Jan 14 2023
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Ramones
Ramones
Love the Ramones, this is where their best stuff is at too. Great tunes delivered with simplicity. Took me back!
4
Jan 15 2023
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Really not for me. Some iconic songs and certainly captured the sound of a period in time, but the songs don't do much for me and the focals feel forced.
2
Jan 16 2023
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Loved it. Childhood favourite of Dickenson era Maiden at their best.
4
Jan 17 2023
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Not entirely my thing. Some of the more psychadelic stuff missed the mark. Enjoyed some more than others, but overall an enjoyable listen.
3
Jan 18 2023
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Woodface
Crowded House
Just not for me.
2
Jan 19 2023
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
One of the all time greats. No question this is a 5!
5
Jan 20 2023
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
I'd forgotten how much I love this album. It's just about a 4.5, but rounding up...
5
Jan 21 2023
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
I've know this album for years and, while it clearly has quality, I just can't connect with it.
3
Jan 22 2023
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Not an album I'd listened to in its entirety before, but knew several of the tracks. It's a cracker, as expected.
4
Jan 23 2023
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Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I really struggle to connect with this. Maybe if I gave it more time the songs would grow on me, but nothing about it made me want to re-listen! Low 3.
3
Jan 24 2023
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Forever Changes
Love
I've listened to this album a lot, but it's never really blown me away.
3
Feb 04 2023
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I like costello, and this debut album has a lot off decent tracks on it, but I don't love any of them, and find sometimes he can grate slightly.
3
Feb 05 2023
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Wonderful album. Superb songs played by superb artists. A favourite of mine and hugely important. Love it!
5
Feb 06 2023
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Way too long, with moments of brilliance. I think this would still be four stars if it were a single album as, while I love lots of it, it's not mind blowing.
4
Feb 07 2023
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
It's light and fun, but a bit too sickly for my taste. Where it all began, so hugely important album.
3
Feb 08 2023
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Loved this. What a gem! Can't believe I'd not heard it before.
4
Feb 09 2023
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Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
It's an album I've heard a lot. I do like it, but I find it hard to get too excited about it, despite the hype it received at the time.
3
Feb 10 2023
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Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
This has not aged well. Uninspiring songs left me longing for the end of the album. Not one I'll be rushing to revisit any time soon.
2
Feb 11 2023
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Fab album. Mid sixties Dylan at his best, with some of his classics here.
4
Feb 12 2023
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Love this. Incredible voice, great songs, good production.
4
Feb 13 2023
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
It's decent, but not as good as some of his other work.
3
Feb 14 2023
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
One of my go-to jazz albums. Excellent, but just falls short of five stars.
4
Feb 15 2023
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Nowhere
Ride
I imagine in the right context I'd enjoy it more, but having listened to a few times now, it's failed to excite.
3
Feb 16 2023
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
One of my all time favourites and one of the first albums I grew to truly love. Underrated work of genius!
5
Feb 17 2023
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Graceland
Paul Simon
A bit of a favourite. Wonderful collection of great and interesting songs. High 4.
4
Feb 18 2023
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
This is an exceptionally good album, but I struggle with Ye's lyrics too much to be able to award a 5.
4
Feb 19 2023
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Not my favourite Elvis album, but still decent.
3
Mar 01 2023
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The La's
The La's
I find this album pretty beige. The song writing isn't terrible, but nothing grips me. One listen was enough.
2
Mar 02 2023
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Wonderful stuff. Fela at his inimitable best for four strong pieces.
4
Mar 03 2023
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Yeezus
Kanye West
I enjoyed this a lot. Kanye (or whatever) can put together some belting songs, but I'm not a fan of his lyrics or themes.
3
Mar 04 2023
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With The Beatles
Beatles
This is very good - better than I had remembered, but it's not a patch on what they would become. It's early 60s pop at its best.
3
Mar 05 2023
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Dookie
Green Day
I like this album more than I remember. It's not world beating, but it has some great tracks on it. I'm torn between a high three or low four...
3
Mar 06 2023
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
It grew on me more than I was expecting, but still never hit any great heights. High two/low three.
2
Mar 07 2023
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Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
I gave this a lot of listens as I suspected it would be one that grew on me more than it did. It's generally decent and there are a couple of great tracks, but not as good as I'd hoped.
3
Mar 11 2023
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
I hadn't heard this album before and I loved it. My biggest criticism is the way the updated version of the album repeats tracks, providing different versions next to each other, which isn't great for flow. But otherwise gorgeous!
4
Mar 12 2023
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Hugely iconic, with great moments, but overall not a great album. In fact quite a lot of needlessly odd or bad.
2
Mar 13 2023
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
There are definitely some nice moments in this album, especially the acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies. The songwriting very much passes me by though.
2
Mar 14 2023
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
It's pretty much exactly what I expected, but with less quality throughout the album. Very little desire to listen to this again.
2
Mar 15 2023
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
It's pretty much what you'd expect. It's perfectly decent, with a smattering of catchy country-pop tunes. I liked it.
3
Mar 22 2023
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
I've swung a bit with this one. There was a point where I thought it was really growing on me, but ultimately I don't think it's got the quality I had hoped. It's definitely good, but not much better than that.
3
Mar 23 2023
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Black Metal
Venom
I do like a fair amount of the guitar work, but everything else is poor. The songs themselves feel pretty weak and the production is dire.
2
Mar 24 2023
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
This is a nice and pleasant album. It probably serves best as beckground music, but does this well.
3
Mar 25 2023
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
3
Mar 26 2023
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
I though this was pretty good. Very Tori Amos, and good quality of songs throughout.
3
Apr 02 2023
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
I was really excited when this came up as I've not connected with it before, but was confident I would with time. Unfortunately that's not really happened. It's fine, but doesn't do as much for me as I had hoped.
3
Apr 03 2023
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
There is some great musicianship on this record, but being live reduces production values, and the songs aren't strong enough to leave me wanting more.
2
Apr 04 2023
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No Other
Gene Clark
I liked this a lot more than I was expecting. Definitely one to revisit - good quality americana throughout.
4
Apr 05 2023
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Night Life
Ray Price
I feel a little harsh scoring this a 2, but I just find it too boring to go higher. I'm sure it's very good gentle American country music, but the songs really don't grip me and I can't see myself going back to this again.
2
Apr 06 2023
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
I gave this a good go, as I expected to like it more than I did, but it just never quite landed with me. Decent, but I can't see myself going back to this one.
2
May 06 2023
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Mask
Bauhaus
I can hear the influence, and understand why those who like it would love it, and there are a couple of good tracks, but as an album, I won't be rushing to listen again any time soon.
2
May 07 2023
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
This is great. And not just because it contains Lilac Wine and Wild Is The Wind! A rich and diverse record that improves on every listen.
4
May 08 2023
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
There are definitely good bits in this, but overall it's a bit too random 1960s for me. It's different, interesting, and from an unusual place (for me), which appeals.
3
May 09 2023
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Great stuff. Always starts out as a four and ends as a three, but on balance I'm going with the four.
4
May 10 2023
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
This is really good. I wansn't expecting the strength in depth here. Definitely one to keep coming back to.
4
Jan 12 2024
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Sex Packets
Digital Underground
I liked this. Sounds very much of its time (1990), but there are some really fun tracks. Probably too much filler though.
3
Jan 13 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
I love this, and I think it's aged brilliantly. So much great music in this, as well as diverse and engaging songs.
4
Jan 14 2024
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Didn't do it for me. Too much random 60s psychadelia. There are definitely some highlights, but they don't last anywhere near long enough.
2
Jan 15 2024
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
I didn't love this. Reasonably well produced, but I found it really quite boring.
2
Jan 16 2024
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Not really my thing. The majority of the album was very disappointing and the high points weren't anything I'd go back for.
2
Jan 17 2024
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Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
Very Primal Scream in sound. Not hugely interesting or compelling - very easy to lose track of. But nonetheless a relatively enjoyable listen. Low 3.
3
Jan 18 2024
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
There is a lot of good stuff in this album. Very prog, some dated vocals, but overall a good album that grew on me with each listen. A low 4.
4
Jan 19 2024
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
This is great. Requires the right mood, but the songs are beautiful. Definitely one I'm happy to have been pushed to listen to.
4
Jan 20 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
This is a high two for me. I don't love Sting's voice, or lyrics, and won't be going back to listen to this anytime soon. That said, it's got some interesting songs musically, and it's well produced.
2
Jan 21 2024
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Is This It
The Strokes
I was pleased to be able to give this a good listen as it's a highly rated album that hadn't done it for me. Having listened I can see what the fuss is about. It is very good, but it still doesn't do enough for me to push it to a four.
3
Jan 25 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
An album I know well. Great songs, great performance.
4
Jan 26 2024
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
It's a sin is obviously brilliant, but things go downhill from there. It feels like there is a lot of poorly dated filler, as well as some good songs.
2
Jan 27 2024
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
The first couple of listens passed me by, but over time I've been enjoying this more and more. Great stuff!
4
Jan 28 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Despite falling between two AC/DC albums I love, I somehow don't like this as much. None of the songs are one's I go to when thinking about the band. It's just decent.
3
Jan 29 2024
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Mediocre Madchester songs I didn't like at the time and enjoy even less now.
2
Jan 30 2024
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25
Adele
This does what you would hope and expect. It's pretty good.
3
Jan 31 2024
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Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
There is more to this than I was expecting. The world music influences feel authentic rather than novelties and there are some very enjoyable moments. Jah's vocals are the low point for me though, both lyrically and stylistically.
3
Feb 01 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
There were some highlights, but overall I found the album boring.
2
Feb 02 2024
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
I like reggae, but am certainly not an aficionado. I do like this album, and have enjoyed getting to know it, but it's not one I'm too excited to revisit.
3
Feb 03 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
I love this album. So many great tracks! So much nostalgia. One I'll keep coming back to over and over again, and there aren't many of those.
4
Feb 04 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
This is a tough one, because Paul McCartney has written some of my favourite ever songs, but nothing in this album landed with me. There's something missing, I'm not sure what, but it means there's nothing I'm keen to return to.
2
Feb 05 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
This is not my favourite Dylan album. I find some tracks a bit too jarring (eg Down the Highway), and I've got to be in the right mood for it not to grate. But when I am in the right mood, I thoroughly enjoy it. Scrapes its fourth star with DTTIAR.
4
Feb 17 2024
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
I know this album well, and it has its high points, but there's too much filler too.
3
Feb 18 2024
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Ys
Joanna Newsom
I adore this album. There are some quite exceptional moments and every track has magic. One to keep coming back to again and again.
5
Feb 19 2024
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
How had I not heard this before? Love it - fab late 90s electronica that seems to have aged very nicely.
4
Feb 20 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
The problem with best of albums is that they often fail to lead the listener to the original albums and that has been the case for me and this album. I'd previously felt that the tracks I knew were significantly better than the rest, but having given this a few listens I've realised that just isn't the case. Yes, there are very few albums whose best tracks are as good as these, but the rest are still pretty special too!
5
Feb 21 2024
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Born To Be With You
Dion
It seems I'm a bit of a sucker for the wall of sound sound, as I quite enjoyed this. Nothing particularly special, but sufficiently floated my boat.
3
Feb 22 2024
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
This is a good album, with some very good songs, but doesn't do it enough to score higher for me.
3
Feb 23 2024
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Green
R.E.M.
There are REM albums I would much rather listen to than this. Uninspiring.
2
Feb 24 2024
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
This is very good. The first few times I listened to it I was distracted and it faded into the background, but with perserverence I have learned that it's high quality throughout.
4
Feb 25 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
It's a difficult one to score as I enjoy listening to this much more than I enjoy thinking about it. I'm going to allow listening experience to prevail though. Low 4.
4
Feb 26 2024
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Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
While it does feel a bit thin, dated and glammy in places, there are also some genuine high points, and (annoyingly) catchy songs.
3
Feb 27 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
It's a banger. Lots of absolute classics. Enjoyed revisiting this!
4
Feb 28 2024
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xx
The xx
I enjoyed this when it came out, but it really hasn't grown much on me since. The songs and performance are decent enough, but don't excite massively beyond that.
3
Feb 29 2024
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Skylarking
XTC
I know others love this, but I just can't connect with it. It's not bad music, it just really isn't for me.
2
Mar 01 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
There are times I really connect with this, and others where it feels like they are trying too hard - too many harmonies etc. There are some great songs, but overall doesn't do enough to keep me wanting more.
3
Mar 02 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
I very much knew the title song, but hadn't knowingly heard much more than that before. It took a few listens to get to know the album sufficiently, but with this investment I thoroughly enjoyed it. The album may peak with the first track, but the rest is definitely worth revisiting.
4
Mar 03 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I enjoyed this lots more than I was expecting. It's a diverse album, with lots of musical ideas and approaches and there are some real high points, but I don't find it works enough as an album to get four stars from me. Very much enjoyed getting to know it though!
3
Mar 04 2024
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California
American Music Club
I know people who absolutely love this band - people who's opinions I rate. But it just does nothing for me. I don't like the vocal style at all, for example. Not for me.
2
Mar 08 2024
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Absolutely stunning album. It's been one of my favourites for years and still grows on me with each listen. 22 tracks is a lot, but somehow the quality holds up from start to finish.
5
Mar 09 2024
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Wonderful. Soooo good.
5
Mar 10 2024
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Kenya
Machito
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Hard for it not to lift the mood and get some part of your body moving or tapping. Great musicianship, great songs!
4
Mar 11 2024
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Nixon
Lambchop
I liked this a lot - grew on me with every listen. Definitely one to spend more time with in the future. Simple, great songs, although I prefer when he's not singing in falsetto.
4
Mar 12 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
This is The King at his very best. Great songs performed brilliantly. Love it.
4
Mar 13 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
I love the story behind this album, and when I tune into it some of the music is beautiful. On the other hand, an hour of improvided music on a naff piano can only get you so far. Superb at what it does, nonetheless.
3
Mar 14 2024
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
This is a challenging album. I hated it at first, but gradually began to hear more of what it has to offer. There are times when I love it, but they are often fleeting. One to return to, definitely, but not often.
3
Mar 20 2024
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Microshift
Hookworms
I enjoyed this. The first track is a belter! Surprised I've not come across them before. Tails off later though.
3
Mar 21 2024
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Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
I've been super disappointed in this album. I love the band and adore some of their other albums, but I find very little to get excited about with this.
2
Mar 22 2024
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
This is pretty good stuff. Great musicianship & nice songs. It doesn't do enough to really draw me in though. I'd happily listen again, but am unlikely to seek it out.
3
Mar 23 2024
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Abbey Road
Beatles
I absolutely love this album, which is also my favourite Beatles album. There are so many truly wonderful pieces. Even the songs which are often considered to be duds still do it for me. One of the absolute all time greats. Hugely important album to me too, lots of wonderful memories with this on in the background.
5
Mar 24 2024
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
This is a lot of fun. Great simple rock and roll songs, very late 70s sound, interesting lyrics. I like it a lot, without loving it.
3
Mar 25 2024
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
The sound is very Public Enemy, but with worse lyrics. He's good at what he does, I'm just not that into it.
2
Mar 29 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
It's often tricky to rate an album by a super tight band, who have some super moments. I find myself having to listen again and again to see what grows and that was the case with this album, which didn't grow on me much at all.
3
Mar 30 2024
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Possibly the Beatles most famous album? Regularly billed as their best. I really want to like this more that I do, but there are too many tracks that I don't love for this to be a five star.
4
Mar 31 2024
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
There are some interesting ideas in here, but it really doesn't resonate with me. I'm not a fan of the sound, including the production. I can't see wanting to return to this any time soon.
2
Apr 01 2024
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
I really don't like the vocals and can't get past that. Behind them I like what I hear, often a lot. But the voice, the vocal style, even the vocal melodies ruin what would otherwise have been much more enjoyable.
2
Apr 02 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Didn't love it when it was released, still don't love it now.
2
Apr 09 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
He's a very pleasent rapper to listen to, but the words turn me off and the music isn't engaging enough to make up for it. Maybe I'm just too old for this kind of thing?
2
Apr 10 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
I like this. It doesn't do anything great, but it's decent quality, poppy punk.
3
Apr 11 2024
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High Violet
The National
I love their previous album, and enjoyed seeing them live playing songs from this album, but it doesn't quite reach those heights for me. It's good, but not great.
3
Apr 12 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
This really isn't my bag. I like Clint Eastwood, but the majority of the album misses the target.
2
Apr 13 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
This is a belter. It's long, but has strength in depth. So many great songs!
4
Apr 14 2024
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
There are a couple of decent songs on this, but as an album it's not for me. Too many things that just don't do much for me. I'm still not a big fan of EC's sound either, which possibly doesn't help.
2
Apr 16 2024
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Debut
Björk
I like this, but don't connect to it as much as I had hoped. Very good album, but not doing quite enough for a four from me.
3
Apr 17 2024
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
I wanted and expected to like this a bit more than I eventually did. It's fine, but didn't get me wanting to dance in the way I had hoped. Definitely dated in sound and style too.
2
Apr 19 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Tiny Dancer is one of my favourite EJ songs, but I still don't love it. And it's the best thing on this album, which is otherwise just very EJ. Fine, but not interesting or exciting at all.
2
Apr 21 2024
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Headquarters
The Monkees
This is decent late 60s pop. There are several pretty good songs, as well as a few that pass me by. No real high points, but some fun moments.
2
Apr 22 2024
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
I loved this. I'd never heard any of it before, but for a couple of weeks it's been my favourite album. It's provided ear worms that I've thoroughly enjoyed revisiting. This is why I am doing this! To find gems that resonate like this.
4
Apr 23 2024
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Tommy
The Who
I've given this a lot of listens, and although I no longer dislike it, I also don't see myself volunarily playing it again. There's some great musicianship in places, but overall, it's a swing and a miss for me.
2
Apr 26 2024
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Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
This doesn't do it for me. The highs aren't very high (2/3 decent songs), and if I'm not in the mood it grates.
2
Apr 27 2024
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The Yes Album
Yes
An album that took several listens to 'get'. I liked it, but didn't love it. Lots of interesting things happening, but to my taste let down by the vocals, and lack of anything to really grip hold of as a listener.
3
Apr 28 2024
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Stunningly beautiful album. Wonderful songs, performed brilliantly.
5
Apr 29 2024
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Close To The Edge
Yes
This is genuinely excellent. I can see why people go nuts for it. Not enough to my taste for the full five though.
4
Apr 30 2024
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Tough one. Some good tracks and great lyrics, but also pretty misogynistic, crime and violence celebrating, young man bravado.
Obvs hugely important, and often a lot of fun. I liked, but didn't love.
3
May 03 2024
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
I gave this a lot of listening as it's not a genre that I am used to listening to. The singing and production are great, and there are some very good pop songs, with only a couple of duds. This one's just between a two and a three for me.
2
May 04 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
I ended up liking this a bit more than I was expecting. The bass in particular is great. But ultimately the songs aren't that great and I'm not a fan of the vocals.
2
May 05 2024
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
This is pretty good. It's angry and full of bravado, and the songs are all decent. But I don't think I'll be revisiting much, as there are better albums in this genre.
3
May 06 2024
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Real Life
Magazine
Given how much I have struggled with Buzzcocks, I really wasn't expecing to like this, but ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Musically super interesting and well executed. One to return to...
4
May 07 2024
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
I liked this a lot from the first listen, but it took a bit of time to love it, which I definitely do. Beautiful songs delivered woderfully. This is sublime.
5
May 17 2024
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
It's OK. There are times when I quite like it. Some of the lyrics are quite interesting. But that's as far as I'd go. Otherwise, doesn't do a whole lot for me.
2
May 18 2024
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Illmatic
Nas
In my book, this is about as good as rap has ever got. Even I can hear his influence down the line! One that I always enjoy returning to. Top stuff!
5
May 20 2024
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
Thoroughly enjoyed this highly creative album. It includes two of the songs covered on Nirvana's Unplugged album, but I now can't remember which ones as there are so many bangers. Definitely one to keep returning to.
4
May 21 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
Love this album. So many spectacular songs! If I'm being super critical, the quality isn't as consistent as some of their other albums.
4
May 24 2024
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Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
There are points at which this album promises a lot, but what it giveth it taketh away again with interest. I don't mind the oddness of the album - the cabaret style does work with some songs, especially the Costello ones, but several tracks are painfully bad. Not for me I'm afraid.
2
May 25 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
Some great moments, but I really don't enjoy the lyrics.
3
May 27 2024
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evermore
Taylor Swift
As expected, this is a pleasent listen, with some good catchy tracks and some lovely moments. I enjoyed, but I'm not a full Swiftie yet...
3
Jun 01 2024
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
California Dreamin' is wonderful, and Monday, Monday is decent, but after that it all feels too much like something written for Austin Powers.
2
Jun 02 2024
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
This is great, and when I'm in the right mood can be fabulous.
4
Jun 03 2024
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
This is definitely a very good album, but I just don't get on with Steely Dan vocals enough for me to want to keep revisiting.
3
Jun 04 2024
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
This is a really good album. Great songs, great performances, lots of diversity. I can see why the Beatles loved him!
4
Jun 05 2024
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Really not my bag. Some decent sounds in places, but the style just isn't for me.
2
Jun 07 2024
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
I like this album. I've enjoyed listening to it, which I've done quite a lot. But it's not grabbed me. There are no songs I've found running round my head, or which I want to play again straight after. So it's a high 3 for me.
3
Jun 08 2024
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It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
Fab live album. I keep coming back for more and more. Delivers exactly what you'd hope!
4
Jun 10 2024
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
I like this, it's got some nice songs and good performances, but it's not as good as other albums in this genre. Happy to listen again, but won't be searching out.
3
Jun 11 2024
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1984
Van Halen
God I hated this. Listening once was too much - I refuse to listen again.
1
Jun 13 2024
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
I love this album. It's both enjoyable to listen to and super interesting.
4
Jun 14 2024
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You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
I don't like Morrisey. As well as not liking him, I'm not a fan of his lyrics or his vocal approach. That said, everything else on this album is decent. The songs are well constructed, his voice is good and charasmatic, and the production is great. Will I choose to listen again though? Nope.
2
Jun 15 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
This is OK. I don't love it, and I can't see myself going back for more, but it didn't offend me. It did feel pretty samey though, and there wasn't much to get excited about musically.
2
Jun 16 2024
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
This is a fun album, high in nostalgia and keen to get you moving. I definitely enjoyed getting to know this one, but can't see myself returning too often.
3
Jun 17 2024
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
I remember liking this album, but it disappoints now. As a live record the production quality is pretty low, as is the quality of his vocals at times. The tracks do what you expect them to, but there's not much depth. That said, it's hard to listen without tapping along and in the right mood I may return to indivudual tracks.
2
Jun 25 2024
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
To my ears this sounds a bit dated and is an album I'm not quite sure which mood to be in to best appreciate it. It's fine, and I may seek it out again one day, but certainly not for a while.
3
Jun 28 2024
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Stripped
Christina Aguilera
I liked this more than I expected. It's a long and slightly confused album, which seems consistent with CA wanting to throw everything she could at the recording. But her voice is at times superb, and very few of the tracks feel like filler. I'd happily listen to this again.
3
Jun 29 2024
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
I've expressed my feelings about EJ in earlier reviews. That said, this is my favourite of his albums. It's a bit too long, but it's still the one I'll return to if I'm ever in the mood.
3
Jul 03 2024
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
This is not a great album. I'm not sure how it got onto this list. Especially as there are other Megadeth albums which are much better and more interesting.
2
Jul 05 2024
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
I really struggled with this. I'm not sure what mood I'd have to be in to appreciate it, but it's not a mood I'm in very often. Not to my taste sadly.
2
Jul 06 2024
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
I like lots, love bits (esp. the title track), and will happily listen to it again. I'm less sure how often I'll seek it out though. Not enough memorable songs to want to return to. High 3.
3
Jul 07 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
As easy to access and enjoy as one would expect and packed with huge and famous tracks. This is much more pop-y than the album I reviewed previously. Good, but not great.
3
Jul 19 2024
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
This is good. I've enjoyed listening to it, but it's not gripped me enough to want to keep going back again later.
3
Jul 20 2024
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Wonderful Stones album. One I keep returning to. Super bluesy too.
5
Jul 21 2024
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
The first half of this album is highest quality hard rock. Unfortunately, the second falls short. High 3 from me.
3
Feb 25 2025
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
There are some definite highs, but ultimately this album didn't grow on me as much as I'd hoped.
3
Feb 26 2025
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
This is brilliant. After struggling with 'Crooked Rain', I questioned my previous enjoyment, but this bought me right back. Great song writing and delivery. I'll keep coming back to this one...
5
Feb 28 2025
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
I love this album, but there aren't enough go-to fantastic tracks to justify five stars.
4
Mar 01 2025
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Superb album. Dylan at his absolute best. I love it.
5
Mar 11 2025
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
The singles (I assume) are pretty good, but the rest isn't. It doesn't offend, but doesn't inspire either.
2
Mar 12 2025
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
This is a real mixed bag. Some pretty good songs (largely the famous ones), and some bilge. Some I'll definitely play again, some I never want to hear again. Hard to score this, but as a full album I'll give it a two.
2
Mar 14 2025
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Absolutely love this album. Such creativity, so interesting, so many great songs. A joy to listen to.
5
Mar 15 2025
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
There are some nice bits in this album, and there were times when I thought I might end up connecting more than I did, but it's just not that great. Definitely didn't grow on me as I'd hoped. OK.
2