Aug 24 2022
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Worth listening to for Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, and Do You Realize?? The rest is pretty forgettable.
3
Aug 25 2022
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
A couple decent songs, but really nothing special here. Once again I am unimpressed by The Rolling Stones.
2
Aug 26 2022
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
4
Aug 29 2022
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Some nice songs here, might revisit this one at some point.
3
Aug 30 2022
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Protection
Massive Attack
Nice.
4
Aug 31 2022
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Some good stuff here actually, I'd give this a 3.5 if I could
3
Sep 01 2022
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
Never heard this before yesterday, freaking rocks though. Reminds me of Bikini Kill in a way, love it.
5
Sep 02 2022
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Stone cold classic, one of the perfect summer albums.
5
Sep 03 2022
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Pornography
The Cure
Simply one of the best albums by one of the best bands.
5
Sep 04 2022
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
This actually has some pretty solid songs, but most of it is just goofy. Can't say I'll ever listen to it again.
2
Sep 05 2022
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
This dude has a punchable voice. And face, actually.
1
Sep 06 2022
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Clapton has better albums IMHO.
3
Sep 07 2022
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Parachutes
Coldplay
Ngl, this actually has some decent songs on it. But also the best song is the 1 and a half minute intro, and everything besides that and the 2 other decent songs is bland af. Also... Coldplay are just the absolute biggest let down of a music career that has existed in my life. This album felt like it had PROMISE when it came out (I would've given this a 3 or 4 back then easily). Now it's just sad and bitter. Anti-nostalgia.
2
Sep 08 2022
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
Pleasant enough, unlikely to listen to it again though. 2.5 basically, but I'm trying to lean harsh on these ratings lol
2
Sep 09 2022
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
3
Sep 10 2022
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Morrissey is an ass, but these songs are still good. Bigmouth Strikes Again and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out in particular. Classic.
4
Sep 11 2022
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Didn't expect to like this much, but it's got some really sweet and funky riffs! Solid.
4
Sep 12 2022
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High Violet
The National
I could give this album a 4 just for Bloodbuzz Ohio, but actually the whole album is really good. Sorrow, Anyone's Ghost, and Conversation 16 are some other stand-outs.
4
Sep 13 2022
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
There are some good tunes here, but the singer basically ruins them. I would take straight up screeching over this nasal whining.
There's a good album in there somewhere, but it's not this.
2
Sep 14 2022
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Rockin'. Not my favorite Pretenders album, but still 100% solid.
4
Sep 15 2022
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
4
Sep 16 2022
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Obviously, Sweet Dreams is the star of the show here, but the whole album was definitely really good. I'll be revisiting this one soon!
4
Sep 17 2022
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John Prine
John Prine
4
Sep 18 2022
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
Overall I liked this, not sure how much I'll be listening to it again though. I'd probably give it a 3.5 if I could.
3
Sep 19 2022
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Night Life
Ray Price
Not my thing.
2
Sep 20 2022
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
One of Blur's better albums imo, some amazing songs here.
4
Sep 21 2022
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Fun House
The Stooges
Tentative rating, I liked this quite a bit but it could go down. But... I like the style. I'll revisit this one later.
4
Sep 22 2022
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
I can't believe I've never sat down and listened to Nina Simone before! Such a powerful and haunting voice. Another instant 5. *Chef's kiss*
5
Sep 23 2022
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Some skippable songs here IMHO, but the great songs are GREAT. Super lush production, good stuff.
4
Sep 24 2022
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Live At Leeds
The Who
🤷 There's a banger or two here. But like... White boys copying the blues is so passe. Also would've probably liked this more if I didn't listen to the band talking.
3
Sep 25 2022
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Good stuff, I want to listen to this more.
4
Sep 26 2022
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Immigrant Song was good. The rest of this reeks of stealing from black musicians. With some cool riffs, I will admit. But yeah. Won't be revisiting most likely.
2
Sep 27 2022
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
This was pretty fun, if a bit samey. Might revisit.
3
Sep 28 2022
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
I did like this. Needs another few listens for a final opinion I suppose. Didn't blow me away. 🤷
3
Sep 29 2022
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Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
Great album, don't listen to Springsteen often but it's always a pleasure.
4
Sep 30 2022
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
Not bad, I liked parts of it a lot. Overall a bit bland though, not sure if I'll come back to the whole thing.
3
Oct 01 2022
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Some of the best early-00s rap I've heard tbh. Lush beats, conscious and fun lyrics... Good stuff, will be listening again.
4
Oct 02 2022
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Pretty good stuff tbh, but something I'd have to be in the mood for. Probably not going to revisit, but you never know 🤷
3
Oct 03 2022
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
This was... Interesting. But not something I see myself revisiting. I'm waffling between 2 or 3 stars, but once again leaning harsh on these.
2
Oct 04 2022
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Great stuff, it's in the rotation. Catch me on a different day it would be a 5. 🤷
4
Oct 05 2022
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
Genius stuff. Has like 3 or 4 contenders for best rap songs of all time. I love it.
5
Oct 06 2022
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Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Clever lyrics, and... Not much else to write home about. I don't really like his voice. I might've really liked this in 2002, but it's not really doing that much for me now. 🤷
3
Oct 07 2022
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
So, it's long. Super ambitious. Some amazing singles here. Overall I think it could've been a bit better with a little trimming, but it's still damn good. Certainly never boring!
4
Oct 08 2022
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
Good stuff! A few songs on here I already knew and loved, and the rest is solid too. Very lush and sonically interesting album throughout. Needs some more listens.
4
Oct 09 2022
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London Calling
The Clash
To me, this is the best album to come out of the original punk scene. Wildly creative and vibrant. This is where punk transformed into something more.
5
Oct 10 2022
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Some amazing songs here, and some pretty good ones. Probably not gonna listen to it as a whole too often, but I'll certainly be coming back to my favorites.
4
Oct 11 2022
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Solid synthpop! Some of these songs are definitely going in the rotation. The last two songs seemed a bit unnecessary, but the rest of the album worked pretty well for me.
4
Oct 12 2022
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
I was going to give this a 4, but I know I wouldn't have Run the Jewels without this. RtJ is more my personal taste these days, but I still appreciate this a lot. Let's call it a 4.5 that I'm rounding up because FUCK YOU, I WON'T DO WHAT YOU TELL ME! MOTHER FUCKER!!!
5
Oct 13 2022
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
I love the production on this album. Lyrics lean way too heavily into mysogyny and gangster machismo for my tastes. Still worth the listen though.
3
Oct 14 2022
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Not shabby, I might revisit this at some point. Overall didn't really grab or wow me much though. It's a 3.5 rounded down.
3
Oct 15 2022
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Moon Safari
Air
This album probably would've been a 3 for me 10 years ago, go figure. Nowadays, I find a nice mellow groove that stays for the whole album, even as it shifts around in tone and mood. It doesn't overstay it's welcome either. 4.5 rounded up because Kelly Watch the Stars puts me in a better mood whenever it gets stuck in my head. 🤩
5
Oct 16 2022
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
3
Oct 17 2022
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Not too bad, just not really my thing I suppose.
3
Oct 18 2022
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Woodface
Crowded House
Very boring. No thanks.
2
Oct 19 2022
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Imagine
John Lennon
If you took out the song advocating domestic abuse it would be better.
2
Oct 20 2022
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Some bangers on here, overall nothing too thrilling to me though. 3.5 rounded down.
3
Oct 21 2022
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Stankonia
OutKast
So fresh and so clean!
4
Oct 22 2022
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Sorry, this kinda gave me a headache listening to the whole thing at once. I'll take just the singles on this one I think.
2
Oct 23 2022
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Please just listen to Ravi play actual Indian classical music. You're welcome.
2
Oct 24 2022
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
I don't like the vocals much, but everything else makes up for it pretty well IMHO. I recommend being nice and stoned for this one. 👍
4
Oct 25 2022
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Hmm, wish I had more to say. Not bad, not great.
3
Oct 26 2022
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Smashing Pumpkins were the first band I got really into as a 6 year old circa '95. Honestly I should probably give this a 3 since there's kind of a lot of filler here, but the handful of really good songs are still in the normal rotation, plus this album gets me feeling nostalgic. We'll call it a 3.5 rounded up.
4
Oct 27 2022
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
This was a fun album. Indie psych rock type stuff that swings through a lot of other genres, from country to techno. There's a lot of similar stuff out there that I like a lot more, but that's okay. 3.5 rounded down because I'm trying to be harsh! Gotta keep reminding myself of that lol.
3
Oct 28 2022
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
A heartbreakingly beautiful album that I'm rounding down to a 4 because it is literally SO. INSANELY. DEPRESSING. Not in the fun way either. I'm pretty goth and all, but this is too much.
110% deserving of being on the 1001, but I can probably go another 10 to 15 years before I'll feel like listening to it again.
Peace and love to the trans comrades, stay strong.
4
Oct 29 2022
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Great energy and great songs. Good stuff!
4
Oct 30 2022
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
The Killing Moon is amazing obviously... The rest is quite good, probably needs more listens.
4
Oct 31 2022
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
Raucous and fun, I liked this.
4
Nov 01 2022
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Teen Dream
Beach House
Probably my favorite Beach House album, so you already know my rating. 🤌
5
Nov 02 2022
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Interesting stuff. Not an everyday listen, but good stuff.
4
Nov 03 2022
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Rocks
Aerosmith
This had one or two pretty catchy songs on it, but most of this is stereotypical boring classic rock guitar-noodling shite. At least it was over quickly.
2
Nov 04 2022
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
I just don't have the context I would need to enjoy this. The accordion bits were nice, but this guy's voice doesn't do it for me and I don't know French. To me, very bad unfun not good times.
1
Nov 05 2022
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Probably a 4.5 tbh. Rounded down as per protocol, but there weren't really any bad songs here. Those reggae grooves are super nice when you're in the mood.
4
Nov 06 2022
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All Directions
The Temptations
Fun stuff, will get some more listens for sure!
4
Nov 07 2022
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
3
Nov 08 2022
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Definitely worth the listen, I'd probably need to be in the mood to revisit it, but most certainly some lovely piano music here.
4
Nov 09 2022
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Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Interesting blend of punk and bluesy rock and roll. Not sure if I'll be revisiting this one any time soon tbh, but it was interesting.
3
Nov 10 2022
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
Really liked a few of the songs, particularly These Days. Most of it was kinda middling to me though, I dunno. Might need another listen.
3
Nov 11 2022
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Liked this a lot more than I expected tbh. Just the right amount of silliness! It's got the one pretty misogynistic song that I could live without, but the rest is quite good.
Obviously the singer is a bit of an acquired taste, but his voice grew on me as I listened to the whole thing. Again, just the right amount of silliness.
4
Nov 12 2022
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Look, I don't really know or care about Deep Purple, and I'm not a huge fan of live albums from artists when I don't already know their music. I wasn't destined to like this much lol
2
Nov 13 2022
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The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Pretty fun, might revisit this one. Pretty goofy though, I dunno.
3
Nov 14 2022
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Dummy
Portishead
This album took a while to grow on me honestly, but now I can't imagine why there was any reason I had mixed feelings. It's a bit depressing, but those beats just freakin' KICK. And great lyrics. Yup, love this one.
5
Nov 15 2022
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
Not for me. 🤷
2
Nov 16 2022
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
This was a rather good unconventional trip hop album! If you like Angelo Badalamenti and Massive Attack, I'd recommend this.
4
Nov 17 2022
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Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
This was alright. Pretty noodly and goofy sounding sometimes, but definitely some cool bits. Might come back to this if I'm in the mood.
3
Nov 18 2022
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
Stop. With. The. Live. Albums. I literally don't know a Cheap Trick song, this is useless to me.
Actually, I knew I Want You to Want Me and Surrender. Those were probably the best songs here, but that's not really saying much. Really don't like most of this. Very bland poppy hard rock. No thanks.
1
Nov 19 2022
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Live Through This
Hole
It's no Sleater-Kinney or Bikini Kill, but I can dig it.
4
Nov 20 2022
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Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Not actually as bad as I expected, but not really something I see revisiting ever. It comes across as extremely juvenile, like something my 8 year old Smashing Pumpkins and The Offspring loving self would have enjoyed if I'd been allowed to listen to it. But honestly not bad musicianship. And a fuck-everything attitude that I can appreciate. But if I was in the mood for this I'd play Rage Against the Machine or something instead. 🤷
2
Nov 21 2022
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Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
Pretty decent punk-ish stuff, don't really think I need to revisit it though.
3
Nov 22 2022
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Moondance
Van Morrison
Really liked this, dude has a cool voice. Great use of sax. If you like Cat Stevens at all, you'll probably like this too. Definitely some songs in here that are going into the rotation. In fact: 4.5 rounded up. This is definitely better than some of my 4s.
5
Nov 23 2022
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
🤷 Not bad, not great.
3
Nov 24 2022
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
Fire singles, the rest is fine.
3
Nov 25 2022
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Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
Pretty fun, reminded me of A Tribe Called Quest a bit. Needs more listens
3
Nov 26 2022
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Stone cold classic! Already know and love this album, just went and listened to it twice back to back, still freaking amazing. If anything, this (and every other Cocteau Twins album really) just keeps getting better and better the more I listen to it. Effortless 5.
5
Nov 27 2022
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Liked this quite a bit actually, but it's definitely not something I'd want to put on whenever. 3.5 rounded down.
3
Nov 28 2022
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E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Not my favorite Sonic Youth album by a stretch, but it's definitely an interesting listen with some bangers. 3.5 rounded up because I'm biased.
4
Nov 29 2022
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Not as good as some Stevie Wonder, still nice though, would listen again.
3
Nov 30 2022
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
I knew the singles (which I like), but the rest of the album is better tbh. I'm not always gonna be in the mood for this, but when I am... I'll know where to go.
4
Dec 01 2022
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Ummm... Tempted to give this a 1 except I do appreciate the experimentation on certain songs. Bad guitar solos. Bad singing. Not for me.
2
Dec 02 2022
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Just a fun listen from start to finish. Love me some EW&F!
4
Dec 03 2022
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Fun listen with some absolute fire singles.
4
Dec 04 2022
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Abbey Road
Beatles
Easily my favorite Beatles album, good songs front to back!
5
Dec 05 2022
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
Pretty typical late 60s singer songwriter type stuff to my ears. Not bad, not great.
3
Dec 06 2022
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Very good blues performance, Muddy Waters is damn legit.
4
Dec 07 2022
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Pretty solid, I hear some movie score influence, particularly Ennio Morricone. Otherwise pretty basic indie rock, but I won't complain. Would've dug this a lot back in '08 probably.
4
Dec 08 2022
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Not the best Paul Simon imo, comes off a little cornier. Still fine.
3
Dec 09 2022
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American Idiot
Green Day
Mostly pretty middling to me, a couple great songs though.
3
Dec 10 2022
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
This is fine.
3
Dec 11 2022
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Brothers
The Black Keys
Tighten Up and Howlin' For You are really solid, most of this is rather forgettable though.
3
Dec 12 2022
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
I truly think Pink Floyd get overhyped by people who make one band their whole personality (or was that just people I met? 🤔). But I still quite like them tbh, this album feels like rock at it's core, but done in a novel way. One of the top 5 Pink Floyd albums.
Not a 5 for me in the end. Entertaining and interesting album that I'll revisit sometime though. Missing that true spark of connection for me though.
4
Dec 13 2022
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Some nice mellow jazz, real pretty. Sorry, I honestly don't have much more to say, I'm no jazz aficionado. I could come back to this though.
3
Dec 14 2022
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Timeless
Goldie
Classic EDM album. I definitely dig atmospheric/liquid D&B, and this is the daddy of all of that stuff. It's a bit over long for sure, but it's perfect music for focusing/work, which I use it for regularly. A very solid 4, almost 4.5.
4
Dec 15 2022
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
A couple semi-catchy songs here, but yeah... Mostly just bland Brit-pop type stuff. Probably not worth revisiting.
2
Dec 16 2022
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This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Classic, definitely one of the most interesting albums to come out of Brit-pop. Certainly better than anything Oasis did. #isaidwhatisaid
4
Dec 17 2022
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On The Beach
Neil Young
I don't listen to this one as much as some of his other music, but it's freaking great, that's for sure. Definitely worthy of being on the list, I'll probably go back for another listen real soon. 😊
5
Dec 18 2022
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Apparently my mom listened to this a lot after I was born. Not only that, Bonnie Raitt was my very first concert as a baby with cotton stuffed in my ears (slept through most of it apparently).
Pretty sure that has something to do with how I feel about this album. It's got a comfort food quality for me. Slick af production, catchy songs. That said, still kinda cheesey sounding at times. It's pop-rock-country from 1989 after all. But it has a lot of charm and heart I feel. Or maybe that's just nostalgia. In either case, it's a solid 4 for me. Will listen again.
4
Dec 19 2022
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Boring. No.
2
Dec 20 2022
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
It's short and sweet with a high ratio of bangers. What's not to like?
4
Dec 21 2022
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
3.5 rounded down for now, it could use another listen though. Definitely a couple good songs here.
3
Dec 22 2022
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Probably their best album all told. Some absolute bangers here, this is a 4.5 rounded down.
4
Dec 23 2022
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
This is like a 2.5 I guess, not quite my thing, but still some things I appreciate as well. I'm rounding it down, but that's just me being harsh on these ratings. Glad to have listened to it once, that was probably plenty lol
2
Dec 24 2022
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The Next Day
David Bowie
3.5 rounded down because I'm being harsh! This was solid, but I listened to it back to back with "Heroes" and one of those is a 5 and the other is not lol. Might revisit, but Bowie tends to be one of those artists I really like that I'm rarely in the mood to listen to a whole album of. And if I am, there's gonna be a better choice than this one.
3
Dec 25 2022
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
Pretty solid stuff overall with definitely a few utter classic bangers. Not my favorite or least favorite Floyd. 🤷
4
Dec 26 2022
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Working retail has soiled any love I ever had for Christmas music, which was never much to be honest. At best, this is tolerable to me. Like I would try to ignore it if I heard it playing at the grocery store, and I'd probably be able to because the actual recordings are solid. So I guess if I'm really itching to hear Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for the 10 billionth time, I might reach for this album! But what kinda sick fuck needs to listen to that again? I fucking hate Christmas music so much...
1
Dec 27 2022
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Never have liked Metallica all that much. I guess I understand the appeal, but this didn't change my mind.
2
Dec 29 2022
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
We Are the Robots and The Model are amazing songs, the rest is quite good too!
4
Dec 30 2022
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The Man Who
Travis
Pretty typical sad boy alternative stuff. Easy on the ears, but nothing spectacular.
3
Dec 31 2022
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Literally every song is a banger.
5
Jan 01 2023
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Elephant
The White Stripes
Fire singles, the rest is a bit meh.
3
Jan 02 2023
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
🤷 Not that bad honestly, but not super memorable either.
3
Jan 03 2023
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
Good fun punk, I dig it.
4
Jan 04 2023
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Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Tough call giving this a 4, but I'm trying to be harsh! It's a classic that everyone ought to listen to. Some 5/5 songs here too, also some that don't hit quite as hard. But overall I really enjoy it, I just don't find myself in the mood to listen to it much, I suppose. I'm more of a The Fall guy lol
4
Jan 05 2023
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Odelay
Beck
This album felt pretty different at the time, but I don't think it's aged particularly well. Still some good songs and worth listening to, I think this sort of thing has been done better elsewhere though.
3
Jan 06 2023
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This has a couple good songs, some nice bass lines, otherwise it's mostly just annoying and juvenile. No thanks.
2
Jan 07 2023
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Synchronicity
The Police
I've never listened to much from The Police besides their big hits. Fun new wave-y stuff! Definitely a ton of variety on this album, some kinda weird experimental leaning tracks right next to classic pop tunes. I definitely dig it, I'll need to listen to this (and their other albums!) some more.
4
Jan 08 2023
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Basket of Light
Pentangle
Solid folk rock a la Fairport Convention, but a bit more "out there". Some wonderful songs here for sure, will be listening to this again.
4
Jan 09 2023
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Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
Pretty fun indie rock/pop kinda stuff. Might come back to this.
3
Jan 10 2023
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Liquid Swords
GZA
This one just gets better on every listen. Mostly just because that production is LUSH. Mmm. I love this one. It has flaws, but not very impactful ones.
5
Jan 11 2023
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
This was fun, I might come back to this. Probably a bit mood dependent, but you can certainly hear the songwriting chops. 3.5 rounded down.
3
Jan 12 2023
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
Liked this quite a bit, too bad I could only find the whole thing on YouTube. It's pretty much a prototypical 70s singer-songwriter type of sound, but it manages to be sonically interesting the whole time with its structure. Pretty dang nice.
4
Jan 13 2023
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Purple Rain
Prince
Never listened to this all the way through before. I guess I get the hype? Not fully though? It's real good though, I fully enjoyed it. To me, it's a very solid 4. Some great singles, and nothing bad. But not exactly mind-blowing or anything.
4
Jan 14 2023
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
This album has a few absolutely amazing songs on it, but I'd need to be wayyyyyy stoned to want to listen to the whole thing front to back again.
3
Jan 15 2023
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
This was pretty interesting! Equal parts cool and bafflingly weird lol. Don't think I'll need to revisit it any time soon, glad I heard it once though!
3
Jan 16 2023
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
2.5 rounded down. This was okay-ish, but leans towards being bland soft rock, which... Not my jam. I'll take their disco stuff every time!
2
Jan 17 2023
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Pretty solid alt rock kinda stuff, I may revisit this at some point. 3.5 rounded down.
3
Jan 18 2023
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Abraxas
Santana
Obviously I knew the big hits, this is a really fun listen all the way through though. Great guitar playing and a lot of variety. I'll almost certainly come back to it!
4
Jan 19 2023
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Crazysexycool
TLC
This album is EXTREMELY 90s. Not something I'm gonna put on all the time or anything, but honestly quite fun, I see the appeal.
3
Jan 20 2023
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
A few good songs here. Not amazing. Just a perfect 3/5, nothing more or less.
3
Jan 21 2023
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
If you took away all of the INSANE sexism, how much of this would be left? 🤔
It's a shame because I like his flow and production, but a good half of this album is sickening and disturbing, like the musical equivalent of torture porn basically. No thanks.
2
Jan 22 2023
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
Just not my thing I guess. Not really bad, just meh. Some wannabe Bob Dylan psych-folk. Again, not exactly bad, but there weren't any songs that actually grabbed me. 2.5 rounded down.
2
Jan 23 2023
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Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
Pretty bland across the board with like 2 or 3 actually good songs. Solid 2.
2
Jan 24 2023
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
Really fun album! Clever instrumentation, and a lot of great songs. Will be coming back to this one, too bad I could only find it on YouTube.
4
Jan 25 2023
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Guitar Town
Steve Earle
Solid old country-rock, not exactly my thing but there were definitely some good songs here.
3
Jan 26 2023
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Bittersweet Symphony is 5/5, the rest is like 2-3 range. Classic one hit wonder type of stuff lol.
3
Jan 27 2023
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Close To You
Carpenters
Some classics on here for sure. It tends towards being cheesy and saccharine, but you know what... I still really like it. Hard to be in a bad mood with this playing.
4
Feb 01 2023
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Parklife
Blur
IMHO, this is a classic. Not MY FAVORITE classic, but a classic none the less. This album has an actual arc from beginning to end (with some silly interludes and such as was the fashion of the time), and at least four 5/5 songs. That said, it's never gonna be a 5 for me. Always has been and most likely always will be a solid 4/5 for the amount of filler here. But those 5/5 songs are, and will continue to be, in the daily rotation. It's a great album.
4
Feb 02 2023
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
Haven't listened to much Fiona Apple, this was pretty good though. Fairly experimental at times, but pretty accessible overall. Might come back to this. 3.5 rounded down.
3
Feb 03 2023
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
Solid 2. A couple of decent-ish songs, mostly pretty boring and uninspired.
2
Feb 04 2023
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Violator
Depeche Mode
Banger. There's like 3 utter classics on here, and the rest is super good too. 4.5 rounded up because it's basically the progenitor of all of the chilly synth pop that I love.
5
Feb 05 2023
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
Hadn't heard this before, but it's definitely up my alley! Shoegaze/Jangle pop type of stuff, solid af. Will be coming back to this for sure!
4
Feb 06 2023
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
Not a fan of her voice, it gets pretty grating after a while. A few good songs here no doubt, but this is supremely overhyped IMHO. Solid 3.
3
Feb 07 2023
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is a comfort album, and my favorite CCR album. Hard to give this any other rating! I love it.
5
Feb 08 2023
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Solid album, this feels more like Dinosaur Jr or other noisy indie rock than grunge to me, but I suppose grunge has always been a weird fuzzy boundary in that respect.
In any case, I liked this, will probably go check out their other albums soon!
4
Feb 09 2023
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
I dig 'em. Blues-y and rocking, I'll come back to this (and their next few albums) for sure.
4
Feb 10 2023
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
This one should've been in the companion volume, "1001 Albums You Can Safely Skip Before You Die". Feels like a whole album of filler tracks, kinda. Not sure who the audience is supposed to be... It feels like it's doing a lot of different things and none of them particularly well, so most of the tracks just feel vaguely disappointing. The final track was pretty fun though.
2
Feb 11 2023
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Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
Not their best, still absolutely great.
4
Feb 12 2023
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
Honestly, this was really fun. Have only really heard her hits, but it turns out she's a great singer?! Some of these songs come off as pretty toxic though... Pussycat in particular. So a little bit off for that. I'll still give it a 4 though, honestly pretty much any rap from this era is going to have some road bumps like that, and it's not egregious or anything. Fire singles, and like I said... Just fun.
4
Feb 13 2023
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Rush are... Fine. I liked some of this. Not really my thing I guess?
3
Feb 14 2023
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Here's a live album I actually like! Short and sweet.
4
Feb 15 2023
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
This has some bops, very bluesy. I dig it
4
Feb 16 2023
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Solid folk album, I listened to this twice in a row because I didn't feel like I absorbed it properly the first time through. It's simple and beautiful music, pretty much just a nice voice singing pretty words with some nice guitar playing. Can't complain about this one at all tbh, it's a 4 for now!
4
Feb 17 2023
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Solid pop album, I probably prefer Gran Turismo, but I still really like this one.
4
Feb 18 2023
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Lovely voice and some very nice renditions of these songs. Not sure if it'll ever be the top of the list of what I want to listen to, but I'm not gonna complain either. Solid 4.
4
Feb 19 2023
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The Score
Fugees
This is one of the albums that got me into hip-hop, so I've probably got some bias! But yeah, I freaking love this album. Ready or Not, Fu-Gee-La, Family Business, Killing Me Softly With His Song... All freaking amazing songs. I ought to put this on more often. So good.
5
Feb 20 2023
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
Very fun obscure new wave with some really sweet funky grooves. I'm gonna come back to this one!
4
Feb 21 2023
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Hey Elvis, where'd you get your signature sound!?
...What?
...oh.
2
Feb 22 2023
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
I straight up HATED this album when it came out, but after not hearing it for almost 20 years(??? I'm old), it's not too bad. I think I mostly hated the cringe-y lyrics? Those are still pretty cringe-y, but I've learned to embrace cringe over the years, so it's less of a deal breaker now.
Anyway, it was overplayed as hell for what it is, but it's not bad. The first 4 songs are damn good, the rest is alright. Solid 3.5 (rounded down as per protocol).
3
Feb 23 2023
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
This feels like it was included because it was a #1 album in England and not because it's actually good?
I actually liked a couple of the songs here, but mostly kinda sounded like blander and not as good Prince? *Shrug* I'll pass.
2
Feb 25 2023
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
I *love* the production on this album, but occasionally the flow is... A bit cheesy sounding. I think it's mostly an artifact of the times, and no doubt this is an essential listen, a hip-hop classic... But it does keep it from getting the 5 from me. I don't think that'll change for me either, I've listened to this one a LOT (and will continue to, it's a great album). 4.5 rounded down.
4
Feb 26 2023
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
Ah, some more Barry Adamson. This is an absolutely wild album to have come out in '89! Dark jazz/Sound collage type stuff. I think I prefer Oedipus Schmoedipus, but this guy really nails a weird and (mostly) dark atmosphere. I dig it well enough, but I'm not exactly gonna throw it on for a pleasurable listening experience, it's weird as hell. 3.5 rounded up because too many of y'all obviously don't appreciate Angelo Badalamenti either. 🙄😆
4
Feb 27 2023
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Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
Good stuff, I want to listen to this one again!
4
Feb 28 2023
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Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Never understood the hype for Genesis.
Still don't.
2
Mar 01 2023
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Great album, I like it a lot! The production is obviously a highlight, some of the songs don't really do it as much for me as the highlights here, but I'll always be happy to have this on.
4
Mar 02 2023
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Kenya
Machito
I'm not really a jazz aficionado, I've listened to a good amount of the classics I suppose, liked most of them pretty well. This one hits a special spot for me though. It's energetic, dancey! I think describing it as old-timey big-band Afro-Cubano jazz gets the main idea across. Very Salsa like, with brash and kinda noisy brass and also... Bongo solos! I never thought I would be hyped for yet another bongo solo! But I was!
Listened to this twice in a row and I still wanna listen to it again! Apparently I dig Latin jazz. 5/5
5
Mar 03 2023
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
Advant-garde semi-ambient classical-but-not type stuff. I liked it well enough, but there's plenty of stuff in the same vein that I like a lot more. An interesting listen, probably won't return to it, but maybe I will. 🤷
3
Mar 04 2023
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
About You is *such* a good ending to this album. This is, IMHO, *way* better than Psychocandy. This one has aged like fine wine... It doesn't reveal all of its character on first listen, it's a very layered album that I don't feel like I've plumbed the depth of more than 20 years and dozens of listens after hearing it for the first time. So much goodness packed into 36 minutes!
One of my top 5 albums of the 80s, easy 5/5.
5
Mar 05 2023
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
This is fine.
3
Mar 06 2023
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Melodrama
Lorde
Pretty solid pop album, didn't necessarily grab me too much, but pleasant enough.
3
Mar 07 2023
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
A lot of great songs here, plus some nostalgia. Solid 4/5
4
Mar 08 2023
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
If you like Fela Kuti, you may also like this!
I'll come back to this soon I think.
4
Mar 09 2023
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
Quite boring. Instantly turned into mediocre Western-themed-jukebox type background music and never once entered the foreground of my mind. Probably could use another listen, but I'd rather not do that because I'm pretty sure I would just be bored again.
2
Mar 10 2023
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
Cool psychedelic rock, I could definitely come back to this. Solid 4 for now
4
Mar 11 2023
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Illmatic
Nas
Had actually never listened to this before (despite knowing OF it, of course), but yeah... Fairly obvious why it gets held up as being one of the best rap albums of all time. Really slick jazzy production, and Nas's flow fits into it perfectly. Listened to it twice in a row and I might go back for more later, it's definitely damn good.
Hard to rate it anything else, so 🤷
5
Mar 12 2023
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Ramones
Ramones
Very fun and upbeat punk rock, sounds rather poppy compared to a lot of other punk of the era. A bit repetitive, but overall still a fun listen.
4
Mar 13 2023
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En-Tact
The Shamen
Had never heard of this band before. It's pretty typical early 90s rave music, really. Wiki claims psychedelic rock mixed in there too, which... Kinda I guess? But really it's some rather generic bouncy EDM.
Honestly liked this somewhat, but it's pretty dated and rather samey. Doubt I'll come back to it, but you never know.
3
Mar 14 2023
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
This is fine. I think I like Kraftwerk a lot more when they stick to stuff that's at least vaguely poppy and/or has strong song structure? These don't really stick too well in mind for the most part. Good music for cleaning the house to though.
3
Mar 15 2023
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
26 minutes that felt like much longer...
Just look at the cover. Whitest of whites!
...I appreciate that this type of music has a corny old-timey kinda charm, but if I would rather be listening to something else the whole time (like some blues!), then I can't actually claim to like it? Not the WORST thing I've ever listened to, but I don't think I'll ever be itching to put it on. Like, ever. It's got some catchy tunes, but so do The Beatles and they're way more interesting. Same for Howling Wolf or Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Yup, gonna go wash out my ears with some blues now. 🙃
2
Mar 16 2023
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Tommy
The Who
Overall not GREAT imho, but glad to have listened to it. Handful of really good songs, and I can appreciate how important this type of sprawling concept album was at the time. Don't think I'll be listening to it front to back any time soon, but I'll probably be back to some of the singles. 3.5 rounded down
3
Mar 17 2023
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Beautiful album, one of my favorite jazz albums... Which means it's a solid 4 leaning 4.5! Sorry, I just don't get the urge to listen to jazz all that regularly, so chalk this rating up to my understanding/appreciation of this type of music, not to the music itself (which is still really good even to a jazz noob like myself, just not where I need something to be for me to rate it a 5).
Certainly one that belongs on the list!
4
Mar 18 2023
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Technique
New Order
Arguably not one of New Order's best... But I still adore it. Round and Round is one of my favorites songs of theirs, and the rest is great too. I considered giving this a 4, but I do think I like this more than the majority of my 4s, so... We'll call it a 4.5 rounded up. New Order are too damn good.
5
Mar 19 2023
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Another Aretha Franklin, another instant 5. Amazing voice, great songs, and doesn't overstay it's welcome. Seriously, what's not to like?
5
Mar 20 2023
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
I listened to this A LOT when it came out, trying to figure out what other people liked about it that I was missing. Never figured that out, and for a while there I kinda hated Fleet Foxes. Years later, my opinion has mellowed somewhat, but... I still think this is pretty bland lowest-common-denominator type stuff though, especially compared to some other indie folk I could mention. Feels like eating cotton candy kinda: Sweet and airy with no actual substance. Inoffensive, nice on the ears, and pretty darn uninteresting to me. 2.5 rounded down.
2
Mar 21 2023
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Look, is my rating based heavily on nostalgia? Absolutely. Is Billy Corgan a raging douche? Indubitably. But I still fucking love this album. I feel like the ratio of bangers to filler is EXTREMELY high, way more than Siamese Dream, which is like half filler IMHO. This one has a handful, sure, but honestly the ebb and flow from the harder grunge songs to the melodic ballads makes the 2 hours go by like a breeze for me (although I recommend taking a quick break after Take Me Down to switch CDs 😉).
Anyway, I usually listen to this album once a year around the end of October when it came out originally, and it's got perfect vibes for that time of year. Getting the annual listen out of the way in March felt a little weird, but it's still great. Probably listen to again in 7 months tbh!
It's a subjective opinion and people are allowed to feel differently of course, but for me this will always be THE Smashing Pumpkins album, and one of the best albums of the 90s. I'll say top 25, it was a pretty good decade. 😆
5
Mar 22 2023
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Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
A few bangers here, mostly didn't quite do it for me though. Might need another listen or two, solid 3 for now though.
3
Mar 23 2023
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Some fun songs here, mostly It's Tricky. It's 1986 rap though. Pretty cheesy and silly by today's standards. Solid 3.
3
Mar 24 2023
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Take Me Apart
Kelela
Pretty cool stuff, I'm not usually TOO into R&B, but the production here is interesting enough to keep my attention, and she's got a great voice. Gonna try to come back to this and check out her other music soon. Gonna give this the ol' 3.75 rounded up because my initial feeling is that I like this more than a lot of my other 3s lol.
4
Mar 25 2023
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
This was fine. Like... Good, but didn't grab me very much except a couple songs. Might need another listen.
3
Mar 26 2023
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Definitely some 5/5 songs on here, and I do want to return to this. Nice and mellow Saturday listening. 🤙
4
Mar 27 2023
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Ahh, Creedence. Maybe not quite as many bangers here as on Cosmo's Factory, but Lodi is one of my favorites. Not to mention Bad Moon Rising. Very close to a 5, but I'm gonna lean harsh. 🤷
4
Mar 28 2023
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Movies
Holger Czukay
This was... Interesting. Not actually GOOD, mind. Avant garde noodly meandering funk almost? Although it covers quite a few genres, I suppose. And it definitely has really cool moments, I think. But 40 minutes of it? Nah.
2
Mar 29 2023
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
Me listening to Feast of Wire for the 5th time in a row: "God damn that is good. Shit, that's fresh."
But in all seriousness, hadn't listened to this in many years and I'd forgotten how freaking good it is. Glad it made it onto the list too, most of the stuff I was obsessed with in 2005 did not lol. It has "filler", but even those are hella good tbh. A jewel of the 00s, straight back into the rotation. 5/5
5
Mar 30 2023
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
This was okay-ish, minus the titular song about a "teenage love machine". ??? The 70s were wild... But yeah, I hope by now anyone reading my reviews has learned that white boys making blues knock offs doesn't really do it for me. Some catchy riffs here, sure, but why would I want to come back to this?
2
Mar 31 2023
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
Debated whether to give this a 3 or a 4 for a while, but ultimately I don't think I liked it enough to listen to repeatedly. It's good though, some very off the beaten path punk music. Might come back to it if I'm in the mood I guess? 3.5 rounded down.
3
Apr 01 2023
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Listened to this twice in a row. Definitely like it. Honestly can't say much more because I'm a jazz noob a bit, but it was fun and energetic and has this quality where I never know wtf is going on but it's cohesive and done with intent? I dig it.
4
Apr 02 2023
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Meh. A song or 2 that is liked, I suppose. But meh. 2.5 rounded down
2
Apr 03 2023
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Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Am I wrong in thinking this is super bland? I don't often call rap flat out BORING, but... The songs don't really have much differentiation from each other. Just a blur of dated and silly gangster machismo. Don't feel like this needs to be on the list.
2
Apr 04 2023
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
Tentative rating, but... I liked it.
4
Apr 05 2023
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
Quite liked about half of this? Solid 3.5 (rounded down as per protocol), potential to go up. Could come back to this one.
3
Apr 06 2023
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Got to see Sufjan on tour for this album! So good.
Hadn't listened to it in AGES, I had to listen to it like 4 times in a row lol. And then some of the singles on repeat the rest of the day.
Anyway, this one is an easy 5, so easy it's making a lot of my 5s not seem so hot anymore lol. One of my favorite albums ever, top 10 depending on the day I think. A good amount of Philip Glass influence on this album I think, which is obviously amazing. So well orchestrated, arranged, produced. Love it.
5
Apr 07 2023
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The Cars
The Cars
I mean... the first few tracks kinda carry it, but those tracks! I think this album is just what I needed? 😆
4
Apr 08 2023
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evermore
Taylor Swift
🤷 It's the Fleet Foxes issue again where it's *too* smooth? It's fine I guess.
3
Apr 09 2023
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Not too shabby, but I think I'm less likely to just put this on than some of the other jazz albums I've had from this list so far. Probably needs more listens 🤷
3
Apr 10 2023
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Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
I liked some of this. Some of it (particularly the last song) was a little much though. 3.5 rounded down
3
Apr 11 2023
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
I've always thought that if Radiohead had released this before Kid A, then everyone would probably be gushing over Amnesiac instead. It's quite obvious that they are two halves to the same thing, and I'd feel a bit disingenuous giving it another rating. It's awesome.
5
Apr 12 2023
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
This was aight, rock done in a somewhat interesting way with twinges of the psychedelic in there. Ngl though, did not wow me. It's fine, certainly prefer it to the stuff that's purely a blues rip off. This is only MOSTLY a blues rip off. It's an improvement, 3 leaning 3.5.
3
Apr 13 2023
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Solid. I'll come back to this before Electric Ladyland for sure.
4
Apr 14 2023
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Not gonna lie, I'm mostly here for the first two songs. But the whole thing is still pretty damn good.
4
Apr 15 2023
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I definitely like a couple songs here. May need more listens.
Honestly a tough choice between 3 or 4. Rounding down for protocol.
3
Apr 16 2023
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The Bends
Radiohead
This one doesn't hit quite as hard as some other Radiohead albums IMHO, but it's still really good. A very solid 4.
4
Apr 17 2023
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
This was fine.
3
Apr 18 2023
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Close To The Edge
Yes
This is very close to what I consider peak prog honestly, even after two listens. Tentative 4 for now, but I can see that rating going up with more listens.
4
Apr 19 2023
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Goo
Sonic Youth
This is my favorite Sonic Youth album sometimes. They have like four or five 5* albums for me, and... This is one of them.
So many good songs here, no bad songs... An all time favorite for sure, safely in my top 50 of all time. Maybe top 20. It's an incredible album front to back IMHO. I can listen to it three times in a row and not be bored.
I particularly love Mote, noise section and all. This is definitely an album you need to be able to like some noise for, but... The riffs on every instrument just kick ass. Sonic Youth showed me how noise and discordance in music can be meaningful and artistic. This album was key to my current understanding of music as a whole.
Yup, easy 5/5, can't wait for more Sonic Youth on this list.
5
Apr 20 2023
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Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
Hmm, this didn't really hit for me. It's not bad by any stretch, just didn't hit. I dunno, could use another listen maybe? Solid 3 so far.
3
Apr 21 2023
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Berlin
Lou Reed
A good example of rock music done in a unique and interesting way. Kinda reminded me of a more rough-around-the-edges Bowie or something. Good stuff.
4
Apr 22 2023
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So
Peter Gabriel
Didn't expect to like this all that much tbh, but it's got quite a few bangers. Some less good stuff too, but overall I felt this was extremely solid.
4
Apr 23 2023
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
This was pretty fun, overly long and not very cohesive I feel. I think it would be a solid 4 at 40 minutes or so, but as is... I don't see a lot of this growing on me. This is the sorta thing I raid for the singles and probably never listen to front to back again. You never know, could change my mind on that, but for now it's a 3.
3
Apr 24 2023
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
Pretty cool stuff, solid 3.5 (rounded down as per protocol).
3
Apr 25 2023
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Hotel California
Eagles
I'm usually not in the mood for this type of music, but I'll admit this has a lot of bangers on it. The title track is still overplayed af, but in the context of the rest of the album I really like it. Solid 4.
4
Apr 26 2023
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
This pretty much is my happy place now?
5
Apr 27 2023
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Scum
Napalm Death
I mean, I'm not going to put this on for the dinner guests, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't entertained by this. It's certainly not boring! And it doesn't overstay it's welcome. The 30 second songs of just one riff and a few screamed words make me laugh and give me a bit of life. A solid 3.5 that I'm gonna round up just to bring up that average score a little. ;)
4
Apr 28 2023
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Copper Blue
Sugar
Pretty meh. I would take the first two Cranberries albums over this one if I want early 90s alt. 🤷
I'll give it like a 2.3. (Rounded down )
2
Apr 29 2023
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Just a damn fine album from start to finish. Hits the freaking spot when I'm in the mood for it!
5
Apr 30 2023
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
This is alright, pretty fun.
3
May 01 2023
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
That was alright. Not bad, not great.
3
May 02 2023
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
I never listened to Def Leppard before because I didn't really think they'd be my thing.
I was wrong. They're not just \"not my thing.\" This is easily one of the most shitty things I've ever heard. I'm straight up stunned at the moment. This is the raw chicken that got microwaved for 45 minutes of music (with Pop-Rock seasoning). Just when I thought I had passed the worst of it, I was hit with another insipid verse from that \"voice\" (I hate it), or another endlessly noodly and annoying guitar solo (hate it)... And the ballads. The ballads are WORSE. jfc
Honestly, I could probably tolerate some of these songs if they got mixed into a playlist at low ratio. But if this doesn't deserve a 1, I don't know what does. Wow that sucked.
1
May 03 2023
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
This was solid, sent me down a rabbit hole of DJ Premier's work, the production here is very cool, often atonal and surprising. The lyrics and flow are definitely pretty good too, less misogynistic than a lot of 90s rap (which isn't to say not misogynistic, but at least it's just one song and not even that bad for the 90s? 🤷). Solid 4 for now.
4
May 04 2023
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Smile
Brian Wilson
This was a super interesting listen. Tentative rating at the moment, but I definitely dug it for the most part.
4
May 05 2023
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
This is a good one. Has the feel of being in some backwoods bar with a low-key local band playing as you slowly drink yourself into a blackout.
And of course it's like the grandaddy of slowcore, so there's no way I wouldn't like it. Gotta be in the right mood for it I think, but it fuckin' hits if you're there.
4
May 06 2023
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
A full star off for the heavy sexualization of teenagers. The fuckin' 70s, man. 🤮
Lust for Life and The Passenger are definitely the standouts here, and probably the only songs I wanna come back to.
2
May 07 2023
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
So many great songs here. Not much to say except that it's an easy 5.
5
May 08 2023
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Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
Pretty boring chamber pop. There's a LOT of stuff in the genre I prefer to this.
2
May 09 2023
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
A very interesting album with some great songs. Probably overly long. It's not Rumours. 🤷
4
May 10 2023
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Probably too long. Actually definitely too long. Still quite a lot of bangers though.
4
May 11 2023
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I do like their production, but the flows on this one felt a little samey tbh. Could use another listen probably, but for now it's is the not bad not great 3.0 zone.
3
May 12 2023
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
First half was kinda like a Talking Heads album, 2nd half felt more like typical Brian Eno spacey ambient stuff. I dug it.
4
May 13 2023
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1999
Prince
Lots of bangers on this one, a couple songs less so too, but... I guess I appreciate the influence. Probably more than the actual thing actually. But I dunno, I kinda just wanna give it the 4 and move on lol
4
May 14 2023
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Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
Pretty fun punk album. Was waffling between 3 and 4, but I'm gonna lean high on this one, it has a vibrancy that makes me want to come back to it soon.
4
May 15 2023
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
This one is a journey. Never listened to it before, but I this one breezes by with a lot of beautiful sections and at least a few actual *bangers*, but this is more of a vibes album than a singles album. The production is absolute fire. Talk Talk always surprise and delight I have to say, this one strikes a nice middle ground between their later ambient stuff and their more pop albums. Truly singular, at least to me! I need album recs similar to this, solid.
4
May 16 2023
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
This was good, some of it better than other parts I guess. Waffling between a 4 and a 3 here... Not sure I like it enough to come back repeatedly though, so... 3.5 rounded down for now.
3
May 17 2023
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
What can I say, I like most of this quote a lot. Solid 4. 👌
4
May 18 2023
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Central Reservation
Beth Orton
Some super good songs here, a bunch of kinda meh ones too. Solid 3 I think. 🤷
3
May 19 2023
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
So many classic Bowie songs here. And really no songs I disliked. So yeah. It's a great album.
5
May 20 2023
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Solid disco. A couple less good songs, but He's the Greatest Dancer and the title track make up for it honestly.
4
May 21 2023
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Medúlla
Björk
This is a weird one. Not bad necessarily, but not exactly as listenable as Vespertine or something lol. For now, solid 3.
3
May 22 2023
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Pretty good, probably needs another couple listens before I have a final opinion. 3.5 for now.
3
May 23 2023
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Solid. The first 3 kinda kick the ass of the rest I think, but still solid.
4
May 24 2023
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Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
I mean, not boring. Didn't necessarily grab me much either for the most part, but I might come back to this.
3
May 25 2023
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Talking Heads have at least 3, probably 4, albums which are arguably their best. This is one of them. Straight 🔥
5
May 26 2023
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Not top tier Beatles by a stretch, but it's got quite a few bangers and doesn't overstay its welcome. Pretty solid.
4
May 27 2023
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Psychedelic and rich soul/R&B. Not an everyday listen by a stretch, but damn good for sure, I'll be coming back to this one.
4
May 28 2023
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LP1
FKA twigs
I like out-there ethereal pop music, so this is basically straight up my alley. I probably would've stuck Purity Ring - Shrines in here instead, but this is still solid. Needs more listens.
4
May 29 2023
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Fun stuff, pretty different from the other Temptations album I had, but still very solid. Will have to come back to this.
4
May 30 2023
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Queen II
Queen
This was a fun listen, probably my favorite "hard rock" album off the list so far. Although I'd call it more like theatrical prog/glam with a sprinkle of hard rock, myself. But yeah, fun and not boring or bland. Nice.
4
May 31 2023
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Rio
Duran Duran
Really good album front to back tbh, obviously most people know the singles but there's a lot of other great songs here. Solid af.
4
Jun 01 2023
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
Pretty interesting down tempo album that I had never heard of. I could probably think of some other electronic stuff from the same era that's more deserving of the spot, but this was definitely solid and I'm glad I got exposed to it, at least.
4
Jun 02 2023
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
Trash. Mariah is obviously a talented vocalist, so it's not WHOLLY without redeeming qualities, but I'd still have preferred listening to construction noises for the duration. Pretty much all of the songs sound alike (and that sound is late 90s high school slow dance). No fuckin' thanks. 1.5 rounded down.
1
Jun 03 2023
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
This was pretty fun overall, kind of a psychedelic jazz-rock medley in a way. Not something I think I'll feel the need to revisit any time soon, but perfectly enjoyable listening tbh. 3.5 rounded down as per protocol.
3
Jun 04 2023
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Face to Face
The Kinks
Fun album, never listened to it although I knew a few of the songs. Solid.
4
Jun 05 2023
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
Some great songs here, but kinda over long, began to lose interest by the end. Still pretty good though, 3.5 rounded down.
3
Jun 06 2023
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
A couple solid songs here for sure, surrounded by a whole lotta fuckin' meh. 2.5 rounded down.
2
Jun 07 2023
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
This seems like it would've been an awesome show to be at, but without the visual impact it kinda just... Sounds like a lot of noodling. Still pretty entertaining for a random live album, all told, but I don't feel like I'll really want to come back to it. At least not until some of their studio LPs inevitably show up on the list later.
3
Jun 08 2023
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Solid af, as expected. Not as many standout songs as Violator probably, but I see this one growing on me.
4
Jun 09 2023
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Not sure how exactly to put this rating into words... Suffice to say that I like it more than the 4s lol. It's got a dark and kinda unsettling vibe you just won't get outside of The Knife or maybe Joy Division, and I really freakin' dig it. Not gonna be for everyone obviously, but I do find it truly singular.
5
Jun 10 2023
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Eh. Tempted to give it a 3 because there were a couple good songs and actually some nice riffs, but I also don't really care and I could go without listening to it ever again. We'll call it a 2.5 rounded down.
2
Jun 11 2023
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Probably my favorite EC&A album so far. Still a 3.5 (rounded down per protocol).
3
Jun 12 2023
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Black Metal
Venom
Not bad, not great. Entertaining enough for a listen imo, but not something I feel like I need to come back to.
3
Jun 13 2023
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Beautiful Freak
Eels
*Shrug* Not bad, not great.
3
Jun 14 2023
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War
U2
Some bangers here for sure. Most of it doesn't quite do it for me though. Still pretty good overall though.
3
Jun 15 2023
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OK
Talvin Singh
This was quite good imo, probably the best of the late 90s electronic that the list has given me, outside of like Portishead obviously. World music inspired trip-hop with some dope tabla playing. Definitely snagging some of these to go on various playlists.
4
Jun 16 2023
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Not really my thing, especially given the context. 🤮
2
Jun 17 2023
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Boston
Boston
More Than a Feeling is a classic for sure, the rest is fine.
3
Jun 18 2023
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
This was a lot of fun, reminded me of some of the heavy neo-psych stuff that was coming out in the mid/late 00s. Liked this quite a bit more than most of my recent albums, so it's a 4 for now. We'll see if it stays there long term, but hey.
4
Jun 19 2023
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Honestly pretty fun, I love Modest Mussorgsky, so that bumps this up a bit. Call it a 3.5
3
Jun 20 2023
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
I was rather obsessed with this album when it came out, it still holds up pretty dang well IMHO, a few of the other songs are just as good as the singles. Solid.
4
Jun 21 2023
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McCartney
Paul McCartney
Pretty much just meandering and boring. I'm good.
2
Jun 22 2023
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
Never understood the appeal here. There are a few ok songs here, but most of it is pretty bland to my ears. It's fine I guess? Like I wasn't actively hating it as it played. But I also was never like "Oh wow, this is a great riff!" Because it all sounds like rehashed hair metal (which is rather the point, no?). Like I said, doesn't really do it for me. 2.5 rounded down per protocol
2
Jun 23 2023
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
It's a hot mess tbh, but so is a lot of stuff I like. Not boring at least! Also don't feel like I'll ever really want to come back to it (if the lyrics were a little less silly then I honestly might). I guess that's a 3?
3
Jun 24 2023
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Some good songs here. It's a pretty solid 3.5 for me I think.
3
Jun 25 2023
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The Stooges
The Stooges
Fun album, reminded me of Velvet Underground at times, but also not lol. I'll lean high ang give it the 4
4
Jun 26 2023
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Eh. I've definitely heard worse from the list, but I don't particularly think this needs to be here. Not a huge fan of the vocals either. Pretty solid 2 for me.
2
Jun 27 2023
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Really having a hard time enjoying this, mostly due to the vocals. Some fairly good bones on a few of the songs though. I'll call it a 2.5. Tolerable, but not for me.
2
Jun 28 2023
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Some fire singles here I think. Still just a 3.5 overall imo.
3
Jun 29 2023
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Yeah, they're not my thing I guess. Tolerable enough as background music I suppose. 2.5 rounded down.
2
Jun 30 2023
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
Some good songs here, would've been better if it was 50 minutes probably.
3
Jul 01 2023
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
A fun and varied album with some great guitar playing and singing. Not gonna call it a favorite or anything, but it's solidly good. 3.5
3
Jul 02 2023
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Nowhere
Ride
Honestly I think Ride are kinda second rate shoegaze, I'd put this album below at least a half dozen other shoegaze/nugaze albums that are better. And that's not even counting My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive lol. But I still just love shoegaze in general, basically my favorite genre within rock music. So... It still gets a 4, I love most of the songs. But they're no Slowdive.
4
Jul 03 2023
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#1 Record
Big Star
Pretty standard kinda rock/power pop, but it's fun. 3.5
3
Jul 04 2023
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Graceland
Paul Simon
This is honestly the Paul Simon album to beat for me. The production is killer, the songs are varied and great, and I have a lot of nostalgia for it because my dad had it on repeat quite a lot when I was a kid.
Waffling between 4 and 5 a bit here because on one hand I really really like it, and on the other hand I kinda need to be in the mood for it? But I also need to be in the mood for some of all time favorites, so... We'll give it the ol' 4.5 rounded up because nostalgia lol.
5
Jul 05 2023
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
This feels pretty mid to me. 🤷 A good example of a clear 2.5.
2
Jul 06 2023
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
There's really nothing that sounds like Afrobeat. And this is the quintessential album of that genre. Obviously it belongs on the list, and I happen to love it already. Easy 5.
5
Jul 07 2023
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Suede
Suede
Hadn't listened to this in years, but I definitely still really like it. It's a bit mood dependent, but it's got a unique feel (although many would rightly say that this is what set off the Britpop explosion, it definitely doesn't sound anything like Blur or Oasis). I should try to revisit this (and the rest of their albums) soon. Solid 4.
4
Jul 08 2023
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Horses
Patti Smith
🤘 Effortlessly cool and badass. One of my favs of the 70s.
5
Jul 09 2023
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Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Solid stuff IMHO.
4
Jul 10 2023
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
Some of this was pretty ok, not boring at least. Still pretty much a solid 3, not really for me.
3
Jul 11 2023
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Fun and funky! I want to revisit this one.
4
Jul 12 2023
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Make Yourself
Incubus
I think the best I can say about it is that I didn't hate every song. I feel my rating is generous. Radio friendly 1999 nu-metal is not the vibe.
2
Jul 13 2023
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
Pretty much what I expected from a more poppy Talking Heads spin off. Pretty great honestly, Genius of Love is killer and there are definitely a few other songs here that I'll be putting on repeat. I always need more offbeat pop music in my life. Solid 4 with room to grow perhaps.
4
Jul 14 2023
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Probably their best I've heard so far, which isn't really saying much. Stairway to Heaven is cool (if over played), the rest is pretty bland and typical. I'll be nice and give a 3 I guess. I don't hate it, but I definitely don't love it either.
3
Jul 15 2023
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
I definitely didn't like this one as much as Funeral when it came out, but I feel like it's aged really well honestly. Or maybe I'm different and can just appreciate it for what it is now. In either case, I dig it.
4
Jul 16 2023
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Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
Kinda sounds like The Ramones had a baby with some poppy hard rock band like KISS. Some of it isn't TOO bad, but it all eventually blurs together into a mash of chugging guitar, wanky solos, and juvenile humor. Not for me.
2
Jul 17 2023
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American Gothic
David Ackles
🤷 Not unpleasant, but not something that I connected to at all or see myself revisiting. 2.5
2
Jul 18 2023
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
She's definitely got pipes, and it doesn't overstay its welcome. Solid live album.
4
Jul 19 2023
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Da Capo
Love
This feels like a 3 or 3.5 on some songs, then kicks it into high gear on some others. Not boring though! I am actually finding that to be my main criteria in going through the 1001. Since so many are bland as fuck!
Anyway, this one is like a 3.5 because I like it, but it's not *great*. Some songs are definitely not my jam. But I'm rounding up because I've never heard anything quite like it, so even if it's not GREAT, or not quite my jam at times... It's still cooler than most of my 3s. 🤷
And yeah, the last song seals the deal on the 4*s. It's batshit insane, and I love it. 👍
4
Jul 20 2023
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
I clearly remember hearing this one for the first time as a teenager and being a little confused by it, I don't think it was what I expected. By the 3rd or so listen I loved it, and I've loved it ever since. Single handedly started my obsession with shoegaze and dream pop which continues to this day!
This is one of the albums by which I judge other albums to be a 5. Like, if it can't stand next to this one, can it REALLY be that great? A top 5 of all time for me, easily. Getting it today is literally just an excuse to keep it on loop. In other words, a good fucking day.
Tl;Dr: If this album isn't perfect, then I don't know what is. 🤷
5
Jul 21 2023
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
A pretty decent album, I definitely enjoyed it but I'm leaning low. I don't think it really deviates from the 90s rap formula in enough ways for it to have real staying power for me. 3.5 rounded down.
3
Jul 22 2023
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Less headache inducing than Licence to Ill, at least. It's fine.
3
Jul 23 2023
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GREY Area
Little Simz
Pretty good, I could definitely see my rating going up with more listens. 3.5 for now.
3
Jul 24 2023
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
I listened to the "Best of" instead of the 3 hour box set because I'm not a masochist lol. Anyway, the rating reflects that. Ella has a killer voice and this was a really fun and pleasant listen.
4
Jul 25 2023
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Is This It
The Strokes
This has held up pretty well overall. It's kinda faded for me since the mid 00s, but it's fun enough. 3.5
3
Jul 26 2023
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Pump
Aerosmith
🤢
1
Jul 27 2023
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Headquarters
The Monkees
Kind of an interesting historical foot note as the #2 album when Sgt. Pepper's came out. But obviously one is a classic and the other is not. I'll be nice and give it the 3. It's not unpleasant, but it's basically background music at best.
3
Jul 28 2023
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Signing Off
UB40
🤷 Feels like a 3? I liked parts of it?
3
Jul 29 2023
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This album has a spark that I don't think YYYs ever managed to capture again (I do like some of their other albums, but none of them sound anything like this). Rich is an absolutely killer opening track, followed by Date With the Night (banger), Man (banger), Tick (banger), Black Tongue (banger), Pin (banger)... Then a couple songs I like a touch less, than the obvious stand outs of the show Maps and Y Control.
Honestly, I probably appreciate this album more now than when it came out. I think it was a little too pop-punk for my tastes back in the day, but now I do feel it be hittin'. I waffled back and forth between 4 and 5 for a while, but every time I do that I kind realize that if I'm debating between those two numbers... Then it's probably pretty fucking good.
4.5 rounded up because why not.
5
Jul 30 2023
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Typical one hit wonder with the pretty solid song and a lot of other bland songs.
2
Jul 31 2023
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Atomizer
Big Black
Nice album, pretty catchy as far as hardcore punk goes. And of course it's angry and nihilistic. Not an every day listen, but it's definitely really good.
4
Aug 01 2023
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
This is probably my favorite Metallica album so far. Still pretty mid compared to a lot of other metal though? Dude has an irritating bro-y voice, and everything is pretty flat and similar sounding. I might come back to 1 or 2 of the songs. Maybe. Probably not. 🤷
2
Aug 02 2023
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Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Love PJ Harvey, and this is definitely among her most unique and interesting. Not sure it tops her more raw/punk music, but no doubt it's great. There's room for this one to grow even more on me, I think.
3
Aug 03 2023
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Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
Painfully boring. Annoying vocals and cliche instrumentation. Feels like the mix between Lynyrd Skynyrd, The White Stripes, and The Strokes went rancid in the fridge. And those were all, at best, 3s themselves. Cold garbage, solid 1.0
1
Aug 04 2023
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
Fun story: I was visiting my oldest sister in L.A. and she took me to a tiny concert at an art gallery to see a couple artists I'd never heard of. The opener was some screechy lady with a harp (Joanna Newsom), and then "headlining" (keep in mind there was less than 50 people in the room, basically just a circle of people around a chair and a microphone) was Devendra Banhart. I didn't really enjoy myself at the time, but my tastes have changed.
This is definitely a singular album, captures a certain moment in time quite well. I'm not going to keep coming back to it like I will with Sufjan or whatever, but it's definitely quite good and unique.
4
Aug 05 2023
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Bang a Gong (Get It On) is a classic of course, I stuck that one on repeat occasionally. There are some other gems here too. Worth the listen for sure, but doesn't really stand out too much to me besides the obvious hit. Solid 3.5
3
Aug 06 2023
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
This has some alright songs. I suspect it's included on the list because it's a bit of a quirk of musical history and not so much because of the actual quality. We'll call it a 2.5 rounded down.
2
Aug 07 2023
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
This didn't do it for me.
2
Aug 08 2023
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Superstition and I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) are definitely the stand outs to me... And the strength of those two justifies the rating imo.
4
Aug 09 2023
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
This was probably my favorite jazz album before I started going through the list. Still absolutely spectacular, listening to this on headphones is an experience.
5
Aug 10 2023
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
I've got a soft spot for Janis. And I love the guitar playing here too, unhinged and wild. Sounds like they were having fun on this. And uh... Janis. Nuff said.
5
Aug 11 2023
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OK Computer
Radiohead
This was a mind opening album for me. Still sounds truly fresh 25+ years on. It's probably my favorite Radiohead album, although of course they have at least 3 albums I'd give a 5. Anyway, easy 5. I feel like the album speaks for itself better than I can.
5
Aug 12 2023
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Hadn't put this on in literal years, and so of course I had to listen to it like 3 times in a row. My sister gave me the CD of this for my birthday back in like '05 and it blew my little Sonic Youth obsessed mind. This was formative to my taste, but I feel like I like it even more now than when I first heard it. Easy 5.
5
Aug 13 2023
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xx
The xx
This has some pretty great singles, but it's really more of a vibes album. And the vibes... The vibes are fucking immaculate. For night time sad boy/sad girl/sad nb hours, at least. Jamie xx's production really elevates it and gives it that push from 3.5 to 4.
4
Aug 14 2023
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
"I need to listen to more Pet Shop Boys," I say to myself... Knowing that I actually listen to them quite a bit.
But a fan though I may be, I hadn't listened to this one before. Look, these 2 are STILL making music, they're prolific af, I haven't heard most of their music tbh. But yeah, this is great. As expected.
4
Aug 15 2023
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Most dad of dad rock. Still pretty good though, ngl.
4
Aug 16 2023
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
Wild that this came out in '79! Ahead of it's time for sure.
I knew Cars, but crazily I don't think I'd ever listened to this whole album before. Or if I had, it was absolute ages ago. Anyway, this album fuckin' kicks IMHO. Feels like New Wave by way of Kraftwerk, which is very much up my alley. Sweet bass lines, hella Moogs, random viola to spice things up... Hard to call this anything but pure synth-pop deliciousness. Just gonna go ahead and call this a 5 because I feel like it.
5
Aug 17 2023
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
There's the saying that something isn't perfect when there's nothing left to add, it's perfect when there's nothing left to remove. I think when applied to music, that might be especially true with the blues.
The fact that this isn't an absolute dumpster fire is just tribute to John Lee Hooker himself and how incredible of a songwriter the dude is. But would it not be better with rawer production and with fewer extraneous elements? Qualities easily found on his older material?
Some of the collabs aren't TOO bad though. Once I got past the 3rd song or so, I did find I was enjoying myself. And look, I actually LIKE both Santana and Bonnie Raitt. But did they actually improve this album, or the songs they're on even? I press X to doubt.
Anyway... This is pretty tepid from what I expect from the man. 3.5 seems about right (rounded down per protocol).
P.S.: I love John Lee Hooker! But this ain't the one IMHO.
3
Aug 18 2023
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m b v
My Bloody Valentine
Didn't know this was on the list! I mostly consider this a slightly different and slightly less good album than Loveless. I'd guess I listen to Loveless 10-15 times for every listen of m b v on average? That said... I always feel surprised by this one when I listen to it. I do feel it holds up better than Isn't Anything. Better than Ride - Nowhere for sure. Less good than Slowdive - Slowdive if we're talking shoegaze reunion albums. Certainly less good than Slowdive - Souvlaki. So once again I find myself comparing an album to some of my favorites of all time, deciding whether it's a 4 or a 5.
...And it's definitely a 5. I guess it's more like a 4.5 rounded up, but... No way I'm giving this the same rating as Nowhere lol. It's shoegaze, the production is fucking wild and beautiful... Doesn't hurt I saw them live on this tour. I love it. How about a 4.85? That feels right.
5
Aug 19 2023
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My Generation
The Who
I too wish boomers had died before they got old!
3
Aug 20 2023
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Each of the albums Nick Drake left us are a little piece of perfection. Such a shame that he wasn't appreciated in his own time, and a shame he had so little time to share his genius. And at the same time I'm thankful we have what remains that we do. RIP Nick
P.S.: Learned from his Wiki that The Cure got their name from the line "a troubled cure for a troubled mind" from Time Has Told Me. An interesting connection I never knew about!
5
Aug 21 2023
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Very solid, this rating could go up with more listens tbh.
4
Aug 22 2023
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Some ok moments here, for the most part it's pretty much just generic 70s hard rock though. Not for me.
2
Aug 23 2023
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
🤘
I probably prefer Call the Doctor slightly, but this is still one of the best albums of the 90s. Easy 5.
5
Aug 24 2023
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Bright Flight
Silver Jews
This is definitely the kind of thing you either like or don't. I happen to be a fan of lo-fi alt-country, so I like it. I'm not gonna take it over Songs: Ohia or anything, but that's a rather high standard imo. A nice listen that didn't overstay its welcome, dryly humorous with a slacker kinda vibe. Solid.
4
Aug 25 2023
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
The crowning achievement of Elvis Costello's career. 👏
But seriously, this is just such a fun listen from start to end. Can't rate it anything else honestly. MAYBE not as good as If I Should Fall From Grace With God, but it's kinda a toss up.
5
Aug 26 2023
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
I'd heard of this band, but never listened to them before. But Wiki tells me some inspirations were The Waterboys and Spacemen 3? That feels very close to how this sounds. And I really dig both of those bands lol. This is... Kinda genius. Gonna go ahead and call it an instant 5. Atmospheric, moody, noisy, folky... and some damn fine guitar solos. Not sure why I never listened to them before, but this has definitely made me a fan. Listening to this on repeat today I think. 🎧 🎶
5
Aug 27 2023
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
This is the rare pop album with basically no real melodic hooks or actually catchy songs. Dozens of 80s pop albums that absolutely destroy this, from the actually good of a-ha and Tears for Fears to the mediocre-but-at-least-some-catchy-songs Wham!. Tempting to give it a 1 honestly, but I'm a sucker for cheesy 80s synth music. Plus it's definitely not quite as bad as my other 1s (some of which are getting very near to being actual crimes against humanity)... Just very much not good, no need to listen to ever again. 2 it is. Time to listen to some mediocre (but still infinitely better) 80s synth-pop to clear my mind.
2
Aug 28 2023
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
Oh please god no. I'm sorry I complained about the Aerosmith, please!
I would've quit out after the first song if I wasn't stubborn as hell. That would've been a great choice, but here we are. This is straight up making me question whether this whole 1001 journey was really such a good idea. Fucking hell. I get that it's satirical, but if it's this bad does that even matter? I'd rather have been getting root canals for 35 minutes.
1
Aug 29 2023
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
This one is a grower. I definitely didn't appreciate it the first time I heard it, now I hear it as a trip-hop masterpiece and one of the most influential albums in electronic music. Do I like some of the things this influenced more than this? Yes, absolutely. It's still great though. 🤷
5
Aug 30 2023
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
I'm not necessarily a "Leonard Cohen person", although I do absolutely love some of his stuff. Just not as much as a lot of people. This is really good though. A haunting album from someone well aware they're on death's door. I could definitely come back to this.
4
Aug 31 2023
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Viva Hate
Morrissey
Unfortunately, most Morrissey music just sounds like second rate Smiths music... And I'm already someone who LIKES The Smiths but doesn't love them. Realllllly missing Johnny Marr on this one. Still a couple good songs though, and some nice bass playing. Pretty solid 3, maybe 3.5
3
Sep 01 2023
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Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
This was ok, didn't fully do it for me though. Call it a 2.5.
2
Sep 02 2023
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Heroes
David Bowie
An otherworldly album for sure. This is DEFINITELY one that everyone should listen to before they die... Even if you end up not liking it. I love it of course, this and Low are his masterpieces to me.
5
Sep 03 2023
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This might grow on me, 3.5 for now though. It's sad vibes for sure, not sure I really feel much else from/about it though.
3
Sep 04 2023
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Ten
Pearl Jam
This goes straight into the over played and over hyped pile. It's not bad, just not even close to "one of the best rock albums ever". Eddie Vedder's vocals are not great, a couple of the songs manage to get past that anyway. That's pretty much all I have to say about it. Solid 3 material.
3
Sep 05 2023
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Mmmmm, I'm loving all the samba and bossa nova. Just a lovely listen.
5
Sep 06 2023
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Another Nick Drake, another 5. Perfection.
5
Sep 07 2023
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Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
Pretty fun, but not really better than any of the other new wave or post punk greats. Probably not even The Psychedelic Furs' best album. Still good though, solid 3.5
3
Sep 08 2023
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Never heard of these guys before, this kicks ass though. Listened to it 3 times through without getting bored, so I'm pretty sure it justifies the rating.
5
Sep 09 2023
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Solid and fun listen.
4
Sep 10 2023
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Who's Next
The Who
This is a Who album I can actually see myself coming back to on a regular basis, doesn't really sound much their other stuff I've heard so far tbh. Cool use of synth, definitely some banger songs too.
4
Sep 11 2023
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Ctrl
SZA
Pretty solid production, her voice is aight. I dunno, this didn't really do much for me overall. 2.5
2
Sep 12 2023
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
Easily one of my absolute favorites of the 70s, one of the best singer-songwriter albums of all time, one of the best vocals performances ever, etc etc. Just straight up beautiful.
5
Sep 13 2023
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
I feel like this is kinda missing something. I kinda feel that way with most purely a capella or choral music though, with some exceptions here and there.
Not bad at all, but I'm unlikely to come back to it.
3
Sep 14 2023
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
This is over the top in the perfect way/amount for me tbh. Surprisingly, I don't think I'd ever listened to this front to back despite Mr. Blue Sky being one of my favorite songs. Anyway... I dig it. Gonna call it a 4 with room to grow.
4
Sep 15 2023
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Pretty cool trip-hop/breakbeat kinda stuff. Not sure this justifies its position here over Amon Tobin or something, but it was an interesting listen overall, I jacked a couple songs for a playlist. Not bad. 3.5
3
Sep 16 2023
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Some fire songs here, along with the usual horrific stuff. I'll give it a 3 I guess.
3
Sep 17 2023
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
This is a fun one, very off beat poppy new-wave/post-punk kinda stuff. I put this one on when the mood strikes me, it's a very solid 4 IMHO.
4
Sep 18 2023
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Cut
The Slits
Experimental post-punk/proto-riot grrl with reggae stylings. I dig this quite a lot tbh, call it another 4 with room to grow.
4
Sep 19 2023
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Third
Soft Machine
A sometimes bracing sometimes beautiful prog/jazz fusion album. It was honestly a little exhausting listening to the entire thing, but I can't deny that it was NOT BORING (my most important metric!). I can see why some people would give it a 5 for sure, but it's not quite there for me yet. 4 it is.
4
Sep 20 2023
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Honestly, all the Bob Marley albums so far have been solid 4s: Great. They're a bit dated and I wouldn't say I LOVE them, but they're perfectly pleasant. Will listen again, probably in like 3 years when the exact mood hits. 🤷😅
4
Sep 22 2023
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Dude has an absolutely buttery voice, but most of the music doesn't do so much for me. It's fine, just not really my thing. Probably call this is a 3 leaning 3.5.
3
Sep 23 2023
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Live!
Fela Kuti
You can probably skip the bonus track (16 minute long drum duet, I kinda dug it but I'm weird that way), the rest is 🔥 though.
5
Sep 24 2023
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
For me, Spacemen 3 never quite reached the heights that Spiritualized got to later. I still put them on when the mood hits though, and this is perfectly enjoyable to me honestly. Great, but not amazing.
4
Sep 25 2023
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Most hardcore punk isn't really stuff I'm gonna put on randomly tbh, but I can definitely enjoy it in small doses. 15 minutes of this is just about perfect, and while I don't see myself revisiting it any time soon, this was quite enjoyable. I'd call it a solid 3.5, rounded up because most of y'all got some basic ass boomer taste lol
4
Sep 26 2023
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Another one that's really nostalgic since my dad used to play it all the time (and play/sing along on guitar sometimes). Not EXACTLY my thing honestly, but there are definitely some really pretty renditions here, and it's overall a very pretty and mellow listen, I can definitely still appreciate this one even if I'll never have a burning itch to listen to it. A solid 4.
4
Sep 27 2023
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The Libertines
The Libertines
Pretty fun overall, I feel like it's a pretty clear 3.5 to me. Good, not great. I like the story of the band though. Album is probably better if you imagine them getting into fist fights and then passionately kissing right afterwards. 🤷
3
Sep 28 2023
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
First song was really cool I thought, the rest of it didn't really live up to it for me. It's fine.
3
Sep 29 2023
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
Blue Orchid is the type of catchy and rocking song I want and enjoy from The White Stripes. The rest is not. Pretty solid 2.
2
Sep 30 2023
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
2nd Bob Dylan album so far. I like it, but... I don't really "get" Dylan yet (In my 30s now lol). This is fine and all, but I expect lyrically dense music to jump to the forefront of my mind. This turns itself into background music very quickly for me (basically everything after Tangled Up In Blue). Not sure why necessarily, but here we are. Solid 3.5 rounded down per protocol.
3
Oct 01 2023
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Remedy
Basement Jaxx
The rhythm, the tracks, the Basement Jaxx!
This album helped get me into electronic music (bought a used CD in 2009 or so and proceeded to wear it out), so I'm biased. But yeah, this whole album is fuckin' popping imho. Particularly Bingo Bango and Rendez-Vu, but every song has its place and its own charm to me. Stop 4 Love, for instance, has an ethereal and experimental quality to it that feels more like something that would've come out a lot closer to the present, or at least come from another artist. The people calling this a generic dance album obviously weren't listening very closely (or quit out of the album early).
Anyway, easy 5. It's not Discovery or whatever, but this will always be a classic to me. It's got a couple flaws imo, but I also don't really care about them because I fucking love it. Basement Jaxx have some killer singles that came later, but none of their albums ever beat this one.
5
Oct 02 2023
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The Grand Tour
George Jones
This has a calming kind of charm to it for me honestly. Not gonna wanna listen to it often or anything, but hey. Call it a 3.5.
3
Oct 03 2023
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Solid imo, though certainly Neil has better. This has some classics and bangers though.
4
Oct 04 2023
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Van Halen
Van Halen
Endless noodly guitar playing, mediocre singing, and a quite a few bizarre musical decisions that seem, for the lack of a better term, entirely fucking coked out.
This embodies a lot of things that I absolutely hate in music tbh, but at least there's a catchy song or two. It gets a 2, I'm feeling nice today.
2
Oct 05 2023
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Know it, love it. Utter banger from beginning to end (Love the movie too). Listened to it 3 times in a row because if I had a complaint about this album... Not long enough. Easy 5.
5
Oct 06 2023
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
I think a lot of people missed that everything after Grey/Afro is bonus tracks. That probably explains a good number of the low ratings.
This is a really interesting and unique album that didn't overstay its welcome, with a really unique story behind it. I'll probably go back for another listen soon. It's not exactly an easy listen, but it's also NOT BORING! Again, my most important metric.
And yeah... Y'all should probably try to digest just the album proper before you get lost in the weeds with the whole extra LP worth of bonus tracks hahaha.
4
Oct 07 2023
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Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
I might like this more than Screamadelica, honestly. It's very close, in any case. Cool album.
4
Oct 08 2023
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
There are definitely some jams here, Blue Rondo a la Turk and Take 5 definitely stand out. My rating might go up with more listens, but for now this feels like a very solid 4.
4
Oct 09 2023
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Fun album from start to finish imho. Nothing mind blowing or anything, but no complaints.
4
Oct 10 2023
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Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
I did it. Not sure how much I'll come back to it I guess, but it was a perfectly enjoyable listen. Solid 4 for now.
4
Oct 11 2023
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
Pretty nice new wave kinda stuff, I could come back to this.
4
Oct 12 2023
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Infected
The The
Nice album, dark pop that reminded me a bit of Depeche Mode or The Cure. I'll be coming back to this one soon.
4
Oct 13 2023
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
This is a pretty dang fun album IMHO. Not amazing or anything, but fun. Call it a 3.5.
4
Oct 14 2023
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Now here's a Bob Dylan album I actually really enjoy. It's playful and fun in a way that most of his albums aren't, while still being unmistakably Bob Dylan. This one and Highway 61 Revisited are easily my favorites (of what I've heard).
4
Oct 15 2023
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Honestly never really got the hype for LCD Soundsystem, even though by rights they should be something I really like (I love a lot of other indie/dance hybrid shit, I'm the right age, etc). But yeah, this to me is a couple great songs and some pretty good ones. In other words, solid 3.5 material. Pretty good, but I can name like 5 other indie dance bands I prefer.
3
Oct 16 2023
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
If you don't like depressing af indie folk, this isn't for you. I'm in the latter camp.
5
Oct 17 2023
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Side 2 manages to drag down the incredible side 1 somehow. Overall I like this one for the singles more than as an album, still really good though.
4
Oct 18 2023
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
I can agree with some of the folks saying that this is mid-tier Talking Heads to a degree, it's no Fear of Music/Remain In Light imo. But one band's 4th best album is still way the hell better than anything most bands could hope to put out. 🤘
5
Oct 19 2023
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Fine, couple good songs even, but I lost interest pretty quickly. Not sure even why tbh, but I'd really rather not revisit this one. 2.5 leaning 2 for me.
2
Oct 20 2023
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
My intro to EBTG was my big sister gifting me Temperamental on CD when I was a tween, way before I actually appreciated electronic music. It took a while, but that album really grew on me. I would credit it for my current love of deep house.
This one never hit me as hard, I still feel like it has more filler. But now, as an older person who has grown to love trip-hop and downtempo (those are the genres here btw, how tf is this new-wave LOL) and countless other electronic subgenres... I really like it, it's some sad ass 90s night bus kinda music, but I can appreciate that now. There was also a time that I didn't appreciate Burial, we all make mistakes (particularly as optimistic teenagers who haven't grown into their major depression yet).
Anyway, Temperamental is still better though (5/5).
4
Oct 21 2023
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
This is cool, kinda like Stereolab with more chugging krautrock influences, kinda reminds me of School of Seven Bells or a much more rocking Broadcast as well. Ends right as I was starting to think it was going a little bit over long. Solid.
4
Oct 22 2023
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
Love The Fall! They're prolific as hell and I don't think this is their best, but it's still great. A very biased 5 since I doubt they have many albums on the 1001.
5
Oct 23 2023
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
I honestly think "...Baby One More Time" is an essential listen. Just that song though. The rest is actual garbage. To the point where this still averages out to a 1.5 (rounded down per protocol).
1
Oct 24 2023
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
This is the toasted white bread (no butter or jam) of music. Not even bad necessarily, but why would I go out of my way for it?
2
Oct 25 2023
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
I can appreciate this in a lot of way actually, but musically it loses me somewhere. Pretty solid 3 I think, it's fine.
3
Oct 26 2023
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We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
I mean... Not boring I suppose, but not exactly good either. Feels like a pretty solid 2 to me. All over the place, can't really take it seriously even as satire. 🤷
2
Oct 27 2023
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
This one didn't hit me as hard as Moon Dance tbh, still really solid imo though
4
Oct 28 2023
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Do It Again and Reelin' In the Years are obvious classics, the rest of this album is actually bonkers good too though. There's really no other band that sounds like Steely Dan. This an album that feels like it has everything, yet remains cohesive. I love it.
5
Oct 29 2023
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
😴
2
Oct 30 2023
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
This one is mood dependent, but I can dig it when that mood hits. Solid 3.5 I feel
3
Oct 31 2023
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Not for me.
2
Nov 01 2023
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The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
A pretty fun and interesting album that is dragged down by being as a long as a damn movie. I'll call it a 3.5.
3
Nov 02 2023
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Scott 4
Scott Walker
Pretty nice honestly, I could see this one grow on me. I dug it overall. Depression music? Perhaps. Am I depressed? Also yes. Not an every day listen... Still good though.
4
Nov 03 2023
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Born To Be With You
Dion
Dull. Don't care enough to let it grow on me, although maybe I could I guess? Feels like a solid 2 leaning 2.5 I guess).
2
Nov 04 2023
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
I was introduced to Pavement by my sisters when they were \"cool teens\" (in my eyes at least 😆) and I was their baby brother. At the time, I definitely liked Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana a lot more tbh. But around high school, Pavement finally clicked for me. Particularly the album Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain actually, but this one too a bit later. I think I actually understand people who hate it though, tbh. Not for everyone.
If having a tongue-in-cheek slacker version of Sonic Youth sounds like something you'd be interested in, I'd recommend checking this out.
It's like a 4.75 to me, definitely worthy of the slight round-up. Indie rock as we know it exists because of this album in a lot of ways... The ripples of this album are probably less noticable now, but it was rather apparent through the 00s imo. Anyway, take it or leave it or whatever lol
5
Nov 06 2023
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
Definitely one of the wildest and most punk albums from the 60s that I know of. I think that justifies the rating tbh, although I think I'd probably go with the 3.5 rounded down if I had absolutely no context. C'est la vie?
4
Nov 07 2023
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Some 5* songs here and quite a few 3*s. But overall I still liked it quite a bit, understandable that this made a splash back in the day.
4
Nov 08 2023
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Solid, I could for sure come back to this if the mood hits.
4
Nov 09 2023
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Connected
Stereo MC's
Connected is in the movie Hackers. Pretty cool song. But like a lot of early 90s electronic music, this all sounds pretty samey. Fun enough, but really nothing special.
3
Nov 10 2023
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
I feel like this one has some room to grow, I definitely really liked a couple of songs. Calling it a 3.5 for now though.
3
Nov 11 2023
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Enjoyable enough, great vocals and production. Lyrics are fine, bit bland probably. I don't really have too many complaints per se, but I also don't feel like there's anything that's pushing it past a 3.5 for me.
3
Nov 12 2023
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
Nice. I might come back to this, solid 3.5 for now
3
Nov 13 2023
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
Latin jazz + salsa + funk + hip-hop... These are all things I like. Recommended, would shake my ass again.
4
Nov 14 2023
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Forever Changes
Love
I think this one just misses the 5 tbh. It's a great album, super lush sounding with some awesome guitar playing and generally just really intriguing songs. Just... Missing that true spark of connection I suppose. Still a classic though.
4
Nov 15 2023
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Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
Warrants the rating just from Kick, Push imo, love that song. The rest is pretty good too. Shame that Kanye tainted it with his future (ie, present) Nazism, but I highly doubt Lupe saw that one coming.
4
Nov 16 2023
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Slipknot
Slipknot
I actually feel like there's a good album in here somewhere, but it's overly long, the record scratches feel extraneous at best, and the mix is very weird and kinda anti-heavy most of the time. As is, not really for me. Even if I do appreciate bits of it. Call it a 2.5 I guess.
2
Nov 17 2023
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Just a really fun album. Not sure about it's staying power necessarily, but I've already got a couple of these on my disco/funk/soul playlist, so it's AT LEAST a 4 forever, I think.
4
Nov 18 2023
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Dookie
Green Day
When I Come Around I think is a genuinely pretty good song. I really don't feel the rest of it much tbh. It's not THAT bad or anything, a lot of it is pretty catchy, but then I get annoyed by it being stuck in my head for longer than it's welcome lol. (It should be noted that pop-punk is not generally my thing)
His voice sorta annoys me on this one, I like the vocals on the later albums quite a bit more tbh.
Overall feels like a 2 leaning 2.5 with a couple strong high points and with the rest quite bland or bad imo. As I said, pop punk isn't really for me most of the time.
2
Nov 19 2023
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
First of all, those bass lines! 🤌
I hadn't heard this one at all before, although I of course I knew and liked Don't You Forget About Me. This is one of the dreamier and more ethereal 80s pop/new-wave albums I've heard up to this point... Which of course means it's right up my alley. Sparkling 80s synth + chugging funky bass + layers of reverb + smooth vocals... I mean, yeah, that's plenty enough to love for me already.
5
Nov 20 2023
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
If you can get into this album's bizarre manic energy, it's a lot of fun. Not an every day kinda listen for me personally, but I can definitely appreciate it occasionally. Off the wall in a good way.
4
Nov 21 2023
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Country Life
Roxy Music
Pretty nice. Didn't really grab me too much, I'll admit, but pleasant enough, no doubt. Feels like a 3.5 for now.
3
Nov 22 2023
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
"It's time to put God away" 🤘
It's a kinda weird album honestly, a bit love or hate probably. I'm leaning love though.
4
Nov 23 2023
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Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
This actually had some really interesting production and instrumentation, but the song writing didn't really do it for me. Meh.
2
Nov 24 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I think 80 minutes of Prince is too much tbh, this has enough great songs to make up for it though I think. Cut the last song and it'd be better imo, but so it goes.
4
Nov 25 2023
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The Undertones
The Undertones
Damn, just a few albums after Dookie where I had to point out that pop punk isn't really my thing, I get this one (never heard it before). This is the pop punk album to beat forever after, I think.
16 songs in 35 minutes so nothing overstays it's welcome. Perfectly fun and danceable. Doesn't take itself seriously and only the necessary amount of angst. Literally no complaints, this album is fun as hell.
5
Nov 26 2023
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Interesting... But not deeply so. Calling it another 3.5 I suppose.
3
Nov 27 2023
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
I think the high points here justify the 4* personally. Take On Me, The Sun Always Shines On T.V., and I Dream Myself Alive are all absolute bangers in my book.
4
Nov 28 2023
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Just shy of a 5 for me I think, the great songs are absolutely banging but there are a handful that don't really do anything for me. Still a great album though, I throw this one on pretty regularly when the mood strikes.
4
Nov 29 2023
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Gets the 4 for paving the way for dozens (if not hundreds) of other artists. Also, Fuck the Police.
4
Nov 30 2023
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
Just a really wild and fun ride of an album. Can't complain, I'll call it a 4 with room to grow. Bohemian Rhapsody kinda steals the show though, so a 4 seems like where it should be. 🤷
4
Dec 01 2023
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Skylarking
XTC
I wanted to like this more than I did, it's aight though. Feels like a pretty solid 3.
3
Dec 02 2023
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The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
This was fun. Feels like a solid 3.5 for now, maybe some room to grow?
3
Dec 03 2023
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Stripped
Christina Aguilera
There are things here I enjoy, but overall I'm not really feeling the vibes of the music here. R&B is a little hit or miss for me, and there's a lot of that DNA here. It's good for early 00s radio pop I guess? Ie, Still not very good. Probably like double the run time it should've been given too. From an enjoyment perspective, I think a 2 is fair. There are things here I can certainly appreciate, but not for me overall.
2
Dec 04 2023
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
First off, listening to this sober is the wrong move. Also, looking for traditional song structure? Look else where. This one is for the druggies by the druggies.
I honestly think this one is SO ahead of its time. Like, Yo La Tengo and Dinosaur Jr. were trying to sound like this 20-30 years on. If you dig early 90s indie noise rock you'll probably find something here to appreciate. I fucking dig it, not for everyone though obviously.
5
Dec 05 2023
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Let It Be
The Replacements
Discovered this in high school at some point, I love this one. Bangers from start to finish, one of my favorite post-punk/indie rock albums. I need to put it on more tbh, I had it on repeat a lot at one point but it's been a WHILE.
Anyway, easy 5 for me.
5
Dec 06 2023
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25
Adele
Great voice, kinda hit or miss song writing IMHO. Hello is a banger, most of the rest just kinda slides past inoffensively. It's fine.
3
Dec 07 2023
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
This was really nice, maybe a bit long for my liking, but not too terribly. The music shifts around quite a bit, I really loved some of the transitions. I could definitely come back to this one, I'll call it a 4 with room to grow.
4
Dec 08 2023
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
Definitely no reason for this to be a double album. Even at 30 minutes I think this would be a 3 or 3.5. As is, easy 2. 🤷
2
Dec 09 2023
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
Meandering, ethereal, and beautiful. Gonna call it a 4 with room to grow.
4
Dec 10 2023
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
The production on this is so funky and cool. Reminded me of Nujabes at times. Loved it honestly, gonna be coming back to this one.
5
Dec 11 2023
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
Definitely on the long side, but varied enough to keep my interest. Some rad guitar solos, more music that sounds quite similar to CSN if you're into that (I am). Not mind blowing, but definitely fun and worth the listen imo, I could definitely come back to this one.
4
Dec 12 2023
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Fun album, hadn't heard this before but I'd heard a lot of the songs in movies and such. Probably better for the singles tbh, I'll call it a 3.5.
3
Dec 13 2023
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Pretty cool post-rock/experimental album with krautrock, minimalist and jazz influences. Kinda gives me an instrumental Stereolab or Broadcast vibe at times, which can only be a good thing to this listener. Not an every day album or anything, but it's moody and beautiful and I can appreciate it for that. Probably doesn't deserve to be here over Mogwai or Sigur Ros or Explosions In the Sky or whatever, but I'm not complaining.
4
Dec 14 2023
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
This feels like a solid 3. Not bad, but also doesn't really stand out much to me. Typical bluesy 60s rock stuff. 🤷
3
Dec 15 2023
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Faust IV
Faust
This was aight. Some good songs. I'll call it a 3.
3
Dec 16 2023
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One World
John Martyn
I was hoping this would be above average from the wiki, but... I consider this below average. Wanky and meandering to a fault. 2 feels right.
2
Dec 17 2023
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New Wave
The Auteurs
This was pretty good. Nothing mind blowing, but enjoyable. Feels like a solid 3.5.
3
Dec 18 2023
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More Specials
The Specials
This has a few good songs, I don't think it stands up to their first though (although it's been ages since I've listened to that one either, so I guess we'll find out when I get there). Solid 3.
3
Dec 19 2023
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Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
Well it's a bizarre noise freak out for the most part, definitely not an every day listen, but I can appreciate it honestly. Call it a 3.5.
3
Dec 20 2023
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Elastica
Elastica
A couple killer tracks imo (2:1 is legit af imho, also Connection and S.O.F.T.), overall though... Maybe a 3.5 with room to grow OR shrink? Part of me thinks this should be more up my alley, part of me just thinks I should be listening to Blur and/or Sleater Kinney and this is kinda blah besides the good stuff. Time will tell I guess. In any case, all that comes out to a 3* rating. Definitely listenable, ymmv.
3
Dec 21 2023
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90
808 State
This was a bop. Parts of it sounded almost like vapor wave, but of course not quite. Definitely dug this one, I'll be coming back to it.
4
Dec 22 2023
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
I like some songs here honestly, it's got a cool dark vibe. There's also a lot of stuff I could never listen to again and be perfectly happy. I think the 3 is fair, it's a touch over a 2.5, so 🤷
3
Dec 23 2023
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Decent. I've come to accept that Led Zep will probably never be really for me, but this has some pretty cool songs on it. Can't get into Robert Plant's vocals, but... There's a whole lot worse out there.
3
Dec 24 2023
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Follow The Leader
Korn
Wow, misogynism and homophobia! How original! /s
This was hardly even shocking or edgy tbh, just boring and lame. At least Eminem expresses his awful views of people creatively.
1
Dec 25 2023
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
Yeah... The late 90s and early 00s were a dark time for pop music. This had a couple okayish songs. I think the 2 is generous. No reason to listen to the whole thing again.
2
Dec 26 2023
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Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
I really liked this honestly. Very unpolished, but that's half the charm of these types of albums. I'll come back to this one.
4
Dec 27 2023
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Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
Classic indie noise rock, I love how dynamic this one is from angry squalls of noise to very tender breakup/depression songs. Some might call it disjointed, but it's got 3 primary song writers and honestly... That's a lot of the charm. For fans of Pavement, Dinosaur Jr., Built to Spill, Hüsker Dü, etc. Maybe also if you like Midwest Emo, I feel like a lot of those bands were heavily inspired by all of the bands listed.
Anyway, I love it. Maybe not as great as the high points from the other bands I listed, but I feel like Sebadoh are sorta under rated in general as far as 90s lo-fi indie stuff. This rocks.
5
Dec 28 2023
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
A lot of folks saying that this is trying to ride The Beatles' coat tails... To me, it sounds more like they were trying to copy Motown if anything, or rather a synthesis of both those sounds.
Honestly I quite liked this. Only knew the title track, and while I'm not sure I'd call the album "essential", it's a cool little overlooked gem. A nice and soothing 4 from me.
4
Dec 29 2023
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The White Album
Beatles
This is definitely tier 2 Beatles IMHO. Many classics with sooooooo much chaff. I've listened to this one plenty of times, but the urge to listen to front to back just isn't there anymore. Still real good though, it'd probably be a 5 if they shaved 20 minutes off.
4
Dec 30 2023
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Shleep
Robert Wyatt
This had a couple neat moments, but overall was very boring. And I believe this would be like a full star better if it had no vocals. So yeah... Can't really justify anything but a 2. Not for me.
2
Dec 31 2023
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Easily a great as far as 90s electronic music goes, and I feel like it still holds up remarkably well 30 years on. Some of it more than others perhaps, I still feel it deserves a 5 though. Xtal is a truly beautiful song, and there's definitely more here to love.
5
Jan 01 2024
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No Other
Gene Clark
Solid, really interesting blend of styles here. I definitely want to come back to this at some point, going to call it a 4 with room to grow for now.
4
Jan 02 2024
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
It's STILL not as good as Temperamental by Everything But the Girl... It's not too shabby though. Might come back to this, 3.5 for now
3
Jan 03 2024
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Debut
Björk
Love this one. Still sounds wholly unique, still very much of its time, but that'll never be a bad thing to me. Anyway, it's a classic, it's awesome (probably not even her best imo, but I'd call it among her best still).
5
Jan 04 2024
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Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Not really my thing tbh, it had some alright moments, and it's eclectic enough in sound and energy where I feel like many would find SOMETHING here to love, but overall... It just feels meh to me. Fine to listen to once, not something I'll ever really want to come back to. 2.5
2
Jan 05 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
I do think the U2 greatest hits would be absolutely full of bangers... But I also gotta say that listening to an entire album of U2 feels pretty damn boring. I used to like this album so I'm not even sure what happened lol. But here we are. I'll call it a 2 leaning 2.5.
2
Jan 06 2024
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Sheet Music
10cc
The closest thing I've heard to this might be Of Montreal, or early Queen, or... I don't know, maybe some other 2000s indie pop kinda stuff, maybe a little Steely Dan? It's an interesting one for sure, particularly for when it came out, so I think it deserves the 4. I'll probably be coming back to this soon.
4
Jan 07 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
Probably something of a biased opinion, but I don't think I can give any Pixies album less than a 5. This might be my least favorite (I happen to think Trompe le Monde is super under rated), but it still kicks and is way more interesting to me than most of the stuff that I've been given on this whole 1001 journey. ♥️ Pixies, 'nuff said!
5
Jan 08 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
Agree quite a bit with the top review here lol. Not my favorite Beatles album, but still a ton of killer songs, and probably where they truly began to shine. Call it a 4.7.
5
Jan 09 2024
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
Oh look, my favorite Talking Heads album! I've already got 2 of their albums at 5* (gonna be 4 by the time we finish this 1001 thing), so you know what this is gonna be.
Another absolutely effortless 5, this album kicks all kinds of ass IMHO.
5
Jan 10 2024
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
For something which I'm DEFINITELY not the target audience for... This was pretty decent. Tooke me a few tries to get into it, but there are some good riffs here despite most of it sounding like pretty prototypical 70s hard rock (not usually my thing). Not something I'm going to come back to often (if at all tbh), but I'm okay having listened to it once.
3
Jan 11 2024
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Kala
M.I.A.
I personally consider Boyz and Paper Planes to be stone cold classics, there are a lot of other jams here too. Gotta love the cheeky Pixies reference as well. This sound tracked the couple years after high school for me as well, so bonus nostalgia points. True millennial shit. I dig it.
So take the 4, bonus points for nostalgia, bonus points for the anticapitalist themes, 4.5. Rounded up because I think it needs more love here compared to the deluge of samey rock albums.
Almost forgot to mention that this spawned one of my all time favorite remixes: https://youtu.be/m9dIv-kSpEQ
5
Jan 12 2024
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
I can wholeheartedly recommend this to the house heads among us. Disco forever!
Yeah, anyway, not perfect by a stretch, but I can dig it.
4
Jan 13 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
A lot of people making the mistake of listening to the bonus tracks, which are weirdly in "the middle" since they showed up on CD1 originally. If you're using Spotify, hide the tracks starting with "I Live For You" and ending with "Oh My Lord (2000)".
With that said, it's still too long, particularly in the last few songs. Now with THAT said, it still is absolutely 90% gold and well worth listening to (sans bonus tracks) IMHO. Kind of a hard album to rate for that reason. I think it's not quite 5 material all told though. Definitely a 5 in there somewhere, but I'll call it the very solid 4 I feel it actually is.
4
Jan 14 2024
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
This has some bangers. Pretty fun, I guess I could come back to it... But Alright is definitely the stand-out here. Feels like a solid 3.5. Maybe room to grow, time will tell.
3
Jan 15 2024
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
Meh. Not the worst or anything, feels like a 2.5 though.
2
Jan 16 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
So many damn bangers on this album (Milk in particular is an unsung classic imo). I'm definitely a little biased from nostalgia since this is an album from my childhood, but I still don't want to rate this anything else. 4.5 rounded up because 🤘
5
Jan 17 2024
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Low-Life
New Order
I love New Order, this is one of my favorites of theirs. The Perfect Kiss, Elegia, and Sub-Culture would honestly be enough for me to give this rating even if the rest was like 3.5* kinda level, but that's not the case. Easy 5.
PS: Peter Hook is a god.
5
Jan 18 2024
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
This is sloppy as hell, but I can dig it. This has a lot of energy, the execution is kinda amateur sounding at times, but hey. This has its place imo, it's fun and raucous, sometimes that is what I need.
4
Jan 19 2024
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The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
Fine, a bit bland overall though. Solid 2.5
2
Jan 20 2024
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Solid album, quite fun. I could come back to this for sure.
4
Jan 21 2024
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Dare!
The Human League
Don't You Want Me is one of the all time classic 80s songs and synth pop songs, I quite like the rest as well. But we know why we're here.
4
Jan 22 2024
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
This is an undeniable classic in my book, but I'd rather listen to Zen Arcade any day. This is still really good, don't get me wrong... Just a little exhausting to get through for me. It could grow more on me some day I suppose, but this is where it is right now.
4
Jan 23 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
If I'm in the mood for Bob Dylan (which isn't often tbh, but it happens), this is the one I reach for. Fully enjoyable and I can't pick out any flaws, so it gets the 5. It's technically a 4.5 I'm rounding up, but I think it deserves it.
5
Jan 25 2024
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Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
The 1001 is gonna make me go from feeling meh about this dude to hating him. 🤦 I guess this still earns the 3.0 though, there are some fun songs.
3
Jan 26 2024
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Be
Common
Nice production, shame about the Kanye.
4
Jan 27 2024
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
Off beat synth-pop is definitely my style, I definitely dig this. A couple songs jacked for play lists. Probably will be coming back to this, it's got some bangers for sure.
4
Jan 28 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
🤷 Feels like a 2.75. I'm rounding down because there is way too damn much of this dude on the damn list.
2
Jan 29 2024
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
I mean... I guess I'm ok having heard it once? Can't really see wanting to put on this creepy clown music again though. Unless I wanted to give someone a bad trip or something lol. I still think I'd take this over most of my 1s though. It's more of a 🤨 and less of a 🤮. Still feels like a 2 though, there's only so much creepy clown music one wants to subject themselves to.
2
Jan 30 2024
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
This feels more consistent overall than I Should Coco, but not the same highs either. Solid 3.5 I think.
3
Feb 03 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
Mellow and tropicália infused psychedelic indie pop. I appreciate this a lot more now than when I first heard it honestly, it's a nice album. Not like OMG THIS IS THE SHIT, but definitely easy on the ears. I'll need to check out their other stuff.
4
Feb 04 2024
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Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This certainly felt like a Nick Cave album. Can't say I REALLY liked it, but there were definitely some good songs here. Could come back to this, feels like a 3.5.
3
Feb 05 2024
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Me Against The World
2Pac
I really liked a couple songs here, but overall this kinda feels like it's missing something to me. Not bad, but yeah. 3.5
3
Feb 06 2024
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Probably not my personal favorite SY album, but definitely a classic and full of great songs. Still earns the 5 pretty handily IMHO.
5
Feb 07 2024
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
Absolute classic, bangers all around. Kathleen Hanna kills it.
5
Feb 08 2024
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
I can fully admit that this doesn't suck as much as Pyromania. I still find it very difficult to listen to. Pop "metal" is just not a vibe I enjoy. From an enjoyment perspective, I'll call this a 1.5 (rounded down per protocol).
1
Feb 09 2024
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Bad Company
Bad Company
A couple decent songs, pretty damn bland overall though. Feels like a solid 2.
2
Feb 10 2024
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
They did Aimee hella dirty by including this over literally any of her other albums. She's got at least 2 that are 5s for me, this feels like a bit of a first draft for where she'd end up. Her voice is still killer though, I think it ends up as a 3.5 overall.
3
Feb 11 2024
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Wild Gift
X
I'd heard of X, never listened before. This was quite fun though, solid punk music with rock and roll overtones. I'll be coming back to this at some point.
4
Feb 12 2024
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Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Another 4.5 rounded up because Remind Me is freaking FIRE. Love the rest of the album too though.
5
Feb 13 2024
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
A couple great songs, a lot of meh ones. Feels like a 3.
3
Feb 14 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
This isn't hitting me quite as hard as their debut, but it's still really good IMHO. A solid 4 with room to grow perhaps.
4
Feb 15 2024
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
Know it, love it. Like a more tender and vulnerable sounding Sonic Youth in a way. Just a warm and lovely listen IMHO.
5
Feb 16 2024
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
I've grown into this album (and ambient music in general) in my middle age in a big way. Gorgeous.
5
Feb 17 2024
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Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
I've heard about Underworld, hadn't really listened to them before. I definitely dig this though. Some very cool techno with forays into jungle and ambient. Probably a bit over long, but not sure where I'd make cuts lol. It feels like a 4 with room to grow, gotta check out more Underworld now.
4
Feb 18 2024
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Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
Pleasant enough, but not something I see coming back to all that often.
3
Feb 19 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Love this one, definitely among my favorite Neil Young albums.
5
Feb 20 2024
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Very nice, I can hear the influence of this on the late 90s/early 00s neo-psychedelia scene. Not exactly mind blowing or anything to me, but a very nice listen none the less.
4
Feb 21 2024
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
This for sure has some good songs, but I don't really feel like I'll ever want to listen to the whole thing front to back again. Feels like a solid 3, maybe leaning towards 3.5.
3
Feb 22 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Something really relaxing about this kind of music to me, but I've also heard better I guess? It's a solid 3.5 though, definitely enjoyable.
3
Feb 24 2024
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Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Solid. I guess Lana is a bit love or hate, but I'd generally consider myself a fan.
4
Feb 25 2024
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
Groovy, the production on this is killer. Kinda drags in some spots imo, but the good qualities make up for it I think. Solid 4.
4
Feb 26 2024
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
I guess I can appreciate that it was over quickly, and it made me laugh a few times. Unfortunately it prioritizes speed over actually sounding good for the most part. Raining Blood is about the only song I could pull out of a line up here.
I don't know, thrash metal has never done it for me. I'm alright having listened to it once, might come back to Raining Blood if the mood strikes. Feels like a solid 2 overall.
2
Feb 27 2024
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Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
I probably like Liege And Lief a little more, this one is still pretty fire though.
5
Feb 28 2024
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
A couple decent songs despite being pretty damn samey. Feels like a solid 3.
3
Feb 29 2024
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
A couple pretty good songs here, overall this was pretty damn underwhelming though.
2
Mar 01 2024
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Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
I'm actually going to make this the rare 3.5 rounded up just because it has a couple super killer tracks and it's a lot more interesting than most of the dross I've been getting lately.
4
Mar 02 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
This got so damn overplayed when it came out that I still kinda hate it. I think the nicest thing I can say about it are things like "tolerable" and "inoffensive". I was thinking I'd give it the 2, but actually... 1.5 rounded down, this is so damn boring and trite. No thanks.
1
Mar 03 2024
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Chris
Christine and the Queens
Again, off-beat synth pop is basically my jam. I dig this
4
Mar 04 2024
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The Specials
The Specials
Very very fun. I could probably get sick of it if I listened to it a little too often, but it's definitely super enjoyable as a once-in-a-while thing. Solid 4.
4
Mar 05 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
This was a perennial favorite of my parents growing up, so there's definitely some nostalgia associated with it. Also, it's basically all bangers.
5
Mar 08 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
No need for any kind of lengthy review on this one, it fuckin' KICKS. Enough said. 🤘
5
Mar 09 2024
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
Not bad, not great. Solid 3.5 material for me.
3
Mar 10 2024
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
Ngl, this is dope. I mean, I love noise rock and unhinged goth shit, so take that into consideration obviously, but yeah. I'm actually a little surprised I had never listened to this before, it's definitely way up my alley. The vocalist is definitely going to be an acquired taste (or not lol), but the bass playing and drumming here is absolutely sick, and the guitar player is unhinged and wild (so also pretty sick). Add in the occasional weird synthy tones and there you go.
I'm giving this an instant based/5, but again... Fan of The Fall here. Not for everyone lol
5
Mar 11 2024
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Vivid
Living Colour
I can respect it, but I don't really like it. 🤷 Poppy hard rock ain't it for me. The hit is decent though. And some pretty cool bass playing. Doubtful I'll ever want to come back to it though. Call it a 2 leaning 2.5.
2
Mar 12 2024
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Faith
George Michael
Not a big fan of the vocals, which is kind of a make or break thing for pop music (for me, at least). The ballads are all skips. The hits have been over played as hell for me as well.
It's not the worst or anything, but I really don't think I'll ever want to listen to the whole thing again. Gonna call it an interesting artifact of 1987 and continue living my life lol. 2, mayyyyybe leaning 2.5.
2
Mar 13 2024
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The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
Full of pathos to the point where it actually kinda borders on being emo, but I'm not complaining. I definitely liked this, will probably be coming back to it soon.
4
Mar 14 2024
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
...It's like a 2.5. Pretty fun at times, but certainly cheesy and a little hard to listen to from front to back.
2
Mar 15 2024
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Microshift
Hookworms
Pretty solid neo-psychedelia with krautrock vibes. I could probably come back to this, 3.5 for now (with some room to grow probably).
3
Mar 16 2024
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
Decent. Probably what I'll end up saying about all of his solo albums. 🤷
3
Mar 17 2024
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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
This was aight, but kinda bland to me overall. Killer voice though. Feels like a solid 3.
3
Mar 21 2024
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
This is fine. A couple pretty sweet songs, a lot of it blurs together. Pretty enough though.
3
Mar 22 2024
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Solid 3, it was pleasant and contemplative for the most part, kinda lost me somewhere in the middle of Gypsy Woman and never recovered. Not terrible though.
3
Mar 23 2024
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
I didn't like this much when it came out, but it's grown on me honestly. Over the top frenetic prog emo, it's love or hate for sure, but... I think it deserves the 4.
4
Mar 24 2024
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Quiet Life
Japan
Love the bass playing here. Reminds me a little of Duran Duran, but a little more dramatic and/or melancholic. If you like 80s synth pop, I can easily recommend this. Had barely heard of this band tbh, but it's definitely pretty damn solid, I'll likely be coming back to this one.
4
Mar 25 2024
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Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
I don't know, it's not terrible I suppose. Just not really hitting me either. Definitely a couple good songs though. It's probably like a 2.5 for me.
2
Mar 26 2024
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All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Ngl, definitely some songs I like here. Also a lot of meh and blah ones. Typical U2 album really, solid 2.5.
2
Mar 27 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Honestly it's like my 4th or 5th favorite Radiohead album, but still fire and I listen to it pretty regularly. I don't really think I can give any of their albums from OK Computer through In Rainbows anything other than a 5 because they were all formative as hell. This one was a grower though, I definitely didn't like it in 2007 as much as I do now. So it goes.
5
Mar 28 2024
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Document
R.E.M.
It's the End of the World As We Know it is a classic obviously, some other good songs here too. Feels like a 3.5.
3
Mar 29 2024
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Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Solid 4! I'll take a number of other post-punk albums over this one, still very enjoyable though. Would've probably preferred Night Time for their slot, but I suppose that's a matter of opinion.
4
Mar 30 2024
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I See You
The xx
This is probably my favorite xx album honestly, some absolutely awesome songs and fire production. I'd call this one an easy 4 while the others are like... Just barely 4s, or maybe lower (haven't listened to Coexist in a while). Anyway, it's good, I like it.
4
Mar 31 2024
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Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
Rapist.
1
Apr 01 2024
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
I heard about this album in high school when I was obsessed with a lot of the Elephant 6 bands (for many of whom this is a direct inspiration). I mean, it's an absolutely classic psychedelic rock album in my book, more joyful than The Doors and more obtuse than Sgt. Pepper's. It's a 5 for me even though I rarely listen to it any more, listening to it again today was a joy. Probably aught to listen to it more.
5
Apr 02 2024
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Honestly I don't feel like it's QUITE a 5 for me, but like all Stevie Wonder albums it's got some crazy good songs on it. Sick ass bass playing on this too. And didn't feel as long as it was, even though it still feels long as hell tbh. I don't know, I'm tempted to give it the ol' 4.5-rounded-up, but... Perhaps not. Maybe on the relistens, but again, it's long as hell and that's kind of a commitment lol. It's still EASILY a 4 just for the singles though.
4
Apr 03 2024
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
This is a comfort album for me. Not mind blowing or anything, but really pleasant. Brings me back to sneakily smoking weed in high school lol. Still a good album sober, but I'd certainly pair this with some good trees if you can. 😉
4
Apr 04 2024
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The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
This sorta hits a 2.5 on the head for me. Had some nice moments and I didn't really hate listening to it, but I'm not sure why I'd want to come back for more. Out there psych-folk has been done a lot better elsewhere imo.
2
Apr 05 2024
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Arrival
ABBA
I love ABBA's singles, I feel like the forgettable stuff is pretty forgettable though haha. Like... TOO sparkly sometimes, where I feel like the low end dropped out and all I'm left with is soprano harmonies in major key. It's not bad, and still very easy on the ears for the most part, but I kinda gotta be in the mood. We'll call it a 4 because those singles are 🔥
4
Apr 06 2024
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Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Have never listened to Rufus Wainwright before, so we'll see how this goes.
...I liked that. The first song makes an impression for sure, then it spirals off into a bunch of different genres that I would probably throw under the large umbrella(s) of art/chamber/indie pop. I can certainly hear all the comparison to Thom Yorke for his vocals.
Feels like a solid 4 with some room to grow. Will probably come back around to this when I get Want One lol.
4
Apr 07 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Personally, I think this album has a lot of chaff. But the good stuff is GOOD. Overall I find it pretty solid, even if I like Little Dark Age a lot more. I probably would've filled this slot with Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours, but maybe that's a hot take?
4
Apr 08 2024
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
Another SY album that might be my favorite of theirs! Listen to this one regularly, it's got like 5 songs that could be my favorite SY song.
Anyway, easy 5. I believe Anita Hill.
5
Apr 09 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
🤘 God damn, Janis rocks.
5
Apr 10 2024
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
👍 Very solid, not boring, could definitely listen to this again.
4
Apr 11 2024
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Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
I've tried and failed listening to this album 3 times now. I give up, sorry not sorry.
1
Apr 12 2024
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
Solidly fun album, probably not gonna back to it too much, but hey. No real complaints.
4
Apr 13 2024
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Kimono My House
Sparks
Wow, hadn't heard this one before. I think I love it though. Theatrical and tongue-in-cheek feeling while still being actually really great and not just silly. It's certainly much more interesting than most of the stuff I've never heard of, it gets a tentative 5 for now because I wanna go right back and listen again.
5
Apr 14 2024
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Green
R.E.M.
This is definitely in the upper tier of R.E.M. albums, I still think they mostly stand out for their singles (and influence on other bands of course), but hey. It's pretty solid.
4
Apr 15 2024
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Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
This was alright, short and sweet since I just listened to the original release. Probably not something I'll be putting on much though.
3
Apr 16 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
I always thought she was a country artist for whatever reason. 🤷 Anyway, I definitely liked this. Soulful and buttery vocals. Can't really complain.
4
Apr 17 2024
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Dope album honestly. I think Shaft Theme is a bit better than the rest, I still love most of it though.
4
Apr 19 2024
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
Fun album, nothing too special imho, but fun. Solid 3.5
3
Apr 20 2024
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The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
Well, it's certainly a unique one. Not sure how much I actually liked it though. I didn't hate it... This seems like the right rating, I dunno.
3
Apr 21 2024
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
Dude has a really nice voice, this didn't strike me as particularly memorable though. Maybe could use some more listens I suppose, I definitely didn't hate it but it didn't leave a strong impression except from his voice. 🤷
3
Apr 22 2024
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
Some of this is pretty out there, some it kinda bops though. Not sure how often I'll come back to it, but I liked it well enough.
3
Apr 23 2024
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Guero
Beck
A few catchy songs, overall Beck is always just kinda meh to me though. Especially when he's trying to make more serious ballad type songs lol. Anyway, it's like a 2.5 I guess.
2
Sep 24 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Honestly it's like a 4.5 for me, but definitely worth of the round up here imo. I'm Waiting For the Man by itself would be enough to make it a classic for me, there are a ton of good songs here though and enough absolutely weird shit to keep it interesting. Gotta love a band talking about heroin in 1967 lol
5
Sep 25 2024
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Destroyer
KISS
Spinal Tap did it better.
2
Sep 26 2024
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
This is, to me, the beginning of her golden era. Super solid album imho, killer voice and interesting production for a folk/country album. Will be coming back to this.
4
Sep 27 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
I guess this was more interesting than a lot of Elvis stuff. Still not really my thing though. 2.5
2
Sep 28 2024
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Wasn't really expecting to like this, but pretty fun tbh. Decently catchy, doesn't take itself too seriously, and didn't overstay it's welcome. 3 leaning 3.5 I feel
3
Sep 30 2024
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Wasn't particularly expecting to like this much given how I felt about their other albums, this is pretty great though. Jazzy, funky, rocking, punk... Just very cool and varied production overall. I'll be coming back to it for sure. Screw it, 4.5 rounded up.
5
Oct 01 2024
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Bland. I'm good.
2
Oct 23 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
This is an undeniable classic, although I'm sure it's too solemn and meditative for a lot of folks. I'm kinda there too tbh, but I still appreciate the artistry even if I'm rarely going to be in the mood to listen to it front to back. It's unique and poetic for sure, just not exactly "my thing" I suppose. A 4 it is.
4
Oct 24 2024
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Sister
Sonic Youth
Kinda thought this would be a 4 going in, I remembered it being good but maybe not their best. That's still probably true, but at the same time I think this was so freaking ahead of it's time and I absolutely adored most of the songs after the long break since I last listened to this. Sonic Youth are just too damn good. 4.5 rounded up
5
Oct 25 2024
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Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
Look, it's kitschy fun. Actually good?🤷 But fun... Sure. I think the 3 is about right, personally.
3
Oct 26 2024
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Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
Still fresh af 50 years later, which is something! Some absolutely amazing guitar work on this album IMHO, and... Well, I really just like off-beat and/or "out there" pop music. This fits the bill. Hadn't heard it in years, but I definitely feel like this one has aged like wine. Love it.
5
Oct 29 2024
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
This is probably my favorite of his albums honestly. I'm Your Man is an absolute banger, plenty of other good stuff too.
4
Nov 02 2024
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Blur
Blur
Blur's alternative phase. I really like a lot of it, some of it doesn't quite hit though.
4
Nov 03 2024
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
Sick beats, I'll be coming back to this.
4