Sep 18 2023
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Young Americans
David Bowie
Young americans and fame are classics. Classic Bowie sounds, great album. Interesting across the universe cover (Beatles). The first album I did with this website.
4
Sep 19 2023
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Excellent 70s style metal album. Not really my wheelhouse, but a fun listen. I hadn’t every listened to Iron Maiden before, but I’m a fan now.
4
Sep 20 2023
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Great EJ sound. Three track punch of candle in the wind, Benny and yellow brick road is hard to beat.
4
Sep 21 2023
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
I really like this one. Great 60s influenced soul. Missed this when it first came out, but I’m glad I got to it now.
4
Sep 22 2023
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
Great one. New wave and punk, combined with brit pop. Never heard of this band before this.
4
Sep 25 2023
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Melodrama
Lorde
I listened to this when it was new. I really liked her earlier album (Pure Heroine) but this one didn't really hit the spot for me. Not bad, just not my style.
3
Sep 26 2023
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Fragile
Yes
I didn't know much about Yes prior to listening to this. Classic prog rock sound. Pretty enjoyable all the way through. Lots of long jam tracks, no real radio singles, so it's more of a patient listen as it shifts style even within songs. Pretty good stuff.
4
Sep 27 2023
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
Not my style. Industrial has value, but it’s a tough listen. I’m sure this was much more innovative in its time when there was less stuff like it.
1
Sep 28 2023
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Sunshine Superman
Donovan
Sunshine Superman is a classic. I always liked season of the witch, too. I never had listened to the rest of the album before. Huge eastern influence, which was popular at the time. Honestly, it’s not really my thing. Probably written mostly for 60s kids trying out LSD for the first time.
3
Sep 29 2023
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Wild Gift
X
This was really good. I was aware of X before, but hadn’t really listened. This seems ahead of its time. Would have sounded contemporary in late 80s early 90s.
4
Oct 02 2023
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Fun to hear the Who at the height of their powers. I saw them live in 2022 and the still got it.
3
Oct 03 2023
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
This is one I have listened to periodically over the years. Many great tracks on this one. Not a classic for my taste, but a pretty good one.
3
Oct 04 2023
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Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
This guy is not a great person. I'm not a fan of this album anyway, so that worked out. Honestly, too whiney/emo for my taste.
1
Oct 05 2023
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
I’ve heard this several times before. Fun, jam band sound. Obviously the start of quite a legacy from Chicago. Honestly not something I’d listen to much on my own, but enjoyable to listen every once in awhile.
4
Oct 06 2023
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
3
Oct 09 2023
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
One of my all time favorites. Over the years, I've had this on tape, CD and now vinyl. I've done the dark side of the rainbow, of course. Total classic.
5
Oct 10 2023
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Fun one. This was a blast from the past.
3
Oct 11 2023
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
Pretty interesting concept album. Some good, some not as much.
3
Oct 12 2023
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Murmur
R.E.M.
Classic album. Not my favorite REM album, but essential nonetheless. Great one.
4
Oct 13 2023
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Not bad, but not the best by Herbie. I'm a fan of his older stuff.
3
Oct 16 2023
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Good stuff. Brass in pocket is a classic.
4
Oct 17 2023
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London Calling
The Clash
Tremendous album. One of my favorites.
5
Oct 18 2023
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Forever Changes
Love
I was hoping to like this one. It’s fine. Some of these lyrics are pretty terrible though: “Oh, the snot has caked against my pants. It has turned into crystal.” Wow, deep stuff!
2
Oct 19 2023
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Great one. Beautiful voice.
4
Oct 20 2023
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
Great one. Listened to this a ton during pandemic lockdown.
4
Oct 23 2023
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Never been my favorite. Sting’s super high vocals aren’t the most pleasant. I liked Sting’s later solo stuff better.
3
Oct 24 2023
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Such a great one. I listened to this a ton when it was new. Hurt is one of the all-time great covers.
5
Oct 25 2023
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The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
I had heard of this band, but never listened. Pleasantly surprised. Pretty good 90s sound.
4
Oct 26 2023
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Solid Air
John Martyn
Never heard of this before, but very pleasantly surprised. There are some really solid tracks here.
4
Oct 27 2023
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
It’s fine, but not my style. Super sleepy.
3
Oct 30 2023
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
All time classic. I've listened to this one since I was a kid and it doesn't get old. Weird cover art though.
5
Oct 31 2023
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Total classic. One of my favorite albums regardless of genre.
5
Nov 01 2023
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Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Meh, it's fine. Gets old after a few tracks.
3
Nov 02 2023
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
Pretty enjoyable. The weight is a classic.
4
Nov 03 2023
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Close To You
Carpenters
One of my least favorite genres. I understand this was a huge hit in the day, but there's a reason no one makes music like this anymore.
1
Nov 06 2023
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Imagine
John Lennon
Solid classic. Imagine has to be one of the best songs ever written.
5
Nov 07 2023
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Some good and some meh here. I listened to this a bunch when new. My opinion is the same now as then. Gacy is a super weird track.
3
Nov 08 2023
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
Never heard of this when it was new. Surprisingly enjoyable brit-pop influenced sound.
4
Nov 09 2023
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
I come and go with this one since it was new. Some of FL's best work for sure.
4
Nov 10 2023
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Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
Never heard this full album, only Karma Chameleon. Pretty good 80s sound.
4
Nov 13 2023
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Fantastic. Ellington is an all-time great.
5
Nov 14 2023
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Good stuff. I knew the hits, but the rest of the album is not bad.
4
Nov 15 2023
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
EC just as never really been my style. His voice wears on me after a while, and some of the lyrics here are not great, i.e. "are you straight or are you blind" - ugh. That said, the band sounds really solid.
3
Nov 16 2023
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American Pie
Don McLean
3
Nov 17 2023
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
All time classic. Joni has a tremendous voice.
5
Nov 20 2023
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Homework
Daft Punk
Obviously some great tracks on here, but they aren't all winners.
4
Nov 21 2023
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Fun disco sound. Some classics on here.
4
Nov 22 2023
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
It's OK. Didn't really stand out to me as having anything really distinctive for the era.
3
Nov 23 2023
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The Next Day
David Bowie
4
Nov 24 2023
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Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
4
Nov 27 2023
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
5
Nov 28 2023
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Just as catchy and jarring as I remember when it was new. I understand that the shock value was part of the album, but a lot of this hasn't aged well.
3
Nov 29 2023
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Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Pretty good 80s sound. Never heard of it before now.
3
Nov 30 2023
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
Not understanding this one. Just ongoing wailing and general noise.
2
Dec 01 2023
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Medúlla
Björk
I liked this better than I expected. Interesting all-vocal concept. Not one I'd listen to much, but it was fun to experience once.
3
Dec 04 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
What a classic. Huge number of hits on this album. One of the best albums by one of the greatest ever musicians = 5 stars in my book.
5
Dec 05 2023
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Really enjoyed this one. Great metal sound.
4
Dec 06 2023
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Pretty great album. The hits off this one are total classics. The other tracks are more 50s filler, but still pretty good.
4
Dec 07 2023
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Sulk
The Associates
Meh, not really my thing. Some good synth pop moments, but overall seems like wailing over ideas from better bands.
2
Dec 08 2023
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Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
Some enjoyable stuff here. RHCP/Primus/Rage vibes. Had never heard of this album or group before.
3
Dec 11 2023
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Some good stuff here, but Nick Cave just isn't my style. It's fine as background noise for me. I understand there are many superfans that will not enjoy my hot take.
3
Dec 12 2023
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
One of my all time favorites. Five stars.
5
Dec 13 2023
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Pretty fun, fast hardcore punk. I hadn't heard it before, but liked it.
3
Dec 14 2023
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
I like Dinosaur Jr fine, but the sound gets old after a while. I was ready to shut this one down after about 4 tracks.
3
Dec 15 2023
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GI
Germs
I couldn't get access to this album on my streaming service. Bummer, sounded interesting.
1
Dec 18 2023
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
One of the all-time great hip hop albums. I have listened to this more times than I can count.
5
Dec 19 2023
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Really solid sound. I didn’t like this originally, but it’s really grown on me over the years.
4
Dec 20 2023
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
It was ok. Not even my favorite Mayfield album though.
2
Dec 21 2023
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Some great stuff. No woman no cry is an all time classic.
4
Dec 22 2023
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Fantastic. One of my all time favorite voices and several of her best songs. 5 stars.
5
Dec 25 2023
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Fantastic. One of my all time favorite voices and several of her best songs. 5 stars.
4
Dec 26 2023
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
One of the great Christmas albums. I have this on vinyl.
4
Dec 27 2023
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Spinning wheel is really the only highlight, and that’s just ok. Generic jam band stuff otherwise.
2
Dec 28 2023
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Not bad, but feels a little like Kirkland Signature Sgt. Pepper's.
3
Dec 29 2023
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Back In Black
AC/DC
Total classic. 5 stars.
5
Jan 01 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
It's crazy how there are 100s of Christmas songs, but only one song about the boys being back in town.
2
Jan 02 2024
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Not bad, but not my favorite Miles.
3
Jan 03 2024
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Doolittle
Pixies
Kind of a mixed bag. There are some pretty fun tues here, but also some clunkers.
3
Jan 04 2024
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It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
Never been a huge VM fan. There’s some good stuff here, as well as some clunkers. The recording quality is top notch for a live show.
3
Jan 05 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
On paper, I feel like I would enjoy this. Man, too many 10 minute atmosphere songs though. I won't knock it for experimentation, which I appreciate. It's just not a top album for me.
2
Jan 08 2024
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
The singles off this one are still high rotation classics, 40 years later. That alone is worth 4 stars. It's a bit like an AC/DC album - if you love the sound, you'll love the whole album. If not... then not. Not quite 5 star level for me, but it's a great one.
4
Jan 09 2024
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War
U2
This is a great one. Sunday Bloody Sunday is an all-time rock classic. Still, I think this isn't even the greatest U2 album.
4
Jan 10 2024
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Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
This was a slog to get through. I’d have given it one star, except the story of its creation is pretty neat. The music itself seems like a first draft that needs a lot more work and production.
2
Jan 11 2024
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Gris Gris
Dr. John
I never really listed to Dr. John much, so I was thinking this was going to be like the one song I could think of, "Making Whoopie". Was not excited about an album of that. It couldn't have been more different. I actually really enjoyed it, even if it isn't a classic for me.
3
Jan 12 2024
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Reading the notes, I thought this would be up my alley. I'm a huge Prince/80s/808 fan. This one just didn't grab me though. Sounds like one of Prince's backup singers made an album without his help.
2
Jan 15 2024
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Victoria is a great track. The rest is uneven. A lot of it sounds like a Beatles cover band.
3
Jan 16 2024
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
I bought this album when it first was released and listened to it non stop for awhile. It’s really good. She has a tremendous, unique voice. Not to mention excellent songwriting and piano skills.
4
Jan 17 2024
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Dog Man Star
Suede
2
Jan 18 2024
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
If you like the sound of any of their radio singles, you'll enjoy this. It's basically one long song, but it's a good one.
3
Jan 19 2024
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
If you're into new wave, this is a pretty solid album.
3
Jan 22 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Judy Blue Eyes is a classic, but so much of the rest of this album is pretty sleepy.
3
Jan 23 2024
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
I hadn't listened to this one before, but I really enjoyed it. Not every track is a home run, but there are a bunch of great ones. You're either into Talking Heads or you're not, I find. Not many casual fans of this band.
4
Jan 24 2024
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
I like Elliott Smith in small doses. Definitely not his best album, but there’s some good stuff here.
3
Jan 25 2024
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Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
This was fine, but I am struggling to figure out why it's included here. Doesn't seem like the best example of the genre.
2
Jan 26 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
How could you not like this sound? Basie is always solid.
4
Jan 29 2024
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Seems like this is what happens when you do a ton of drugs and suddenly think you know how jazz works.
1
Jan 30 2024
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My Generation
The Who
Lots of hits on this one. Solid.
4
Jan 31 2024
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Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
I had never heard of this before. There are some fun tracks on this one, but for my taste, this is a "once in a great while" kind of listen. The style gets a bit old after a while.
3
Feb 01 2024
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
The opening track is a masterpiece. The rest pretty much sits in the good-great range. Four stars.
4
Feb 02 2024
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S&M
Metallica
I remember when this came out in 99, and I sat through it then. I had friends raving about it. I didn't get it then, and I still don't now. The idiotic title (wink wink, see what we did??) should tell you all you need to know without having to waste over 2 hours(!) on this. Only worth one star because the SF Symphony Orchestra is fantastic and they're doing all they can with the material.
1
Feb 05 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Son of a Preacher Man is a stone cold R&B classic. Virtually all of the rest of it sounds like late 60s/early 70s filler - hard to tell it apart from any other average sound from the era. It's fine, just not special.
3
Feb 06 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Really good all around album.
4
Feb 07 2024
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Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart is best for my taste on the radio. One good song, then don’t hear from him for a while again. A whole album, especially when many are lesser covers, gets old for me.
3
Feb 08 2024
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
I was pretty bored throughout listening to this. Hard to understand why this made the 1001 list.
2
Feb 09 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
One of the best new wave albums. Huge number of hits, especially for a debut album. Not an all time classic for my taste, but still really great.
4
Feb 12 2024
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
One of my all time favorite bands. There are some really strong tracks on here, but overall, this is not their strongest album - many tracks feel like b-sides or ideas. Radiohead's b-sides are better than most band's singles though.
3
Feb 13 2024
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Who's Next
The Who
My favorite album by an all time great band. Classic.
5
Feb 14 2024
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Ys
Joanna Newsom
This was pretty brutal. Desperate need of a producer/editor. Chopped down to about 3 minutes for each song and with some serious reworking, there's some good ideas here. Hard to figure out how this album made the list though.
1
Feb 15 2024
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Smile
Brian Wilson
I listened to this a bunch when it was new, hoping for Pet Sounds 2.0. It isn’t that. It’s more just a nostalgia trip about what might have been.
3
Feb 16 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
Really fun album. I listened to this a ton when it was new. It’s not a five star in my book, but it’s loud and fun.
4
Feb 19 2024
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Not quite Folsom, but awesome. Cash is a national treasure.
4
Feb 20 2024
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Listened to this a ton when it was new. Some great tracks, but not quite 5 stars for me.
4
Feb 21 2024
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Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
Classic hip hop album. Not my favorite, but undeniable influence in its day.
3
Feb 22 2024
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
Just OK - not great, not bad. If you heard this in a waiting room somewhere, it would blend right in. Look elsewhere for a top album of all time however.
3
Feb 23 2024
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
I listened to this on constant rotation when it was new. I’m a Seattle area native and huge Sub Pop fan, so this was right in my sweet spot. I saw them live in 2008, not long after this was released- great live band. Brings back many memories. Phenomenal debut album. It’s interesting how “White Winter Hymnal” has started to appear on holiday radio/playlists in recent years. Didn’t think of it as a Christmas season tune when it was new, but it works.
5
Feb 26 2024
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This one changed everything in rock. Five stars.
5
Feb 27 2024
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
One of my all time favorites. Listen on vinyl!
5
Feb 28 2024
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Paris 1919
John Cale
This was really uneven from my perspective. Some good, some not so good. The ballads seem like filler, but there are some neat ideas in the other tracks.
3
Feb 29 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Really fun. Great sound.
4
Mar 01 2024
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
3
Mar 04 2024
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Boston
Boston
4
Mar 05 2024
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Pretty solid house-style album, just not really my taste.
3
Mar 06 2024
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What's That Noise?
Coldcut
Wasn’t available in my music service.
1
Mar 07 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Wasn’t available on my music service.
1
Mar 08 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Hard to beat Ray's sound, especially from this era. I genuinely enjoyed this all the way through.
5
Mar 11 2024
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
I enjoyed this when it was new, and again now. Not an all-time great in my book, but Jack's influence on music of this era is undeniable.
4
Mar 12 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Nothing wrong with it, just not my style. I like Young's solo stuff a lot better.
3
Mar 13 2024
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En-Tact
The Shamen
It's pretty tough to figure out why this one is on the list. Hasn't aged well.
1
Mar 14 2024
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Let It Be
The Replacements
I had never heard this one. I liked it much more than expected. Some really good stuff here.
4
Mar 15 2024
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Faith
George Michael
The front half of this one is great. I remember when the single for Faith was released and it was a massive hit. You can hear the strong Prince influence on the front half, which is probably why I like it. Then, the back half hits. Seems like they lost steam and ideas. Also, essentially 14 minutes of this thing is devoted to \"I Want Your Sex\". Catchy tune, but c'mon.
3
Mar 18 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
Total classic. This is where the Beatles really started to figure it out, in my book. Not my favorite album of theirs, but better than virtually anything else out there in its day.
5
Mar 19 2024
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
One of the all time greats. I’ve been listening to this since I was in 8th grade I bet, and it still hits.
5
Mar 20 2024
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
Pretty generic southern rock. I'm sure it's fine if that's your jam, but it isn't mine.
2
Mar 21 2024
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Goo
Sonic Youth
This was up and down for me. A few tracks I really liked, and some that were just not great. That averages to a 3 for my taste.
3
Mar 22 2024
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Parklife
Blur
I really liked the front half of this album. The first track was massive back when it was first released, so that was fun to hear again. Somewhere in the middle of the album, it really loses focus before getting it back again.
4
Mar 25 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
There's some interesting stuff here, but it's not my cup of tea exactly.
3
Mar 26 2024
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
So great. Maybe the high water mark for the Beastie Boys. One of my all time favorites.
5
Mar 27 2024
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
There are some incredible musicians on this, but 70s jazz fusion is not my jam. Weird that this album made the list and not so many other better jazz albums.
2
Mar 28 2024
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Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
Tainted love was, and still is, huge. The rest is up and down, but enjoyable.
3
Mar 29 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
This was in heavy rotation at my house for a long time when it came out. Probably #2 in Green Day's catalog (Dookie) for me, but still tremendous. This band is the apex of pop-punk. If you're into that genre, there's virtually no better album than this.
5
Apr 01 2024
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
This era of jazz is right in my sweet spot. Love that samba sound.
5
Apr 02 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
Hard to give anything but five stars. This album has (possibly) rock’s greatest song in Bohemian Rhapsody.
5
Apr 03 2024
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Classic hip hop album that changed everything. Just never been a top album for my taste though.
4
Apr 04 2024
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
GD has just never been my style.
3
Apr 05 2024
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
3
Apr 08 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Super sleepy. I like Paul’s later stuff, but this isn’t my thing.
2
Apr 09 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Fantastic album. Makes you wonder what might have been if the Beatles had stayed together, but this is still five stars on its own merits.
5
Apr 10 2024
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
This guys voice is good enough, but man, those lyrics take you out of it.
2
Apr 11 2024
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Classic hip hop album. Some of the tracks are not top notch, but it’s all pretty good. I would pay for revised versions of so many hip hop albums that got rid of the skits/intros/interludes. Takes you out of the groove.
4
Apr 12 2024
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
This album isn't creative, it's just bad. There's a difference. St. Pepper's is a great example of creative and good. This one just sounds like dudes on drugs trying to play jazz after reading about it, but never hearing it. I’ve heard this album several times over the years, as it often makes lists like this. I think we’re just in an echo chamber with this album though. Just because a so-called expert thinks it’s good doesn’t make it so.
1
Apr 15 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
Not hating on Taylor, I understand why it’s so popular. Just not my thing.
3
Apr 16 2024
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Easy 5 stars. They don’t come much better than this.
5
Apr 17 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
Lots of hits on this, but it’s not my style.
4
Apr 18 2024
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
This wasn’t on my streaming service, but I know many of the songs. It’s fine, but not my style.
3
Apr 19 2024
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Hard to criticize this one. Total classic sound. If you like salsa, this might be the best example out there.
5
Apr 22 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
Such a classic. Easy five stars.
5
Apr 23 2024
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Nevermind
Nirvana
Hard to give less than 5, based on cultural impact alone. So many of these songs are still in heavy rotation today.
5
Apr 24 2024
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
I had never heard of this, but it was entertaining. Strange sound and some of it is just noise, but I never put it down.
4
Apr 25 2024
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1984
Van Halen
The singles off this one are classics. The other tracks are fine, but feel like filler.
4
Apr 26 2024
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Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Couldn't stream this one.
1
Apr 29 2024
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I like DM, but violator is their best work. This one was good though.
4
Apr 30 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
The opening tracks are classics, but it really trails off after that.
3
May 01 2024
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2112
Rush
I've listened to this one many times over the years. It's fine, but it just doesn't really grab me.
3
May 02 2024
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Dookie
Green Day
One of my all time favorites. Virtually every track on here is a sing-along hit. Great live band, too.
5
May 03 2024
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
I had never heard this album before. It was an interesting listen. Obviously neat to learn more about where the Exorcist theme came from. I doubt I’ll ever listen to it again though, just not my thing.
3
May 06 2024
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
I had never heard this one. It's great. Wonderful sound, great energy and impressive recording quality. One of the best live albums I've heard.
5
May 07 2024
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I wasn't feeling this one. His singing style always sounds forced and/or fake to me. Lyrics get weird at times, too. The band sounds good though.
2
May 08 2024
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Blur
Blur
This is my favorite of Blur’s catalog. Song 2 is one of the great all-time rock songs. Not quite 5 star for my taste, but pretty solid overall.
4
May 09 2024
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Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
Several thoughts on this one. 1. Never heard of it before. 2. I quickly judged the album cover and album name and expected that I was in for some bad reggae, like early stuff by the Police. 3. It's not even close to reggae. As another reviewer noted, it sounds like video game loading music. 4. This has no business anywhere near the 1001 best list. There are many far better albums even in this genre. 5. Still, it's ok as background music if you need a change, I guess. There are far worse albums on this 1001 list.
2
May 10 2024
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Closer
Joy Division
Nothing wrong with this one, but just too much of a downer for me to want to listen to again. You can hear the influence on so many later bands, so it definitely has relevance (see Interpol, The National, et al). Really sad to read about the lead singer as well.
3
May 13 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Not my favorite Hendrix album, but still genius. I’ve been listening to this for 30+ years and it’s still incredible. Five stars.
5
May 14 2024
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
I've listened to this one many times over the years. When it was released, this was a huge deal. This album really helped set the stage for what was to come in the 90s. The singles from this one are good, but it doesn't keep me engaged for the whole album.
3
May 15 2024
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
This album sounds like the kind of thing that Bluto would have smashed a guitar over.
2
May 16 2024
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
I had never heard this one. Pretty good sound all the way through. Pretty clearly a Warren Zevon riff used in one of the songs.
4
May 17 2024
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
I had never heard this one. Pretty good sound, and Frank Ocean has a great voice. I enjoyed it quite a bit. But man, what I wouldn’t give to have a separate version of so many hip hop and R&B albums that removes all of the interludes/intros/outros/skits. You’re just getting into the groove by a master musician, then you have to wait through a skit that sounds like it was written by a middle schooler. Totally takes me out of it. It’s not unique to this album, and these aren’t the worst out there, it’s just a pet peeve of mine.
4
May 20 2024
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
I'm a Seattle-area native and this album came out right when I was entering middle school, so it definitely had an impact on my musical taste. I'll always have a soft spot for it. That said, other than Rooster and Would, I don't usually seek this out. Jar of Flies was their best work - I can listen to that one on repeat.
4
May 21 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Joni is a treasure, but this album doesn't hit the sweet spot like Blue does.
3
May 22 2024
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
Really fun sound. I had never heard this before, but I love this kind of thing. Great party music.
5
May 23 2024
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Station To Station
David Bowie
Bowie is an all-time favorite of mine, but this isn't his best. There are a bunch of great tracks though.
4
May 24 2024
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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
Freedom 90 is a good one, but the rest is a clear step down from Faith.
3
May 27 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Gotta love Neil. His albums are never quite 5 star for me, but usually worthy of 4. Southern Man is a classic.
4
May 28 2024
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
I listened to this in heavy rotation when it was new. My favorite album of Arcade Fire’s catalog, easily. City With No Children is also my favorite Arcade Fire song, so this is 5 stars for my taste.
5
May 29 2024
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Slipknot
Slipknot
Serious cuffs of my JNCO baggy jeans are wet from dragging in mud puddles vibes. There’s some excellent technical musicianship here, but nothing that interesting about the music itself.
2
May 30 2024
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Microshift
Hookworms
I had never heard this one before. Enjoyable throughout.
4
May 31 2024
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Relax is fun, but the rest wasn’t really my thing.
3
Jun 03 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Tiny Dancer and Levon are fantastic. Pretty standard Elton Stuff after that, so still pretty good.
4
Jun 04 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I hadn't heard this one before. I was drumming the steering wheel and nodding my head all the way through. Great sound, variety and creativity. Janelle has a solid voice, too. All of that equals five stars for me.
5
Jun 05 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
This type and era of jazz is right in the sweet spot for me. I hadn't heard this before, but I really enjoyed it. They just don't make em like this anymore, sadly...
4
Jun 06 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Pretty much 'meh' for my taste. Not great, not bad, just OK.
3
Jun 07 2024
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More Specials
The Specials
Varied, fun sound. If you’re a ska fan, you’ll probably enjoy this one.
4
Jun 10 2024
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
Loved this one when it was new, and again now. Jack is a genius.
5
Jun 11 2024
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Classic voice and sound. A bit sleepy for my taste though.
4
Jun 12 2024
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Total classic for my taste. I remember being taken completely off guard by 'We're Going to Be Friends', possibly the most unique and best song on this already great album. Also, look up the video for 'Fell In Love With a Girl'. It might seem quaint in today's age of CGI and AI, but at the time, it was really something, especially for a then more or less indie band.
5
Jun 13 2024
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Me Against The World
2Pac
I remember when this was new - pretty huge hit. I'm a fan of this era of hip hop, but 2Pac just isn't really my flavor.
3
Jun 14 2024
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
Not an all time classic, but it's really fun. I Can't Get No Satisfaction has to be one of the best covers of all time.
4
Jun 17 2024
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
I'm an ELO fan and this album has much of Jeff's best stuff. Toe tapper all the way through.
5
Jun 18 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Classic, massively influential album.
5
Jun 19 2024
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Be
Common
I was going to give this 4 stars, but the Ph.D. student in mathematics review was so cringeworthy that I'm going with 5 to offset it. Truly a really fun hip hop album on its own merits, either way.
5
Jun 20 2024
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Not really my taste. It's OK, just not one I'd come back to. Pretty noticeable drop-off in quality from their first album.
2
Jun 21 2024
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
I had never heard of this band before. Pleasantly surprised. If you're into 80s indie rock sounds, you'll like this one.
3
Jun 24 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
I'm an Elvis fan, but this era isn't my favorite. It's better than so many other albums on this list though. Suspicious Minds is a classic.
4
Jun 25 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
I've loved this one since I found it in high school. This is a great example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Massive influence on all rock that came afterward.
5
Jun 26 2024
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
This was tough. Blue is a five star album. Her voice is great, but I found myself getting bored with this one though. Seems kind of aimless, like a strong editor/producer might have helped.
3
Jun 27 2024
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
Solid R&B sound. I don't always love what she does with her vocal inflections, but I was entertained the whole way through.
4
Jun 28 2024
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Sweet Dreams is still a classic. The rest is pretty solid synth-pop. Not five star material, but entertaining.
4
Jul 01 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
I like some of Willie’s stuff, but not this one. He didn’t write any of these songs, and none of the covers come close to the originals or other artist versions, for my taste. Willie simply doesn’t hit the notes sometimes either with his singing. I know that’s part of the journeyman country singer charm, but it’s not working for me this time.
2
Jul 02 2024
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
One of my all-time favorites. To really appreciate this album, listen to KEXP’s breakdown, here: https://www.kexp.org/breakdown/paulsboutique/
5
Jul 03 2024
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Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
Couldn’t get this one on my streaming service.
1
Jul 04 2024
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21
Adele
Wonderful voice. Not something I’d choose to listen to, but that’s just my taste.
4
Jul 05 2024
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
This was peak Smashing Pumpkins for me. I was not a huge fan of most of their stuff before or after, but this one hit the spot for my taste.
5
Jul 08 2024
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Van Halen
Van Halen
VH has never been my taste exactly, but it's hard to argue with the talent and impact they've had. There's excellent technical musicianship throughout, but the songs don't have much emotion or depth. Just great party music. That, and the signature squeal-yell in the vocals gets old.
4
Jul 09 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
Like AC-DC, it’s essentially one long song. It’s a great one though. Kept me drumming my steering wheel all the way through.
5
Jul 10 2024
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
I’ve heard pavement songs now and again over the years, but never really listened to an album. This style isn’t really my sweet spot, but there are a lot of interesting ideas throughout.
4
Jul 11 2024
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Teen Dream
Beach House
I saw Beach House live the year that this album came out. I'm a huge sub pop fan, and this style is right in my sweet spot. I listened to this frequently when it was new, but hadn't for a few years. It still sounds great to my ear.
5
Jul 12 2024
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
I rolled my eyes when the first track started, thinking this was year another 60s era attempt at folk/blues, like so many others on this list. It grew on me as it went along though. One of the better examples I’ve heard on this list so far.
4
Jul 15 2024
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Janis had one of the best voices in rock, no doubt. Piece of my heart is one of the great all-time rock songs. But man, the amateur level production, fake crowd noise and disappointing backing instruments/vocals bum me out. When you had Janis in the studio, her voice should have been front and center with as little in the way as possible. No wonder she went solo after this.
3
Jul 16 2024
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
There’s no more important hip hop album than this one. I love the sound from this era.
5
Jul 17 2024
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New Wave
The Auteurs
I hadn't heard of this one. It was fine, but the singer's voice kind of got on my nerves after awhile. They'd probably be a pretty good opening band.
3
Jul 18 2024
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
I was at the first show they did as a trio as part of a festival in 2000. I didn’t know who they were at the time, but I remember talking to a friend after their set and saying I thought the woman in the middle was a standout and seemed like she could have a pretty good career in front of her. Seems like I underestimated her a bit.
4
Jul 19 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
I had heard Lovefool when it was new, but never listened to the album. Pleasantly surprised. There's some good, creative stuff here.
4
Jul 22 2024
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac has a classic sound, but this album feels like a step down from the highs of Rumors.
4
Jul 23 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Fantastic. Higher ground has such an amazing groove.
5
Jul 24 2024
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
This band has a really fun sound. As other reviewers have noted, I remember how different this sound was in the landscape of pop in 2004. Maybe doesn't sound that remarkable today, but it was a breath of fresh, and fun, air in its day.
4
Jul 25 2024
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
I had never heard this album, but I enjoy Megadeath. Just a good, fun, loud album.
4
Jul 26 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
It’s fine, but pretty unremarkable. They would have been a good opening band for the Doors.
3
Jul 29 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Smoke on the water is one of the first riffs every guitar player learns, so that's fun. Otherwise, not really my thing.
3
Jul 30 2024
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Moon Safari
Air
This sound is pretty common now, but back when it was released, I remember how different this sounded from what was popular at the time. Recall that 1998 was the same year that Gettin Jiggy Wit It and Tubthumping were two of the top songs. This was a fresh breeze, in comparison.
4
Jul 31 2024
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
Pretty fun album. Creative use of rhythm and electronic elements.
4
Aug 01 2024
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
Enjoyable throughout. Neat to hear an all female group on this list.
4
Aug 02 2024
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Palo Congo
Sabu
The era and genre is a sweet spot for me.
4
Aug 05 2024
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
La Grange is a classic. The rest of this is just ok.
3
Aug 06 2024
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Bowie is a genius. However, this isn't really my taste for what makes him great. Too much jam band/acid jazz going on. That said, there are some interesting moments and top notch musicians here, so it's not bad either.
3
Aug 07 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Really fun sound. Really sad to hear what happened after this album was released.
4
Aug 08 2024
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
Pretty interesting, almost atmospheric guitar.
4
Aug 09 2024
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Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout
This one probably shouldn't be on this list. I'm a big fan of 80s synth pop, so this should have been in my wheelhouse. However, it seems below average for the era, and hasn't really aged well. No wonder they were worried about a lawsuit from Steve McQueen's estate.
2
Aug 12 2024
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Transformer
Lou Reed
Classic. Lou Reed produced by Bowie is special.
5
Aug 13 2024
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
I never listened to this, other than Red Eyes, when it was new. Sleepy at times, but overall pretty solid. Very clear Springsteen influence.
4
Aug 14 2024
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Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
Fun, creative album.
4
Aug 15 2024
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
This one never really grabbed me. Something about her singing voice isn't my thing. She's obviously talented, so it's probably just a taste thing on my end.
3
Aug 16 2024
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
Kind of fun at first, but it got a bit tiresome after a while.
3
Aug 19 2024
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce has never really been my taste in music, but there's no denying the talent or how influential his early work was.
4
Aug 20 2024
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
This was never really my taste, but I was in high school when it came out, so I remember how huge and influential it was. My most distinctive memory of this album is being on a road trip to Mexico in 1995. We were with family friends, riding with the two older daughters (maybe 17 years old) of my parent's friends, while the adults were in a different car. The girls were driving/riding in the front, and my buddy in I were in the back of their Jeep. My buddy and I didn't have drivers licenses yet. The girls brought just this CD, so we pretty much sat in the back and listened to it on repeat for about 3 hours each way, with them belting it out, and me not fully understanding the lyrics yet.
4
Aug 21 2024
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Liquid Swords
GZA
If you’re into Wu Tang, you’ll like this.
4
Aug 22 2024
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Fascinating, tragic background story, but this is a slog to listen through.
From the wikipedia link: '...Rubinson chose to stay away from the studio, concerned that Spence's recording activities would be distracted by the presence of a producer.'
Sounds like the recording process was Spence just rambling in a studio for hours on end with no input, and it shows. Too bad they didn't give him some help, maybe something interesting could have been made of this.
1
Aug 23 2024
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
A few interesting tracks, but this one didn't really grab me. I don't think this would even crack the list of the top 30 best albums of 1991.
3
Aug 26 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
Worth 4 stars for Heroes alone.
4
Aug 27 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
There’s a soft spot in my heart for this one. I was 13 when it was released, and alt rock was my genre of choice. I hadn’t listened in years, but it still holds up. Great album.
5
Aug 28 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
Total classic. Every other song is a single, and the ones in between are great. Easy five stars.
5
Aug 29 2024
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
This one got old pretty quickly. Poor audio quality, too.
2
Aug 30 2024
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
One of my all time favorites. Even if the music isn't for you, it's worth checking out the recording production techniques that were essentially invented for this album.
5
Sep 02 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
There are some classic tunes on this one, worthy of four stars. Holy cow though - mother? What the heck happened there?
4
Sep 03 2024
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
It's fine, but I agree with some other reviewers - it's too melancholy for my taste.
3
Sep 04 2024
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Hard not to like Stevie, especially in this era. This isn't the strongest of his albums from this time, but it's still pretty great.
4
Sep 05 2024
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
This one was all over the map. Some really good, some not so much. Sometimes it sounds like the Doors, sometimes Velvet underground. 'Girlfriend' is a low point on the album. All that said, there was some pretty enjoyable and interesting stuff overall.
4
Sep 06 2024
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
Oof, the front half of this one is not great. Jerky delivery, weak lyrics, generic beats. Later on, ‘Get out of my house’ is fun only because the female rapper is superior. This album peaks with ‘Fit But You Know It’, which is actually pretty solid, relative to the rest of the album. Huge drop off after that again. This album doesn’t belong on the 1001 list - I’m not even sure it’s one of the top 20 hip hop albums of 2004.
1
Sep 09 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I saw this band live in 2003, opening for the White Stripes. Fun show, much like this album. Not quite 5 star material for me, but this was definitely better than most from this era.
4
Sep 10 2024
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Pretty interesting listen, even if I’m unlikely to ever come back to it again.
3
Sep 11 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
There are several rock classics on this one, as well as some neat ideas. If this had been edited down to about 10-12 tracks, then it's probably 5 stars. The filler tracks knock it down to a 4 in my book.
4
Sep 12 2024
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Skylarking
XTC
Meh, not really my thing. It’s competent, just not my taste.
3
Sep 13 2024
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
‘Where is my mind’ is a favorite of mine. Not every track works, but it’s all interesting and creative.
4
Sep 16 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
Classic album by an all-time great band. The first four tracks are still huge nearly forty years on.
5
Sep 17 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Definitely on my short list of best hip hop albums of all time. This one settles into a groove a maintains it all the way to the end. Five stars.
5
Sep 18 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
I’m a fan of African music, and this is a great one. If these beats don’t get you moving, you might want to get your hearing checked.
4
Sep 19 2024
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
I had never heard this before, but wasn't feeling it. Seems pretty dated. Perhaps the most interesting track, even if it is not great, is the Moog instrumental.
2
Sep 20 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Classic. 80 per cent of the songs on this album were, or could have been singles. If you weren't around when this was released, it's hard to overstate how massive it was in its day.
5
Sep 23 2024
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Bad
Michael Jackson
The old saying of love the art, not the artist comes to mind here. I have a huge soft spot for this one, as it was one of the first non-kid music albums I loved while growing up. It's still great. If you weren't around when this was released, it might be hard to describe how this album took over pop culture for a while. Nine singles, seven of which made the top 20 on Billboard. Don't forget about the driving force behind MJ's best albums - Quincy Jones. I think this was their final collaboration, and it shows, as the quality dropped off in MJ's later albums. Stevie Wonder makes an appearance here too, which is never a bad thing.
5
Sep 24 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I love jazz from this era, but hadn’t heard this before. Hard to think of anything but positive vibes from my time with this one.
5
Sep 25 2024
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
I had never heard of this band, but I enjoyed this all the way through. If you’re into talking heads, velvet underground, devo and the like, I bet you’ll like this too.
4
Sep 26 2024
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. This is easily some of Bjork's best work. If the male vocalist was silenced, this might have even been better.
4
Sep 27 2024
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
I enjoyed the band and some of the creative elements. However, the singer seems like he is trying to copy Dylan, which took me out of it.
3
Sep 30 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Classic album. This is AC DC at the height of their powers. Massively influential album, too.
5
Oct 01 2024
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Abbey Road
Beatles
C'mon, it's Abbey Road. Easy five stars.
5
Oct 02 2024
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Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Wow, my jaw dropped when this album came up for me today. I was in college when this came out. There was a big push at that time from MTV to anoint these guys as the leaders of some kind of nu-metal revolution that would take over from grunge as the 'cool' music. Epic fail. This album was bad then, and it hasn't aged well. The only thing it did was inspire a whole bunch of guys at my college to wear white t-shirts, backwards baseball hats, puka shells and bleach their hair. And that album cover - yikes. You can just imagine Fred D crying while laughing while saying 'do you get it?? chocolate starfish??" Ridiculous.
1
Oct 03 2024
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
I had never heard this one before. Pretty solid album, especially considering how it was recorded. This was a pleasant surprise.
4
Oct 04 2024
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Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
Really mixed feelings about this one. I saw these guys a year before this came out, opening for The Strokes. My thought then was that they were just an average opening band, and not even great for that purpose. I saw them again in 2009 at Austin City Limits and was blown away that they had improved greatly, almost to the point of being a different band. You can hear some of the seeds of what would become that better band in this album, but too much of the opening band sound to make it great. If later albums by Kings of Leon are on here, I bet I'll score them higher.
3
Oct 07 2024
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Oh man, this was great. I'd never heard it before, but I sort of felt like I had - I'm pretty sure that this version of 'Bring It On Home to Me' is covered on the soundtrack to the movie Ali, which I had when it was new. You can't help wishing you had been in the audience while listening to this one.
5
Oct 08 2024
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
I'd heard of this band, but never listened to it before. Really solid dreamy synth pop. Had me engaged the whole way through.
4
Oct 09 2024
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
I've heard Kick Out the Jams many times, but never listened to the whole album. The energy is great, the story is fun to read and the album has solid historical significance, but the music itself... meh.
3
Oct 10 2024
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
80s hair metal is definitely not my genre of choice, but there's some undeniably huge tracks on this one, as well as some solid musicianship.
4
Oct 11 2024
View Album
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Jerry is one of the all time weirdos in music history, but this album is great. Makes you wish you could have been in the crowd.
4
Oct 14 2024
View Album
Disraeli Gears
Cream
The first couple tracks are really solid, maybe 4/5. Wow, this album falls off a cliff after that. Sluggish, wailing vocals, uninspired song writing. Sounds like a bunch of white dudes ripping off the blues. The last track, 'Mother's Lament' is in the running for worst track I've heard from any album on this list. A snippet of the lyrics: 'Oh, your baby has gone down the plug hole...Oh, your baby has gone down the plug...' Seems to be about the lighter side of drowning a baby, so that's a fun way to close out a rock album I guess?
2
Oct 15 2024
View Album
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
I have listened to 'It Takes a Nation of Millions...' a ton over the years, but never this one, other than the singles. I was really impressed - this is fantastic. I wish I had found this back when it was new. Great flow, energy and beats. Powerful message. What else are you looking for?
5
Oct 16 2024
View Album
Butterfly
Mariah Carey
Mariah has one of the great voices of her generation, but wow, this music is terrible. This came out around my senior year in high school. Everyone had a copy of this - it was mandatory listening then. I didn't like it then and it somehow got worse with time. Too bad Mariah never really had a crack at music that would have fit her vocal talent.
2
Oct 17 2024
View Album
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
Loved the opening track, but it's pretty average 60s jam band stuff after that. You can hear how this was an influence on bands that came later, so an interesting listen overall.
3
Oct 18 2024
View Album
Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
Wasn't really feeling this one. Probably a good opening band for REM, but this album doesn't belong on this list. My impression is that indie rock really struggled in the early to mid-80s, until bands like U2 and REM really found their footing.
2
Oct 28 2024
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Loved this one when it was new, and again now. Fantastic groove all the way through. Great backstory, too.
5
Oct 29 2024
View Album
Arrival
ABBA
Super fun sound. Hard to be in a bad mood listening to this.
4
Oct 30 2024
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
Even Frank’s worst is still great. I like this one, but it’s a bit sleepy for my taste.
4
Oct 31 2024
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Out of Step
Minor Threat
Loud, fun, high energy. Not really my genre, but this was a fun listen, at least once.
4
Nov 01 2024
View Album
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
No doubt this album belongs on this list. You still can't go to a bar without hearing these songs, nearly 40 years later. I just really can't stand the forced singing, paint by numbers songwriting and made for MTV image.
2
Nov 04 2024
View Album
...And Justice For All
Metallica
I get that there are huge fans out there, but Metallica is just not my thing. The vocals always feel forced and fake to me.
2
Nov 05 2024
View Album
Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
This one has the first dance song from my wedding, so probably need to give it 5 stars. Every song on this one is solid.
5
Nov 06 2024
View Album
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Hard not to like Muddy Waters. Classic blues sound.
4
Nov 07 2024
View Album
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Like pretty much all Queen, it's solid.
4
Nov 08 2024
View Album
Superunknown
Soundgarden
Oh man, one of my all-time favorites. I'm from the Seattle area, so these guys were already heroes of mine when this was released while I was in high school. I know Nirvana gets all the attention, but I preferred this album to Nevermind back then, and still do. I was lucky enough to see them at a small venue in Seattle (The Showbox). They were an incredible live band. Still sad to think about Chris all these years later.
5
Nov 11 2024
View Album
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
First time listen for me. I like Funkadelic, but man, 10 min of guitar noodling on the opening track was a weird choice. The quality of the rest of the album didn't make up for having to endure that, in my book.
2
Nov 12 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I had never heard this one before. I only knew Running Up That Hill from the radio. Pretty interesting, solid album. Especially considering this was from 1985, it was a pretty fun listen.
4
Nov 13 2024
View Album
Basket of Light
Pentangle
Not my kind of thing at all. I powered through, thinking it would pick up, but no such luck. Still better than plenty of other albums on this list though.
2
Nov 14 2024
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Classic album by an all-time great. What's not to like? Dylan has one of the most distinctive, if not strangest, voices of all time.
5
Nov 15 2024
View Album
Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
I had never heard this album, just the singles. I was entertained all the way through. Not surprising that I liked it, given the Talking Heads association. I’m a fan of that band too.
4
Nov 18 2024
View Album
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
This may be my favorite of Nirvana's catalog. I bought it on vinyl a few years ago, and it is amazing. It makes you nostalgic for what might have been. Five stars.
5
Nov 19 2024
View Album
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Easily one of the most influential groups in all modern music. Am I going to listen to this album much? No. Do I appreciate its impact on modern music? Absolutely.
4
Nov 20 2024
View Album
Killing Joke
Killing Joke
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Seems ahead of its time for 1980. Some of it gets repetitive at times, but I never wanted to skip a track. It had me engaged the whole way.
4
Nov 21 2024
View Album
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
Wonderfully weird, varied, fuzzy and a bit inaccurate. All of that adds up to an album that is right in my wheelhouse.
5
Nov 22 2024
View Album
Third
Soft Machine
This was tough. It seems like it couldn't pick a lane - not jazz, not psychedelic rock, not folk rock, but trying to be everything at once while succeeding at none of them.
2
Nov 25 2024
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xx
The xx
Loved this when it was new and again now. Wonderful atmospheric album. Electronic beats, surf guitar, whispered vocals - I don't know why it works, but it does.
5
Nov 26 2024
View Album
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Neil's albums always seem to land in the 3-4 star range for me. Good-great, but not all-time. Cinnamon Girl is a favorite of mine.
4
Nov 27 2024
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1999
Prince
Prince at the height of his powers. 10/5.
5
Nov 28 2024
View Album
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
4
Nov 29 2024
View Album
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Some classics on this one. Great overall sound.
5
Dec 02 2024
View Album
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Beautiful, haunting album.
5
Dec 03 2024
View Album
The Stranger
Billy Joel
I was definitely not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. It’s not my style, but there's clearly some great songwriting work on this one.
4
Dec 04 2024
View Album
Garbage
Garbage
4
Dec 05 2024
View Album
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
I know 'Get it on' all too well from my days playing trumpet in my high school pep band. I had never heard the rest of this album before. Nothing grabbed me - it was fine, just pretty average.
3
Dec 06 2024
View Album
Copper Blue
Sugar
Man, tough for this album to come out in 1992, given what was released that year or the year before it. I don't think it even makes the top 20 most significant albums of 1992, in my book anyway.
2
Dec 09 2024
View Album
Harvest
Neil Young
Most of Neil's albums on this list are around a 4 for me, but this is one that I'll round up to a 5. The best of his catalog, to my ear. The couple questionable tracks are more than covered by the absolute classics on this one.
5
Dec 10 2024
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Great new wave groove. I was drumming the steering wheel of my car all day to this.
5
Dec 11 2024
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Lots of interesting work with a diverse set of influences. Some of it might have been good theme music for a Bond film.
4
Dec 12 2024
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Deserves a star for the album title alone. Otherwise, not great, not bad.
3
Dec 13 2024
View Album
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
I had never heard this before, other than 'No More Mr Nice Guy', which is a classic. I was pleasantly surprised. Not a classic album by any stretch, but competent and fun.
4
Dec 16 2024
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth is just not my taste. Not bad, not great.
3
Dec 17 2024
View Album
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
No doubt this has some fun moments, but it's still pretty rough. I think a solid producer could have bumped this material up a notch, as there are some great moments dulled by some poor production choices. For instance, there is no song here that should have been over 4 min. Some good foreshadowing of what was to come for this band though.
4
Dec 18 2024
View Album
Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Hey You what’s that sound was fun, but the rest feels repetitive and pretty dated. Hard to imagine this was all that interesting even in 1999.
2
Dec 19 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Pretty fun album. Makes you wish you could have been there.
4
Dec 20 2024
View Album
Frank
Amy Winehouse
I listened to this many years ago, after first hearing Black to Black. I feel the same way now - it's a bummer that I listened to her albums in that order. If I hadn't heard the masterpiece that is Black to Black already, I think this album would have been intriguing and fun. A new artist with lots of potential. Knowing what she is capable of later makes this one feel unfocused and in need of a better producer. Lots of promise, but not an all-time album.
3
Dec 23 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Can’t argue with the massive impact this album had on so many that came after it. Still holds up.
5
Dec 30 2024
View Album
Illmatic
Nas
Classic hip hop album. Just a great vibe all the way through. Most of the hits you know from Nas are on this one, too. I remember what a huge hit this was when it was new - feels like it would be again today.
5
Dec 31 2024
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Elephant
The White Stripes
20+ years later, just try to go to a sporting event without singing the chorus of Seven Nation Army. Can't do it.
5
Jan 01 2025
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In Utero
Nirvana
Massive album. A couple of my favorite Nirvana tracks are on this one. If you weren't around when this was released, internet search 'Waif Me' to see how much controversy this album caused.
5
Jan 02 2025
View Album
For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
On paper, I thought I'd like this one. I like the era, genre and Brian Eno. Plus, pretty epic 70s album art. Just wasn't feeling it though. Seems like a rough draft of something better to come.
3
Jan 03 2025
View Album
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
This is the best of Metallica in my opinion, but it just never grabs me. The singing feels forced/fake. Also, the shortest song on this album is 5:12, with three clocking in over 8:00. Every time I've listened to this album, it seems like editing all of them down to around 3:00 each would have kept this thing moving and more exciting throughout.
3
Jan 06 2025
View Album
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Fantastic album by one of the greatest hip hop groups = 5 stars.
5
Jan 07 2025
View Album
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
This is a great one. I listened to this a bunch when it was new. Not an all-time great in my book, but still really solid.
4
Jan 08 2025
View Album
american dream
LCD Soundsystem
Maybe not a 5 star for my taste, but I was entertained all the way through. Definitely some talking heads vibes.
4
Jan 09 2025
View Album
Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
It's great to hear some African music on this list. There are so many great artists and genres there that I don't get enough exposure to. This one was new to me and a really enjoyable ride.
4
Jan 10 2025
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
This was one of the early rock albums I had growing up. I have a soft spot for it because of that. It's not an all time classic, but it was fun to spin it again today.
4
Jan 13 2025
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Brilliant album. Thelonious is a genius.
5
Jan 14 2025
View Album
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
This band is good enough, but Southern Rock just isn't my thing. There are definitely some well known tracks on this one, so it's at least worthy of 3 stars.
3
Jan 15 2025
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
There are a few solid tracks on this one. Pearl Jam does a F—kin up cover. Definitely too many Neil Young albums on this list though.
3
Jan 16 2025
View Album
1977
Ash
I had this album back when it was new. Really solid mid-90s sound. 'Goldfinger' got some radio play here in Seattle and was a favorite of mine back then. Definitely in the Weezer ballpark.
4
Jan 17 2025
View Album
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
Solid funk, all the way through... 'The recording was dominated by band frontman Sly Stone during a period of elevated drug use and intra-group tension...' No joke!
4
Jan 20 2025
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
This one will instantly put a smile on your face. Keely Smith deserves some praise here too for her vocals.
5
Jan 21 2025
View Album
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
One of the greatest voices ever singing her greatest song? Easy 5 stars, give me a break. Hilarious quote from the Rolling Stone review in 1967 when this was released, saying the album was weak, due to: '...the lack of versatility on the part of the sidemen. The drums weren't hard enough, the guitar was weak, and the production lacked polish.' That quote has not aged well.
5
Jan 22 2025
View Album
Vivid
Living Colour
Fun and loud. This was maybe the last hurrah for 80s rock before grunge took over, and you'd never hear this style again. Lots of 80s era Red Hot Chili Pepper influence, to my ear.
4
Jan 23 2025
View Album
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
Wishing well is elevated by the quirky woodwind breaks, but otherwise this is pretty unremarkable 80s pop R&B. Not great, not bad.
3
Jan 24 2025
View Album
NEU! 75
Neu!
This really felt like two albums. The first three tracks are mellow background, then the second three turn it up. If felt like this album was a producer and competent vocalist away from being a solid four star effort. As it is, there are some interesting ideas and some throw-aways.
3
Jan 27 2025
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Purple Rain
Prince
Wendy?
Yes, Lisa?
Is this a 5 star album?
Yes, Lisa.
5
Jan 28 2025
View Album
The Clash
The Clash
Loud, fun, varied, innovative, sharp lyrics = 5 stars.
5
Jan 29 2025
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
Hard to be in a bad mood listening to this absolute funk masterpiece.
5
Jan 30 2025
View Album
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Couldn’t get this one on my music service. They had some of his other albums, but I wasn’t wild about what I heard.
1
Jan 31 2025
View Album
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
Tough one... the highs are great. Boomin system, around the way girl, jingling baby, mama said knock you out. The lows are low - Mr. good bar, milky cereal and others. Hard to deny how popular and important this album was at the time though.
4
Feb 03 2025
View Album
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
What's Going on and Mercy Mercy Me are two of my all time favorites. The middle of this album (friendly skies, children, god is love) drags a bit though. Still overall a great one.
4
Feb 04 2025
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Loved it. Songs produced by Bowie probably means a high rating from me.
5
Feb 05 2025
View Album
Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
Fun, loud and high energy. Good one.
4
Feb 06 2025
View Album
New Forms
Roni Size
Good background music if you were hacking into the Matrix.
3
Feb 07 2025
View Album
The Yes Album
Yes
I've Seen All Good People is pretty fun. Otherwise, way too much jam band and guitar noodling for my taste.
3
Feb 10 2025
View Album
Eagles
Eagles
Take it Easy is a classic, but this one is all over the map after that. The low point for me was 'Most of Us Are Sad', which feels like a SNL parody song.
3
Feb 11 2025
View Album
I Should Coco
Supergrass
'Alright' was a great track when this was new. It’s aged pretty well.
4
Feb 20 2025
View Album
Shadowland
k.d. lang
Not my style at all. Not sure why this one is on the list. Seems unremarkable, even in its genre.
2
Feb 21 2025
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
Fantastic. Fun, high energy, musical creativity, sharp lyrics. Everything I’m looking for in a five star album.
5
Feb 24 2025
View Album
All Directions
The Temptations
I really expected to like this one more, but it just didn't grab me. Seems like a lot of 70s era Motown struggled to find the groove they had in the 60s.
2
Feb 25 2025
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
I like Ella, Gershwins and 50s jazz, so this one was solid.
4
Feb 26 2025
View Album
Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
This was new to me. Fun, creative and interesting. It’s neat to hear things from outside the US and UK.
4
Feb 27 2025
View Album
Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Love the one you're with is solid, but otherwise this was pretty average.
3
Feb 28 2025
View Album
Feast of Wire
Calexico
Very fun, interesting sound. I think this group was very much overlooked at the time this was released.
4
Mar 03 2025
View Album
Violator
Depeche Mode
I had this when it was new. Loved it then, still love it now. Personal Jesus sounds as good now as it ever did. One way I know this is five stars is that it's easy to imagine this still being a hit if it were released today.
5
Mar 04 2025
View Album
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here may be my favorite PF song, but the rest of this album is nowhere near some of their other work. Dark Side is the pinnacle.
3
Mar 10 2025
View Album
Repeater
Fugazi
I enjoyed this more than I expected. You can tell this would have been a great concert.
4
Mar 11 2025
View Album
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
I know many of these are cover songs by superior black artists, but this is the first rock n roll album to hit number one on the charts and paved the way for many of the other albums on this list. That by itself is worthy of five stars. Iconic cover art, too.
5
Mar 12 2025
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
It's fine, but pretty unremarkable hip hop from this era. Not really my thing. I think she's turned into a pretty great actor these days though.
3
Mar 13 2025
View Album
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
There are definitely some interesting moments here, but the singer's voice was just a letdown throughout. Better singing/lyrics could have made this one.
2
Mar 14 2025
View Album
evermore
Taylor Swift
Not hating on Taylor, as I know how much impact this album had. She's a tremendous talent. It just isn't my taste in music.
3
Mar 19 2025
View Album
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
There's a bathroom on the right.
5
Mar 20 2025
View Album
Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
Not feeling this one at all. Forced singing, nothing that interesting musically. There are simply too many Elvis Costello albums on this list. One, or maybe none, would suffice.
2
Mar 21 2025
View Album
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart is best for me in small doses. A song on the radio, then I don't hear him again for awhile, is the best way to listen. A full album starts to be a bit much with his singing style.
3
Mar 24 2025
View Album
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
All-time great voice, classic sound, tight band, savvy songwriting... and weird cover art. Five stars in my book.
5
Mar 25 2025
View Album
Parachutes
Coldplay
I loved this one when it was new. You could release this today and it would be a massive hit all over again.
5
Mar 26 2025
View Album
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Not quite at the level of Paranoid, but still pretty fun.
4
Mar 27 2025
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
80s indie is just not my jam, turns out.
2
Mar 28 2025
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Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
I had never heard this one before. Solid sound, especially for the era.
4
Mar 31 2025
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Stones + American Blues influence = gold. This is home to my favorite Stones single too - Tumblin Dice.
5
Apr 01 2025
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
I enjoyed this much more than I expected to - never heard it before, other than locomotive breath. Creative, fun and extra points for making the flute cool.
5
Apr 02 2025
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
The second half of this one really gets rolling. I’m more a fan of their later albums though.
4
Apr 03 2025
View Album
Guero
Beck
I had this one when it was new. Fun, varied album.
4
Apr 04 2025
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The Coral
The Coral
Hard to understand why this one is on here. Nothing particularly remarkable about it.
2
Apr 07 2025
View Album
(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
I had this when it was new. Still love it.
5
Apr 08 2025
View Album
Ten
Pearl Jam
Masterpiece. One of my all-time favorites.
5
Apr 09 2025
View Album
Very
Pet Shop Boys
It's a fun sound, but gets tiresome after a while. Probably best heard as the occasional single on the radio.
3
Apr 10 2025
View Album
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Man, I hope we get Kanye back someday. This isn't my favorite of his, but definitely has some hits.
3
Apr 11 2025
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Neil is great, but there are simply too many of his albums on this list.
3
Apr 14 2025
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Graceland
Paul Simon
Music at my house growing up was mostly classical music, show tunes and hymns. My folks had very little interest in pop, R and B, jazz or really any popular music. However, this one somehow broke through to my father's ear, and it was on rotation for years. This might have been the first time my 6 year old brain got a taste that there was more out there musically. I'll always have a soft spot for it.
5
Apr 15 2025
View Album
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
One of my all time favorites. Fantastic vibe all the way through.
5
Apr 16 2025
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Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Interesting listen, but not really my style. It is nice to hear something from outside the US and UK.
3
Apr 17 2025
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
What a voice. Makes you sad to think about what might have been. Love Is A Losing Game is worth five stars by itself.
5
Apr 18 2025
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
EW&F is one of the great American bands. The ballads bring this down a notch, but still pretty fun.
4
Apr 21 2025
View Album
So
Peter Gabriel
Great album with several hits. Lots of variety and creativity. Nice Kate Bush cameo on this one too.
4
Apr 22 2025
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Is This It
The Strokes
Fantastic album. Hard to believe that this album cover was considered taboo back in 2001, as well as NYC Cops.
5
Apr 23 2025
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
Strong start from the first couple tracks, but it lost me after that. This should have been edited down to 10 tracks, max.
3
Apr 24 2025
View Album
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Excellent songwriting. Sad that he died young.
4
Apr 25 2025
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Amazing that American Girl is buried as the last track.
4
Apr 28 2025
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Rio
Duran Duran
Not sure I had ever listened to this one beyond the singles. Great sound all the way through. Excellent album art too.
4
Apr 29 2025
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Tommy
The Who
Not really a fan of concept albums, but there is some great work on this one. The Who is an all-time great band.
4
Apr 30 2025
View Album
Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Mixed bag on this one. A couple of the instrumental-only tracks are really solid. Any track with singing suffers though. Too bad Clapton is so unlikeable as a human being, he really shreds.
2
May 01 2025
View Album
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The sum is somehow less than the parts. I like everyone involved with this album, but it feels like a bunch of b-sides. Not bad, just not memorable.
3
May 02 2025
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Beautiful album. One of these things first is a highlight.
4
May 05 2025
View Album
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Fun vibe, but probably not something I’d come back to.
3
May 06 2025
View Album
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
Couldn't get this on my streaming service, but I know Coleman's stuff. Too bad, I like the source material.
1
May 07 2025
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
Man, I just don’t get noise rock. It’s hard for me to think of this as music.
1
May 08 2025
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Couldn’t get this one on my streaming service. I know some of their later stuff, but not this album.
1
May 09 2025
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Fun to hear some vintage synth work, but ambient is not really my thing.
2
May 12 2025
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
I'm a Who fan, but this one isn't my favorite. Skits and bands shouldn't mix.
3
May 13 2025
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Sex Packets
Digital Underground
The humpty dance is a party classic that I can still go word for word. The rest is just ok early 90s hip hop. Not great, not bad.
3
May 14 2025
View Album
Headquarters
The Monkees
This whole album is pretty much a worthless Beatles rip-off. Maybe you had to be there, I don't know. The only interesting track is 'Zilch', which is used as a sample in a much better hip hop song (Mistadobalina) by Del the Funky Homosapien.
1