Oct 23 2023
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
All time great.
I like the studio noises, chatter, laughter in Shine on You Crazy Diamond. Also the whole song.
Noise intro to Welcome to the Machine is so good.
Have a Cigar is my least favorite musically but makes up for it with story.
Wish You Were Here is is legendary.
5
Oct 24 2023
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Hotel California
Eagles
I've heard Hotel California (the song) one million times. I think it's a bit overrated. Reminds me of Guitar Hero.
There's a couple other hits here that I've heard before but nothing really speaks to me.
Actually, I kinda like the string interlude after Wasted Time.
The album is fine but 70's just isn't my favorite genre.
3
Oct 25 2023
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
I only really know Smoke on the Water because it's everyone's first guitar song.
These guys go hard!
Drum solo on The Mule is more like a whole drum song. Is it the whole song..? No, the guitar comes back after 8 minutes but not to much fanfare... could have been more exciting.
I think this being a live album makes it difficult to get into as a first time listener. Every song is about 50% longer than it should be. That's just the nature of live music.
Starting to lose interest by disc 2.
Why is Black Night on here 3 times? Okay, I looked it up. Disc 2 is encores/remixes. I think I can safely stop paying attention here.
Overall pretty good hard rock/metal album.
4
Oct 26 2023
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
This album, and Dreams in particular, has gotten a lot more popular lately. I've never given it a full listen so I was happy to see this popup.
There are a lot of great songs on this album. More than I knew than I realized. Overall I really enjoyed it.
I really like Never Going Back Again. "Been down one time, been down two times" is very catchy.
I don't think I ever realized Go Your Own Way was Fleetwood Mac.
Oh Daddy and Gold Dust Woman weren't my favorite though. I think if the album ended stronger for me it would have been 5/5.
4
Oct 27 2023
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Purple Rain
Prince
Let's Go Crazy has a cool intro. I'd like to see more albums with intros like this one.
Take Me with U sounds like something that would play over the credits to a 90s kids TV show. Not in a good way.
I'm being yelled at on The Beautiful Ones.
What is even happening on Computer Blue?
Darling Nikki is not great...
For "pop" music I'm not really sure how this would have been popular. I'm not into the screaming, falsetto, creaky voice, or other weird vocals.
Was Prince the Pharrell of the 80s?
There's a couple of bops on here that I'm fine to listen to a couple times a year. Didn't enjoy listening to the album as a whole.
2
Oct 30 2023
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is obviously one of the best. I've never been an avid listener but his music is great. There's something comforting about it.
He's not even that great of a singer but the storytelling and simple, classic rock and roll sound make the whole package.
I especially like Tangled up in Blue, Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts, and Shelter from the Storm.
Started to lose me on Meet Me in the Morning.
4
Oct 31 2023
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Bookends Theme through the Reprise didn't seem to ever fully capture my attention even on a second listen through. I want to say it's slow but all their music is slow. It's good music, just not very catchy.
America is probably my favorite part of the first half of the album.
Fakin' It, Mrs. Robinson, and A Hazy Shade of Winter are my favorites from the second half.
Good music but not their best album especially considering it followed Sounds of Silence, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, and The Graduate. And preceded Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Still gets a 4/5.
4
Nov 01 2023
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Live!
Fela Kuti
Just started this album and I don't think Afrobeat is going to resonate with me.
Very repetitive at times.
Yeah, not doing much.
The Drum Solo song is just that. Too long, not even that interesting.
This album may have had some cultural importance 50 years ago but it's nothing special, maybe not even good. This does nothing for me as a casual first-time listener and might even push me away from the genre.
2
Nov 02 2023
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Document
R.E.M.
R.E.M. is fun and this album is fun. It's older than I realized.
Of course End of the World and The One I Love are great.
I don't get many of the pop culture or political references but it seems like it's the end of the world as we know it every year so still relevant.
4
Nov 03 2023
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Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
It's kinda wild hearing the early hip-hop production and flow with the seriousness of topics covered. Like if The Fresh Prince was rapping about race relations.
So much that was new on this album is now either a core element of the genre or considered classic.
I like the various samples that bring each song in or out. Many songs are connected together and make the album a more cohesive listen.
Anthrax on Bring That Noize is pretty sweet.
Interesting hearing Flavor Flav when he was more serious (not serious but I can't think of a better word). Not just an old guy with a big clock.
This album is a great listen. Hard to not get into the rhythm.
4
Nov 06 2023
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Tommy
The Who
Tommy is one of the first rock operas and still one of the best. If you are listening without hearing the words you aren't gonna get it. Not every song is an all-time great but the whole album is. It tells the story of Tommy, a traumatized boy who is good at pinball, is healed, and starts a cult. A tale as old as time.
I really like the (French?) horns in Overture.
Poor Tommy doesn't get Christmas :(
The "wah oh wah oh wah oh" sound is fun. This is probably my favorite song if not Pinball Wizard.
I forgot to continue to take specific song notes even though I listened to the album 2.5 times.
I like how bits of melody from various songs show up throughout other songs, especially the instrumental ones like Overture and Underture.
We're reviewing albums here and this is an Album if I've ever heard one. Perfect 5/7
5
Nov 07 2023
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21
Adele
This album has like 3 of the biggest songs on the past 12 years. Huge accomplishment for Adele at 21.
Rolling in the Deep, Set Fire to the Rain, and Someone Like You are borderline overplayed but they actually are great.
I liked hearing some of the deeper cuts on here that I've never heard before.
Don't You Remember is very nice. I don't think I've ever heard it before. Also, key change at 3 minutes!
He Won't Go isn't my favorite.
The chorus on I'll Be Waiting in fun.
One and Only is a little bit gospel? Not feeling it it. Especially the backup singers.
Big finish with Someone Like You.
4
Nov 08 2023
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Very chill vibes on this album. A lot of the songs blend together though. Maybe too chill.
Bittersweet Symphony almost doesn't even fit but maybe because I've heard it so many times in comparison to everything else on this record. It's a great song though so it's not like it detracts from the album.
They sound like something between Radiohead and Oasis. But I guess that's just the 95-2000 brit rock/pop sound.
I'm enjoying the listen but I had to turn it up. There's a lot more interesting stuff in the quiet sounds.
4
Nov 09 2023
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Nevermind
Nirvana
This album opens with Smells Like Teen Spirit which is probably Nirvana's best song. Or at least most popular.
In Bloom is about me. I'm definitely a fair weather fan of Nirvana. I've never really listened to their music actively, just experienced it through life, guitar hero, and memes.
Come As You Are and Lithium are classics.
Polly is dark as hell but doesn't sound like it.
Drain You is hilariously gross.
Something In The Way really makes you feel like Batman.
Endless, Nameless devolves into to great noise rock which I'm definitely in to.
This album is hailed as the best grunge album ever or whatever. 5 stars. RIP Kurt Cobain.
5
Nov 10 2023
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The Grand Tour
George Jones
This is from 1974? Sounds like the 50's. Does time run slow in the south?
This album sounds like it's sung over some SpongeBob music.
A lot of these songs are kinda sad.
Nothing stood out to me in particular.
It's not really my kinda music but it's easy listening and none of the songs outstay their welcome. Mr. Jones is certainly a good singer. The whole album comes in at 28 minutes.
3
Nov 13 2023
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
This album is fine. It mostly blends together with samey guitar and subdued vocals. I guess that's the vibe but it's just a little bland for me.
Standout tracks are Them Bones and Rooster.
3
Nov 14 2023
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
This music is fine to listen but none of it sticks at all. I started a third listen and don't remember any of these tunes. I never noticed that the album ended and started playing other stuff.
These dudes are obviously great at playing their instruments but I just don't have any jazz knowledge.
3
Nov 15 2023
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Brothers
The Black Keys
The Black Keys never really hit for me. I know their big hits but never really cared enough to check out their full catalog. This album justifies that feeling for me. Most of the album is pretty bland. Reminds me of The White Stripes but less inspired and over-produced?
Tighten Up and Howlin' For You are the best songs on here.
I didn't dislike it, wouldn't mind it being on, but I'm not gonna revisit.
3
Nov 16 2023
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
This is so good!
I had no idea the Exorcist song was just a actual song.
Pt 1 just continually builds instruments in a very cool way. Very satisfying when the tubular bells finally get introduced.
Pt 2 has some crazy vocals and growling going on. I like how they almost bring the main theme back a while bunch of times.
Then a Sailors Hornpipe cover after like 45 minutes of original instrumental music? Mr Oldfield is crazy for that.
I really enjoyed this whole thing. Very good loud car listen.
5
Nov 21 2023
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
This album kept losing my attention though the first half. I like a lot of what's going on, little bits of individual songs, but no songs were standout winners to be.
I like the occasional use of the vocoder like at the end of Big Wheels.
Mr. Blue Sky is great, a classic.
I like The Whale but it does seem to be one of the most unique songs on here.
4
Nov 22 2023
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Beyond Belief is almost good. Reminds me of Vampire Weekend maybe.
Shabby Doll is similar where it's almost good but keeps doing weird stuff.
Man Out Of Time picks up the energy for a bit especially with the hootin' and hollerin' at the end. Not necessarily good still...
Almost Blue is jazzy and seems to make the vibe make sense. Showcases the singer's voice nicely too.
Pidgin English and You Little Fool had something going on but then he gets weird again on Town Cryer.
This guy's voice is a little annoying. Like he's always off key kinda? Maybe there's something interesting going on musically but I'm not catching it. The vibe on here is kinda sleepy too.
The guy can sing when he feels like it and band is good but it seems like they should be doing a different style where their skills would better apply.
2
Nov 23 2023
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Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
This is some real primitive hip hop. The genre has definitely come a long way.
The backing tracks all need some work. Production, mixing, mastering, etc. seems to be lacking something. Just a product of the times I think.
Not much of substance in the lyrics that I can't tell.
Go Go Pop sounds like a Donkey Kong song.
1 extra star for being the first.
2
Nov 27 2023
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
I listened to this once and that was kinda enough. I know some of these songs and I liked the album fine but I'm not really into soul music.
Best I can do is $3.
3
Nov 28 2023
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
Snoop Dogg is great on this. I think this is basically the first thing he did so pretty strong start.
Dr. Dre is actually less relevant as a performer these days since he's mostly a producer now.
Lots of "izz"-ification (Drizze, hizzouse, drizzown) on here which is kinda funny since no one does that anymore since white people started doing it.
Similar in some ways to the Public Enemy album from a few weeks ago. Slightly further "evolved" i.e., more guns, women diss tracks, less social issues. A bit more fun to listen too but a little less socially important.
Deeez Nuuutz!! Got 'em since 1992.
4
Nov 29 2023
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Bro, I'm straight up not having a good time.
I've stopped and started this album like four times and each time it turns out only like 10 minutes have passed.
Her voice is very grating at times and really gets to me. I guess this is rock and roll? But also R&B? Bleh
What's Love Got To Do With It is very popular and I'm fine with that one. The rest I'll pass on.
2
Nov 30 2023
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Abraxas
Santana
Way too cool of a name for this album.
This was an enjoyable listen but it didn't have that much special about it. Good instrumentals but not much vocals. I don't have anything overly positive or negative to say about this.
3
Dec 01 2023
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Oh, more Prince. Looks like this album doesn't even have any of his big hits. Not excited.
Some parts of Play In The Sunshine were half decent.
How does a song called Housequake come out this lame.
Why does Prince sound like a cartoon sidekick?
Shouldn't a ballad have, like, nice singing?
I would call the police if someone sang Hot Thing at me.
I'm giving up before the end.
Of the thousand and one albums to listen to before I die, which are supposedly good, I can't imagine enjoying something else less. I award Prince one star and may God have mercy on his soul.
1
Dec 04 2023
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are kings of the guitar riff. Very simple, classic rock instrumentation. Just guitar, bass, drums. Good stuff.
The vocals are quite minimal actually. For all the hoopla about demonic influence there's not that much to worry about. Compared to modern music anyway. Lil Nas X would kill a 70s church wife with one glance.
I know War Pigs, Paranoid, and Iron Man the best but all these songs are pretty good.
Planet Caravan was a nice chill moment.
Rat Salad has a fun name.
4
Dec 05 2023
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
I think I like Joni Mitchell but I don't know anything on this album.
Definitely some jazz vibes on here which I think unfortunately tips this album into annoying territory for me.
The instrumental section on Down To You is very pleasant.
No other standout winners for me on here.
3
Dec 06 2023
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
I really like the vibe on this album.
Rose Parade is very pleasant. But then all the songs are pleasant.
I think I've heard one or two of his songs before but I'm surprised I'm not more aware of Elliott Smith.
I think a lot of indie bands have been trying to produce this sound lately. Elliott Smith was way ahead of the curve. And then he died :(
4
Dec 07 2023
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
This album is a very interesting blend of rock, ska, soul, reggae, and probably a much of other genres. I like lots of parts of the album but it doesn't quite hit as a whole unit.
Ma and Pa looks like the most popular song on here, along with Bonin In The Boneyard, but they weren't really standout to me.
One Day is pretty good. Found myself jamming out.
Ghetto Soundwave is just Ska.
I'd give it 3½ stars if I could.
3
Dec 08 2023
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Sincere
Mj Cole
I can already tell I'm missing out on certain sounds without a subwoofer. Probably a good car album.
Don't care for Elisabeth Troy's vocals on Tired Games. Unfortunately it looks like she features on many more songs.
Bandelero Desperado has that Bri'ish "people" flow that I kinda hate.
Oh, it continues on the interlude :(
More Elisabeth on Crazy Love :(
This is what passes for good house music in the U.K. in 2000? The Germans were already making better house in a cave with a box of scraps for two decades.
This man was determined to use every instrument on his new digital keyboard on You're Mine.
The vocals at Rough Out Here are rough indeed.
Bad. Only redeeming quality is that some of these could be inoffensive lounge songs.
2
Dec 11 2023
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Odelay
Beck
I like this album a lot. It's kind of weird, lots of beeps and boops and noise throughout.
Hotwax feels like a successor to Loser.
I was already familiar with The New Pollution, just from Spotify pushing it to me, and I like it a lot.
Derelict is very odd in a good way. Sounds like very few other types of music.
I was also already familiar with Where It's At. Pretty good but not my favorite song on this album.
I like the whistling opener on Sissyneck.
Jaw harp on Readymade is fun. Also the crackles and other noise.
High 5 weirdly reminds me of Get Low by Lil Jon. The "three, six, nine, damn she fine" part matches up with "high five, more dead than alive" matches up in my brain. It doesn't actually match but I still hear it.
Ramshackle is a nice chill song. Very pleasant.
I had to listen to Jack-Ass and Diskobox on YouTube. Jack-Ass is pretty good. Diskobox is nuts.
Would causally listen to this album in the future.
5