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Fri Mar 10 2023
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Not my cup of tea but a decent album. Starts strong but the second half fades. If you're into folk but with a social conscious and not lovey-dovey hippie folk, this is the album for you.
3
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Sat Mar 11 2023
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Lifeless noodling from technically competent musicians. Also cocaine. Pass.
2
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Sun Mar 12 2023
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Angry young white man music was an unfortunate trend in the late 90s. I, too was an angry young white man in the late 90s and have many regrets from that era. At least this isn't Kid Rock or Limp Bizkit so it gets an extra star. But it doesn't forgive My Fault and it's horrifying lyrics.
2
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Mon Mar 13 2023
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Right Here Right Now is a five star banger. A true classic. I did like the big beat sound of the late 90s and even though it is somewhat dated, I still enjoy it. You're Not From Brighton is a hidden gem.
4
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Tue Mar 14 2023
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Turns out I’m not that into goth. The Cure are overrated and Robert Smith is annoying. Next.
2
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Wed Mar 15 2023
Parklife
Blur
The album never got past second gear. It’s also very English and Damon Alborn sounds like a wanker. Meh.
2
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Thu Mar 16 2023
Black Monk Time
The Monks
Never heard of these guys until now. Their back story is quite interesting. This very much inspired The Stooges and I’m all for it.
4
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Fri Mar 17 2023
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Terrific musicianship from this quintet. Not all the songs slay but enough do to earn a high ranking. Jaco Pastorius and Wayne Shorter shine in particular. Shame what happened to Jaco. He was an all time talent.
4
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Sat Mar 18 2023
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Marty Friedman is an absolute dynamo. A sterling guitarist who has magical fingers. He's the strength of this album. There's something about Dave Mustaine that really bothers me. He seems really toxic and his voice grates on me. Some great songs but too much filler.
3
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Sun Mar 19 2023
Out of Step
Minor Threat
Some decent hardcore punk action here. Betrayed is a banger. I still think Husker Du did it better though. Also, this is an EP so should it belong on this list?
3
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Mon Mar 20 2023
Freak Out!
The Mothers Of Invention
It’s too avant-garde for me but I do appreciate the musicianship and the influence this album had on many artists. Not sure I’ll revisit that often though.
3
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Tue Mar 21 2023
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
The more I listen to it, the more this album grows on me. Can definitely here the David Bowie and Talking Heads influences. Other Voices and Tonite are bangers. Black Screen is haunting and dark. Solid album.
4
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Wed Mar 22 2023
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
I can appreciate the influence it had on other grunge artists but the lyrics are terrible. I like grunge and punk but this is a sophomoric effort. Disappointing.
2
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Thu Mar 23 2023
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Not my jam. Cello Song and Saturday Sun were fine songs but Thoughts of Mary Jane was absolutely dreadful.
2
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Fri Mar 24 2023
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Not quite prime Stones. Paint it Black slams. Going Home is a sign of things to come. A predecessor to Midnight Rambler. Still lots of filler. They won't hit their peak for a few years yet. Hot take. A Canadian band called Streetheart does a much superior version of Under My Thumb.
3
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Sat Mar 25 2023
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Can definitely hear how this album and artist influenced so many future guitarists. I've Got My Mojo Working is a standout.
4
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Sun Mar 26 2023
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
I'd rather listen to New Model Army.
2
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Mon Mar 27 2023
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Liked it more than I thought I would. Johnny Mar is an innovative and inventive guitarist. Morrissey is an insufferable prick.
3
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Tue Mar 28 2023
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Definitely was bopping my head to some of these tracks. Didn't enjoy the skits and some of the lyrics were cringey and violent. I'll concede this album wasn't made for old white guys like me but I can appreciate how important this album was to East Coast Hip Hop and Rap in general.
3
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Wed Mar 29 2023
Whatever
Aimee Mann
Better than I expected. Decent background music. Lacked a standout track and the country vibe was not necessary.
3
View Album
Thu Mar 30 2023
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Some solid tracks. Drive and Ignoreland stand out. Never liked Michael Stipe’s voice. Too much accordion and mandolin. Still a decent album.
3
View Album
Fri Mar 31 2023
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Really solid album. Love the big sounding drums and razor sharp guitars. Production from Steve Albini is terrific. Black Francis and Kim Deal have a chemistry with their vocals that mesh nicely. End of the album fades a bit but this was an enjoyable listen.
4
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Sat Apr 01 2023
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Some very cool funky vibes. Africano smashes hard. Prefer the up tempo songs over the ballads. Will check out more of EW&F. More 70s funk please.
4
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Sun Apr 02 2023
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
The production is too sparse. I prefer my electronica more dense and claustrophobic like Massive Attack.
2
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Mon Apr 03 2023
Real Life
Magazine
Decent album. Somewhat jarring. Not 100% certain what to make of it. Might explore further.
3
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Tue Apr 04 2023
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Somewhat eerie. Somewhat frightening. Somewhat claustrophobic. Somewhat unsettling. Yet in the end, it's a worthwhile addition to the 1001 club. Sit Down, Stand Up and There, There are outstanding tracks.
4
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Wed Apr 05 2023
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
No.
1
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Thu Apr 06 2023
Before And After Science
Brian Eno
A cacophony of sounds, textures, moods and feelings. Quite abstract which doesn’t work all the time but there are some moments of quality that shine. Can definitely hear Talking Heads, Devo, David Bowie and Trent Reznor in this album. King Lead’s Hat and Spider and I are highlights.
3
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Fri Apr 07 2023
Opus Dei
Laibach
Sounds like background music to a bad Game of Throne parody porn film. Holy fuck this is awful!!
1
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Sat Apr 08 2023
Back In Black
AC/DC
An album that's a victim of its own success. There are good songs but they've been overplayed to the point that I'm sick of them. Hells Bells and Back In Black are stand out tracks. Hot take: Bon Scott > Brian Johnson.
3
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Sun Apr 09 2023
Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Boring and forgettable.
1
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Mon Apr 10 2023
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
So we have an album cover of a man holding a child who looks terrified. And on said album there's a song called Sweet Cocaine (which is one of the worst songs in the history of civilization). If that isn't a red flag, I don't know what is.
1
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Tue Apr 11 2023
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
It's a shame that Morrissey is so punchable because The Smiths make interesting music. Title track is excellent. Second half of the album loses momentum. Overall decent album.
3
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Wed Apr 12 2023
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
There's better CCR albums than this. It isn't terrible but it didn't do anything for me. Very meh.
2
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Thu Apr 13 2023
Dirt
Alice In Chains
Is it depressing? Yes. Is it great? Hell yes! Arguably the best grunge album of the era. Slow, heavy, claustrophobic, relentless. So damn good. Would? remains one of my favourite songs of the 90s. A classic!
5
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Fri Apr 14 2023
Live At Leeds
The Who
Not a big fan of live albums. Also prefer the 1970s Who output over the 1960s material. Still, there's enough on here that makes this release decent. Magic Bus is much better on here than the studio version.
3
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Sat Apr 15 2023
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
This is perfect music for a dinner party. Ella is a great singer but this is too much. I don’t think box sets should be on this list.
3
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Sun Apr 16 2023
The Joshua Tree
U2
The zenith of U2's career. It would slowly go downhill after this brilliant album. Everyone talks about the first three tracks and yes, they are fantastic. But Running to Stand Still and Mothers of the Disappeared are hidden gems that should get more credit.
5
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Mon Apr 17 2023
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
I tried. I mean I really tried. Trust me I tried. I tried so hard. But I just can't get over that voice. Sorry Bob.
2
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Tue Apr 18 2023
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
A rollicking affair. Lots of energy. Some of it a tad misguided but still a wild and fun listen. Not perfect but pretty damn good.
4
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Wed Apr 19 2023
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Decent. Might explore further.
3
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Thu Apr 20 2023
Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Certainly not boring. Loud, abrasive, dark, slightly frightening. I can see why people don't like it. I didn't mind it. It's not perfect but it is a very interesting listen. Did not know this was Nick Cave's first band. Not the worst thing I've heard on here that's for sure.
3
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Fri Apr 21 2023
Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
Call it the Divorce Album. It's not Marvin's best but there are some interesting and chill tracks on here. His voice is just superb even with the bitterness that permeates this album. Decent but not a classic.
3
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Sat Apr 22 2023
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
One thing I'm learning about myself doing this project. The Singer-Songwriter genre is not my thing.
2
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Sun Apr 23 2023
Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
Started promising with a couple of decent tracks but loses momentum shortly thereafter thanks to thin production, obnoxious horns and piercing keyboards that many 80s albums are guilty of. I don't remember this band even though I'm an 80s child. They didn't make a mark in my home and native land (🇨🇦) and I do tend to mark bands I remember from that time a bit higher. Still, meh.
2
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Mon Apr 24 2023
Celebrity Skin
Hole
I don't think this album knows what it wants to be. Too overproduced to be grunge. Too grimy to be California pop. It's a chaotic mess which basically describes Courtney Love most of the time.
1
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Tue Apr 25 2023
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Didn't know about these guys until know. Quite solid. Every track flows seemlessly to the next one. Radio and Frontier Psychiatrist are standouts. The tracks have room to breathe for some fascinating samples using funk, pop standards and various influences. Fades a bit at the end but this was an enjoyable listen.
4
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Wed Apr 26 2023
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
You can smell the cigarettes and bourbon on this album. Hence the song Jockey Full of Bourbon which was a standout along with Union Square. Waits knows when the songs have run their course which is a lesson Bob Dylan doesn't understand. Not every song is good and it is slightly uneven but it's a decent listen and I'm willing to explore more Tom Waits.
3
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Thu Apr 27 2023
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Was very interested in hearing this when I found out that this artist had a major influence on two of my favourite artists, Neil Young and Jimmy Page. Preferred the instrumentals over the songs with vocals. The guitar playing is excellent. Folk isn't my thing but this was fine.
3
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Fri Apr 28 2023
Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
First off, Trevor Horn deserves way more credit for the musical direction of this album. McLaren just discovered these artists but had no idea what to do with them or even pay them which is a crime. There's some good stuff on here but McLaren is a slime ball so I can't give it to high of a ranking. To think, Trevor Horn went from the Buggles, to Yes, to the manager of the Sex Pistols, back to Yes, to Frankie Goes to Hollywood then to Seal. Horn is a genius.
3
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Sat Apr 29 2023
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
Decent. Wished it rocked out a little more. Take away the lead and closing tracks and it's pretty much a Lou Reed solo album. I prefer Transformer but again, this was OK.
3
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Sun Apr 30 2023
Sister
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth are a bit of a blind spot for me. I had friends who were into them but they sort of escaped my attention even when I was pretty heavy into my grunge/alt rock phase. This was my first time hearing this album and it was a smart, crackling listen. Not quite five stars but still gets praise from me.
4
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Mon May 01 2023
Eternally Yours
The Saints
Terrific album by this underrated punk band from Brisbane Australia. No filler on this one. The horns are a nice touch without being overbearing. This should have been much bigger than it was. Still it was influential and I'm glad it's in the book.
5
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Tue May 02 2023
Like A Prayer
Madonna
Hated this album when it came out. Still hated it after listening to it today. Not even Prince could save this turd.
1
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Wed May 03 2023
Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
A lifeless blob of an album.
1
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Thu May 04 2023
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Wish I was listening to this at a beachside cantina or a sun drenched patio than a sterile office environment but it is what it is. Some of the songs needed a trim and too many sounded the same but the musicianship was excellent, especially Ry Cooder's guitar work and the many percussionists that delivered labyrinth-like rhythms.
3
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Fri May 05 2023
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
Liked this album quite a bit. Melodic yet still punky and abrasive. Well composed and structured with some serious bite. This was a new discovery for me and I dug it.
4
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Sat May 06 2023
Be
Common
Really liked the jazz and soul samples. This was a damn good album. Shame that Kanye was involved thus a star was deducted. Still, a cool, chill vibe while being socially conscious. This would be a hip hop album Marvin Gaye would have made.
4
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Sun May 07 2023
Close To The Edge
Yes
First off, I get it. I know prog rock is a divisive genre. I know there will people who will hate this album and I get it. That being said, this is brilliant! Just a superb slice of 70s prog. Rick Wakeman's church organ solo in the title track gives me chills.
5
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Mon May 08 2023
Django Django
Django Django
Somewhat uneven but overall decent. Quite arty and experimental.
3
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Tue May 09 2023
I Should Coco
Supergrass
Album starts off super strong. I'd Like To Know and Caught By The Fuzz are total bangers. While the rest of the album slips slightly, this is a solid listen and it's too bad I missed this back in 1995. I can hear how this influenced The Strokes and The Hives.
4
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Wed May 10 2023
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
Dark, edgy, somewhat menacing, even a touch nihilistic. Yet it's brilliant funk that captures the mood of the early 70s which was chaotic and frightening. Sly was on so many drugs and it shows in the production which you can hear a hiss throughout. Yet it actually adds to the mystique and tone of the album. Damn good!
5
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Thu May 11 2023
Urban Hymns
The Verve
If U2 and Oasis had a love child, it would be The Verve. Liked it more than I thought I would. A bit uneven and not everything works. Note to bands. If you're not The Clash and your hidden track isn't Train in Vain, don't do hidden tracks. Overall, decent but not spectacular.
3
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Fri May 12 2023
Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
That this dreck made this book while a brilliant band like Tool is completely ignored is utterly shameful. Fuck Kid Rock and everything he stands for!
1
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Sat May 13 2023
S&M
Metallica
Not all of it works but it's an interesting experiment. I didn't mind it even though it's too long and bloated. Outlaw Torn stood out and is a surprise on here. Decent.
3
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Sun May 14 2023
Cut
The Slits
Different from what I was expecting. Thought it was a punk album but instead much more dub and reggae than punk. Maybe post punk is a more accurate description. Liked the guitars on Ping Pong Affair. Strong bass work by Tessa Pollitt throughout. Liked the tracks Instant Hit and Typical Girls. Shoplifting was a weak track that brought the album down. Overall influential and decent.
3
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Mon May 15 2023
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Interesting.
3
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Tue May 16 2023
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Nice slice of Dad rock here. Sultans of Swing is a classic and Down to the Waterline is a solid yet moody opener. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is extraordinary. However, this album tends to veer to easy listening at times and I wished it would rock out more.
3
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Wed May 17 2023
Diamond Life
Sade
Sounds like a soundtrack to a late night "film" on Cinemax. Veers too much into easy listening and pop. One review I heard stated it's Steely Dan with a female singer. I don't like Steely Dan so this album is a meh to me.
2
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Thu May 18 2023
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
Was expecting something else. This was quite jarring. Yes it's arty. Yes it's influential. Yes the musicianship is sound. But I couldn't get into it. Was kind of disappointed overall.
2
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Fri May 19 2023
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
I never know what to expect from Zappa. But I liked this. Superb guitar playing. Can totally hear how this inspired the likes of Steve Vai and John McLaughlin. Also hear some King Crimson vibes. Solid album.
4
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Sat May 20 2023
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Most of this album cooks. Brighton Rock and Stone Cold Crazy are pure bangers that totally rock. The medley of Tenement Funster, Flick of the Wrist and Lily of the Valley is outstanding! The final quarter is a bit of a let down but overall, this is a worthy listen. Not quite five stars but still really good.
4
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Sun May 21 2023
Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
Dragged and droned throughout. Didn't click with me.
2
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Mon May 22 2023
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Really good! Hurt is a classic. Really liked his version of Personal Jesus. I didn't care for Danny Boy as I think that song should be sung by a tenor. Despite that, Johnny Cash is a legend and this is a solid recording.
4
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Tue May 23 2023
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Again with live albums. I also prefer instrumental jazz to vocal jazz. Also prefer Billie Holiday and Nina Simone over Sarah Vaughan. Overall, it's just meh.
2
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Wed May 24 2023
Low
David Bowie
Finally a Bowie album. And a damn good one. More avant-garde and experimental thanks to Brian Eno's influence and inspiration. Bowie is trying hard to get clean here and it shows in the more atmospheric, instrumental tracks that resemble Tangerine Dream. Not perfect but a great listen.
4
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Thu May 25 2023
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Meh.
2
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Fri May 26 2023
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
Edwyn Collins tries so hard to sound like David Bowie. He doesn't have the master's chops. It's not terrible but it never rises above mediocrity.
2
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Sat May 27 2023
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Any album that features a Cheech & Chong cameo can't be all bad. I'll take this over Dylan any day. Too folky at times which is a drawback but I'm willing to listen to more Joni Mitchell.
3
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Sun May 28 2023
Ramones
Ramones
HELL YES! What a pleasure to revisit this classic. A game changer!
5
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Mon May 29 2023
Frank
Amy Winehouse
It's OK. I prefer Back to Black over this though. Still it's a decent listen. Fuck Me Pumps is a standout.
3
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Tue May 30 2023
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Somewhat of a hit and miss. Georgia On My Mind is fantastic but I didn't care for Willie's version of Unchained Melody. Everything else is OK. Have respect for this forever outlaw for making this record against the record company's wishes.
3
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Wed May 31 2023
The Who Sell Out
The Who
This one is kind of all over the place. I Can See For Miles is a banger! Heinz Baked Beans has a Monty Python feel to it. In fact, the entire album is somewhat Pythonesque. Some of it good. Some of it, well... I do respect that the Who are calling out the commercialization of rock music way back in 1967. Ahead of their time. Overall, decent.
3
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Thu Jun 01 2023
The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
Never heard this before. The discovery of the week. Dirge is a flat out killer song. Just mesmerizing. Aisha and Luther's Funk are damn good too. Not perfect but this was a pleasant surprise to my ears.
4
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Fri Jun 02 2023
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
A lot going on here. Money Changes Everything is a fine opener. Time After Time is a good ballad. She Bop is a decent synth pop tune. After that, it's a no from me. I get why people like it. I'm surprised Cyndi Lauper didn't have a bigger career. This was a huge album back in the day. But it isn't for me.
2
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Sat Jun 03 2023
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Liked it more than I expected. Dark, gloomy, uncomfortable, menacing, even a bit terrifying. But damn good. I have a soft spot for early 80s guitar sounds. It's dated yes, but when it comes to the 80s guitar and even synths, give me 1981/1982 over 1988/1989.
4
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Sun Jun 04 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Historically important but not my cup of tea.
2
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Mon Jun 05 2023
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Prefer the Big Boi material over the Andre 3000 side. Sprawling and ambitious which I respect and both are talented. But it sounds too busy and all over the place. Didn't click with me.
2
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Tue Jun 06 2023
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Bowie's vision starts to take flight here. Life on Mars? and Queen Bitch are stone cold classics. Quicksand is an underrated gem. It's not 100% perfect but that will come later from Bowie. Still, it's a damn good album.
4
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Wed Jun 07 2023
Smile
Brian Wilson
Very disappointing. Had higher expectations. It tries to be Sgt Pepper, Pet Sounds, early Genesis and even Tommy but not even close. Major dud.
1
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Thu Jun 08 2023
The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
Didn't click with me.
2
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Fri Jun 09 2023
War
U2
Solid album. New Year's Day is a classic. Surrender is an underrated gem. I do think the live versions of Sunday Bloody Sunday and Forty are better than the studio versions. Still, a young vibrant and somewhat naive U2 are better than the latter day smug posers they became in the 2000s.
4
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Sat Jun 10 2023
Synchronicity
The Police
A rare album in that it's backloaded. Most of the best songs are on Side 2. The classics are here like Every Breath You Take, King of Pain and Synchronicity 2 but there are questionable tracks like Mother that bring the album down a bit. Still, a great listen. I just wish Zenyatta Mondatta was in the book because that's the best Police album.
4
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Sun Jun 11 2023
Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
A somewhat surprisingly raw album. Could be called garage country. Overall decent. Not great but it's there like most of Kings of Leon's work. Decent but not great.
3
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Mon Jun 12 2023
Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
Enjoyed this album quite a bit. Excellent job by the Record Plant to setup and recreate a jazz club environment Waits storytelling and between song interludes are funny and interesting. Better Off Without a Wife is a fantastic song that's both funny and melancholy. I'm becoming more of a Tom Waits fan the more I listen to him.
4
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Tue Jun 13 2023
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Inoffensive but bland and boring.
2
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Wed Jun 14 2023
Harvest
Neil Young
Great album. Needle and the Damage Done is an all time classic! Out On The Weekend is a great opener. Perfect album to play on a lonely highway in Western Canada. Only Neil Young can make a country folk album that I love.
5
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Thu Jun 15 2023
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Decent listen. Always have respect for Billy Bragg.
3
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Fri Jun 16 2023
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
I highly respect Dolly Parton for her humanitarianism and she seems like an outstanding person. But, this didn’t work for me. To country for this rocker.
2
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Sat Jun 17 2023
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Fuck you I won’t do what you tell me!
One of the greatest debut albums ever! Change that. One of the greatest albums ever!
5
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Sun Jun 18 2023
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Can’t stand his voice. Songs are too long. A prick on stage. Apparently a cranky blunderbuss as a human. Hard no!
1
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Mon Jun 19 2023
Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Decent. Better than Ocean Rain. Still, not all of it clicks but I can tell it influenced many artists.
3
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Tue Jun 20 2023
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Folk rock isn’t my thing. I do like The Boxer but the title track is vastly overrated. I know many people like this but I’m in the minority on this one.
2
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Wed Jun 21 2023
Sheet Music
10cc
Meandering pap and prattle. I didn't need to listen to this when there's so much better out there that didn't make this list.
1
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Thu Jun 22 2023
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
I remember my sisters listening to this back in the day. Brings back some good memories. Our Lips Are Sealed has a solid bass line while We Got The Beat will always remind me of Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Decent outing.
3
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Fri Jun 23 2023
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Damn this was tasty. Some fine funk from a master. What a talent Curtis Mayfield was.
5
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Sat Jun 24 2023
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Cocaine.
2
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Sun Jun 25 2023
Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Decent. They were definitely around in the 90s but I always bypassed them for some reason or another. Cut Your Hair is a cool song. First half is strong but second half is somewhat lacklustre.
3
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Mon Jun 26 2023
Risque
CHIC
There's no doubt this album had a major influence on hip-hop. Bernard Hopkins bass lines set the tone for the rap scene in the 80s, 90s and beyond. Good Times is a banger. Side two isn't quite as good but this is a decent album overall. Also what a talent Nile Rodgers is.
3
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Tue Jun 27 2023
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Decent. Again too many live albums. Still it's a fun recording.
3
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Wed Jun 28 2023
Blue
Joni Mitchell
The breakup album Taylor Swift desperately wants to write, but doesn't have the emotional maturity to do so. River is devastatingly heartbreaking.
4
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Thu Jun 29 2023
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Some solid funk here. You can hear how this influenced Prince. Just wish Eddie Hazel was on this album. Still, a fine addition to the list.
4
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Fri Jun 30 2023
NEU! 75
Neu!
This one surprised me. Somewhat dystopian and desolate it still packs a punch and I enjoyed it. Hero is a banger! I can definitely hear how this influenced Bowie. Solid album.
4
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Sat Jul 01 2023
On The Beach
Neil Young
Dark. Depressing. Moody. Also, fucking brilliant! One of Neil's best works! Ambulance Blues is one of the all time best album closers. Revolution Blues is a flat out banger. Neil can stay in the ditch all he wants if it means he produces gems like this.
5
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Sun Jul 02 2023
Groovin'
The Young Rascals
You Better Run is the best song on the album. Pat Benatar's version is better. If you're best song on an album was done better by another artist, chances are your album isn't very good.
2
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Mon Jul 03 2023
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Uneven. Chaotic. Messy. Very hit and miss. Not sure what to make of it. It's probably a 2.5 since some songs are quite good but a couple of songs are flat out terrible. If I was on the 1001 albums podcast I'd go neutral.
3
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Tue Jul 04 2023
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Interesting. Very ambient. It's mood music so I have to be in the right mood to listen to it. I'll explore when I'm feeling it. There's potential for me to really like it but for now, it's just OK.
3
View Album
Wed Jul 05 2023
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
If my French was better (I know remedial French at best) I'd give this a higher mark. There's definite flow and the beats are filled with jazzy goodness. But the language barrier (my fault) does make it difficult. Still, I'm glad I was exposed to this.
3
View Album
Thu Jul 06 2023
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
All killer no filler. Simply fantastic. Just a thoroughly enjoyable punk album that's sinister enough to keep it real.
5
View Album
Fri Jul 07 2023
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Another album from the most overrated genre in all of music. Critics love singer/songwriters because they feel it captures a glimpse of vulnerability from the courageous and brave musician that is inspired by the Beatles which apparently you have to be in order to be relevant and worthwhile. Nah. This is bland and repetitive material that is way over represented in this book. It's not terrible but it's not that exciting either. Yawn.
2
View Album
Sat Jul 08 2023
All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
George really needed an editor or a producer with some gumption on this one. A triple album? Really George? Pare it down and it's decent. But this is overwrought and disappointing. Some high quality musicians save this from being a total dud.
2
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Sun Jul 09 2023
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
First off, Child in Time is an all timer. The greatest howl maybe in all of rock music was done by Gillan on the classic anti war anthem. That song alone gives this album high marks. The rest is solid proto-metal with some prog overtones. It might lean towards hard rock while Sabbath is probably more metal. Musicianship is very high. Ian Paice is an underrated but outstanding drummer. Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore are both brilliant. Yeah this is good stuff.
5
View Album
Mon Jul 10 2023
Green
R.E.M.
For the most part, it's decent. I would like R.E.M more but Michael Stipe's voice just irritates the hell out of me. That said, Orange Crush is an all time classic. On the opposite end, Stand is one of my least favourite tracks. Never liked that song even though it was a sizeable hit. Overall it's OK.
3
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Tue Jul 11 2023
Illmatic
Nas
Didn't click with me.
2
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Wed Jul 12 2023
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
How to make Bo Diddley sound terrible. Listen to side one of this dreck. I have to imagine the consortium who made the choices of which album appeared in this book took a whole whack of drugs back in the day. The only explanation why this monstrosity made this list. Ugh!
1
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Thu Jul 13 2023
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
There's no denying the influence and impact this record had on rock and roll music. For that reason, it deserves a place in the book. However, in terms of musical style, it's not for me.
2
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Fri Jul 14 2023
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
Liked it more than I thought I would. Good musicians. Still a bit uneven and too many Dylan covers. Overall it's fine but it didn't blow me away.
3
View Album
Sat Jul 15 2023
Marquee Moon
Television
How to make a punk record sound artistic. Goddamn this album is so good! The title track is insanely amazing! Tom Verlaine's angsty vocals and nimble guitar work is beyond fantastic. This is a great guitar album that isn't a classic shredder but it has a way that knows how to make use of the space that it creates. Pure genius.
5
View Album
Sun Jul 16 2023
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
The saddest thing this album is still very relevant today. This packs a wallop. Incendiary rhymes delivered with force by Chuck D. The Flavor Flav material is a tad weaker but it still smokes. Fight The Power is an all timer! Welcome To The Terrordome is a banger! Nice to hear Ice Cube on Burn Hollywood Burn. Respect.
4
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Mon Jul 17 2023
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
No doubt Marianne Faithfull is a survivor. She's been through everything and still came out with a decent album here. Very late 70s early 80s vibe that is somewhat dated. I prefer Lennon's version of Working Class Hero but her version is very cold, nihilistic and detached which does work. Why D'Ya Do It is angry as hell. Not perfect but pretty good.
3
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Tue Jul 18 2023
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
I did not know Otis Redding wrote Respect until today. Cool. Overall decent with some hits and misses. Liked Satisfaction and Rock Me Baby. Didn't care for My Girl. (Temptations version is better) Great voice.
3
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Wed Jul 19 2023
Slipknot
Slipknot
Loud teenage angst combined with some toxic masculinity equals a shit album. Again I harp on this but, this makes the 1001 list but Tool doesn't? I really question the people who contributed to this book. There's good metal out there. (Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Fates Warning, Queensryche just to name a few.) Stuff like this gives metal a bad name.
1
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Thu Jul 20 2023
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
Starts promising but quickly delves into this "smooth" jazz and funk that is played in late night "cinema". Till The Cops Come Knockin' is a bit creepy. It's also too long. I know it's a concept album so it gets bonus points for the attempt but it didn't do it for me.
2
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Fri Jul 21 2023
Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
It's not terrible but this isn't required listening. A bit unfocused and frenetic for it to elevate the material. I never heard of these guys before and I don't think I need to hear them again.
2
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Sat Jul 22 2023
Boston
Boston
Another album that's a victim of its own success. It's overplayed to death and yet, I like it. Quite a bit actually. It's a bit of a guilty pleasure but I can't deny the craftsmanship of the songs and the production. They never topped this which was their downfall but this is a solid listen.
4
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Sun Jul 23 2023
So
Peter Gabriel
Very arty. Very percussive. Very good. Yeah the production is somewhat dated by today's standards but the songs remain strong. Red Rain and In Your Eyes are gorgeous. Sledgehammer and Big Time are bangers. Love Tony Levin's bass work. Didn't know Stewart Copeland did some drum work on this album until now. An 80s standard.
4
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Mon Jul 24 2023
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Let's state the obvious first. Superstition is an all time banger. Just a great song. The rest of the album is solid in its own right. Maybe too many ballads for my taste and not enough guitar with the exception of Jeff Beck on a couple of tracks. Still, I can't complain too much.
4
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
It's fine. Pretty standard fare. Problem with the blues is it doesn't really have much place to go. So it becomes mood music to some extent. Also, it's a tad creepy to hear how horny Muddy Waters is even though he is a legend.
3
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Wed Jul 26 2023
Remedy
Basement Jaxx
Decent. Kind of dated though. Some tracks did have a groove to it which I dug. This would have been played in the clubs in the late 90/early 00s. But the album is too hit and miss.
3
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Thu Jul 27 2023
Private Dancer
Tina Turner
One of the most 80s albums the 80s ever 80d. Still the singles are strong enough to carry the over production. Better Be Good To Me is a standout. Not sure about the covers. I'm glad I never heard Dire Straits do Private Dancer even though Mark Knopfler wrote it. Overall, it's fine and bonus points for Tina surviving and thriving after she left Ike.
3
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Fri Jul 28 2023
A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
So dated. Quite cringy. Ugh! Hard pass.
1
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Sat Jul 29 2023
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Another live album. This one is decent. Would have been cool to have been there in person. Sam Cooke can sing. Such a sad and tragic ending to his life.
3
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Sun Jul 30 2023
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Confession: I had a bit of a crush on Nina Persson back in the day. So I've seen the Lovefool video a few times. As for the album, it's not bad. Hit and miss. Quirky fun but sometimes too quirky. That Iron Man cover is interesting.
3
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Kala
M.I.A.
Despite sampling the Pixies and the Clash, this didn't click with me. Too much autotune.
2
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Tue Aug 01 2023
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
There's no denying Eminem's talent and flow. He's got that in spades. And I do think Stan and The Real Slim Shady are good songs. But man those lyrics are just frightening and haven't aged well. Also, it's too long. An edit would have been nice.
2
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Wed Aug 02 2023
The Man Who
Travis
If an overhead projector made an album, it would probably sound like this.
2
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Thu Aug 03 2023
Face to Face
The Kinks
Never got into the Kinks. After hearing this, still not into them.
2
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Fri Aug 04 2023
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Kind of have to be in the mood to listen to this one. Billie's voice is dripping with heartbreak and despair. The heroin and alcohol are taking their toll on her here. Still, it's a worthwhile listen.
3
View Album
Sat Aug 05 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
One really good song (Behind the Wheel) and a bunch of mediocrity after that.
2
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Sun Aug 06 2023
Solid Air
John Martyn
Liked this more than I thought. The jazzy interludes are quite welcoming. His voice is a deterrent which stops this album from being great. Instead it's a decent listen that I might revisit on a quiet chill evening.
3
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Mon Aug 07 2023
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Songs about murder and religion. Ugh!
1
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Stankonia
OutKast
There is some good stuff on here (Ms Jackson, B.O.B) but there are too many skits and interludes on top of the rest of the material being extremely uneven. It's all over the place.
2
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Wed Aug 09 2023
Rio
Duran Duran
Another one that brings me back. Not sure the whole album is great as there is some filler. But the singles are strong enough to carry it to the finish line. Better musicians than people give them credit for especially John Taylor who could flat out slap that bass.
3
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Thu Aug 10 2023
Goo
Sonic Youth
The precursor to grunge. Somewhat arty. Somewhat noisy. Somewhat snarly. Altogether cool. The more I hear Sonic Youth, the more I like them.
4
View Album
Fri Aug 11 2023
Gris Gris
Dr. John
It wasn't terrible but it was way too psychadelic for my tastes.
2
View Album
Sat Aug 12 2023
Hotel California
Eagles
Another album that's a victim of its own success. It's been overplayed and it is somewhat overrated. That said, it's still pretty good. The musicianship is there and the songwriting is on point. But it's also kind of depressing and at closer look it's a rather sad album.
3
View Album
Sun Aug 13 2023
Live Through This
Hole
Quite grungy and punky. I actually liked it. Courtney Love isn't my favourite person in the world but I'll give her credit, this album works. Not as overproduced as Celebrity Skin (which I really disliked) but the rawness helps this album.
3
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Mon Aug 14 2023
Paris 1919
John Cale
A pedestrian affair.
2
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Tue Aug 15 2023
Play
Moby
This album was everywhere in the late 90s early 00s. Moby is a bit of an unsavoury character but I can't deny it. This remains a solid album and an enjoyable listen.
4
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Wed Aug 16 2023
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Of course it's a classic! GOOD GOD ALMIGHTY! THOSE DRUMS ON WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS!!
5
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Decent. Starts off strong but the second half of the album fades. Tiny Dancer is a classic! Drinking game. Take a shot every time Elton mentions Jesus. You'll be drunker than a frat house during pledge week.
3
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Fri Aug 18 2023
In Utero
Nirvana
I remember when this album came out and I was hugely disappointed when I first listened it. 30 years later, it's a bit better but far from perfect. The bookend tracks are the best songs on the album but you can tell Kurt Cobain wasn't going to be long for this planet. Steve Albini's production is hit and miss which is surprising. (Speaking of Albini, why isn't his band Shellac in the book? They're fantastic. Never mind.)
3
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Sat Aug 19 2023
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
The most hipster album I've ever heard. That said, it's decent and inoffensive but it's also overrated and a bid dry. Good background music and fine musicianship carries it to a passing grade but it doesn't elevate to greatness. Great album cover though.
3
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Sun Aug 20 2023
Low-Life
New Order
Annoyingly 80s.
2
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
Decent. Good energy. Too bad Carrie Brownstein's voice is so annoying. Don't need that much tremolo.
3
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Tue Aug 22 2023
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Couldn't get into it. Kind of disappointing.
2
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Tis a shame that Win Butler is a punchable asshole because this is a solid album. Some really good songs on here.
4
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Thu Aug 24 2023
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
There's no denying the influence and impact this album had on music and popular culture. And yes, A Day In A Life is a truly great song. But...I do think this album is somewhat overrated and it get so highly regarded because it's the "first" or the beginning of the rock album era. I do think there are others that followed are much better. Granted, I'm not the biggest Beatles fan, (I don't hate them but I don't love them either) so that might tilt my bias a bit. Still, it's fine but there is a lot of filler on here.
3
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Fri Aug 25 2023
GI
Germs
Decent. Good energy. Darby Crash's voice is a bit annoying. I also prefer Dead Kennedys and Husker Du to this. Did not know Pat Smear played guitar on this until now. Interesting.
3
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Sat Aug 26 2023
Violator
Depeche Mode
Maybe the most overrated band that appears in this book. I never got Depeche Mode and I still don't get Depeche Mode.
2
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Sun Aug 27 2023
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Who recorded this Pepe LePew? Bloody awful!
1
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Mon Aug 28 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
I remember when this came out and how much it pissed off the religious right. Yet, the religious right is far more evil than anything on this album. Some solid metal here. I do think Powerslave is Maiden's best album though but still, this one does cook.
4
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
This Hendrix fellow can play guitar a little bit.
5
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Wed Aug 30 2023
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
At times tough. At times tender. Solid album by someone I tend to overlook. I should delve more into PJ Harvey's work because she does produce some really good material. Enjoyed this one.
4
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Annoying fake band. Didn't need to hear this when it came out and didn't need to hear it now.
1
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Fri Sep 01 2023
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Always a good day when a Neil Young album is generated. Especially with Crazy Horse backing him up. Just a great album. So many classics on here. RIP Danny Gatten.
5
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Sat Sep 02 2023
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
It's greasy. It's dirty. It's raunchy. It's vintage Stones. Unlike most classic albums, this one hasn't been ruined by classic rock radio so the songs are more fresh. It may not have the hits but it's a great album overall.
5
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Sun Sep 03 2023
Picture Book
Simply Red
Fake ass soul from a bunch of Manchester United supporters. Rubbish. Here's hoping Bayern Munich crushes the red scourge in the Champions League and I never have to listen to this tripe again.
1
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Imagine
John Lennon
The title track is so hypocritical. Lennon preaches peace and love yet was not very peaceful or loving to family members. Sorry but not buying it John. Rest of the album is very meh.
2
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Tue Sep 05 2023
Transformer
Lou Reed
Hugely influential. The glammiest of glam rock albums. Fine album. Some real bangers on here. Not entirely perfect but definitely belongs in the book.
4
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
Hard no! Beyond not my thing. I heard he opened for The Clash on a few dates and was spit on and punks threw beer at him. I would have been one of those punks that would have thrown beer if I was at that show.
1
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Thu Sep 07 2023
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
It's fine. Punky enough to earn a passing grade but too Celtic and folky for me to earn higher marks. It would be better to hear this at a British or Irish pub while sipping some Jamesons.
3
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
The good: The version of I'm a Man is superior to Spencer Davis Group's version. Peter Cetera can play bass. Damn. In fact, the musicianship on this album is terrific. The bad: The Free Form guitar solo is nothing but noise and is damn annoying. They became sappy balladeers in the 80s. Overall, it's decent albeit a bit all over the place.
3
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Sat Sep 09 2023
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Was never a big Tom Petty fan but this album is OK. American Girl is a banger. The rest is fine. He tries real hard to sound like Bruce Springsteen but I prefer the Boss more.
3
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Sun Sep 10 2023
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
One of the most gorgeous albums ever made. Just a stunning masterpiece. There aren't enough words to describe this. An astounding achievement.
5
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Rubber Soul
Beatles
It’s fine. Drive My Car is a classic. Run For Your Life hasn’t aged well. Just not a big Beatles fan.
3
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Tue Sep 12 2023
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Solid instrumental album. Very much enjoyed it. Only issue is too many covers. Otherwise this was an enjoyable listen.
4
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Wed Sep 13 2023
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Underrated but damn good album. Tomorrow's Dream is a hidden gem. Some solid sludge and doom metal here. Call it proto sludge and proto doom if you want. Sabbath were the innovators.
4
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Thu Sep 14 2023
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
This might be my least favourite Kings of Leon album. They're good musicians but the songs don't cut it here. Second half in particular drags. Not sure why this one is in the book.
2
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Fri Sep 15 2023
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
It's a great album but it isn't Neil's best. I like other albums from him more but this is still an excellent listen. The title track, Don't Let it Bring You Down and When You Dance I Can Really Love are stand out tracks.
4
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Sat Sep 16 2023
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
This could very well be the birth of fusion. Some jazz purists may not like it but I like the experimental style of this record. Bold and somewhat courageous outing from Miles. Always pushing the boundaries.
4
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Sun Sep 17 2023
Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
This album isn't sure what it wants to be. Is it R&B? Is it pop? Is it hip-hop? Is it trip-hop? Too convoluted. I wish it was more rap because those songs work better and it would have been a more interesting album. Instead the pop stuff sounds so dated and meh.
2
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Mon Sep 18 2023
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
Depressingly horny. Is Leonard Cohen depressed because he's horny or is he horny because he's depressed? By any account, he needs a therapist.
2
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Tue Sep 19 2023
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
In all honesty, I didn't mind this. It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination and I have to be in the right mood to listen to this (or at Starbucks which many have said on here already in earlier reviews) but this was OK.
3
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Wed Sep 20 2023
Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Mercifully, it wasn't long. Because I really didn't like this. Fake opera is what I would call it and I don't like real opera. I didn't need to hear this and I hope I never hear this again.
1
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Utter rubbish. Whiny and annoying. Piss off.
1
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
I just can't get into the Kinks. They might be too British for my North American tastes. That said, Situation Vacant is a good song. But overall, it's not my jam.
2
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Sat Sep 23 2023
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Have to be in the right mood to listen to it. She's a talent no question about that. Although I find her warbling to be a bit much. Four Women is devastatingly great.
3
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Sun Sep 24 2023
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Really solid album. Lust for Life remains a banger. Success is an underrated great song. David Bowie's fingerprints are all over this First time listening to the entire album and yeah, it cooks!
4
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Mon Sep 25 2023
Kimono My House
Sparks
It's quirky, arty, weird, chaotic, glammy and a whole lot of fun. Enjoyed listening to this album. One of the most unique and original bands out there. Just wish there were more albums from these guys in the book. (In particular, Hello Young Lovers which is fantastic.)
4
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Tue Sep 26 2023
Horses
Patti Smith
Decent outing. A bit overrated though. Too much spoken word diatribes for my liking. Gloria is a standout. I think I was expecting more gnarly punk than poetry. Still, it's worth a listen and I do think it's inclusion in the book is valid.
3
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Broad, cinematic in scope, grand, lush, and truly amazing. The Boss arrives here and never looks back. Happy to be along for the ride. Simply put, a fantastic album and I look forward to seeing him live for the first time in six weeks time.
5
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Thu Sep 28 2023
Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Very pedestrian. Plays it so safe that moms around the world rejoiced. But for me, it's so bland, it makes laundry detergent look exciting. Blah.
1
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Fri Sep 29 2023
Machine Head
Deep Purple
DUN DUN DUN! DUN DUN DA-DUN!
5
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Sat Sep 30 2023
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Not my jam.
2
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Sun Oct 01 2023
Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
Decent. Some good moments. Some meh moments.
3
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Mon Oct 02 2023
Sex Packets
Digital Underground
Porn for the hip hop crowd. These guys are hornier than Hugh Hefner in the 1970s. That said, the beats are smooth, the grooves are cool. But it's overlong and a slight bit dated. OK but not a classic.
3
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Tue Oct 03 2023
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Spooky and quite nihilistic. It's decent. Day of the Lords is a banger. Not all of the songs hit which makes for some lost momentum which makes me tune out. But it's definitely influential and one wonders what would have happened if Ian Curtis didn't take his own life. New Order may not have existed or would have come about in the 90s.
3
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Wed Oct 04 2023
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Liked it more than I thought. Preferred the more rock and ambient material over the pop stuff. Bjork's voice is more restrained for the most part here. Not perfect but decent.
3
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Thu Oct 05 2023
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Couldn't get into it. There were too many moments where I just checked out. It's not the worst thing I've heard on here, but it didn't click with me.
2
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Fri Oct 06 2023
The Undertones
The Undertones
Decent but I've heard better punk rock.
3
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Sat Oct 07 2023
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
This one brought back some memories. I went through a clubbing stage in the late 90s and this album sounded awesome in a club or rave. My old self can't do that any more but this album still sounds solid albeit slightly dated. Firestarter remains an all time banger.
4
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Sun Oct 08 2023
Repeater
Fugazi
Liked this. Quite influential. Was only familiar with a couple of Fugazi songs before listening to this but now am willing to explore them further. Solid album.
4
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Mon Oct 09 2023
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Decent. Some good songs. Excellent rhythm section. Eric Clapton is an asshole.
3
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Tue Oct 10 2023
The Wall
Pink Floyd
An album that's very near and dear to me. It helped me get through many a dark time over the years. I've been told I do build up a wall because I don't let people in and I think this album has been an influence. One of my favourite albums of all time. David Gilmour's guitar solo in Comfortably Numb is in my humble opinion, the greatest guitar solo ever recorded.
5
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Wed Oct 11 2023
The Rise & Fall
Madness
Ska really isn't my thing. Our House was a big hit and an OK song but the rest of the album is meh. Also, is there a dude in blackface on the cover? Ugh!
2
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Thu Oct 12 2023
Eliminator
ZZ Top
It's fine. It's fun. A bit too processed though as the mix is drowned in synths which dilutes the rhythm section a bit too much for my liking. Still, it did extend ZZ Top's career and made them icons so I get why they did it.
3
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Fri Oct 13 2023
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Decent. Have to be in the mood to listen to it. It's also too long but it does make for some good background music. Best played at night while walking around a cosmopolitan city at night.
3
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Sat Oct 14 2023
Different Class
Pulp
Blah and meh. Didn't do anything for me.
2
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Sun Oct 15 2023
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Decent. Interesting mix of African rhythms and American blues. Some of it works. Some of it doesn't. I would be interested if there is more from this project.
3
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Mon Oct 16 2023
Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
The most hipster album I've heard so far. Not necessarily a good thing.
2
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Tue Oct 17 2023
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Not a country fan but this was OK. Lots of old cowboy songs on here. Have to be in the right mood but wouldn't complain if someone threw this on at a dive bar.
3
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Wed Oct 18 2023
Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Decent. Some of it slaps. But there are too many keyboard and synth sounds that takes away some of the snarl from this album. It's almost post punk even though this came out at the height of punk. I'd be open to exploring more of the Stranglers.
3
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Thu Oct 19 2023
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
This one was OK but still a bit jarring. I can hear the talent and there are good songs but not quite a full album.
3
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Fri Oct 20 2023
Blackstar
David Bowie
What a curtain call. A haunting, mesmerizing masterpiece from an absolute legend. To think, Bowie was dying from cancer when he made this artistic tour de force. Simply incredible.
5
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Sat Oct 21 2023
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Really funky and very cool. The rhymes are dope. The flow is excellent. I'm taking away a star for Infamous Date Rape which is an unfortunate inclusion. Otherwise this is a solid hip-hop album.
4
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Sun Oct 22 2023
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
Decent. Some good samples and rhythms. Some songs were annoying though which made it a bit uneven but there's enough good stuff to give it a passing grade.
3
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Mon Oct 23 2023
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Not my favourite genre but can't deny the influence. Also, this one has a bit more snarl to it so it gets a higher grade than previous albums of similar ilk.
3
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Tue Oct 24 2023
Blunderbuss
Jack White
It's fine. Some interesting and eclectic stuff on here. Not all of it works and at times it goes into country which I'm not into. I also think he's better with Meg White behind the drum kit. Still, there's enough good stuff on here to make it passable.
3
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Wed Oct 25 2023
Fun House
The Stooges
Fun album. Iggy lets loose here. The rest of the band is tight. Solid stuff.
4
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Thu Oct 26 2023
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Stark. Raw. Unflinching. You can hear the pain in Neil's voice as he pays tribute to Danny Whitten and Bruce Berry. It's very rough on the edges and it can be a difficult journey. But it's so worthwhile once you get to the destination. Fantastic!
5
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Fri Oct 27 2023
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Interesting. I feel that this album is a potential grower. There's some good samples and the ambience is appreciated. But I wasn't fully engaged because I wasn't 100% in the mood. But I do feel the right situation or mood would make this album better. I'll probably give it another go down the road.
3
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Sat Oct 28 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
This album really needed Neil Young.
2
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Sun Oct 29 2023
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
This is a grower for me. It took me a while to get into it. It's very good but I don't think it's Bowie's best. The title track and Cracked Actor are bangers. Panic In Detroit is really good. I do think there are better Bowie albums but I still think this one is solid and definitely belongs in the book. Also, the album cover is iconic!
4
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Mon Oct 30 2023
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
Country isn't my thing. This is a no.
1
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Tue Oct 31 2023
Pretenders
Pretenders
Their best album. They never topped it. Lots of solid tracks. Space Invaders is an absolute banger. Brass in Pocket is a classic. Nice blend of punk aesthetics with new wave sensibilities. A shame that addictions thwarted such a promising group.
4
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Wed Nov 01 2023
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
Music was decent but the lyrics and song titles are beyond stupid. Maybe this was a joke or some other comedic stunt but it didn't work for me. In a way a shame because I do hear talent amongst the musicians.
2
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Thu Nov 02 2023
Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
The thing about electronica is that it has to grab me or I lose interest. This one didn’t grab me. Aimless and meh.
2
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Fri Nov 03 2023
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
I like the prog, Peter Gabriel led Genesis more than the pop, Phil Collins led incarnation of the band. So I do like this album quite a bit. It's not perfect and like most concept albums, it starts strong but fades in the back half. Still, a solid listen with excellent musicianship knowing that this won't be for everyone's taste. Basically, a typical prog album.
4
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Sat Nov 04 2023
Amnesiac
Radiohead
It sort of floats about but doesn’t go anywhere. Possibly my least favourite Radiohead album.
2
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Sun Nov 05 2023
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Solid stuff. The precursor to punk. Lots of energy. Last song is meh but everything else smokes.
4
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Mon Nov 06 2023
Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
I didn't need to hear this before I die.
1
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Tue Nov 07 2023
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Even though I'm not a Dylan fan, I have to admit that Subterranean Homesick Blues and Maggie's Farm are great songs. Add to the fact that this was the first time Dylan went electric, it was hugely influential. I still can't stand his voice though.
3
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Wed Nov 08 2023
90
808 State
It's OK albeit a bit dated. It's fine for background music.
3
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Thu Nov 09 2023
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
Starts strong but loses momentum in the second half. Overall decent. The bonus track is flat out terrible. Memo to musicians. Don't do bonus tracks. If the song isn't good enough to be on the original album, don't use it as a bonus track. More often than not, bonus tracks are awful.
3
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Fri Nov 10 2023
Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
I remember when they played Saturday Night Live in the early 90s and I enjoyed their performance. I kind of forgot about them. Listening to them today, I'm a tad surprised they weren't bigger. Then again, there were so many alt rock bands in the early 90s that they got lost in the shuffle while the Seattle bands ruled the roost. Too bad. This was a solid album.
4
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Sat Nov 11 2023
Tapestry
Carole King
Unpopular opinion but I think this album is overrated. It's Too Late is a good song but the rest is just isn't my jam. Give me Aretha Franklin's version of You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman everyday over King's version.
2
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Sun Nov 12 2023
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
At times thoughtful. At times mournful. At times scornful. Overall it's a great record but sadly, still too relevant considering the subject matter. I do want to explore Scott-Heron's discography further. Everything I've heard from him so far, I've really liked.
4
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Mon Nov 13 2023
2112
Rush
In my younger days, I was a huge Rush fan. My fandom has dropped a bit but this is still a great album. I'm deducting a star for the unfortunate Ayn Rand shout out. Neil Peart's drumming is sensational. I do understand people not liking Geddy Lee's voice. This one is a matter of personal taste.
4
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Tue Nov 14 2023
The Score
Fugees
Man this is some good stuff on here. It's a shame they couldn't stick together although I do like their solo material. The mercurial Lauryn Hill has a gorgeous voice especially on the cover of Killing Me Softly. The title track samples Dove by Cymande brilliantly. I'm deducting a star for some of the skits after the song ends which hip hop is guilty of. But overall, it's a solid album. Yo L: Take it to the bridge.
4
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Wed Nov 15 2023
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
Somewhat uneven but overall decent. Tennessee was the hit but Mr. Wendal is the banger. They should have been bigger and it's a bit of a shame that they couldn't stay together. But it's influence remains.
3
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Thu Nov 16 2023
The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
I can hear the critics now. Using words such as baroque, opaque, unique, quaint, or anything with the letter q in it. To me, I question this entry into the book. It's not terrible but it is somewhat dull and when it tries to pick up steam, it quickly fades into a languid wave of blah. Hipsters may like it but I'm not a hipster.
2
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Fri Nov 17 2023
GREY Area
Little Simz
It's decent. Good flow with some solid samples. But it sounds like she's repeating words to make the lines rhyme and it sounds repetitive. She's got talent and her voice is unique but the writing needs to improve. Still, it's listenable.
3
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Sat Nov 18 2023
Graceland
Paul Simon
This album was everywhere back in the day but I never got into it and after listening to it now, I still won't get into it. There are good musicians on here. The playing is solid. But it's drowned out by annoying 80s production and synths that sound like horns which is one of the worst 80s tropes. Add to the fact the accusations of plagiarism and appropriating black music to a white audience makes this album kind of cringey.
2
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Sun Nov 19 2023
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
At least Clapton's not on it.
3
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Mon Nov 20 2023
The World is a Ghetto
War
It starts a bit slow but it kept growing on me. The longer tracks are the best tracks, especially Four Cornered Room which has an impeccable groove. I preferred this over the hits from War. Always a pleasure to get a 70s funk album.
4
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Tue Nov 21 2023
Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Silky smooth soul from a master. The title track is a classic. Al's version of How To Mend a Broken Heart surpasses the Bee Gees version. Rest of the album is quite solid. Would not complain if someone threw this on to wind down a party.
4
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Wed Nov 22 2023
The White Album
Beatles
Disjointed, jarring, chaotic, bloated, overrated and influential. There are good songs. Dear Prudence is beautiful. While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Helter Skelter are bangers. The playing is good. However, Obla Di Obla Da is flat out terrible. There's no denying the impact the Beatles had. But just because they were the first doesn't mean they were the best.
3
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Thu Nov 23 2023
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Meh
2
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Fri Nov 24 2023
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Probably the most raw Iron Maiden album. Steve Harris may disagree but there are punk vibes on this album. Overall it's decent but I would put Powerslave in the book over this one.
3
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Sat Nov 25 2023
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
It does have one of my favourite CCR songs in Born On The Bayou. I liked it more than Green River but CCR are a singles band not an album band which explains the fact there's still too much filler. Also, what's chooglin? Don't answer that.
3
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Sun Nov 26 2023
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Fuck Clapton.
1
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Mon Nov 27 2023
...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
Starts strong but has lulls throughout. Inconsistent but a decent outing. It was my first time hearing this particular album but I have hear other Dandy Warhols songs and I've liked them. I'd be open to listening to this again.
3
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Tue Nov 28 2023
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
A bit meandering and all over the place. But the playing is solid and the recording is top notch for a live album. It isn't perfect but it's far superior to anything the Grateful Dead produced.
3
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Wed Nov 29 2023
The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Liked it more than I thought I would. Kind of sounds like a James Bond soundtrack from the Sean Connery era or background music in a Persuaders episode. This might need a deeper look in the future.
3
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Thu Nov 30 2023
Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Not really my jam. Friday Night is a banger. The rest is too much rich white rock star living in California whining because he did way too much cocaine and befriended Charles Manson.
2
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Fri Dec 01 2023
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
This album is the reason why punk had to happen. So pretentious. Ugh.
1
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Sat Dec 02 2023
The Cars
The Cars
A superb slice of power pop and new wave. This album has grown on me over the years. It took me a while but I now recognize how fantastic this album is. Sadly, they never topped it as they went too much to the pop side in later years. But this is a great listen.
5
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Sun Dec 03 2023
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
I liked it. Very ambient. First half is stronger while the second half does fade. Still a nice discovery as I've never heard them before.
4
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Mon Dec 04 2023
Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
Sounds too much like Oasis. Thin production. But overall, not bad.
3
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Tue Dec 05 2023
C'est Chic
CHIC
No denying the talents of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. And Le Freak is a banger. But there are too many ballads that drag this album down. I prefer Risque over this one.
2