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Fri Jun 23 2023
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Boogie On Reggae Woman is great. Awesome vibe, lovely fat synth sounds. You Haven't Done Nothin' is another high point, with a strong horn riff. Overall a good album, but not at the peaks of Innervisions
4
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Sat Jun 24 2023
Music From Big Pink
The Band
To Kingdom Come borderline unlistenable. By track 4 I'm trying to white knuckle my way through the rest of this. Sorry, couldn't do it. Bailed at track 7.
1
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Mon Jun 26 2023
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
I liked this more than I expected to; it was quite bluesy for the most part, and the drumming had a jazzy touch to it that I quite liked
3
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Tue Jun 27 2023
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Ok, so who cares if Flight Test is a rip off of Father and Son, it's still great. Standout track for me is "In the Morning of the Magicians". Great album thematically - it almost feels like different movements of one long song.
4
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Wed Jun 28 2023
Selling England By The Pound
Genesis
It's hard for me to be objective about this album, given how into it I was when was 14 years old. Admittedly much of it is self indulgent prog rock bollocks, but what magnificent bollocks! The guitar solo from Steve Hackett in Firth of Fifth is worth the price of admission alone.
5
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Thu Jun 29 2023
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
I liked Mudhoney when i was in college, but haven't listened much since. To begin with, I felt this hadn't aged that well, but I admit it grew on me as I listened more. Decent proto-grunge. Cate will hate it!
Note: listened to the 6 tracks on the original EP plus a few more. 2+ hours of this is too much in one session! Fave track probably "You Got It (Keep it Outta My Face)"
This is a 3.5 for me but going to generously give it 4
4
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Fri Jun 30 2023
Abraxas
Santana
This was released the day I was born! And it's my first major surprise of these reviews, because I'd never heard this album before (though I recognized two of the songs), and loved it way more than I would have expected. "Hope you're feeling better" is the only slightly weak spot.
5
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Sat Jul 01 2023
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Probably PJ Harvey's best album, along with "Let England Shake" (Maybe that one edges this out for me). This is an easy 5/5 for me; could listen to it on repeat. Best tracks: A Place Called Home, The Whores Hustle And The Hustlers Whore, We Float, but I don't think there's a weak track on it.
5
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Sun Jul 02 2023
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
I bought this on vinyl when it first came out; no idea where it is now. Glad to see it finally on streaming services, even if they had to lose a few samples to allow it to happen. The skits have not aged as well as the music, but the music still earns its five stars.
4
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Mon Jul 03 2023
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
Thank God I never have to listen to this again
1
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Tue Jul 04 2023
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Art Garfunkel's angelic voice in "Bridge Over Troubled Water". The horns in in "Keep The Customer Satisfied". The harmonies in "The Boxer". The choral sections in "Only Living Boy in New York". All five star moments, from an unimpeachable album.
5
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Wed Jul 05 2023
Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Intruder is the birth of the "gated reverb" drum sound that was ubiquitous in the 80s. Kate Bush's backing vocals on "No Self Control" are brilliant. Best songs "I Don't Remember", "Games Without Frontiers", but the whole album is great (the next one, aka "Security" is even better IMO).
5
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Thu Jul 06 2023
Frank
Amy Winehouse
I listened to this a couple times in succession to make sure I wasn't missing something here. There's potential here that was later realised, but this album isn't special in the same way that "Back To Black" is. There are some solid tracks though; "Take The Box" is probably one of the best.
3
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Fri Jul 07 2023
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Not my cup of tea, although I recognize the significance of it (no Crickets, no Beatles).
2
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Sat Jul 08 2023
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Interesting to compare with Buddy Holly which we got yesterday from the same year. Despite the fact that many of the songs on both albums have similar structure (most are twelve bar blues), I find the Fats Domino ones much more listenable and engaging.
3
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Sun Jul 09 2023
Out of Step
Minor Threat
A refreshing change after two days of 50s music. This is proper punk, as it's meant to be. The bass solo in "Think Again" rocks.
5
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Mon Jul 10 2023
Live Through This
Hole
I enjoyed this, it was a lot of fun. Best tracks; "Credit in the Straight World", "Rock Star"
4
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Tue Jul 11 2023
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
A strong start with some classic songs ("It's Tricky" the best of them) but it tails off in the second half of the album. The flow seems pretty dated by modern standards.
3
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Wed Jul 12 2023
Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
When I was in school, there was a kid who got called "echo" because he had buck teeth (he was a "bunny man").
Anyway, Cutter is a solid song, as are a few others on this album. It does get a little samey though.
3
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Thu Jul 13 2023
Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
I liked some of the songwriting but the production did not seem great. Perhaps it was unfair to listen to this on a plane. I hear the obvious influence that Teenage Fanclub have got from this, but I have to say I like Teenage Fanclub far more.
3
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Fri Jul 14 2023
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
I found this quite boring. I know it's proto punk, but it's really closer to the Rolling Stones than punk. I didn't find the songwriting very interesting.
2
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Sat Jul 15 2023
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Pretty dreadful stuff. I really dislike Fogerty's voice. Travelin' Band is a straight rip off of Good Golly Miss Molly. The version of Grapevine adds nothing to the Marvin Gaye version. Sorry Dude, I'd be relieved if my Credence tape was stolen (though I agree about the f'n Eagles, man)
1
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Sun Jul 16 2023
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
I only knew 3 songs on this, but there were quite a few other winners. Apart from the obvious Killer Queen and Now I'm Here, I liked Brighton Rock and Misfire, which was really short, but good. A solid 4, maybe even a bit more.
4
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Mon Jul 17 2023
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
"Psycho Killer" an obvious high point here. Don't Worry About The Government is also great. A solid album, but Talking Heads hadn't quite hit their stride yet.
4
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Tue Jul 18 2023
Elephant
The White Stripes
What an opener; Seven Nation Army is sooo good. But immediately followed up by Black Math which also kicks ass. Love the understated guitar solo in "I Want to be the Boy". Amazing that twelve bar blues went from Fats Domino to "Ball and Biscuit". The Hardest Button to Button might be the best track on the album. Easiest 5 stars since PJ Harvey.
5
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Wed Jul 19 2023
Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
This was OK, but it wasn't particularly memorable. A few decent tracks (I liked "Under Wraps" especially); maybe it would grow on me.
3
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Thu Jul 20 2023
Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
Love this (and all other Stereolab - surprised Dots and Loops is not in this list). This still sounds completely fresh. So good! Listened to this about three times in the past day.
5
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Fri Jul 21 2023
Document
R.E.M.
I don't quite like this as much as I remember liking it; it's actually kind of boring. End of the World is overplayed. The sax in it Fireplace is a decent change of pace. Lightnin' Hopkins is pretty bad, especially Stipes' vocals.
2
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Sat Jul 22 2023
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Ding dong ding dang indeed.
Pros: Flea can play the Bass.
Cons: Anthony Kiedis' awful voice and attempts at rap.
2
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Sun Jul 23 2023
Pretenders
Pretenders
Chrissie Hynde's voice is great - just effortlessly cool. Tattooed Love Boys is a classic - I love the 7/4 (?) time signature giving it an unsettling vibe. Interesting to compare Private Life with the Grace Jones cover (I like both).
5
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Mon Jul 24 2023
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
This is an object lesson into how to roll an R.
😂 at the end of Tango Funebre, where he goes mental.
3
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Tue Jul 25 2023
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
This is not really my thing, 3 stars. But the gulf between this and the 2 I gave RHCP is quite large; this is way better.
Good songs: Take the Power Back, Know Your Enemy
3
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Wed Jul 26 2023
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Highly variable album; too long by half, with several filler tracks that could easily be lost. On the better tracks, Dave Gilmour's guitar is excellent. But its so histrionic. Cleansed my palate afterwards with some Stereolab.
3
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Thu Jul 27 2023
The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Can spot that Trevor Horn production a mile off; some tracks sound like Frankie Goes to Hollywood songs but with a different singer. There are a couple of decent songs here, but most of them are pretty bland. I quite like "All of my Heart"
3
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Fri Jul 28 2023
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
What guitar playing! Sultans is the obvious standout track, but the rest is pretty good too. About as Dad Rock as Steely Dan, but then I am a Dad, so fair enough. Going to give this a four, but its on the upper end of 4.
4
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Sat Jul 29 2023
Low-Life
New Order
Great stuff! No major hits on this album but its still consistently good. Favorite track: Sunrise.
5
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Sun Jul 30 2023
Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
This album was not what I was expecting at all. The first track, "Broken English" , was a great piece of New Wave synthpop that I really enjoyed. But most of the subsequent tracks seemed to be in different genres and were nowhere near as good, until "Why'd Ya Do It" at the end, which was great again. 3 stars, but they're almost entirely for the opening and closing tracks.
3
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Mon Jul 31 2023
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Had this on heavy rotation in the 2000s, but hadn't listened for quite a while. Still stands up as a top notch album. Probably Arcade Fire's best, the next couple of albums were great too, until Reflektor went downhill. Also, shame Win Butler turned out to be a creep.
5
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Tue Aug 01 2023
Smash
The Offspring
Ugh, not my thing at all. Had to skip forward on many of the tracks. I'd rather punk stayed punk rather than staying into pop territory.
1
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Wed Aug 02 2023
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
Tom Waits' voice is definitely an acquired taste. And he's only 30-odd when this was made. Was he born sounding like a veteran chain smoker? Several enjoyable songs on here - Jersey Girl the standout.
4
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Thu Aug 03 2023
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Top tracks: Headmaster Ritual, What She Said, That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore, Barbarism Begins at Home. Barbarism really showcases Andy Rourke's bass playing. Enjoyed this so much that I listened to The Queen is Dead immediately after, which is a better album. Does that mean this is only a 4, or is it a 5 for making me want to listen to more Smiths?
5
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Fri Aug 04 2023
Nevermind
Nirvana
Fond memories of moshing in the student union. This holds up really well. First half of the album is hit after hit, but that doesn't mean the second half is bad. Head and shoulders above any of their grunge contemporaries.
5
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Sat Aug 05 2023
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
I have not listened to this album before, and was only familiar with the two hits (Sympathy, Street Fighting Man). Of the lesser known songs, they range from Dear Doctor, which is pretty poor, to Stray Cat Blues, which I liked quite a lot. Jigsaw Puzzle is basically Sympathy for the Devil over again but less interesting. Overall, this is fine, but not something I'd choose to listen to.
3
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Sun Aug 06 2023
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Second Bunnymen album on this list, and about the same as the last. A couple of decent songs , but overall fairly boring.
3
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Mon Aug 07 2023
Cut
The Slits
I'd heard of the Slits, but never listened to this album. Turns out it was well worth listening to - fun post-punk. Strays slightly too close to reggae sometimes for my tastes, but not overly so. Highly enjoyable. Some great percussion too.
4
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Tue Aug 08 2023
Back In Black
AC/DC
Cheesy Spinal Tap-like fare - but "what's wrong with being sexy?" as Nigel Tufnel would say. Actually quite fun, TBH, though it gets a bit samey after a while. Favorite song Shake a Leg. Giving this a 3, but its a strong 3.
3
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Wed Aug 09 2023
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
So good I listened to this twice in a row beginning to end. "Good Times" probably my favorite track outside of Respect. Holds up really well, and Aretha's voice is just incredible.
5
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Thu Aug 10 2023
461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Clapton's voice is not strong enough to take on material like this. Let It Grow is pretty boring (it improves in the instrumental section), and I Shot the Sheriff is overplayed. There were a few tracks I enjoyed more, but overall this is not my cup of tea.
2
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Fri Aug 11 2023
Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
I greatly enjoyed this. I suspect you have to be in the right mood for it, but I found myself to be in the right mood twice 12 hours apart. Repetitive and hypnotic, but I consider that to be a positive. A very strong 4/5.
4
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Sat Aug 12 2023
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Stereo mix is like from the early days of 3d movies where they'd put in pointy fingers etc. just to show off the technology. I was begging for a mono mix halfway through Monday Monday.
This is really dated sounding - compare with Aretha from the same era, which sounds fresh. Do yourself a favor and go and listen to Aretha's version of Spanish Harlem (🔥) and compare it with this insipid version.
2
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Sun Aug 13 2023
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I really tried the give this a fair chance, but like other 60 psychedelic rock we've encountered, it's really not my thing. Better than the Mamas and the Papas, but not by a huge margin.
2
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Mon Aug 14 2023
The Band
The Band
Just as dreadful as Music From Big Pink
1
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Tue Aug 15 2023
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Good stuff as usual from the White Stripes. Not quite as good overall as Elephant.
4
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Wed Aug 16 2023
Casanova
The Divine Comedy
I feel a little conflicted about this album. It's great in parts, with some excellent songwriting. But the Casanova persona conceit is not as funny as Hannon thinks it is, and it hasn't aged particularly well. The song that works best is also the most sincere; Songs Of Love. I also found it all a bit much in one go; a few songs is about my limit for this.
3
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
I wasn't really a huge Tears For Fears fan back when this came out, but I really quite enjoyed it now - it has aged quite well. Best track; Head Over Heels.
4
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Fri Aug 18 2023
Entertainment
Gang Of Four
I enjoyed this slice of post punk. I like the guitar tone - very trebly. Most enjoyable songs are "Damaged Goods" and "I Found That Essence Rare".
4
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Sat Aug 19 2023
Mothership Connection
Parliament
I think the thumpasorus has a bad case of gas.
Pretty fun funk, a higher end 3/5 for me.
3
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Sun Aug 20 2023
B-52's
The B-52's
Ten years after this, Love Shack was ubiquitously annoying, but at this point, the B-52s were goofy, spiky, surfy, punky fun.
4
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Mon Aug 21 2023
Whatever
Aimee Mann
I'd always thought of this as Aimee Mann's least strong album, and it's true (IMO) that she has better ones (Lost In Space, Forgotten Arm might be the top of the list), but I enjoyed this a lot more than I remembered.
5
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
I liked this more in 2008 than I do now. It's got some good songs on it, but it's all a wee bit self awarely cottagecore.
3
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Paris 1919
John Cale
I confess I winced when I saw the album cover here, and expected to hate it. But I was pleasantly surprised, and actually quite enjoyed this listen. Macbeth was a glam rock stomper, and Cale's exaggerated Welsh accent is amusing in Graham Greene.
4
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Thu Aug 24 2023
m b v
My Bloody Valentine
Letting this wash over me like a wave of fuzzy distorted endorphins. Fantastic stuff. (Loveless is even better).
5
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Fri Aug 25 2023
Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Maybe it was C's reaction but I expected this to be horrendous, and it was surprisingly good. Not anything I'd choose to listen to regularly, but not unpleasant. Liked New York Time, Muleskinner Blues, disliked Grey Goose.
3
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Sat Aug 26 2023
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Tonight Tonight might be a good song if someone else was singing, but I really dislike Billy Corgan's voice. 28 songs of this I am supposed to listen to! Does it really need to be over 2 hours long? I'll cut you a deal, Billy; half the songs. First 13 + 1979 seeing as that was a hit.
This is a 3 musically. Taking a half point off for the unnecessary length, and half off for Corgan's god-awful voice.
2
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Sun Aug 27 2023
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
I'm not saying this is bad - I totally get why some people love this. But it's not my thing. It just feels so bombastic all the time.
3
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Mon Aug 28 2023
Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Can't stand her voice. This album contains possibly the worst version of Summertime I've ever heard.
If you must make a fake live album, make the crowd sound consistent throughout the album. At some points it's a rowdy Fillmore crowd, at other times its a genteel dinner party. I spent half of Turtle Blues trying to figure out what they were discussing in the background.
2
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Though not quite at the level of Bridge Over Troubled Water, this is still a five star album for me. America is beautifully melancholic, the bass in Punky's dilemma bounces along, and At The Zoo is sweetly silly.
5
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Wed Aug 30 2023
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Waterloo Sunset is great but the rest of the album is a little underwhelming, and I like The Jam's version of David Watts more.
3
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Blunderbuss
Jack White
I'm starting to think this site is run by Jack White, given the frequency we see his stuff at. Anyway, good stuff as usual from Mr. W. I particularly like the skittering guitar solo (duo?) in Weep Themselves to Sleep
5
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Fri Sep 01 2023
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
This is decent enough but it really just feels like the same song over again at different tempos. Apart from the lyrics, could you tell the difference between Tutti Frutti and Ready Teddy?
3
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Sat Sep 02 2023
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Fight For Your Right is so much fun, from "Kick it" onwards. Several other great tracks on this, but the Beastie Boys would go on to better it by quite a bit.
4
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Sun Sep 03 2023
Group Sex
Circle Jerks
I'd say "not my thing" but hardcore punk can absolutely be my thing if done well (see the five atara I gave Minor Threat). This didn't reach that level though and the 15 min runtime was mercifully short.
2
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Diamond Life
Sade
I have to say that listening to this while in a feverish daze was probably not entirely fair. Beyond the first two well known songs, it all just washed over me. The last song seemed to have lyrics written by ChatGPT
2
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Tue Sep 05 2023
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
I feel a bit bad giving a legend like Muddy Waters three stars, and individually, the songs are great. It just all gets a bit samey for the duration of an entire album.
3
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Wed Sep 06 2023
Celebrity Skin
Hole
Title track is the standout. This album feels a lot more polished than Live Through This, and I'm not sure that's a good thing; I think I preferred the relative rawness of the predecessor. If that's a solid 4, this just misses it - high 3.
3
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Thu Sep 07 2023
S&M
Metallica
I couldn't listen to much of this. Got about three tracks in before abandoning. The Ennio Morricone opener got me hopeful, but once Metallica joined in it went downhill. I can't imagine listening to all 2+ hours of this.
1
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Fri Sep 08 2023
Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
This is practically blasphemy given the regard in which Hüsker Dü are held by middle aged white indie-loving guys like me, but I found this distinctly mediocre.
2
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Sat Sep 09 2023
Superunknown
Soundgarden
I expected to dislike this, knowing Soundgarden mainly from their radio hits, but it was actually a lot better than I expected. It's still not the kind of thing I'd go out of my way to listen to, but there are some decent tracks on here, especially the more upbeat ones.
Liked: My Wave, Superunknown
Didn't really like: Limo Wreck
3
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Sun Sep 10 2023
Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
I had never heard of this album or even the band. I enjoyed this quite a lot, though (though perhaps it's a little long, even if you stop after track 16, which is the end of the original studio version). I quite liked the singer's voice - it suited the music. Will give another listen at some point.
4
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Mon Sep 11 2023
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
If Heartattack and Vine was a 4, this is a reasonably solid 5 for me; it elevates from "good" to "excellent". Standout tracks are the title track and Downtown Train, but the whole thing is pretty great.
5
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Tue Sep 12 2023
Low
David Bowie
How are there people giving this 2 or 3 stars? Maybe the Eno-heavy side 2 puts them off? Anyway, Sound & Vision alone would be enough to merit 5 stars, even if the rest of it (both sides) weren't also fantastic.
5
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Wed Sep 13 2023
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
George Michael has a great voice, and there are some good songs, but the album as a while is a bit too ballad heavy for me, and is maybe a bit to "smooth".
3
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Thu Sep 14 2023
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
I didn't like the stereo mix; this wasn't designed for listening to on headphones.
I started off thinking Runaway Child didn't feel like it needed to be 9+ minutes long, but I think I came out the other side; by the end it felt like it earned its runtime.
Also we've had enough covers of Heard It Through the Grapevine now that I'm going to start ranking them:
The Slits
The Temptations
...
...
...
...
Creedence Clearwater Revival
3
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Solid 4/5 album with a few 5/5 songs on it. Interesting to see how much of a magpie Elvis Costello is: "Two Little Hitlers" quotes "Rebel Rebel" and "Party Girl" quotes "You Never Give Me Your Money"
4
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Sat Sep 16 2023
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
There are three great songs on this, but the rest is a bit filler-ish.
3
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Sun Sep 17 2023
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
Not very exciting. Feels like a strong contender for "album you don't really need to listen to before you die"
2
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Mon Sep 18 2023
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
I'd heard of Nick Drake but never actually listened to anything by him. What a pleasant surprise. I liked this album a lot; the arrangements were really nice. Particularly liked Three Hours, Cello Song.
4
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Tue Sep 19 2023
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
God Only Knows is every bit as good as its reputation. I also really like the two instrumentals. The least effective song on the album is Sloop John B, which feels like it belongs on an earlier Beach Boys album. Still, an easy 5 stars.
5
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Wed Sep 20 2023
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
This is not as consistently good as LCD Soundsystem's earlier stuff (Sound of Silver is better) but it's still right up my street.
4
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Thu Sep 21 2023
Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
This was mostly good, but not great. A couple low points marred the album IMO; the marching bands of Parade and the kid's singing in You Didn't Have To Be So Nice. Also, I think some of these lose some of their charm when sung in English.
3
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Really enjoyed this. It's relatively upbeat for Elliott Smith (though I also like the downbeat stuff), and I liked the arrangements.
5
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Sat Sep 23 2023
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Excellent stuff. Good enough to almost make you forget that Morrissey is an arsehole these days.
5
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Sun Sep 24 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
I liked this more than the 1960 Muddy Waters we got earlier. Some nice guitar playing (especially in "I cant be satisfied", and Muddy Waters voice sounds better with age. But it still isn't very varied, and I get my fill after a few songs.
3
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Mon Sep 25 2023
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Never heard of this guy before, but this is a fun and enjoyable album. I definitely see why he sued Rod Stewart; Do Ya Think I'm Sexy owes a big debt to Taj Mahal.
4
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Tue Sep 26 2023
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
I liked this but not nearly as much as later, Berlin-era Bowie.
4
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Good stuff, love the guitar tone. April skies is a classic.
5
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Thu Sep 28 2023
Virgin Suicides
Air
Why is it that all it takes is a certain style of bass and some strings and it instantly sounds like Air? Moon Safari is one of my all time favorites, and although this isn't quite at that level, it's still pretty great.
4
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Fri Sep 29 2023
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Some of these songs were pretty good (I liked the vibe of Breathless) but the album was far longer than it needed to be, and the skits seemed unnecessary.
3
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Sat Sep 30 2023
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Never really been a Dylan fan, but I liked this more than I expected to. Don't Think Twice is good, as is Corinna Corinna.
4
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Sun Oct 01 2023
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
Points for being the originator of ambient, but by its very ambient nature, it's not something you spend attention listening to. Four stars, but not necessarily on the same scale as non-ambient music.
4
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Mon Oct 02 2023
Moondance
Van Morrison
This is too much Van Morrison for me in one sitting. I did like "Into the Mystic" though.
3
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Tue Oct 03 2023
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
The singles are great, of course, but the rest is highly enjoyable too.
5
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Wed Oct 04 2023
Tago Mago
Can
OMG I just realised that the Fall song "I am Damo Suzuki" (which I knew was about the Can singer) musically quotes this album's "Oh Yeah".
For those not liking Aumgn; you have to push through it and surrender. Once you come out the other side, it's great.
This album passes my "listened to it twice in a row" test, five stars from me.
5
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Thu Oct 05 2023
Heroes
David Bowie
Similar to Low, I liked the "different styles on each side" approach here. Favorite track other than the magnificent "Heroes" is "V-2 Schneider".
5
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Fri Oct 06 2023
On The Beach
Neil Young
I've always been put off by Neil Young's whiny voice, but maybe I'm starting to come round, because I quite enjoyed this. Revolution Blues is pretty great, but Vampire Blues is a bit of a plodder.
4
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Sat Oct 07 2023
Queen II
Queen
I only knew Seven Seas of Rhye from this one, but most of this was pretty enjoyable. I liked Some Day One Day especially.
4
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Sun Oct 08 2023
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
Pretentious bullshit.
1
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Mon Oct 09 2023
Permission to Land
The Darkness
Putting this in a list of 1001 must-listen albums seems somewhat ridiculous, like putting in Ocean Colour Scene or the Bloodhound Gang. It seemed fun at the time, but has not stood the test of time.
2
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Tue Oct 10 2023
Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
I didn't like this as much as On The Beach. Albuquerque was nice, though.
3
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Wed Oct 11 2023
Gold
Ryan Adams
Tuneful and easy to listen to, but completely unmemorable, and far too long - I didn't need an hour plus of this. Answering Bell sounds like The Weight crossed with Van Morrison. Oh, and add another to the count of creeps encountered here. Judging on musical merit only, though some bias may have crept in.
2
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Thu Oct 12 2023
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
One if my all time favorites, this is a very easy 5/5 for me, especially if you add Born Slippy to the end
5
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Fri Oct 13 2023
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
This is a patchy album; some good stuff on it (mostly the Neil Young-led tracks) and some less good. "Good Time Boy" is probably my least favorite track. "Broken Arrow" doesn't quite work - too start-stop, and a little gimmicky with the crowd noises etc, but there's the core of a good song there.
3
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Sat Oct 14 2023
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Nah, couldn't finish this. Just dreadful.
1
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Sun Oct 15 2023
Another Green World
Brian Eno
Love the opening track. St. Elmo's Fire and I'll come Running have amazing guitar playing from Robert Fripp. The title track was the theme for Arena! For me, this was the perfect balance of ambient and actual songs - will go into my rotation.
5
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Mon Oct 16 2023
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Tombstone Blues feels like it ran its course after about 3 minutes, but was stretched out to 6; similarly Ballad Of A Thin Man & Desolation Row. I liked quite a few of the songs on here but it got a bit samey after a while.
3
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Tue Oct 17 2023
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
Not my thing at all, but you'd have to be churlish not to admire its commitment. The fact that this is done with an entirely straight face elevates it above semi-parody like The Darkness.
2
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Wed Oct 18 2023
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
Genesis' peak - PG left after this to do his own thing, and Genesis morphed into a different band. This is some serious prog, including a fanciful concept story about Rael, but musically it really works, and Gabriel' vocals are excellent - I really like the bit in the Raven where the vocal shifts from Gabriel to Phil Collins as it shifts character. Possibly one of my favorite albums of all time, though I appreciate that's colored by my teenage self's love for it.
5
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Thu Oct 19 2023
Zombie
Fela Kuti
Two track original, or four track rerelease? I went for four, and it was largely worth it, although I do think the first track was the strongest. His back up singers seem a little sharp sometimes. Maybe it's on purpose, who knows.
4
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Fri Oct 20 2023
The Man Who
Travis
I liked this at the time, and it was definitely part of the zeitgeist, but it seems a bit bland in retrospect. It's let down by Fran Healy's slightly weak vocals. "Luv" is a bit of a dirge. But some of the songs are undeniably catchy. I actually think the hidden track at the end is probably the strongest on the album.
3
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Sat Oct 21 2023
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
I liked this quite a lot - the two singles (Freddie's Dead, Superfly) were both enjoyable.
4
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Sun Oct 22 2023
Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
Pretty sure I have this on CD in the garage, but I haven't listened to it in ages. Its good some good songs on it but it's overlong, and continues in the direction Frank Black was taking the Pixies, into more "conventional" rock. Not nearly as good as the first couple of Pixies albums.
3
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Mon Oct 23 2023
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
About as subtle as being hit in the face by a shovel, and half the songs are ripoffs of other songs (Cigarettes & Alcohol is even in the same key as Get It On), but it's undeniably fun.
5
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Tue Oct 24 2023
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
I like the music more than the vocals. But overall, this is not really for me. Much as with RATM, I'm not saying this is bad, just not my thing.
2
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Wed Oct 25 2023
Underwater Moonlight
The Soft Boys
A mixed bag - some songs I really liked (my favorite was the instrumental "You Have To Go Sideways" ), but others that sounded quote dated; even more dated than the 1980 release date would suggest (Queen Of Eyes, for example).
3
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Thu Oct 26 2023
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
I fully expected to hate this, but it actually wasn't that bad. Not something I'd ordinarily choose to listen to, but bearable listening. Some good guitar, the vocals were a little annoying. A generous 3
3
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Fri Oct 27 2023
A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
Better overall than Casanova, in part because it's trying less hard to be wry/humorous. Its length also works in its favor. A high 3.
3
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Sat Oct 28 2023
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Good Times Bad times felt like it could have gone longer. Dazed and Confused is great when it all kicks off. I'd never listened to this album before, having really only heard the Zep "hits" and I enjoyed it quite a bit more than I expected to.
4
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Sun Oct 29 2023
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
I was ready for this to be more fun than it turned out to be, as Get It On is a blast, but the rest seems a little ordinary. I find Bolan's vocal style a little annoying. I like the fuzzy guitar tones.
3
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Mon Oct 30 2023
Sheet Music
10cc
Like a demented British Steely Dan with a hint of early Queen. Wall Street Shuffle is the best track. Some songs have lyrics that seem a little racist to today's ears. I liked the instrumental parts/guitar solo of Baron Samedi. Stuck between a high 2 and a low 3, I'm going to be very generous and give it 3.
3
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Tue Oct 31 2023
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Appropriately for the date we got this, Halloween is one of the best songs on this album. Other highlights; Monitor, the instrumental intro of "Sin in My Heart". The drumming on the 12 inch mix of Spellbound, included as a bonus track, is quite something.
4
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Wed Nov 01 2023
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
I could do without the Jaw Harp on EVERY BLOODY SONG. And is that a Swanee Whistle on "Tonight Will Be Fine" ? (If it's not, there's no excuse for how out of tune it is). I also think I prefer gravelly old Leonard Cohen to this younger version. But the songwriting is pretty great (check out kd lang's version of Bird On the Wire).
2
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Thu Nov 02 2023
The Visitors
ABBA
You know, even an album of lesser known Abba is pretty damn good. I wasn't sure about the Bjorn vocals on "Two for the Price of One", but when it hit the chorus it really worked. Judging by play count, this is the least popular track on the album, but I loved it. The bassline in "Should I Laugh or Cry" is amazing. The only song that lost my interest a bit was "An Angel..."
5
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Fri Nov 03 2023
1977
Ash
I'm familiar with all the singles off this album but I never listened to the whole album before. "Girl From Mars" is the obvious standout - a great track full of youthful exuberance. The rest of the album is not so exciting though, at least to my 2023 ears; I think I would have liked it more in 1996. It's also let down a bit by Tim Wheeler's weak vocals.
3
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Sat Nov 04 2023
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
No thanks. Free Bird has its moments, but the rest is super boring.
2
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Sun Nov 05 2023
Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Musical junk food; enjoyable but devoid of nutritional content.
2
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Mon Nov 06 2023
Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
Easter Theater wears its Beatles influences on its sleeve, and Harvest Festival sounds like it could be a Paul solo track. Still, I suppose its not startlingly original to say that XTC sound like the Beatles, and I rather enjoyed this set of songs. A high three, on the cusp of four.
3
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Tue Nov 07 2023
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
This is maybe the fifth or sixth best Radiohead album (IMO), and it's still a pretty easy 5/5. Favorite track is maybe "There There", but there are plenty other contenders.
5
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Wed Nov 08 2023
Born To Be With You
Dion
Admittedly, he has a good voice, but this music is very dull. None of these songs stood out to me as noteworthy in any way other than perhaps that dreadful last track.
2
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Thu Nov 09 2023
Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Good to have something non-western here for a change. I rather enjoyed this - I can see why he's such a celebrated singer. A strong 3 from me, close to 4.
3
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Fri Nov 10 2023
Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
I liked the title track especially. This is better than I remember it from contemporary listening. I also liked the instrumental tracks quite a lot. Pretty nineties sounding, though.
4
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Sat Nov 11 2023
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
I just don't get Bruce Springsteen. I feel like must be missing something. Maybe I'll have a damascene moment at some point and love his work.
2
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Sun Nov 12 2023
London Calling
The Clash
London Calling is an amazing start to an album. Lots of other great songs too. Lost in the Supermarket is another strong one. Much more variation in this album than you might expect from (supposed) punk.
5
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Mon Nov 13 2023
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
QOTSA never really clicked with me before, but I enjoyed this a lot; I guess I was in the mood for it today. Some great sounding guitar in here, and I actually think Homme's voice suits the music well.
4
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Tue Nov 14 2023
The Stranger
Billy Joel
These are undeniably super catchy songs, and the album is full of hits, but it's so cheesy. I can't bear it for too long. Going to listen to yesterday's album again to detox.
2
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Wed Nov 15 2023
Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
I had to skip "I come and stand at every door". The rest wasn't quite as bad, bit still not an enjoyable listen for me.
2
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Thu Nov 16 2023
Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
A strange one for me. I absolutely loved this album when it came out; had the CD and played it to death. But perhaps I played it too much or my tastes changed, because I went off it quite substantially, and I haven't listened to it in ages. A relisten puts me somewhere in the middle. I like it, but don't love it - a fairly strong three.
3
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Fri Nov 17 2023
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
Add this to the pile of 60s psychedelic folk rock that I don't like. He is horrifically out of tune on "Ferris Wheel" . And you can't sing the word "foreboding" and put the stress on the last syllable (Guinevere).
1
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Sat Nov 18 2023
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
I couldn't finish this album - 80 minutes of rambling jam band is way too much. Not for me.
1
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Sun Nov 19 2023
Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Couldn't finish this either, making this the third one-starrer in a row. The singer's voice is dreadful. "Used" sounded like a bad Elvis Costello ripoff.
1
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Mon Nov 20 2023
Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Soporific reggae, decent enough if you like this kind of thing, but not really my taste.
2
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Tue Nov 21 2023
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
I enjoyed this - she has a great voice with an interesting tone, and the songs have aged quite well, and sound good in a contemporary context.
4
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Wed Nov 22 2023
Disraeli Gears
Cream
My God there's a lot of psychedelic rock from the late sixties on this list. Pretty bloody awful for the most part. A couple of bearable songs on there
2
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Thu Nov 23 2023
Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Pleasant enough listening but ultimately mostly unmemorable stuff. Cherokee probably the best of the bunch. Didn't really like Black Queen.
3
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Fri Nov 24 2023
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
This is an old favorite - I love this album. Great to have this turn up after so much sixties psychedelia
5
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Sat Nov 25 2023
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Just brilliant stuff. I love Q-Tip's voice; I find it highly mellifluous. Subsequent Tribe Called Quest albums were even better, but this is still a five-starrer.
5
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Sun Nov 26 2023
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Over and Over is good. Farmer John is pretty awful. But overall I liked this, despite it ticking several boxes that would normally predispose me not to. The guitar sound was really nice. Just edges into a four for me.
4
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Mon Nov 27 2023
Kala
M.I.A.
I like the individual songs in this but there's not enough variation to make it a great album. Paper Planes is a banger though.
3
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Tue Nov 28 2023
21
Adele
It's undeniable that Adele has an incredible voice, and some of these songs are really strong, but it's not something I'd typically listen to. There are also a few "truck driver's gear shift" key changes here that I don't feel were necessary.
3