Oct 23 2023
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
I can tell already she has one of my favorite singing voices. Billie Holiday has a more angelic soprano and Nina Simone has more gritty character but Sarah Vaughan sounds like the perfect representation of a grade A jazz voice. It sounds as though you are in a very intimate, classic jazz bar. I imagine it just finished raining in the city. I recall the “intro spot” club in tokyo. The live also elevates the listening experience. It's a little long so I was less in it but Jazz feels that way to me sometimes even in the live setting. It sets a mood and pulls you in and gently releases you out from time to time in your own thoughts. Good record and one of my new favorite voices.
4
Oct 24 2023
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Better than I expected. I knew the hits would hit but the opening track and a couple of the deep cuts are catchy. The sound isn't super unique to me but the songwriting is solid and Blondie herself (I don't know the band lore if that's how she goes by) is charismatic enough that it just works.
3
Oct 25 2023
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Heard many times. Truly a classic. Aged very well. Dark, danceable and genre creating. Ahead of it's time really. This reminds me of the Velvet Underground where a band proved all you need is good core songs and interesting instrumentation and you can define a unique sound. This on top of the fact that these guys had better chops than the velvet underground IMO. Ian curtis's very unique vocality. The reverbed/washed out instrumentation. Upon relistening, I found deeper cuts like "Insights" weird synth passages or "She's Lost Control" ear worm bass line more compelling on top of what I think are the better know songs such as "Disorder" which is one of my favorite opening tracks of any album or "New Dawn Fades" rocking guitar passages. The album really is the cover. A straight grid of white lines that turn into mountains. In the sense that you recognize all that went into this album in term so instrumentation and style but the way it's done makes the songs gargantuan in comparison to other acts still to this day.
5
Oct 26 2023
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Bad
Michael Jackson
One of the all time greats at his peak. It is undeniable how groovy this album is. It is not at the same level as off the wall or thriller to me but it has almost as many great hits. Plus weird al's parody was awesome. Man in the mirror is a beautiful ballad. Dirty Diana and the Way you Make me feel are up there for top tracks. Smooth criminal is badass. I’m also loving deeper cuts like the song speed demon and the closer leave me alone feels like a desperate cry for him to get the public off his back. Despite this title, this album is nowhere close to "bad" lololololol I'm done.
4
Oct 27 2023
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
An important album in my life. It is unfortunate how far the frontman has fallen in terms of his behavior and conduct but this was one of the first indie bands and concerts I got into. This tour was unreal on how epic the music felt. Truly operatic in theme and intensity. Growing up in the suburbs feels more visceral with these tracks about adolescent wonder turning to angst and age. I’ll never not go back to this one.
5
Oct 29 2023
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Live!
Fela Kuti
This is one of those artists I always hear so much about but I had not really listened to enough. The live performance really captures the grooves and his charismatic energy in the playing. I think live records can be a mixed bag but the grooves just feel very alive in this record
4
Oct 30 2023
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Starts right away with a great big band vibe. Album cover is super jarring but an explosive jazz album.
3
Oct 31 2023
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On The Beach
Neil Young
It’s not that it’s bad I just can’t connect with it. Walk on was a great opener and then it just was on in the background. Neil young has excellent tracks I just need to find the album that connects.
2
Nov 01 2023
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
Also not very bad but nothing super special about it. The comfortably numb cover was a little wack. Kind of mixes elo with a lot of weird pop tendencies from the late 80’s early 90’s? Not for me I think.
2
Nov 02 2023
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
This is an okay record. There are some good moments but it is pretty much the dad rockification of the beach boys. He has musical talent and good arrangements/production but there is something that is missing for me that lets me connect to it. There is almost too much going on. Layers that sound pleasant but just every instrument/random piece he can think of thrown in.
2
Nov 03 2023
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Scum
Napalm Death
Gilfoyle used “you suffer” in the Silicon Valley episode for the crypto notification and that was hilarious. This album however is not hilarious it is pretty brutal/loud. I’d have to be in the right mood for it but it’s good
3
Nov 04 2023
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Ooh great album. I believe this right when Stevie grew out of the straightforward soul and Motown hits and went into his stride as a definitive artists. Superstition makes this a great album alone. You are the sunshine of my life is a mellow, vitamin d giving love song. Big Brother is a funky but more political jam. Maybe your baby brings a signature style electronic keyboard and tremolo'd/wah wah'd bass line. At times it feels like this album could've helped start the new age music movement without being as cheesy. That may be due to Stevie's voice/charisma.
4
Nov 05 2023
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Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
ooh already a great garage rock album. super fuzzy and touch me i'm sick i'm sure will set the tone for the whole album. immediate vibes of coachwhips and what would later inspire ty segall and oh sees (thee oh sees). Good predecessor to the 90’s Alt/grunge era
3
Nov 06 2023
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
This record is one I've been meaning to listen to for awhile. I'm the most familiar with Brian Eno via his Music for Airports ambient record and I wouldn't say I can immediately recall that record by tune either but it definitely puts me in a place for travelling. I'm not sure where this falls on his catalog being so prolific/legendary but I think it really kicks off with "St. Elmo's Fire" as it has really cool guitar and the vocal hook really fits. "The Big Ship" I am familiar with through films like Me, Earl and the Dying Girl as well as End of Tour. More of the ambient tracks on this grip me than the ones with vocals like the cool dark synths and percussion in "In Dark Trees" and "Sombre Reptiles" or the beautiful layers on "Another Green World" or "Becalmed" or "Zawinul/Lava." That being said, "i'll come running" and " everything merges with the night" have some good pink floyd song vibes. A good record overall by a very notable voice in music.
4
Nov 07 2023
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
It’s got some classic rock hits. Kind of a good mix of blues rock with a little more hard rock/metal influence. I wish hush was on it
3
Nov 08 2023
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
sounds like the soundtrack to a quentin tarantino nostalgia piece. Need to revisit but didn’t think it was an essential album
2
Nov 09 2023
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Metallica
Metallica
Eh. Enter Sandman is a classic but the energy feels a little off for me. A lot of mid tempo/slower jams that don't hit as hard as ride the lightning or master of puppets style songs.
2
Nov 10 2023
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
There are some classic rock/Pink Floyd songs on here. Their attempt of a rock opera is overall successful but it doesn’t come near wish you were here, animals or dark side for me. Maybe if I saw the film? Still a good record.
3
Nov 11 2023
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
It's a dad rock/classic rock turn for Smith on this one (I believe one of his last albums) which works well enough. It's not as good as his self titled, either/or and the like but his songwriting is too good that the songs still shine through the slightly more extravagant instrumentation.
3
Nov 12 2023
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Repeater
Fugazi
Pretty solid punk album. The playing has a lot of energy to it. You can tell all the players are very in sync with each other throughout. Cool usage of harmonics on the guitars and the singers have perfect energy for a punk band. The songs are not immediately catchy for me like a lot of great punk is but I think they sit with you longer for that reason.
4
Nov 13 2023
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
This was my first Brian Eno album I think. I knew his name through the MGMT song but remember trying this one out while travelling for work and really enjoying the ambiance. It is very relaxing and makes me think I'm soaring above somewhere or just generally thinking about travelling. Angelic synths/choral voices and the title help set you in this outer worldly space. It makes me think about how there are so many of us going so many places and doing so many things and how there is some missed beauty in the chaos of all of that.
5
Nov 14 2023
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
A good creative peak for the band. I think it has the most risks of their albums. Down by the seaside has a nice honky tonk twang to it. the slide guitars in "in my time of dying" are great. "kashmir" with it's strings/eastern music influences.
4
Dec 06 2023
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John Prine
John Prine
I've tried to get into this guy so many times but his voice just isn't for me.
1
Dec 07 2023
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Soul Mining
The The
This is just a weirdo 80's album. It has all the trappings/production with a fun bedroom pop album of today with 80's aesthetic. Pretty weird singer/dramatic theatrical. Interesting.
3
Dec 08 2023
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
A perfect album. First half is a cool indie pop epic and once it gets to 4th dimensional transition the album goes off into wild psychedelia. . A perfect record in my opinion.
5
Dec 09 2023
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Pretty solid alt rock singer songwriter album. The Thom Yorke tracks are cool. The songwriting is solid. PJ Harvey is an artist I need to check out more thoroughly but a full album of hers has yet to truly envelope me. Although the tracks that hit always hit hard.
3
Dec 10 2023
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
What a weirdo album in a not bad way. I feel like this is Kate Bush at some of her most unhinged. The opening track is just a weird amalgam of creative instrument choices with such a weird groove and this jaunty/bar like piano. interesting vocal parts/harmonies. Still some catchiness but definitely really odd overall.
3
Dec 11 2023
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
I believe this is the duo's most acclaimed album. A very chill electronic/trip hop/ambient record. Weird samples and I think seminal. I prefer Geogaddi but I think that's subjective. This is still a great album for focusing, night drive, being wired into the dystopic future nightmare that is the future present. Very alien hip hop/trip hop beats. Odd vocal samples and spacey alienating synths. Definitely a must listen to get into the weirder side of electronic music.
5
Dec 12 2023
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
As an album, it's not that remarkable to me. Some solid riffing and playing. Lemmy's voice is very unique/charismatic. However, Ace of Spades is one of the best rock songs of all time.
2
Dec 13 2023
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
For the first rap album on this list, I feel slightly disappointed. It didn't really hit even though on a technical level it's all good. Good production and good rapping. The instrumentals were just not very gripping to me and I felt better vibes from other British rap acts like Stormzy, The Streets, Slowthai, Wiley and the like.
1
Dec 14 2023
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Dad rock with undeniably/annoying level of catchiness
2
Dec 15 2023
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21
Adele
Good singer songwriter album. I did rolling the deep for a talent show once. Not a real review. Chasing pavements is definitely my favorite song of hers but this one is a better overall album experience
3
Dec 16 2023
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
There are all the foundations of what make the talking heads great throughout the years and it’s well produced but I think there is just some magic missing. I think the weird punk influence and odd instrumentation that create the grooves are missing if I had to guess. Well produced but the songs just don’t have the same hitting quality for me as subsequent records.
2
Dec 17 2023
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Pretty cool post punk feeling female fronted band. I remember hearing them for the first time in this cool bar called the cuevita in highland park with a cool bartender who was playing them who was super nice. Very joy division.
3
Dec 18 2023
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Pavement is fine. There are some songs that really hit but the full albums have yet to get me to the point that everyone gushes to me about. It may be because I just missed the time where they felt unique and that they inspired so many other bands that have sounds I got introduced to first but I hope one day I get it.
2
Dec 19 2023
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
I remember seeing the music video for "the robots" playing somewhere and it was bumping. Before some show maybe? I love the big lebowski so once I understood that "Autobahn" was just a reference to kraftwerk I got the aesthetic a lot more. Regardless of these reviews being mini rambles/logs of my life, all the tracks set up these great long hypnotizing builds. They all, when played back to back, have maybe a slightly too similar aesthetic but they're all so good at hooking you in. The model being their most popular single. The Robots being the best beat. Spacelab having my favorite synths and neon lights being the pretty track. A good one by a good band.
4
Dec 20 2023
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Very romantic sounding. It helps that there's a lot of seemingly classic French influence in the instrumentation...you know, being French. His voice definitely feels like something I've heard in films or just generally around. Surprised that his first release was a seemingly live album as well.
3
Dec 21 2023
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
I think born to run is his first breakout album but I may prefer this one. While not as grand, there is more variety. Candy’s room is definitely my favorite Bruce Springsteen ever. Promised land is beautiful. The closing title track is a barn burner of an ending too. He’ll never be my favorite artist but he is an undeniably singer songwriter. You know his voice/his style when you hear it. Very quintessential American feeling.
4
Dec 22 2023
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
For the title track alone this is a solid album. I heard a cover from Nilufer Yanana (don't know how to spell her full name). This feels like a grittier album which makes sense since Steve Albini is the one who produced it. There is a lot of raw power/emotion to the singing/guitar playing. Lots of good wailing. Lots of good distortion.
3
Dec 23 2023
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
reminds me of etra de lair/mdou moctar. Basically cool electric guitar fused blues with african music. WITCH I think too is similar to that style. Tinariwin too? I appreciate a world music album on here since I haven't seen any since I've tried this site. It is well produced, the songs are catchy and it is a straightforward sound. Not my favorite/not all of the songs hit but it's a solid record.
3
Dec 24 2023
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Close To The Edge
Yes
I’m up then I’m down. That was my initial thoughts on this record. It’s impossible to overstate the immense complexity and achievement of human performance and composition of this record. While I think fragile will always be my favorite, this definitely seems like their greatest work as an overall album experience
5
Dec 25 2023
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Country Life
Roxy Music
Definitely a solid classic rock sounding album. It may just be me, but there even with solid songwriting, cool arrangements and solid playing, there is nothing that actually stands out too much to me about this album. Maybe it was unique/groundbreaking for its time but otherwise it doesn't get me anywhere new.
3
Dec 26 2023
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Soul fueled Christmas and it came at a nice time.
3
Dec 27 2023
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Feels like Tori would not exist without Kate Bush. Not in a bad way necessarily as she definitely seems to have a more immediate pop appeal like a regina spektor or ingrid michaelson which is impressive since this came out in the 90's. Crucify's weird reverb beat annoyed me but the track was good. Girl is a good follow up with great strings. Silent has a beautiful quality to it that seems to be at least a decade ahead of many future pop contemporaries. Precious things has the beautiful dramatic and driving beat/arrangement. Honestly it picked up in variety / and being more fun after the opening track.
4
Dec 28 2023
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
The first half is undeniably legendary with war pigs, paranoid to planet caravan (kind of a jazzy/quiet cut that I just heard) to iron man. The second half didn’t hit as hard and felt more like a showcase of their playing more than hard hitting songs but it is a worthwhile listen and classic metal album
4
Dec 29 2023
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The Cars
The Cars
One of my favorite albums of this era. Something that’s so straightforward and hooky in the songs but yet there’s enough interesting layers and instrumentation that it’s hard not to like. I’d say one of the quintessential pop rock albums. Maybe the best self titled album released? I’ll have to think on that one.
5
Dec 30 2023
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
an alright jazz rap album. nothing hit though
2
Dec 31 2023
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
Interesting that Kurt Cobained knew/loved these guys. Not for any bad reason just a lot jammier than I expected. I loved a slowed down jam they had called "up on the sun" but this album is just straight up energy. Reminds me a bit of primus/TPOTUSA. Very good reverbed out jam guitar rock record.
3
Jan 01 2024
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Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
I have no idea why this album exists with the people who exist on it. A bunch of great songwriters who helmed songs for this singer who must be famous for some reason? It is very dramatic/theatrical. Ute's got a good voice which fits that style though. I like the case continues (specifically that trippy string part in the chorus). There's some jazzy elements throughout the record (passionate fight) but then it also at times sounds like it may have been produced by a massive attack style band with the dark electronics. It is a little much at times but there are some gems on it.
3
Jan 02 2024
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
I think I'm kind of a sucker for this style of music generally. Plus Curtis has one of my favorite voices for soul music. I think I will watch this movie one day as this stylish soundtrack is definitely getting me in the mood for some cheesy 70s
4
Jan 03 2024
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
An interesting debut. A lot more indulgent but not in a bad way. 5 longer style tracks that cover adjectives like droney, doomy and jammy. It's weird to me as this feels like something they would've done after their bigger hits like paranoid, iron man, sweet leaf and the like. It feels like a better album experience to me for some reason than paranoid which was always my go to.
4
Jan 04 2024
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
If I had one adjective I could use for this album it is textured. It is really well produced/layered. The songs themselves though don't all hit that well. There is nothing I can complain or pinpoint that I don't like but I just imagine swaying/driving to this.
3
Jan 05 2024
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Calenture
The Triffids
Maybe if I grew up with it? Feels like some pretty standard 80's rock but I guess these guys mattered in Austrailia. I can see the Kirin J Caliinan may be taking from these guys quite a bit honestly.
2
Jan 06 2024
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
This album opens with two very strong tracks. There is elegance in the "simplicity" of just acoustic guitar and vocals in many of the songs. I've tried learning Nick Drake songs and he makes it seem deceptively easy but I find that many of his melodies with his playing are complex. A hypnotic/beautiful singer songwriter record. I may prefer "Five Leaves Left" but with this guy, I think it's whatever you hear first that leaves the best impression. Definitely a must listen to artist.
4
Jan 07 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
I want to hate this more than I actually do. There is just so much energy in the playing it's hard not to have it "grow on you" (like their song lolololol). Honestly this gets 3 stars just for I believe in a thing called love anyway. Just some power rock/80's nostalgia with some decent tunes and a lot of nostalgia.
3
Jan 08 2024
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Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
Definitely a 60's psychedlic blues rock record for sure.
2
Jan 09 2024
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Probably my favorite Bob Dylan record. Really beautiful instrumentation and mysterious lyrics. A very appropriate follow up to Highway 61 as it still has a lot of lush instrumentation but lays off the electric sound. Kind of combining the best aspects of all his music from that point to the blues influences, the guthrie folk and his generally nasally voice. A definitive work.
5
Jan 10 2024
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
Definitely loved "singles going steady" which, weirdly, some tracks on this album appear on that. So maybe it's a compilation? I'm really curious of their history and record releases but to talk about the music: really fast rock with a good catchy appeal. Just hook after hook after hook. May not be everyone's cup of tea (british) but one of my favorite bands of this style. Fast cars is a good opener. Get on our own is solid. Love Battery is fun. I like that these songs basically go real quick. Fits the energy. Even the long track "moving the pulsebeat" is brimming with creative playing for how straightforward their sound tends to be.
4
Jan 11 2024
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Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
Lots of noodling but not bad.
3
Jan 12 2024
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
I wish Pavement hit at the same level as these guys for me.
3
Jan 13 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
Not bad but whatever. Maybe a different day it'll hit harder. First track is definitely fun and an interesting chamber pop rock kind of thing if that seems fair to assess.
2
Jan 14 2024
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A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
The actual sound isn't unique but rod stewart's voice and the band's energy carries it through the classic rock n roll jams.
3
Jan 15 2024
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
I only really know disintegration and am not the biggest fan generally but this was okay! I can't speak to the impact of this debut for defining goth music but definitely feels like they took a slightly less dark approach to post punk/morphed it into their own style of goth with reverbed guitars and more grand instrumentation. Definitely a nice listen bare minimum.
3
Jan 16 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
A band that I don't listen to often but am always taken when I hear them. At least this album. It has elements of the cure/the smiths. It is a little more shoe-gazey though and something really cinematically cheesy about these songs and not in a bad way. It is cool this came out right before the decade of the 90's cause sometimes the beats/the way the guitars sound seem to be perfect lead-ins to the direction rock was going before grunge/metal got more popular during the decade. I always feel like i'm talking out of nothing from writing these reviews but just listen to the first 3 songs and if you're not into it you'll know by then.
4
Jan 17 2024
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A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
For a name like "Ms. Dynamite" and "A Little Deeper." I'd expect some TNT through a mountain, not firecrackers on playdoh.
That's too harsh. It's all fine but nothing about it stands out to me for an R&B record really.
2
Jan 18 2024
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Mott
Mott The Hoople
eh I like this type of music and even this is a little too generic for me.
1
Jan 19 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
I used to be a music director at a college and remember receiving Lorde's "Love Club" EP and thinking it was not my thing but saw an appeal for the indie/pop cross over style and catchy songs. I never listened to this really but it's a solid pop record. I guess since I ignored it on initial release I didn't realize how much the current pop style feels like this. I don't know if it was capitalizing on those trends or creating them. The actual songs are nice enough. Feels like a bit Kate Bush, a bit Swift, but overall cool.
3
Jan 20 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
This is the group I point to anytime someone asks who to listen to to get into hip hop. This music is just legitimately the definition of cool. The trippier/jazz rap beats by ali and these nice flows from q-tip, fife and jarobi. This is a wildly immediate/defined album for a group to have. Their most popular song and the first I've heard is on it as well as my favorite "I left my wallet in el segundo." Ham n Eggs is hilarious as it seems to just be them describing foods they like. The sampling is just great all around.
4
Jan 21 2024
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Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
This feels like a band they'd play in High Fidelity.
3
Jan 22 2024
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Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
I thought I'd like this a lot less based off of name alone but this is a cool folk rock record. Reminds me of James but with more of a bluegrass/folk twang to it. Lots of good playing and there is an effortlessness to chemistry of the songs. This is like your favorite bar band that's played forever.
4
Jan 23 2024
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
I put this on par with their debut with a little more blues and attitude in the mix. Overall solid, a couple great stands outs (first two tracks, Ramble on as one of my fav zeppelin tracks). A couple great deep cuts (Bring it on home is a great closer, moby dick is cool). Just more of zeppelin growing and becoming the classic band we now know today.
4
Jan 24 2024
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
This is one of those seminal albums that, while not on my favorites of hardcore/punk emo music, is still pretty awesome. Blistering is a word that I think a lot use with this kind of music which can be exhausting but definitely makes me miss my moshing days.
4
Jan 25 2024
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I'm partial two their first two records the most but this is another perfect album from the band. Still sees them experimenting and putting out interesting but simple blues/garage rock fusions. Outside of the general single stand outs (fell in love, dead leaves, hotel yorba, and friends). I'd reccomend "I think I smell a rat", "Offend in every way", "Little room" "expecting", "I'm finding it harder to be a gentelman every day", "I can learn." as other white stripes staples.
5
Jan 26 2024
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
Eh not bad but nothing hitting.
2
Jan 27 2024
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Hotel California
Eagles
I will always have nostalgia for these guys since my dad loved them. He always played their greatest hits/hell freezes over. Otherwise, this is some nice/easy breezy soft rock with good singing.
3
Jan 28 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
a cool band and a cool record.
3
Feb 01 2024
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Graceland
Paul Simon
5 star for nostalgia alone as I'd call this a "Dad would always play this so I learned to love it" album. Some may call this a exploitation or a....thinking of the word...cultural appropriation of these African styles and sounds. However, to me, these are just beautiful pop songs from one of America's greatest songwriter's exploring the fullest sounds with amazing collaborations of south african musicans like Ladysmith Black Mumbazo to american contemporary's like linda ronstandht. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes", "Homeless", "Call me Al" "Gumboots" "I Know What I Know" are all stand outs with 80's style production on the drums but beautiful African influenced style guitars. Such a weird combination with Simon's mousey/serene vocals but an instant classic.
5
Feb 02 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Definitely got some hits. Technically amazing. In terms of actual songs/nerd appeal? Pretty good prog rock power trio.
3
Feb 03 2024
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I prefer wildflowers but there are some good bops on this one. Fits great as a self titled as it seems to really encapsulate all of the band's styles well. I don't know if I love it as a whole album experience but a good introduction to the band.
2
Feb 04 2024
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New Forms
Roni Size
This is not an album I'd ever expect to appear on this list. I knew nothing of the history going in but love some good drum n bass music/breakbeat footwerk style electronica and apparently this is one of the pioneering artists/album collaborations under "Jungle" which was the first wave of this style. Very cool jazzy style instrumentals. The bass being very prevalent for understandable reasons. There is a lot of variety. Bahamadia's feature is cool. She reminds me a bit of little simz with her rapping voice. There is a lot to digest on this album as the track lengths get long and, to a casual listener, it can slightly blur together. Regardless, pretty cool album.
3
Feb 05 2024
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Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
I'm a sucker for this. Reminds me of music from the game Civilization in terms of the worldliness but just generally very beautiful and hypnotizing kind of acoustic jams.
5
Feb 06 2024
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Aja
Steely Dan
I inherited this record from my mom so I do always associate it with a nice vinyl soud/classic 70's yacht rock vibe. It's short enough where all the tracks are good but my stand outs are black cow, deacon blues, peg, and josie. Good hypnagogic sound.
4
Feb 07 2024
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Dust
Screaming Trees
I really only knew mark lanegan from his work with QOTSA. This album is a lot more hopeful sounding/less dark than I expected based on that work as well. It fits with the aesthetic of 90's hard rock and his vocals are very good but nothing stands out besides a couple cool moments of guitar and nice choruses.
2
Feb 08 2024
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Changes and Snowblind are my personal highlights. Definitely has a lot of more slow/beautiful tracks and a great record
3
Feb 09 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
Eh it's fine I guess.
2
Feb 10 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Iconic country album. I feel like the song choices don’t contain as many of the direct hits he has besides Folsom prison blues, there are some great songs and the energy actually does come through from the prisoners on an interesting way. Grey stone chapel is my favorite Johnny cash song due to this
4
Feb 11 2024
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
You can't stream this anywhere so that makes it default kind of cool. An interesting album to have come out in the era it came out in for sure. Definitely feels almost proto punk to some level. Definitely a lot more fast/lose with the tones/style then some of the generic 60's rock that gets played (or even suggested on this very website).
3
Feb 12 2024
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Born To Be With You
Dion
His voice is good. Very dad rock and nothing interesting about the instrumentation but the songs/voice are good I guess.
2
Feb 13 2024
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
The smiths are always a nice listen. I'll admit I'm not the most active listener when I listen to them and this album doesn't seem to have as many tracks that hit as the queen is dead or louder than bombs. I still like stop me if you've heard this one and death of a disco dancer for sure though and they don't write bad music generally.
3
Feb 14 2024
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
This site is honestly not my favorite in terms of its rap suggestions but this one is great. Definitely seems to be in the vein of their contemporaries in N.W.A. and Public Enemy but their production isn't as aggressive and closer to a group like Tribe called Quest. Even the fun energy of the Pharcyde. I also here in one of the M.C.'s a bit of Danny Brown and it may be the tone or just me believing things. All this being said, an enjoyable rap album even though it's not their most popular/lauded.
3
Feb 15 2024
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Reminds me of mahavishnu in terms of jazz fusion styles but more of steely dan/later stevie wonder in terms of overall vibe. This album as a musician is technically impressive but not as unapproachable as I'd expect with a band of this caliber of chops. Lots of yacht rock/city rock influence while still being very progressive. It feels like it can both be background music or you can pick apart the songs which makes it nice.
4
Feb 16 2024
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Lots of good energy. Some good old fashioned rollrock
3
Feb 17 2024
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
If you know the Beastie Boys, this record is their sound very amped up. Lots of scratches, yelping and classic rock sampled guitars all chopped and screwed up. There are some funny lines and generally good beats and some of their most classic songs.(Sabotage, Brass Monkey, and one of my favorites, No Sleep Til Brooklyn). Paul Revere's beat is okay but doesn't hit with me and Girls has not aged very well. otherwise I like the new style and time to get Ill as a closer.
3
Feb 18 2024
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
I didn't think I'd like this but it is kind of a grimy version of David Bowie with some more punk swagger (which makes sense since this is Iggy of Stooges fame). Night Clubbing and Baby are very drunk/weird guitar experiments. China Girl and Dum Dum Boys are just generally good rock songs.
3
Feb 19 2024
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I mean, it's Prince, it's going to be good.
4
Feb 20 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
I only knew this album cause of the very iconic lighting bolt face album cover. There are some great tracks on here though. Panic in Detroit's cool jungle beat., Watch that Man's solid/catchy chorus. Cracked Actor has a nice bluesy beat to it. The title track has an unhinged piano solo. Time is definitely one of the best David Bowie songs I think. Lady Grinning Soul is also maybe one of his most beautifully composed/produced songs. A solid addition to his catalog even if the back half didn't stick out as much to me.
3
Feb 21 2024
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
Feels like Massive attack mixed with a bit of the prodigy/the matrix soundtrack. A good blend of that 90's trip hop/big beat and dark/grimy electronics but blended with more shoegaze/beautiful style instrumentals.
3
Feb 22 2024
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B-52's
The B-52's
Definitely a unique sound to come out the gate with. As an album experience, there are enough interesting rockabilly guitars, weird underwater synth effects and just a general nonsensical vibe to carry this as a unique new wave record. Rock lobster is great. Planet Claire grows on you. 6060-842 and Lava are also worth a listen. 52 girls is maybe the most straightforward song but is just a good catchy rock single. I can see this rubbing you the wrong way depending on your mood but a good record.
3
Feb 23 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
The first album ever gifted to me (minus the baha men but I'm not sure if that counts). Super moody and one of the pinnacles of the rap rock/numetal genres. RIP chester as so many great formative songs came on this one. It is a little intense and not the easiest listening but for one step closer and in the end alone it gets a nostalgia 4 stars.
4
Feb 24 2024
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
I used to be (and probably still am) a little bit pretentious. I was not dissapointed by this album when it first came out but, similar to frank ocean's blonde on first listen, it did not hit as immediately. This album is definitely a dense, funky artistic statement from one of the current best rappers in the game. I may be partial to good kid, maad city and may not love all the beats on this one as much, but the more you actively listen to it, the more it becomes impossible to deny the pure artistry coming out of this album. Great features, crazy concept and enough good singles coming out of it to appreciate it.
4
Feb 25 2024
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
The more I listen to the Smiths the less interested I become in them. It's not that this record itself is even bad but their style definitely seems to tire on my ears. It definitely is a product of their jangle rock influence on all of indie rock music. I think it's just what you hear first (in my case, the queen is dead, then louder than bombs, then strangeways, here we come, then hateful hollow and now this. There are still some great jams on it but I think because of me hearing it this late it is just default not as interesting as the other records.
3
Feb 26 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
I definitely get why, in Nathan for You, they made dumb starbucks have a CD of "Dumb Norah Jones Duets." Her voice is good and the songwriting is not bad by any means but this is what I think of when I think of coffeeshop jazz for sure.
2
Feb 27 2024
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Good energy/good voice. Not my favorite in this style but solid overall. Good swing. Good standards. Very jazz.
3
Feb 28 2024
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Sucker for world music and choir music. I loved their work on the "Graceland" album which is where I first heard of this group. I don't know if the songs themselves really hit too much but the vibe of this record I can have on really anytime. Except maybe if I was really depressed then I'd get annoyed/feel self conscious for some reason.
3
Feb 29 2024
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Murmur
R.E.M.
I like some R.E.M. songs but this is a gonna be a no from me dog. Radio Free Europe is a good track and nothing is bad about it outright in production or playing but the songs themselves are pretty boring. Maybe it's because I was exposed to their greatest hits right off the back so I know they get better? Or maybe because Automatic for the People is IMO their best record and I heard that way earlier. This just isn't as risky or with any songs that hit as hard.
2
Mar 01 2024
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Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Older/original hip hop groups do get tagged with sometime corny lyrics or just generally older styles/sample technology and I would generally associated this with Run-D.M.C. just because I only knew their Walk This Way cover. That being said, this album has a lot more interesting production/sampling choices than I expected. It definitely still feels like an 80's hip hop album but now I feel like Beastie Boys almost ripped these guys off to some level. There is such a focus on the actual rapping/beats more than melody/a catchy hook that this feels more like an oddity than I anticipated.
3
Mar 02 2024
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Definitely a legendary blues artist. This stuff always sounds great on live records. I don't know if I'll ever find a blues record as a whole that I can listen to front to back without ever getting bored but it is good music overall. A nice dive bar or the south come to immediate mind with this.
3
Mar 03 2024
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
I'm surprised at how much cool pop punk is on these lists. This sounds so far like a more accesible drive like jehu record. There are some ska influences on born in 69. Some INXS vibes in the immediacy/production. I can even hear some vibes like the Hives in this. The first three tracks are great. Sometimes it gets a little much but otherwise a 3.5 from me overall.
3
Mar 04 2024
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Fun world record. Reminds me of paddington
3
Mar 14 2024
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
On voice alone this is a great record. Some solid arrangements too.
4
Mar 15 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
I had a huge Beatles phase and this was right before their massive artistic turn with sgt peppers. Some of the best Beatles tracks (Norwegian wood, Michelle, in my life, nowhere man) show up on this record. Drive my car is fun. I’m looking through you is a sleeper bop. It’s interesting how it’s so acoustic focused but I remember reading a review that the cover is a good representation. Their basking in nature which is repped with the natural instrumentation but they are also a little warped looking. It’s like the final hurrah of their earlier/mid years before they really cemented their legendary status.
4
Mar 16 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
Meh. Hungry like the Wolf is good but weirdly a new wave album I didn't care for.
1
Mar 17 2024
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Jack Takes the Floor
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Some woody guthrie shit. Pretty good.
3
Mar 18 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Probably the first world album this site has suggested that didn't stick with me. The voice is a little grating to me after awhile. Instrumentation/production is generally good and his voice isn't bad I just think it's not for me. Just doesn't connect .
2
Mar 19 2024
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Good album. One of my first exposures to acclaimed indie records. Ashes of American Flags, Heavy Metal Drummer, Pot Kettle Black, I am Trying to Break Your Heart, Kamera. All great indie folk rock jams.
5
Mar 20 2024
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Pretty cool metal album. Very thrashy. It feels like a slighlty darker/more experimental metallica.
3
Mar 21 2024
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Queen II
Queen
Pretty solid. Very theatrical and mostly deep cut album but really does showcase what a powerhouse talent this group was. This also feels fairly experimental between father and son, ogre battle, White Queen etc. There are still some great power guitars and epic harmonies/drum rolls that do define this band. Too much has already been said about Freddie but that voice really is unmistakable. I never thought of them as an album band more of a greatest hits band but pretty solid listening if you're into classic rock and a pillar band in the genre.
3
Mar 22 2024
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
I feel like this is jazzy bland of talking heads, tears for fears and weird new wave stuff. Not my favorite.
2
Mar 23 2024
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
I thought this was a solid debut when it came out during my time at the radio station/beginning of college/end of high school. He's got a great voice and this was a very extravagant album. Fertilizer, Pyramids, Forrest Gump, Thinkin 'Bout You, Crack rock, Super Rich Kids, Sweet Life and Bad Religion are my standouts. The album may be a little long and every song isn't for me but even if the whole album tires on me the songs that hit are too instant to ignore.
4
Mar 24 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
Maybe it's because I didn't hear it upon it's initial release but this is fairly lackluster feelings for 60's psychedelic blues. Sunshine of your love is iconic but the rest is just fine.
2
Mar 25 2024
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
I don't think I'd choose to ever listen to this but not in a bad way. Not my style but she's got a cool voice and the R&B/Rap style productions/song switch ups are pretty cool. I know her hits and definitely like a few but this is a crazy massive album which is impressive enough on it's own and it's her first.
3
Mar 26 2024
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Eh. Even we got the beat isn't a song I really like. Vacation is a good one but it's not on this album. The lead singer actually reminds of Carrie Brownstein from Sleater-Kinney. I know this is a subjective review as there is nothing on face value wrong with the band but the songs are just kind of boring to me. I'm sure they're a fun show/good band but not my favorite new wave band.
1
Mar 27 2024
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
This is definitely an album. Anti music? Definitely unique...I don't ever listen to it though. I appreciate it's creativity and what it's trying to do but it reminds me a bit of ecce homo. The genius is in how terrible it is and it makes an impact but you I never would put this on out of any emotion. I only rate it low because of that reason not because I don't appreciate what it's accomplishing.
1
Mar 28 2024
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
Not their best album but in some ways their hardest. Suggestions, Spiders, War? and Suite-Pee are all stunners. The breakdowns are brutal, the singing is unparalelled. They would only rise from here.
4
Mar 29 2024
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...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
I've heard of this band for so long it's interesting finally trying them out. I know they're indie staples. And after listening I wasn't a huge fan. A bit of shoegaze alt rock.
2
Mar 30 2024
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
cool
3
Mar 31 2024
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
awwww freak out.
3
Apr 01 2024
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Suicide
Suicide
I think M.I.A. sampled this song in "Born Free." Regardless, this is a crazy album. I don't know if it's really something you can listen to at a party or anything unless it's a really cool indie night club. Reminds me of dirty beaches.
4
Apr 02 2024
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
pretty fun blues rock album. Not my favorite genre but they're pretty good.
3
Apr 03 2024
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
very cool jazz trumpet player. I would say standard/solid mix of bold trumpet/brass focus with some smooth balladry once in awhile.
3
Apr 04 2024
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Leftism
Leftfield
Definitely feels like some 90's club music. The songs are alright and are actually a little trippy/have some good general beats and hooks but they're a little long. Overall a nice electronic record but the only thing that's missing for me is something that distinguishes this album/group overall. Daft punk had the robotic disco future style, Chemical Brothers had more big beat/acid tecno influences, Aphex twin had the beautiful ambient/IDM mixes. nothing about this (to me) feels as distinct as the other groups.
3
Apr 05 2024
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Green
R.E.M.
Nothing offensive about this. R.E.M. has always been a "greatest hits" band for me generally speaking. Maybe it was groundbreaking or very innovative in indie rock for it's time and michale stipe is a very iconic voice in both lyrics and general tone but nothing outside of Orange Crush really hits for me.
1
Apr 06 2024
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Pretty classic/badass feeling overall. Some good ballads/anthems and just solid riffs/grooves. Understandable why these guys are considered some of the best of the best in heavy metal. Breaking the law is great but The Rage, Rapid Fire, Metal Gods and You Don't Have to be Old to be Wise are my standouts
4
Apr 07 2024
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Virgin Suicides
Air
Never saw this film (but definitely seems worth it since it's Sofia Coppola) but interesting/the first film soundtrack / score to be featured on this list for me which is interesting. I first heard high school lover at a 1975 concert preshow which was quite beautiful. It's a good blend of mellow electronics, pretty pianos/electric sounding guitars. Very easy to listen to. I feel like there is some Bowie influence on aesthetic but soundwise just have a nice dreamy aesthetic. Definitely a cool vibe style album regardless of it's impact to the film.
3
Apr 08 2024
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
Definitely a classic/the only Billy Joel album I know straight through. Theatrical and moving and has all types of great emotions/stories throughout. This is the best kind of schmaltzy piano (next to the Biggest jams are "Movin' Out", "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", "Only the Good Die Young", "Vienna" and "Just the Way You Are."
4
Apr 09 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
I think I gave this record on vinyl to a buddy of mine at the radio station I worked at. Huge mistake as this is definitely a classic. Pretty cool sounding soul record. Pretty experimental feeling too having such long songs but the arrangements of a full band plus some orchestral elements really add to the vibe. If you pay attention you can appreciate all the details or you can just let it play for the general vibe and it's good both in an hypnotic trancey state or a mood enhancer. One woman being a beautiful love song. Walk on by being a killer opener. The second song which I can't remember the full name feeling inspiring to that outkast album but being a jaunty piano track. A crazy "by the time I get to phoenix" cover. This album is the definition of not feeling cool enough to listen to it.
5
Apr 24 2024
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Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
Hard to not compare to tribe called quest / the pharcyde / de la soul (unknown who was first and not looking it up) yet this record still has some great beats/ideas. Beyond this world has a really trippy part on the first chorus and good newz comin has a great guitar/beat breakdown at the end. Part of my issue is that there are some great moments on a lot of the songs but the songs themselves don't hold up during their whole runtime. The record scratches and some of the line delivery can also date the record a bit. I'd say I prefer tracks/records from all the groups previously listed but this genre is just to overall listenable to me to not enjoy the grooves regardless of what you think of lyrical content.
3
Apr 25 2024
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
This is probably their best album outside of DSOTM. It may even be better once you've become a fan of the ban and understand that it was written based on some of the turmoil the band felt with Syd Barret leaving. It is also a perfect middle between Animals and DSTOM in terms of their more experimental prog roots and their acclaimed single fame (this album having at least one single with "Wish You Were Here" over Animals having none IMO). The wild group choruses, saxophone and tension all throughout "Shine on you Crazy Diamond." The darker/grittier tones of "Welcome to the Machine." The excellent chorus end on "Have a Cigar." The beauty/sorrow of "Wish You Were Here." And ending with the final parts of the opening song (with equal length) is a good capstone.
5
Apr 26 2024
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Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Really enjoy the chill vibes of the first track (which samples a Amon Tobin song "nova"). A really good overall blend of modern instrumentation and electronics/at times soft rock/city pop styles with this beautiful traditional bossa nova/salsa/samba (which I need to learn the differences between). Great to have in the background for some general good mood but she's got a great voice and the tracks have the spirit/detail to keep it interesting for a full album.
5
Apr 27 2024
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
Maybe my least favorite of the white stripes albums but it has a couple of their classics on it (my doorbell, blue orchid, little ghost and white moon). I will say, I have a distinct memory of dj-ing once and playing “instinct blues” and, at the end with the incessant repeating of one note and crash symbols I changes the rq to emphasize the low vibrations and slowed it down and then played “the end” by the doors and it sounded like that scene from apocalypse now with the chopper blades.
4
Apr 28 2024
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Future Days
Can
Very trippy/trancey. Reminds me a bit of that more modern/electronic Tanto Tempo record this site just reccommended. Crazy that it came out in the 70s it feels super ahead of it's time for that reason. Bands like Animal Collective definitely seem to carry this style of torch with the really trippy jams. With the technology they're working with at the time I can't imagine how crazy this must've been to record/just how generally wild it sounds. 5 stars for being super unique sounding still to this day. Future Days really is an apt title.
5
Apr 29 2024
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The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
It may be because I know how good this band becomes, or because there are other bands in this style I prefer, but this feels pretty lackluster to me. It's fine for some classic sounding 60's influenced blues rock but this doesn't show any of the personality this band would generate in years to come.
1
Apr 30 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Got an excellent opening track with Brighton Rock. This truthfully may be one of the most "rockin" of the Queen albums with so much riffing, great cymbal crash mutes and general virtuosity in the playing. You still get the dramatic/theatrical with "now I'm here" and, maybe Queen's best song (sorry Bohemian Rhapsody) "Killer Queen." But also what the eff is "tenement funster" where Freddie isn't singing?? I'm into "Lap of the gods" and "bring back that leroy brown" as deeper cuts. Solid overall queen record.
4
May 01 2024
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Smash
The Offspring
I kind of hate how much I like this. Not because it's bad but mostly because it's not doing anything completely new/exciting. It just is really catchy and probably hits my nostalgia for skateboard videogame soundtracks. It's not close to the greatest punk has to offer but it's worth a listen for some stand out singles (come out and play, self esteem, what happened to you?, nitro (youth energy) and Gotta get away as the stand out tracks to me)
3
May 02 2024
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
STREET FIGHTER DIZZEE RASCAL YEAH.
It's weird that I've been getting a lot of patterns with this site lately of albums I've just recently been listening too. I listened to street fighter first which is so punchy and fun with the 16 bit sample. The album as a whole is quite a bit darker but not in a bad way. I hear a lot of igloosghost style instumentation and i'm sure this was influential to the scene as a whole. Fix up, look sharp is a such a hype song. Brand New Day and Sittin' Here have some great hooks/flows. Jezebel is an interesting string plucked focused instrumental but fits with this louder dark beat. My only issue with this album is that it's a little bloated. A lot of tracks and some feel more filler while the killer songs are killer.
3
May 03 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Okay this is fucked up I just started listening to this album randomly today. The hits are hits for obvious reasons (cross town traffic, voodoo child (slight return) and all along the watch tower. The deep cuts feel deeper/less immediate than “are you experienced?” or “axis: bold as love” but they have more character to some extent. Upon relistening, the voodoo could 15 minute jam, Gypsy’s eyes, rainy day, dream away, burning of the midnight lamp and house burning down just show that he was getting more expressive and experimental with his guitar techniques and tones and really hypnotize you after awhile. Its sad that we were robbed of this voice so early as this album is proof he was only hitting his creative stride.
4
May 04 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
Straight up solid punk record. I feel like we wouldn't have had the Strokes without these guys. Not saying that the Strokes ripped them off either just more of a really cool garage sounding kind of post punk kind of new wave sounding rock band. Great grooves. I lose a little steam towards the end of the record but not because any of the playing or songwriting is bad. More so because I'm too ADD and want lots of crazy arrangements in my songs more recently. Definite recc.
4
May 05 2024
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
A nice, albeit pretty long (maybe i'm listening to the deluxe version?), album from a british folk singer. He sounds like Fred Armisen's Ian Rubbish character but there's good blends of rock, folk, and singer songwriter vibes all over the record. While there are so many tracks, they all tend to be short and the instrumentation is subtle but usually powerful.
3
May 06 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Probably my favorite Hendrix record. I used to have it on vinyl but gave it up. Wait until tomorrow has one of my favorite grooves of any hendrix record. Castles made of sand and if six was nine are so trippy. Spanish castle magic rocks hard. Little Wing and Bold As Love may be his two best songs and they practically bookend the record. There is not bad hendrix records but this feels like the perfect combination of flashy playing, psychedelic tones and great songwriting.
5
May 07 2024
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
crushing, dark, sick. definite must listen. I'd say the first five tracks are all incredible blends of accessible but still authentic industrial music. After that, not every track hits as hard. I enjoy the two ambient tracks (a warm place and the downward spiral) along with "big man with a gun" and the closer "Hurt" is a perfect song. I know everyone goes off on the johnny cash version but I prefer this one. I think each time i revisit and get more exposed I'm able to get through the back half easier as its not that the songs are bad (I like ruiner, eraser, reptile etc) but this genre/album is just a lot to take in for both its volume levels, sound palettes and subject matter. Definite a worthwhile listen but just prepare your ears.
5
May 08 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
This band confuses me. Did they some of the same music both under their CSNY name and CSN and Neil Young separately when they split? Which was first? Do I even care? The answer is not really. The music is good though. Helpless is a definite Neil Young stand out. Teach the Children is great. Almost Cut my Hair, Woodstock and Carry On have way harder rock vibes than I usually associate with these names. The harmonies are beautiful, the music is well made. Not close to my favorite album or musicians but undeniably good music to listen to.
3
May 09 2024
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
This opens with a bang on the song "Jackie." I'll always love the lyrics 'in a stupid ass way." Particularly without how much of the opening song sounds fitting for a western. Best of both worlds also is a very dramatic but uplifting sounding song. This seems if Sinatra was less jazzy and a little bit more baroque pop to me in a good way. Black sheep boy is a more straightforward singer songwriter acoustic tune. This really is an orchestral, beautifully sung and performed record. I know he got very experimental towards the end of his career but this just is a classy album.
4
May 10 2024
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
not bad but not for me. I'd rather listen to zz top
2
May 11 2024
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
This feels like the true stevie wonder deep cuts album. I'm not sure how many of these were radio hits but none tend to appear in the greatest hits comps I've listened to of Stevie's. That being said, it's got that beautiful Jazz, Pop and R&B blend that you'd expect from him. Smile Again and 10 zillion are great. Too shy to say is a great love song. Boogie on a reggae woman is a nice uptempo fusion of reggae and funk. I think it does taper off in the second half once. "You Haven't Done Nothing" is amazing. "Creepin" comes around but enjoy Bird of Beauty and the closer "Please Don't Go."
3
May 12 2024
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
I can see why this duo is influential in hip hop and how unique it must've sounded in the 80's but for the annoying mouth noises in "Hit it Run" and the walk this way remix I can't get into, meh.
2
May 13 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
An eerie but beautiful experience. Unsure if this was one of the first trip hop albums (next to massive attack, dj shadow and aspects of bjork etc). It never gets lost in walls of sound but lets the space of the instruments and focused grooves carry Beth Gibbons voice to transcendental heights. It really does at times sound like someone going through a bunch of old jazz, soul and classical records and revamping them for modern times. I also feel like without this band we wouldn't have acts like Burial or Actress. Favorite tracks are Roads, Glory Box, Mysterons, Wandering Star, Biscuit and Pedestal.
4
May 14 2024
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
they really seemed to lean into the rock over funk aspects of their songs on this one but some of their best tracks are on here. This band has tended to be a "Greatest Hits" band for me usually. They're sound is undeniably iconic and their best songs, on this album especially (scar tissue, californication, parallel universe and otherside) all have great staying power. However, at times the riffing/funkiness/vocals can be grating. That being said, the deeper cuts (around the world, i like dirt, porcelain) were cooler than I expected. Emit Remmus, Get on Top and Road Trippin are tracks that I didn't think work very well for me. Definitely worth a listen regardless and maybe my favorite full album experience from them.
4
May 15 2024
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
I remember this name from the radio days but never really listened to them. Clowns is a really beautiful acoustic guitar tracked backed by these beautiful strings and what seems to be bird song towards the end. I feel like the band "Jockstrap" must be heavily influenced by this duo (being of similar makeup and aesthetic blending of the acoustic/organic with the electronic). "Little Bird" takes a much trippier approach. Happiness and Road to Somewhere are quite beautiful additions. Maybe it's due to just listening to portishead, but this feels like the flip side of the same coin. Trippy, electronic and organic instrumentations, but a little brighter. I can go on about Cologne Cerrone Houdini's great beat and beautiful strings or Eat Yourself's haunting vocals or caravan girls explosive ending synth arpeggios but just go and listen. This album's content is weirdly not in the list of their most popular songs except "A&E" which makes sense to me just being so vibrant and deeply emotional feeling. It's been a long time since I've immediately felt an album this way so 5 stars for that alone. Signing up for this website was worth it for an experience like this alone.
5
May 16 2024
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
A staple shoegaze band although this record feels a lot closer to post punk stuff of the 80's. I suppose this was right before the 90's shoegaze explosion to it may be considered a stepping stone record. Overall not a bad listen. I'd recc the first four tracks, April Skies and On the Wall for listening.
3
May 17 2024
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Want One
Rufus Wainwright
a really cool orchestral and jazzy style singer songwriter album. I really enjoy his voice and am surprised that it seems his covers seem to be more popular than his original material. Very emotional and varied in instrumentation and the vocals tend to soar above. Really many of the songs make me feel like flying.
4
May 18 2024
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Illmatic
Nas
Maybe one of the best albums to introduce someone to hip hop. Some of coolest production in terms of smooth bass lines. trippy and jazzy samples of pianos, horns, strings etc and just good beats. You can tell Qtip from tribe had his hand in the production. This will make you want to walk around in NYC. I weirdly went to the building where he lived when he recorded this with my taxi driver and we ate dinner and watched two ladies fight in the street. It is forever cemented in my mind with that experience as maybe the most quintessential hip hop and new york album. The lyrics are equal parts braggadocious and introspective. Clever rapping. Just listen to it.
5
May 19 2024
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
I may just associate Brian Eno with more instrumentals/collabs at this point but this album didn't do much for me. Felt more of a mix of the Roxy Music era and, while some tracks (here he comes, through hollow lands, by this river and spirder and I) have beautiful tunes/instrumentation, I found the album overall as a lot of random ideas that didn't gel together too much. Very odd as "Another Green World" is fairly similar but each core song on that record hit better for me. I'd say for the back half it is worth a listen for the fans but otherwise nothing really stands out compared to the other albums from Brian on this list.
2
May 20 2024
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
There are some decent tracks but the record is long and is just part of that tribe/de la soul camp. Some cool samples/beats but this does not warrant as many tracks as it has in my mind. That being said lyrics always take awhile for me to digest regardless of genre and hip hop being a lyric heavy genre may show my own bias in not taking in the big picture of this one. Another record where the back half (from U to Washed Away) are all immediate tracks just based on samples and hooks. I'd say if it was less bloated it'd be higher rated.
3
May 21 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
the first bob dylan record I ever got into. Im getting Deja vu writing about this for some reason but love the grandiose instrumentation. For him going "electric" on this record it still has so much personality of his own that it transcends just a straight up dylan goes blues rock record. His lyricism and style still shines through. Like a rolling stone may be his best song. Ballad of a thin man may be my favorite of all time.
5
May 22 2024
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
It starts off as a really stripped back/straight forward country album. Just a man and his guitar. They add some backing players throughout and eventually the songs get a little fuller. However, none of it is done poorly. The songwriting/singing feels just what you'd expect of a name as legendary as Willie Nelson. His voice is unmistakable. Having only listened to "Stardust" where he was so well defined, it's interesting seeing such a humble beginning.
4
May 23 2024
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Pink Flag
Wire
Super fun punk album. Straightforward and catchy. It feels like this band epitomizes the phrase "bring it back to basics" and just writes good songs.
5
May 24 2024
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Nothing about the production or songwriting is too bad but the singer's voice is not for me at all. Pretty weird mix of 80's synthpop and a bit of 70's singer songwriter. Not for me
1
May 25 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
I know it’s not Radiohead at their most artsy but this is just a perfect alternative rock record. Just showcases their great sensibility for songwriting and musicianship. High and dry and fake plastic trees are beautiful. Nice dream and street spirit fade out are haunting. The bends, planet telex, my iron lung and black star rock so hard. Give it a listen
5
May 26 2024
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Kid A
Radiohead
Man back to back Radiohead? Another classic and true revolution for the band. Their video game museum for this and amnesiac is worth trying out. This is cinematic, varied and so much weirder than a lot of their other records.
5
May 27 2024
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Purple Rain
Prince
A certified classic. The movie is bizarre but the songs are all non stop bangers front to back. With maybe the best song being the title track an undeniably rock anthem. Sexy, energetic and a complete beautiful vision of a rocker who was a one of a kind.
5
May 28 2024
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xx
The xx
Very chill. The definition of chill. Cool minimalist indie rock sleepiness but in a relaxed way. I'm on ambien just writing this album. Intro, Crystalized and VCR are the classics. Islands, Stars, Basic Space and Heart Skipped a beat are also worth a listen.
4
May 29 2024
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Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
Not on streaming? Automatic 1 star.
Just kidding. This band is cool but I've never heard this album until now while being semi familiar with \"English Settlement\" and \"Skylarking\" and there's a lot of cool world influenced rock/pop stuff on here. I'm not even sure how you'd describe it. Reminds me of Brian Eno's stuff a lot in terms of the production choices and the general vibe but if he tried making Graceland maybe since there is so much world influence vibes on here? Immaculate in production for sure and really all over the place with the instruments. Really unique.
3
May 30 2024
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
If someone told me this was their favorite record, I would back away very slowly. Really interesting ideas and definitely unique but very creepy. I respect it the same way as trout mask replica where I haven't heard anything like this but I'd use it to clear out a party.
1
May 31 2024
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
Surprised this is on here but actually my first and favorite hot chip record! Night and day bangs. Flutes and ends of the earth are super cool. How do you do and motion sickness AND don’t deny your heart are all awesome. Great vocals. Cool blends of electronics with other organic instruments. Great record.
4
Jun 01 2024
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Very enjoyable album. The guitar goes wild. The grooves are very fun. I particularly like "Can you get to that" into "hit it and quit it." "Super stupid" just goes insanely hard on guitar. "Back in our minds" kind of grated my ears with the weird, i don't even know the instrument were they hitting glass or something? But it gets so catchy that you just kind of lean into it. This is just a generally fun vibe kind of album that doesn't skip on muscianship or songwriting. I really wish I could've seen these guys in their heyday it seems like a good time.
5
Jun 02 2024
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
For this album only being two very lengthy and ever changing tracks, it is really easy to listen to. It definitely feels like a showcase for the treble players over the rhtythm section as I don't hear as many beat switches or insane chord change ups a lot of the time. The central grooves are very dreamy. Particularly the guitar, keys and horn ending is perfect. One of my favorite "album" experiences where you can't just listen to parts of a track or skip around it really needs to be front to back one sitting. No lyrics either showing that instrumenals can say a lot "in a silent way" lolololollolololololool done.
5
Jun 03 2024
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
I think she probably has more classic albums but this also reminds me of that one random late james taylor album that has "copper line" on it where a classic musician just works with more modern production techniques/modern sounds to decent effect. The Pearl has this epic/primal beat that fit with her voice / country sound even if the intro took me off guard. Michelangelo is pretty. I actually hear a lot of what the modern band "big theif" and frontwoman Adrienne Lenker is doing in their music with Emmylou's vibe on this album. May be similar voices as well. One of the most easy listening experiences as in pretty good/better than expected. Also reminds me a bit of Low. Overall a good listen. Bang the drum slowly, tragedy and
3
Jun 04 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
Super classic. I talk with the wind, 21st century schizoid man are iconic. Maybe the weirdest prog band to get popularity/acclaim but it's all for good reason. The closer is epic. I get a little lost in the grandeur, solos and fills, chord changes but in an immersive way. Equal parts catchy and weird. Most violently beautiful album cover ever.
5
Jun 05 2024
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Get on your jukebox and boogie woogie oogie babyyyy. This is legit the 1950's back to the future part of the film soundtrack and I'm here for it. Good playing/great voice.
4
Jun 06 2024
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Decent production and Ice Cube is a legend but this starts getting a little repetitive for me after awhile. Could be the style, could be that i'm tuning out the lyrics too much in the middle of work.
2
Jun 07 2024
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
I liked this more than I expected. Thought it was going to be completely generic 60's rock but some interesting folk tendencies and good playing over the whole thing.
3
Jun 08 2024
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
cool southwestern influenced rock album. Good indie aesthetic like wilco, DevotchKa and arcade fire with the grand instrumentation but distinctly in the flavor of a band like the Eagles or Love.
3
Jun 09 2024
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Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
This is definitely a 60's rock record.
3
Jun 10 2024
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Paris 1919
John Cale
Eh it's fine. The la la la la la song is awesome.
2
Jun 11 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
definitely a classic. Weird pop culture icon but lots of great bangers on here. Wanna be Startin' Somethin' immediately hooks you. Beat It, Billie Jean and Thriller are all too iconic and pervasive in culture to ignore. Human Nature and P.Y.T. are great deeper cuts. I prefer off the wall as an album but this album is pretty undeniable.
4
Jun 12 2024
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The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
Very pretty prog album. In the vein of the best of them (King Crimson, Yes and Pink Floyd). This is a behemoth of a record though. Hard to digest it all but definitely impressive/well produced bare minimum (the first 4/5 tracks, the waiting room, all really impressive). Counting Out Time has a really annoying....something synth line in the middle. This album is overall good but it drags a little. The instrumentation tends to be beautiful at times but other times grating. The lyrics can be a little overly ridiculous. Curse errogenous zones? It is definitely an ambitious epic bar none.
3
Jun 13 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Hmmm weird that this came up just after thriller. Solid record though! My personal favorite Michael Jackson probably because it leans more disco than pop. I don't think I'll ever "love" Michael Jackson the same as his major fan bases but he's undeniably talented and mixing him with Quincy Jone's Production/Instumentation is undeniably incredible.
4
Jun 14 2024
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Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Nothing against Elvis Costello as a person. The songs are fine but I've just never been able to get into anything outside the greatest hits. 2 stars for the closing track alone which is a certified classic.
2
Jun 15 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Classic
5
Jun 16 2024
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Definitely a classic. I'm not the biggest on live albums but this one proved Nirvana was more than just noise. The songwriting/singing really translates to a more chill/acoustic sounding vibe. Plus playing with the meat puppets is awesome and ending on a where did you sleep last night cover is awesome.
5
Jun 17 2024
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Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
Something about this just doesn't click. It has elements of a poppy indie band but the sound just doesn't click. Some TV on the Radio, Some arctic monkeys, but none of it works for me.
1
Jun 18 2024
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Maps is a classic and after seeing this band live they definitely have a good energy. The album just doesn't hit with me much. reminds me of a bit of the white stripes in terms of just general lo fi energy. Maps and Y Control are bangers though.
2
Jun 19 2024
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GREY Area
Little Simz
Really good rap record. First I had heard of Little Simz but one of my favorites. Offence is good. Selfish is great. There's a great line about how reading the Alchemist some times don't amount to shit which is funny/true. She's got a cool voice and great production.
5
Jun 20 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
Lots of classic tracks on this one. Feels like a good balance of his beautiful folk guitars with more rhythm/arrangements. I prefer his self title but this one has a lot of great tracks too. Say Yes is great, ballad of big nothing, rose parade, between the bars. As pretty as it is devastating.
4
Jun 21 2024
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
A little plodding but has a fairly distinct sound for a debut. Lots of good jams in the middle. Mixing rock, funk, psychedelics, 90's buzz ballads. Definitely listen to the singles. They get better as they go along.
3
Jun 22 2024
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
Definitely a nice record. I probably rate her other one "Frank" too high just based on how good her voice was cause there are better / more memorable songs on this one and she's singing just as good.
4
Jun 23 2024
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Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes is cool and the music isn't bad but I think I'd get more out of this if I had actually seen Shaft.
3
Jun 24 2024
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
A little long but I had way more fun with this than I thought I would. Feels like Clapton flexing his blues roots a lot more. Don't know if i love it as an "album" experience but there are some good cuts on here besides Layla which is the standout track.
2
Jun 25 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
Very straightforward and fun punk music. The definition of "Play it fast, play it loud."
3
Jun 26 2024
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
This doesn't go as hard as "club classics" by Charli XCX off her new record. It's not bad to listen to but it's pretty bland feeling. Maybe it really is "classics" because they were foundational to the creation of club music but I'd have to do more research cause to me, it's just a lot of standard beats and forgettable melodies on them.
Actually Back to Life is pretty awesome. I feel like that is referenced in some song. Which is weird cause this song is referencing Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" it seems. Everything sampling
2
Jun 27 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
Pretty good classic rock staple. Don't love it as a whole album but some of the bands best songs and some of the best songs of the decade by any band are on this one. Bohemian Rhapsody, You're My Best Friend are awesome. Love of my life is beautiful. Seaside Rendezvous and Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon are nice little honky tonk piano jaunts.
3
Jun 29 2024
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Arrival
ABBA
Fun Disco/Pop record. ABBA gets a little polarizing and I don't love every idea on the record but the hits are undeniable.
4
Jun 30 2024
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
I can't focus enough to listen to this which I guess is a review in of itself?
2
Jul 01 2024
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
the title track is sweet. some cool R&B influenced jams on it. Only complaint is that it's way too long.
3
Jul 02 2024
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Definite classic. I know there's a lot of cool music theory about how the songs perfectly meld into each other but just in terms of style, muscianship and lyrics, Marvin's bringing it all here. One of the quintessential R&B albums of all time. Thanks mom for saving the Vinyl
5
Jul 03 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
I'm pretending to like this. JK it's fine but just not for me.
2
Jul 05 2024
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Microshift
Hookworms
I actually remember listening to "The Hum" when they sent it in college and enjoying it so am surprised this band is making an appearance on this list. Particularly with such a recent album. That being said, it's pretty solid. Cool use of electronics in a new wave(New Order) on the start of Negative Space. Gets a little more psychedelic/garage-y over time. "Each Time We Pass" and "Soft Season" are really pretty excursions but otherwise there seems to be a formula of a fairly midtempo/driving beat and a jam/hook the band will play on until they get all their ideas out. Not in a bad way by any means but some experiments work better than others. This will make me upset if this list doesn't have a Ty Segall or Thee Oh Sees record as this band feels like a decent band within the genre but not as groundbreaking. Good record otherwise.
3
Jul 06 2024
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25
Adele
Hello, it's me, writing a review. Adele is such a solid singer. I remember walking around griffith park one day and thought someone was blasting Adele on the loudspeaker but she was actualy doing a soundcheck for her PBS special live. Her voice was so good I thought it was a professional recording. Now the stories over and onto this record. I think it's pretty good. I'll always be nostalgic for 21 since that's the one I remember loving but otherwiseeeeeeeee it feels like a rehash of that style. Some epic florence and the machine style instrumentation, some classy singer songwriter stuff. Remedy and All I Ask are cool. She carries it really with her voice for better or worse.
3
Jul 07 2024
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Bluebird Wine alone makes this good. AN old school good country album.
4
Jul 08 2024
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Great album. Very detailed if you choose to listen closely but also just has a great overall atmosphere. Could be played running, on a long drive or at a club. This album really is just weaves its way into a life soundtrack very easily. Equal parts club and ambient. Alien and analog. I don't know why I write reviews but highlights for me are: Pulsewidth, Xtal, Tha, I, Heliosphan, Hedphelym and Actium but it's a good overall album listening experience.
5
Jul 09 2024
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
The weight's awesome. Don't remember the rest.
2
Jul 10 2024
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This is the album that got me into Nick Cave. It is a perfect album in my opinion. I think I got it because of it's use of "O Children" in Harry Potter but it has so much more going for it. "There She Goes, My Beautiful World" is this gospel epic. "Hiding All Away" is the grimey, tom waits esque rock banger. "Carry Me" is soul lifting. It may be the ultimate experimental gospel rock epic with such a charismatic frontman and distinctive voice.
5
Jul 11 2024
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Solid classic rock band record and appreciate a fun live performance but as an album I prefer their recorded stuff.
2
Jul 12 2024
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Bad Company
Bad Company
This band has a few good songs. The one where they say their own name is one of those.
2
Jul 13 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Very much carried by her voice but the soul / 60's rock instrumentals are really good. The opening track is really kinectice. "My Baby" and "Cry Baby" are great baby tracks. Me and Bobby McGee is an obvious standout. She really has one of the best voices which takes this record from good to great.
4
Jul 14 2024
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Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
A decent prog record but the opening is too much. Like a beautiful way to giant breakfast burrito of so many flavors just packed and then you feel overly full after. The other jams are nice though. I do love Yes/King Crimson and this is in the same vein. Bare minimum I respect how good the playing is even the songs don't feel like they have the same level of evocative energy as the previously mentioned groups.
3
Jul 15 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
definitely better than fever to tell or whatever that other album is. More dynamic, more interesting, more electronic. Good indie rock record.
3
Jul 16 2024
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Personal feelings on the man aside (both on the personal level and on the historical in terms of musical appropriation), he's got some good tracks. Very easy to get down and boogie to a very 50's rock and roll/blues sound. His voice is stellar, the energy in the performances are there, and its a fun time.
3
Jul 17 2024
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
First four tracks go hard. The intro, while being a cheesier remnant of it's time, actually feels like a nice introduction to the record as a whole. So many guest features that add so much fun to the whole record. Great production.
3
Jul 18 2024
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Some cool riffs. A little samey for an entire album listen but there is fun playing and cool aesthetic.
3
Jul 19 2024
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Close To You
Carpenters
Cheesy in a good way.
3
Jul 20 2024
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
This is fine. Maybe his best record as a whole that I've heard. Nothing against the songwriting or playing or style of it all but Elvis Costello just has a few hits for me and that's about it.
3
Jul 21 2024
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Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Better than expected. His voice is great and there are some cool folk elements alongside the classic 70's rock. I only know this guy for the lola cabana song but I guess I see the appeal a lot more now with this record.
3
Jul 22 2024
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Guy's synonymous with the genre for a reason. Blues is not my favorite genre but this feels like an exemplary record within it. Modern production, still goes hard af. Has electric and acoustic blends throughout.
5
Jul 23 2024
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
this album is a monster. The compositions are Gershwin so they're classic and Ella is one of the best singers in the genre so it just gives you great jazz standards
4
Jul 24 2024
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
The worst lcd soundsystem album but since the first three are classics that is not meant to be a diss. There are some great songs like tonite and how do you sleep and oh baby. It was annoying since they made a big deal about disbanding after three great records and then came out with this which was fine but after years going on and after seeing them live I ended up liking this one.
3
Jul 26 2024
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I don't know but this album is too old sounding for me. I wish I had a country house. Over and Over Young sounds like he's struggling from the end of singing. I'm not the biggest Neil Young fan to be sure and he has some great songs but this one is just a lot of electric guitar noodling over not very interesting song lyrics.
2
Jul 27 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Definitely not my favorite Doors album by far but after the initial 3 boring blues tracks they picked the speed back up. Blue Sunday, Peace Frog, Ship of Fools, Land Ho! and Indian Summer are all great Doors deeper cut tracks.
3
Jul 28 2024
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The Stooges
The Stooges
We Will Fall is the biggest left turn on an album I've heard in a really long time. Pretty solid scummy pre punk rock album in general but that song makes this record interesting. I wanna be your dog is a classic jam. There's a bit of a velvet underground vibe in the sense of it just being lo fi but just great chemistry and rocking songs.
3
Jul 29 2024
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Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
A dirty, fun blues/psych rock record from the 60's. I like that this has the personality of the band and captain beefheart with none of the artsy, avant garde stuff from trout mask replica. While that album may be more unique and technically impressive, it's good to know they still have the capability to write instant catchy songs as well and makes me appreciate them more.
4
Jul 30 2024
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
SITTING ON A PARK BENCH. How these guys won the first heavy metal grammy bothers and confounds me but as a band they are very solid. Almost reminds me of a rock and roll version of a minstrel/bard style band from Medieval England. The lyric choices are wild (dogend, wimpy bar are two snippets that stick out). The flute is very showy but the playing is fun and the tunes are solid. Good show Ian Anderson I have no notes.
4
Jul 31 2024
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Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Not bad but I don't think it's for me. General 50's folk/country stuff. Almost like you're playing fallout but it doesn't hit the same for me.
2
Aug 01 2024
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
Eh it's definitely trying to break the mold of standard late 60's/early 70's psych rock. Interesting ideas but they don't really land with me much.
2
Aug 02 2024
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War
U2
U2 has always been a greatest hits band more than an album band but the first three tracks alone each get a star.
3
Aug 03 2024
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Definitely unique. I'm always last on lyrics in terms of my rating and Chuck D/Flavor Flav's lyrics are a plenty. The production is pretty hard hitting particularly for its time. It gets a little repetitive but on first listen it's not grating more just a bit of an intense experience
4
Aug 04 2024
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Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
Better than I expected but I didn't expect much. Good energy and not as generic as output post their Sex is on Fire album whatever that is called.
2
Aug 05 2024
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En-Tact
The Shamen
This is just a pretty mediocre ripoff of Pet Shop Boys/New Order
1
Aug 06 2024
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My Generation
The Who
Being one of my favorite classic rock bands, this album is pretty weak. I don't think it's there fault as every british invasion band seems to have been put into this kind of box when they started. It also did give us "My Generation" which is a classic. As an album though, very late 50's influenced 60's rock which is pretty whatever. "A Legal Matter" and "the Kids are Alright" are fine but most of the tracks are just kind of bland or annoying to me.
2
Aug 07 2024
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
a dude from my high school sounded like this guy. Anyways its aight. The voice gets annoying at times but the playing is good. If this is spinal tap was a real band maybe? Other metal I'd rather listen to for sure.
2
Aug 08 2024
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
All I Wanna Do gets two stars alone for being a catchy as hell song. Sheryl is a good singer and the music is produced all fine but nothing really stands out to me overall about this rock/country/pop blend. Run Baby Run is okay I guess? Strong Enough and No One Said it Would Be Easy are fine? There is nothing offensive about this album but that's also it's biggest fault.
2
Aug 09 2024
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Sunshine Superman
Donovan
A pure 60's psych rock/folk rock record. Good pastiche of it's time. Or maybe less of pastiche or more of a time capsule. Some cool sitar, nice mixes of beachy grooves, 60's lounge pop and psychedelic rock.
3
Aug 10 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
While the ending of this record slowly loses my interest, this is the record that solidifies that Bowie really can't do any wrong. A true music chameleon. He has his glam, his psychedelics, his singer songwriter nature, his good old rock and roll, his ambience and now a soul record? I never knew the name of the title track but when I heard it I just couldn't believe it. It's definitely not his best record but for a man with so many classic albums and timeless tunes it is impressive that he can switch genres so easily.
3
Aug 11 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
Kind of a difficult one for me. I remember getting this album from the library and being into the stand out songs which were initially: Black Hole Sun, Let Me Drown, Spoonman and Superunknown. Listening today, I definitely think the deeper cuts are not as stand out with the exceptions of Limo Wreck, Half and the Day I tried to Live. Some parts of this record lean too much on popular alternative rock tropes for the time with just enough personality to get by. That being said, when it hits it really does hit. Interesting but not overly technical plaing. Sometimes weird sonic noises coming out of the guitar. Great singing. Just barely a 3 for me which is wild as this is the most I've had to write about a record in awhile.
3
Aug 12 2024
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
This is an undeniably pretty record. Lots of good genre variations throughout while still being a true Brazilian record. Some jazz, samba, 60's/70's lounge and pscyh rock, pop sensibilities, folk instrumentation. O trem azul is beautiful. Nuvem Cigana is like a big band song. Don Cruces has this very dramatic build/change halfway through that reminds me of bullfighter music for some reason. The playing and the vibe is just nice. Club de Esquina No2 and Me Dexia Em Paz are both beautiful guitar focused ballads. Os Povos is very beautiful/lots of good singing/simple song structure. I think I had massive expectations with this record based on the praise of it I've seen and I'd say it delivered. It may be a little too long/too varied as some tracks don't deliver as hard or feel out of place (looking at you Um Gosto De Sol sounding like a scott walker song or Paisagem De Janela sounding like a island vacation commercial or Trem De Doido's very fuzzy guitar leads). However, even those songs are still good songs.
5
Aug 13 2024
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Van Halen
Van Halen
Pretty decent rock record. Really starts off strong the first half and slowly tapers as a lot of these kind of rock records can for me. Definitely crazy this was a late 70's record as I really associate this band with the 80's. The guitar playing was definitely ahead of it's time to usher in that hair metal sound. Great playing obviously from eddie but from the whole group. Some bits of Queen inspiration with the harmonies, great technical playing. David Lee Roth is an unforgettable frontman as well vocally.
3
Aug 14 2024
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1977
Ash
This is like a not as good dinosaur jr. This band would definitely be playing at the Bronze (I just started watching Buffy the vampire slayer so for those who know you know). Very 90's.
2
Aug 15 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
Creative, bombastic and definitely a must listen hip hop record. B.O.B., Gasoline Dreams, So Fresh, So Clean, Ms. Jackson and those are just the stand out solo tracks. Spaghetti Junction, Red Velvet, I'll Call B4 I Cum, Toilet Tisha and ? are also all interesting. Still has their weird personalities but definitely ups their rapping, production value and general songwriting from other records which were already good like ATLiens or Aquemini.
5
Aug 16 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Maybe because it leans into his folk side more but this is a neil young album i'm finally okay with.
3
Aug 17 2024
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
I was just going to write this off as annoying dad space rock but it's pretty well done. Kind of Styxish. Kind of ELOish. It isn't really done in a super unique way but the songs are infectious enough to make it a fun listen.
3
Aug 18 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Another great record from Stevie. Too High is such a crazy weird song to open any of his records but is a fun funky jam. Living for the City is maybe one of his most epic cuts. Higher Ground is an classic single. He's Mistra Know it All is such a fun end of heartwarming film send off to the record. Don't you Worry About a Thing is so sultry. A great listening experience from one of the best out there.
4
Aug 30 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
This record starts with my favorite Eagles song. Otherwise, I didn't really care for it surprisingly. Maybe they're just a greatest hits band for me but album wise they don't seem to have anything that strikes a chord/keeps my whole attention. Sorry dad.
2
Aug 31 2024
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
She's got a great voice and there is just classy 60's/70's singer songwriter instrumentation (full orchestra/fun rock/jazz influences). Also I guess the white stripes covered one of her songs on this record.
3
Sep 01 2024
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Woodface
Crowded House
Maybe one of the last new wave albums to be released of it's heyday? Don't Dream it's Over is my go to karoake so I was interested to actually listen to an album by these guys. A little jangly, good pop appeal. This album also doesn't take any real swings. Some good tracks though (All I Ask, Weather With You, Fame Is). The rest feels not bad but not very memorable.
2
Sep 02 2024
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
Good ambient/trip hop style album. Boards of Canada ish. Portishead does a cool remix. Really weird samples but good music to zone out to when working (which is how I'm listening to it currenty).
3
Sep 03 2024
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S&M
Metallica
Wow I'm shocked about this but I do not care for this album. I feel like it has such a great concept and I'm sure it would've have been different to see it live but I think the orchestral arrangements/harmonies not only add nothing to but actually detract from the songs quite a bit.
1
Sep 04 2024
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
I mean...he is the GOAT crooner. Although I never thought of him as much as an album artist and more of just a classic singer. He did surround himself with great songwriters and producers. Very gentle playing and the album cover fits the mood perfectly. It's not as bombastic as his later and more famous hits but I think this is a good easy listen.
4
Sep 05 2024
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Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Pretty good new wave/ almost post rockish at times record. I initially went "these guys are ripping off U2, and the killing moon is the only great record" but this came out as one of U2's earliest records so I suppose it's the otherway around. Lots of grand instrumentation. Even feels a little shoe gazey. Fav tracks: the cutter, porcupine, heads will roll, my white devil, gods will be gods, fuel.
4
Sep 06 2024
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
I enjoy this band and had not heard this album. Definitely spacey, shoe gazey and beautiful. If you like Beach House, dad rock, and mbv its like a nice combo of them. As an album, I prefer some of their others particularly since the second half has most of the tracks over 5 minutes. I got a little zoned out by them but mostly because it's really trancey arrangements. Fav tracks: You Know it's True, Run, Smiles, Step into the Breeze, Shine a Light, Angel Sigh and Sway.
4
Sep 07 2024
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Nothing against the bands music but this is not the best live record
1
Sep 08 2024
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Not bad but not super memorable to me. It may be this site is giving me too much 80's which is a shame as I've turned around on the decade but these guys aren't standing out from the best of that decade's new wave/pop bands as of yet.
2
Sep 09 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
A very beautiful folk album. Sometimes the vocal mixing seems a little weird to me. Or maybe he just doesn't have my favorite voice. Regardless, a very beautiful/gentle record.
4
Sep 10 2024
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Low
David Bowie
It may just be me, but this feels like the perfect "deep cuts" album. It seems to have hallmarks of his glam rock styles/sensibilities and space age odyssey remnants but mixed with harder rock and weird ambient sounds. Makes sense since Brian Eno got involved as you can hear some Roxy Music influence on this one. This guy doesn't really put out bad music but this is a definite listen.
4
Sep 11 2024
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So
Peter Gabriel
I was sold by the time Kate Bush shows up. A very epic/beautiful 80's singer songwriter record. In the vein of Bruce Hornsby, Kate Bush (as mentioned, she shows up), former bandmate Phil Collins as well. I think I heard the Needle Drop's Anthony Fantano say, in modern music, Bon Iver essentially worships Peter Gabriel and I see it more and more I dive into this record. The first 3 tracks are definitely all bangers. I also enjoy mercy street, we do what we're told, and in your eyes. It's everything cheesy and great about 80's music/culture embodied in one album. Definitely worth a listen.
4
Sep 12 2024
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
This feels like every band Fred Armisen parodies in SNL/Portlandia in a good way. 2HB has some beautiful electric piano/wind textures. Re-make/Re-model goes hard for an opener. Ladytron is cool/weird. I like this a lot better than Country Life. Feels like this record influenced everyone from Queen to the Talking Heads.
4
Sep 13 2024
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
not offensive and pleasant enough but definitely of the late 50's/early 60's lounge rock/pop rock/psych rock stuff. These guys definitely had to be out of california.
3
Sep 14 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
A perfect album. So much variety. So catchy. Still punk and still joe strummer's charismatic lead vocals but with hints/tastes of proto jangle, reggae, jazz, surf rock/rockabilly and other pretentious genre terms. What sells it though is truly the pop sensibility and songwriting on it. "London Calling", "Hateful", "Spanish Bombs", "Rudie Can't Fail", "Train in Vain (Stand By Me)", "Lost in the Supermarket" are my immediate favorites.
5
Sep 15 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
My favorite of the Beatles and some of the best songs of all of their respective solo careers. Rocking, spiritual and a pleasant listen. Some hawaiian slide/steel guitars at times? Some bombastic, orchestral grand songs. I think the first disc is perfect and the second has the best/titular track but otherwise feels more bloated. Regardless, a great rock album.
4
Sep 16 2024
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
I kind of hate this but kind of like it at the same time? The modern production both works for and against Bruce's sound for level's of cheese but sincere fun.
3
Sep 17 2024
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All Directions
The Temptations
Basically get's a 3 for "papa was a rolling stone." Overall solidly produced funk/soul record by a great group. The album itself also, imo, picks up from there. You can arguably find better records in this genre from Isaac Hayes or Sly and the Family Stone but this is a solid one for sure.
3
Sep 18 2024
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Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
bleep bloop. some decent drum n bass/techno stuff. As an album experience it is only okay but a couple stand out singles.
2
Sep 19 2024
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Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
HELL YES. Glad this one showed up. One of my recent favorite albums. Everything about this is exuberant grime. Beautiful and boozy, Tom Waits is definitely one of the most unique singer/songwriters ever. Every song on this album is amazing. His voice is wild. The instrumentation I believe is described as "Junkyard Jazz" and great mixes of classic folk song traditions as well.
5
Sep 20 2024
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Very nice/smooth jazz/samba record. The first track is a standard for a reason. Good easy listening.
3
Sep 21 2024
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
This album is criminally insane. Perfect for active or passive listening. Creative, fun and overall beautiful. A must listen to electronic experience
5
Sep 22 2024
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D
White Denim
I dig this. Feels like the lead singer sort of emulates Jeff Buckley's ghost but the instrumentation is a lot more of an indie proggy/mathy jam band in the vein of Ponytail or Local Natives. Definitely a cool listen.
4
Sep 23 2024
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LP1
FKA twigs
Definitely wrote this album off when I first heard it in my pretentious radio station days. It's a lot more interesting to listen to now. I thought of the weird electronic effects infused with the R&B aesthetics were there for the sake of being weird but they actually really elevate the songwriting. Pendulum is such a beautiful track with great panning effects giving the song a very titular feel, Lights on as well is very intimate. Two Weeks is a very obvious stand out single. Video Girl has amazing voice modulation. Numbers has a gut wrenching chorus lyrically. Closer almost feels like a church hymn from the future in terms of tone but has a beautiful love theme. There are just so many cool blends of choral tone manipulation, trap influenced R&B beats, eerie yet beautiful synth choices all over this thing.
4
Sep 24 2024
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
This makes me want to own a smoking jacket. A very classy jazz album.
4
Sep 25 2024
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
I want to hate this more than I do for some reason. It may be because I never heard of this band or this record even though for a 60's records it's pretty experimental. It may be because there are other bands from the era or other bands in the future (king crimson and jethro tull on the prog/folk side, The Byrds, 13th floor elevators for more psychedelics, Frank Zappa/Captain Beefheart for just being weird) that got more acclaim and I truthfully like better. That being said, these guys rock pretty hard and have some interesting ideas plastered all over the record. Wild riffs on Balloon Burning, Bracelets of Fingers has weird production and cool instrumentation. I don't know if I see myself revisiting this anytime soon but it's a more solid/varied 60's rock record with a pretty stupid name.
3
Sep 26 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
Definitely a classic. Kanye is an unfortunate figure in modern standards. He is very clearly mentally unstable and has a lot going on in his personal life. None of this to excuse the hate speech/radicalization but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy his music/loved seeing him live back in the day. This album stands the test of time though as this way kanye at his most pure/naive to some extent as he was just coming off the producing/feature game and taking the mic himself. Amazing singles (Jesus Walks, All Falls Down, Never Let Me Down, Slow Jamz and Through the Wire) and equal deep cuts (Family Business, Spaceship, I'll Fly Away). Beautiful soul production, great lyrics of coming up. Weird skits. Good features. The old Kanye is maybe the purest distillation of why he was such a great artist.
5
Sep 27 2024
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Dookie
Green Day
Pretty standard fair when it comes to pop punk but solid playing, catchy writing and generally fun. Feels like it encapsulates the 90's era pretty well. I prefer American Idiot since I grew up with it and have nostalgia for it but this is a good record.
3
Sep 28 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
I mean, it’s the Beatles?
5
Sep 29 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
This is comparable to "Low" for me. I used to write this album off as the album that had the best title track/single off of any Bowie album and the rest I didn't care for. That being said, there is the expected great variety in styles across the tracks. Moss Garden may be my favorite instrumental piece of his. Heroes is an undoubtable banger. The Secret Life of Arabia is a cool closer. V-2 Scheinder has some amazing saxophones in it. Definitely not near my favorites of his but undoubtable Bowie still delivers a solid listening experience on this one.
4
Sep 30 2024
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Risque
CHIC
Definitely a solid disco band with some funk elements. I think when it comes to disco BeeGees will always be the king for me but some decent tracks on here and very easy to listen to. I also, and this may be a lack of knowledge or a stretch on my part, feel like this band probably had a huge influence on city pop with the synth styles and general pop songwriting. It all sounds very beachy. Not all tracks hit but the highlights for me are "Good Times", "My Feet Keep Dancing", "Will You Cry" and "What About Me".
3
Oct 01 2024
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The Next Day
David Bowie
This came on the list weirdly close to "Heroes" in terms of showing up on the list (just a few days apart). Definitely not close to his classic records but a solid later era Bowie record for sure. I remember catching his live performance of one of the tracks at the Grammy's and being surprised how much I liked it. Feels like Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising" where I want to hate it more than I actually do because it's not as classic or experimental but it is a legend just rocking to some decent tunes.
3
Oct 02 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Such a cinematic country album. Definitely sounds like a classic cowboy album. And El Paso has the Felina breaking bad reference! I'd say don't judge a book by it's cover but in this case you really get the image on the front for this.
4
Oct 03 2024
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Achtung Baby
U2
One of U2's best albums that' I've heard front to back. Feels like a good blend of their more accessible shoegaze sound but still experimental before they hit that joshua tree all hits era (which, has some of their best songs mind you, but ends up making them almost too cheesy). Best deep cuts are the fly, throwing your arms around the world and who's gonna ride your wild horses. Best known tracks (to me) are one, love is blindness and mysterious ways.
3
Oct 04 2024
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The White Album
Beatles
Another classic from the boys. So experimental and all over the place. I won't lie that every track on here is a banger (Bungalo Bill, Honey Pie, longlonglong, and even revolution 9 are just a little much for me). However, this is such a great shift from their summer of love psychedelics to incorporating all aspects of their songwriting talent and influences up to this point. You can definitely hear the distinct styles of each member (except Ringo sorry you only wrote one track on here even though it's good). Definitely just listen to it every other track on here is great.
5
Oct 05 2024
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
I believe this is a classic album from the band by many. I'm not super into them generally and not for any particular reason even though Morrissey kind of sucks as a person? I think the music is catchy and the lyrics are unique although I'm always last on lyrics. The band that created the wave of jangle pop indie rock bands.
4
Oct 06 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
I definitely liked this more than expected. Very theatrical/well orchestrated Elvis. Maybe his last later era big hit record.
3
Oct 07 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Definitely the quintessential thrash metal record. I think I prefer Ride the Lightning but for Battery/Master of Puppets alone this gets 4 stars. Damage Inc, Orion are also pretty solid.
4
Oct 08 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
The quintessential Irish rock album for sure. The album cover embodies the sound where it is obviously very fun/cheeky kind of attitude but authentic/great irish traditions blended in their more modern rock sound. It is a little long but there are not really bad songs on it.
4
Oct 09 2024
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Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
This album is literally insane. And it's not on any streaming music service. I feel like this already encapsulates the manic / frantic feeling of modern living in a good and bad way. This would clear out a party room but the playing is so impressive and the compositions are so fast paced that it's just impressive on that front alone. For Parks and Rec fans, this feels like the clip where Leslie is being interviewed by their local public radio station and they have a segment called \"jazz plus jazz = jazz\" where they just play two bebop records at the same time. Unforgettable but may not listen to very often so people think I'm normal.
3
Oct 10 2024
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Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
Just a couple of fun degenerates making hot synth pop. This is the common review for me but the album title/cover basically embody the sound perfectly. Sex Dwarf and Tainted Love automatically make this album great but deeper cuts like "Say Hello, Wave Goodbye, Torch, Chips on my Shoulder Frustration, Touch and So" also add to a great electronic album experience. Super fun. Super catchy. Everything 80's music did right. Only complaint is that there are too many tracks in total and they're not all equal. Some detuned synths/weirder melodies. But overall a great record.
4
Oct 12 2024
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Not bad by any means but that is just Ray Charles for ya. Sounds like his "big band" album. It doesn't have any of the songs that would jump out as his stand out hits but makes for just generally nice easy listening if you like big orchestrated jazz style songs.
3
Oct 13 2024
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Dare!
The Human League
Definitely one of those: there's that one really catchy song on it and the rest is just kind of fine new wave albums to me.
2
Oct 14 2024
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Not bad by any means but a little cheesy. I'm curious as many of the country albums picked for this selection, while overall solid, tend to be really old and this embodies that to a tee.
3
Oct 15 2024
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The Clash
The Clash
Ian Rubbish taking the mic on this one (for Fred Armisen fans). Solid enough punk record but the Clash would put out better records in their future. Still solid and fun. Janine Jones, Cheat and London's Burning are all pretty good. Gets a little old to me after awhile but it may be that I'm just used to the clash's greatest hits/records over their more straightforward punk rock beginnings.
3
Oct 16 2024
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Nothing offensive or bad about it but pretty directionless feeling for a classic rock album. The production is not bad and the songwriting/playing is okay but it does have the magic that his former groups have. Love the one you're with is a catchy song but you've heard it too much on classic rock radio at this point and most other songs left no lasting impression.
2
Oct 17 2024
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Sulk
The Associates
This feels like an Andy Samberg parody of a worse soft cell. yet I though I was going to hate it more than I do.
2
Oct 18 2024
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
Definitely some loud/grungey/cool indie guitar work on this one. This is a band where songs stick out more than album experiences but a true "rock" band.
3
Oct 19 2024
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Probalby my favorite Iggy Pop album so far. Very catchy
3
Oct 20 2024
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
a cool 60's hippie rock record. lots of wah wahs and doo doos and good guitaring
3
Oct 21 2024
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Opus Dei
Laibach
Kind of goofy/unexpected but so committed that it’s actually epic
3
Oct 22 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
A definite banger. Some of her most accessible work but still has her style.
5
Oct 23 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Hmmm yeah I get it
4
Oct 24 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Definitely a virtuosic performance. The random moans/grunts of who I can only assume if the titular player are kind of weird and funny and showcase the passion he's playing. Where he's basically singing the notes alongside what he's playing. Good for both background and active listening.
4
Oct 25 2024
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Band sucks since Dimebag died for music/political reasons. Otherwise this record is classic.
5
Oct 26 2024
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Brothers
The Black Keys
Maybe a little too glossy for a blues record, but this gets 5 stars for being purely nostalgic. Lots of great songs, covers, productions and just rocking. Surprised this is on the list but a good surprise
5
Oct 27 2024
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
nothing hooked me offhand but not a bad punk album
2
Oct 28 2024
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Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
This is some rocking rolling banging shit. Like if Elvis played with link Wray and had Dead Kennedys energy. I can see the influences on major garage acts of today like thee oh sees, geese, coachwhips and the like.
4
Oct 29 2024
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Every song sounds the same but not in a bad way. His energy is infectious and his voice is stellar. Just some old timey rock n roll that bob seger won't shut up about.
3
Oct 30 2024
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Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
Parts Portishead-Massive Attack trip hopness, Parts nice jazzy/classical/electronica/world music. I feel like I should hate this but it's kind of nice. Okay Pilgrim just came on pretty lame. Some interesting mixes of world vocals and breakbeats but I'd say the project is overall uneven with some some weird bobby mcferin meets a 90's club experiments like serpents or how lame pilgrim is but with some okay tracks like homelands, nadia, tides, letting go and anthem without nation
3
Oct 31 2024
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One World
John Martyn
very weird and watery. Interesting vocal choices. Great guitar work with interesting delay/reverbed effects. kind of jazz fusion/city pop mixed with an 80's rock and roll singer songwriter? I'm not sure if I loved it as a whole record but some great tracks are scattered on here worth listening to.
3
Nov 01 2024
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Wild Gift
X
Nothing bad about this. Some good ol' fashion rock and roll. like a dive bar band. a little rockabilly. Good garage punkness.
3
Nov 02 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
For, in a sense, being the deep cut rolling stones record, it has such a good energy. It has so many highlights and lives up to the boozey basement vibe they were conceptually going for. A fun, blues, soulful rocking record that exudes the best of the band. My only complaint is, for as long as it is, there is not enough stylistic variation. This is not a really hard criticism but I think I'm just use to the stones having so much variety/grandeur across their catalog. Or maybe i'm closer to a beatles fan over them. Regardless, a much listen if you're a fan of good ol' rock n roll. Check our rocks off, happy, sweet virgina, casino boogie, turd on the run, tumbling dice and loving cup for sure. Otherwise just let it play and enjoy the vibe.
4
Nov 03 2024
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
A lot better than I'd expect. It actually shows me how the two artists have quite a lot in common in terms of their mix of the analog and synthetic. Definitely thought this would be a lot less appealing based on the artists being known for their avant garde approaches and potential clash but the instrumentals are overall nice. Some feel more David byrne inspired like help me somebody and america is waiting, and defiant. Others feel like brian took the reins like mea culpa and very very hungry and a secret life. Others feel completely new and perfect blends like mountain of needles, two against three, new feet. My only issue is that any song that I didn't mention didn't really grab me and there are 18 tracks.
3
Nov 04 2024
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
I didn't realize Madonna liked IDM/Bjork. Not bad though imo. Good blend of pop/90's club aesthetics. Although I'd rather listen to Cher's "Believe" on loop but that's beside the point.
3
Nov 05 2024
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
At folsom prison will always be the GOAT for johnny cash live album's and maybe just live album's generally but this is pretty solid.
4
Nov 06 2024
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
With a title like this I expected a much more spiritual jazz album but it's still pretty decent.
3
Nov 07 2024
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More Specials
The Specials
An ironic name for a not very good album. Kind of ska/reggae but pretty forgettable and I like the genre well enough.
1
Nov 08 2024
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
Guardians of the galaxy mixtape core
3
Nov 09 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Perfect record. Listen to this straight through. Then the dissect podcast. Then the super album of this combined with ok computer. No notes.
5
Nov 10 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
For nostalgia alone this is a great record. Has aged both amazingly and poorly. To some level, felt like a curtain call for that era of pop punk.
4
Nov 11 2024
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
Pretty good experimental punk record. Apt band name based on track lengths
3
Nov 12 2024
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Some good live energy and chemistry. Janis is a good vocalist. Not bad but isn’t amazing the whole time.
3
Nov 13 2024
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Pixar soundtrack core but ima good jazzy way
4
Nov 14 2024
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Yep another perfect record. Do I love it as much as Yoshimi? Hell no. Is it still great? correct. I remember in a documentary how they wrote "Sleeping on a roof" and did something weird thematically with the album where they flipped the music upside down to continue playing the notes and how it thematically ties with the record or something. Regardless the main singles (race for the prize, waiting on superman and a spoonful weighs a ton) are amazing. The deeper cuts (spiderbite song, feeling yourself disintegrate, Buggin, suddenly everything has changed) are all amazing cuts. No bad songs. Just some great psychedelic rock.
5
Nov 15 2024
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
I initially always thought of this record as a victory lap since Dylan was so established from his original folk days, to going electric on highway 61 to his (IMO) magnum opus of Blonde on Blonde. However, after revisiting this may just be him enjoying the peak of his career. So many memorable songs/singles from tangled up in blue, a simple twist of fate, shelter from the storm or buckets of rain, to the deeper cuts of you're gonna make me lonesome, meet me in the morning an idiot wind. So much great blends of folk and rock aesthetics. Truly another perfect record.
5
Nov 16 2024
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
This is where the boys really let loose. I know people have liked it less over the years in comparison to the later era works but this one is still and essential classic from the fab 4.
5
Nov 17 2024
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Doolittle
Pixies
Knowing only the main singles, this is a pretty wild record. Lots of protopunk/90's grunge roots to some still very catchy songwriting. Cool blends of ska/reggae, jangle pop, punk and alternative rock. Really to the point too not overly long. besides here comes your man, wave of mutilation and debaser: i'd say check out mr. grieves, la la love, crackity jones, hey and monkey goes to heaven.
4
Nov 18 2024
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Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
just eh. not a bad alt 80's record but something about it just is bleh.
2
Nov 19 2024
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
One of a kind voice for sure. The songwriting is really quite detailed/intricate as well. Definitely a one of a kind singer songwriter/rocker record that I really enjoy the more I listen to. Love the whole thing. Angelic.
5
Nov 20 2024
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
A way more experimental than "So." I wish I would've given So five stars. Sorry terrible review. I like "lead a normal life, intruder, i don't remember and family snapshot.
3
Nov 21 2024
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
the most 90's alt rock album in a good way. if you've seen buffy the vampire slayer you know they were spinning this at the bronze.
4
Nov 22 2024
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
eh. for a name like this i expected something wild.
2
Nov 23 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fogherty's voice is what makes the band stand out. However, to me, they are better as a greatest hits band than a full album band as they have so many great tracks over their discography but deeper cuts never resonate. I did like Bootleg and Graveyard Train but otherwise just some 60's blues rock to me.
2
Nov 24 2024
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Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
I appreciate some aspects of this really noisy/abrasive album. The sweet leaf riff on "sweet loaf" is funny. The whole thing is played really raucous and aggressive. Yet this is also to it's detriment. I don't know how often I'll revisit this but for being one of the lowest rated bands/albums on this site I think it's a decent noise record.
3
Nov 25 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
One of the best soul singer voices for sure. Not all the songs are as memorable as his hit singles (sort of like Creedence where the greatest hits are great but the album experience is just fine) but because it's soul music it makes for easy listening/overall less grating background music.
3
Nov 26 2024
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Imagine
John Lennon
I think I prefer him with the plastic ono band. Imagine is a classic but is also a meme at this point. Jealous Guy is decent. Otherwise some pretty meh bar blues/dad rock on a lot of tracks. How Do You Sleep?, How? and Oh Yoko! are a solid way to close out though.
2
Nov 27 2024
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
I think this is a "innovative" or "groundbreaking" album for it's time. Otherwise it's a little basic sounding. Energy is definitely there but the songs are just fine.
2
Nov 28 2024
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Sheet Music
10cc
some okay glam dad rock. I like worst band in the world and somewhere in hollywood. wall street shuffle is dumb but catchy. Kind of like a Sparks mixed with some ELO or T. Rex.
3
Nov 29 2024
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Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
Pretty nice. Definitely fits the title as it feels like a country ball/dance. It teeters on some folk/americana as well not just flat out country. Really beautiful/straightforward. Cornbread moon is "corny" but fun. Because of the wind is a beautiful country ballad.
3
Nov 30 2024
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Very cool goth/post punk record. Siouxsie's voice is cool. It had some interesting production very evocative of joy division but the playing/production and arrangements are a lot weirder (like the Cure). I only bring up comparisons because it's my immediate thoughts but it definitely has it's own flair to it. The playing, in my mind, is what sets it apart. Halloween is cool, Spellbound is a perfect opener. Monitor has some great riffing on it. Need more time as I do with most of these albums but I can see this band growing on me more and more.
4
Dec 01 2024
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Pretty boring dad rock and roll. not punk enough, the playing isn't very interesting.
1
Dec 02 2024
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Not the worst by any means but preferred soft cell or depeche mode with this kind of electronic style.
3
Dec 03 2024
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
A very fun version of the avalanches. Not saying the avalanches are not fun but I'd say this is a perfect time capsule of what the 90's were
4
Dec 04 2024
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Live albums maybe just are not my thing. Good band and obviously great to see live but this record just makes me wish I saw them.
1
Dec 05 2024
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
One of the best records you can listen to if you like underground music. The album that started/popularized plunderphonics (I think). A beautiful fusion of samples that give an eerie electronic and hip hop blend of music. Raucous / jazzy and hip hop style drums, weird vocal/spoken world snippets and some very unique blending of electronic samples. A true one of a kind record. Hear all the main singles (the number song, building steam from a grain of salt, midnight in a perfect world). stay for deeper cuts (stem/long stem, what does your soul look like, organ donor, mutual slump, changeling and napalm brain/scatter brain).
5
Dec 06 2024
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Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Reminds me of the Ute Lemper record this site also recommended. A lot weirder/more dramatic. This feels like the soundtrack to a really underground off broadway musical. Super theatrical but really odd arrangements and tones. Not bad but I'd never choose to listen to it.
3
Dec 07 2024
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
A perfect rock record. Going to California and fours sticks are underrated led songs but all others are classic and don't need to be named just listened to. This is the album you get to introduce the band (although physical graffiti is their most ambitious and houses of the holy/2 and 1 have some of their best tracks, this is their definitive record.
5
Dec 08 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Another dad rock staple but as an album not super interesting. They'll likely always be a greatest hits band for me. Opening track is a classic. I like the riffing on beating around the bush. That's about it. Another greatest hits staple band but album snoozer
2
Dec 09 2024
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
Such a beautiful and inventive record. The production is immaculate. The singing is great. The songs are just really entrancing. Crazy use of choirs. Great bass lines. Cool switches between acoustic guitars swipes and electronics. I know they're more famous / innovative for their last two records for inventing post rock but this feels like an equal competitor.
5