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Wed Mar 01 2023
Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Some really good songs, good funk mixed with improvisation. Seems a little dated and rough around the edges. Really big for the time though.
3
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Thu Mar 02 2023
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Bright, lively, complex.
Fun and light lyrics that are more complex than they appear to be. It's a classic. Perfect to listen to or have in the background. 5/5
5
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Fri Mar 03 2023
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Gentle but sincere. Has underlying darkness. Overall I enjoyed it but just a little too soft and muted for me.
3
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Mon Mar 06 2023
The Next Day
David Bowie
Varied, sounds like Bowie. But slightly more modern and refined. Good as background music, but I like older Bowie more.
4
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Tue Mar 07 2023
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Catchy, has a dreamy funk soul quality to it. Surprised I knew most of the songs. 4/5
4
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Wed Mar 08 2023
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Man I liked some of them, but Elvis just isn't my cup of tea. I never liked his "crooning" too much, sounded forced. 2/5
2
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Thu Mar 09 2023
London Calling
The Clash
A blend of punk, ska, reggae, bright lyrics, and catchy hooks. Love the slurred lyrics and overall arrangement. You hear the bass, drums, horns, guitar, and vocals altogether and separately. 5/5
5
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Fri Mar 10 2023
Tapestry
Carole King
A good blend of soul and light rock. The lyrics feel real and talk about interesting dilemmas of love. This album is a classic, and has some of my favorite songs, but does have some songs that slow down the pace of the album I feel like. 4/5
4
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Mon Mar 13 2023
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
I respect the lyrical talent, Eminem has never been short in that area. Horrorcore just isn't my cup of tea. It's like an exaggerated journal of someone with lots of issues. This could apply to most people, but this is a specific type and caricature. The beats are average to above average, and the songs have a good flow. But the lyrics leave more to be desired personally, and maybe this is just the album showing its age. 3/5
3
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
A quick jaunt into a "concept" album. Some songs are surprisingly peppier than I would have thought for a Simon & Garfunkel record. I enjoy the lyrics and varied sounds used without. The first song sets the tone for a decent amount of art rock involved. I always really liked their use of what I imagine are sound effects, almost foley art. I enjoyed it but I also think it could benefit from a little more focus. 3/5
3
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
Really enjoyed the music instrumental intro, and at first I thought this would be a pleasant surprise. But as the album continued, I felt that the lyrics and the vocals were just okay. First two songs were decent, next four kind of drug on, and the last four were decent. I can't help but hear Fred Armisen singing some made up song in Documentary Now! when listening to this album. Overall, this is fine as background music but it just isn't anything more than that for me. I wish the ratings were out of 10 because this is a 5/10 to me, but I'll give it 2/5.
2
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Thu Mar 16 2023
I Should Coco
Supergrass
Sounds like a band right up my alley. I'm getting precursor vibes for Fratellis, Arctic Monkeys, Hot Hot Heat, etc. I really like the variety of power pop, polished garage rock, very slight grunge, and obviously classic British rock.
Had no idea what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised, I could definitely see myself revisiting this. 4/5
4
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Fri Mar 17 2023
Sea Change
Beck
Not my favorite. I liked the lyrics and appreciate Beck being a chameleon. This also sounds like a very personal album for him. There were about 3 songs I enjoyed, and the rest were just a little too melancholy and slow for me. I was actively waiting for some songs to be over, 2/5
2
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Overall a solid album. Some melodies are a little forgettable. I like it but I also think there are better examples of soul/motown. 3/5
3
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Tue Mar 21 2023
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Lyrics have a darkness to them that is really intriguing, but also scary and thought-provoking, but at the same time some mean nothing. The first two songs build slowly and almost explode into a serene third song. Middle of the album is a little more rhythmic, and it ends balanced.
Definitely more electronic aspects to this album than I was expecting. Almost has some Daft Punk / Dntel vibes. 4/5
4
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Wed Mar 22 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Classic rock and roll. Still love hearing this music. Great musicianship, good voice, and has a nice unassuming yet quiet confidence to it. It knows exactly what it is and it does it well. 4/5
4
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Thu Mar 23 2023
Phaedra
Tangerine Dream
Nice ethereal background music. Halfway through the first song, you get this whining monkey/dog which is less nice haha.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Great background music, and impressive sounds for the time. 3/5
3
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Fri Mar 24 2023
Technique
New Order
First song a little weird and very much what I think of for 80s electronic. Second song was very reminiscent of "The Cure". Third song was fine and unassuming. Fourth, little more interesting and varied. I really cannot take the electronic dance sounds in the beginning of this and the first song seriously. It just screams middle school dance, or a kid messing with the worst part of a keyboard. Song five was okay, forgettable. Song six might be my favorite song on the whole album so far, probably because it was more like Joy Division. Song seven reminds me of Regular Show lol. Song eight was solid, one of the better ones. Song nine was really good as well. Anytime they incorporate some of their guitar in a heavier way and refrain from some of the more ridiculous 80s aspects I don't mind it.
Overall, the album was fine, probably wouldn't revisit it, although I did enjoy about 3/9 songs. I would give this a 2/5
2
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Mon Mar 27 2023
My Generation
The Who
So far it is unique for sure. Vaguely nice radio friendly harmonies and very "Beatles-like". However, the drums are layered, loud, and intense. Almost bring in some vibes of The Clash and Ramones before their time. The vocals are okay, they kind of blend together and the songs don't really pop or stand out. The exception being the title single which is definitely the most put together.
Overall, it felt like a decent debut album but one that was a little rough around the edges compared to what they would accomplish later. 3/5
3
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Interesting and meaningless at the same time. Comes across as apathetic, smart, lazy, stoner rock, perfect for the 90s. The vocals are slightly meandering, reminds me of The Pogues a little bit. The music is generally alt rock, but also includes vibes of folk and southern rock.
Favorite tracks: Unfair, Range Life, Cut Your Hair
Least favorite tracks: 5-4=Unity, Hit the Plane Down,
4/5
4
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Music
Madonna
Oh god, forgot about the early 2000s music, probably for good reason. The mixing is just interesting lol. Some definitely Daft Punk vibes which I'm okay with. But some of the fake instruments and voice effects are just grating. Lots of experimental more electronic stuff in the beginning, but the middle of the album slows down for more approachable, catchy, dance music. Lyrics vary, some are generic love songs. While some actually pose interesting philosophical questions. I get a lot of video games sounds from some of these songs. Some enjoyable parts, but overall 2/5
Favorite songs: Impressive Instant, I Deserve It, Amazing
Least favorite songs: Music, Nobody's Perfect,
2
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Thu Mar 30 2023
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Wow as someone that considered themselves a fan of Neil Young's older stuff I really do not know what the hell is happening here. I guess they wanted to "go back to the roots" of music and just make garage rock? The problem is that it achieves just that. Not only have I heard garage bands that are just as good as this, I've heard garage bands that are quite a bit better than this. Everything falls flat, the passion seems half-assed. I'm sure this would be fine for a random Saturday with a couple of buddies jamming, but it just really doesn't work for a whole album.
The vocals are reeeeeaaaly trying here, they are so strained. It just feels like an old man band at a bar in the middle of nowhere, although I would honestly probably appreciate that more just for the grit and love of the music that I'm assuming those people bring. This just rings hollow to me. Low technicality, low effort, and god if every song didn't just drag on. 1/5
Just okays: Over and over, Days That Used to Be
Least favorites: Fucking up, Love to Burn, Farmer John, Mother Earth
1
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Fri Mar 31 2023
Rocks
Aerosmith
Always loved 70s rock but always felt that Aerosmith were just overshadowed by other bands. I was pleasantly surprised with this album. Really good bass lines throughout, strong guitar, and impressive vocals. Song lyrics and direction could be a more creative. Everything is good, but nothing is mind blowing. 3/5
Favorites: Back in the Saddle, Rats in the Cellar, Combination,
Least Favorites: Get the Lead Out, Lick and a Promise
3
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Mon Apr 03 2023
School's Out
Alice Cooper
Overall a pretty delightfully weird album. Hard rock mixed with lots of elements that are decidedly not hard rock. Jazz, electronic, horns, and more all collide within this album. The vocals and lyrics are fun if a little over the top, but that is kind of the point. Enjoyable but doesn't push that next envelope for me. 3/5
Favorites: School's Out, Blue Turk, Alma Mater, Grande Finale
Least Favorites: Luney Tune
3
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Eternally Yours
The Saints
Right up my alley, its got that 70s punk voice going on which is an acquired taste. The bass work is really well done as is the addition of the horns. Seems like a top heavy album, and the back end peters out a bit. Still very enjoyable. 3/5
Favorites: Know Your Product, Lost and Found, Memories are Made of This,
Least Favorites: New Centre of the Universe,
3
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Just crazy how ahead of his time Jimi was. 1968 and yet his sound still seems like the future. So much skill, the blending and effects are fantastic, and still you get great drumming, bass, and vocals as well. Its got a 15 minute song and a 13 minute song, so it definitely has a pacing issue and I understand that criticism but I'm also okay with the long rambling jam session. Overall, an impressive piece of work that laid the foundation for so much to come after. 5/5
Favorites: Crosstown Traffic, All Along the Watchtower, Gypsy Eyes, Rainy Day, Voodoo Child
Least Favorites: 1983, Moon turn the tides
5
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Thu Apr 06 2023
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
You get a really interesting sound in this album. Good bass work, fiddle, mandolin, almost screeching vocals, soulful piano, bouncing country guitars, and clambering drums. Everything on this album is just fun. I can sit and enjoy it or throw it on in the background. 4/5
Favorites: It's All Over Now, My Way of Giving, Cut Across Shorty
Least Favorites: Lady Day
4
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
Man what a weird experience, but I also enjoyed it. An early 2000s amalgamation of Coldplay, Gorillaz, Daft Punk, and the Beatles? It sounds more like a mixtape than a cohesive album. I find this weird and fun, but I understand how that is a put off for some people. Overall little too meandering for me, but I did enjoy it. 3/5
Favorites: It's Not the End of the World?, No Sympathy, Juxtapozed with U,
Least Favorites: Rings Around the World,
3
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Mon Apr 10 2023
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Nice soft intro that crescendos right into a fun and lively party song. Everything blends very well together. Lyrics transfer from ridiculous stories and metaphors, party lyrics, but also smaller sprints of deeper meaning. Lots of sampling which make you feel as though you are listening to the radio. The more punk rock feel of "Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun" is a fun departure. Album ends with some less aggressive songs, but also the funky "Shadrach". Album ends with a B-roll of short songs. These are heavily sampled, a little funky, great bass, and little more aggressive. 5/5
Favorites: Shake Your Rump, Hey Ladies, Looking Down The Barrel Of A Gun, Shadrach, A Year And A Day,
Least Favorites: What Comes Around,
5
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Tue Apr 11 2023
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
A big band jazz front, with soulful ballads to end. This album is good. The piano and singing are good obviously, its Ray Charles. But idk, something was just off. It was kinda boring? The couple fast paced songs are great and I always love big sweeping orchestras. But just kinda felt like two different albums. I feel like there has to be better Ray Charles albums. 3/5
Favorites: Let the Good Times Roll, Come Rain or Come Shine, Just for a Thrill
Least Favorites: Tell Me You'll Wait for Me,
3
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Wed Apr 12 2023
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
Really interesting story for the artist. Latin acid jazz is an interesting genre. It started off really strong, and then the middle was kinda of forgettable, but then ended strong again. Overall I enjoyed it, and it had a couple good ones, but nothing mindblowing. 3/5
Favorites: Tantos Desejos, Felicidade, Sereia,
Least Favorites: Na Neblina, Antropofagos,
3
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Dookie
Green Day
Just an amazing album, every track is a banger. Definitely reminds me of growing up so I'm more nostalgic versus others. Love the blend of bring punk to the pop mainstream. And I really loves the lyrics, melodies, and song breaks. Really great drums and basslines. 5/5
Favorites: Burnout, Longview, Welcome to Paradise, Pulling Teeth, Basket Case, She
5
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
Oh ya, this is right up my alley. Like the Clash but with a fiddle. Very reminiscent of The Pogues, and a slight attitude of Johnny Cash. There are a couple more strange avant garde type songs that were misses for me. But overall, this is a very fun, well written and ahead-of-its-time punk folk album. 4/5
Favorites: Chivalry, Hard to Be Human Again, Last Dance, Lost Highway
Least Favorites: Trouble Down South, Psycho Cupid,
4
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Mon Apr 17 2023
Pornography
The Cure
Dark and ominous, they definitely change their sound in later albums. I can appreciate the art and direction but overall it isn't my cup of tea. I do enjoy the later stuff more though. I think it is a little too dramatic and avant garde for my liking. 2/5
2
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
I can see how this would change a lot but I feel like the lyrics are just so forced and they don't "flow". Everything is kinda jumpy and it feel slike it skips. Some of the background music is super limited and raw, but it also lends itself to not feeling full. Overall, I was a little disappointed even if some songs were great. 2/5
Favorites: Hard Time, It's Like That,
Least Favorites: Sucker MCs, Jam Master Jay, Hollis Crew,
2
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Wed Apr 19 2023
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
Really enjoyed this album actually. Had a good blend of proto-punk but also just easy garage rock listening. With just enough charm and art to pull it altogether. The lyrics ramble but are also meaningful.
Favorites: Roadrunner, Astral Plane, Someone I Care About, Pablo Picasso
Least Favorites: Girlfriend,
4
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Mon Apr 24 2023
GREY Area
Little Simz
Really did not expect to like this as I'm not a huge rap fan, and most rap I do enjoy is from the 80s and 90s. However I loved the beats, lyrics, and general flow of this album. The production and use of sound effects was top notch as well. The content was poignant, aggressive, but also descriptive and empathetic. 5/5
Favorites: 101 FM, Selfish, Wounds
Least Favorites:
5
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Wed May 24 2023
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Solid background music. This project has me listening and enjoying more electronic music than I would have thought. Overall I enjoyed it, but I think there were some slight misses and the length could have been a little shorter.
Favorites: Right Here Right Now, Rockafeller Skank, Fucking in Heaven, Praise You
Least Favorites: Acid 8000
4
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Thu May 25 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode just IS the 80s to me. I've always appreciated them, but never loved them. This album is a great representation of that. It is all good, a mix of catchy and serious. But it kind of blends together and nothing stands out to me. The first quarter of the album is good, the next quarter starts to fade a little, and then the last half is kinda just there. Overall, I'd say 5/10, round up to 3/5
Favorite Songs: The Things You Said
Least Favorites: I Want You Now
3
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Fri Aug 11 2023
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
I don't know what I expected but it wasn't this. But damn, I'm very pleasantly surprised. It has a gentle rock, but a 70s psychedelic and slight funk attitude. It fits no boxes, but it also knows exactly what it wants to accomplish and does so. I also love the transitions from song to song. It does drag a little bit in the third quarter. Overall, pleasant surprise that I enjoyed. 4/5
Favorites: Ladies and gentlemen we are floating in space, I Think I'm in Love, Cool Water
Least Favorites: The Individual
4
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Mon Aug 14 2023
The World is a Ghetto
War
Overall a good album, but felt almost sparse to me. It is "chill funk". Mostly instrumental and no sweeping keyboards or a cacophony of sounds. Just really good music, but nothing expansive. I really enjoyed it but it felt like something was missing
Favorite Songs: The World is a Ghetto, The Cisco Kid
Least Favorites: NA
3
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Faith
George Michael
Really didn't know what to expect. Obviously I knew Faith which is great, and I do enjoy George Michael's voice other places as a guest vocalist. Overall this album was mixed for me. It was peak 80s, and not necessarily in the best way. I think it has aged a little rough. Some of the lyrics are actually interesting comments on society (Hand to Mouth), while some of just weird or overly sexually and seemingly trying to hard (I Want Your Sex), and some are somewhere in the middle (Monkey). Musically, it has a couple good songs, but other songs are kind of just there. 2/5
Favorite Songs: Faith, Kissing a Fool
Least Favorites: I Want Your Sex, Monkey
2