Oct 16 2023
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
I've a lot of satisfaction from this album. The sound is distinctive, vocals atmospheric and it's been an album, or a couple of singles, that I have returned to several times in my life. Good to re-discover.
4
Oct 17 2023
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
One or two classic tracks, wonderful recognisable voice, but somehow lacking in a wish to replay other than the two tracks I recognise from frequent play.
3
Oct 18 2023
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Back In Black
AC/DC
Absolutely great album of strong solid rock music with lyrics and pulsating energy. Easy to listen to, easy to move to. Just great. Reputation is sullied by being a stereotype of itself, but putting that societal story aside, as music in and of itself, its excellent, high repeat value, hard to get tired of, and I can see it being part of my regular go-to albums going forward.
5
Oct 19 2023
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Enjoyed, one track was superb, the sounds and style I love, the rest were really quite enjoyable. I'd remove one or two tracks that didn't agree, but entirely satisfied with this new discovery ...
3
Oct 20 2023
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
It was nice, but not much for me to return to. I read others reviews and it is a lovely slice of other people's time-place anthems and I think its great for that, but as an album for me to listen to, its not a package that takes me anywhere special or brings me to a musical place I particularly enjoy. One track I have fav'ed.
2
Oct 23 2023
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
Regretfully this is 5 stars for me. Regretfully because it brings back memories of being confused about dating and desire, confused about how loud to play music in one's home, how to drive a car and stay within the speed limit - I copped so many speeding fines with this album. Regretfully I still enjoy it and regretfully, I cannot play it in my car still because it generates speeding fines. It's a bad album, it's so good.
5
Oct 24 2023
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Exceptionally enjoyable. Happy to listen to this, two tracks in my top 100 easily, others are very happily listened to and rediscovered.
4
Oct 25 2023
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Dog Man Star
Suede
Not my thing, not opposed to it, just not that interested.
2
Oct 26 2023
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Familar and comfortable, the vocals get a bit annoying and there is a twang to the music that brings me out of my slightly distracted trip down memory lane, but for all that. it's a nice piece of music that I would listen to in a car at 8pm at night or expect to hear getting into a restaurant that is getting into its groove. Its also good around the garden. I enjoyed weeding to this. So, I think 4 stars.
4
Oct 27 2023
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Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
It had something but it didn't engage with me fully. Didn't finish listening.
2
Oct 30 2023
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
Did not finish.
Kinda interesting but not my thing.
1
Oct 31 2023
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Surprised me. I had it on secret repeat (as in I didn't know it was repeating) and I managed to enjoy about three turns of the album before realising it had been on too much of a repeat. The vocals are curious, very David Bowie but also rather jazz. I think an excellent piece of overall work and I would happily listen to it again. Is it three stars? Four? High three, but not quite four, it could get there with more listening. Lets go three. Something about the vocals being spacious and atmospheric, and the music being a touch discordant (which could be the jazz notes through it) ... unsure.
3
Nov 01 2023
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
Pretty amazing, it's not at all my usual type of listening, but i really enjoyed the novelty and difference of how music was presented by it. I think its damn good, and I would happily listen to it again.
4
Nov 02 2023
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Some absolutely magic memories and pieces are here on this album. About four tracks that really sing strongly with me. I don't hold the rest of the album that strongly, the extended remix album is pretty good, but as a whole body of work, its not something I listen to with gusty. I will go high 3 stars, which puts it at 3. Tracks yes, whole album, not really.
3
Nov 03 2023
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Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
Pretty amazing, it's not at all my usual type of listening, but i really enjoyed the novelty and difference of how music was presented by it. I think its damn good, and I would happily listen to it again.
2
Nov 06 2023
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
It may be a time and a place album, its not my time, i don't like that place, and a whole album of it ... nope, not for me. Did not finish. 1 Star
1
Nov 07 2023
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S&M
Metallica
It was enjoyable and I would return to it. Not in a rush. 2 stars.
2
Nov 08 2023
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
I enjoyed. It's been a while, quite a while, but I could listen again. It tells a story, and for it to get into my ears so I could understand it and respond to it, it's rare an album does that. Really good. Not high repeat, occasional only, but good. Um, not 5 stars, I'd like to give high 3 but not quite 4. Let's go 3.
3
Nov 09 2023
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Nice. Like afternoons at the pool in the 60's nice. I can't imagine wanting to listen to this again, but I would encounter it and think - yes, this is where my music came from, and I appreciate it for that, but its not my music. That bright enthusiastic stiffness of rock is a great energy, for then, but it's not the energy that works for me now. Historically, its valuable but contemporarily, it's an artifact to my current listening environment. 1 star, because it's worth reviewing. But not two because I will not seek to listen to it again.
1
Nov 10 2023
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
I have been listening to this several times and found it enjoyable. Not remarkable. Not an album that I felt compelled by or delighted by but satisfied. It sounds like my type of music, but I cannot quite get into the lyrics and patterns behind the tracks. So, I think its a two-star rating for me. Not quite 3. It may be something I get into, but I am not compelled to just yet.
2
Nov 13 2023
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
Never really llistend to JC before, and now I seem to find him inside my mind, singing his songs in his resonant voice often. A magnificent discovery. Is it 4 stars or a very high 4, or 5? I think I will go with 5 stars as I seemingly could go back to listening to him on repeat over many of my earlier similar male vocal rock singers.
5
Nov 14 2023
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Document
R.E.M.
I know I enjoyed it, I remember listening, but I dont remember engaging. Its interesting but uncompelling background noise. Disappointed in my reaction to a group so many others like. I Guess they are not really for me. 2 stars.
2
Jan 05 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Atmospheric afternoon listening, scent of dust and old hair oil with men still preferring to talk about cars, carpentry and concrete than anything else. A time that has passed. I'd not heard of these pieces. Its not the Doors that I was given to discover. It's a good album. Message is nothing particularly resonant that I could tell but its good capture of a time and place and people. 3 stars meaning I'd listen again but not necessarily seek it out. (ADDENDUM - I've been seeking it out ... how awesome is that!)
5
Jan 08 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
The mood I took from it was fierce focus and attention - the music is full of energy and emotion, with vocals that are dynamic and do not become bland. Quite full textured grunge-rock.
I recall the name; I don't recall actually listening to it before.
I feel I need to re-listen a couple more times and when I do so, I know I will find more depth and interest of the music of that time and that place. So, three stars for potential and first experience.
3
Jan 09 2024
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
I can see why it is a solid entry for the top albums of all time. Its so easy to listen to and pick apart all the elements of the work, it has stages and chapters, flow and content. Its listenable. Its also rap, not really my thing. I could easily, however, go and listen to it more. I think I will give it a go later on. (later on - I have listened to it again, it is listenable) Going an unusual 4 stars here. I think its got something. It surprises me that I found it so good.
4
Jan 10 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
Some memorable tracks from my music listening past. Some 'oh god, its the same noise over and over and over again' with no idea about the lyrics. a bit Meh. Not shocking but meh. 2 stars
2
Jan 11 2024
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Not my thing. Tried a few times. Just not my thing. As someone else said, if yoghurt made an album, this would be it.
1
Jan 12 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
I found this album, when exposed to it while at Uni, to be so engaging. I was deep into it then. And on rediscovering it again, I am deep into it now. It feels timeless. Beautiful atmospheric and gritty in a sad depressingly artistic way. Easily able to listen to again and again. Clearly 5 stars.
5
Jan 15 2024
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Yeah, damn good. Damn nice. Happy to listen to this. Lyrics are clear. Music is solid. Issues are engaging. I like it. Is it 5 stars, almost. Lets go 4. I'll listen again.
4
Jan 16 2024
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Parklife
Blur
Man I enjoyed returning to this album. Easy re-listening. They are a bunch of obnoxious arrogant young fools, but I enjoyed listening to them. I may have been one for a while, and I was such a Pillock. Pleased to have moved on in experience and wisdom, but this brings back the memory of it all. 3 stars
3
Jan 17 2024
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
I found this better than I expected. There were parts that were quite entrancing. Was it good? Unsure. Did I want to seek it out again? Kinda. I re-listened to it after realising I had finished the album without remembering it, and that happened a second time. So, its background music that I barely remember. I think I would prefer to remember it than to find it forgettable. So, what to do now, is that a 3 star or a 2 star? Let's try 2 stars for now.
2
Jan 18 2024
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Again, its not my thing. Did not finish.
1
Jan 26 2024
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The Stooges
The Stooges
Thanks for the opportunity. Been there, listened to that. I can see where folks would love to see the history of artists and how they came from space/place/time/occasion. This is one for them, not for me. 1 star.
1
Jan 29 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
That was nice and full of excellent rhythm and melody. I enjoyed or took meaning from the lyrics. I think it's worth a re-listen or 5. So, put into my 'of future interest' list. 3 stars.
3
Jan 30 2024
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The Doors
The Doors
It's a comfort food, the Doors. The sound, spangly vocals, sense of time and place that has now gone, a brittle brilliant USA that had hopeful opportunity in abundance. There is only a joy with this re-listening, familiar journeys of mine with the music of this album. It passed pleasingly and well. Not quite 4 stars, but almost.
3
Jan 31 2024
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
Man that was pleasant, it just rolled along, some delightful moments of optimism and smiles of an amazing optimistic America full of delight and entertainment. Listened to it twice back-to-back so easily. Thanks for the discovery.
4
Feb 01 2024
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
This album a beautiful peace of work. I have placed it into my regular listen list. I find it comforting and comfortable to listen to. Thank you for including this and letting me discover it. 4 stars.
4
Feb 02 2024
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
It's just noise. Did not finish.
1
Feb 05 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
What a pleasant surprise. I smiled. A bit of a delightful album, cheeky, fun, joyous, accessible and approachable. Very happy with this. Easy three stars, not quite 4, as it's not yet got under my skin, but it very well may do so. Good recommendation. Pleased with this.
3
Feb 06 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
I've not heard of this album before. I don't think I've heard the music either. I am not a great Rolling Stones fan. I've heard their music and its been something 'Rock-and-Roll' ish without much appetite in it. There were some tracks in this which were blues-ish which I found appealing. Mick's vocals are not my thing. There is a twang, or whine, which doesn't work for me. The rest, it just is noise. I want to give it 3 stars, but I know I won't seek this album out again. I'd be surprised if I heard any further tracks from it in my life. 2 stars, I don't hate it, I finished listening to it (twice even) but it's not for me.
2
Feb 07 2024
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
Damn, that was suprisingly good. Approachable and entertaining. I got a lot out of it. Mostly swearing and the N word, but apart from that, oh, drugs, and aggression, but apart from that ....well, not much more.. Bitches..yeah, I got that as well..and that's it. That's all I got. 3 stars.
3
Feb 08 2024
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
Why doesn't this connect to me more. Breathless, sensitive, evocative, quirky and clever. I think it's got potential still, barely a three star. Just because it's Kate, because she is clever and because I am prepared to try to listen again. But not quite a three star because I wouldn't ask her out, or this album out, for my own modest personal reasons for how I enjoy music. Let's hope 2 stars can rise to three with more listening.
2
Feb 09 2024
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Yeah, listened to it three times, did not really connect. Vocals are just not connecting to me. Active listening probably required rather than passive. 2 generous stars.
2
Feb 12 2024
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Bad
Michael Jackson
Oh, the reviews for this are entertaining. I remember the album being awaited, then launched, then listened to, and it just sticking to the airwaves like a stain. It just dominated. For all its design brilliance, and clever music, it just felt a little forced, saying 'how clever am I' - he was clever, he did do brilliant things, but the charm of young Michael compared to this Michael, something is lost. I wish I had more to like about the album right now l, the legacy is not one I'm particularly thrilled by. Some bits are good. Some great, overall ... Unlikely to seek out and listen to again. I can't think why I'd like to listen to this, it's not got much of the joys that I find with my re-listened to albums. So, 2 stars. Sorry Michael, for all your genius and trauma, your tainted legacy, this isn't one I'm going to get excited by.
2
Feb 13 2024
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Friends moved this. Went to the concert repeatedly. Threw lyrics at me. I was bemused. It's rappy and white boy preppy and gang language and cultural riffs and all the stuff that did not see growing up in white Australia. I enjoyed a couple of the tracks while at the gym, I worked out a bit harder than usual, it was kinda nice and kinda naff.
I'll probably listen again now I know what the album experience is. individual tracks, they have weight and quality. I do feel a bit shouted at by strangers though. It's all a bit odd. 2 stars. No more, no less.
2
Feb 14 2024
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
What a joy. Awesome playful audio, sonorous vocals, clever mixes and a superb fun attitude. I'm walking t lo work and just so enjoying this music. It would be good for gym and headphones and listening reflective moments around the garden. Fabulous. A new favourite. Is it 5, it almost could be. Let's see if it's high rotate in 12 months. Solid solid 4.
4
Feb 15 2024
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
Didn't gell for me.
1
Feb 16 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Oh what a lot of fun this is. Quite darn enjoyable. I've saved it for future playing. It's high three stars as a discovery. Let's see if it gets a to 4 after more listening.
3
Feb 19 2024
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Bought it when younger. Played it seeking understanding and clarity, Failed to really connect with it then. Failed to really connect with it now. I hear it and can kind of enjoy it, but its an effort. I think the type of rock that it is is not my rock, and its not the type of music I actively seek out. Is it good music, not my music, not my good music. Thanks for the memories. I never noticed the CD getting swiped by someone who liked it more than me, good on them for taking it. I hope it gives you all the joys you deserve. For me, its none of them. Will not be seeking to listen to again.
1
Feb 20 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Very different. Nice clear vocals and background harmonies.veeybppeasant. it just seems warm relaxing Sunday afternoon music when relaxing. 3 stars because I have not yet had those afternoons, but I'd like to
3
Feb 21 2024
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Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
Very enjoyable listening. I had a copy on my Tape collection decades ago, and always found it a delight infrequently found. I enjoyed. I'll continue to enjoy. Just 4 stars.
5
Feb 22 2024
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It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
It's a theme of Van Morrison, for me. I encounter, kinda sideways, and I think that there's something for me to explore. When I face him front on, I don't do as well as I would have thought. There is something there, there is interest, but I don't engage deeply or well. I feel compatible emotions, interesting catchy melodies, he is a male voice of some wisdom and hard won experience, but I don't connect. I don't quite know why. I should do more. I'll try again, but for now, like my experience of Kate Bush, I just leave at 2 stars wondering what it is that's not connecting for me.
2
Feb 23 2024
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Want One
Rufus Wainwright
I wasn't in the right mind to appreciate this album. I don't know if I ever will. Sumptuous sounds, lush vocals, interesting depth to hear a layered set of music but somehow, it didn't gell. On my Maybe Later list. So, not 1 star, but not three either.
2
Feb 26 2024
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Suprisingly good..at first, naff, after the second and third listen, really satisfying. Almost but not quite 4 stars ... Oh hang it. 4.
4
Feb 27 2024
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Oh god, I listened to this blindly in my Streaming player, and it was so not Deep Purple - it turns out that Deep Forest also released an album called 'Made in Japan' - the styles are quite different. I can't get into deep purple. I just can't. I tried. I listened. I parsed lyrics. I felt the vibe and the energy. Nope, I just can't. Bring back Deep Forest! Bye Bye Deep Purple. 1 star.
1
Feb 28 2024
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Cheery, exciting, full of energy. But it left me flat. Friends grew up with Frampton in their lounge room and have much of a soft spot for his work. I will listen to him again but on the whole, for reasons I don't quite understand, I'm not that enthused.
2
Feb 29 2024
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Close To You
Carpenters
My gosh that was nice. So nice. If I were in the 1970's I would be filled with niceness after listening to that. Rasbery Jelly, vanilla ice cream, driving long distances in an open soft-top convertible listening to crackly AM radio, wondering at how a mechanical device like a space ship can fly let along orbit the world, holding rotary phones in my hand connected to the wall so I can call anyone with a number (as long as the switchboard is staffed) and being absolutely delighted at listening to harmonious voices being recorded like that on a utterly wizard record made of Vinal.
Today, its sweetness is a parody from shopping malls and tired radio repeats somewhere, but back then, its magic was undeniable.
I choose to give it 4 stars because of that past magic. One star removed because of the parody sweetness, and one star returned after the tragedy of Karen Carpenter. Thanks for this. I could very much listen to it (and be transported to a particular type of 1970's) again.
4
Mar 01 2024
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The Predator
Ice Cube
I'm reasonably ok with this, it's a journey and an education as well as powerful rhythm, but it's not really my thing. I do wonder what my white self is meant to do with a clearly black American statement records from a time when race riots started to erupt. Do I look at Aboriginal issues with a similar eye? Do I look at my own behaviour? Do I just appreciate what I can from this or do I ... I don't know what do I?
A record that has you thinking is a good piece of work. Maybe this is what makes a good album? 3 stars.
3
Mar 04 2024
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Cross
Justice
This has ground on and on in my ears over the weekend. I've listened to it oh, I don't know, maybe 6 times. It's been pleasant. It's had energy. It's had interest. It's had 'oh god why' and it had sparks of recognition in me as some riff and rhythm reappears after a couple of other tracks and it's done in an interesting and fun way. In another universe, I was a keen disco dancer. Not this universe, another one where I was perfectly happy with Cuban heels, shapely cotton shirts and taught denim, all washed hard with sweat from hours being cheeky on the dance floor while attempting to find my own style and panash. Thats not the now me. I don't do that (I kind of wish I did) but that guy, he LOVES this album. Its bringing back dance echos of the 90's, spinning into fun energy from the90's, avoids the trance rubbish of the 00's and stays honest with disco themed feelings that track back to fun vocals of the 70's. I don't know if the vocals are actually fun in this one. They seem to just be artifacts of getting a type of sound out. One track has an urgency of getting to dance, that's a fairly good bit of music I could actually listen to and kind of understand (I'm not good at lyrics, I really struggle to parse them). How to rate this, its a good discovery, I'd listen to it again, was it spectacular? No, was it rubbish? No. Let's go 3 stars, with optimism.
3
Mar 05 2024
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Thanks. Listened to this before. I might have even owned it as a Cassette. Appreciated the history that this young man had before him was visible in this fun, tight, snappy piece of music. Is it an album to respect, yes. Is it an album to listen to again? It's context is important. A bit of research helped appreciate what a magnificent effort that first album of young, yet to be discovered Elvis was. I didn't appreciate how he moved through styles and genres, how it was the first real Rock and Roll album and how it was a young man with a guitar just giving it his all. Just for the love of music. No other real reason. Not money. Some fame. Just music. 4 stars. But, being honest, I'm not likely to listen to it again all that much.
4
Mar 06 2024
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
I've heard them before. Had rh album, listened to it. Couldn't connect. It's not my thing. I know others who love it. They are not my tribe. It's not my preferred album. I couldn't be bothered trying to unpack it. I did a couple of stanzas and I just thought, it's all so same ... So same ... 1 star.
1
Mar 07 2024
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The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
The man suffered but he gave great fragments of capability and his own emotional musings. It' s not great music, it' s not great craft, but its great vulnerability and I enjoyed listening to the takes and variations that were recorded. It feels both like a teenager's first album and it feels like a tired echo of a master. I read up on this finding that it has many musicians I really adore putting this on their favourite album list. Probably because the process of creation and the clear psychedelia elements of a past master, with all flaws and attempted healings, are on display. With that in mind, knowing who Syd Barrett is, I would happily listen to it again, and enjoy the process. It's a great find. Thanks for letting me find something that could be magical, in all its flaws. 3 stars.
3
Mar 08 2024
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
I've listened twice and a half. There is depth here. Striking depth. My background is not black, female and American, but i still get themes here - themes that hold injustice and insufficient opportunity. The message is complex and really well delivered. Music elements are engaging, like really engaging..the classroom queries on what Love means, what it is, all that is really good spacing of the pieces, the pieces themselves, it's quite good. It still requires more concentration from me. It's among the more approachable pieces of rap and rhythm I've encountered. I do think it would be worthwhile pursuing more. More listening required. I don't quite know about the musical composition though, I heard the vocals strongly - they are powerful - possibly compelling with all the elements there. High 2 stars for me, but not three. Not yet anyway. It might rise to a 4.. but more time needs to pass before I can say that. It's the first time I've listened to her whole album, and for that, it's a good discovery. Takeaway - listen to the whole before making up your mind. Like, LISTEN.
2
Mar 11 2024
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Here we go It's a hip hop. It's a rap. It's a gritty urban feel. It's a flood of somewhat tedious M****r F**king swearing. It's culturally black and I'm not *and* it's an iconic album that started a scene of this type of gritty music. The why is interesting. I read about it with far more interest than I had in the album itself. I found myself looking at old Hong Kong kung-fu movies from the 1980's - something I also found interesting. I just can't put myself into the space to listen to 'Enter the Wu-Tang' and glean some value. It's better, to me, than Metallica, but that isn't saying much. So, low low low two stars. Never going to go higher, but two because I *might* try listening again.
2
Mar 12 2024
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War
U2
I'm tossing up whether this is a 4 star, or a 5 star album. 5 stars should be the cream of my personal list of albums. 4 merely the excellent that I also enjoy. 5 should have enduring wonder and depths to unpack. 4 be a returnable joys but not necessarily one that requires work to unpack. It's consumable. Digestible. Done.
There is a lot to unpack in U2 War, the development of the artists, the development of their message at that time and place, how the album meant so much in so many ways, and how the album resonates with me, in the past, present and through to the future. I'm not a huge Bono fan, he doesn't offend, but he does not greatly inspire either. Maybe his status as a personality has overshown his status as a musician in my current view. Maybe he could, with more work from me.
I think U2 has huge historic impact on how my music appreciation developed, but I didn't focus on U2 for that. It was there, just not central. I find on re-listenings, it does have that depth and that interest, possibly that joy of a message well crafted and well delivered. It's anti-war message is still so intensely valid now. Everything has changed, and nothing has changed.
It is a good blend of music and intent, vocals and message. I can engage more with this than with many other artists and their seminal works.
I think I've convinced myself to give the album 5 stars. I will re-listen, I will dig more into this and I will continue to appreciate it craft of this album. Yes. Ok. I'm doing it.
Worthy 5 stars.
5
Mar 13 2024
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Truth
Jeff Beck
Kinda middling effort and not something that resonated with me. Nice is as far as I would go. 1 star is for obviously bad. Nice = 2 stars. Maybe (unlikely) to listen to again.
2
Mar 14 2024
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Thanks Antoine (Fats) Domino., your legacy is strong and valuable. It's not my delight, but it is others, and I'm pleased you are remembered fondly. Joyous plunking R&B, but so short and brief. 2 stars.
2
Mar 15 2024
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
Those that love Tom Waits LOVE TOM WAITS. He is such a mess of a musician, nothing beautiful, graceful or elegant. It's all thumpy, gritty and anguished. I bloody well love it. I've two of these albums, and had a third but it got swiped. I listened to it late at night during dark long countryside drives. Magical. Mesmerising. Disturbing. Illuminating. It taught me something about being male. No idea what, but something. High 4 stars. About as high as you can get without being 5.
4
Mar 18 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Well, that was a discovery. I know EWF but I've never actually listened to them other than what the Radio offers during a hits retrospective. A couple of tracks here I liked, one on different album thatI adore. I was unaware about their funk/soul & Baptist style and how disco era overlapped. I think it's a good album, not huge enjoyment for me though - just interest. An occasional track is a stonker, but this album, for all it being often ranked the best of EWF, it just doesn't connect with me. I'm unlikely to listen to again. I liked the last track the most. I've been unsure if it's a 2 or a 3 for me. I'm not comfortable with it being a low 3 so let's say high 2 stars.
2
Mar 19 2024
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Fragile
Yes
Progressive Rock was, I though, my thing. Symphonic rock was, I thought, my thing. Syth was, I thought, my thing. Yes is all of these, and it leaves me uninspired. A couple of parts might be of interest, but on the whole, it's not that exciting for me. Lyrics are flamboyant, but the tone of the vocals, it just feels pitched to an uncomfortable space in my ear. The mildly interesting tracks here for me are the instrumental ones where artists are pushing their skills, and work wonderful melody's. I miss a sense of an overall work here is, of depth and feeling, of intricacy to be unwrapped. It's not here for me. Opaque and yes, fragile, but not fun. Let's try more Yes, but no yes to this Yes from me. 1 star.
1
Mar 20 2024
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White Ladder
David Gray
Kinda nice. Kinda bland. Kinda engaging. Sweet. Vulnerable. Listened a few times. Enjoyed the Wikipedia page. May listen again. Nice.
3
Mar 21 2024
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What's That Noise?
Coldcut
Quite a Suprise. Joyous and fun. Worth listening to more. Only could find it on YouTube music, and not on my preferred streaming services. If it comes across my desk again, I will listen again. It's fun.
3
Mar 22 2024
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
Man this is a good find. Joyous, strong, pulsating. Ripping vocals. I don't have enough nice words. I'm sure others have. It's fun and I connect to it so well. It brings me back to my teenage tearaway years. Excellent! So happy to give this 5 stars. It's got all I want in an album. :)
5
Mar 25 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Ok, that's a nice bit of work. Some delight. Some indifference. Not quite 3 stars. Pleased to have encountered it. I may return when I have the urge.
2
Mar 26 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Oh boy was this familiar. Strident glitzy music - music of a time. It was my time but during this album my time got mixed up with the trashier humans I spent time with. It seems the whole album was always on high radio rotation during my youth; the songs are so familiar. Optimistically, as familiar as sunshine, beaches, sunscreen and sunburn. Looking a bit closer, it's more like the familiar of sunburn, driving beat up old cars, sadness and hangovers, with a side notes of burnt asphalt, bad crushes and stale beer. It's definitely flavoured with frantic teenager energy being exerted from a weekend of social posing, followed by the tired Sunday, the money poured into the local bar/nightclub/pizza store, and the late Sunday moody feelings, wondering, how do I fit. Listen to Bon Jovi? I dunno - Iet's try music therapy. It's those memories I get from this album, but the music? It's ok. Just a bit better than ok, still, I'm unlikely to listen to it again. It was good to return to the memory of sunburn and stale beer though - I don't miss those years at all.
2
Mar 27 2024
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
Nice. Enthusiastic. Not great. I can see where they joy of the Dead come from. It's not really my joy. As an album. its distinctly average. Can't give it more than 1 star.
1
Mar 28 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
What a pleasant surprise. Keen to listen to these fine chaps some more. The bands name is bizarre, the music delighted me. Lyrics & sound is somewhat curious. Keen for more. I think 3 stars because I don't know much about them or their other work, but I'm going to explore more.
3
Mar 29 2024
View Album
1989
Taylor Swift
Different from what I expected. Better in some ways. I'm not a person who can connect tightly to the work here but I get why folks do. Taylor has lyrics that are a little bit like life therapy. Good therapy.
I'm never going to be a girl born in 1989 progressing through the America experience, with boyfriends and loves and lessons of life being full of ups and downs - but if I was, this would be a lovely balm to coping with the shit times, and a lovely anthem for celebrating the great times.
It's got music and style and complexity behind simplicity and it's done exceptionally well. It deserves its place on this list. It doesn't work for me because
a)I'm not that type of girl (alert: I'm a guy, over 50, greying and partnered - so thinking in that way has me feeling uncomfortable)
b) Tailors voice grates on me. Just the pitch. I'm embarrassed at that, but I don't like Barbera Streisand for the same reason.
c) some of the musical tricks she uses are repetitive, but that might just be her style, and I'm just unlucky at not being excited by them.
That's all the complaints or issues I have. They are minor and selfish, but this *is* my personal review.
3 stars.
Will listen to again, but not with intent or expectation. Just lightly.
3
Apr 02 2024
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Illmatic
Nas
Only listened a bit. Not my thing. Pass.
1
Apr 04 2024
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Ok, I guess. One great song. Two interesting. Unlikely to listen to again. Don't know why this was in the list. It's my music, kinda, but it's not that great a find.
2
Apr 05 2024
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
Rather sweet. I like k.d. Lang very much. I loved discovering her later albums, had them on high rotation. This one, for all its polish/clarity and quality, is not my music. Sharing Shadowland with others, yes there is shared joy, it's so nice to hear others being delighted - but it's not for me. I so so so enjoyed later k.d. lang - it's still a special experience listening to her first confident work, her origin, even it's not my music. 2 stars.
2
Apr 08 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
Clean, crisp, strong, sensual. Just delightful. I could listen to Carol King all day. Such a beautiful album, so many detailed and intricately styled yet simple songs. I don't have words to criticise it. None. Thanks for appearing on the list. A worthy member. Huge urge to listen to others of hers to see the tower of music and capability that is Carol King. So nice to hear in high fidelity. 6 stars. Wait, damn, only 5 available.
5
Apr 09 2024
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
First listen - ok, some classics there, plonky piano n classic Elton vocals, and what's all the rest of the music, it just blurs.
Second listen - hang on, there's something there, that 'Jamaican Rub' track is kind of interesting. So different to the rest. Actually, its all kinda different. Hmm. *scratches*
Third listen - what a diverse performance, so many styles done so well, it's a honker of a long album too. I keep getting distracted. So joyous and interesting ...
4
Apr 10 2024
View Album
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
I kinda like it and I kinda don't. I feel the space and place of the Pogues isn't mine, I have friends and associates who would really appreciate this energy and attitude. I think its something I will return to out of whimsy, but not with any strong intent. I do appreciate the attitude and energy, there are some cracking lyrics. It's just not for me. Can't quite justify 3 stars. Lets go 2.
2
Apr 12 2024
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My Generation
The Who
Yeah, kinda memorable, but it is not in my window of appreciation. Driving, cleaning house and maybe hucking our rubbish background music.
2
Apr 15 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Well, I've dropped this album and picked it up several times and while it's nice, it's not resonating to me. Some beauty here but it's somehow cluttered with how the sound is. It's rather folksy. A bit of a shrill tenor - not a smooth base,l - music experience. The strings and vocals are a clear combo. Quite the signature. It's got firm harmony's, but that doesn't mean I like it. I can see tracks to like, it's just not gelling for me. I can't really think of a place or time to enjoy this. It's just a bit of a void album to me. It just sinks within me without a trace. 2 stars. Maybe three ... Nah, let's go 2.
2
Apr 16 2024
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Teen Dream
Beach House
Nice, but not nice enough to put into my regular play list.
2
Apr 19 2024
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Kinda nice, kinda gentle. An evening album after a day of work, but not a day of exhaustion. An album to be gentle around, and to be gentled to. It reminds me of Jack Johnson, but maybe Mr Weller was there before Jack was Jack? There is a place for an album in my group. I see it as light and joyous background music in a summer afternoon house after swimming in a crips ocean and the sun is escaping for the evening that will be long and conversational. Listening with my ears on, that could happen too. But its not there for me currently. Lets go 3 stars. ... nah, not quite. Lets go 2.
2
Apr 23 2024
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Cracker. Seminal. One of the better psychedelic rock I've found. Nice. Very enjoyable. Other reviews I have read are also enjoyable. I've never known some music I greatly enjoyed, was them all along. 4/5
4
Apr 24 2024
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Sorry Tina of 1984 - I always preferred you as an Actor in Thunderdome. Not as this singer with a strident voice and ample wig. Sorry.
2
Apr 29 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Sweet, silky, clear, soulful. Satisfying. I'll listen again. Good choice. 39 minutes! Sweet.
3
May 01 2024
View Album
Chris
Christine and the Queens
Really nice. I found this unexpectedly satisfying to lightly listen to. I could definitely spend more time listening to it. I found online reviews of it surprisingly full of praise, and on reading them, I can understand the depts to explore in this, initially superficially joyous, but subsequently quite intimate and explorative. As a friend says, I want to listen again with my ears on. 3 stars, maybe 4, let's go three for now.
3
May 03 2024
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Listened. Ears feel bashed. Words just slurried around like a bad concrete experience, all gravel and debris. Swearing, thrashing, guttural throat wounds shouting into my ear. Again, this is not my thing. No wish to repeat.
1
May 06 2024
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
I think, for all the historic nature of this album, the glory of how it was recorded and thought about by all those involved, thinking it was going to presage a movement of change powered by music, it's a little lost on me. I listened to it about 3 times and it grew on me. Nicely. Feelings and characteristics just developed so nicely.
I feel that for this album, it's the time and place has somewhat passed. The sounds are a bit dated, as are the attitudes. I do feel this is a historic album, and I was pretty chuffed to be able to spend time and hear it - and reading up on it was educational - but it lacked personal contemporary value on first listen - I finished with a firm 'nope, it's not one I feel keen to listen to again'.
There are other funk albums that I responded to on a first listen, so much better. Yes, Funkadellic is good to experience, there are fantastic features to it. But as a Funk album, it is a bit flat.
But, as a Rock album with funk, as a Prog Rock album with some funk, and as a psychedelia album, with some funk, heck I can enjoy this album. I like all those elements when I started to listen for them. It was a fun experience.
It's a three stars for me, not quite 4, but I can see it getting there over time.
3
May 07 2024
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
I've listened to a few Radiohead albums, and easily gotten lost in the delicate framework given by Radiohead. It's never really fully gelled for me. I can see the craft and beauty though. It's a music for late night driving along darkened roads thinking profound thoughts. Interesting. Spiritual and engaging. Not quite 4 stars.
3
May 08 2024
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I've quite enjoyed this. I've always always had a bit of a chip on my shoulder against Talking Heads. Something about the voice. It's grumped me in the past. But this time, this listen, the first, the second and the third, it's all been satisfying and enjoyable. Lyrically interesting. Musically interesting. Finally, vocally is a bit of a key down, but it is what David Byrne is, so I enjoyed him too, after a bit. 4 stars. Ahead of the pack.
4
May 09 2024
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I adore Depeche Mode. I thought I did. The music is a mood all of itself. I feel somber and disquieted. Tentative and unsettled. Its not necessarily nice feelings. As other reviews have said, there is a tonality that sounds same-ish. There is good variety but there is also same-ish-ness. I feel satisfied with the album, but not blown away which is what I would give for a 5/5. Its not an album that I return to easily, but when a mood is upon me. A mood for late 80's new romantic British sombre dissonance. When do I have such a mood ... not often, but I know where to go now. 3 stars. Not 4, the depth within the album or vocals does not seem to be there.
3
May 10 2024
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
First listen, I did not finish. Felt it was such blah tripe.
Second listen, after reading a bit about it, was a bit better. There is no one song that is a chest grabbing cracker No#1 hit. But there is something there.
Third listen, and forth fourth, it gelled a little better me it's not country, it's something more playful. There is a lot of joy here. Quiet understated joyful play. I'm on the sixth listen now, very happy with the find. I'll put the this into my regular listen playlist.
There's a little off fun here that's not on one style of music, it's a bit prog-rock, bit 60' psychedelia, a bit classical rock, a bit folk, a bit country, a bit R&B. It's quite the mix. I'm going to give it a good rating because I can see myself listening and relistening to this, enjoyably, with a range of environments. Driving, dishwashing, art-ing, gardening, just being. It fits with a lot of my lifestyle activities.
It's good. 5 stars. (I never would have thought that at first listen, I was going to do a 'did not listen' - but here we are)
5
May 13 2024
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Pleasantly enjoyable. The music is so tight. Well crafted. Sounds so easy, but it's so well done.
I heard my father crooning along in my memories, r called him moving in his beslippered, arthritic yet graceful way, demonstrating how he danced in dance halls to fresh this faced young Sinatra chap.
2 stars. A worthy member of this list, but not likely to be a repeat contribution to my playlists. Thanks Frank, I'll listen again when I want a rich dose of nostalgia.
2
May 14 2024
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
I know this is an excellent album. There is something special about it, and his so sweet but sad legacy. Would I listen to it a lot. Probably not. Would I return to it when the mood is upon me. Yes. Would that mood visit me often? Unlikely. Let's call it a treasure to access on rare occasions. Thanks for the discovery. A surprisingly awesome little gem. 4 stars.
4
May 15 2024
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
I wish I had more to say, but it's not an album that has grabbed me and I don't wish to work on it more. I have listened, and I can't find it in me to do more. It's probably really good in its own way, I just can't gell with this style or this message..
2
May 17 2024
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
I found I owned a Lemonheads album. Not this one. I looked for delight and joy. Connection and a sense of my community. The music has that alternative buzzy-ness..guitar and drums and vocals . A simple sparse setup. And, even after listening to this and that, and again, I'm untouched. I know folks do enjoy, but like other alt rock groups, it's missing me somehow. Not the worst, not the best.
Apart from Confetti. That rather confessional lyrics/vocals set. Yes, solid sentiments there. The strangeness of of that state, well set up.
But apart from that, kinda meh at best. I'll probably continue to forget the Lemonheads. 2 stars.
2
May 20 2024
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
Joyous, exciting, dynamic, fun, bouncy. Odd listen to it again. I keep thinking of what would I need doing where this is a pretty awesome thing to listen to. In I think walking to work. Commuting. Gymming. Gardening. It's a good bit of energy to have through your ears. 3 stars, 4 stars? Unsure. Let's go 4.
4
May 21 2024
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The Next Day
David Bowie
I wish I liked David Bowie more. I can't really engage. Base lines were nice in a couple of places. It felt innocuous and backgroundy. Won't pick up again. Disappointed actually. 2 stars because it's not horrible. Just uninteresting to me.
2
May 24 2024
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
How can I not like this absolute beast of an album. So interesting and memorable, even today after a lifetime of exposure, it still feels fresh. Superb.
5
May 27 2024
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Homework
Daft Punk
I found it a great album, and a dismal one. So much repetition. But some interesting variation within them. I found myself tapping along to most. Almost dancing sometimes. I struggled with the meaning of phrases, I just enjoyed the album. Suprisingly. I found no depths of understanding, no illumination of the human condition, just fun, interest and expressiveness. 4 stars. Should be three just I enjoy it too much.
4
May 28 2024
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
A DEBUT album of a former group singer, of nothing but covers, sung in a style a decade old, with verve and resonance. Virtuoso performance yes, but deserving of being on this list? Unsure. Lyrically very clear. 2 stars. Unlikely to listen to again.
2
May 29 2024
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1984
Van Halen
Big Hair, Big Ego, Big Guitar, oh the polyester and vinyl. I think I will leave this collection of memories in my 3 star bucket. Of a time and place, but not my time or place.
3
May 30 2024
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Green
R.E.M.
Yeah, pretty good this time around. Purchased in the past, and ignored. This time, yeah, I got into it.
3
Jun 03 2024
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
It's a delight. I can hear the lyrics easily, I can follow the tune, the narrative. I connect with what is being said. How it is said. The infusion of a time and place of a romantic America that never will be again. My wish to be a part of that in some small delightful way. That is such a good album in all the ways that me from 1989 listening to this 1977 album was so scornful of. Which shows that I have changed too. 5 stars. On my regular repeat list now. I rabbitholed down about this albums history, the reaction by the community of ears listening to this, and the types of responses that Billy Joel gets. That was also fun. This album is now one of my favourites, it is a discovery and a good good find.
5
Jun 04 2024
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Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
I thought I would love this album again, and was somehow disappointed. Either I have matured or the album has de-matured. Mildly interested in the album, that's all. 2 stars. (Wait, that's low, surely three? No, not feeling it, not even Paradise by the Dashboard light) Ok. 3 stars, after an argument with myself.
3
Jun 05 2024
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Pink Flag
Wire
Ok, interesting. Returnable. Not struck with delight. Not offended. Better than neural. I know folks who would love it. Not quite me. 2 stars for future potential.
2
Jun 06 2024
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
Something about this is lovely, something about this is lonely and something about this is not my thing. Nice. Glad to have encountered. Unlikely to return. Neutral indifferent? 2 stars.
2
Jun 07 2024
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Timeless
Goldie
Man, what a bit of a disappointment. Loved the album cover, loved the Wikipedia description, OK, i thought, this would be an ace discovery for my music collection, but it just didn't land for me. Neither did other albums of Goldies. I listened around. Hopeful. I was dreaming for an artist a bit more like Massive or Big Audio Dynamite, and this wasn't that. Disappointed. 2 stars. Not hated, not liked..
2
Jun 12 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I quite enjoyed this album. Many pieces on here I managed to enjoy more second or third time around. A couple od tracks are dross, and a couple grew on me. The Wikipedia article on them was also a revelation. I had no idea of Blur being a connection. I'll listen to this again, and enjoy it again then as well. While really only worth three stars, but I've given it 4 stars because, to me, there is an element of exploring the human condition here, some interesting facets of illuminating interest were unpacked.
4
Jun 17 2024
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Ok. A nice piece of history. Thanks. Moving on ...
2
Jun 18 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
I don't like heavy metal.
I don't like heavy metal.
I don't like heavy metal,
But I do like this Deep Purple.
4
Jun 19 2024
View Album
Nowhere
Ride
Yeah. Ok. Kinda nice? Kinda background noise in many ways. Not really inspiring. I had no idea of this genera or that it mattered to some folks. Nice is my overall review. Thanks for the discovery. Moving on. 2 stars.
2
Jun 20 2024
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Surprisingly satisfying. One new favourite track.
3
Jun 21 2024
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Moby Grape
What a mess. My provider did not have the album listed in full. Just some tracks. Not the best tracks. I listened and came away nonplussed. This I should listen to before I die? I'm not hearing it. So I tried again, then noticing only tracks 3, 7, 9, 13 and one other. Where's the rest? Who is this fractured group? Wikipedia had headlines that sounded exciting and tragic, so I went down a rabbit hole of wonky weird crazy stuff. Gifted musician with mental breakdowns fueled by LSD, asylum occupations, late night recording sessions, band support despite their absence and just weirdness. That's one of the 5 lead singers in this 5 person act. So, I listen again, this time on YouTube - and I haven't a clue. What am I listening to? It's eccentric? Oh, psychedelia More Wikipedia. I was wrong. It's not an album to listen too before you die, it's a symphony of lost potential played out in reality to read up on before you die. Court cases, squandered cash, drugs, good folks passively watching malfeaience played out in front of them, a crooked manager, albums mismanaged and still the group manages to make musical successes. Frantically. Erratically. Despondantly. It's a mess. The band that is. It's also mesmerising. I listened to more tracks and albums and I just can't quite comprehend how so much potential became so decayed. It's a supergroup that never got out of its toddler stage of rebellion. I think it's a 2 stars album, what I could find, but it's a four star story. So, it's getting a three from me.
3
Jun 25 2024
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Sweet. Nice. Jazz. It just flowed by me. Gossamer musical intensity.
3
Jun 26 2024
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
Nope, not sure why it's here. An undiscovered Dylan style album all folksy and nice? Lyrics from the late 60's. OK. Nice. Still dont see why its been brought to this list. Why no Dylan album then? Do I even like Dylan?
Will listen to it again and see ...
Apparently not.
2 stars.
2
Jun 27 2024
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
I've encountered these types of albums before. I find them delightful. It feels more of a diary entry set to music than an album. Thats not a bad thing. The prospect of listening to a series of crafted songs for listening to while on radio, is not this type of album. I feel I can dip into and out of the words and the lyrics, if I want to, or it can wash over me like a comfortable balm. Either way, its a lovely discover, and I gotta say, Canadians rock. Even if it is quiet subdued and quirky melodic poetic-rocking like this. Almost 4 stars, but not quite. 3.
3
Jun 28 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Yeah, I can't say anything bad about this album. All the reviews say what's good about it far better than I. 5 stars.
5
Jul 01 2024
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Who's Next
The Who
Yep. Excellent. A new album to put on my regular listen list. Never really heard it all before, and I've really enjoyed it! Repeatedly. Even the inane tracks where the lyrics just talk about being able to sing in tune. I meant really?
4
Jul 02 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
Kinda nice. A maybe again album. Didn't get into it despite a couple of listens. Didn't really grab. Moderate interest in trying again. Low 3 stars. Maybe 2. Um, um ,um let's go 2.
2
Jul 04 2024
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
Sorry, not for me, not for the me I am now. Maybe a me that was hard driving, hard drinking, hard living etc, But, it's just not appealing. Thanks. I know it's for other folks. You folks enjoy away. 2 stars.
2
Jul 05 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Satisfactory, one banger. The others enjoyable but not really a big connection. But many many good elements revealed. 3 stars.
3
Jul 08 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
I really enjoyed this, suprisingly so. Wasn't that taken with her other album on this list, but the nuances of her vocals here are incredible. The topics of some of her music are not really nice, they seem to be related to gaslighting relationship abuse. When you read her bio, it kinda makes sense. A very 60's story. But her vocals, the mix of some of these songs. So impressed.
4
Jul 09 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Nope, not for me. Too over produced and top entwined with itself.
1
Jul 11 2024
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Ingenue
k.d. lang
I bought this with ignorance. I listed with open ears & expectations. Decades later, I'm still haunted, still quietly taken aback by this. Never mind her earlier debut this site gave, this is the album I am both haunted and graced by still. Superb. 5 stars.
5
Jul 12 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Ya gotta listen, with your ears on and mind open.
Once you do, those that like Leonard, would love this. Those that have never encountered him, would be intrigued by this. Those who like your music to be thrashy, nope, not for you. If you have a spiritual side to your being, you would probably connect strongly to his work.
The pieces are poetry plus music. As his work evolved through his years, it became more poetry and philosophy than music n beats. There is a beauty, and grace to his work, it's not just music, it's a mixture of the human condition set to music, and placed on an album.
I think we are all better for having Leonards efforts and vulnerabilities at such a striking time near the end of his life, shared like this.
5 stars.
5
Jul 15 2024
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xx
The xx
Really enjoyable and really satisfying. Surprisingly so. Ann album of go to when I want some quiet contemplating time.
4
Jul 17 2024
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Ok. Kinda nice. Kinda Meh. Thanks. Probably won't return to this album. 2 tinsel stars ...
2
Jul 18 2024
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Ok. Box ticked. Can see why it's here. Moving on.
2
Jul 22 2024
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Graceland
Paul Simon
A good album to rediscover. Quite the powerful album at the time, I found it very approachable and was a window to many new forms of music for me, both the past of Simon and Garfunkel and the breadth of some musics from Africa. It's an occasional listen for me, I don't know the matching occasion. Maybe a long afternoon drive? Maybe painting a room? Unsure. 4 wobbly stars.
4
Jul 29 2024
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Dang I enjoyed this. Special voice n vocals. Probably special lyrics too but I'm a heathen when it comes to parsing lyrics. I found this a fairly effortless 3x repeat listen. Easy 4 stars. Good find.
4
Jul 30 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
It's been a regular visitor to my ears. It's not blessed my ears, it's not offended them either. Entirely satisfactory album. Not quite 4 stars.
3
Jul 31 2024
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
It makes no sense I adore this album. None. It's messy and atonal and grumpy and somehow dirty to listen to, but I adore it. Best for late nights thinking of whiskey, long midnight countryside drives with solitary thoughts and those times when it's 3am and you have an itch within your soul. 4 stars.
4
Aug 02 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Ha, delightful. I'd never have found this in a million years. Such a time where riding horses, pining after women, being hung for murder, and shooting folk were the common language of being a man. So, let's make a song or 12 about it. Thanks. I'm now a bit more aware of where Johnny Cash came from, and Leonard Cohen, and perhaps even k d lang. Three stars. Two? It could be two. Let's go two. It was nice but not really nice.
2
Aug 05 2024
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Well, I tried. Several times. It's just not connecting. He is just not connecting. Lyrics appear and then slide off. I like the bass riffs and the arrangements but it's not feeling like my music. The vocals, sliding and tremulous, high and delicate with strength and substance, but still, not for me. Thanks. 2 stars.
2
Aug 06 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Not expecting covers, but enjoyed very much anyway. Is it special. Yes. Is it to die for? Not so much. 3 stars, for the harmonica.
3
Aug 08 2024
View Album
The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
I really liked this. Really felt it was rewarding and satisfying album. I feel, after 4 or so listens, it will move into being a 5 stars album, so I'm going to give it that. Noice!
5
Aug 12 2024
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The Score
Fugees
Pretty impressive. One of the more enjoyable albums of this type I've listened to. Clear narrative and enjoyable interpretations of music and moments. I think I'd rate it three. Not for any particular personal enjoyment, but for it being a good example of an album with a good overall theme, that holds its voice well, and is damn interesting to listen to. I may listen to it again, I may not. *Shrugs* TBH only the 'killing me softly' song really took my heart and mind.
3
Aug 13 2024
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1999
Prince
I thought I'd like it more, it was solid. Interesting. I'll listen again sometime, but for now, it was kinda OK and kinda not my thing. 2 stars. If I put in effort, I think it would be more, but I'm not really inclined to do so right now.
2
Aug 14 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
Well, kinda ok, but not something I'd get overly excited for. I got more from the reviews of the album here, than the album itself. 2 stars.
2
Aug 15 2024
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Odelay
Beck
Man, I enjoy this album. Good then. Good now. Years in between. Just fun and clear changes in style and skill. Happy. 4 stars.
4
Aug 16 2024
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
Well, that was better than I expected. Enjoyable couple of listen throughs. I reckon they will be on my occasion listen to list when I feel like a dose of obscure nostalgic 60's folk rock Americana. So, once every 4 months, maybe? 4 stars.
4
Aug 19 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
Yeah, a superb piece of music. It feels timeless and if feels like a peak of musicality. I've heard parts of it many many times, but the whole is just so easy to enjoy. It's going to get my rare five star rating. Why ... It's got so much more potential to enjoy as time passes. Thanks 1001, a worthy addition.
5
Aug 20 2024
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Ah, Prince, gifted, so capable, such a beacon and groundbreaking artist, yet he is so uninteresting to me. I try. I do try. I'm just not moved. So, moving on with a 2 star rating.
2
Aug 21 2024
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Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
That was a lot of Nick Cave. They all blend in. It's my second from here and it's about the same as the first. I guess they all do indeed sound like Nick Cave. From this album, I have one track saved, a faint sense of having been soul abraded,with moods and scenes from a life I'll never live. Interesting, I'll say interesting but not with any passion. I gotta dig into the lyrics a lot more to connect more, and I don't know if I want to do that. When? Let's say that it's at a special time of a life when the rain is settled in, the fire is low, there is whiskey on hand and you just want to pour yourself a nice mood of melancholy and insight into the whole bitter mess that is being a human being. That's the scene I see this album fitting best. 3 stars.
3
Aug 22 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Ok, nice, contemplative. Pleasing. Blended. Taupe. Clear. Whimsical. Subtle. Caring. Introspective. 3 stars..
3
Aug 23 2024
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Heroes to Zeros
The Beta Band
Yeah, this was better than expected. Suprisingly bright and joyous to the ears. Some creat tonal harmonies. Lyrics unsure. Might listen again to develop an opinion. Three star album.
3
Aug 26 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
So enjoyable. It's a repeat for me. High 4 stars. I enjoyed the diverse musicality and vocals of this group. The guitar is standout. Just superb mixing and character. The vocals and the guitar are all speaking the same sentiments. So satisfying. I'd never heard the whole album before, and the last track was a suprise. Such rubbish lingo from the cheaper UK tv shows, there on an album. I laughed. When I finished, I started all over again, and it made my gym session a breeze :)
4
Sep 02 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
I'd never heard this in its whole before, and it's so very very good. I read up and around on this album as well, and oh my, so much depth and iso many interesting aspects uncovered. This album is a doctorate worth of background and influence in its own right, and then there is the quality of the music and lyrics. Bloody awesome. 5 stars. (I've confirmed, it's a good gym workout album too, good hard sweat from this album, now, what else?)
5
Sep 05 2024
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Faust IV
Faust
Much better, and much worse than I expected. There is one track here I have been hunting for over a decade, and it's here. Magical work. Half the album is ok, half the album is dross. So, 2 stars for the dross and 4 stars for the magic means a 3 star album.
3
Sep 10 2024
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
Really enjoyed. Excellent. New favourite.
5
Sep 11 2024
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Copper Blue
Sugar
Kinda ok. Kinda not my thing. Unlikely to listen to again. 1 star.
1
Sep 13 2024
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
1
Sep 16 2024
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
Maybe ok? Kinda? I feel too old to appreciate this. I got my grumpy grandfather frump on for all but two of these tracks. And yes those are the best two tracks that everyone else raves on about. 2 stars, unlikely to revisit, not that enamored, but not hating things either.
2
Sep 17 2024
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Kinda interesting and kinda ok. Was pleased I heard it, but not quite the music I want right now. Mild comfort. 3 stars. Potential for more, but not quite seen or felt right now.
3
Sep 18 2024
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
Kinda ok. Kinda forgettable. Actually, now I've listened and thought back, quite forgettable. What was it I listened to again? 1 star
1
Sep 19 2024
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Yeah, nice, smooth & clear as day, within the ears I listen to Jazz with at the back of my minds attention span. If I listen hard, it's fascinating. I listen loose it's clear and clean to lighten the day with. Yeah, I think it's a really solid piece of music to listen to. I can see me picking this up many times to listen to into the future. Very nice. 4 stars.
4
Sep 20 2024
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Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
A nice bit of British post-punk rock. I enjoyed. I'd listen to them again. Not earth shaking stuff, just good. 2 stars but not quite there. Just cos the quality is not there, but the listenability is.
2
Sep 27 2024
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Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
Better than I expected. Kinda old school, kinda shock horror and kinda groovy. The shock was - yeah - a bit of 'walk away from this one, that's inappropriate' but it's still kinda interesting. Unsure if I like it. Let's say I marginally do, for rap. That gives it an equal high score of 2 stars for all Rap music listened to on this list. 2.
2
Oct 01 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
That scratchy early Beatles is something that sits in my mind as something to scorn. It's not proper rock, it's not proper roll, and it is not the music that connects me with events or occasions with meaning. It's just music from before my time and an early version of their greatness. It's still great, but not an album to return to. 3 stars.
3
Oct 07 2024
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Magic. I can't hear all of it on my streaming service but what I can listen to is mesmerising and superb. It's been on my repeat for ages. A wonderful revelation.
5
Oct 08 2024
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Pleasant. I can see my 90yo Dad delighting in this if he were still around. I'd say great, truly great for then, for now, ok. 3 stars. Unlikely to listen again, but nice to hear her work in this way.
3
Oct 09 2024
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
Not as good as I hoped for. Their best is great, I like the classic sound of that single which took them all around the world, but the rest of their catalogue is not really engaging for me. High three stars, not quite 4.
3
Oct 10 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Quite satisfying, if not my thing, it certainly was my father's thing. He loved big bands and the swaying and dancing that took place with fancy small town dance halls that thronged to this music. 2 stars. Not likely to listen to again.
2
Oct 11 2024
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Not what I expected and not one to be repeated, I did dive into their 'best of' and enjoyed that a lot. 2 stars.
2
Oct 14 2024
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Ok, I've heard it now. It's a classic unfurling of Herbie music. I've a better track on my squirreled away set of music, but as a series of tracks laid down in one setting and it's pure joy, it is very fine. 4 stars. Will listen to again. Not premiere music for me, just very fine.
4
Oct 15 2024
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
It's just the Stones man. Good for who and where they are.
3
Oct 16 2024
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No Other
Gene Clark
A suprise. A very nice surprise. I'll dig into this album a lot more in the future. It's got that sense of depth and interest and a world I'd like to know more. A couple of tracks are too country for my liking but there are some great tracks that sounds comfortably a mix of rock/pop/ambient that interests me. High 3 stars, so 4
4
Oct 18 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
4
Oct 21 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
Superb. Really superb. A magnificent discovery. I greatly enjoyed hearing this album and I will listen to it again and probably again. 5 stars.
5
Oct 22 2024
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Yeah, nah. Disappointed overall.
Once. I would have loved it. The mood of my decade in my 20s. Definately once, but not now. Best thing is the album graphic now.
2 stars being generous.
2
Oct 23 2024
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
Thoroughly enjoyed. A good find. Some heard before, some worth discovering. 4 stars plus bonus 1 for rediscovery credits.
5
Oct 28 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Yeah, this is pretty excellent. I like this. I liked it then and do now. It feels like it's going to stay a classic album. Beautiful vocals and strong lyrics. Evocative. It's the story of an America that I wish was still present.
5
Oct 30 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I think I like it. I really don't know. It's hard to listen to his voice, it grates, and the chords he chooses, the way they unfold, also grates. But when I follow the lyrics, and see how the whole of the album has it's unified story it's impressive. I've struggled with listening to it several times and I keep thinking it's worth the effort. I could see it being a 4 stars, but let's go three for today (or three for this week, it has been quite the struggle)
3
Nov 13 2024
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
I remember this mob. They were the act for a while. Filled the airwaves, that special sound they found just rocked it. The album ... Not quite so much. I had a hear, and it was recognisable and energetic, and that's all I can really say about it. Unlikely to listen to again. Not never, but unlikely. 2 stars.
2