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Tue Nov 28 2023
Metallica
Metallica
Forgot about Sad But True \../
Metal ballads are silly
Not my genre, but still good
3
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Wed Nov 29 2023
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Talking Book has some of my fave singles, but this album really takes you on a ride. 4.5
4
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Thu Nov 30 2023
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
First time listening to this. It’s uniquely “of a time” while still feeling current. 3.8
4
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Fri Dec 01 2023
Boston
Boston
Quintessential stadium rock. I don’t personally love it, but gotta give them credit for a whopper of a first album. 3.8
4
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Sat Dec 02 2023
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
I mean, I know they’re iconic, but I just don’t like most of their music. It grates. I blame Robert Plant. And also, songs are too long, album is too long. Dislike.
2
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Sun Dec 03 2023
Graceland
Paul Simon
Great album for a long car ride or for getting out of a shitty mood, but the last 3 songs are kind of stinkers. 3.7
3
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Mon Dec 04 2023
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
I felt like the EQ was all off. I was constantly adjusting the volume. But I don't know why I bothered. No melodies 1.4
1
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Tue Dec 05 2023
Low-Life
New Order
The song Elegia made me think of Stranger Things, which speaks to how much their music shaped the sound of the 80’s. Yet, I think I prefer Joy Division. 3.0
3
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Thu Dec 07 2023
Vivid
Living Colour
Cult of Personality was a cool song at the time but the album sounds dated and overall meh. 2.3
2
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Fri Dec 08 2023
Rust In Peace
Megadeth
I hate this kind of music. But, the playing is very precise, which isn’t easy to do at these tempos. 2.6
2
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Sat Dec 09 2023
Transformer
Lou Reed
I like it. I think T.Rex does glam rock better than Lou, but if I listened to music regularly, I’d probably include this album in a rotation. Walk on the Wild Side, c’mon! 4.2
4
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Sun Dec 10 2023
Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
At first listen, I thought it was fine, but I suspect this is more of a grower than a shower. Her voice makes the album feel cohesive. I’d like to listen again. 2.7
3
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Mon Dec 11 2023
Third
Portishead
This is serial killer music. Oh, and one ukelele song. Wtf, was that?! I listened to the whole album, but I didn’t want to. 1.0
1
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Tue Dec 12 2023
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
Is this trance music? I don’t hate it. There were some good hooks. I don’t think smackin’ bitches is ok to do anymore, thankfully. I shared it with Selim and he loved it, as expected. 2.7
3
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Wed Dec 13 2023
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
I quite like their lush, textured production. It’s a vibe I can get behind. That said, the songs don’t have very memorable/sticky melodies. 3.5
3
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Fri Dec 15 2023
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Legendary. This recording has a raw, live quality that makes it feel genuine and energized. The piano is a touch out of tune. Love it. 4.7
5
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Sat Dec 16 2023
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
I’m not smart enough to fully appreciate this type of jazz, but I do appreciate it. It’s definitely winter music. Not suitable for summer unless you’re a PI. 4.0
4
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Sun Dec 17 2023
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
It was cool to hear what I assume is the traditional version of “Suliram” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Surprising this album is from 2012. Initially would have guessed the 50’s. I like it. 3.7
4
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Mon Dec 18 2023
Dirty
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth should have been more a part of my coming of age, but it just wasn’t. I was too busy listening to musical soundtracks. This album in particular doesn’t resonate for me. 2.7
3
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Tue Dec 19 2023
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
I tip my hat to the musicianship, but this is just not for me. The pivot from track 1 to 2 was so abrupt and the songs are too damn long. Moonchild, so boring. They take themselves very seriously. 2.0
2
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Wed Dec 20 2023
Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Produced by Jack Antonoff, which tracks. Millennial women love Lana, but as a gen Z, I only like her ok. All of the songs blur together for me. Nice, but the same. 3.2.
3
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Thu Dec 21 2023
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
His slightly hoarse vocals made me long for the smooth effortlessness of his studio recordings, but regardless, this is solid gold. Wish I could time machine myself to this concert. 4.7
4
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Fri Dec 22 2023
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Such a great album. From the top to the bottom, my cup overfloweth. 5.0
5
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Sat Dec 23 2023
Play
Moby
This has more of a roots/bluesy foundation than I was expecting based on Moby’s radio tracks. I was surprised to like it a bit. Some of the songs are underdeveloped IMO. They’re more “riff” than “song”, but I feel that way about most electronic music. 3.5
3
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Sun Dec 24 2023
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
I liked the overall feel of Innervisions better and felt some of the songs were too long, yet this album deserves its classic status. TIL that Gangsta’s Paradise sampled a Stevie song. How did I not know that?! 4.2
4
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Mon Dec 25 2023
Dirt
Alice In Chains
The vocals crack me up. They sound like SNL characters. It’s not for me, but I get their significance. I didn’t know they harmonized so much. That was nice. 2.6
3
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Tue Dec 26 2023
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
I had it on while we were doing Christmas stuff so I wasn’t focused on it, but it didn’t really register as unique in any way.
2
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Wed Dec 27 2023
Dookie
Green Day
Skater punk isn’t really my thing, but the songs are catchy and fun and fit well together as an album. 3.2
3
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Thu Dec 28 2023
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
There’s a lot going on here thematically, sonically, lyrically- I’d have to listen a few more times to take it all in. It’s impressive. I’m glad I took the time to listen. 4.0
4
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Fri Dec 29 2023
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
Where has this album been all my life?! A few songs have a Talking Heads vibe. Each track is unique while still fitting together as an album. Are some of the songs a little silly? Is the singer’s voice a little silly? Yep, So fun! 3.8
3
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Sat Dec 30 2023
Blunderbuss
Jack White
I dunno. I just don’t connect with his music. I liked aspects of many of the songs, but they didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. 2.8
3
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Sun Dec 31 2023
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
I was late discovering Billy Bragg, so I wasn’t familiar with this album. What a treat! I appreciated the light touch taken on production. Just folk music being folksy. 4.0
4
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Mon Jan 01 2024
Screamadelica
Primal Scream
What is this? Some songs are borderline electronic, others made me think of U2 and The Rolling Stones… while others were just sleepy and use ill-fitting instruments like sax and pedal steel. Some of the songs in isolation have a groove, but as an album it’s disjointed. 2.3
2
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Wed Jan 03 2024
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
I suspect they were influenced by Tribe Called Quest. I hear similarities, though this doesn’t lean into jazz influences as strongly. I like this kind of HipHop and enjoyed this album. 3.5
3
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Thu Jan 04 2024
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
I had heard (and stared at the album cover of) Voodoo, but not this earlier album. An amazing first album, made even more impressive given that he was responsible for nearly every aspect of it. Such talent. I’m not a regular R&B listener, but I could get into this. 3.8
4
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Fri Jan 05 2024
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
It’s crazy how some music can really make you FEEL the time it came from. No confusing it with music of any other era. This is too meandering for me, but you have to appreciate Isaac’s ability to thoroughly create a mood. 3.0.
3
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Sat Jan 06 2024
Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
My very first thought was, “This should have been a rock musical.” Turns out, it is! It premiered in 2017. Haha, not on my radar. It’s not serious music, but it has a driving beat and has some catchy melodies. 3.0
3
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Sun Jan 07 2024
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Several of the songs are very Beatle-esque, which I didn’t expect. I love the Beatles so that endears me to their sound. But, it begs the question- how much of this album is simply mimicking popular sounds of the times? Hmm. Enjoyed it regardless. 3.2
3
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Sat Jan 13 2024
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
In think I like that this veers out of the realm of jazz a bit. It drives more than it roams and I like that. Props to his band. What a collection of badasses. 4.5
5
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Sun Jan 14 2024
The Coral
The Coral
This doesn’t sound like 2002. The songs with organ give it a 60’s vibe, while some of the other songs lean into a gypsy/ Gogol Bordello type of sound. I like it fine, but it seems like a stretch for it to be included in this list. 3.3
3
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Mon Jan 15 2024
Pretenders
Pretenders
I didn’t realize how cool Chrissie Hynde was until listening to this album. I mean, I knew people thought she was cool, but now I think she’s cool. She had the “Beat It” jacket 3 years before Michael! 44 years later, this album still sounds fresh and relevant. 4.0
4
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Tue Jan 16 2024
Rubber Soul
Beatles
I prefer The Beatles in their later years, but can’t argue with the album’s place in history as one of the best albums of all time. On this listen, the harmonies of “If I Needed Someone” made me think of Crosby, Stills, & Nash. It’s a great album that gives all of the Fab4 a chance to shine… but as a listener, I’ll admit I get impatient waiting for the album to give me a bit more meat on the bone. 3.8
4
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Wed Jan 17 2024
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
I love The Smiths but nearly every song sounds like one of their other songs. Maybe this album represents the first pass at the other songs to come. In any case, it’s a great album and I always love the mood created by Morrissey’s voice and melodies. 3.8
4
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Thu Jan 18 2024
Like A Prayer
Madonna
I’ve never heard this album. I was too cheap to buy music when I was young, so I only knew radio hits. Shameful. I would have loved it. You can really hear the Prince influence in some songs. Don’t know if it’s aged well but my remaining 1989-era brain cells likey. 4.2
4
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Fri Jan 19 2024
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Despite her voice not being what it once was, her interpretations are full of feeling and nuance. I don’t think any voice can compare to her originality and heart 4.5
5
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Sat Jan 20 2024
Mothership Connection
Parliament
They have to be the kings of funk. It’s fun to listen to and I appreciate it, but it’s not go-to music for me. 3.5
3
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Sun Jan 21 2024
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
This is one of B&S’s most beloved albums and I think it perfectly reflects the sensibilities they’ve projected in their albums in the nearly 30 years since. It doesn’t sound like 1996, or any other time for that matter. Original melodies, peppy rhythms, and simple but lovely production. 4.2
4
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Mon Jan 22 2024
Horses
Patti Smith
Patti is an icon and an amazing writer and poet. It’s crazy that she made this album with little previous musical experience. I don’t fully connect with all of her music but admire her confidence and artistry. 3.8
4
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Wed Jan 24 2024
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Sure, ok. I suppose to French folks, this guy is like Frank Sinatra. Maybe I’ll be able to answer random trivia questions correctly after listening to this album, but it was nothing special for me. 2.7.
3
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
Nice retro-sounding moments mixed in with a contemporary Beyoncé-meets-Mary. J Blige vibe. Some of those lyrics though- I Blush! I’d need a few more listens, but I bet in that time the album would really stick with me. 3.4
3
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Fri Jan 26 2024
Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Found it on YouTube, but didn’t make it through the whole thing. It made me think of Schoenberg and his use of Sprechstimme, which I don’t enjoy. This album could be the soundtrack to a movie version of Slaughterhouse Five. 2.5
2
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Sat Jan 27 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
I’m not a big Elvis fan, but you gotta give the guy credit. He was one of a kind. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the country/gospel mashup of this album. Long Black Limousine sounds straight out of church. In the Ghetto! Suspicious Minds! Solid gold. Maybe I’m an Elvis fan now. 4.4
4
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Sun Jan 28 2024
The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
I really enjoyed the tutorials. Always been a fan of the tabla, but I really tuned into how it transformed the music from formless (to my ears) to structured. Ravi is obviously a sitar icon. I appreciate him making this album to help westerners appreciate eastern sounds. 4.2
4
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Mon Jan 29 2024
White Ladder
David Gray
He got a lot of traction out of this album. The songs with the electronic elements really feel like the late 90’s/early 2000’s, but otherwise, it’s standard singer/songwriter stuff. I liked it better back when it came out then I did this time around. 3.0
3
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Tue Jan 30 2024
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Blues is one of the few genres that hasn’t evolved much over time. Veer too far from the original formula and it’s no longer blues. There are bands playing these songs at bars all over the world today, trying to replicate the energy and character that Muddy brought to them 60+ years ago. Timeless! 4.5
4
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Love the funky 70’s-ness of many of the songs on this album. Superstition alone would make it worth 5 stars, but “I Believe” might actually be my favorite Stevie song. The darkness of the verses juxtaposed with the beautiful optimism of the chorus- which ultimately wins out. Gah, I’m dead. 5.0
5
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Thu Feb 01 2024
Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
Their messy, bassless punk is fun, but their vocals are too affected for my taste. All-female punk band: into it more in principle than in practice. 3.2
3
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Fri Feb 02 2024
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
The album cover is fitting. The guy had a lot of ideas and decided that all of them were good. I admire his self-esteem. It was just too much clutter for my taste. 2.0
2
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Sat Feb 03 2024
Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Am I wrong to wish he had a better singing voice? The lyrics are masterful and the accompanying instrumental tracks are lovely. But his vocal melodies are almost monotone. I would love to hear this entire album done by Jeff Buckley (RIP). 3.4
3
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Sun Feb 04 2024
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
I never really gave their music a focused listen before and in my memory it sounded much more thrashy than it actually does. Also, I didn’t pick up on the political messages back then, which are astute and still relevant today. I kind of like it. I don’t think it’s something I’ll come back to, but I’m glad I have a new perspective on it. 3.2
3
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
5
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Tue Feb 06 2024
American Idiot
Green Day
I’m impressed by any band that can create new, relevant music for multiple decades. With Green Day it’s especially impressive because their style is so specific. I think Holiday is my fave GDay song, which is interesting given that it came out later in their career. Overall enjoyable album. 3.4
3
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Wed Feb 07 2024
The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I wonder if this album would be as highly regarded if it had been their first. It seems like it’s appreciated more for its departure from their typical style than for how it stands on its own. The lyrics are more notable than the music. Overall, I find it ordinary. 2.8
3
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Thu Feb 08 2024
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Wild that there were only 2 singles released from this album, given that nearly every song is widely known now. Love this album and The Beatles. LEGENDS! 5.0
5
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
I have a strong opinion about this album. The first two KoL albums were awesome. Raw, gritty southern rock. Lightly produced. I’m less familiar with the third, but this one, ugh. It was a break-out album for them, but to me, they jumped the shark. Admittedly, some of the songs pull me in, but the mainstream over-produced quality of this album waters down what could be a classic. 2.9
P.S. “Your sex is on fire”?? Such stupid lyrics.
3
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Sat Feb 10 2024
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Ah, Elliott. The reedy double-tracked vocals are unmistakably him. The production somehow sounds both simple and lush. When the drums and synthy-strings hit in “Everything means Nothing”- it gets me. It’s a lovely album by my account. 4.0
4
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Sun Feb 11 2024
The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
Pink Floyd
Totally tracks that this came out the same year as Sgt Pepper’s. I think this is what Todd Rundgren was shooting for, but he missed the mark. This album requires one’s attention. I don’t like that about it. Overall, it’s too trippy for me to fully enjoy, but there are some interesting things going on throughout. 3.2
3
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
I expected this to be an “emperor’s new clothes” kind of album, but I actually liked it. The texture of the instruments blended with and complimented his raspy vocals. The organ gave the songs a mysterious, vintage quality. Loved the tone and mix on the bass. Basically, I’m a bigger fan of the production than the songs themselves. 3.3
3
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Tue Feb 13 2024
OK Computer
Radiohead
I can’t listen to this album with fresh ears. It was my indoctrination to the musical tastes of my Austin crew and I treasure it. It’s atmospheric, yet melodic. Each song, a little symphony. Lyrically grand and prescient. 4.6
4
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
The first track made me think of Meatloaf, which is interesting. I appreciate that he isn’t precious about every note being perfect. I’m not hugely drawn to Bruce’s music, but when I listen closely, it sinks in. He really puts his heart into it. 3.7
3
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Born To Be With You
Dion
The songs on this album all sound like they’re from a scene in a movie where the main character is f’d up on drugs or alcohol and everything gets blurry. The music is so sluggish and odd. It’s not offensive but I don’t really care for it. 2.6
2
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Tue Feb 20 2024
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
This sounds like I imagine I’d feel if I spent some time in Iceland. I’ve heard some of their later stuff and liked it, but sitting with a whole album is something else. A bit disconcerting at times. Songs like Starálfur help break that up though. I like it, even if I don’t see myself returning to it. 3.5
3
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Love Nick Drake. This album is described as English folk but somehow that doesn’t quite get to it. The orchestrations are rich and sometimes unexpected. His guitar sound borders on classical. Once you hear his voice, you’ll recognize it anywhere. Remarkable musician. 4.3
4
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
I’m guessing Axel decided to use his voice that way after hearing AC/DC. I don’t get metal, so to me, it just sounds ridiculous. That said, many people love it and there are plenty of ear worms and hits on this album. It’s not lacking in creativity or musicianship. 3.0
3
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Fri Feb 23 2024
3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
I loved this album in ‘92 and enjoyed it again with this listen. Three very solid hits. It definitely sounds like the 90’s though- all of the record scratching! It was pretty original in its time and even now, really. I didn’t listen to any of their subsequent albums. Curious how their music evolved over the years. 3.8
3
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Sat Feb 24 2024
Brothers
The Black Keys
Trying not to be bitter at this album for making them mainstream. It has some good jams, but some songs lack a discernible chorus and land a little flat for me. That said, overall it’s a cohesive and enjoyable listen. 3.6
3
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Sun Feb 25 2024
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
Bahahaha, bless. On several songs, the singer is painfully out of tune. Some songs have no real melody against sparse instrumentation. Sex Dwarf…oddly, one of the catchier songs of the album, but Clutch My Pearls, the lyrics! I think you could go to jail for that in todays’s America. Their take on Tainted Love was quite fresh, so good on them for that. Otherwise, this album is a stinker. 2.3.
2
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Urban Hymns
The Verve
I was excited to see this pop up. A standout album from the 90’s British wave that included Oasis, Blur, The Stone Roses and others. I think it holds up pretty well. It’s great multitasking music- it doesn’t distract you but offers enough to keep you engaged. That said, I’ll always crank up Bittersweet Symphony anytime it comes on. 3.8
4
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Tue Feb 27 2024
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
I was expecting less blues and more classic rock- like what comes after the first few songs. It’s entirely too much jamming for me. I can’t argue with their talent, but ungggh, I hate a jam band. It’s just not for me. 2.6
2
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Gold
Ryan Adams
Man alive, I played the heck out of this album back in the aughts. IMO, it includes no duds. The instrumentation with additions like organ, strings, and harmonica is thick and gives you more than the average singer/songwriter fare. The Americana vibe and poetic lyrics strike a lovely balance. Ryan has turned out to be a grade A prick (Team Mandy and Team Phoebe forever!), but this album is indeed gold, if I do say so myself. 4.6
4
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Fri Mar 01 2024
The Bends
Radiohead
My favorite Radiohead album, even if it shows its age a bit more than OK Computer. High and Dry is everything a rock ballad should be. Some amazing guitar riffs on this album, which is saying something, since I don’t care much for guitar riffs. A classic. 4.6
4
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Sat Mar 02 2024
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
The backup singers and interjections of brass and funky sounding keys make this album for me. Overall, I’m probably too uptight to enjoy more than a little of his music in one sitting, but I appreciate his political messages and that he brought reggae to the US. I definitely enjoy its influence in popular music. 3.5
3
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Sun Mar 03 2024
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
It’s really wild to hear the journey Hip Hop has gone on, from this to the Kendrick Lamar album we heard previously. So different, but still connected. I love the Yin and Yang of Chuck D and Flavor Flav. Chuck gets you thinking and Flav gets you smiling. The layers of sound in the production is really inventive. I can see why these guys were so influential on hip hop. Yeah Boiiiiieeeee! 4.2
4
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
I gave this a very distracted listen, so I have minimal insights. It didn’t sound like the mid 90’s to me, which makes it fairly evergreen. My ears perked up a few times- for example- Sir Rockabilly sounded kinda cool. I’d listen to it again. 3.0
3
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Tue Mar 05 2024
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
So good. The whole album is a groove. The song transitions are 10/10. It’s all so smooth. None of the harsh record scratching and short stops of a lot of other 90’s rap and hip hop. The date rape song…don’t love it. Everything else is excellent. 4.5
4
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Wed Mar 06 2024
The Visitors
ABBA
It’s unclear to me why this ABBA album made the cut. It doesn’t include any of their super hits, nor is it much of a departure from their formula. I dislike the tinny synth sound throughout the album, but enjoy the layered vocal tracks that give every chorus a boost. They know how to write catchy songs, but I don’t think this album is the best example of that. 2.7
2
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Thu Mar 07 2024
The White Album
Beatles
So much to say. As an album, it makes no practical sense. Songs styles are all over the place. This would never work for any band but The Beatles. And maybe that’s because they do every style so well. Paul’s voice! How can he sing both “Helter Skelter” and “I Will” and sound perfect for both? Same for John. “Yer Blues” and “Julia” - so different! I’d be curious to learn how they landed on a song order. They don’t try to transition the listener smoothly from one song to the next. Maybe that’s the secret sauce of the album.
The fact that there were no singles from it?! Mind blown. So many classics. It’s a masterpiece. 5.0
5
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
This music is too mathy and precise for me. I’d argue that Ska shouldn’t sound so perfect. Several songs sound like they belong on a soundtrack for a zany comedy from 1989. I bet they all went to Berkeley school of music or some such place. The bass. Ugh, calm down. They’re good musicians, it just wears me out.2.5
2
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Sat Mar 09 2024
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
I’d never listened to an entire Stones album until now. It had much more of a rootsy blues/honkey tonk vibe than I was expecting. I listened in the car and there were a few songs where they made some fun choices about which speaker instruments would come from. For Country Honk, I wonder if they took a note from the Beatles’ “Revolution”, by including a scaled back acoustic version on the album, but releasing a more rock version for the single. The singles from this album are enduring classics, but the rest would take me some listens before they stood out in my mind. 3.5
3
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Sun Mar 10 2024
Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Again, some very lovely and lush orchestrations backing Nick’s folk melodies. This album feels more time stamped than Five Leaves Left. Some of the melodies brought to mind Dan Fogelberg song, “Longer,” which I haven’t thought about or heard in decades. The album is nice, but after one listen, I didn’t have much to take away. 3.0
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Great album that really feels like an album- not just a random collection of songs. The way the electronic elements are mixed in with the acoustic really does give it an other-worldly feeling. I love how they make the bass lines so melodic. I could listen to this 20 times in a row and hear something new each time- and never tire of the title track. A really unique and creative work that, delightfully, doesn’t take itself too seriously. 4.4
4
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
I like it. For me, the first side is more compelling than the second. The jangly, bluesy honkey tonk keeps the songs driving forward. Certainly, his lyrics are the primary driver, and yes, they’re inspired. Mr Tambourine Man paints vivid images. But truthfully, I could have lived with fewer verses on some of the songs. 3.9
4
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
There’s so much going on. Never all at once- but collectively, this album is doing a lot, and I’d argue doing it well. Several of the songs sound more like jazz than traditional Beastie- but somehow, when they layer their vocal tracks in, it just works. There’s a ton of talent and creativity represented here. It won’t be a regular go-to for me, but I’d listen again. I’ll skip that throat singing song though. Too much. 4.0.
4
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
There is nothing about this album that sounds unique by 1998 standards. It may have been influential in Norway to the average Sven, but certainly, people who were into music had access to similar sounds long before this. It’s all derivative and I’m annoyed it was included on this list. 1.5
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Sat Mar 16 2024
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Finally, a country album! It was a really progressive idea to play at prisons, even by today’s standards. I love the energy of this album- the music and the banter. His band is so solid- following him as he adds and skips time here and there. The title track really hit home. An iconic moment in musical history. 4.5
4
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Sun Mar 17 2024
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
I always enjoy a little bossa nova. This is a nice album. The words that come to mind for the production are tidy and tasteful. The balance of instruments is very controlled. This album seems fitting to hear at a spa. I enjoyed it on my Saturday stroll, but it isn’t something I’ll likely listen to again. 3.3
3
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Mon Mar 18 2024
White Light
Gene Clark
It’s perfectly respectable folk/country. It neither dazzles nor disgusts. His work with The Birds is much more compelling, which goes to show that 1) a meh song can be great with the right arrangement, and 2) a truly great song doesn’t need bells and whistles to show its greatness. 2.8
3
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Tue Mar 19 2024
The Score
Fugees
What stood out to me was that it still sounds current. The instrumental backing tracks have a nice groove and I think are what take it out of the 90’s. The songs that feature Lauren Hill are definitely stand outs. It could be because of my own bias toward melodic hip hop— and I mean, she’s an amazing singer— but even the songs where she’s rapping have a sparkle the others don’t quite have. 4.0
4
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Heavy Weather
Weather Report
The opening song is so peppy! I don’t like any of the synth sounds they used. So dated it gave me the giggles. I’m not the best judge of jazz, but I have a hard time imagining someone hearing this for the first time in 2024 and thinking, “Now THAT is fresh!” I will acknowledge that there is some adept musicianship on display and being successful as a jazz band for many years is quite an accomplishment. It’s just not for me. 2.5.
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Fri Mar 22 2024
The Band
The Band
I bet seeing The Band live was awesome. Listening to this album made me want to watch The Last Waltz again. Their music just makes me feel good. The harmonies, the piano and guitar licks, and their loose jangly sound make the music approachable. I wouldn’t have thought of this as a concept album without it being explained as such, but I can hear it. Great stuff. 4.2
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Sat Mar 23 2024
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
As excellent as the last one. I love the samples they use and the way they use them- just little pieces here and there instead of it being the basis of the entire song. 4.5
4
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Sun Mar 24 2024
Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Several songs have an island vibe that hints at what’s to come on Graceland. I found the opening track “Allergies” lyrically stupid (perhaps it was a metaphor, but it sounded pretty literal to me). It improved from there, thankfully. I hear some Talking Heads influences at times. There are some moments that feel stale (like the Seinfeld bass tones and some of the melodic choices) but I liked it overall. 3.6
3
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Fun House
The Stooges
I have respect for The Stooges and can get into it in the right context, but it’s not music I’ll put on for myself. I’m sure they put on a helluva show back in the day. It’s interesting how often the bass and guitars (and sometimes sax)are playing the same rhythms at the same time. It starts to feel almost like a drone. Those sax features were wild. Sounded like a human screaming. I draw the line at LA Blues though. I don’t have that kind of angst. 3.4
3
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Doolittle
Pixies
Saw them play this album live about 15 years ago. Good show. It’s a well-loved alt-rock classic that I think holds up. It’s not an album that would blow minds if released today, but it was ahead of its time for 1989. Kim Deal’s background vocals definitely brought something different and compelling to their sound. 3.5
3
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Wed Mar 27 2024
Illmatic
Nas
I can’t relate to the guns-n-drugs era of hip hop music. Subject matter aside, the words go by so fast, granny can’t keep up. The backing musical tracks often aren’t really doing much either, so I just start to zone out. Some songs like “The World is Yours” and “One Time 4 Your Mind” have a bit more groove and a hook. I know this album was critically acclaimed and influential, and I can’t dispute the brilliance of the rhymes, but I can’t get super into it. 3.2
3
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Thu Mar 28 2024
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
I couldn’t find this album on Spotify so I had to listen one song at a time on YouTube. I can’t handle the ads, so I didn’t get far. That said, I get what it is. Classic funk. I’ll give it a lightly-informed 3.3
3
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Disintegration
The Cure
The setting: A decrepit gothic cathedral. Dark, lit only by candles as a rolling fog obscures the moonlight. The crowd of emo babies stir as they hear the chimes foretelling the symbol crash of “Plainsong” that invites a dim stream of light to shine on the altar where Robert Smith stands. Kiefer Sutherland and his gang of vampires mill through the crowd, searching for their next meal as the band plays “Lullaby.” The storm clouds break open and unleash a torrent of rain (the candles stay lit, don’t worry about it) and “The Same Deep Water as You” begins. The opening chords of “Untitled” beckon the sun to slowly rise. With each ray of light, the band fades until all that remains is a lone harmonium on the altar.
It is a VIBE!! 10/10 no notes. Wait, one note. The songs are entirely too long.
4
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Sat Mar 30 2024
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I was familiar with her radio hits but not the whole album. Her vocal style launched a trend in female voices that lingers today in voices like Billy Eilish. Hearing the whole album, it's clear she had a genuine affinity for 60's soul - it wasn't just a gimmick. It's a good album, but if I want to hear that genre, I'm more likely to turn to the classics. 3.8
3
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Sun Mar 31 2024
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I think of Arctic Monkeys as an indie band, but listening to this album. It has a lot more of a punk sound or influence then I picked up on with just the radio singles. I like the driving beat of the drums, and the overall loose, but tidy way they play. I’m on the fence about the lead singer’s voice. Sometimes I think I like it, and other times I think it’s too much. 3.5
3
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
I wasn’t in the mood for another hip hop album but this was good. The laid back tempos, his smooth voice, his story in rhymes, and the backing tracks all fit together to deliver something that still holds up. I’ll say, I was surprised to read that One More Chance was released as a single. Man, some things have actually changed for the better since 1994. 4.0
4
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Is This It
The Strokes
I love this friggin album. Every song could have been a single. What a debut! The distortion on the guitars and vocals, the driving rhythm - so good. Not sure how they mixed the drums, but to me it’s absolutely perfect. Feel good dance music. 4.8
5
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Not my cup of tea, but inventing a spooky genre is pretty cool. Ozzy’s voice earns points for uniqueness and power. You can definitely hear the blues influence. 3.0
3
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Fri Apr 05 2024
Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
I don’t get what this is, really. It’s folksy at times, psychedelic other times, schmaltzy, and sometimes silly. I don’t care for it. 2.5
2
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Sat Apr 06 2024
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Haven’t heard this whole album before. It’s nice. A subtle mix of styles. It sounds like the late 80’s, but not in an embarrassing way. I like the idea of folk/protest music that is melodically interesting. Bob Dylan should take some notes. 3.5
3
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Sun Apr 07 2024
Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
I don’t think any ambient music is music I need to hear before I die. And this music in particular is nothing special. If you have a basic understanding of music theory and a synthesizer, you could compose this. 2.3
2
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Faust IV
Faust
I really hated the first track. The second had a Gypsy vibe I could tolerate. Third- “Yellow jokes come out of your mind.” Nonsense. Song 4 made me feel itchy, so I gave up. I can imagine life in Germany (east or west) in the 70’s was complicated and that’s certainly reflected here. Not my cuppa. 2.3
2
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Some great jams on this one. The title track is a personal fave. I never get tired of hearing it. That said, I think a double LP is too much EJ for me in one sitting. And I like him! It just felt like a lot of the same sound. I could hear echos of Benny and the Jets in several other songs. 3.8
3
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
Musically, it’s interesting enough, but it’s a stupid concept to base an album around. And, there’s something off about the mix. It sounds like a cassette. The bass is muffled and sounds far off. Overall the album is fine, but I’ll pass. 2.7
2
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Thu Apr 11 2024
My Generation
The Who
It’s interesting. Some of the songs are straight-up appropriation, like “Please, Please, Please” and “I’m a Man” while others are more original like “My Generation” and “The Ox.” Then there are the songs that just sound like other popular music of the era. It’s a decent album, but they hadn’t yet found their identity as a band. 3.0 Side note: I find “My Generation” to be ironically prescient given they’re of the Boomer generation. Poor Booms have been disparaged since day 1!
3
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Revolver
Beatles
Yesss. To me, this is their strongest album in terms of cohesiveness. “Yellow Submarine” belongs on Sgt Pepper’s and of course, in their typical fashion, you have chamber music mixed in amongst experimental (and brilliant) numbers like “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Yet somehow, it flows. “For No One” is definitely in my top 5 of fave Beatles’ songs, so I love this album special for that. 4.5
4
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Sat Apr 13 2024
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
The album title gives you a pretty clear picture of what you’re in for. I like it. It was delightfully old-timey even in its time and still delights. 3.0
3
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Tue Apr 16 2024
Violator
Depeche Mode
I know Depeche isn’t for everyone, but this is a great album. It’s electronic music I can get behind— really creative instrumentation,, songs that have a memorable melody sung by a capable vocalist with a unique voice. 4.2
4
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Wed Apr 17 2024
Scott 4
Scott Walker
Serious question: Did Scott Walker compile this album list? I suspect he’s a trust fund baby who paid a bunch of experienced studio musicians to write some songs. Then he came in and improvised the lyrics. Those lyrics are ridiculous! But my favorite part is when he scats. 1.9, but 1.8 of that goes to the studio musicians.
1
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
I like that the songs are short and punchy- some vestiges of punk, I’d guess. There were times when his voice reminded me of Bono, but a bit darker. It’s interesting that the guitars take a backseat in nearly every song. The bass is more prominent and even though there are two guitars, they’re both just playing rhythm. Fine by me. I could live my whole life without hearing another guitar solo. This band always makes me think of High Fidelity, https://youtu.be/0eBh6xipKYk?si=gs546mPglvQzt-15. 3.9
3
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Fri Apr 19 2024
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
It’s like The Doors and The Velvet Underground made a baby. Most songs sound earlier than 1976. I like it. 3.2
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Sat Apr 20 2024
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I’m familiar with a few songs from this album, but have never given the whole thing a real listen. I didn’t realize it was a concept album about Illinois. (Seems obvious in hindsight.)I like it. The orchestrations with the childlike backing choir and religious references give it a slightly culty vibe that intrigues. 4.0
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Sun Apr 21 2024
Your Arsenal
Morrissey
So, I like Morrissey’s vocal style, but he’s such a jackass. The best songs on this album happen to be the ones where the lyrics are especially eye rolly. I also missed the rest of The Smiths. The instrumentation was only so-so. 2.8.
2
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Mon Apr 22 2024
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Nice swinging beat. If there were a club around here that played this type of jazz all the time, I’d be a regular. 3.8
3
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Great album and it landed right when it was most needed. We were coming off the hair-band era and needed some southern rock that everyone could get behind. I was never a big Chris R fan in the day, but his scoopy vocals really add character and grit to their otherwise clean sound. 4.0
4
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Imagine
John Lennon
I like it, but probably more than I would if this were some random person’s album. Imagine is definitely the stand out song. His writing style is pretty straightforward and understated, which I like, but his celebrity and history definitely helps to differentiate his music from others’. 3.6
3
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
I appreciate what she’s doing, but it’s just not for me. I think the songs are too sparse and her singing is off key sometimes. 2.8
2
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Sat Apr 27 2024
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
I mean, you cannot have been a college-aged woman in 1995 and not love this album. We all loved it. It’s a classic. Musical hooks, edgy lyrics, strong vocals. I don’t know what it would sound like to someone hearing it for the first time today, but for me, it still slaps. 4.3
4
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Sun Apr 28 2024
Signing Off
UB40
TIL that UB40 released music prior to Red Red Wine. That's a good cover, but it's too bad that it's what they're best known for in the US. The politically oriented songs from this album are much stronger. The wikipedia version of how they recorded this is pretty interesting. Goes to show you don't need a bunch of high-end equipment and facilities to produce a solid album. 3.4
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I have slightly less affection for the songs on this album than I do for Violator, but my comments are pretty much the same. Super solid electronic music. 4.0
4
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Tue Apr 30 2024
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
This guy. His music has absolutely no edge, and the true me is 100% into it. He wrote “Coconut” and put it on an album without any fear of ridicule. Which, brilliant foresight. It’s a silly song, but awesome. I adore this album and would love to meet Harry someday. I imagine he’s still wearing that robe. 4.0
4
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Wed May 01 2024
Manassas
Stephen Stills
There’s a lot going on here, stylistically. There’s the expected classic rock sound, but with auxiliary percussion that shifts things into a Latin feel for a few bars; bluegrass; country gospel, some experimental synth sounds; touch of funk, and of course those tight CSN-style harmonies. It’s good and I like it, but it would take repeated listens before I really got into it. 3.6
3
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Fri May 03 2024
Abbey Road
Beatles
Gah, I love it. It’s been a while. I listened to the remastered version with headphones while out on a walk and I swear, I was smiling the entire time. The organ on I Want You, the guitar and strings on Here Comes the Sun, the bass always, the harmony on Because, the bass drum on Come Together. All of it. So great. 5.0
5
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Sat May 04 2024
Eagles
Eagles
It kicked off with “Take it Easy” and I thought this album would be a solid 3.4. But other than the radio hits, I didn’t like it. In fact I actively disliked “Most of us are Sad” (what sadsack BS is that?), Earlybird (that bird sound about made me insane), and “Train Leaves Here” (just a frumpy, lame song). The rest were ok. People loved this album then and still love it now, so maybe I was just in a mood. I did appreciate the harmonies. 2.9
3
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Tue May 07 2024
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
I like it. The Afro funk is injected with an earthy feel by the Latin percussion. The horns are used minimally but add just the right amount of kick when they come in. There is some kind of prominent, rhythmic wind instrument in many songs that often sounded like a bird. At first I thought it was cool, but after a while it was all could hear. Perhaps mimicking the sounds of the Amazon? Idk, but my brain hyper focused on it. 3.5 (PS- Portuguese is a wild language)
3
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Wed May 08 2024
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Ok! That’s an album with a crescendo. The first few songs- all acoustic, very sparse and folksy- brought Dylan to mind. But also Daniel Johnson, who has a similar vocal quality. I liked it fine but perked up when Emmylou chimed in with harmonies. It started cooking from there. Sedan Delivery had an Iggy Pop feel in parts. And the final song, a reprise of the opening with loads of distortion on guitars and bass, reframed the lyrics, “there’s more to the picture than meets the eye.” Good job, guys. 3.9
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Thu May 09 2024
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
So, this album hasn’t grown more sophisticated over the years, but it was a huge deal in its time and Brit has certainly suffered the consequences of its success. I’d listen to this a hundred times over before I listened to that Led Zep album once. Also, she had more vocal agility than I’ve ever had, so kudos to her. 3.0
3