View Album
Wed Aug 16 2023
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Not a big fan of Lou Reed or his sound, but this wasn't bad. Relatively mellow but I'm sure it was much more groundbreaking in 1967.
3
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Thu Aug 17 2023
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
This took me right back to 1986, but I had never listened to the entire album until today.
4
View Album
Fri Aug 18 2023
The Bends
Radiohead
This is one of my absolutely favorite albums, easily in my Top 15. It has a heavy melancholy feel, but it is completely absorbing. Once I start this record, I have to finish it.
5
View Album
Mon Aug 21 2023
Hotel California
Eagles
Solid album. Knew all but one track. The Wasted Time (Reprise) was incredible. The Last Resort is an underrated classic track.
5
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Tue Aug 22 2023
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Neil Young isn't necessarily my favorite, but I like the vibes this album puts out.
4
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Wed Aug 23 2023
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
This is a pretty solid record, with 3 very recognizable radio hits. Not my favorite band by any stretch of the imagination, but definitely worth a full listen.
3
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Thu Aug 24 2023
The Healer
John Lee Hooker
This is a very late-80s inspired blues album. Some of the guest artists on this record stand out like a sore thumb if I'm being honest (Carlos Santana), others blend in perfectly (Bonnie Raitt, George Thorogood).
3
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Fri Aug 25 2023
Ingenue
k.d. lang
A surprisingly pleasant album. Definitely gives off a chill vibe. Good album to listen to on a quiet and lazy Sunday morning.
4
View Album
Mon Aug 28 2023
xx
The xx
Meh.
2
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Tue Aug 29 2023
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I’ve always enjoyed this album but I have to be in the mood for it because of how much some of the singles played on the radio.
4
View Album
Wed Aug 30 2023
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
I found myself enjoying this album much more than I was expecting. I knew very little of the band, and the only one song that was prominently showcased on the Strange Days (1995) soundtrack. Rather enjoyable.
3
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Thu Aug 31 2023
Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
This is not my jam. I was mostly indifferent to this record.
2
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Fri Sep 01 2023
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
This album was a pleasant surprise. This record has a nice chill vibe going for it, and plays really well in the background while you're doing other things around the house.
3
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Mon Sep 04 2023
Queen II
Queen
An oddly conservative-sounding record for Queen. You can tell this is very early in their career. It's a solid album, reminiscent of very early 70s Rush. Not bad, but nothing that special either. Ogre Battle is best track on this record.
4
View Album
Tue Sep 05 2023
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
This record is perfect for an overcast or rainy Monday morning. Very mellow, but enjoyable.
3
View Album
Wed Sep 06 2023
Wild Gift
X
Raw-sounding early 80s punk record. It's fine, just not my jam. Universal Corner is the best track on this album.
3
View Album
Thu Sep 07 2023
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
I've never really cared much for Iron Maiden. This album was alright, but nothing special to me.
3
View Album
Fri Sep 08 2023
The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
This one went from interesting to weird.
3
View Album
Mon Sep 11 2023
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
New Jersey blue collar rock at its best. I've never had a huge draw to "The Boss" but I always enjoyed his radio hits. This album had a nice bluesy-sounding rock feel to it. "Racing in the Street" is probably my favorite track. I enjoyed the album quite a bit.
4
View Album
Tue Sep 12 2023
Mothership Connection
Parliament
I like funk just like the next person but it gets a little tiresome hearing it announced in practically every track on this record. The funk is more important that the announcement of the funk whilst also playing the funk. This record was OK. But at least I now know where Dr. Dre pulled the same for his track "Let Me Ride."
2
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Wed Sep 13 2023
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Meh. I don’t care for Kanye West. Never have. Never will.
1
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Thu Sep 14 2023
If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
This album gave off some chill vibes. It was enjoyable, but it didn't feel significant.
3
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Fri Sep 15 2023
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Wow. That’s a lot of harmonica. Clocking in at 73 minutes I figured more songs would sound different. Apparently I was wrong.
2
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Mon Sep 18 2023
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
What a pleasant and welcoming surprise. It was a little dreary but enjoyable.
3
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Tue Sep 19 2023
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
That was a solid record with a couple of familiar radio hits, along with a just a great collection of songs. Highly enjoyable.
4
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Wed Sep 20 2023
Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
This record is as if the Oompa Loompas were given a record contract and THIS was their first album after getting stoned and being inspired by the cover of a Tobacco label. Part of it's great, part of it is weird English 60s psychedelic rock.
3
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Thu Sep 21 2023
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
I feel like I should be sitting in a pub drinking a pint of Guinness while listening to this record. Better than I was expecting. In fact, it was rather enjoyable, but I definitely have to be in the right mood when listening to Irish Folk-Punk.
4
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Fri Sep 22 2023
Let It Be
The Replacements
Punk rock seems to resonate the most with disenfranchised youth of that specific era, more than anything else. This record is fine, but I'm at most indifferent to the punk rock genre. The quality and creativity is there, I can hear it. But this style of music rarely ever scratches the itch for me. It was decent, but nothing groundbreaking.
3
View Album
Mon Sep 25 2023
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I've always had a soft spot for British New Wave Synth-Pop. Dark and moody, with several tunes that end up living rent free in your head for the next few days. Great album, very enjoyable.
4
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Tue Sep 26 2023
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
I recognize the genius that is Miles Davis, but compared to his earlier records, I'm not a huge fan of this one.
3
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Wed Sep 27 2023
Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
Is this rockabilly goth punk? Because that's what it sounds like. This was different. Not my bag, but not necessarily terrible. It was alright for a couple of songs. 18 songs comprising of a total of 54 minutes seemed excessive. And most of them sounded the same.
3
View Album
Thu Sep 28 2023
Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
The vocals are a little whiny, but this is a solid alternative rock record, with just a dash of punk. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, but at 70 minutes, the running time seems a tad excessive. Overall, a solid mid-80s rock album.
3
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Fri Sep 29 2023
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
I mean, it's not bad. I've listened to much MUCH worse in the past month. Great late-70s R&B riffs going on here. You can hear Nile Rodgers all over this record. And while it's a bit repetitive, you can see why it has been sampled so much in the last 40 years.
3
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Mon Oct 02 2023
Graceland
Paul Simon
A pleasant change of pace compared to what's been suggested in the past couple of weeks. While I never got into Paul Simon's solo career (I love Simon & Garfunkel), this was a joy to listen to.
4
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Tue Oct 03 2023
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Meh. This is not my jam.
2
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Wed Oct 04 2023
Ten
Pearl Jam
What do I say about one of the greatest rock albums introduced during my high school years? This was a classic the minute I heard it back in 1991 and has only gotten better with time. Am I biased? Absolutely. There isn't a wasted track as this is absolutely perfect from start to finish.
5
View Album
Thu Oct 05 2023
Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
Did not care for this album. At all. When do I get to hear "Kind of Blue"? Is that album on this list? The freeform jazz created for this record gave me a headache that would not go away. Give me a little structure with my jazz, please. I think the heroine had truly taken hold by the time he made this record. If I had a cat and it ran across a piano, I think I would get the same styling of music heard in Bitches Brew.
1
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Fri Oct 06 2023
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
This is how you fuse jazz, funk, and rock together. It's fun and light, expressive with some freeform without being out of control. Wonderful record.
3
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Mon Oct 09 2023
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Not entirely unpleasant, but a bit strange.
3
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Tue Oct 10 2023
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
That was... different. I didn't hate it, but it was rather odd. Definitely an acquired taste.
3
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Wed Oct 11 2023
Technique
New Order
Weird late-80s techno-rock where I don't know any of the songs. This was a bit strange. Too much of the same for 48 minutes. I prefer their earlier work.
2
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Thu Oct 12 2023
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
Moody and simplistic. Not bad, if I’m in the mood for their sound.
3
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Fri Oct 13 2023
Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
I felt like I was listening to The Lion King soundtrack. Fine it its own right, just not my jam.
3
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Mon Oct 16 2023
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This was a joy to listen to. I knew I would enjoy it as I've always loved CCR, but I didn't even look at the track list and didn't realize this record had like 6 songs on pretty much every single CCR Greatest Hit Compilation CD ever made. Great album from start to finish.
5
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Tue Oct 17 2023
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
One of the best heavy blues rock albums. Led Zepplin may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I love 'em. Not my favorite of their stand-alone records, but this is still just wonderful to listen to.
5
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Wed Oct 18 2023
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
This album was fine. I have to be in the mood for 50 continuous minutes of alternative folk, but I didn't hate it. This would be best enjoyed on a lazy Sunday morning.
3
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Thu Oct 19 2023
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
This record was fine. Solid early 70s hard rock record, but nothing stands out as special to me.
3
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Fri Oct 20 2023
Rio
Duran Duran
Solid early 80s pop-rock album.
3
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Mon Oct 23 2023
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Solid from beginning to end.
4
View Album
Tue Oct 24 2023
Tommy
The Who
Pretty solid overall. This was a first time start to finish for me. Better than I was expecting, albeit a little long-winded at times. I understand it's a concept album, and those tend to be longer, but I was ready for this record to be done about an hour into the 75 minute running time.
3
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Wed Oct 25 2023
Gris Gris
Dr. John
This was... different. Not a fan.
2
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Thu Oct 26 2023
A Northern Soul
The Verve
This was like listening to a less-inspired version of an Oasis album. I enjoyed it, but nothing extraordinary.
3
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Fri Oct 27 2023
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Fantastic lazy Sunday morning sort of vibe going on with this album. Don't put it on and expect to be productive, unless sitting at home while sipping on a cup of hot coffee while reading the New York Times is what you consider being productive. I enjoyed it much more than I was expecting.
3
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Mon Oct 30 2023
In Utero
Nirvana
I was never a huge Nirvana fan. This album is fine. It reminds me of high school. No complaints, but I honestly prefer Nevermind over this.
3
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Tue Oct 31 2023
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
It amazes me sometimes that this was actually a thing back in the late 1950s. Or rather, still a thing. A country artist who dedicated an entire album to songs about gunfighter ballads and trail songs. What a strange world it was back in the post WWII era. This was fine, almost like listening to what Quentin Tarantino would have had on the record player at the age of 5.
3
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Wed Nov 01 2023
Manassas
Stephen Stills
Decent early 70s Southern Rock album that leans a little to hard into Country territory on the second half. Enjoyed it overall.
3
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Thu Nov 02 2023
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
This album felt awfully disjointed. At best, it was adequate.
2
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Fri Nov 03 2023
Van Halen
Van Halen
I've loved this album since I heard it for the first time in high school in the early 90s. A solid listen from beginning to end. While not my favorite album of Van Halen, it's likely in the Top 3.
5
View Album
Mon Nov 06 2023
Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
I don't hate this album (mostly because I have a bit of a soft spot for David Byrne). This is a strange alternative punk record. Definitely not my favorite.
3
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Tue Nov 07 2023
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
This album was fine. A little too much hip-hop/rap, not enough R&B for my liking. But I didn't hate it.
3
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Wed Nov 08 2023
Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
I enjoyed this as much as the Lauren Hill album from yesterday. It's better in segments than all at once, but that's just a personal preference. Not a bad listen, just gotta be in the mood.
3
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Thu Nov 09 2023
Future Days
Can
Odd.
2
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Fri Nov 10 2023
Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Not a fan.
1
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Mon Nov 13 2023
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Absolute perfection.
5
View Album
Tue Nov 14 2023
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
This record is great. Some songs suffer from a repetitiveness (while also sharing the same structure from previous tracks), but definitely not as obvious compared to Chuck Barry of the same era.
3
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Wed Nov 15 2023
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Decent folk-rock album. Enjoyed this more than I was originally expecting.
3
View Album
Thu Nov 16 2023
Garbage
Garbage
Above average alternative rock album from the mid-90s.
3
View Album
Fri Nov 17 2023
Me Against The World
2Pac
Typically not my cup of tea, but I enjoyed a few tracks on this album, especially "Dear Mama."
3
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Mon Nov 20 2023
Disraeli Gears
Cream
This record was good, but nothing extraordinary.
3
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Tue Nov 21 2023
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Outstanding.
4
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Wed Nov 22 2023
Dookie
Green Day
Fantastic mid-90s garage pop punk album. It's only gotten better with age.
4
View Album
Thu Nov 23 2023
Spiderland
Slint
Solid “speak your lyrics into a mic” alternative rock album. Had a good alt-grunge vibe going.
3
View Album
Fri Nov 24 2023
Closer
Joy Division
It was alright. For some reason I was expecting more.
3
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Mon Nov 27 2023
Aja
Steely Dan
Enjoyable jazz-pop-rock album. It's the Kmart Radio Network nightmare all over again.
3
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Tue Nov 28 2023
Synchronicity
The Police
I've always enjoyed The Police and this record is near perfect, save for the one really strange track entitled "Mother." It just takes me out of it, and while I love some of their odd songs, it sort of ruins the flow. Otherwise, this is a stellar record from start to finish.
5
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Wed Nov 29 2023
Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
3
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Thu Nov 30 2023
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
A little too late-60s scattered for my liking. For a record that's only 47 minutes long, it seemed to play for an hour and a half.
3
View Album
Fri Dec 01 2023
Orbital 2
Orbital
I have enjoyed many electronic albums in my lifetime. This was not one of them.
2
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Mon Dec 04 2023
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Scatterbrained.
3
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Tue Dec 05 2023
Pearl
Janis Joplin
Surprisingly enjoyable.
3
View Album
Wed Dec 06 2023
Kenza
Khaled
I didn't hate it, it was just... different.
2
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Thu Dec 07 2023
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Above average blues rock album. Enjoyable.
4
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Fri Dec 08 2023
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Unexpectedly and surprisingly fun, albeit, a tad exhausting. It's also highly unlikely that I will ever listen to this album ever again.
3
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Mon Dec 11 2023
Funeral
Arcade Fire
This was fine.
3
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Tue Dec 12 2023
Guero
Beck
This album is above average compared to some of his earlier other work, but still nothing extraordinary.
4
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Wed Dec 13 2023
Highly Evolved
The Vines
Better than I was expecting. They sorts sound like late 90s STP.
3
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Thu Dec 14 2023
New Forms
Roni Size
Why?
1
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Fri Dec 15 2023
Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
This was better than I was expecting. Or more accurately, I enjoyed this this album much more than I was anticipating.
3
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Mon Dec 18 2023
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
You just can't beat those harmonies.
4
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Tue Dec 19 2023
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
This album was good but not as groundbreaking as the titular song, "Layla."
3
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Wed Dec 20 2023
Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
I wasn't never a huge proponent of late 70s punk, but I enjoyed this album much more than I thought I would.
3
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Thu Dec 21 2023
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
Pleasantly surprised by this album. It's like a more evolved punk.
3
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Fri Dec 22 2023
The Doors
The Doors
A solid album from start to finish. I've always loved their sound.
4
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Mon Dec 25 2023
Abbey Road
Beatles
This album is perfect.
5
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Tue Dec 26 2023
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
A Christmas classic. The “wall of sound” on the album is no joke. It is incredible.
4
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Wed Dec 27 2023
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
This album was fine. Why was "Paint it Black" on the US release but not on the UK release? *shrugs* I never really noticed (or honestly paid attention to) the influence of the Blues with The Rolling Stones until hearing this album.
3
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Thu Dec 28 2023
Cross
Justice
Wasn’t sure what to expect, but this album was pretty good. It’s like someone said, “we need more music like Daft Punk” and another group from Paris, France called Justice stood up and answered the call.
3
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Fri Dec 29 2023
Different Class
Pulp
This was fine, but nothing extraordinary, at least to me.
3
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Mon Jan 01 2024
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Enjoyable, even a bit nostalgic, albeit a bit redundant.
3
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Tue Jan 02 2024
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Solid R&B album. I’ve always enjoyed Stevie Wonder.
4
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Wed Jan 03 2024
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
This was fine. It was definitely nostalgic, but I can't handle 53 minutes of Snoop on a regular basis.
3
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Thu Jan 04 2024
Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
This was alright. Never heard of this band nor the album until today.
3
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Fri Jan 05 2024
Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
This is like a punk version of Jimi Hendrix. I’m sure it was quite revolutionary in 1969.
3
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Mon Jan 08 2024
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Another solid album from front to back. The Police are clearly completely in sync with this recording.
4
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Tue Jan 09 2024
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Excellent debut album by Dave Grohl. It's even more astounding when you discover that he played every instrument on this record. It's not my favorite of the Foo Fighter's albums, but it's definitely in their Top 5.
4
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
Weird. Not my jam. And I like other Euro synth pop, just not this.
2
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Bone Machine
Tom Waits
He's like Bob Dylan, but he's been run through a meat grinder first. Not a fan. This album gets an extra star, jumping it up to 2 only because of the song "Goin' Out West" and it's usage in the movie Fight Club.
2
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Fri Jan 12 2024
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
More enjoyable that I was originally expecting.
3
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Mon Jan 15 2024
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
This album has "Sunday Morning Chill" written all over it. I was pleasantly surprised, but not necessarily blow away either.
3
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Tue Jan 16 2024
OK Computer
Radiohead
It seems strange that Radiohead would take up 2 spots on my Top 15 favorite albums of all time, but it's true. While not as guitar-centric as their last release, "The Bends," is just as brilliant, just in a different way. I was late to the game when this album first hit stores. Back then I didn't get it or the band. However, when you end up having it on repeat driving to and from work every day soon after moving over half way across the country, it quickly became the soundtrack to my life late in 1999 into 2000. It was, and still is, completely absorbing. It's weird to say, but I can't imagine my life without this album.
5
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Wed Jan 17 2024
O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
While I wasn't much of a rap/hip-hop fan, this album is very nostalgic in sound. It was fine but seemed to have too long of an overall runtime.
3
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Thu Jan 18 2024
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
An enjoyable funky disco-lite MJ album.
3
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Fri Jan 19 2024
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
Funky. Somewhat repetitive. This was definitely more enjoyable than previous funk albums I've been subjected to on this list (I'm looking at you, Parliament). It was fine, but didn't necessarily blow my mind either.
2
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Mon Jan 22 2024
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Solid instrumental R&B/Soul album. I was not familiar that they did several covers on their debut release.
4
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Tue Jan 23 2024
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
72 minutes is a lot Eminem and a lot of time to dedicate to one album, but this was pretty good. However, it's highly unlikely that I'll ever listen to it again.
3
View Album
Wed Jan 24 2024
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
This was fine. More R&B than Rap. Not necessarily my jam.
3
View Album
Thu Jan 25 2024
Transformer
Lou Reed
I enjoyed this more than I was expecting, but mostly because I was familiar with a few of the tracks that have been used in pop culture in the past 40-50 years. Lou Reed is an acquired taste, not unlike Tom Waits, just found down a different aisle.
3
View Album
Fri Jan 26 2024
Harvest
Neil Young
Like his last album on this list, I enjoyed this considerably more than I was originally expecting.
4
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
I enjoyed this blues album immensely. Great grooves.
3
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Tue Jan 30 2024
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
While I was only familiar with the radio hits when this album was first released, it's now been in my semi-regular rotation for the past 20 years. Great album.
4
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
This psychedelic folk rock album was fine. A bit sleepy sounding. It didn't feel groundbreaking to me, but then again, I also wasn't alive in 1967 dropping acid, so I got that going for me.
3
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Thu Feb 01 2024
Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Funky. Disco-y. Salsa-y. Tropical-y. Altogether a pretty fun album to listen to, even if I have no idea what they’re saying. I feel like I’ve been transported to Miami in the late 70s at the height of the cocaine drug trafficking era.
3
View Album
Fri Feb 02 2024
Sea Change
Beck
Solid album from Beck. Very different from his others that came before. You can tell he was going through some shit on this album as it is very palpable. Don't listen to this album if you're feeling good as it is likely a definite mood changer.
3
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Mon Feb 05 2024
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
While I never listened to this entire album until now, this takes me back to my last year in high school. This was EVERYWHERE in 1994, littered all over MTV after it first aired. You couldn't go anywhere for the next 2-3 years without hearing "The Man Who Sold the World," "About a Girl," "All Apologies," and "Lake of Fire" on MTV or on the radio. This is a solid 4 out of 5. Nirvana was never a favorite band of mine while in High School, but there's a certain nostalgia that makes this album that much more enjoyable, albeit 30 years later. Damn I feel old.
4
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Tue Feb 06 2024
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
This was fine. That is all.
3
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Wed Feb 07 2024
Yeezus
Kanye West
Not a fan of his music or his ego, but the industrial vibe this album has going is better than the last one we had to listen of his.
2
View Album
Thu Feb 08 2024
Blunderbuss
Jack White
This album was better than I was expecting, but I still seem to like the rawness of The White Stripes more than Jack White on his own.
3
View Album
Fri Feb 09 2024
Doolittle
Pixies
The Pixies are an acquired taste, but I feel that this album is very accessible compared to earlier releases.
3
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
I was a casual fan of R.E.M. when they were at peak popularity in the early 90s. You couldn't go anywhere without hearing "Losing My Religion," "Shining Happy People," "Man on the Moon," or "Everybody Hurts." This is a solid album from beginning to end. There's a melancholy vibe that travels throughout most of the songs. Perfect for playing on an overcast and/or rainy day.
4
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Tue Feb 13 2024
The Cars
The Cars
Solid debut album from The Cars. Six of the nine tracks on this album were either radio hits or became instant classic due to placement in a film. This album is incredible and would be a 5/5 if it hadn't been for that weird-ass track, "I'm in Touch with Your World."
4
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Back In Black
AC/DC
The only studio album I've ever owned by AC/DC. Practically every track is a radio hit and you cannot resist cranking the stereo as loud as you can take it when listening to this album on your drive home from the office.
4
View Album
Thu Feb 15 2024
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
An interesting and (very) dark album about a man who's life is clearly now in the rearview mirror. You best find something uplifting to listen afterwards to pull yourself out of being clinically depressed. I'm not saying it's bad, you just have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy it.
3
View Album
Fri Feb 16 2024
Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
This was a bit underwhelming. I prefer the film scores that he's composed for Steven Soderbergh, specifically "Out of Sight" and "Ocean's Eleven."
2
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Mon Feb 19 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
This was fine, but I've never been an Elvis fan. When I sit back and listen to this album, I feel like I'm listening to my Grandma's record collection. It's just that style of country soul with a touch of gospel and a dash of rock-n-roll that makes me feel this way. Strange. It generates a nostalgic feeling even though I never grew up listening to Elvis. Which is odd for a few reasons: (1) I don't believe Grandma was an Elvis fan and, (2) for the time in history when Elvis was huge, this should have been in my Mom's wheelhouse, but it wasn't.
3
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Tue Feb 20 2024
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
This was a pleasant surprise. Enjoyed it more than I was expecting to, but they definitely have a Cold Play vibe going on. This is a mellow listen, which has been a nice chance of pace today. "Grounds for Divorce" is likely the best track on this album.
3
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Wed Feb 21 2024
The Grand Tour
George Jones
Much better than I was expecting. I've really started to appreciate and enjoy country music before the 90s boom (which also isn't that bad). This is heads and tails above whatever hot garbage they spew out of Nashville these days.
3
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Is it groundbreaking? Yup.
Is it unconventional? You know it.
Was Frank possibly bat-shit crazy? Signs Point to Yes.
Does that mean I have to like it? No.
What a weird album. Glad that's over so I never have to listen to it again.
2
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
This was mellow and not unpleasant. But definitely not a go-to album in the future. "A Sailor's Life" is definitely the best track on this record.
3
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Arrival
ABBA
I thought I was going to enjoy this more, but I did not. I enjoy ABBA's radio hits, but their deep cuts aren't that great, at least to me. Some of them are even a bit cringeworthy with as corny as they sound. Arrival? More like Departure. And I grew up listening to ABBA. Not a fan.
2
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Tue Feb 27 2024
Parachutes
Coldplay
This is what Radiohead would have turned into if they hadn’t leaned so hard into the electronic side after The Bends. Still good, but I just don’t see myself returning to this album very often anymore and I’m okay with that.
4
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Close To The Edge
Yes
This was tough to get through for me. The length of the songs and how they're drawn out just wore me out. Also, the deluxe edition was unnecessary for a first time through as at least 2 of the tracks were redundant. Give me 90125. Give me Big Generator. Don't give me this. It wasn't bad, I just wasn't really feeling it.
3
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Fromohio
fIREHOSE
I recognize the musicianship, but this album just didn't speak to me. Not my cup of tea.
3
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Fri Mar 01 2024
No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Motörhead is the cup of coffee that I never asked for nor wanted on this Thursday morning. A hybrid between punk and metal. And while I recognize their skill, I don't necessarily care too much for Lemmy's voice, who sounds like he started gargling razor blades when he was a child. This is definitely an acquired taste.
3
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
This is a classic. Agnus Young is a genius with how he comes up with these wonderfully crafted guitar riffs. Its only limitations is how repetitive each song sounds, but I ain't mad at it. Their music was expertly designed to be played on your car stereo as loud as possible, with your windows rolled down. “Night Prowler” is a standout deep cut favorite.
4
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
First Jazz album since we started this that I actually enjoyed all the way through. The structure within this album was like a warm embrace compared to the chaotic madness that was Miles Davis's "Bitches Brew."
3
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Wed Mar 06 2024
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
I read this once and now I can't get it out of my head because it's so perfectly defines the sound of this band: "Lynyrd Skynyrd Coldplay variant." I forgot how much I enjoyed this album. Haven't listed to it in over a decade. It was a joy to revisit. I was never a huge fan of this band, but they had several songs on here that just resonated with me for some reason.
4
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Thu Mar 07 2024
L.A. Woman
The Doors
This is a very blues forward album. I enjoyed it quite a bit, but a few of their songs start to wear you out a bit due to their length.
4
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Well, that was odd. Let's put feathers on the album cover to make it seem more exotic and worldly. Placing this selection on the 1001 list honestly feels like a bit of a stretch. Not my cup of tea (which especially seems odd to say since I primarily drink coffee).
2
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
I was unexpectedly pleased listening to this album. Still a little weird, but I still enjoyed it, even with the addition of the flute. Early 70s prog-rock for the win, I guess? However, I don't see this album ever crossing my path ever again.
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Dirt
Alice In Chains
This album takes me back to my early days in high school when I wasn't quite ready for Alice In Chains. It took a couple years to finally embrace the darkness, and I think this is likely their best produced album before the heroine had completely taken hold of Layne. My absolute favorite is still their self-titled 'Alice in Chains' from 1995, but this is a close 2nd. Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley were firing on all cylinders when they got into the studio to record this album. Absolute perfection.
5
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Street Life
The Crusaders
Jazz, Funk, Soul, and Disco all rolled into one album. I dug this album, even if it wasn't anything groundbreaking. It get's a +1 to the overall rating just for the title track appearing on QT's "Jackie Brown."
3
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Classic R&B album. Not a bad song on here, yet I was still a bit underwhelmed for some reason.
3
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
This was fine. I've always enjoyed the 80s new wave and synth-pop genres, but this album only felt satisfactory at best. Second half was significantly better, however, If it wasn't for the title track, this may have received a 2 from me for some reason. I don't think The Eurythmics are overrated, but I guess I prefer their radio hits more than anything else.
3
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
This album was fine, but the more I hear The Rolling Stones, the more indifferent I become to their overall sound and general appeal.
3
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Stardust
Willie Nelson
There's an internal mechanism within my brain that almost always tries to reject anything that is country. I've been trying to override this recently, especially when it's an artist and album from the 60s, 70s or 80s. This was such a pleasant surprise. It set me on a good mood for a chilly Monday morning in March.
3
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
This album was a migraine in waiting. A dumpster fire that I could not extinguish fast enough. There's a reason why you can't find this streaming on a normal platform. Because it's hot garbage.
1
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Thu Mar 21 2024
The Stranger
Billy Joel
This album is proof that Billy Joel is one of the greatest songwriters to come of the 1970s. Unfortunately the last 2 tracks on this album feel like duds compared to everything else.
4
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
This album seemed a little disjointed. Definitely just not my jam. I feel if I spoke Portuguese this album might mean more to me (although I seriously doubt it). Additionally, Caetano looks like a serial killer on the cover. It's a bit unsettling.
2
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Mon Mar 25 2024
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I enjoyed this album much more than I would have thought. It had a great chill vibe going for it. Definitely a pleasant listen.
3
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Tue Mar 26 2024
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
I enjoyed this album much more than "Let's Get It On" from a few weeks ago. However, even as groundbreaking this concept album is, in the end it just felt like a 36 minute version of "What's Going On" so it felt a little drawn out.
3
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Wed Mar 27 2024
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Another satisfactory early 80s New Wave Brit Pop band. This was fine, but I don't recall this band ever getting much traction here in the States.
3
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Thu Mar 28 2024
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
I don't understand the appeal of this album. In any way. I would rather listen Leonard Cohen eat the banana that's featured on the cover for 41 minutes than listen to this ever again.
1
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Fri Mar 29 2024
The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
This was an unexpected pleasure to listen to. Maybe if you're not from NJ, you learn to appreciate Bruce Springsteen once you reach your late 40s. Either way, this was better than expected.
3
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Mon Apr 01 2024
Fragile
Yes
This "nerd wizard rock" was delightful. Maybe I'm more drawn to YES because I love RUSH. Either way, this was enjoyable. Make sure you have a pair of headphones on so you can truly enjoy how they experiment with the left and right channels.
3
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Solid blues album. Really enjoyed it, even though this style often gets a bit repetitive on a studio album.
3
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
This was a delight. A little long, and almost a bit too tribal towards the end of the album, but still quite enjoyable.
3
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Thu Apr 04 2024
One World
John Martyn
This was alright. I enjoyed the music that played behind a relatively bland raspy voice that I can only assume is John Martyn.
3
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Fri Apr 05 2024
Slipknot
Slipknot
This album has moments of heavy metal brilliance smashed in between a cacophony of nu-metal guitar crunchiness, turntable scratches, and almost unbearable scream shouting. There's a lot of unchecked anger in this album and listening to it first thing on a Thursday morning has put me in an unexpectedly bad mood while simultaneously making me irrationally angry.
3
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
This album was a pleasant way to end the week. Mild and mellow, beautifully written and performed songs that don't overstay their welcome.
4
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Tue Apr 09 2024
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
A mish-mash of overly long songs rock songs paired with megaphone vocals, gentle breezes, blaring saxophones and fairy-filled flutes all crammed altogether. I didn't hate it and I could clearly seen see what they were going for. "I Talk to the Wind" felt like they finished the song and then kept recording for another 3 minutes while some members of the band continued to screw around with their instruments until they ran out of tape. Standout track on this album is "Epitaph." On a side note: I'm not sure who I like less - King Crimson or Jethro Tull.
3
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Nowhere
Ride
This sounds like nothing more than over-hyped early 90s alternative/grunge rock with some beach-vibes. It's not bad, and the longer the album plays, the more I've enjoyed it.
3
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Smash
The Offspring
This was a wonderful blast from the past - pure post-high school nostalgia. I purchased this album sometime the summer of 1994 while at Universal CityWalk in Hollywood, CA with some friends of mine at what had to be the largest Tower Records I had ever been in. I got this and the Weezer Blue Album at the same time. I cranked this CD on the way home and loved every minute of it. I wasn't a huge punk fan, but this album definitely scratched that itch.
4
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
D'Angelo's talent and skill as a musician is apparent, and while this definitely has cool chill vibes going for it with decent grooves, there isn't a lot of substance. Basically, this is fucking music for those who were having sex in the 1990s. If this CD was found in your collection, the probability that you were getting laid was fairly high.
3
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Mon Apr 15 2024
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Excessive run time of 83 minutes caused immediate deflation before I even hit play. Never purposefully sought out Nick Cave since I had the ability to do so. He's got a better voice that Tom Waits, but definitely fits into same sub-genre of gothic rock alternative. This wasn't bad. In fact, I quite enjoyed the second half of this double album much more than the first. So much so, that I now struggle on whether this album deserves a 3 or 4.
3
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Tue Apr 16 2024
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
David Byrne's style is so eclectic that the music he and the Talking Heads create is the very definition of an acquired taste. Their style is so weird and peculiar, but not necessarily difficult to listen to. This album wasn't bad but it didn't seem to exceed past a rating of 3.
3
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Wed Apr 17 2024
Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
I liked the music much more than the lyrics. I can't tell if - depending on the song - the lyrics are terrible or just corny. But, I have a soft spot for 80s pop, and even though I've never heard of this band, nor any of their hits, I enjoyed it for what it was.
3
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
This was a unique listen. A mixture of 70s political poetry, jazz, blues and soul. Very much a product of its time. The vocals and piano often seem out of sync for the first 15 minutes, giving off a strange vibe. It's like they were on different pages of the same sheet music. While it's not necessarily what I was anticipating, it's exactly what I was expecting (if that makes sense).
2
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
"Liar, liar, pants on fire, you burnin' up like David Koresh" I can recognize the talent, but I don't much care for this style of Rap & Hip Hop.
2
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Mon Apr 22 2024
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Mellow and melancholic. Not bad, but nothing exceptional.
3
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Tue Apr 23 2024
Illmatic
Nas
This was better than I was expecting, or rather, I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. However, I doubt I'll ever revisit this album.
3
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
Jane's Addiction was not a regular listen when they first hit the scene as it was a little early for me. But after absorbing this album today, I really enjoyed it - the overall sound was very nostalgic. I never leaned into what they had to offer when they were popular, but upon this revisit, Jane's Addiction is like the dirty cousin of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, different but still having the same sort of vibe. If you can get past Perry Farrell's voice, you just might like them.
3
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
This was a completely unexpected delight. I don't typically lean into Americana, Bluegrass, Country, or Folk, but this album checked off all of those boxes and made for a very relaxed Wednesday morning listen.
4
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
I really enjoyed the rawness of this alternative punk album. Never heard of them before today. There's definitely some complexity to their sound and style once you get past the opening song. I'm not sure if I would have appreciated it as much when it was released in 1994, but I'm definitely enjoying it now.
3
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Above average 80s pop album with all of the recognizable radio hits.
4
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Tue Apr 30 2024
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
One of the most brilliant representations of bubblegum pop-rock from the 60s. Lennon and McCartney were so good at writing these short catchy pop songs. Just incredible.
5
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Wed May 01 2024
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
This was an absolute pleasure and pleasant mellow listen this afternoon. Great album.
4
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Thu May 02 2024
The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
Two-thirds chill vibe, one-third a little too much freeform jazz. The violin scratches on "Nuevo Tango" were reminiscent of the Psycho soundtrack - very unsettling. Not my favorite.
2
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Fri May 03 2024
Heroes
David Bowie
This was serviceable Bowie... until the album took a strange left turn on the back half. Overall, relatively enjoyable.
3
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Mon May 06 2024
...And Justice For All
Metallica
While this was not my introduction to Metallica, this album opened the door to what they were like before they released the Black album. I'm not even sure I liked it the first time I heard it - this happens often with me most times with albums that are seen as a masterpiece. It's brilliant, brutal, extremely dark - you can practically feel the pain that this band was going through after the accidental death of their bassist Cliff Burton. While not my favorite of theirs, it's in the Top 3.
5
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Tue May 07 2024
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Never been a big Fleetwood Mac fan, but this album - while a bit lengthy - is pretty enjoyable.
3
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Wed May 08 2024
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
Même si je n'ai pas compris un mot de ce que disait cet artiste, j'ai apprécié les grooves. (Translation: Even though I didn't understand a word this artist was saying, I enjoyed the grooves.)
3