Oct 08 2023
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Some fun instrumentals but all of the songs seem to plod on. I'd expect heavier non-vocal work to drive where the album is trying to go.
2
Oct 09 2023
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
Great album, some really strong songs. Love how the bass and her pitch offset each other.
I would've guessed it was earlier in her catalogue but I don't know why.
4
Oct 10 2023
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
This album covers a ton of ground. Great listen but almost hard to tell it's one band. Really enjoyed it
4
Oct 11 2023
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
I feel like where music went is really clouding me here, or maybe it is just that these are so iconic that they are commonplace, but man most of this feels really shallow.
You can almost hear that this was aggressive or intense music in a time where the problems were more behind than ahead for everyone. I wish I had liked this more.
2
Oct 12 2023
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Nice to see an album use stereo well. It's almost weird how manufactured parts of this feels knowing they were an early hippy band.
Can't believe a debut album would have two covers. Their voices and the musical harmonies are great for sure, you can tell everyone was trying to figure out how to blend (beach boys, them, Etc).
4
Oct 13 2023
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Who Killed...... The Zutons?
The Zutons
This almost feels like a parody album for something I don't understand. Really disjointed and weirdly amateur feeling. It bounces to so many sounds but doesn't feel like it lands something that works even once. Disliked this
1
Oct 14 2023
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Blur
Blur
I still have a hard time knowing the singer of Blur is the singer of The Gorillas.
This album is better than I expected. Song 2 is like a fight for your right to party in that it's a hit but isn't really what the band is like. They sound way more like pulp on a few songs than I would've expected but they are contemporaries. Not a bad album, it makes me wonder if they ever did anything interesting on later albums as they grew.
3
Oct 15 2023
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Interesting album. I had to look up some of the history because the sound felt a bit wild. Not surprised to hear it was the newer part of a movement since it sounded inventive but not overly flushed out.
I didn't dislike it but don't feel as impressed as I probably should. Glad to listen to it but probably not coming back for more
3
Oct 16 2023
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
The production quality of this is solid. Fan of the genre or not this was a huge grunge/alternative album and clearly was meant to be a hit and reshape the musical scene at the time.
Lots of development as a band on this one. I do find it feels a bit long at times but you can tell it influenced a ton of later bands.
4
Oct 17 2023
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
I've never listened to PJ Harvey but I know of them. I'm pretty sure they are more an attitude/performance type of artist vs just a band/singer.
I had heard Good Fortune before for sure, not sure about anything else on this album.
Some of the songs and vibe weren't quiet or mellow but they felt so much like background music I was kind of drifting listening to it.
Not especially my jam.
2
Oct 18 2023
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Rapture
Anita Baker
Knew some songs, this is a weird feeling of a soul into easy listening which I think it was on the edge of.
Not my favourite album I've ever heard but it's worth a listen.
3
Oct 19 2023
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All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
So I tried to listen to this not assuming U2 sucks. I've always known they felt like some weird easy listening niche that didn't click with me but I wanted to give this a real chance.
I listened to it while driving and when Elevation came on I got cut off by some out of shape dude in his 50s in a yellow Corvette with a custom license plate and it felt strangely fitting. It feels like music that is meant to be technical and deep and sung by a strong singer but it all just keeps adding to like a C-.
I'm not sure if it's just a case of they were already a late game version of their band when I heard them or them sounding so much like grocery store rock, but I couldn't help but see that yellow Corvette and think of the Apple exec loading a U2 album on everyone's device; I left this album knowing that whoever loves this is so convinced that U2 is cool that it doesn't need explanation.
2
Oct 20 2023
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Sulk
The Associates
This is the opposite of U2.
I don't think these guys are as good as I feel they are but I'm digging this. You can feel see Scary Monsters by Bowie on a few of the songs and their instrumental stuff is fun but all over the map. Despite all that I have to say I do dig the singer. He has some moxie and good range.
Fast pace and good energy. I also have to say that cover is something bold.
... So I just did a Wikipedia dive after listening and a cited fan and person who was inspired by this bad was... Bono from U2. He said they tried to rip them off because they like them so much. That is such a miss on the attempt.
I could see myself relistening to this album. I know I'm rating this either a 3 or 4, if I end up picking 3 that's me voting for the quality more than my enjoyment, 4 is the flip. More and more I'm wondering if my ranking is trying to vote for something more objective in quality or how much I dig what I'm hearing.
4
Oct 21 2023
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The Yes Album
Yes
Now we're talking.
This is incredible prog rock. It's all nonsense and over the top but the musical skill is insane and they go for it on every song. Seeing this album today almost makes me sad since there's 1,001 albums and if you picked one Yes album you'd pick this one. I hope we get at least one more.
The complexity of this album is fantastic. They use all sorts of sound work and so much range. The stereo work makes it great to listen to on either some good surround or headphones. You can tell when an album had as much time editing and mastering as being performed.
This is a great example of an album to just sit and listen to and notice more each time. I'd understand anyone hearing this and laughing but I can't help but admire a band so clearly trying to do what they want and experimenting. There's obviously some up and down between songs but they showcase the band in this album.
5
Oct 22 2023
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
I've never heard Randy Newman besides Toy Story.
This is a weird hybrid of like 5% almost Bob Dylan, a chunk of Tom Waits, something almost easy listening like Phil Collins a tiny bit, 2% Paul Simon almost. It's such a strange mix of sound and feeling.
Several parts had me look up what year this was released in. Time certainly changes some of these songs.
The music and feeling and his voice is actually pretty great at several points. I don't know where he fits into music but I can see why he had a career for sure. I almost have a hard time picturing what someone who bought this album looks like. Maybe AP Mike.
3
Oct 23 2023
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
This is a great album. Lou Reed is clearly a major musical influence on a ton of bands that came after.
Pale Blue Eyes is a masterpiece of a song.
4
Oct 24 2023
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Document
R.E.M.
I know they know what they are doing and play their instruments well and the singer can sing and they clearly write music they care about.
I just can't get into them. I feel like it's I'm missing something more than them. I can't think of myself ever wanting to put this on.
3
Oct 25 2023
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Faith
George Michael
I'm sure this is for someone but that's not me. Everything feels designed to be on a radio and there's no feeling in it.
2
Oct 26 2023
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
This is way more about attitude than music.
2
Oct 27 2023
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New Wave
The Auteurs
I'm not sure why this is one of a 1,001 albums I need to hear before I die. Didn't really anything unique or inventive. This one goes into the bucket of maybe I missed something.
2
Oct 28 2023
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
I listened to this 11 hours into a flight so maybe that was a handicap but nothing grabbed me on this album.
2
Oct 29 2023
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
Listened to this after being up for 24 hours on a train from the airport in Japan.
It weirdly hit me in a groove. I have no idea why this album exists or what the story of it is and I don't think it's that incredible but I had fun listening to it. There was one song where the handholds were swinging to the beat and it felt like the right thing to be listening to.
3
Oct 30 2023
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
One of those classic performers who shaped so much they almost lost some magic since they are so common to hear.
Great album, great performance, good live energy.
4
Oct 31 2023
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
This is back to back soul. I didn't know this that well. He's a good singer and I like the variance of the background instrumental stuff across the different songs.
3
Nov 01 2023
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
This felt a bit long and overly varied. I ended up looking up them more and their biggest song is a remix of one of theirs on this album by Fatboy slim. The pacing improvements made it a lot stronger.
Not an interesting listen but for when this came out this felt more like a sampling of different styles versus doing much new.
3
Nov 02 2023
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
It's almost surreal to hear the original of The Girl from Ipanema. It's such a common song it never occured to me to look for the original.
Such a good example of an album that has a mood throughout that carries it somewhere better than any individual song could do. Skillful players for sure but this was so relaxing to sit back with. 4/5
4
Nov 03 2023
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Some good classic rock. It's crazy how much more complex and high energy American Girl is than the rest of the album. For sure worth having on a 1,001 albums list even if it isn't my personal favourite.
3
Nov 04 2023
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Some really great sampling work. Found myself noticing a pretty big range including some Yes.
I'm really glad I listened to this one. Growing up this wasn't my style at all but it was so easy to sit back and vibe to. May give it a second listen today on a train
3
Nov 05 2023
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
I can write up this review before even listening. Love this album and listened to it plenty of times.
Shine on you crazy diamond is beautiful and wish you were here has some of the simplest beautiful guitar work in a song. Overall the album showcases a lot of the instrumental work and balance they were famous for.
5
Nov 06 2023
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
I couldn't find anything much on this online and even Spotify was missing a couple of songs I had to hunt around for.
Some good funk vibes going on. I'm curious what this Bollywood movie would be like with this soundtrack. Really fun listen and good variance on instruments and sound while keeping a vibe. The title track and romantic theme are my favourite ones. Other ones pull it down a bit for me but I'm glad I listened.
3
Nov 07 2023
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Morrissey may be one of the easiest artists to poke fun at but I've always appreciated him.
The musical work and lyrics are great and have depth.
Big fan of the Smiths and this album. Not my favourite of theirs but a great final album.
4
Nov 08 2023
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Purple Rain
Prince
I'm going to pick some fights but I had never listened to this album straight before; after doing so I feel this is completely overhyped.
There's some good vocals and musical work but to call this a perfect album is a stretch.
Some songs are very tight and solid but there are gaps.
3
Nov 09 2023
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
I'm ready to take my lumps if it's an unusual call but I'm getting to love Tom Waits.
He's got a weird style but this album sums up to my how it works. I wouldn't call this the pinnacle of music or anything wild like that but this is a clear example of executing a vision on all fronts and deciding later if it'll be a hit or not.
All of it plays so straight it almost feels tongue in cheek or skit like, but In The Neighborhood works even if it feels so over the top that it shouldn't. The album has ups and downs but I'm here for it.
4
Nov 10 2023
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
This has some moments while you keep listening. It's so focused on being indie that it seems like it has attitude for the sake of it.
I know of the band and know they are big in their circles, not especially loving it even for the genre but they seem like they helped set the trend for later bands I've enjoyed. Doubt I'll relisten but I get why this is on a 1,001 list.
3
Nov 11 2023
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Fighting my bias to be fair here.
This is so easily a 1,001 album. It's Bowie's first album after being a major star and dove deeper into a glam and pop influence than he had done before. The songs and cover are iconic; I prefer some of his more thoughtful albums but there's no question that the structure, style, musical composition, and singing are a cut above where most bands can get.
The Prettiest Star is a 5/5 song, but other Bowie albums have non-stop 5/5s. With my bias votes though this is easily a 5 album.
4
Nov 12 2023
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
This parade song made me feel like I lost my mind. I'm almost shocked I've never heard this in anything before.
The duet with the kid has a very unique vibe too, and It's A Lovely Day Today feels like it should've down up in an action movie or something.
Fun and relaxing listen, albeit a little oddball at times.
2
Nov 13 2023
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Liquid Swords
GZA
I've never listened to any Wu Tang or side album straight before.
The flow is unreal. Anytime I'm focused on the lyrics they are tight but I find I just want to zone out with it and listen.
Great to see they are big nerds sampling lone wolf and cub.
4
Nov 14 2023
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Aja
Steely Dan
This gives me really weird feelings.
The more I listen to the music the more I get it, and the more I listen to the lyrics the more I don't want to hang with people who like this.
There's a song about playing the sax, drinking scotch, and dying in a car accident that feels odd.
Outside of all of that the production and quality of play is very tight. I don't know if this genre for music is for me but there are incredible tools at work here. My heart doesn't give this a four though.
4
Nov 15 2023
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
This is very tight and technical. I'm digging the samples but the style of the delivery almost feels passive vs something like Liquid Swords. I find this a 7-7.5 and Liquid Swords a 9 but out of five stars it's rough.
I didn't listen to them before but I can see how this is foundational.
3
Nov 16 2023
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
There is a 5 star album in this assortment but it's just too long. If it was more cohesive I'm fine with length but this feels like two albums taped together at times.
What is Life and My Sweet Lord are both incredible. I really like George and think this as a response to The Beatles ending really shows how much of the band he had become.
Decent album, needs edits, some fantastic songs.
4
Nov 17 2023
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
Likely the best recorded album of the one of the best. You can so easily get lost in the music or any specific instrument.
5
Nov 18 2023
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
So many of these are so famous it's almost weird to rate it.
Superstition is incredible. His voice and all of the playing is so tight and weaves together so well. I Believe is a great example of passion in a song.
Never listened to this album before but will revisit. It's an album that feels like a bunch of pros just working it together at such a high level.
5
Nov 19 2023
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Hendrix is workout a doubt an all timer on guitar work and songs like Little Wing along can keep this album with a decent rating.
The experimental and rebellious nature of Hendrix almost requires the albums to have songs that go left field and while it grows music and influences artists, it can pull back from the specific album vibe.
3
Nov 20 2023
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Queen II
Queen
Nothing like listening to a non-Best of Queen since you realize how many hits they had that were padded with some fairly midrange songs.
I'm glad to see this album on here knowing more Queen is coming. The composition and skill (especially guitar and vocal) is world class and the band only grows from here, but there's some chaff on this one.
Queen is one of those bands you can't picture playing a small venue.
3
Nov 21 2023
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
This is required listening for metal. Run to the Hills is one of the best songs by any metal band and this whole album brings such a strong energy.
You almost can't get a better example of metal. Great singing, technical and fast playing, over the top lyrics and attitude. It's cheesy and silly but it's straight on it all and rocks it.
5
Nov 22 2023
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Paris 1919
John Cale
I've heard the title track from this before and was a fan. I really dig the orchestral vibe of the album and how the harmonies work.
Far from a perfect album but I'm glad to have heard it.
3
Nov 23 2023
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Da Capo
Love
This was an odd listen. When they got to some of the really long instrumentals there were parts I was digging a fair amount but overall this didn't blow me away. I'm not that surprised that this is mid-60s since the sound is solid but I can think of other bands who sounded like a tighter version of this; I'm willing to bet this band heavily influenced some of those who came after it.
This is one of those albums where I feel like I may be missing something since it feels bigger than what I'm hearing.
3
Nov 24 2023
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
I'm sure there's skill here but man this is not my vibe. I want it tighter or looser or angrier or calmer.
It sits in some middle that just doesn't connect with me. I can't imagine anyone wanting to start a band to sound like this.
Instrumental of You Can't Quit Me Baby I did get into for a bit. They are skilled for sure, I'm just not sure what they're doing with it.
The Spiders song has a good vibe. Maybe these guys should fire the singer and do soundtracks.
2
Nov 25 2023
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Odd album. That Betty Boop thing made me realize you're right about how many albums sneak a skit in.
I find this uses vocals more as an instrument versus a standard album. Everything from inflections to the harmonies I can feel the audio engineers layering tracks for the sound more than to tell a story or something.
Not exactly my jam, very commerical sounding. Likely a product of the time that did more than I feel that I'm underappreciating.
2
Nov 26 2023
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Arrival
ABBA
Sonically this band crushes it. The vocals, instrumental work, harmonies. It's a taste that could not be for everyone but it crushes it top to bottom for what it tries to do.
It almost feels from a time that is unrelateable now.
The are some duds on the album but way more top notch ones.
4
Nov 27 2023
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Less interesting than I expected.
The vocals and instrumental stuff isn't awful but nothing grabbed me in any direction.
2
Nov 28 2023
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Station To Station
David Bowie
We're still not at peak Bowie but this album is great. It's Bowie growing as an artist and exploring some and leads into some of his best work.
Wild is the Wind is easily the standout showcasing the depth of Bowie as an artist and Stay really exhibits some of the funk that grew his earlier albums.
It's almost wild to say an artist is starting to really grow on their 10th studio album but that's what is going on here. The 3 after this are regarded as 3 of his best, and I'd say the next 4 are all easily near the top.
4
Nov 29 2023
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Parachutes
Coldplay
The popularity of some of these songs makes them hard to hear openly but this is a great album.
Vibe is mellow but there's a consistent tone and quality throughout. Instrumentals don't blow me away but they are good and mesh well.
Vocals are great - he's got a unique but good voice especially for the style.
4
Nov 30 2023
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Virgin Suicides
Air
This is way more solid than I expected.
Great background music and vibe. Makes me wonder what the movie is like.
4
Dec 01 2023
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
It's impressive that this is live and unplugged.
Say whatever you want about pros and cons of grunge but Cobain is a hell of a singer. His cover of Man who Sold the World is so strong and there's a ton of really raw songs.
Great album to include in a 1,001 list. The context of it makes it legendary but it stands on its own without that.
5
Dec 02 2023
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
It's odd how much this just sounds like background music. Maybe it's the vibe is tight and easy to listen to.
I expected this to stand out to me more. I'll add this to the "I may have missed something" pile.
3
Dec 03 2023
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Nixon
Lambchop
What a strange album. The singing change in The Distance from Her to There and You Masculine You caused me to stop what I was doing.
I listened to this twice and still don't know what to make of it. This almost has a bit of the vibe of Roger Waters solo work in some ways. I do like the range of instruments they used and how it all blends.
I think a lot of this goes in a direction I really like but the sum of the parts isn't quite what I wanted. Strong 3+ for me.
3
Dec 04 2023
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Hard to review playing this skillful.
Double albums are a bit tiring in this format but the performance is very strong.
4
Dec 05 2023
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
This album is stunning. God Only Knows is one of the best songs and the whole way this is weaved together with the wall of sound gives it such a presence.
It blows my mind that this was done before computers played a huge part in sound engineering.
5
Dec 06 2023
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Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
I listened to this straight on a walk and it felt like an odd montage.
Great music, blends effortlessly.
5
Dec 07 2023
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Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
This was weird and I'm glad it was short.
Glad to see people trying something unique but this didn't land with me.
2
Dec 08 2023
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
I barely know what's going on here but I'll be damned if I'm not digging a decent amount of this; The Wolf of Velvet Fortune is a wild name and a cool song.
I've never heard of these guys and am not entirely sure if this is Bob Dylan attempt or just a style they are going for which lands in the same spot but this is an interesting mix. Nice instrumentals. The title track is solid.
I think I may like it more than it is objectively great.
5
Dec 09 2023
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Who's Next
The Who
This album has so many hits it's almost hard to remember it's all from the same one.
Baba O'Reily is such a great and unique song. Won't Get Fooled Again has great energy, and Behind Blue Eyes has so much feeling.
A huge band and a huge album.
5
Dec 10 2023
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
I had this on the car but it was background and I didn't notice anything that especially stood out.
Could be how easy listening some of it gets but I didn't get a ton out of this one. May need a relisten.
3
Dec 11 2023
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
The gimmick of the talking guitar almost masks how solid the performance is.
Listen to the audience just loving it. I don't think there's a lot of poetry going on here but everyone playing and listening is all about it. Huge fan of the energy.
I don't know what I'd rate this if it wasn't a live album, but it being one adds so much.
Finishing with Do You Feel Like We Do makes the album. The whole talking part going into that crazy breakdown and the crowd explodes. I can see so many people hearing this and deciding to start a band.
5
Dec 12 2023
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Just not grabbing me. I feel like this should be more impactful for how big the band is but I'm either missing something or this is riding on clout.
2
Dec 13 2023
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
This is an interesting one. It's so easy to zone out to but not in a background music way.
Haven't heard a ton of albums that get this same impact.
4
Dec 14 2023
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Good vibe, didn't blow me away in any direction but a nice listen.
3
Dec 15 2023
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
Is this the grandfather to ska? The horns are going wild.
This is some solid punk. Good all around.
3
Dec 16 2023
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Great voice, great songs, very solid album.
The vocal work and range on How Can You Mend A Broken Heart is unreal.
4
Dec 17 2023
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Homework
Daft Punk
You can't deny the mixing of these French robots. This is such an easy album to sit back and listen to.
There's no poetry or meaning but for the feeling of music, they crush it.
The second half of the album loses me a bit vs the first half.
3
Dec 18 2023
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BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
This album feels more about production and attitude versus music.
I'm glad to have listened to this and feel like it's more about the entire product of who Beyonce is versus just the songs.
3
Dec 19 2023
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
I have to kick it off by saying that album cover sets a stage.
Nice vibe from the get go. Some good funk but honestly I liked it a bit less than I expected. It grabbed me strong and diminished the longer I listened.
Good album for sure, but not the best.
3
Dec 20 2023
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Coming in hot with horns.
Not really going anywhere. This is a strange a strange synth new wave slight punk feeling going on but I don't feel it lands anywhere.
Not my favourite album but glad to have listened to it once.
2
Dec 21 2023
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
If this guy was half as good as he thinks he is he'd be the best artist of all time.
This is over the top in the wrong ways and missing any substance.
The amount of artists who are miles ahead of him who he is ripping off is wild.
The song Let's Go Forward felt like it was 45 minutes.
1
Dec 22 2023
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Not his best but a solid album and Elvis is a hell of a singer.
Suspicious Minds is incredible. I was struggling between three and four on this. Some songs are a five but there's some gaps on this one.
3
Dec 23 2023
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
I wish the singer had a different sound.
Instruments are a bit all over but not in a bad way. Can't really get into it with his voice and how it works with the rest of it all.
I didn't get a lot out of this one sadly. I liked the energy from the drums on Race for the Prize.
2
Dec 24 2023
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Faust IV
Faust
This album felt like two brothers fighting over the radio on a road trip.
That intro song blew me away. Give or take every instrumental I was here for and songs with vocals weren't bad but weren't hitting me the same way.
I'll revisit select songs.
4
Dec 25 2023
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Bad
Michael Jackson
The vocal quality and production is stellar. You can tell this album was made to be more about image and presence vs just audio.
Smooth Criminal is so strong.
This is an attitude album for sure but it almost has a "you know I'm the best" attitude vs being overly unique or strong. 3.5 so either a 3 or 4.
4
Dec 26 2023
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
A kind of strange thing to exist but performances are strong.
The outro voice over has a strange energy that I'd expect from Phil Spector.
3
Dec 27 2023
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
This is a fantastic album. Not every song stands out but it all blends well and the guitar work with his vocals mesh perfectly.
Great lyrics. I'm tempted to give it a 5 but there are stronger albums of his and not every song is as strong.
4
Dec 28 2023
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
Not my style and can't hear a ton that's noteworthy besides a general tone that sounds like opening credits music on an edgy movie or game.
2
Dec 29 2023
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Graceland
Paul Simon
This is such a strange album. I know it already but it's Paul Simon getting into world music and doing his own thing with it.
Musically it's clearly very skilled and it's hard to give a note but it isn't a 5/5 for me like on a lot of lists.
3
Dec 30 2023
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
This album is a powerhouse. Songs are great, vocals great, instruments great.
You can listen to it so easily
4
Dec 31 2023
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Mask
Bauhaus
I do like the vibe of some of this. Hair of the Dog instrumentals are cool. The Passion of Lovers almost has a slight Smith's feeling. Kick In The Eye a little Bowie.
I think I like what they're doing here more than I enjoy the total product.
3
Jan 01 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
I love how many Bowie albums are showing up.
Still not a top 3 Bowie album for me but this is a fantastic album. The title track is an all time song; it's so easy to listen to the lyrics that you can miss how much is going on sonically in the background. Sons of the Silent Age is such a unique sounding song.
Love this album.
5
Jan 02 2024
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Back In Black
AC/DC
The instrumental open of Hell's Bells is a great way to start an album.
For what they do this is some peak ACDC rock. It's almost so generic nowadays that I have a hard time listening to it. Wonder how it wound have sounded as a new release instead of years of these songs being in every movie and commerical.
3
Jan 03 2024
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Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
From the get go I thought this may be a gem I'd love and come back to. The more I listened the more I realized I did enjoy but this didn't blow me away. Good album, glad I listened, may relisten someday but not sure.
Skilled players. This joins the crew of maybe I missed something or just not the day for me when I heard it.
3
Jan 04 2024
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Achtung Baby
U2
Alright I'm saying it, if this is music I don't like music.
This album is lame and the title blows. The fake depth of this is almost hurtful.
Mysterious Ways may be the best track, I don't know, I don't care.
1
Jan 05 2024
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
If nothing else I could see me using Bongo Bong in some situations.
I do like some of the background to this album. His style and voice mesh well. Nothing has really grabbed me hard but this is decent. I did feel like it went on a long time for only being 45 minutes though.
3
Jan 06 2024
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Hard to hear such an iconic band and imagine it's actually music.
Guitars and vibe are great. Vocals are a perfect fit. Rhythm isn't especially exciting on any track but it's fun and works well.
4
Jan 07 2024
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
This is going to be tough to be fair on because this style and genre is so far from my taste.
It all feels substanceless.
I have the feeling this would connect to someone I don't connect with.
2
Jan 08 2024
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The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Feels foundational and some of the beats I've heard sampled 1,000 times.
For the time it is great but not the deepest album or sound.
3
Jan 09 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
You could entirely miss the bass work going on during the title track with how much sound there is.
Some really solid tracks for what they're doing but there are some fillers here.
4
Jan 10 2024
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Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
She's got pipes for sure but falls into the 'more performance than song in isolation' group.
This album is long.
Save Me from Myself is fairly unique from the rest of the album and it shows her singing well without showboating all over the place.
2
Jan 11 2024
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
This has a real Renaissance fair vibe.
Didn't give it a deep listen so maybe missed something. Lots of instrumental work going on almost more to use it all versus it all fitting perfectly.
I may like it a bit more for what it was trying to do than anything else.
3
Jan 12 2024
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Smile
Brian Wilson
Hard to hear this album without thinking of the story of it.
Clearly not Pet Sounds and way past prime but there is still quality here. It almost sounds a bit zanier and like a circus at times.
Vega-tables shows what happens after a mind is damaged.
I can't give this album a one but isn't the best.
2
Jan 13 2024
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War
U2
Ding ding here comes the shit mobile.
U2 blows.
Sunday Bloody Sunday instrumentals are passable.
1
Jan 14 2024
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Movies
Holger Czukay
I liked the first song. It kind of wandered around and I didn't find the vocals added anything beyond that.
A cool listen. Not a favourite. I'll relisten to that first song.
3
Jan 15 2024
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Highly Evolved
The Vines
Not awful but didn't overly grab me.
Felt a bit like opening credits movie for a movie at times.
Won't revisit but I've heard worse.
2
Jan 16 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
The instrumental and noise work on this album is great. Every song I can focus on something specific and something else blends and grabs my attention.
I don't know if the vocals are #1 but they fit the sound much better than most artists could. That being said they aren't bad at all and the lyrics aren't a slouch even if there are stronger writers.
The album is a bit over the top moody but there's something strong here for sure.
4
Jan 17 2024
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
Sure.
I liked listening to this more when I was looking at the cover which is fun to realize.
It's almost hard to explain what this was. Lots of sound mixing together to get a direction and vibe but the lyrics all felt like instruments more than having anything to say.
Not an un-fun listen but I doubt I'll come back.
2
Jan 18 2024
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
This was an interesting listen.
I'm a bit surprised by the sound considering how early it came out. It wasn't perfect and at times felt like the vocals and instruments were fighting each other but it did have something strong at the core.
My vote is a bit more towards what I felt vs just hearing it.
3
Jan 19 2024
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
This is doing what is critical in punk in the way it brings the energy.
I can picture this being a fun band to see live.
Wait is this ska? Horns are showing up a lot.
Is this a straight edge band? Is this a band that plays at college campuses?
Is this... doo wop or like... a Beach Boys type band?
On A Rope was fun. Not sure what this thing is but I didn't dislike it.
3
Jan 20 2024
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Guero
Beck
This is one of those weird albums where the performer making it knows they can do whatever they want and they have their demand.
3
Jan 21 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
This was great.
The music and vocals blend so well together for sound and vibe. I enjoyed this a lot to listen to.
Radiohead is without a doubt a band with some chops and they are doing something here.
4
Jan 22 2024
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Low
David Bowie
This is one of his best. The audio work was game changing when this one first came out and is still so unique.
Listen to this one a few times a year.
5
Jan 23 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
How does this exist.
Some of the noodling going on during Big Iron grabbed me right away.
What!? The singer of this became a NASCAR driver?! People used to do all sorts of things. Man he was a bad driver.
This is great music. Not all hits the same but he can sing and the vibe is strong. I wanted to love every inch of this.
The Master's Call helps me realize how much I like a story in a song.
4
Jan 24 2024
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Black Metal
Venom
I love elements of black metal with how dweeby it feels. I mean look at that cover. Just saying black metal over and over. Talking about witches. The thought that this sort of thing horrified communities feels so funny with time.
Instrumental stuff has some skill but it doesn't add to much. I won't be back but I like that this exists and that people love it.
2
Jan 25 2024
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
1,001 albums is turning into "do I think The Smashing Pumpkins are a real band?".
They clearly have some interesting things to do and their instrumental stuff is a bit wild. I kind of dig it but man do they need a new audio engineer at least on the Spotify version. The drums are muted to a fault and it doesn't sound crisp.
This album is wildly too long and all over the place but I liked chunks of it for sure and they sound unique. Toss this into the bucket of "is this good singing or not". I'm not sure but I do think at least on some songs it fits really well.
Despite feeling like this is too long I did like the audacity of what it is and how broad it goes in style. I don't think it all lands but one of these stars is purely on the artistic push of what this is and how bold a move it was for them at the time.
4
Jan 26 2024
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
This is all the best and worst of multi instrument experimental stuff.
The title track has feelings of early Genesis.
This is kind of interesting in some ways but it doesn't get me that excited.
3
Jan 27 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
It's tough because overall Metallica sucks but they do have gems. Nothing Else Matters is a good song, Enter Sandman has a killer build and Wherever I May Roam is very tight.
This album has some chaff but some very solid songs.
3
Jan 28 2024
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
I may have not just been in the mood for this New Wave but it was such background music.
I don't think there's anything that got my attention once.
2
Jan 29 2024
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Sincere
Mj Cole
The first thing of this album almost feels like a different thing.
For the genre this is okay but remixing the same song multiple times on an album isn't my normal vibe. I'm not sure why this is on the list.
2
Jan 30 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
If you don't like the style this is going for this album may be a torture device.
I dig what they are working towards here.
I've never asked myself if Cohen is actually good or not. This joins the bucket of I like this but if all music was this I wouldn't listen to music much. That being said, what a pro. The end of this album is powerful. Steer Your Way is a great track.
4
Jan 31 2024
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Goo
Sonic Youth
I've always heard good things about Sonic Youth but never dove in.
Instrumentals seem solid. Good cohesion in this band.
This is a strong album. I'll listen again and I look forward to it.
4
Feb 01 2024
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
One of the most famous albums of all time which is largely known just because of Stairway.
The Battle of Evermore is easy to sleep on but it's great. When the Levee Breaks hits as well.
Zepp is such a connection point for so much music.
And I'll throw it in, Stairway is one of the best songs ever made.
5
Feb 02 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Who do these guys think they are sneaking in I Am the Resurrection at the end? Learning that was originally the last track makes me feel a lot better about their album structure.
What a jam, especially the second half. I was digging this album throughout but that song bumps it up a star.
4
Feb 03 2024
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25
Adele
Good singing, good album.
Nothing world changing.
3
Feb 04 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
I wasn't able to get much from this one.
Some of the guitar work sounds like it could build into something interesting but I can't point to anything that stood out.
Some of the effect work seemed very out of place.
2
Feb 05 2024
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
This is a solid album. Lots of complexity and Heaven is a beautiful song.
Probably #3 of Talking Heads albums for me but that's a solid 3 albums. I think this album lacks some cohesion that other works have for them.
4
Feb 06 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
I didn't give this one an overly deep listen so I may have missed some gems.
No doubt a couple of songs truly bring it but I thought this would have more for my tastes.
3
Feb 07 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
What a dancing jam vibe Young Americans has.
I'm glad to give this album a more detailed listen. Win has a beautiful sound and some of the soul and funk throughout has a unique feel with Bowie doing it.
Not his best but you can hear the growth from doing this in his later albums.
4
Feb 08 2024
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
Album is much stronger on headphones - the stereo is great.
The warmth of the sound is so easy to listen to. This isn't perfect but it's a good listen.
This is a light four but it's better than a three.
4
Feb 09 2024
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
It's easy to write The Smiths off as a sad boy band but this is an incredible album.
I Know it's Over is one of my favourite songs. You can make fun of Morrissey forever but I like him a lot, think he's a great singer, and the band crushes it.
The bass alone makes the album worth listening to.
5
Feb 10 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
This is pretty decent for a first album but they grew as a band a lot in later releases.
Sound Check (Gravity) was one I liked and had never heard before. Double Bass too... Maybe I just like the second half of this album more.
I've always felt I should give the Gorillaz more of a shot. I like what they are doing but have never found a love of them.
3
Feb 11 2024
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Among The Living
Anthrax
My friends and I used to have a joke when going to see metal bands.
There was always a headliner, and usually an opener who was a band that toured with them and was known. Then you'd sometimes have a bonus local opener who no one ever knew of and they were always called And Guest on the poster.
So we said it was the same band and that And Guest was a touring band and changed their style and look every show but always had the same 100% energy and no real quality vs everyone else performing with them.
These guys feel like And Guest.
2
Feb 12 2024
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
It's so weird that the singer is the singer in the Gorillaz. I'll always say that about Blur.
This isn't a trainwreck but it doesn't really do anything in any direction. Some slightly interesting noise work and instrumental but not much going on.
I don't know what's going on during Chemical World. I may be giving this 2 vs 1 largely due to the train on the cover.
2
Feb 13 2024
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
I enjoyed this. Not my favourite of what we've heard from them but they continue to experiment and have a unique sound.
2+2=5 is a good track to start an album. The song starts light but gets fun.
Keep doing your thing Radiohead. I don't know if I'll ever get them enough to listen often but I can see them being important to some people.
3
Feb 14 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen probably has a few on this list but this one makes sense to see for sure.
Born in the USA is rightly iconic but a song like Downbound Train is where Springsteen hits for me. His voice and the overall sound has a place with music greats more for the feel than anything else.
4
Feb 15 2024
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
That title track is stunning.
The production and audio work on this album is stellar.
I want to give it a five in my heart but only the first song really pushes me that high. I did really enjoy this listen though.
4
Feb 16 2024
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Did they have any other albums?
Gimme three steps. Tuesday's gone. Simple man. Freebird.
Heck of an album all around. This easily passes my question of "could I see someone hear this and start a band".
5
Feb 17 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
This doesn't seem bad but it's so easy to be background music.
No real notes, could be I missed something.
3
Feb 18 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
That was a peaceful listen. I'm not sure what else to write on a review for it. The album ended and I almost hadn't noticed any specific song. It all blended together into each other.
3
Feb 19 2024
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
This is an interesting folk album. An easy but not boring listen.
I liked this. I'd like to listen to it again on headphones while walking or something that would let me focus on it more.
I think it's a bit more captivating vs being incredible.
3
Feb 20 2024
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
This is a tough one to review.
Her voice is undeniable. Classic and easy to listen to and understand why she's a name.
Could be the day for me but I can't push myself to a five.
4
Feb 21 2024
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
First time listening to Common.
I like some of the instrumental stuff going on. I'm not a huge hiphop fan so it's tough for me to tell how technically skilled he is but the flow sounds fine.
I'm not sure if this feels like mandatory 1,001 listening but I don't dislike listening. Doubt I'll relisten though and this is too long.
2
Feb 22 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
This is such an incredible album at times.
Lou reed is a great singer, Andy Warhol's influence was so unique on this even if just as a framing producer, Nico is strangely captivating, and the whole album works so well.
Sunday Morning is beautiful and the distant backing vocals really blends well. Not every song is a 5 but Heroin is a really powerful song.
4
Feb 23 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Beautiful album and Father and Son is such a standout.
Hard to say much else to describe how good this is.
5
Feb 24 2024
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Disintegration
The Cure
I've never listened to The Cure and I feel like a nerd but I really like this.
Plainsong really sets a mood to feel people to listen more or turn this off. I like a lot of the noise work going on behind the scenes on it.
They are a bit too synthy but it was the time, can't overly fault them.
The honest part of me knows parts of this are too long and drawn-out but today I'm here for it.
I really appreciate an album that feels like the people who made it really felt the emotions they are trying to portray.
I could see myself relistening to this when I'm in the mood but likely just as a whole album vs song by song.
Lovesong almost doesn't fit in but also kind of grounds the album. Really do enjoy the feeling of it.
4
Feb 25 2024
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
I've never listen to too much Dinosaur Jr. This is okay but it's not a style that grabs me as much as some.
This is far from inexperienced but that's almost a rawness to this that's interesting. The guitar almost gets into a noise style but the vocals are very clean.
I think this is worth having in the list. Not my favourite but it's good in its style. Don't and Keep The Glove back to back felt like whiplash.
2
Feb 26 2024
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
This is a weird album to review.
All the songs almost felt like they blended which is odd since there are a few that sound very different.
This is kind of interesting. Don't regret listening, don't think I'll come back to it.
2
Feb 27 2024
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
This starts strong and gets really mellow fast.
Almost a sleepy album to listen to.
That was probably really good. I feel like I missed something.
3
Feb 28 2024
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Risque
CHIC
My first question is SugarHill Gang going to show up or is this the only time we hear the beat in Good Times?
This feels like fairly peak disco but that doesn't mean it's perfect music by any stretch.
A lot of this sounds pretty decent at moments but keeps going and sounds weirdly uniform for how much variety I'm actually hearing in areas like the bass.
3
Feb 29 2024
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Kenya
Machito
This is a fun album to walk around to.
I'm a sucker for instrumental albums and this is a good time. This feels really skilled and I enjoyed it.
4
Mar 01 2024
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Rocks
Aerosmith
This seems better than I expected.
Some of the almost unique guitar work like parts of Sick as a Dog surprised me.
For the genre and what they are going for this was pretty tight. I'm surprised to give Aerosmith a 4.
4
Mar 02 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
This is a great example of a double album that makes sense to me.
There's so much creativity and uniqueness in this one. Lost in the Supermarket and then heading The Guns of Brixton is wild. Such a good example of showing range and variety and the album being more for it.
5
Mar 03 2024
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One World
John Martyn
The description of this album vs how it sounds is a wild contrast.
I expected this to be something sweeping and inspired but the vocals don't even give it a chance to go there.
Not coming back to this one.
2
Mar 04 2024
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
I've heard the intro song for sure but didn't know it was Alice Cooper. This is actually pretty solid. I really like the use of the piano and woodwinds in the background on Hello Hooray.
This is clearly poking fun at people that would take offense to things but it's a pretty great album. I expected Alice Cooper to be less musically skilled and complex. This is a real album.
4
Mar 05 2024
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Good sound overall, I like his voice.
This is a 4+ for me. The vibe goes into a lot of interesting places. My personal enjoyment of this was a 5.
4
Mar 06 2024
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
This feels tongue in cheek in a very weird way.
The Boston Rag kind of goes on and on.
I think these guys are very clearly skilled but I'm halfway through the album and am wondering what they are doing.
This is going to be a weird take but this almost sounds like they got their musical ability from a genie or something. Like they've got it down, but there's almost a slight mockingness to do this with their skill. Maybe it makes sense if they got the ability in a way that didn't take work.
This weirdly grows on me some. I feel almost uneasy liking parts of this. Like listen to the guitar work on King of the World. This is incredible. But what's going on.
I'm going 3 since this is a 5 in skill but makes me feel a bit unwell at times.
Ah King of the World is so skilled and weird. Fine. 4.
4
Mar 07 2024
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
We've reviewed three albums with The Girl from Ipanema so far.
This is skilled and so mellow. I think I preferred the other Bossa Nova albums we've heard but this is well done.
3
Mar 08 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Neil Young is the opposite of prog rock. He's so soulful and direct and his instrument usage is subded but sounds perfect.
See the Sky about to Rain is beautiful. I liked this album a lot.
5
Mar 09 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
This one is such a strong album.
Almost feels pointless to write in detail why. Just listen to it. Instruments, vocals, lyrics, structure. It's all there.
5
Mar 10 2024
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Interesting to have some glam metal show up. Can't say anything really jumped out to me but this is fine. It all kind of blended together.
2
Mar 11 2024
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
I always heard how good Cohen was and this album is showing me what people mean.
Avalanche is beautiful and powerful. The album doesn't stay at that same space the whole time but this is a good listen.
4
Mar 12 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
The Who are a wildly skilled band. Even just listening to the drums alone on each song is great.
Good live album. Very tight all around. It's almost unreal that this recording isn't from a studio.
4
Mar 13 2024
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Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
I feel like I'm on the loading screen for an online poker game at the very start of Dreamin' before the vocals hit.
I got bored and changed the playback to 1.5x for a bit and it was interesting. I think this almost works better at 1.25x. Maybe 1.15..., 2.0 is too fast.
From Disco To Disco feels like a gag. I can't help but picture the twin brothers in Baskets opening for this guy. This should not be on the list.
I swear if you give this a 5....
1
Mar 14 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
It's a trend setting album but punk is always a weird place musically. Short, trying to be friendly to listen to while the message isn't, it's a niche but is as much attitude as the music (if not more).
They almost have a feeling of submissive Buddy Holly
3
Mar 15 2024
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
This is worthy of being on the list just for feeling different.
This is wild energy. It's intense and never slows down. MVPs is just an acceptance speech. The lyrics are nonstop and all over the place.
This is comically too long. It almost has an intermission when they talked about being halfway through the album.
3
Mar 16 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Good voice and good use of synth.
This album kind of slides as it goes on.
3
Mar 17 2024
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
I listened to this sitting in a coffee shop by myself at 8am drinking a black coffee and for some reason I felt down on my luck.
He's got a great voice, the guitar work is simple but well done and fun. Vibe is there through and through.
I was listen to Mixed up Mess of a Heart and kept just thinking it's a damn shame, and I have no idea what I was referring to.
I jogged across a light when relistening and Drink Up and Be Somebody was on. It weirdly felt like a powerful song in that moment.
4
Mar 18 2024
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
Certainly interesting to review a hardcore album after some of the genres recently.
These guys aren't bad. It's a ton of noise but they are decently technical. Not my favourite but for what it is they've done well.
3
Mar 19 2024
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This is a pretty good album. I remember once I was writing a paper and I hit play song vs playlist by accident and listened to Pump it Up nonstop for hours and went into a weird mental space.
3
Mar 20 2024
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Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Kind of interesting lo-fi feeling album. Some of the sampling fits well.
I kind of zoned out some while listening but in a good way. I'll give this another listen sometime.
4
Mar 21 2024
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
That was a better listen than I expected.
They've got some good moves and the bass was fun on the second half of Add it Up.
I could see this being a fun listen but it wasn't the easiest day for me to give it a deep shot.
3
Mar 22 2024
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Drunk
Thundercat
What is going on.
Kitty cat song. Then we got Steve Winwood. This almost feels like a hip hop project by Tim and Eric.
There's some nice bass work going on in some of this. Nice funk.
I have whiplash from this album.
3
Mar 23 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
There is some great stereo usage going on here.
I feel like a dweeb for liking this and I wonder if the mix of prog and Canadian is just too much for me to not feel a bit embarrassed about.
This is a pretty wild album if you give it a chance. The drumming alone makes it world class.
5
Mar 24 2024
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
This isn't a bad album. Easy to listen to and feels almost like a soundtrack for a day.
I kind of wonder if there's more here than I heard in two listens.
It comes together so well it's almost easy to ignore which is a bit of a strength and weakness at the same time.
3
Mar 25 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
I almost wish this leaned further into being a bit stranger.
They are playing around with a bit of sound work and the title and art makes it feel like it could be a concept album but it doesn't really lean in. Do You Realize shows a bit of an ability to get grander and have a lot going on.
I don't dislike this album but I almost wish they were doing a collab with someone more out there.
3
Mar 26 2024
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
I had no idea London Calling modeled the album cover off of this.
It's almost a bit of a boring album nowadays but for the time it was setting trends and needs to be looked at through that lens.
Elvis himself almost seems to play a smaller part on this album vs his later works. Not surprising but interesting to hear where he was at from the start.
3
Mar 27 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
Really great vibe.
There's better instrumental work than I would've expected with this sort of sound. They could've laid back more on the vocals to drive but some nice string work and synth blending.
I liked this one. Cool listen. Could easily see a relisten.
4
Mar 28 2024
View Album
Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Man Peter Gabriel is such a weirdo in a positive way.
Most people hear Genesis and think of Phil Collins but this dude was leading some real out there prog rock and dressing like a giant sunflower doing it.
This album is experimental feeling and doesn't land everywhere but it's a great addition to this list.
Games Without Frontiers just sneaking in as a radio friendly song feels so strange, especially with what it's singing about.
I find Family Snapshot a great example of what I like about this album. The vocals are so earnest, instrumentals are fairly complex and variable throughout the song, lyrics are strong. It's not a constructed song to follow a structure and does something unique.
Great album. The mixing and engineering alone are better than most artists ever reach.
Also, sick cover.
5
Mar 29 2024
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Ingenue
k.d. lang
Not bad singing skill but the whole album feels a bit bland or generic.
If you told me these were all covers I may believe you.
I wish I had liked this more. Maybe it was the day.
2
Mar 30 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
Join Mitchell sings with such emotion and earnestness for her space.
This is a hallmark album in this genre and makes total sense to have on the list but it isn't a blast to listen to.
3
Mar 31 2024
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
I've never listened to Tori Amos.
As a debut this is a very solid sounding album.
She's got a good voice and knows what she's doing. I don't see a ton outside of that going on but it could be me missing something more here.
It feels a bit like the songs are written and performed for a musical. There's an attempted depth here I don't feel really lands.
2
Apr 01 2024
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
I've never listened to Emmylou Harris but apparently she's a huge name I just never crossed.
These past three albums we've listened to all have a similar vibe and all sing with a lot of depth about subjects which aren't carrying the same weight.
Band the Drum Slowly felt personal. I do like her voice but nothing is really standing out.
2
Apr 02 2024
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
This must've been wild to hear when it was new.
It's almost turned into a joke or trope sound in albums but Dylan was working a lot of feeling and story telling into his songs.
Half of the lyrics feel more mood than making sense though.
4
Apr 03 2024
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Face to Face
The Kinks
I feel like this may not be their top album but I don't know them that well.
Some good sound but not the tightest album.
Sunny Afternoon is a classic.
3
Apr 04 2024
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The Clash
The Clash
They for sure got better but this is a pretty solid first album.
They sound well put together and meld almost perfectly for being so early in their career.
4
Apr 05 2024
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
This feels like a dream I'd wake up from and be sad I couldn't go back to sleep and keep dreaming it but mostly because of how strange it is.
What a weird mix of sounds and such a odd attempt at an album.
I don't know if this is great but this 100% should be on the list.
2
Apr 06 2024
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Hearing this I just picture some producer walking by a bar and going "what's that sound!" and having his mind blown.
I know this isn't that old in the scheme of things but it's got a great soul vibe. Great musicianship and vocals.
4
Apr 07 2024
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
This whole album feels like someone stalling on stage waiting for a missing band member.
It's repetitive to a fault and doesn't really go anywhere. Could be missing something but I didn't find this noteworthy.
Great voice. I wonder if other albums by him I may prefer. This seems to be a later career one for him.
2
Apr 08 2024
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Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
The last two songs got me to reconsider this album a bit.
It's not really my style and it doesn't blow me away but there's some talent here and they are pretty tight on some tracks.
This is a middle to strong 2 getting a 3/5. Talihina Sky was a nice song.
3
Apr 09 2024
View Album
In Utero
Nirvana
Nirvana was getting interesting. Every album was playing into a different direction and this one followed by unplugged live shows a path that they may have done something really unique.
Nice to hear something less polished and more wild. Cobain's voice is unreal. Very solid album.
4
Apr 10 2024
View Album
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
This sounds amazing for being live.
Whole thing is one big jam that blends together. Not always my style but I enjoyed it today. Clearly great at what they are doing.
4
Apr 11 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
This was a good listen. She has a great voice and the songs have some good energy.
Free Man in Paris is great.
4
Apr 12 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
May just not have been my day for it but this was fine.
Skilled playing but not a ton of excitement while listening. Could be how foundational Cream was in building a style that has been built upon.
I have a hunch on a relisten on another day I may give this a 4.
3
Apr 13 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
This feels a bit too long and the songs don't really blend to feel like an album but I did enjoy listening and the genre of music makes me want to enjoy it with people.
3
Apr 14 2024
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En-Tact
The Shamen
I was about three seconds in and I had a vibe that I was going to be hard in one direction on where this went.
This first song is some real Dennis Reynolds shit.
I listened to this on a run that felt hard. I went into a fugue state and a tiny bit of this made sense. That saved it from a 1.
2
Apr 15 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
This felt like such background music I don't know if I can really feel like I heard any of it.
May have missed something but not sure why this is on the list.
2
Apr 16 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
This album is wild. It almost feels like it could just run forever with one song.
The lyrics are so casual and then so poignant all over the place. I could see a dozen very different people all love this for different reasons.
Masterful album but I'm putting it at a strong 4 vs weak 5.
4
Apr 17 2024
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
This feels skilful and slightly unhinged.
Secrets is what McGruff The Crime Dog lifted for their album for sure.
3
Apr 18 2024
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Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Girls Against Boys
This kind of stinks.
Can't see why this is on the list. Some instrumentals were fine enough and the droning parts weren't the worst if that's what they were aiming for.
2
Apr 19 2024
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
I love how Ozzy is The Prince of Darkness but also sings Changes.
Good metal has range and emotion and Sabbath is great at it.
4
Apr 20 2024
View Album
Debut
Björk
I had only known Björk via parody but man that parody was on point.
I feel this is the music of a girl who would intimidate me in high school half because she's alluring and unique and half because I'm just so genuinely confused as to what's going on.
This is odd but makes sense to be on the list.
3
Apr 21 2024
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
I feel like I want to vote N/A on this.
It's certainly skillful and Eno is a name for a reason, but it's almost hard to tell what type of album this is or the role this plays in musical development.
It's beautiful and balanced and flows perfectly but it's almost devoid of something by design.
I think this may make sense to be on the list but I'm not sure what to do with it. It feels like it could be meaningful at the right time but forgettable outside of that.
My vote is middle mostly due to indecision.
3
Apr 22 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
I was in a bit of a daze all day and this didn't get me out of it. I barely know what to review this as.
If it blended so well due to the design of it all, this is really impressive, but I have no idea how much of that vibe came from my listening state.
3
Apr 23 2024
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
This isn't my favourite Zeppelin album but partway through I had to remind myself to hear it as an album in its own right.
Great vocals, great guitar work, great drums. They had some better before this and got better after but if it was another bad, this could easily be their best album and they'd be known for a reason.
4
Apr 24 2024
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
This seems all over the place but not in a good way. I could've just not been in the mood and missed something better here but I'm not sure about the quality of this one.
2
Apr 25 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
This is from such an earlier time that it almost feels basic or weird but you can see some of its influence on a lot of bands.
I probably don't have the musical depth to get everything out of this that's there.
Green Onions is a classic song.
3
Apr 26 2024
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
Really easy to listen to but almost to the point of hearing it all blend into one big experience.
Maybe it's because of the language barrier but this feels more like a mood to me than anything else.
Good playing and singing for the genre.
4
Apr 27 2024
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
I don't care what everyone else says about this album, you can't replace the vocals with a trump and suddenly just change the game. The vocals and style are a critical part of the sound and it blends great.
I would like to see some more trumpet overall but I must say that three times a day.
This album was pretty good. I prefer some of their other work but liked the listen.
3
Apr 28 2024
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
This feels like the music teacher forgot to lock up and someone decided to use everything just because it's there.
I'm torn but I don't think good makes sense to be on the list. Either way, I didn't like this one much.
2
Apr 29 2024
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Close To You
Carpenters
Her voice is beautiful. Very traditional sounding warm pop from the time but it was a hit for a reason.
The amount of covers is always a bit surprising on a big album but they weren't huge song writers.
3
Apr 30 2024
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
This is a great album but not their single best.
The singing and musical skills are strong but the energy is how it really shines.
3
May 01 2024
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
She makes you feel the emotion.
Breakdown is a great song that I feel almost no one else would put anything real behind.
I could see myself giving this some relistens.
4
May 02 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
There is some real charm and skill in here but this needs some editing.
B.O.B puts a floor on how low this can go; what a great song and incredible energy.
Makes sense to be on the list but not my style enough to go back to.
3
May 03 2024
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
This is like music where the main character in something dystopian and wanders into a strange idyllic seeming town that ends up not being real or something.
Clearly skilled but this almost makes me feel like the world isn't real. It is so far from something like Nina Simone in how it does everything and doesn't get an emotion out of me outside of loose confidence that this guy grew up with money.
2
May 04 2024
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1984
Van Halen
Hair metal is as dumb as the day is long but this is some of the best of it.
I can't say it's a masterpiece but it brings the energy and playing and fun and style it's trying to. I could 100% see people learning to play a guitar after hearing this. That's easily the standout instrument.
3
May 05 2024
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Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
It's so interesting to see how Rufus Wainwright evolved his style after his childhood hit "I'm a Running ".
Lots of depth and complexity of sound here.
The vibe change from song one to two is a bit extreme, and two has a Radiohead feel in some ways. The longer it went the more I missed the vibe of the first song. This is good but I almost want something more bombastic after where we started.
If he has any albums that are the vibe of the first song the whole time, point me towards it.
3
May 06 2024
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
This is very hollow feeling. It's like an expression of emotion that's so muted that people can zone out and feel like they relate to it.
I have no idea what I'm meant to find in this.
2
May 07 2024
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
An easy five. One of the best albums from one of the best artists.
If this wasn't new and inventive it would still be incredible.
Five Years alone is better than most albums and is such a strong way to start the album.
Soul Love has so much texture in the percussion and bass.
Moonage Daydream is unreal; the outro to it is world-class. I could sit and listen to an hour extended jam of just that. Starman is iconic for Bowie. I'm not going to write for everyone song but you could on this album.
5
May 08 2024
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
Tom Waits is such a character but also weirdly doesn't feel like one.
I enjoyed the album.
The Ocean is a great example of what Tom Waits makes work that no one else could.
3
May 09 2024
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
I'm sure I'm disrespectful in ways I don't understand but none of this grabbed me. It's not awful but I can't see a ton in here that's great.
2
May 10 2024
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Imagine
John Lennon
The person sucks but the art is incredible at times. Imagine is such a beautiful song. Jealous Guy has a good sound.
Lots of filler songs here. The ego project kind of falls apart.
3
May 11 2024
View Album
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
This album is wildly long. It's almost hard to review since it has so much content.
Some of it is clearly 5/5 but this could be tighter but I'll add this to the list of it may have just been the wrong day for me.
Sir Duke is wildly good, especially the instrumental stuff going on. I can barely keep track of it all and it jives perfectly.
4
May 12 2024
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
I think this mostly stunk. Felt like someone was trying to hypnotize me with no chance of success.
Not sure why this made the list.
2
May 13 2024
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
This feels like fairly strong alt rock. Doesn't blow me away but it's fine and at times has a good energy and sound.
Not sure I'd miss never hearing it again but I think it makes sense being on the list.
3
May 14 2024
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
The album isn't perfect but the amount it inspired and shaped music is undeniable. This completely belongs on the list and there are other 5s I prefer listening to, but this isn't a 4.
5
May 15 2024
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
I thought this would be more my style. The Bowie influence is clear but it's still figuring out where to go.
Not a bad album and some really cool instrumental work but this feels in progress vs complete.
3
May 16 2024
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The White Album
Beatles
There's too much going on here. You can feel the lack of cohesion in the band.
There are some incredible songs here but the influence of everyone creeps in one by one resulting in some great, some okay, and some pretty bland songs.
3
May 17 2024
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The Coral
The Coral
I was kind of digging the vibe despite this being a strange like... gypsy pirate sound.
I recognize Dreaming of You from some movies or shows or something.
I kind of enjoyed listening to this just since the sound was a bit different from what we've gotten from the list recently, but I don't know if this is especially noteworthy in any direction.
Nice it wasn't too long. Second half of it probably could've been mostly cut.
2
May 18 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Paul Simon has a ton of great skills. All the instrumentals and mixing and stereo work here is fantastic. I miss the impact that Garfunkel brings. For a debut solo album it has some solid work and he does get better in future releases
3
May 19 2024
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Out of Step
Minor Threat
This may be the shortest album we've hit so far.
I did like the energy and could see this being fun live.
I still don't love hardcore but this is some of the better stuff I've heard. I'm battling between 2 and 3. Maybe they got me on a day when listening was easy.
3
May 20 2024
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LP1
FKA twigs
This was interesting. Some okay mixing and looping, decent voice and a decent shot of the vibe she was going for. Not exactly my style.
It almost vaguely feels like it's trying to influence the mood of the listener versus being direct on anything.
I doubt I'll relisten. Not sure if this makes sense on the list.
2
May 21 2024
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
What a drunken mess.
Half of this album sounds like people who could perform in a different situation all putting something down because they're meant to.
Riders on the Storm has a good vibe.
2
May 22 2024
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m b v
My Bloody Valentine
This goes for a vibe more than anything, which is good because the rest doesn't do much.
Instrumentals are bland, the distortion washes everything out, and the vocals barely show up.
I know it's what they're going for and that's what keeps it from a 1, but this isn't great.
2
May 23 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
This is a good example of a popular sounding album. Good album, nice sound, easy to listen to. I wasn't overly blown away but they clearly know what they're doing.
I wish I could have picked out a specific moment or song but most of it weaved together.
3
May 24 2024
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
This feels more like someone who is popular for a story or associations vs just the music.
1001 is a lot but not sure about why it needs to be here. Could be missing something.
2
May 25 2024
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Great at what it's doing but this is such teenage edge.
This sounds like a kid who grew up with their parents listening to 80s Peter Gabriel while they argued and the kid played video games.
I think this should be on the list for his it influenced a genre but it's nothing magical. It sounds like what someone puts on when they slam their door after being told they need to start paying their own phone bill.
3
May 26 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
It's so hard to hear AC/DC as music. Maybe when it came out it was different but it's such Marvel and grocery store rock now it feels paint by numbers.
It has some fine technical moments but I don't feel I can give it a fair listen.
3
May 27 2024
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
They do get better further into their career but I do find myself liking listening to The Cure more than I expected.
Yesterday was hectic so I couldn't give it a deep listen which I wish I could.
3
May 28 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Pretty solid for a debut album. On one or two songs I swear I vocally hear Thomas Dolby for a couple of seconds but I could be off.
The sound is solid, they mesh everything well. I understand why they got popular. Some decent energy.
This Fire is a fun song. Fairly crisp overall. Not a ton of depth but well put together. Hard album to review.
3
May 29 2024
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
This has a decent feel and some good lyrics but it didn't blow me away.
A bit bland or boring feeling at times. Could be me missing something.
3
May 30 2024
View Album
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Funkadelic is always worth a listen. You can't help but love musicians that are incredibly skilled and just doing their thing the way they want to.
Great vibe and skill. Maggotbrain is a stronger album but this is a great listen, despite having a few less impactful moments. This isn't a listen I'll go back to but I'm glad it exists.
3
May 31 2024
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
I guess.
Not sure what I missed but this wasn't overly impressive or interesting in any way.
2
Jun 01 2024
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
It's earlier Beatles and they don't have the depth they get to get but it's impossible to deny how much they popularized different aspects of music.
The drums could easily just be a session player but vocals, lyrics, and especially lead guitar give such a memorable album.
One thing that easily catches your attention on slightly older albums is just how short some songs used to be.
Also, two songs telling women not to fool around with other guys. Was this an epidemic at the time?
4
Jun 02 2024
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I Against I
Bad Brains
Vocally I heard the smallest part of Ozzy. We're talking like less than 5% but I heard it first on House of Suffering.
This feels a bit all over. Could be missing something but I wouldn't miss it if it wasn't here.
2
Jun 03 2024
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Megadeath ain't music for the thinking man but it leans it's what it's trying to do.
Not a masterpiece, but Tornado of Souls has some good instrumentals. Fun band live.
3
Jun 04 2024
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
You have to love that Chubby Checker picked his name as a play on Fats Domino.
Great voice and almost a timeless sound but it was long enough ago that a lot of where music has grown makes this almost seem simple.
It's great music and pushed a lot of other things forward. Bit harder to get lost in today but solid.
3
Jun 05 2024
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
This was way better than I expected. Great instrumentals, the vibe was solid, good lyrics and energy throughout. Lots of variability in the sound across the album.
Never heard of this artist but I may look into them more.
It's very possible this just caught me on the right day and mood.
4
Jun 06 2024
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Such a landmark band for developing the psychedelic sound and getting it popularized.
It's a really pretty solid album. Some timeless songs like White Rabbit and Somebody to Love.
It's nuts that this band one day does We Built this City.
4
Jun 07 2024
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Listening to Elton John it always feels so odd that he didn't write his own lyrics; the songs feel so cohesive.
There's no question many songs on this album are iconic and Elton's musical ability and showmanship are unmatched in his style.
This hits all the marks it tries to and sounds natural to do so. The intro song's instrumentals really start off bold and strong.
There's some chaff that should've been cut here but there's too much gold to be weighed down by Jamaica Jerk off.
5
Jun 08 2024
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Keep it down anyone who is swinging on this album.
It's a unique sound, covers a ton of ground, is creative and uses a lot of instruments well, and is fun. That album art slams and I'm biased as hell but this should completely be on the list and is great to listen to in its entirety.
5
Jun 09 2024
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Illmatic
Nas
I wasn't feeling this today but the flow on Halftime did grab my attention.
The skill is undeniable. Wish i was in a different mood when this one came up, think I would've got more out of it. If everyone told me this was a 5 and was world changing I wouldn't be surprised, but I didn't hear it.
3
Jun 10 2024
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
For the time this feels fairly unique but man do some of these choices not really mesh.
Not a trainwreck and there's some talent but this doesn't do it for me.
2
Jun 11 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin has some real vocal talent, range, and pure passion.
Her ability to sing gently and fiercely so close together is remarkable.
The rest of the album has strengths but it's impossible not to focus on her vocals.
The talent more than the sound alone gets my ear.
3
Jun 12 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
This album isn't Bridge Over Troubled Water but it is beautiful. Not every song is at the same level but Scarborough Fair is stunning.
The vocals and harmonies always defined Simon & Garfunkel but the instrumental choices blend so well.
Great album. I also always liked Patterns.
4
Jun 13 2024
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
Ohhhh it's Beyonce's sister. I was wondering what I was missing on why it was on the list.
This isn't great.
2
Jun 14 2024
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Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I listened to this on a long and hot run. It somewhat turned into a fever dream and I got lost in the vibe and something about a spaceship or spaceman.
I'm not too sure that this is great but I did go somewhere with it.
2
Jun 15 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
The best album of the worst band.
Maybe if they had broken up after this I'd have a chance to like them a bit more but it's still not there.
The album talks about wanting to find the mythical America and it feels like that turned them into wanting to be a mythical band.
All U2 albums talk about sociopolitical issues but then you listen to the lyrics they are so bland. I can't see any of the depth or complexity I'm meant to here. This is poetry for people with live, laugh, love on the wall.
U2 blows.
1
Jun 16 2024
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Hms Fable
Shack
This is incredibly forgettable. I can't figure out why this is on the list.
Glad to hear some violins and other instruments show up a bit.
2
Jun 17 2024
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Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
This is incredible for a debut album.
The instrumentals on every song are solid and his flow blends with it so well.
The intro song got my attention, second started and I thought it would lose me but it kept finding me back in different ways.
He Say She Say felt like it was going to be corny halfway through but the repetition with a different focus really did add something.
Kick, Push is a great song and the callback later in the album with Kick, Push II is great.
Very solid album.
4
Jun 18 2024
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
The album doesn't carry the strength through but there are some great fun songs on here.
I was weirdly finding myself enjoying some of the minor drumming choices on songs. It's not that it felt masterful or really inventive or anything, it's just I felt it could've gotten away with being blander and no one would've noticed so hearing some minor unique moments was cool.
3
Jun 19 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
I'm not saying I'm right, but I did prefer Songs in the Key of Life and Talking Book.
This is a solid album and the funk is incredible.
If this got me on a better day when I could've listened more clearly I wouldn't be surprised if I could've found more but it's a great album.
4
Jun 20 2024
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Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
Yeah sure, this was a bit unique versus other things I've heard so far on this list but it's not my style.
Not a ton I can even think to write about it.
2
Jun 21 2024
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
You can't walk down a city street to this. You'll just want to start a dance or a spin on a lamppost.
All of these songs have such a similar feeling that it almost feels like one song that plays forever. Good thing is it works and has a great sound.
The legacy stuff wants me to rate this higher but what I'm hearing is my vote.
3
Jun 22 2024
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I'm not surprised but there's more chops here than the tabloid view of her suggests.
The vibe she's grabbing is older but she's doing it really well. Tons of feeling and the instrumental work has all the flourishes to accent what she's bringing so smoothly.
I always like an artist who feels real and this album carries emotion. Great vocal talent too, especially in her ability to go from almost silent to powerful in the same bar.
I'll likely listen to this again.
4
Jun 23 2024
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
Another one for my list of "not sure why this is on the 1,001". It's fine in areas and consistent enough but I don't see anything special here.
2
Jun 24 2024
View Album
...And Justice For All
Metallica
Metallica is the sleepiest metal. One is the best song on this album but there's so much better out there.
The best of Metallica is when they do slightly classical-direction riffs but they aren't a tenth as good as their popularity claims.
2
Jun 25 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
The guitar work here is pretty great. It's an early precursor to a lot of punk.
Good and unique style. Other music sounds better but that's not the only thing this was trying to do.
3
Jun 26 2024
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Low-Life
New Order
I was hoping to get more out of this. I do appreciate the skill and vibe they bring. I listened twice but couldn't think of a lot to comment on.
Strange to read the above and still like it enough for a three.
3
Jun 27 2024
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
Could easily be missing something but this felt bland.
Last song was at least a bit interesting but I didn't latch onto anything.
2
Jun 28 2024
View Album
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
This is the type of album I'd almost want to hear sung by someone else just to really hit home how much her voice and passion carry it through.
The lyrics are poignant, and Fast Car is a classic for a reason.
I'm almost a bit disappointed I'm not rating it higher but I do think on a different day or with more listens I could find more.
3
Jun 29 2024
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
This thoroughly blows.
What an overly long and disjointed mess. The story of it being two albums helps make sense of it but it doesn't excuse the terrible call to slam then together.
This runs way too long and ruins any chance to find something in individual songs.
2
Jun 30 2024
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Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
That cover screams 80s.
A very strong album of an album of its time. There's some good synthy type work and his voice works with it. Not a masterpiece but it makes sense to have things like this on the list showing where music goes.
It's fine. Karma Chameleon shines so much brighter due to the harmonica.
2
Jul 01 2024
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
This album in isolation is very solid but with context of what music was sounding like before it's a huge achievement.
You could spend an entire review talking about the experimental nature with rebranding the band and the cover, but the music alone does enough.
Great instrumental work that stays forward enough to all stand out when it needs to. Also the amount of instrumental complexity across the album is fantastic.The songs are some of their best, but lyrically and vocally. The only real downside is there isn't a ton of consistency throughout the album, which feels like a gap when the first song pitches it as an experience.
Anyone who says this is the best album may be overselling or overgeneralizing some, but anyone who says it's awful is so clearly wrong.
4
Jul 02 2024
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Some decent energy, it was fun to listen to on a run.
I don't know if this is a masterpiece or I'm just missing something here. It didn't bother me and I had a good time listening but doubt I'll come back.
There were a couple of moments that made me wonder if I should though.
2
Jul 03 2024
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Waterloo Sunset has always been a favourite of mine. The intro to the song has such a tight sound and a warm feeling.
The album doesn't hold to that level and does meander some. It was influential and deserves some respect.
3
Jul 04 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
Bohemian Rhapsody makes this album hard to review. Queen may be one of the best examples of incredible bands who released some very mid songs and have no albums that are perfect, but a best of queen may be.
This may be their best release and has a lot of strength and showcases them all well. Songs like I'm in Love with my Car bring it down some.
4
Jul 05 2024
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
This grew on me a lot more than I'd like to admit.
It feels more like a mixing/DJ album vs something that feels larger but I enjoyed listening. I think this is a case of an album catching me on the right day vs being overly great and I'm not sure if I'll look it up again.
3
Jul 06 2024
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Live!
Fela Kuti
This is a great groove and falls into the list of "I can't believe this is live". The drumming adds a lot of great texture.
I enjoyed listening to this and could see me coming back. Huge performance.
5
Jul 07 2024
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
Not bad, I prefer one of her other albums we reviewed that I forgot the name of and am too lazy to lookup.
She's good at what she's doing but it's fairly similar throughout her career from what I'm hearing.
3
Jul 08 2024
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Kimono My House
Sparks
I listened to this driving and kept not picking up on anything noteworthy but listening to it on headphones found more.
This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us is a good song and great opener. Interesting style to say the least on this production.
I felt that this sounded like Rush meets Bjork, and then read that Bjork said this album changed their life.
I don't know if I'll come back often but I'm glad to have heard this and I'm glad I gave it another shot on headphones.
3
Jul 09 2024
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I've never really figured out Prince. Reviews fell me I'm missing something and he's an all time great, but while I enjoy it I don't hear that level.
This isn't his best album and kind of meandered some. I'm glad that people love this but I don't all that much.
2
Jul 10 2024
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Suicide
Suicide
I did like some of the stereo usage but when that's the compliment I find for an album it's not a great sign.
The best part of this is probably how short it is. I do think this makes sense being on the list due to it being fairly unique but I can't really say I enjoyed almost any of this. It's an experience.
1
Jul 11 2024
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Chris
Christine and the Queens
I guess.
I'm not sure what I'm missing hearing that makes this noteworthy.
2
Jul 12 2024
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Definitely a moody album but Nick Drake has a great voice and has some of the warmth in his playing you'd hear a bit more in the 60s.
Great album and easy to enjoy. Some nice instrumental variety across this one too.
4
Jul 13 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
I may have groaned when I saw this come up.
Metallica are the U2 of metal. There's so much projection of being the best without a ton to back it up in this. I do think there is some talent in the band but I dislike what they do with it.
The instrumental song gets this away from a 1. I was thinking during it that it's hard to tell what makes Metallica suck more, the lyrics or singing.
2
Jul 14 2024
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Teen Dream
Beach House
Nice vibe, didn't have a ton of attention for it but didn't dislike the listen. Likely a limiting or generous vote based on my day for it but no idea which.
3
Jul 15 2024
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Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Nick Cave can sing the most ridiculous lyrics and make them work.
Great band and performer. This isn't my favourite album of theirs but I always like hearing them.
4
Jul 16 2024
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire kind of feels like it only does one sound but they do build energy and a bit of a grandiose sound fairly well. I often hear them and wonder if there's more going on that I'm not hearing.
I enjoyed their later album that Bowie worked on with them but as an earlier career release this isn't bad. From what I hear about their popularity I'm missing something that everyone else is hearing on this one.
3
Jul 17 2024
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
I think there may be something great here but it drones on and repeats itself so often.
Could be a good album to drift off to a bit but it didn't overly grab me. I didn't dislike the one listen though.
2
Jul 18 2024
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
This was a strange listen. Great voice and feeling behind it but it almost felt like it eventually didn't go anywhere. I didn't dislike songs but I don't think I'd want to listen to the entire album again.
Makes sense to be on the list.
3
Jul 19 2024
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
I do have to admit that this coming out in '79 surprised me since it sounded more experimental in a way than I would've thought at that time. The rhythm section on Poptones feels a bit like someone is trying to hypnotize me.
Man, the more I'm ignoring listening to this as a normal album and letting myself focus rhythm first and the rest to round it out the more interesting it is.
I almost hate that I'm saying this but I could see myself wanting to hear this again and seeing if I find something else.
3
Jul 20 2024
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The Band
The Band
The vibe and feel The Band is great.
The hits are clearly timeless and I think they're important to hear and be on the list.
There's a ton of merit to them but some songs are duds.
I'd like to hangout with them and I'm sure they were great live.
4
Jul 21 2024
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
Stills is someone I enjoy listening to and I can't help but wonder if he'd be lame to hang with.
I like a lot of the feel and texture of this. The playing and arrangements are solid. I don't know if this needs a double album since some draws on but the skill is there.
Worth a listen for sure. CSNY are better than all of the solo work besides Young. I'm torn on a 3 or 4 here.
I feel like The Treasure should've ended the album (order, not needing to get rid of Blue Man).
3
Jul 22 2024
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Doolittle
Pixies
The Pixies inspired a lot but this album has some lows on it.
Cool experimentation and some really strong songs but it isn't a masterpiece throughout or anything like that.
3
Jul 23 2024
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
When we had a Missy Elliott album, this is why I was disappointed. There's some real chops here.
Her voice is great but man this album goes on for a bit.
Not a masterpiece. Good to listen. I think if this was tighter it could do more.
3
Jul 24 2024
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Traffic
Traffic
I like the warmth of this but honestly thought it would grab me more.
Could have been the wrong day. Some good talent here but I weirdly didn't find myself wanting to listen to it.
Could very well have been on this one.
3
Jul 25 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
I'm not sure what to do with this.
I think it's clearly well done but I can't explain how. I enjoyed the listen enough but don't think I'd ever put in the effort to come back. If it was on I can't imagine I'd put in the effort to turn it off.
Likely a day thing more than anything for me.
3
Jul 26 2024
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
When the first song ended I thought I had been in a trance and that was the entire album.
The age of this for this sound is kind of wild. I feel there must be a ton of nuance and skill in how this was made back then.
I'm glad I listened, don't know if I'll come back but I enjoyed it and don't regret the time. Only got one listen so it could have more I missed.
3
Jul 27 2024
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
It's interesting to hear Miles Davis transitioning with the time.
The skill of the performers here is wild. You can't predict where anything is going to head but when you hear it you know it works there.
I gave this one a listen and knew I needed a second one to lean in closer.
This album feels like it it was a continual song and ran forever you'd keep hearing interesting moments without it feeling repetitive.
4
Jul 28 2024
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My Generation
The Who
They clearly got better with time but there is something to this as a debut.
If they hadn't evolved this likely would've disappeared but My Generation is a great song and helped make the album feel like it had something more in it.
Not their best, based on what they become this is a fun listen to hear their roots.
3
Jul 29 2024
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Me Against The World
2Pac
I thought I'd like this more.
I'm glad I gave Dear Mama a second listen. This album does have some heart and feeling behind it, but it isn't my favourite and does feel like it goes on.
2
Jul 30 2024
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones have such a tight sound. I had never heard this album and I dug it.
Hard to give notes. Some iconic songs here, some like Street Fighting Man I've heard covers of before. I often like some of the unique instrumental work on a Stones album.
Good listen. Makes sense to be on the list. I enjoyed it and could listen again.
4
Jul 31 2024
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I think this is better than his other work I've heard but I didn't love this one.
It's too long and has some duds for sure. I think the instrumentals with a different singer may have a chance but this almost feels like the music in a musical. Like it's trying to accomplish something else so it ends up not being that great at being music.
Maybe I'm missing something.
2
Aug 01 2024
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
I'm not entirely sure what just happened to me.
I hate to admit I didn't dislike that and I do wish the artist success.
I'm concerned if I heard this drunk I'd give it a 5. This vote is almost entirely just feeling.
3
Aug 02 2024
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
I feel like I had the wrong day for this one.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if there's more I'd find here on a revisit.
This feels heartfelt and honest. Nothing in particular stood out but that may be the listener this time.
I'll check it out again sometime with more attention.
3
Aug 03 2024
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Harvest
Neil Young
It's wild how popular Heart of Gold made this album. The song suits Young perfectly and just works.
There's an honestness to Neil Young that really shines through in his lyrics and singing.
Great example of why music matters.
5
Aug 04 2024
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
I did like this more than another we listened to. The album feels more personal.
It does feel a bit long and repetitive but I liked having it on.
Could just be me but I think I'd enjoy just having this on versus really actively listing.
3
Aug 05 2024
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
This is such commercial late 90/early 20s content.
It sounds fine enough for what it's doing but this feels like the goal of releasing it was to make money and that's it. It's soulless and if this all music was I'd never listen to any.
2
Aug 06 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
This is a hit machine for what it's trying to do.
No notes, not my fav but don't mind listening to it, makes sense to be on here and be liked by people.
3
Aug 07 2024
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
This paragraph alone makes me interested to hear this:
The album is largely a response to the corruption of the rave scene in Britain by its mainstream status as well as the United Kingdom's Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which criminalised raves and parts of rave culture.
I can't say it's a masterpiece but I listened to it on a run and it was easy to get lost in. I enjoyed the listen a lot. Strong 3 moving towards a 4 if all the songs were tighter together.
3
Aug 08 2024
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Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Ray has a stunning voice and air to her performance but I'm not sure if this is the one I'd pick out of all albums to be on a list of 1,001.
There's some interesting instrumental moments but this feels like an album for people who are already fans.
2
Aug 09 2024
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
This sucks right? Am I missing something? What am I meant to do with this?
1
Aug 10 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
There is a great frenzy going on during this.
Nice jazz, fun to listen to, very skillful.
I'll listen again sometime.
4
Aug 11 2024
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Blackstar
David Bowie
The context of this album being finished and released just before Bowie's death adds a weight to the whole production, but Blackstar presents an understanding of mortality that would've been just as poignant even if he had lived longer.
Blackstar is an incredible song but Lazarus feels heavy and personal.
The final song being I Can't Give Everything Away is beautiful. The richness of that song is one you can get lost in. The part that grabs my attention the most is the minor moment partway through when the instrumentals fall back and it's just Bowie singing with a simple bassline until everything else rebuilds. The way it balances harmony and outbursts and rising and falling feels incredibly purposeful and I feel pretentious for writing this but it hits me as a reflection on what it feels like to experience a lifetime.
Bowie's my favourite artist and this album feels like one I'll listen to for years and keep finding intriguing.
Production, instrumental work, and mixing are all stunning; the vocals are masterful.
5
Aug 12 2024
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Aqualung completely makes sense to be on the list but is such a strange album to give a star rating for.
The instrumentals are great, vocals are good, concept is a bit all over the place.
I enjoy listening to it and think everyone should give it a shot at least once.
Go on flute, go get it.
4
Aug 13 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
This back-to-back with Aqualung is a unique experience.
If they hadn't lined up I'd never have noticed they were opposites.
This is easy to listen to, makes sense, you can drift in and out of, and does nothing wrong. Aqualung is a bit all over the place and if anything gets confusing to listen to at times.
I prefer Aqualung but I get why people want to listen to this. She can sing and it's peaceful. There's talent here for sure but I'm now blown away.
3
Aug 14 2024
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
This isn't awful and I appreciate the sound but it isn't great.
2
Aug 15 2024
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
Very forgettable. I listened to it and found it so bland that later in the day I listened to a few songs again and instantly forgot those.
No idea why this madentheblist
1
Aug 16 2024
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
Not bad, kind of nice to listen to.
Good voice but didn't find a lot of depth.
2
Aug 17 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
All About Love is great. I love when older songs take a minute to give you advice or a pep talk.
Great sound. Great vocals and instrumental complexity. Enjoyed this one a good bit. Bit of a battle between a 3 and 4 on my vote. The pep talk brings me up.
4
Aug 18 2024
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Is This It
The Strokes
This is a good listen. They clearly have skills and know what they're doing putting together hit songs that aren't just earworms.
I don't think I'd hunt it out myself but I wouldn't hate it if I was somewhere and this was playing.
3
Aug 19 2024
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Nice album to listen to.
Her voice is great and the performance is very solid. Hearing some of the levity of the live performance gives it a comfort that elevates it.
4
Aug 20 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Just crushing it. What a great album for the genre.
This almost feels like it should be a greatest hits.
Highway Star is an incredible opener and even if it isn't the most complex at times, the rhythm section is constantly strong and puts a great vibe to the album.
100% people heard this and started to learn instruments to play it.
4
Aug 21 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
Solid popular album. Smooth Operator is a great song.
Can't think of a ton to type but makes sense to be on the list and it was easy to listen to, even if I did feel like it was all blending a bit.
3
Aug 22 2024
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
I've got to start this by saying I miss bands having dumb names for albums based on weird drawings that the whole band probably didn't even want to use.
Beck is a killer guitarist and the vibe on the album is great. Enjoyed this listen and will give it another shot soon.
I've meant to look into The Yardbirds for a while. Glad they're on the list
4
Aug 23 2024
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
God help me but I enjoyed that.
I think this may be one of the best examples of something that doesn't make sense for everyone but completely makes sense to be on the list. It's going places musically and in style that are unique while blending a lot of more structured genres.
Musically this sounded like a bucket of water being dumped on a sandcastle and watching all the structure melt into itself.
3
Aug 24 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
This is one of the better examples of Britpop.
I love the feeling Pulp brings in some of their songs and I like a decent chunk of their work.
Common People is a great song.
3
Aug 25 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
I heard this and thought "this must be something foundational to be on the list" but seeing it came out in '93 I'm confused.
This is too long and doesn't really do a ton. Possible I missed something but I'd like this tighter or more out there.
2
Aug 26 2024
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Sister
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth has a good sound and put out some interesting stuff. I didn't get to listen to this enough but will try to give it another shot.
3
Aug 27 2024
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
I was excited seeing an Otis Redding album but was surprised that it seemed to be all covers.
His voice is one of the best and the instrumentals are solid throughout. Worth being on the list and hearing for sure but honestly thought I'd like it more than I did.
3
Aug 28 2024
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
The Killing Moon is a standout on the album.
On a first listen this was alright but I find a relisten helps it. There's a fair amount of depth here and it's a bit surprising how early it came out.
Good example of good music but a vibe that pushes it up.
4
Aug 29 2024
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Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
I was interested when this first popped up but it didn't catch me at all.
I can't hear what is apparently in here.
2
Aug 30 2024
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Calenture
The Triffids
I don't even know what this did to me the day I listened but I loved it more than it's actually good.
3
Aug 31 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
What a solid album. This feels like an accessible album for Radiohead and has a great energy and sound.
I can see how this helped their career and how this was a kicking off point for them to get more experimental.
4
Sep 01 2024
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Spiderland
Slint
I almost wish I could've heard this in a few different ways to pay attention to the mixing. The vocals are overpowered constantly but it's clearly a design choice and gives a good texture to it all.
I liked hearing this but don't know if I'd come back much. Was more of an experience vs something that blew me away or seemed to be incredibly skilled. This is a strong two or weak three.
3
Sep 02 2024
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Repeater
Fugazi
There's some great playing here. I'd never listened to Fugazi before but I had heard of them.
Solid album and really great energy and execution. I can see me relistening to this.
4
Sep 03 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
This album has some 4s for sure but not everything is as strong.
Great listen, skillfully done, fun to listen to.
3
Sep 04 2024
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
This is some classic sounding metal.
I enjoyed the listen but there are better examples of the sound.
3
Sep 05 2024
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Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
This was weirdly more accessible than I expected.
A good level of complexity and blend here. Nice to listen to and a bit challenging if you're listening in for it.
4
Sep 06 2024
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
This was a bit sad to listen to know where Kanye went.
Great album, very tight throughout. Power has such an incredible vibe and I remember hearing a pull from King Crimson in it and wondering where Kanye was going to keep going musically.
4
Sep 07 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
There's very solid production, some good skill, and a strong level of intentionality to this.
It's not an album that's speaking to me but for the right person at the right stage of life I could easily see this be foundational.
Don't regret the listen, makes sense to be on the list.
3
Sep 08 2024
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
You can just feel that this album was made in a time when life was easier.
Fun vibe, good bass, enjoyable to listen to and doesn't really go anywhere but it was a blast the whole way through. Part of my vote here is having a good time.
4
Sep 09 2024
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
I didn't hear what others are finding in this one.
None of it grabbed me in a positive or negative way. After it was finished I put it back on since I had no attachment and didn't know what to review it. After the second listen I'm in the same place.
2
Sep 10 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
That last song is an insane thing to have on any album.
For a debut this is good and it's a shame where Kanye went.
3
Sep 11 2024
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B-52's
The B-52's
I don't even know what to do with this.
This album started a long conversation of are the B-52s a paradoy band. They for sure aren't playing it straight, and they also aren't going deeply artistic.
Strange listen. I kind of wish I had never heard them before just to be shocked at a first time listen on the list.
2
Sep 12 2024
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
This started strong and got odd. When You're the Best Thing came on I realized why it got on the list.
I wish this had picked a direction and went for it.
2
Sep 13 2024
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
This is a wild thing to listen to but is so good to have on the list.
You had three stellar musicians who decided they wanted to get really experimental on everything they did and one of their albums is just a classical work in a prog style.
The encore is the nut cracker suite. This barely makes sense and it's great.
4
Sep 14 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
This got better and better as the album went on. Good listen. I enjoyed some parts a fair bit. I could see a relisten. I wasn't wowed but this has some solid work
3
Sep 15 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
This is the other side of the coin of guys listening to heavy music and fantasizing about saving someone.
This is so purposefully built to be successful it isn't even music anymore but it makes sense to include something like this on the list.
In Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep there's a device that people can select emotions on and then for the duration they fell them. It's to show how hollow the world became and how even the strive to experience was taken as a dosage vs something organic. Listening to these tracks feels like each song is a button on that machine.
2
Sep 16 2024
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Didn't blow me away but nice 60s rock with that warm sound of that time. I likely could've given it a deeper listen and picked out more but for what I heard, I liked it but don't know if I'd hunt it out again.
3
Sep 17 2024
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
It makes sense these guys are one hit wonders.
They aren't terrible and I think they're trying to do their own style but it feels like it never really goes anywhere that adds a lot.
Don't regret the listen but won't come back.
2
Sep 18 2024
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Trio
Dolly Parton
This is a great concept. Three strong artists who dig each other just do an album and crush it.
Great vibe and talent. I'm a bit surprised I'm not feeling a 5 vs what I thought I'd find when I first saw what the album was, but I only gave it one listen and am feeling the 4.
4
Sep 19 2024
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
I was listening to this and really enjoyed Plateau but it wasn't until Lake of Fire until I realized Nirvana was covering these guys during their Unplugged set.
Great complexity and an album I had never heard before. I'm glad I gave it a second listen and found a lot more as I went further in.
I feel a strong 4 right now but something tells me if I had the time for another listen it would bump it up, so I'm going for it.
5
Sep 20 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
This is one of their best.
Musically it is so complex but blends so well. Great songs throughout and showcases them at their best.
Not a lot I can think of writing, just listen to it.
5
Sep 21 2024
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Play
Moby
This is a weird thing to hear.
It's not got a ton of cohesion but it's because it feels like a craft project vs an album. Lots of gutting and gluing and glitter.
I think Moby is probably pretty lame. Some of this is catchy though.
2
Sep 22 2024
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
It didn't blow me away but I didn't expect this sound from '95 and it makes sense to be on the list. Interesting content but not that exciting overall.
3
Sep 23 2024
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
This feels weighty. I love the sound and how tight it is but without being able to understand the words I'm forced to sit back some.
Reading the history of this band was interesting. I'll relisten to this for sure. Great blues work.
4
Sep 24 2024
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
I remember this coming out.
It's wild how iconic Johnny Cash was at this point in his career. Almost all of these are covers but they feel like they go to new places just by him doing them. Not everyone works at the same level.
Great listen, showcases him and a lot of great songs well, and is easily worth a listen.
4
Sep 25 2024
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Third
Portishead
This was a good listen and had an interesting style but it grabbed me less than I expected.
Gave it two listens wondering if I'd find more but didn't really.
3
Sep 26 2024
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
This really feels like a parent saying "Brian! Let Dennis play with the guitar!".
It's not a bad album but it's a bit far from what made some of the Beach Boys have a lasting impression.
This album has some strength but doesn't feel like it's treading into especially new territory vs trying to recreate a solo version of what worked for the band. I do like some of the instrumental choices and this is worth a listen, but it didn't blow me away.
3
Sep 27 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
The hits of The Police are well known but man their duds are pretty easy to forget.
The Police and Sting are more popular than the should be but it's not an awful listen. Probably makes sense to include on the list but not something I care to listen to that much.
Not unskilled or unfocused. Just a bit uninteresting
3
Sep 28 2024
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
I always battle if this album is too long or not.
Not every song shows up at the same level but the skill and balance across genres really showcase how the band grew and what they could do.
Kashmir is one of the best songs of all time. The worst Zeppelin is better than almost any band and this is some of the best Zeppelin. Ten Years Gone is such an easy song to get lost listening to. In The Light is the song I still feel I have the most to unpack in.
5
Sep 29 2024
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
A band called Primal Scream sounding like this is wild; I assumed they were going to be hardcore.
This is a really strange album to think of giving a rating to. I haven't heard it before and it went all over the place. It's not the most skillful thing I've ever heard but it does what it's trying to well. The age of it is a bit surprising and is likely a big part of why it's on the list.
Shine like Stars had a really nice feeling, I don't think it was the best song but I enjoyed it. Great way to close the album.
3
Sep 30 2024
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Cut
The Slits
This has a unique feel.
The drums aren't the most complex but are very tight and caught my ear on every song.
The singer has a great style to catch your attention. Good use of stereo to play around with noise and feel on this. Good one to have on the list
3
Oct 01 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
You can feel why Dylan got hate for changing up his style from traditional folk to more electric.
The second half of the album is more where he was coming from and the front half where he was going. His growth as an artist was important as he changed with the times.
4
Oct 02 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This may be the review I spent the most time thinking on.
It's very unique but I'll be damned if this isn't artistic. I don't think it's perfect from a purely musical point of view but the rawness, honesty, and connection to what someone is going through is what music and poetry are meant to bring.
This is the opposite of the hollowness but clean sound I've heard on many top albums on this list that seem focused on how to get an audience to be successful. This is an expression and the more I listened to it the more I appreciated it.
It may be the last album I'd put on with a group, but as a solo listen on headphones where you're paying attention, this is beautiful to listen to.
5
Oct 03 2024
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
This did a lot less for me than I thought it would.
There could be more to this than I thought but I didn't find much of anything. Some mood work but it felt like it didn't have a ton of substance.
2
Oct 04 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
For sure an album of its time. Very experimental and chaotic.
It makes sense to include this on the list to see where music goes and and a lot of other things were influenced from, but I prefer their first album and where Lou went with the rest of his career.
3
Oct 05 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
This is a great sounding album and the title track is timeless.
There's a warmth and complexity to CSNY that is missing from a lot of music. Helpless is so clearly Young doing what he does best.
Not everything on this one is equally good but you can see why these four were a huge influence, especially Young who is clearly the standout.
5
Oct 06 2024
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
This is so weird to review.
Clearly skilled and influential and changed the course of music. Heading it almost feels like background noise when the songs are so commonly known.
Great for a debut album and completely makes sense to be on the list, but it isn't something I would want to put on often.
3
Oct 07 2024
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
This stunk the place up.
I have no idea why this is on the list, besides maybe it's the first one where I've heard an artist try to sound like half a dozen other people who have distinct styles are are more successful.
Childz Play sounded like such an Eminem copy, even down to the skit feel.
This was not good.
1
Oct 08 2024
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Great album, you can see how it influenced a lot of early grunge.
It's almost nonsense lyrics at time but the energy and feeling pulls it together well.
Great album to put on the list and full of experimentation. I've heard plenty that sounds tighter but that's not the goal of all music.
4
Oct 09 2024
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
This is a great cover and an album that is very tight.
M.E was my favourite song from it and I weirdly loved how many songs were one word.
Good one for the list.
4
Oct 10 2024
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
Oh I know Genius of Love.
This album has some interesting instrumental and background work going on pretty much the entire time.
Feels fairly unique but it's in a genre I don't listen to a lot so I may be missing what influenced it and who it influenced.
Worth a listen. Wouldn't run to turn it off but wouldn't go out of my way to put it on.
3
Oct 11 2024
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
A lot of people are saying this cover was inspired by The Munsters and they're probably right.
Hard to review. Cool sounds at times. I'm not sure what I felt listening to this. Good to have on the list.
2
Oct 12 2024
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The Score
Fugees
I was struggling to crack this one but the more I paid attention the more interesting some of the samples on this went went; there's a 3 second sample of The Day Begins from The Moody Blues Days of Future Passed. That's such an interesting call for the very end that almost leaves the song hanging. Then they use a sample from Knights in White Satin from the same album to end The Mask.
There's a great energy throughout this. This feels like it's a bridge between a lot of things but I don't know hiphop at this time well enough to me able to see it all.
Cool listen. This is the type of thing you could pay attention to and get something or zone out and get an entirely different experience. I know it was of the time but the skits don't land. Their voices work together really well.
4
Oct 13 2024
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All Hope Is Gone
Slipknot
Man this is angry music.
I can't criticize the quality of the playing but this doesn't have a ton of depth, just expression.
It makes sense to have on the list but it's not great.
2
Oct 14 2024
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Often argued as the best album of all time for good reason.
The sound engineering and quality of music alone are unreal, but the lyrics and topics covered is what connects.
I love how the album loops. It's a small touch but shows how purposefully this was built as an album and not a collection of songs.
The cover is incredible. This album is in a league that almost no one even gets close to.
5
Oct 15 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
This is another example of an album that makes no many other albums sound like they don't even have the same tools to make music as these guys.
The playing, mixing, vocals, it's all so cohesive and high level. I don't think I can pick a better double album to listen to it and barely notice a song to stand out. It all works so well together and almost demands to be listened to straight.
Easy 5/5. If I was forced to pick a song, Shine a Light is fantastic.
5
Oct 16 2024
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
It's a good album but it grabs me less than some of their others.
Psycho Killer is easily a standout and the band is great to listen to. Knowing this is on the 1,001 list I'm looking forward to knowing at least 2 more of theirs must be coming up.
4
Oct 17 2024
View Album
evermore
Taylor Swift
Man this blows. I do like the singer from The National but everything Swift does is built to be commercially emotional.
This feels like the fall of art. Fully customizing every heartstring in the simplest form with the laziest symbolism and the most generic lines to remember.
I'm glad people find meaning in this but the pretend depth is brutal to hear. I do think Swift should be on the list, but if music wasn't a way to be rich, there's no way this would exist.
Production is strong.
2
Oct 18 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Great sounding album and some strong songs but it does meander around.
This is a 5/5 for some people and that's fine, but it's not tight enough for me to get to that rank.
Good album to have on the list.
4
Oct 19 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
This is a transitionary album for Young and you can hear it.
The way the album bookends My My, Hey Hey with Hey Hey, My My and adjusting the clean acoustic with the electric that's full of reverb and sounding like it's almost falling apart.
This album isn't a hit on every track but seeing him grow as an artist and expressing new themes in his writing helps give this album weight.
His ability to take two guitars and make it sound so strong is something missing from a ton of overproduced music.
If someone rates it lower I understand and don't hold it against them.
5
Oct 20 2024
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Sea Change
Beck
Easy album to listen to. I've never paid much attention to Beck but this is decently done.
Hard to give it notes. I'm not the target but I can't see anything wrong with it.
3
Oct 21 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
There's obviously skill here and this is influential, but I found less than I expected to.
Could have been me or the day since I only had time for one listen.
3
Oct 22 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
This was a really melancholy listen. I gave it two listens and instead of picking out songs or instruments I more just got his with the feeling the entire way through.
Really well done and put together. Good to have on the list but his other albums are stronger.
3
Oct 23 2024
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
This hit me a lot less than I expected when I saw who it was by.
Not a bad listen but honestly, a bit boring.
2
Oct 24 2024
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
This has a great feel throughout and really easy to get lost in on headphones.
Totally makes sense to be on the list and I'll revisit.
4
Oct 25 2024
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Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
What am I meant to do with this?
It's doing what it wants to decently well but what it wants to do doesn't give a damn.
Cool to do your own thing. Not for me to come back to.
1
Oct 26 2024
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
A great album throughout. The drumming on Moby Dick is worth having the album on the list by itself. Ramble On is a great song.
Thank You is one of the best love songs.
5
Oct 27 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Queen may be the best example of a band where you need to listen to greatest hits.
Each album has a few 5/5 songs and then a ton of chaff.
Now I'm here, Stone Cold Crazy, and Killer Queen are all great. Brighton Rock is strong.
4
Oct 28 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
I feel a bit bad that this album happened to me.
I've always kind of felt Sting sucked but this album has some really great moments. Some songs like Mother are clearly a mistake for anyone to do but some of the instrumental work is pretty damn stunning. Lots of interesting flourishes and choices all over the place.
I don't know what it is. The instrumentals and composition and editing are great. His voice is actually solid. It can't just be lyrics (and they aren't all awful). I listened to this one three times trying to figure out how I was giving The Police four stars. Still a mystery but if I had never heard of this band I'd think they needed to get rid of half of the songs on this album but the other half was tight.
4
Oct 29 2024
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Not too sure what I'm missing but this quickly feels like background music.
It's not awful and I don't really regret hearing it but I doubt I'd come back.
Could be that this is great and I'm missing something, I'm just not finding it if it's there.
2
Oct 30 2024
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Solid Air
John Martyn
This is well done in some ways and all over the map.
I did a double take on the jelly roll song.
Skillful playing without a doubt and nice to hear experimentation but nothing about this grabs me enough to come back.
2
Oct 31 2024
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The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
Peter Gabriel is wacky and makes wacky nonsense. You can't look at Genesis without admitting that.
With that said, this is a great album. Concept albums almost always get a little fanciful and out there and this one does that in spades. Most of it being based on dreams and having a loosely disjointed thread is so great to see in an album.
All the skill and talent are here and they built something they wanted to do in their own way, knowing it would be weirdly received by critics at best.
Not all music can be like this but I'm really glad some is.
5
Nov 01 2024
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
The singing on this album is pretty incredible.
Lennon has some truly great songs in his solo work. He as a person sucked but the talent in the performance is undeniable.
It's an interesting album and worth a listen for sure, but it's a bit high on itself.
3
Nov 02 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
This is wild for a debut album.
Instrumentals are very tight, they've got a unique sound and are doing it really well.
Great one to have on the list. Strong band.
4
Nov 03 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
This was a fun listen.
I enjoyed it but didn't have a lot stand out. Could've been me and the day for listening to it.
Good to be on the list.
3
Nov 04 2024
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Boston
Boston
Now this album is hitting me with a question.
Is an album that does nothing wrong a 5/5?
It feels like nearly every song is a hit. Good instrumentals, blends with the vocals really well, fun lyrics and energy.
It's almost built to be easy to enjoy listening to. I don't think it really has any depth but it's perfect surface dad rock.
For me, it's great but not a 5.
4
Nov 05 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
That is a hell of an album cover for how this sounds. Really skillful playing and composition. Cool listen.
Kind of crazy how so shortly after this music changed so radically and this sound almost entirely disappeared. Good one to have on the list.
4
Nov 06 2024
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Protection
Massive Attack
Interesting enough electronic. Goes to some different places throughout the album.
I listened to half of this on a train and it fit that vibe well. Not the best thing I've ever heard, won't be coming back, and not overly sure it's needed on the list but it isn't awful.
2
Nov 07 2024
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
I don't think this should be on the list but it isn't incompetent.
Not coming back but it could've been worse.
2
Nov 08 2024
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
This was a strange listen. Heard it twice but couldn't pick out one song.
Didn't dislike the experience but nothing really stuck. May have been me today
2
Nov 09 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
The defining prog rock concept album in terms of popularity.
Incredible engineering, performance, and introspection throughout the album.
This is a great album and then the guitar work on Comfortably Numb starts. Just stunning.
Easily worth being on the list.
5
Nov 10 2024
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Justified
Justin Timberlake
What horrendous garbage.
1
Nov 11 2024
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
This got me on the right day but I loved it.
It's a clear look into a world and cultural feeling. The performance is full of emotion.
I'll revisit and think this is exactly the type of thing that should be on the list. The exact way that Call of the Valley makes sense to be.
4
Nov 12 2024
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
This is the most refined rock in terms of being pop music.
It's so easy to listen to and had endless singles for a reason, but it feels more built than made.
Exceedingly well done for what it's meant to be and makes a ton of sense to be on the list, but there's a hollowness in this despite it being fun.
4
Nov 13 2024
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Beautiful singing and feels very authentic.
Almost hard to give notes. It's a great country album. Listen to it. Appreciate what it is doing and understand that world some more.
4
Nov 14 2024
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
I think this makes sense to be on the list because it's good but kind of odd.
His style is unique and a bit easy to feel old but it wasn't a bad listen.
At the same time I liked it more and less than I would have thought.
3
Nov 15 2024
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
I thought this would grab my attention in some way but it was pretty bland.
I didn't give it a huge amount of focus but for what I did, I didn't get much out.
2
Nov 16 2024
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
Lots of noise. Decently we'll put together but the style isn't my favourite place to go.
I think this does make sense to be on the list. I could see this being incredible if it was what I was looking for.
3
Nov 17 2024
View Album
Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
This was a great listen.
I love when an album uses stereo properly. It can add so much depth to the listening experience.
Enjoyed it a lot. I'll listen it it again.
Good to be on the list.
4
Nov 17 2024
View Album
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
I was fighting around on what I thought of this and then No God Only Religion came on. What a brutal and powerful song in the best way. The opening track works for sure. Parts of this album are fairly low-key and well done but didn't blow me away, but there are some grandiose moments in here that click.
4
Nov 18 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
It's almost impossible to hear most of this as music anymore. It's all so popular and ubiquitous that it feels like it has always existed.
Some clearly great songs and skill but the music is so overly consumed it loses some magic.
Makes sense to be on the list for sure. A defining heavy metal album.
4
Nov 19 2024
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Atomizer
Big Black
Tons of noise, could've been the day for me but I didn't find much here.
Happy not to listen to it again.
2
Nov 20 2024
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
This has a great feel to it. Five and a half minutes in when the instrumental started to build and then ebbed in not the vocals and a more somber and subdued background, I knew this was going to be a cool listen.
Great example of why to listen to this list. I'll come back to this one.
I listened to it three times and liked it more each time.
Looking into what the lyrics are saying took a star off
4
Nov 21 2024
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
Not a bad album. Good sound throughout and solid cover of Sweet Jane.
Didn't give it a huge amount of focus on my listen but it's good. Feels like a real band vs something incredibly commercial.
3
Nov 22 2024
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
Was alright. Good for the vibe it was going for. Kind of felt like background music but it may have been my day.
3
Nov 23 2024
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California
American Music Club
I didn't have the day or headspace to give this a deep listen.
It sounded fine but quickly felt like background music.
If I found out this is actually great and I need to revisit, I wouldn't be the most surprised. One of my worst listen days so far
2
Nov 24 2024
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Dog Man Star
Suede
This feels a bit like how Hugh Grant's character in Paddington 2 wants to do a one man show. It's got some talent but is clearly so deep into its own thing that it can't really make sense or be good.
I always appreciate someone going for it but considering the things that must have inspired this, it doesn't feel like it's treading any especially new ground.
I really hope they enjoyed making it and if I heard they had other things like this I'd give it a chance to see if it grew. May not be the best thing to have on the list. Still Life got fun at the end when it got orchestral.
2
Nov 25 2024
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
This needs some work in a ton of ways but you've got to admit the style and attitude hits.
This isn't made for me but I can appreciate the hell out of it and for the people who this was perfect for it must've been the only thing they listened to.
Cool album. Totally makes sense to be on the list. Not perfect, but great at what it wants to be
3
Nov 26 2024
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
This didn't feel great but it was fine. The last song at least did a cool build up at the end.
Didn't really grab me. Felt a bit generic in ways. Could be replaced on the list.
2
Nov 27 2024
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
This is tough because I'm reviewing this as an album.
I think if I was at this show it would be an easy 5/5. The energy is clearly wild and you can feel the passion.
Especially for when it was made it must have been unreal.
Musically it's tight but the recording isn't carrying that through overly well. A good listen and should be on the list but held back by not being there.
3
Nov 28 2024
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
Not a bad album but knowing it comes off the back of Deja Vu it can't help but feel a bit bland.
Not that much unique about this versus his other work. Good performance and production. For sure an album worth hearing but not the strongest.
3
Nov 29 2024
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
The entire time I was hearing this I was like "I swear I know this band". Come on Eileen started and it clicked.
Fun album, good thing in their own style, not a masterpiece but good to listen to and Come on Eileen is clearly catchy as hell.
I'm sure they'd be fun live.
3
Nov 30 2024
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
He's not a bad singer but it really isn't my style.
That aside, they clearly have talent and a unique style and direction and make sense to be on the list.
Rhythm section is sold. Otherside has a strong standout energy.
3
Dec 01 2024
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Copper Blue
Sugar
This felt generic. It's possible I'm missing something but I'll forget I heard this and don't see why it's critical listening.
2
Dec 02 2024
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What's That Noise?
Coldcut
This went way too long and the Tarzan yelling was distracting as hell.
There's an album in here I like more than a two but it needs to be edited to that.
Fun at times.
2
Dec 03 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Cleary skilled and knows how's to work the audience until a frenzy.
Fun listen but would've been a hell of an experience live.
This is almost 50% music, 50% style or showpiece.
3
Dec 04 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
This makes sense to be on the list and is a great example of a pop album.
Good energy, fun, strong talent. It's not the deepest content but it's a great listen.
3
Dec 05 2024
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Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Funky.
Cool album. Hadn't ever heard it.
Easy one to get a bit lost in at times. Rainy Day is a great example.
I liked it. Good one on the list.
4
Dec 06 2024
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
This was an incredible listen.
The lyrics are tight and his flow is great but the instrumental work and way is all blends is wild. Lots of cool genre work through it.
I don't know if it's the best song of the album but King Kunta is so easy to keep listening to.
What the heck was Drake thinking.
5
Dec 07 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
I didn't find what I thought I would in this one.
Obviously incredibly skillful but I couldn't hear a ton of depth here.
Likely me today.
3
Dec 08 2024
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Tina Turner has such a distinct sound of the time.
Good singer and composition. Makes sense to be on the list. Easy to hear but don't think I'd ever really hunt it out.
2
Dec 09 2024
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
Decently done. You can tell this inspired a lot of more recent artists.
Not the deepest listen. Good style and vibe. Good to be on the list. Didn't blow me away.
3
Dec 10 2024
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
This feels like it should be impactful and I should be wowed and find something in it, but it just fell flat for me.
I'm surprised it isn't clicking more for me. There's clear talent and it flows together really well. Something is missing or not hitting it for me.
2
Dec 11 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Well this is having fun with itself. Kind of mindless, sounds easy to listen to, decent instrumentals.
This is the other end of artistic rock where it's just wanting it to be a good time. Will never be a masterpiece but there are days for this and I get why it exists and it's as good an example of this style as anything.
Makes sense to be on the list.
3
Dec 12 2024
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
It's kind of hard to call this an album. It does a great job of capturing the feel of the performance though.
Worth being on the list. Can't imagine I'll come back often but I'd like to be in a room where this was happening.
3
Dec 13 2024
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Vespertine
Björk
Skillfully done, didn't dislike listening, but you don't need two Bjork albums on this list.
3
Dec 14 2024
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Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
This is so easy to just listen to.
Beautiful singing, instrumentals blending so well.
Talented puts it too lightly and the feeling in her voice is unreal.
For sure makes sense to have on the list.
4
Dec 15 2024
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
Not awful but I don't know why this is mandatory listening.
It sounds nice to listen to but the second it's done I couldn't tell you anything about it. If you told me this was built by a robot and looped forever I'd believe it.
2
Dec 16 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
This is a more recent and better U2. Trying to be overly poetic and thoughtful, decent sound at times but not mind-blowing in any direction.
It does a good job being catchy and mellow. Totally makes sense it's popular and I do think it belongs on the list but not something I'd hunt out to listen. It feels more like an album for singles to have radio play vs something that is designed to be listened to as an album.
There is something decent here for sure even if it isn't your jam.
4
Dec 17 2024
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Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
This was pretty forgettable. I'm not sure why it's on the list. It's not awful but if there is something worth your attention here I couldn't find it.
2
Dec 18 2024
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
I always loved how hard Alice in Chains is meant to come off but they have such solemn sounds. Like Down in a Hole, Rain when I die. These are emotional songs not tough guy songs. I know a ton of it is about struggle and addiction but it's an interesting approach when you consider the rest of the sound and how they're a metal-grunge band.
Then you get a song literally called Angry Chair.
It's a well done album, could do with some editing, but there's skill and good composition and they're doing what they are aiming to.
4
Dec 19 2024
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Now this was a strange listen. I was doing a lot of driving so I ended up hearing it four times. The second I started the first listen I was like "Okay what's going on here" but the more I gave it a chance the more genuine and heartfelt this seemed.
It's not easy listening and isn't the most accessible but it feels honest and like the project had a purpose.
I was more won over than I thought. I think it makes sense to have things like this on the list but if the entire list was like this I'd never last 1,001 listens.
3
Dec 20 2024
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
This was a lot more mediocre than I expected. Nothing really grabbed my attention and I'm not too sure what they were going for.
This feels more like "the studio says we have to make an album" vs it being an artistic passion.
2
Dec 21 2024
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
Pretty droning. Not really sure what I'm meant to find in here. The whole album feels pointless and easy to ignore. I have no idea why this made the list.
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