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Sat Jul 16 2022
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
5
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Sun Jul 17 2022
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
One of the few bands I cannot get into
2
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Mon Jul 18 2022
xx
The xx
Minimalist electro with deep tones & sleepy vocals. I had forgotten how great this album is. Excellent listen.
5
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Tue Jul 19 2022
The Man Who
Travis
How in the heck have I never heard of this band? Dude's soothing vocals are calming, and it reminds me of the early 2000s indie rock/folk era that became super popular at the time. This album sounds timeless, though, and I ended up listening to hours of Travis. What a great find. 5/5.
5
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Wed Jul 20 2022
The Clash
The Clash
Another great classic-one of the foundations of punk. Reminds me to mention the punk history bit Fred Armisen did on Jimmy Fallon. Definitely worth a watch.
5
View Album
Thu Jul 21 2022
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
What a mess. This album was all over the place with no real theme or direction. It wanted to be pop, punk, and rock all at the same time. Even though I like Alex Turner's voice and I like some of AM's songs (seen them live), this album left me annoyed and irritated. I couldn't wait for it to be over so I could sonically rinse my ears with something else.
2
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Fri Jul 22 2022
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
This album got me pumped and reminded me how fun it was to be a twenty-something in the 90s. I was a college kid at UT Austin, and the city was still very weird at the time. I remember clubbing & going to raves...so many weirdos, gays & club kids...so much Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy, and Daft Punk. A solid 5 stars for this album.
5
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Sat Jul 23 2022
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Boring & generic with that one song from Shrek. Terrible.
1
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Sun Jul 24 2022
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Decent dance album, but not the best. I did learn that "Music Makes You Lose Control" is a full Les Rythmes Digitales song & not just a Missy Elliott blip. I had no idea of this band's influence on some of my favorite artists, so kudos to the artist. It just didn't move me (pun intended) the way I had hoped.
3
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Mon Jul 25 2022
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Superb. 90s R&B at its finest. Every track is gorgeous, and I love his rendition of Smokie Robinson's Cruisin. A new favorite.
5
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Tue Jul 26 2022
Teen Dream
Beach House
I love the dreamy sleepy soundscapes of Beach House. This album is not my favorite, though. The vocals seem out of place, and their 'sound' is underdeveloped. I think first time listeners should skip this album & go straight to Depression Cherry - that album is ethereal, wavy & emotional.
3
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Wed Jul 27 2022
The Poet
Bobby Womack
3
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Thu Jul 28 2022
Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
I'm a sucker for weirdo vocals- what an interesting sound. The Two Dancers track was my favorite but wasn't wowed by the album as a whole. I still ended up listening to a few of their other songs. They were so so.
3
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Fri Jul 29 2022
Rio
Duran Duran
The perfect 80s synth-pop-funk album. Not enough credit is given to bassist, John Taylor, whose funky bass lines make this album & much of DD's catalog more than lip gloss pop. Rio sits on my top 20, and is the perfect listen start to finish. The Chauffeur is haunting & sultry, and the video is film noir erotica. I adore this album. 5/5.
5
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Sat Jul 30 2022
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
Freedom '90 is one of my all-time favorites, but the rest of this album is a real chore. I appreciate George Michael's vocal talents, but I prefer his pop tunes over his gospel ones.
2
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Sun Jul 31 2022
The Rise & Fall
Madness
Such an underrated band. I've been listening to Madness more this year than any other year. I love their playfulness mixed with serious punk-ska beats. This is one of the bands I wish I were old enough to see live. Thankfully, YouTube exists & I can watch their videos & live performances there. Excellent album.
5
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Mon Aug 01 2022
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Reminds of a French Leonard Cohen. Thanks to French class, I was able to follow along pretty decently. There's a lot of passion, pain, art, and angst in this album - not sure what it is about Western Europeans, but they seem to delve right into the feelings of things & let it flow out of them like poetry. I've just added this to my Edith Piaf playlist.
P.S. While listening on YouTube, I found a 1001 Albums Journey YT channel
4
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Tue Aug 02 2022
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
I love all of Roxy Music's catalog. This is definitely during their more experimental years with Brian Eno's strange compositions & Bryan Ferry's drug fueled cabaret style vocals. I deeply appreciate this band & their influence on rock n roll.
4
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Wed Aug 03 2022
Infected
The The
The The is such a unique band. They don't fit into any of the traditional 80s genres, and they are not an easy listen - I think that's why I like them so much. Kudos to Matt Johnson for creating great music. I love his voice & the band's videos are strange af..into it!
4
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Thu Aug 04 2022
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
This genre is my Achilles' heel, but I'm glad I listened. I enjoyed the story telling, vignettes & the weaving of other musical genres into the songs. My major criticism is the overt use of curse words & sexually explicit content - that has been the main reason I'm generally turned off by this genre (it's lazy, in my opinion). But the album was solid & ended up listening to more of his music. 3.5 stars.
3
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Fri Aug 05 2022
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
"If I Fell" is one of the best love songs ever recorded, and "Things We Said Today" stops me in my tracks. This album gives me the warm fuzzies, and the film is a fun watch. I will always love The Beatles.
5
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Sat Aug 06 2022
Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
Damon Albarn's naggy yet playful in your face we're-fucking-British vocals always amuses me. I didn't appreciate them back in the 90s, but I'm glad I gave them another chance a few years back. Solid.
4
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Sun Aug 07 2022
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
One of my favorite go-to jazz albums with the most recognizable jazz tune of all-time. This is cool cat jazz. Smooth & hip. Excellent album.
5
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Mon Aug 08 2022
LP1
FKA twigs
FKA twigs sounds like Portishead & Bjork had a baby. I dig her weirdo vocals.
4
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Tue Aug 09 2022
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
3
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Wed Aug 10 2022
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Just spectacular from start to finish. I've always been a fan of The Boxer & Cecilia but never gave the entire album a listen. It's no wonder this album is considered one of the greatest ever recorded. It's emotional, uplifting, and playful. And those harmonies - blew me away. I just added this to my favorites.
5
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Thu Aug 11 2022
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
Better than I expected, but not the best.
3
View Album
Fri Aug 12 2022
Killing Joke
Killing Joke
So glad this is on the list. I enjoyed it so much I listened to it twice along with two other albums. I was already a fan of their most popular songs, Eighties & Love Like Blood, but this album was rougher with a mix of rock, punk & industrial. At times, they reminded me of Ministry. I'll be listening to Killing Joke regularly (which is something I've been meaning to do anyway). They've got a new lifelong fan.
5
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Sat Aug 13 2022
Different Class
Pulp
Common People & Disco 2000 are my favorite Pulp songs, so it's nice to see they're on the same album. I especially like the lyrics to Common People, and I've read it's autobiographical. Pulp (and Blur) are quintessential 90s Britpop, so next time I'm feeling nostalgic for that era, I'm putting on this album.
4
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Sun Aug 14 2022
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
Boring & unoriginal.
2
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Mon Aug 15 2022
Wild Gift
X
My original notes got erased, but my synopsis is this band fkn rocks. I'll be listening to more of X.
4
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Tue Aug 16 2022
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
A lot more psychedelic than I prefer
3
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Wed Aug 17 2022
Close To You
Carpenters
I never paid close attention to the harmonies or Karen's vocal rage, so this album was a treat. I had already enjoyed their music & I know a fair deal about Karen's demise. In all, this is a beautifully composed album & is now part of my "chill' playlist.
4
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Thu Aug 18 2022
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
Rejected James Bond/Twin Peaks songs. Insufferable.
2
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Fri Aug 19 2022
Legalize It
Peter Tosh
I very much enjoyed this album. I've seen him live & it was the smokiest show I've ever attended. Solid listen.
4
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Sat Aug 20 2022
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Lana is one of the few talented modern artists (great songwriter & singer), but this album was too snoozy & cheesy for my liking. I like her work, but this album just wasn't for me.
3
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Sun Aug 21 2022
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
So many different styles of song in one album. Beautifully sung & underrated. A reminder to listen to more Sinead.
4
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Mon Aug 22 2022
Dog Man Star
Suede
Nothing special about this album. They almost sounded like Echo & the Bunnymen & Bowie at times, but the songs never developed into anything. A real bore.
2
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Tue Aug 23 2022
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Eclectic R&B house that kept me pumped for hours. Sometimes I need music with few lyrics & a good beat. The album felt like musical mixed media with bits & pieces from everywhere coming together cohesively in funky way.
4
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Wed Aug 24 2022
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
A few songs were chill & melodic, then it got creepy & off kilter. I did not enjoy this.
2
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Thu Aug 25 2022
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Hard fast 60s in your face rock. Totally my style.
5
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Fri Aug 26 2022
The Doors
The Doors
I never listened to the entire album in one go, and it blew me away. I can imagine it knocked people off their feet when it was first released in the 60s. The Doors will always remain one of my favorite bands. Incredible album.
5
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Sat Aug 27 2022
The Undertones
The Undertones
Much like The Buzzcocks, The Undertones are masters of playful punk. Fun listen as my day got started.
4
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Sun Aug 28 2022
The Next Day
David Bowie
Sober more mature Bowie still put out some great tunes. Gonna have to listen to this phase of his music more often. Love me some Bowie.
4
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Mon Aug 29 2022
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Fantastic 70s soul. Groovy.
4
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Tue Aug 30 2022
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
I mourned Nirvana so deeply I could never get into the Foo Fighters. It sounds silly, but it was a deeply personal feeling that I still carry. For the first time, I listened to a FF album in its entirety - and it was pretty great. Sure it's mainstream rock, but it's done well & some of the songs go pretty hard. I'm glad this was on the challenge, otherwise I never would've listened on my own.
4
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Wed Aug 31 2022
Liquid Swords
GZA
3.5 I enjoyed it more than I expected
3
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Thu Sep 01 2022
All Mod Cons
The Jam
I very much enjoy this band & album
4
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Fri Sep 02 2022
Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
Annoying. I had high hopes because Fat of the Land is one of my favorite albums, but this was intolerable.
2
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Sat Sep 03 2022
B-52's
The B-52's
Classic. Rock Lobster is one of those crazy infectious songs you can't help to dance to. From my 20s to now, I have countless memories of dancing to it with friends. I love the sound of Planet Claire, and the whole album is quintessential B-52s.
4
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Sun Sep 04 2022
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
90s dance techno at its best. Every song drew me in, and few times I stopped what I was doing to dance. Some of these tracks had some super funky beats, which is next level techno mastery. I'm adding this album to my favorites. 5 outta 5.
5
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Mon Sep 05 2022
The Last Broadcast
Doves
Generic & dull. Did not enjoy.
2
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Tue Sep 06 2022
Rubber Soul
Beatles
A personal favorite
5
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Wed Sep 07 2022
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
Far more shoegaze & reverb than I expected. I was wrong for intentionally passing them up in the past. This is some damn good stuff.
4
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Thu Sep 08 2022
Country Life
Roxy Music
Roxy Music will always get a 4 or 5 from me
4
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Fri Sep 09 2022
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
3.5 solid American blues-folk-rock. I'm someone asked what New Jersey sounds like, I'd put on Springsteen.
3
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Sat Sep 10 2022
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Fitting that this album pops up a day after the Queen died. New Wave perfection.
5
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Sun Sep 11 2022
White Light
Gene Clark
Terribly dull
2
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Mon Sep 12 2022
Hms Fable
Shack
Unremarkable
2
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Tue Sep 13 2022
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
Bad ass girls rocking out
5
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Wed Sep 14 2022
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Love her voice & her music. Great album.
4
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Thu Sep 15 2022
Repeater
Fugazi
Solid punk album
4
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Fri Sep 16 2022
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
Aside from a couple of songs & that one samba, I didn't care for the album. Just not my thing.
2
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Sat Sep 17 2022
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Peak Beastie Boys
5
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Sun Sep 18 2022
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Sounded like Leonard Cohen with a sprinkling of Bryan Ferry at times.
3
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Mon Sep 19 2022
1977
Ash
Nothing special 2.5
2
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Tue Sep 20 2022
Blue
Joni Mitchell
I hate that style of vocals. I never understood its appeal. Not my bag.
2
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Wed Sep 21 2022
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
The beginnings of metal
4
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Thu Sep 22 2022
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
A good mix of punk & rock. I love Karen O's voice, and Maps is one of the best love songs ever recorded.
4
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Fri Sep 23 2022
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Stellar. One of my favorite bands & albums. I'd argue that Beach Boys are the best American band.
5
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Sat Sep 24 2022
American Pie
Don McLean
Not my favorite genre, but I'll give credit for the musicianship.
3
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Sun Sep 25 2022
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
I hear some of my favorite bands in here (MGMT, Foxygen, Beach House). I've always gravitated to Pet Sounds, but this album is spectacular with its psychedelic beachy sounds. This is when this 1001 challenge pays off - I'll be listening to this on repeat.
5
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Mon Sep 26 2022
Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Finally a Spanish album. I remember my mom telling me about Ruben Blades when I was a kid. This guy is incredibly talented & has a bona-fide music career. I enjoyed this album so much, I listened to three more. I'm certain Blades influenced many modern artists including Ricky Martin. I'm glad this was part of the challenge. Love me some salsa.
4
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Tue Sep 27 2022
Urban Hymns
The Verve
Definitely a 90s album with sounds reminiscent of U2, Stone Roses & Oasis. It was a bit too long for me, but enjoyed it all in all. 3.5
3
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Wed Sep 28 2022
Heroes
David Bowie
One of the best listening experiences is starting with Bowie's Station to Station and ending with Heroes. Yes, I know the Berlin trilogy includes Lodger, but I find the others far superior.
Bowie is one of my musical heroes, and I have Nine Inch Nails/Trent Teznor to thank for that. Heroes is one of those albums many acclaimed artists drew inspiration from - no wonder. It's fucking fantastic with a dash of experimental weirdness. Heroes is one of those songs that if I let it, will drift me to another emotional space. I've also heard it covered live covered by my favorite bands, and it's always a visceral experience. This is one of the greatest albums every recorded. Everyone should listen to this era of Bowie.
5
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Thu Sep 29 2022
Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
This whole genre of folk rock can take a hike
2
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Fri Sep 30 2022
Skylarking
XTC
I've listened to this band more this year than any other. While Earn Enough for Us & Dear God are the radio friendly hits, I'm blown away by 1000 Umbrellas. I love the strings & structure of the song. I'm wowed! Love me some XTC.
4
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Sat Oct 01 2022
1984
Van Halen
Hell yeah, this is 80s rock. Love love David Lee Roth, the percussion, and those guitar riffs. One of the things I've had on my bucket list is to learn the drums on Hot for Teacher. The drums really get you going right from the start. Damn good stuff. 🤘
5
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Sun Oct 02 2022
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Funky & fantastically arranged. These are some skilled & talented artists, and I can hear where Prince got a lot of his sound from. I've just added this album to my library. 4.5
4
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Mon Oct 03 2022
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Dark, moody, intense. One of my favorite albums of all-time.
5
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Tue Oct 04 2022
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Not my thing
2
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Wed Oct 05 2022
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
4
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Thu Oct 06 2022
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
I'm team "Make Ministry Synth Again" (With Sympathy is one of the best synth-goth albums of all-time), but I appreciate Ministry's industrial era. It's not my favorite, but Jesus Built My Hotrod is a classic. 3.5
P.S. Uncle Al, you're a weenie for turning your back on your synth roots. You were so great with that fake British accent. Good times.
3
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Fri Oct 07 2022
Dirty
Sonic Youth
I'm ashamed to admit that I've only been actively listening to Sonic Youth for less than a year even though they're from my generation. Looking back, I wouldn't have appreciated them as much as I do now.
Drunken Butterfly is my favorite off this album. I'm glad I finally added them into my rotation. Great 90s alt rock.
4
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Sat Oct 08 2022
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
I adore Lauryn Hill's voice. Every time I hear one of her songs, my ears perk up. She has a lot to say on this album, but the one thing I didn't pay attention to in the past is her songs of faith. What a risk that must've been for her, hip hop, and popular music. Most artists aren't that open with their faith, and I'm sure record companies prefer to steer clear.
My new favorite is Everything is Everything, I'll always love Doo Wop (That Thing), and what a great rendition of Can't Take My Eyes Off of You. Solid album.
4
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Sun Oct 09 2022
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
This is the music I often crave - swanky, soulful & cool. I had never heard of Sarah Vaughn, but I'll be listening to her on a weekly basis (she fits perfectly my work playlist of chill-jazzy artists). Gorgeous voice.
4
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Mon Oct 10 2022
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I wanted to like this more, but I wasn't a fan of the heavy sampling. I'm not giving up on this band, though. I'll definitely give their other albums a listen. 3.5
3
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Tue Oct 11 2022
Illmatic
Nas
I enjoyed this album more than I expected
4
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Wed Oct 12 2022
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
I never got into her music, and now I remember why. I really didn't like this.
2
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Thu Oct 13 2022
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
4
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Fri Oct 14 2022
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
One of my favorite bands & albums of the time. Modern psychedelic with touches of synth & funk.
5
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Sat Oct 15 2022
Sea Change
Beck
Stripped down to mostly strings, guitar, and vocals - this album has a moody, chill feel & I enjoyed it.
4
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Sun Oct 16 2022
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is Texas Rock. This album gives groovy blues & touches of early metal. I've always loved La Grange, and Beer Drinkers & He'll Raisers is classic metal - who would've thought they could rock this hard?
I'm glad I'm finally listening to a ZZ Top album in its entirety. Being born & raised in TX, this band reminds me of home. They've got some heat in this album - if someone were to ask what the Lone Star state sounds like, I'd play this album. Gonna listen to their entire discography thanks to this challenge.
5
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Mon Oct 17 2022
Kenya
Machito
Reminded me of West Side Story. Not something I'd actively listening to.
3
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Tue Oct 18 2022
Mothership Connection
Parliament
I'm realizing that I truly enjoy 70s funk. Thanks to this challenge, I'm regularly listening to Funkadelic, and I'm adding this album to my work playlist. Anything with a groovy beat gets me going.
5
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Wed Oct 19 2022
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I very much like Elvis Costello, but this album was a snoozefest. I'll stick to his earlier stuff.
3
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Thu Oct 20 2022
Being There
Wilco
3
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Fri Oct 21 2022
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
Really not a fan of world music. It did have some jazzy elements, though.
3
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Sat Oct 22 2022
All Directions
The Temptations
Socially conscious and far less sugary than 60s Temptations.
4
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Sun Oct 23 2022
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Now I fully understand why 50 was & has remained so popular. Every song had a hook or featured a big time rapper. There's also a lot of layering in his songs - more instrumentation than most rap albums, which I like very much. 4.5 rounded up to 5 nostalgia's sake.
5
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Mon Oct 24 2022
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Better than I remembered. Jazzy with a touch of country.
4
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Tue Oct 25 2022
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Post punk shoegaze guitar is one of my favorite styles of guitar. This album & band are right up my alley. I only wish I had listened to this album when it was first released. 4.5
5
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Wed Oct 26 2022
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Solid 90s rock. I've always loved Perry Farrell's voice.
4
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Thu Oct 27 2022
Faith
George Michael
Sexy album by one of the best pop stars in history.
5
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Fri Oct 28 2022
Pump
Aerosmith
A juggernaut of an album with some of my all-time favorites.
5
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Sat Oct 29 2022
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Electric acid Talking Heads. On paper I should like this band, but I find them a bit annoying.
3
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Sun Oct 30 2022
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
This has got to be regarded as one of the best hip hop albums of all-time. It was like listening to a musical collage with great lyrics & vocals on top of bits of sampled a songs with creative instrumentation. Everything fit together beautifully by masters of music. Excellent album.
5
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Mon Oct 31 2022
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
Just because you can record an album doesn't mean you should. This was easy listening hell. Hated it.
1
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Tue Nov 01 2022
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Excellent debut album by rap legends. I wasn't much into this album when it came out (mostly because I was into rock & didn't like that some of the lyrics were misogynistic) but listening to the album at this age give me a fresh take. It's a big F'U to the powers that be along with being prideful of where these guys came from. Glad I got a give it another chance. 5 outta 5.
5
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Wed Nov 02 2022
Solid Air
John Martyn
Just weird enough for me to like. Sounds like 70s psychedelic prog mixed with a bit of country & Funkadelic's Maggot Brain (which I listen to on a weekly basis). What an odd album - and I mean that as a compliment. I'm adding this to my chill/funk playlist.
4
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Thu Nov 03 2022
Under Construction
Missy Elliott
5
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Fri Nov 04 2022
American Idiot
Green Day
I was a big fan of early Green Day. This album was good, but too poppy for me.
3
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Sat Nov 05 2022
I Should Coco
Supergrass
I had no idea this band was this good. So glad to get past their one hit & give the other songs from this album a try. I have a feeling the more I listen to this album, the more it'll become a favorite. Wow. Good stuff.
4
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Sun Nov 06 2022
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
So many styles of music & vocals composed in one album. I hear early metal, but enjoyed also the cabaretesque piano & heard a few strings, too. How creative! Aside from No More Mr. Nice Guy, I very much enjoyed I Love the Dead. Into this.
4
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Mon Nov 07 2022
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Ambient electro glitch. I listened to it twice as it made good concentration music. I'm a huge fan of electronic music, but it starts to lose me at Glitch..that's probably my least favorite electronic subgenre. Aside from that, this album had a nice flow & reminded me of Daft Punk's Tron soundtrack at times. I'll be listening to more Boards of Canada.
4
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Tue Nov 08 2022
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Nina Simone is perfection. I learned that one of my favorite songs, Wild is The Wind is a Nina Simone tune & not a David Bowie original. I've listened to Bowie's Station to Station dozens of times & always take a reflective pause at the song. It's hauntingly beautiful - just like much of Nina's work. I ended up listening to hours of her music. She's incredible.
5
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Wed Nov 09 2022
The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
There is such a things as too much xylophone
2
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Thu Nov 10 2022
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Ambient art. Brian Eno is brilliant. One of the most talented people in the history of music.
5
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Fri Nov 11 2022
Cut
The Slits
I didn't like this as much as I had hoped, but I'll definitely dive into the rest of the discography.
3
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Sat Nov 12 2022
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Unapologetically Irish. I was already a fan of Fairytale of New York thanks to the film Basquiat and had always wondered what other Pogues songs were like. This album had the same folk-gypsy energy as Gogol Bordello's work & I bet Pogue live shows were pretty amazing. Gonna take a deeper dive into this band.
4
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Sun Nov 13 2022
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
The best album of its time & genre. I remember dancing to these songs at clubs, and it's my workout go-to. Running to this album is pure adrenaline. This album will always be a personal favorite.
5
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Mon Nov 14 2022
evermore
Taylor Swift
Her vocals aren't terrible, but the lyrics are weak. Giving this two stars cause I hate most modern pop.
2
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Tue Nov 15 2022
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
4
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Wed Nov 16 2022
Survivor
Destiny's Child
Some real chart topping bangers. What a fun time for early 2000s pop & interesting to see the start of Beyoncé & Kelly's career. And let's not forget Charlie's Angels - good times.
4
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Thu Nov 17 2022
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
4
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Fri Nov 18 2022
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
I was blown away by this album. I had already known that Kendrick Lamar was one of the most talented rap/hip-hop artists of our time, and man does this album prove so. I'll definitely be listening to more of his work.
4
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Sat Nov 19 2022
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Reminded me of Afro Harping by Dorothy Ashby mixed with Alice Coltrain with dashes of electric guitar and other eccentric musings. The album was a bit long, but it fits a certain mood & vibe. I dug it.
4
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Sun Nov 20 2022
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
I used to hate Bob Dylan, but I like some of his work - not this, though. I can't stand the nasal-ly harmonica Dylan. It's insufferable.
2
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Mon Nov 21 2022
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
The Doors will always rank at the top for me
5
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Tue Nov 22 2022
With The Beatles
Beatles
One of the best albums by one of the greatest bands in pop history
5
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Wed Nov 23 2022
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I've never been a fan of Kate Bush even though I should...I'm big into weird female vocals & arrangements. After giving her another listen, I now realize how incredibly talented she is. I still stand by not liking her style of piano. It's a bit too melodramatic for me. Still, I'm glad she came up on this challenge.
4
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Thu Nov 24 2022
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
T.Rex are glam rock gods. Some of my favorites are on here, but there are some sleepers too (which are not as great, in my opinion). Overall good album.
4
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Fri Nov 25 2022
Protection
Massive Attack
Not enjoyable. Too bad cause they have some good tunes, but they weren't on this album.
2
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Sat Nov 26 2022
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Great techno/dance album
4
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Sun Nov 27 2022
Viva Hate
Morrissey
Some of Morrissey's solo work is pretty great. Can't stand the person, but man did he have some good stuff.
4
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Mon Nov 28 2022
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby has an incredible voice. I've always loved that raspiness. I actually own this album so I could play Wishing Well on repeat. That song and music video are sultry (it's one of my all-time favorites). Sign Your Name is great, but the rest of the album is a miss for me.
3
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Tue Nov 29 2022
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
I prefer the blues-rock version of Dylan, but there was still too much harmonica folk happening here. It grinded my nerves so much, I had to listen in two parts. It was ok. I'll never fully get into Dylan.
3
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Wed Nov 30 2022
Stardust
Willie Nelson
What a lovely & soothing album. I very much enjoyed it.
4
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Thu Dec 01 2022
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Absolutely incredible. So perfect from start to finish, I listened to it twice in a row. How I got this far in life & had never listened to one of her albums in full is a shock. It's no wonder she's The Queen of Soul.
5
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Fri Dec 02 2022
...And Justice For All
Metallica
My city is a huge on metal & Metallica. Even though I didn't actively listen to them in the 80s, I knew their songs & they've always felt like home. As an adult, I've grown to greatly appreciate this band & have seen them live - what an electric show. One is a favorite, and the others are just sheer hard metal perfection. This is one of the few albums where I actually enjoy a 7 minute song. I'll have to revisit their other albums & take a trip down hometown memory lane.
5
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Sat Dec 03 2022
Parklife
Blur
One of the most Bri'ish pop albums ever recorded. My all-time favorite Blur song is Girls & Boys, and I enjoy Parklife (I sometimes sing this on my way to the park with my pup). I wasn't sold on the rest of the album, though. It's just ok.
3
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Sun Dec 04 2022
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Boring & unoriginal. Lyrics were terrible, but music was ok.
2
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Mon Dec 05 2022
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
I wanted to be vowed, but I was bored instead. Their two hits are good, but this album just didn't do it for me.
3
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Tue Dec 06 2022
Blackstar
David Bowie
It took several months after his death to be able to listen to this album. Once I did, I wept. Bowie is one of my all-time favorite artists & it still saddens me that he's gone. The song Blackstar is a masterpiece telling the story of transformation with layers of sounds & styles. I honestly reminds me of a mini opera. The rest of the album sounds like bits & pieces of his work from over the years. This will always be an emotionally beautiful album for me.
5
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Wed Dec 07 2022
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
4
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Thu Dec 08 2022
Pelican West
Haircut 100
I'm impressed. This band is far more than their one hit. They're multi-talented instrumentalists with a mix of pop, new wave & world - this album is just a great mix of genres. My only criticism is it's too long. Aside from that, solid listen.
4
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Fri Dec 09 2022
Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
I like this just enough. It's odd prog rock & I'm ok with that.
3
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Sat Dec 10 2022
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
I'm realizing I've become a fan. Very much enjoyed the album & hope for more from this duo.
5
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Sun Dec 11 2022
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
Beautifully crafted ambient landscapes. Brian Eno will always get 4-5 stars from me.
5
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Mon Dec 12 2022
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
This gave me anxiety. When punk turns to noise, I'm outta there.
2
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Tue Dec 13 2022
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
I've realized that I do not like folk harmonica & folk in general. This was boring & a bit annoying.
2
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Wed Dec 14 2022
Ray Of Light
Madonna
Spiritual Madonna with trance tracks. I was never a huge fan of the song Ray of Light but have always enjoyed the album as a whole. Little Star was an ode to her eldest daughter, Lourdes, which always warms me, and Frozen is one of my favorite songs of all-time - I can listen to it on a loop & the video is spectacular. Solid 4.
4
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Thu Dec 15 2022
Leftism
Leftfield
EDM/House is best enjoyed live or in a club. Listening to this as part of this challenge was not great, bur still decent music all in all.
3
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Fri Dec 16 2022
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
Dadaist, experimental, bluesy, and 60s rock goodness. I very much enjoyed this album & I can hear some of favorite bands here. I appreciate Zappa far more than I already did, and stoked to listen to more.
4
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Sat Dec 17 2022
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
This felt like one long Byrds song. It was good but not core shaking.
3
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Sun Dec 18 2022
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Incredible harmonies & beautiful arrangements. Fantastic album.
4
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Mon Dec 19 2022
Doolittle
Pixies
Good with a couple of favorites. I've yet to listen to a Pixies album & be completely moved.
3
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Tue Dec 20 2022
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Under My Thumb & Paint It Black are spectacular, but the rest of the album is okay. I do recognize that The Stones are masters at country-rock, and you can hear a little of that here. Solid album.
4
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Wed Dec 21 2022
NEU! 75
Neu!
This was strange, but I kinda liked it. It was like a cross between prog rock, punk, and stripped down electro a la Kraftwerk. I'd probably listen to a couple of tracks again. 2.5 stars (wish this thing had half stars for rating).
3
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Thu Dec 22 2022
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Indy rock that reminds me of a cheesy version of Vampire Weekend. I'm not a fan of polished overly produced soft rock. A miss for me.
2
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Fri Dec 23 2022
Triangle
The Beau Brummels
2
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Sat Dec 24 2022
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
4
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Sun Dec 25 2022
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
3.5
4
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Mon Dec 26 2022
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Spector's Wall of Sounds plus The Crystals, The Ronnettes & Darlene Love make for a spectacular Christmas album - in my opinion, the best Christmas album. I'll be listening to this every year thanks to this challenge.
5
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Tue Dec 27 2022
Boston
Boston
We all know this band & its 70s organ rock sound. Sometimes they annoy me (not sure why), but I know a lot of their songs & lyrics. Maybe because they're actually pretty good at what they do? They're a bit overly polished for me, but I'll sign along if one of these songs comes on.
4
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Wed Dec 28 2022
Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
Excellent country album by my favorite country artist. There's a nice blend of country, rock, Southern hymns & conjunto featuring my hometown hero Flaco Jimenez on accordion. I've seen Dwight & Flaco play live in Helotes, TX at a watering hole/live music venue called Floores Country Store (more than once), and it's always electric. I love Dwight's twangy-nasaly style but this album isn't about the fun hits - there's a lot of storytelling here & some of it is dark as hell. Dwight is highly underrated, but he'll always be #1 in my heart.
4.5 stars
P.S. I own \"Live from Austin TX -Dwight Yoakam\" recorded in 1988.
Fun fact: After a lot of rejection from Nashville, Dwight's career started to take off in Southern California punk bars. No joke.
4
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Thu Dec 29 2022
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I wasn't feeling this. The album felt like it was all over the place with no cohesiveness. The lead signer's voice did remind of of Lux Interior, which I found interesting. Aside from that, this is just so so.
3
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Fri Dec 30 2022
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
This is exactly the type of weirdo Eno/Bowie-esque sound I'm into. Definitely a departure from the sound of the Stooges, this album is more experimental, artsy, and electronic. I've always loved Nightclubbing & I have a feeling this will become one of my favorite listens going forward.
4.5 stars
5
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Sat Dec 31 2022
Dust
Screaming Trees
3
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Sun Jan 01 2023
Murmur
R.E.M.
I used to say that I hated REM, but recently I realized that isn't true. Michael Stipe's voice grates on my nerves after too many songs, so that's true. But the band & this album are pretty great. Radio Free Europe is catchy & the rest is just good stuff.
4
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Mon Jan 02 2023
The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
Slightly better than the last Joni Mitchell album but boring overall. Sounds like generic elevator music played while you wait at the dentist office...and your dentist should've retired 30 years ago & the paint is chipping off the walls. Joni Mitchell is not for me.
2
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Tue Jan 03 2023
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
5
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Wed Jan 04 2023
Headquarters
The Monkees
I've loved the The Monkees since I was a ten yr old kid. Thanks to my aunt & Nickelodeon, watching The Monkees TV show was part of my afternoon schedule. It was then when I developed one of my first crushes on Michael Nesmith. It was as an adult that I learned that he was from TX & spent quite a bit of time in my hometown.
Childhood aside, this group is incredibly talented. My favorite songs are those led by Mike, but Mickey is also a fantastic lead vocalist. Also cool to note that at least one of these songs is written by Neil Diamond (he's a phenomenal song writer IMO) and that wins points too. I hope we see more from The Monkees. They're definitely a favorite.
5
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Thu Jan 05 2023
Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
3.5
3
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Fri Jan 06 2023
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
This album is sex, drugs, & rock n roll. It's a juggernaut & will forever be one of the best albums in history. If I'm ranking this album out of 1001, it's gotta be top ten.
5
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Sat Jan 07 2023
Vespertine
Björk
Ethereal chimes & Björk's beautifully weird voice. This album is much softer than her others, and some of these songs remind me of Icelandic lullabies. I hope we see more of her on this list.
4
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Sun Jan 08 2023
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Stellar Country-Western ballads by one of the most talented artists in country music history. Not only is he an incredible music writer, he's an impeccable singer. It's no wonder he's considered one of the greats.
5
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Mon Jan 09 2023
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
James Taylor has a soothing voice, but his music is far too easy listening for my taste.
3
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Tue Jan 10 2023
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
I don't care for this chill mellow guitar stuff
2
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Wed Jan 11 2023
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Nice to see some post punk/alt on here. It's a genre that deserves more attention. I hope we see more albums from the 80s. 3.5 stars.
4
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Thu Jan 12 2023
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
It was ok. Definitely not memorable. I think this is the third or fourth bossa nova album on the list while other genres are completely ignored. I'm getting a bit annoyed. 2.5 stars
3
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Fri Jan 13 2023
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I'm a fan of Elvis Costello, so it was nice to see this on the list.
4
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Sat Jan 14 2023
Pearl
Janis Joplin
Janis is one of my favorite vocalist & she nailed the Southern blues-rock genre. This album's got great story telling & all the feels. Cry Baby shakes me to my core every time hear it, Mercedes Benz makes me wish I could sing like her, and Bobby McGee nearly makes me cry every time I hear it. Love love Janis.
5
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Sun Jan 15 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode is one of the few bands I will go to great lengths to experience live. They were part of my bucket list - see one of my favorite bands on their home turf - and that I did. I saw DM in London at Queen Elizabeth Stadium surrounded by an English audience in 2017. The pinnacle was the first track of this album, Never Let Me Down Again. It started raining, the entire audience was swinging their arms back & forth, and the energy was electric.
Fast forward to 2022 and I get to see an epic lineup at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA - Cruel World Fest. I couldn't help to think about the infamous 1989 Depeche Mode show at the same venue - Depeche Mode 101. They pulled heavily from Music for the Masses (arguably one of the best live shows in modern history). If you've never experienced 101, I highly recommend it. It will make you wish you could travel back in time.
Depeche Mode, my 4th favorite band & my favorite band to see live, will always get high ratings from me.
5
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Mon Jan 16 2023
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
Fantastic twangy country music
4
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Tue Jan 17 2023
Young Americans
David Bowie
70s Jazzy-Funk Bowie isn't my favorite, but it's still Bowie. Fame is my favorite off this album with John Lennon on backup vocals.
4
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Wed Jan 18 2023
Drunk
Thundercat
This wanted to be Prog, but it ended up being an album of nonsense & crap. This doesn't deserve to be on this list. I can think of 10 other albums that do. Awful.
1
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Thu Jan 19 2023
Low
David Bowie
This is my favorite Bowie album & era. I learned of this album when reading that Trent Reznor listed to it heavily while recording The Downward Spiral. Since then, I've learned a ton about the two artists and their tour in the 90s. I credit Reznor for getting me into Bowie.
The first half of this album is soul-funk with my two of my all-time favorite songs - Sound and Vision & Be My Wife. The piano on Be My Wife is spectacular & grabs you right away. Sound and Vision is the diary of a despondent loner sung with just a touch of humor.
The second half is the Eno-Bowie ambient alien sound & I'm all for it. I could get lost in it and float away...it's beautiful. I genuinely like the weird stuff.
This album, and Station to Station, are my two favorite Bowie albums. 5 stars.
5
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Fri Jan 20 2023
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Excellent. Fast, hard, energetic. Can you imagine what it would've been like to be at a live Motörhead show? And in the pit? I wish.
5
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Sat Jan 21 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Not really my go-to genre, but this album has a couple of favorites & it's probably the best of the country-folk that was out at its time. I absolutely love the harmonies (I'm a sucker for them), and this trio really melds well together. I listened to this album twice in a row today - it was an enjoyable experience.
4
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Sun Jan 22 2023
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
I've been taking a deep dive into Prog thanks to a question posited in a Facebook group, "How Prog was Bowie?" The answer: The Man Who Sold the World. Thanks to this discussion, my curiosity, and the movie Mandy, I've been actively listening to King Crimson, early Peter Gabriel Genesis, Can & more of Pink Floyd. To be fair, I had already been lightly dipping my toes into Prog & Krautrock for the last few years.
Back to the album - I enjoyed it. It was atmospheric, calming, unnerving, alien, ethereal, and beautiful. You bet I'll be listening to this again. Probably cued up after Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. 4 out of 5 but will likely turn into a 5 pretty soon.
4
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Mon Jan 23 2023
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
The dark side of Siouxsie. I absolutely love Hong Kong Garden and their cover cover of Helter Skelter, but it's a bit too brooding for me. I am happy to see post punk/new wave on this list...we need more of it. 3.5 stars
4
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Tue Jan 24 2023
Hot Fuss
The Killers
The perfect early 2000s alt-pop album. Hot Fuss is one I revisit a few times a year. The Killers is a solid band all around.
5
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Wed Jan 25 2023
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
This was like a bad mix of Supertramp & Frank Zappa. Maybe we'll hear some of his other work because I like him as a vocalist, but this was a loss for me.
2
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Thu Jan 26 2023
Very
Pet Shop Boys
Solid synth pop album but no hits or songs that really get me going. Still, it's the Pet Shop Boys & they're a fantastic band. 3.5 stars.
4
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Fri Jan 27 2023
Revolver
Beatles
Incredible album & my favorite by the band. Every song is a hit, and each of the Fab Four gets at least one song on lead vocals. Keen writing & storytelling with both classic & experimental Beatles sound. This is peak Beatles. 5 out of 5.
5
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Sat Jan 28 2023
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
I don't like world music. Sure, she's got a lovely voice, but this isn't enjoyable.
2
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Sun Jan 29 2023
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Solid Smiths album. I'm glad to see this genre & band represented again, but I took a peek at the 1001 list & many other notable albums & artists are missing. It's a real shame to have so many albums & so few post punk/new wave bands on here *big fkn sigh* Anyway, 4 stars for Meat is Murder.
4
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Mon Jan 30 2023
Diamond Life
Sade
Beautiful. I can & have listened to hours if Sade. Her voice is soft velvet.
5
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Tue Jan 31 2023
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Classic Stevie
4
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Wed Feb 01 2023
Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Aging hippies who did too much LSD got a hold of keyboards & made this dumb Prog album. I rolled my eyes as soon as I saw the cover..WTF is up with the armadillo?! It's frightening & looks like something out of the movie Jacob's Ladder. Kudos for the unique arrangements, but that's the only positive thing I can say about this album.
2
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Thu Feb 02 2023
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Of the Leonard Cohen songs I've heard, I liked these very much. His voice & style reminded me of Serge Gainsborough at points, and I liked the use of synthesizers/key boards. I'll definitely revisit this.
4
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Fri Feb 03 2023
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
4
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Sat Feb 04 2023
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
I know I'm going to be in the minority, but this album is so violent I couldn't finish listening to it. I'll give it 3 stars because Eminem is talented & a good story teller, but the misogyny & anger is off the charts. This is my main gripe about rap & hip hop, and it honestly turns my stomach. I couldn't listen to this album when it was released & I couldn't finish it now.
3
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Sun Feb 05 2023
Suede
Suede
Meh
3
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Mon Feb 06 2023
OK
Talvin Singh
Nope
1
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Tue Feb 07 2023
The Stranger
Billy Joel
Fantastic with some of his hits. Classic Billy Joel.
5
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Wed Feb 08 2023
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
4
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Thu Feb 09 2023
GREY Area
Little Simz
Better than I expected
3
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Fri Feb 10 2023
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I wanted to like this more because I like her & she's great live...maybe I just wasn't in the mood. I'll try again another time.
3
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Sat Feb 11 2023
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Dusty is the best of the best - incomparable
5
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Sun Feb 12 2023
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Solid album. Man on the Moon is one of my all-time favorites (love the ode to Andy Kaufman), and Everybody Hurts was a big hit at the time. The video was shot in my hometown & my high school friend is in the video. He recently told me the whole story & it's pretty fantastic. 4 stars.
4
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Mon Feb 13 2023
Pretenders
Pretenders
Essential Pretenders & top tier post punk. Chrissie Hynde is in a class of her own with that snarky sultry rock voice. Great band & great album.
5
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Tue Feb 14 2023
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
I had listened to some of her other songs & didn't care for them, but this album was surprisingly good.
4
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Wed Feb 15 2023
Abbey Road
Beatles
One of the best albums by one of the best bands.
5
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Thu Feb 16 2023
Elastica
Elastica
4
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Fri Feb 17 2023
Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
2.5 stars
3
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Sat Feb 18 2023
Me Against The World
2Pac
4
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Sun Feb 19 2023
Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
I enjoyed this more than I expected. It's solid chill house & was a great listen while I walked my dog in the dusk.
4
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Mon Feb 20 2023
A Night At The Opera
Queen
How fantastically gay in both the Oxoford dictionary & Queer way. I fell in love with Queen thanks to Wayne's World, no joke, and I've been fascinated with this band ever since. In who's right mind would think recording an Opera/Rock/Country album would be a good idea? It had to be one of the most outrageous & risky recordings in pop music history. Nonetheless, they pulled it off & some of these songs are the most recognizable across the globe. I adore Queen, I loved that they embraced the double meaning of the band's namesake & they didn't shy away from being pretty gay. What wonderfully talented hard rock weirdos.
5
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Tue Feb 21 2023
Violator
Depeche Mode
This CD lives permanently in my car, and it's the album I've most listened to over the last 15 years. The first time I saw the Enjoy the Silence video, I was stunned & amazed. I was 14 going on 15 spending time at nerd summer camp when the video comes on in the lounge area of our school. I stopped in my tracks as it started & I couldn't walk away -WHAT IS THIS?! My eyes must've been as big as saucers as I let the song drench me in dark disco synth. There I was, nerdy & weird, instantly in love with Depeche Mode.
The album cover still seduces me & I plan on getting that wilted rose tattooed (eventually). Halo, Blue Dress, and Clean are non-radio favorites & I just scored tickets to see them this year on my bday. I'm actually seeing them twice in 2023. It will be undoubtedly different without Fletch, but I AM STOKED. This band is me...14 year old me, 20 something me, 30 & 40 something me, forever me.
5
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Wed Feb 22 2023
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Owens is one of the most influential country musician & I have him to thank for inspiring some of my favorite artists (Dwight Yoakam, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones to name a few). This album has classic 60s country tunes along with the beginnings of rock n roll. Act Naturally has been a favorite for years & throughly enjoyed this album. I'm adding it to my country music rotation.
5
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Thu Feb 23 2023
Medúlla
Björk
The vocals on this album are incredible. I don't know what kind of training it takes to sing like this, but it's gotta take a lot of work for both Björk & her backup vocalists.
Ethereal, surreal, soothing, and beautifully foreign. A nice rounded 4.
4
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Fri Feb 24 2023
Virgin Suicides
Air
I think this is the first soundtrack that's come up in this challenge, and it's one I'm very familiar with thanks to a close friend. As much as I love Air, this isn't a particularly riveting listen. My favorite is Playground Love & heard it dozens of times, but Suicide Underground is just a creepy recap of what happens in the movie & the rest is a tad boring. I prefer Moon Safari over this album, but I'll give it four stars for nostalgia, the movie, and because I love this band.
4
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Sat Feb 25 2023
Dookie
Green Day
I was late to the punk scene (mostly because I had new wave/metal head friends), so this is was my first intro to pop-punk. This album came out the year I was a freshman & I instantly loved it.
5
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Sun Feb 26 2023
A Seat at the Table
Solange
After hearing only great things about Solange, I can honestly say that I am WOWED. She's got a gorgeous voice, her songs & interludes are beautifully told, and the vibe vibe is wonderfully chill. I've officially added her to my library. 4.5 stars
*On a separate note, I wish we'd have the ability to edit our reviews since I accidentally hit the vote button before I finished writing my last review.
5
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Mon Feb 27 2023
Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
3
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Tue Feb 28 2023
Garbage
Garbage
Better than I remember. Kudos to Shirley Mason & the band for still drawing crowds at their shows. Solid 90s alt rock.
4
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Wed Mar 01 2023
Black Metal
Venom
This is my kind of metal. Dark, heavy, loud, fast & with a healthy amount of Satan worship. Fucking classic. Reminds me a bit of Motorhead. After another listen, I'm sure I'll bump this up to 5 stars.
4
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Tommy
The Who
I know this album is supposed to be an epic, but I found it hokey & a little dull. I know this band is crazy talent, but I never really enjoyed them - they're my least favorite of the big rock English bands of that time.
3
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Fri Mar 03 2023
Horses
Patti Smith
This is good stuff! It's like punk meets spoken word with hella style. I'll be listening to this again.
4
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Sat Mar 04 2023
Imagine
John Lennon
I've been listening to Lennon's solo work for many years, so this was like revisiting old favorites. I've always admired his writing style & sometimes wished I had just a sliver of his talent. Solid album.
4
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Sun Mar 05 2023
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
I was hoping for more from this album since Love Fool is one of the best 90s pop songs, but it fell a little flat. It was pretty voice music with not much to offer. I did enjoy Losers & an interesting take on Iron Man, but everything else was just ordinary. 3.5 stars.
4
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Mon Mar 06 2023
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Elton John is one of my all-time favorite artists & pianists. I'd listen to him so much that one of my cats took a strong liking to him. Eventually, he became her favorite & she'd roll around in bliss to his music. As she became increasingly ill with cancer, I'd let her watch his old concerts on my iPad & I'd serenade her. It was sad & beautiful.
This album, and cover art, is wonderful. I adore Goodbye Yellow Brick Road & its somber lyrics & I enjoy the opening tracks, too. Bennie and The Jets always pulls me in & Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting is full-blast fun. What a great listen. This definitely deserves to be on the list & I hope those not familiar with his work found something they enjoyed here. 5 stars.
P.S. there was a bad ass arcade in Austin, TX that had a Goodbye Yellow Brick Road pinball machine & playing it was one of the best memories ever.
5
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Tue Mar 07 2023
Graceland
Paul Simon
You Can Call Me Al brings back vivid memories of the video with Chevy Chase. That song was a mega hit at the time, and little kid me loved every bit of it. 80s Paul Simon was pretty fantastic...great song writer & composer, but I've always felt a little uncomfortable with a wealthy white dude making Afro-Carribbean music. Is it homage or is it appropriation? Especially since some of the singers & musicians were from apartheid South Africa. Definitely something to think about.
Musically, I thoroughly enjoyed this & will absolutely listen again. Paul Simon is just that good.
4
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Wed Mar 08 2023
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Dang, this album is funky jazz hotness! As soon as the first track started playing, I stopped what I was doing & started dancing. This fits right in l with my James Brown/Funkadelic/Alice Coltrane playlist. I'm so glad this popped up in the challenge, otherwise I probably would've missed out. I'll be listening to more of his work. 5 enthusiastic stars.
5
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Thu Mar 09 2023
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
Fantastic album by a fantastic band. I think people pass Devo off as a one hit wonder, but they couldn't be more wrong. They're a electronic punk band with a message of devolution & were founded after the founding members witnessed the Kent State Massacre. If you listen carefully, those aren't just pop songs, and I'm grateful to have seen them live last year at Cruel World Fest. The energy was off the charts complete with the band ripping their signature suits to shreds. Do yourselves a favor & watch their old 80s shows on YouTube.
Nearly the entire album is made of my favorites. I remember first hearing their version of (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction on the movie Casino & was amazed. How in the world can a band recreate THAT song so perfectly? Again, wow. This album is pure joy for me. 5 stars.
5
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Fri Mar 10 2023
Trio
Dolly Parton
Stunning album. These are three of the strongest & most memorable vocalists in country, folk, and rock. All three are legendary in their own right. Separately, these ladies sing some of my favorite songs: Dolly - Jolene, Emmylou Harris - Wayfaring Stranger, Linda Rondstandt - Blue Bayou & her mariachi songs (an ode to her Mexican-American roots). Together, they sing in perfect harmony & cover some classics. I'm also sucker for sappy country, banjo, fiddle & guitar...partly thanks to hearing country growing up & living in Nashville for 8 years (Emmylou lived in my neighborhood). I'm so happy this is one the list & I hope we get to hear their solo albums. What a lovely listen.
4
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Sat Mar 11 2023
Dry
PJ Harvey
I should like this more than I do, but I don't. I'm strangely picky with female led rock/alt bands. 3.5
4
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Sun Mar 12 2023
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is the best psychedelic prog rock band in rock history. I've loved this band & album for a long while & have seen the movie at a local music venue. The whole thing is a misanthropic journey with nightmarish visuals, sharp lyrics, and guitars that will pull you in for an atmospheric ride.
Aside from Another Brick In The Wall Part 2, Mother, Young Lust, Hey You & Comfortably Numb are my favorites. I remember first discovering Pink Floyd my freshman year at UT Austin when my intro to psych professor talked a about tripping balls to Floyd & Zeppelin...and somehow he'd weave it into our lectures. Such a liberal arts & hippy-rocker thing to do & very telling of Austin at the time. I used to hate Comfortably Numb because it reminded me of one of my first college jobs doing phone surveys & that song was part of the survey, but years later the association between song & job have faded and have come to deeply appreciate that tune. Floyd also reminds me a bit of a ex...we'd have discussions about the band & it's movies - good times.
5 stars. I can't wait for Dark Side of the Moon.
5
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Mon Mar 13 2023
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Not my favorite by The Kinks. Aside from David Watts, the rest was unremarkable. That's too bad 'cause I like this band.
3
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Transformer
Lou Reed
This is exactly what I was in the mood for today. Thanks to this challenge, I went down a Lou Reed, Velvet Underground, and Iggy Pop rabbit hole. Perfect Day & Walk On the Wild Side are classics, and I love Satellite of Love. The album gets a little sleepy at times, but it's such a solid listen, I left it on repeat. 4 stars.
4
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Wed Mar 15 2023
The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
Great post punk album. It even went a little techno at one point. Will be listening to this again.
4
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Bad Company
Bad Company
Classic rock done right. Great album.
4
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Fri Mar 17 2023
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
When I saw this album, I thought easy 4 or 5. Yup, I give it a solid 4 for some of the best pop songs in modern history. It's easy to hate this & pass it off a bubble gum pop, because it is, but this album & its singles never stopped being played at gay clubs, drag shows, and at parties. Britney isn't a strong vocalist, in fact she has a lot of support from her backup singers on this album, but damn those tunes are catchy. I will always love Britney & she deserves pop music accolades.
4
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Sat Mar 18 2023
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Even with Old Blue Eyes on lead vocals, I found this boring.
2
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Sun Mar 19 2023
Fun House
The Stooges
Classic punk
4
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Sex Packets
Digital Underground
Reminds me of the late 80s & the school dances I'd go. Loved doing the Humpty Dance. Good times.
4
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Such a bad ass metal album. The arrangements & Ozzy's voice just make this a spectacular listen. Long live Sabbath!
5
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Wed Mar 22 2023
Vivid
Living Colour
This is fantastic - what incredible talent it takes to write such poignant songs & slap with high energy guitars, percussion, brass & vocals. 5 stars.
5
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Thu Mar 23 2023
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
I love his music & his style of piano playing. I'm glad this came up on a day I was feeling blah...it lifted my spirits & ended up listening to hours of him, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke & the like. Yes, Ray Charles is a genius.
5
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Fri Mar 24 2023
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Of all bands & albums, this is one of two where I have to brace myself. It's so fucking emotional, I can barely stand it (the other is Blackstar by David Bowie).
Stripped down & raw. Covers of old songs & original work. This is what beauty & pain sound like. I ADORE this album & love this band in a way I love no other.
I'm going to keep this short because it still pains young me & I never got over what happened. I'll never forget the news I received that high school morning about Kurt's passing, all us kids sobbing & none of us being able to breathe.
5 sad depressing beautiful stars
5
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Sat Mar 25 2023
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Fits in nicely with what I've been listening to lately.
4
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Sun Mar 26 2023
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
4
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Holy smokes, this was their debut album?! This band is hard to describe & I think a little hard to get into, but after a few listens, you'll get pulled in & end up listening to more of their work. Hugh Cornwell has a naturally strong & brooding voice that isn't typical of most punk/post-punk bands. It lends to a deep & rich sound, which stirs up the senses & gives the album gusto. Great listen.
4
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Tue Mar 28 2023
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Faces & this era of Rod Stewart is pretty spectacular. They're rockin, bluesy, and witty. The lyrics to Stay With Me are hilarious...it's a one night stand, but ya better be gone by the time I wake up. The brutal honesty is on another level. Most bands use innuendo, but not this one. It's a perfect song. The rest of the album is just as good. Definitely one to revisit. 4.5 stars.
5
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
This was not enjoyable
2
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
Cry to Me has been a favorite for a long while thanks to Dirty Dancing, but I was surprised to find new favorites. What a voice! It feels like he's signing straight to your soul. I was raised on 60s soul & rock, so this felt warm & familiar. Great addition to this challenge. 4 stars.
4
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Fri Mar 31 2023
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
A wonderfully crafted post-punk/new wave album.
4
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Sat Apr 01 2023
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Chill 70s Dad Rock. The first two songs are my favorites, and I learned they sing Reelin' In The Years. I dig it.
4
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Sun Apr 02 2023
Stankonia
OutKast
4
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Calenture
The Triffids
Atrocious
1
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Nevermind
Nirvana
You know when you taste or smell something that takes you back to a certain place & time? That's exactly what this album does to me. I'm a freshman in high school feeling all the feelings & have found my catharsis. Nevermind is hard raw poetry that makes all the sense in a senseless world. I lost myself in the words, angst & heavy guitars. It's a phenomenal album by a phenomenal band. 5 out of 5.
5
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
If I could go back & re-rate the other Bruce album, I'd give it a perfect 5. This one, though, is not my favorite. I've never been a fan of folk/Americana, and what's up with that shouting? No, thanks.
2
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Thu Apr 06 2023
Aja
Steely Dan
Aside from Peg, this album fell flat & was boring.
2
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Fri Apr 07 2023
A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
Not great, not bad. Chamber pop will never be something I truly enjoy.
3
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Sat Apr 08 2023
School's Out
Alice Cooper
Solid album. If I were a teen in the 70s, I would've gone nuts over his music. What an interesting collection of songs, and I especially like the inclusion of brass instruments - I was just thinking about horns in rock songs & how they often add that extra kick. Metal heads & goths owe a lot to Alice. He's the Godfather of the macabre.
5
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Sun Apr 09 2023
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
I was raised on Elvis, early rock n roll, country, and R&B, so this is something I've been looking forward to. His early stuff is wonderfully sappy, fun, and saucy. He perfected that country-rock twang & rhythm. I love Elvis & listen to his music fairly often.
Did he exploit black music & musicians? Probably. Or is it homage to black music? Something to think about.
The album cover is so iconic, The Clash copied it for London Calling. I'm listening to this on repeat for a while - it's that flippin good. I look forward to more Elvis.
5
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Mon Apr 10 2023
John Prine
John Prine
I used work at an Italian restaurant in downtown Nashville & waited on John Prine several times. He was a big man with a soft presence. I didn't know who he was at first, but everyone was quick to tell me he was one of the most respected & revered artists.
I very much appreciate his songwriting & this is a solid debut album, but folk-country just isn't my thing. I give it 3.5 stars.
4
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Tue Apr 11 2023
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
I enjoyed this album for chill background office music
4
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Wed Apr 12 2023
I Against I
Bad Brains
I was hoping for more from this band, but the album was mediocre.
3
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Pink Flag
Wire
Unremarkable
3
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Fri Apr 14 2023
1999
Prince
The night before this popped up, a friend asked what song would I listen to if the world was ending. I said if I had enough time for two songs, my first would be One Hundred Years by The Cure because it's pure gloom & doom followed by the song 1999. The lyrics to that song a wholly apocalyptic, but you can also dance your ass off & feel good about the world ending.
Prince had a knack for introspective song writing paired with catchy funky dance beats. This is album is excellent across the board & Prince will always be one of my favorite all-time artists.
5
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Sat Apr 15 2023
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
I started listening to Megadeth a few years ago when I rediscovered metal, and I'm glad I did. They're fast, their loud, their lyrics are poignant, and it's entertaining as hell...let's also not forget about Eddie.
I really need to sit down & have a Megadeth marathon because this band is that good
4
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Sun Apr 16 2023
Maxinquaye
Tricky
I know this band was pretty popular at a point, but I never got into them & find them just moderately interesting. I'd rather listen to Portishead.
3
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Mon Apr 17 2023
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
It's weirdo prog rock Genesis. I don't care for it. The Peter Gabriel era is interesting & I prefer Nursery Crime over this album.
2
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
I enjoy his voice & some of his music, but this was a little on the boring side.
3
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Wed Apr 19 2023
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
In My late 20s & early 30s I had a rock/blue phase. I'd go to blues clubs & festivals, so this album fits that part of me perfectly. I love this style of guitar & vocals...it sounds like soulful sex. I'm taking this as a reminder to revisit this genre. 5 outta 5.
5
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Thu Apr 20 2023
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
One of the best rock albums of all-time. Zeppelin is my second favorite band, so I have this album memorized. There a lot of favorites, but In My Time of Dying is one of my funeral songs. It starts off slow & slowly builds to wailing with out of this realm vocals. Yes, I want Plant & Paige played loudly with an open bar nearby - not joking. The album has several of my other favorites, and I'll never tire of them. This is rock n roll, this is sex, and Plant & Page are bona-fide Rock Gods.
5
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Fri Apr 21 2023
In It For The Money
Supergrass
Solid 90s album. I'll have to revist this.
4
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Sat Apr 22 2023
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Fuckin fantastic headbanging metal. It's no wonder this is a lot of people's favorite band. Strong vocals, excellent guitar & bass, and perfectly executed percussion. As a side note, I'm glad Master of Puppets was featured on Stranger Things. I hope the younger generations carry on with the meal tradition. I never want it to die. 🤘
5
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Sun Apr 23 2023
Chris
Christine and the Queens
It's decent French pop. I'd listen as background music while working. I'm sure if I were in a certain mood, I'd very much like some of the songs. Overall, it's an okay album.
3
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
A great electronic album with house & jazzy elements. Beautiful vocals by the lead singer, Tracey Thorn, and excellent mixing by Ben Watt. If anyone wants to know what the late 90s sounded like, this is it. Glad to hear they're putting out a new album 20+ years later. It'll be a nice welcome back.
4
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
A bit too hippie folk rock for me. I did like a few bits when it veered into chill soundscapes & made me realize some of my favorite bands must've been inspired by that particular sound, but the rest was not my bag.
3
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Ctrl
SZA
I've never been a fan of overt sexual content in music, so the album lost points for me. It was a decent listen for this genre, but I would not listen again.
3
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Thu Apr 27 2023
Third
Portishead
Spectacular album. I was thinking about this band & album the other day. Most of the songs were already marked as my favorite, so it was an anticipated listend. I ended up enjoying this album four times in one day - it's that good. Trip hop with gorgeous vocals...it almost veers into industrial/Goth territory. 100% up my alley. Love love love this album. 5 outta 5.
5
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Fri Apr 28 2023
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
What a fun album! Listening brought back several friend memories, so this was a joyous listen. I'm also impressed this was their debut album. Aside from the pop hit Blister in the Sun, Add It Up, Kiss Off, and Gone Daddy Gone are my favorites. Seeing them live three times has been a real treat. They've been performing for decades, and you can tell they still love what they do. 5 outta 5.
5
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Sat Apr 29 2023
Arrival
ABBA
ABBA is always fantastic. Some songs are super hits while others are so so, but I enjoyed this overall. I have a list of favorite Swedish bands, and ABBA is #1.
4
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Sun Apr 30 2023
Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
3
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Mon May 01 2023
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Beautiful melancholic shoe gaze. It's raw & emotional. This band reminds me that guitar is my favorite instrument & they're masters of their work.
I adore JAMC, but I've never seen them live despite having the chance last year...I have a regretful feeling I'm never going to see them. Excellent album & band.
5
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Tue May 02 2023
So
Peter Gabriel
I have this album on cassette & have had it since 1990. It's quintessential 80s Peter Gabriel & it's perfect. Don't Give Up ft. Kate Bush, Red Rain, Sledgehammer, Big Time, and In Your Eyes - Jesus, this is a juggernaut. Something about his voice, cadence, and emotion draws me in. I've been revisiting Peter Gabriel in both his Genesis & solo years lately, and I wish I would've taken a deeper dive sooner. He's touring this year, so I'm taking this as a sign to see him live. I'll regret it if I don't. 5 out of 5.
5
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Wed May 03 2023
Orbital 2
Orbital
Very good electronic music
4
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Thu May 04 2023
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
This era of The Kinks is pretty great. I enjoyed this.
4
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Fri May 05 2023
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
Good, but not spectacular. 3.5 stars rounding up to 4.
4
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Sat May 06 2023
Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
3
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Sun May 07 2023
BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
Good pop album. Beyoncé definitely knows pop, but it's just my thing. 3.5 stars.
4
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Mon May 08 2023
Bone Machine
Tom Waits
I totally understand Tom Waits' following, but this album didn't do much for me. 3.5 stars.
On a side note: I barely learned that he played Redfield in Bram Stoker's Dracula in 1992. I feel silly for not knowing that because it's very obviously him.
4
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Tue May 09 2023
Traffic
Traffic
3.5 stars
4
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Wed May 10 2023
Tago Mago
Can
I've been actively listening to Can for a couple of years, and I dig their stuff. They're a little weird, psychedelic, and experimental. Some tracks remind me of the t.v. show, Twin Peaks - there's definitely an ethereal haunting quality to this album. The more I listen to Can, the more I enjoy. Solid 4 with the possibility of 5 stars in the near future.
4
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Thu May 11 2023
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
I wanted to lie this more, but I didn't.
3
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Fri May 12 2023
Risque
CHIC
Such fantastic disco funk. Pretty much anything Niles Rodgers touches turnstiles into gold. I'm glad I finally got the opportunity to listen to an entire CHIC album...I'll add them to my playlist cause this was fun & I'll see them in about a month opening for Duran Duran. Niles Rodgers helped revitalized DD's career, so it'll be cool to see both bands on the same night. 4 solid stars.
4
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Sat May 13 2023
British Steel
Judas Priest
So very good. I wish I had gotten into Judas Priest years ago. Rob Halford has one of strongest vocals & widest ranges in music history, and I'd bet seeing JP live back in the day was spectacular. If you follow Rob on social media, you'll see a sweet & kind man that adores cats. Great album.
4
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Sun May 14 2023
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
It's so so
3
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Mon May 15 2023
The Score
Fugees
4
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Tue May 16 2023
Street Life
The Crusaders
Elevator jazz
3
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Wed May 17 2023
Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
I know this dude has a huge following, but it sounds like standard British pop. Meh.
3
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Thu May 18 2023
Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Loved listening to this album. I feel like I can always reset my mood when listening to classic metal.
5
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Fri May 19 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Tiny Dancer is my favorite Elton John song, and Levon is great. A solid album by one of my favorite artists.
4
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Sat May 20 2023
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Better than I expected. 3.5 stars.
4
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Sun May 21 2023
The Sensual World
Kate Bush
It was ok
3
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Mon May 22 2023
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
Much better than the last album we rated. I enjoyed this.
4
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Tue May 23 2023
Play
Moby
Reminded me of the time I had a brief Moby phase.
4
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Wed May 24 2023
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
3.5 stars
4
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Thu May 25 2023
Konnichiwa
Skepta
Just a notch above truly awful
2
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Fri May 26 2023
Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
I'm embarrassed to admit that I barely found out about this band last year after seeing them live at Riot Fest. How did I miss out on this great all-female indy band? For shame. Better to have discovered them late than never.
4
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Sat May 27 2023
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Something about Bob Marley & The Wailers that puts me in a good mood even though some of their stuff is pretty heavy lyrically. I'm not a big fan of reggae, but this was solid.
4
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Sun May 28 2023
Moondance
Van Morrison
I've always enjoyed Van Morrison's voice, and Moondance is one of my favorite songs. I enjoyed this.
4
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Mon May 29 2023
Low-Life
New Order
Rock forward synth - this is a fantastic album by one of my favorite bands. I've known some of these songs for decades, particularly Elegia for being in Pretty In Pink & Perfect Kiss for its cute as heck frog noises (I could probably just hear a loop of the frog noises & be happy). This album is a mix of joy, sorrow, and anguish done in a danceable fashion. I've never seen New Order live as a whole, but I have seen Peter Hook and The Light, and that show was PHENOMENAL. It was at an intimate venue & he did a full Joy Division & a full New Order set. Just spectacular. Great album by a great band. The more I listen, the more I want to get lost in it. 4.5
5
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Tue May 30 2023
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
This album is gay-rock-art-glam with hints that Bowie is a poetic alien. I think most people getting to know Bowie's work generally start at this phase of his career (although I started at Low thanks to NIN), and it's a good place to get to know his work. I've know Changes since I was a kid and later realized that it's quoted at the beginning of The Breakfast Club. Of all the songs, Life on Mars? gets me right in the feels - I have to catch my breath nearly every time I hear it.
Oh! You Pretty Things, Kooks, Andy Warhol, and Queen Bitch are all fab. Great Bowie album.
5
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Wed May 31 2023
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
I imagine hearing this live with people dancing is the best way to enjoy the album.
4
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Thu Jun 01 2023
Reign In Blood
Slayer
Super hard & fast. I can imagine the live shows were dangerously fun.
4
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Fri Jun 02 2023
The Visitors
ABBA
A more mature less disco version of ABBA. The song The Visitors sounds like a Sparks composed tune, which was a pleasant surprise. The rest reminded me of what you might see as part of a theatrical musical. Good but not fantastic. 3.5 stars.
4
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Sat Jun 03 2023
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Good classic Aerosmith
4
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Sun Jun 04 2023
Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
That was bad
1
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Mon Jun 05 2023
The World is a Ghetto
War
This album definitely deserves to be on this list.
4
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Incredible from start to finish. One of my favorite albums by my second favorite band of all-time. It's rock, folk, soul, and the beginnings of metal. And if I could emulate anyone's voice, it would be Robert Plant's - dude can wail! I ended up listening to hours of Zeppelin, as I often do when I feel like I need to a hard reset. Zeppelin is where my musical foundation lays, and everything else is built upon it. 5 perfect stars.
5
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Wed Jun 07 2023
Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
Awful
1
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Thu Jun 08 2023
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Soothing orchestral background music 3.5 stars
4
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Fri Jun 09 2023
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
I remember Mr. Wendel & Tennesee pretty well and enjoyed both back in the day & today. The rest of the album was ok but not stellar.
3
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Sat Jun 10 2023
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
It's good & nice, but how many Brazilian albums are we going to continue to get? I wish this list had albums from other countries. This feels skewed.
3
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Sun Jun 11 2023
My Generation
The Who
Fantastic. I think this is my favorite phase of The Who.
5
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Mon Jun 12 2023
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Excellent English punk
5
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Tue Jun 13 2023
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
I really liked this. It was far less wacky than I expected. I'm a fan of acid jazz, so this is good listening. Adding this to my "chill" playlist.
4
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Wed Jun 14 2023
The Grand Tour
George Jones
Just fantastic classic country. I've always been a fan of George & his voice. 5 stars.
5
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Thu Jun 15 2023
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Very enjoyable. I've heard a fair amount of Jamiroquai but never a studio album. Wow! That was funky, soulful & groovy. Feel good 70s vibe. I'll be listening to him during my workdays. 4.5 stars.
5
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Fri Jun 16 2023
S&M
Metallica
I'm sure being there live was pretty fantastic, but it felt cheesy as an album.
3
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Sat Jun 17 2023
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
I remember having a Talking Heads phase & knew no one that enjoyed the band. They quietly became one of my favorites & I've appreciated them ever since. The whole album feels like one piece with Burning Down the House as it's standout. The video for that song was a core MTV moment for me. I remember trying to figure out the faces on the side of the house - what did it all mean?
Talking Heads made great music. 4 stars
4
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Sun Jun 18 2023
90
808 State
808 State laid the groundwork for electronic dance music. It may sound dated, but they are pioneers for their genre. Gotta love when Speak & Spell was used as a musical instrument.
4
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Mon Jun 19 2023
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
WTF is up with all the bossa nova albums?! It's so irritating. Like I mentioned before, there are international albums that deserve attention. Boooo!
2
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Tue Jun 20 2023
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Although none of their mega hits appear on this album, it's still Fleetwood Mac. Beautifully written & performed, this was an enjoyable listen. Sara & Tusk are my favorites with new tracks added to my liked songs. What a band. 4 stars.
4
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Wed Jun 21 2023
Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
I had a coworker play the hell out of The Gun Club, and now I can't stand them. If I hadn't had that experience, I'd probably like this just enough.
2
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Thu Jun 22 2023
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
That was boring. Did not care for it.
1
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Fri Jun 23 2023
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
So Pink Floyd has always been it weird, it seems. This album is very prog rock & good to be played in the background...and possibly under the influence of fungi. 3.5 stars
4
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Sat Jun 24 2023
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
I very much enjoyed Thelonious Monk & often listen to him when I'm in a jazzy mood. 4.5 stars
5
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Sun Jun 25 2023
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
I'd been listening to this album quite a bit in the last few months in preparation of seeing Iggy at Cruel World, and it gets better as I continue to listen. Lust for Life is one of my funeral songs & Success is something I play for myself to get pumped for my work. The rest of the album is fantastic & I love Bowie as a background vocalists. Excellent album. 5 stars.
5
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Mon Jun 26 2023
Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
She's got a gorgeous voice and I like the genre just enough, but it isn't an album I'd reach for. 3.5 stars
4
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Tue Jun 27 2023
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
I never thought I'd like this band as much as I do, but it's something I'll admit after listening thanks to this challenge. I love the harmonies & the lyrics. It's solid stuff.
4
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Wed Jun 28 2023
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
My knowledge of punk is mostly British, so I'm glad this was part of our challenge. Interesting that they sound more rock in this album & not what I expected for punk. I very much enjoyed it & will listen to more of them.
4
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Thu Jun 29 2023
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
I love Janis & all of her work. There's lots of soul & 60s folk-psychedlic vibes in the album, and her voice is stellar. Enjoyable listen.
4
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Fri Jun 30 2023
Atomizer
Big Black
Sounds like a cheap version of Ministry. 2.5 stars
3
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Sat Jul 01 2023
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
I enjoy this style of jazz & enjoyed this album
4
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Sun Jul 02 2023
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
I got about halfway through & stopped listening cause it got boring. I love Southern rock, but this feels like an ode to Southern rock not the actual thing. 2.5 stars
3
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Mon Jul 03 2023
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
I was so stoked to see Neneh on this challenge. She's incredibly talented and should've risen to stardom but just didn't make it. Her song, Buffalo Stance, is on high rotation cause it's that good - perfect, in my opinion. The video is equally captivating & is a true example of late 80s hip-hop.
I took a Neneh Cherry deep dive about 5 years ago & learned she's from Sweden (score another for the Swedes...they're some of the most musically innovative artists in the world).
I enjoyed this album so much, I ended up listening to it on repeat. What a talent. 4.5 stars
5
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Tue Jul 04 2023
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
3
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Wed Jul 05 2023
The Libertines
The Libertines
Unremarkable indie rock 2.5
3
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Thu Jul 06 2023
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Just quirky & interesting enough. Hello It's Me is a 70s classic, and some of the stuff here touches on the experimental. I need to give him props for helping other artists (Sparks comes to mind), so this guy is talented. It's just not something I'd reach for. 3.5 stars.
4
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Fri Jul 07 2023
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
What a great listen. Very groovy & 70s chill. And let's not forget how smooth Isaac Hayes' voice is.
4
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Sat Jul 08 2023
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I have a big appreciation for CCR & wore out one of their albums in college. That twang & that Southern soul really struck me (eventhough the band is from California). Excellent listen. 4.5 stars
5
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Sun Jul 09 2023
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
Classic late 2000s indy. Great vocals & arrangements. Solid album.
4
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Mon Jul 10 2023
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
I liked this quite a bit & they reminded me a bit of The Damned at times. The album was far too long, though. Good listen. 3.5 stars
4
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Tue Jul 11 2023
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
I really enjoy 60s jazz, on the verge of even loving it. Mellow & smooth. Definitely something I'd listen to again. 4.5 stars
5
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Wed Jul 12 2023
Document
R.E.M.
There are some good songs and a couple of songs that were just alright. 3.5 stars
4
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Thu Jul 13 2023
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
It's just a bunch weirdo forest hippies making crap music. Even my dog looked at me & wondered what the hell is this. Hard no.
1
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Fri Jul 14 2023
War
U2
U2 was my favorite band for many years, and this era is just spectacular. They were one of the best post punk bands, and it's because of them I learned a bit about Irish religion & politics. Sharp songs & lyrics. Excellent. I hope we get to hear Boy & October since they feel like part of an early U2 trifecta. 5 stars.
5
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Sat Jul 15 2023
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I'm surprised at how much I liked this. I've said numerous times that I can't stand Neil Young's whiny nasal voice, but I enjoyed this entire album. Glad my opinion of him was challenged cause this was good folk rock.
4
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Sun Jul 16 2023
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
This is generic boring new wave. Nope.
2
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Mon Jul 17 2023
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
Right as I was pining for the old feel of Austin & San Antonio country, this album pops up. I'm impressed with this Californian band, and it seems Gram Parsons had a lot to do with the sound on this album. When I think of country rock, I usually think of The Rolling Stones, but I'm stunned at how good this is. I love classic country & country-rock, so I'm adding this to my favorites. 4.5 stars
5
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Tue Jul 18 2023
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
This has got to be one of the greatest live performances ever recorded. It's top-notch funky soulful James Brown.
5
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Wed Jul 19 2023
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
This album is an emotional, physiology, psychological, and psychedelic journey. If shrooms were an album, it would be this. The first song is like holy shit - yes Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time & it ain't good.
I remember challenging myself to listen to this about a year or so ago, and I'm so glad I did. It's so weirdly funky & poignant it leaves me breathless. It's also jam & dance worthy. Absolute perfection. 5 stars.
5
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Thu Jul 20 2023
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
I may be in the minority, but I don't like the harmonies & I can't stand Neil Young's voice on this album. I enjoyed Almost Cut My Hair but didn't care for the folksy Americana tracks. The ones with a rock sound were pretty good, but I wouldn't play this again. Our House is grates on my nerves & just can't stand that song.
3
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Fri Jul 21 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Fats Domino was a rock n roll pioneer. Good stuff.
4
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Sat Jul 22 2023
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Someone recently asked to define myself with 3 bands. I can't narrow myself to just three in total, but when it comes to classic 60s & 70s rock my top favorites are The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd.
This album is gnarly, psychedelic, experimental, emotional prog rock at its absolute finest. I love this album so much (my 2nd favorite of the band) I played it in a loop today. I get lost in it every time, and Wish You Were Here is one of the greatest songs ever written. This band & album gives me goosebumps. Someone better play this at my funeral. 5 stars.
5
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Sun Jul 23 2023
Parallel Lines
Blondie
I heavily got into 70s music during the first two years of college, and Blondie was often on repeat. Excellent post punk with unique vocals from Debbie Harry. Gotta love the band's look, too. 4.5 stars.
5
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Mon Jul 24 2023
Yeezus
Kanye West
I like Kanye, but this is not his best.
3
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I love this album & Amy Winehouse so much, I created a YouTube playlist YEARS ago dedicated to her.
She absolutely nailed the 60s girls group soul vibe. Her voice gives me chills, and her lyrics were sharp & biting. How she managed to make music sound retro & modern at the same time is beyond me.
I've seen many live performances & the documentary, Amy. It guts me every time and wish she were still with us. What an incredible talent. 5 brilliant stars for Amy & this album.
5
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Wed Jul 26 2023
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Solid listen
4
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Thu Jul 27 2023
25
Adele
Absolutely fantastic. Without Amy Winehouse, we wouldn't have Adele. She has one of the most soulful & powerful voices in modern music. Beautifully performed. I ended up also listening to 21 since this album got me in the mood for Adele. 4.5 stars
5
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Fri Jul 28 2023
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
I know this band thanks to M.I.A.'s cover of Roadrunner. The rest of the album felt like it was trying to take off, but it just didn't go anywhere. Maybe I should listen to another of their albums since I'm intrigued enough. We shall see.
3
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Sat Jul 29 2023
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
Classic & enjoyable
4
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Sun Jul 30 2023
Truth
Jeff Beck
How I never had a Jeff Beck phase is beyond me. I love 60s & 70s rock, so I'm sore to have missed out on his music most of my life. It's rock, it's blues, it's country...it's great stuff.
4
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Mon Jul 31 2023
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
I'm a fan of artsy weirdos
4.5 stars
5
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Tue Aug 01 2023
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
I must've been in the mood for this because I found this relaxing & enjoyable 3.5 stars
4
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Wed Aug 02 2023
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Something about Cat Stevens' voice sooths me. Although I'm not a big fan of mellow folk, this album was enjoyable. 3.5 stars
4
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Thu Aug 03 2023
Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Better than I expected
3
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Fri Aug 04 2023
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Best of Blue Eyed Soul. Absolutely fantastic. 4.5 stars
5
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Sat Aug 05 2023
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Of the Stevie Wonder albums we've listened to thus far, this is my favorite. He definetly found his own groove here. Living for The City & Higer Ground are classics, and the rest was quite enjoyable. I can also see how this particular album must've inspired modern R&B/pop artists. 4 stars.
4
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Sun Aug 06 2023
Fragile
Yes
The first song was good & that's about it. This is a NO for me.
2
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Mon Aug 07 2023
G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
P
3
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Tue Aug 08 2023
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
This album influenced me so greatly, I discovered David Bowie, his album Low, and the love for music that challenges me. The Downward Spiral came out the year I graduated high school & went to a giant state college. The video for Closer was on heavy MTv rotation, and it simultaneously scared the shit out of me, intrigued & excited me - these were feelings about music I had never had before.
My favorite NIN song, March of the Pigs, is burned into my brain also thanks to the video. It's raw, angry, and I loved the contrast of a blank room with super angry dudes in black going at it. Sidenote: the still image of Robin Fink standing with his guitar with that hair, leather & boots is permanently saved to my phone. If someone were to ask what 1994 looked like, I'd show them that pic.
This is much darker album than its predecessor, and it was recorded during Trent's heavy drug phase. You can hear the self-loathing, dark depression, and the fuck you to Christianity...which spoke to me as a 20something having experienced a traumatic childhood. I'm so grateful to this band & this album. Last year was the first time I saw them live & was three rows away from Trent. I lasted three songs then crowd surfed my way out at the age of 46. I then gave myself a concussion from body slamming so hard. I also had this album on cassette & passed it onto my nephew when he was a teen. I think it helped him while he was going through his own muck.
Incredible band, album, and memories.
5
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Rapture
Anita Baker
I fondly remembered Anita Baker thanks to my aunt & uncle listening to R&B stations back in the day. Every time Anita came on, I'd stop to listen. To this day, I think about her - I'm so glad this was on the challenge. This is classic R&B, and it's done right. I loved this album so much, I listened to it three times & let the algorithm run free after the album was over. What an awesome day of beautiful & chill R&B. It was like hearty chicken soup for the soul. 5 stars.
5
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Music
Madonna
This is my least favorite Madonna album, but I do love Impressive Instant. The rest sounds dated & bland compared to her other work. It's honestly disappointing to see this one & not Confessions on a Dance Floor - that one has an ABBA sample for christ's sake!
I will always love/hate Madonna, and she'll always be The Queen of Pop, but this album is a general dud.
3
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Fri Aug 11 2023
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
This band is in my blood. Every song is stellar, and Thank You is one of the best love songs ever. Can't believe a band can be this brilliant on their second try. 5 stars.
5
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Sat Aug 12 2023
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
I enjoyed this album & this era of rock. Take Me Out will always be a favorite. Fun listen.
4
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Sun Aug 13 2023
Butterfly
Mariah Carey
She annoys the hell outta me and can't stand to listen more than one song. No thanks.
1
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Mon Aug 14 2023
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Fantastic. Some of this still sounds fresh today, and I enjoyed the trip down memory lane with their classics. I particularly enjoyed the ambient tracks. Well done. 4.5 stars.
4
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Tue Aug 15 2023
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Such a damn good album. This is Southern rock at its best - swampy, full of grit & soul. 5 stars, easily.
5
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Wed Aug 16 2023
When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Mediocre and they ruined Norwegian Wood. Boo!!!
3
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Thu Aug 17 2023
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
This is definitely Eno & Bryne, but it's muddled with no direction. I love their own stuff, but this felt like wasted air. What a shame.
3
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Fri Aug 18 2023
Phrenology
The Roots
Not as good as I hoped it to be
3
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Sat Aug 19 2023
London Calling
The Clash
5
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Sun Aug 20 2023
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
I'm just not into this
2
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
This had a few of my favorites thanks to the movie Velvet Goldmine. It stars a very young Christian Bale along with Ewan McGregor, Toni Collette, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and Eddie Izzard. It's a great intro to Eno, glam rock, and Queer cinema.
Not every song was a favorite, but I enjoyed the album overall. It's a bit glam, ambient, experimental, and prog rock. I'm into that kind of weirdo music. 4 stars.
4
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Green
R.E.M.
It turns out I like R.E.M. more than I thought. Solid album, although Stand has to be one of the most annoying songs. My favorite song, Orange Crush, still has that special something after all these years. I don't think I could listen to hours of this band, but I could certainly listen here & there when the mood strikes.
4
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Rocks
Aerosmith
Classic Aerosmith
4
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Thu Aug 24 2023
One World
John Martyn
This mega sucked & took the spot of an album that deserves to be here. Dumb.
1
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Fri Aug 25 2023
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
This album has officially converted me - Kate Bush is far more talented & creative than I originally gave her credit for. What a challenging & thrilling listen. This album moved me so much that I played the album twice. It's creative, odd, eccentric, theatrical, brooding, and bold. I'm surprised that I enjoyed this more than her commercially successful albums. I honestly never thought I'd get around to truly enjoying her work, but I'm REALLY into this. 4.5
5
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Sat Aug 26 2023
Lost Souls
Doves
Good background music, but that's about it.
3
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Sun Aug 27 2023
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Great album with some of my favorites
4
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Mon Aug 28 2023
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
I've been taking a deep dive into TFF over the last few years & saw them live, again, a month ago. It's not easy to sing like Roland & Curt, but they make it seem effortless. They're sensitive rockers & this album feels like 80s comfort nostalgia.
I love their big hits with a soft spot for Head Over Heels (thanks, Donnie Darko), Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and Mothers Talk. The music videos for their hits are also memorable. Excellent listen.
P.S. Roland's birthday just passed & I learned that his full name is Roland Jaime Orzábal de la Quintana with family from Argentina. Who knew?!
5
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Moon Safari
Air
One of my favorite albums at the time. It's mellow French synthpop with dreamy landscapes.
4
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Wed Aug 30 2023
Music From Big Pink
The Band
The Weight is a good song, but the rest is too Americana folksy for me.
2.5 stars.
3
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Who's Next
The Who
This is better of The Who albums we've listened two with a couple of classics, but they are my least favorite of the big British bands of the time.
3
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Fri Sep 01 2023
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
I forgot how much I used to like this. This was very much my thing in the late 80s. Soulful electronic house. Good stuff.
4
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Sat Sep 02 2023
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Not my thing
2
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Sun Sep 03 2023
Tical
Method Man
I understand the significance of Method Man & Wu-Tang, but this isn't for me.
3
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
I know Serge Gainsbourg via his daughter, Charlotte, and his popular song Bonnie and Clyde. He's definitely a French staple, but the nature of this album is creepy & pedophilic. There's something about European men in the 70s that got away with A LOT of grooming of young women (read how Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones married & took custody of a teenager).
Back to the album...I liked it. Maybe it's because I studied French for seven years & sometimes enjoy spoken word concept albums. I like the tone of Serge's voice & it made me want to revisit French (something I put back on my to-do list last week). I would listen again. 3.5 stars
4
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Tue Sep 05 2023
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
A little too jam band for me, but still decent..
3
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Slipknot
Slipknot
Not my kind of metal
2
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Thu Sep 07 2023
Kimono My House
Sparks
Finally a Sparks album! I was introduced to this band about 12 years ago by ex & took a deep dive a few years after. Sparks sounds like theater nerds who didn't make it in acting but killed it at making quirky music. I didn't realize how influential they were until I watched the Edgar Wright documentary. I was wowed at how many of my favorite bands were influenced by them.
This album sounds like the older cousin to Kate Bush's The Dreaming but funnier. It's astounding that the Mael brothers have made decades of music and no two records sound the same. Kimono My House is one of three of my favorite Sparks albums with the big opener, The Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us. It's over the top glam with oddball lyrics...and that voice! I honestly love the entire album with a soft spot for Amateur Hour, Falling In Love With Myself Again & Equator. This album is in my usual rotation along with Angst In My Pants & The Number One Song In Heaven.
I absolutely love this band & have seen them live twice. These guys are almost 80 and they're doing world tours with a new album that dropped this spring. This band brings me such joy that I cried at their show. They feel like the dorky older brokers I wish I had. I adore this band & this album.
5
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Picture Book
Simply Red
80s blues & soul. Great voice & I enjoy Holding Back the Years, but it's not my speed.
3
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Sat Sep 09 2023
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
I love Rod Stewarts voice & a few songs on this album, but it doesn't quite hit the mark for me. 3.5 stars
4
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Sun Sep 10 2023
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
I already had their cover of Sweet Jane marked as a favorite and was pleasantly surprised by the rest of the album. I've heard the band name many times before, but I never dove in until now. It's very David Lynch-esque with its dramatically slow & mellow vocals & vibes. It's the type of bluesy country you'd find in Twin Peaks. I dig it & will definitely listen again.
4
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Aside from their mega hit Wake Up, the rest was ok. Not something I'd actively want to listen to.
3
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Tue Sep 12 2023
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Classic rock blues
4
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Wed Sep 13 2023
Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
I liked this more than I thought I would 3.5 stars
4
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Thu Sep 14 2023
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
I liked it 3.5 stars
4
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Connected
Stereo MC's
Connected & Step Up are two of my favorite jams of the era. The rest of the album made for good background dance. 3.5 stars.
4
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Sat Sep 16 2023
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
This was pleasant & reminded me of Echo & The Bunnymen at times. I will definitely listen again.
4
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Sun Sep 17 2023
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
I'm sure this guy has an audience, but that audience isn't me.
2
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Mon Sep 18 2023
Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
I liked the jazzy songs, but the album took a weird turn & was all over the place.
3
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Tue Sep 19 2023
Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
This is like a cross between Van Morrison & Jimmy Buffet except it's forgettable.
2
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Wed Sep 20 2023
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
Another mediocre album taking the spot of far better album that could be on the list.
2
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Finally something with soul. I loved this & it reminded me to revisit one of my favorite genres. I had a good Blues listening streak long ago & would go to a couple of Blues bars in Nashville, including B.B. King's. His voice & guitar playing are recognizable from the first note. Just brilliant stuff.
5
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Dummy
Portishead
Fantastic trip down 90s memory lane. Beth Gibbons' voice is gorgeous & the band essentially created the trip hop genre.
4
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Sat Sep 23 2023
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
I loved this. It was a wonderful listen throughout the day.
5
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Sun Sep 24 2023
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Absolutely iconic album & album cover. I'll never forget the times I saw The Bunnymen live. The first time was pure magic, but the second time was an utter mess thanks to Ian's alcoholism...but I digress.
The Killing Moon is superb, and the video is essential 80s goth. The rest of the album is dark & romantic. I could go on about how Ian is a huge wanker, but the music he made with his band is wonderful. This album, along with others of its time, is part of my regular listening. Fantastic album.
5
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Mon Sep 25 2023
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Firey, psychedelic, bluesy rock n roll. Everything Jimi Hendrix did was superb.
5
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Tue Sep 26 2023
Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
All I can hear is Toy Story & Pixar songs. If my mind wasn't predisposed to think about kids' films, I'd say this is an okay album.
3
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
I was so happy to see this one the list. I've been listening to Buddy Holly since I was a wee kid thanks to my aunts & uncles. And one of my youngest memories was learning that Buddy Holly was from Texas - it was like a badge of honor for my Texan family.
This era is when country turns into rock n roll, and it will always be one of my favorite pivot points for music. I absolutely love Holly's nasaly hiccupy voice. It's so distinct, and a personal favorite. There's so much I could say about Buddy Holly & his band, but I'd go on forever. Let's just say I'm a big fan & I truly loved this.
5
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Thu Sep 28 2023
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
I understand the significance of Buffalo Gals, but the rest of the album was all over the place. It was strangely part rap & part world. No cohesion.
3