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Mon Oct 17 2022
Eliminator
ZZ Top
One of my favorite albums. Dusty and Frank driving the rhythm under Billy's melodic blues guitar and vocals. Very formula based and gets a lot of criticism for sounding the same. Billy's guitar tone and vocal growl make all the difference. The song "Thug" shows they can get out of their formulaic comfort zone with effects and Dusty popping a syncopated rhythm. Not the best song but just proof that they aren't a one trick pony. It really doesn't matter as I can easily pass the time grooving along to every sing on this album, and suddenly it's over. Great music for long drives and just chilling with friends. This is the blues power trio not prog rock (another favorite genre of mine.) I'll gladly listen to this album over and over, just to discover something new and a renewed appreciation for the group.
5
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Thu Oct 20 2022
Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Decent grunge era entry. I wasn't familiar with this band or any of the songs. I'll need to give another listen to properly place it. I liked "My Curse" with guest vocalist Marcy Mays the best or at least most interesting to my ears at first listen. I can see enjoying this record but don't feel like I missed out on it back in the '90s.
4
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Fri Oct 21 2022
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Another one of my favorites from a "power" trio. This is raw folk-punk that is driven by Victor DeLorenzo's straight forward drum parts and Gordon Gano's rhythm guitar. Gordon's whiney vocals give the color but Brian Ritchie is core to their success (in my opinion.) He is an extremely gifted bass player and bumped up the energy and interest in every song. He also plays the xylophone in "Gone Daddy Gone" which claws that pull you into the hook. This album is full of teen angst and sexual frustration which makes it less accessible to the main stream but it's real even if you don't want to say it out loud. I love this album as a reminder of my awkward youth even if it doesn't apply to adult life or current mindset.
5
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Mon Oct 24 2022
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
I love the Beach Boys. Summer, surfing, and hot rods. There are a few favorites on this album but not my favorites BBs album. I did struggle listening to this in the middle of October. Beach Boys music is fun in the sun summertime music for me. This album has great studio musicians from the L.A. "Wrecking Crew". It's been labeled as a transition album for the BBs because it includes more of Brian Wilson's ballads... which is probably why it falls to average. Tangy guitars and falsetto harmonies is what I love but their ballads are mediocre whine fests. I wish could rate this one higher but please "Help Me, Ronda!" this album doesn't touch my heart 'cause I just wanna "Dance, Dance, Dance".
3
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Tue Oct 25 2022
Document
R.E.M.
I forgot how much I loved this album. Every song is interesting and stands on its own. I would have given this a five star rating but Michael Stipes vocals can get a bit tiring. Great song progressions and prodiction. There is always a lot of nuances to the instrumentation and sound scape.
4
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Wed Oct 26 2022
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
I love female vocalists. I love the minimalist instrumentation. I love the breathy whispering but it should not have a hall reverb or doubled lead vocal. I enjoy Lana's voice when it's not over processed. I hate the canned beats and ambiance pads with an intimate song. The song "Dance Till We Die" is probably my favorite but it doesn't save this collection of tunes. This is a producer failure. Lana should get a do over and let Rick Nowels do the whole thing and keep herself and Jack Antonoff out of it.
2
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Fri Oct 28 2022
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
I'll gladly listen to this album again. I'm not a big Miles Davis fan but I love Coltrane, Adderley, Evans, Cobb, and of course the bassist, Paul Chambers. Wynton Kelly on piano does a nice job on "Freddie the Freeloader" but Bill Evans is the comp chord king and his solos just flow like water. I love the conversations between the two saxophonists and Miles' trumpet. No question; this album belongs on this list even if you don't like or understand jazz. This is a master class in cool jazz.
5
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Mon Oct 31 2022
My Generation
The Who
My Generation - The Ox bass solo. Legendary moment in time for the rock bassist.
'nuff said.
4
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Wed Nov 02 2022
A Seat at the Table
Solange
Solange has a beautiful like her sister Beyoncé but I don't think this is a must listen to album. It got some nice r&b soul but mixed with hip hop anger just doesn't quite fit for me. There are some strong topic here... love the black pride... not digging the "all my niggers in the world" call out like it's okay. The backing track instrumentation and the canned beats are uninteresting to me which should make them easy to convert to elevator music. Not sure why Rolling Stone magazine rank included it in there top 500 albums. This reminds me of just another kid with really good connections. I can listen to this album but it would quickly become background.
3
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Thu Nov 03 2022
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
I love this album and hate this album. George Clinton and Funkadelic are a great collection of musicians. "Maggot Brain" is a ten minute self-indulgent guitar solo. Eddie Hazel is out of control. I love the emotion he presents but I hate it because its not my guitar solo. Haters are just jealous. This is psychedelic album with a funk vibe. Difficult to endure in concert format but a pleasure to listen to in a chill, listening room setting. Very dark and angry so not for everyone but I love the emotion and relevance to today even though it was recorded over 50 years ago.
4
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Tue Nov 08 2022
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
This is not for casual listening or the concert goers... this is dance club / festival music to get people moving around. It typically criticize tunes for having canned beats but tjis is where they belong. Norman Quentin Cook aka Fatboy Slim is a genius electronica dance club DJ and producer. The songs are long but the constant sense of ADHD due to constant introduction of new content while keeping a thread of repeation that would drive you nuts if not distrated by the crowd if out of control dancers. I only counted 102 times the word "f**k!ng" was used in the song "In Heaven"... repeation to the level of uncomfortable but exactly as intended. This is template for anyone wanting to produce dance music... keep them on the floor.
4
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Wed Nov 09 2022
Tommy
The Who
I love this album for various reasons and find it musically interesting but it's not my favorite combination of rock and "opera". Theoretically meets the criteria for a good show but overall feels flat to me. I love "Pinball Wizard" and "Go To The Mirror" as stand alone rock tunes. This is a great album but can't rank it above a 3 since I wouldn't typically listen to it front to back... and I not sure I'd want to see it performed live.
3
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Mon Nov 14 2022
American Pie
Don McLean
Don McLean is a story teller. I love the imagery in his lyrics. Great vocals, piano and/ or guitar playing on every song. This album makes sense to me to include in this list as a perfect example of the singer/songwriter genre. "Vincent" is the song that sticks in my memory excluding the obvious "Anerican Pie". I love the hook created by the chord progression and rhythm. "American Pie" is a long song that doesn't become monotonous due to the engaging lyrics, emotion change in harmonic context, and the sing-a-long chorus. I rated it a four because it's not a go to album for me but it is a great reference album for writing music.
4
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Tue Nov 15 2022
Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
Classic hip hop house party music. I have to be in the right space to enjoy these tunes. Since I'm not, it just sounds like every '90s hip hop record except none of my favorite songs or artists. I have zero nostalgic connections to this record. Public Enemy had better songs on other albums... "Fight The Power".
2
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Wed Nov 16 2022
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
This was my first introduction to Jaco Pastorius. I love this album. This is an important recording due to it's commercial success and many folks intro into fusion jazz. It contains elements of jazz, latin, rock, and soul music. I definitely have a sentimental connection to this album and have listened to it many time since my introduction in the early '80s. I listen to this as great musicians interacting with each other and no one artist is better than the next.
5
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Thu Nov 17 2022
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
First, I'm not sure any (or very few) recordings from the most recent (say seven) years should be included in a must listen to before you die list. I think an album needs to be tested by time to reach this status. I do appreciate being introduced to new music that are hitting some current hot topics. I wasn't very impressed with the first few songs... musak with a drum beat. As I listen to the rest, I did find a few songs with a little more groove to them but most of the songs felt empty and unfinished. I did like the song "Bow" but it sounded too different from the rest of the album. I want to hear more of Michael Kiwanuka's music. I have mixed feelings about this album. It would probably be better if half the songs were cut. Overall it's still a better than average album. I'm between 3 and 4 but I give it a 4.
4
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Fri Nov 18 2022
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Love hate relationship here. I got this album when was first released. Most of this is noise but I do love "Closer" and "Hurt". I do have fond memories lustening to this album but I wouldn't want MY kids listening to it...LOL!! This one falls in the middle for me.
3
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Tue Nov 22 2022
Purple Rain
Prince
I don't have to listen to this album to know it's a five star album. This is a great soundtrack to a great musicians movie.
5
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Wed Nov 23 2022
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
I like this album but not very familiar with it. I can hear his influence on David Bowie, Robert Fripp, David Byrne, and Peter Gabriel... and vice versa. I'm more familiar with Brian as a producer and never got into his ambiance music. I love his creativity but lose interest with his excessive repetition (same issue with Robert Fripp). I'll need to listen to this album a few more times to get everything out of it but will rate it as average for the time being.
3
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Thu Nov 24 2022
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
I love David Bowie. This is an essential glam-rock entry and worth a listen. Great musicians and production. "Ziggy Stardust" and "Suffragette City" popular favorites. "Five Years" is my least favorite. As much as I like this album, it is not my favorite David Bowie album. Three stars is the best for the overall album.
3
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Wed Nov 30 2022
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
I love Iron Maiden. This is a great freshmen entry but not my favorite album. Mix of heavy metal and punk make this a great roadtrip album. The "list" doesn't include my favorite album, "Piece of Mind", but I'm glad to see the band represented.
4
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Fri Dec 02 2022
Forever Changes
Love
Love - a mostly forgotten psychedelic band from the sixties that most people never heard of. They sound like a beatnik and a hippie playing music at a Renaissance fair. I discovered them myself back in the '80s when I realized the Hooters song "She Comes In Colors" was a cover of a Love song. I like a number of the elements in their music but most of their songs don't have a hook and easily forgettable. Complex melodies and lyrics that you rarely find yourself singing along ... self-indulgent for the artist and the listener just has to wait until they're finished. I played "Maybe The People Would Be The Times Or Between Clark And Hilldale" and even though it was fun to play, our guitarist thought it rambled on and hedonistic....the guitarist, that's right, the guitarist. I do think this band is worth remembering and studying but not necessary for the casual listener to be forced to listen an entire album in one sitting. I want to like them more but I've already forgotten every song and couldn't name one (except the one I played) to even request a revisit. Lots of line but no hook will catch zero fish.
2
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Mon Dec 05 2022
Elastica
Elastica
Girl fronted punk band. Very kewl. I like this album and would listen to it again. By the late '90s this sound is nothing new. The band created two albums in their 9 years of existence. As much as I like this album, it doesn't stand out as a must listen to before I die qualifier. I'd love to be in a band like this and glad I was introduced to the group but it doesn't need to be here.
3
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Tue Dec 06 2022
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
This album belongs on this list. Willie Nelson has such a distinctive voice and he's a great story teller. I love the variety of instruments even though still simple and light. This is a very well produced album. It is consistent with enough color to keep it interesting. Not my favorite genre or selection of Willie's music but fits my criteria for recommending music to others.
4
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Wed Dec 07 2022
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
The record that launch a thousand garage bands. This and their second album "Paranoid" were required listening if you wanted to play in a rock band when I was a kid. Filled with power chords and riffs, these songs were like the standards everyone needed to know... or at least it seemed that way to 12 year old me. Not my favorite heavy metal records but worthy of giving a listen and studying. I enjoyed listening to this album end to end but it not one I would typically pick for a get together or road trip. You can put it in the archives for future analysis but most likely it won't be included on my mix tape.
3
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Thu Dec 08 2022
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Why have I never heard of Bert Jansch? This is a very good folk music album with some interesting guitar work. I wasn't in right head space to listen closely to this album. It seems a little rough but decent first album for an artist that recorded a string of solo albums over the years. This is not a favorite but definitely peaked my interest for his other albums and his work with his band Pentangle. I didn't recognize any of the songs but the instrumental song "Angie" has a familiar riff but I'm not sure where I've heard it. I plan to revisit this artist and album again.
3
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Fri Dec 09 2022
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
It's been awhile since I listened to this album end to end. I listened to it on iTunes but hopefully with get a chance to listen to my vinyl copy this weekend. This album encapsulates all of what I love about Pink Floyd. Acoustic instruments, electric instruments, counter melodies, soundscapes, every musician bringing something special to the mix, etcetrea, etcetera. This is a collection of reference tracks to compare to other music. I didn't realize until listening to the entire album again that I love this album.
5
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Mon Dec 12 2022
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
This is an okay album. I don't connect to it and rap, even though good, are too much fir my liking. It starts to sound like a baseball card stuck in the spokes of a bicycle... cool at first but annoying after about 15 minutes.
I only listened to the album one time through and nothing stuck out as particularly impressive or interesting. I've put it on my list to give another listen but for now it seems just average.
3
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Tue Dec 13 2022
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
I love this album. This is the first Kinks album I purchased on vinyl. I had a girlfriend name Vikki and loved playing "Victoria" even though it was a commentary about the British monarchy. I don't think this was a popular album here in the USA but I can picture this group of lads "Drivin' " around the Englush country side. I like their surfer reference ala the Beach Boys harmonies in the song "Australia". This is between a 4 and 5 for me but will leave it at 4 since I think the Kinks have better material on later albums.
4
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Wed Dec 14 2022
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
I acknowledge that Keith Jarrett is a talented and well accomplished musician. I love the back story of this album... gig from hell. I'm not sure I could sit through a concert of this new age style jazz but knowing it took place at 11:30PM after the opera might give it a different vibe. This is background music for a relaxing environment. I get the intellectual elements of this music but can't decide if it's actually interesting or worth talking about.... and I love talking about everything.
3
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Thu Dec 15 2022
Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
This is great album. I've never listened to it end to end but surprisingly recognized a number of the songs. This is a fun band to listen to and Boy George has very distinctive voice. I'd more likely purchase a "best of..." album by the Culture Club than individual albums but I enjoyed listening to this one. It didn't knock it out the park to get a five from me but this is a strong four star album.
4
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Mon Dec 19 2022
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
I really enjoyed this album but don't remember one song between Friday (when I first listened to it) and this morning (listening to it again to remember if I liked it or not.)
I didn't grow up listening to the Youngbloods so I'm guessing it's a lack of familiarity. Very '60s production with vocal harmonies, catchy gimmicks, groovy beats, and electric piano. I need to listen to them more for that extra star but typical 60s band gets a 3 star rating from me.
3
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Tue Dec 20 2022
Risque
CHIC
Good Times! Bernard Edwards is the bass player to know if want to play dance music. The song Good Times is a great song to get into the groove. I grew up listening to the C'est Chic album so Disco music has a place in my heart. I love the hits from this album but the deep cuts don't do too much for me. Like Culture Club, I'd prefer to have a Best of Album rather than the individual studio albums. This probably a condition of the industry pumping out album after album even if it's not all the artist's best work. I'm between 3 and 4 stars.
3
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Wed Dec 21 2022
Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Never listened to Adam Ant (or Adam & the Ants) much back in the 80s. As I listen to this album, I can't really explain it. I love the bass, the drums, and the guitar. Adam Ant.... hmmm... not so much. I can think of a number similar sounding artists that I love but I still don't connect with Adam Ant. I probably need to see him in concert to get a crowd sourced emotional connection to enjoy listening to him. The other reason I'm probably not a fan of his singing is because it reminds me of my own singing... LOL!
3
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Thu Dec 22 2022
Being There
Wilco
I had friends that gushed over this band. I never listen enough to them to have an opinion. Know that I've listened to this album, my opinion about Wilco is... Meh. Very talented musicians, great chill vibe, a little folksie and a little edgy... know I get it, they sound like the Grateful Dead... but not quite. I could listen to this album over an over but it'll always leave just a dull impression. I could enjoy listening to Wilco while hanging out with friends at a summer festival, but I didn't hear anything that caught my attention to cause me to turn away from my friendly conversation or the book that I was reading while enjoying the nice sunny day. Basically, I wouldn't brave a cold or rainy day just to see Wilco.
3
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Mon Dec 26 2022
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
4
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Thu Dec 29 2022
Superunknown
Soundgarden
Great memories from the early 90s. Very heavy but I love the tones of each instrument. Very polished production for a grunge album. I'm not a big Chris Cornell fan but I do like his voice on this album. I think the processing on this album give it an ethereal sound but still heavy creating a sound balance. "Black Hole Sun" is one of my favorite songs. It's still just shy of a 5 star rating but pretty close.
4
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Fri Dec 30 2022
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
Genesis is a supergroup of great musicians. This album is a production. I could listen to this music all day but difficult to swollow in dedicated listening session. This music requires a full theatrical event to be fully appreciated and to keep the audiences attention. Parts of this album make it a five star recording while others barely deserve 2 stars. This is a difficult album for me to rate because I love art rock, the musicianship, and the composition but at the end of the day nothing sticks with me. Their following album "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" is very similiar in style and form. The difference being it sticks and I'm singing the title song right now as I write this. I have a lot of admiration for this album, it's just not my favorite work of Genesis or Peter Gabriel.
3
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Tue Jan 03 2023
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
I like the bass and guitar tones and interplay. The first half of the record is very sleepy and I thought I was listening to a collection of lullabies. Lou Reed's voice is very identifiable but not my favorite. I prefer their drummer Maureen's voice as heard on the last two tracks. Nothing stuck out as a must hear and share with the world but I could see this being played as background music. I'm between 3 and 4. I'll probably revisit this album since I've only ever listened to it this one time in my life but I should give it another chance on another day.
3
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Wed Jan 04 2023
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
This is a fun album. I love Nina Persson's voice and Magnus Sveningsson's bass playing. I'm only familar with the Cardigan tunes played on the radio. Even though I wasn't familiar with most of these tunes, I felt connected. "Lovefool" was actually the only song I recall having heard before. Well... except for "Ironman" which I knew all the words. I love when someone covers an iconic tune from a different genre and pulls it off. This one falls in between 4 and 5 but I'm going to remain conservative since this was my first listen to the entire album. I will add this to the basslines I should learn and revisit this album again.
4
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Thu Jan 05 2023
Infected
The The
80s experimental post-punk something or other. I have this album on vinyl somewhere. I got it as a promotional copy when working at a record store when the album was released. My brother thought it was great... lots horns and recording gimmicks popular at the time. I didn't play this album very often. It's too all over the place and drum machine quirky rhythms. Not very organic ir natural. There are some neat concepts and gimmicjs but too many in one place. I don't like Matt Johnson's voice so I quickly disconnect. It's not as bad as I remember but I still don't like it.
2
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Fri Jan 06 2023
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Classic drum machine beats and raps. This is a fun reminder of when rap was fun. Boomboxes and break dancing at the bus stop while waiting for the bus. DJ loops and scratching in its earliest form. Very gimmicky and sophomoric but I still love it. Only 3 stars because I like their later work better and preferred the Fat Boys human beat box during this era.
3
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Mon Jan 09 2023
The La's
The La's
I liked this album but don't remember the La's. I know their song "There She Goes" covered by Sixpence None The Richer.
Other than that I've never heard any of these songs. I don't know that anything is outstanding but I like it.
4
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Mon Jan 16 2023
Closer
Joy Division
I love Peter Hook's bass playing. This is great punk album but I wasn't in the right head space. The overall album was rather depressing but I know I could enjoy it under the right circumstances. It's still not an album with a great "wow" factor but just raw underground night club music.
3
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Tue Jan 17 2023
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
This is a great nostalgic album. I love the big band sound at the beginning and smooth jazz feel with full orchestra during the end. I love Ray's voice and piano playing. This is not a record I'd play at a party or on a road trip but I love the compositions and full instrumentation. I'm amazed at the great sound and production knowing what they had to work with in the studio back in the day. This essentially a live performance and I love it.
4
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Wed Jan 18 2023
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I've always been hit or miss with the Talking Heads. I never listened to this entire album in a single sitting. It sits between 3 and 4 for me. I love Tina's bass playing. She's basic with a nice groove. I'll listen to the album again and probably bump up my appreciation but we'll hang on 3 stars because I only had a couple aha moments. Most notably is the frettless sounding (mostly chorus effect) bass line on "Artists Only". I liked the drum and bass groove on "Warning Sign" even though very basic. Beyond that "Take Me The River" and "Big Country" were the only songs I'd been previously introduced and memorable.
3
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Thu Jan 19 2023
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
I didn't get to listen to this album in its entirety. I do like electronic music and how the sounds and rhythms are combined. I like the vocals but they don't always seem to fit. This is definitely an album that I need to be in the right head space to enjoy. I'll probably revisit this album at a later date but I don't think it's a necessity.
3
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Mon Jan 23 2023
B-52's
The B-52's
This is another favorite but not quite a 5 star album. It hits most of my criteria but not an album I'd play over and over. I just don't love it that much.
4
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Fri Jan 27 2023
Live Through This
Hole
I never listened to this album until now. I vehemently avoid any Courtney Love music primarily based on media influence of the time. I really liked this album and want to give it another listen when time permits. I do like the musicians she surrounded herself with through the years but never gave her the time of day. I'm sorry I missed this one from back in the day but I was also at the beginning of my relationship with my wife at this time so my music listening opportunities were influenced by different motivations.
4
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Mon Jan 30 2023
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
This is a great album. It starts to dig into Brian Wilson's psyche and show maturity as a composer. I prefer the sunshine, cars, and beaches of the earlier Beach Boys but I appreciate where the boys wanted to go. I also love the production of this album with the Wrecking Crew group of studio musicians.
4
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Tue Jan 31 2023
evermore
Taylor Swift
Taylor is a great story teller. Her music is very accessible but can drift into the background not holding my attention. I like the production of this album.
4
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Wed Feb 01 2023
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
I love the Bo Diddly song "Who Do You Love" but this is jam band overkill. This is a fun band party vibe but unforgettable. I could probably listen to this album again and pick out a few "kewl" moments but I wouldn't replay it for enjoyment. I don't hate it but I understand why I'd never heard of this record. It drifted off into obscurity and there it should have remained. It's between a 2 and 3 but I can see myself recording something like this in the garage with my drinking buddies so I'll bump it up to 3.
3
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Thu Feb 02 2023
Legalize It
Peter Tosh
I was just talking to someone about this album. Back in the '80s, I worked at local record store. A young girl came into store one day looking for Reggae music. She just got back from Spring break and fell in love with the Reggae her friends were playing but she didn't know any of the artists. I recommended Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh (this album). She came back the next day crying. Apparently, what she had heard was UB40. Ah..Ha ha haaa.
I think this is a great album and would recommend it to anyone looking for Reggae.
4
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Tue Feb 07 2023
Pyromania
Def Leppard
This is a fun album. Well produced and good head banging for young teens. It's a bit repetitious in style but great for radio or a DJ picking out a few tunes at an event. I rank this between 3 and 4. It's very commercial and easily accessible to the masses. So I give it 4 for being a smart production. "Foolin'" is my favorite as it was always a crowd pleaser at school dances back in the day.
4
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Wed Feb 08 2023
I Against I
Bad Brains
I remember this band and album but never listen to it until today. This would have been my jam back in the day. Today, it's a bit all over the place. I like HR's vocals most of time but they don't seem to fit over the music. He leans toward a whiny and nasal sound that may have been popular (or accessible to us whiny, nasal dudes) but it's rather annoying. I think the musician are great but don't think this the producer's best work. Ron Saint Germain numerous artists with success but this album doesn't make it for me. It could have been better. I'm still surprised that I never listened to them before... my friends have failed me.
3
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Wed Feb 15 2023
The Next Day
David Bowie
I first found this album in 2021 but probably haven't listened to it since. This is a great album and has all the weird elements that I love about Bowie. David Bowie produced with help of Tony Visconti is a great combo. Bassist duties being shared by Gail Ann Dorsey and Tony Levin is another reason for personal bias toward more stars. This album needs to get back in my music rotation. I don't think this album got the necessary playtime here in the USA to get the love it deserves. This one is between a 4 and 5 but my lack of familiarity causes it to fall to 4 stars.
4
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Thu Feb 16 2023
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
I love Kate Bush.
5
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Mon Feb 20 2023
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
I usually like this style of music. Not today. I'm not impressed.
2
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Tue Feb 21 2023
Achtung Baby
U2
Not my favorite U2 album but I still enjoy these tunes. I remeber getting this album on cassette when it came out. It has some good vibe attached to it. My band from the mid 2000s covered "One" and I still like how we interpreted that tune. I haven't listened to this album recently (I don't have a cassette player in my car anymore) but I remember all these songs. Bono's vocals can be annoying but it's fun to sing along and annoy those around me. I can say this band is awesome but they are consistent and found a sound that is all their own and easily identifiable. The production on their earlier albums was rough (which I liked) but I think this album was well produced and fit the era very well... maybe a bit overproduced and commercial but I still enjoy this album.
4
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Thu Feb 23 2023
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Fun record. I couldn't listen to it in its entirety. A bit too repetitious and random. This would be great for a club if the DJ called out sick. I might like this better if I wasn't trying to work while listening to it. Overall nothing clicked to engage with the vibe being laid down.
2
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Fri Feb 24 2023
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
I should have this album in my vinyl collection but don't. S&G are nice for a casual listen while hanging out with the family. There are a few favorites "America" and "Hazy Shade...". I feel this album falls in the middle of the road. It has some interesting production ideas; some that work and others that are just weird. I like this album overall but nothing that stirs my soul.
3
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Tue Feb 28 2023
1999
Prince
Released in 1982... What?
The hits off this album are timeless but many of the deep cut are definitely 80s synth pop. This is well produced album with Prince playing most of the instruments. I admire his talent but when found something interesting he over does it. You can here a lot of the soundscapes that eventually made Purple Rain such a great album but here I feel he was still figuring out how to use the electronic precussion and synth pads.
4
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Moby Grape
Moby Grape
I've heard of Moby Grape but can't recall ever listening to them. I do like the psychedelic rock vibes but loose interest when they go country... and I like country music, just not what they're playing. Great bass lines and drum parts but I understand why they got lost in the shadow of Jefferson Airplane. I do want to listen to more of their catalog but probably don't need to hear an entire album anytime soon.
3
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Tue Mar 07 2023
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
I enjoyed this album. Some fun slide guitar parts and memorable tunes, but nothing that makes what to jump up and dance. Good background music at the local drinking hole.
3
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I like Neil Young and the band Crazy Horse; both together and separately. This is an okay album but nothing earth shattering. I'm not sure why this album needs to be here. Neil has a vast catalog and I guess any of his albums could fall into the group but not necessarily be anything more than exposure to Neil Young and his rock and roll side. Sounds like Neil Young.... meh.
3
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Fri Mar 24 2023
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
I didn't have time for a thorough listen but I really like Larry Graham's bass playing and Sly Stone's voice. "Family Affair" is a favorite. I love the beginning of this album but started losing interest after the title song. Really didn't like "Runnin' Away".
3
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
Fun record but very novel and annoying. This was great when I was 9 and wanting to pester everyone in the house. Punk, techno, surf, bubblegum pop... Devo is the musical equivalent to pop-ups ads. They've got elements of music I like but excessive and unnecessary.
2
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Thu Apr 06 2023
One World
John Martyn
I really enjoyed this album. I wished I'd heard of him before yesterday. This is the type of stuff I used to listen to regularly as a teen. I see he's worked with many of my favorites. My younger self would have liked the experimental vibes of this album. I'm old and cranky now so it's less interesting but still enjoyable. The main reason this isn't a 5 star is because there's no emotional connection and too dated to establish one. Great production for the time and quailty musicians. Glad to meet you John Martyn. I'll stick your card in my rolodex.
4
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Mon Apr 10 2023
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
5
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Wed Apr 12 2023
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
I like this recording. I'm not big on live performance albums but this style is interesting considering the captive audience. I preferred the "At Folsom Prison" album and sure why both need to be on the list. I'm also not sure why none of his studio albums made the list. I love the songs and respect the recording techniques required to produce this album but it's just a Cash and company greatest hit.
3
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Thu Apr 13 2023
S&M
Metallica
I love Heavy Metal and Metallica. I love Michael Kamen and musical arrangements. I love Orchestra Music. This mix of genres and instrumentation is fun and entertaining. I would probably enjoy this recording more if I'd actually seen it performed live. I have no connection to this album and it's nothing really new. Overall, this is just meh. It's a kind of so what... sort of like Disney creating all their cartoon classics into live action movies... I don't hate it but I don't need it either.
3
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
I'm struggling to rank this album. I enjoy listening to this album. Clean production. The bass and drums are straight forward with some fun little flourishes. Not a big fan of his voice but it's accessible to sing along. Even though I like the style, I think it's too much of the same and somewhat tiresome after awhile. On the other hand, the sameness defines their sound which I admire. I'll lean to the high side and give it 4 stars.
4
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Mon Apr 17 2023
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Louis and Keely are fun to sing-a-long with.
Scatting and nonsense lyrics are the best when goofing around on a lazy day.
3
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
This was the first Stevie Wonder LP I ever owned. I love this music. It keeps me grooving, even the slower ballads. Caught between 4 and 5. Making it a four only because not ever song touches me with the same enthusiasm.
4
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Tue May 02 2023
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
I can't completely explain it but I love this album. I love her voice and vocal variety. I love the drums and precussion. I love the ambient sounds layered over the synthesizers and other instruments. There's a repetitious vibe that makes it stick but so many other disconnected things happening that it keeps my interest (i.e. singing birds, violins, syncopated shaker, etc.) I'm glad I crossed paths with this album.
5
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Fri May 05 2023
Atomizer
Big Black
I love punk rock but I'm not connecting with this record. It's fun and angry but nothing sticking during this listening review. It's well produced and maybe that's the disconnect; I want more raw guitars and drums. There's some studio techniques used that dress up the "punk". I'll have to visit this one another day.
3