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Wed Dec 07 2022
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Classic jazz patterns, great for a summer day or relaxing background. A vibe for sure
3
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Thu Dec 08 2022
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
The undisputed Queen of early 2000's R&B. Grimey, Fun, Dramatic, Classic
3
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Fri Dec 09 2022
The Slider
T. Rex
1972 was a great year for music. This album is not specifically notable to me, but its' influence can be heard throughout the next 50 years of music, especially in English music
2
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Mon Dec 12 2022
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
This album sounds like a nervous breakdown
Constant, crashing, warlike, eastern percussion takes over much of the album residing over dissonant tones. There is some peaceful breaks, but even then it just seems the brief time you'd spend just holding yourself trying to calm down before becoming enraged once more.
Can't believe it took 6 years to record this, or that it was met with such acclaim
1
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Tue Dec 13 2022
Dirt
Alice In Chains
It's hard rock. Less grating than I thought, even some shoegazy sections, and I'm sure important in developing their genre, but not my deal. Drummer has a Meg White level of talent.
2
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Wed Dec 14 2022
Bright Flight
Silver Jews
Indicative of late 90's / early 00's indie. The subject hits personally; the whole album is tinged with disparate sadness through the clean, evenness of the music against unenthused and depressed vocals
It's smart honestly. Initially sounds like nothing notable, but the album does create a unique story through the play. Not reaching for it any time soon, but its a good blend of sad country and thoughtful indie. Makes sense on this list
3
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Thu Dec 15 2022
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Wide open and free. A classic late 60's sound emphasized by the basic patterns of the time and a huge carry on the vibraphone. Blends of jazz and folk stretch throughout a heartfelt, emotional album
3
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Fri Dec 16 2022
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
Always thought of them as more of a one hit wonder, but I guess I was wrong. Album is timely, and sounds like it's inspired by the end of the 70's with notes of early Ska. Interesting to hear the influence of American Soul on British bands. Could do without the whispering or odd sound sections
3
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Mon Dec 19 2022
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Artistic combination of Jazz and Soul brought in to the modern era. Music is very expressive through use of effects and space to envelop the listener in its' journey
4
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Tue Dec 20 2022
Blackstar
David Bowie
A darker, more thoughtful Bowie. A majority of the album, Lazarus specifically, comes off as a Swan Song as many other reviews have contextualized the album.
There are lots of layers to this album. Most notably the feedback loop of art. When an artist has lived and created much, they have the option to evolve or stay constant. Hearing tinges of modern artists and their styles blended with an evolution of Bowie's music provides a new experience
4
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Wed Dec 21 2022
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Classic.
One of the iconic soft folk albums from the period, filled with thoughtful songwriting and lush, synchronous harmonies of two guitars and two voices.
A reflection of a different time.
5
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Thu Dec 22 2022
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
Dramatic and fun, though not always pleasant to listen to. Most notably influenced by the Ramones, with notes of stadium rock and and metal. Clearly an originator of Seattle Grunge as described in reviews, you can really hear the two pedals the album is named for
2
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Fri Dec 23 2022
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Pinnacle disco. The Sledge sisters provides the main vocals while an orchestra of other musicians and singers color in the rest of the album. Did not know it was spearheaded by the guys in Chic or that they wrote the songs before knowing the Sledges.
An album defining of its' era and endlessly sampled in the modern age.
4
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Mon Dec 26 2022
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
A stellar and fun Christmas album. A few of the songs are the best versions of the title, two are on the Christmas tape of 1984
5
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Tue Dec 27 2022
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Oh fuck, 'Maps' is THAT SONG. The late 90's aggression takes the front seat on the first half of the album, but it develops in to the complexity and finesse of other bands later in the decade. An important album showing the creation and influence of the main indie phase of the 00's
Warrants a relisten
3
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Wed Dec 28 2022
Eternally Yours
The Saints
Surfy vibes meets more driven rock with R&B and a bit of the Ramones.
3
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Thu Dec 29 2022
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Interesting to hear Janis Joplin in such a raw set of recordings. The "fake liveness" of the album is gimmicky and bad, but it was the 60's.
3
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Fri Dec 30 2022
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Straight 80's time capsule. Some of the hits have persevered and have been prominent my whole life. Interesting write up in the article about how this was a breakthrough for metal to go mainstream, but this will always be Classic Rock for me
3
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Mon Jan 02 2023
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Hauntingly beautiful. Billie Holiday has always been a niche more than something to comfortably put on for all, but her style, presence, and personal tale is something to be appreciated. This album is like a time capsule as jazz quickly began to move towards fusion and bebop
4
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Tue Jan 03 2023
Pretenders
Pretenders
It's poppy, it's punky, a precursor to divergence of music in the 80's. Second side is better than first
2
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Wed Jan 04 2023
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Sounds like how someone who never listens to any metal would describe it the genre. Fast, gruff, weird. Leans heavily into religious aspects complete with recordings and choirs. Very intentional drama
I'd give 1.5 if I could, but I'll round up for significance
2
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Thu Jan 05 2023
Very
Pet Shop Boys
Fast paced synthesized dance hits written for popularity put against some lush, spacious, and dreamy bops. Would be fun to dance to undoubtedly. Silly talking parts included. Vaguely familiar
4
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Fri Jan 06 2023
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Creative jaunt through multiple genres from dance pop to trip hop. Expectations met. Definitely not an every day listen, but hits when this genre is what you're looking for
3
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Mon Jan 09 2023
Hotel California
Eagles
It's one of the greatest albums during the pinnacle of rock. Good mix of complexity, intricate lyricism, and classic songs.
5
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Tue Jan 10 2023
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Seems to not belong here. It's not bad, but I don't seem to see any significance to it
2
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Wed Jan 11 2023
Illmatic
Nas
It sounds like a lot of the New York rap I wasn't allowed to listen to growing up. That made it seem briefly un-notable, until I realized that this is the album a lot of that pulled from. One of the first to produce and rap in this style. Shoutout NYC
4
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Thu Jan 12 2023
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Damn life was good when I was 5 and the world wasn't burning. Made me forget that the first half of this album is leagues better than the second.
3
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Fri Jan 13 2023
Like A Prayer
Madonna
Hit after hit. Definitely a fun listen, trails off to more ballads towards the end
3
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Mon Jan 16 2023
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
The original metal album. Spawned an entire genre of music. Learned about it in Metal 101 with Professor Duke
4
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Tue Jan 17 2023
My Generation
The Who
It sounds like the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show. Definitely not the Who I know: a lot more blatant influence of the blues and similarly arranged into standard repeated sections. They even said themselves it doesn't quite capture their sound or what their sound will become
3
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Wed Jan 18 2023
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
So many iconic songs on one album. The core of so many songs and albums in the future. Never was a personal favorite, but its reverence is noted
4
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Thu Jan 19 2023
Scott 4
Scott Walker
A cinematic exploration of folk and orchestration. Really wowed through the listen. Resonant with classic 60's music while also leading a clear path to future use of orchestration by bands like Radiohead and the Flaming Lips
4
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Fri Jan 20 2023
Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Punk and a bit of jazz with a lot of screaming and harsh tones. It took a while for me to think about why this would be ranked so high on Australia's albums of all time, but there's a straight line from this to KGLW
2
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Mon Jan 23 2023
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Man do I love the Count
4
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Tue Jan 24 2023
Faith
George Michael
Interesting to learn that it's his first album and that he wrote so much of it. It's a bit too... forwards for me. The 80's be wildin'
Worth another listen late night instead of 9 AM on a Tuesday. 2.5/5
2
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Wed Jan 25 2023
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Thanks mom
Never realized there was no bass on the album, but it is the very distinctive sound of the White Stripes. Reminds me of going to science summer camp. 3.5/5 but round up for nostalgia.
4
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Thu Jan 26 2023
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
In the End is a classic, Cure for the Itch had some nice triphop vibes and no screaming. There's good parts and interesting components, otherwise, not really the album for me even though I remember a good amount of these songs. Divorced parents soundtrack
2
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Fri Jan 27 2023
Fun House
The Stooges
Like Black Sabbath, this album was before its' time. Songs were not particularly notable but are the core of punk rock
3
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Mon Jan 30 2023
High Violet
The National
Never explored this band as much as Declan suggested. There's a reason we all sought his musical wisdom.
It's clean, it's lush, it radiates warmth and emotion with crazy good drums
4
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Tue Jan 31 2023
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Baroque is the right way to describe most of the sounds of this album. An interesting blend of the classic late 60's Brit sound with classical influences moving more and more away from the norm. An interestingly peaceful listen with some quirks
3
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Wed Feb 01 2023
White Light
Gene Clark
Another refreshing and peaceful jaunt through late 60's / early 70's singer / songwriter music. Interesting that he's from the Byrds and clearly contributed much
3
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Thu Feb 02 2023
The Joshua Tree
U2
This is the album that did it for them. A good amount of the songs are instantly recognizable, but again they front loaded the album. u2 -> U2
3
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Fri Feb 03 2023
Protection
Massive Attack
Some of the original triphop right there. Drags a bit in the middle but is an important origin
4
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Mon Feb 06 2023
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Classic, killer, thrash. Nothing overbearing or too overtop, just tasty metal
4
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Tue Feb 07 2023
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Good Afrobeat, a bit long form
3
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Wed Feb 08 2023
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Hard to go wrong with Stevie. Definitely some more mature themes from him laid over some fine grooves
3
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Thu Feb 09 2023
Crazysexycool
TLC
Prime time 90's R&B. Not always right, but hits when it does
4
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Fri Feb 10 2023
Wild Gift
X
Good early punk sound. Both vocalists play off of each other well and keep the album sounding fresh when some of the riffs and songs otherwise sound similar.
3
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Mon Feb 13 2023
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Its an absolute classic. One of my favorite Bobby D albums. A transitional phase to more complex songwriting both in terms of music and lyrics. The album is composed of mostly monumental songs known by many, but my favorite is still probably Bob Dylan's 115th Dream
5
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Tue Feb 14 2023
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash was one of the original country stars. This album showcases many of his talents: His deep, sultry voice, his natural story telling, and most of all his striking charisma. There's times when he voice cracks or he just asks for a glass of water a second time, and it shows how comfortable he is on stage. One hell of an artist
4
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Wed Feb 15 2023
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Interesting to go back and listen to these guys: their sound is a cinematic blend of US pop punk and UK Indie. right as everything was coming together in the mid 00's. Well made and produced
4
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Thu Feb 16 2023
OK
Talvin Singh
A fascinating story of travel recorded in a busy, heavily Asian influenced album. The synthesized drum beats in contrast with recordings of native choirs are a bit jarring at time but was an interesting journey
2
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Fri Feb 17 2023
Moondance
Van Morrison
Classic Van Morrison. The man cultivated quite a vibe before he slowly became an unbearable asshole
3
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Mon Feb 20 2023
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
This album marks a transition to more expressive psychedelic and emotional music. Absolutely influential and, though rough at times, played a big roll in creating the revolution of the 60's. White Rabbit is the perfect analogy to exploring the unknown given its' consistent use to flash back to the Vietnam war
4
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Tue Feb 21 2023
The Who Sell Out
The Who
Unlike some critics, I would not go so far as to say this is the Who's best work. It is filled with well-written songs that sound especially 60's on top of its' status of notable social commentary. 3.5/5
3
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Wed Feb 22 2023
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
Interesting to see this on here. I definitely enjoyed this more than I thought, but am not running back to it for a casual listen. Good working or rotting music.
3
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Thu Feb 23 2023
Live!
Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti always brings such energy to his performances, it's interesting to hear a live recording from so early on in his international career.Even before some of his biggest albums, he was always Fela, one of the main players in defining the Afrobeat genre.
4
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Fri Feb 24 2023
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Jazzy, well-articulated, easy going tunes. Ray Charles nailed it.
Lush orchestration and classic tunes. A great collection to be made aware of
5
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Mon Feb 27 2023
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
It's fucking Dark Side.
Recently read a conspiracy that the album is supposed to be played B side first then A side: Starting with Money and ending with Great Gig in the Sky. Listening to it like this definitely changes the tone of the album and is an interesting approach to something I've listened through many times. I'd recommend it to any long time listener as its easy on Vinyl and easier with modern services
5
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Tue Feb 28 2023
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Not the Radiohead album I would've thought to encounter here first, but also not one I'm too familiar with. Starting off in 7/4 is just such a classic Radiohead thing to do. Fairly mellow given Radiohead's body of work but with all of the notable stylistic choices of the band in the early 00's. A good album to listen back on
3
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Wed Mar 01 2023
World Clique
Deee-Lite
A vibe. Everything does sound vaguely like "Groove is in the Heart." Really interesting guests and directly influences the development of 90's music
3
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
A lot more mellow and articulated than "an anarcho-syndicalist speedfreak road-movie record" made it sound. Certainly cinematic but overall a bit underwhelming. Everything from design to description made this sound like a thrash album and it just wasn't
2
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Fri Mar 03 2023
Street Signs
Ozomatli
A really interesting blend of cultures and sounds. Anthems for the regular people of LA County. Full of energy, Ozomatli definitely delivered here. Will have to check more of their catalogue out
5
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Mon Mar 06 2023
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Rich mid-90's psych-rock. Philosophical and spacious as implied by the name. Good heavy bits and good writing, nothing crazy though
3
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Tue Mar 07 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Sounds like the 1950's again. Muddy big and proud on this album with tight backing. Some of the best mainstream blues
4
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Wed Mar 08 2023
Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
Though never explicitly stated, it seems these albums were an early blend of electronic and world music. It's groovy if not oddly distant at points. Becomes a bit repetitive towards the end of the album, but was an interesting listen.
3
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Thu Mar 09 2023
Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
I am glad I took the time to read about the movie before listening. This album sounds like a soundtrack, obviously based heavily in Indian Culture. It is good for what it is, though I do not understand what qualified it for this list.
2
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Fri Mar 10 2023
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Very distinct as late 60's psychedelic folk. A lot of renaissance themes to it, combined with their Scottish accents, makes it sound like it would fit in the Fox Robinhood universe. Theatrical and silly yet oddly satisfying.
3
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Mon Mar 13 2023
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Spooky Skeleton man has always had a refined blend of punk and appeal. It i interesting to listen to the differences in the tracks produced by Iggy and by Bowie.
4
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
Instrumental, percussion heavy, covers album. Yes please. Lots of samples and inspiration from this one.
4
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
Cee Lo has always been a little full off him self and it shows. This album has a great depth of production and interesting guests, but I'm not sure what put it on this list. A continuation of the exploration of Southern Style Hip Hop
3
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
The refined sound blend of good 80's music with interesting lyrical content. Very cool how a lot of it references literature and recreates the feelings of being in love 4/5
4
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Fri Mar 17 2023
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
One of my favorite albums of all time. The source of a few long running family remarks (SLOWLY DWADDLES) and fights (Is the Jack of Hearts alive at the end of the song???), and many fond memories of singing this in the backseat as early as I can remember.
It's also one of the best examples of the Bob Dylan's deservingness of the title "Poet Laureate of a Generation." A deeply emotional and complicated album that has stood the test of time and changed with me as I've grown
5
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Cinematic and wild. Many different layers of sounds and moments were expertly created and refined here. What a start to a solo career.
4
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
I can't believe this came out in 1983.. I have a whole new appreciation of the Violent Femmes. Killer Acoustic Bass Guitar and clearly influential to Alt and Indie music. Strikingly minimal while whimsical and calamitous
4
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Wed Mar 22 2023
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
Another high concept art album from legendary assholes. Important in terms of sampling and tracking but not a particularly enjoyable listen. Often sounds like the music from How It's Made
2
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Thu Mar 23 2023
Manassas
Stephen Stills
They don't make albums like they used to HOT DAMN.
Continuity through a thoughtful 4 part album?! Sign me up
Impressive segueing of styles and composition. A bit odd to listen to as such but really interesting
4
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Fri Mar 24 2023
Stankonia
OutKast
One of the earlier examples of the melodic shift of Southern Hip Hop. Widely influential, not always what I'm looking for
4
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Vivid
Living Colour
Thought this would be a one hit wonder band with a guitar hero song, but it was a well put together combo of hard rock and funk with a laundry list of influences. Great instrumentation
4
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Achtung Baby
U2
U2's body of music is really hard to grasp sometimes. Half of their body of music is from my lifetime and half before. Their sound changes by decades, but always holds the same stadium appeal. I've heard a good amount of the songs from this album prior but listening this intently makes me appreciate their significance much more.
This album feels more complete than All That You Can't Leave Behind and the songs I didn't know stood out more.
4
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4/13 songs have been removed from Spotify.
High Quality early 90's Hip Hop beats with politics as the clear focus. Surprisingly doesn't feel patronizing or begging because it goes in so hard. So forwards its reminds of the Adventure Time POLITICAL RAP scene. It's almost hard to believe this guy went on to create Spearhead and write such cheery music if the politics weren't so consistent.
4
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
A well done set of classics by a legend. Not groundbreaking, but it is genre defining. Enjoyable listen
3
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Fri Mar 31 2023
Goo
Sonic Youth
Refined dissonance. This album has definitely influenced many of the indie bands I grew up listening to. The moments of harshness are surprisingly balanced and I enjoyed more than I thought
4
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
Again, I liked this more than I thought I would. Dexy's really did come out swinging, and the advent of the string section definitely helped that along on this one. It's a shame all of the horns left the band immediately after this release. Lots of early ska. Sounds like the drama kids just pulled a bunch people from Orchestra, Band, and Chorus by the song to help them record in a good way
4
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Tue Apr 04 2023
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Filled with personality and that great early chugging of NYC Hard Rock, this is a stand out for sure. Nothing crazy or overcomplicated, the dolls delivered a fun album while telling Homophobia to fuck off.
3
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
This album bred so many rappers for decades to come. Never could really lean into the aggression of it all, but the beats are crazy. So many samples to make groundbreaking songs and runs for a full hour.
Its' influence is the reason why I wasn't allowed to listen to rap growing up. Some parts of this definitely wouldn't fly today, but this was always meant to be something that made people scared and angry. Not my deal, but reverent of it.
3
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Thu Apr 06 2023
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
Clocking in at nearly three hours total, I thought I would need a break. The variety of it all kept me invested. There is a lot of distinct indie charm and New York life mashed into these songs. It is impressive how many genres and styles this album goes through and how many different views of love are presented in these "Love Songs"
A lot of it doesn't quite reach that complex level of songwriting, but there's a lot of depth in the lyricism. I think its' concept is fun and that it realistically is more of a Revue than a consistent album. It comes off more silly than profound at times, but I think that's the point. A wild album to put together and record. I ended up liking this better than I thought
4
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Album is good, though I think it's importance must lie in its' dreamy reintroduction of Bossa Nova music into the popular lens in Europe and America.
The most interesting things I learned: the Serbian producer of the album died due to smoke inhalation after a studio fire, and that Gilberto is a Brazilian Bossa Nova dynasty musician.
3
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Mon Apr 10 2023
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Comes off as Post-Folk as it is obviously tinged with Morrison's older work but there is a much wider range of influences present. A sweeping soundscape of moods, this album came off much better than I anticipated.
4
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Tue Apr 11 2023
Berlin
Lou Reed
A true, full concept album. It's a well written and sad story about the ravages of addiction including ups and downs, all still smattered with Lou Reed's iconic NYC sound. It would be worth going back and trying to read through the lyrics or listening more consistently to the lyrics.
3
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Wed Apr 12 2023
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
A love letter and introduction from Jimi. It includes many of his best known songs as well as some incredible instrumentation and songwriting. This album is one of the major sounds of the late 60's and inspired generations of guitarists to explore their artistry. Hard to believe that this is a debut album at times.
5
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Sheet Music
10cc
Didn't really do it for me. Hard to follow the vocal themes and is a bit zany and inconsistent. I don't believe I disliked it as much as it didn't settle as an important experience for me.
2
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
90's Soul / R&B Incarnate. Refined and sexy . This album just feels good when this is the mood you want.
4
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Mon Apr 17 2023
Elastica
Elastica
Classic 90's Alt feel. Catchy while still holding to the edgy attitude. Interesting stories behind the band.
3
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
A day in the life of a Hi-Fi Audiophile:
1) Plead with my wife to come back home
2) Crank that sweet, sweet Steely Dan
5
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Wed Apr 19 2023
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Country music back in the day just hits different. It's still free, artistic, and a memory of simpler times. Getting Flagels with Grampa out in NJ and his love of outlaw country. It's hard to think of Dolly anything other than the mega figure she has been my entire life. Short and sweet lil album here.
4
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Thu Apr 20 2023
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
Appropriate for the times, did not feel as weighty as the Wikipedia and Critical reviews would've made me guess. Likely worth a listen, definitely an influence to many of the British Indie favorites of mine.
3
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
This is it: the transition from jazz and blues and psychedelic rock to jam bands in recorded form. Utilizing the new 16 track recording, to capture a lot of the finer details of and emotion of a live show
4
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
So this is Gothic Rock, huh? Always nice to eb able to put a name to a genre I know. Nick Cave was interesting to learn about, as is a lot of Australian music. Not fully my deal but iconic for what it is. A double album is always appreciated.
3
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Tue Apr 25 2023
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
1973: A great year for music
A lot of classics from this album and songs I knew but didn't realize. Absolutely a vibe in and of itself. Interesting to learn that this is the album where the 3 brothers incorporated 3 other musicians for the first time, though now the name makes it seem obvious
5
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Kimono My House
Sparks
Whimsical and eccentric, this album has a lot of surprising notes to it. Everything from screeching guitar solos to silly, high pitched vocals, it almost comes off as a musical soundtrack sometimes. Interesting to learn about Sparks and who they've influenced, especially through this album.
When I started this album, I thought this wasn't going to be my style at all, but it surprisingly grew on me in a way I didn't expect. Warrants a re-listen
3
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Thu Apr 27 2023
Sea Change
Beck
I immediately recognize this album cover, but had never really listened. Was just a bit early from when when I hit my big Indie pocket.
A soaring album of dramatic swells and emotions. Really keyed in on the lonesome aspect of heartbreak, highlighted by the use of space and small effects suspended in them.
4
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Fri Apr 28 2023
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
Wonderful album, and definitely seems to be tipping the scale towards psychedelia. Had lots of classic early 60's charm. Always interesting to find out songs I didn't think were covers are: Mr. Spaceman
3
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Mon May 01 2023
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
A bit of musical ADD with how many songs are crammed into the 74 minute run time. Interesting in how many style are captured and interpreted. Difficult to listen to at times
3
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Tue May 02 2023
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
Such a classic 60's sound, it transportative. 12 songs in under 30 minutes is also a nice surprisingly easy listen
3
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Wed May 03 2023
Atomizer
Big Black
Definitively Noise Rock, but with a nice hit of passion. Got me moving from time to time through all of the abrasiveness.
3
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Thu May 04 2023
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
Good mid 70's punk sound with exploratory lyrics. Great use of space. Nothing crazy, but a solid album all the same
3
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Fri May 05 2023
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
It's just really high quality American Punk as the scales began to tip towards that musical direction. Jello's voice matched up with the high speed and intensity of the music makes it a very immersive album, ready to thrash about whenever needed.
4
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Mon May 08 2023
Dry
PJ Harvey
The album is quiet, had to be turned up from where I've listened to every other album. Definitely seems to follow the path transitioning Punk to Grunge in the early 90's with hints of Indie.
3
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Tue May 09 2023
American Pie
Don McLean
The whole album is more than just American Pie! Aside from the classic of classics, there's a lot of excellent era appropriate folk blended with a bit of country and Don McLean's own sound.
4
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Wed May 10 2023
Repeater
Fugazi
Lots of interesting musicality interacting through Hard Rock. Didn't listen as intently as desired, but certainly a good and important album for what it is
3
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Thu May 11 2023
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
There are many interesting moments on this album, though overall, it does fall fairly flat to me. Seems at times to blend R&B aspects with traditional Reggae roots. Album takes advantage of lots of space, feels a bit unfulfilling at points, but that is more due to personal style.
2
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Fri May 12 2023
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Sounds like a more driven and experimental version of the Police at times. Definitely a show of the movement towards musical differences in the early 80's, but not something that could stand up greatly to the test of time
3
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Mon May 15 2023
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
It was interesting to hear Bob Live in such an early part of his career, having already achieved international success. Concert is in two sets: the first is just Bob, guitar, and harmonica while the other has the band behind him. To think he was only 25 at the time and had already become so notable is wild. It's nice to hear his artistry resonate through the theater and this album is good, though this is not a standout favorite
3
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Tue May 16 2023
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Classic early American Soul. Everyone knows the song Green Onions: it has appeared so many times as the song people explain how the Heist is going to go down. Lots of great organ and instrumentation and enjoyable covers. Research led me to McLemore Avenue, a Booker T. and the M.G.s All Beatles cover album
4
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Wed May 17 2023
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
The sounds of the 60's from Surf Rock to Hendrix to the Blues are pervasive throughout the album, but it's all quite different. If the first true Heavy Metal album is Black Sabbath, this definitely helped clear the way.
The sound quality is a little rough and could definitely use a remaster. An interesting listen and clear path of evolution in music
4
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Thu May 18 2023
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
I feel like my whole generation was lied to about Deep Purple: "They're the guys who wrote a guitar song you can play with one finger. Famous one hit wonders!"
This album shredded. Lots of high intensity, hard rock jams that went on for longer than anticipated. There were some weird parts like a 4 minute drum solo or some back and forths between the vocalist and guitar solos that didn't translate well, but I imagine seeing this blitzed on coke in the early 70's in Japan was an absolute riot.
4
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Fri May 19 2023
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
I'm glad it was compared to Gaye's "What's Going On" which came out around the same time. A lot of the soundtrack is familiar because so many of these songs have pushed beyond the boundary of backing music and defined an entire genre of soul
4
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Mon May 22 2023
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Album was delightful and fun. Just silly enough to be relaxed and poppy enough to have made a name for itself.
3
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Tue May 23 2023
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
A testament to the great, expansive, pinnacle of Rock that occurred in the mid-70's. Wish You Were Here is an incredible album and should be appreciated. It is more operatic than Dark Side and showcases clever songwriting in the transitions
5
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Wed May 24 2023
Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
Outside of my normal scope of music, this was a bit challenging through long sections of repeated beats with limited development in the songs. That being said, it is a high quality album and a great album for focus.
The final song, the Private Psychedelic Reel, was definitely my favorite. I don't think this belongs in the greatest 100 albums of all time, but I'm glad I listened to it
3
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Thu May 25 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Elton John has put out so much music over the course of his career, but the early 70's, right when he started, was like someone turned on a fire hose. A good album that's got plenty of Elton's classic charm and songwriting that starts with Tiny Dancer of all songs.
3
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Fri May 26 2023
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
Very dramatic and intricate songwriting with the lyricism to boot. Does sound and feel very similar to exploring New York.
It's a bit long winded, but a feat of musicality undoubtedly
3
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Mon May 29 2023
Pearl
Janis Joplin
It's hard to overstate Janis Joplin's importance to music and the rock and roll scene. What a powerhouse of a vocalist and someone who was taken too early from us.
The album really captures a lot of her uniqueness and her voice.
4
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Tue May 30 2023
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Much more mellow and soul driven than Superfly, a great listen. There's a lot of character and emotion pushed out through the album.
So In Love is a Curtis Mayfield song it turns out. Love finding older originals to newer covers and comparing and contrasting through this project
3
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Wed May 31 2023
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
I've heard a lot about this album through different media sources, and is rightly lauded as a defining moment in Alternative Rock. Though not listed as a concept album by Billy Corgan, this "Loose Collection of Songs" has distinctly captured the feelings of teenage angst and confusion.
Over 28 songs, there is naturally some brilliant moments and some to be less enjoyed, but a good listen none the less.
4
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Thu Jun 01 2023
Technique
New Order
Some really fun and hypnotic, trancy dance music. Has some surprisingly deep lyrics. Warrants a full relisten, but would great to put on to hype some people up or have on during afters
3
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Fri Jun 02 2023
The Visitors
ABBA
Sorry mom: ABBA is good.
This is so different than a lot of the popular ABBA songs and I believe represents some of the tenser moments of Mama Mia. It has a gothic/baroque quality to it and is soaring with emotional turmoil.
3
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Mon Jun 05 2023
S&M
Metallica
It's really good, even better than I anticipated. The guys in Metallica may be dicks, but the two hours of symphonic metal on this album makes up for it. Perfect D&D fight music. Will warrant another listen
4
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
This album DRIVES. Nonstop movement and motivation through constant guitar work and shouted vocals. I like that they refused to be labeled a metal band, and were instead a "Rock 'n' Roll" band
Not something I want to listen to all of the time, but it's a damn good rock album
4
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Wed Jun 07 2023
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
I've learned a lot about Nine Inch Nails listening to and researching this album that I didn't before. For one thing, Trent Reznor is the entire fucking band. There's a few small instruments and samples added as a cherry on top, but he's credited for "Vocals, All Instruments, Arranger, Producer" on this album. Not even just that, he was using early Macintosh software to edit and distort the sounds and frequencies used.
The album is rough and erratic, and can be hard to listen to. I feel that's almost the point though. A concept album of a man so misanthropic he kills God before struggling to take his own life is relatable in a lot of ways. It speaks a lot to the underground scene in the early 90's and a bit to what some of these live shows must have been like. As I listened, this album grew on me much more than I would've guessed.
Ultimately, an incredible accomplishment in music history that warrants more listens and analysis of the lyrics. It's time to come to terms with the drum machine
4
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Thu Jun 08 2023
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
This was a fine album, not my particular music taste.
Interesting combo of raps and 80's beats.
2
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Fri Jun 09 2023
The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
9/11 had a profound effect on the music industry, and I don't think any of it was good. This is a prime example.
Its awash with patriotism and self-pride. The music is simple and uninspired while being littered with a bunch of over complicated melismatic strings. It feels lazy overall. It's the shadow of albums like Born to Run and Wild, Innocent, E-Street band.
I love Bruce, but this is not the version of him I love. If anything I feel like this still belongs on the list to show the significance of 9/11 in music
2
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Mon Jun 12 2023
Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
Idk what I expected, but it was definitely not a gruff, punk album. Its got some surf rock, it's got some stomp and holler, its not by any means revelatory. Crazy that these guys blew up thanks to a few songs on their 4th album.
Not a bad listen, but idk why it's on here
2
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Tue Jun 13 2023
Stardust
Willie Nelson
It's 2023 all year, so it's Willie Nelson's 90th birthday all year.
Crazy to think that Willie Nelson's 22nd studio album was one of the ones that really propelled him into the mainstream. Cool story about Booker T. Jones producing and arranging the album after meeting on a jog in Malibu. It's hard to hate classics like these, especially coming from Willie Nelson reflecting on his own influences.
3
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Wed Jun 14 2023
Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
I always wondered why people got really into Devo. This made me wonder why more.
Half-ass sounding cover of Satisfaction. Some really high instrumental notes were cut off by vocals coming in. The yelling and stuttering syncopation were just not for me. Whole album sounds unenthusiastic and lacks emotion.
Not insufferable, but not good.
1
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Thu Jun 15 2023
Raw Power
The Stooges
1973: A great year for music.
Straight to the point: Iggy Pop and the Stooges created Punk Rock. They were not the only ones, but this is the album that really gets it together. Reading about the different approach to music and guitar due to the new guitarist is really interesting and helps connect the lines to the Clash, the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, and Patti Smith
4
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Fri Jun 16 2023
Boston
Boston
A great classic album. Many of the songs are still in rotation today.
Interesting to learn about the recording process and how the band got together to create this album. An incredible debut, though not particularly influential or significant beyond its' popularity
3
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Mon Jun 19 2023
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Great musicality with lots of space and thoughtful lyrics. Black Sabbath really paved the way for Metal of all varieties. Love learning about producer changes like this where the band does it and it changes the sound positively
Not only were they pioneers, but in research, I learned they put out 4 albums in their first two and a half years: prolific
4
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Tue Jun 20 2023
Synchronicity
The Police
There is a distinctly different set of influences on this album from world music compared to the rest of the Police's catalogue. Everyone knows Every Breath You Take.
A classic album that provided a fitting end for the band. It was really cool to see their reunion tour as a kid.
3
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Wed Jun 21 2023
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Filled with a lot of space and self-reflection, this album takes a step back from the normal bops of Stevie Wonder, but holds just as much of his iconic character.
3
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Thu Jun 22 2023
Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
POST-ROCK!! Wasn't sure I'd see any of this on here. I was surprised that it was this album from Tortoise, but after reading how it was one of the more notable entries in early Post-Rock, it makes sense.
Album is tactfully written and full of complex emotion. Definitely a good listen
4
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Fri Jun 23 2023
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Not the easiest to listen to, but that's how it often is with post-x music. I'm not running back to this album, but it was very interesting to listen to this and consider how it influenced those after it in a similar genre like Joy Division and the Sonic Youth
3
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Mon Jun 26 2023
Bad
Michael Jackson
The production on this album is incredible. Quincy Jones always nails it.
Though a bit more hard lined and serious than some of MJs other albums, it is still a landmark album in the catalogue with all of his unique quirks and styles showing through
4
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Tue Jun 27 2023
Dookie
Green Day
It's not even my favorite Green Day album, but it's a classic. Green Day started a new wave of Punk amid America's slide into Grunge.
It's short, it's loud, and it definitely gets the point across. It's not particularly musically complex, but its influence and emotion definitely leave this as a good contender.
4
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Wed Jun 28 2023
Traffic
Traffic
I've been looking to explore Traffic again so this was a nice push. The album is a bit scattered in a way I really like. Shows how many influences they had and leads to the direction they would go in. Definitely a front runner in Progressive Rock. 3.5/5
3
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Thu Jun 29 2023
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
1973: A great year for music
A bit more reserved but still an artistic accomplishment from the masters of perfection. Though none of the songs ever broke through as singles, it still deserves high praise for the journey it takes you on.
4
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Fri Jun 30 2023
1984
Van Halen
Three very well known popular songs out of the eight and a half on the album is impressive. It's not reinventing the wheel, because this is the sound of 80's rock. Not the most musically impressive thing I've ever listened to, but it's full of drive and energy. To be appreciated for its influence for sure
4
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Mon Jul 03 2023
So
Peter Gabriel
This feels so unnatural, Peter Gabriel too...
Sledgehammer and In Your Eyes. Lots of progressive, synth heavy music with the exact kind of gripping lyrics and fusions you'd expect.
4
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Tue Jul 04 2023
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I don't love all of Prince's music, but this was phenomenal. The artistry and talent shown on the album is crazy. Not an easy or short listen, but well worth the time. Probably one of the best albums to come out of 80's pop hell
4
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Wed Jul 05 2023
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
I listened to this the same day as Siouxsie and the Banshees for continuity after missing a bunch of albums. It's great to see how they took the same dramatic post-punk and refined it into a more well thought-out album with their own spin. Album definitely has a lot of attitude that is kept pretty minimal at times but breaks through to intense bits. Great, if not strange song writing
4
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Thu Jul 06 2023
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This is a distinct step forward in musicality from "My Aim is True." Definitely leans a bit more into the pop sound but still has all of the sharpness and interesting styles you want from Elvis Costello. The Attractions add a lot of depth to the record, as does the increased level of production.
3
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Fri Jul 07 2023
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
A staple in folk albums. So many immediately recognizable songs from Bridge, to Cecilia, the Boxer, etc. It's got its' own flair and styles and was a worthy finale of Simon and Garfunkel
4
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Mon Jul 10 2023
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Breezy, great instrumentation, a solid listen through. Nothing is exceptionally mind blowing, but it is definitely an impressive debut. Gotta love the Sultans of Swing.
3
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Tue Jul 11 2023
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Easy listening. Some good classic soul. It's exactly what you expect in a good way
3
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Wed Jul 12 2023
Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
Damn is this a vibe. I wish world music like this had the same kind of write ups that the more popular stuff does. Obviously they hit a smaller group of people, but there's clearly a lot more to this album than the Wiki leads.
A complex jaunt of music and emotion. The language barrier doesn't matter too much because the music is so expressive as is. As advertised: a short, but comprehensive jaunt through a uniquely African soundscape
4
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Thu Jul 13 2023
School's Out
Alice Cooper
I feel like this is another Deep Purple situation. Sure everyone knows School's Out the song, but the album has a lot more complexity and appeal though not mainstream. A fun listen and an interesting possible concept album about ending school and having to grow up after graduation
3
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Fri Jul 14 2023
Closer
Joy Division
Is Joy Division overrated? Yes and No
Of their own admission, they didn't try too hard to make this album. They're talented musicians that shot the shit and got darker and darker until they would hit record and improvise jams and lyrics into a tape recorder. Bernard Sumner's suicide certainly helped propel the band a bit more into notoriety especially with these posthumous releases.
All of that being said, Joy Division is one of if not THE seminal band in Post-Punk. Their style was certainly their own and has influenced a great many people. Some take it deep to heart and some just wear the T-shirt for clout.
Joy Division is a cultural and musical icon, no matter how you look at the quality of their music or artistry. Even if it's not for you, it's important to appreciate the steps of musical history.
3
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Mon Jul 17 2023
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Really great production on the album. Cut Chemist and Chali already got high marks from me for Ozomatli. It's a good album and continued to push HipHop in the early 00's to blend more and more with other genres. 3.5/5
3
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Tue Jul 18 2023
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
I didn't like this nearly as much as Mellon Collie. It is good, and once again defining Alt Rock, but I don't feel that it carries the same weight personally
2
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Wed Jul 19 2023
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
A bit simple, but shows how much of a talent Paul Simon was even when he we just starting out on his own. Most if not all of the songs had been recorded for years before being released. Nothing mind blowing, but an important piece of musical history. A bridge between his days with Garfunkel and his future sound
3
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Thu Jul 20 2023
Want One
Rufus Wainwright
I wasn't sure what to expect from a Rufus "the Hallelujah guy" Wainwright, but this definitely exceeded my expectations. It has many sounds to be later found in later alt / indie music of the next few years. Specifically reminiscent of artists like Andrew Bird and Sufjan Stevens. Really excellent songwriting with a lot of eccentric charm throughout the different styles. Heartfelt and theatrical, bits of whimsy intercede with deep emotion. Put it on early thinking it'd be casual but it really gripped me while listening
4
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Fri Jul 21 2023
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
I put this one off for 100 albums because I already knew it. It is important for the shifting of the ambient genre beyond Brian Eno into a more electronic space.
It's not bad, but it can be hard to work through on its' own. It's really excellent background music, and allows some of its' better moments to catch you off guard and shine
3
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Mon Jul 24 2023
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
The QUEEN
You just gotta love it
4
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Tue Jul 25 2023
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Really interesting to hear James Brown from such an early point of his career. I didn't particularly know any of the songs but he still comes through as the performer everyone knows him to be. I think this is just before he skyrocketed to the very top with some of his singles. An interesting point in music history
3
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Wed Jul 26 2023
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Its good, though I'm not quite sure why it's on here. I had no idea Rod Stewart was in Faces so that's interesting. Captures the changing sounds of the early 70's transition from Blues to Rock. Not as hard as the Stones, but a clear directional shift
2
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Thu Jul 27 2023
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Its fun and silly while still being distinctly punk. Reminds me a lot of the TV album from Less Than Jake but a bit more raunchy. Nothing particularly gripping but a fun listen regardless
3
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Fri Jul 28 2023
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix truly helped reinvent what the guitar could be. I prefer Are You Experienced, but there's still much to be appreciated on album 2
4
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Fuck yeah. Learned a lot about Chuck D and Flava Flav (the original Hype Man) not to mention that they're also from Long Island
The mixing is so good. Definitely pushed Hip-Hop in new directions in the late 80's all while staying socially conscious.
4
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Tue Aug 01 2023
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Other then Sunshine of Your Love, nothing especially stood out. It was good psychedelic rock and a fun listen, but that's all it was
3
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Wed Aug 02 2023
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
This took me by surprise: When I saw Chicago it was lots of ballads and the popular songs I knew that were fun, but didn't stand up to their showmates Earth, Wind, & Fire.
This comes off more as a glorious processional. Lots of well articulated and harmonized horn parts with long running songs and solos. It almost comes off as a fusion of jazz and jam. Tons of energy and style choices, this was really one hell of a debut.
4
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Thu Aug 03 2023
Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Really great mixing from a style I never really listen to. A bit long but a fun listen
4
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Fri Aug 04 2023
Kala
M.I.A.
Disappointing. I really only knew Paper Planes going in, and I was hoping the rest of the album would be a worldly electronic vibe. It got worldly and electronic, but vibes were few, Did think the kids rapping was cute though.
Not my style but not bad. Enjoyed the clear influence of travel and world sounds on the album
2
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Mon Aug 07 2023
The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
This is a great example of an album that has a lot of thought put into it. The combo of the lavish orchestrations with the determinedly dark and spacey moods / lyrics creates quite an album.
I was surprised that of any indie albums I know, this was one of the first to show up, but I'm happy to rediscover it through this project
4
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
This was David Bowie's gateway to himself. Already well established by the time he put out this album, the change in songwriting and some notable songs like Changes and Life on Mars? primed him to create Ziggy. Listening through this album takes a little effort, but it's worth it. 3.5/5
4
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
I didn't make it all of the way through the album because it's noted that this album was removed from the project at a later release. This should've stayed and Fetch the Bolt Cutters should never have made it.
This isn't good, but its' cultural relevance may make this album worthy of a listen. I could totally mosh if drunk enough. This created a whole subsection of people who wore Neon too big gym shorts with TAPOUT Shirts. Ahhhh youth. I see what they were going for with the Rap/Rock and how hype they were on themselves given the time, but I can't stand it.
1
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
Another album that grew on me as I listened. A balanced amount of politics and spacious post punk. Some especially grabbing moments, but nothing mind blowing. I'm glad to have gotten the chance to listen, this is not the kind of genre that's easy to find. Also very cool to learn about Julian as an artist
3
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Fri Aug 11 2023
The Grand Tour
George Jones
This is some high quality Country music. I miss when this is what Country referred to instead of small town this, 9/11 that. The Grand Tour and Our Private Life are specific highlights.
It's short, sweet, and packed with a deeply emotional baritone.
4
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Mon Aug 14 2023
All Mod Cons
The Jam
A distinctly British sounding album undoubtedly. Like someone took the 60's rock and pop and put the filter of early punk on it. Down to the Tube Station was my favorite on album.
3
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Tue Aug 15 2023
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
I love this album. Funny how when you separate some of the singles, everything takes on a bit more of a positive light than when you listen to the whole album. They really nailed the concept and emotional output of this one.
Reading about the musical was interesting, knowing Aaron Sorkin was briefly attached to it especially. I think it'd be an interesting show, but much like Sorkin, feel that it being sung all of the way through would remove some of its' emotional content.
4
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Wed Aug 16 2023
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
It's really good dance music that absolutely hits a level deeper than similar groups around the mid-90's playing this style. It's a bit longwinded for me and difficult to listen to all of the way through, but it would be better in a different setting is my guess. May warrant a relisten to try to highlight and understand some of the subtleties
2
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
This was a fascinating album to listen to. I'm not aware of many rap concept albums, especially none so early with such a talented group behind it.
It's weird. A whole hour of a homicidal alien gynecologist is not exactly what I was expecting to appear on this list, or ever hear. Sticks to its' underground roots and laid out a path for a lot of weird / story based rap during an interesting time of for this style
2
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Fri Aug 18 2023
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Will it Destroy Rock and Roll? No
Name aside, it's a great showing of soft rock and other more lush influences to electronic music to create different sounds. Not as gripping as most album, but does have value, especially as background music for focus
4
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Original girl pop in the best way. Interesting to read about their origin and hear some of the later all female groups that use albums like this for inspiration
3
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Tue Aug 22 2023
The Predator
Ice Cube
A few big songs I knew, but mostly went into this one blind. Great production, but is still old enough into hiphop variance in the individual songs. Very socially aware and a worthwhile listen as a response to the 1992 riots.
3
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Cross
Justice
A fine dance album. Its' place on this list is questionable though as I cant find anything particularly revelatory or big influences other than D.A.N.C.E.
2
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Thu Aug 24 2023
Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
This was great, eccentric Blues. I even listened to the additional 7 bonus tracks I was so intrigued. Ultimately an artist I had been meaning to check out long term and glad to finally get the opportunity.
4
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Fri Aug 25 2023
On The Beach
Neil Young
The longing of this album is much different when compared to Harvest, as intended. I really appreciate the themes of loneliness and feeling distanced while being around people. I always forget how much I like Neil young, wish his music was back on Spotify
3
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Mon Aug 28 2023
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I don't think anyone is rushing to put Tom Petty at the top of their "Greatest Guitar Players of All Time" list, but it is very interesting to listen to his first album. It's sweet, carries a nice breezy feel to it, and is definitely tied to the heartland of America.
3
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Interesting to learn about the formation of the band and how they grew out of the mid-70's NYC scene. Best fact is that Lou Reed told David Byrne to never wear short sleeves on stage because his arms were so hairy.
It's eccentric and fun, was very unique upon release. Tina Wheymouth is such a good bass player and I was happy to hear a lot of her style on the album. Listening to the bonus tracks added a lot more depth to the record
4
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Wed Aug 30 2023
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
An album that carries significant emotional weight. Balancing spoken word sections with simple but pertinent R&B songs featuring historically African themes in music and lyrics.
For an album that came out mid-pandemic and within a single month of the George Floyd incident, this album is an incredible summary of feelings and direction. It incorporates immediate struggle, but also expresses frustration in summary of decades and centuries of othering. Really glad this made it on to the list in its' most recent review.
4
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
Young Damon Alban really nailed this one, and apparently it's not even their biggest album, definitely makes me want to explore more. Reading about how Blur needed a hard image change so they pioneered Britpop is a wild story. Influences heard in many mid 00's indie and alt bands. I like how the sound transfers to the Gorillaz, who often take it one step further or odder
3
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Fri Sep 01 2023
The Stranger
Billy Joel
You can take the boy out of long island but you can't take the long island out of the boy. Everyone knows these songs, almost everyone loves them. What a way to make sure the company didn't drop you
4
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
I never got into Oasis because they're whiny assholes and were a bit before my time. Big influencers and an album that should be in the project, but it just doesn't really go anywhere. It was... fine. None of the big Oasis hits I know of, but still well put together musically. There's a lot more complexity to it than it leads on, but the whole album feels like it was made to be nonchalant in the epitomic British way.
Can't believe some people are willing to vote for this as the best album of all time
3
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Tue Sep 05 2023
Purple Rain
Prince
A national treasure. I doubt there will ever be a better Superbowl performance than Purple Rain.
Even though it's not my thing, it's impossible to not appreciate the artistry on this album or treat it as anything other then Genre Defining
4
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
Brian Eno comes off as a bit of a dick, but I don't think I knew he was credited for inventing Ambient music. Definitely an important album in that regard and really capitalizes on the "as ignorable as it is interesting"-ness of it all, in Eno's own words.
3
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Thu Sep 07 2023
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Didn't really know much going in. Reading about how his career and dropping out of high school through this being a response album he put out after "selling out" for pop, to everything after was all very interesting.
An excellent showing of old school hiphop that certainly is one of the defining albums of rap music
3
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Fri Sep 08 2023
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
At first I wasn't sure how to feel about this album, but doing more research helped assure me that this album should be on the list. It's an interesting bridge between the early stages of British punk mixed with 70's psychedelia and pop. Highlighted by mixing rhythms, tones, tempos, and sudden changes between those in the songs from all three different styles.
3
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Lush and full, a love letter to the end of a musical era. This album resonates with the sounds of similar singers from the 50's and 60's highlighted by the captivating sound of Dusty's voice. A shame it wasn't initially received well, this album is an instant classic
4
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Tue Sep 12 2023
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Jethro Tull cultivated a distinctive late 60's sound that they twisted to their own through emotional songwriting and unique choices. One of the few popular musical acts to be in the last 60 years to use flute at all, and probably one of the best at it. Lots of songs I already knew and enjoyed and a great few I didn't to round out the album. Great listen!
4
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Wed Sep 13 2023
The Cars
The Cars
A good album with interesting electronic notes and good songwriting, but feels a bit long winded even after just 35 minutes. Their own eccentricity is apparent and the songs that I knew are still classics. 2.5/5
2
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Thu Sep 14 2023
Permission to Land
The Darkness
This album was a great listen, really capitalizing on the return of glam and hair rock complete with chugging guitars, soring vocals, and fun effects.
3
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Shows quite the effort as the first solo Jackson album departing from Motown Jackson 5 stuff. A landmark disco album to usher in the era. Obviously some very famous songs, but more interesting to me was who all contributed to write them.
3
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Mon Sep 18 2023
The Bends
Radiohead
A main influence on English bands post-Britpop, this album brought Radiohead out of one hit wonder territory and led them further into their experimental territory.
I really like the blend of influences from Pop, Grunge, and their own brand of esoteric oddness. Not my favorite album from them, but an interesting point in their and UK''s music development. Quite the sophomoric effort
3
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Tue Sep 19 2023
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
A unique turn in the mid-80's for a soon to be genre defining band. I think it's kind of funny Morrisey didn't let the band get photographed eating meat for promotion. Increasing the political activeness over a very aesthetically good album, great bass and guitar work
3
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Wed Sep 20 2023
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
This album is a capture of 1970's NYC. 7/8 songs on this album are perfect... and then there's meeting on the river, an art song that is good and appreciated, but out of place. Really stops album flow.
So many classics between Thunder Road, 10th Ave. Freeze Out, and Born to Run, but Jungleland is an incredible musical/ballet emphasizing NYC and showing off one of the greatest saxophone solos in modern music.
Hits the spot every time
5
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Though her Synth project never took off, Tori Amos seemingly led the way for eccentric piano based singer/songwriters of the 90's and mid 00's. A bit odd at first, she really settles into opening a vulnerable and questioning space while putting herself fully on the line.
3
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Among The Living
Anthrax
Interesting piece dedicated to the death of Metallica's Cliff Burton. They seem to have lost their friend but found their own sound amongst the grief as this was the album that propelled them to arena metal.
I enjoy the elements of punk and other hard core material, but the album begins to drag, especially with every song being nearly 5 minutes or longer
2
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Mon Sep 25 2023
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Eminem was one of the worst things I ever could have listened to growing up because it was so vulgar, let alone listen to rap at all. Going back to it though, there's a lot of justification and emotions hidden behind the way he writes and presents himself.
Not always the right thing, but a really incredible / essential moment in rap history
4
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Tue Sep 26 2023
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Really capitalizes on the esoteric depravity of the late 90's Alt scene. Songs are depraved and depressing, yet still have a quality of warmth. Interesting that Dreamworks studios was their record label, probably how My Beloved Monster ended up in Shrek.
3
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
I was trying to figure out why this sounded like a concept album to me, and it's that it is a time machine back to 1968. The album is full of personality and captures so much of Jimi's style, tone, and unique take on music.
4
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Thu Sep 28 2023
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Breezy and full of early 70's charm. A surprising blend of influences made Rod Stewart who he was and really shone on the album. Not the most interesting thing in the world, but it was a good listen
3
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Fri Sep 29 2023
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
It caught me off that this cover is different than the one I'm used to, not to mention that the English version doesn't even have Paint it Black on it.
A clear stepping stone to them becoming one of if not the first major rock band. Essential, but likely still doesn't get itself into my top 3 Stones albums
3
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Mon Oct 02 2023
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
It always bothered me that some people took this album only for the Pop Hits and eschewed everything else as weird and too conceptual. Those pop hits never would've been as big if they weren't tinged with the weirdness that is at the root of MGMT.
The eclectic, emotionally activating songs really hit when I discovered this album as I was about to enter high school. I'm terribly biased, but I'm glad this album is on here. Its' combination of courage, appeal, complexity, and uniqueness really stands out and undoubtedly went on to influence many artists and producers
4
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Tue Oct 03 2023
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
I can't believe that I and II both came out in 1969 and III in 1970 to just be casually followed by IV in '71. For how acclaimed and influential Zepp is, I always thought they took more time to make their masterpieces.
This album is the distinct change from pure rock to acoustic/folk influences. This is how we ended up with songs like Over the Hills and Far Away and Going to California. It's got the least recognizable songs to me out of the numbered albums, but this is quite the experience in and of itself as they were continuing to experiment. A defining moment in Rock and Roll history
4
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Wed Oct 04 2023
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren obviously was feeling confident before starting this as his third album. To play and record all of the tracks and vocals independently for a double album in 1971, or at least 75% of it is one hell of an endeavor.
The album is full of intelligent and well written pop songs with the occasional weird bit here or there. It got a bit repetitive by the end of it all, but a good listen
3
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Thu Oct 05 2023
Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
An impressive early influence to all sorts of modern electronic music, the German scene in the late 60's and 70's was awash with Discotheques ready to nurture this kind of music. The greater use of synthesizers and sequencers will go on to shape an entire genre.
Ultimately though, it fell a bit flat to me. Though wildly influential this is not something I would put on for myself. I'm glad I checked the track listing online and only listened to the proper album and not the two hours of bonus content
2
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Fri Oct 06 2023
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
A good, inoffensive album. Most notable is the unreleased Bob Dylan music that's been transformed into their own style. I like the English Folk influence on this, though it vaguely sounds a bit like Fox Robinhood's soundtrack.
3
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Mon Oct 09 2023
Parklife
Blur
Will require a relisten.
This album is certainly eccentric. With the weight of the Britpop / Indie movements to come on its' shoulders, it's clear that this was a massively influential album.
3
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Tue Oct 10 2023
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Really just amazing. Nobody could capture the range of emotions of these songs quite like Ella. The songs are all smartly arranged around her emotional forwardness and it's just lovely to hear
4
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Wed Oct 11 2023
Is This It
The Strokes
It's the Strokes. Always funny to see an album I don't recognize for it to turn out to be something I know quite well. I find it funny that a NY based band got their album approved and released around the world, but were forced to delay for FCC related reasons.
Some Day and Last Nite are obvious eternal indie garage songs. They really did bring a whole energy back into that kind of music that helped inspire a cavalcade of bands into the Aughts and beyond
3
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Thu Oct 12 2023
Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
I actually enjoyed the bonus tracks more than the rest of the album. They showed a lot more the country/blues and punk blend than the punkier versions on the album.
There's not a lot of information on this album comparatively to some of the others on the list, but this album was a beginning of a new branch of Punk leading into a wider eye of influence. I'm not the biggest fan of it, but can appreciate it for its' landmark genre combination. 2.5/5
2
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Fri Oct 13 2023
Lost Souls
Doves
A sprawling, dark album highlighted by a unique approach from their old electronic music days.
I hate that so many bands, especially British Indie bands are compared to Oasis, but this band builds and improved upon the blueprint those assholes laid out. Always cool to hear a new and important Indie album. A notable step towards the many 2005 and after British Indie albums
4
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Mon Oct 16 2023
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
It's cool to learn about how the Kinks helped to popularize concept albums and their interesting approach to music during a "slump" before Lola. It's whimsical, serious, emotional... a very worthwhile listen. 3.5/5
4
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Tue Oct 17 2023
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Though a bit predictable at times, this album is perfectly captures an array of styles and emotions under Norah's wonderful voice. It's excellently inoffensive. A creative blend of genres that will certainly weather the test of time.
4
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Wed Oct 18 2023
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
A consistent, loving album from Emmylolu Harris. Rings with all of the classic old country tones you'd want but with her own spin on it. The covers were especially interesting
3
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Thu Oct 19 2023
The Idiot
Iggy Pop
Sounds exactly like an Iggy Pop lyrical response to David Bowie's songwriting while both were holding up in a castle in France in an attempt at sobriety. Dark and a bit more coordinated than the Stooges, it helps to show a different side of Iggy, though the music remains distinctly Bowie-like
3
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Fri Oct 20 2023
Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
Cinematic, cerebral, and ambitious... this album warrants another listen. Interesting to learn more about the band and their other "Post-Alternative" music." Certainly comes out as a kaleidoscope of genres as intended. Juxtaposed with you is an absolute bop. 3.5/5
3
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Mon Oct 23 2023
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
1973: a great year for music. Was this life-changing? No. Was it a grooving, driven, southern influenced listen? Absolutely. Exactly what you'd want when you think of ZZ Top featuring their number 1 song
3
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Tue Oct 24 2023
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
It was a real treat getting to see the police growing up. Obviously Message in a Bottle and Walking on the Moon are great, but there's a wide breadth of influences combining the three musicians origins and the music scene at the time: most notably punk, ska, and rock. The album has a lot of character and personality to it because of all of these influences and it works well.
4
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Wed Oct 25 2023
Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
An interesting 60's listen. They still have the reformed boy band properness to them like the early Beatles, but they're also cutting a bit loose and moving more towards Rock. Surprised anyone was in Boise in the 1960's anyway, especially for a band to come out of there. Nothing mind blowing, but a notable step for American music
3
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Thu Oct 26 2023
Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
I'm glad this is on here for the exposure alone. The music is transportive and brings forth world music that is often too underrepresented. The way they play and the emotion that comes out of this album is not to be underappreciated.
That being said, it is a bit long winded The long song time, similarity of many songs, and simplicity of the instrumentation can cause too much of this to blend together after listening.
3
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Fri Oct 27 2023
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Good rock and roll from people who I didn't think shredded so hard.
3
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Mon Oct 30 2023
Homework
Daft Punk
Do I love every second of it? No. Is this the turning point for house music in the late nineties and did it pave the way for the creation of amazing albums? Yes.
They say "Around the World" 144 times.
3
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Tue Oct 31 2023
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
An album whose influence was not widely known until a generation after, the Velvet Underground stood to create an icon in their debut.
Under the wing of Warhol; Lou Reed, John Cale, and Co did just that. It's amazing to think these kinds of subjects and types of sounds/songs were not widely used, because this has tinged so much of all music since. I feel that its' influence stretches a bit over its' musical quality, but reverent none the less.
5
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Wed Nov 01 2023
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
An interesting man with an interesting story. Though there's not much said for the album, reading about Jah as a bass player / singer resonates with me, plus he lived with the guitarist of the Sex Pistols.
It's a well thought out album of world music with a lot of interesting sounds and moods to choose from.
3
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Thu Nov 02 2023
Justified
Justin Timberlake
It's fucking sexy. Great debut from JT with some absolute bangers on it. One hell of an R&B classic
4
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Fri Nov 03 2023
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Elvis Costello certainly has a way about him. The music really accentuates the poetic lyricism he's known for, even amid tension with the Heartbreakers
4
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Mon Nov 06 2023
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
The starts of Stevie's classics, clearly on the way to Songs in the Key of Life. Happy to hear the increased keyboards and synths as he grew into the 70's. A bit more downtempo than I expected, but a great listen.
4
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Tue Nov 07 2023
The Stooges
The Stooges
Absolutely the start of a revolution. Glad there are multiple Stooges albums on here to hear the path from Rock to this proto-punk and at times psychedelic album.
We Will Fall really caught me for a surprise; I would never have expected a 10 minute song on this album. This album isn't perfect, but it is a landmark
3
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Wed Nov 08 2023
Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
Kooky. Combining some of the influences of late 70's punk with some more resonant tones and interesting topics, this album can be heard in a surprising amount of future bands ranging from REM to King Gizz
4
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Thu Nov 09 2023
Me Against The World
2Pac
A big turning point for rap: this level of introspection and vulnerability is the opposite of what the scene started out with. He was still in jail while the album was selling. It capitalizes on the 90's R&B trend with solid beats and Tupac laid himself entirely out for this one.
4
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Fri Nov 10 2023
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
The esotericness of this album is a bit lost on me. It is good as what it is. I find it similar to a bleaker Peaceful the World Lays Me Down by Noah and the Whale. Some moments shine through, most notably One Day Like This
2
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Mon Nov 13 2023
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
There's something so distinct and profound sounding in the late 1960's folk scene. Maybe it was that life was different and people were living out the songs they were writing. Maybe the lack of existing content allowed for more simplistic freedom of expression. Either way, an excellent debut from Leonard Cohen
4
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Tue Nov 14 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I always thought Depeche Mode was a 90's band. It's interesting to learn more about their history and listen through an album.
This particular album and bonus tracks were an enjoyable listen, but nothing overwhelming. The irony of the albums title was not lost on me. It's a unique musical space in the 80's that helped steer the band's own direction and many other artists
3
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Wed Nov 15 2023
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Timbaland just does not produce unsexy music. This album clearly not only let him really flex his talents and create a wave of influence in the R&B scene to come, it is equally highlighted as Missy Elliott.
This album is great sonically, but Missy's attitude and talent are what makes this album such a landmark. This is how you become the Queen of Rap
4
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Thu Nov 16 2023
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
The son of Fela continues to carry and develop the Afrobeat dynasty. I'm glad to keep seeing world music's important place on this list
3
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Fri Nov 17 2023
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
A great album that sounds like it was 10 years before its' time. Most specifically, it sounds like late 90's video game music.
The blending and shifting music on top a mix of silly and serious themes is what makes this a "ska" album even if other elements are used. Certainly influential to later ska and punk acts
3
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Mon Nov 20 2023
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
It's cool, it's dark, it murmurs along some important points. Lou Reed doing the production alone, to the disapproval of his bandmates, is truly the rise of an important asshole. I do like that everyone in the band was encouraged to sing and contribute.
4
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Tue Nov 21 2023
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
1973 a great year for music.
An unparalleled blending of soul, funk, and sex.
5
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Wed Nov 22 2023
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Just a solid rap album. It's cool to learn about the familial lineage of rappers, like how this original 50 cent album was influenced by both Dre and Eminem. A few good bangers and some notable lyrics and guests. Instrumentation and the beats really stand out especially the marimba in P.I.M.P.
4
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Thu Nov 23 2023
Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Even Mick Jagger recognized how close this was to the Stone's Sticky Fingers. It's a bit more raw and leans further into the Blues than Rock & Roll. The whole album stays very raw and never meets the mastery of the Stone's sound, instead conjuring up influences like Elvis and Surf music.
3
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Fri Nov 24 2023
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
I wasn't sure how serious this would turn out when compared to the original major rock operas, but over the listen it built itself up. There is a constant and important narration that reflects the story through a few different songs, and the music is written with appropriate emotion. This album is at its' best when attention is paid to the lyrics and the various subjects they talk about. My favorite being the section on people from Alabama, most specifically George Wallace.
It's not Tommy or the Wall, but an interesting result of their effect in rural America
3
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Mon Nov 27 2023
Ramones
Ramones
Undoubtedly influential in Punk across the world, the Ramones, hailing from the Queens, are an important piece of musical history. With catchy chord powered thumping, the lads discuss a surprisingly wide array of social issues and influences.
The album grows old rather quickly, but at least I didn't listen to the extended edition. A lot of the songs are better looked at individually for their breakdowns than trying to pull something from the album in its' entirety. 2.5/5
2
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Tue Nov 28 2023
Graceland
Paul Simon
Angels in the Architecture
Using his massive recognition, Paul Simon readily showed the world what African music was all about, even during a cultural boycott. Some highly recognizable pop hits mixed with unexpected genres really make this album stick out as a commercial and cultural success
4
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Wed Nov 29 2023
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
Early Bee Gees really hits different. I didn't expect every song on the album to be a ballad, but because of this listen I learned that they were the original English harmonic family. All three of them are brothers!
An interesting development that they moved from this to the disco era with such force, but this was there gateway to that level
3
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Thu Nov 30 2023
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Four songs is all that was needed.
I think the long form allows for even deeper expression in an album that began to point Soul towards popular music in the 70's. The storytelling and emotion captured from Isaac's playing and singing really made this album captivating
4
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Fri Dec 01 2023
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
It's impossible to separate this album sung by a 17 year old from everything that happened since, but this is how you become Pop Royalty. Captures some of the R&B and even punk tones of the era in certain songs, as well as went on to shape pop music around the world in a complex way.
I was 3 when this came out, but doing the research and trying to be objective this time: this shit slaps. Soda Pop was an unexpected gem. Worthy of its' accolades and a defining moment in music and cultural history as we shifted into the early 2000's
4
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Mon Dec 04 2023
Rio
Duran Duran
A definitive progressor of rock music, Duran Duran helped push rock into its' next steps in the 80's using creative sounds and instruments over driven progressions. Performances may be under appreciated, may be worth going back and watching the music videos that started the MTV revolution
3
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Tue Dec 05 2023
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Good old family fun. Some big instrumentals and a lot of personality is exactly what you'd expect from Sly & the Family Stone. Biggest surprise to me was that this album came out in the 69 as their 4th album
3
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Wed Dec 06 2023
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
You can hear the recovery from creative pause in the music, especially emphasized by the atmospheric sounds conjured by the producer Bob didn't even like. It's aching, it's recovering, it's trying to see something new after decades of notoriety. I don't think it reaches the scope of some of his other releases, but its' relevance in one of the most important catalogues of music really makes it stand out
3
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Thu Dec 07 2023
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
The intertwining of styles between jazz, fusion, rock, hip-hop... made this album and the Beastie Boys a lot more than I set them up to be. I'm not sure I thought of them distinctly as a hip-hop group vs early hard rock, but this is how you inspire a lot of the rap-rock groups that would come within the next decade following this album.
Sabotage is an instant classic, but the instrumentals on the album have a lot of weight
3
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Fri Dec 08 2023
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters, Grandfather of Modern Music, on a lovely July night. It's the first live Blues album AND they had to convince the cops to let them have the show because drunk people got too rowdy and were teargassed at the site before at Ray Charles. Legendary
3
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Mon Dec 11 2023
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
The original vibe rap. Not here to start fights or drop rhymes about killing each other, but for making art and complexities of living. A peaceful revolution and development in music. Distinctive sample choices. A generational staple for anyone who enjoys Hip-hop
4
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Tue Dec 12 2023
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Preceded the listen with The Chase, Janelle Monae made something really special with her 3 Suites. It pulls from the Afrofuturistic roots of artists like Sun Ra and translates it to a modern era while still capturing the political importance of it all. The songs are widely varied and it keeps you paying attention. I was delightfully surprised with this, and excited to give it another listen. A Popera
5
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Wed Dec 13 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
One of the ultimate heavy metal albums. Didn't quite realize all these Iron Maiden songs I knew all came from this one album. A wild pivot with a new vocalist over the original band. Powerful sounds and poignant lyrics
4
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Thu Dec 14 2023
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
I totally forgot a big part of what makes this album great is Duane Allman's slide guitar. A reminder of just how much emotion some of the early rockstars were able to conjure sonically. Many excellent songs with their influence shown from cover renditions on the album itself.
I would've stayed with George Harrison though
4
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Fri Dec 15 2023
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
Interesting to think that this is the first blend of country and punk, while still carrying some distinct 80's British tone. It's odd and doesn't quite sit well after one listen, but there's a lot of rawness displayed in an appreciable way
3
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Tue Dec 19 2023
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
One of the most influential and iconic albums in modern music. A well rounded blend of folk and hard rock showcasing Led Zeppelin's peak of musical development. Always good
5
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Wed Dec 20 2023
Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Glam Metal is good, and it's interesting to listen to this and think about its' reverberations into the world. A shame about Razzle their drummer, the band had so much potential with this album, but this album still stands as a big success.
4
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Thu Dec 21 2023
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
I don't know if I can cede the #1 all time spot to this, but this is a damn perfect album. The way it approaches conflict, the issues it chooses to bring up, and how it centers itself on love and understanding have reverberated through generations of listeners. This is the soul equivalent to Zepp IV
5
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Fri Dec 22 2023
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
I'd always wondered how Bjork got her start in music and now I have my answer. This album clearly was inspiring for bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Paramore, and Florence and the Machine fusing upbeat sounds with dark content. In a way, one of the original pop-punk albums
3
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Mon Dec 25 2023
Play
Moby
I was impressed from one end to the other. I never really gave Moby much of a chance, but this was a great electronic album. The way he sampled and produced, on top of this potentially being written to be his final album, gave the album a lot of weight and engagement throughout the listen. Great sunny day album
4
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Tue Dec 26 2023
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
I don't know if there was one song I knew well on this album before starting. It's hard to follow up an album like Born to Run with anything, but this does a good job. It's almost as if the characters from those stories made their way out of Jersey and into the world after school and faced more wide ranging adult issues. Though it misses the peaks and valleys of some of his other work, it is undeniably Bruce 3.75/5
4
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Wed Dec 27 2023
Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
A good early art album and an enjoyable listen, but it failed to reach the emotional peaks and variations that other of its' contemporaries (Dark Side or Tommy) hit that make those albums so impactful. It places the themes behind the music as opposed to integrating them. Worth another listen to hear what they have to say
3
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Thu Dec 28 2023
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Pulled a lot from various points of English music throughout history with her own unique twist. Most notably accenting traditional folk music and some of the more recent indie music from the aughts, it was an interesting look into a new artist. I'm excited to hear her other album on this list
3
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Fri Dec 29 2023
Basket of Light
Pentangle
Another album that relies on traditional English music but timed just after the British Invasion. Their use of traditional instrumentation and even some fantasy themed songs mark this as a classic folk album
3
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Mon Jan 01 2024
Abraxas
Santana
I'm shocked to learn that neither Black Magic Woman nor Oye Como Va are Santana originals, instead coming from Fleetwood Mac and Tito Puente respectively.
Santana's first #1 US record release, and on a larger scale, one of the earliest modern musicians to bring Latin music into a popular space. Even if the songs are not all originals, this album drips with charisma and is presented excellently
4
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Tue Jan 02 2024
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
1973: A great year for music.
A sprawling return to greatness for Paul full of eccentric yet driven tones and shifts. Recorded by just three people, Paul really carried the weight of the band on this album and did not disappoint.
4
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Wed Jan 03 2024
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
Ethereal and sometimes hard to digest, Grizzly Bear put a lot of thought into how this album is presented. Everyone knows Two Weeks for its soaring warmth and positivity, but a lot of the other songs illicit feelings of cold and confusion. A unique style that is not always my favorite, but is worth revisiting
3
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Thu Jan 04 2024
Clandestino
Manu Chao
Absolutely captured the identity of sitting in a cafe or bar on the street of many countries through language and style variation. A great album for exploring
3
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Fri Jan 05 2024
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
This album is a notable step from Bringing It All Back Home thanks to the boys from the Hawks and shows Bob's movement towards the sound he would cultivate in the late 60's and 70's. Always poetic and well spoken, I was not as familiar with this one, but glad to get the chance to listen to one of the early modern double albums
4
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Mon Jan 08 2024
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
One of, if not the most essential Western albums of all time. El Paso and Big Iron are still icons after 60 years, and hearing the full album made me certain of that.
He's got the voice, he nails the emotion, and he recorded this album in EIGHT HOURS. Marty Robins and his backing band absolutely knew what they were going for, and captured a legend
5
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Tue Jan 09 2024
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
A good early Rolling Stones album. Focuses a lot more on some late 60's US experiences they had and those kinds of music styles as well as the tragedy of Brian Jones. Not one of my favorites, but if you try some times, you get what you need.
3
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
An interesting look into the Laurel Canyon scene in the late 60's and how that area was responsible for so much. A pre-cursor to CS&N (&Y) as well as Neil Young's solo career, a lot of the standard rhythms and styles of popular 50's and early 60's music comes through with distinct twang and psychedelia. The start of the tree branch towards folk rock
3
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Brian Eno just made a whole lot more sense. An eclectic album featuring all different kinds of tones and styles that pushed rock and pop music into new frontiers. Some of the choices I liked and some I didn't, but you can't always like every part of change
3
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Fri Jan 12 2024
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
I went into this thinking: great, another Brian Eno album, but against what I though were all of the odds, I really enjoyed it. This album is creative, diverse, features tons of great guest musicians, and almost acts as a revue of some of the more notable acts at the time (Bowie, Talking Heads, etc.). A blend of Roxy Music and Ambient work.
4
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Mon Jan 15 2024
The Score
Fugees
I wasn't sure what to expect out of Wyclef and Ms. Lauryn, but this album genuinely sounded like kids having fun with R&B and Rap. Always hard to assume what you do is visionary, but this helped push rap further into the vibe category and away from the original Gangsta attitude it had associated with it. A phenomenal cover and lots of notable originals
4
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Tue Jan 16 2024
Funeral
Arcade Fire
A genre defining album for Indie Rock, laden with lush soundscapes and drama. Lots of lyrics about change, curiosity about feelings, and growing up hit me at just the right time when I got my hands on this. Such a strong start to their career, it's a shame they couldn't sustain it forever
5
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Wed Jan 17 2024
More Specials
The Specials
Creators of 2 Tone Records???
Clearly an important influence in the second wave of ska, but also some of the originators of its' political subject matter and variance in styles. It's everything from raw jazz band to almost electric sounding triphop. Lots of diversity amongst the quarreling band members caused this album to really stand out, showing that chances sometimes really do pay off
4
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Thu Jan 18 2024
Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Go off short king. Due to Garfunkel's pulling out of the album, it sounds like a fusion between the duo and Simon's solo work: an introverted Paul Simon album.
Though this album lacks the big splashes and drama, it is charming and captures different sides of Paul Simon. I didn't know any of the songs inherently and it was a fun opportunity for exploration
3
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Fri Jan 19 2024
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
This is what Neo-Soul is all about. A lot of the original songs I had heard and was never able to identify again.
IT'S SEXY, IT'S CLASSIC, IT IS A MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENT IN IT'S GENRE
5
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Mon Jan 22 2024
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
King Louis!!!
Though they focus most on his singing, attitude, and Italian Identity, he's also one hell of a trumpet player. Undeniably fun listen
3
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Tue Jan 23 2024
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
An excellent example of how music can transcend barriers like language by inflecting the feelings of its' performers. I wish there was more specific info on the band and the album specifically, but understand they are in a unique situation.
The album showcases the yearning and resentment of the implementation of Sharia Law and being evicted from their homes, but still has a tinge of hope to it. 'Desert Blues' is a good way to frame it, and the music is unique but still familiar
4
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Wed Jan 24 2024
Orbital 2
Orbital
A big expansion for Electronic music in the early 90's, Orbital helps to pave the way for many future artists. Most notably focusing on both dance music and lush, full environments.
I didn't love it, but it has a lot of value
2
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Risque
CHIC
Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers were the backbone of so much progress in the music scene, though even they couldn't have had an idea that Good Times would become the basis for for an entirely new genre of music: Rap.
The instrumentation is so much more complex than I originally thought. I love that the Rhythm section is the core of the band from being session musicians together, and that they had so many musicians come in and guest or add on to their creation.
4
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Fri Jan 26 2024
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
A good country album with some real determination and emotion in it. Merle really delivered, almost on accident since he didn't write the titular song. Captures the old western aesthetic with a bit more vulnerability than Marty
3
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
What a storyteller. Navigating through issues both personal and political, Tracy's original vision stays captivating as it pulls you in for just one more tale. Her discovery and initial challenges she faced leading up to this album really cemented its message.
The music isn't always complicated, but the simple chords and multi-cultural influence of the drums provides excellent framework for Tracy's voice to shine as the main event.
4
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Tue Jan 30 2024
Blur
Blur
I'm happy Blur chose to change their sound and influences to create something different. Similar to how Ratatat and LCD Soundsystem feed both into and out of Justice (I'm upping Justice's Cross [album 186] rating to 3.5), Pavement had a profound affect on Blur's sound as things got a bit looser and the band made some changes.
Song 2 obviously stands out as one of those songs everyone knows but can't put a finger on. This definitely begins to bridge the original Blur content with what will eventually become the Gorillaz. 3.5
3
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Picture Book
Simply Red
I didn't think that the album with a forlorn red-haired child would fit the description of pop-soul, but boy was I wrong. There was a lot of good variance to the album, while still having a lot of consciousness about who was performing the songs and what they wanted to say
3
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Thu Feb 01 2024
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Filled with drama, ABC were successful in their quest to combine the politicism of punk with the sophistication of disco. The whole album is filled with catchy gems and comes off like watching a play
4
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Fri Feb 02 2024
Murmur
R.E.M.
It sounds exactly like I think of REM sounding like but a bit less refined. A solid debut to be sure.
Review is a bit behind original listen
3
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Document
R.E.M.
Now this is the REM that I know. Funny how I got two of their albums two days in a row. Certainly a bit more refined for their 5th album, they really focused in on their personal sound and the best ways to present it
4
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Tue Feb 06 2024
Young Americans
David Bowie
Young Americans and FAME are such classics, it was good to finally listen to the whole album. A cool story about how Bowie hung out with John Lennon and began exploring more African-American musical influences. Though the album is defined by the bookends, it's still as meticulously crafted as much of Bowie's other work.
4
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Wed Feb 07 2024
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is an Ed Hardy wearing fuck.
That being said Illinoise deserves its' acclaim. It is an artistically crafted album that, in its' complexity, is able to conjure up real emotion. It's rich and lush, it's vulnerable, it's unsure of how or what it is and it makes it feel real
4
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
I'm not sure if I'm willing to say it is the best jazz album ever, but the line up says plenty. Its' focus on modal music can be tough to work through at times, but there is much to be appreciated and learned just 46 minutes. To this day a masterclass
5
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
This... sucked. Kid Rock is a spoiled white kid from Michigan who ran away from home to be tough. Important for rap rock and fusing country into the genre. Even Eminem thinks Kid Rock went way too far into the drugs, guns, and pimp lifestyle. It just feels ingenuine and too based on creating the image to make this sound
1
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Tommy
The Who
An undeniable piece of rock history. It did to modern music what L'Orfeo did for the Baroque period. Its' legacy has spawned everything from Ziggy Stardust and the Wall to American Idiot and the Archandroid.
Though I have mixed feelings about the ending with the camp aspect reaching into the absurd, the opera covers such a wide range of emotions with a gripping story that it deserves its' praise. Highly suggest reading a synopsis first to make it easier to follow
4
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Tue Feb 13 2024
Guero
Beck
Lots of really great music to be had in here. Feels like the hot summers growing up.
Glad to have Beck bring the focus back to his sampling. There's a lot of cool styles that are brought into the album and melded together to form what I think of as his iconic style. Love that it's a group effort from Jack White on bass for Go It Alone to Elliot Smith's death being the inspiration of Broken Drum
4
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Metallica
Metallica
Ironically dark and slow, Metallica made a big shift in the direction of metal with this one. Some of their most iconic tracks were born from this album and this is what I think of when I talk about their sound. They get so into the new style that it can be a bit dense, but if brooding, angry, and a little bit powerful is what you're feeling this is the album for you.
4
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Thu Feb 15 2024
The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
Lessons included, Ravi Shankar was the person to internationalize Indian music. The different scales and microtones used make the music feel more conversational than typical western music with lyrics. I doubt I'll regularly be putting on any of these songs but am very reverent of their impact
4
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Fri Feb 16 2024
Parallel Lines
Blondie
A main origin of Pop-Rock and clear predecessor of No Doubt, I was pleasantly surprised by most of this album. Not every song is perfect or the most catchy, but this was a clear start for a huge genre that began to emerge after
3
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Mon Feb 19 2024
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
A few of big songs, but more so a return to the Blues core of the Doors. The band made themselves commit to their return and it paid off well
3
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Tue Feb 20 2024
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
The most iconic song in 5/4 to ever exist along with an intro course to odd time signatures. This shit slaps, just some good jazz
4
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Wed Feb 21 2024
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
A mishmosh of genres, I didn't think people were out here blending some of these so well. Leave it to Leonard Cohen and his cool demeanor and raspy voice to blend them together. A great layer of emotion and honesty is felt through the synths that comes off really clean
3
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
An album called Screamadelica by Primal Scream I assumed was definitely going to be a metal album, and was pleasantly surprised. What an honor to have won the first Mercury Prize. So many bands past and future can be heard in this and it's wild to think how this fallen to the wayside a bit itself while influencing so many
4
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
Not sure I ever put together that Emmylou Harris sang mostly covers for decades of her recording career. There's a healthy mix of country with some surprising 90's influence. She sings her heart out, in a way that showcases the pride of releasing her own music as such
3
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Mon Feb 26 2024
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Consistently overrated, Noel Gallagher thinks far too much of himself. Much of the album is rooted in simplicity, but is lauded for its' complexity. Don't Look Back In Anger is the only song I get any real enjoyment out of from the album, the rest has either been overplayed to ruin or just doesn't stand out.
The album does get a lot of points for its' major contributions to Britpop and the densely loud indie sound that I personally love. By no means a bad album, but I wouldn't listen to it otherwise
3
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
I don't think I would have previously defined this as the 'Jack White Piano album,' but when listening back again it certainly takes the center stage on most songs. Shows maturity compared to some of the White Stripes previous albums in both sound and lyrical content.3.5/5
3
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Aja
Steely Dan
It's not my favorite, but this showcases some of Steely Dan's best. The incessant perfectionism and use of scores of musicians is most apparent on an album like this.
They did what they set out to do, and did it well
4
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Woodface
Crowded House
A great balance of genres between alt-90's and some classic Australian grunge sounds with a hint of pop
3
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Really excellent sampling, a road map for what's to come. Has had a lot of influence on what I like, and includes a healthy amount of politics in the darkened tones of classic 90's hip hop
3
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Tidal
Fiona Apple
Capitalizing on the other soft but well-written solo female singers of the 90's, Fiona Apple gained (Tidal) waves of support early in her career. She creates very vivid emotions in her music to inspire feeling in the listener, and this much more harmonic approach fit my style a lot more
3
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Wed Mar 06 2024
All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
We are lucky to have George Harrison. Eric Clapton did not deserve him. Interesting to learn Derek and the Dominoes spawned from this recording project.
His individuality from the Beatles really shines through here. The album is long, but easy to listen to in all of its' twists and turns.
4
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
This is a big step forward in West Coast Hip Hop after what NWA started. Still some gangsta lyrics, but balanced with some jokes and less serious topics. They had a good time with the album, and the beats especially helped mold the new sound
3
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Great early synth-pop with some dark inflections that likely effected later electronic music
3
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
The influence from the White album is apparent throughout, resulting in a dynamic and varied Smith's album. A shame to see them go so soon, but a great final album from the Smiths.
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
1973: A great year for music.
Genre defining Southern Rock. Half of the songs are only good, half are iconic landmarks.
4
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
Sounded a lot more Primus-y than the origin of Midwest Emo I thought this would be. An important carrying on of the Minutemen's legacy
3
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Eliminator
ZZ Top
Southern Rock by way of European Dance music?? I don't know that I ever would've made that connection without reading about Billy Gibbons talking about it, but a very interesting combo.
I don't love that they went behind the bass and drummers back and rerecorded their parts / subbed them in for machines. Easy listening made it their most widely successful album, though I don't know that it is their best
3
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
1973; A great year for music.
How does one follow up one of the greatest albums ever made? Awash with new stardom, its' changes remind me of other English musicians retrospectives of their success as they tour through America for performances and inspiration (tranquility base, etc.)
It's not as gripping as Ziggy and there are no distinct mind-blowing standouts, but it's still a great David Bowie album with a lot of interesting influence, especially on piano. 3.5/5
3
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Music From Big Pink
The Band
The Band took the core of every way music was diverging in the 60's and made one of the most homey sounds out of it. With inspiration from all over and having spent time as the Hawks before backing Dylan, they got to finally put themselves out to the world as their own group.
I love that everything is recorded live. You can really hear the honesty and integrity of fellas just making something they had fun with and cared about
3
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
It's hard to compare this to other bands because Pavement truly came to define the American Indie genre. It's eccentrically captivating as the band sprinkles dissonance throughout harmonic sections. Went on to influence so many, and many levels beyond their direct line.
4
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Medúlla
Björk
The kind of artistic stunt that I'm not surprised Bjork was actually able to pull off. It's got some great moments as well as some that are difficult to listen through, but an all vocal album that still sounds artistic and not like Glee or Pentatonix is a success
3
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Mon Mar 25 2024
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
A bit dense at times, but important to the emerging loud electronic sound of the turn of the century. Good but gets a bit tiresome after a bit
3