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Sun Mar 27 2022
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
4
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Mon Mar 28 2022
The Score
Fugees
Can’t believe I’ve never heard this before. This is the best of old school rap - mcs just trading high quality bars. Rivals anything tribe has put out
5
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Tue Mar 29 2022
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Despite the excellent venue name, this is not my thing at all. Great voice but the music doesn’t make me feel anything. I enjoyed the ad lobbing at the end.
3
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Wed Mar 30 2022
Protection
Massive Attack
No reason for this to be on the list when Blue Lines is also on it. I guess it’s fine.
3
View Album
Thu Mar 31 2022
Doolittle
Pixies
An absolute classic. Debased is one of my favorite album openers of all time. The sheer energy sets the tone for the rest of the album. The iconic bass line in Here Comes Your Man also deserves mention.
5
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Fri Apr 01 2022
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
An excellent album but has a few too many bland songs for a 5. The singles are phenomenal. Bridge over troubled water is one of the most beautiful songs of all time (although I kind of prefer Cash’s cover). I do think it should have been the last song instead of the first because the rest of the album can’t live up to it.
4
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Mon Apr 04 2022
Soul Mining
The The
My life got easier when I admitted that I straight up like new wave. This was fun. This is the Day was my fave.
4
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Tue Apr 05 2022
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
This is a 3.5 for me. I’ll round up because of their influence and a lot of it is quite good, but I’ve never been able to get into talking heads. Byrne’s voice kind of drives me crazy
4
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Wed Apr 06 2022
1989
Taylor Swift
The more I hear pop albums the more I’m reminded of the quote from the meeseeks in Rick and morty - “We’re not supposed to live this long! It feels weird!” I think it’s inherently difficult to write an exceptional pop album. The genre is more suited to the EP. The singles on this were great but I thought it was about to end like 4 times.
3
View Album
Thu Apr 07 2022
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Was not in the mood for this. You could’ve told me it was Grateful Dead and I would’ve believed it. Not sure why it needs to be in the list.
2
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Fri Apr 08 2022
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
I think I preferred Green to this, but there’s still a lot to like here. Excellent lyrics and the melodies are engaging.
4
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Mon Apr 11 2022
The Band
The Band
4
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Tue Apr 12 2022
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
3
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Wed Apr 13 2022
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Waiting room music
2
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Thu Apr 14 2022
Nowhere
Ride
One of those groups I’d heard of but never listened to. I was liking this but it it is too long and a little repetitive. Still, clearly an influential band. I can especially see the line from them to a group like the feelies.
3
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Fri Apr 15 2022
James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
I wouldn’t be interested in listening to this as a studio album, but it’s so fun to hear the crowd going crazy in this. Hard not to enjoy it.
4
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Mon Apr 18 2022
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Oh man. I get why this is on the list and understand rap was still in its infancy, but frankly this was preposterous.
2
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Tue Apr 19 2022
Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
3
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Wed Apr 20 2022
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
Never listened to this album full through. Very much a time capsule of that late aughts early 2010s vibe. Two doves was my favorite.
4
View Album
Thu Apr 21 2022
Grace
Jeff Buckley
3
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Fri Apr 22 2022
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Kind of got distracted listening but it’s not bad. A high 3.
3
View Album
Mon Apr 25 2022
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
The Master’s Call is a bop
4
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Tue Apr 26 2022
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Not as bad as the I thought it would be based on the name but still not at all for me. Just scrapes by with a 3.
3
View Album
Wed Apr 27 2022
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Very boring. Some ok parts but definitely a slog
2
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Thu Apr 28 2022
In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
Obviously a great set of pipes on Sinatra but the pace of this was all off and just didn’t keep my interest.
3
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Fri Apr 29 2022
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
What a dumb album. None of these songs needed to be 6 minutes and I would argue this album does not need to exist.
1
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Mon May 02 2022
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
I’ve never understood the acclaim the beastie boys get. I’ve listened to 3 of their albums and each one is as obnoxious as the last.
2
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Tue May 03 2022
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Man, this guy is French af. Amsterdam had me hype, the rest was fine.
3
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Wed May 04 2022
The Chronic
Dr. Dre
Impeccable production. The misogynistic and homophobic lyrics are unfortunate but also not uncommon for rap at this time. Snoop’s energy and authority are a highlight.
4
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Thu May 05 2022
Fun House
The Stooges
Could’ve done without LA Blues but fine otherwise
3
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Fri May 06 2022
1999
Prince
Good not great. I enjoyed the first half better. The second half sort of felt like kraftwerk on an aphrodisiac and was a bit much for me.
4
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Mon May 09 2022
Hotel California
Eagles
I’m not a big fan of the song Hotel California so this didn’t have much for me. Nothing was awful and Wasted Time was pretty good but most of it just felt plastic.
3
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Tue May 10 2022
Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Hm. This was rough. Some ok sounding stuff but this is well beyond post punk if you ask me.
2
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Wed May 11 2022
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
Never heard of this group. Fun album. Mr. Wendal, U, and Natural we’re faves.
4
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Thu May 12 2022
Debut
Björk
Björk really just does whatever she wants. This didn’t particularly do it for me but I thought There is More to Life Than This was a fascinating song.
3
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Fri May 13 2022
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Free bird!
4
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Mon May 16 2022
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
While I don’t think this quite deserves all of the acclaim it gets, it’s a nice pop country album.
4
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Tue May 17 2022
Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
3
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Wed May 18 2022
Snivilisation
Orbital
3
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Thu May 19 2022
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
4
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Fri May 20 2022
Brothers
The Black Keys
Man, everybody in high school was always telling everybody to listen to the black keys. I liked this, but I do feel like it leans heavily on that specific, somewhat distorted sound. Many songs are similar. These Days was my favorite, although I was kind of hoping it would be a cover of the Jackson Browne song.
4
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Mon May 23 2022
Queen II
Queen
I’ll admit I’ve never given Queen a real try, but I’ve never heard a song of theirs and thought, “I want more of this.” So, an album was too much. No desire to hear this again.
2
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Tue May 24 2022
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
4
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Wed May 25 2022
Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
Not quite a 4 for me but almost. I liked having it on in the background
4
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Thu May 26 2022
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
This gets a 4 for the beautiful and talented guitar playing. It’s not something I’m ever dying to hear but certainly not bad. I’m sure I would like it more if I could understand him half the time.
4
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Fri May 27 2022
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Steely Dan doesn’t really do it for me. It just makes me think I’m back in the car as a kid listening to my dad’s music. Not bad, not something I’ll seek out.
3
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Mon May 30 2022
The Visitors
ABBA
My first real exposure to ABBA. First song was the best and the rest was fine. Just short of a 4 for me.
3
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Tue May 31 2022
Skylarking
XTC
Even though this album loses its way toward the end, I’m gonna give it a 4 because I loved how strange it was. First few songs were great and Dear God was a strong closer. Man, this was a doozy.
4
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Wed Jun 01 2022
I Against I
Bad Brains
Pretty weak. Felt like soft hardcore.
2
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Thu Jun 02 2022
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
I think I’ve gotta go 5 here. Never listened to this before but I loved it. So much more heft than I’m used to with The Beach Boys. A Fay in the Life of a Tree was my favorite but everything was good.
5
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Fri Jun 03 2022
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
“I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die” - is there a cooler line than this? Is there anything more hardcore than recording a live album in a prison? Answer to both is no. This album rocks.
5
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Mon Jun 06 2022
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
3
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Tue Jun 07 2022
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
A hugely important album whose influence can’t be overstated. Shoe gaze isn’t for everyone but I do think this record is accessible. While this isn’t something I’ll always seek out I’ve gotta go 5. When You Sleep and Sometimes are phenomenal, but the real strength is it’s cohesiveness and style.
5
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Wed Jun 08 2022
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
An interesting album with a lot to like, some stuff to dislike. Ultimately an enjoyable listen. In Every Dream Home a Heartache was fantastic
4
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Thu Jun 09 2022
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Loved reading about the backstory of this album, super cool. Of course I wish I could understand the lyrics but this was solid.
4
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Fri Jun 10 2022
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Can’t beat this for country. I know a lot of these (most? All?) are covered standards, but this is a tremendous album.
5
View Album
Mon Jun 13 2022
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
I try to be open with music but I struggle to understand why, or frankly even how, someone creates something like this. It felt like a bad trip. I’m sure these guys had some grandiose vision and it all makes sense to them but I detested this album and never want to hear it, or its stupid song titles, again.
1
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Tue Jun 14 2022
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
I’m torn between a 3 and a 4 here because this drags way too long but it’s got a lot to say and says it well. Mind Over Matter is some of the best rapping I’ve heard in any early 90s hip hop. Once it got to the hard rock it lost me. I’ll round up to 4 for his work on SVU.
4
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Wed Jun 15 2022
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
The magnum opus of one of my favorite songwriters. I appreciate this album more each time I listen to it.
I know the length is controversial, but if you go song by song, almost all of good, and many are outstanding. The diversity of the songs helps with listenability while maintaining a cohesive sound. There are too many favorites to list here, but on this listen I was really into Asleep and Dreaming and You’re My Only Home.
I would recommend everyone listen to this album at least twice (doesn’t have to be in one sitting!) Top 15 record for me, maybe top 10.
5
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Thu Jun 16 2022
Go Girl Crazy
The Dictators
This was pretty good, but I think it was mostly due to the covers. A high 3.
3
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Fri Jun 17 2022
Faith
George Michael
Faith is of course a classic, but the rest was too sensual for me. It’s a good sound and I can see why it would be popular but not for me.
3
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Mon Jun 20 2022
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
This stressed me out, but it had more of an impact on me than jazz usually does so I’ve gotta give it credit.
4
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Tue Jun 21 2022
Phrenology
The Roots
Another old skool rap album that loses its way in the back half. Some excellent rapping here though.
4
View Album
Wed Jun 22 2022
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
3
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Thu Jun 23 2022
Sail Away
Randy Newman
God’s song was the only real highlight here for me. Dayton 1903 annoyed me.
3
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Fri Jun 24 2022
Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
This was some solid Elvis. That fever cover did it for me.
4
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Mon Jun 27 2022
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
I liked a decent chunk of this but disliked a bunch as well. It’s pretty cool sounding but I was ready for it to be over.
3
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Tue Jun 28 2022
Station To Station
David Bowie
4
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Wed Jun 29 2022
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
It’s wild to think of what passed muster lyrics wise back in the day. I certainly didn’t mind listening to this but it’s just so dated it’s hard to take seriously. Just shy of a 4.
3
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Thu Jun 30 2022
Rubber Soul
Beatles
A high 3. I think a lot of this sounded pretty generic but it wasn’t bad. Some good hooks. Nice little song about killing a woman for not liking you to close it out.
3
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Fri Jul 01 2022
Vespertine
Björk
Björk lives in that low to mid 3 territory for me. Most of this indistinguishable from her other stuff. I did think Unison was excellent.
3
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Mon Jul 04 2022
Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
I don’t think I knew this band wrote Two Weeks. This album does have that 2010s indie sound - fleet foxes, dirty projectors, arcade fire - but it does have some of its own personality. My favorite was While You Wait For The Others. A light 4.
4
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Tue Jul 05 2022
OK
Talvin Singh
While I didn’t have the best time listening to this album, I think as background music it would be fine so it lands on the 3 spot
3
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Wed Jul 06 2022
Manassas
Stephen Stills
Quite long but I won’t hold that against it. My biggest complaint is that the style of this album was all over the place, but the songs were actually quite solid.
4
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Thu Jul 07 2022
All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
I have to admit, this way better and more palatable than I expected. I didn’t think there would be an alt rock vibe to it. It still has many problems that most metal poses to me - mainly anxiety and overwrought, weird kid at school lyrics. A high 2.
2
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Fri Jul 08 2022
Like A Prayer
Madonna
Title track is a certified banger but I feel like the rest just can’t live up to it. Still, some solid pop.
4
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Mon Jul 11 2022
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
This was cool. Pretty wild to imagine seeing muddy waters play hoochie coochie
4
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Wed Jul 13 2022
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is another one of those artists that just makes me think of being bored listening to my dad’s music in the car as a kid. His voice is too smooth for me. Still, this is a great album. Obviously Supedstition is a classic but my fave is Blame It On The Sun.
4
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Thu Jul 14 2022
BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
I remember when this came out and the world lost its collective mind. Gotta give this album credit for its impact, but nobody can deserve as much hype as Beyoncé receives. There’s a decent amount of filler here in between the hits. Maybe I’d feel different if I watched the videos along with it. I don’t know, just didn’t do it for me. My faves were the ones everyone knows.
3
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Fri Jul 15 2022
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
3
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Mon Jul 18 2022
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
3
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Tue Jul 19 2022
Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
3
View Album
Wed Jul 20 2022
Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Love this voice. A nice, quick listen.
4
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Thu Jul 21 2022
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Not sure why there’s so much PJ Harvey here. I thought this was fine.
3
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Fri Jul 22 2022
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
This was a game changer for me when I first heard it (probably ‘08 or ‘09). A soft spoken album with a lot to say. me and the Major and Get Me Away are the classics but there are no bad tracks here. An ungenerous take could dismiss this as meek twee, but the execution is nearly flawless and it’s hugely influential.
5
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Mon Jul 25 2022
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Seems pretty important. Lot of good beats. I’d do a 3.5 but just can’t give it a 4.
3
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Tue Jul 26 2022
Ctrl
SZA
Nice easy listening. This wasn’t a revelation for me or anything but very good.
4
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Wed Jul 27 2022
The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
This was fun to listen too, if a bit saccharine and Budweiser-y. Kind of lost its way in the middle but picked up at the end. You’re Missing was my fave
4
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Thu Jul 28 2022
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
These writers are thirsty for Björk. Not for me.
2
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Fri Jul 29 2022
Synchronicity
The Police
The second half won me over
4
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Mon Aug 01 2022
Entertainment
Gang Of Four
Never listened to this whole album before. The hits are great and the rest is solid. Maybe a little repetitive - they really leaned on that opening strummy rift - but a quality album.
4
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Tue Aug 02 2022
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
2
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Wed Aug 03 2022
The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
3
View Album
Fri Aug 05 2022
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
4
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Mon Aug 08 2022
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Very fun, a little long
3
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Tue Aug 09 2022
Timeless
Goldie
Long, boring, and repetitive with no standouts. I usually give this kind of music some leeway but this was just rude.
1
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Wed Aug 10 2022
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I like the style but the execution is a little flat and disappointing. Songs by themselves are fine.
3
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Thu Aug 11 2022
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Buffalo stance is very very good but the rest of this was kind of ridiculous
3
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Fri Aug 12 2022
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
The hits hit and the rest is fine. A high 3
3
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Mon Aug 15 2022
Thriller
Michael Jackson
While I do think that Thriller, Beat it, and Billie Jean is one of the best trio of consecutive pop songs in history, to me the rest of the album just isn’t consistent enough to get to a 5. Still very very good. Sorry!
4
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Tue Aug 16 2022
Rapture
Anita Baker
Only able to listen to some of the songs on this due to Spotify licensing but I got the gist. Pretty good but nothing stood out.
3
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Wed Aug 17 2022
Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
I liked this but just shy of a 4. Opening track is by far the best but I also liked Insanely Jealous of You. Some interesting punk-ish elements.
3
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Thu Aug 18 2022
Illmatic
Nas
About as good as 90s NY hip hop gets. Savage and consistent.
5
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Fri Aug 19 2022
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Wow this was so much better than The Birthday Party. Real Tom Waits energy. Had it on in the background which maybe helped. I’d like to listen to it again more closely. As of now a high 3.
3
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Mon Aug 22 2022
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Hard to get too excited about this. None of it is particularly interesting. At least there’s some variety. Scrapes by with a 3.
3
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Tue Aug 23 2022
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
This was wild. I liked it though. Frisbee was my favorite - great riff
4
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Wed Aug 24 2022
Being There
Wilco
Such high caliber song writing. A little long but it doesn’t really let up. Red-eyed and Blue is an amazing song title. Not quite a 5 but Wilco will get one.
4
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Thu Aug 25 2022
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
I mean, come on.
5
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Fri Aug 26 2022
American Pie
Don McLean
I forgot that American Pie was 9 minutes. A fun song but definitely the main reason this album is on the list. I liked Everybody Loves Me Baby a lot too. Took a strange turn at the end.
3
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Mon Aug 29 2022
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
3
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Tue Aug 30 2022
The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
This was cool. Had a massive attack vibe but more lively. Not sure when I’d listen to it again but glad I did.
4
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Wed Aug 31 2022
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Ugh I don’t know. Musically I liked a lot of these songs, especially the ones with some dancey elements. Mother is my favorite. But the concept of the album itself I found overwrought. The album is too long. Maybe drugs would help. Kind of at a 3.5 but I guess I’ll round up.
4
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Thu Sep 01 2022
Low-Life
New Order
Great album. Not many of their big hits on this one but just really solid and also a little different. More instrumental and darker. Definitely want to listen again. Love Vigilantes and Face Up were my faves. A high 4.
4
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Fri Sep 02 2022
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
More of a feminist text than an album. It doesn’t quite compare to Sinister, but still a lot to like. Electronic Renaissance and I Don’t Love Anyone we’re the highlights.
4
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Mon Sep 05 2022
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Very good, not quite for me so will fall short of a 5 but a lot of good songs. Why does he say Julio like that?
4
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Tue Sep 06 2022
Machine Head
Deep Purple
Not really for me. Smoke on Water is fun if course, but also it’s so overplayed maybe I should hate them for it.
3
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Wed Sep 07 2022
Moon Safari
Air
This was interesting!
4
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Thu Sep 08 2022
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
Excellent album. Love Goes On is the obvious standout but the whole thing is chill and consistent. I’m All Right is another fave. A high high 4.
4
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Fri Sep 09 2022
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Eaaaasy 5. An absurd number of hits on this one. My favorite is probably I Know It’s Over. Morrissey may be an asshole but he knows how to write a lyric and I love his voice. If I had to choose I’d say the Smiths self titled slightly edges this out but they are both magnificent.
5
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Mon Sep 12 2022
In It For The Money
Supergrass
An unnecessary, aimless Oasis knockoff
2
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Tue Sep 13 2022
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Obviously dated but pretty fun.
4
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Wed Sep 14 2022
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Can’t say I particularly enjoyed this but it sounded nice.
3
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Thu Sep 15 2022
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
Bouncy as hell and pretty unique. The One was good. I think this falls just shy of a 4 but a worthwhile listen.
3
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Fri Sep 16 2022
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Kind of a snooze. I feel like this needs to be listened to in a meadow somewhere. Nice sounding but every song sounds the same and his vocalizing gets to be a bit much.
3
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Mon Sep 19 2022
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Some good beats, but this was a little too disco and repetitive. I preferred Very.
3
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Tue Sep 20 2022
Leftism
Leftfield
3
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Wed Sep 21 2022
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
A classic. Title track, Turkish Song, Fairytale, and Lullaby of London are all phenomenal. The expanded edition is a little long, but all of the extra songs are good (especially those Dubliners collabs). Worms was weird.
As a whole, this is unique, brash, confident, energetic, and gorgeous. May not be for everyone but definitely a record everyone should listen to.
5
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Thu Sep 22 2022
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Solid. I’ve never listened to Rod Stewart but this was not what I expected. A lot of heart and good musicianship. Maggie May was my favorite.
4
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Fri Sep 23 2022
Superunknown
Soundgarden
Not for me but fine.
3
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Mon Sep 26 2022
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
This is just on here for Piece of My Heart, which, fair. A lot of the other tracks had the feeling they were made up on the spot. A cool time capsule I guess. My favorite part was at the end when the guy was promoting “The Who, from England”
3
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Thu Feb 16 2023
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
I remember my brother listening to Sebadoh after he got into dinosaur jr in high school. I liked a few of their songs but not much else and that kind of holds true here.
I’m not a fan of noise for noise’s sake, so a lot of this album didn’t really do it for me. ‘Soul and Fire’ and ‘Homemade’ were the only real highlights
3
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Fri Feb 17 2023
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
I like jazz but don’t know much about it, so it’s hard for me to tell what’s “good”.
I liked listening to this but could’ve done without the extended introduction.
3
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Mon Feb 20 2023
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
The lyrics and skits on this album have aged like milk, but you can’t deny the raw talent and production quality here. I have to admit I was even bopping my head to the wildly homophobic ‘Marshall Mathers’. ‘Kill You’, ‘Stan’, and ‘The Real Slim Shady’ are standouts
4
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Tue Feb 21 2023
Be
Common
Never listened to Common before but I really dug this. No particular songs stood out but the album as a whole solid mid 2000s rap. Bouncy but had heft. The vintage Kanye is an added bonus.
4
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Wed Feb 22 2023
Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Pretty neat but instrumentals can only do so much for me. Light my Fire and Raghupati were fun. I’ll keep this album in mind if I do any psychedelics.
3
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Thu Feb 23 2023
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
Very little to like about this for me. Somehow both repetitive and disjointed.
2
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Fri Feb 24 2023
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
I’m sure that Nirvana is on this list, so I don’t know why I would also need to listen to this before I die. As an album though it’s decent. Mudride, If I Think were good.
3
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Mon Feb 27 2023
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Very nice to listen to. I’m sure I’d give it a 5 if I knew more about jazz.
4
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Tue Feb 28 2023
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
It’s strange to listen to this album alone in an apartment. From the sound of it, it set the tone for the 80s and I’m sure it’s had a huge influence on pop. On its own though it didn’t quite hit the pleasure center in my brain that great pop should. Maybe I’d enjoy it more on the dance floor.
3
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Wed Mar 01 2023
Revolver
Beatles
I’ll admit I’m cynical when it comes to the beatles, but cynicism only goes so far. This album slaps. Starts off strong with tax man, which is almost proto-punk. Eleanor rigby is eerie and beautiful. Yellow submarine, an objectively ridiculous song, somehow isn’t out of place. For no one is also a highlight. Just a great piece of work.
5
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
I appreciate what these guys set out to do, and the originality and influence of this album. Overall though, the execution is slightly off and felt one-note. I found myself checking to see when it would end. Five Man Army was decent.
3
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Fri Mar 03 2023
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Another “influence” album. Overall too british for me. I guess I could see myself listening to it again on a walk in the woods or something. A very cellular song was my fave.
3
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Mon Mar 06 2023
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Classic rock. Would probably give it a 4 if I didn’t hate Robert Plant’s voice.
3
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Tue Mar 07 2023
The Specials
The Specials
If you like ska, you have to like this album. As someone lukewarm to it at best, I found the middle of this album to be a little hard to get through. A Message to You Rudy is of course the best song by far and a bop.
Doesn’t Make it All Right and the unfortunately titled Little Bitch were also decent. Would listen to again if I was feeling like a rude boy.
3
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Wed Mar 08 2023
Very
Pet Shop Boys
Very close to giving this a 5, but just a bit top heavy and didn’t quite stick the landing. This is one of those bands I’ve heard of a bunch but never actually listened to. Great album overall. You can see the influence on bands like the magnetic fields. A Different Point of View was my fave.
4
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Thu Mar 09 2023
Bright Flight
Silver Jews
I’m a big silver jews fan, but I have to admit I was surprised (though not upset) to see this on the list. I think I’d only listened to it once before. It’s probably their 3rd or 4th best album, so does that mean the others will be here as well?
This is no American Water, but it’s a great album. Berman was one of the greatest lyricists of all time and his low voice complements the sleepy country vibe perfectly. This album gets better as it goes. I Remember Me, Tennessee, Friday Night Fever, and Death of an Heir of Sorrows are fantastic.
4
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Fri Mar 10 2023
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
I had to start listening to this album again after finishing it yesterday because I couldn’t decide if I liked it. I got about halfway. It’s certainly not bad and it’s got a cohesive vibe and is interesting. Kind of at a 3.5 but gonna round down because it just doesn’t have the it factor
3
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Mon Mar 13 2023
Pornography
The Cure
God, this was a bummer. I’m glad I listened to it because I’d never heard true goth music before, and it’s fascinating to hear how different the cure was (how did this same band put out just like heaven two albums later?), but it’s not for me. The unchanging drum beat made it difficult to distinguish between songs, which I’m sure was intentional but ultimately resulted in a wall of gloom with no real payoff. I’ll stick with joy division for my mopey tunes.
2
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
These are all the same song!
2
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Wed Mar 15 2023
No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
As far as live albums go this is pretty good. It’s fun but Motörhead gets repetitive to me
3
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Even though they’re different, this reminded me of the Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter. Both are pretty and create their own little world, but the music itself didn’t move me.
Spotify only had the 2 CD deluxe version so I’m not sure how much of this was on the original release so that may cloud my score. Holy Man was by far my favorite and I also really liked the instrumental outro in Time.
3
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Fri Mar 17 2023
Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
A solid, energetic Brit punk album. I don’t think of heard of these guys before and glad to have listened to it.
4
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Mon Mar 20 2023
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I guess this is indie dance pop? Whatever it is it’s well executed here. I feel like I’ve heard Heads Will Roll dozens of times and never knew it was the yeah yeah yeahs. Skeletons, Hysterics, and Little Shadow were my faves. Excellent album cover.
4
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
I’ve never gotten into Elliot Smith, but I’ve also never really tried to (maybe because liking Elliot Smith would be too painfully on brand). His talent as a songwriter is undeniable, and you can hear his influence on artists like Alex G. There aren’t any bad songs on this album but it was still underwhelming. The first 2 tracks were my favorite and after that it was fine to listen to but nothing great. I expect to feel more emotions listening to such an emotional album.
3
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Thu Mar 23 2023
Low
David Bowie
I liked this a lot more this time around than I did when I first heard it a while back. More of a vibe than an album, but in a good way. Refreshing. Sounds and Vision was great.
4
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Fri Mar 24 2023
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Liked this a lot. It must have been sad hearing this right after he died. There’s a decent number of covers but I don’t mind that, especially in a live album.
4
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Cross
Justice
4
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
I feel like this album was mostly just included for the title track, which is fair - it’s a great song. The rest of it didn’t really move the needle for me.
3
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Wed Mar 29 2023
2112
Rush
I thought this would be a drag but pretty interesting. It’s not something I’d likely seek out again but I can see why people like it. Would give it a 3.5 but rounding down for Geddy Lee’s voice.
3
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
My main issue with this is I don’t know if it’s good for what it is. That said, I liked this more than I thought I would. Parts were unpleasant, but overall it felt like there was structure which I appreciated. I’m glad I heard it but unlikely I’ll listen to it again. On Fire was my favorite.
3
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Fri Mar 31 2023
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Was hoping to like this more. Overall it was fine but a lot of the songs just felt like they were missing something.
3
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Glad to get some old school in the mix. I loved the beats throughout and some of the Latin influence, but the rapping was pretty lackluster even by 90s standards.
3
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Was liking this but it really fell off halfway through. Really a 2.5 but I’ll round up to keep my 3 streak alive.
3
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Just so boring. I can’t do 75 minutes of slow, repetitive love songs without something to break it up. Those strings are going to haunt me in my sleep. I’d be happy to listen to any of these songs on their own but I never want to hear this album again.
2
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Thu Apr 06 2023
Tapestry
Carole King
Solid.
4
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
A year or two ago I would’ve given this a 2, but I’ve come to really appreciate country/Americana so this worked for me. Also a pretty interesting album title for the 50s.
4
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Mon Apr 10 2023
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
It’s impossible to separate this from the cultural baggage of wonderwall but I tried. This isn’t bad at all but feels a little self important to me somehow. A little long.
3
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Tue Apr 11 2023
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
The first track had me really excited but then it kind of fell into that generic 60s sound. Worth a listen but nothing I’m dying to hear again.
3
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Wed Apr 12 2023
Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
I don’t find this kind of music particularly interesting, but I’ll give it a 4 on the strength of Frankin’s voice, which is astonishing. Aint no way was my favorite
4
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
First reggae since I’ve come aboard and it’s refreshing. This is great, but I like the sound of most reggae so it’s kind of like jazz for me where I have a hard time telling the good from the bad.
4
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
I don’t think it’s out of line to give this a 3. I respect the musicianship and there’s a lot to like in this (dark star and the eleven were highlights), but jamming loses a lot of its charm when it’s recorded, and the dead lose a lot of their charm when you’re sober. Is an 8 minute song if feedback really necessary? I’m sure this would wonderful to see live but as an album listening experience it left a lot to be desired.
3
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Mon Apr 17 2023
Stardust
Willie Nelson
A solid offering from willie. It’s hard to get to excited since it’s all covers, but nice to listen to.
4
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Tommy
The Who
Let’s get this out of the way: rock operas are dumb. The story is usually so thin and vague that it becomes meaningless, and they seem to be an excuse for artists to write ranging songs with no melody.
This is my second time listening to Tommy and I still just don’t get it. If you take each song on its face, none are very good and many are asinine. Why is pinball mentioned in like 3 songs? Does Tommy play pinball? Do I care? I understand why this is on the list but it’s just not for me.
2
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Wed Apr 19 2023
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
I’m torn between a 3 and a 4 here. Long Black Limousine is by far the best track imo, but is a cover. Kentucky rain was also good. The rest are solid. I’ll go with a 4 because I recently saw the bio pic.
4
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Thu Apr 20 2023
Eliminator
ZZ Top
Fun and ridiculous, if a bit repetitive. I can’t take ZZ Top seriously. They sound like a parody of themselves.
3
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Killing Joke
Killing Joke
3
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Mon Apr 24 2023
The Stooges
The Stooges
This was good. First two tracks are standouts but I was also fascinated by how dark We Will Fall was. Will listen again.
4
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
Excellent album. Probably more of a 4.5 for me but I’ll round up in honor of all the Bruce heads in this group.
5
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
This is similar to what’s the story morning glory in that it’s cultural reputation precedes it. On its own though, there’s a lot to like here. I enjoyed the bouncy vibe of the opening track and the brutal honesty of You Oughta Know. I feel like there’s something Dylanesque about a lot of the songs. Head Over Feet was my favorite.
4
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Thu Apr 27 2023
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
I’ve listened to some Smog before but I don’t think I’ve heard Callahan’s self titled stuff. This is pretty pared down, almost trance-like at times. Reminded me of Willie Nelson a bit. You could argue it gets a bit dull but I think the song writing is strong and ultimately it’s a really nice album to listen to.
4
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Fri Apr 28 2023
Django Django
Django Django
This felt long and I was surprised that it was only 50 minutes. That said I didn’t dislike it. Might have to give it another listen.
3
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Mon May 01 2023
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Really cool vocal work. Unlikely I’ll listen to it again but glad I heard it.
3
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Tue May 02 2023
Funeral
Arcade Fire
A great album I’ve never paid much attention to. Hard to believe it came out in ‘04. Wake Up famously made the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are look good and the first track is a classic. My faves were Crown of Love and Rebellion.
4
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Wed May 03 2023
In Rainbows
Radiohead
It’s Radiohead so I feel like there’s very little I can add to the conversation. As an album it’s cohesive and eerie. It’s missing the oomph to make it a 5 for me but great nonetheless. All I Need, Reckoner, Videotape are the faves.
All I need
4
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Thu May 04 2023
Microshift
Hookworms
Interesting listening to this the day after In Rainbows. I’m no Radiohead super fan but compared to yesterday this album feels completely outmatched. Other than that though there’s nothing really wrong with it. I liked The Soft Season.
3
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Fri May 05 2023
Celebrity Skin
Hole
I don’t really believe in “guilty pleasure” music, but if I have any this is it. The second Hole album I’ve heard and the second one I’ve really enjoyed. No one’s doing anything particularly innovative here and it is painfully 90s, but I’m a sucker for raw lyrics.
4
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Mon May 08 2023
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Message in a Bottle gets this to a 4. Rest of the album is good enough.
4
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Tue May 09 2023
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
I don’t see why this needs to be on the list when we know Pet Sounds will be making an appearance. Do You Wanna Dance and Help Me Rhonda are classics and rightfully so, but the other songs seem stuck in the 50s, even though this came out in 65. Songs about how your sister’s boyfriend better be nice to her and how you’re too young to get married (??) feel like they belong on a kidz bop album
3
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Wed May 10 2023
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
This album’s brevity is it’s strong point. I don’t necessarily mean that as an insult - I think it encapsulates the essence of hardcore punk. It wouldn’t make sense for this to be 40 minutes. Music wise this was fine, though I’d rather be listening to some early replacements.
3
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Thu May 11 2023
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
There’s just something about Nick Drake’s voice that drives me crazy. I don’t think this album is bad but I didn’t really get anything out of it.
3
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Fri May 12 2023
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
I did not really enjoy listening to this. I appreciate the ambition, but music is hard enough without trying to cover all these genres. Feeling 2.5 but I’ll round up Buffalo Gals.
3
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Mon May 15 2023
Street Life
The Crusaders
Good background music
3
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Tue May 16 2023
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
The highs are so high but the b sides just don’t cut it to get it to a 5. Great listen overall though. Excellent production. I’m sure others will have more to say as I’m relatively unfamiliar with Bowie
4
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Wed May 17 2023
With The Beatles
Beatles
Another album where the b sides take away from it. Hard to grade this since half the songs are covers and I feel like out of the originals and covers, it was 50/50 in terms of what I enjoyed. Would this be on the list if the artist had a different name? Hard to say. Ultimately though a worthwhile and mostly enjoyable listen.
4
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Thu May 18 2023
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the audacity it requires to write a song about telling your child that you murdered their mother. It’s insane. This album is high energy, crass, violent, infectious, and could not be made today. Like the MM LP, from a rapping and production standpoint it’s impeccable. He just seems to be having so much fun and is so self aware that I don’t see how you can’t like it. My favorite is I’m Shady, where he breaks down some of the braggadocio from earlier in the album. I don’t think this beats out MM LP (which I regret not giving a 5), so this gets a 4.
4
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Fri May 19 2023
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
I don’t know who the audience is for this but it sure ain’t me. Hurt is of course a classic but doesn’t make up for the aimless cacophony of the first hour.
2
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Mon May 22 2023
The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
I think it’s saying something that I’ve heard most of these songs out in the wild before. Maybe a bit repetitive but overall a strong album of quality pop
4
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Tue May 23 2023
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Better than I expected. A lot of the guitar was impressive. Definitely not my thing but certainly understand its presence on the list.
3
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Wed May 24 2023
Damaged
Black Flag
The list is in a mood this week. Can you imagine seeing these guys live? I have a soft spot for punk but this is a bit too angry for me. TV Party is an iconic song but this falls just short of a 4.
3
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Thu May 25 2023
Face to Face
The Kinks
This was good. Even though it’s long it kept up the pace and didn’t really have any lulls. Had that nice 60s sound. I do wish the production was more consistent - the mix of mono and stereo tracks was a bit jarring. Party Line, Queen of Darkness, Sunny Afternoon, and Mr Reporter were the faves.
4
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Fri May 26 2023
Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
Foreign music can be tough for me since I’m very much a lyric guy, but I was really digging this. Unfortunately it was way too long and really dragged at the end.
3
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Mon May 29 2023
Green
R.E.M.
Really good. This is the best REM record I’ve heard but I feel like it’s not as talked about as Murmur or Automatic.
4
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Tue May 30 2023
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
That voice will always do it for me. CCR stayed in their comfort zone for this one but that’s good enough.
4
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Wed May 31 2023
Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
This was cool. Never heard of this group but a few of these songs sounded familiar. A more intense Spiritualized. Side note: I really wish artists/Spotify would publish original track listings for all albums. Lord Can You Hear Me was my fave.
4
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Thu Jun 01 2023
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
Ignoring the terrible name, I don’t like music that seems to come from a place of pure derision, which this does. Sounds like a bunch of smart asses trying to be edgy. I’d much rather listen to Minutemen.
2
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Fri Jun 02 2023
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Maybe not my favorite Dylan album but excellent. Idiot Wind, You’re Gonna Make Me Lonely, and Rosemary are my favorites - just classic Dylan spitting bars.
4
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Mon Jun 05 2023
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
4
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
What a classic. God Save the Queen, Seventeen, and Anarchy in the UK is such a devastating 1 2 3 combo.
5
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Wed Jun 07 2023
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
This was fine. I don’t think I’d ever heard Coconut in its entirety before and it is fun, if maybe a bit appropriative.
3
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Thu Jun 08 2023
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Ehh, this is the kind of electronic that does nothing for me. It’s scattered and feels like an MF Doom album without the rapping. Frontier Psychiatrist was ok.
2
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Fri Jun 09 2023
A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
So much baggage with Coldplay. This is not bad, but it does kind of feel like they hit on a formula for a song and have been riding it ever since. The Scientist is better than Clocks. This would be a good 3.5.
4
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Mon Jun 12 2023
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
I question the need for this album in addition to Funeral because I don’t think there’s much of a difference in tone, but that’s a well documented comment on this list. Still, it’s a good album.
4
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Tue Jun 13 2023
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Can’t beat the vibes on this one.
5
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Wed Jun 14 2023
Trio
Dolly Parton
This was fun. I imagine this collab turned heads when it came out. Wildflowers was my favorite.
4
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Thu Jun 15 2023
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Never listened to this full album before. You can hear a lot of influence in it today. Sort of proto folk punk? Besides the obvious blister in the sun, I really enjoyed Prove My Love and Good Feeling.
4
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Fri Jun 16 2023
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
This was insane. I was going to say that a lot of this sounded like he forgot he was recording, but after reading the Wikipedia article it seems like that was actually the case. There were a handful of decent songs (Weighted Down was the highlight) but overall this is not good. Apparently he thought they would edit and flesh this out. Not sure why they would choose to release it as is.
2
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Mon Jun 19 2023
The College Dropout
Kanye West
Listening to this, you can’t help but sigh and wonder where it all went wrong. This is a fantastic album and it’s not even his best work. The sampling is out of this world, the rapping is clean, smart, and funny. Jesus Walks is a classic, but imo it does kind of foreshadow his later Christianity overload. Still, a triumph.
5
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Tue Jun 20 2023
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
This falls just shy of a 4 for me. I’m just never really in the mood for talking heads. The Big Country was my favorite.
3
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Wed Jun 21 2023
Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
I liked this much more than Pornography. Still gothic but had that new wave vibe. Pretty cool. 1959 was my favorite.
4
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Thu Jun 22 2023
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
This was good, but as an album it felt all over the place.
3
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Fri Jun 23 2023
Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Fine? A worse oasis but whatever.
3
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Mon Jun 26 2023
Pearl
Janis Joplin
Solid album. Mercedes Benz is such a dry, clever song. Get it While You Can was my favorite.
4
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Tue Jun 27 2023
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
What an album. Disorder is one of the strongest debut songs of all time. Those drums, the live wire bass line, the lyrics - outstanding. New Dawn Fades, She’s Lost Control, and Shadowplay is a killer sequence. The only thing you can ding this album for is its bleakness - it’s not something you want to listen to on a sunny day. But that’s part of the fun. Essential listening, easy 5.
5
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Wed Jun 28 2023
Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
It’s crazy how much she sounds like Michael Jackson here. I enjoyed the first third of this album, got a little tired of it the middle third, and thought the last third was unnecessary and boring and kind of weird.
3
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Thu Jun 29 2023
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
3
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Fri Jun 30 2023
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Good, but runs up against my jazz 3 star wall.
3
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Mon Jul 03 2023
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Other than the famous singles, I found this pretty dull. I do really like those singles though so I’ll give it a 4.
4
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Tue Jul 04 2023
Metallica
Metallica
As a yankee fan I will always have fond memories of Mariano Rivera walking to the mound with Enter Sandman playing. Plus it’s a great song. The rest of this album, especially the second half, does not live up to it. So many of the songs sounded identical and the lyrics were trying too hard imo. Not much interest in hearing this again front to back.
3
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Wed Jul 05 2023
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
I liked this better than the black album, but it still suffers from some of the same problems (mainly repetitiveness). Good guitar playing. Self titled track was my favorite.
3
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Thu Jul 06 2023
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Liked this better than what’s the story, although it’s similar enough to not really be necessary on this list. Supersonic and Married with Children were the faves.
4
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Fri Jul 07 2023
The Man Who
Travis
It’s UK week I guess. This was fine, but Slide Show was the only track that really caught my attention.
3
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Mon Jul 10 2023
Melodrama
Lorde
When it comes to pop I don’t think it gets much better than this and that’s why it gets a 5. Exceedingly listenable, excellent production, lyrics on point, and it doesn’t feel too long or repetitive which is my gripe with most pop albums. One note is that Green Light is an odd choice for an opening song - it’s so big it feels like a closer. But other than that this is a strong album that elevates the genre.
5
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Tue Jul 11 2023
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Never heard this one before. I liked the production. Songs were pretty uniform with the exception of We’re Gonna Be Friends. Would do 3.5 but I’ll round up.
4
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Wed Jul 12 2023
Mott
Mott The Hoople
Based on the album cover I was worried this was going to be another prog rock album, so I was pleasantly surprised when it started. A really nice, pretty low key sound. To me this felt like a 65/35 bob dylan/kinks fusion, and I may be crazy but some of it reminded me of parquet courts. Overall a good listen if maybe a bit derivative. Whizz Kid, I’m a Cadillac, and I Wish I Was Your Mother were my favorites.
4
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Thu Jul 13 2023
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
3
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Fri Jul 14 2023
Diamond Life
Sade
I can see why this is popular but not for me. A high 3.
3
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Mon Jul 17 2023
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
This was more serious than I thought it would be. I sometimes get a little exhausted by funk but I think this had a good balance and wasn’t too long. Everyday People and Sex Machine were my faves.
4
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Tue Jul 18 2023
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
I enjoyed the ambitious yet stripped down nature of this. Kind of surprised it came out in ‘02. Seems more modern. Not sure if they were influenced by Grandaddy but I heard a lot of them in this. Do You Realize was my favorite.
4
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Wed Jul 19 2023
We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
If you wanna spoof the Beatles I’m all for it, but you’ve got to have some actual music to back it up. About half of this album was sped up spoken word and it got tiresome.
2
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Thu Jul 20 2023
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
While I do think Once In A Lifetime is overplayed, this album is pretty solid. My complaints about Byrne’s voice and delivery still hold but this was fun enough to warrant a 4.
4
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Fri Jul 21 2023
Dance Mania
Tito Puente
3
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Mon Jul 24 2023
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
I think this has been my favorite Nick Drake so far. A solid listen for a walk.
4
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
I liked this a lot. According to the track listing it was not remastered, which would make the production that much more impressive. Opening track was my favorite. Just a good, funky jazzy time. A high 4.
4
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Wed Jul 26 2023
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
This was fine but didn’t do anything for me. I do think it must have influenced Tracy Chapman since Fast Car came out 3 years later. An interesting 80s acoustic sound.
3
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Thu Jul 27 2023
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
The Radiohead influence is big in this one. I think I need to listen to this again in a different setting than a commute. For now it’s a high 3 but could be a 4.
3
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Fri Jul 28 2023
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
This was pretty good. I zoned out a bit listening to it because I was working but it got my attention a few times. Gonna go with a light 4.
4
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Murmur
R.E.M.
Overall an impressive debut. I’m never dying to hear R.E.M but I never mind it either. Not my favorite of theirs that I’ve heard but really solid.
4
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Tue Aug 01 2023
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
One of the funniest opening lines there is. This is a very good album that falls just shy of a 5 for me.
4
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Wed Aug 02 2023
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Didn’t really have an effect on me but no complaints.
3
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Thu Aug 03 2023
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Does Mudhoney need two albums on this list? No. But I found this album much better and more accessible than their previous entry here. The solo in Broken hands was sick. A lot of gave me Dinosaur Jr vibes. Seems like they were contemporaries. A solid rock album.
4
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Fri Aug 04 2023
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Not bad, listened in the background which I think was a good call.
3
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Mon Aug 07 2023
Sea Change
Beck
At times felt a little boring, but ultimately I liked this. Beck’s lyrics were actually relatable. Lost Cause was by far the fave.
4
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Long, but a lot of slaps on this. Listening to this today it sounds like so much else out there, but coming out in 2005 this must’ve influenced a lot of 2010s indie folk.
4
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
This was dope. Solid bars all around. Check the Technique was the highlight. Doesn’t quite have the oomph for a 5 but close.
4
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Back In Black
AC/DC
Some great tracks here. Not everything works but Back in Black followed by You Shook is killer. Hell’s Bells is a strong opener. Other than that a lot of the songs kind of blend together. Nothing is bad but it all follows such a formula. Angus Young is fantastic; Brian Johnson’s shrill voice gets to be a bit much. In the 5th grade I would’ve given this an easy 5. Listening to it now it’s close, but not quite there.
4
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Fri Aug 11 2023
Scott 2
Scott Walker
Im realizing that albums have an entirely different rating system when I listen to them on a walk vs in the background while working. This was on in the background which saved it. Pretty strange. I can hear notes of influence on Stephin Merritt. Black Sheep Boy was good. Just gets to a 3.
3
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Mon Aug 14 2023
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
I’ll give this a 4 so Marty doesn’t get mad at me, but this didn’t do much for me. First 3 tracks are great. Rest of the album isn’t bad at all but I don’t see the big deal. I’ll give it credit for being interesting.
4
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Tue Aug 15 2023
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Can’t beat the vibes. Marley learned how to churn out the hits here.
5
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Wed Aug 16 2023
Drunk
Thundercat
I don’t deny the talent here, but I was bored by the end of it. I wished it was a Kendrick album.
3
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Fri Aug 18 2023
Yeezus
Kanye West
I unironically love Bound 2. This album is such a departure from dark twisted fantasy but it’s refreshing. It’s both sparse and claustrophobic. Blood on the Leaves goes so hard. I can’t quite get to a 5 on it but high high 4.
4
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Really nice listen. Judy Blue Eyes was my favorite but no real bad tracks. A good one to let wash over you.
4
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Kind of mid tbh. I question if this would be in the list we’re it not a RS album. Not bad though. Under My Thumb is great.
3
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
This found its footing as it went on. I really loved the transition into Lightning Back. Also appreciated the concept of electronic folk. 3.5 but I’ll round up.
4
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Thu Aug 24 2023
Out of Step
Minor Threat
Gets the punk 3.
3
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Fri Aug 25 2023
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Title track is fun and the rest gets a little exhausting. I’ve never really understood the huge appeal.
3
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Mon Aug 28 2023
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
Not quite a 5 but close. Candy Says, Pale Blue Eyes, Beginning to See the Light, After Hours - a lot to love here. VU eased back on the throttle but still put out a fantastic record with some of their biggest hits.
4
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Tue Aug 29 2023
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Second time listening to this and I liked it a lot more. It’s a sad album but sure-footed. Love his voice. Treaty was my favorite I think but this is better as an album than any track.
4
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Wed Aug 30 2023
Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Not bad but didn’t do much for me. The song writing is good but his soft voice gets tiresome. Kind of felt like he was phoning it in with the song about cars.
3
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Different Class
Pulp
I’m enjoying this kind of music more and more lately. Disco 2000, Feeling Called Love, and Underwear were standouts. Torn between 3 and 4 but I’ll round up
4
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Fri Sep 01 2023
Palo Congo
Sabu
Pretty sparse. Fine listening in the background. Might be a 2 if I was listening to it on a walk
3
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Walk This Way and Sweet Emotion saved this one. Not a big Aerosmith fan.
3
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Tue Sep 05 2023
Van Halen
Van Halen
You Really Got Me is fun, the rest is whatever.
3
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Opening track was my favorite. This kind of toed the line between good country and the overly sweet stuff I don’t like as much. I think it lost its way in the middle a bit.
3
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Thu Sep 07 2023
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
Not bad. An interesting mix of styles. Still, very little stood out to me. God was the only song I really liked (and I liked it a lot). Fun fact: John and Yoko sat in the same row as my mom in a movie theater once.
3
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Whatever
Aimee Mann
Big Alanis vibes here, but I would say higher quality song writing. Just a real solid album with clever lyrics throughout. I think Mr Harris was my fave but a lot of good ones.
4
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Liked this a lot more than I expected. Still a bit cheesy but a lot of really catchy songs and some grit too.
4
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Tue Sep 12 2023
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Pretty cool. I liked the eerie vibes. A soft 4.
4
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Wed Sep 13 2023
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
It is what it is. Last song was pretty strange.
3
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Thu Sep 14 2023
Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
What was going on in the UK in 1981 that this was the best selling record? This had like 2 ok songs and the rest were completely forgettable or actively bad. Just seemed kind of aimless.
2
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Sister
Sonic Youth
I’ve never spent much time with Sonic Youth but enjoyed this a lot. Good mix of rock, punk, and experimental stuff.
4
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Mon Sep 18 2023
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Never heard this one but seemed like solid Bowie. He kind of lives in that 4 range for me. Time was very good.
4
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Tue Sep 19 2023
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
I’ve got a lot of respect for this album, but musically it’s never stuck with me as One of the Greats. Maybe it’s just because of how hip hop has evolved over time, maybe it’s because of the song Infamous Date Rape (which, why?), but it doesn’t get me going enough to be a 5.
That said, it’s still an excellent, wildly influential album. Excursions is a phenomenal opener and the record doesn’t feel too long which I feel was a big issue in the 90s. I might like Midnight Marauders better.
4
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Wed Sep 20 2023
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
It’s Britney Bitch.
This was fine. Other than the first 2 tracks (both bangers) the rest is kind of generic and sounds like scrapped Madonna tracks. Autumn Goodbye was decent. I am also of course not the target audience for this. As a kid there was nothing worse than being accused of liking Britney Spears.
I strongly believe we are the first group of people to listen to Baby One More Time the day after listening to Low End Theory. If my Spotify algorithm wasn’t in shambles before it sure is now.
3
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Dry
PJ Harvey
God, I would love to know what kind of dirt PJ has on these list writers because this is getting out of hand. This was my favorite of her albums we’ve listened to so far - a bit more grungy and velvet underground-y. Plants and Rags was good. Still though, not much different from the other stuff. A high 3.
3
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Orbital 2
Orbital
Idk.
3
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Mon Sep 25 2023
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Another odd Queen album. I feel like you really have to be in the mood for this. I did enjoy She Makes Me so I’ll go with a 3.
3
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Tue Sep 26 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
The swag on this is off the charts. Great album title too. Not something I’d likely come back to much but a great listen.
4