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Tue Feb 21 2023
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Pretty good for country. Happy & Sad best song.
4
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Wed Feb 22 2023
Tidal
Fiona Apple
OK for what it was, just not really my type of music. Favorite song - Criminal
2
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Thu Feb 23 2023
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
A bunch of slow, short, sparsely produced acoustic songs. No "On the Road Again" sounding songs here. It's just very much not my thing. I'll still give it a 2 though.
2
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Fri Feb 24 2023
Close To You
Carpenters
Some good stuff (We've Only Just Begun, Close to You), some bad stuff (Crescent Noon). Didn't really like the covers of Help or Baby It's You. The last song (Another Song) was pretty cool/experimental, which bumps it up to a 3/5.
3
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Mon Feb 27 2023
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Very good Blues album; I just don't enjoy straight Blues that much. I find it gets repetitive over a full album. Favorite song: Tiger in Your Tank.
3
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Tue Feb 28 2023
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Great early rock & roll. Probably a 4.5/5. Favorite song: Oh Boy!
5
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Wed Mar 01 2023
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Decent sounding early 80's new wave stuff. Liked some of the bass lines. Didn't love or hate any songs in particular. Favorite track probably Poison Arrow.
3
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Thriller
Michael Jackson
5/5 album without a doubt. It has everything. A duet with Paul McCartney, an Eddie Van Halen guitar solo, and a spoken word rap by Vincent Price!
The only song I really didn't care for was Lady in My Life.
Favorite song (and music video): Billie Jean
5
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Fri Mar 03 2023
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
I've never heard of this album, nor of Ian Dury before listening. It's weird, and a hard one to rate. I'm not a fan of the monotone, heavily English accented "singing" voice he uses on some of the songs, for example, Clever Trevor. It reminds me of the Squeeze song, Cool for Cats. On the other hand, you've got three (I think) songs where he changes it up and sounds like the Sex Pistols. (I looked it up, and this album came out a month before the Sex Pistols album.) It's not something I'd listen to often, but I'll give it a 3/5 at least for originality.
Favorite song: Sweet Gene Vincent (or maybe Blockheads?)
3
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Mon Mar 06 2023
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fantastic album, could almost be a greatest hits.
Favorite track: Travelin' Band
5
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Tue Mar 07 2023
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
I have never heard anything by Joy Division, though I've heard of them. There were a couple of good tracks, but the rest was just kind of depressing to listen to, not really to my taste, mostly because of the vocals.
Favorite track: Interzone
2
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Wed Mar 08 2023
Wild Gift
X
Did not know anything about X going in, so I wasn't expecting a female voice to come out, nor was I expecting to enjoy the album this much. Now I'm a fan.
4
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Thu Mar 09 2023
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
I hadn't heard of this album or Massive Attack before this, so going in fresh. Unfortunately, this is the first 1/5 I've had to give here. The whole thing is just very dull to my ears, an electronic beat with some English blokes occasionally attempting to rap on top of. I listened to every second of it, but couldn't wait for it to be over a couple of tracks in.
1
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Fri Mar 10 2023
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
Am I crazy or is this album kind of good? I didn't care for the random weirdness near the end (I was afraid the whole album would be this sort of stuff). The album was a bit too long in general, but I did enjoy a lot of it.
3
View Album
Mon Mar 13 2023
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
I was excited to hear this one, but I was a bit disappointed. Only a couple of songs I really liked (Immigrant Song and Out On the Tiles). Too much acoustic stuff and not enough drums for my taste.
3
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Drunk
Thundercat
So bad. Annoying singing, annoying rapping, childish lyrics about Mortal Kombat, Dragon Ball, and Captain Planet. I did like Them Changes with the 70's funk vibe and one other track that had no vocals, but not much else good here. How did Michael McDonald get roped into this?
1
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
I hope you like folk ballads sung in a high-pitch warbly voice, because that's pretty much all you are getting here. There are only two songs that sound even slightly different than the rest. Wildwood Flower has a sort of bluegrass feel to it, and El Preso Numero Nueve is sung in Spanish. I didn't enjoy this at all and can't give it more than one star.
1
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Thu Mar 16 2023
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
I'll be honest. I'm not someone who can tell the difference between good jazz. At least not yet. I had listened to a Miles Davis album a couple of years ago, and this album was kind of like that album. Not terrible to listen to, but not great to listen to either. I usually like my music to eventually settle into a groove, and this doesn't do that. So, average rating I guess.
3
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Fri Mar 17 2023
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
I first listened to this album back in 1988 when I was 14 years old. My step-brother had a copy. I already liked rap like the Fat Boys, Beastie Boys, Run DMC, and Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince. But N.W.A. was different, with content I knew my parents wouldn't want me listening to, but I listened anyway.
Now, almost 35 years later, listening to it is much different. The lyrics are pretty juvenile and silly. In one breath, dropping F-bombs all over the place, then the next rapping "I kick so much butt" and "I don't give a hoot." Complaining about being harassed by cops after bragging about being criminals and shooting people. OK. Despite that, I have to admit it's still kind of fun to listen to. The beats are nice, the rapping is pretty good for the most part. Eazy-E's stood out the most, maybe because he had the most unique voice out of the group. The tracks I like the best are the ones where they trade off verses like in the title track.
3
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Mon Mar 20 2023
The Last Broadcast
Doves
Mostly dull, forgettable slow rock. I listened to this on a Friday and am reviewing it on a Monday, and can't recall much about it except I noted which track I liked the most, "N.Y." I remember liking the drums in it.
2
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Tue Mar 21 2023
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
Falls a bit shy of a 5-star album for me. You'd think being only 29 minutes long, there wouldn't be room for a useless interview at the end. I found the songs I didn't already know (pretty much all of side two) to be somewhat boring, but the rest is great. I've never heard this version of Help Me, Ronda before. It's a bit rougher than the single version, but I dig it.
4
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Wed Mar 22 2023
Low-Life
New Order
Not bad, not terrible, just average I'd say. Makes me wonder if there are actually 1,001 albums I really need to hear before I die. The use of croaking frogs in one of the songs was interesting. Not a big fan of the fake sounding drums and hand claps.
Best track: Love Vigilantes
3
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Thu Mar 23 2023
Manassas
Stephen Stills
Didn't know a lot about Stephen Stills going in, just that he was in CS&N, who I only know a few songs from. I was pleasantly surprised. Great mix of a lot of genres (rock, country, blues, funk, etc.), nice harmonies and lyrics. I'm going to have to give this a 5/5 and listen to it again.
5
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Fri Mar 24 2023
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Not bad at all, not quite a 5/5. Drumming is great. I dig On Sir Francis Drake.
4
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Scottish folk music. I just didn't enjoy this at all. Bored the whole way through. Did not listen to the Collectors Edition tracks.
1/5
1
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Again, I don't know a lot about jazz, but this one I liked a lot. The drums and piano especially.
Favorite track: Maseru
4
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Overall, a great album. I love the passion in his singing. I thought the last track, Jungleland was a bit overwrought. I'm a bit tired of hearing Born to Run at this point, so my favorite track is probably Backstreets.
4
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
What a voice, and the man has a ton of energy throughout the live show. Great songs too, missing Another Saturday Night though. The only negative here for me is he changes the cadence of some of the songs from the studio versions, so it's hard to get in a groove to. When this album was over, I turned on Sam Cooke's greatest hits to hear the originals.
4
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Fri Mar 31 2023
Music From Big Pink
The Band
Critics loooooove this band. I had heard it once before and didn't get the hype at all. After listening a second time now, I think I'm coming around. But only a little. I think the Weight is a great song, and a couple of others are good, like Chest Fever and Caledonia, but then there are bad ones like Lonesome Suzie to bring it back down. The singer's voice can get really annoying when he sings high like that. So, over all an average rating for this one.
3
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
The beats and lyrical flow is good, but the lyrics are so abhorrent, I would never listen to this again.
2
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
I was already familiar with three of the songs here (title track, Jet, and Let Me Roll It). Those are good. The rest is...OK, pleasant McCartney stuff.
Best track: Jet
4
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Wed Apr 05 2023
The Specials
The Specials
OK ska music, gets a bit repetitive. "Concrete Jungle" was the highlight for me - it rocks.
3
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Thu Apr 06 2023
Vivid
Living Colour
When I was 14, I bought this album when it came out, on the strength of "Cult of Personality", which I loved. It didn't turn out to be one of my favorites, so I didn't listen to it a lot. Listening to it now, only 2-3 of the songs even sounded familiar. But I liked it a lot. The singer has a really good voice, it's got some great guitar riffs and solos. I might go and check out their second album at some point.
Favorite track: Middle Man
4
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Fantastic album! Much better than I expected. Before this, I only knew 4-5 of their songs. Almost every song is great. I especially loved the drum work. "Some Mother's Son" brought the album down a bit with the gruesome subject matter, but the rest more than made up for it. 5/5
Hard to choose a favorite, maybe "Shangri-La"?
5
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Mon Apr 10 2023
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
Good basic blues rock. If it was some other band, the album wouldn't be on this list, but I suppose it has historical significance since it is the first Stones album. My favorite track is probably I'm a King Bee (I'm just a fan of this song in general).
4
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Tue Apr 11 2023
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Second time hearing this album. It's nice music. The singer has a soulful voice (when he is singing, which is rare). For me, there is just too much repetition, noodling around, and some songs are just drawn out way too long. Or maybe I just don't like blues very much. Average 3/5 for me. Favorite track: Hot-lanta
3
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Wed Apr 12 2023
25
Adele
1st listen. This could have been called "I'm Sad, But Listen to What I Can Do With My Voice." It gets boring. "Send My Love" and "Sweetest Devotion" save it from being a 1.
2
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
First listen. The music is pretty good. Shame the vocals are somewhat off-putting with the droning, echoey, wailing. Album ends on a real downer with the title track. Average rating 3/5. Favorite track: What She Said. That one rocks.
3
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
First listen. I knew the songs Wishing Well and Sign Your Name.
Not bad at all, really (except that As Yet Untitled song, what a bore). The two singles are pretty good and I really liked the upbeat James Brown inspired "Dance Little Sister." But nothing really made me want to explore his music further either.
3
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Mon Apr 17 2023
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Some great stuff here like Homeward Bound, Bright Green Pleasure Machine, Simple Desultory Philippic (whatever that means!) and then a couple of lame pretentious songs. 4/5
4
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Zombie
Fela Kuti
Pretty good. Jazzy, with an African beat. Songs can get repetitive given how long they are, and they all followed the same formula, instrumental for 7 minutes or so, some singing/chanting for 3 minutes, then instrumental again the rest of the way. So, not something I would probably seek out, but fine to listen to for this list.
3
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Wed Apr 19 2023
The Next Day
David Bowie
David Bowie has a unique singing voice, but I find it very dull to listen to. Sometimes his music is enjoyable despite this and sometimes not. This is what we have here, a bit below average album for me.
Best track: The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
3
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Thu Apr 20 2023
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
I don't understand French. Would this be more enjoyable if I did? I thought the guy singing/talking sounded really creepy most of the time, but the drummer knew what he was doing. I was really enjoying "En Melody" until the girl (Melody, I'm guessing) starting shrieking and laughing like the Nanny.
2
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Mott
Mott The Hoople
Wasn't familiar with Mott the Hoople beyond "All the Young Dudes" and "All the Way from Memphis." Pretty good rock album, nothing bad, nothing I *really* loved either, just solid.
4
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Frank
Amy Winehouse
Never in a thousand years would I think I would give this album a 5/5, but I liked it that much. Even listened through a second time. Every song is good.
5
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Good old southern blues rock - no complaints here. I was familiar with four of the songs already, but there were some other great new-to-me songs like "Move Me On Down the Line" and "Precious and Grace." "Hot, Blue, and Righteous" sounded like it could have been from The Band.
5
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Good thing this is only 15 minutes long or it would become extremely repetitive. I'm sure some people will still think it is. I like it though. It's high-energy, fun chord progressions, good drumming. Just need to be in the right mood for hardcore punk.
4
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Thu Apr 27 2023
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
I like Rumours a lot, but Tusk is a big, dull dud. And to make matters worse, it's a double album. Why is it on this list? Some of the songs sounded like they might be going somewhere, but never did, and then some songs like "The Ledge" could have been good but the production was terrible. How could they release it sounding like that?
2
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Fri Apr 28 2023
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Good stuff. Mr. Isley has a beautifully smooth voice, the instrumentation is on point, covers are excellent. Nothing bad here.
5
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Mon May 01 2023
Ramones
Ramones
Songs are repetitive, sound alike, the singer mumbles and slurs his words, silly lyrics, but I love it.
5
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Tue May 02 2023
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
I feel I'm being generous giving this a 3/5 considering I really dislike Bowie's vocals. They just annoys me. I can take a song here and there, but a whole album is too much. The non-vocal parts of the album are good though. My favorite track is the Rolling Stones cover, "Let's Spend the Night Together."
3
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Wed May 03 2023
Kid A
Radiohead
Pretentious tripe that I will never understand the hype for. Dull, annoying, repetitive, and forgettable all at the same time. 1/5
1
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Thu May 04 2023
I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Oh, boy, what a chore this was to get through. One depressing song after another. Off-key vocals don't help either. I was angry I had to endure this.
1
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Fri May 05 2023
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Nice, slow-tempo, funky stuff to chill to in the background.
3
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Mon May 08 2023
The Stooges
The Stooges
If if wasn't for the bullcrap 10:18 long boring dirge called "We Will Fall," I'd probably give this a decent 3/5 rating, but it's on there, so I have to lower it by a full point. The rest is just OK, I didn't love or hate anything.
2
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Tue May 09 2023
Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
I had never heard of this band or album before. It's not bad, though the vocals are a little mellow and laid back for my taste. There were some decent tracks like Metal Baby. The last track "Is This Music?" was interesting, it had a different sound than the rest of the album. I kinda wish it had lyrics though. The album artwork is atrocious, which should go without saying.
3
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Wed May 10 2023
Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
I owned their previous album when I was a teen. Never heard this except for "By the Time I Get to Arizona" and "Bring tha Noize." I would have liked this more back then I think, but it's not bad. Chuck D is a good rapper. Flava Flav is good when he's the hype man or comic relief, but kinda sucks as a rapper, which thankfully he doesn't do a lot of here, just two tracks I think. Public Enemy was always good about spreading around the criticism, not only against the power they were fighting, but also rapping against people in their own community bringing them down (drug users/dealers, thieves and other criminals). Favorite track is probably "Bring tha Noize" since I'm a fan of that era of Anthrax, even though Scott Ian is not the best rapper.
3
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Thu May 11 2023
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
On first listen, I thought it sounded like music from an action scene in the Matrix or a "doing science" montage in CSI (TV show). Turns out they did have a song on the Matrix soundtrack. It's not bad music at all, I'd just rather hear it in a movie rather than sitting down and listening to a full album of it. Favorite track: Breathe
3
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Fri May 12 2023
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
I like a lot of what's here, but the limp, wimpy vocals bring it down.
Favorite track: I Don't Love Anyone
3
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Mon May 15 2023
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
I'm not a Pink Floyd fan. I just don't get it. I've also never done drugs. (This may be relevant.) These songs have the most random lyrics, I just have to roll my eyes at most of it. Watching buttercups and riding you-nee-corns? It's definitely not the worst album on this list. I did like Lucifer Sam, which is the most straight forward rock song on the album.
2
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Tue May 16 2023
Bad Company
Bad Company
Great album! I was familiar with "Can't Get Enough," "Ready for Love," and the title track, but a couple of the others sounded slightly familiar as well. "Rock Steady" was a standout - reminded me of a 70's Whitesnake song. Good old rock 'n' roll!
5
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Wed May 17 2023
Maxinquaye
Tricky
I'm already not a fan of this genre, whatever it's called. Throw in the terrible and sometimes crass lyrics, the creepy whispering and attempts at "sexy" singing, and I'm out. I probably would have rated this higher if it had no lyrics at all. The music is sometimes OK, but gets repetitive. Black Steel was probably the best track, but again, the lyrics ruined it for me.
1
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Thu May 18 2023
The Doors
The Doors
I'll give it a low 5. I'm not really a fan of "The End," but the rest is great.
5
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Fri May 19 2023
Is This It
The Strokes
I only knew of their song "Reptilia" going in. Some decent stuff here. The main issue for me is the vocal distortion used on every song. It just gets old after a while and becomes abrasive. Made me want to turn on some Marvin Gaye afterwards.
3
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Mon May 22 2023
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Amazing album, and I'm not even a big fan of Kashmir. The drum sounds (and actual drumming) are incredible here. I usually don't like long songs, but In My Time of Dying is 11 minutes long and is the best track on the album.
5
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Tue May 23 2023
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
This album was nice, easy listening. She has a soulful, sincere voice. The sound doesn't deviate a whole lot throughout except for that one song with only vocals. Overall, it's not my taste, but also wasn't bad so I'll give it an average rating.
3
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Wed May 24 2023
Headquarters
The Monkees
I've only heard the Monkees radio hits before (and maybe some songs from the TV show I watched as a kid) and love them all. I don't recall ever hearing any of the songs off this album before. I liked it for the most part, nothing amazing though. The first song, You Told Me sounds like very much like a Beatles song cut from Rubber Soul. Still, I wonder why this was the Monkees album chosen for the list.
4
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Thu May 25 2023
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Love catchy pop rock! Wish there was more of it on this list. I already knew Hanging on the Telephone, One Way or Another, and Heart of Glass. The new standouts to me were Sunday Girl, which sounds like a throwback to the 60s, and I'm Gonna Love You Too, which is just silly fun.
5
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Fri May 26 2023
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
The music here is OK, good actually. Some of it actually rocks pretty hard - Geek U.S.A. being a good example of this. However, I don't like the vocals very much - they are "creepy" sounding, for lack of a better word. I always had fun drumming to Cherub Rock on the game Rock Band.
3
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Mon May 29 2023
2112
Rush
Not familiar with anything on this album, but I liked it more than I thought I would. The vocals can get irritating. I liked parts of the 20 minute song, not the entire thing though. Passage to Bangkok is good, and Something for Nothing has been stuck in my head.
4
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Tue May 30 2023
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
How could you not be entertained by lyrics like these?
Now, you see this one-eyed midget shouting the word "Now"
And you say, "For what reason?" and he says, "How"
And you say, "What does this mean?" and he screams back, "You're a cow!
Give me some milk or else go home"
I can totally understand people hating this album and writing it off as nonsense garbage with horrible, nasally vocals, but I can't help but enjoy it.
4
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Wed May 31 2023
C'est Chic
CHIC
The songs are decent for a disco album, good even. Some of them felt long though and didn't change much. Everyone knows "Le Freak," but "I Want Your Love" and "At Last I Am Free" were also good ones.
3
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Thu Jun 01 2023
Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
I had never heard of The Sabres of Paradise before. Apple Music has this listed as Alternative, so I didn't expect to hear what I heard. I just don't know what I'm supposed to feel while listening to it. I'm not much into soundscapes, which is how I'd describe this. Many of the songs are long and repeat the same beat throughout and don't change much, and the novelty of hearing some unique sounds wears off quickly, but a couple of them weren't bad. "Duke of Earlsfield" was probably the best of the bunch.
2
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Fri Jun 02 2023
Chelsea Girl
Nico
Why? Why would this album need to be on the list? I had listened to the Velvet Underground and Nico album a few years ago, and I remember liking it *despite* Nico's vocals. Now I have to listen to a album with *only* her vocals?
Anything that the music has going for it, which isn't that much, is ruined by the flat, lifeless, emotionless vocals with a speech impediment (yes, I know it's just a German accent, but still). It reminded me a bit of the vocals from The Shaggs. Oh, and that song with all the annoying feedback, horrible. The Beatles she is not, but you can tell they influenced some of what is here, like the song that sounds like an Eleanor Rigby ripoff.
I will say one good things about the album - the lyrics weren't too bad.
1
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Mon Jun 05 2023
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
I was told if I don't like this album, then I just don't like jazz. Well, it was nice, relaxing music for my drive home. I just wasn't blown away by it. I prefer more upbeat jazz like the Hugh Masekela I had earlier in the list.
3
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
I wasn't expecting much going in, but I was impressed. Good rapping, good beats, not as explicit lyrically as I was assuming it would be. I might listen to this again some time.
4
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Wed Jun 07 2023
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This was a bit better than I expected. I heard one or two EC albums in the past and thought they were so-so. This one had some decent stuff. On first listen, "Accidents Will Happen" and "Goon Squad" were standouts. I really liked the basslines. However, this is not an album to throw on at a party, with some questionable lyrics if taken out of context. "white n*gger," "darkies," "final solution," and "Two Little Hitlers."
3
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Thu Jun 08 2023
Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Another rap album (sigh). Oh, but this one has harmonica. The vocals on this one seem to be pretty low effort for the most part, and there were a couple of really awful tracks ("We Have All the Time in the World" and "Methadonia." Yuck. The first song "Fun Lovin' Criminal" was OK, but the highlight of the album was the killer guitar solo on "I Can't Get With That." All in all, it wasn't terrible, but I never want to hear "La di da di, free John Gotti" ever again.
2
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Fri Jun 09 2023
Autobahn
Kraftwerk
I think I had heard of Kraftwerk before, but I didn't know they were German electronic music. I was pretty sure I wouldn't like it, and...I was right. At its best, it sounded like an early 80's cheesy sci-fi soundtrack, and at its worst, a boring soundscape to listen to to help me fall asleep. Maybe they were innovative for their time, but I'm listening to this in 2023 and it doesn't hold up at all. I hope this is their only album on the list.
1
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Mon Jun 12 2023
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Listened to this on Friday afternoon, reviewing on a Monday morning. I've mostly forgotten about it except I remember enjoying the female lead vocal songs more than the others. Didn't love or hate it, so just giving it an average 3/5.
3
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Tue Jun 13 2023
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Finally a metal album! I'm not a big fan of Changes, and FX is a nothing track, but everything else rocks. After first listen, I think Supernaut is my favorite track.
5
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Wed Jun 14 2023
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
Better than I expected. The first and last tracks were annoying and repetitive, but some of the stuff in between was pretty good and varied.
3
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Thu Jun 15 2023
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Ugh, this was awful, and disappointing considering I liked the only Sonic Youth song I previously knew (Kool Thing). Off-key vocals, out of tune instruments, a lot of just droning, trying to be artsy(?) It was just a bore. The one decent song, "Bubblegum" doesn't save it from a 1/5. I'm afraid there will be more of this band on the list.
1
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Fri Jun 16 2023
L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
French alt circus rock? The instrumentation here isn't bad, but having the singer belch his vocals really brings down the entire album. I'm going to be generous with a 2/5 here.
2
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Sun Jun 18 2023
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This sounded to me like a really boring Dire Straits album. Nothing really to hate (except the Haunting Idle, ugh), just kind of dull.
2
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Mon Jun 19 2023
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
I listened to a different Roxy Music album a couple of years ago and didn't think much of it. This one I actually liked, even though the last couple of tracks were downers. The first track, Re-make/Re-model was my favorite.
4
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Tue Jun 20 2023
Metallica
Metallica
First listen. I prefer thrash Metallica to this. Beyond bored with the five singles I've heard ad nauseum the past 30 years. Still, I can't deny this is a good album. "Through the Never" was great - I'll be adding it to a playlist for sure.
4
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Wed Jun 21 2023
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
I have listened to a couple of Neil Young albums in the past (and I'm guessing there will be more in this challenge,) and I didn't care for them. I liked this one OK, at least when he wasn't using the worst singing voice I've ever heard. Seriously, what is up with his singing on Mellow My Mind? That was god-awful. I guess for some people, that's part of his charm, but Neil's singing sounds best when covered up...I mean harmonizing with someone else. Anyway, the music is pretty good, with a couple of clunkers in there. I think my favorite track was Come On Baby Let's Go Downtown.
3
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Thu Jun 22 2023
LP1
FKA twigs
Everything I hate about modern music. Ethereal background noise, breathy vocals, other random electronic noises, filthy lyrics ("Two Weeks"), and it never gets into a groove. Ugh, how many more British electronic albums am I going to have to endure for this challenge?
1
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Fri Jun 23 2023
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
I have heard of Blue Cheer before. I had always read they were "proto" heavy metal. And yeah, that's exactly what this is, similar to Deep Purple. And I love it. It's raw and low production, but that's cool with me. There's quite a bit of jammin' too. I love it.
5
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Sat Jun 24 2023
In Utero
Nirvana
Not a huge Nirvana fan. This album had some good and some bad stuff, so 3/5.
3
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Sun Jun 25 2023
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Not the kind of music I would normally listen to, and I didn't understand any of the lyrics, but it was fun, upbeat, and I enjoyed it.
4
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Mon Jun 26 2023
The Score
Fugees
I'm not the target audience for this kind of music, but I found it very entertaining nonetheless.
4
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Tue Jun 27 2023
All Mod Cons
The Jam
I don't think I knew any songs by The Jam going in. It reminds me most of the Clash and Elvis Costello. Not amazing, but a solid album with catchy songs, none of them bad, really. Favorite track: David Watts
4
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Wed Jun 28 2023
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
Unrelatable, boring hip hop that I'm wondering why it's on this list. The songs all have a sample that repeats on loop throughout. The beats are fine I guess, but the rappers are mediocre and the braindead banter in between songs is laughable, nomsayin? Lots of N-words and some gay slurs too.
2
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Thu Jun 29 2023
Real Life
Magazine
I had never heard of Magazine before. I thought it was above average, has a unique sound, though there were hints of other bands sprinkled throughout, like Queen and Bowie. "Shot By Both Sides" was my favorite track. I wish Apple Music labeled the album as the extended version, as I prefer to listen to just the original for these ratings, and that version had four bonus tracks.
4
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Fri Jun 30 2023
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
How to rate this? It's a very long and drawn out affair. Some of the songs feel like they go on and on and are never going to end. The monologues are silly and pretentious at the same time. But when it rocks, it rocks. As far as live double albums go, I'd rather listen to KISS Alive! (I hope that one is on the list.)
3
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Sat Jul 01 2023
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Another Neil Young album. Still don't like his vocals. The rest is decent. It has "Southern Man," so that's something.
3
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Sun Jul 02 2023
Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
It was fine background music. Did nothing else for me. When the album started over, I didn't realize, so it didn't make a huge impression.
3
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Mon Jul 03 2023
Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Pretty unique theme. I got bored of the tracks without a female singer on them. Didn't really like the sometimes crass lyrics.
3
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Tue Jul 04 2023
Dookie
Green Day
Pretty average punk in my opinion. I'm not a fan of the singer's whiny, nasally vocals. There were a couple of good tracks though, I just wish they had a less annoying singer. Favorite track: Basket Case.
3
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Wed Jul 05 2023
American Gothic
David Ackles
Sounded to me like Neil Diamond doing boring showtunes. Maybe I'm way off, but this wasn't for me at all.
2
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Thu Jul 06 2023
Be
Common
Another hip-hop album that is not relatable at all for me. Some of the samples are nice. Don't like listening to all the N-words, sorry.
2
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Fri Jul 07 2023
Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Another solid Bob Dylan album. "Tangled Up in Blue" and "Idiot Wind" are great tracks.
4
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Sat Jul 08 2023
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Having "Sunshine of Your Love" on it almost makes it a 5/5 album by itself. Luckily, most of the other songs are pretty good too. Good that they put the novelty song at the very end so it doesn't throw off the tone of the album.
5
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Sun Jul 09 2023
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Better than average hip-hop/rap. No glorifying gang violence, drugs, sexism, etc. Flavor Flav is kind of annoying with his yeahhhh boyyyy and cold medina (whatever than means).
4
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Mon Jul 10 2023
Opus Dei
Laibach
I appreciate the list expanded outside of the US and UK, but not like this. Outside of the off-putting belchy vocals, the first half or so of the album was acceptable as something a little different. The track "Trans-National" was not bad. It sounded sort of like a spy movie soundtrack. But the remainder of the album was just atrocious, a boring repetitive slog. I really hated it. Disliked the album cover art as well.
Edit: Just looked at the wikipedia page and it seems the last four tracks (probably the four worst on the album) were bonus CD tracks. With those excluded, that might put my rating closer to 1.5, but I'm leaving it 1/5.
1
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Tue Jul 11 2023
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
First time hearing an entire Kanye West song, let alone full album, and another hip-hop album ruined by crass and sexist lyrics. There were some interesting things going on musically, but also a lot of annoying bits, mostly with the vocals, like the awful auto-tune. Chris Rock deserved to be slapped for his contribution in the song "Blame Game." I'll bet it wasn't fun trying to edit the clean version of that one. Best track: "Power". I'm guessing there will be more Kanye on this list. Sigh.
2
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Wed Jul 12 2023
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
Background music. A bit boring, honestly. Doesn't belong on the list in my opinion. Nothing really bad here, though. The title, Club Classics Vol. One is a strange choice. It sounds like a various artist compilation. By the way, where is the version of "Back to Life" everyone knows from the radio? Best track: Fairplay
3
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Thu Jul 13 2023
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
It’s the kind of music you kind of forget is playing. I’ll put this in when I’m laying on the beach on vacation, which is unfortunately never. And no, I don’t remember the days of slavery. Please stop asking!
3
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Fri Jul 14 2023
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Irish folk punk, is that what this is? It was decent, better than the previous Irish one that came up, The Waterboys. I probably won't listen to it again, though.
3
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Sat Jul 15 2023
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Out of the 112 albums I've rated so far, this is by far the one I'm most familiar with. It was the perfect album 12-13 year old me could relate to. An immature, silly, rap mixed with hard rock was right up my alley at the time. Now, some of the lyrics probably haven't aged well for some people. "The girlies I like are under age" and "Girls, to do the dishes and clean up my room" come to mind. With that, all the White Castle references (I think I counted four), and all the other silliness in this thing, I still love it. My favorite rap is when the members of the group trade off verses, and the Beastie Boys do that on every track. The only song I even slightly dislike it "Slow and Low," and even that one isn't bad.
Best track: Paul Revere
5
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Sun Jul 16 2023
Infected
The The
Looking at the album cover, I was worried this was going to be death metal or something. Thankfully it was just OK 80s pop. Not a lot to say about it. Nothing really stood out as great or bad. This list loves its UK artists.
3
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Mon Jul 17 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
I've listened to this album a few times before. It's a near perfect heavy metal album. No bad songs. My tiny complaint is that they use the lyric "some crazy dream" twice (in title track and Hallowed By Thy Name). Wouldn't mind seeing more Maiden in this list. Favorite track: Probably still Run to the Hills.
5
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Tue Jul 18 2023
Blur
Blur
I only knew Song 2 from this band, but I've heard they were the 90's Beatles. So I had my hopes up a little too much. Only the first track sounded Beatle-like to me, and the sort of throwaway Song 2 was the best track. The rest was either kind of boring or heavily distorted. All in all, it was average.
3
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Wed Jul 19 2023
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
It's nice to hear a good singer once in a while in this list. The two slow songs I didn't care much for, especially "For Crying Out Loud." It just went on too long. But the rest was great. Five out of seven ain't bad. Favorite track: Paradise By the Dashboard Light.
4
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Thu Jul 20 2023
Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
For some reason, I thought this was going to be metal. After listening, I kinda wish it was. Whatever it was, I didn't like it. I listened to the whole album in my car and honestly could not understand a single word of the vocals. They were so...limp, lifeless, and quiet. No thank you. The instrumentation was OK I suppose. What is special here?
2
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Fri Jul 21 2023
Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Better than the other My Bloody Valentine album (which coincidentally came up just yesterday!) I could actually understand some of the lyrics on this one, and the music seemed to be a bit punchier. Still not a big fan though.
3
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Sat Jul 22 2023
Marquee Moon
Television
Liked it OK, didn't love it. It actually made me want to listen to the Cars. The best song is probably the title track, though it's a bit to long. The last track, Torn Curtain went a bit long too. I liked the stripped down production, but the album as a whole didn't do a lot for me.
3
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Sun Jul 23 2023
Brothers
The Black Keys
I have not consciously listened to the Black Keys before, but I feel like I've heard them. Maybe in TV commercials? I was pleasantly surprised. The drum sounds are amazing. The singing is good, just wished there was a bit more variety. I'll listen to this one again.
4
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Mon Jul 24 2023
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Lots of classic hits on this one. Doesn't get boring despite being 76 minutes.
5
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Document
R.E.M.
First five songs were just average, then we get the two hits (End of the World and The One I Love), which are great. Then the rest was pretty good with the exception of the last song, which was kind of a dud. A low 4/5.
4
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Wed Jul 26 2023
The College Dropout
Kanye West
My second Kanye album, and I'm rating it the same as the first. Seems like the guy has always been a dumbass, just a musically talented dumbass. Lyrics are just embarrassing.
"The drug game bulimic, it's hard to get weight
So nigga's money is homo, it's hard to get straight"
"Ooh girl your breath is harsh!
Cover your mouth up like you got SARS"
Glorifying drug dealing, discouraging kids from going to college, and many, many other things I just can't relate to in this. The album closes with a super long story about how he got a record contract with a beat underneath. I'm sure this won't be the last Kanye West album I'll be forced to endure, unfortunately.
2
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Thu Jul 27 2023
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
I listened to the tracks of the original release, not the bonus tracks.
I'd like to give this a 3, but I can't say I enjoyed a complete song, just elements of many of them. For example, I liked the drums on the last track (Grey/Afro), but it was too long and I didn't like the vocals. Any song where he used his old man voice just sounded weird.
2
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Fri Jul 28 2023
With The Beatles
Beatles
Album #126 and finally a Beatles album! I love the Beatles, but in my opinion this is one that didn't really need to be on the list. All My Loving is the only important song. There are six covers of other artists' songs. However, the album cover itself is pretty iconic. If I was comparing it to other Beatles albums, it would rate lower, but overall it's still a 5/5 for me. I've heard it many times before. Like most Beatles albums, all four members get a chance to sing lead. In fact, my favorite track may be Ringo's only song, I Wanna Be Your Man. I don't dislike any song here, but "It Won't Be Long" and "Not a Second Time" are not favorites. The covers are all good, even when Paul sings "I never sar them winging."
5
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Sat Jul 29 2023
Ten
Pearl Jam
I like the hits on this (Even Flow, Alive, Jeremy) and the rest are OK. I just get really bored hearing Eddie Vedder's voice by the end.
4
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Sun Jul 30 2023
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
Not really familiar with the White Stripes, but I liked this a lot. Good variety. Loved the drums and piano.
4
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Face to Face
The Kinks
Another good Kinks album. Not quite as good as Arthur. Party Line, Dandy, Sunny Afternoon are favorites.
4
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Tue Aug 01 2023
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Some pretty songs, some dull songs. Better than the previous Willie album I rated.
3
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Wed Aug 02 2023
Stankonia
OutKast
I only knew OutKast from that mashup of Hey Ya and a Charlie Brown Christmas video, but I liked that song and had high hopes for this. Nope, just another n-word, m-f laden, moronic skit having, sexually explicit rap album. Giving this a 2/5 like most of the others because of the decent beats and music.
And no, I don't want to know about some gangsta sh*t, so please stop asking.
2
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Thu Aug 03 2023
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
I like some Steely Dan. This sounded like some of their smooth, easy listening stuff, which I don't care as much for. Upon first listen, the only song that stood out much was Ruby, and that's only because it's a cover of a song I know well. It's fine for what it is, but I must be missing something considering it's on this list.
3
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Fri Aug 04 2023
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
First time listening to any Kate Bush. I appreciate the uniqueness here, but it's a bit too weird for me to actually enjoy. She might be more of an acquired taste.
2
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Sat Aug 05 2023
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I only knew of one song of theirs, Maps, which I like. This album was a tad pop and overproduced for my taste. The vocals have kind of a generic Gwen Stefani type voice. I liked the song "Dull Life."
3
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Sun Aug 06 2023
Faith
George Michael
I was just thinking this list needed more straight up pop music, and here we go. I knew the hits, and some are better than others. I liked Faith and Monkey. Father Figure was OK. Didn't care for I Want Your Sex or One More Try (never knew the title of that one - it could have been called Teacher for all I knew. The non-hits were somewhat forgettable. In general, when George Michael uses his breathy vocals, it kind of creeps me out. I'd rather listen to Wham, actually.
3
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Mon Aug 07 2023
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Didn't care for the creepy songs. The rest were not bad. Favorite track: Miles.
3
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
From this album, I had only heard "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," which happens to be my favorite Steely Dan song. As for the rest of the album, I think I liked "With A Gun" best. "Barrytown" reminded me a lot of the Beatles' "Tell Me What You See." All in all, pretty good album.
4
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Harvest
Neil Young
Third Neil Young album for this challenge. The other two I rated a 3/5. This one was quite a drudge to get through. Even the couple of relatively upbeat numbers felt weighed down. There were a couple of weirdly overproduced tracks, "A Man Needs a Maid" and can't remember the other one, that felt out of place. I'll take "Heart of Gold" and "Old Man" and you can keep the rest.
2
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
Seeing how this is a live Grateful Dead album, I expected quite a bit of jam band shenanigans. I didn't expect the album to begin with a 22 minute noodling around session (Dark Star), and end with 8 minutes of just noise (Feedback). But what's in between is really good, so just take tracks 2, 3, 4, and 5, make it a single length live album and you are good to go.
3
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Fri Aug 11 2023
Slipknot
Slipknot
First time hearing Slipknot other than "Before I Forget" on Guitar Hero III. I was never much into angry, expletive screaming music like this. Much less so now that I’m almost 49. On the very rare occasion the singer tried singing clean, it didn't sound bad. As it is, it's just difficult to relate to this kind of music. Favorite song: "No Life" maybe?
2
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Sat Aug 12 2023
Urban Hymns
The Verve
I know nothing of the Verve. <Starts album> OK, I know one song. I like the strings on that song. It goes downhill after that. The songs are just...so...dull. And too long. And the album itself is 30 minutes too long. The singer sounds like he's putting in the least amount of effort possible. Oh, and the hidden song at the end after several minutes of dead air sucks too. Was that a dying cat I heard?
2
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Sun Aug 13 2023
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart has a distinctive and kind of a comforting voice to listen to. This album is nothing fancy, but a solid listen. The only negative I had was the song where he was singing harmony with another guy. It just sounded off.
4
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Mon Aug 14 2023
Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
It's OK for a country album. The outro of Boxcars rocks.
3
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Tue Aug 15 2023
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
My second Radiohead album after Kid A (1/5).
Boy, do I hate Radiohead. I'd rather listen to 57 minutes of complete silence. Or maybe just the music without the whiny ass singer. One of the songs is called "We Suck Young Blood." They should have just shortened it to "We Suck" and then given that title to all the songs and the album too. I know I'm in the minority in hating this band, but that's my opinion.
1
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Wed Aug 16 2023
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
Waffled between a 3 and 4 for this. I did listen twice, but the hippie sounding songs like Wild Mountain Thyme bring it down a bit for me, and the others aren't quite up to the level of Mr. Tambourine Man and Turn! Turn! Turn! A couple of songs sounded a little too similar to those though. I liked Mr. Spaceman.
3
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Harvest 2/5
After the Gold Rush 3/5
Tonight's the Night 3/5
---------------------------------
This one is better than all the above for my taste. I liked the hard rock sound more, and Neil's voice wasn't as annoying. I didn't love it though. The songs were too long, and there were ten of them, making the album itself too long. It's almost as if he didn't realize non-fans would be listening to it 30 years later but still wanting to get through it as quickly as possible. Also didn't care for the hippie-dippie final track, Mother Earth.
Favorites: F!#in' Up and Farmer John.
3
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Fri Aug 18 2023
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
A very average album. His biggest hits aren't on this album. Some of the lyrics are kind of lame. There's a Jesus song. Kravitz is obviously doing his best to be Prince here. I thought I even heard a little Elvis Costello in one of the songs too.
3
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Sat Aug 19 2023
Grace
Jeff Buckley
Only knew Hallelujah before this. OK, so this guy could sing. Based on his screaming on Grace, he could have fronted a metal band. Then he turns around and sounds like Chris Isaak, then Joan Baez on Corpus Christi Carol (did NOT like this song, btw), then Lou Gramm on the last song, Forget Her (not sure if this one is officially part of the album as far as this list is concerned, but I liked it).
3
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Sun Aug 20 2023
Connected
Stereo MC's
Not bad I guess, just sounded a bit dated. I just don't think the list needed more British hip-hop. By the end, the accent really started annoying me.
3
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
This man will get emotional over anything and everything, but it translates into some pretty good music. One complaint, he changes around the lyrics a bit too much. So much "loving," the bees envy me? Favorite track: Respect.
4
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Who's Next
The Who
I tip my hat to the Who here. Great stuff. Baba O'Riley, Bargain, Going Mobile, Behind Blue Eyes, Won't Get Fooled Again all classics. The others aren't bad either. Drums and bass guitar are highlights for me. 5/5 even though they stole a couple of songs from that CSI show.
5
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
The sitar, over the course of an entire album, can get very irritating to listen to. I really only enjoyed a part of one song. I think it was Metamorphosis when the drums kicked in. The covers (Jumpin' Jack Flash and Light My Fire) sounded kind of cheesy. This album seems like more of a curiosity than anything.
2
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Thu Aug 24 2023
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
I only knew of Killing Moon from Rock Band 3. Was curious about their music, but not enough to go seek it out. The album is just OK. Nothing was very memorable. I did like the clean sound, but sometimes there was just too little going on. I think I prefer the Cure, who are similar but the songs are catchier.
3
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Fri Aug 25 2023
Smash
The Offspring
Great, high energy punk rock. I knew three of the songs already. Only negative I can think of is the vocals are done in the same way throughout. I'm sure that will lead some reviewers to say all the songs sound the same.
5
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Sat Aug 26 2023
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Better than I expected. Very funky stuff. Not sure how many times I'd want to sit through the entire story of "By the Time I Get to Phoenix" many more times, but on the first listen, it was pretty gripping. The Hyperbolic song was probably my favorite track.
4
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Sun Aug 27 2023
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I had heard Breakout and American Girl previously. Pretty solid album especially for a debut, no bad songs. I listened twice in a row.
4
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Mon Aug 28 2023
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Ugh, more electronic music. I gave it a chance, but no. Mostly repetitive, and whiny vocals.
2
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
I like Once in a Lifetime. The rest was kind of meh to me. Comes off as pretentious at times. I was going to give this a 3/5, but the last two tracks, especially the Overload, were dull and brought it down to 2/5.
2
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Wed Aug 30 2023
Microshift
Hookworms
Was listenable, the singer had a decent voice, but beyond that it didn’t do a lot for me.
3
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
I knew Main Offender and Die! All Right already. I thought listening to those abrasive vocals would be a problem over the course of an entire album. Fortunately, the album is only 28 minutes. (I actually listened to it twice, back to back.) The songs are short and fun for the most part. Not my new favourite band, but I liked it quite a bit.
4
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Fri Sep 01 2023
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
One of the most schizophrenic albums I’ve ever heard. Starts out normal, then all of a sudden gets weird, and then very weird, and then back to normal again, followed by more weirdness. I kind of liked it!
4
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Sat Sep 02 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - 5/5
-------------------------------------
Besides the two hits (Tiny Dancer and Levon), I was kind of disappointed how mediocre the other tracks were.
3
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Sun Sep 03 2023
Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Not my style of music, really. Sounds a lot like Hank Williams. Production is bad, even for 1958. But it was OK. I'll be generous and give it a 3/5.
3
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
Like a less fun, more creepy Bob Dylan.
2
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Tue Sep 05 2023
Young Americans
David Bowie
Aladdin Sane - 3/5
The Next Day - 3/5
----------------------
Third Bowie album for this list. This one is more funk/pop/disco sounding, and I think I liked it better than the other two, but still not something I'd normally choose to listen to.
3
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
Some smooth R&B soul to use for mood music for certain activities. But for just listening to on my way home from work, it doesn't do a whole lot for me. However the lyric about his father needing love hits hard considering he was shot and killed by his father a few years later.
3
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Thu Sep 07 2023
Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Only knew a couple of Adam Ant songs previously. Just listened to the original 12 song release, and it was better than expected. Pretty original sounding stuff, good variety of songs. Nothing super amazing here, but just barely squeaks in at 4/5. I'd listen again.
4
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
Never heard of this band before. For punk, this was just a bit on the boring side. Also for punk, what are they doing with 5 and 6+ minute songs? I liked some of it though - Preaching the Blues may have been my favorite.
3
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Sat Sep 09 2023
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I've heard of Gorillaz, but didn't know any of their songs. It was OK. Maybe back then it was revolutionary? Some of the songs can be quite repetitive and sound synthetic.
3
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Sun Sep 10 2023
Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
A perfectly fine Latin music album.
3
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Pornography
The Cure
First the Cure album for me. I was kind of looking forward to it, but sadly it was a dreadful letdown. Just echo-heavy, depressing sounding muck. Why am I even giving it a 2/5?
2
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Tue Sep 12 2023
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Armed Forces 3/5
*******************
Either Elvis Costello is growing on me or it's just this album in particular that I like more than his other stuff I've heard. I liked the 1950's vibe; it's just fun in general. I liked the drums. No real complaints on this one.
4
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Wed Sep 13 2023
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
In Utero - 3/5
****************
Pretty decent stuff here. It would have been nice to throw in one or two more upbeat songs into the mix. It's nice to have the banter in between songs. I felt that Cobain hit the off key, voice cracking gimmick a little too hard. Favorite track: Come As You Are
3
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Thu Sep 14 2023
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
First time listening to Arctic Monkeys. The music was pretty decent. Not a fan of the vocals though. The combination of the English accent, the speak-sing, and distortion annoyed me at times.
3
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
Couldn't find this on Apple Music. There is one there with the same title and artwork, but the artist and track names are different. I found what I think is the original version on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1zzVqrCEeU) and that's what I listened to. As an American, I have no connection to this type of music, so I can't really appreciate it as much as many others can. For what it is, it's fine, peaceful, exotic sounding background music. No annoying buzzing sitar of an earlier one from this list (Ananda Shankar).
3
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Sat Sep 16 2023
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Nice voice and an overall pleasant listening experience. Favorite track: Help Me.
3
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Sun Sep 17 2023
Damaged
Black Flag
I liked a couple of the songs, particularly Rise Above and TV Party. If I listened to this when I was younger and angrier, the album would have probably resonated more.
3
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Mon Sep 18 2023
Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
I thought I knew one Kings of Leon song, but I guess not. So, first time hearing this band, and I liked the music well enough. I had a hard time enjoying the vocals though. Sounded like the singer was trying way too hard to be unique, but ended up sounding like an annoying Bon Scott/Chris Robinson hybrid. Nothing stood out to me as great, but Trani was clearly the worst track.
3
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Tue Sep 19 2023
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
I was looking forward to listening to who I heard is one of the greatest rapper of all time. I only knew the radio edit of "My Name Is" when it first came out. And I thought it was kind of different and funny. Hearing the entire album now, it's much less so. A lot of the lyrics are big time YIKES! I can't relate to this much at all. Glorifying drug use, violence (especially against women), STDs, robbery, and so on, just doesn't do it for me at my age. And I'm glad I didn't grow up listening to this kind of stuff. How messed up would I be now? Holding my nose and giving it a 2/5 just for some clever lyrics and unique rapping style. Otherwise, it's rather abhorrent. So is the album cover.
2
View Album
Wed Sep 20 2023
Dust
Screaming Trees
I knew exactly one Screaming Trees song before this, "I Nearly Lost You," which I liked well enough. This album was not amazing, but pretty darn good. I might listen again.
4
View Album
Thu Sep 21 2023
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
One of the best albums ever, let alone debut albums. Amazing guitar work obviously, and the drumming is insane. The vocals could be seen as the weakest part, but he sings so effortlessly and cool, it's not weak at all. Fire is probably my favorite track. Manic Depression if you want a deeper cut.
5
View Album
Fri Sep 22 2023
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Never heard of Throwing Muses before. This wasn't on Apple Music, so I had to listen on YouTube on my laptop speakers. I don't know if that affected the review one way or the other. When I started it up, I thought hmmm, this might be decent. Then she started singing. No, I don't like this very much. Then she started doing that weird quivering with her voice, and I really did not like that. Some of the lyrics sounded pretty questionable too, not that I understood the meaning of any of it. Overall, it wasn't a very pleasant listening experience. I'd much rather listen to pop girl groups like the Bangles, the Go-Gos, Bananarama, or even 'Til Tuesday.
2
View Album
Sat Sep 23 2023
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Take Me Out was the only song I knew of theirs, and it's great. The rest of the album is OK.
3
View Album
Sun Sep 24 2023
New Wave
The Auteurs
I had never heard of this band or album going in. Nothing really notable or terrible about the music. Sounded as if they wanted to sound like the Beatles, but only the John Lennon led songs. I got tired of hearing that voice by the end.
3
View Album
Mon Sep 25 2023
Ingenue
k.d. lang
I knew only of Constant Craving before listening. It wasn't bad, just not my type of music. I liked Miss Chatelaine.
3
View Album
Tue Sep 26 2023
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I had never heard of this album or artist. It's nice, easy to listen to jazz. It kind of reminded me of Henry Mancini, and sounded similar to Green Onions by Booker T and the MGs. I'll have to look into why this was included on the list. Even though I enjoyed it, it didn't seem to be groundbreaking or all that special.
4
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
As far as thrash metal goes, I always preferred Anthrax over Metallica, but it’s hard to deny this as a masterpiece. I’m sure I heard all of these songs when I was a teenager, but only the first two track were familiar. Favorite track: Battery (or as I like to sing it, Batt-er-rang).
5
View Album
Thu Sep 28 2023
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Previously listened to:
Autobahn (1/5)
I don't remember much about the previous album of theirs, but I think I liked this one better. It must have sounded pretty futuristic for 1978, but listening today, it sounds very dated. Again, some of it sounds like a cheesy sci-fi movie soundtrack. One track, I think Metropolis reminded me of the intro of an early 1980s pro wrestling TV show. Songs are repetitive though. Repeating "We are the robots" 30+ times? Yeah, we get it.
2
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Fri Sep 29 2023
Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
Knew nothing about N.E.R.D going in. By the album cover, I assumed it was going to be rap. Apple Music even has Hip-Hop/Rap as the genre. It didn't sound like it to me. Funk rock maybe? Either way, I wasn't really feeling it. Cringe lyrics didn't help. I thought the drums sounded good on a couple of the tracks. Best track: Maybe (maybe?)
2
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Sat Sep 30 2023
Homework
Daft Punk
I liked one track, Da Funk. In general, the songs are super repetitive (Around the World) and sometimes super annoying (Rock’n Roll). Too long too. Won’t be revisiting. Afraid there may be Daft Punk more on this list.
2
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Sun Oct 01 2023
Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
Different, not what I was expecting. Does that mean I liked it? No, not really. I thought it was pretty boring overall. Favorite track: I'd Like That
2
View Album
Mon Oct 02 2023
I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Good old authentic country music. I don't love the genre, but this is 100x better than today's popular country. Favorite track: We're Gonna Let the Good Times Roll.
3
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Tue Oct 03 2023
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
This was not bad. Sounds like someone Tracy Chapman may have been influenced by. Good variety here - listed as Pop on Apple Music, but there's blues, funk, folk, country. Favorite track: Water with the Wine, but also liked Tall In the Saddle.
3
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Wed Oct 04 2023
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
I didn't know anything about Cee-Lo-Green going in except I heard he has a popular song called F*** You, so going in I was expecting to hate this. I didn't. It was too fun and catchy to hate, at least the first half. He has a weird voice that I was tired of hearing by the end. Some of the guest vocals I didn't like. Album was too long. Didn't like hearing the N-word over and over in some songs.
3
View Album
Thu Oct 05 2023
Fragile
Yes
After listening to this, I immediately started it again. The three long tracks (Roundabout, South Side of the Sky, and Heart of the Sunrise) are all pretty epic. I'm not usually big on instrumentals, and there are three here. I didn't dislike them, but thankfully they are shorter tracks. I wouldn't mind seeing more Yes on this list.
5
View Album
Fri Oct 06 2023
Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
I'm not big into Brazilian music, so it was pretty forgettable. I did kind of like the last track (Eles) with the Indian instruments. I felt the singer needed to back away from the microphone a bit. You could hear his mouth opening and his breathing too much.
2
View Album
Sat Oct 07 2023
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Previously listened to:
Cosmo's Factory (5/5)
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This album is what I'd call comfort music. It's familiar, relaxing, goes down easy. Not as good as Cosmo's Factory. There are no extended jam sessions as they have an other albums. Every track is under five minutes. Still, I could put this on any time and enjoy it.
Best track: Bad Moon Rising
4
View Album
Sun Oct 08 2023
Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
Perhaps this kind of album requires multiple listens before one can properly rate it. As it is, it's a bit too challenging to enjoy, and I probably won't come back to it. But I assume that other, more popular KC album will come up eventually, so I'll give the band another chance then.
2
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Mon Oct 09 2023
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
I listened to this once, years ago. I remember liking it more. It's energetic, it's noisy, it's got dumb lyrics about anarchy.
3
View Album
Tue Oct 10 2023
In It For The Money
Supergrass
Have I heard of this band before? None of these songs sounded familiar. It was pretty average to me on first listen. Best track: Probably Sun Hits the Sky.
3
View Album
Wed Oct 11 2023
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
I listened to this once years ago and remember liking it a lot. I still do. They do better country music than most country artists. And then there's Sympathy for the Devil which is an iconic song.
5
View Album
Thu Oct 12 2023
Illmatic
Nas
Wasn't this a really big deal when it came out? I remember seeing this album cover everywhere. It's really boring! I didn't like anything about it. N-word this and N-word that, gnomesayin, guns, drugs, the usual, but the rapping itself was just blah. Once again, an album not meant for me.
1
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Fri Oct 13 2023
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
I heard Ladies First back in the day, but not familiar with anything else of hers. It wasn't bad. Yeah, the rapping delivery sounds outdated, and the lyrics were a bit corny, but that's just how rap was back then, so I can't fault it too much for that. There was a lot of saying her name, spelling her name, spelling other words, complaining about other rappers copying her, etc. Pretty fun stuff until it fizzled a bit in the end. I can see why she stood out among female rappers of the time.
3
View Album
Sat Oct 14 2023
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Never heard of this album or artist before. I'll be blunt. I hated every track. The creepy, breathy, wimpy vocals were the worst part. The rest of the music had nothing exciting or memorable. One song that said Lincoln is known as the great emancipator sounded like something a kid would write for extra credit in his high school history class. I'd be embarrassed to listen to this in front of anyone. Did not listen to the bonus CD tracks. I can guess what they sound like.
1
View Album
Sun Oct 15 2023
Technique
New Order
Pretty good pop album. Didn’t dislike anything. Had some nice hooks. Favorite track: All the Way.
4
View Album
Mon Oct 16 2023
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
I always thought Foo Fighters a generic rock band, like Nickelback. I still kind of think that. I had higher hopes after the first track which I liked, but nothing else was as good. Average rock album.
3
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Tue Oct 17 2023
Cross
Justice
I'm almost 50 years old. I don't like to be annoyed when listening to music - I like to enjoy it. Therefore, this isn't an album for me, with all the beeps, boops, buzzing, music cutting in and out, and drilling(!?) This is music that should only be played in a TV show/movie while a group of edgy computer hackers are taking out some evil corporation. However, I did enjoy D.A.N.C.E a bit, but it was an anomaly. Also, dumb album cover and doesn't match the music contained within.
2
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Wed Oct 18 2023
Movies
Holger Czukay
Never heard of Holger Czukay before this. The first track, Cool in the Pool, was pure cringe. Second track, Oh Lord, Give Us More Money (at least the first part), must have inspired Ross Geller to write Interplanetary Courtship Ritual, with the random cat meow, dog bark, explosion, etc. sound effects thrown in. Maybe that was revolutionary back in 1979? Persian Love was the only decent track for me. Hollywood Symphony was just a long, dull track that never goes anywhere, with more random sound effects and movie dialog(?)
2
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Thu Oct 19 2023
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
I had heard this once before. Great album. Best: Too High, Living for the City, Higher Ground, Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing.
4
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Fri Oct 20 2023
Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
At first I thought hmm, this is kind of nice, but I quickly got tired of it. The rap song Pilgrim was pretty bad. The Conference is something I'd never want to hear again. The rest is somewhat forgettable.
2
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Sat Oct 21 2023
Dirt
Alice In Chains
Very grungey with not a lot of variety. I did like Them Bones (which is a bit too short) and Rooster (which is a bit long), and Would? but overall the album was on the depressing side, especially knowing what happened to the singer later in life.
3
View Album
Sun Oct 22 2023
Who Killed...... The Zutons?
The Zutons
I previously only knew one song by the Zutons, Valerie, which I love. In this album, even though no song really stood out, I thought it was great all the way through.
5
View Album
Mon Oct 23 2023
Arise
Sepultura
First time hearing Sepultura. I'm generally not a fan of growling vocals, so that is going to bring my rating down automatically. Otherwise, this album has its moments. The lead guitar riff in the first track, Arise, was great. As were some of the solos. I didn't understand many of the lyrics, but I'm pretty sure they would be depressing if I looked them up so I won't.
3
View Album
Tue Oct 24 2023
Rubber Soul
Beatles
Previously listened to for this list:
With the Beatles (5/5)
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I have listened to Rubber Soul many, many times, so I don't need to hear it again to rate it. (I still did, though.) It's one of the Beatles' best albums. I enjoy every song on it, even Ringo's country song, What Goes On. Yes, even John's lyrically disturbing Run For Your Life. George stepped up his game here from his relatively weak songs on Help! with Think for Yourself and If I Needed Someone. The Word and Wait may be filler-ish tracks, but there are way too many amazing songs (Norweigian Wood, Nowhere Man, Michelle, In My Life, I'm Looking Through You) to not give a 5/5.
5
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Wed Oct 25 2023
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Previously listened to for this list:
Innervisions (4/5)
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Just listened to Innvervisions last week. Songs in the Key of Life is a very low 4/5. Rated highly for some amazing songs, Sir Duke, Isn't She Lovely, Pastime Paradise, I Wish. Some other songs, and the album as a whole, especially sides 3 and 4, go on way too long. A couple are pretty cringeworthy and I'd definitely skip them if I listened to this again.
4
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Thu Oct 26 2023
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
I knew a couple of songs from Todd Rundgren going in, Hello It's Me and the Bang on the Drum song. I didn't expect how quirky and weird this album would be, at least the first half of it. I wasn't sure if I was liking the music or the production, but I started getting into it and rather enjoyed it by the end. So much I started it over from the beginning. Whenever that happens, I give the album at least a 4/5.
4
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Fri Oct 27 2023
Kala
M.I.A.
Not just annoying, it's aggressively annoying! There is nothing musical about this to my ears. My poor ears. Why would anyone think this needs to be listened to before they die?
Note: It wasn't on Apple Music, so I had to listen on YouTube, which isn't ideal.
1
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Sat Oct 28 2023
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Previously rated:
Meat Is Murder (3/5)
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I listened to this yesterday and don't remember a lot about it beside the lyrics to Unhappy Birthday. I laughed and then was disturbed at them. The song titles are all interesting at least. Best track: Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This Before.
3
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Sun Oct 29 2023
The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
Perfectly fine background music. Listened to this a few days before Halloween, so I enjoyed the sort of spooky sounding stuff.
3
View Album
Mon Oct 30 2023
World Clique
Deee-Lite
Good dance album, positive, fun, and upbeat. Groove Is In The Heart is the standout.
4
View Album
Tue Oct 31 2023
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
First Oasis album for me. It was a much harder rock album than I was expecting (other than the last track). I liked it a lot. Take one star off for the wahhhhhh vocals. Favorite track: Rock and Roll Star
4
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Wed Nov 01 2023
Clandestino
Manu Chao
Not really my style of music, and I don't know much Spanish or French, but there was a good variety and it wasn't boring. What was with that video game sound effect that was in several songs? Sounded like Galaga.
3
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Thu Nov 02 2023
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Starts really well with Motherless Children, then I started losing interest until I Shot the Sheriff, then it falls off again until the last couple of tracks which were good, Steady Rollin' Man and Mainline Florida. I'll give it a low 4/5. I'd definitely listen again and maybe those other tracks would grow on me more. A very specific thing to mention, I really liked the thud of the bass drum on this album.
4
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Fri Nov 03 2023
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Previously rated:
Nico - Chelsea Girl (1/5)
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I had heard this album once before. I remember kind of liking it, but not enjoying the Nico songs. I can get into the low production, garage rock sound on tracks like "I'm Waiting for the Man," "Run Run Run," and "Heroin," though the latter song does too long as does the final track "European Son," which is just noise for the last several minutes and leaves a bad taste. This may be an iconic album, but it's not a brilliant one. Nico sucks. Low 3/5 rating.
3
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Sat Nov 04 2023
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Previously rated:
The Beach Boys Today! (4/5)
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I listened to this once before and didn't think it deserved it's "best albums of all time" status, and I still think that though I enjoyed it more this time. I forgot Sloop John B was on this album. That song is amazing, well-crafted, I love it. Bumps the whole thing over the hump from 3 to 4.
4
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Sun Nov 05 2023
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Ah, the Don’t You Forget About Me Guys! We Americans didn’t know they existed before 1985. Strange title for an album. The songs were nothing special. Overall pretty average.
Best track: Promised You a Miracle.
3
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Mon Nov 06 2023
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
There's a part with crazy saxophone, a part that sounds like Peanuts music, a part with some nice drumming. The rest just washed over me. It's fine jazz, a genre I don't really "get" like some people do. Favorite track: I like drums, so Pt. 3: Pursuance.
3
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Tue Nov 07 2023
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
I've never heard of the Avalanches before this. The first track (and the fact Apple Music lists this as just "Pop") tricked me into thinking this was a Jackson 5-esque thing. The second track was just a continuation of the first one and it became obvious is wasn't. Some of the tracks were super repetitive, some seemed to just have random sounds thrown in as a quantity over quality thing. However, I will say this is the type of album that belongs on this list. Even though I didn't enjoy everything, there were certainly sections where I was getting into it, and overall, it's a very unique sounding album. Favorite track: Two Hearts in 3/4 Time. Also Frontier Psychiatrist.
3
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Wed Nov 08 2023
Nevermind
Nirvana
Previously rated:
MTV Unplugged In New York (3/5)
In Utero (3/5)
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A very good album with some classic songs. It probably deserves a 5/5, but I'm honestly I'm tired of hearing many of them. Best track: Come As You Are
4
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Thu Nov 09 2023
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
African music is way out of my wheelhouse, but I started getting into this a bit as it went on, especially when it had more western sounds incorporated into it. Not bad, glad I heard it, but not something I'll likely choose to listen to again.
3
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Fri Nov 10 2023
Konnichiwa
Skepta
They're trolling, right? Only 1,001 albums and we have time for this crap? I listened to the whole thing in disbelief and ended up several IQ points dumber. The lyrics are idiotic; N-words abound. The dude had a fight over voice chat in a game of Call of Duty, and he decides it would be a good idea to throw it on the album. I was disgusted with the whole album *except* the last 30 seconds. That was actually good, and not so coincidentally had no vocals.
1
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Sat Nov 11 2023
Superunknown
Soundgarden
I've heard Black Hole Sun and Spoonman many times playing the game Rock Band. I don't remember if I liked them right away or they just grew on me, but I like them. The rest was new to me. Starts strong with Let Me Down, then just OK stuff that got a bit samey grunge after a while the tuned down guitar sound. The song Half was different and kind of cool. A low 4/5.
4
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Sun Nov 12 2023
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
There are various sounds and sometimes a pleasant sounding woman sings in a foreign language (I will guess Portuguese), sometimes in reverse. Also, a guy with a deep voice talks in one of the songs. I wish it would have ended a bit sooner.
2
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Mon Nov 13 2023
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
I knew only one song of his coming in, that being “Copperhead Road.” This album was more of a generic country sound than I was expecting. Kind of mediocre considering it’s on this list. Nothing really bad here though. Compared to country music today, it’s amazing.
3
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Tue Nov 14 2023
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Black Dog, Rock and Roll, Going to California, and of course Stairway to Heaven are all staples on the local classic rock station. Those are all great. I also liked Misty Mountain Hop (Kiss' Ugh! All Night borrows the riff from it) and When the Levee Breaks (Beatie Boys' Rhymin' and Stealin' borrows the drums from it). The only one I didn't really care for was the Battle of Evermore.
5
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Wed Nov 15 2023
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Very disappointed in this one. I thought it was going to be a "smarter" rap album, but the lyrics are pretty crap and amateur. I think he rapped about poo-poo in his pocket and another song had poo-poo in his hand. Screaming about soda flavors (COCA-COLAAAAAAA, SPRIIIIIIIIITE). It was all a slightly edgier Young MC or Fresh Prince. Some of the music is good, but is any of the good stuff original? I heard Schoolhouse Rock, Steely Dan, Otis Redding, Ben E. King, Funkadelic, and those are just the ones I recognized.
2
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Thu Nov 16 2023
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I had heard this album once before. I like the first and last tracks (Care of Cell 44 and Time of the Season). The stuff in between, though, it's a tad too psychedelic hippie-dippie for me. A Rose for Emily is OK; it's trying to be a new Eleanor Rigby. The whole album is obviously inspired by Sgt. Pepper (for better or worse). Butchers Tale straight up sounds like the guy is doing a John Lennon impression. I think I prefer their earlier stuff like Tell Her No and She's Not There.
3
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Fri Nov 17 2023
1977
Ash
I had never heard of Ash before this. I'm pleasantly surprised. I didn't know non-grunge heavy rock, complete with guitar solos, was still being made in the mid-90s. At least it didn't sound like grunge to me. I definitely heard a stolen riff from Black Sabbath's N.I.B. in the song I'd Give You Anything. Hope I'm not the only one who noticed it. Still enjoyed it. Favorite track: Probably Kung Fu - it's so catchy. Less fond of the lighter stuff on this album, but still 4/5 - might listen again.
4
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Sat Nov 18 2023
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Previously rated:
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn (2/5)
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I will reiterate that I've never been stoned in my life, and that I don't get Pink Floyd. This is a well thought out, well put together, cohesive album. Money is a good song that I've heard a hundred times. The rest is fine, if not a little boring. I just don't get much enjoyment out of it. I'm glad everyone else in the world loves it.
3
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Sun Nov 19 2023
British Steel
Judas Priest
I like this album a lot. Favorite tracks: Breaking the Law, Living after Midnight.
4
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Mon Nov 20 2023
Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
I was 12 years old in 1986. I never heard of Afrika Bambaataa, but I probably would have liked this. Now, it sounds pretty dated. Still, it's fun and energetic stuff. Favorite track: Renegades of Funk
3
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Tue Nov 21 2023
Bad
Michael Jackson
Previously rated:
Thriller (5/5)
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I think I heard this album once in its entirety when it was new. Of course, many of the songs here were singles, so it left about four songs I was unfamiliar with, although listening to the song "Bad," I realized I was much, much more familiar with Weird Al's "Fat" and didn't remember these lyrics. It may be an iconic song, but man the lyrics are pretty cringeworthy if you take them for Jackson singing about himself. (Apparently he wrote it about a kid in a newspaper story he read.) He was going for an overall edgier approach with the album. At the time, it didn't fool anyone. We all knew he was a skinny little twerp who talked like a meek little girl and hung around with children.
Anyway, back to the music. It's fantastic, what can I say? Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Smooth Criminal, all huge songs! The weakest song is probably Liberian Girl, and even that's not terrible. Stevie Wonder is featured in one song, which surprised me. The album ends on a very solid three track, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, and Leave Me Alone (forgot how much I liked this one). I let the album play a second time.
Not quite Thriller or Off the Wall, but it's close. Still 5/5.
5
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Wed Nov 22 2023
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Going in, I was only familiar with Go With the Flow and 3's & 7's, neither of which are on this album, so this was all new to me. Maybe this band is one you have to listen to more than once to really enjoy it. The songs were interesting, sometimes experimental, but nothing really grabbed me on first listen. I wish the singer put a little more effort in, or maybe lazy, laid back vocals is what he's going for? On the plus side, it wasn't boring, had cool guitar and drum parts. Just average or slightly above to me.
3
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Thu Nov 23 2023
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Nice album. I think I had heard it once before. Seems to be a little front heavy with So Far Away, Money for Nothing, and Walk of Life. Back half was a bit slow, but not bad. A little Springsteen, a little Bob Dylan, and a little...something else I can't remember now. The production is a bit dated for sure.
4
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Fri Nov 24 2023
Purple Rain
Prince
Some really good songs here. Let’s Go Crazy, Take Me With U, I Would Die 4 U, When Doves Cry. I always thought Purple Rain (single version) was kind of a boring song. This version is even more so at 8+ minutes long. I suppose it’s an appropriate album ended though. Didn’t like the fake sounding drums.
4
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Sat Nov 25 2023
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Previously rated:
Aladdin Sane (3/5)
The Next Day (3/5)
Young Americans (3/5)
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Not the biggest Bowie fan as you can see, but this one has some good rockin' tunes. Suffragette City and Ziggy Stardust being my favorites.
4
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Sun Nov 26 2023
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Previously rated:
A Wizard, A True Star (4/5)
*****************************
Like the previous album, it's an eclectic collection with good variety. He's got a great singing voice. This album even has a couple of hit songs. Didn't feel too long for a double album either. My appreciation for his music is growing. Some of it sounds a bit 70s AM easy listening, but I liked that too. Liked the humor too - I caught some of the recording problems he mentioned in Intro :)
5
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Mon Nov 27 2023
Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Listened on YouTube. Good old late '60s psychedelic rock.
4
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Tue Nov 28 2023
1999
Prince
Previously rated:
Purple Rain (4/5)
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I did not know this was a double album. The first three songs here (1999, Little Red Corvette, and Delirious) are great, and I have a lot of nostalgia for them as they were popular when I first started listening to music. Then we get to the sexually explicit Let's Pretend We're Married, and this is where I started to be put off. If it was just that track, I could overlook it, but the horniness and sex noises are sprinkled throughout the rest of the album. I was glad when it was over. I wanted to take a shower, but then I just let the first three tracks play again, and they are what brings the album up to a 3/5.
3
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Wed Nov 29 2023
The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
If someone played this and said it was Taylor Swift, I would have believed it. Granted I know very little of her music, but I think it’s similar type of synth pop right? Anyway it’s not my genre, but it wasn’t bad. I preferred the female lead songs to the couple with the dude.
3
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Thu Nov 30 2023
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Whatever genre mix this is (ethereal + ?), I don't like it. That last track can go straight into the trash. It's also all pretty forgettable. I think there was one decent sounding song, but looking over the track listing, I can't for the life of me know which one it would have been.
2
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Fri Dec 01 2023
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Previously rated:
The Number Of The Beast (5/5)
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First time listening to a pre-Bruce Dickenson Iron Maiden album, and I liked it a lot more than I thought it would. This singer's voice isn't as unique, but it's not bad. A couple of songs gave me Deep Purple vibes. I liked everything here, no duds. I will listen to this again. It rocks!
5
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Sat Dec 02 2023
Either Or
Elliott Smith
Ugh, such a low energy affair, especially after yesterday’s Iron Maiden album. This is what I expect an Art Garfunkel solo album sounds like, with a few random F-bombs thrown for a cheap bit of excitement. No thank you. I’m putting Maiden back on.
2
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Sun Dec 03 2023
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Previously rated:
Remain In Light (2/5)
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Much better than the previous Talking Heads album. This one had more energy, the songs were catchier. I liked the lyrics better too. Enjoyed hearing the different instruments, steel drum, xylophone, etc.
4