Mar 01 2023
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
4
Mar 02 2023
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
5
Mar 03 2023
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The White Album
Beatles
4
Mar 06 2023
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
3
Mar 07 2023
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
5
Mar 08 2023
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
4
Mar 09 2023
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
3
Mar 10 2023
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
1
Mar 13 2023
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Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
3
Mar 14 2023
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
2
Mar 15 2023
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The Bends
Radiohead
5
Mar 16 2023
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Faith
George Michael
3
Mar 17 2023
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
2
Mar 20 2023
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
4
Mar 21 2023
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
5
Mar 22 2023
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Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
I can't figure out if I love or hate this. I’ll split the difference and give it three stars.
3
Mar 23 2023
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
I'd give five stars to Janis Joplin, though. Her voice is unbelievable on this album.
I wonder how many times Led Zeppelin listened to this record.
4
Mar 24 2023
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I don’t really need to ever listen to a Res Hot Chili Peppers album. Their radio hits are decent, but this was pretty uninteresting.
2
Mar 27 2023
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
Not my type, but pretty okay to listen to.
3
Mar 29 2023
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
I feel like listening to Little Richard in only a few instances:
1. At a Johnny Rockets
2. In a 50's period piece
3. In a class on the history of rock music.
He's definitely incredibly talented and influential, but this is pretty dated and I won't see myself listening to it again.
3
Mar 30 2023
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Kinda fun but also kinda dated. Can definitely see how this took off.
3
Mar 31 2023
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Graceland
Paul Simon
My opinion of this album MAY have been swayed by the fact that my subway was delayed for 25 minutes while I listened to it, but I found it to be incredibly grating. The production and sounded dated, the African-inspired instrumentation was cheesy at best and culturally appropriative at worst, and I found myself just generally annoyed while listening to this album.
2
Apr 03 2023
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Pretty good. Not my favorite Zeppelin record, but still good.
4
Apr 04 2023
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Pornography
The Cure
Love the atmosphere and the overwhelming sound. I couldn't listen to this at any time. But, playing this loud on a Friday night at home alone with a bottle of whiskey, that would be perfect.
4
Apr 05 2023
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
The instrumentals were pretty good and entertaining, but I just find the vocals incredibly grating. They ruined the album for me.
2
Apr 06 2023
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S&M
Metallica
If I'm going to listen to Metallica, this is how I would. I'm not a big fan, but I can appreciate their talent and musicianship. A couple of songs are good, I just don't want to listen to this for over two hours.
3
Apr 07 2023
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
This was actually really good! I'd never heard of this band or album before, but it was solid. Nothing immediately special on initial listen, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
4
Apr 10 2023
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
There's a lot in this album that's really great! And some that isn't my normal cup of tea. I probably have to be in the right mood to listen to the whole album again, but there are some great songs and moments on this album. It certainly captures a distinct mood that still stands out today.
4
Apr 11 2023
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Abbey Road
Beatles
Abbey Road is The Beatles at their absolute best, with classic hit after classic hit. The back half does what the White Album was trying to do, and wraps everything up in a perfect coda with The End.
When you factor in critical acclaim, popularity, and lasting legacy, Abbey Road is probably the greatest classic rock album of all time, aside from maybe Dark Side of the Moon.
5
Apr 12 2023
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Not my favorite Neil Young sound - this doesn't really do much for me. Some of it's pretty good, but most is pretty bland.
3
Apr 13 2023
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
This is an album I'd listen to while in a taxi on the way to the airport early in the morning, staring longingly out the window, after I'd just made a big life decision to finally move out of my hometown and get a fresh start somewhere else. It's an album that creates great atmosphere, but this music would work much better as a movie soundtrack. This isn't something I want to actively listen to.
4
Apr 14 2023
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
4
Apr 17 2023
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
3
Apr 18 2023
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
It’s more enjoyable to listen to than most metal, for whatever that’s worth. But that’s like saying this spoiled chicken is well seasoned. Just not my taste at all.
2
Apr 19 2023
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
4
Apr 20 2023
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Truth
Jeff Beck
Very good classic blues rock, with great instrumentation. If somebody put this record on, I'd say "oh cool."
4
Apr 21 2023
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
Pretty good mid-2000's indie folk. Well produced, great vocals, though it doesn't push many boundaries. The first few songs are great, but the album does fade away and I found myself losing interest by the end.
4
Apr 24 2023
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
One classic after another. It's Billy Joel at his best - these are massive hits for a reason.
5
Apr 25 2023
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Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
I have to admit I enjoyed this album may more than I expected. While it's not really my musical taste, the fiddle is a bit much, and the album goes on far too long, something about it touches some deep part of me. An alternate universe version of me is completely in love with this album, and some of that comes through in this universe too.
4
Apr 26 2023
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Faust IV
Faust
Albums like this are why I decided to listen to the 1001 Albums project. I wouldn't have found this on my own, but I'm glad I did. It was weird, forward-thinking, and constantly entertaining. I can imagine artists like Talking Heads, Brian Eno, and Devo listening to this incessantly.
5
Apr 28 2023
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Never really been a fan of Gorillaz, they're just kinda boring and a bit annoying. This album is fine - I don't really want to listen to it again, but I wouldn't be upset if someone put this on.
3
May 01 2023
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
I've already listened to too much Beach Boys in my life.
2
May 02 2023
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Some good songs, largely pretty forgettable
3
May 03 2023
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Pretty standard Britpop - it’s nothing I’ve never head before, but still a pretty decent listen.
3
May 04 2023
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
Pretty much a perfect album. It’s classic indie rock, packed with emotion and catharsis, incredible songwriting, and inspired musicianship. This album will always make me feel like my heart is spilling out of my chest.
5
May 05 2023
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
I enjoyed this more than I expected, but I still wouldn’t listen to it again. I much prefer his son
3
May 08 2023
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Great listen, and an incredible atmosphere. One of the best albums by a Scientologist.
4
May 09 2023
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
He's got his mojo working!
3
May 10 2023
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
"I hate Eric Clapton, but it's sad that his baby died" - Phoebe Bridgers
2
May 11 2023
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Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
The production and song-crafting was good, but it was pretty corny and boring.
2
May 12 2023
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B-52's
The B-52's
In high school, my friend had a car that only played cassettes, so he went to the thrift store to pick up some old tapes. One of the ones he grabbed was this album. We drove around one day listening to it, cracking up at how completely ridiculous it was. But damn, if this album isn't fun as hell.
4
May 15 2023
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
I'd never listened to the Grateful Dead before this album, and fingers crossed I never have to again. Yeah, yeah, I'm sure they're better live, but I'm not planning on finding out.
1
May 16 2023
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Some pretty great songs, some pretty okay, overall pretty good! I’d listen again
4
May 17 2023
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
I struggle to listen to lyrics sometimes, especially on a first listen, so I tend to mainly judge albums based on the sound/production/etc. It can be difficult to properly judge albums that are more lyrically-based, such as a lot of hip hop and folk. With that said, I really enjoyed a lot of this album. I loved the production and soundscape, and really enjoyed the jazz and funk influences.
4
May 18 2023
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Low-Life
New Order
A couple great songs - Love Vigilantes, Sunrise - surrounded by mostly average to decent 80's synth pop. I've heard better new wave.
3
May 19 2023
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Just really good, solid pop punk (or is it punk pop?)
4
May 22 2023
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Tremendous voice and great production, but this album goes on a bit too long.
4
May 23 2023
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Who's Next
The Who
Four of the best rock songs ever written, surrounding four songs that are just pretty good.
4
May 24 2023
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
It sucks that Morrissey sucks, because his music doesn’t suck.
4
May 25 2023
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
When I read "scored a David Lynch film" in Barry Adamson's bio, everything made sense. Delightfully creepy and weird.
4
May 26 2023
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Among The Living
Anthrax
Just not my thing. I can appreciate the musical prowess, though.
2
May 29 2023
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Pretty good! Not much that was truly outstanding, but nothing bad either. A decent listen.
4
May 30 2023
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
American Girl is good, the rest is bland and grating. It’s like if Springsteen was worse in every single way - vocals, songwriting, instrumentation, etc.
2
May 31 2023
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
I’m more familiar with Eno the producer than the artist. But from this listen you can absolutely hear the incredible producing talent in his own work. A lot of Talking Heads, a lot of Bowie, and it is all great.
5
Jun 01 2023
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Hotel California
Eagles
I ended up enjoying this more than I expected. Hotel California is a classic song for a reason, but it's still overplayed. Probably the most boomer album I can think of.
3
Jun 02 2023
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Mostly pretty milquetoast and forgettable. The second half is definitely more interesting and has a few pretty good songs, but I don’t need to go back and listen again.
3
Jun 05 2023
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Guero
Beck
Really good! Definitely one of Beck’s best albums. Some great songs on here, and no skips. Just a solid, really fun album all around.
4
Jun 06 2023
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Parachutes
Coldplay
It’s a bit odd revisiting Coldplay’s first album after seeing the direction their career went. You hear the Brit-pop and Radiohead influences. And hear how they would become the biggest “rock” band in the world. It’s been a while since they’ve made good music, it’s easy to forget that this album is just really solid. Several great songs, some others that sound a bit dated now.
4
Jun 07 2023
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Sound Affects
The Jam
Totally unexpectedly great album! You can hear so many different influences in their sound. It’s like if the Beatles were punk.
5
Jun 08 2023
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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
Really enjoyed this album in the first half. It got a bit tedious by the end, and I was glad to be done listening.
3
Jun 09 2023
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Crossing the Red Sea With the Adverts
The Adverts
Pretty good punk, but I’d have to be in the right mood, and it’s tough to listen to the whole thing in one sitting.
3
Jun 12 2023
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Over-the-top, overly dramatic prog rock is right up my alley. This album tested the limits, and probably went slightly TOO over-the-top. Its instrumentation is a bit cheesy and dated now, but this album is a lot of fun.
4
Jun 13 2023
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Elephant
The White Stripes
The White Stripes have always been one of those bands that I SHOULD really love, but they have never quite clicked for me. Elephant is good! Seven Nation Army is a classic! It just doesn't quite resonate with me like it does for a lot of people.
4
Jun 14 2023
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McCartney
Paul McCartney
It sounds like an album of Beatles demos or unreleased tracks. McCartney is a legendary songwriter and can churn out incredible melodies with such ease. That's definitely the case here, but his worst songwriting tendencies are also at play here. The album lacks direction and polish, the finishing touch that made his songs with The Beatles so special. I spent most of the album waiting for Maybe I'm Amazed.
4
Jun 15 2023
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
This album has such distinct and unmistakable vibes. Reggae isn't typically my thing, but I really enjoyed this listen and would listen to this above any other reggae album I've heard so far.
4
Jun 16 2023
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Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
I don't really have much to say about this album. It's fine. Not bad, but not really remarkable.
3
Jun 19 2023
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
Doesn't really do much for me, and sounds pretty dated. It's fine.
3
Jun 21 2023
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Very good jazz album! A couple of songs that are classics for a reason. I love all of the influences you can hear, and I challenge you to listen to this if you think that jazz is boring.
4
Jun 22 2023
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xx
The xx
It sounds like an album made by and for people falling asleep. The production and sound are pretty decent, but the songs, instrumentals, and especially the vocal performances are incredibly boring.
2
Jun 23 2023
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Headquarters
The Monkees
Pretty generic, inoffensive 60's pop rock. It is very much modeled after The Beatles and some of the melodies and harmonies are actually pretty good. There just wasn't much memorable about this album, and I don't think I'd revisit it.
3
Jun 26 2023
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
Gimme Shelter is a great song - probably my favorite Stones song. Other than that, it just doesn't do anything for me. You Can't Always Get What You Want just annoys me.
3
Jun 27 2023
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Heroes
David Bowie
The title track alone would almost make this a 5 star album. The rest of the album is also full of great tracks like Beauty and the Beast, Joe the Lion, and The Secret Life of Arabia. The weakest tracks are still very good and worth listening to.
I'm not always in the mood for the ambient/experimental back half, but they are what make this album memorable and special (that and containing one of the greatest songs ever written).
5
Jun 28 2023
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Obviously the three massive hits - Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and Head Over Heals. Really, though, there's not a bad song on the album! It's probably the most 80's new-wave sounding album I've ever heard, and it's an enjoyable listen from front to back.
4
Jun 29 2023
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
Oh god. This was a chore to listen to. I didn't know what to expect based on the band name and album cover, but I wasn't anticipating anything good. That's just what I got - nothing good. I hope I never hear this music again.
1
Jun 30 2023
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The World is a Ghetto
War
An album that sounds like a hot summer day in Brooklyn. Such a rich atmosphere of sounds.
4
Jul 03 2023
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The Joshua Tree
U2
The Joshua Tree is as close to a perfect album as you can get. This album is U2 at their best - the enormous and grandiose sound is backed up by earnest and heartfelt emotions and incredible songwriting and musicianship.
From a band from Dublin no less, this album perfectly captures the American spirit - from the restless optimism to the inherent contradictions and deep rooted inequities that afflict us. It's the ideal road-trip album, and one I will love for the rest of my life.
5
Jul 04 2023
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Another album I wish I could give half stars to. It’s better than good, but not quite great. The driving, dreamy Dylanesque sound is wonderful, and there are some truly fantastic songs like Red Eyes, An Ocean in Between the Waves, and Burning. This album is just about fifteen minutes too long, and really drags at a few points.
4
Jul 05 2023
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Pretty good 60's psychedelic rock! I don't know if I'd listen again, but I enjoyed this.
4
Jul 06 2023
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as Sound Affects, but I still added it to my library and will definitely listen again!
4
Jul 07 2023
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
Just didn't really do anything for me. It wasn't bad, just not my favorite.
2
Jul 10 2023
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
I've listened to this album a few times before. It's one that I know I will have to sit with for a long time to fully appreciate - it's good background music but it's probably even better when you fully pay attention to the songwriting and the lyrics. I could definitely see myself wholeheartedly loving this album someday, but I just don't right now. Still good though.
4
Jul 11 2023
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Cohen's voice on this album is the voice of eternal mythical being. Knowing that this album was released days before his death, produced by his son, makes this send-off all the more powerful. It's a difficult but hauntingly beautiful listen. "You Want it Darker" is one of those astonishingly great songs that most artists could only dream of writing.
It's incredible that this album came out the same year as Bowie's Blackstar.
4
Jul 12 2023
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
Some really good songs on here, and unique influences for mid-2000's indie rock, but largely this wasn't my cup of tea. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
3
Jul 13 2023
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Just didn't do anything for me. Pretty uninteresting and unremarkable.
2
Jul 14 2023
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
The lead singer had a very nice voice, but this didn't really do anything for me. Very mellow - easy to fall asleep to.
3
Jul 17 2023
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Fun, funky jazz. Love the bass work throughout the album.
4
Jul 18 2023
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Very good early Beatles album! Some all-time classic pop songs, but still before the band's more interesting and memorable work.
4
Jul 19 2023
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
I'd never heard Supergrass before this album, but it was pretty good! I really liked several of the songs, and could see myself listening again. It got a bit tedious to listen to - there wasn't enough variance in volume and intensity. It makes for an album best listened to in short bursts rather than all in one sitting.
4
Jul 20 2023
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Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
My initial expectation for this album was that I would absolutely hate it. It seemed like it would be specifically designed in a lab to irritate me. I expected 90's slacker/stoner rap with grating vocals combining the most annoying aspects of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Beastie Boys.
What I got, however, was not bad at all! It was still slacker/stoner rap with hints of RHCP, but it was well produced, relaxed but interesting grooves, and good vocals! It's still nothing I would listen to again, but it was at least decent.
3
Jul 21 2023
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Le Freak has been stuck in my head for hours now. It's fun disco music, but not really anything I'd want to sit and listen to. I'd need a few drinks to really enjoy this.
3
Jul 24 2023
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
It's probably not my favorite Zeppelin record, but it's pretty fantastic. It just showcases what the band does best so well. Robert Plant's vocals are definitely the highlight of this album.
5
Jul 25 2023
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Nevermind
Nirvana
It's a classic album filled with iconic songs. For whatever reason, Nirvana has never really clicked with me though. I understand a lot of their appeal, but I don't fully GET it.
4
Jul 26 2023
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
Nico has a terrific, one-of-a-kind voice. However, I much prefer her with The Velvet Underground. This album just lacks some of the energy, and while I really enjoy her voice for a couple of songs, it was tedious to listen to the whole thing.
3
Jul 27 2023
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I'm not the biggest Bob Dylan fan, but this is a fantastic album. Dylan's pivot to electric is widely praised and for good reason - this album is inspired and full of energy. It sounds fresh to this day. I totally understand why people can't stand his voice, but it works so well in this album.
Like a Rolling Stone is an all-timer for a reason, and Tombstone Blues is the other standout track for me.
5
Jul 28 2023
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Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
Made it through a couple of songs, but this managed to be both melodramatic and boring at the same time. Production was decent.
2
Jul 31 2023
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Abraxas
Santana
I had modest expectations going into this album. I've heard Black Magic Woman and Oye Como Va hundreds of times - they are decent songs, but I'm beyond tired of hearing them. The rest of the album took me by surprise. It was actually really good, and I thoroughly enjoyed each song! Santana is an incredible guitarist, and I'm glad I got to listen to more of him. I probably won't listen to this very often, if at all, but I'm glad I did once.
4
Aug 01 2023
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley is one of my all-time favorite vocalists. His voice just does whatever he wants it to do, effortlessly. An incredible combination of Nina Simone and Robert Plant.
This album packs such a wide range of emotion. Buckley's Hallelujah is probably the definitive version at this point, but it might not even be the best cover on the album, because Lilac Wine is also there. Grace is packed full of great songs with just a couple that are only pretty good. It's a shame we lost such a talent so young, but at least we have Grace.
5
Aug 02 2023
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Again, I don't really feel qualified to rate hip hop/rap albums, since I usually don't focus on lyrics for the first listen. I can see why this is a rap classic, with some great tracks and quality beats. Some songs seem to have aged poorly, lyrics-wise, and I didn't care for several of them. Decent listen, and an essential album if you live in Brooklyn, even if it's not my cup of tea.
3
Aug 03 2023
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War
U2
In U2's discography, War is the band at a crossroads. This album captures the raw energy from their early "punk" days right as they were transforming into the arena-rock behemoths they came to be. Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year's Day are classics, but tracks like Two Hearts Beat as One or Like A Song... shouldn't be ignored either.
There are a few songs on War that I don't really care for. Yet another album I wish I could give 4.5 stars to. It's a great album, it just doesn't quite hit the heights of their follow-ups.
4
Aug 07 2023
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
An absolute classic. Though it certainly isn't a pick-me-up, The Wall keeps your attention and takes you on a journey for all 26 songs. Obviously, Comfortably Numb is the magnum opus- it's one of the best songs ever written with probably the greatest guitar solo of all time.
The story of the album is one that has resonated especially well over the past several years, unfortunately. It's a story of how toxic masculinity, abysmal mental health care, and the cruelty of society and institutions, create generations of disassociated young men who isolate themselves from the world, self-medicate, and become susceptible to false-truths and conspiracies. It's one of the oldest tricks in the books - "Isn't this where we came in?"
5
Aug 08 2023
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys were one of the many mid-2000's guitar rock indie bands that were dubbed "saviors of rock." This album didn't save rock music, because rock music didn't need saving. It's just a great rock album from a great rock band, but rock music didn't dominate the airwaves like it once did.
This album sounds a lot like other mid-2000's indie guitar rock. But what sets it apart is the raw energy, and a bit of extra spice in the songwriting. A perfect example is at 1:40 in Fake Tales of San Francisco. It's far from my favorite song on the album, and starts off pretty tame and cookie-cutter. But at 1:40, the song shifts in an unexpected yet completely logical way, the energy builds, and it becomes something special. Moments like this keep this album feeling fresh to this day.
5
Aug 09 2023
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
I haven't listened to much Soundgarden, but was fairly skeptical going in. Black Hole Sun generally irritates me, and I didn't want to listen to an entire album of that sound. The rest of the album was...pretty good! I know that some people LOVE Soundgarden, but it didn't really grab me. I understand why people like them, but this is probably a one-time listen for me.
3
Aug 10 2023
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Pretty nice vocals and guitar work, and I can see why people would love this, but I do not.
2
Aug 11 2023
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
This album is imperfect, but it's incredibly fun and the high highs more than make up for its imperfections. All My Friends is one of the best songs ever written - it packs about as much emotional drive and catharsis as you can fit in one song. The rest of the album is mostly great, with infectious grooves making up for the fact that some songs can get a bit repetitive. I just want to turn up the volume and keep listening anyway.
5
Aug 14 2023
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Gentle simplicity without losing energy is typically very difficult to pull off, but this album does it extremely well. It's calming and relaxing, and yet driving at the same time. I love the interplay between the bass and piano - they bounce off of eachother very well.
One of the other reviews mentioned that Bill Evans sounds like falling water, and I completely agree. This is an album for a rainy day in November, but you are feeling calm and motivated.
4
Aug 15 2023
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
There were some things I enjoyed about this album - the production, the rapping, and several of the songs (Stranded on Death Row, particularly). There were some things I did not enjoy about this album - the length, the skits. Overall, I can see why it's a classic and the influence it had, but it's not my favorite.
3
Aug 16 2023
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
An album by Brian Eno and David Byrne sounds exactly what you would expect an album by Brian Eno and David Byrne to sound like.
4
Aug 17 2023
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
First song was pretty good, but the rest were pretty meh and forgettable.
3
Aug 18 2023
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...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
I've heard a thousand bands that sound just like The Dandy Warhols. They sound like every Brit Pop band mixed with every 90's/2000's indie rock band. And yet, this album still sounds fresh and full of energy.
All I'd heard of The Dandy Warhols was Bohemian Like You, which is a fantastic song. It takes a LOT to give an album 5 stars on first listen, but this came verrrrrry close.
4
Aug 21 2023
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
You can see what people love and hate about Oasis here. A couple decent tracks, but the vocals are nasally and grating and the songs are overblown and melodramatic. Ultimately this was a tiresome listen.
2
Aug 22 2023
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
I don't enjoy metal, but I enjoy Metallica more than most metal.
2
Aug 23 2023
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Music I enjoyed to listen to once. Elvis is fine, I guess. Don't really have a strong opinion about his music.
3
Aug 24 2023
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So
Peter Gabriel
Some of this sounds a bit cheesy and dated, but it's a fun listen!
4
Aug 25 2023
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Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
It’s fine, I guess. I don’t know, it’s hard to have a strong opinion on all 1001 albums.
3
Aug 28 2023
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Homework
Daft Punk
Great to listen to, but only in certain contexts! It's not an album that requires deep contemplative listening, but I'd love to hear this at a club.
4
Aug 29 2023
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
No surprise at all, Ray Charles has an incredible voice! Very pleasant and easy to listen to, but this album dragged on a bit too long, and no individual songs really stood out.
4
Aug 30 2023
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
An album from over 50 years ago that still sounds fresh and exciting! I hadn't heard any Deep Purple aside from Smoke on the Water, so I wasn't expecting much. You can definitely see how they influenced Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Just a lot of fun. Child in Time is the standout track for sure.
4
Aug 31 2023
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
I feel obliged to like any album that influenced Bowie's Berlin trilogy. I have always meant to listen to Kraftwerk someday, so I'm glad that 1001 albums gave me the push I needed to sit down and listen to an album. It was basically exactly what I expected - weird, ambient, and made me question what music even is. I think I enjoyed it? I really don't know. Fun fun fun on the Autobahn.
4
Sep 01 2023
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
There were some parts that I enjoyed and were pretty decent! Mostly didn’t do much for me though.
3
Sep 04 2023
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Moving Pictures
Rush
An absolute classic! About as good of a first half of a record as you can get. Just absolute incredible musicianship from the trio. Moving Pictures is Rush at their best.
5
Sep 05 2023
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Pretty generic classic rock. Guitar and vocals were both excellent, but this didn't really do much for me.
3
Sep 06 2023
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Just really lovely to listen to, and oh so smooth. It makes me want to sit at a cabaret and down a bottle of wine.
4
Sep 07 2023
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Genre is completely meaningless. Is this funk? Yes. Is it prog rock? Yes. Is it folk? Yes. Blues? Yes. Jazz? Yes. Ska? Also yes.
I really don't know what to think about this album - I'd need to listen a few times. There were parts that I really enjoyed (the vocals were great), and parts that I didn't enjoy. I think overall it was pretty good. I'd give it 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
4
Sep 08 2023
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
I actually really enjoyed this! Couldn’t listen to this all the time, but a few pretty great songs.
4
Sep 11 2023
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
It's not as groundbreaking as their first album, but damn if this still isn't excellent. It's The Velvet Underground much more subdued, but they do it so well. Candy Says and Pale Blue Eyes are each absolutely perfect songs.
5
Sep 12 2023
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Dylan definitely isn't my favorite. I can see why people love him, and I can see why people can't stand him. That being said, I did enjoy this album. I feel like it was hard to appreciate the lyrics on first listen, but the melodies were excellent and the singing was...mostly decent. There were definitely points where Dylan's inflections and flourishes detracted a lot from the music.
4
Sep 13 2023
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
I've never heard an album that sounds so much like The Beatles before. It was pretty good!
4
Sep 14 2023
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Pretty decent 80's pop! Some classics on here, and it was fun to listen to the deeper cuts. A bit too repetitive in a couple songs though.
3
Sep 15 2023
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
I'm not quite sure why The Kinks are often overlooked in classic rock. This album is better than anything I've ever heard from the Stones, and yet I'd never heard a single song before.
4
Sep 18 2023
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Imagine
John Lennon
Imagine is a classic song for a reason, even if it's a bit overplayed. The rest of the album is pretty decent, but nothing else really grabbed me.
4
Sep 19 2023
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
She has a nice voice, but dear god is this album boring. Don't Know Why and Come Away With Me are the hits, but they have always been incredibly grating - an immediate skip or change the station.
2
Sep 20 2023
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
A very good album, even if some of it is a bit dated. You can start to hear the transition from good Coldplay to bad Coldplay here, and some of the songs can be a bit overbearing. This is the album I associate most with listening to on an iPod.
4
Sep 22 2023
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
This album was pretty interesting. Not really a fan of a whole album of sitar, but that's probably just my western music - trained ear. A nice bit of variety from the typical 70's white man rock on this list.
3
Sep 25 2023
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Really terrific jazz album. Great beats, fantastic melodies and riffs, and a ton going on. Could be great background music or something to really focus on.
5
Sep 26 2023
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Purple Rain
Prince
It's Prince at his best. This album has not one, not two, but three of the best pop songs ever written (Let's Go Crazy, When Doves Cry, Purple Rain), and the rest of the album definitely isn't filler! It's big, funky, tight, and transcendent. A legendary album for a legendary talent.
5
Sep 27 2023
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Classic indie rock album! It’s not 100% in my wheelhouse, but good to hear from time to time, and I’m never upset if any of these songs come on the radio.
4
Sep 28 2023
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Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Nope.
1
Sep 29 2023
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Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
I have a hard time believing that this is anyone's favorite album. It's so incredibly middle-of-the-road, bland. Everything it does well, a thousand other artists have done better and more interesting. It's generic background music. It's fine, I guess.
2
Oct 02 2023
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
A few good songs, but overall not my favorite from The Cure. I enjoy broody/dark/atmospheric sometimes, but not so much on this album. 3.5 stars.
3
Oct 03 2023
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
For whatever reason, Iggy Pop was a glaring gap in my musical knowledge. Which is incredibly disappointing because this is an incredible album. Just a ton of fun, an all-around terrific listen. I could listen to this anytime, anywhere.
5
Oct 04 2023
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Some of my favorite early Beatles tracks (All My Loving, It Won't Be Long) on this album, but overall one of the more forgettable Beatles records. It's not bad, it's fun, but doesn't hold a candle to their early singles or later work.
4
Oct 05 2023
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Pretty much background music. It's fine. Though it cursed me to have "Everyone needs a bosom for a pillow" in my head for the rest of my life.
3
Oct 06 2023
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
This album somehow managed to stay interesting and engaging for over two hours. A ton of great tracks, but it'll be tough to come back to this one just because of the length.
4
Oct 09 2023
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Protection
Massive Attack
Really liked this album and its vibes. Except for the cover of Light My Fire, which was pretty mediocre.
4
Oct 10 2023
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Motown is difficult to rate sometimes. There are a few really great songs, a few okay songs, but most Motown is just really solid. As usual, giving this 4 stars.
4
Oct 11 2023
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
As far as country goes, I’ve heard worse. The first song was pretty decent actually. Couldn’t get through much of the rest….
2
Oct 12 2023
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Just not my thing at all
1
Oct 13 2023
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
I'm definitely too sober to fully appreciate this album. It's very weird, but strangely enough doesn't really spark any emotion in me. I have no strong feelings about this album.
3
Oct 16 2023
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
It’s pretty decent, but I prefer the music this album inspired (zeppelin, Hendrix, etc). Better than average, not quite good. 3.5 stars.
3
Oct 17 2023
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
Not my favorite from the Doors, but still better than almost all blues/psychedelic rock. Jim Morrison is a legendary front man for a reason.
4
Oct 19 2023
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Very fun pop album. Like A Prayer is one of the best pop songs of all time, and definitely outshines the rest of this album, but I appreciate the experimentation that you typically don't see in pop music.
4
Oct 20 2023
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Terrific musicianship and full of energy. I can only imagine how groundbreaking this must've been when it first came out.
4
Oct 23 2023
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Really enjoyed the first half of this album, but the second half dragged a lot. There’s a chance I could really love this, but it’s so long and it’s not an easy listen - it takes a lot of energy.
4
Oct 24 2023
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
At their best, Simon & Garfunkel create incredible songs with infectious melodies and the most beautiful harmonies. At their worst, they are stuffy and boring. This album has both.
4
Oct 25 2023
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Pleasantly surprised by this album. I'm not typically a folk fan, but this had a very engaging sound to keep my attention at first listen before I can listen to the lyrics.
4
Oct 26 2023
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Boring but relatively inoffensive.
2
Oct 27 2023
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
I can see why a-ha is a one-hit wonder. Take on Me is by far the best song on here. The rest of the album isn't bad, just generic 80's pop.
3
Oct 30 2023
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Different Class
Pulp
A sound that is right up my alley! Great listen, even if none of the songs were all that memorable. Like listening to a worse Bowie.
4
Oct 31 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Not a lot of hits, but this is still a great Prince record. What impressed me the most was the consistency from front to back. Normally double albums can be a bit of a slog to listen to, but this album kept the momentum the whole way through.
4
Nov 01 2023
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
Pretty enjoyable listen, even if the sound is a bit dated. Don't really need to listen again, but I enjoyed this.
4
Nov 02 2023
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Really solid jazz/afrobeat. Great grooves, and overall a lot of fun.
4
Nov 03 2023
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this record. A very mellow, pleasant listen with great vocals and excellent production.
4
Nov 06 2023
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
A classic album that I honestly expected to like a lot more than I did. James Brown is a legendary performer, but I don't think this was him at his best!
4
Nov 07 2023
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
A tremendous talent that we lost far too soon. Back to Black is in the running for the best pop song of all time, and there are no bad songs on here. I'll never tire of this album.
5
Nov 08 2023
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
A pretty forgettable album, until you get to the "lime in the coconut song," which is one of the most unforgettable songs of all time. I had no idea who that song was by, so it took me by complete surprise. Weird listen.
3
Nov 09 2023
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
One of the coolest, most badass albums of all time. A lot of the time, live albums don't add much, but here, the live recording is what makes it so special. The music isn't my favorite - this is about as good as country gets - but damn if it isn't entertaining as hell.
4
Nov 10 2023
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Document
R.E.M.
A classic indie/alternative album, but not exactly my cup of tea. I love a few R.E.M. songs, and a couple are on this album, but the rest are just pretty good to okay.
4
Nov 13 2023
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Smash
The Offspring
Just an all-time grating voice. This would actually be pretty decent if it weren't for that. Self Esteem is about the only song where his voice is tolerable, but I couldn't get through this album.
2
Nov 14 2023
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
I'm suddenly craving a sangria.
3
Nov 15 2023
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Rocks
Aerosmith
Just throughly uninteresting and dated.
2
Nov 16 2023
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
I'm not a fan of country, but I respect the hell out of Dolly Parton, so I'm glad I listened to this. I enjoyed it about as much as I can enjoy a country album, though I probably won't listen to it again.
3
Nov 17 2023
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London Calling
The Clash
This album was way tamer than I expected, given that I had only listened to the title track before. I definitely wasn't expecting such a wide array of sounds and influences. Some of the songs I didn't really care for, it was a bit too long, and I wish there was a bit more intensity, but I enjoyed this.
4
Nov 20 2023
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I definitely enjoy CCR way more than other roots rock. John Fogerty's voice fits so well, and the blues/soul/R&B influences bring a level of excitement and tension that is usually missing from roots rock.
4
Nov 21 2023
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Short but sweet album from one of the all time great voices.
4
Nov 22 2023
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Incredibly dated and uninteresting.
2
Nov 23 2023
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
I don't know. It's not good, it's not bad. It's fine. I don't want to spend my time listening to this again.
3
Nov 24 2023
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Timeless
Goldie
Not bad as background music, but not really my thing. I can't see myself listening to this again on purpose.
3
Nov 27 2023
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
An iconic album - the hits are great when I'm in the right mood for them, but they are definitely overplayed. Most of the rest of the album is a chore to listen to. It's alright.
3
Nov 28 2023
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Just a lovely listen from front to back. I could listen to this any time, any place.
5
Nov 29 2023
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Sunshine Superman
Donovan
A couple of songs were pretty good and fun, but this was mostly too slow and boring, and I am not on nearly enough acid to enjoy it.
3
Nov 30 2023
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25
Adele
Doesn't have my favorite Adele songs, and its a bit tedious and heavy to listen to the whole album at once. She has a tremendous voice, but this isn't my favorite listen.
3
Dec 01 2023
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Just too much for me. Apparently I can’t handle that level of rock and roll.
2
Dec 04 2023
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Weird!
4
Dec 05 2023
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Pretty unremarkable Smiths album for me. It’s decent, but nothing really stood out.
3
Dec 07 2023
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
One of Morrissey's more interesting projects, but it was still a bit tough to get through the whole thing. It's a shame he's such a xenophobic shithead.
4
Dec 08 2023
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Raw Power
The Stooges
Really great listen, lots of energy and personality.
4
Dec 11 2023
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Blur
Blur
Some decent songs, some not-so-decent songs. I appreciate the melodic variety here, but it can be a bit too overblown for me.
3
Dec 12 2023
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
AC/DC does one trick, really well - making music for cruising down the open road with reckless abandon. A highway to hell, for instance.
4
Dec 13 2023
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Just an excessive amount of 80's weirdness here, and I can't help but love it, especially Relax. The Born to Run cover was pretty unremarkable and unnecessary, though.
4