View Album
Mon Aug 01 2022
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
Ok. First listen to this. Surprised how many songs leapt out. Very dynamic style. Of course groovin' is one I knew but I'd say I probably didn't know the other tracks. Enjoyed it.
4
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Mon Aug 01 2022
Infected
The The
Infected - the the ( I am catching up on the first 100 I missed)
Very familiar and I enjoyed their hits in the late 80s/early 90s. Reminds me of porch parties in Summer.
I didn't realise how inconsistent the actual album is - familiar songs “infected” and “heartland” and “slow train to dawn” are great and still resonate.
But the rest sound unfinished, and really missing something
As an album its jarring to bo form rocking along cool but weird stuff then stop. Thank goodness for the SKIP button.
Reminds me so much of the voice of Hunters and Collectors, I thought they might be Australian.
Inconsistent, with 3 brilliant tracks and good atmospherics.
Pitty I don't know more from them. 3.5-4.0 depending on mood
3
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Tue Aug 02 2022
Stankonia
OutKast
Stankonia • Outkast • 2000
The teenage mentality of the opening and HIP HOP genre don’t bring high expectations.
I feel dumber just listening to the first track.
Ms. Jackson has always been so catchy though, so I raise my expectations (so i know Outkast after all)/ I raise my hopes.
But its more a soundtrack for a violent or urban film, and i cant rate it within the genre as I stay away mostly... In summation, it might be highly rated as hip hip, or rap, but its not much music to my ears.
Wouldn't turn it on again...
I skip a few interludes and nasty tracks ont he ebay to the Cee-Lo collaboration (track 22). Sounds like a drug den scene in a ganster movie...
historically an interesting artefact, perhaps - but not for listening
Skip. next album.... 2
1
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Wed Aug 03 2022
Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
Rings Around The World
All over the place. Starts with a piano melody morphing into space soundtrack, then track 2 is a jarring rock alarm. Smacks of annoying concept album of monumental importance to musicologists but not me.
I look them up. Welsh brit pop electronica. Ok.
I hear a bit fo “AIR” in track 3
But them I got bored.
1
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Thu Aug 04 2022
Vivid
Living Colour
Nice hard rock opener. Its ok. Good vocals... but their best track, for me, is “Love rears up its ugly head” - which is another style...
They have a good stop start thumping style. Which might be their signature sound. Ok. they’re good.
But the album is 3.
3
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Fri Aug 05 2022
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Who do you love? Al Green. So let's stick together. I will be listening to this some more.
5
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Mon Aug 08 2022
The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
Truth. Oh how searing honesty in art is discomforting. We want it but its hard not to turn away when its here. A little bit searing. Awful name for an album. I like the opening… and yes the music is good but the themes despairing and painful as per the main popular review – its utter human carnage and (deathly, as it turns out) despair. But wonderfully done. They say art is borne of pain. Yes, I agree – as others have written - a terrible masterpiece. …..
Ultimately beautiful, moving, and agitating: depression brought forth into and almost exultant sweeping and cinematic grandeur.
The kind I may never wish to listen to again, but WOW.
5
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Tue Aug 09 2022
Synchronicity
The Police
What a revelation and – for me – a different side of Police. I had mostly listened their Singles on cassette. This album is unexpectedly mystic and Jungian and intellectually wide ranging.
The moods and sounds … I enjoyed big ideas like Spiritus Mundi – a universal energy or inspiration for ideas – like a collective unconscious or and or muse.
I love the rhyming genius in the tracks.
the way the lyrics stack
meaning mixed with from:
The lilting on “Wrapped around your fingers”
its almost astral
“Tea in the Sahara”
feels new - yet saved
playful and prophetic.
I love the lyrics
cryptic and poetic.
Rounding up, rather than murdering by numbers
5
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Wed Aug 10 2022
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
At first, its likable pop lo fi psychadelic but it doesnt sustain my attention - somethign about it just sounds dumb.
Dumb and annoying.
2
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Thu Aug 11 2022
Funeral
Arcade Fire
so relived you guys didnt like it either.
Its well made drawn out, droning bedroom music for a new generation of depressed teens. too harsh?
2
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Fri Aug 12 2022
1977
Ash
The Girl from Mars ....sounds familiar. and yet not enough.
Oh Yeah, its just that it reminds me of average.
(I figured it out)
Its distinctive for its lack of distinctively-ness-ness.
Its like demin, or noodles, it needs something to go with it, so its not boring...
2
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Mon Aug 15 2022
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
These guys must have laughed so much taking the utter, utter piss. It’s a prank call of an album.
Music for Beavis and Butthead? Or Terence and Phillip? Spongebob?
This music – I am sure – brings on the laughs for juveniles who’s mood is heavily pharmacologically enhanced. Music with a purpose.
But I can see how its in the bottom 15 albums after 12 million votes. Its tormenting.
[P.S. “Pepper” their moment of genius. Isn't on this album.]
1
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Tue Aug 16 2022
Out of Step
Minor Threat
I have two things to day.
1. The ad agency who did famously racist "Bye Bye Black Sheep" poster in 2008 for the Swiss SVP must have liked this cover art.
2. a bit harsh & industrial for me. as gentle as a nazi salute.
Non merci. pas au jourdhui.
1
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Wed Aug 17 2022
The Cars
The Cars
WHat agreat opener, pretty good - some very iconic stuff. An extra point for longevity. Id listen twice to this.
4
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Thu Aug 18 2022
Revolver
Beatles
Being My FIRST listen to Revolver, and the Beetles mean LESS to me than those who heard it NEW in its groundbreaking context. And I've never been a massive fan, so this felt like homework, and I am maybe critical, but I like 1001 Albums for being educative and horizon-expanding. I still appreciate their sound, vast influence, and stylistic journeys. and how this album is mentioned SO OFTEN as a landmark. So, I made myself listen to EVERY TRACK in full. without skipping. I felt like I should have incense burning and a velour bean bag, and bead curtain, lava lamp... its chill by todays standard, but also it's a messy, all-over-place album. could be Beach Boys for one of the tracks, brain dead kids music for amnother, trippy stuff, but reading reviews, I held out for a strong finish. mostly new songs for me. I LIKED She said, love to you, got to get you into my life (finally some energy) and and it turns out I knew and liked the last TRACK "Tomorrow never knows" BUT WHY IS IT SO SHORT AND UNFINISHED?- man if there was album of more like the last 2 tracks i might have loved it...., (DISLIKED yellow submarine. and your bird can sing.) and, songs don't finish, they just fade away... an historical style? So, in summary. a few really good original tracks that got me interested. I CAN'T GIVE IT MORE THAN 3.5 STARS in terms of liking it...but it finishes strongly.
3
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Fri Aug 19 2022
Heroes
David Bowie
I am about 150 albums behind the pack, being a late joiner, so I an working on my backlog. Time for Bowie! (hard to rate important, hisotorical albums - they are so important, but i just bagged Revolver, so ...). but here is my reaction. I dont like each track, but then Heroes, the song, is so soaring, moving, and lyrically interesting, ambitious and has the best of his Berlin period in it. I enjoy his yelling of the chorus, unbridged almost pleeding. this is the song. I'd like to find the trilingual single disc for this one day. Songs of the silent age returns to familair style. then the B side atmoshperics are interesting and totally unfmailair for me... Bowie is demanding. not going to gush about hsi as an album, but interesting symth expeirments on side B. I were an older man, I might have had blues, funk, jazz, Stones, Bowie, Cohen, (but probably not Beetles, Folk or much other rock...). I like the last track, the Secret Life of Arabai, and the Moss Garden was a surpise... NB: the track played next by the YT ALGO: "more than this" by Roxy Music. the algo knows me...
3
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Mon Aug 22 2022
Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
An almost inpenetrable musical fortress of a puzzle. The Warp and Weft dont meet until later. The best 3 track are the last 3. Which no one will ever hear.
A superb astral soundscape. Hard to catalaogue. If this is here, surely it means any album by Xangadix, or The Art Of Noise or Nightmatres on Wax will be too, because its MUCH better at occupying this landing sequence for astronauts.
Experimental flyovers of psychadelic insomnia progressions do not a pop album make. Great concept album, though. I was going to crap on it as a superb and esoteric art curio. For the "wierd and interesting" pile.
But I in my perigrinations got to Alaska Street and the threads or waveforms lined up... It becomes wonderful ambient. I mean its almost progressive. But too late.
4
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Tue Aug 23 2022
Liquid Swords
GZA
Pure art and yet, not for me.
2
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Mon Aug 29 2022
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
earnest and arty and / but not sure it resonates fully for me despite occasionally really liking her stuff. could be a grower...?
3
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Tue Aug 30 2022
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
So much overlooked or ignored music from the 70s and 80s. This I never heard. Its has that sparse "less than zero" sound of ultra smooth 1980s. Tinseltown is good. Its atmospheric and beautful but doesnt make me feel so good. They need to subtract some of the bleak or detached feeling. Stylish and herribly depressing.
3
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Wed Aug 31 2022
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Who does he remind me of :-)
Interesting.
This guy's incredibly varied in the material and styles. He is trying to do everything with his instrument. Musical peregrinations.
Good.
4
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Thu Sep 08 2022
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
so wonderfully flawed, out of tune and even more intimate for it. maybe I am alone in this, there is something playuful & humourous, even hilarious, as well as a soothing. Its not melancholy - more a lugubrious tone, hence playfyully sleepy, lulling. and then, at times, its like a Nick Cave lyric pops up... original. I need MORE COHEN, not less. adding nhim to my new listening pile, alone with Serge Gauinsbourg.
5
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Wed Nov 09 2022
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
... like an enormous Star on the end of a Girder, you might miss it if you don't look up, and pause. music that moves every song rubs through your body like a soothing cord, and then some almost move you to tears, or to dance, or to shout in exultation of the beauty and exquisite pain and delicious richness and terrible precariousness of life and music that once in a while just gets it.... sometime hypnotic, calming, or evocative of the most painful moments and episodes. it's the comfoet of reapting a familiar chord and letting it out...healing. they are angels come to sing to us, while we toil fumble and stumble, they get us to look up and see the hand, or the fire, the point, or the star sticking out in the sky, and go on. or the whole album could just be about sex and loss, dear kitten. read the lyrics.
5
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Mon Jan 02 2023
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
oh, yeah, smooo-ooth, lush and pure 1970s. Quelle Poesie decontracte, esprit de reves. This is so different & new to me. I do like a concept album from time to time.... (But if I had to guess, the its Francoise Hardy, (but I'm wrong, its Jane Birkin) and yes zeh eenglish weeel be geluwss that a french man can spend an album in admiring contemplation of a single, fascinating woman while sustaining our rapt attention.
5
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Tue Jan 17 2023
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
New to this and them ... as an album and barely know the key tracks. Saving this to listen to again....it's all very good isn't it.
5
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Tue Feb 07 2023
Mothership Connection
Parliament
Happy to be here, but how can I be so late to this party? I am new to P-Funk, Parliament-Funkadelic, etc. This is better than any imitations that have come since. pure enjoyment. stylish, ultra cool, joyful concept and the instrumentation even works. warm vocals, hilarious, and they know it.
4
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Mon Feb 13 2023
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I may benefit from narrated guidance ... as to WHY an album in included. I listened to it like novice. And while I appreciated the guitar noodling and changes of styles it left me cold... UNTIL the lyrical and rhythmic slow * TAKE ME TO THE RIVER * - which got me. So alive and playful like a new language after the tinny stuff before it... Is this track and stylistic transition why the album was selected ? It's the sound I associate with talking heads, so maybe this is their breakthrough or experimental album from which this big new sound emerged? Curious now. 3/5 as an album for me.
3
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Fri Feb 17 2023
Achtung Baby
U2
Each U2 album an atmosphere and set of anthems we know like a multiplication table. With this new sound, they go it right again. Even if you see it as a product like Madonna, this was on very Heavy Rotation on cassette my car. So good to listen to it in order. My brain still knows it this way. Resolution: listen more to the favourite albums of youth. They press the buttons so well. Enjoyed that.
5
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Wed Feb 22 2023
Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
stylish. good stuff.. some excellent HITS ... but, I cant listen to a whole album of them, as much I *want to*.... and the tinny drum machine just grates and lacks the warmth I like for techno - a distinct & unique sound though for the 80s and 90s. Please, just the hits.
3
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Thu Feb 23 2023
No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Brings back the excellent documentary about Lemmy. Entertaining story and good music that was too big for me in the 80s but now I enjoy it, good fun, almost comedic music, I see it as fun not serious rock now, to listen to with a wry smile. This guy is an icon... He looks and acts like a philosophical Roady, living for the moment, and the poker machine at the end of the bar ...and sex with his groupies and bourbon slacker life on the road ... Other will describe this better and. Have more attachment to it... Not my top album but the sound is defining for the times ...
4
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Mon Feb 27 2023
Hysteria
Def Leppard
It took a long time to like in the 80s. I wasn't into heavy rock ....and again I am surprised how much I enjoy it now.... considering I have only heard this during the 1980s, from a cassette player on and only Renault distorted speakers... It's really quite good. 3 years to record, with a one armed drummer (that's not why) this was a huge hit ...
5
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Tue Feb 28 2023
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
the incomparable Tom Waits. this album is slower and more atmospheric than the others I know. and the ealrier the album, the less gravel in his voice. some songs are a shambles and yet there is beauty soul and execution in Jersey Girl, which is so Springsteen, and then I remembered he does a cover... (a fun and obscure crossover I hadn't realised), in the ends it's a LUMPY . gems, rough stones, and inexplicable flat spots.
4
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Wed Mar 01 2023
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
Ok, Lool, I tried. It sounded like a blend of punk and mod and a few tracks sound like the beginnings of a Joy Division sound. Not one of the greatest albums of all time. An interesting musical sampler of sorts. if you were doing a course on the evoluition fo British music. I assume it's an important transition album, or it represents a genre or "moment" in music. but I don't like it... I wil let Wikipedia do the rest as they say it best, actually
" their music has generally been characterised by an abrasive, repetitive guitar-driven sound, tense bass and drum rhythms, and Smith's caustic lyrics"
yep.
1
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Fucking out there. Artistry.
5
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Fri Mar 03 2023
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
I like the guitar. but mostly it's music to repel grown ups. All the noise.
Ok I get the history and influence of the sound.
If you can get past being screamed at and the assault on our hearing .. . ( I hate distortion ) and the stupid screaming, then it's almost good. They were onto something... It's been copied so much it makes me think of "Wild Thing" by the whatever's ... I lost interest fast
2
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Mon Mar 06 2023
The Man Who
Travis
Definitely belongs on any list of music that defined the 90s. Was everywhere. And it's exquisite on headphones. Very slick.
5
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Tue Mar 07 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Took me a bit ro get into it and then by "trust me" I was bopping. This era started rock n roll and modern music, the inventive new sounds are important... And there is walking blues and jazz and swing and everything mixed in. I didn't realise his single FatMan is considered by some as the first ever rock n roll singles. or that he sold 100 million albums. It almost got boring until I read about the origins of rock n roll on wikipedia and the then it came to sounds that defined it . I wonder if the others like Sister Rosetta Tharpe get it... But so many were singles and not albums back then....
4
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Wed Mar 08 2023
Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Well executed but not my sound. Post Punk 80s... His voice sounds like a lot of bands of the time... Did he sing with Duran Duran?
2
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Thu Mar 09 2023
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
(rounding up to 5, because I want to rememebr to listen more to thise guys) Tempatations cloud 9 - tight. but ti not the GREATESt HITS... its a new sonbd maybe,.., makes me want more"1001" is a wide ranging tour and education, .. and even this is new for me. I know the name. thats it. ...You can enjoy the breakthrough unique sound and just imagine how amazing it would have sounded "in the day" when I captured the sound of that summer and excitement of the time. plus is beautiful to listen too. vocals. tapping beat and a sound so often imitated...
5
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Fri Mar 10 2023
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
In a nutshell: first time ever paying attention and listening ot them - soothing, easy to listen to and very catchy indeed, so yeah, Surprisingly good, tight and varied. I understand (form reading) its poppy energetic on sideA and quiet introspective on side B - a real concept album, they say. They have a mature and artful sound here for sure. So educative.
AND also, kind of loved the album for social curiosity/etymological reasons too; hearing the language of the YOUTH era used (without self consciousness? Not sure) terms and content like Groovy, Square, “put me down” , “turn me on” all with layered connotations today of course.
MORE:
Surprising myself by giving it 4-5 stars, thus demonstrating the Simultaneous GENIUS and JOY of discovering critically acclaimed albums you would never otherwise listen to. Th Beach Boys “today!” is catchy, happy and evoking care free, dreamy youth / surf vibes for me more than most bands... I admit never having sat down to actually "intently listen to Beach Boys“ but generally i see them as “easy listening defined”, it provides a cushy wall to lean against and it doesn’t intrude on the one hand, but then jump in /throws up a richly happy sound with its twangy guitar anthems…. (still a bit “tin can sound” for me overall, but thats maybe an aside).
they are so enticing and woven into American cinema and TV, then when Beach Bosy summer anthems come on, it is like i have them as implanted memories of driving to the beach in my parents’ station wagon to meet my friends and surf followed by a coke while watching the sunset. Maybe its something relatable, form growing up on the West Coast of Western Australia. (but) Being a kids of 80s Perth, I doubt I got much Beach Boys on FM radio - so my beach boys memories are probably due to overexposure to flashback/fantasy sequences in The Wonder Years or <cringe> ALF (h, no, its coming backt o me now… TV commercials doing covers, and “Help me Rhonda” on Alf…, got done a few times, and our brains love repetition, so I accept zero blame!) .
4
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Mon Mar 13 2023
Doolittle
Pixies
(generally i thought i LIKED Pixies... but...) Likes: 1) the DRUMS on every track are great.... and gets me bopping to the the drums start and reckon it's gonna by a 4... her voice.
DISLIKES but his yelling was a bit much ... oo a Debaser....
best tracks : I bleed (for the bass line and slow build , slow liscious drums laid on..) .
4
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Tue Mar 14 2023
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
Torn. dont like, it, but objecitvely I cna admire what it does. I see it as an interesting historical curiosity - probably breakthough stuff at the time, and shows how far PF developed in their distinctive mastery. I remember int he 80s as a big PF fan trying hard to listen to this but really not liking it. Not much has changed.... I appreicate the originality, interesting stylized stuff (I could really do *without* the painful, oddly nauseating and saddening spacey 9 minute synthesizer trip - very out there, ok done, glad its over! ). But overall, its not that engaging, also think this music would make for an unpleasant terrifying acid trip if this si what was playing in the background. where is the joy and uplift. its not what "wonder" sounds like to me. However, I persisted, and then came to the final tracks.. needed comic releif is provided in the form of THE GNOME which is fun and sounds very stoned & playful. I think teenage stoners of the 80's much have been quoting this, and i didnt understand... So, PF; they have achived a high quality window into distorted perception in this album which experiments a LOT with new sounds, and they had relaitvely little to work with as tools, so well done... Hoorah. also "bike" has some perfect auditory echoes which are hallucinatory (NOx-like) , this would have been very new then. and maybe not understood. But as an album, happy to leave it again for abother 40 years, TBH.
1
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Bummed
Happy Mondays
unhappy. English industrial . the cover looks like they just want to poss you off. the music does the same.
1
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Mott
Mott The Hoople
I am writing this in a bad mood. Does it show? An obscure album name, which almost helped piss me off before I even listened to it... So expectations low. Piano is opening track sounds out of tune, music sounds like flat boring air guitar stuff. The track title "Hym for the dudes" is meh. Got at far as the title BALLAD, and yeah I don't get this kind of 70s rock.
2
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Fri Mar 17 2023
Elastica
Elastica
never heard of them. Is this another drummer-led band? I think, then,... turns out I know & LOVE "connection" for it's edginess and her sexy voice... its 90's joyfully relived, Turns out I would have been a massive fan if I knew them. discovery! Best tracks on first listen are: Smile (oh YEAH on the finish), Connection, Car Song, Blue, (and yet, GREAT drummer, i love their sense of rythmn, and her voice is at an indiscirbable sweet spot of soft refined, and yet a punky edge makes her elusively sexy to listen to.
5
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
2
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This is one reasons to do this. Listen to albums you never say down to understand and appreciate. They have their own sound. Out there on their own mastered it and stayed Distinctive ... I don't know what you call this funky r&b bear but it works and it's great. Full of anthems of our time. Breaking the Girl. Give it Away! Blood sugar sex magic .. under the bridge Are standouts. Some low points but legendary rock tight bands live sound. Captivating singer.
5
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Wed Mar 22 2023
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
I was bracing myself before it started and then Ugggh. How can I describe the sound? Soundtrack for a shot movie about awkward skater boys? The kind of music they'd have in a Jackass film. Intentionally annoying shitm Cultural sludge of America. Maybe it's supposed to be funny and Beavis and Buthead laughed at it while headbanging . 1 star because the drummer worked hard. Woeful song titles.
1
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Thu Mar 23 2023
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
(and to my ears thoroughly distinctive original) and surprisingly resonant sound and use of strings and percussion, (there is an Eastern influence somehow?) and whatever it's called when harmonies echoes and overlap happily. Needs a room, and the echo of a student share house without furniture, loose drapes, incense, and ....
4
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Fri Mar 24 2023
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Wanted to like it more ... But to was noisy. Self indulgent. Unpolished. Unpleasing... Not a single standout good track. Listed to it twice.
3
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Made in 1992 and sounds like 1992 - the kind of music someone who wishes they were in a band would like. Good drummer. Alternative indie cool boy music .... I am sure the smart lyrics would make a guy smile. But you missed your window with me and there is nothing that speaks to me... I was probably into Cake. But this feels garage noisy distortion. No joy or melody for me.... Music for a Sydney SoCal 90's Kegger?
1
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
4
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
a great grooving goth intro ...and then Vooodoo Dolly opened up. superb atmospherics (at once chanelling through time: Ute Lempur, Nirvana, Cure, B52s and some other batshit crazy stuff, but tight )
Sound like Banshees alright, fun loud shrill, and jungle girl sounds... wild woman lyrics, - its impressive for 1981 and i imagine it was influential and the tribal drums very new...I LIKED the propelling transporting beats of Arabian Nights, It is goth, is it punk, is it girl garage band? its empowered, in your face and avant guard. Feels like 1988. Spellbound rang a bell,but pretty sure this is entirely NEW MUSIC for me
4
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Great performance and recording strong and young! I saw this man perform live at the age of 83. He did it all but his voice was heavier and gravelly, and he did it sitting down... Yes. Blues. Touring his whole life to pay for the 13 children dependant on him (and their mothers). This would have been going mainstream.... A joy to hear his baby young voice and the crowd are so exuberant and involved, he bends the notes in his inimitable style so well, a bonus is stereo in 1965. Great recording. No hits on it but what an intro it would have been for mainstream.... authentic as hell
5
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Fri Mar 31 2023
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
tracks on this album are either good or shit for me. (at first lost on me) disliked weak voices and British fragile crappy sounding instrumentation - hurts me, like listening to Andrew Lloyd Weber with the vacuum turned on, while someone's mum sings along doing housework. I wanted to shut off the music and walk away!...
So, I skipped through the 2nd half of each track .. Then "time of the Season" hit a note and the album completely shifted to something else completely with some synth organ and hitting their stride " she's not there " was on the 40th anniversary version of the album.. but wait. That's a bonus from another album. Still shitm . Only 2.5 stars.
2
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Mon Apr 03 2023
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
one sentence review: (Liked "first Impression" for the humour, but I can agree with the words, if you listen to it...) at first enjoyed & felt all cool and tough like gansta, but soon it reminded me why I just dont listen to Rap - gives me a headache, glorifies shitty lifestyle/actions/gang war, machine gun violence, childish, mindless, full of violent disturbing boasts and attitudes, the horrible underbelly of the american psyche of the disempoered and alientated. they want ot destroy the system taht destroys and marginaises them. sounds cool for a sountrack.... but grates really quickly... hardly uplifitngif you listen tot the words.
1
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
A very unexoted 4. Could this be the answer to my unanswered questions form the film American Beauty? Ah so this is the punk music I missed out on. Better than the sex pistols. Sounds like the sister act. But with better instruments. They took it seriously? Anyway... Yep. She has a kind of a voice and we'll stylaised.... Good brass and the drum kits gets a workout, and telling. it wants to woman does a better job . Funnest songs. THE DAY the world turns dayglo. ( I found my self humming "I am am an ar Christ...." Somehow) . How funny . By the time art-i-ficial came on I think I could like this guys despite it all... Where's my hair gel, safety pin, and tartan? It's fun. "my mind is like a plastic bag" is beautifully dernaged and she goes on to perform a wonderfully unhinged salute. Landmark. It this American beauty explained? She channels Bellatrix Lestrange for a moment ... Is Helena B.H. a time shifter too? What's that, cockney? But yes. Thanks for the Edyukation.
4
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Wed Apr 05 2023
The Sensual World
Kate Bush
Original varied
There are almost no female voices in this list of 1001. And there is so much shitty garage experimentation, and not enough masterwork. Those are my two criticisms of the list..... Back to this album.. side b. that's where the magic of this album is for me. Either way, Kate, it's been a while... I had you on cassette. Nice to hear your mad genius and kaleidoscopic arabesque on a hifi instead a plastic 80s Stereo. there is something wonderful and very Gemeinde about it.... Although shrill at times and hard to take on LARGE doses, here we have something completely different richly executed. Art. I can't go without mentioning the very suggestive flower on the cover... This has nothing to do with the photo shoots she did for the album.... in case the title didn't give it away, clearly marketed as boudoir music... But when you enter, there is a lot more to handle. The prescience of \"deeper understanding\" and the impact of computers and consumerism and loneliness in our world. Not easy to listen to. But brilliant and demanding. With flowers
4
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Thu Apr 06 2023
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
I am noticing a theme here - music that can be PERFORMED for an audience wins me over far more than stuff you might have mixed in your bedroom for YOURSELF. first impression is hthis is a private musical diary and scrapbook of their "TRUTH" great for them.... (first track, fully of "Get it together Bitch..." and yeah yeah acapella whaling). I am saying to myself "on no, more American urban attitude and shared trauma, violence and struggle... there isnt going to be a single song on here". I have nothing against social commentary / perosnal dioary turned into an album.... but in this case, nup. this is an urban petry project, an interesting cultural document, but not for me, enjoyable. I am not the audience, I know. Do I really need to deal with the attitude and statements-as-music .... I don't disagree with the social messages and aspirations, necessarily or owning your own script in urban life. but the MUSIC IS LACKING . zero enjoyment... but a good and mabe significant social historical document/project 1 star.
1
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Metallica
Metallica
hearing it immediately after Back in Black by ACDC, it is unfair to compare - the drumming and seething power is different here... angrier and more snarl (which make the AC DC boys seem sinpler, happy and loud). not that darkness is needed in rock - its raw power it taps into. but here there is also a somehow subtler finesse that is more easily heard - details that endure scrutiny. Shit guys, I need to say its Ornate, and what they are doing is "on show". a performance of power, almost POSING, no illusion of spontaneous animal rock here. ?. maybe that is part of the magic of AC DC, it works and you don't question why. (whereas if we call this virtuoso stuff more "American" - well it is from the first track, it's telling you why it's special - the slapping/tapping timbre and thunder drums is really attention grabbing... then the restraint and musical "The Unforgiven" shows their control in a way that juts spoves their skill but also everything I just said (even if the cutover form intro int hat song is harsh IMO). I Like it, I admire it, but I find myself feeling it's much more "commercial" and pristine as heavy rock goes. The skill and talent of the musician's is beyond question. showpiece stuff. But what is missing? relatability? is all this showing off putting distance between artist and audience?. and yes, too much twiddling on the guitar at times, and what that up-tick and "ah" at the end of words. over-laboured? yes to me it is Ornate heavy rock, at times it even operatic "wherever I may roam" was tiresome for me. I guess this is what 1001 albums and thinking about music does - I sound like a record shop tosser now. who cares. no one is ready, ha! Nonetheless the first song from the album is all class. 4.5 stars... marked down because it's a bit much, despite great musicianship.
4
View Album
Mon Apr 10 2023
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
Two reviews here. Kate Bush (5) + cee-lo (2).
1st: Cee-Lo to get it out of the way. way too self indulgent self referential onanistic crap. funky in parts... But ultimately annoyingin large doses.
2nd 5 stars for Kate Bush The Sensual world.(I PRESSED Didn't LISTEN BY ACCIDENT)
There are almost no female voices in this list of 1001. And there is so much shitty garage experimentation, and not enough masterwork. Those are my two criticisms of the list..... Back to this album.. side b. that's where the magic of this album is for me. Either way, Kate, it's been a while... I had you on cassette. Nice to hear your mad genius and kaleidoscopic arabesque on a hifi instead a plastic 80s Stereo. there is something wonderful and very Gemeinde about it.... Although shrill at times and hard to take on LARGE doses, here we have something completely different richly executed. Art. I can't go without mentioning the very suggestive flower on the cover... This has nothing to do with the photo shoots she did for the album.... in case the title didn't give it away, clearly marketed as boudoir music... But when you enter, there is a lot more to handle. The prescience of "deeper understanding" and the impact of computers and consumerism and loneliness in our world. Not easy to listen to. But brilliant and demanding. With flowers
2
View Album
Tue Apr 11 2023
Back In Black
AC/DC
This is music I only appreciated in my 4th decade onwards- Hells bells is important, given the theme and history of the album, but track 1 feels badly mixed with the bell oddly subtracting in stereo, "shoot to thrill" is the first that does it for me ... by track 5 the vicals are really soaring anf then boom, guiar , drums and lyrics all explore forth on |Back in Black. A singular song. NOTE to self...full enjoyment of this bass-driven power-rock album is brillaint with big drivers and a subwoofer to feel the kicker in the car.... I will always remember playing Back in Black at top volume through Klosters one fine summer ... windows open so the locals got to enjoy it with us, while exporting Full Bogan (this music is actually more popular in Germany than Australia, where they have the - often deadly- Rock Am Ring rock festival.). so, its a unique sound and this band owns it 100%. on Shake a leg, i heard vibrfato int he voice like Led Zeps lead singer--- how i wonder if they every payed together? sparks.
5
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Wed Apr 12 2023
Live!
Fela Kuti
an easy 4 or 5. It was cooking from the first track "lets get started what we came into the room to do". a whole new artist for me. Ginga Bekaaar. I was transported easily to another time and place. grooving background bop, made me think of shuffling around while cooking, and its pure gentle propulsion. Irrisistable drum music from africa, with synthesizer, standard drumkit, and a bunch of stuff, even horns... the audio quality for a live recording in 1970 is very good. not a boring moment either, despite the improv bits. SO I went on the net to read that it is "The album is on Rolling Stone's list of the 50 greatest live albums of all time. " yeah I see that. so which one is the Ginger and do he Smeeell? :-)
5
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Thu Apr 13 2023
GREY Area
Little Simz
ok, this is entertaining. fun even. I dont like MOST rap. ,But unlike most urban stuff , this has some nice head candy / enjoyable musical sounds, pace, attitude, and its lyrical and fast. The lyrics are catchy. But they cant be sung out loud in public. Fun irrisistable new music for me. 4. ***(I am impressed my her releases since this 2019 album. Her style has evolved veryu quickly and her African and jazz influenced album is very VERY enjoyable to listen. An artist to watch - maybe my eyes werent open or int he right places ?***
4
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
(please come back to her if you're new and find it odd. For example go away and listen to SUGARMAN, and My Baby Just Cares for Me. Or read about her life and music. Shit she made it despite it all.) . Pure Nina. (YT MUSIC has 2 versions. The oink cover is better. Very different tracks so maybe a glitch?) From the first track opening, I am at a 5. I am at five at the last too. Such an intimate recording. Amazing despite having none of her greatest work...., (usually the quality isnt great for 69s live,as far as I know. Is this an) it's like sittig on stage between the instruments. She moves from playfyul carefree joy, with that 'smile' in her voice, to the breakup and slow heartbreak songs like at track2 where voice is pain, rendered beautiful, and then ... back to where ? Its lady sings the blues on this album, even Summertime is subdued, restrained. I know her for songs of joy. and here she is live, singing her pain,which was her life.,.. can you imagine being there to see it live? Nina is art. her life was pain. Ive listened to her SugarMan and My Baby Just Cares for Me 1000 times, but never this. amazed. they saved a taste fo her best, the redemption, for last. If you listen carefully to her highs on the last track (Fine and Mellow) , her voice is like a muted trumpet. Alright! ****(NB: the algo followed this one up with "Mad About You (Live at Koningin Elisabethzaal 2012) Hooverphonic With Orchestra Live 2012***** its all soaring troubles and strings. oh. mad about you....
5
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Mon Apr 17 2023
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
While dreaded a dose of yet another rap hip hop, which is not one of my preferred styles,
This one is - at times - actually funny a bit catchy and less unpleasant/malevolent general. And then Express Yourself is a bit upbeat. Still, would I ever listen to them again? No.. . Not really. Maybe only that one track....
3
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Sumptuous opening track. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Bossa Nova music style. And real music.
If you like this just a littel bit, go listen to RED HOT +RIO (a compilation) or the all time classic album that will blow you away "Getz/Gilberto" .
This album gives me hope for The List. ....which needs more variegation, World and more Varied (and female) voices, and less rancid rap, garage and punk. But hey, another time we can go down the allmusic ratings, or rolling stone lists, right? And this has been educative so far.
Bebel. She was Eva in the film Rio, is a brazilian bossa nova figure, she is NOT descended from Astrid Gilberto, but IS descended from Brazilian guitarist / vocalist João Gilberto (Astrid's ex), and her mother was singer Miúcha.
So, maybe we will hear the album "Getz/Gilberto" which has two of my all time favourite tracks. I'm off to Rio now....
5
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Wed Apr 19 2023
Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
I like his popular stuff. He is quirky. Interesting. Sings like a wonky gentle punk Brit who got dunked in punk then blues, and this is what came out. Playful yet sad, upbeat and depressing in equal measure. Perfect teen alternative music.
3
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Thu Apr 20 2023
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
And now for something completely different. Ahead of their time clearly. But their
Lyrics could be considered, funny, in very bad taste, or inviting violent insurrection depending on your perspective.
Too bad they didn't develop this further. At times they
3
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
(it helps to know french). 5 stars. A Smart mimic and comedian, hilarious complex and double-entendre lyrics linking wildly unrelated concepts. It's a fun juxtaposition - surprising to hear childhood & everyday french phrases. Catchy. enjoyable. Yes, rap can be fun and intelligent. \"Bouge de là\" (part 1) provides a veritable thesaurus 'get out of here's and he goes on to mixes a bit of Reggae and plays across cultures. He is great mimic and a comedian.
. There is some English language in \"La musique adoucit\" (the music softens you).
5
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Moving Pictures
Rush
Annoying. For me, sorry, this is boring. Music from another planet. A planet called air guitar hero? Seriously this was a bit album in 1981? Thin reedy lyrics. Huge drum kit presence.... Big guitars. Droning forever. I can just imagine the long hair. Alas, I have found a new band I don't like. I need an antidote to wash the taste out....
1
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Sorry, this is boring. It's now caricature, maybe that's why it's on the list (so 80s megaband, so baaaad, it's good?). I'd happily listen to David Lee Roth, but not this. I give it a slot as "80s obscure /do they have big permed HAIR/ in the video game "air guitar hero"? Thin reedy lyrics. Huge O v E R d O n E drum kit presence. Big guitars. And tiring stereo effects that go on forever. And zero groove. Droning forever. Oh my.
1
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Wed Apr 26 2023
No Other
Gene Clark
Surprised by this album and it's history.( But first, a Note: previous review text=duplicate, but for me it's still a "1" . Felt like Johnny Mathis hour. Didn't finish... )
Ok. So. I am new to Gene Clarke. Fellas, I Gotta admit, yet another unfamiliar cover and name...I was dreading (yet another) obscure "back shelf" 1970s music that essential" by old music afficionados.
That band called Rush ...was not a rush.
I knocked off my grumpiness and listened to this on the big speakers instead of headphones (to appreciate it better, and also so I can run away if I need to!)
...so I read that this "Gene Clarke" was in the Byrds. And hung with/collaborated with the influential music and culture types in 60s California and wrote this album after full days meditating and staring out to seea.
So it's going to be soothing and contemplative. And maybe a touch floaty...
Also, The 'Pedia says he "was in the vanguard of popular music during much of his career, prefiguring developments in such disparate subgenres as psychedelic rock, baroque pop, newgrass, country rock, and alternative country. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 as a member of the Byrds"
And that's what's this sounds like.
Sure there's big tape hiss.
An interesting discovery album, and pity it didn't get recognised until recently.
As "education" for 70s music this works for me... maybe this is just the right album. It's musical, well arranged and recorded, and quite pleasing to the ear with plenty of warm resonances, mood creating, and playful. I needed this as antidote to some of the painful garbage on this list.
I can hear the sound and rhythms pre-saging / reminiscent of "the horse with no name". This could be a soundtrack to a movie of the 60's.
And by the time "No Other" comes up, you're enveloped in its rich shaggy pile and the guitar does something wonderful, I think this would be in my "mellow/grand chill" music pile to bliss out to.
As it starts to soar. I want to read the lyrics. Apparently he wrote sober but very psychedelic/floaty/other dimensions are there. Like burning gens cooling in the sun...
This album is especially nice through some big old speakers in a living room.
Bookshelf speakers without a sub-woofer won't do it justice, sorry.
In conclusion, this is the kind of album that makes it worth persisting with the "flat spots" of this list.
A nice discovery.
In summary: warm trippy early 70s California freedom in the sunshine soft psychedelic rock... the perfect album to play on a summer road trip in a big station wagon on the west coast, or in a big old holiday house overlooking the sea.
5
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Thu Apr 27 2023
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Bit of a sampler isn't it?
First track is the bomb... Housemate used to pump it loud on the roller speakers 3 times a week before going on dates. It's stuck as a good time song ever since.
He does a full range of styles like his slow romantic "snowball" or "slow" songs for dancing cheek to cheek
.. this was the 50s....
How new and strange this would have sounded in 1956. It's all there... But as always, despite liking Elvis after 5 songs I tire of it. So 4 stars. But it's important...
4
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Fri Apr 28 2023
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Not my sweet spot. Agha I thought I liked the band, some sounds are good but a whole album is aaahhh, what the word? To closed and constrained ? kind of flat homogeneous and featureless and I suppose no life to it...
3 stars...
That kind of serious music you hear and think "what's this?". Sounds interesting, but then after a few songs nothing seems to happen.
Yes, worthy, good background atmosphere cool stuff but I'm not getting it.
2
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Mon May 01 2023
High Violet
The National
It's a grower. Culminating in Bloodbuzz. Listened a few times to the whole album. Enjoy it. The vocal warmth I think is what makes it work, and energy. Good stuff.
4
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Tue May 02 2023
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
A musical education for me. The first few tracks are ok...but.... Sounds a lot like 1968 Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix, (could it be they had the same peddles and guitars?)so.... Blue Cheer is, for me, unheard of... and I have no idea how this was called Heavy Metal. Different times. Anyway. It's ok, as a historical album. But not listening again... Only can only listen to so many guitar solos.... 3 stars tops. 2.5 maybe.
2
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Wed May 03 2023
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Finally. An album I actually have.
A favourite. It's atmospherics.
Thanks Jonathan for recommending it in ZRH.
It's a defining album of the first decade of the 2000s. But does anyone know it.
Bare with it, let it envelope. And do it's thing.
This time I listen on headphones for the first time, and I get a whole other layer of intimacy... It's surprisingly vulnerable, personal and feels honest.
The corn cob cover (Marina City complex towers in Chicago).
The rejected album.
"She tasted like mountain dew and maraschino cherries"
It's a building somewhere.
A full five stars from me.
5
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Thu May 04 2023
C'est Chic
CHIC
Enjoyable album to play again and again, plus if you use a streaming service, the algorithm will go on to provide an endless stream of groove based on this, as a tasteful follow-up.
This albums is the kind of music that
A) DJ Sarcastic Elbows plays at Cotton Mouth records
B) cool seduction music to play in sunken lounges beside a lava lamp
c) fun groovig beats to drive to. put youy in a GOOD mood.
The warmth of a 70s hifi ... Only funky.
5
5
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Fri May 05 2023
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Wondering, will he hear better stuff like true masters in the genre , like Ina Kamoze " here comes the hotstepper" , or Run DMC and the Beastie Boys? Or Arrested Development?
There are some fun and pleasing rhythmic party tracks with a rolling bass line, contagious and on a subwoofer.... Ok? And his voice isn't all screechy. It's quite warm. But what got it on The 1001? A mystery. Is it saucy lyrics ? Did it empower low rider owners to bounce in time. The threat of "making your g spot sore" for it's originality ? Mmm , mood music for da strip club...?
Or is it purely thew commerical success he made, as evidenced by his jewelry ? ( gold is a good hedge against inflation, he is right there).
His voice has potential but I want more that smart ass lyrics spoken on a slickly produced album. Take the lyrical peregrinations of his most popular track "doin it" pleading "yo baby open the back door" . There is much worse
Here is an extract from Til Da Break of Dawn.
"Homeboy, hold on, my rhymes are so strong
Nothing could go wrong, so why do you prolong?
Songs that ain't strong, brother, you're dead wrong
And got the nerve to have them Star Trek shades on
Ha, you can't handle the whole weight
Skin needs lotion, teeth need Colgate
Wise up you little burnt-up french fry
I'm that type of guy"
The Power Of God is an interesting departure. .
2
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Mon May 08 2023
Pump
Aerosmith
not my thing. Performance / stage / big concert music for the MTV generation, the stage performances keep you paying attention, a few fun bits but nostalgia aside, its not great. nothing to see here.
1
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Tue May 09 2023
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Ahh the Gunners.... how can they be ignored?
My 1st actual album listen. starts off sounding solid ... lets go trackj bvy track this time...
1. Jungle. I know this one.
2. "It's so easy" is an angry rape anthem. Nope.
3 &4 . "Night train" & "out to get me" are a copy of ACDC with a Kiss chorus.
5. Mr Brownstone opens like a Stone's track ,but then he starts to sing and it's over. Skip.
6. Paradise City. That's more like it. This is their sound. All energy. And great whaling. Easy catchy chorus. Good one.
7. My Michelle. Dumb/flat.
8. More filler.... flat/Skip.
9. Sweet child of mine. Ah! Iconic 80s big rock music ....instantly recognised. Signature track. The opening guitar, love it. How can lyrics that say so little imply so much? The defining song of the album. And the joy is prolonged by an actually *good guitar solo*. Top stuff
I have mostly though of this band as "ok" etnertaining, Halloween fun with garish Costumes included. heavy rock people sing along to after a few drinks... Now that I have actually listened to a whole album, my opinion of them is lowered, they're ok ... but "Sweet Child of Mine" is very good as an 80s anthem that captures soemthing of the big carefree celebratory zeitgeit of big rock acts of the day.
(But the debased portrayal of rapey sex and misogyny of some of the lyrics on other sings can't be ignored.)
trivia: But they sold 100 millions albums (matching Fats Domino, how funny) , made the most expensive album in history (14 million) and the most successful tour by a US Band (dwarfed by U2 and Rolling Stones and even Ed Sheeran and Elton John).
They sure left a mark. An icon. But...
2
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Wed May 10 2023
Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
"Fly or die" . Ok let's get urban and possibly deeply ironic, yeah :-) . It ticks a genre box I suppose. I'm curious as to why it's on the list... I drop my bias for a moment... I looked for their most popular track.. "she wants to move".. and reluctantly, I can say , on the 2nd listen, does have a certain catchy and original style, on the 2nd listen. Sometimes you have to give new music some time... As the album cover advertises so well what it is, it's easy to see this as juvenile american boy music with attitude. Mostly not for me, and at first it really defies me to see what it defines, achieves or says. ... I actively disliked much if it. As the review mentions they worked hard to make something that others see... Party Rap rock. I started to hear influences of Nirvana harmonies and heavy 90s rock updated ....with modern bit band overtones - moments of Timberlake without the vocal gifts. So that's how I got to 3 stars instead of 1. Bruv slates, andLive long and prosper, fellas. (But I am not sure you broke the metaphorical shell of our understanding of brash American culture).
3
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Thu May 11 2023
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
"Fly or die" . Ok let's get urban and possibly deeply ironic, yeah :-) . It ticks a genre box I suppose. I'm curious as to why it's on the list... I drop my bias for a moment... I looked for their most popular track.. "she wants to move".. and reluctantly, I can say , on the 2nd listen, does have a certain catchy and original style, on the 2nd listen. Sometimes you have to give new music some time... As the album cover advertises so well what it is, it's easy to see this as juvenile american boy music with attitude. Mostly not for me, and at first it really defies me to see what it defines, achieves or says. ... I actively disliked much if it. As the review mentions they worked hard to make something that others see... Party Rap rock. I started to hear influences of Nirvana harmonies and heavy 90s rock updated ....with modern bit band overtones - moments of Timberlake without the vocal gifts. So that's how I got to 3 stars instead of 1. Bruv slates, andLive long and prosper, fellas. (But I am not sure you broke the metaphorical shell of our understanding of brash American culture).
2
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Fri May 12 2023
S&M
Metallica
Symphonies of strung out boredom. Enter Sandman was just ok. Why mess with perfection? This genre crossover experiment is strictly for fans.
Personally, I would have gone for Baroque period instruments and gotten a bit more floral, or then tied in Ravel & Tchaikovsky influences....
Or at least Danny Elfman, might have made it fun actually! Whereas, thing might have been entertaining - this is about as attention grabbing as a Hans Zimmer 90s soundtrack (he did better with Dune & Blade runner 2049, so he's not all bad a digress. )
Stick with electric strings.
1
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Mon May 15 2023
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Whitney minstrel noise for old men. I was there already when I was 21. Love this shit. Inexplicable - he just has a groove and way with words and non stories...
5
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Tue May 16 2023
With The Beatles
Beatles
Born after 1970... I remain unmoved. It's and album of soft background music of the era. I have never listened to so much of this band in all my life... Why does this not speak to me?
3
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Wed May 17 2023
The Last Broadcast
Doves
Also for the oddments pile. Even when contrasted with Hawkwind, which i sampled immediately before, not especially soothing, musical, entertaining or uplifting. Again, unpleasant and verging on noisy and mechanical then flicking over to ballads. Or whiney and deflating, like english weather. yes, thats it. heavy low clouds, rain, puddles and mud with a druggy tone that is more bathroom echoes that any kind fo pleasant tickling of the lower or upper ganglia.
1
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Thu May 18 2023
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
What an amazing quirky band. I nearly shut it off after 5 seconds , but it turns out their work is quite varied, intelligent and the screaching is used selectively, thankfully. Interesting lyrics. Varied style. (Mr Elbows can tell me the name for this style as I am ignorant)
Turns out I got interested enough to look up their more recent work. How did these guys stay under the radar so long? I guess that's Indy music - you end up getting noticed on a soundtrack selected by people with great taste...
Good stuff - quirky, good stuff. Feels like walking down King St Newtown after a strong espresso....
5
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Fri May 19 2023
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Look. It's ok. Enough beetles.
2
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Mon May 22 2023
The Only Ones
The Only Ones
I gave it a 2nd listen. It's an interesting garage band sound, at moments sounds like the Violent Femmes (ah, high school days!). And there is that punk sneer to the vocals ...Some good sounds but changes style constantly. (Another Girl and Breaking Down are very youth targeted, and I can imagine them doing well a tragically cool alternative live music scene in the 80s. Surprised it was the 70s.. .This sounds more like a well made demo tape than something ready for radio. It has signs of attitude, or of a potentially great guitar band strutting it's stuff. I hear some Doors and Stones and even Patti Smith sounds - but I find the vocals depressing. Pity that heroin stopped them in their tracks, no pun intended. Interesting historical stuff but not going to listen to it again ... not quite there for me
3
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Tue May 23 2023
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
A familiar easy listening sound, but didnt know this by name... I now see its good easy listening mix of jazz blues rock and other experiments. I cant dislike it, but its doesnt make a strong impression on me.
3
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Wed May 24 2023
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Morrison Hotel - The Doors
Yes, yes, and yes. What an album - this is what I expected to find lots of - amazing , superb albums, that capture: an essence; a style; a moment in music; or cultural/musical shift. This is also wonderful for listening simply for its enjoyment and artistry. Yes, 5+ stars. Amazing album, I simply loved *every* track, cohesive and really enjoyable and interesting music, its elevating and soaring, catching blues rock psychedelia (I suppose ), sometimes bawdy in sound, then lilting and trippy, then rollicking and catch, and so, so different to the other music of the times. Behind the catchy tunes are rather challenging, political, or counter culture or simply obtusely poetic and psychedelic messages, if you can be bothered with the lyrics. And a joy - it is the kind of music to turn up loud and exalt in, its so enjoyably unique and bizarre, beautifully executed, they really defined something so different. Naturally, reminded me of the Doors movie, but also of the track "The End" used for the Opening scene of the film "Apocalypse Now" - which has a strange resonance right now, but that's for another article. The Doors. Super solid album. More like this please.
5
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Thu May 25 2023
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
And again. They pull off doing blues and never admitting the ruse... First and last tracks blow it out of the water. Really music defining. I've greatly enjoyed the Stones through the last few decades. This album captures much of what I like. Grandstanding pouty confident grinding big blues with a mix of unexpected tenderness , whimsy, as that contagious & rythmic. Sounds convincingly gritty at times depsite the blues premise... they pulled it off - showmen. And they just got better, and better. but kind of I comprehensible at times. As is life. More.
5
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Fri May 26 2023
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Perplexing.... This is more bizarre and more obscure and odd than I knew music could. A maddening english riddle. Is this Month Python under cover? Or is this the turgor they mock? These are the people who made clockwork orange and a dish called toad in a hole.
1
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Mon May 29 2023
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Liked it more than I expected... will give them some more listing time. For the simple reason that bands like Radiohead and Muse get written up so well, and then I find its "meh" for me. These guys are slick, smooth consistent and well produced. I think I need to listen more to fully get the sound. One word summary 'slick' .... But I wasn't truly listening... (But it certainly didn't annoy me, which is a relief after the recent albums on this list!)
4
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Tue May 30 2023
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Ok, and lets try some spacey folk rock. How different the 60s were. the slower pace, the tinny instruments, cheery tone - I know its not beach boys but it does remind me of their carefree stuff. Apparently an important album for US to have somethign so Byrds could Beeetle and Stones. Its innoffensive eneough but to my modern ear today a bit slow...
3
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Wed May 31 2023
The La's
The La's
1990s music I havent heard of?. hmm. They really are a throwback sound. is the time signature or beats different? A 60s brit/liverpool sound I read... but I didnt "bond" with it in the 90;s so this music doesnt speak to me. "there she goes" of course... (turns out I had heard that one). Yeah, it warms up as the album goes on. like a live show. form a musicology perspective it may have been super influential. but not on me.
3
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Thu Jun 01 2023
Being There
Wilco
Ins E always found this band hits my sweet spot. Like all sweet spots, it's hard to describe. Soothing gentle, perfect for a Friday morning, grooves on, but it's not juts the guitar sound, he has a happy warm voice that does the work. I love the uniqueness of his confusingly happy minor key (or whatever it is he does) vocals and melodies .... I blame California stars.
5
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Fri Jun 02 2023
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Pledge a groovallegiance to the funk.
Do you promise to Funk the whole funk and nothing but the funk?
4
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Mon Jun 05 2023
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Early Cat Stevens. It could be a 2 or a 5 depending on your mood and sensibilities. its slow and dated but not annoying or boring. He was a bit of a heretic even ealry on it seems. His lyrics are commentary. Father & Son. he has such a warm style, and voice, and still cuts through with a universal voice and appeal... I enjoyed somethign less jangly today.
4
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
This promises a lot on Wikipedia, so I'm ready for the swing and gliding entry of the opening track of The Shagadelic Love Pad, I mean "Urban Hang Suite". you guys hated it, but for me, its grooving sexy beats get more and more mellow and sensual using all the tell tell sounds, until its obviously romance atmosphere music and dimly lit hotel room or rug by the fire scenery comes to mind. I managed until track 10 before It actually felt a bit too cheesy and self conscious, by the time its The Suite Theme is very post coital somnolence. ha, this is so cheesy and cool, and done with such a straight face, that it made me smile. I see why the Algo suggested to play next songs from Marvin Gaye and George Howard (but not Barry WHite, that would have been too much!)
5
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Wed Jun 07 2023
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Let's do this. Nü-metal. If not for a film soundtrack for The Matrix, I'd have never heard of these danger dudes ("Take a look around" still does pack a sweat punch). It can be grating and rythmic and still I can heal some begrudging praise, but the subject matter is awful.
So, debasement can be an aim, in music, and life.
Does it belong in the list? Maybe. So does Tool, maybe more so?
Do I like it... But Man, it's wrecking music for an insane workout... not sure I want to listen to music as loud as this needs to beheard (it's better when it's so loud you can hear it bouncing off a neighbours' house... I do believe it is designed to do that). but those few catchy songs, what can I say? It's not completely awful but it's so damned RARE to feel this angry and destructive....
Overall 3
3
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Thu Jun 08 2023
Truth
Jeff Beck
As musical education and history I see why it's here. I didn't especially like it but it's not "bad" or "annoying'. A showcases some vood guitar and drumming, changes styles a fair bit, shows off solid blues. It's music historian or serious guitar student collection stuff ... but to my ear, it's very much "period music" when listened to in 2023. Reminds me of Hendrix era. even is it's "important" and worthy and well rates, definitely not going to listen again and in terms of pleasure provided for me 2 stars, despite the artistry.
2
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Fri Jun 09 2023
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Enjoyed it great funky sound track. Enjoyed. Grooves and has that warm 1970s groove. Sounds 1,000 miles away from what was playing in the rest of the world, but sounds incredibly influential.
4
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Mon Jun 12 2023
Disintegration
The Cure
The Cure. Transporting, defining music of the last 2 decades of the 20thC. And of my generation for sure Yes, they belong on a list like this. They are good, too good, at what they do. I had forgotten what it is to listen to, and then enter, beautiful discomfort. at first you resist it as moody angsty stuff. but if you want to remember the feelings of teenage alienation, unrequited love, and the complex moods of those hormonal, transitional, and so formative and yet whimsical/melancholic/exciting/hopeful and disoriented times? Disintegration, is sounds almost glib to say it, but it evokes all the longing, pain, empty moody depressed emotions of a teen breakup, or alientation, or sense of isolation so well.... Their melodies and lyrics (their strange so beautifully evoke emptiness, sadness, and Hopelessness with a capital H. As an online reveiwer from Immortal Reviews wrote: "The Cure's Disintegration is an ode to depression, capturing the hopelessness of it in a perfectly..." and then there is this : “A protracted wallow in the misery of love unrequited or recalled in hopeless desolation” is what Britain's Q magazine called Disintegration. And that is their artistry. I always liked (and needed, as an antidote for any listening to their painful cure) their 1 or 2 "happy" tracks best. (Just Like Heaven, "Friday I'm In Love", lovecats. They do make pain beautiful. they do sadnes well, so they also know how to evoke an exquisite joy. I am reluctantly giving this a 5, despite not *wanting* to listent to this at the outsiet, but its quite the psychological exploration. and then the music; they were masters. Small doses.
5
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Tue Jun 13 2023
Spiderland
Slint
(if you skip track 1) it's Stylishly made music of seething perfectionism. Akin to listening to eloquently phrased pain, there are some very atmospheric moments, with "Washer" we get a taste of something a bit more cinematic, with building a menacing undertone, oh yes the foreboding is rising, especially if you listen to the lyrics .... It's an 8 minute track. The kind of music a pensive serial killer might unwind and do the dishes to. I admire the art, but in the end, I dislike it.
2
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Wed Jun 14 2023
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
MORE Steely Dan .. ? is this list rigged towards a certain demographic? Do I attempt to critique this ak I'm? It's probably another breakthrough concept album of semi all importance and stylistic brilliance that ... Anyway.
I didn't know I could be found listening to a Steely Dan album TWICE in a year But there you go. It's very up and down. Some tracks "reeling the years" rock on. Other are easy listening but uninteresting. Doesn't really stand up well these days, to these ears. It sounded old to me in the 80s.
Is this what pro and anti drug or prostitution messages were like back then? I'm not sure what the title is saying. Or the cover art. Something about self addressed envelopes making people happy.
NO more Steely Dan please. Or beetles.
2
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Thu Jun 15 2023
Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
229 Midnight Ride - Paul Revere & The Raiders
Please indulge a lack of concision here. We like music from what Springsteen so aptly named our “Glory Days”.
And so, it’s hard to break through that. Its highly personal idiosyncratic and down to taste mostly, or so we think. But if we’re honest and informed about the neuroscience and genetics of our programmed preferences – what we like is also a product of time and environment but is largely beyond our own free will and volition. We like and dislike stuff based on criteria that are largely set for us, not by us. And one of those is familiarity and repetition. Or the known formulae for catchy, and the earworm… And the attention we have given it, the memories associated it with; the film, party, personal or relationship (real or imagined), a special place and time. Or maybe it’s something you find very danceable….
Where is the DANCEABLE music? This list was not, I hypothesize again, made with much input from dancers. Or women. You can tell. It’s a list overweight with introspective, male oriented, sitting on the bean-bag listening guitar rock, experimental, and psychedelic in a U.K. and US 60’s -70s stuff
And then there are masterpieces. Which brings me to his album, and its about time I do.
The (3) times I listened to this album... and each time it played though without any track truly grabbing me. Oddly, its the 1960s stuff that came on next due to "auto play" on my streaming services, fed by algorithm , that I liked. Every bloody time. Just when I thought, “oh I like this one, what is it?”
“I'm not your stepping stone” is ok – but that was familiar because of the Monkeys’s version. So does it count?
Its hard to like unfamiliar music. And unless you really have an interest in 1960's music or styles, or good memories linked to it, its risky - its hard to break through and inform our taste anew with an unknown album. And 1960s stuff is going to sound quaint and slow.
So this album didn't jump out at me. I don’t dislike the band. This album does nothing special for me. So why is it hear?
"Baby Please don’t go"" is not on this album
NOTE TO SELF - CONCLUSION / THOUGHT - I am adding this one to the pile to be labelled "Textbook stuff", yes it was part of my musical education and broadening of repertoire. I can now name a band I was COMPLETELY ignorant of.,. I've heard the style and heard their experiments now. Tick that box. And I tried really hard to ‘get’ it. But this album, just ticks the box of making progress on the 1001 list goal. I could regret slowing down and spending hours exploring this slightly featureless flatspot of an album that presses no particular buttons for me, but you now what? I learned:
1. If its not working, after a 2nd glance SKIP the album. As an antidote, listen to a few hits from the decade. there is plenty to like in the 60’s - atime of Singles. Get the taste out…
2. There is work involved to sift and find gold and new discoveries. But it sticks out when you find if. Trust your instant reactions.
While it failed to move me.. in a way THIS ALBUM HAS SOMETHIGN FOR EVERYONE.
"get it on" soulful on the Hammond Organ (or send up of square culture?)
"SHAKE IT UP" . could be called "pretend at home" its background music to a 70's film with a house party - except the sound of people talking in the background has been added in.
"Little girl in the 4th row" - it is creepy, is it a lullaby? Is it just trying way too hard, and from an era where it seemed oddly sweet to serenade a fan so shamelessly and exploitatively ?
Likewise, "melody for an unknown girl" is like an awkward musician writes a musical Personal's Ad which is innocent and hopeful, but also irksome, obvious, and immature and I dont want to be rude. So I will stop.
SS396 – oh boy! a song about a car (Chevrolet Chevelle) it sounds like advertising.
An interesting archaeological artefact from a more innocent time when popular music and productions were less polished, hyper aware of criticism and varnished into something indistinct. Its doesn't stand up well today. Remove from list…
2
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Fri Jun 16 2023
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
I am putting this in the "unusual" pile.
Having at least *heard* of these guys, I flicked off the actual album, went and listened to hits Master of the Universe & Silver Machine. And then I remembered Motorhead. The band. Music doesnt need a point, or message, or form, it can just be.
I seek not to understand. I bare witness.
It has its moments. Guitar grind. But I do wonder though what potion you need to take it with for this music to fully 'work'.
Steve Halpern is far more transporting. And pleasant
I feel the need for a towel folded under my feet to reduce the disorientation and nausea.
The guitars are good - but is it because of Lemme?
For me, this lacks the pleasant vibe I'd like to have during space travel. This is akin to riding in the back of a Transit van with a broken muffler all the way north on the M6.
I'll take an early exit.
2
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Mon Jun 19 2023
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Oh lordy that was painful. Shortly after (quite bad experimental track) "Blues Pt 2 " I had to stop..classical attempts are notable for the hellish amateurism.
This albums reassures me of my recent conclusions about this list. It's definitely not about the 1001 ***best*** albums.
Some parts of the album are so bad they taint the okay parts. Definitely doesn't work for me.
I'm starting to think think this list was put together by someone with very wide ranging and obscure tastes which seems to excessively and detrimentally favour uniqueness, curiosity factor or obscurity of the material (perhaps with an exhaustively éducative goal?) over enjoyability or objective quality.
The quality/ enjoyment of the last 20 albums has been very inconsistent.
1
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Tue Jun 20 2023
Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Amazingly, this album still sounds timeless and fresh despite being from 1978.
Some of these are quite beautiful midnight guitar ballads of love or regret. How is it some albums can sound terrible, forced, dated, awkwardly produced by amateurs, and this one still sounds to current, universal and well made ?
So finally another wonderful “discovery” album... so much to it, too.
Nice to have this for phase two of my use of the 1001 list. I am using it to not just listen and rate, btu also understand why on album is considered important or influential...
The 1001 book isn't much help (uses too much impenetrable ‘insider’ shorthand ) so I resort to internet articles and they say enough when I ask basic questions like “why is big star considered influential?" Yes, evidently this band is held responsible for what we recognise as 80's and 90's "alternative pop" sound, or our beloved, lamenting university radio (or Triple J in Australia) at the time.
This - they say - is the most influential band no one has heard of. My online search yielded this (rolling stone) comment: "It's a record of gorgeous, disjointed heartbreak ballads." and this (from “insidehook”) that “Third wouldn’t have sounded out of place on ’90s college rock radio at all."
I agree. It still sounds current... yes, hauntingly good stuff and sounds fully 1990's and very playable at midnight. their languid stuff is very good indeed if you're in the mood for it. Standout for me were: Dream Lover , Nature Boy, Night time- sound so perfectly ahead of their time. and do remind me of a softer version of REM .
I did note that Chris Bell (vocals, guitar) sounds, to my ear, very, VERY Australian on Motel Blues (on another album).
4
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Wed Jun 21 2023
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Edit - My reviews and tone may get a bit more neutral and maybe upbeat... because I am now reading up on the influence / likely reason an album is here, so I know a bit better what I am in for, and thus less bemused about "what is this?".
So thank you 1001 list for introducing me to this seminal album/group.
They (MC’s and DJs coming together) paved the way by going from "house parties" to recording studios with their new form of music - rap and hip hop, with important social commentary. It is going to be hard to rate this separately from the obvious importance of a work (I get it) from personal enjoyment, as I don't listen to this style much... and I am only learning to appreciate how much this was “breakthrough” as a style and voice.
LIKES
+very high quality, no rubbish on this album - (slick and professional in a good way)
+warm grooves, oddly soothing and comforting sound
+history lesson/art education about his being the first band and seminal work in the style of HIP HOP
+oddly familiar (I suppose endlessly covered is why)
DISLIKES
-its a bit slow at times, and demands attention,
COOL
% whole song dedicated to celebrating / devoted to “Stevie Wonder” as “the Greatest”
% Hearing all the special sounds and cuts and stuff they probably invested, in its original context and early form.
% there is a dance remix of The Message. That
Notable tracks -
The Message - Turns out I know this song "The Message". It’s very well produced, catchy beat and rolling vocals carry me along ... has a warm, listening style, despite the harsh themes covered. I can see how it got the status of “anthem”.
New York - cautionary tales, with a cool signature voice effect I dont know the same for..
Scorpio - seems to showcase use of a robot voice - I expect this was very new at the time... and was very cool for the time.
Summary: definitely “must listen” as part fo a good Musicology education of the seminal works and sounds that started it all. Top quality production and enjoyable listening. Its objectively high quality art of a new style. I enjoyed it, and its nice to know it a bit better. And to understand its importance socially too.
Does it belong on a 1001 list? (1-5) 5
Personal Enjoyment (1-5) 3.5
Will I listen again? Maybe
Final score. 4
4
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Thu Jun 22 2023
Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
It's an experiment. Conceptual. A study. Collage. Moments. Observations. All smashed together. It is art and expression but horribly unlistenable. It serves as conceptual art... Ingredients to pull out and do something with later, like the junk drawer. Mostly it is rubbish when countenanced as such. Few will know what to do with it.
DOES IT Belong on the kist.? Maybe so we can aste a bit and move on fast... Debatable if you only have 1001. A 2?
Maybe there is a category for noise in musicology. If so maybe there are tigers than can sit noisy beside this one.
Did I enjoy it even finish it? No.
A 1 from me.
1
1
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Fri Jun 23 2023
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
It is what the articles suggested it to be. Original - so very Icelandic and other "ic" words like Cinematic, beautiful Ágætis Byrjun - Sigur Rós
Summer up in a phrase "Take me dreaming, carry me, languid , through a mystic dream forest to the exquisite slate mountain so I can sleep in the Heaven up there"
So soothing and well suited to soundtrackers and past listeners of Eno or maybe minimalists who can tolerate a soundscape album for a while - music for those who can hold unfamiliar music and can grasp imagining a film scene or creating in their "KopfKino" a continuance after the seminal scene of a films climax , the ones where the camera rises, and floats before it blurs or darkens after that long drift (like at the end credits of La Grande Belezza, or in films like Wings if Desire ).... Me, in other words.
I really enjoyed how this website did a well researched review that went wide and deep,included reference to Huldufólk, the Icelandic island’s native elfin population, and its potential relevance when first listening to this so it needn't seem so odd. Well it will still be odd. But it's like a soundtrack to a very different movie ... And knowing there might be elves there gives you an opening into the ethereal fairy world you are invited to share.
https://classicalbumsundays.com/album-of-the-month-sigur-ros-agaetis-byrjun/
So
Imagine Brian Eno music for airports meets Nick Cave and Warren Ellis music for odd movie moments. - the outcome is something ethereal and very organic feeling ... and depicting elves maybe, in this highly original Icelandic music with lots of words ending in "-ic" to describe it
Cinematic is grasp reach and ambition. Lands it too.
Artistic and ambitious - and gets there.
The sonic landscape of the elves and of being enthralled , engulfed, embraced warmly and sonically
Ethereal
Enigmatic and yes somehow familiar and soothing.
Melodic and yet some schrill moments - there is falsetto
Incomprehensible nordic tongue means you hear the voice and don't understand the words except in a soothing transporting nautical way like a half dream. It
Reminds me greatly of "music for airports" by Brian Eno (especially on Avalon) .. and also of Moments of late Hansa Zimmer here too (blade runner 2049 )
I imagine making this , especially when young, this isdaring stuff, not even done as a project for a film, with a support or pointz but as stand alone is quite something. And they stuck with it for more than one experiment. Imagine it in black mirror or cinema credits. They can do some amazing stuff.
Yes it could be trippy. I'm not sure if the effect would be happy or unhappy if you were floating drugged to this soundtrack. To my ear you don't need anything. It does enough on its own
NOTED WITH INTEREST. to keep the vibe going after this album, the algo again came up with the gorgeous sounding SONG FOR ZULA by Phosphorescent.. and then the lovely, so lovely Palace played HEAVEN UP THERE. Oh yes... That might be a direct influence and connection right there ? I do thank you, algo.
I like it when that happens. More of this for a haggard soul.
Not for everyone but if you're this far into the list, you can probably handle almost anything. And hopefully this soothed.
Should it be here on the list? Yes. 4-5 (wonderful and unqiue for a genre, unsure how influential or important it is, but beauty and art it is to me ...)
Like it? 4.5
Overall. Oh gosh a 5.
I'd like to hear more Palace since we are here. Written completely sober, save for the entrancement if this album ....
This album sustains an idea a long as half an album side ... And yet has
5
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Mon Jun 26 2023
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
His 16th album. I had no idea he was so prolific, or had a record deal at age 12, and they say here is was at the height of his powers - from his “classical period” this is one of his best, most perfect works (3 consecutive Grammy best album awards in the 70’s - and he not only defined the sound of the 70s, he is a joyful voice for so many feelings, moments and places - thats a legacy and influence). Thai album, I learned, is considered “his the most consistent, most coherent and most perfect of all Stevie Wonder albums“ . And yes, I found it spectacular for so many reasons. His beautiful warm and delicate voice. Motown is so soulful enjoyable happy and upbeat. And then the emotion evoked, when understanding it an important political / social document on post 60’s disappointment - the promise that didn't materialise. Succinctly summarised here ( I am neither expert nor succinct enough to do better): https://somethingelsereviews.com/2015/08/06/stevie-wonder-innervisions/
So onwards...
MY IMPRESSIONS
Simply put its a beautiful album. Very cohesive in sound. Agreed.
Fascinating wonderfully and elevating . He does tender, beautiful, intelligent and strong simultaneously.
Moving if you actually sit , pause, and listen to understand what he is singing about.
Standout tracks for me?(so hard to choose)
Higher Ground.
Summary
Does it belong on a 1001 list? (1-5) 5 yes.
Personal Enjoyment (1-5) 5
Will I listen again? Yes
Final score. On easy 5.
What a standout talent and impact for all of us... not to mention so many other albums spanning decades, the “other” version of Happy Birthday and its significance to many Americans. Entertainer, and true leader and culture shaper.
5
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Tue Jun 27 2023
The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
Disclaimer - mostly on country, I am more I Solent and heretic that irreverent. You see country is a style that I have never taken fully seriously for it's bizarre plaintive and repetition, not least the wonky noises it makes. (Think of the use of Blue Bayou in Mars Attacks film, as a weapon that killed Martians ... that will out you on my wavelength , dear reader, as there can only be one of you, too!)
This album, well the band name is a clue, - A curiosity and highly entertaining as a pisstake of country and folk and whatever the cool style of the moment was. (I mean, does style and gentle matter...? . )The lyrics are meant to be funny right. Right??! It's like the send up/hamming up - beautifully done - in the fillum O'Brother Where Art Though? It's gelled so stiff it's caricature. And thus funny. And "Sin City" could be what " A man if constant sorry " was based on....
Performed with a stupor and straight face, it would make me grin ear to ear. I can rarely handle country except ironically, and this helped me chill and smile wryly while sipping from my jar and thumbing the hole in my overalls.
Surely "Juanito" is both parody or horror of true childish male debasement of women.
Does it belong here? Not sure. To tick a box?
Did I like it? It's ok.mnif it gives you the giggles but then gets painfully plaintive
Sometimes it serves to entertain (like the upbeat, My Uncle).
Actually better is the soundtrack to OH BROTHER WHERE ART THOUGH ? ...
Final rating. I barely care to rate it... It induces such deep hopelessness and apathy, as perhaps it should.
3
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Wed Jun 28 2023
Kid A
Radiohead
The Wizard of Oz had a yellow brick road, Dorothy, travelling buddies, and encouraging affirmations to sing so the journey was less painful ... Instead, Radiohead listeners WANT the pain. Exhibit A: their most popular track is “Creep” , which soars in beautifully articulated self disposing teen-like shame pain. A quick ‘taste’ is enough for most. So, this is exhibit B: An entire album about a protagonist suffering from severe anxiety and social isolation, unable to get the contact and joy they seek. A bit like that bit in Pilgrims Progress, where, weighed down by his Burden (his own filth and shame literally strapped to his back), the protagonist sinks into the Slough of Despond. If you want, this album can take you there. To that feeling. And it sounds so screeching and grating, others will close the door so you can be really alone with it.
So don’t listen to this. Look for the metaphorical steps. Climb out. Seek help.,
Yes a purpose in life it to learn to adaptively LEAN IN to your own pain, and not always seek comfort, if you’re to grow. But sitting and listening to this is just depressing.
So what is the attraction of Radiohead ? Why is this pain enjoyable? Does it feel deserved. Is the illusion that diving in you come out the bottom, stronger?
On the other hand, researching the musically influences for this album led me to re-find some excellent ambient techno from last century (“we are the music makers”). So its not all bad.
Why its hear? Because serious muso seem to like it. Is it art? Yes. Do I like it? No. Especially the voice. And the music. Rating 1.
1
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Thu Jun 29 2023
Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
I liked it. From the first track. Its cinematic and quirky, only a few tracks detracted (was it theramin they ruined it with? or a saw? c'mon.) but anyway.... gentle and flowing to the point of almost boring, perfect for odd cinema and TV or a scenic road trip through alps or majestic valley in a desert, or tripping (the psychadelic connection isn't hard to make)
I do think you could go for a walk in a forest to this and not realise the music is playing - its so breezy and atmospheric. (it would just blend with the situation, and make sense, carrying you along.
SO YES, seeing I liked, it, I wondered and thought why not? ... so, yes - I dared, I LISTENED TO THE INSTRUMENTAL VERSION OF THIS OBSCURE LITTLE ALBUM.
Yes, there’s more! Its even better and cleaner.
This is going to appeal to listeners of classical and soundtrack, and gentle ambient music, and it is evocative - hence , yes, I liked that even more. warm slow pulsing builds BUT NOW WITH MORE HORN! and some harp...Not kidding. .
Yes, psychaledic rock, I like.
Best tracks, Opus 40, Godess on a Hiway, Holes.
Does it belong here?. Probably because its obscure and they hung around., and maybe there isnt much recent Psyrock around?
Do I like it? yes, I do like Psychadelic rock. its a great soundtracky journey. and somehow it dint annoy me.
4.5
4
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Fri Jun 30 2023
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Ragged glory - Neil Young
The guitar on the first track: S U P E R B. Feels like a concert (and on reading, I find it sort of was). Oh the warm and soothing sounds of Neil Young. He constantly evolved, (he has done so much over the decades - I love his “Harvest Moon” version). Apparently this album was another renewal. It certainly sounds like wonderful jam session among friends (the internet explains they recorded all their “sets” across 2 weeks, and chose the best version of each song).
They capture a polished yet “live” and natural feeling very well.
It works, and you feel invited to be right there. Quirky, homemade, and real. Just go with it. Let it work.
And I love how they sound somehow celebratory and carefree... "it gives me peace of mind, and leave myself behind"
Apparently they call this ‘garage rock’
A full throated 5 from me.
5
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Mon Jul 03 2023
The Stranger
Billy Joel
The piano man never lets down. He is Mr Consistent. Oddly I didn't know the album, but yes to the tracks, obviously perhaps, from cassette days... I thought it would sound more dated after all these years. Good stuff. Timeless? Definitely polished and well produced. He fills the well worn slot if story teller for the everyday man , where relatable suburban music is rare on this list.
It's not hard to listen to. Or understand buts relatable. Decent. It's like music or stories that are welcome because parts of them are already known, I served, either familiar tropes, or silent echoes already in your soul, like an ancestor. I don't know if I can critique it, we so easily dismiss what works well because it's isn't hard.
4
4
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Tue Jul 04 2023
The Band
The Band
Screwing with database is since the 1960's these guys clearly were experimental and willing to mix different styles which I guess that's why it's in this list it's a Fusion kind of crossover in a bit of Bluegrass mix it country mixed with I don't know probably do I love it no do I hate it no it's it's ok soft background country 20 fun stuff 600mm
3
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Wed Jul 05 2023
Picture Book
Simply Red
Warm and enjoyable over big speakers for pretty much anyone who lived and loved through the 80s a wonderful reminder of the joy of Simply Red and his bouncy locks and magical voice... And what a nice way to wake up. Great blue eyed soul (was it always called that?).
5
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Thu Jul 06 2023
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
fun . much more enjoyable and familair than I expected.
because I thought I woudl compeltely hateit. but it felt like caracature rock for Japan to thrash out and headbang to... who is to say?
belong? no idea.
Love? not especialy.
and I in a bad mood now form all this mediocrity and obscuranus on this list today? yes.
2
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Fri Jul 07 2023
Ingenue
k.d. lang
So different at the time. So alternative it was our mainstream. Stunning. Gripping emotional languid emotional almost purple and atmospheric - a sound that lasted a decade until we probably heard it too much. Soft samba country blue no genre ...
It's so VERY different to occasionally turgid garage boy albums on this list. Yes this is much needed colour, warmth, sensuality and a female swooning voice. Take me to your place and play this.
5
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Mon Jul 10 2023
Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
It's well produced. Alternative and non standard.A bit haunting and soundtrack like. Atmospheric. Polished. Experimental clanging and lyrical with a good little drum kit. Warbling lyricist who does all kinds of things. Creatively courageous because it isn't going to be a commercial hit and would be hard to give radio play, or tour with.... I didn't bother reading why it's important or who's side project this was. Good but not a bringer of particular joy.
Does It deserve to be on 1001 list? Hard to see why... There is a lot of very interesting instrumental stuff that never sees the light of day. Why this one?
How much did I love it...? 3-4. I could listen again.
4
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Tue Jul 11 2023
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Soundtrack to a kids film? I thought at times it was a 45 rpm played at 33 rpm. Dated. To the point of feeling archival. Not groovy.
1
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Wed Jul 12 2023
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
This might make sense on a cassette. But in a different place time and music system than mine. As the song by this band says "all my friends are dead" and "FTW" and "don't say motherfucker motherfucker" sum up their developmental advancement and contribution to the art.
1
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Thu Jul 13 2023
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
Oh the british.
Like childish song sung by a sock puppet.
Rubbish.
The mentality of a teenager. Creepy when sung by an adult.
We expect so much more now.
This aged poorly.
Take it off. Off.
1
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Fri Jul 14 2023
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Um yeah. I accidentally listened to a Delux edition and the album had a about 30 too many tracks.
This band is in the category of " a few tracks good, a whole album, bad"
So it hurt after a while.
I imagine some people like this rock opera and maybe it brings back power ballad memories, like maybe running helicopter missions on speed in Vietnam, with this on an 8 track. But I wasn't there man.
1
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Mon Jul 17 2023
Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
((Totally new for me. Excellent and different. a relief it isn't crap. This is a wretched list))
Adventurous? ...you like it non-standard sometimes? Or maybe you are bored and need something edgier to meet your mood ?
Take one of these then. It might work....
Excellently chaotic music, suited well to almost any mood, but perhaps best suited driving top down along Mulholland at some crepuscular dawn after an all night pool party, half open Hawaiian shirt, RayBans and a 52mm girth Cuban between the lips.
Haven't you heard of this band? Me either. He played with the Pixies. This description from Wikipedia makes help to make sense of what is going on, and why the guitar sounds are pressing familiar buttons you can't put you're finger on:
"His vocal style has varied from a screaming, yowling delivery as lead vocalist of Pixies to a more measured and melodic style in his solo career.[4] His cryptic lyrics mostly explore unconventional subjects, such as surrealism, UFOs, and biblical violence, along with science fiction and surf culture.[5] His use of atypical meter signatures, loud–quiet dynamics, and distinct preference for live-to-two-track recording during his time with the Catholics, give him a distinct style within alternative rock.[6]
Source: Wikipedia, obviously.
5
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Tue Jul 18 2023
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Björk the screaming sparring angel. So playful and Acid drenched... A fascinating warm and merry band of revellers twirling the skirts of reality - bluegrass and freeform meets dervish singers..... I also liked her on 808 State....
5
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Wed Jul 19 2023
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
I almost missed it, but had a 2nd listen. Atmospheric stuff, languid and cinematic and a bit soundtrack-ish
Sunday morning music.
But small speakers ruin it
Large speakers let it's warmth fill the room properly, and revel the artifice. A massive echo, sounds like it recorded in a big warehouse - hence big atmospheric airy feel.
And so I look them up. Toying this year. Subdue Opera House in December.
5
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Thu Jul 20 2023
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
2008. rated album of the year by some. why havent I hear of it? I play their best of... / most popular in descending order. nothing for me today.
Tidy, atmospheric, but the vocals dont light me up. Boring boy music?
So I tried not to dismiss them. I listened all the way through GOLDEN AGE.
Nothing.
1
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Fri Jul 21 2023
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I actually like the yeah yeah Yeahs I liked every truck on this album it's a funny playful punky super firm screeching with playful delight kinda sexy
5
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Mon Jul 24 2023
Moondance
Van Morrison
What's not to like?
Perfectly suited to chilling . Great rainy day music. Amazing that it stands up so well from the 1960s...
And there is nothing quite like can Morrison... I don't think anyone even imitates it...
Best when not overplayed. (Like the 90's after the Julie Roberts film - sleeping with the enemy....) That was rough.
Yes belongs on the list
...
Not my all time favourite musician. But a big soft spot. 4 starts
4
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Parklife
Blur
Hello blur. That gorilla sound. French autoroutes. Driving. European summers.Im finking about leaving the house. And I crack a beer. And I am happy for the test fo the day.
Know what I mean ?
5
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Wed Jul 26 2023
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
ok, my instant reaction was this is the kind of whacky stuff that many of us first heard on all those soundtracks of vietnam war era Hollywood films that came flooding out in the 1980s - way out psychadelic road rock.
I got into those for a while, but I dont recall ever hearing of this. We are in woodstock territory here. Not sure when I will next be in the mood for that...
Or how this is different or better than the ones that were successful- sound very similar. If "in-a-gadda-da-vida" is meant to sound like siganture anthem - the noodling is fun and familiar vbluesy, but then its a bit overdone and verges on rock opera.... oh my.
2
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Thu Jul 27 2023
The Blueprint
JAY Z
Main review - started as a 4 or 5 but i see how others ended on a 3...
His voice works for the genre, and he has a distinctive sound, and a lot of melodic complexity, breaks out into singing - the very well woven in (seemlessly?) samples and mixed with other singers - what a great example. Apparently 20 years on.
The beats and sounds work for my ear, and bring a playful joy and intricacy that is both polished and enjoyable ... Energy and yet - slow beat - is this called swingin' ?
I cant but agree with terms like “lush” and “effortless” The best tracks have a warm richness and evoke fun motown so smoothly woven / counterpointing the samples.
But ...
then it takes darker turn (so awkwardly it sounded like caricature/irony/pisstake to me.. I thought Weird Al Yankovic got the mic) - oh boy - he needs to claim and show and explain how great he is.. And it get less happy in tone and the words revert to bragging themes... As the albums cover suggest ( on urban african american posing on a large wooden desk with leather writing pad, smoking a cigar, showing status and holding audience - ) in the end, has all the hip hop signs of “show and explain” the status and triumphant superiority and brittle socially constructive redemption and mutual destruction inherent to urban masculinity.
Which is abrasive and boring, and doesn't give something that i take up and run with, thats for sure... is it the cover for urban boys - puffed up status - so hollow.
Post script
I know so little about Hip hop, I had to look up how it differs to rap (which I now know is a musicall offshoot of 4 part culture/artistic movement of music dance street art and xxx) . This album - released 11 September 2001 - (yes, 9/11) continues my exploration of the genre which is due to this 1001 list. Before this I mostly hear it incidentally if it was charting (although I once owned a cassette by “the disposable heroes of hiphoprisy” which i found interesting social commentary)
When I hear one I like, I am basically surprised, so I have started a playlist called something like “rap & hop hop I actually like” (because I cant tell the difference between hop hop and rap yet - and it mostly unusual to find one that is energising happy and pleasant - I dislike most for their harsh rapping, misogyny and violent dissing and shgit-taliing, and general non melodic aggressive beats - ) . Some are cool - and have warm grooves and powerful lyrics, and - maybe - a pleasant voiced singer who does something other than claim exceptional amazing, superior dominance and power over enemies he wants to smoke for their transgressions.
There is some literature on the particular socially constructed (reactionary/ insecure/shame based debased then exalted) male identity, misogyny etc of the genre. Because it is reactionary - emergent and I’d like to know better how to describe what this is, socially, psychologically and in terms of identity. Is it self aware? Its definitely archetypical and caricature - young bloods, gnasters, bosses, intimidations and war etc . Its about “getting out” and not being like the rest (which is what they were so.....?). Rejection of the self - shame and a type of false confidence and a constructed and possibly false self? Disowning a part of yourself - and them I remember “Jenny from the Block” , when she goes back and owns that part of herself her past , her origin story, transforming the whole identity or making peace with it, or is it PR?
I would like to read more on this thing.
But pain produces something beautiful sometimes and this subculture gives a voice about injustice, social political and identify issues....
Unique. Important. If harder to understand when you aren't the intended audience.
3
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Fri Jul 28 2023
Roots
Sepultura
I think this might be a quick listen and review.
I think its heavymetal.
Excelent power ballad stuff for those seeking it in this form. Deeply unpleasant voice that evokes horror, disturbing feelings of visceral unpleasantness and nausea.
Id give them a chnace with a different vocalist... if life was longer?
I need 30 seconds before I shut it down., or.... the time it took to write this.
1
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
OK we are 1980s caricature now. Is there a famous or brilliant track here, is this Paula Abdul's backing band doing intro music for straight to VCR movies?
Hmm cater a few tracks...is album is here because it fits into a micro genre and if we're going to fill out the entire colour wheel of musical genres in this house and one album left we're taking a box birth other than the curiosity fact there in musical education of 80s synth pop background music that could well be elevator music I really don't understand what special here
1
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Tue Aug 01 2023
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Ah De la Soul. The happy smiling voice grooves. They make hip hop sound SO much lighter than anyone I can think of right now... Of course it's more a private listen, as opposed to radio, so unless you had an album, you don't hear this much... Outside clubland, that is, and even then it was faster remixes.... A welcome shift in mood. And I so like the gentle pace. For grooving. And chilling
hadn't noticed the whole thing was like a gentle hip hop Sesame Street ... It's explaining the basics. ... Life lessons and a big piss take. Like.
Belong on the list .. yes but not sure it's their best album. Was it breakthrough?
Like. 4-5/5
5
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Wed Aug 02 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Proof I am not an Elton man, I havent heard of the album. that is also how ignorant I am of the 70s. Does he rival the piano man for ballads, i hear you ask? its ok road music... is it telling a story I relate to like Billy Joel?
its pleasant enough, and doesnt offend.
I cant beleive there is a 3 disc 50th anniversary version to draw all this out though.
Life must have been SO BORING and dry for this to ignite anything. Oh England in the 1970s was so awkward.
2
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Thu Aug 03 2023
Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
Thank you 1001 for introducing me to do many new albums. Except for all the crap ones like the one after this.... Music is meant to be fun.
To press a musical pleasure button.
Bring about a wanted emotion or distract from an unwanted one.
This one is a very, very out there version that. This is at the DEADPOOL end of the spectrum. Soothing quirky irony is track one. I gird myself for the 2nd. Oooh, funky. I like the kettle. Oh shit I might be hooked on a new album. And wildly new genre that feels created all for me.
I'm in a good mood with this. Immediately added this to my "grooving mornings" playlist.
5
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Fri Aug 04 2023
Different Class
Pulp
oH mY. carefree, songs that make me long for my party friends.
TWO HAPPY ALBUMS IN A ROW.
WELL DONE 1001!
This is class stuff. Classy. classic. and even has sing along and dancable stuff. old favourites - so yeah a sentimental choice.
Summary:
1. Belongs on a list of 1001 - no idea... It's interesting. But how unique or influential, I don't know OK.
2. Do I like it? Yes. One if albums to own. 4-5.
yes.
4
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Mon Aug 07 2023
Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
...my instant reaction this is going to be more of that whacky (cool?) stuff on all those nostalgic/atmopsheric/retro soundtracks of Hollywood 1980s 'vietnam' war films. - way out psychadelic road rock 8 track rediscovery stuff... generously or optimistically thinking "ah, We are in Woodstock territory here. Not sure when I will next be in the mood for that..., but maybe this is ithe time?"
If "in-a-gadda-da-vida" is meant to sound like their signature anthem for their album, the first 20 seconds of noodling is fun and familiar, but then its a bit overdone and verges on rock opera.... oh my. the vocals lets this down. not for me.
1
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Tical
Method Man
Its not aweful.
I have now heard even more hip hop and can say I heard something offshot from wu-tan clan but I miss the signifcance and imprtance shirotically msuically or otherwise?
why is this different enough to include?
Its smooth consistent and like one long background track for a ganster scene - repetitive for me, you?
its not talkoing ot me, its not my pain, origin, style or scene
I see puff daddy helped on a remix...
3
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
According to a rolling stone article it's a drug fuelled masterpiece from 1972.
To me it's a slow version of heavy metal, which I basically don't listen to, except for a bit of Motorhead, and a bit of ACDC (its energising stuff now)kind of ironically for fun.. .
gentle even... rock opera? anyway, i saw them live in Sydney 15 years ago and it was history, education,
It is funny how this music was so rebellious and harsh and scary to people in the 1970s, compared to how normal and tame it sounds now. they clearly were very influential..
SUMMARY
IT belongs ON THE LIST? probaly. imprtant. 3 ish...?
Do I love it? no. 1-2
1
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
This moves. A change of pace alright. SO DIFFERENT to the turgid stuff in this part of the 1001 list.So slick and lush and almost painfully sensual
(this makes the mainstream stuff others were playing feel cold and remote...an aside on album art - fonts aside - the cover photo is modern, still).
This album moves... what a voice, and style. tight band.
If this is his first attempt at funk, he nails it.
... and he isnt even at "sexual healing" (that was 10 years later!) , but he is on the topic already, as captured on the wikipedia page for this album.
...this deserves to be on the list.
and I like it.
An easy, so easy, 5 and I am just 3 tracks in.
5
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Fri Aug 11 2023
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
Well boys, if am going to listen to this, I am going to need a Trucker handle (name) for my CB radio chatter , but cant decide between Moonshine & Luna Moon. Which is more me, a double entendre or the tautology?
This smooth album, err, "transports" me to a big barn style bar with neon and barrels and peanut shells and sawdust around. The warm relaxing tones are welcome on this album, and unlike most country, it doesnt grate and need not be weaponised in the Mars Attacks style. I suppose I do miss my 80'thundering Copperhead Road (Pogues influenced).
Does the album below here? not qualified to say
Do I love it? It is pleasant enough. Comforting. And the lullaby "little rock n roller" finally mentions a Truck Stop, and is kinda sweet.
3.5
3
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Mon Aug 14 2023
Abbey Road
Beatles
Aware of it's legendary status, I have a listen (while reading a bit about its groundbreaking sound effects, equipment and recording methods... )
It was overall an enjoyable ride and a good tour of their music and some surprising styles they had collectively and individually arrived at by the time it was recorded, including a more expansive guitar and blues than I expected, but plenty of their psychedelic style, but also interesting, as a musical education goes.
It takes a fair bit of education to understand the immense symbolism of what is achieved here. But the main thing is to experience it and have a fresh (actually, first) listen.
I enjoyed the fittingly warm welcome of Track 1, the rich warmth (on big speakers) of "come together" - which is exactly what they did, here, for a final album.
And then its quite a range of styles and pace: sometimes its blues album, some almost roger-waters guitar going on, and other experiments as if they each got a few 'wild cards' to put on it. Notable are "trippy" and coded references I suspect I often miss (being neither a Beatles expert or around at the time to understand).
Track 2 (to my ear) jumps back to an earlier very McCartney sounding style? then "Maxwell's silver hammer" was just annoying, American blues with "Oh! Darling" but not with a voice I'd match with blues at all... ). A few jarring oddities (Octopus's Garden a kids singalong ditty). Andyte, this was fun and carefree rebellion, music of a time. Obviously so massive and influential. Would have been a wild listen. And on big speakers the warm blues rock sounds do work. I;ve seen at least one Beatles doco, soi i am not surprised the boring flat spot is Lennon's song about Yoko "she's so heavy" ( a triple entendre unintended?) to end side A.
SideB offers "Here come the sun!"... Lovely uplifting energy. They can put a smile on your mind when they do their stuff right. Kids of the 60s, I think I might be starting to understand your music a bit better. (and how did you listen to "Because" without feeling stoned?)
Sun king. I like "Sun King". A bit of fun gibberish. I think I have a favourite Beetles song finally And then it keeps going - a medley they called it... . A fitting, playful, showcase, farewell album. A bit of everything and it felt like everyone got to have a go...
I am happy I did not skip it.
4
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Tue Aug 15 2023
Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
2004. A " best album " I never heard of it. ... Curious.
But the ugly portentous cover threatens a forgone conclusion it might not be my taste. (Because it's going to be intentionally jarring and ugly and hard to love?. But let's see. )
Ok. You really have to be in the right mood for this...!
Their music is wild and rough and original and varied. And also I sure and hard to get access to via streaming.
Important to include a struggling stark and different voice. Even if it's not easy
3
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Wed Aug 16 2023
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
oooh yeah, wonderful; its the mellow groove - yes, smooth on every warm loving track. I am going to have to be careful not to overplay this now...
5
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Abraxas
Santana
Let's just take a moment to take in that cover art.
And then try standing still when the music starts.
Smiling, dancing, soul warming music.
The energy and playfulness and riotous fun of Latin music, still does it's magic as well now as 50 years ago. And the title and texts Endure some analysis apparently.
A timeless masterpiece I guess. Again! Ola.
5
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Fri Aug 18 2023
All Mod Cons
The Jam
if music on this list can make me smile, even ironically, it gets a point. At my high school there was wall with either The Jam or The Stems grafiti on it. Given how many mods I knew then, I am surpised I dont know this music so much. (obviously it was deeply cool at the time), i find iconic happy crazy light sound. I find it playful, in the way Elmer Foodbeat is, without the poignant and extremely crude French lyrics. So yes, there's a warmth to the guitar style, and something proulsively mindless to the poppy repetition. Funny to discover these at age 50, feeling my teen rebeliousness rising, I am putting this in the cool pile. Oi! babbabbababah! yeah why not, a fiver for ya.
5
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
While I have sufficient empathy to see how serenely introspective and delicate this album can seem, I wasnt in that mood. It made me so ... tired. This... it answers "How to make one of the most vibrant times in musical history feel boring, dejected, flaaaat.. oh wow a droning steel string in the left speaker, and droning male rheedy voices on the right. harmonically bored in stereo. ****stop press*** the exception was the tralalalalla bits in "our house" was almost happy in a silly way. probably perfect for swaying and painting walls while off your face, half asleep... to twangy to sleep to, alas.
1
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
I nearly named my first born son Jamiroquai because of this album. Jommi for short. This is just just soaring music, the coolest, happiest beats..
5
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
Soothing cinematic opening, warm strains, evoking a dark, softly lit and red carpeted jazz lounge.
Not a jarring moment - well produced, after a gentle country moment, it returns to full stylistic form, before a fine exit.
On the 2nd listen its like a male analog of Petula Clark, with Karen Carpenter perhaps. I am surpised I didnt find it corny. It is relaxing.
I am not sure how this made it onto the list, but it is very listenable. And not at all challenging.
If the role of Art is to uplift, provoke, soothe, entertain and educate , this ticks one box nicely. Why havent I heard of Mr Hawley?
5
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Thu Aug 24 2023
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Admittedly, the music bits of my brain were salivating before I even got it going, as I'd never listened to an actual Beastie Boys album. Normally, I just sing along to their anthems, feeling audaciously cool and hoping there is a some RUN DMC coming on too. Secretly hoping I haven't confused the two... <cringe?>
While at its best these guys are “good fun” and extremely effective and catchy hooks and have a really special signature style we all know and enjoy to various degrees.... Alas, it turns out its lyrically debased if your examine it closely, they are upfront in their fascination for getting the girls, and theft are so different to the rest in the urban music space, despite the indisputably shrill and annoying vocals.
Summary
Does it belong on the list? Yeah, they did stuff that stood out... but I cont say this has the influential songs. The hits certainly aren't here. It does represent a consilience of styles from different genes - were they experts at assembling other’s ideas (like the film the Matrix by stealing almost every science fiction concept out there) or did they do breakthrough stuff? I have no idea..
Did I love it? Its was just OK. Somehow I preferred the first track to the rest. So no then... It's not really album music - it gets annoying fast . Their catchiest songs like Sabotage and Fight for your Right, and Intergalactic have been huge - they aren't here.
Rating 2. Dont love or hate it. meh
2
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Fri Aug 25 2023
Slayed?
Slade
Sometimes a cover tells you all you need to know. One of their albums (till deaf do us part) has a bent 6 inch nail hammered into an earhole.
And I now believe these man-boys of Wolverhampton had no more meaningful or artistic ambition than to 'ave a go and cash in on the crap glam rock era. They sure 'ave succeeded in making satirically aweful music. But why did they make so much of it? As if english food, and the weather wasnt enough.
1
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Fri Sep 01 2023
Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
Oh well, on to the like with the other circa 1970 albums that sounds like a (bad as opposed to wonderful ) self indulgent teenager rebellious experiment... a quirky caricature of the 70s.
... was it " Deliberately challenging and hard to like " in that punky way.... ?
They took the repellant image of a Rictus Sardonicus, the tetanus induced grin, from the horror movie (a 1961binteractive horror film) ... and made an album.
Thumbs down. I choose punishment.
2
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Liked track 1. Tried twice but this album didn't sustain my attention. Felt like it's juts noodling and noisy. And I like led Zeppelin, or so I thought.
2
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Tue Sep 05 2023
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
intimate and brooding and then animal howl. sexy sensual and rocky angry artistry packed into a small space. she has a voice and does a lot with it. Putting it on the energetic workout or gardening pile, work out some angst on this soundtrack.
5
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Interesting and amped up time capsule from 1969 - a live punk rock education. A call to the barricades.
Rocking along, energetic, choatic agro fun for slam dancing. The hoarse vocals are a bit painful. They sure put it all out there. This is real rock. interesting vintage listening, history lesson.
3
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Thu Sep 07 2023
System Of A Down
System Of A Down
Ah, what fun!. That hand on the cover, it pleads like the hungry five petaled face of a demogorgon... Self aware and funny ... I hope it's intentionally a giant pisstake of everything an angry young man struggles with. A nice light touch for the genre. Refreshing. Happy. so playful and varied. A soundtrack to a video game life wish a big dash of Dead Kennedy's insouciance ...
1. Does it belong on a list like this? Absolutely. Wonderful example of a well executed stuff most sane people will never willingly explore but this is enormously entertaining fun. (Example "Chop suey!" On another album). All of it is probably in bad taste but I haven't assessed the lyrics yet...
2. Did I like it? Oh yeah, I probably like the album called "toxicity" more for it's entertainment value.
Score?
4.5 because it should be played more. But ONLY when your up to it ... Go for it .
4
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Suicide
Suicide
OK a warning might be nice. Intense. Requiring serious attention, substantial tolerance for noxious psychological stimuli. Functioning as my own ethics committee, I assigned myself an antidote immediately (vagus nerve breathing). Astonishing and Potent. And how obviously Springsteen's NEBRASKA album sound - yeah verily, "Rocket USA" gave us the whoops on Johnny 99, and Frankie Teardrop fed State Trouper. Effective as all ____. But never again.
2
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Mon Sep 11 2023
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
nice to experience ray charles voice - different to what I expected. very varied album. side B preferred, smaller intimate sound, and his voice comes through. a different pace altogether. but mostly its background, atmosphere, as oppose to deeply moving, for me.
4
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Tue Sep 12 2023
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Its just not my thing. bye bye rock opera 70's style. but i I want to blame you, and british stuff like this, for spawning Andrew Lloyd Weber .
1
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Wed Sep 13 2023
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
A perfect album for evoking a thorough hopelessness and deep dispair.
I wonder - the female vocalist could do a “cowboy junkies” cover with that voice.
Impressions: A melancholy and weary sorrow. Deep disillusionment. Pleading when hopes have withered and died. A droning desolation, punctuated by shanty drinking tunes. charting the bottoms of the sea of depression, they paint a very brown picture of lifes despondency.
I hear 'pogues' like sounds and a 'cowboy junkies' female voice peaks through , but I dont , I really dont, want to listen to this any more today. it makes me worse than weary. so yes, very effective, their evocations of self pity.
2
2
2
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Thu Sep 14 2023
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
I cant fathom why this album is special enough to make it on a top 1001 list. its a genre... is it amazing? no. plus there is plenty of this genre here.
1
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Much more enjoyable as a LZ sampler than LZ 3
3
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Mon Sep 18 2023
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
what can I say that hasnt been said ? - great energetic really different fun sound - playful full bore rock. yeah!
5
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Tue Sep 19 2023
Tago Mago
Can
At first boring then it got interesting because I paid attention to what was going on, and read about it's psychedelic improv ... which makes it a whole different experience. A careful listening thing. Curious.
4
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Wed Sep 20 2023
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Headphones made this especially joyful. The detail in the synth instrumentation and the rhythmic and energetic grooves plus the really fresh attitude Cherry brought to music is just a wonderful throw back to the era. Some defining sounds of the era which remain so fun to listen to.
4
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
A few historical and important tracks and shows their style. But is this their best album?
3
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Ways of Seeing and Hearing. Chewy goodness, yeah they *ARE* the 90s, along with the seattle grunge of Nirvana, and Well, you know, there's a album cover to like. it ws a t shirt for the decade. sign signified and signifier - a Magic Marker in the lower cockles of my uni brain. My Synapses enjoyed hte openign bar and then the joy of the messy twangy grunge. I cant help but call it good, wholesome 90s propulsive fun that , unlike many studio albums sounds like its live at a summer outdoor event with a bit of sweat and dust and sun kissed skin.
5
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Mon Sep 25 2023
Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
So, I take it this is comedy. Or at least ironic?
1
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Tue Sep 26 2023
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
Fully powered up, intergalactic tripfest 1970s style. Liek the cover art, its a bit 'busy'...
1
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
certainly music of a certian era; "of a time' - like opening a box of cassettes from those awkward teens, some familiar stuff a bit whinier , and bleeker, than I remembered. whistful but kind of melancholic, so bye furs! definitely music with which to mix psychadelics if wanting st and setting to be conducive. pull up, pull up!
2
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Thu Sep 28 2023
Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
Do try it. Quite some playful brilliance worth listening to here. Inventive and unexpectedly dynamic, right down to the phrasing or lyricism. To my inexpert ear, UK rappers made sweetly fun and catchy/enjoyable tracks for about decade after this came out. oh yeah sure, admitedly, I had to resort to my huge headphones as I di' no' wan'na shake der whole HOOD with my massif speakas playing dis up loud bruv. (Yes, there is a lot of intense rolling bass, which I enjoyed, as its well placed, but no need disturbing the neighbours). I can give this some respect, its thoroughly built, entertaining in its dynamic inventiveness, (and no, not disturbing as I didnt detect the threats of territorial violence or posing of gang oriented American rap, here the bravado just makes me smile - maybe its a young boy crying out his anfems in false Jamaican/east ender accent with extra atittude on it. It just sounds so playful form this distance. At times the lyrics turn confessional; almost reflective, a poetry of urban boy trying to rise from a gritty malaise, and then boom - "Jus a Rascal" really adds rapid dynamism which I found irrisistable. He calls on a lot of musical tropes without getting too obvious, whcih is particularly admirable for the genre. Big, out there, but not clicheed or too overplayed. (I confess, i knew track 1 "Sittin' here" already - I have no idea how I knew it, but it was fairly chill...) so, for most lsiteniners all they will hear is Sploom & an unintelligible blender of London attitude, but I get touching humour and social odcument. and the final track is a fitting bookend to that; uplifting song. I hope they hear it. I will listen to this again. (all of this is all the more surprising as I dont listen to urban music much)
5
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Mon Oct 02 2023
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Shyeah, but through a loudhaler is a bit hard
3
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Tue Oct 03 2023
The Stooges
The Stooges
It is time I heard this . Quite the Ouvre from the taught skinned naughty little doggie. Genetics are cruel. an intersting listen
3
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Wed Oct 04 2023
Street Signs
Ozomatli
N E V E R H E A R D O F T H E M AND E X P L O R E D T H E I R OTHER ALBUMS AND THAT WAS FUN
This music *could* rock the house, up loud. Party music for the 90's ? Its dated, so now sounds almost ironic, in a good way, mostly, but not fully.... its ok, like the others day. I think for today it needs speeding up slightly, we're more caffeinated now. Catchy lyrics ... Their kids maths song is so, so good. "maths, thumbs, "
4
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Thu Oct 05 2023
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
friday soother
5
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Mon Oct 23 2023
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Dark but entertaining stuff when you’re in the mood for it, perhaps best experienced as an accompaniment to the documentary film Lemmy (2010), in other words; his life as soundtrack or vise versa.
It's not the music alone, it's what Motorhead represents - a kind of barely believable out of control life of the road - while we are at the dark end of the colour wheel of "rock 'n' roll" here, ultimately I find its semi-humourous and a partly self aware caricature of the hedonic nihilist rock’n’roll life, done in the "picaresque" tradition; the likeable rogue being the Lemmy Kilmister, whos' real life sounds like pure fiction. So its part Rock'n'roll voyeurism - the songs describe his life on the road and its lewd comforts, autobiographical, Lemmy seems like a motif that couldn’t possibly be real, and yet the film seemed to show him as just that, hence comedic and perhaps tragic, but definitely entertaining. Good fun metal, if there is such a thing.
3
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Tue Oct 24 2023
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
Proof that music is best live. They are... totally smashing it with improv; yes a great performance and in tune collaboration... if you can handle it. there are some very good build ups drops and crashendos in this polyphony. great to drop in and experince this briefly, and I was also glad I could get out when I wanted to after a few tracks, without losing my cover charge. a document in jazz high energy improv. yet not something I'm like to go back to ... so very hard to give it a number. 5 for quality, 2 for wanting to listen again, 3.5 overall? not fair.
3
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Wed Oct 25 2023
California
American Music Club
Saved from obscurity by this list it seems. No, Do Not adjust your set. The whining... this is not Danny Elfmans "Mars Attacks!" defence sequence, (where country music like "Indian Love Call", performed by Slim Whitman makes the Martians heads expode.)
A hard album to stream.
Its not on YT Music or Spotify, except as bootleg playlist.
Coincept album stuff. mixing Pink Floyd late 80's atmospherics, with early Springsteen fireside intimacy, and some Counting Crows pleading and crooning.
Feels like its posing too much while hoping its delighting... there's potential here, but its not greatness due to the wierd production and pacing.
Maybe one for listing alone in the garage while rebulding a classic car with your favourite doobie?
Its just overdone for me....
2
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Thu Oct 26 2023
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Some friday afternoons you just need a thumping drumline and techno shit from the 80.s this will do.... with a clubby monotonous mindness feel, but the with coolness that is PSB. he has it.
4
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Fri Oct 27 2023
Nowhere
Ride
ah the english...
1
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Mon Oct 30 2023
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
probably one the first albums for me on the list where it sounds like genuine and original experimentation - that trippy jamming newness with originality - AND YET - they find where 'cutting edge' meets 'enjoyable' ... its a scintillating combination of tones and rythms and finds that certain happy groove that is constantly evolving without being tiring or annoying, (which is the Art of music... especially witht he number of albums i have put ont he 'never listen again pile' on the way to this one at number 325 in my 1001. aha - I am a third fo the way through this week. And there you go. Happy sounds from the Heads that Speak to me.... (and there are apparently better TH albums out there - bring it on)
4
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Wed Nov 01 2023
Headquarters
The Monkees
a bit archival for me. they were fun on TV . somehwat unmoved, every time i listen - except ofr "im a beleiver" - rocks.... and I like a bit of twangie light boyish playfulness ... somehow there's no "glue" for me.
3
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Fri Nov 03 2023
Opus Dei
Laibach
Nope.
1
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Mon Nov 06 2023
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
And who doesnt need a bit of Bonnie Rait from time to time to bring them down to earth, and experience the misery of the broken American dream and all the wasted potential funneled into consumerism, jingles and political theatre? This dont expert well, Jeb.
There is as much depth dynamism in this as the "breeze wave" soundtrack on the video game "OUTRUN".
(on a good day) It is suitable for drunk dancing in an elevator. Or a soundtrack to a Gwennyth Paltrow film.
She *really* sounds a lot like Gwyneth.
Squelch. hhhahaa. :-)
2
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Tue Nov 07 2023
Blur
Blur
I never listen tot he actual album. a surpise to find the first track on the album a homage to Beetles (admitedlhy, if it werent for this lits I'd barely know the Beetles).
Woo hoo for song 2.
but the rest ? it is bitish shite rock whine... and some gjuitar noise.
1
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Wed Nov 08 2023
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
never the rod stuart man. background music to me... i always found it cliched.... i missed the opportunity to connect with it emotionally or in relation to "moments" so regrets to all those who find this deeply moving. time to chnage the oil.
2
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Thu Nov 09 2023
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
A playful style. There was a definite sound back - eternally catchy for a summer tune in the 90s. As I listen, I feel it be great to see this performed laconically in a student bar.
"cut your hair" captured the fun and quirky 90's sound and yet ... much of the rest of the album reminded me of the line from the film Clueless about all that "complaint rock from university radio stations".
Some playful wackiness here - nice to reminisce.
(I always preferred the upbeat party tracks of these albums, the rest is a bit of filler and noodling, I feel).
3
2
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Wed Nov 15 2023
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
such a legacy, such a masterpiece and influence - and the quirky bits really come through. Its the vulnerable/raw/real imperfections of it, and the poetry, which make it so appealing and accessible 9and easy to criticise)
5
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Thu Nov 16 2023
A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
Lifted my mood. so fun, great , great , great and a surprise. voice, style, grooves and a perfect antidote to the grim R&B out there... and some nice blood diamond references to keep it real.
5
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Fri Nov 17 2023
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Impressionistic jazz. So easy sounding and without a flat moment . Someone took it upon themselves to introduce me to jazz and made some mix tapes for me. It includes Bill Evans Trio, and Ella& Louis and others and that was it for me.... I had a base from which to explore
5
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Mon Nov 20 2023
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I wasn't going to even bother listening to this old man music if it weren't for my buddies rating it...
So here goes. I can almost hear and old moustached American man yell "creedance" from afar... this is Vietnam War era stuff, and time of America's potential awakening, well sort of. A certain mood of time times is here alright - fully plagiarised or hommage, you choose. they certainly distilled and repackaged what was on, and those a mainstreaming of the interesting music developments of the time - swamp, blues, with added swagger - I'm not gonna judge . its good ho'down stuff. and (John) Fogerty has a voice on him, evoking a real truckstop blues sound from behind the chicken wire at times.
... makes you want to hurl an empty bottle with joy, doesnt it?
if I had big garden speakers facing some swamp, this would echo well off my everglades while I'm brunching and crunching down on some fried chicken. woop.
I had a lot of fun listening to this. Anyone mind if I use the word "propulsive" again?
5
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Tue Nov 21 2023
Hotel California
Eagles
They made me listen to it.
At first it didn't hurt as much as I expected. But soon I got that gnawing feel...
"It might feel good, but its bad for you." either literally or figurately.
Like chewing gum, processed food, breakfast television, and Guantanamo Bay or infinite detention at Nauru, Christmas Island, of the Australian mainland (another kind of hotel your cant leave).
Ok, its going too far to equate The Eagles with human rights violations. Special rendition. and Enhanced interrogation (kidnap and torture int he same of freedom, or revenge, or deterrence?).
smooth, polished and sweet, and a bit flavourless and lacking fibre
1
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Wed Nov 22 2023
Sea Change
Beck
Thrown by this Beck.
What drug gets a musician this mellow, yet still able to sing and strum?
(hang on, I'm thinking of something - ah yes, ah, maybe I finally understand = Fairport Convention is what frustrated British people listen to when they have taken a weeks worth of hash, muscle relaxants and codeine at once. (when putting off that trimming of the thatched roof ).
And this would go well next to that section called
"slightly turgid"
or
"chill-out for over 70s"
sections music in an LP collection.
Masterfully slo' mo'.
Instead of Sea Change, he could just have been less euphemistic and just called it
"retirement"
:+|
3
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Thu Nov 23 2023
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
Look, its English folk music.
Its not meant to be a) popular b) reviewed or c)rated.
Neither engaging, nor annoying... I didnt actual notice it was playing much of the time - like a gentle breeze, musically. Or polite English lovemaking.
Lay back, and think of England / Are you in ?
oh the English...
2
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Fri Nov 24 2023
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
Why do the first bars of every song sound like a cover?
While unoriginal they do a good punky voice crack. Is it different to anything? Not being the expert I just listened to the fun garage rock punk and drummy stuff wondering if it's a happy part of life...
3
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Mon Nov 27 2023
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
I never liked this brain dead crap, the lyrics and vocals and trashy acoustics. Reminds me of a British greasy spoon on a Sunday morning. Sweaty headache territory.
The modern Beetles. Give them different drugs, a lot more anger, lager, conflict and renown, and mix Seattle grunge into it, and you the the hope of the new leisurewear generation.
rounding up?
1
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Tue Nov 28 2023
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I was in the right mood....
3
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Fri Dec 01 2023
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Ok music for hump day morning. Propulsive highly repetitive and fewlyrics. A bit hypnotic and slightly trance inducing.
Like religion in way... You can let is wash by
I wondered about the lyrics. They are mumbled or muffled. Reading them reveals little, it's minimal. Brief themes. Very simple, leaving the word to resonate, including pensive synonyms for noose.
If I enjoyed this and wanted more of this, maybe this can be the gateway drug to trying Tool some more. Rounding up to 4 as I'd like to listen to more of them...
4
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Mon Dec 04 2023
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Very, very hard to rate for me. My teenage self listened too much to this, and I cant bare it now. It evokes a sullen chill - rock opera for angsty teen boys. So very original and important seeming, once... But ever since I have found it so very gloomy. Not their best album.
2
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Tue Dec 05 2023
Goo
Sonic Youth
As cool, pleasurable and timeless as a Hal Hartley film.
I first remember the song Kool Thing from 'the dance scene' in "Simple Men".
So wonderfully spot on, and it does it for me every time.
Look it up, it will put a smile on your face, even if you didn't find the album pressed every button.
It might be unfair to give an album 5 stars for some favourite songs but here goes.
5
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Wed Dec 06 2023
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I shouldn't like it but I do. Not sure why music critics don't like him. Is it the lack of edge?. It's a mood and sound and something relatable and ordinary about his drooling moan.... It makes me smile. Sore there are flat bits in his albums. But some gorgeous happy tingling bits too. Maybe the ordinary suburban male can imagine the slaves as this lesser less glorious Elvis.
Music for playing on a hot summers night with friends while debating 90s cinema. Ploom.
5
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Thu Dec 07 2023
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Stark Political Art.
Perhaps they too were looking for stark pilitical art - my friends - to wake us up form stupor in the burbs .... My school mates started a band called CINEMA PRAGUE. They were highly influenced by DK, esp. their enthusiastic & energetic drummer Tim Lowe .
Bassist Simon Hemsworth went on to form Ammonia, with chart success in Australia.
They played school gigs, and parties. We enjoyed the music and revered them for doing their thing. some events and parties were riotous and some epic and others even mythic, if only there was a film of this time.... I remember egg carton collections to soundproof a garage. Jam Against Jelly. Seeing what a guitarist on acid looks like on stage. and beign both horrified and intrigued by the album cover of a starving hnad
DK for me sits in an era, signifying teen rebellion, outrage at the horror of complacency and fascism disguised as conservatism. And some of my first anti establishment political messages ... I think there was something about a white supremacism or a KKK governer of California (but I might be conflating the messages of the Disposal Heroes of Hip Hop Racy) , But also the jarring grating voice of Jello, his attention grabbing megaphone like calls, shining a light on society some kind of attention seizing lucidity.
Is the triumphant rhythm of a "military or regimental march" being mixed with punk Klezmer in Harlequin-like genius here. Whatever it is, it's singular, catchy and so very thought provokingly disturbing ... And as relevant now as ever. I can't forget the emaciated infants hand on one of their covers (starving Ethiopian or Eritrean apologies for not knowing off the top of my head) , a visual burner into the conscience ... equalled ( in its ability to evoke abhorrent shock at the devastation the west causes or allows for the rest of humanity and it's uncountable suffering), as the self immolating monk on the cover of a Rage Against the Machine album.
The message is mixed. Ironing, mocking , critique of the American dynasties, and an anger at tragedy. More direct than the punk that was there to just annoy or entertain - this is political. I will need to study it to be sure if there was a call for action. But for me it was simple " don't look away, question, and be horrified, without bourgeois complacency).
This is stark political art.
5
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Fri Dec 08 2023
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
I didnt realise this all dates back to the 1960s.
It also sounds like it could be intimate, soft soothing, and comforting etc. and his lyrics reveal some vulnerability. the guitars and flute offer delicate counterpoints to this raw and unique vocals.
Alas, while acknowledging it has merit, I cant hear it with a 60's ear, or tell you those special moments where he was the soundtrack for my life, where his music was alive a brave and spoke to me, because the Wonder Years, while wonderful, arent my youth.
So it is wasted on me.
3
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Tue Dec 12 2023
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
He takes one of my all time top 100 tracks and takes it stratospheric as track #1. Masterful orchestration. and then the 'liquid' voice comes in (shivers down my spine as I recalled a Gregory Porter concert Kongresshaus Zürich) . oh my. 5+++
5
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Wed Dec 13 2023
Smile
Brian Wilson
My apologies fellow travellers, the nostalgia is so lost on me, even after reading of the emotional journey needed to do this work. Suitable listening alongside a Brian Wilson biography perhaps?
1
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Thu Dec 14 2023
D
White Denim
Melodic fast ordered which a touch o whimsey without whininess. Liked. Sounded so new and familiar; Its like I already knew this music. Its synchs well with the frenetic pace of the final week of work before Christmas Getting everything done but I can see how it'd be annoying if you're not in the right mood
4
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Fri Dec 15 2023
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Oh yeah, this is different. hard to describe. I got it. Tickled. me. And I love the confessional title. Strewth, mate. (new music for me!)
5
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Mon Dec 18 2023
Crazysexycool
TLC
Didnt mind it. not amazing.
3
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Tue Dec 19 2023
Ramones
Ramones
My first listen to the Ramones. Oh yeah, okay. A punk sampler - 2 minute tracks. Short sassy and a catchy very basic driving beat. Mumbled garage rock with a real brit style (are they faking a brit accent - punk is the ultimate pose after all - sounds so british to me, I didnt pick this as American, let alone boys from Queens, N.Y. ). Not sure who influenced whom, but apparently its essential punk listening. Why does Blitzkrieg Bop sound like "bleets geet fuk"? Its the defiant Idontgiveshit attitude of the genre. Wide variety of topics covered, playfully. I guess these were the bad boys of the time and kids would have loved it.
Some good playful music for a punk party and mucking around. But don't listen too carefully, it gets boring and repetitive. A bit simple, very repetitive. If they did what their lyrics suggest, like sniff glue, the brain damage would be immediate.
So, I've done it... good to know them finally, after seeing the iconic t-shirts for decades...
Looking for the bright side - the most 'fun and catchy ones were the Banana song "Havana Affair", "Let's Dance" is okay, adn I recognised the thunderous propulsive ( there's that word again) drive of "Blitzgreig Bop"
I started to hear influence they must have had - on Blondie for example... that's clear.
Probably a seminal album, interesting for my musical education - but not a fave.
3
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Wed Dec 20 2023
Ctrl
SZA
Ok more. Rap
2
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Thu Dec 21 2023
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Definitely gets you going. above average rap. my appreciation of it is below average. the reference to kicking a pregnant woman in the stomach was stomach churning. the cycle of trauma and abuse as entertainment? no.
1
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Thu Jan 04 2024
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
An unexpected and special album. I am swooning a bit after this one... if only there were more complete surprises on this list like this!
A very welcome experience on my new Focal headphones, it was all cocktail lounge lush and adorable, good stereo separation, and yes, I hear the certain vulnerability in his voice, that amazing amazing voice. I tend to prefer female vocals for this genre / American standards / bossa nova and mood, (other than George Michael in his later years) and now I have a 2nd exception: Frank. he does stand a little alone, and then this album. Slightly slower and gentler versions of the songs than I knew.
Its also an amazing clear recording, might I add. I turned it right up, and nothing is lost.... just the barest hiss
(yes, I am now seeking out "Sinatra–Jobim Sessions" for just a little more... just like people do after hearing "Ella & Louis" for the first time) .
[GRATEFUL FOR a lovely entry point to Frank Sinatra - this is the first album of his I have ever heard]
5
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Fri Jan 05 2024
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Honestly not an album for sitting and listening.bit too old and folky for me. I am more into their hits. Cover art interesting if you look at it carefully.
3
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Mon Jan 08 2024
Woodface
Crowded House
What a band and sound. How can you say soothing and happy, fun and good nostalgia is two words? crowded house. Arguable culturally defining for the 80s and 90s and even important to the identity of NZ and Australian music. Most Aussie probably think of them as Aussies. Their last ever concert was a free gift to the nation at the steps of the Opera House. It was like a national event. But very mixed feelings for this album for me was their "sell out" to market themselves to American tastes. It is glib and pop and departed from what I felt was their authentic roots. So "chocolate cake " for me is feeding an American consumer taste for sweet and familiar crap, right down the forces references to Elvis & 7 eleven. But a great band. Maybe not their finest album or reflective of the best of their self co structured sound.It's the one that opened doors to international sales. I will be interested to read what their influences were and how they Influenced music, as I'm ignorant on that point. My 4 stars is for the better songs, like sweeping "fall at your feet" and the eternal "take the weather with you" and songs like "4 seasons in one day" about Melbourne weather and more... but maybe not the album as such. Love the Wookie on the cover though :-). There is something so nice about hearing them, isn't there, eh? ;-)
5
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Tue Jan 09 2024
1999
Prince
Prince , the genius, indisputably has to be on any top 1000 list. Who else did *everything* - composed, played very instrument, saucy lyrics and voice, grooving performances and , the Mineapolis sound, song writer of many of our most memorable songs )(Sinead), and what a performer - we've all seem that stage show where all the guitar greats are there and he does his solo and its call clear. What artistry.
now, this album... (one of 8 Prince albums which defined if not dominated 80s music). My guess is he has 4-5 albums in this list.
Would I consider this one essential in my collection, no...but I am sure I'd say yes to some others. I just don't know which.
4
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Fri Jan 19 2024
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Ah yes. Uniquely gifted and prolific storyteller, our Nick. I have developed quite a taste for his music and enjoyed this album, which I remember listening to on my first and only ipod on a plane, sitting next to a NZ radio DJ who was on his way to interview him, who explained it all to me, while we debated the tracks and his new blues style - playing with standards and making his own...
He is not for everyone - even small doses can feel harmful if you’re new to it, or not ready. Set and setting. But if you can take the intensity, the singular soaring ride he takes you on can be very unexpected, roaring and blistering at times, then tender, mystic or calming, depending on the album. The talent - well his theatrical, dramatic style and full, perfectionistic chaos and firm command is always there. Scarily.
This album is more or less core Nick cave - big gospel gothic rocky with touches of more reflective tender elegance on the 2nd disc. He keeps improving and producing. Are his very best tracks here? Debatable - he has many ‘great’ songs and enduring anthems and few of them are here.... But it does give a good sampler of his stylist core range, if there is a thing.
We all need it sometimes. The perfect song from Nick Cave to suit the moment. To propel, to sooth, or reflect, to laugh. Or look on in horror.
So, welcome to the darkly inventive, always varying and evolving themes (not to mention entertaining and often highly erudite and literate) lyrics from that intense brooding baritone voice of Nick Cave. As per the album title, he alludes to and uses myths legends and uses his own (and others) poetry a lot - the Lyre of Orpheus is a song referring (and borrowing heavily) from a Ted Hughes epic myth poem in “Crow: from the life and songs of the Crow” (1972) - the collection includes Song for a Phallus, Oedipus Crow, Crow and Mama, Crow Sickened which in turn, borrow from, and refer to Seneca's depiction of Oedipus. Yes, Nick reads widely. And his long and wiry grasp goes very wide indeed.
(hang in there I am riffing) .... wide... and intriguing.
Like my first memory of on enthralling exposure to Nick Cave was his stage performance of “From Here to Eternity” in the Wim Wenders film, “WIngs of Desire” . In which, hsi story Words resonant baritone voice that perfectly complements his darkly poetic lyrics and brooding stage presence in a smoky Berlin night club. And there is a comedic ‘grand guignol’ never far aware. Is he doing cabaret with edge, is it a love song, or is he sharing gothic terror with a half grimace /half smile? We’re left to guess. Thai is art, and entertainment that challenges.
He is now more than iconic. He is a kind of weird, wise advisor and commentator on life and the human condition (more so in the Red Right Hand files online forum where he writes letters and responses to questions, drawing on his studied and admirably eloquent wisdom from, it seems, his own psychoanalysis, learnings, and incredible capacity to read and reflect).
There is good humour and soothing glory as we bathe in “babe your turn me on” and comfort in “O Children” . And after listening closely to him, it may help to go for a walk.
5
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Mon Jan 22 2024
Amnesiac
Radiohead
duty calls. I'm not a radiohead fan, I tried . no this is the same teen boy bedroom music I never got into - feels bleak, so bleak, plaintive and in no way relaxing. I tried. I even listen to Pyramid song (26M plays on YT music). Not sure why its so uncomfortable for me and so revered by others. No doubt Highly polished and well produced. cant fault that. Is their music polarizing? had to stop.
1
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Tue Jan 23 2024
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
Lots of styles and noodling and experimentation, so good on them. Didnt sustain my attention, sadly. didnt hate it, being so all over the place .... grated. tick/skip.
3
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Wed Jan 24 2024
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
Love "the streets of your town" in a similar way that The Church had cool atmospheric breezy stuff - probably around the same time. I can imagine driving carefree along the Sunset highway on the west coast early one summers evening, soothed by meaningless fun lyrics. The rest of the album is easy 80's listening - gentle fair. The res of the album is okay, is it earthshattering/top1000 material, no, but does fill an 80's slot and memories, it does and probably greatly underappreciated. I noodles around listening to their other stuff and discovered their "first 5 singles" - worth a try, if you;re a fan to hear that 'We are finding our legs' period
3
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
So full and sweet a pleasure to listen to. Enjoyed sitting down and actually playing this on the turntable. Next time it will be headphones moment I think, for closer appreciation (it all sounds very tight. id use the word phrasing but I am not qualified to use that). This kind of perfection inspires awe is all I can say. to me, its a wonderful cabaret and torch song , but more than usual she is a revelatory story telling musician. Its all laid bare. Her voice. others will describe it better but its both beautiful delicate and pained - there is an edge which does come out. Isa it damage? Is it cigarettes and drugs like Billie and Piaf? But made unfortunately more poignant by her tragically early loss to drugs and a troubled life.
Enough analysis. Its lovely sitting in warm stereo with her in the room for a moment.
5
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Fri Jan 26 2024
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
first sit down listen to ZZ top ("She's got legs" is their only song that comes to mind and that is very 80's fun). I always thought of them as light entertainment, American guitar pop rock, so surprised this is leaning more into White Blues (is that a thing?) than I expected. Ok, but doesn't press any particular buttons, except when their propulsive beats get going. Which sounds bland to me.
2
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Classy stuff. and jingling stereo effects to titillate people with headphones / hifi ... I cant believe this was 1979. fun and funky. No I never bought MJ, but admired it. he got more than generation moving
4
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Tue Jan 30 2024
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
and to the year 1999 we go... I remembered little except a sense of happy quirkiness, and there it is with "once around the block" ok.
3
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Fri Feb 02 2024
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
I thought I liked them. I do. but not so much this album
3
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Fri Feb 16 2024
Another Green World
Brian Eno
Oh Eno! Definitive. Perfection. Mastery. A master artist of a genre, creating perfect musical instrumental impressionist topography akin to feelings of meditation or guided astral travel. He produces the highest quality music of this style I have ever had the pleasure of trying. I have searched a lot too.
While this album might have been seminal for being so new (it was the 70s!), it is terribly flawed and jarring, compared to his best works. It's neither a vocal album nor a pure instrumental, a real pity and early mistake in production.
Start elsewhere. Go straight to "Ambient 1: Music For Airports" or his other great album “Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks” . I didn't realise it was all so old though It still feels so current. I find a rare comfort in it, almost incomparable to anything around. Maybe the band AIR comes close. And Vangelis and JM Jarre are different too. Hans Zimmer has been maturing and broadening too.
I love the architectural solidity and range in Eno's work. He creates a soundscape that feels bounded yet enormous, like an empty airport – enormous, safe, liminal space.
This album is only a taster. The sensibility of a progressive intelligent trance composer is forming but yet to be perfected. If you liked closing your eyes and floating to some of this, go to his Ambient 1.
Happy lucid dreaming and Happy Landings.
5
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Mon Feb 19 2024
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
I knew the name - back then - a must see band - but its at what I call the 'hard' end of the JJJ musical spectrum for me
2
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Tue Feb 20 2024
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
Perplexing. I dont know his except for a few famous all time greats. yes this is mellow and spacey - very gentle. His voice isnt as nice as I expected. but the ambience is there. torn - he is such a great, its well produced and clean but I am not hugely moved... it make take a few listens to grow, and sit with the lyrics - maybe another time?
3
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Wed Feb 21 2024
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Thoroughly enjoyed this. first a Confession. I couldnt differentiate "queens of the stone age" from "stone roses" before listening to both in the last month (here).
track 1. First 15 second impression of "I wanna be adored" - ah - some of the "war on drugs" eternal floating cinematic feeling.
track 2. "she bangs the drums" Ah, one fo the best happy songs of my youth! (I didnt know i liked the Stone Roses!)
Overall really enjoyable, and a nice reminder of the style and era, except some tracks later on went on a bit/or overdid the 'spcey distortion' .
Overall a breezy album - "this is the one is that 90s sound I liked in a rnage of bands - That late night sound the church did so well in "under the milky way tonight" - oh yeah, that rooftop party, remember Nigel/Matt?.
5
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Kenya
Machito
Album from 1957 a lesson in music history - Latin-Jazz and Afro-cuban - "machito" of Havana, Cuba being very influential on mid 20thC jazz musicians. Reminds me of the music that would be in the background on old movies of the 50s and 60s - mood music. Happy light and playful. Not bad at all. And as 1957 /8 was when STEREO was just starting ot be available to consumers - this might have been a great hifi shop demo album. Im guessing all of this woudl be in the book. The history of the album prevented me, admittedly for thinking - oh yeah - good lobby/elevator/movie music. appreciatign the era a bit, especiialy the more lively tracks!
4
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Mon Feb 26 2024
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
bored. no worse than that! looked for a band I hadnt heard of on the list. and i agree - dumb name.
Oh the bleakness. how to make a ska beat feel flat... but then it sounds like Gorillaz B-side stuff. POh wait - Damon Albarn is Blur and Gorillaz - this is why some peopel should not always be indulged do side projects - NONE of the fun and charm of the others tuff I have heard him in.
the opposite of uplifitng - its jarringly two speed (sad and bleak mixed with happy keyboard - my audiitory processing area is hurting)....
admins - please remove this album from the list - ahhahaaa. no.
1
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Tue Feb 27 2024
The Clash
The Clash
nice to have a little punk and primitive music on a random Friday. Fun indeed.
4
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Like Junk Food, all heavy glam rock is occasionally fun in small doses, a guilty pleasure.
When browsing, I tend to skip these guys and the whole Bogan Music pile (its musical junk food or the bourbon of dark drinks, along with Motley Crue etc.)
To quote another reviewer here; (if I am judging an album by its cover) I'd agree with the following.
" If it's 1975 and you want a rock album but you're too much of a fuckin' JOCK to listen to Physical Graffiti, Blood on the Tracks, Wish You Were Here, Born To Run, Horses, Young Americans, Fleetwood Mac, Another Green World, Mothership Connection, or Face the Music, this is the album for you and the boys as you cruise around town in a less interesting version of Dazed and Confused."
This is commercial, catchy, showman music. "walk this way" being proof they made a deal with the devil to get the recipe for catchy.
yes its fun. I hate them for that. Some ok singles for when I am in the mood for Massive Glamourous Hollywood Soundtrack Rock. Its still mostly Junk food. and for thta ACDC is better
2
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
The UK version didnt have Paint it Black (track 1 on US version). Its ok as a blues early Stones period example.
3
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Fri Mar 01 2024
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
Interesting varied and playful I was surprised but as much as I like the band this album isn't it for me. Controversial I know.
3
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
It's ok. Plenty of Hammond organ and slow walking blues. Lobby music these days an d in offensive - I might call on it for focus / desk work.. .
3
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
All I cansay is is as poor uni student I have only a handful of genuine (non copied) tapes and the Police greatest hits would play a lot.
Heavy rotation stuff and it's very hard to get sick of the police. Even thrashed through bad speakers. It may even be better when heard through bad speakers distorting off the rear windshield.
5 stars based just on track one
However am I qualified to judge the rest?
I haven't listened to these before. Truly. Didn't know the mastery of the Police other than their Singles. Shit this is a surprise.
Detailed fast and fun.
No wonder I like them. Even their lesser/ unknown stuff is amazing.
5
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Wed Mar 06 2024
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
I needed this after crosby stills and nash - fun pop light antidote. fun candy floss.
some fun but nothing stunning - nice to hear Belinda Carlisles voice on a few.... how is this essential listening. to document the pop of the era, the first big girl band in a while? does that mean Bananarama will be here too?
1
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Thu Mar 07 2024
The Slider
T. Rex
Born too late for this album to mean anything nostalgic, I was left trying to like it, which was an alarm bell. So I sat back instead of 'leaning in' and let it do its thing as background. There are some okay tracks. For me it is very dated rock n roll without anything to pick me up or sing along to. But some lyrics made me smile. Nice to hear some of that glam rock era stuff where they fed everything and anything they thought of into the lyrics and didn't take themselves so seriously. They had very stiff competition which this album came out .... For me it isn't much.
3
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
I liked the first track and feel, but the effort to listen to a while album was too much. Probably fair to say I like the Smiths, maybe a song at a time. I really really can't do a full album.
It evokes too much irksome awkwardness after a while and if I have to explain you won't understand.
2
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Oddly does nothing for me now. But was some of the first rock I saw on tv.
2
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
Has its moments - California waiting got going, but ruined by his voice at times
overall the albumis OK
Not their best work, why is it here? humph!
3
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Wed Mar 13 2024
In It For The Money
Supergrass
Bravo - you suceeded in channeling the aweful feeling of spending a pale and badly fed youth under english weather into the musical form.
hard listening.
captures all that I find endlessly boring 'same' and annoying about noisy Brit Pop with a whiney edge.
They did have one good uplifting (light) song once - it was called "alright' and we have the film Clueless to thank for bringing a momentary joy from these guys.
Proof the sun does sometimes come out in England. another crap selection for this list of 1001.
nothing exceptional here.
1
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
soft gentle boring whisper of music.
1
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
A taste-expanding music moment.
Ever walk into a room who’s decor you’d long dismissed as hilariously bad taste, only to realise its sublime charm and how it comforts you in new and expected ways?
This album did that
Country for me is something to be comically weaponised, like in “Mars Attacks”(against the Martians)
Having mostly dismissed country, why do I love this? Maybe because its not country? I read he changing the form. His story is interesting. And So ...maybe this list is achieving what I hoped here - introducing works I would never go near and maybe opening my ears to other sounds.
Back to GP, (who died too young and spectacular partial cremation in Joshua Tree (Cap Rock) and his music - A side project: if he is so influential, then listen to his albums and bands in sequence to experience the evolution
International Submarine Band (66-68) debut album, Safe at Home.
The Byrds ( the Sweetheart of the Rodeo album), apparently a pioneering / seminal progressive country album), thjen
the Flying Burrito Brothers, either t, The Gilded Palace of Sin, or Burrito Deluxe - a style called "Cosmic American Music",
And maybe his other album - GP
For now a reluctant 4. It is so soothing. I think I need a porch swing and a sunset.
4
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Mon Mar 18 2024
NEU! 75
Neu!
Has a sunny propulsive sound to it like the ysrat of a movie seeing someone's day begin ... An emotional tone form the keyboard a believe. I am adding this to 'focus" music... Good for working without lyrics. Upbeat. Like. Yes if the rest is like track one... Optimism in a bottle...for a few tracks anyway. Did like the lyrics or industrials
2
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
skip straight to the track called WONDERFUL RAINBOW. There is an interesting pattern that develops in the nonsense. Like when you repeat a word out loud a hundred times it becomes something else. The rest is an art project not an album per se. Could be soundtrack to a psychological trauma or falling apart of a personality, or a cataclysmic dissociation or disorganised fugue state. .... Correction: I think this is what happens to the brain of a Meth addict. Highly unpleasant except for one notable track which is more trick than music.
1
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
For so many to call this brilliance suggests I dont know it well enough. I certianly appreciate it as interesting, alas, I have sat, as perhaps I should, intimately pondering the journeymans lyrics. His poetry may have been seminal in bringing political and social issues to the fore and the masses in a very conservative era. That couraegous subversiveness is to be celebrated and applauded. especially is he was aprt of changing the world. I wasnt born yet so I am bit an observer and commentator.
This is album that I need to sit with. I dont have an authentic impression I can share right now.
Its live, its a concert, and clearly for many its more thnan just a good concert, this is social, political and musical history.
Giving it a 4 so I can come back respectfully and consecrate some time to my Dylan education.
But in advance I know that its the social and phenomenoligical stuff that is going to be the magic for me, and not his voice. You cant always get what you want... btu tyou will get good lines out of him.
4
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Ah. Indisputably essential listening. If anyone doesn't know - here is what is cool , new, interesting and perhaps subtley sounding about it that makes you pay attention without know why.... "Recorded at Columbia's 30th Street Studio in New York City, it is based upon the use of time signatures that were unusual for jazz such as 9/8, 6/4 and 5/4 (instead of the usual 4/4 time we got used to as kids - they break a rule.... . And apparently...'The album is a subtle blend of 'cool' and 'West Coast jazz' ." (Which you'd have to have been there at the time to understand, perhaps).
So take that!
Enjoy
5
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Not sure what to say. Where is my impression. It's supposed to be nauxious. And it is unsettling aggravating stuff. Cold and metallic like DK. An angry and dejected reaction to injustice and the horrid society beating and gassing its own people. Its excellent and - for once in pink - clear clean uncluttered as careful restrained art- very good at what it does - so 4-5 stars for being very good at being bleak, pared back punk. But for my enjoyment it's a 3.
3
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Mon Mar 25 2024
The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
First contact. He has a certain stylistic and song writing genius. And such a massive following. I see the talent. It's a pity such huge figures collides with the Pink Floyd and it didn't end well. This is interesting and after I leaned in past the the tinny " demo tape jamming " soundscape I was quite impressed. I won't listen to this a great deal ... But it's very good. A warmer voice and recording would have made this album and showcase but maybe not his style to be commercial. More than a curio and history show his importance but I'm not close enough to it all to feel it strongly. Thanks for the introduction.
3
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Fragile
Yes
Impression: a freeform musical playroom. This album is one of (too many) albums on this list that exist almost singularly as indulgent musical experiments. interesting curios you might cover in a documentary. you need deep academic interest in listening to a grown up noodling on their toy Casio and recording sound effects like steps and wind in a soundstage. It should be entitled "look what I can do Mum!". . Deeply nerdy rubbish for lovers of pure eclectic whimsy - a pointless Divertimento
1
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Wed Mar 27 2024
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
Huh! actually listenable. I cant stand most rap hip hop. If it wasnt for the name (Dre) I woudl have skippe dit. .. and yes, sound catchy and and rytmic - I can see what Will Smith was copying when he nailed the style commercially - for fun. I can listen to this. So far
4
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
How nice to hear Joan Armatrading - a catchup activity, an artist Ive never had the peasure of sitting down to like this, and I know form decades ago I liked a few of her tracks. Interesting pulsing voice where the uses volume and emphasis in syllables from- a signature of hers used to good effect and to add rythm and beat via her vocals - no sure what its called to do this>>?. so yes, this stands out as different - feels like a transition or blend of Tracy Chapman and Nina Simone. Unique and soulfully soothing. I was hanging out for the star of the show "Love and Affection" is mastery. oh I do love that delicate and powerful magic - nothing jumps around and works that well tonally - worth a listen just for that happy song.
4
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
the sweet spot for me. Quirky different well made and energising. Completely my kind of music. Almost every track is a winner. a riot of sound and fun and yelling/singing and theres a sexy grungey sound to it , and the cover art is notable and tastefully titilating too (but wheres the flamenco?). To be played loud proud and carefree - maybe thats what it means.
5
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Mon Apr 01 2024
My Generation
The Who
(personal trivia/talking to myself about social poetry in songs, and what they mean): My Generation - written by Pete Townsend. Whether a plea or a rebellion, the titular opening song (depends on album version) says, essentially, we are here, see us, deal with it. It seeks Identity, recognition, acceptance and belonging - and maybe approval from the older (hypocritical and amnesic?) generation who finds them and mod/punky sensibilities, puzzling/concerning.
I know because I thought *hard* about this under exam conditions, during a heatwave in Perth so bad, they served water during our exams so we wouldnt pass out. Australia, 1989 (24 years after its release) that meaning of the song - My Generation - was an exam question in my ENGLISH LITERATURE paper for my university entrance exam. You could say its 'respect us' - we want to live in the moment, and live in the possibilities of post war Europe, not just subsist. So many irionies to this, It a voice to power, and rallying call indirectly, to die living and not getting old rich comfortable and complacent. its a call for the full throttle struggle and defiance, if not rebellion (quite). The irony is these Boomers became the richest generation there will be, with an extraordinary progression in standard of living never to be seen again. Se-se-stutter your way through a song that pretends to swear and says to old people (censorhsip was strong) we have identity and worth, and are a tribe with our own language, distinct form yours, different habits, not worse, and ready to live.
So 10 20 and 30 years later it resonated for youth and most of all, was as catchy as a jingleso stayed popualr and had lots of airplay thorugh the 80s....
I love how the cover looks like an off balance selfie of mouth breathing pale english boys with Big Ben.
the references to the Stones make sense as there is polenty of blues inspiration here and yes, some beatles - the predominant sounds...
Yes an ok album - talent is there (but make up your mind, are you rebelling, doing blues, or copying the beetles!) a bit of a sampler and showcase fo what they can do - it your can masterfully imitate, you can masterfully do your own stuff too - like The Ox, and while they choose which muse to love most. general tick, and score of 3.5.
As if we're making requests, I want to hear Quadrophenia in quadrophonic 4-speaker array next.
Surely its better than that too long too indulgent shite called Tommy. Sorry Brits - I wasnt there so I dont care.
Funny how music and memory bind this way, isnt it?We are all a Generation.
But I wasnt gorwing up when this came out so it didnt , couldnt, bind more than this. good stuff tho'
3
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Young Americans
David Bowie
accessible , enjoyable, and rythmic, easy to like. happy party vibes, with 2 especially strong tracks - Young Amercians, and the brillaint Fame. nothing defines him, so this album doesnt either.
4
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Well Hendrix does belong on this list.
While I can only handle Hendrix in doses, it is undeniable - he is phenomenal - so different, original and 50 years on, its still stands out as unique - could anyone else conceive let alone execute this stuff. ... he had talent, and was self-tuaght which why he held the guitar left handed. I remember hearing his Dad gave him a Ukelele and thats how it all started.
Mr Henderix brings another unimagined world to life and no dont need LSD to start to understand what psychadelics do - just listen to this music and his poetic vision. to borrow a Hendrix quote from another reviewer in my little pod:
“My own thing is in my head. I hear sounds and if I don’t get them together, nobody else will”.
P.S. the opening sound on the album sounds like opening sound in Dogs of War by Pink FLoyd. to me...
P.P.S. Woudl Withnail & I have been quite so entertaining with Henrix for the mad Jaguar driving scene?
5
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
OK. opens with a breezy 80's track - feelgood nostalgia. a reminder of a simpler time and the quirks of the pop music of the era.
Q: does the rest fo the album carry the same impact?
A: a few sleepy tracks that feel like lobby/elevator music now. A bit too sleepy and for me, frustratingly slow -
A top album? no. more a curio now, that is maybe interesting for someone for its use of organs and stereo effects 80s style. but it might sound better sped up! like Night Train does... but I confess this sounds like a slow soundtrack to a straight to video 80s american crime thriller.... man gets out of TransAm and walks inot convenince store in a run down town, where somethign is about to happen. but not enough "happens" on this album. Yet another "old white man nostalgia album from a wood veneer listening room with wall to wall carpet". Its deifnitekly not the best of the 80s. take it off the list now,
2
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Fri Apr 05 2024
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Surprised so much of one artist in this list. I keep discovering more Neil Young here.
Purely to describe what it does for this one listener, it feels intimate and personal , it dies a kind of soothing thing like his other albums. Good song writing and the first time he's reminded me of Horse With No Name. There are very recognisable oft-covered songs here which means others like the lyrics and lyricism of his stories and they are in the eternal themes, with languor and longing, (to my Mars Attacks tuned ear that sensitive to irony and humour readily) some self aware humour mixed with patios, I think. Either that or it's easy to take the piss with his songs, and I like taking it lightly and letting it put a smirk on my face while it chills me out. Cause we need to laugh and Neil Young stokes a funny bone for me at times. Enjoyed. Ok some slow songs to skip. But good
4
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Mon Apr 08 2024
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I will probably be repeating myself form the last album by 'Siouxsie And The Bansheest's rocking, and she has a uniquely muscular voice. Plenty of thundering drums and grinding guitar. Great music to get ready for something. Warlike, determined, and gets the blood going doesn't it? Some great songs, not brilliant or as fun as the first S and the B album I heard. (I read they are more a single band than an album band- makes sense)
3
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Sweet Baby James
James Taylor
+1 point for his warm voice, and for the nostalgia and how folk sooths Boomers.
+1 point for the cellos in a country rock song (fire and rain)
-1 point for silly use of stereo for the guitars L&R
and then rounding up to 2, as I dont hate it, its not offensive or horrible, its ok, I just dont love it.
But I wont listen again.... hence sub 3
2
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
a bit suburban . not a virtuoso bonga album.
good solos ands calls and replies by track 5 ( yeah they took a while to get going !- man this should have been the opening - most people lose interest after 5 tracks of lobby music on a DRUM album! Drum music served up by a committee.
3
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Thu Apr 11 2024
The Who Sell Out
The Who
Whats happening? Are we skipping in the forest with guitars ? it is beatles or the beach boys after they find acid in the glovebox? oh a Walrus . oh , its Mary here to save us. I guess this was new as we are bombarbed with mashups now.
... oh I like a track - I can see for miles now. it has grooovy moments... and I can sense a thumping band here. but as an album, I guess it must have seemed important but without the guidebook its not making sense. Oh no back to tamborines and englihs folk rock sounds whcih grind me ... gotta go - this isnt "My Generation"
2
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
No justification necessary. Stands alone
5
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Mon Apr 15 2024
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
ah something new for me = trip hop.
I try let it do its work... interesting atmosphere created (but very quickly, I find this too reptitive and heavy, and in the end, tiring. Music WORKS because our brain knows what to expect next and they ignore this need. Result it feels like a box of music, not a progression. Units. Blocks of stuff that dont make a whole... so yeah moments of groove. but they need joining up to work on me.
Exception: there is a build and progression or transition in "stem" only ... its an interlude. and by then I had lost interest. Essential its an experiment/concept album. interesting for some but not epic. There are signs of intelligence and willingness to seriously attempt something new - hence 2 stars, for the interest and mambience it set
2
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Tue Apr 16 2024
On The Beach
Neil Young
superbly soothing and dreamy - I dont think anyone makes country this soft + lyrical - sounds almost hallucinogenic/dreamlike.
4
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Wed Apr 17 2024
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
I am a bit stunned and lost for words on the effect her voice has when you sit in a quiet room to listen to it. If you can bear it, and are in the right franme of mind for it: She renders pain beautiful. True art.
her broader body of work is crazy varied, I like htis, and even more her jazz torch songs on "Am I not your girl"
And on a technical/listenign note: the power fo the album is so strong on bit speakers where it becomes a surpisingly solid orchestral album with a precision that come outs on big speakers. Ominous opening. Top quality, any ratings really ocme to to taste and enjoyment factor. I would not put this on heavy rotation, but for feeling a full emotional range and leaning in, go for it.
5
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Rio
Duran Duran
Before this album I'd say youd never find me listening to Duran Duran. And Same now. I did an intro scan. its all I could manage.
1
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Great concept. A harsh mix if great stuff - Iggy meets Elvis and they go garage punking. Hard to stick with. Ok In small doses. But Bellbuttoms isn't in this album, so I did an intro scan... It's remarkable consistent, I'll give em that. So the album is a curio and I still find Bellottoms
2
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Mon Apr 22 2024
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
I dont enjoy this. it serves as distrubing art, bit when life imitated art, its too disturbing, aspecially when its influential on the impressionable. Its just soundtrack stuff really. Stright onto the NO pile, and back to other albums for me.
1
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Tue Apr 23 2024
The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
90's hip hop rap. not the worst or best. I still think its dumb. (I give it one star for the promising unexpected start to 'Come Clean') turned it off before it made me dumber.
1
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
Hurray for ticking yet another band I know the name of but havent really listened to.
And kudos for music thats simultneously propulsive in beat, and depressing in atmopshere, a unique gift and the quivering postruring voice - yeah nah, actually NO! I dont want to wade kneee deep through this flood and of misery, a journey through doom and gloom. (but it doesnt sound definitive and atmospheric, I'll give them that, and points for ernestness.) . thoose a well lived life, not misery and loathing - its such a teen place to be. But well crafted misery - I can see how they authoritatively hold a niche and style.
2
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Yes. important. Original. and still Fresh. It still works now. So imaginethe riot and a joy to hear it back in the 50s. a Hoot. so I turned it up so the mono sound came forth... still energizing today, which is something as old music and films seem slow now. its got to be hear as a birth of ROck album
4
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
SO confused. This is where some of our music as kids come from?
More so after listening and reading about it.
It felt fake to play double Dutch In white Perth but now, I question everything. Its alike a musical lies or a grotest charade where you find out years later all this stuff is just stolen from other cultures and sold to you as original.
WHo the F is Malcolm McLaren (not a good stage name) and Duck Rock (typo?) and why does it sound So Familiar?
Track 1 is Gamelan/PiPhat Thai beats. Im in a touristy restaurant. btu then - wait forit
Track2 beatboxing? was sampled to hell by everyone from Max Headroom or George Michael for 'get funky' - and so EMINEM was really *really* taking the music history piss .
rack 3 Double Dutch - 1983, (Perth WA) that meant was skip rope craze. Catchy to watch but thin poly rope stings... and ... boys cant jump! We had no idea how urben/getto/NYC music got as far as us. This is a bizaar to hear now.
Then stealing music from the townships of South Africa and claiming it as yours? Bemused and annoyed and its a musical word salad.
2
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Mon Apr 29 2024
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Huh! Thanks for reminding me if the glorious and Simple Minds. Adding them to my list of "live bands to see before I die' list now....
this album = Gorgeous on headphones - they were loving their work together and everything was just working for them. And they shapes pop music for a decade or more and there are some eternal songs that came out of this period (not all on this album, but you get a sense of how they can make soaring anthems here) . Warm sounds, funky beats, and playful - and most of all the gift for the warm voice of Jim Kerr, which of course have us - a few years later - "Don't you (forget about me)" which a new generation is learning.
An excellent and very "tight" pop music style, rich vocals and all the funky electric toys of 80s music here. Yes this band deserves a place on the list. They would groove a stadium live. Something to keep in mind. I just checked. Anyone going to be in Nimes (FR) ON 12 JULY?
5
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Tue Apr 30 2024
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Iconic cover. I pretty much ignored this band until I saw the film Control (2007) recently. Very cool stylish and atmospheric. And yet tragic which overlays a bit of gloom over this potentially very cool stylish and moody album. At times it can sound bleak but perhaps I. A cinematic way. Not a band which I would have wanted to listen to heaps as a teen, but it has its moments and. I confess I am a very late comer in appreciating the artistry, as I am an 80s child and their posters and t-shirts were everywhere and well know by my music buying comrades at school who knew what cool was (better than I) but hey, they didn't have streaming and this was getting much airplay in the pop charts.
I am going to give it a 5 as it was important and influential and marked a time so well. It's an album that means a lot to people and a time and for people who wore a lot black and I can't deny the polished and to me ears anyway, unique and beautifully ominous atmospheric sound. There are detractors - and usually is be with them when it comes to depressing British music and their ability to remind us of rain and fog and bad food, but this, well, it's different enough to out in the pile of 'yeah this is really special to listen to'.... But you DO have to be in the right mood for it not to tear your heart out and suck the dopamine from your meninges.....( But bleak *can* be entertaining - and propulsive bottom beats of the drum kit works well as a cool accompaniment to pensive / hard work in a rainy day today). Putting this on the "yes" pile.
5
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Wed May 01 2024
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Hey! Try *womething (sic) completely different* today ladies & gentlemen, such as listening to FATOUMATA DIAWARA (her songs that blend Wassoulou traditions of southern Mali with international influences [I detect element of Omttmar Liebert's "Luna Negra" lyrcial flamenco guitar, for example on "Manitoumani"], and she also sings in French. One of the first female solo electric guitar players in Mali, she makes for more interesting listening on a Friday afternoon than *yet another Dylan Album* - I muse, - how much more interesting this list would be if it had some World music mixed in to make this less mundane and vanilla as a list, as it is.
Meanwhile, I have read others' reviews of this Dylan album, and decided it will add nothing significantly to my life as an exploration , nor is it likely to blow my mind as anb 'essential album to listen to'.
Hence my banal rating.
3
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Thu May 02 2024
Paris 1919
John Cale
SILLY_SING_TALK is what I will call this silly and almost absent genre - singular for its ability to evoke so little.
it serves to introduce me to something completely different - job done. Boxed ticked. can we leave now?
And I did not quite fall asleep but I got annoyed. So wierdly slow I felt like I was following a forgetful, verbose and mad (but sedated) englishman around their house as they SING-TALK a description of what they do in each room of the house.
1
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Fri May 03 2024
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
I cannot deny the significance and importance of the album and its messages - shines alight on a lot of stuff and cuts otthe core as oppose to railing against it ineffectually. Its also much better to listen to than most hip hop - has is quite comprehendable (vocals remind me of the band "disposable heroes of hiphoracy" and interesting - its quality stuff. I cant give it a 5 as I really would put this album on for the joy of it. and also a surpise to see how their music has evolved and they have done death metal and techno collaborations, with a remix of Bring the Noise being their tap streamed tack - it sounbds nothing like Public Enemy .
4
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Mon May 06 2024
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
As if to ask... ."When is too much DYLAN BARELY ENOUGH?"
As it turns out this album is recognisably uniquely wildly (weirdly) Dylan to the core. Perhaps breakthrough different, shaping stuff. Yes. And some lyricism come through and i noted some occasional soothing lilting beats - you can let this album wash on through.
He doesnt do a 5 for me, but his is better material.
Ever notice he sings like a madman? as its there is a haunted quiver of death warbling in there too. I need to read the words apparently.
4
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Tue May 07 2024
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Oh I need to open a nice bottle of wine (or a thing ) and sit with this while. Lights off music. Carefully cartoonish whimsical and trippy crazy, like a drunken but very polite walk through Newtown. What. Is happening? that doesnt matter, it just is. They let this be released? thank goodness, yes. I mean, YEAHS. yesh. they did. so 5 aces form me.
5
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Wed May 08 2024
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Indeed I did like this - even before it got to the singles. Enjoyed the laid back, chilled and yet interesting and enjoyable feels and vibes. Its Rythmic and urban cool (without anger), and beats (without getting tiring). ohh what do you call this, NEO SOUL, alternative hip hop? I like. is that Public Enemy reference and hommage I detect. Very Varied - bounced around but I didnt seem to mind, as its got somethign *happy* about it, and chill. Like
4
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Thu May 09 2024
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
SHORT version
A wonderful voice and exemplar of a style and basically 3 decades of Brazilian music but this album from a very popular master is merely “good” and it lacks power, passion and commitment - its relaxing easy listening but I was left craving more and went to listen to her more popular works instead, as I wanted to experience her warm and sweet voice when she is ***really going for it *** (this album sounded somehow lazy or flat to me).
If it got your curious , then check out her beautifully painful Suadade for some music tourism
I was however amused by her album titling methods. That Magical south american disconnection from linear reality - ah chaos ;-)
The end it is good - like a Brazilian Carol Carpenter - but I sense so much headroom in potential. It might be what happens when anticipation is just too great before hearing something first time?. Mea Culpa?
LONG version
It's Friday ! What awaits? Hopeful and expectant I read up on the musical adventure of the day. Ah!! Finally some more World music, a Brazilian artist who defined a style (BMP) and has more than 30 albums.
Elis Regina 1945-1982, the singer, the legend, the film, the tragedy and legacy. I knew none of this before today. How so?
This is her final studio “album” released a year after her appearance at the 1979 Montreux Jazz Festival (tantalisingly available as a live album) , and after her album of Saudade (a very special portuguese song from of longing and pleasurable heart ache), and she would have been at the height of her popularity and powers. The Brazilian went nuts for her - thats plain to see. But elsewhere?
Technically the title used for the 1001 list is not actually an “album” she released - but this minor crime is forgivable, as you will see. The chronology and album title aetiology, as best I could tell from internet sleuthing is:
(1980) “Elis” with 9 tracks which was reissued as
(1983) “Elis-Vento De Maio” with 10 tracks which went on to become
(1997) “Vento De Maio” - is the next reissue - a 1997 CD with 9 tracks in different track order + 4 bonus tracks.
(2002) “Elis” - back to the original title now, the 1980 version was re released as CD with 9+4 additional tracks
Confusing.
Why such chaos? Oddly, Elis called many of her albums simply “Elis”; fully seven of her studio albums have this name: her 3rd (1963) , 6th ('66), 10th ('72), 11th ('73), 13th'(74) 15th ('77) and 18th ('80).
Which makes me wonder how Brazilian record shops and libraries work - or was she a fan of the magical realist Jorge Luis Borges?
To The music: finally? Let’s do this.
I spin this disc and its okay. She seems to sing-speak making it all sound so effortless and gliding. The vibe is lazy yet relaxing and works fine... but is it the key changes that sound like false notes from time to time? Still, its breezy bossa nova and all that - I am searching still for a track that I “adore”. Some dancing music, then some longing Saudade vibes, some playful duets
Well produced, tight, clean, good pace and very consistent but EVERY song is good- and nothing blew me away on this album. There are teasing moments of playful instrumentation on the opening of tracks- but then nothing happens... frustratingly it goes nowhere each time. Its session musicians doing accompaniment for her voice.
I wanted more. Her voice is lovely on some songs but she doesn't highlight its warmth and richness quite enough - it lacks intimacy and passion , but you sense it was in there some there - which is even more frustrating !
It turns out, looking deeper, from a streaming popularity standpoint we are in the doldrums here mostly - these tracks are not her most listened to tracks. And there are albums that sold a million copies back in the day. So what is it about his album?.
I enjoyed her voice most on “so deus e quem sabe” and the playfulness. Also a torch song and something tending to Saudade in style, and plenty of easy lobby style bossa nova “easy listening” - I definitely really like but I don't love this - and I am trying hard, looking for a track to favourite....
Still, I want to solve this album mystery.
Why is it here? Legacy? Or the strength of the album? Did someone go to Rio?
I will go looking for the following:
Her best live performances. And her most popular tracks (those will 1 Millions+ streams) . I will report back. As this is pissing me off.
Ok Im back., there is more power in her top tracks and more of the Saudade (beautiful tragic pleasurable devoted lovesick elongong) going on ...
Call me a tough marker, but I can only give it a 4 and I am not swooning as I expected. And here for sure, I feel she “is not working to her true potential!
4
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Fri May 10 2024
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
First impressions - I like a torch songs. Soothing and swoony. Then into fun big band. Back to serenading with strings. Oh he does the aching beauty well, and when he goes low the reediness of his voice disappears. Impressed by my first listen to Ray Charles, adding it to the pile of music from that generation which will be eternal.
5
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Mon May 13 2024
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
I smiled and almost laughed out loud at the 1:30 mark of ”Money for Nothing” . its juts so fun and silly...
This is no virtuoso First Clarinetist playing the improvised Glissando from Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin.
It is 100% mass produced over polished mainstream stereo candy for the masses. And it's as fun to listen to as ever, especially turned up slightly too loud, and I am back there..
Ranking 80s albums is very risky business. I mean is it here because it is “so quintessentially 80s” or “so loved”. What defines it as “essential” or musical education?
Who wins and loses here, the masses, the critics, and what is Art, when so many like it like this. huh!?
It isn't great blues guitar, or anything. Its mainstreamed for a simple palate.
Which is why it is an almost perfect “SOUNDTRACK” to the (male, mainstream) TASTES of the 80s, (and how to shape and please them - and maybe exploit or pander to them - for better or worse).
And how funny watching my now middle-aged myself - I delayed listening due to trepidation (slight cringe - will I still like it?) and anticipation (I want to listen with my good headphones to get the best of it). Like resuming a neglected old friendship, I wanted to give it the best chance ... and not be too critical lest they judge me too.
So yes, Its 100% pure mainstream pop rock music. Highly commercial, polished / produced from a well resourced supergroup. Love or hate it, it's pretty far from musical “purity” - hardly raw and live. These are suburban cosy anthems which is why it just “goes in so easily” .
I refuse to claim the immunity by way of sophistication and discernment in the face of its moody synth and air guitar charms and - yes, the nostalgia.
And how else to demonstrate a totally indulgent excessive stereo separation of drum kits (its almost binaural) to today's generation? I mean , there are only so many warm catchy spine tingling pop supergroup from the 80s to call on. [Alternatives are “Tango in the night” by Fleetwood Mac, “in the air tonight” by Phil Collins,or “I wear my sunglasses at night” preferably played in a 1986 Porsche 928 s4 with a Clarion or a 1989 Nissan Skyline with on Alpine hifi 8 speaker stereo. ]
Like a burger, its on occasional guilty pleasure. But its very hard to get a burger to 5 stars.
4
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Tue May 14 2024
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
I cant tell if its parody, Tasting this "blind".
After a few tracks I find it reassuringly consistent so i trust it, and it starts to do it work on me.
A gumshoe mod party vibe, playing either the musical ancester or descendants of about 2 decades of good post Blues Brit Pop. fairly tight and clean, and I like it, ironically I think. He has a charming sly smirking swagger, the main singer.
It needs another listen .... moody, and its has an certain 'digitus impudicus' insolence and attitude a certain irrisistable self awareness I cant fathom yet
Great one liners. Cant beleive I dont know them from some soundtracks>>>>
So for now: "un certain regard". Sensing a slow burn ...
4
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Wed May 15 2024
Graceland
Paul Simon
This is 5+ territory. The core of the core of the collection. Maybe The Grail album.
Such completely new sounds to our ears and so very alive playful - the refresh and wake up we needed. Joyous, expansive. He brought new syncopations and celebrated African instruments and forms and a whole new feeling with this album.
I leap at any opportunity to hear this again - my whole brain lights up, my body still smiles at the lyrics and musical glints and picks, and how does a voice do that beautiful happy sad whimsy? How to feel so poor yet so wealthy?
I am going to Graceland, I am that ordinary boy, and meantime You Can Call Me Al.
5
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Thu May 16 2024
Guero
Beck
Its all there, its wonderful, virtuoso, tricks, ear candy sounds and playful moments, with polish and genius... and yet, AND YET, as the whole, the 'gestalt' mysteriously doesnt touch my soul. I CANT EXPLAIN IT even if I want it to... instead it just 'klangs' in ym head. And its not just this Beck album, I have bought them and not understood why I cant listen to him.
Proof that attraction does not equal compatibility.
Intellectually I get it, but by senses reject it.
Beck is impressive, but never organically "worked" for me to touched me. I am left with a jarring emptiness. I just cant "listen" to it.
SO, as my ratings are weighted towards my personal enjoyment, (more so than the points awarded to quality mastery and specialness or originality):
Enjoyment: 1-2
Quality/mastery/specialness: 4-5
Overall: 3
3
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Fri May 17 2024
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Blood and chocolate Elvis Costello
This album seems like an intentional mess, which despite itself created some good stuff, it you can wade through side A.
Like an angry group of kids who can't get on told " hand something in, anything, to pass my class. ". Fine. We will!
And the angry work begins. ....
It takes 4 tracks of utter crap to get good.
It sounded worse on headphones than on my smartphone. Tinny lo fi is the vibe
The hand painted crap cover of a brown sheep (with Afro?) named Napoleon Dynamite, Costello's pseudonym for himself.....this should have been called “the blood and shit of my defiant self destruction’
I hear eviscerated pain.
It might be my cramping guts.
Or is this album giving me cramps?
And then on track 5 something works. Tender. Calm. Longing and pain..
So there is relief and a good track in " I want you"
Track 6. Doesn't get past a build up....but good
Battered old Bird. Finally something is coming out from that place of pain. It's quite a performance.
A beautiful jangly mess that barely deserves to be listened to or to be on an album. But some good bits.
It's pain for the fans to endure watching the destruction played out ....?
Autobiographical documented self slaughter. ? It's interesting but hard to love.
3
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Mon May 20 2024
Psychocandy
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Both wonderful and repulsive - the apt juxtaposing titular portmanteau word suggests this confusing mix was entirely deliberate: to cajole then fry your brains.
I suspect this art (or revenge) project intended to showcase (probably) a whole new sound but unfortunately added injurious screeching sounds. As if annoyed with having on audience.
That’s the Borderline way of avoiding intimacy. Or airplay.
So. I'm going to try to beat SarcasticElbows to the line ”this album is like the alluring girlfriend you kept going back to, only to instantly realise why you left her”
Warm playful light prescient indi-grooves, but too abusive and unpredictable to enjoy as is...
Surely I'm not the only one who loves some tracks but finds the rest pointless. I did enjoy - and recognise with a distant smile - "just like Honey" (feels like on essential track for the soundtrack for my 80s and 90s generation) but the really the noxious noise overlaid on many tracks means Jesus and Mary Chain are for me a new metaphor for masochism.
I am frustrated by the whiplash heaven/hell experience. Interesting as metaphorical art maybe, but not as on album.
Does remind me of RatCat and other stuff... so there's that. .... they must have left more than skid marks... I look forward to learning that their talent somehow was channelled successfully and they made something more than a concept album.
3
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Tue May 21 2024
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
How nice that humanity's infinite creativity means there is music to precisely match whatever feeling, state or story you want.
Playing this album by Mudhoney perfectly recreates and channels suffering, anguish, pain, chaos and some defiant anger.
Some people may find this hits the sweet spot for them, for some catharsis.
Probably best experienced LIVE in a dusty hot outdoor arena, but anywhere that smells of dirt, heat and sweat should do.
No thanks
2
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Wed May 22 2024
Basket of Light
Pentangle
At first it was bland blithering Brit folk, bah!
But then.... I realised it's a lesson,
On explanation or demo of the progression from folk to rock.
There's some heavy spinning going on by Psychedelic rock and almost hypnotic dervish way. Which goes to show so little changes... By track 5 (train song) we are getting to Woodstock, and by 13 (I saw an angel) we are literally at modern drum kit, steel string guitar and tambourines 3 peice.
... And so, yes I surprisingly got into it and was surprised by the build in energy and style as the album proceeded. It went from utter boredom to quite engaging and playful !
Sure it was a whole 5 tracks before it ‘took off’ but by the end I was seeing how this unexpected album could - without too much hyperbole - be played and discussed as a kind of Archaeopteryx - the missing link showing how everything from psychedelic rock to Sinead has deep roots in our folk music(s).
I don't feel qualified to say if this is truly great folk. But it takes you on a surprising little musical ride.
If this were a wine, I'd say I tasted hints of Jim Morrison /Doors mood/tone,and at others it is Fleetwood Mac and definitely some Jefferson Airplane, a pre-echo of Sinead O'Connor s more touching ballads.
Even Susan Vegas “Toms Diner” due to the unusual metre...
It's going (way) too far to say this is my new “go to folk album’ for fulsome Madrigals & hearty Dirge.
But it reminded me I like a bit of folk, and definitely a good Sea Shanty!
(Rogues gallery compilation v1 & v2 comes to mind) , Celtic music by Alan Stivel, and indeed it might be time to pull on my Celtic and Breton CDs, read a Cornish tale or two and get on the folk trail.
Why not. A 4. As in appetizer
4
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Thu May 23 2024
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Heaven or Las Vegas - Cocteau Twins
A new band for me. The names are familiar but that's it.
There is a sense of 80s cool going on here.
Their term “lazy calm” - the name of a track on another album - is something they seem to convey. Something I might have heard in a David Lynch film perhaps. I don't recognise anything though.
Let's discuss the vocals. I recognise the sounds and rhythms of English and am frustrated by my inability to understand them.
It's deliberately obscure - like made up words are dropped in, and then further inveigled by layering the two vocals; one atop the other.
On auditory palimpsest of blathered words.
It would be interesting to experience as a work of conceptual art. To make a point, doubtless subtle and refined.
But for listening music? I found it frustrating, so frustrating ,and the music wasn't so amazing as to redeem the problem with the vocals for me.
(Being more patient than most with conceptual artistic stuff and having broader tastes than most, I do feel this is exactly the kind of music that might have touched me if heard in the right place, time and mood. Or with the right explanation of what the hell is going on.
Perhaps today it is just that none of those converged suffictly for me.
I am left feeling that this is too intentionally inaccessible to the point of being rarified and cold and it's esotericism more alienating for me, than curiosity arousing.
Reluctantly giving it a 2.
2
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Fri May 24 2024
Grace
Jeff Buckley
Soaring talent and range, and it's such a good things when talent and commercial success an somehow happen with compromise. If course the tragedy being his death and this is all we have.
The emotional intensity and attention needed make this wonderful to listen to, and such an exemplar, but also I need to pause for air at times. It's so intense.
Which is why I would have loved to see him mature and fill out in style and repertoire. If this is the ernest exhibition price to pass the exam, I would have loved to see his lyrical expressionism develop and relax, and to see his performance personality grow to give room for playfulness and fun to enter on stage too.
I've had the album for decades. It the kind of album you find when moving how or rearranging furniture and you compulsively out it on. It was so rare for pure vocal talent to be pop.
Lilac Wine is a song, somehow I heard as it I had never played the album.
I did need to pause. I can't fault or criticise this. It's past that point. It's easily in a top 500 or 300 or 100 list as something to hear once.
It can be almost unbearable intensity and there is its purity - nothing is held back. I can't hear this with critical ears.
Only amazement.
As an aside, I think Katie Noonan is another of these rare voices which is such pleasure to hear doing virtuoso things, but even more trained and practiced... I don't out them side by side- but for vocals .
5
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Mon May 27 2024
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
I must be in a good mood. Liked every track.
I really liked her voice. A sardonic story teller - keeps it interesting, and feels original, interesting. Like a less boring and less jagged version of the following, all rolled into one. Sheryl Crow , Courtney Love, Amanda Palmer and maybe hint of PJ - fits for me anyway.
I have a head cold so maybe everything is wonderful or crap today. Let's be generous as I want to hear this again and follow what she does next....
5
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Tue May 28 2024
Hypnotised
The Undertones
Crazy wild stuff from the 60s. I mean a lobster bib. I like the album cover.
Undeniably interesting but not sure....
Sweet boys eh?
Make sense. Irish. Oh Fergal....you sound almost like DK
I provarocate...
I have a head cold.
3
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Wed May 29 2024
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
I liked it from the start, but it actually got better with every track.
I may gush here. I didnt know the Yardbirds, and I am slightly restless as I cant find the words for their groove - how could you keep still in the 60s with this around?
I very much like the pace and energy - its full vibrant blues/rock and really fun to listen to. Feels like I found a perfect musical windows into a little secret performance in the late 60's by the talented ahead-of their-time players who actally showed off their mastery of instruments and styles in a way that only highligts the best of the era - tyhe stuff you'd still want to hear 50 years later - it DELIGHTS (unlike so many 'off-piste' annoying experiment garage projects in this list). These players have the energy, the fun and soul or zeitgeist of the era bottled to perfection.
Even "Farewell" which could be naff folk on any other album, is basically a hilarious sing along which brings to mind Michael Palin.
Damn, now I need to go find some restored stereo Yardbirds to listen to (unless there is a reason mono is better).
Ha, got you thinking.
Its okay, I will just binge on whatever I can stream for now, but if I see a good Yardbirds LP, you know, one with low odour and mould levels, I will be procuring it forthwith.
5+
5
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Thu May 30 2024
Want One
Rufus Wainwright
Unique Rêveries. like listening to someone's beautiful secret. Rich full colourful art rock that's gently theatrical and cinematic but also too personal for those descriptors . An assemblage that at times reaches intensity thats almost excessive but makes you want to hang on and let it expand your capabilities ... It may span too varied a range to truly hang together as an album, as it feels more like a compilation of rapidly evolving styles, but maybe that is Rufus, nothing is the same as the last and there isn't a particular style, just a voice and talent doing the work and sharing the lyrics.... or maybe these are just emotions and not enduring moods that he wishes to share: like pages from a poetry book....
Because then...
he drops in a slow ballad stripped down and pours the shining gleaming weight of his story into your upturned palms.
More intimate and personal than anything I've heard in a long time. And so lyrical and beautiful. He has a voice. I think it's unique in warmth and that singular reediness, a soaring Karen Carpenter in a male voice. Oh how O hope he holds this together and evolves and performs like. Happy to reminded of this artist.
5
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Fri May 31 2024
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
I hereby thank the stupdi list for reminding me of
a) the joy of my favourite singer.
b) the reason we have physical albums is as a reminder: to pick them up and say "oh yeah" which streaming doesnt do... even the algo doesnt know I love her more than Nina, somehow. I mean, IYDKMBN...
Her voice sooth and smiles swings and cajoles like no other. and then add great material and you have essential listening. A similar Verve late 1990s Ella Fitzgerland 4-disc booklet release was one of my first ever purchases and often played - and I I thought knew her range, but this 4 album collection filled my weekend with new lsitening and much raunchier content that I knew from "the First Lady of Jazz".
[Side note that a whole songbook retropective project doesnt quality as an album as much as massive showcase. But Ella deserves the space given!]
Yes.. this project shows her (she makes great material shine) but... I detected a lot less of her famous improv (or "scatting" in this collection), but the alternate takes available of one song at least, demonstrates how she can change and lead the style of a song so flexibly - such is mastery and talet combined...
This is an easy 5 - its such gold (I cant remember if there are any Louis Armstrong duets - but the "call the whole thing off" version with him is the playful riotous best - seek out the albums "Ella & Louis" and "Ella & Louis again" for that :-),
An album I will put on my Christmas list, as, alas/hurrah , 80% of the material was new for me, a long time fan. so yes, I will be lsitening to this one soem more. A lot more.
Thsi is a 5+ from me.
Its not possible to share in words the comfort, the joy this music brings.
5
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Mon Jun 03 2024
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
481 - If You're Feeling Sinister - Belle & Sebastian
PREFACE
A “grower” - I nearly missed what works about this.
[and I needed a reset after swooning to rediscovered Ella Fitzgerald albums for 5 days]
Have you ever - disliked a painting - only to find what you like in it wasn't immediately apparent? This also requires a pause; and a bit of curiosity, openness and even effort.
I nearly didn't get past the off tune singing in track 1 or 2.
REVIEW
Title "If Napoleon Dynamite were a band"
...ever feel like something is almost okay, a;most familiar, but something isn't right? That awkward "just out of reach" feeling? Mildly irksome, it incites action.
And so, I was gong to commend this music to anyone wanting to listen to stumbling or rambling everyday mellow stuff, sung slightly out-of-tune breezy manner.
And then I “saw it”....:
It's quirky and lovable like Spot the wonky dog. It's delivered in what I believe to be self-aware intentional polish. It's therefore a wonderful artform. Who knows what this is called... or why it grows on you. It has an quirky slow lazy effortless “something”
Is it comforting knowing I too could sing and write at least this well? Does that remove a wall, and what does it open ? And then I just stopped asking.
It might make you want to punch a wall.
But if a goal of Meditation, Buddhism, and of Jungian Analytical Psychotherapy is to learn to perceive and not judge, then this might be a worthy object onto which to direct your awareness.
Consider a workout for the Muscles your Consciousness. Like getting up from your workstation for a stretch and a deep breath.
[PATIENT ADVISORY: Start with small doses, don't try too hard and if discomfort arises, use the "Valsalva Maneuver" or 4 7 8 4 breathing. And smile to yourself, then say ha, ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha until you get to ten syllables. Other Side effects of this album may include sighing, frequent yawning, stretching. Or going for a walk in annoyance. Lesser known side effects are familiar queasy comfort especially among the chronically awkward - but it subsides if you let it. see?. More common, and desirable, it a sense of expansive freedom or elation which may inspire you to walk in the cool sunshine humming "you dream of horses" to yourself]
Here is some illustrative text to get you going if you are not near a large warm brown berger covered speaker and velvet beanbag set - which would be ideal for listening to the album/doing the “Belle and Sebastien” experience :
"Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying"
Song by Belle and Sebastian
Oh, get me away from here, I'm dying
Play me a song to set me free
Nobody writes them like they used to
So it may as well be me
Here on my own now after hours
Here on my own now on a bus
Think of it this way
You could either be successful or be us
With our winning smiles, and us
With our catchy tunes or worse
Now we're photogenic, you know
We don't stand a chance
[cut to save space]"
They know exactly what they are up to.
This is the ultimate slacker music - prompting The Pause
And allowing Whimsey
Telling us , with on oddly soothing late 20th century folk rock feeling or speed
They may well be saying “it doesn't need to make sense to be good”
And if you don't get it that’s fine, come back later
We’re just mucking around anyway
Because: Fun. Everything is going to be alright because it always was.
I wonder what this album would do as a control group treatment versus Psychedelic Therapy.
Or if it works nicely as an accompaniment to the essential Swedish ritual Fika - the tea/coffee on chat break they have at 10 and 3 each day.
Like all good nordic ideas, I hope this bookish charming music style spreads.
5
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Tue Jun 04 2024
Pelican West
Haircut 100
I am clearly missing the point with this one.
Is this soundtrack music/musical wallpaper/reprise/ or some kind of uber cool a micro genre that I am meant to "get"?
I own sountracks to Hal Hartley movies.
I have the patience and curiosity to sit through The Beast (2023) and Peter Greenaway movies.
But I dont have patience for this.
Its like Madness / The Smiths and Wham did a childrens show soundtrack and were told to use the "carols by candle light" orchestra to sound like the Wiggles.... the result like outro music for bad kids TV.
2
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Wed Jun 05 2024
Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
Just because The British make Stilton and Pork Pie, doesnt mean their cuisine is any good.
Likewise this Album. its so... Imperial Leather.
Which brings me to Pause momentary and lament the land of The English - as much a mindset as a destination - that land of soap lovers, awkwardness and longing for a lost (breif) greatness, coloured by misery, clouds, a fragmented rail network, failed privatisations, the Glasgow Effect, of flouncy PMs and now the Economic Self Harm of Brexit.
As if the food and accents werent enough.
They have to be drunk to eat it, it seem, based on how they hit the pubs before going home for supper. Maybe they vote drunk too?
Oh yes, the album. So at some point they made some pleasing sounds, and feeling rather good about that, they posed (non ironically it seems) for the cover art, or a hair salon poster, wearing black skivvies and (lead singer) a gold chain, like a Hard Man with a High Voice. But they then needed to go back and fill an album. And they made filler, in the good old English tradition of Stuffing. Which of course you're not meant to eat (the DiMaggio family recipe is an exception, but dont get me talking about Marilyn Munroe and turkey basting, I'm writing here!).
The album is dry a turgid and too bready and milky for me. It reminds me of "bread sauce" in that it only brings to mind what is missing. Could it be that in deed there is a thang called Manisfest Destiny, and that it is the English will incessantly make jokes about the French, only to mask their own envy embarassment as being so very English and forever unstylish.
Meanwhile to their political future - what will they think of next as their ignorant, pallid version of Populism drives the bus of British history even further off course, insisting "we're not lost, no need to ask for directions!"
I do like a few songs but this album annoyed me.
So I say "NON alors!"
1
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Thu Jun 06 2024
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
I can spontaneous remember "wishing well" - a cool song; Soul +pop +80s - Hey Mr List, thanks for transporting all the walkmen owners back to those 80s parties! I’m having fun before even hitting play! Will the whole album cut it? Lets see...
Ok. Verdict? This is some soulful sexy sh*t. And don't miss him as a Micheal Jackson copy just because for the first few tracks - there is something different here.
Even better than expected - standouts are superb:
*****Wishing well,
*****Sign your name, (how did I forget pure sex soul & cool 80's ) plus the spatial stereo affects?=makes me almost laugh out loud. But its sexy cool, like Axel F, right ?)
****and I also like the last track where he really launches it. We called that “raunch”
Scorching in places. Why didn't he continue?
I looked him up. OK, quite on ovulation for me to catch up. I do hope to enjoy his voice again, and enjoy his maturation and what looks like a massive stylistic evolution.
A surprising 4-5, rounding up, as i DO want to hear dis more
5
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Fri Jun 07 2024
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Ah, I knew the cover, not the album. 15 seconds in and I know this 5 stars. Nuf' said.
P.S. the cover is enticing: oh those greedy fat fingers holding a speaker, looking at a menu where the $1 green salad is more expensive than any desserts. No wonder every song is explicit. Its time to question, to rise up, beacause the price of freeedon, as Lisa woudl say, is eternal vigilance to whatever may undrmine democracy and Fascism sure will ... and so stick it in the mash.
5
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Wed Jun 19 2024
Permission to Land
The Darkness
Purely for fun entertainment and glimmers of happiness. In surprised how good they are. Dedication to the artform. Didn't think I'd give a 5 to a Glam Rock Band.! .... but the, umm, respectful tone of consent (cover art), combined with hilariously fun music and swell screaming which had all the feel good stuff happening - these guys nailed Glam better than they did it first time around. Very happy surprise. I only knew one song beforehand. ...
5
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Thu Jun 20 2024
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Epic feel good music. His stories capture the jearning , the love, the pain , dilemmas and pain of youth and transitions, and yet also the hope, struggles and shares passion and anthems like ever have. He found a way to pump a whole crowd and he hasn't stopped. A gift a talent and always a joy. (He is a stadium filler and anthem singer and made songs if the generation for decades, he speaks to us, Plus his range and abilities show best on other epic albums Nebraska and Ghost of tom Joad, arguably)
5
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Fri Jun 21 2024
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Another "blind tasting" - listening without reading anything about this.
It took a bar for me to recognise Rod Stewart.
Ok Big Rock. I skip to the mist popular (played) track " Stay With Me" and it's big rock which would have been fun in the shag pile lined Bedford van, but I don't listen to or particular enjoy big glam rock. Enjoy fellas. Not my era or sweet spot.
3
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Mon Jun 24 2024
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Yes important in a musical education - along with a few paragraphs of the Wikipedia entry.....Look for the 1994 remaster - previous version either ripped badly to YT music or is a bad recording, despite its importance. Not forgetting how important his innovations and influence are he is one of many who changed music, creating many "standards" - the track "Li'l Darlin" standing out to me as something I first heard on "Come in Spinner" on ABC in 1990 when first discovering the swoons and joys of jazz and the voices the orchestra can play. Whichever way you discover a love for Jazz, I hope you find it. But this album is more history that joy for me. But a great reminder of the debt owed to the passionate innovative genius of the first half of the 20th century I music. They were exciting rule breaking and standard setting times.
3
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Tue Jun 25 2024
Microshift
Hookworms
In a sentence, soundtracky mood synth music with ambience and a techno vibe growing as the album builds - it feels like its going to getting trippy but then it crashes badly, merges expectedly with other styles. Obscure territory here folks.
Occasional faint tinges of Pet Shop , New Order, and straight out copy of Chemical Brothers going on ... gets spacey and neo psychadelic but a FAIL by the 2nd last track due to nauxious screachigng sounds, after all that foreplay!
I am not sure of the pedigree impact and value of this album - despite this being precisely my kind of genre... apparently these guys do good live when the room is already high
BUT - If you want a solid intro to more 'intelligent' and playful guided trippy trance or just great beats for walking in nature to fun techno, I can think of no better starting place that "knowoneness" by ELECTRIC SKYCHURCH.
Here is what i was gonna say until the bad track. What is it? What does it do? Well, its might be what you listen to Eyes closed. Or, staring at a soothing blank smooth view, with a seagull in view; a solitary seagull, to look back at you, as you both figure out what the hell is going on today, and how to respond. At best this might be stylish mood music to play while you figure who is the beast really in the film "The Beast (2023)" Original title: La bête . 2023. 2h 26m
There are playful electronic bloops and harmonies forming in "each time we pass' so they are capable of a lightness which feels like New Order at times.
Left wondering - What is this?
2
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Wed Jun 26 2024
The Undertones
The Undertones
They were big in Derry. I wonder npow if they are on the Derry Girls soundtrack at all....
Says the wikipedia page. The shivering voice of Feargal Sharkey cofnuse me, as it reminds me of DK. So there is punk and other styles happening. Its entertaining and confusing the familair sounds - and there is a moment where I think its a Tone Loc song, buts its just "teenage Kicks'. pleasant enough early English rock, and a history lesson. is it big and inluentialand special enough for a top 1000? who knows. My guess is its a lukewarm one
3
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Thu Jun 27 2024
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
As an album, a very good reminder of the stylistic reaches of this master when he does different work. It makes me rethink how i listen to him - this album hangs together SO WELL as a mood and style.
Many of his albums are distinct in mood from the others. This one I hadnt realised - and maybe as i get older I want this gentler tender soothign stuff form him.
Still I often wonder - "who actually listens to Nick Cave as much as I do?"
If there are 2 obvious "types" of Nick Cave songs, there is this - accessible sweeping almost sentimantal ballads that senak into film soundtracks. He does very specific sentiments exquisitely. And the sonorous warmth of his voice - when not snarling - sure works. So, here is a whole album of it - the kinds of Cave songs that make it into films (Shrek satirically used "People they aint no good" so welll, and Harry Potter has "O Children" would have worked well on this album ). and the other type of song? His rocking frightening doomsday mock gothic anthems - stuff like "Red Right Hand" and "stagger lee".
He really nailed it here, career wise - after grabbing popular attention with a Kylie duet in his p[revious album, he holds course, showing off really, and sweeping into a showcase of range and style in these coming albums, going into new spaces not filled, and the genuis of his always wry and playful and devastating lyrics, his intensity swoon and swagger, brought down to an intensity people can handle, bringing contemplative but not quite confessional intimacy.
Well he does ithere - the sweeping atmospherics and style of Warre Ellis, they go on to do heaps of soundtracks and colabs together ... Its a very 'soft' album for Nick. And it starts with a song that became a wedding if not love anthem for so many.
I am adding this to the "oh yeah, play that MORE!" pile.
5
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Fri Jun 28 2024
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Hard to rate. Important influential and has a powerful presence that demands attention. Authoritative and distinctive (yes reminds me both of "the revolution will not be televised" and the 90s band 'disposable heroes sir hiphoprisy') ... Important for a list so 4-5 but listening ability 3-4. Averaging all out to a reluctant 4.
4
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Mon Jul 01 2024
Repeater
Fugazi
I like the instrumentals, but not the singing.
Good rocky with attitude when it comes to the stylish and hard edged guitar and drums.
... but The vocals are noise. The intensely angry , annoying , louty accent and singing does nothing for me.
(except for Waiting Room which is on another labum, so no points for that assignable here). And I do like thier instrumetnal track "sweet and low" also on another album. so.... They have an interesting sound but I am not going ot try hard to figure out what I like in their back catalogue.
The great thing (learning) about this list, I'velearned to trust my musical instinct and judgemnt. A few track is enough for me, despite liking big hard rock done to me tastes, this aint.
3
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Tue Jul 02 2024
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
A great to start the day - eggs with Furikake, toast, espresso and playing "Sympathy for the Devil" playing as it grows and builds intensity. I prefer my stones as singles (my favourites like Brown Sugar, paint it Black etc) , due to my ignorance of their discography - although I keep seeing Exile on lists, not this one. Its a bit all over the place isnt it? I confess to skipping some more boring tracks, and the out of tune drunken crap, but its a goo dreminder of the harmonica playing swagger and early strong blues focus - when the tracks are good. I cant give it 5, but 4? sure...
p.s. I love the lyrics, its all tongue in cheek - these guys had a great time.
4
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Wed Jul 03 2024
Reign In Blood
Slayer
Of acadamic interest. The super fast drumming and guitar. Music perhaps suitable for violent chase scenes in films, or when doing SPRINT or HIIT training/exercises. But not so much for listening, or for any kind of pleasure/mood making.
But I knew that before pressing play, didnt I?
1
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Thu Jul 04 2024
A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
Aversion. Bemused resentment.
"People always say that they would rather have Chlamydia than the Birmingham accent" is a purile yet felicitous analogy, if we are to play social peccadilloes and avoid talking about our own shivvers of prejudice towards group of people we are unqualified to insult or look down on.
I can't take it seriously; yet I don't detect irony or satire.
To quote him; “it tastes like hairspray”
1
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Fri Jul 05 2024
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
His voice works for me. and the gentle guitar. As does his playful willingness to do very different stuff from U2 to Taylor Swift's 1989. Curious as to why I like his music despite the 'country' sound. Pure enough. Interesting enough lyrics. open to more. at least a 4. on the 'definitely listen to more' pile.
5
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Mon Jul 08 2024
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
Im not getting whateverit is
2
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Tue Jul 09 2024
Who's Next
The Who
album cover to get me interested. tick
great opening to the first track. tick
Enough to make me need to hear it again?
Its ok, but a bit ..... dated?
3
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Wed Jul 10 2024
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones by The Rolling Stones
This is not a review. NON!
I’m coming out of anaesthetic and not allowed to do anything important. So this.
Are your wondering Who in Hell the Rolling Stones Are and what is going on?
Yes - this album is (maybe) OK as a taster of their early R&B covers. Who knew, right?
Fun toe tapping RB twanging fun guitar. A delight. But its ALL covers. Practice. Only listen all the way if you want to be swatty for the exam.
But they got SO much better and grown up - their attitude was just building.
Later is So much. Better.
After much mucking - the 60s was a period of exploration, despite themselves and the Beatles rivalry, they did get it right in the end.
So. FOR A GOOD TIME - SKIP THIS ALBUM and go straight to ONE OF THESE 3.
They are the lux, the sound that makes you scrunch your face and yell YEAH and dance and jive.
Beggars Banquet (1968)
Exile on Main Street (1972)
Sticky Fingers (1971)
Meanwhile Footnotes for Young People:
There weren't enough songs to go around in the 50s and 60s. Covers were so accepted, sometimes there would be 3 versions of the same song in the pop charts. Boring but true. The Stones first 4 albums are basically all covers.
The final track, “Walk the Dog” was written by a man named Rufus. Yes, Woof! It was his surprise number 1 hit. And has been covered at least 30 times. The lyrics euphemistically mean anything, right? And he probably retired on the royalties. So write poetry that lasts kids, don't do onlyfans with backup insta feeder accounts.
Until these guys came along, StoneD was another word for Drunk and took decades to only mean drug affected. Their song "Stoned" - was actually The Roling STones first original composition to get recorded (1963 - as a B side to the single "I Wanna Be Your Man" ) As for the term, it was coined by Jack Kerouac eg. ( 1951) Kerouac On the Road (The Original Scroll) (2007): "I had finished the wine [...] and I was proper stoned." also see Kerouac (letter 8 Jan 1951) : "I stood completely stoned on the sidewalk in unbelievable and heavenly rapture."
If you're under 30 - go at least find out who Karouac was and how he wrote a whole book on a single piece of paper. And Beat Poets.
Before that, it meant to be killed by stoning like in the Bible, or to have your stones (bollocks) cut off as punishment. The rolling stones probably refers to a cliche, and folk music and the 60s was the time for cliches.
We are not all cliches.
7. Nevertheless the lyrics of “stoned” by The Rolling Stones suggest an attenuated sense of space or location, seeking re-orientation, then a rapid change of state to one of pleasant euphoria, suggesting a fast acting drug: "Stoned | Out of my mind| Here I go | Ah, yeah | Where am I at? |Ah-ah-ah | Yeah, yeah ".
8 naturally, later the fun police caught on to the meaning. The single was withdrawn. So they changed the song name to “Stones”. Which confuses things, especially due to the nickname the Rolling Stoned.
8 no 9!. For a trivial taste of how very far off track the Stones got before refinding their roots again. Listen to “In another land” which is soooo baaaad and includes a high quality recording of Bill Wyman snoring for 20 seconds.
My review.
This - My first listen to the particular early record, and I'd agree that this first album will surprise anyone under 50 - it was so new to UK and Europe for the times, all these thumping American R&B covers - not at all what we thought of if we got to know the superstar Stones in 80s & 90s.
But some honesty - their first 6 or so albums were just covers. They sound cool. But its also disappointing to discover at first (see above)
I think it wasn't until Beggars Banquet (4 years later) that albums were mostly new material and their own sound was more or less settled. And then they were standing tall doing something honest. And full throated. HERE they were young and finding their way. They even spent at least 2 or 3 albums outright copying the Beetles (shock, intake of breath!) and trying to do psychedelic music to their style (which pissed people off - they even ripped off the Sgt Peppers cover and it wasnt ironically ), and there are many Beatles songs they recorded too. Whah?
And so, this was England in the 1960s. It cant be overstated how important, different and even shocking this music, content and themes were. It would have created quite a fuss and discussion, bringing rhythm and blues to the masses - it was louder and faster and compared to the madrigals your parents hummed to, this was quite the toe tapping stuff (not to mention race and morals. Don't mention sex darling its crude ) !
That said, which version of this album am I supposed to listen to?
A I cant find the UK version
B “England’s Newest Hitmakers” - 1964 (US release) - does the job
C the re-released tracks “The Rolling Stones, Now!” ?
But the quality of recording is variable. By that I mean shit.
Like a sunbaked transistor AM radio up too loud. But thats a certain sound too, right?
"Roll Over Beethoven" - may have gone down like Michael J Fox playing guitar at the ball (in the Johnny be Good moment in Back to the Future).
Telling the world classical is over and rock n roll / or rhythm & blues is in - it did it literally and figuratively.
Some songs sound like they were recorded in a barn with tin microphone, buts that the 60.s...
Off to the pub with my newly acquired Brummie accent, from the last crappy record ont he list./
4
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Thu Jul 11 2024
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
An 18 track rap album from some members of the Wu-Tang Clan – “urban America”.
I've listened to more rap on this list in a year than my whole life and <10% lands with me. I claim no sophistication, pedigree or discernment – catchy party tunes may bring a smirk and head nod from me. But I am not drawn to these tracks of unhappy struggle, witnessing pain, or boastful war cries.
I don't dance or sing to this. It doesn't do what I want music to do.
Now this. Still unrelatable, but more polished slower, thoughtful variations in tonality – seems worth a listen. Its certainly less ear splitting and painfully harsh. Consistently produced the whole album holds together very, very cohesively. I do sense this is definitely better quality than most rap. Theya re good at what they do, but it doesn't touch me. Even the very best Rap, has a low ROI for me. I’m tired.
3
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Fri Jul 12 2024
In Utero
Nirvana
Its breaks through your musical defences.
Nirvana perfectly illustrates that abrasive sound, lean hoarse vocals with repellent themes can be transfixing.
Intimate and comforting – and somehow moving, oddly relatable or catchy in a way you least expect. While 90’s grunge rock + poetical angst + troubled devotionals aren't going to happy, it is painfully, stunningly good art.
I don't do album sized chunks of grunge. I wouldn’t call it a ‘pick me up’, but it rouses something. Perhaps our bestial bits.
Nirvana did make uniquely arresting and memorable music; I literally stopped by the side of the road the first time I heard them, it was “Smell like teen spirit” and I needed to know what it was. “Heart shaped box” is another inimitable work in the grunge from – it taps some kind of magic formula, I suspect. Maybe a classical transcription reveals it. What a sound – like a pied piper who found the magic harsh note that calls to an angry teen.
I think at least one Nirvana disc has to be here so people hear and feel what they do (and how unexpected that can be, no matter your taste in music, it works). A solid entry to the list for all the right reasons.
5
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Mon Jul 15 2024
Feast of Wire
Calexico
Allow me to jump on the metaphorical BANDWAGON here, and agree this is exactly why I came to this list - to discover and hopefully enjoy NEW music and unexplored styles. and sure, also be reminded the music I love but forgot to listen to because the CD case isn't sitting in front of me .... I read a few other reviews is which helped me grasp this is a mix of Mariachi (?) and post something. Ok. But I still like it for what it is. Interesting interstitial atmospheric - and it's music: I would paint to or write to... Feast on
5
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Tue Jul 16 2024
Scott 4
Scott Walker
New to me. As iconic and distinctive as V
vintage wood panelling, lava lamps, burnt orange and brown patterned couches with piping. A very specific style. I read some reviews and decided to give it a go. Unsure if I can listen to it without almost giggling and listening to it ironically/satirically. ....orchestral with rich vocals, but also very serious and evenly gravely ernest this 'baroque pop' addresses the serious themes of the unsettled 60s where war and death hung over the youth. It's well made. I find it depressing and soothing and yet - it tickles my funny bone. But ultimately...
It's a bit heavy and croony.
3
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Wed Jul 17 2024
2112
Rush
2112
A prog rock comeback album? Sounds so pure, male and navy blue. Who's music is this? Is it corporate or corporal? The first 5 or so minutes of the 20 minute opener are good (if never ending) but in then end it left me so cold, this is more ranting riff than review.
How is it so boringly familiar and yet troubling...? Ayn?
“Breakfast of champions” music for young aspiring hard right politicians?.
... The insecure kind; who want Authoritarian figures to usher in reassuring economic Feudalism (as late-stage-capitalist fades away in a non-televised denouement).
In 2024, we have some real Dr Strangelove-esque leaders rising in many western democracies. And they are jealous of the chief Oligarch. They want the same.
Maybe ...This is their music?
For fist punching the air.
Saluting themselves in the mirror.
Before occupying the high
...tower in the sky.
Great cherry faux American soundtrack for an opening to a post apocalyptic dystopian dictatorship series.
Encore, Non! Je Name pas!
2
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Thu Jul 18 2024
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
WALKING WOUNDED EVERYTHING BY THE GIRL
This was the Ear Candy of the 1990s. Sounds as direct, moving and sensually erotic as it was then.
Do Listen to their earlier stuff to understand how this is amped up and repackaging of the earlier ‘acoustic’ and raw recording style.
Earlier EBTG remains, for me, some of the sexiest sumptuous music there was. Sunday morning music that would make you grab your lover and gently sway and dance them back to bed.
Her gorgeous vulnerable, wonderfully pure, and soothing voice and their original feeling lounge-but-not-lounge bossa-nova infused vibes are the thing.
And this techno version of the is just a pop-translation that got chart success. I'm not judging... I liked it too..
Back then, all up-to-date people of good taste had the (previous) “Amplified Heart” album. The cultivated chill out set. “Missing” was the name of the sexiest and most propulsive track - it was all about YEARNING.
Some fortunate and hard working genius bastard hit the magic formula with a remix of MISSING and the result is massive chart success and this album.... As they confess in the final collection of remixes, it was time to “adapt or die”..maybe they were told. I don't know the story.
I do see how their acoustic sound risked slipping to oblivion after having a minor moment, after working at it for decades.
But I remember for a few wonderful years, this music was at all the summertime parties and we felt good, and groovy and sexy when we heard it. So happy to rediscover them here.
So yeah, I'm so grateful and happy they're here to represent in this list all that was right and bright from that era - a shining musical moment in the world. It was ear candy. And great love making music. True.
And the success of on acoustic pair who did beautiful art together.
Go listen to their early stuff. In pairs. OMG YES. sigh.
5
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Fri Jul 19 2024
Solid Air
John Martyn
If I judged an album by its cover, it's say it's going to be spacey and out there. And it is. Psychedelic Folk Impressionistic ?
Interesting. Performance ART style of music. Imagine it live.
Would be glorious to drop into THAT room. I will be back for more.... Great new album and artist is never heard of. Feels alive and live and catchy. I assume this is regarded as a high end and very special cool local blues and roots band.
5
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Mon Jul 22 2024
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Ever feel like the odd one out?
I intellectually 'get' that he's a good song writer .
The folk Blues style music.
But his wonky wah-wah / louche, almost drunkassstykised singing voice (like when Alan Ginsburg did that reading) stops me enjoying or getting any real emotional connection to the music. Especially in this album. He may have captured the voice of a generation.
Try as I might I can't plug in .
3