Aug 16 2023
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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
Aug 17 2023
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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
Aug 18 2023
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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
Aug 21 2023
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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
Aug 22 2023
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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
Aug 23 2023
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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
Aug 24 2023
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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
Aug 25 2023
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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
Aug 28 2023
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xx
The xx
Meh.
2
Aug 29 2023
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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
Aug 30 2023
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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
Aug 31 2023
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
This is not my jam. I was mostly indifferent to this record.
2
Sep 01 2023
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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
Sep 04 2023
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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
Sep 05 2023
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
This record is perfect for an overcast or rainy Monday morning. Very mellow, but enjoyable.
3
Sep 06 2023
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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
Sep 07 2023
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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
Sep 08 2023
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The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
This one went from interesting to weird.
3
Sep 11 2023
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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
Sep 12 2023
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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
Sep 13 2023
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Meh. I don’t care for Kanye West. Never have. Never will.
1
Sep 14 2023
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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
Sep 15 2023
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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
Sep 18 2023
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
What a pleasant and welcoming surprise. It was a little dreary but enjoyable.
3
Sep 19 2023
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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
Sep 20 2023
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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
Sep 21 2023
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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
Sep 22 2023
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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
Sep 25 2023
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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
Sep 26 2023
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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
Sep 27 2023
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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
Sep 28 2023
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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
Sep 29 2023
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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
Oct 02 2023
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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
Oct 03 2023
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Meh. This is not my jam.
2
Oct 04 2023
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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
Oct 05 2023
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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
Oct 06 2023
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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
Oct 09 2023
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Not entirely unpleasant, but a bit strange.
3
Oct 10 2023
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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
Oct 11 2023
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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
Oct 12 2023
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A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
Moody and simplistic. Not bad, if I’m in the mood for their sound.
3
Oct 13 2023
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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
Oct 16 2023
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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
Oct 17 2023
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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
Oct 18 2023
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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
Oct 19 2023
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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
Oct 20 2023
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Rio
Duran Duran
Solid early 80s pop-rock album.
3
Oct 23 2023
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Solid from beginning to end.
4
Oct 24 2023
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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
Oct 25 2023
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Gris Gris
Dr. John
This was... different. Not a fan.
2
Oct 26 2023
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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
Oct 27 2023
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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
Oct 30 2023
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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
Oct 31 2023
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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
Nov 01 2023
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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
Nov 02 2023
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E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
This album felt awfully disjointed. At best, it was adequate.
2
Nov 03 2023
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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
Nov 06 2023
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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
Nov 07 2023
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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
Nov 08 2023
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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
Nov 09 2023
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Future Days
Can
Odd.
2
Nov 10 2023
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Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Not a fan.
1
Nov 13 2023
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Absolute perfection.
5
Nov 14 2023
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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
Nov 15 2023
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Decent folk-rock album. Enjoyed this more than I was originally expecting.
3
Nov 16 2023
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Garbage
Garbage
Above average alternative rock album from the mid-90s.
3
Nov 17 2023
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Me Against The World
2Pac
Typically not my cup of tea, but I enjoyed a few tracks on this album, especially "Dear Mama."
3
Nov 20 2023
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
This record was good, but nothing extraordinary.
3
Nov 21 2023
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Outstanding.
4
Nov 22 2023
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Dookie
Green Day
Fantastic mid-90s garage pop punk album. It's only gotten better with age.
4
Nov 23 2023
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Spiderland
Slint
Solid “speak your lyrics into a mic” alternative rock album. Had a good alt-grunge vibe going.
3
Nov 24 2023
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Closer
Joy Division
It was alright. For some reason I was expecting more.
3
Nov 27 2023
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Aja
Steely Dan
Enjoyable jazz-pop-rock album. It's the Kmart Radio Network nightmare all over again.
3
Nov 28 2023
View Album
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
Nov 29 2023
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Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
3
Nov 30 2023
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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
Dec 01 2023
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Orbital 2
Orbital
I have enjoyed many electronic albums in my lifetime. This was not one of them.
2
Dec 04 2023
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Scatterbrained.
3
Dec 05 2023
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Surprisingly enjoyable.
3
Dec 06 2023
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Kenza
Khaled
I didn't hate it, it was just... different.
2
Dec 07 2023
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Above average blues rock album. Enjoyable.
4
Dec 08 2023
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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
Dec 11 2023
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
This was fine.
3
Dec 12 2023
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Guero
Beck
This album is above average compared to some of his earlier other work, but still nothing extraordinary.
4
Dec 13 2023
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Highly Evolved
The Vines
Better than I was expecting. They sorts sound like late 90s STP.
3
Dec 14 2023
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New Forms
Roni Size
Why?
1
Dec 15 2023
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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
Dec 18 2023
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
You just can't beat those harmonies.
4
Dec 19 2023
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
This album was good but not as groundbreaking as the titular song, "Layla."
3
Dec 20 2023
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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
Dec 21 2023
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Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
Pleasantly surprised by this album. It's like a more evolved punk.
3
Dec 22 2023
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The Doors
The Doors
A solid album from start to finish. I've always loved their sound.
4
Dec 25 2023
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Abbey Road
Beatles
This album is perfect.
5
Dec 26 2023
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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
Dec 27 2023
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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
Dec 28 2023
View Album
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
Dec 29 2023
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Different Class
Pulp
This was fine, but nothing extraordinary, at least to me.
3
Jan 01 2024
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Enjoyable, even a bit nostalgic, albeit a bit redundant.
3
Jan 02 2024
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Solid R&B album. I’ve always enjoyed Stevie Wonder.
4
Jan 03 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
This was fine. It was definitely nostalgic, but I can't handle 53 minutes of Snoop on a regular basis.
3
Jan 04 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
This was alright. Never heard of this band nor the album until today.
3
Jan 05 2024
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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
Jan 08 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Another solid album from front to back. The Police are clearly completely in sync with this recording.
4
Jan 09 2024
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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
Jan 10 2024
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
Weird. Not my jam. And I like other Euro synth pop, just not this.
2
Jan 11 2024
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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
Jan 12 2024
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
More enjoyable that I was originally expecting.
3
Jan 15 2024
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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
Jan 16 2024
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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
Jan 17 2024
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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
Jan 18 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
An enjoyable funky disco-lite MJ album.
3
Jan 19 2024
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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
Jan 22 2024
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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
Jan 23 2024
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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
Jan 24 2024
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
This was fine. More R&B than Rap. Not necessarily my jam.
3
Jan 25 2024
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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
Jan 26 2024
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Harvest
Neil Young
Like his last album on this list, I enjoyed this considerably more than I was originally expecting.
4
Jan 29 2024
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
I enjoyed this blues album immensely. Great grooves.
3
Jan 30 2024
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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
Jan 31 2024
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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
Feb 01 2024
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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
Feb 02 2024
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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
Feb 05 2024
View Album
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
Feb 06 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
This was fine. That is all.
3
Feb 07 2024
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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
Feb 08 2024
View Album
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
Feb 09 2024
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Doolittle
Pixies
The Pixies are an acquired taste, but I feel that this album is very accessible compared to earlier releases.
3
Feb 12 2024
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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
Feb 13 2024
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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
Feb 14 2024
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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
Feb 15 2024
View Album
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
Feb 16 2024
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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
Feb 19 2024
View Album
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
Feb 20 2024
View Album
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
Feb 21 2024
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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
Feb 22 2024
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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
Feb 23 2024
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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
Feb 26 2024
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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
Feb 27 2024
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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
Feb 28 2024
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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
Feb 29 2024
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
I recognize the musicianship, but this album just didn't speak to me. Not my cup of tea.
3
Mar 01 2024
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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
Mar 04 2024
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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
Mar 05 2024
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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
Mar 06 2024
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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
Mar 07 2024
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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
Mar 08 2024
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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
Mar 11 2024
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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
Mar 12 2024
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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
Mar 13 2024
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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
Mar 14 2024
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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
Mar 15 2024
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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
Mar 18 2024
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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
Mar 19 2024
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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
Mar 20 2024
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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
Mar 21 2024
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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
Mar 22 2024
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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
Mar 25 2024
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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
Mar 26 2024
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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
Mar 27 2024
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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
Mar 28 2024
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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
Mar 29 2024
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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
Apr 01 2024
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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
Apr 02 2024
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Solid blues album. Really enjoyed it, even though this style often gets a bit repetitive on a studio album.
3
Apr 03 2024
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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
Apr 04 2024
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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
Apr 05 2024
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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
Apr 08 2024
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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
Apr 09 2024
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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
Apr 10 2024
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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
Apr 11 2024
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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
Apr 12 2024
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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
Apr 15 2024
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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
Apr 16 2024
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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
Apr 17 2024
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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
Apr 18 2024
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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
Apr 19 2024
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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
Apr 22 2024
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Mellow and melancholic. Not bad, but nothing exceptional.
3
Apr 23 2024
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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
Apr 24 2024
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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
Apr 25 2024
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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
Apr 26 2024
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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
Apr 29 2024
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Above average 80s pop album with all of the recognizable radio hits.
4
Apr 30 2024
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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
May 01 2024
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
This was an absolute pleasure and pleasant mellow listen this afternoon. Great album.
4
May 02 2024
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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
May 03 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
This was serviceable Bowie... until the album took a strange left turn on the back half. Overall, relatively enjoyable.
3
May 06 2024
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...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
May 07 2024
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Never been a big Fleetwood Mac fan, but this album - while a bit lengthy - is pretty enjoyable.
3
May 08 2024
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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
May 09 2024
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We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
I don't understand, appreciate, nor care for Frank Zappa's psychedelic rock. This was a strange trip and a complete waste of my time. I want my 40 minutes back.
1
May 10 2024
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Above average early 80s English Pop album. There's an undercurrent of funky grooves throughout and the radio hits pale in comparison to the rest of the album. Quite enjoyable.
4
May 13 2024
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Not exactly what I was wanting on a bright and sunshine-filled Friday morning - dreary moody emo rock from Morrissey and The Smiths - but I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting to.
4
May 14 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
A solid groovy jam-filled album. Quite enjoyable.
3
May 15 2024
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The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
1960s Psychedelic Rock with some haunting themes. If they hadn't had the weird and very subtle gibberish vocal chirping-like sounds in the background of almost every single song on this album, it might have gotten a better rating.
2
May 16 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
This was fine, but nothing on it elevates it past slightly above average. I would rate this 3.5, but since that isn't available, then I guess this gets a 3.
3
May 17 2024
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
I've always enjoyed the Pixies music much more than their vocals. This was fine, bordering on better than I was expecting, but I don't see it moving past 3 on the rating meter.
3
May 20 2024
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
This album bounces between a 3 and 4 throughout the entire play time. Solid grooves, but some of the vocals and "almost rap" parts feel a little dated or slightly corny. Some tracks are incredible, some underwhelm me. It's a solid 3.5 for me, but I'm not sure if I can raise it to all the way to a 4 by the time I'm ready to give its final rating.
3
May 21 2024
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
This wasn't too bad. It was mild, mellow, and a bit melancholy. But there wasn't anything present here that really elevated it past a 3.
3
May 22 2024
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
Noisy alt-rock with minimal substance. I like feedback in a rock album like the next guy, but this album had a significant amount of noise. Not a huge fan of the vocals, but some of the tracks were better than others. Highlight was "SludgeFeast." This was fine, but that's it.
3
May 23 2024
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Da Capo
Love
This album was an underwhelming representation of what psychedelic rock was in the 1960s.
2
May 24 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
When I read "psychedelic soul" I was concerned, but this was much better than I was expecting.
3
May 27 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I enjoyed this SO MUCH MORE than Blonde on Blonde, and I don't know why.
3
May 28 2024
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Great grooves, solid funky jams.
3
May 29 2024
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The Specials
The Specials
This was fine, but I got REAL TIRED of their sound about 10 minutes in and still had another 34 more minutes of pop-punk reggae-rock.
3
May 30 2024
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
This was a pleasant throwback to my middle school years when Bonnie Raitt was EVERYWHERE. This was a good listen. More nostalgic than I was expecting it to be. I knew the radio hits but this was enjoyable and fun, but also quiet and gentle in just the right way. Great album.
4
May 31 2024
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Tical
Method Man
Personal preference aside, this album wasn't anything more than what it was trying to be. At least this didn't have 15-20 minutes worth of filler (aka "skits") like with Ghostface Killah's album. This just isn't my jam.
2
Jun 03 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
This was fine, but nothing extraordinary in terms of defining Jazz as an art form. Part of the album reminded me of the Taxi Driver score. The last track goes on forever.
3
Jun 04 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
This was a fantastic album. A fair amount of Booker T & the MG vibes going for throughout the entire listen.
4
Jun 05 2024
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
This album like some kind of outdated sci-fi film score from the 60s or 70s trying to be cutting edge. Similarities to Wendy Carlos and A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, with a bit of John Carpenter thrown in for good measure. I enjoyed this, but it was not at all what I was expecting.
3
Jun 06 2024
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Sleepy late-60s fare that didn't seem very special to me.
3
Jun 07 2024
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
More enjoyable than I was expecting. Definitely better than the solo acts that branched out from Wu-Tang, but this wasn’t anything more than a 3/5.
3
Jun 10 2024
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
This was a pleasantly chill jazz album. My favorite kind of jazz: the kind of jazz that doesn't give you a headache (aka freeform). Great for a low-key Friday morning to start the weekend.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
This was more enjoyable than I was expecting it to be. Straddling the line somewhere between folk, alternative, and punk. Solid entry (albeit a little strange depending on the track), but I feel that The Violent Femmes are an acquired taste and I don't think it can be elevated past a 3/5 for me.
3
Jun 12 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
This was fine... from what I was able to find and listen to on Youtube. But, not that special, if I'm being completely honest.
3
Jun 13 2024
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Not at all what I was anticipating today. It was surprisingly and unexpectedly pleasant. Kacey takes the best parts of country and pop and blends them perfectly to make the album transcend both genres into something special.
4
Jun 14 2024
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Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Not exactly what I was wanting this Thursday morning, but it's what I got. Rufus Wainwright seemed like he was desperately trying to sound like Thom Yorke while also not trying to sound like Radiohead at the same time. This was... okay.
3
Jun 17 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
Solid debut entry from The Eagles. Three top tier radio hits and some great deep cuts including “Take the Devil.” You just can’t beat their production quality and harmonies.
4
Jun 18 2024
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
This was granddaddy of heavy metal albums before heavy metal was a thing. I'm sure this could have been quite unsettling in 1970, but by today's standards, it's pretty tame. Excellent album overall, but probably doesn't peak past 3.5/5 in the ratings. Can it reach to 4 by the morning? Maybe, but it's unlikely.
3
Jun 19 2024
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
This album was fine, I just wasn't in the mood to possibly enjoy it more than maybe the credit deserves. Definitely gets an A+ for the album cover artwork.
3
Jun 20 2024
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
Quite groundbreaking as this has a very 1960s rock and roll sound but also very anti-establishment and punk for a group of GIs who were stationed outside of the US. This was fine, but nothing earthshattering.
3
Jun 21 2024
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I'm not familiar with much of Elvis Costello's work. This wasn't bad. I enjoyed it for what it was worth, and I liked it more than some of his more well known singles, but I don't see myself going back to it anytime soon.
3
Jun 24 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
A solid entry for the Rock, Post Punk, Punk, New Wave era of the late 1970s. Their musical talents shine through on the track Marquee Moon. It's too bad these guys didn't get more recognition. Great album.
4
Jun 25 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
If this record didn't remind me so much of Good Will Hunting, I might view it differently. However, since it does, it's hard to separate the two and how much I truly love that movie. While bleak and melancholic, I still enjoyed this album.
3
Jun 26 2024
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Dust
Screaming Trees
Somewhat unimposing mild alternative rock album from the mid-90s that almost sounds familiar. If I had had this album back when it was first released, this might have made a better impression on me. But now, this is just fine. Rating: 3.5/5
3
Jun 27 2024
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Above average modern synth pop album.
3
Jun 28 2024
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
This was a solid metal album entry, but it didn't feel or sound like anything more significant than other albums that were released around the same time period in the 1980s. While I didn't grow up listening to thrash metal, I've grown to enjoy it over time. Unfortunately, due to my upbringing, I still find the satanic imagery and lyrics unsettling, even if the band is doing it in ironic fashion.
3
Jul 01 2024
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Really enjoyed the energy and overall vibe of this album.
3
Jul 02 2024
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Fantastic R&B album by the Queen of Soul. A joy to listen to, and even better when the running time clocks in at around 33 minutes. Fantastic!
4
Jul 03 2024
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
This was a pleasant listen. It had a late 1960s chill vibe going on with it. I could easily see my dad having a copy of this album on vinyl, even though I know full he does not. Side Note: Any time I see something that is listed as Samba, I immediately think of the organ at my grandparents house, where it had different built-in tempos and beats that you could select while playing the organ.
3
Jul 04 2024
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Debut
Björk
Björk is the perfect example of what alternative pop was in the 1990s. Hauntingly and beautifully melodic. She paints an incredibly fantastic audible dreamscape. This was my first listen through of any of her studio albums from beginning to end and it was just as fantastic as her Greatest Hits I’ve had for 20 years.
4
Jul 05 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
This was fine. I like The Who, but why was *this album* on this list? Seems unnecessary.
3
Jul 08 2024
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Today's listen was just as good as it was the first time I heard it all the way through back in early 1996. These guys were EVERYWHERE when this album first dropped, and you couldn't go anywhere without hearing "Wonderwall" at least once in the bar I was at. Liam Gallagher's nasally vocals are a little more bothersome to me now than they were when Oasis first hit the scene. Noel Gallagher is clearly the better singer and songwriter, but he's British ugly, so you now know why Liam became the front man of the band. "Don't Look Back in Anger" is still the underrated classic single from this album.
4
Jul 09 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Perfectly chill Monday morning vibes with this great R&B/Soul album. Great listen.
3
Jul 10 2024
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
This was... an album. I know for a fact that I'll never listen to it ever again. **Shrugs** and carries on with my day.
2
Jul 11 2024
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
Sleepy mild mannered country-ish album that didn't really stand out to me as significant. Not my personal preference when it comes to music, but this album wasn't bad. It was fine.
3
Jul 12 2024
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A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
This was alright. Better than I was anticipating, but nothing on here that surpasses a 3/5 rating.
3
Jul 15 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
This album was great. While it’s hard to truly gauge these songs originally as “country and western” they do make a seamless tradition to R&B/Soul.
4
Jul 16 2024
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I enjoy the raw electric simplicity of The White Stripes, but unfortunately a lot of their songs sound alike. This was good, but I can't elevate it past 3.5, so it will likely get a 3/5 for me.
3
Jul 17 2024
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
I didn't know what to expect from this album. Did not realize that it was going to be completely instrumental. It was a pleasant surprise, and quite enjoyable.
3
Jul 18 2024
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
This was strangely uninspired drivel. I didn't hate it, but maybe it would have been more impactful if I had been of the right age rage when it was originally released back in 1984. I didn't hate it, but I can't see it moving past a 3/5 rating. Nothing stood out to push it past the normal threshold of adequate and/or average.
3
Jul 19 2024
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Truth
Jeff Beck
Okay, this album was just gonna get this response: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
That is, until I heard the last track, which immediately gives this album a minimum of 3/5 just for being on Martin Scorsese's Casino Soundtrack.
3
Jul 22 2024
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Another Friday, another Smiths album... and another winner. I never thought I would be a fan of The Smiths, but this was great.
4
Jul 23 2024
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
You couldn't have turned on MTV for more than 5 minutes in 1994 before you were bombarded by the video "Sabotage," which was EVERYWHERE and seemed to air at least twice an hour for 18 hours a day during the summer of 1994. My graduating year from high school was inundated with the sounds of this as well as Soundgarden's "Blackhole Sun," Aerosmith's "Crazy," Beck's "Loser," Collective Soul's "Shine," and Warren G's "Regulate," among many many others. It's difficult to remove the nostalgia from music, and while I never dedicated much time to listen to the Beastie Boys when this was first released, this album was pretty incredible.
4
Jul 24 2024
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Another great album by CCR. While not as good as Cosmo's Factory, this was still a solid 4/5 rating.
4
Jul 25 2024
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
This was fine, albeit a bit excessive in running time for an artist that I only know the radio hits. Standard classic 70s rock vibe.
3
Jul 26 2024
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The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
Never been a big fan of the late 60s psychedelic LSD-laced Pink Floyd. This was fine, but nothing here elevated past a 3/5 in its rating.
3
Jul 29 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
I have a soft spot for Simon and Garfunkel. Their harmonies are incredible. This was a good album, but almost too short. At most, a 3.5/5 rating.
3
Jul 30 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
A bit lengthy, but I enjoyed this album much more than I was expecting. While I enjoyed the singles off of their double album more (Speakerboxxx/The Love Below), this is a much more seamless and cohesive collaboration.
3
Jul 31 2024
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
This was enjoyable. Never heard of the Cocteau Twins until today.
3
Aug 01 2024
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
This has a very early 1990s hip hop vibe going on and practically mimics the sound and style of Public Enemy. There's almost too much of a political agenda with their platform - almost feels uninspired 30+ years later. I really didn’t care for it.
2
Aug 02 2024
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
Sinatra's buttery vocals go on almost anything. This was no exception. But this wasn't anything more than just good. A solid 3.5/5.
3
Aug 05 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
Enjoyable but not as extraordinary as I first remembered. A solid 3.5/5.
3
Aug 06 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
This was a pleasant listen. A little slow and a touch too melancholy, but pleasant overall.
3
Aug 07 2024
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
ZZ Top is like the AC/DC of Blues Rock. Very proficient at what they do, but they often stay in their lane, and because of that, they rarely exceed my expectations. At first I was gonna give this album a 4, but... it's no more than a 3 or 3.5/5. It's good at exactly what it is, nothing more, nothing less.
3
Aug 08 2024
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
Ambient electronica music. This was fine.
3
Aug 09 2024
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
Sultry, sullen, and sexy. I couldn't get enough of this album when it was first released in 1996. Never latched onto anything else she ever released, but this album is pretty incredible.
4
Aug 12 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
This was really good, although it was a bit disorganized as a cohesive album from start to finish. Also, a little too long. This is probably an overall 4 just for the following tracks alone: Voodoo Chile, Crosstown Traffic, All Along the Watchtower, and Voodoo Child (Slight Return).
4
Aug 13 2024
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
Completely surprised with how good this album was compared to what I expected it was going to be. This was a fantastic listen. Wonderfully seamless blends of alternative, alt-country, Latin and mariachi vibes, and even jazz.
4
Aug 14 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
A classic through and through. If you like Johnny Cash, you'll love this album.
4
Aug 15 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
This was late 60s psychedelic Baroque pop at it's best, but even at 35 minutes, it's a bit tiresome for me. However, it gets a 3.5/5 just for the song "Time of the Season."
3
Aug 16 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
This is, without a doubt, a magnificent masterpiece of late-70s pop/rock.
5
Aug 19 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
It amazes me sometimes how CCR could create such great songs in such a short period of time, let alone releasing 3 albums all in span of 12 months. This album is straddling the line between being a (3) which is a "good solid album" and a (4) which is a "great album." Easily a 3.5/5 but will it reach a 4 by the time I can rate it and move on? Possibly.
4
Aug 20 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
This was better than what I was expecting, but nothing more than just good.
3
Aug 21 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
Early 70s prototype punk rock; very raw sounding. I have nothing bad to say about it.
3
Aug 22 2024
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Pre-Emo Alternative Rock, with traces of New Wave. I didn't hate this album. I can even recognize the musicianship and how they likely influenced other bands that I actually know and like. However, I just had never purposefully listened to anything by Echo & the Bunnymen ever in my life (and probably never will ever again).
3
Aug 23 2024
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Just not very compelling in any way. Album cover art gets a 4, but the overall sound and vibe of this album left me feeling... underwhelmed.
2
Aug 26 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Absolutely incredible from start to finish. Not a dull track on this album.
5
Aug 27 2024
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
A timeless classic - mostly because it mimicked, sampled or re-created styles and sounds from the bygone era of the 1960s Motown and Doo wop. Never been a big fan of the opening track "Rehab" for some reason. Every other track though is killer. But that opener - for better or worse - clearly prevents me from ranking this no higher than a 4.
4
Aug 28 2024
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
The lead singer of this group sounds like a British version of Lou Reed while he's backed by Springsteen's E Street Band. The further into this album I listen, the less it sounds like the E Street Band, but this was just OK.
2
Aug 29 2024
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L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
This album is a hot mess. I could have lived the rest of my life never hearing this and would die a satisfactory death. I want my 33 minutes back. A hot garbage dumpster fire of a "French Industrial Rock" album.
1
Aug 30 2024
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
This was a relatively bland early 90s attempt to be an "alternative" album. It was sub par. Was it bad enough to be ranked a 2? Probably not, but it's nothing memorable in any way. And they almost deserve to get a 1 just for how terrible their album artwork is for this record. It screams, "Hey! I made this with my ClipArt Program. What do you think?"
3
Sep 02 2024
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
The Mama's and the Papa's successfully blended folk and pop in an era that seemed to be dominated by either the Brit invasion sound of The Beatles, the surfer sound of The Beach Boys, or Motown. While there are a few tracks on here that are sleepy and boring, you can't deny their incredible harmonies and the absolute the genius of what is clearly their best song, California Dreamin'.
3
Sep 03 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Unexpectedly and surprisingly enjoyable.
4
Sep 04 2024
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
I enjoyed this more than I thought I was going to, but this was pretty much what I was expecting it to be, albeit a little long.
3
Sep 05 2024
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
A bit disjointed, but I can see the appeal.
3
Sep 06 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Firing on all cylinders, Coldplay made only one masterpiece - a perfect album, if you will - and "A Rush Of Blood To The Head" was it. While I hadn't listened to it from start to finish in at least 15 years (probably closer to 20), it was like time traveling back to some the more memorable days of working for Best Buy.
5
Sep 09 2024
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
This was delightful. An unexpected pleasure to listen to.
3
Sep 10 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
I recognize the talent and the significance and importance she had in the music industry, but her style just isn't my bag. This was fine for a one-time listen through.
3
Sep 11 2024
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
Today's album sounds like a poor man's interpretation of what punk would sound like if they had never heard it before, all while providing the soundtrack to an unreleased David Lynch film. That was fucking weird, not necessarily enjoyable. And while I could have died a peaceful death without ever hearing this album, I was definitely grateful when it was over.
2
Sep 12 2024
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
I feel as if I were to enjoy this album too much, I would become the physical embodiment of what white trash truly is. But in all honesty, if you've heard 3 songs on this album, you've heard all 90+ minutes of it. I can't tell if they're being truly honest, or comically ironic, but this album is a strange wife-beater wearing, Natty Light-induced love letter to Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Wallace, and the state of Alabama.
2
Sep 13 2024
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
Delightfully strange, yet overall enjoyable. It gets a 3 rating just for the track "Genius of Love." Not sure if I would put this on again, but there's always a slim possibility.
3
Sep 16 2024
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
While the album cover may be iconic, I'm not a big. I am, however, a big fan of this album. So many bangers it's hard to imagine where Martin Scorsese's career would be without the impactful tunes of "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" and "Bitch." Then add combo the iconic "Brown Sugar," and "Wild Horses," you just can't really argue that this could easily be their best studio album. Absolutely incredible.
5
Sep 17 2024
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
I enjoyed this more than Ghostface Killah or the Kanye West albums I've been subjected to listening to that are on this list. A decent blending the samples that were used making this album give it a timeless sound, but I can't see myself listening to this ever again. "...don't change until you get up and wash yo' ass!"
3
Sep 18 2024
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
This was fine. I didn't hate it. And while I don't have any sort of historical knowledge of the hip-hop genre, it seems like a product of its time.
3
Sep 19 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
This is stereotypical late-60s psychedelic rock. Nothing more, nothing less. Every song basically sounds the same. I can see the influences they had with later bands of the 70s. I didn't hate it, but I was mostly underwhelmed.
3
Sep 20 2024
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American Pie
Don McLean
This album is awfully gentle but was a refreshing listen. As singer/songwriters go, I'm not terribly familiar with Don McLean, but I can understand his popularity by this record alone. This was pleasant. Almost too pleasant.
4
Sep 23 2024
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
I'm not entirely sure if I would have appreciated this album when it was released in 1994 - my palette hadn't quite matured. But listening to this on the cusp of 49, it makes me realize how much it sucked not having this album in my arsenal for the past 30 years. Buckley has such range, he doesn't stick to one specific genre, so his songs are all beautifully different. The only tracks I had been familiar with were "Last Goodbye" (vaguely) and his rendition of "Hallelujah," which make all other versions (including the original) just pale in comparison. This was a spectacular and haunting listen.
5
Sep 24 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
The perfect chill album for a possibly hectic Monday morning, Dire Straits debut album definitely delivers. I've always enjoyed Mark Knopfler's guitar style and overall vibe. Quite enjoyable.
4
Sep 25 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
This was an unexpected treat. Not a huge fan of live albums, but this one works.
3
Sep 26 2024
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
This is either the 2nd or 3rd on this list where the album wasn't available through Apple Music. I found all but one track on YouTube. This was smooth and buttery jazz that you can spread on your toast and have with your morning coffee. Nothing wrong with that.
3
Sep 27 2024
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Strange electronic pop with some monotone-ish vocals. Not a fan.
2
Sep 30 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
The sheer cultural impact of this album and Michael Jackson had on the US population, especially the kids in the 1980s, was unavoidable. This album, at least for me, is nostalgia in its purest form. Would Michael Jackson and the eventual juggernaut of Thriller even have been as successful without the platform of MTV to rocket it off into the pop culture stratosphere? Who knows. But you cannot deny the sheer brilliance of how expansive Quincy Jones's range as a producer was to create an undeniable and incredible masterpiece.
5
Oct 01 2024
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The Yes Album
Yes
A cool and refreshing English Prog Rock album. They kind of like the British version of Rush - but not as exciting. This was good, though. I enjoyed it. The tracks "Starship Trooper," and "All Good People" elevate this album from a decent 3 to a solid 4 rating.
4
Oct 02 2024
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Sulk
The Associates
This album is so disjointed, I can't imagine anyone finding it enjoyable. The vocals are terrible, the drum beat machines seem like they're always off tempo, and the synth is absolute shit. This is concentrated hot garbage being funneled through a disposal directly into my earbuds. I did not care for this in any way shape or form.
1
Oct 03 2024
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Crazysexycool
TLC
This was better than I was anticipating. Solid mid-90s R&B album. TLC was everywhere in 1994, especially MTV. You couldn't go more than 30 minutes without seeing their videos for either "Creep," "Red Light Special," or especially "Waterfalls," which I believe dominated the VMAs the following year. A handful of tracks felt easily forgettable and the subject matter rarely veered away from their sexual escapades. However, the album suffered from pointless filler, cramming several meaningless interludes in between songs. While not as brazen or upbeat as Salt-N-Pepa, this was still a nice chance of pace.
3
Oct 04 2024
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
A bit more redundant than the last Pogues album on this list. This was fine, but nothing groundbreaking by any means.
3
Oct 07 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
This album is enjoyably eclectic. The range and diversity in sound within its own genre is astounding. A breath of fresh air.
4
Oct 08 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Enjoyable early 00s indy rock. You couldn't go anywhere in 2004 without hearing "Take Me Out" playing somewhere on the radio. Refreshing and enjoyable. Also, it's nice that it was just under 40 minutes.
3
Oct 09 2024
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Enjoyable alt punk rock vibes, but awfully repetitive.
3
Oct 10 2024
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
This was strangely enjoyable, albeit a bit boring. I liked the orchestral parts, which were unexpectedly pleasant. Some of the songs had a Smiths vibes going, the last track seemed very U2-esque.
3
Oct 11 2024
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
This was adequate at best. Bill's vocal range is only about 3 notes, which kinda ruined the music, which I actually enjoyed. Overall, though, I'm not a fan.
2
Oct 14 2024
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
This was like a rock opera for hipsters. I didn't hate it, but I doubt I'll revisit this album ever again.
3
Oct 15 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
This was alright, but I wasn't blown away by anything in particular. Of all the Neil Young that's come up on this list so far, this seemed the most whining-induced vocals from Young himself, but nothing that's really out of the ordinary.
3
Oct 16 2024
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
First time purposely listening to anything by Loretta Lynn. This was enjoyable and in a way comforting - like a heavy weighted quilt that’s cool to the touch but will also keep you warm on a crisp Autumn night.
4
Oct 17 2024
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
A timeless classic.
4
Oct 18 2024
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Timeless
Goldie
Track 4 says it all. "This is a Bad."
1
Oct 21 2024
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
This was absolutely delightful. First half was rowdy and exciting R&B Soul with wonderfully blaring horns. The second half was soulfully peaceful piano ballads. A fantastic listen.
4
Oct 22 2024
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Overly enjoyable but nothing on here was great and capable elevating the album to anything better than "just good." This was a 3.5/5 at its absolute best.
3
Oct 23 2024
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McCartney
Paul McCartney
This was an unexpected delight. It felt more raw and personal than the material he recorded and released later in the 1970s. I can see why it's on this list. Thanks to Cameron Crowe and the movie "Jerry Maguire," I know 2 more tracks on here than I originally would have. It may not be a 5/5, but this was quite enjoyable and I could easily see myself listening to this again at some point.
4
Oct 24 2024
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25
Adele
This album was jammed packed with melancholy, lost love, missed opportunities, and regret. And I'm here for every minute of it. It scratched an itch I didn't even realize I had this morning. I enjoyed every minute of this album.
4
Oct 25 2024
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Follow The Leader
Korn
While enjoyable as most any other Korn album I purposefully listened to, Follow The Leader begins to wobble a bit the longer the album plays on with its 67 minute run time. There are certain elements of their particular music style that I absolutely dig, whether it's the strange unhinged rawness, the slapping bass that feels like it's being drug along the ground, or Jonathan Davis's feral vocals. But this album never really elevates past a 3.5 for me as I feel some of the work they've released after Follow The Leader is significantly better.
3
Oct 28 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
This was enjoyable as always, but the running time for By the Time I Get to Phoenix is just WAY too long. I don't need to hear Isaac hold down one chord on his keyboards and tell a story for what feels like 10 minutes. It's drawn out and unnecessary and in my opinion, drops this album from a 4 to a 3 because of the length of that track.
3
Oct 29 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
I enjoyed this album SO much more than the the last two Dylan albums we've been subjected to so far. It had a more cohesive structure, and I loved how they purposefully left in the outtake on the track "Bob Dylan's 115th Dream." I often feel with Dylan that the art and the artist don't always seem like they're in sync (great poet and songwriter - terrible performer), but this album worked really well for me.
3
Oct 30 2024
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
This was fine. I have mostly neutral feelings about this album as the songs seemed mostly forgettable soon after I heard them.
3
Oct 31 2024
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Decent bluesy 70s rock. Better than expected.
3
Nov 01 2024
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
This was comically enjoyable. German electronica for the win.
3
Nov 04 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
This was an absolute treat. Carlos Santana brings such wonderful flavors to the mix that it's difficult not to have fun while listening. Fantastic album.
4
Nov 05 2024
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Pleasant and delightful. Some tracks had a more homespun gospel-sound to them, compared to what we've heard so far of the old school 70s country. Short and sweet, with a very compact run time, but enjoyable.
3
Nov 06 2024
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
This album is what I assume what a Hipster Anthem would sound like. Unimposing folksy indie rock. This was fine, but it had a longer than needed (or wanted) run time of 74 minutes.
3
Nov 07 2024
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Delightful. Old school country just hits differently.
4
Nov 08 2024
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
I didn’t hate it. It was strangely more interesting the further in you listen to the album. An odd niche market these guys were marketing to. Thanks to Sexy Beast, I actually knew one of their songs (Peaches).
3
Nov 11 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
This was good. Really good, but it was also about 30 minutes too long.
4
Nov 12 2024
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Decent early 70s pop album. I appreciate and admire Harry Nilsson's sound and style.
4
Nov 13 2024
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
I prefer some of their later releases to this one, but it’s still excellent.
4
Nov 14 2024
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
What in the hell is even this? I enjoyed the music, but I didn’t understand one syllable of the French that was whispered, spoken, or sung into the mic. This was strange.
2
Nov 15 2024
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Woodface
Crowded House
Better than I was expecting, but I only recognized one song on this album, "Weather with You."
3
Nov 18 2024
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
This was the first time I listened to this album in one sitting front-to-back. Thoroughly enjoyable and groundbreaking for it's time, this Beastie Boys album is fun and playful and completely nostalgic.
4
Nov 19 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
This has a very relaxing and chill Sunday morning kind of vibe. Not bad, but I highly doubt if I'll ever purposefully listen to it again. I recognize Joni Mitchell's talent, but she's just not my jam.
3
Nov 20 2024
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Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
This was a strange album. I enjoyed the music, but was disinterested in the subject matter and lyrics of what they chose to sing about, whether it was a gang bang or "the taste of gonorrhea," I wasn't having any of it.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
2
Nov 21 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
While the vocals are a bit jarring at times, overall this is a really fun album to listen to. This is easily a 3.5 on its way to a 4.0 rating. In all honesty, it's the vocal stylings that hold it back, even though I'm sure that's what makes the band and album so identifiable in the first place.
4
Nov 22 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
I feel like I'm sipping rum inside a small club in Havana, Cuba when I listen to this album. It's wonderfully delightful.
4
Nov 25 2024
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
This was satisfactory at best. "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe."
2
Nov 26 2024
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
This was an unexpected treat. Definitely more of a rock album than a funk album, but that first track is incredible. It spins a little out of control towards the end, but I am here for it.
4
Nov 27 2024
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
Whiny folk music. Wasn’t a fan.
2
Nov 28 2024
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Suicide
Suicide
This was hot shit garbage. I don’t care who was inspired by this album. What a waste of my time.
1
Nov 29 2024
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
This was a weird. It’s started out alright and then they transformed one of the greatest Pink Floyd songs (Comfortably Numb) into some kind of Bee Gee’s ripoff. I don’t know what to think anymore.
2
Dec 02 2024
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Blackstar
David Bowie
This was a peculiar album. Very experimental. Reminded me a lot of Radiohead in the early 2000s when they lost their direction and were into the weeds with experimentation. It’s a merging of genres with an out of control drum machine where the end result is where the style and substance never seem to fused together properly.
2
Dec 03 2024
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Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
This was fine. Rock opera isn't typically my sort of thing, but I'm glad I listened to it once through in its entirety. Highly unlikely I'll ever be compelled to put it on ever again.
3
Dec 04 2024
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
While I am very familiar with all of his "greatest hits," I had never listened to an Elton John album from start to finish until I started this journey. This record was a spectacle to behold, opening with an 11 minute prog-rock-esque track. While it still feels a bit lengthy at times, it was a delight to listen to. Clearly the genius combo of Elton John and Bernie Taupin were in top form when they composed this gem.
4
Dec 05 2024
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
For an album that's just over an hour long, it's very repetitive. There isn't a lot of variety between the beats, soundscapes, or samples that are used. However, it's also VERY 1989 in its sound, and for that, even if I wasn't familiar at all with any of the singles that were released, it was quite nostalgic sounding, and enjoyable enough to garner the album a positive rating.
3
Dec 06 2024
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
I was already waist deep in nostalgia just 20 seconds into the start of this album. When "Animal" comes on, it hits me like a tidal wave. By the time "Pour Some Sugar On Me" plays, I've been swept away by the undertow. I cannot deny how fun this album still is, almost 40 years later. I was literally compelled to crank this up on my drive into the office this morning. 'Hysteria' was one of two albums that I remember dominating playtime on my sister's car stereo. (The other one was a little unknown debut album by GNR.) Whether you labeled it "glam metal," "arena rock," or just "hard rock," Def Leppard changed the game, produced 7 solid radio singles from 12 tracks on an album that was an hour long, and dominated the MTV airwaves for at least 2 years. This album is the band's masterpiece; their magnum opus, if you will (at least for the "arena rock" genre). They never released anything this good ever again.
5