Nov 24 2023
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
Well I've never listened to the White stripes I've been aware of Jack White's sound for years. This being my first experience with a full Jack White album It sounds about exactly how I would of predicted it to sound but still covering the amount of genres and sounds that he touches on throughout this album it is impressive nonetheless yet still very much safe sounding music. The highlights have to be his lyrics and anytime a guitar solo kicks in and gets wild.
3
Nov 25 2023
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Overall a fun album that sounds like The Beatles went to space. Would probably listen to it again just for all the ear candy that's available throughout the album. Mr Blue sky is still a classic track for valid reasons. Sweet is The Night & Jungle both stand out as the more distinct tracks.
4
Nov 26 2023
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
An absolute classic that changed hip hop forever. A cultural shift happened when this album came out and it can't be understated how incredibly popular and edgy this was when it came out. A ton of fun with a lot of shocking lyrics and bars that you wouldn't get from anybody but Eminem. Does it age well in our "woke" world? Hell no but man is it fun if you don't take it seriously.
4
Nov 27 2023
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
A solid follow up to the Slim Shady LP, this album contains a lot more of the mom hate than the last which tends to get a bit annoying but it's Eminem. He'll never be something you play with the friends around but his legacy stands for a reason. His flow is still fun and he's still got some crazy bars.
3
Nov 28 2023
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
Early Kanye West is a lot more humble and down to earth with the lyrics and the beats as well. He's still a master producer and it shows in every single track on this album but my favorite type of Kanye has yet to come in his discography. Pink Polo and backpack Kanye is still pretty great
4
Nov 29 2023
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The White Album
Beatles
This album is a lot of sounds and some of them are really incredible and some are down right annoying. I understand and fully respect the Beatles legacy and especially the legacy of this album but I'm not just going to give it a 5 because it's The Beatles. Some of the more avant-garde tracks just kind of annoy you till they're over. The highlights have to be George Harrison's guitar playing.
4
Nov 30 2023
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I See You
The xx
Having known Jamie XX for a little bit I never made the connection that he would be from this band. Honestly this album blew me away in how much it vibes and flows into itself. An album that feels like it was made for late night driving. Not an album for every moment but when this album clicks it's exactly what you need.
5
Dec 01 2023
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
This album was surprisingly a lot more fun that I thought it would be. I originally thought it was gonna be just 2 guys with a guitar but it quickly showed me The songwriting prowess and skill that both of them have. There's quite a bit of a variety of sound here. The lyrics and stories take the stage though.
4
Dec 02 2023
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
I love me some screaming soul music so this is right up my alleyway. Loved it front to back and will listen to it again and again. I definitely have been sleeping on this!
5
Dec 03 2023
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Everything sounds the same but they got some catchy licks. Unfortunately the cringe of how "badass" they are combined with the safe vanilla sound make for a pretty boring listen.
2
Dec 04 2023
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Goo
Sonic Youth
Psychedelic and experimental while containing old school punk distortion yet somehow that doesn't make it that interesting. I can hear how they influenced some of the more modern and mainstream pop punk bands though. Nothing here really grabbed my attention too hard though. Seems like they got a pretty loud cult following despite not really aging all that well.
3
Dec 05 2023
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
I completely missed this album when it debuted but being from that era it's still hits just like the rest of those early emo indie pop albums. This was a really great cohesive project that helped lead the wave that was to come of the indie pop/rock genre.
4
Dec 06 2023
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Dry
PJ Harvey
A very raw and moody sounding album. Early British grunge sound that didn't appeal to me too much. I did check out more of her music after this album and it seems like her sounds get a little more clean and diverse. I respect where she came from and what she started as but this album feels far too amateur and rough around the edges to make for a solid project.
2
Dec 07 2023
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British Steel
Judas Priest
I get the influences these guys had on bands to follow them but this album is very beginner heavy metal. Overall the instrumentals chug along at a good pace but it's far to by the books and rigid. The two big singles from this album end up being generic party rock anthems that were probably edgier at the time of release but have since aged into corny & cringy.
2
Dec 08 2023
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Let It Be
The Replacements
A classic sounding post punk album. It's screaming and hoarse vocals perfectly match the ambiance and chaos they create. It's a timeless sound that could be dropped today in blend right in with only a few moments showing its age. While it doesnt break the mold but it does what it does very well. " Unsatisfied" is one of the highlights of the albums showing the slower more melodic pain stuff while "We're Coming Out" showcases the instrumental talents of the band. Plus Minnesota!
4
Dec 09 2023
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Low-Life
New Order
I really enjoyed the sound of this album. 80s pop punk that delivers on just that. Synth and consistent bass lines with moody lyrics
3
Dec 10 2023
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Fun album art cover and the instrumentals sound great for the most part but I can't stand the vocals. This album feels like it had some "edge" for the time but now it's just corny and lame. Overall a fine album that clearly influenced generations to come but aged a bit more poorly than some would probably care to admit.
3
Dec 11 2023
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Psychedelic and ambient while still having some of the vocal sounds of the 70s. This album flows very smoothly from front to back. The guitar on "Julie With" is beautiful and haunting as it flows into the piano of the next track. The second half of this album is so calm and different than the first half but still tied in so well. This is great music and wonderful art.
5
Dec 12 2023
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Back In Black
AC/DC
A step up from their previous album. Maybe getting a new singer helped them reflect on their style and what was important for the band. The instrumentals seem to have a lot more guitar solos screaming throughout them and honestly vocally as similarly as they are I give the edge to Brian Johnson's vocals. Every single track on this album was on the radio at some point but lyrically it is still incredibly simple and overall very formulaic album but if you were to ask me the definition of rock and roll I would hand you this album.
3
Dec 13 2023
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
I don't feel like I understand jazz enough to fully appreciate this and it coming in at almost 2 hours It's quite the task to give it a full listen to. I think jazz like this seems like you would be more fun live with a cocktail in my hand than it is listening in headphones. Fully respect Miles Davis and the talent that this entire ensemble has and the producer to pull all of it together and some of the licks and riffs are fun but overall is a bit of a chore to listen to.
2
Dec 14 2023
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Muddy, poor instrumental mix combined with being tonely flat for the most part. I see how this was with the Brits response to the grunge era but is a pretty forgettable sounding alt rock album. Where is the emotion? Even the slower acoustic stuff just feels fake and bland.
2
Dec 15 2023
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
This feels like how a bird flying on a nice day must sound. Gentle and beautiful.
5
Dec 16 2023
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
This feels like the definition and the birth of psychedelic rock. You can hear the influence that the rest of psych rock got from bands of this caliber during this time frame. Not a bad track on the album and the harmonization is always satisfying. Some of the mixing could be better.
4
Dec 17 2023
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Pop rock Beatles is way less annoying than I thought they'd be. While lyrically simple it's fairly catchy and doesn't overstay it's welcome. Feels like one of the better albums from a legendary band. Wish there was a little bit more guitar solo playing from George Harrison. Overall really fun album from front to back.
4
Dec 18 2023
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Microshift
Hookworms
Pretty solid psychedelic synthrock album. Vocals were pretty great and the part in the middle were they dropped out and the instrumentals got to take over for a solid section was really nice. Some of the early tracks were a bit boring and forgettable though, containing just boring rock chords and floaty vocals. The space Tron sounding stuff was the better parts of the album. Seems like a band that would be a lot of fun live.
4
Dec 19 2023
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
First time ever listening to a full Michael Jackson album and it was way funkier than I anticipated but that's not a bad thing. This album has lots of influences and big players on it. Some killer bass lines and incredible vocals from such a unique voice. Feels like a great album for a social gathering that wants to get groovy. Just when I thought "Girlfriend" was going to be too cheesy the saxophone kicked in and a massive smile grew on my face. You can see why this album is one of the best selling albums of all time.
5
Dec 20 2023
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Such a fun and theatrical band. Freddy has an incredibly unique voice and flair that most rock stars would kill for. Unfortunately though it's not too much my thing and a lot of it ends up kind of forgettable but fun. Brian May is one of the best guitarists alive though.
4
Dec 21 2023
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
An album clearly more about the pop culture around it and the story associated with it. I totally respect that and understand the struggle she had but this album was not for me at all. Her vocals are so weak and broken despite knowing the story behind it. Honestly shout out for Steve Winwood for carrying a lot of this album and not getting the credit he deserves. The smokey jazz sound with the edgy lyrics just don't do it for me here.
2
Dec 22 2023
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
A breath of fresh air! This was fun and positive with a lot of atmosphere to some of the beats. Definitely can see the influence these guys had in the south. Production holds up like it could of dropped today. Mr. Wendal is such a timeless track. A bit corny at times but overall a great positive album.
4
Dec 23 2023
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Fun 70s funk/disco. Bass is grooving through this whole album, vocals are nice but don't take center stage. Nothing too crazy complicated but still fun.
4
Dec 24 2023
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Cool influential indie punk. Sounds like it could of dropped today. Really impressed knowing that this came out in 83. Really happy to know these guys aren't just the one hit wonders. A bit chaotic but a ton of energy.
4
Dec 25 2023
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
The pinnacle sound of the 60's. I really dig the flower power good vibes of this album but lyrically it's nothing impressive. Undeniably influential though. California dreaming is a absolute powerhouse of a song. That flute solo is iconic.
4
Dec 26 2023
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Yep this is classic Christmas music.
5
Dec 27 2023
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
I was hoping I could get passed the narrative that Coldplay is boring and basic but I can't. This album has some nice moments of melancholy British rock but overall it's so forgettable and simple. The Scientist is good but even in the context of the album it gets lost in the forgettable strings swelling and simple guitar strumming that consist through the whole album. Sorry but yep this is boring.
2
Dec 28 2023
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
Another britpop album that has no emotion or real depth to it. Drags on and doesn't really know when then the song. Definitely does not feel essential.
2
Dec 29 2023
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
Terrible harmonization, poor lyrics, annoying skits and jingles. Concept albums tend to get more respect from me but this album is annoying and bland. I Can See For Miles is mildly catchy but still somehow ends up just becoming repetitive. No emotion in the vocals or the terrible harmonizing make for the most boring type of British pop rock. The only reason this album is getting a two and not a one is the drums somehow managed to not annoy me at all and some of the guitar playing was decent.
2
Dec 30 2023
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Respect the writing on this and the hauntingly gentle guitar but this album is just too slow and melancholy for me. Definitely a hell of a songwriter lyrically but this is just a bit on the boring side for me. Really impressive album for the time that it came out at though.
2
Dec 31 2023
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
This album is legendary for all the right reasons. Beautiful soul music with powerful lyrics and groovy instruments that are supported by a great concept to the album that pertained to serious issues at the time I can still be reflected back in our society currently. A must listen to for all humans.
5
Jan 01 2024
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Carefree fun old-school punk with a dash of glam. Everyone comparing this to Rolling Stones with a more punk sound are definitely right. Feels like your favorite punk bands favorite band. This a fun listen!
3
Jan 02 2024
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
I have nothing to value to add to the conversation around this album as everything that's already been said about it has been set. Consider one of the greatest albums of all time and rightfully so. I will say that the intro to Time will always catch me off guard. Beautiful psychedelic album!
5
Jan 03 2024
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
Some classic country that is really catchy! Covers the typical country tropes but has a good catchy voice in the process of singing them. Some songs are more annoying but overall a really fun classic lesson. I don't know how essential it is but it's good.
3
Jan 04 2024
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I was really happy to see this band's name show up. I've heard about them and people have raved about them online and I was always felt that they had a solid cult following. What a let down to find out they're just new wave boring British pop. The instrumentals are decent but a lot of this ends up being pretty forgettable. Some of the instrumentals were able to draw out emotion but the brooding of the lead singer just doesn't do it for me. Not offensively bad but also nothing that sticks out.
3
Jan 05 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
A collection of different instruments kept this interesting and fun enough to break the traditional folk sound that I would associate with Paul Simon. His story telling is exactly what I enjoy about his music but some of the slower stuff doesn't manage to hold my attention all the way through. Duncan and Me and Julio Down By The School Yard are some of my favorites on here. Overall a solid album with good storytelling.
4
Jan 06 2024
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Document
R.E.M.
Absolutely iconic voice that goes from sounding great to annoying and then back to great again. Instrumentals are pretty generic but the singles from this album are absolute bangers. Doesn't overstay it's welcome and has some real emotion tied to the lyrics.
4
Jan 07 2024
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Wow I was blown away at how catchy this was! Absolutely influential in it's pop punk style. Every song on this had me nodding along and smiling. What a fun album! This was an album I came in expecting to feel blasé about but was floored at how well it flows and the edgy attitude that still holds up.
5
Jan 08 2024
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
There's a track on here with a killer saxophone solo other than that the rest of this is just kind of dull and lifeless. Some interesting instrumental sections but nothing too stand out. Also incredibly long she doesn't help with the dullness.
2