't have strong feelings about it one way or another.
3
Jul 03 2023
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
4.5 stars. Brash debut from the Jewish trio from the Bronx is a lot of fun. The six track run in the middle of the album starting with "Girls" encapsulates what this group is all about. Combining creative beats and wide-ranging samples with rapping and yelling hedonistic and sophomoric lyrics brings the listener into a head-bobbing entertaining new world of hip-hop.
5
Jul 04 2023
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
This was fine but I'm not sophisticated enough musically to appreciate jazz-funk.
3
Jul 05 2023
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
4.5 stars. Otis Redding sings the blues. A soul album by the King of Soul. Lots of covers and very impressive that he recorded all but one song in 24 hours. But there are three originals - including a pre-Aretha Franklin "Respect" - and his voice is just so profound this record is a joy.
4
Jul 06 2023
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Berlin
Lou Reed
2.5 stars. This was ok. Singer songwriter early rock. Lyrics are full of heavy themes. Didn't have any big standout tracks.
2
Jul 07 2023
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
Pleasant surprise here. Dream pop/space rock that does a good job of layering without feeling overly ethereal. Sounds a little reminiscent of an early version of some of Kasabian's work. Album fades a bit toward the end as the tracks become longer and slower and more instrumental. Standouts are "I Want You" and "Run"
4
Jul 10 2023
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
The leadoff "Love The One You're With" is great, very catchy but the album is a bit of a letdown after that. Still fine for a singer songwriter rock album, but doesn't have the same punch as some contemporaries.
3
Jul 11 2023
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Took a couple listens but it grew on me. Musically it's interesting but I don't care for his voice on this record. Standout is the last song is the "I Can't Give Anything Away"
3
Jul 12 2023
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Sex Packets
Digital Underground
Thought the hit "The Humpty Dance" wasn't much to write home about on a forgettable album. Vocals were okay, but beats were boring on ab illicit 90s hip hop record.
2
Jul 13 2023
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
3.5 stars. Interesting indie folk that lyrically explores history and culture at times poetic and at times narrative. Gets points for creativity. Standout is the phenomenal "Chicago"
4
Jul 14 2023
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
3.5 stars. 70's Country Western that is carried by Harris's beautiful voice.
3
Jul 17 2023
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
4.5 stars. At times good alt/radio rock, at times experimental and weird. Lots of variety. "The Gash" with choral singing. Standout is the beautiful, catchy, mysterious, "Race For The Prize"
4
Jul 18 2023
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Beautiful pop album that brings in orchestral elements to rock and roll. The vocals with the tenor harmonizing and up tempo backbeat drums drive the record. Is it overly produced? Possibly. The pre auto-tune auto-tuning of the voices can be annoying at times but overall it makes for a pleasant listen. The masterpiece that is "Mr. Blue Sky" unfailingly puts one in a cheery mood. "Sweet Is the Night" understated track.
5
Jul 19 2023
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Good soul album that lyrically touches on lots of heavy topics. Gaye's voice is so easy on the ears. No major standout tracks but no duds either.
4
Jul 20 2023
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Ingenue
k.d. lang
Pop album that showcases Lang's voice more than focuses on the music (which is pretty at times - "So It Shall Be"). In the Nora Jones/Sarah McLachlan mold. Pretty decent listen, but album started to drag on a little too long for my liking.
3
Jul 21 2023
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
4.5 stars. Experimental and out there, but got to me in a good way. Composition is pretty much just two long and mostly instrumental tracks. Implements orchestral elements, music meanders through different moods. Interesting that Oldfield, who played nearly all the instruments himself, was only 19 at the time and it became the first album on Virgin Records.
4
Jul 24 2023
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
3.5 stars Janis Joplin's powerful vocals bump this up a bit from being more run of the mill rock/psychedelic rock. Standout is leadoff "Combination of the Two" and "Pieces of My Heart."
3
Jul 25 2023
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The Cars
The Cars
4.5 stars. Wow, one of those albums where I kept hearing hit after hit not realizing they were all from the same artist, much less the same debut record. New wave that is synth-heavy and at times too neat with the tech, but overall great pop/classic rock. Standouts are "Just What I Needed" "My Best Friend's Girl" "Good Times Roll" and the less popular "Don't Cha Stop"
4
Jul 26 2023
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
3.5 stars. Strange and eclectic, meandering at times. Varies in genre from fast-paced to slow and drawn out. Enjoyed disc 1, but disc 2 was too experimental for me. Standout was "Hanging Out And Hung Up On The Line".
3
Jul 27 2023
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Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
This had some really strong moments as an indie rock album and Phair's honest emotion is present throughout. Despite me not loving her voice, the guitar work and creativity meant there weren't really any low points. Standouts are "Never Said" and "Mesmerizing".
4
Jul 28 2023
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
3.5 stars. "Sabotage" is an absolute banger. Another standout is the leadoff "Sure Shot". There are some international influenced instrumentals. Still fun and entertaining but not the Beastie Boys at their best.
3
Jul 31 2023
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
3.5 stars. Started off great for being pretty out there. But second half faded and got too harsh. Standout is "Non-Alignment Pact".
3
Aug 01 2023
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Of "Fast Car" fame, Chapman is a talented singer-songwriter as this folk rock debut album shows.
4
Aug 02 2023
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All Directions
The Temptations
70's soul/funk. Not as catchy as some of their other work. Standout is "Papa Was A Rolling Stone".
3
Aug 03 2023
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Jazz fusion. Fast paced. Impressive musicianship. Opener "Peaches En Regalia" is the standout.
4
Aug 04 2023
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The Man Who
Travis
"Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" kind of epitomizes this album. A bit of a downer and didn't really do much for me musically.
2
Aug 07 2023
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
4.5 stars, really liked this hard rock version of new wave. Felt ahead of it's time. Not a full 5 stars because some of the middle tracks didn't overly impress, but overall this was fantastic. "The Passenger" is a total banger. Title track also good.
4
Aug 08 2023
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
The Beatles redefining pop and what a complete album is: not just a collection of singles. It's a great listen. They creatively implement baroque sounds and sitar + harpsichord to make the record more than just folk rock. The biggest standout is "In My Life" and it's earworm melody.
5
Aug 09 2023
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Medúlla
Björk
2.5 stars. Meh this was weird. At times it was fine, but overall it was too avant-garde for me. The acapella was impressive, while also not being an enjoyable listen.
3
Aug 10 2023
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
3.5 stars. Sinatra crooning over bossa nova makes for beautiful background music. Dock the album a little bit for all the tracks sounding the same and it being under 30 min long. Standout is the leadoff "The Girl from Ipanema".
4
Aug 11 2023
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
3.5 stars. Dark gothic rock that feels like a fun soundtrack to a scary adventure. Standout is "Lucretia My Reflection".
4
Aug 14 2023
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Disco sould. Catchy, pretty much to a fault. Title track is the standout.
3
Aug 15 2023
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
3.5 stars. This was nice jazzy afrobeat. More good background soundtrack than anything,but had major political implications in Nigeria.
3
Aug 16 2023
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
Singing is phenomenal,and even if the music isn't as good as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young it's still creative and melodic. Beautiful listen.
4
Aug 17 2023
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
Blegh. Lots that I don't like about the 80's. The worst of New Wave. Long drawn out slow autotuned singing.
2
Aug 18 2023
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
This is art pop that really works. Creative and different without being too weird to get into. Standout is "Utopia".
4
Aug 21 2023
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Late era Cash with some great covers. Despite his age his voice is still impressive and a lot of this stripped down album evokes heavy emotion. Standouts are "Hurt" and "I Hung My Head".
4
Aug 22 2023
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Disintegration
The Cure
Musically creative. Don't care for lead singer's voice, but the instruments make up for it. Title track least favorite. Standout is the catchy "Lovesong".
4
Aug 23 2023
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
3.5 stars. Reminds me of Everclear~esque 90's radio alt rock. Thought the slower, ballad-y stuff wasn't as good as the higher energy alt rock sound. Standout is "Let Me Entertain You".
3
Aug 24 2023
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
There it is. In contention for GOAT album. Banger after banger. Variety of lead vocalists, catchy hooks, beautifully constructed tracks. Nearly flawless, wish it were longer than 40 min.
5
Aug 25 2023
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Hotel California
Eagles
Enjoyable classic dad rock, pleasant listen. "Try and Love Again" is underrated, great bassline. Other standout is the iconic title track.
4
Aug 28 2023
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
3.5 stars. Alternative synth-y pop rock. Driven by the phenomenal dance anthem, "Heads Will Roll", but not a ton else to write home about but not many duds either. "Zero" is the second best track.
4
Aug 29 2023
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
4.5 stars. Great album. Some of the best of what 80's new wave/pop rock has to offer. Generally good melodies, catchy yet sophisiticated without being over-wrought. Standouts are "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", "Broken", and "Shout".
4
Aug 30 2023
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
3.5 stars. Laidback, modern R&B with interesting beats. Pretty voice, hits high notes in a nice way. Interludes weren't irritating. Standout is east-Asian influenced "Cranes in the Sky".
3
Aug 31 2023
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
The bookends "Gimme Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want" are total bangers, just masterpieces. But the middle is not my favorite. Kinda honky-tonk-y rock and roll that doesn't really stand out and can be repetitive sounding at times.
4
Sep 01 2023
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Stripped
Christina Aguilera
1.5 stars. This was rough. Like dollar store Destiny's Child and then at times trying to bring in rock? elements with whiny guitars. "Beautiful" being a decent pop song only thing that saves it from 1 star.
2
Sep 04 2023
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
3.5 stars. Simple yet enjoyable folk rock. Steven's voice is easy very homely. Standout is "Wild World", very catchy and has been a recurring earworm over the years.
4
Sep 05 2023
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
4.5 stars. Hard rock, funk, blues, prog. There's a lot in here and it showcases all of the musical talent of the group. "Down by the Seaside" is underrated and "Kashmir" and "Houses of the Holy" are the two standouts.
4
Sep 11 2023
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Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Hip-hop changing debut album by iconic duo. Drum machine creates a new sound that is fairly minimal and repetitive but lets the duo's rapping be the centerpiece. Standout is "Rock Box", while "Wake Up" lyrics give an MLK-esque social commentary.
4
Sep 12 2023
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With The Beatles
Beatles
4.5 stars. It's the Beatles. Shorter album (33 min) but hard to dislike anything about it, even if it isn't packed with tracks I love. "Roll Over Beethoven" sounds very Beach Boys. Standout is "All My Loving".
4
Sep 13 2023
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
Elements of country at times, love ballads, a little bit of variety and a pretty voice make this a decent pop album that covers lots of older country work.
3
Sep 14 2023
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A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
The "Stay With Me" album. Vocals sound a bit like Steven Tyler so I always thought it was an Aerosmith song. The other standout is "Memphis". Overall a decent rock album.
3
Sep 15 2023
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
4.5 stars. Jack White's solo debut showcases his well-rounded musical prowess. Blues rock that incorporates jazz, hip-hop, folk/country, piano ballad, and more. Standouts are "Take Me With You When You Go", "Freedom At 21", and "Sixteen Saltines".
4
Sep 18 2023
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
Appreciated this more than I enjoyed it. Lennon's singing is the driving force here, but I just didn't get into it.
3
Sep 19 2023
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
This was some fun pub rock. Not anything genius musically, but not objectionable. Standout for me was "Mystery Dance", which kinda encapsulates the album when it was at it's best: fun and fast-paced.
4
Sep 20 2023
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S&M
Metallica
4.5 stars. This was epic. They symphony adds to the metal performance, enhancing what is essentially a Metallica greatest hits live album.
4
Sep 21 2023
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
2.5 stars. A little too overdone for me. Catchy at times but not really my thing. Still better than most pop. Very 80's and some covers that weren't my favorite. Standout was "Relax".
3
Sep 22 2023
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
4.5 stars. Despite not knowing the definition of ironic, Morissette does know how to make a great radio alt rock album. Lyrics aren't subtle but aren't too overt, hooks are catchy, lots of emotion is captured while still feeling relatable, production is clean without losing too much grungy feel, length is perfect. Standouts are "Ironic", "You Oughta Know", "You Learn", and "Hand in My Pocket".
4
Sep 25 2023
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American Idiot
Green Day
3.5 stars. Solid rock album, but more mainstream/poppy than the more punk earlier version of Green Day. More made for radio than I'd prefer, but still a decent listen. Production/mixing isn't my favorite, sounds like Billy Joe Armstrong is really trying to sing over the guitars. Hard to detangle my nostalgic memories of "Holiday", "Boulevard of Broken Dreams", and "Wake Me Up When September Ends" as they were inescapable during middle school years.
4
Sep 26 2023
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
4.5 stars. Really enjoyed this. Funky and catchy. High pitched voice sounds a little gospel/soul at times. Standout is "Jesus".
4
Sep 27 2023
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
4.5 stars. Fantastic album. Classic rock defined. Standouts are "Paint It Black" and "Under My Thumb".
5
Sep 28 2023
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Moon Safari
Air
Cool downtempo space pop electronica. Sets a nice chill vibe. Standout is "La femme d'argent".
4
Sep 29 2023
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Meh. Neo soul. Didn't dig it, didn't hate it.
3
Oct 02 2023
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Metallica
Metallica
Solid album. Less thrashy and more refined/polished. Really starts to crossover into rock more so than metal. For better of for worse. Standouts are "Enter Sandman" and "Nothing Else Matters".
4
Oct 03 2023
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
3.5 stars. "Breakdown" and "American Girl" are great, super catchy. Rest of it is more filler and harder to really get into.
3
Oct 04 2023
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
3.5 stars. Felt cohesive throughout, good production value. The Wu-Tang member packs a punch from start to finish. Skits didn't ruin it like they are prone to. Standouts are "The Champ" and "Be Easy".
3
Oct 05 2023
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
4.5 stars. Strange but compelling early alternative rock -ish album. The acoustic basslines drive this record and make up for a. Impressive songwriting for an 18 year old high school kid, even if his vocals are a bit high and awkward. Standouts are memorable "Blister In The Sun" and "Gone Daddy Gone".
4
Oct 06 2023
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
Not bad, not great. Sounded pretty 80's. A little repetitive at times but "Wrote for Luck" is a solid tune.
3
Oct 09 2023
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
Heavy "big beat" electronic rock. Standouts are the adrenaline pumping "Smack My Bitch Up" as well as fast-paced "Firestarter".
4
Oct 10 2023
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Still cracks me up that this band is from El Cerrito and not from the south. This album finds a way to make swamp rock jam band-y type music crisp and concise without droning on and on. "Bad Moon Rising" is an all-time classic, so well done. The title track is the other standout.
4
Oct 11 2023
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Blues with unsurprisingly impressive guitarwork. Short track lengths is nice for this genre. Could do without the disturbing lyrics that are uncomfortably pedophile-y.
4
Oct 12 2023
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
A grind at times, sorta catchy and fun at others. Can appreciate this being different, but noise rock isn't for me. "Assassins" is the best of the bunch.
2
Oct 13 2023
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Sulk
The Associates
Nah. I suppose there's some musical talent here, but I just really wasn't a fan. Too 80's art-y for me.
2
Oct 16 2023
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Homework
Daft Punk
3.5 stars. Pretty catchy French House debut album. Standouts are "Around the World" and "Da Funk".
3
Oct 17 2023
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
4.5 stars. I dig this. Beautiful voice but doesn't overdo it. Sensual but funny at times, honest and has attitude. Impressive debut, especially for a teenager. Music meanders from jazz to R&B to soul in a very listenable way. Standouts are "Fuck Me Pumps" and "Brother".
4
Oct 18 2023
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
Was not into this. Too much jazz than rock for me. Some of it was fine, like "Beginnings" but "Free Form Guitar" alone made this listen a drag.
2
Oct 19 2023
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
3.5 stars. The leadoff title track is so good. Lyrically dark, which makes sense given the context. "Jackson" duet is beautiful. Really sounds like a live album, in a good way.
4
Oct 20 2023
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
4.5 stars. High quality production, creative writing. Pulls in lots of different genres. Grandiose, though second half does tail off a bit. Probably won't be back much to re-listen.
4
Oct 23 2023
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
This is like the opposite of jazz. My very limited understanding of music and music theory makes the complexity of jazz tougher to listen to and appreciate what is happening. This is like popcorn. Extremely simple melodies, boring but inoffensive musically, pleasant voice from a lead singer, makes it easy to consume.
3
Oct 24 2023
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
It's like good Christmas music that isn't about Christmas. First half of the album the horn and big band accompaniment can distract from Charles, whereas the second half string and ballad-y feel better suits and highlights his singing.
4
Oct 25 2023
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This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
2.5 stars. Started off weird but got better as it went on. Punk influences at times, other times pop-y but overall a bit too experimental for me to get into. Standout is "L.A." which is catchy, if repetitive.
3
Oct 26 2023
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
4.5 stars. This album gets after it. A little muddled and overly distorted at times, but for the most part it's just really good rowdy post-hardcore. Starting with "Spike Island" it takes off, and the standout is "Getting Bright At Night".
4
Oct 27 2023
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Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
The was a creative art-y album that worked well. Orchestra elements, some middle eastern influence. Overall beautiful sounding.
4
Oct 30 2023
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
4.5 stars. This is really good, David Byrne is so talented. From the leadoff "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel", the tone is set for an upbeat, positive sound with catchy riffs and solid basslines. Enough time has passed from when those obnoxious fish mount decorations were popular that "Take Me to the River" stands alone as a great track. "The Girl Wants to Be with the Girls" is great as well.
4
Oct 31 2023
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Sinatra swingin'! His voice is so iconic, the jazzy big band is exuberant.
4
Nov 01 2023
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
Long drawn out pop tracks meet diet techno. No thanks. Title track was OK, but there were some real painful ones in here including 11 straight minutes of the "Candy Perfume Girl" and "Skin" back to back.
2
Nov 02 2023
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The Sensual World
Kate Bush
That was a struggle. Her voice was grating, there were weird string accompaniments that felt really outta place. Even the hit "This Woman's Work" seemed really abbreviated. I like to think I have a somewhat wide taste in music as far at least tolerating different varieties but this one was testing that.
1
Nov 03 2023
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Violator
Depeche Mode
The three hits "Personal Jesus", "Enjoy the Silence", and "Policy of Truth" are catchy well-crafted tracks. The rest of the album is good not great.
4
Nov 06 2023
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
3.5 stars. "Sweet Emotion" is an incredible song that has an iconic bass riff. "Walk This Way" has equally catchy hook as gross lyrics? "You See Me Crying" is what a power ballad done well sounds like. But the rest of the album is meh,
3
Nov 07 2023
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
3.5 stars. The format of this (over two hours long and interludes with presenters just talking) took away from what was really good jazz big band. The standout is the iconic "Jeep's Blues".
4
Nov 08 2023
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
2.5 stars. First half was OK, with interesting guitar riffs. But the vocals dragged it down and it really faded in the second half. "Virginia Plain" is a solid track.
2
Nov 09 2023
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Eh it was decent. There were good moments were it was enjoyable radio rock that sounded like budget Collective Soul, but too much filler in-between. Standouts are "Sunflower" and "The Weaver".
3
Nov 10 2023
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Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
Pass. This was weird, and I suppose the lyrics were different and interesting in a good way but overall this was a snooze.
2
Nov 13 2023
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
4.5 stars. Expands the bounds of R&B by incorporating psychedelic, soul, jazz elements. Extremely listenable while also creative and not lacking in depth. "Pyramids" is the standout but there's not a bad track.
4
Nov 14 2023
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
3.5 stars. Solid electro space rock album. Strange yet inoffensive. The two standouts are the pt. 1 title track and "Do You Realize??".
3
Nov 15 2023
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Guero
Beck
Alt rock gem. Laidback vibe but catchy hooks. Clever subtle sampling from a lot of 70s work. Standouts are "E-Pro", "Girl", and "Go It Alone".
4
Nov 16 2023
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
4.5 stars. The opening 3 tracks are phenomenal, but then it feels like a letdown afterward. It's not terrible, but it doesn't live up to the start. Throughout the whole album, the recording/production quality is absolutely outstanding. Very clean and crisp and sounds like it's meant to be played loud on a high-end stereo system.
4
Nov 17 2023
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
It was fine, liked that it was varied with softer moments. But probably something I won't return to much. Standout was "Snowblind".
3
Nov 20 2023
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
3.5 stars. Pretty decent alt rock. More listenable than intriguing or compelling. Standouts are "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite" and "Man On The Moon".
4
Nov 21 2023
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
So anyway, here's "Wonderwall". Perhaps because I am young enough to have missed this being ubiquitous for a period of time in it's heyday, it wasn't hard to come at it with a fresh look. Was not let down. It's mainstream rock that appeals to the masses without feeling too watered down. Standout is the closer, "Champagne Supernova" but start to finish it starts fast and doesn't slow down. No clunkers.
5
Nov 22 2023
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Phrenology
The Roots
There's some good moments to this hip-hop record that incorporate complex lyrics and beats. The standout is the catchy "The Seed (2.0)". Fast paced beat of closer "Thirsty!" is great as well. "Water" is so weird/bad and out of place, was the biggest letdown in an otherwise solid album.
4
Nov 23 2023
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
4.5 stars. This is prime country. Title track is the standout. Other greats are "Drink Up And Be Somebody" and "Mixed Up and Messed Of A Heart", but start to finish this is just really good old country. Interesting music with steel guitar, piano, catchy hooks, and Haggard's iconic singing.
4
Nov 24 2023
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The Coral
The Coral
2.5 stars. Eh wasn't really into this. Felt like ballad-y psychedelia rock. Fun dueling guitars at times, but overall this was a little too repetitive at times. Standout was "Simon Diamond".
3
Nov 27 2023
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Glam rock but had enough pop and folk sound to be a really enjoyable album. Beyond the catchy hit "Get It On", "Mambo Sun" and "Hot Love" are great.
4
Nov 28 2023
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Debut
Björk
2.5 stars. Weird and disjointed. Enough pop to keep the strange avant-garde listenable. Her voice is the worst part, singing is not her forte. Standout is "Venus As a Boy" which has a pretty string and ethereal electronica compliment.
3
Nov 29 2023
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Wow what a pleasant surprise. So much more than "Son Of A Preacher Man", this was a joy from start to finish. Leads off sensually with "Just A Little Lovin'", ends with a deeply emotional "No Easy Way Down" R&B track. This is pop done right. Absolutely beautiful singing, well-constructed backing music, engaging lyrically.
5
Nov 30 2023
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
Really captures the Laurel Canyon folk rock sound. Flows together as an album. Dabbles in different genres while a keeping a consistent rock base.
Not as much a fan when they get more psychedelic though. "Goin' Back" is the standout.
4
Dec 01 2023
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Smile
Brian Wilson
Bleh. Late career Brian Wilson not for me. Youthful and upbeat but just felt like unexciting pop overall.
2
Dec 04 2023
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Fragile
Yes
2.5 stars. The leadoff "Roundabout" is great, but the album is all downhill from there. I guess I'm just not into 70's prog rock.
2
Dec 05 2023
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
I love the music making artistry of Jack White, and this album is at it's best when the piano is driving. Less guitar-riffing which makes this less enjoyable for me than a lot of his other work, but still creative and implements lots of interesting instruments. "Blue Orchid" and "The Denial Twist" are the standouts.
4
Dec 06 2023
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
4.5 stars. Beautiful, calming ambient music. Pretty impressive that this album was sorta the first of it's kind when it comes to this genre. Works equally well as background music while focusing on something else, or as interesting standalone art on it's own.
4
Dec 07 2023
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
4.5 stars. Summer of Love! It's catchy, it's zany, it's art, it's mainstream pop. A lot going on here, in a good way...LSD working well to the band's benefit. Lyrically touches on a variety of cultural changes during a pivotal era. The standout is "With A Little Help From My Friends" which will always be a classic.
4
Dec 08 2023
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Oof, no. Struggled through this. Way too esoteric for me.
1
Dec 11 2023
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
4.5 stars. Opening riff shreds and from there on its just a great blues rock album. Fun and different that it's not in English, but the guitars from this Mali-based group just carry the listener on an enjoyable ride. Standouts are "Soubour" and "Al Hassidi Terei".
5
Dec 12 2023
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
4.5 stars. Blues-infused hard rock that kicked off the career of one of the greatest bands of all time. From the initial riff in the leadoff "Good Times Bad Times" to the grabbing solo in "How Many More Times", Page's guitar prowess is felt throughout. Bonham's driving drums support well and this record does not have a single skip. Not quite as strong as some of their subsequent work, but still really really good.
4
Dec 13 2023
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Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
This was a lot (2 hours). Mostly enjoyable though. Newer country rock blended with old-school Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs bluegrass. Standout is "Tennessee Stud" but I enjoyed their take on the bluegrass classics like "Flint Hill Special" and "Foggy Mountain Breakdown".
4
Dec 14 2023
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
Unlike other 90's grunge rock, I only like this in small doses. Singer drawing out and holding notes for too long gets old quickly. The hits ("Rooster", "Down In A Hole", and "Would?") are good but the rest is forgettable.
3
Dec 15 2023
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Meh. Would have to be in a pretty downer mood to get into this. Singing is just too lackluster to make up for pretty songwriting. Enjoyed the storytelling in "Story of Isaac". Standout is "The Partisan" with it's French and nice backing vocals.
2
Dec 18 2023
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Pop R&B at it's best due to the incredible soulful Aretha Franklin. From the kick-off "Chain of Fools" through the ending emotional "Ain't No Way", this half-century old album still holds up sooo well. The backing music is occasionally big-bandy, occasionally jazzy, and balances so well with the singing as it never takes over but is always catchy. Great cover versions of classic soul like "People Get Ready".
5
Dec 19 2023
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
3.5 stars. Driving fast-paced hard rock infused with blues. It doesn't take itself overly seriously, most notably lyrically. The hits are catchy and fun, "Sharp Dressed Man" being the standout. But the womanizing schtick did get old after a bit.
3
Dec 20 2023
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Wasn't into this. Kinda eerie and interesting to start, but kinda devolved from there and was a bit dull.
2
Dec 21 2023
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
Nope. Way too avant/eclectic. Couldn't get into it and it was really long.
1
Dec 22 2023
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Tapestry
Carole King
Female James Taylor vibes in terms of how the album feels, especially instrumentally, and that was before hearing "You've Got a Friend". Standout is leaf off “I Feel The Earth Move” which has a vibing anthemic drive to it.
4
Dec 25 2023
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Great folk rock that is elevated by the soulful singing. Standouts are lead off “Down to Zero” and the emotional “Love and Affection”.
4
Dec 26 2023
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Gotta separate the art from the artist here. Results in beautiful Christmas album that balances enough enthusiasm and passion without becoming overly whiny.
4
Dec 27 2023
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War
U2
3.5 stars. It’s good, but Bono’s singing is best in smaller doses for me. Good guitarist, but record feels a little over-produced. Standouts are the bookends.
4
Dec 28 2023
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Brilliantly talented rapper and songwriter giving voice to frustration of the disenfranchised and highlighting social issues? Yes. Obnoxious shock jock striking a chord with angsty high schoolers through over the top language? Also yes. “It’s a joke, bro” or not, couched in too much anger, violence, misogyny, homophobia, and toilet humor for me to go out of my way to listen to. Standout is “The Real Slim Shady”.
2
Dec 29 2023
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Nowhere
Ride
Budget Oasis. Didn’t like that the vocals were more in the background than the foreground, as dull/draggy as they were at times. Still good shoe gaze record, especially when it avoided being overly prog rocky.
4
Jan 01 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
Bangers from start to finish only briefly interrupted by goofy interludes. The singles lead the way with my personal favorite being "B.O.B." instead of the more famous "Ms. Jackson" and "So Fresh, So Clean" but there are underrated tracks throughout: "Gasoline Dreams" and "Humble Mumble" being the best of the rest. Hip-hop mastery with infectious hooks, driving beats, clever lyrics, impressive clean production. Creative and takes hip hop to new places and the singles are arguably early examples of rap becoming mainstream.
5
Jan 02 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Pleasantly surprised this was only 40 min runtime, was expecting it to be at least double that. The standouts "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight" are really good and carry a more mainstream sound and structure than the rest of this prog rock record. Enjoyed the drumming, really impressive.
4
Jan 03 2024
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Kala
M.I.A.
4.5 stars. Sri Lankan hip-hop artist creatively blends world sound into dance-paced record. There's times where I found the tracks annoying (e.g. the high pitched tinny "World Town") but overall this is good. The highs (e.g. upbeat, synth-y "Jimmy") are really high. Unlike most of the rest of the album that is more fast-paced dance genre, the infectious "Paper Planes" is down-beat hip-hop that's mocking lyrics cleverly play on many American's views on third world country immigrants.
4
Jan 04 2024
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Art rock/pop that was hard for me to get into. Can appreciate Eno's contributions to advancing music, but this in particular was a bit of a snoozer.
2
Jan 05 2024
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Ctrl
SZA
Hard to give this an honest rating. Production-wise it's good, and from a lyrical standpoint she digs deep on some emotional topics but I just don't care for this kind of music.
3
Jan 08 2024
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Album's strength is the lead singer's vocals which are best showcased in the earworm standout "Maps". At times it borders on noise rock, but overall stays in a good indie garage rock genre.
4
Jan 09 2024
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The Band
The Band
The twangy lyrics, and foot stomping beats make it feel a bit more southern than standard folk rock. Driving piano in "Jawbone" is upbeat fun. Standout is "Up on Cripple Creek".
3
Jan 10 2024
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Sing-song-y Woody Guthrie lyrics set to the tune of Billy Bragg and Wilco. The first half or so is good, but the act got a bit tired for me after that. Overall decent folk rock but nothing amazing. Standouts are "California Stars" and "Way over Yonder in the Minor Key".
3
Jan 11 2024
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
4.5 stars. Man this just gets after it from the get-go, what a leadoff track. Ice Cube's writing ability shines through across the record and the sampling is on point. There are some weaker tracks that keep it from being 5 stars ("I Ain't Tha 1", "Compton's N The House - Remix" ) but this genesis of gangster rap is a hit. Standouts are the title track, "Fuck Tha Police", and "Express Yourself".
4
Jan 12 2024
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
I like Supergrass, their sound is a good example of alt rock/power pop I enjoy: fast-paced, driving drums, vocals that aren't grating, somewhat consistent and predictable but occasionally mix things up to not make it boring. Standout is "Richard III".
4
Jan 15 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Dark and brooding. Vocals are deep and breathy but it works. The violin really and other background instruments really help complete this album. Standouts are "Steer Your Way" and the title track.
4
Jan 16 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
Interesting combination of melodic eloquence of depicting dark subject matter in gangster rap. Catchy beats that are quality Dre work and Snoop brings clarity in the delivery. Easy to see why this was so influential. Standouts are "Gin and Juice", "Who Am I (What's My Name)?", and "Tha Shiznit".
4
Jan 17 2024
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Musically there may have been something here, but Buckley's singing turns it into a dreary affair.
2
Jan 18 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
3.5 stars. The singing brings down otherwise creative and interesting songs. Interesting basslines, heavily layered and goes for an 'epic' sound. Standout is "Jigsaw Falling Into Place".
4
Jan 19 2024
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Really busy, the layered singing and back up vocals were distracting at times. Appreciate the creativity and going for something different, but was a bit tough to get into. Standout was "Summertime Clothes".
3
Jan 22 2024
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Play
Moby
4.5 stars. Have always enjoyed this album. Simple yet engaging electronica. The slower vibe-ier downtempo tracks ("Porcelain", "South Side") are better than the fast paced ones ("Bodyrock", Machete") which sound a bit dated. Wish "Flower" made it onto the original cut, probably my favorite track and was released on B Sides nearly a decade later.
4
Jan 23 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Short and sweet early rock and roll. Sound like a pre-Beach Boys with surf rock influence as well as Johnny Cash deep baritone vocals. Standouts are "Oh Boy!", "Not Fade Away" and "Rock Me My Baby".
4
Jan 24 2024
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
2.5 stars. This was weird, dance punk-ish. I enjoyed it at times, but overall just didn't do it for me. Standout is "Deceptacon".
3
Jan 25 2024
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Copper Blue
Sugar
4.5 stars. Great alt rock/power pop with a tinge of grunge. A garage-ier Collective Soul at times, singing voice similar to Blue October. Can be a little repetitive but the fast-paced drive and reasonable run length (45 min) makes for a fun listen. Standout "A Good Idea".
4
Jan 26 2024
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Crisp and clean funky soul that isn't formulaic.
Really liked this. The whole album doesn't have any skips (partly due to 36 min run time) but the standouts are "Pusherman" and "Superfly".
4
Jan 29 2024
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
3.5 stars. A little short (under a half hour) but still enjoyed it, decent folk rock. "Fakin' It" is the standout. "Mrs. Robinson" is a classic. "A Hazy Shade of Winter" is also good.
3
Jan 30 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Something to come back to. Typical jazz I struggle to appreciate now but hope to some day.
3
Jan 31 2024
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Face to Face
The Kinks
3.5 stars. It was decent. Very Beatles-esque baroque pop/folk rock. Standouts are “Party Line” and “Sunny Afternoon”.
3
Feb 01 2024
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Beautiful Freak
Eels
Musically nice and slow and melodic and at times ethereal countered with creepy lyrics and singing that varies from almost falsetto to strained/smoky. "My Beloved Monster" reminds me of Shrek movie but it's still a great tune. "Susan's House" (along with Atmosphere's "Yesterday") samples Gladys Knight and The Pips piano intro.
4
Feb 02 2024
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
3.5 stars. A bunch (43) of short tracks that is all over the place but not too it's detriment. Punk in it's own way. Less rowdy than most of the genre but lyrically poignant in a goofy delivery. Guitar can be jazzy and catchy at times but it's one of those albums whose importance outweighs it's enjoyment. Standout is the memorable riff-driven "Corona".
4
Feb 05 2024
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The Band
The Band
The twangy lyrics, and foot stomping beats make it feel a bit more southern than standard folk rock. Driving piano in "Jawbone" is upbeat fun. Standout is "Up on Cripple Creek".
3
Feb 08 2024
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
2.5 stars. A little bit slow and downbeat. Gets a bit reggae-ish at times. Standout is "Unfinished Sympathy".10
2
Feb 09 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Not for me. Was ok at times as grungy alt-rock with lots of distortion but probably not something I'll come back to.
2
Feb 12 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
3.5 stars. Enjoyed this more than the other two Kate Bush albums that have come up so far. Starts off so strong with "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" and tails off a bit but is still pretty good overall. Didn't care for really weird "Waking The Witch". The ethereal "Cloudbusting" and up-tempo Irish "Jig Of Life" were the other standouts.
3
Feb 13 2024
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
4.5 stars. Amy Winehouse is pop music that I really dig. She is now more soul than jazz, but the backing instrumentals are still really nice and don't get in the way. Voice is just so listenable. Depth and emotion in the lyrics. Kicks off with the ultra-catchy "Rehab" but there's not a skip on the album.
4
Feb 14 2024
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
Eh, musically it was ok but his high-pitched singing (as talented as it might be) was distracting.
2
Feb 15 2024
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Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
Decent sing-songwriter americana with a bit of a country twang. Nothing really stood out, in a good or bad way. Enjoyable voice to listen to.
3
Feb 16 2024
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Rapture
Anita Baker
Beautiful. Really liked the crooning singing, pseudo-jazz soul band. Feels like it could've been from an older era than the 1986 recording date, just a traditional sound instead of contemporary R&B.
4
Feb 19 2024
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Unrelenting. Aggressive. Breakdowns, build ups, poignant political lyrics, growling passionate cries, riffing guitars. The no sampling, synth, or keys helps drive the rawness that the album works so well. This is prototype for what rap metal could be is an all-timer. Standouts are "Bombtrack", "Killing In the Name", and "Bullet In the Head" but there are no weak tracks throughout.
5
Feb 20 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
4.5 stars. This is a lot of fun. Very foot-tapping, air guitar inducing. High BPM, drum-driven, high pitched and drawn-out vocals over screaming guitars. The standout title track sounds Judas Priest-y combined with the good elements of AC/DC. Will be coming back for more.
4
Feb 21 2024
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
1.5 stars. Naw. I'll pass. Cool that she was making a comeback after fighting addiction, but I didn't like any of this. Especially the explicitly vulgar closing track.
2
Feb 22 2024
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
Pretty good if not not memorable. Pair of brothers make a 50's rock & roll record. "Love Hurts" is interesting given this is the original and how many times it went on to get covered in years following.
3
Feb 23 2024
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Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
3.5 stars. Starts out as occasionally creative and fun metal/rock with elements of string/orchestra layered in. Singing alternates between something different in a good way, and grating/detracting from the music. Lyrics can be aggressive but not to the point of off-putting. Starting with "Lately", which is more like generic 90's alt rock, it really slows down and gets down to soft rock or almost R&B. Different genre than the beginning of album. Standout for me was "We Don't Need Who You Think You Are" and "The Skank Heads".
4
Feb 26 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
4.5 stars. The jazz influence really makes this hip hop record a masterpiece. The underlying bass lines give it musical depth. Has a more mellow sound than macho hardcore gangster rap. Standouts are "Check the Rhime" and "Scenario".
4
Feb 27 2024
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
4.5 stars. "Respect" cover is one of the best songs ever recorded, so powerful. Showed what soul could be. "Save Me" underrated, fun groove musically.
4
Feb 28 2024
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
3.5 stars. No big standouts in terms of individual tracks, but it's a good album overall. Uses layers and depth to go a bit genre-bendy in a creative yet listenable way. Dance-y but not overly catchy electronica but not at the expense of a variety of instruments. Runs a bit long.
4
Feb 29 2024
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
3.5 stars. Early punk. Eclectic but catchy beats. More something I'd enjoy as good background music as opposed to seeking out individual tracks to listen to. Standout was "Hanging Around".
3
Mar 01 2024
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Vulnicura
Björk
An hour of Bjork. Would've been better as an instrumental, the singing is so off-putting and musically it is interesting and pretty at times. But alas.
2
Mar 04 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
Can definitely understand all the accolades after listening to this all the way through for the first time. Brilliant song-writing, beautiful singing, raw emotion. Start to finish it's cohesive and there's no weak points. "Carey" and "This Flight Tonight" are underrated.
5
Mar 05 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Leads off with an all-timer, very impressive to make a seven and a half minutes long track not feel too long. "Pre-Road Downs" is a nice pleasant surprise. "Song with No Words" is a skip as well as their down-tempo "Everybody's Talkin'" cover. The rest of the album is a pleasant listen, just a good folk rock sound.
4
Mar 06 2024
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Heavy heavy metal. Growling vocals over down-tuned riffing guitars. Fast and thrashy. A little repetitive at times, but this seems like definitional heavy metal.
4
Mar 07 2024
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
1.5 stars. Struggled through this. 80's pop at it's worst. This sound is why the decade gets a bad rap musically.
1
Mar 08 2024
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Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Eh generic pub rock, wasn’t as into it as other Elvis Costello. Above average lyrics. Standout is catchy cover of “(What’s so funny ‘bout) Peace, Love and Understanding”
3
Mar 11 2024
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Has some real bangers, "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit" which are both unfortunately under 3 minutes long. Wasn't as into the slower, more acoustic stuff but the album really thrived when there was more energy putting the rock in folk rock.
4
Mar 12 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
4.5 stars. I like this experimental/art take on folk rock. Just unconventional and weird/grating enough to be interesting but still highly listenable. Bob Dylan-esque singing and lyrics. "Run Run Run" different from rest of album but catchy and good. Standouts are "Sunday Morning", "Heroin", and personal favorite is "Venus in Furs".
4
Mar 13 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
4.5 stars. Really difficult to not like Jimi Hendrix. "Spanish Castle Magic" goes so hard.
4
Mar 14 2024
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69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
2.5 stars. Interesting conceptually, but at nearly 3 hours long it's lot to sit through. Lyrically clever at times as it's a take on love songs, not really love songs themselves. "I Don't Want to Get Over You", "The Book of Love", "Sweet-Lovin' Man" were the standouts.
3
Mar 15 2024
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
3.5 stars. Fun and flowy. Catchy rap style. Beats are easy. Standout "Break", "What's Golden".
4
Mar 18 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
2.5 stars. The leadoff "Like A Rolling Stone" is iconic, but the album is a bit of a letdown after that.
3
Mar 19 2024
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Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
World music meets hip hop and helps introduce the UK to the genre. Put together in a way that sounds like listening to the radio with a DJ and call-ins. Interesting that there are so many different sounds/genres but apparently he seems to have ripped off original artists without crediting them. Standout is "Double Dutch" while the last track "Duck For The Oyster" is super annoying.
2
Mar 20 2024
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Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
Eh wasn't really feeling this one. It was decent as background music but hard for me to really get into.
2
Mar 21 2024
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Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
This was pretty good. For some reason this was a little tougher than other world music to get fully immersed in because of the language difference but musically and from a singing standpoint this was good.
3
Mar 22 2024
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Starts off rowdy and fun but kinda devolves from there into a weird fusion of glam rock/punk rock. "Trash" is the standout, sounds a bit like The Clash.
3
Mar 25 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
3.5 stars. Opposite of some other albums on this list where the music is great but the singing is the downfall. Some fairly boring/generic country and western tunes but Ray Charles' voice makes it all a pleasant listen nonetheless.
3
Mar 26 2024
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In Utero
Nirvana
A little too rough and experimental at times but there are some great tunes and overall it's a good album. I liked the slower tracks more than the aggressive ones. Standouts are "Heart-Shaped Box", "Rape Me", and "All Apologies".
4
Mar 27 2024
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
3.5 stars. A bit weird, kinda alt-country new wave-ish at times. Harmonica makes things more interesting than generic alt-rock, more upbeat tempo than standard country.
3
Mar 28 2024
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
3.5 stars. Dark lyrically (good break-up album) and less grungy than other 90's alt rock. Has some duds including "What Jail is Like" and "My Curse".
But it's mostly a good listen and standouts are "Gentlemen" and "Debonair".
4
Mar 29 2024
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Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Early country & western, like a pre-Bob Dylan twangy singer-songwriter. Standout is "New York Town". "Cocaine" was unexpected. First and last name of protagonist in leadoff song shared by a childhood friend was kinda funny.
3
Apr 01 2024
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
3.5 stars. Has a dark and downer theme but melodic and could land well if I'm in the right mood for it. Standouts for me are "You and Whose Army?" and "I Might Be Wrong".
4
Apr 02 2024
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New Forms
Roni Size
2.5 stars. Was more like generic background techno than standalone hit tracks. Wasn't bad, but was a bit boring.
3
Apr 03 2024
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Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
Lots of latter teenage years nostalgia with this one. At the time felt like more than just pop rock, but it is a bit bland on the re-listen more than a decade later. Still enjoy it, catchy tunes and memorable hooks. No bad tracks, but the hits don't really hit in the same way they did back in the day. Still humorous that "Sex on Fire" was supposed to be Set's Us on Fire until a sound mixer made the joke.
4
Apr 04 2024
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
Overly repetitive and bland lyrics. Fairly dull musically.
2
Apr 05 2024
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Kenya
Machito
3.5 stars. Lively and fun Afro-Cuban jazz.
4
Apr 08 2024
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21
Adele
3.5 stars. Starts off with a banger ("Rolling in the Deep") but kinda tails off from there. Both when it was released and re-listening now I wasn't into the other hits as much as the leadoff track. And while the rest of the album is fine, I don't really love it. She has a beautiful voice, but these songs don't really grab me in a meaningful way.
3
Apr 09 2024
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
4.5 stars. Nice twist on pop without being overly eclectic. The jump from "Newspaper" (layered and almost experimental, creative sounds) to "Ladies" (slow almost R&B) back to back good example of the diverse sound of the album. Standouts are really clever "For Her" and catchy "Relay".
4
Apr 10 2024
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
2.5 stars. Aspects of this I liked ("Sidewalk Serfer Girl" catchy alt-rock, "It's Not the End of the World?" pop rock, "No Sympathy" which feels like 70's folk rock until weird twist at end" but for the most part it was just a strange twist on alt rock that I wasn't really into.
3
Apr 11 2024
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
4.5 stars. Really dug this album. After the leadoff title track that felt too 80's synth-y, it just became a really solid blues record. Standout was "That's Alright".
4
Apr 12 2024
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Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
3.5 stars. Pretty good album that tries to combine blues and punk rock in an interesting way. Made for a good sound, upbeat and angsty but not too rowdy. Standout was "Preaching the Blues".
3
Apr 15 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
2.5 stars. Not a big reggae guy. All kind of sound the same to me, probably need to be blazed I guess? "No Woman No Cry" is good, but otherwise it was a bit of a bore.
2
Apr 16 2024
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Biggie's debut. Raw and aggressive gangster rap delivered in crisp and creative rhymes. Catchy beats. The tracks running from "Juicy" through "Big Poppa" in the middle of the record is as impressive as 90's hip hop gets.
4
Apr 17 2024
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Blur
Blur
It was OK. "Song 2" obviously the unlikely effervescent smash hit but also liked "Chinese Bombs" and the more ballad-y "Look Inside America".
3
Apr 18 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
3.5 stars. This is a mixed bag for me. "Every Breath You Take" has gotta be one of the most overrated songs (3rd-most streamed 20th century song on Spotify? Really?). But there's some great stuff too. Standout is the underrated leadoff title track. "King Of Pain" enjoyable as well.
3
Apr 19 2024
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Dare!
The Human League
Boring, trite 80's synth-pop but finished off by a worldie song in "Don't You Want Me" that is as catchy an earworm one can find.
2
Apr 22 2024
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
3.5 stars. Fresh funk/jazz, very upbeat. Standout is "Too Young to Die"
4
Apr 23 2024
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Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
3.5 stars. Really pretty and well-produced Indian influenced down tempo drum & bass. "The Conference" really fun speed-singing/chanting. Standout is "Homelands".
3
Apr 24 2024
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Bad
Michael Jackson
There's some decent tracks ("Smooth Criminal" and "Man in the Mirror") but overall I'm just not a fan. There's some real duds ("Dirty Diana" and "Speed Demon") and the rest just feels dated.
2
Apr 25 2024
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Achtung Baby
U2
It's a good album with drawbacks. Feels self-absorbed (Bono's at times overly-breathy singing is annoying) but getting past that it's well-produced and an enjoyable listen. Standout is "Mysterious Ways".
4
Apr 26 2024
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Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
4.5 stars. This is great soul. Lots of instrumental only, but singing is good too. "Strawberry Letter 23" is phenomenal and "Ice Cold Daydream" is another standout.
4
Apr 29 2024
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Interestingly equally sociopolitical and machismo lyrics. Ice Cube's rapping is 90's gangster rap to a tee. Skits brings listener into the projects. Beats start off well but fade toward the end of the album. Standout are "Turn Off The Radio" and "Endangered Species (Tales From The Darkside).
3
Apr 30 2024
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
It was fine. Synth-pop new wave that is not memorable or disagreeable. Standout is "Cars".
3
May 01 2024
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
4.5 stars. This is really good, no filler and flows well as an album. Great production without feeling contrived. Singing complements the instrumentals well without being generic. Standout is "Any Major Dude Will Tell You" with it's memorable post-chorus hook.
4
May 02 2024
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En-Tact
The Shamen
Interesting genre-wise to see the crossover and blend of psychedelic rock with rave electronic music but overall it's not very exciting.
3
May 03 2024
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
3.5 stars. Funk and soul. A little lower energy than I'd prefer at times but it's still good. Standouts are "Family Affair" and the instrumental "My Gorilla Is My Butler".
3
May 06 2024
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Interesting chill, and more ambient but apparently a groundbreaking "post-rock" album. Didn't love it, but didn't hate it and enjoyed it as background music.
3
May 07 2024
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Probably important and groundbreaking for creating post-punk but too abrasive and eccentric for me. Some irony in that the town the album was recorded in is called Painesville, though that might be a bit harsh.
2
May 08 2024
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Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
The singing is the weakest part of an otherwise solid alt rock record that has strong hints of garage rock and southern revival. Album is at it's best when it's upbeat and harder-driving than when it's more calm and slowed down. Standouts are "Taper Jean Girl", the musically interesting "Razz" and "Four Kicks".
4
May 09 2024
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
4.5 stars. The album before Come On Eileen and it's great. Brass horns full of energy and punk-ish vibes but still catchy pop and a bit of soul. Standouts are "Tell Me When My Light Turns Green", "Geno" and "Seven Days Too Long".
4
May 10 2024
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
1.5 stars. Booo. Shock rock that's just boring musically. "No More Mr. Nice Guy" is the standout.
2
May 13 2024
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
2.5 stars. This was decent electronic, ambient trance music. Nice to have on in the background while I'm working/focusing but not very memorable.
3
May 14 2024
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
3.5 stars. Pretty enjoyable 90's indie rock album. Weird interludes. Standout is the catchy and memorable "Brimful of Asha". "Good Ships" and their "Norwegian Wood" cover also good.
4
May 15 2024
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Layered singing and bright for shoegaze. Standout is the title track. Melodic and beautiful closing track. Feels short (37 min runtime), was left wanting more.
4
May 16 2024
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LP1
FKA twigs
3.5 stars. More of an avant-garde electronica take on R&B which makes it an interesting listen. Lyrical themes centered on intimacy. Standout is the catchy "Two Weeks".
4
May 17 2024
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
3.5 stars. Pretty subtle but cool down tempo electronic ambient music. "Roygbiv" is the memorable standout.
4
May 20 2024
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Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
Whimsical dance-ish indie pop. Groovy beats. Standout is "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" as well as "People Get Real".
4
May 21 2024
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Mott
Mott The Hoople
Not into glam rock. Most was lame but the standout is the leadoff "All the Way from Memphis" which was pretty decent.
2
May 22 2024
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The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
This was weird but I enjoyed it. Energetic 90's alt rock that brings in elements of punk, post-punk and other genres. The lyrics clearly reflect the darkness the lyricist (rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards) was going through.
4
May 23 2024
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...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
Kinda vacillates between lazy alt rock and more energetic power pop but it struck a chord with me. No bad tracks and good catchy hooks throughout. Standout is "Every Day Should Be A Holiday". Other good tracks are "Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth" as well as "Boys Better".
4
May 24 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
It was fun swing/big band. Not bad but not super memorable.
3
May 27 2024
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Meh, wasn't really into this. Lots of art-y innovation but wasn't my taste. Standout is "I Don't Remember".
3
May 28 2024
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Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
Old-school hip-hop. Title track is great, really catchy. The rest of it is fine, a little too repetitive. Didn't realize "Renegades of Funk" originated here.
3
May 29 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
4.5 stars. Really liked this, will be coming back to it. Felt like an album and not just an amalgamation of tracks. Enjoyed the hints of classical music. Standout is "Cold War".
4
May 30 2024
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
2.5 stars. Early pop punk. "I Don't Mind" catchy and memorable. "Fiction Romance" repetitive but nice riff.
3
May 31 2024
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
The title track is a head-bobbing banger, but otherwise all the other tracks feel like the same thing just less impressive. A bit repetitive.
3
Jun 03 2024
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Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Aspects of this that I liked (the stringed orchestral elements and the backing vocals and some of the melodic tunes) but the droning, depressed lead singing capped my enjoyment overall. Standouts were “Gay Messiah” and “Waiting For A Dream”.
3
Jun 04 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Peak jazz. Still not a genre I seek out but I suppose this would be as good a record as any if/when I do.
4
Jun 05 2024
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I See You
The xx
3.5 stars. Starts off well with good energy, “Dangerous” is fantastic, but fades and isn’t as good the rest of the way save for “On Hold”.
4
Jun 06 2024
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Is This It
The Strokes
Slays. One of those records that you wish would keep going and going when it ends. The quintessential indie rock album. Not a weak track to be found. Lots of nostalgia but quality as well.
5
Jun 07 2024
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Justified
Justin Timberlake
Not a JT fan. Would go elsewhere if I were in the mood for pop R&B
2
Jun 10 2024
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
3.5 stars. Progressive soul soundtrack from a 70's blaxploitation film. Probably won't go back and listen to individual tracks but it I would enjoy having it on in the background again.
3
Jun 11 2024
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
4.5 stars. Even though I’m not a jazz enthusiast I really enjoyed this and will continue to come back to it.
4
Jun 12 2024
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Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
This was OK, felt a bit repetitive at times but more creative than bland rap-rock. Good layering at times and consistent beats that made it more authentic and less derived. Standout was "She Wants To Move".
3
Jun 13 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
3.5 stars. The hits are good, but the rest is kinda filler weaker Beatles-esque redux. Standouts are the piano-driven sing-songy “This Will Be Our Year” as well as the psychedelic “Time Of The Season”.
3
Jun 14 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Great live album. Rowdy without being too distorted to follow. Standouts are the hits “Jailbreak” and “The Boys Are Back in Town”.
4
Jun 17 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Post-Richey Edwards so more mainstream sounding, but still solid alt-rock. None of the tracks are major standouts but no duds either and it is still a good listen.
4
Jun 18 2024
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
This was really enjoyable Brazilian pop/samba. Upbeat and despite the lyrics being in Portuguese, quite catchy. Standout is "Taj Mahal".
4
Jun 19 2024
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
3.5 stars. Afrobeat with activism-infused lyrics. Upbeat tunes, big band feel at times.
3
Jun 20 2024
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Stripped down ballad country about a fugitive on the run. Not my favorite but not bad. Standout is the slow "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain" and the title track.
3
Jun 21 2024
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Nixon
Lambchop
2.5 stars. Meh, it was OK. Slow tempo and kinda ballad-y alt-country/chamber pop. "Up with People" was different and pleasant but the rest wasn't much to write home about.
2
Jun 24 2024
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The Score
Fugees
Solid hip-hop/R&B album that's at it's best when Lauryn Hill is singing. Relaxed pace, poignant lyrics. Nice choice of samples. Standout is "Ready Or Not".
4
Jun 25 2024
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If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
Down tempo indie rock/chamber pop that was a precursor/influencer to artists I like more (Deathcab, Sufjan Stevens, Decemberists, etc.) but wasn't super into this.
2
Jul 11 2024
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
2.5 stars. Weird and eclectic spanning multiple genres but not too out there. Twangy and country at times, upbeat tempo at times, slowed-down acoustic, it's a bit all over the place. Liked the instrumental parts the best.
2
Jul 12 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
4.5 stars. Taking half a star off for the short length. But overall it’s psychedelic blues rock at its best. Classic guitar, bass and drums lineup with catchy riffs and rhythms. Standouts are “Sunshine of Your Love” and “Tales of Brave Ulysses”.
5
Jul 15 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Not perfect, but a solid rock and roll album. Cleaned and well-produced, cohesive. Leadoff "Watch That Man" along with "The Jean Genie" are the two standouts.
4
Jul 16 2024
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
3.5 stars. Singer-songwriter that is more orchestral than pure folk. Incredibly talented lyricist. The slow and 'quiet' nature of the music led to it not being quite as engaging but more an album I just appreciate.
3
Jul 17 2024
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Impressive that it was released in 1977, but I won't go out of my way to listen to it again. Minimalist elctro-synth pop.
2
Jul 18 2024
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
He can pick it, and it is a pleasant listen. But it drags on a bit. Standout it lead off “Strolling Down the Highway”
3
Jul 19 2024
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Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
4.5 stars. Beautiful. Musically and the singing. A bit dance-y and leaning into the samba at times but most of it is chill and relaxed.
4
Jul 22 2024
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
3.5 stars. Solid if unspectacular neo-soul R&B album. Standouts are "Higher", "Lady", and the title track.
3
Jul 23 2024
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You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
2.5 stars. Lyrically not a fan, no subtlety. Musically it's fine, if boring. Pretty singing voice. Instrumentally kinda generic sounding alt/pop rock
3
Aug 01 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
3.5 stars. Classic-est of rock. Inoffensive dad-rock that is nice to have as a soundtrack in the background. Standout is the microcosm of the album “Take It Easy”.
3
Aug 02 2024
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Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
3.5 stars. Bit too much of a Beatles redux at times, but "Eight Miles High" is great and overall it's a decent folk/classic rock album to have in the background.
3
Aug 05 2024
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
3.5 stars. Dark and brooding but musically it's pretty good. Standouts are "Death to Everyone" and title track.
4
Aug 06 2024
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
2.5 stars. Super weird, all over the place. Anthemic and catchy beats but highly sexualized bookend tracks, creepy stalker story and odd fairytale story interludes, instrumental jazz-y soundtrack. It accomplishes getting in your head and eliciting some kind of psycho journey but I don't think I'll return to it.
2
Aug 07 2024
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Virgin Suicides
Air
Pretty good ambient soundtrack. Great to have on in the background. Standout is "Dead Bodies".
4
Aug 08 2024
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
4.5 stars. Rowdy but refined enough to be catchy and actually understand what Rotten is singing. Iconic British punk rock. Standouts are "God Save The Queen", "Anarchy In The UK", and "EMI".
4
Aug 09 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
3.5 stars. Opens with an absolute iconic banger in "Tiny Dancer" and the rest is OK, just ballad-y piano rock. The other track I enjoyed was "Rotten Peaches".
4
Aug 14 2024
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
4.5 stars. Pretty phenomenal live album. Gets jam band-y but not overly so, lots of driving southern rock and blues that keep the energy going and really clean-sounding recording. Standout is "Statesboro Blues".
4
Aug 15 2024
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Pretty impressive debut album that was a landmark breakthrough for creating the post punk genre. Wasn't exactly my taste but I can appreciate it for what it was.
Standouts are "Hong Kong Garden" and "Helter Skelter".
4
Aug 16 2024
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L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
4.5 stars. I was into this. 80's ish metal that is just experimental enough. At times heard some Rammstein, Motley Crue, and Iron Maiden influences. Standouts are "Rue des tempetes" and "Longue route" and "Pas Mal".
4
Aug 19 2024
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
3.5 stars. Title track is the standout, great song. But the rest of the blue-eyed soul album is pretty good too. Other enjoyable tracks are "Sueno" and "It's Love".
4
Aug 22 2024
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More Specials
The Specials
Eccentric ska that is more of a mix of genres and styles and less rowdy than typical ska. Standouts are "Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think" and "International Jet Set".
3
Aug 23 2024
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The Slider
T. Rex
2.5 stars. It was fine, just fairly lackluster overall. Title track is the standout. "Metal Guru" is decent too.
3
Aug 26 2024
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
Pretty forgettable 90's east coast gangster rap
2
Aug 27 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
3.5 stars. A lot of it isn't memorable, but the early psychedelic rock dabbling in "I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)" and "Get Me to the World On Time" are great.
3
Aug 28 2024
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A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
Fairly non-descript R&B. Not terrible but nothing really drew me in.
2
Aug 29 2024
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Mask
Bauhaus
2.5 stars. Experimental goth rock. Some nice melodies at times and the sax and keys are a nice touch but overall a bit too out there for me, especially with vocals that I'm not into. Cool bassline in "Passion of Lovers".
3
Sep 02 2024
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Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
Key album in paving the way to 90's alt rock sound. Knocking off a half star because it's a bit long and the sound can get repetitive, but I really liked this. "Bed of Nails" only track that was a real dud. Otherwise standouts are "Could You Be The One?", "These Important Years", and "You Can Live at Home".
5
Sep 03 2024
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
It's so good, incredibly well-crafted. The hits are extremely memorable, they sure know how to write a catchy hook. There are no weak tracks. Record isn't too long or too short. Standouts are the aforementioned hits "Do It Again", "Dirty Work", and one of my all-time faves "Reelin' In The Years".
5
Sep 04 2024
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The Undertones
The Undertones
This was fun, upbeat, Sonics-y. Standouts are "Family Entertainment", "Here Comes the Summer", "Get Over You", and the hit "Teenage Kicks".
4
Sep 05 2024
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Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
This was fine as honky-tonk country but perhaps because it wasn't his album that I grew up hearing all the time on long road trips (This Time) it didn't really stand out to me. His voice is still great which makes it inoffensive despite the super grim and bleak subject matter the lyrics entail. Standout is the foot-tapping inducing "Streets of Bakersfield".
3
Sep 06 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Elvis' voice is what carries this. Musically more soul and gospel than traditional Elvis. Lyrical themes are heavy but the hit "In the Ghetto" is a moving protest track.
3
Sep 09 2024
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
Blegh. The worst of Britpop and glam rock. While it's melodic it's so vanilla that it isn't worthwhile. Won't be returning to it any time soon.
2
Sep 10 2024
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
4.5 stars. Quite the breakthrough album with a ton of hits. Simple and basic yet captures the listener without using cheap hooks. Joel's singing is just so easy on the ears. Standouts are a lot of the big hits "Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)", "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", "Vienna", and "Only the Good Die Young".
4
Sep 11 2024
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
So bland. Don't really get the appeal here. The low breathy vocals in "Lifeguard Sleeping, Girl Drowning" is so bad. Standout was "Billy Budd".
2
Sep 12 2024
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
This was a little strange but pretty good indie art rock/dream pop that has an attractive overall sound. The lyrics are very corporeal and odd but are a nice change of pace. The ethereal layering in the background make it enjoyable. The standouts are "Empty Nest" and "Two Dancers (ii)".
4
Sep 16 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
2.5 stars. Was pretty stripped down and indie, wasn't the biggest fan. As a standalone single "A Menha Menina" is catchy and good, but gets lost in the rest of the album which is not worth writing home about.
2
Sep 17 2024
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
The title track is no doubt a paradigm-shifting pop sensation, but outside of that this album was just really difficult to get through. Some records have important lyrics that are difficult to understand because of the genre/singing/mixing/etc. but this was the opposite. "Born to Make You Happy" encapsulates this.
2
Sep 18 2024
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
4.5 stars. This is a nice little album (<30 min). Dolly has some dark themes and lyrics that her high pitched voice belies. Standouts are "Early Morning Breeze" which is a beautiful tune and "Traveling Man".
4
Sep 19 2024
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Protection
Massive Attack
It's OK and I appreciate it's trying to blend genres (electronica, hip-hop, R&B) and be creative but it leaves the listener wanting more. It's a decent chill background vibe, but not much more.
3
Sep 23 2024
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Bright Flight
Silver Jews
2.5 stars. Depressing country-tinged indie rock. Some definite songwriting skills here but it's a bit of a downer overall. Standout is the fun "Tennessee".
3
Sep 24 2024
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Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
4.5 stars. Man I don't know if it's just the novelty of being in French, but I enjoyed the hell out of this. Excellent flow, vibing beats. No letdown tracks. Standouts were high-energy "Ragga Jam" and "Quartier nord" with it's fast rhymes as well as head-bobbing "Qui seme le vent recolte le tempo"
5
Sep 25 2024
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Nevermind
Nirvana
Only one weak track (closer "Endless, Nameless") but otherwise a near flawless album. Overplayed as it is/was "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is contender for the ultimate Gen-X anthem. "On A Plain" underrated and is the catchiest song on the record for me. Ripping memorable bassline in "Come As You Are" from Killing Joke takes away from it for me.
5
Sep 26 2024
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Queen II
Queen
4.5 stars. Queen going for a one-off, grandiose, hard rock/glam rock tour that borders on heavy metal (e.g. "Ogre Battle") and I'm here for it. Can't quite pin down the genre but it makes for a varied listening experience. "Seven Seas of Rhye" closer is the standout. "Father to Son" also good.
4
Sep 30 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
3.5 stars. One of the best conclusions to an album I've come across. The long slow "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" builds to a lovely instrumental outro. Other than that a good if not overly-memorable soul album that was a landmark in it's time but I won't necessarily re-visit.
3
Oct 01 2024
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
Great punk rock album. Short and sweet. Good energy, catchy riffs. Standouts are "Plan 9 Channel 7", "Love Song" with it's goofy ending, and "Anti-Pope".
4
Oct 02 2024
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Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Man, Nick Cave and I just don't jive. His disturbing Southern Gothic lyrics do nothing to improve the noisescape, gained out, scratchy music he sings over.
1
Oct 03 2024
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
3.5 stars. Cruising electronic pop. Sets a good atmosphere. Title track is the standout.
4
Oct 04 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
3.5 stars. This was decent but I prefer her more pure folk, stripped down music than this jazz-infused soft rock. Still a pleasant listen because of her beautiful voice and some good lyricism, just not my favorite. Standouts are "Free Man in Paris" and "Raised on Robbery".
4
Oct 07 2024
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
2.5 stars. It's fine. Album is at it's best when the driving double bass pedal drumming and speeding guitar rhythms carry it. The alt rock and acoustic tracks are so forced and out of place.
2
Oct 08 2024
View Album
Third
Soft Machine
Too much for me. After getting past the initial 5 min irritating noise feedback, the album was OK. Experimental electronica rock/jazz. Moments of it being good but moments of detracting singing and too much wandering.
2
Oct 09 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
A little rowdy but enough refinement that it works well. Game-changer for hard rock and punk, at times when listening it's hard to believe it came out in 1972. First two tracks "Search and Destroy" and "Gimmme Danger" are the two standouts but the whole album is good.
4
Oct 10 2024
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
Swedish garage rock that starts strong with ear worm leadoff "Hate To Say I Told You So" and fades a bit but is still a solid album.
4
Oct 11 2024
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
Weird but it worked. Sometimes sounded like Bob Dylan hopped up on amphetamines, sometimes the strange trippy 60's,occasional horns, and sometimes like The Bryds and tambourines. Favorites were "Nine Pound Hammer" and folky but upbeat closer "Old Kentucky Home".
3
Oct 14 2024
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Beautiful singing voice makes for a nice folk album. Great guitaring showcased in standout "I Know You Rider".
4
Oct 15 2024
View Album
Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
While listenable musically at times, Buckley's annoying voice singing inane lyrics kinda ruins things. Every track is hypersexualized and the schtick wears off quickly.
2
Oct 16 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
4.5 stars. This is U2 at it's finest. First three tracks "Where The Streets Have No Name", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", and "With Or Without You" are the high point but it doesn't tail off too much from there. While it's not daring or bold and sounds clearly catered to the masses, it's still a good listen. Clean production without feeling too sterile. Bono not too obnoxious and instrumentally it's fine if not overly exciting.
5
Oct 17 2024
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Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
Started slow but picked up as it went on. Content-wise there is a lot to say with both clear as well as subtle messages about culture and the world Lupe Fiasco is coming from. There are good, smooth beats, the standout is the Daydream sampling in "Daydreamin'" as well as the super chill "Kick, Push". Other good tracks are "The Cool" and "Hurt Me Soul".
4
Oct 18 2024
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
3.5 stars. The album is at it's best with it's upbeat sea shanty-esque "Billy's Bones", "The Gentleman Soldier".
3
Oct 21 2024
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The White Room
The KLF
2.5 stars. Didn't like this. Tried to do too much with too little. Ends up being weird house/trance music.
2
Oct 22 2024
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Atomizer
Big Black
3.5 stars. Angsty and unfiltered but not unlistenable. Felt a bit like dollar store Rage Against The Machine at times. Had some catchy guitar riffs sprinkled in throughout. "Kerosene" is a really good track. Other standout is "Bazooka Joe".
4
Oct 23 2024
View Album
Vivid
Living Colour
4.5 stars. Got some Aerosmith vibes, but really it crossed over lots of genres and did a good job of infusing lots of different styles. Lyrically it was culturally salient social commentary. Standouts are the catchy "Cult of Personality", "Middle Man", and "Funny Vibe".
4
Oct 24 2024
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Aja
Steely Dan
4.5 stars. Incredible infusion of jazz into rock and roll. Such clean playing and production. Fagen's voice is great and pairs so well with the music. "Peg" is a phenomenal track. Other standout is "Josie".
4
Oct 25 2024
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Wasn't for me. Glad it was short (<30 min).
2
Oct 28 2024
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
An all-timer. It blends hard rock, heavy metal, folk, mythology in such a complete and masterful way. No weaknesses, and each of the 4 band members bring so much in their playing and singing. Don't even have to ding them for not giving credit to many of the songs' original writers like they are more guilty of on other albums. Except for maybe "Stairway to Heaven", which is overrated anyway. Favorite is "When the Levee Breaks".
5
Oct 29 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
3.5 stars. Willie Nelson switches from country outlaw to cover some pop hits in his soft, easy vocal style. He puts a simple yet nice spin on things and it is a pleasant listen if not a revelation. Standout "Moonlight in Vermont"
3
Oct 30 2024
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Signing Off
UB40
Meh, not into this reggae. Pretty forgettable.
2
Oct 31 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
4.5 stars. White reggae, a great album. I enjoy the instrumental aspects of this a lot but Sting is a bit more mood-dependent for me. At times he's great and I can appreciate his singing and other times he's grating, but that's more due to my personal taste. Overall this is a fun listen. "Walking On The Moon" is the standout, with the musical/instrumental aspects of "Deathwish" making it a hidden gem.
4
Nov 01 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
Moments that the aspects of this clicked with me. Most of it was just too different though. Standout is the hilarious tale of woe in "The Gift". Musically the catchiness of "Stephanie Says" and zaniness of "Sister Ray" were memorable too.
3
Nov 04 2024
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Skylarking
XTC
3.5 stars. Alt rock/pop that is a bit baroque but works. Fun little melodic stretches and creative songwriting. A couple duds (including "Mermaid Smiled") but some standouts as well, "Earn Enough For Us" and "Dear God". Overall it is a different twist on standard pop rock that incorporates a lot of different sounds.
3
Nov 05 2024
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
This was so far outside of what the music I typically listen to it made it difficult to rate/compare. Still found it a pleasant listen.
3
Nov 06 2024
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Slaps. Sick beats that take sampling to it's upper extreme. Jam-packed rhymes with all three members jumping in to flow together. Over-the-top facetious macho bravado that is hilarious. Super creative. Understandable why it wasn't a commercial/pop hit like their debut album but it's still so good regardless. Standouts are "Sounds of Science" (really the second half of that track), and "Shake Your Rump", with a shoutout to the goofy banjo-driven "5-Piece Chicken Dinner" interlude.
5
Nov 07 2024
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
1.5 stars. That was terrible. I like a lot of metal, especially on this 1001 albums list but really struggled with this.
2
Nov 08 2024
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
3.5 stars. Funky! Standout is "Who Says a Funk Band Can't Play Rock?!"
3
Nov 11 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
2.5 stars. Singing talent and power is undeniable but the style just isn't for me. I'm sure she was incredible live but other than a few tracks here and there I'm not a Janis Joplin fan. Standout is her version popularizing "Me and Bobby McGee".
2
Nov 12 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
4.5 stars. Not just punk rock, so many genres (reggae, new wave, ska, even some jazz) work together to make a great sound that is more mainstream than typical punk. Catchy bookends ("London Calling" and "Train in Vain (Stand by Me)") are the highlights. A few too many total tracks but overall the whole listen is so good.
5
Nov 13 2024
View Album
Repeater
Fugazi
Post hardcore but an early alt rock sound with intricate riffs and driving guitar rhythms. Very impressive debut indie album that helped rock take the next step in it's evolution. Standouts are the title track and "Merchandise".
4
Nov 14 2024
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
3.5 stars. Decent folk rock. I like "Everybody's Talkin'" but far prefer Harry Nilsson's version that popularized it. "Faretheewell (Fred's Tune)" and "Green Rock Road" are also good.
3
Nov 15 2024
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High Violet
The National
4.5 stars. Layered indie rock. Varied without being overly complex and kept a consistent feel throughout. Not really any hit individual tracks but no duds either. Standout was "Conversation 16".
4
Nov 18 2024
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The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
3.5 stars. Not the Stones at their best but for their debut it's good blues rock. Kinda like discount Beach Boys. Standouts are the two leadoff tracks "Route 66" and "I Just Want To Want To Make Love To You".
3
Nov 19 2024
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
2.5 stars. A bunch of instrumental beats sampling and covering various songs. It's fine as background music but I wouldn't go out of my way to play any of it again.
3
Nov 20 2024
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Not as good as their record from a few years later (Songs For The Deaf) but still good energy and strong rhythms that portend good things to come. "If Only" being a ripoff of The Stooges "I Wanna Be Your Dog" takes some of the shine of it being the best track, but there are other standouts. "Regular John", a more metal sounding "How to Handle a Rope", and "You Can't Quit Me Baby".
4
Nov 21 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
No thanks. There's plenty of other great rap and hip hop in the world so I'm not going to subject myself to the non-stop violent misogynistic lyrics ("Bonnie and Clyde '97" the foremost example) unnecessarily. "My Name Is" only redeemable track on the album.
2
Nov 22 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
It's fine as a little more avante garde than typical 90's alt rock-y brit pop, but not super noteworthy outside of "Lazarus" which is great.
3
Nov 25 2024
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
2.5 stars. The title track has a catchy riff and cool structure but is ridiculously long (17 mins). Other than that it's just some forgettable psychedelic prog rock.
2
Nov 26 2024
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
4.5 stars. Chill house music sampling 70's and 80's soft rock. Enjoyed it more than I was expecting. Standouts are "In My Arms", "Drop the Pressure" and "Musclecar (Reform Reprise)".
4
Nov 27 2024
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Great live album. Excellent energy, clean sound. Just good classic rock. Standouts are "Show Me The Way" and "Baby, I Love Your Way"
4
Nov 28 2024
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
3.5 stars. Nice hooks, entertaining pop album Title track a smash hit and as catchy as it gets.
3
Nov 29 2024
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
Leadoff "Jackie" is good and he has a good singing voice but this baroque pop isn't for me.
2
Dec 02 2024
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
3.5 stars. Appreciate David Byrne's creativity and this is a solid art rock album. Very listenable without being overly pop-y. Standout is "The Book I Read" "Love -> Building on Fire" and "Psycho Killer".
4
Dec 03 2024
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
3.5 stars. Fast-paced heavy prog rock. Mixing makes the vocals a bit distorted/muted. Interesting and experimental with ups and downs. Standouts are "Roulette Dares (The Haunt Of)" and "The Apparatus Must Be Unearthed".
3
Dec 04 2024
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
3.5 stars. Great voice, some great tracks and some duds and just a bit too 80's cheesy overall. Not a fan of end of album which gets too glam-rockish. Standout is "Better Be Good To Me" along with the catchy pop hit "What's Love Got To Do With It".
3
Dec 05 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
4.5 stars. Mellow folk rock that incorporates some banjo and harmonica well. Well written melodies. Lyrics go through various moods throughout (angry "Revolution Blues"). Standouts are leadoff "Walk On" and "For The Turnstiles".
4
Dec 06 2024
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Solid Air
John Martyn
Beautiful folk rock. Strong melodies. Standout "Over The Hill" great tune.
4
Dec 09 2024
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Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Eh this was too eccentric and experimental. There were some highlights ("Zig Zag Wanderer") but that difficult tracks ("Dropout Boogie") were too much to get through.
2
Dec 10 2024
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
2.5 stars. Like his work scoring "Ocean's 11" film more than this album. Some of it is good, some of it is forgettable. Weird violent interludes/spoken word vocal sampling of rough underground of NY in beginning of a lot of songs. Standout is "Don't Die Just Yet" with some string orchestral sounds.
3
Dec 11 2024
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Follow The Leader
Korn
1.5 stars. "Freak On a Leash" is still okay but the rest of this is so terrible. "Dead Bodies Everywhere" so cringey. Thought album was pretty bad until coming to "All In the Family" where Fred Durst's appearance brings things to a new low.
2
Dec 12 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Powerful lyricism that allows the listener to peer into Cohen's soul. "Suzanne" is beautiful. Fast and impressive guitar-picking (e.g. "The Stranger Song").
4
Dec 13 2024
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Low
David Bowie
It's a art rock and a touch experimental but the Brian Eno influence works well and I enjoyed this as an album, even if individual tracks didn't necessarily stand out. It's heavily synthesized and there aren't many lyrics.
4
Dec 16 2024
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
For Britpop 90's alt rock it's fine. Not amazing, but not grating. Just meh. Standout is leadoff "For Tomorrow". "Chemical World" frantic ending but good.
3
Dec 17 2024
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Maybe just wasn't in the mood for Costello's voice (overly whiney) but this was a letdown. Enjoyed another album by him (My Aim Is True) but not this one. Even the popular seductive turned frustrated "I Want You" was bad. The rest was pretty bland rock that I won't return to.
2
Dec 18 2024
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
2.5 stars. One of those influential but not a great listen records. The African sampling was cool but a lot of the inventive drum loops and soundscapes which were probably more groundbreaking at the time are nothing special now.
3
Dec 19 2024
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Document
R.E.M.
This feels ahead of it's time in terms of ushering in the 90's alt rock era. An enjoyable listen with some great tracks and not any duds. The standouts are the two hits "It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" and "The One I Love".
4
Dec 20 2024
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Trio
Dolly Parton
Beautiful singing by talented artists. Musically a little boring but that's not the point because it's country. Standouts are "Those Memories of You", and their rendition of the gospel tune "Farther Along".
3
Dec 23 2024
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Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
2.5 stars. As a precursor to modern alternative rock it's decent, especially the first half of the record. But it drags on gets old, too long. Standouts are "I Wanna Destroy You" and "Insanely Jealous of You".
3