May 15 2023
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
The whole album sounds like a soundtrack to a 1980s movie. In no way a bad thing. I Can see how it’s popular and iconic. A little background reading revealed some interesting information
- It was Cyndi Lauper’s first solo album
- Her vocal range is an unusual four octaves
- Girls just want to have fun was written for her but she thought the lyrics were misogynistic so changed them.
- The first female artist to produce four top5 hits
I could listen to this again. Currently my favourite Money changes everything and She Bop
4
May 16 2023
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
I only really know the hits from this album. I have memories of listening to Prodigy at Leeds festival and the crowd going crazy. It wasn’t a pleasant experience and unfortunately the songs mostly remind me of that.
The album as a whole felt quite “samey”.
Despite my thoughts the album was incredibly successful according to Wikipedia and is now an essential 90s album
I do remember one of the music videos was very entertaining. Possibly Smack My Bitch Up?
3
May 17 2023
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Wow. I’ve listened to this several times. Despite my previous review, and maybe my lack of culture, a lot of the jazz sounded quite similar, but even this you could feel the technical skill that went into it. It’s a live album and the crowd love it. My favourite is Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue.
The saxophonist plays a 27 chorus solo and the vibe through your makes your hair stand on end.
I’ve always appreciated jazz but would never consider myself wise or knowledgeable. I couldn’t name any jazz tracks to even recommend someone however this album is a fantastic introduction and I’m glad I have heard it
5
May 18 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I’ve been listening to this for most of the day. The Apple music version is 92 tracks and over 8 hours. Crazy to try and fit into a day.
The songs are good. I can see the appeal of Prince. I only knew Purple Rain before listening to this (which doesn’t appear on the album). I never really heard him growing up either but I guess he must be popular in certain circles.
Quite a few tracks sound similar to modern pop songs. It wouldn’t surprise me if they were an influence.
My favourite track so far is I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man
Quite annoyingly there are several repeats on the album. Like a single having the same track repeated with slight tweaks
Well I’ve managed to finish it the day after. I only had 2 hrs left to go. The last two “albums” on the mega album are a live show..so yet more repeats. To be fair it had Purple Rain in it.
I Can see why Prince is popular but this album is just too much in one go. Im surprised the recording studio allowed it. It’s so long that you go off it and then enjoy it again all in one listen
3
May 19 2023
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
A lovely funky album. Really improves the mood from punching numbers in a spreadsheet on a Friday.
Favourite tracks are
One Nation Under Groove
Grooveallegiance
Also my favourite album cover so far.
4
May 20 2023
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
This is quite a cool album. The background reading suggests it’s a gateway album for many other genres. In 1968 it’s fairly early rock.
The organ is pretty cool and I really enjoy it on Chest Fever
3
May 21 2023
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
This feels very experimental. The second track is poetry which for me personally is difficult to listen to. Id never heard velvet underground before. I understand the album is a gateway to later genres but you can really tell. I wouldn’t call it timeless.
The best track for me was White Light
2
May 22 2023
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Signing Off
UB40
I guess the only reason this is on here is for its political lyrics. I didn’t really enjoy the album and don’t rate it high in comparisons to other ska albums.
Favourite track: maybe Burden of Shame? The instrumental parts are catchy and remind me of 8 bit music
2
May 23 2023
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Pretenders
Pretenders
A very entertaining album with a lot more energy right from the start. The New Wave/Punk sound is very refreshing and many songs sound like they influence more recent bands
My favourite track is: Tattooed Love Boys
4
May 24 2023
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
A pleasant listen. Was surprised to hear it was from 1968. The tracks and album cover could be from a much more recent era.
My favourite track was Lu
3
May 25 2023
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Mask
Bauhaus
Cool Album. The tone reminds me of David Bowie
I like a lot if the songs.
Favourite could be Mask?
4
May 26 2023
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Cool Album. The tone reminds me of David Bowie
I like a lot if the songs.
Favourite could be Mask?
3
May 27 2023
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Absolutely loved the synthesisers. The whole album had a real 80s vibe.
I don’t know why it makes the list but it is a great listen.
Favourite track is: The Bones of What You Believe
4
May 28 2023
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Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Lot of nostalgia with this album. I only remember Rollin from Yr6 at school.
It makes me laugh that it’s in albums you must hear before you die
Favourite track: My Way
3
May 29 2023
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Among The Living
Anthrax
I wouldn’t have thought I’d enjoy a metal album however this wasn’t as heavy as I imagined.
Favourite track is caught in a mosh
4
May 30 2023
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Wow what a beautiful album. The song writing is incredible. Really amazing, emotional and heartfelt songs. I haven’t heard it before but really enjoyed it.
My favourite track is Hazy Jane Part I, but they could all be
5
May 31 2023
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Generally I like this kind of music. You can hear a country tone to it. The songs did feel quite heavy though and maybe it just caught me ina. Different mood
Favourite track: Revelator
3