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Thu Nov 09 2023
Blunderbuss
Jack White
Playing Catch Up on the Weekends.
I've always like Jack White Stripes, but had never sat down to listen to a full album of either. I was also surprised to discover I didn't know any of these songs, even the singles.
This reminds me a lot of when Panic at the Disco! was not a pop band. Their second album, Pretty Odd, experimented with different types of sound, as this one does.
The bluesy Blunderbuss, the piano-heavy Hypothetical Kiss and Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy were my favorites.
4
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Fri Nov 10 2023
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Playing Catch Up on the Weekends #2
Smoke on the Water and Highway Star are classics, and Deep Purple obviously had an amazing live stage presence.
However, unlike many, I'm not a fan of long songs that don't need to be long. That being said, as a one-listen experience, it was worth the time.
4
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Mon Nov 13 2023
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Playing Catch Up on the Weekend #3
The best rock band to use a flute? I knew of Aqualung, but never knew it was by Jethro Tull.
I enjoyed Wondr'n Aloud, which I had never heard. Great album but gets a little preachy at times.
3
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Tue Nov 14 2023
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Playing Catch Up on the Weekend #4
I thought I would like this more. I guess I thought I would recognize some of the songs, but even the Superfly theme didn't seem familiar.
It's definitely a product of its time, and I enjoy a lot of the funk and blaxploitation sounds of the 70s, but I didn't love Mayfield's voice.
2
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Wed Nov 15 2023
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
How can you not love Marvin Gaye? I didn't know he was killed by his own father! Imagine if he'd lived longer and how much more amazing music we could have had!
5
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Thu Nov 16 2023
White Light
Gene Clark
I'm familiar with The Byrds and David Crosby, but had no knowledge of Gene Clark, his solo efforts, or the fact that he died so young. I'm going into this one blind.
Apparently it was a domestic failure but later was considered one of the best singer-songwriter albums of all time.
With Tomorrow was a really great chill song. And as I listen to the whole album, I realize that chill sound exists pretty much throughout.
The funny thing is I thought about how much these songs sound like BobDylan, and then realized he co-wrote one of the songs.
I dig this.
4
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Fri Nov 17 2023
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
As Jake said, I've never really paid much attention to the Pet Shop Boys before. This duo was massive in England, but they never really found their way to my wheelhouse.
Despite being born in the decade, 80s music is my least favorite - especially the techno/synth/garbage style. I might be in the minority here, but this blows.
1
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Mon Nov 20 2023
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
A quick seven track album. Young's second.
I didn't know any of these songs upon listening to the album, though I know I'm familiar with other Neil Young songs.
It was just OK to me. It's one of those singers/musicians where every song seems to be similar to the first, and then similar to the next. Nothing really stands out. But I can't rate it below a three simply based on the rock significance Young has provided.
3
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Tue Nov 21 2023
Melodrama
Lorde
Don't care. This was a catch up album.
1
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Wed Nov 22 2023
The Stooges
The Stooges
I knew of The Stooges and the later named, Iggy Pop and The Stooges. This is my first listen to the album, and while I knew Iggy was from Michigan, it was cool to learn that bassist Dave Alexander grew up in the Whitmore Lake, mere miles from my hometown.
I really dug the opening track, 1969. Oddly, the more well-known songs didn't do it for me.
I really wanted to love this, but besides 1969, the rest of the tracks blend together. I'm giving it a four, but only because of their Michigan roots!
4
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Thu Nov 23 2023
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
No one has unlimited time in ther lives. We all know AC/DC is a mediocre rock band,(yeah I said it!) so since this is a catch up album, I'm throwing down a 3 without listening. Sue me Geoffery Fieger!
3
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Fri Nov 24 2023
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Rod is a legend. This is one example of where the single is justifiably the best song on the album.
I've always liked and respected Stewart, but I really don't celebreate his whole catalogue. A lot of songs were just okay; nothing memorable enough to make me an uber-fan.
3
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Mon Nov 27 2023
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
As my brother says, no need to revisit this one. Greatest unplugged album ever.
5
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Tue Nov 28 2023
Smash
The Offspring
Fuck. Yes.
One of the first CDs I ever owned and one of the first, next to Green Day's Dookie, that I knew every song front to back.
While Self Esteem and and Come Out and Play are the long-lasting singles that put them on the map, Gotta Get Away was the anthem for an insecure kid in the 90s and Bad Habit became the song to blare with rage once I got my license and was stuck in traffic.
Dexter, Noodles and the gang put out a masterpiece.
5
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Wed Nov 29 2023
The White Room
The KLF
Based on what Jake said, as since I'm trying to catch up, I'm okay skipping this shit.
1
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Thu Nov 30 2023
Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
I don't know.
It was different, and I get why people would like it. It's good music to ignore in the background.
To me it sounds like the soundtrack to a lost Mario video game where all the main characters are just standing around because they stepped in a glue trap...and that's the game.
2
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Fri Dec 01 2023
Debut
Björk
Nope
1
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Mon Dec 04 2023
Moving Pictures
Rush
Obviously I knew "Tom Sawyer" and I knew "Limelight" even though I never knew the name before now.
Prog Rock is hit or miss for me. There's a reason why the popular singles ARE the popular singles, and the others are more obscure.
2
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Tue Dec 05 2023
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
I've always been interested in learning more about The Boss.
This great album is a mix of heavy guitar jams, mellow ballads, bluesy licks and contemplative coming-of-age stories. Every song is unique and distinct but it flows great as a single album about the trials and tribulations of the working man in the 70s.
Adam Raised a Cain - great guitar playing. Racing in the Street is definitely my favorite and will be added to my regular playlist of beloved songs. Factory reminds me a lot of my dad working at the BASF plant in the 80s and 90s.
The only problem I've ever had with Springsteen, and maybe it's just me, but his voice is so flat in all of his songs. That's the only thing that keeps me from giving it a 5.
4
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Wed Dec 06 2023
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
Don't speak French...Sounds pretty good though.
That's all I've got to say about this douche.
Douche is a French word.
2
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Thu Dec 07 2023
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Totally unfamiliar with this band and their influence on modern Irish music; however, I discovered I did knew Fairytale of New York as it has played in several Christmas movies.
Overall this was great! This is the type of album where I could leave on in the background and one song just flows into the next. I especially liked Bottle of Smoke and Streets of Sorrow.
I'm looking forward to hearing more from these Irish gents.
5
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Fri Dec 08 2023
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
So here's how big Limp Bizkit was in 2000. My friends and I actually skipped school/work so we could go to Best Buy the day this album was released because it came with an exclusive extra CD featuring a remix by P. Diddy.
Every track is a banger and brings back so many fond memories as I relisten. Sure, it doesn't all hold up - "That's 46 fucks in this fucked up rhyme!" and Durst's ode to Ben Stiller is a little strange.
But as a strictly nostagia album, I can come across this every few years and be glad that I did.
Keep on Rollin' Baby!
5
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Mon Dec 11 2023
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Motorhead is considered hard rock royalty and an influence to many rockers. I of course knew the Ace of Spades song, but my only other familiarity with the band was HHH's Time to Play the Game entrance theme.
We Are the Road Crew was a nice homage to the roadies, but every song was really, really similar. Lemmy's voice rocks in small doses, but this isn't an album or band I want to hear on repeat.
2
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Tue Dec 12 2023
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Before even starting to listen to this album, I realized how little I know about Elvis Costello. Do I know any of his songs? I know he's famous for having glasses, and he had a funny appearance on The Simpsons. Let's see if I like his jams.
After Listening - I had definitely heard Pump It Up before without knowing it was Costello. Nothing else was familiar.
The music is funky and toe-tapping, but Costello suffers from the same issue I have with Lemmy from Motorhead, every song has the same vocal range. if you took out the music and just placed Costello's singing all on one track, you wouldn't know when one song ended and the next begain.
Meh.
2
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Wed Dec 13 2023
Close To You
Carpenters
Much like Costello, I've been familiar with The Carpenters but never knew much about them. I didn't realize they were siblings or that Karen Carpenter died at 32 due to anorexia.
Close to You and We've Only Just Begun are American staples. While they wrote some of their own songs, they also adapted music from The Beatles (Help!), Tim Hardin (Reason to Believe) and several Burt Bacharach songs.
This was just okay. It's a product of its time. I'd be okay listening to it while I rode an elevator.
3
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Thu Dec 14 2023
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Not for me.
Too experimental and nothing to really tap your toes to. Most songs just go from really quiet to really loud.
I can understand why some people like PJ Harvey, but these songs just don't do it for me.
1
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Fri Dec 15 2023
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
I knew we'd come across an MJ album at some time. I really respect how Jackson's music and style changed with the times. That said, this was a total disco album.
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough is one of Jackson's biggest and most enduring hits, and it was interesting to learn that this was the first song he wrote and sang without any influence from his Jackson 5 past.
I'm amazed by the star power that went into this album: Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Fred Durst (that one's a lie).
Almost gave it a 5, but knowing the superiority of some of his other albums, I know the best is yet to come.
4
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Mon Dec 18 2023
Fragile
Yes
I normally have mixed opinions about prog rock bands, but this was pretty fun. Each song is unique and displays individual talents of all members involved. I wouldn't say any individual song is particularly memorable, but as a whole, it's pretty good stuff.
4
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Tue Dec 19 2023
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
I honestly didn't know Queens... have been around since the mid-90s. And honestly, the music sounds ahead of its time.
No particular song stands out better or worse than the rest, but I think that's what makes it work. This is an album I could have running in the background while talking among friends and no one would react one way or another. It's good neutral music.
4
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Wed Dec 20 2023
Bad
Michael Jackson
Some may point to Thriller as the ultimate MJ album (and something tells me that will show up on here eventually too), but Bad, to me, is his magnum opus. The album produced a total of nine singles over a near three year period.
The only question remains - Did Alien Ant Farm do it better????
4
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Thu Dec 21 2023
Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
In school, I teach kids about making connections. This was a weird connection. I've been recently watching Fear the Walking Dead in which Ruben Blades plays one of the main characters. I had no ideas he was also a world renowned singer and salsa performer.
That being said, this was enjoyable enough. I have no way to really compare it to any other salsa albums, but I dig it for what it is. I'd give it a 3.5 if that were possible.
3
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Mon Dec 25 2023
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
My friends and I were obsessed with these guys in high school. They were a big deal. But unlike Linp Bizkit, my love for Linkin Park wore off. I rarely feel like revisiting any of their music, and I felt like I just grew out of them.
However, on nostalgia and how big they were to me for a time, they get a 4.
4
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Wed Dec 27 2023
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Changed my life.
1
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Thu Dec 28 2023
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
It was fun to hear Flavor Flav's - Yea Boi! on a song. Flav came into the public light for me during his second career as a reality star/doofus.
Anthrax is mentioned on their first track, Bring the Noise, who returned the compliment by creating their own version of the song. This led to a collaboaration and world tour of two VERY different groups, preceding Aerosmith/Run DMC.
It was cool taking a peek at an 80s political rap album that was infuential to so many artists in all genres of music. I'm not world's biggest rap fan, but I can respect good lyrics and a head-banging 80s beat.
3
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Fri Dec 29 2023
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
From appearing on The Muppet Show to many appearances on SNL, I've always loved my vertically challenged hero, Paul Simon who also was respsonsible for writing the most popular S and G songs.
Garfunkel...he was there too I guess.
I really like this. I've always loved Scarborough Fair and Homeward Bound, but there really wasn't a song I disliked. It's hard for me to give anything a 5/5, but this is a really, REALLY good album.
5
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Mon Jan 01 2024
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
I want to return to this one. Didn’t have time during the new years shuffle.
3
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Tue Jan 02 2024
Moondance
Van Morrison
Vanny Mo is a great singer songwriter with an Impressive vocal range.
I Knew Moondance.
Best songs are And it Stone Me (a simple song about boys fishing), the inspirational Brand New Day (featuring a gosepl backing vocal trio) and Glad Tidings (a spiritual twin to Brown Eyed Girl)
4
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Wed Jan 03 2024
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Great example of why the hits are the hits. These guys were all over the place when I first moved to Chicago, and I've always enjoyed their well-known songs. However, their extented library is just OK. It was fun to revisit MGMT, but a deep dive wasn't needed.
3
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Thu Jan 04 2024
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Weird Cover...
Been Caught Stealin is a classic. Otherwise, nothing to write home about. I feel like if I were born a bit earlier, like the Gen Xers, I would have probably appreciated this band more. I can only take the voice in small increments.
2
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Fri Jan 05 2024
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Lilke MGMT, Muse was another band that was huge in my mid-twenties, but then I kinda forgot about them. While The Resistance is their peunultimate album, this was a pretty strong offering.
The album as a whole from begining to end seems to be a call to revolution. Almost every song discusses either the problems with politics, the need for change, or a rally cry to revolution. Fittingly it begins with "Take a Bow" which calls out crooked politicians, and ends with the superb "Knights of Cydonia." a war cry that shouts: No One's Gonna Take Me Alive!!
Much like Green Day's Jesus of Suburbia, this could work as a concept album or play/musical.
4
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Mon Jan 08 2024
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Jake is not a Sinatra fan. I'm more indifferent.
This is the kind of music I would play is someone said, "hey, play some music, but I don't want to actually listen to it. I just need some happy shit to play in the background while I wash dishes. Oh, and make it the most whitebread, inoffensive music you can find"
This is what I would play.
2
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Tue Jan 09 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Sinatra followed by Elvis. Ironically, both albums are mostly made up of cover songs the famous crooners sang and made their own. In the Ghetto and maybe one or two others are the only original songs on the album.
I respect the history and the story of Elvis, but he just doesn't do it for me. I went in with an open mind but nothing really wowed me. I wish I would have given Sinatra a three because in retrosepct, I liked it better than this one.
2
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Before doing this musical journey, I never thought of The Boss much, but now with a second album that I've listened to in full, I must day I've become a Springsteen fan.
This album is a hit machine. Some of his most classic songs are represented here and the pop culture phenomena that was Bruce is in full swing. The allum cover itself is legendary piece of Americana.
4.5
4
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
Every song sounds like the ending of Ghostbusters 2 where they're inside the Statue of Liberty. Not a fan.
1
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Fri Jan 12 2024
The Specials
The Specials
I have never heard of The Specials. I went in with an open mind, and I can respect the sound and the influence they had, and I didn't HATE anything on the album, but Late 70s British Ska is just not my jam.
I am reminded a bit of reviewing Motorhead. Both bands had singers that really had no range. the music was good, but lyrically each song could be identical.
2.5
2
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Mon Jan 15 2024
Garbage
Garbage
I dig Shirley Manson's pre-emo/post-grunge vocal stylings. Garbage has always been a band that will turn up on the radio and I have no complaints. I forgot about the song "Queer" which is a good one as well.
3.9
3
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Tue Jan 16 2024
The Yes Album
Yes
My second Yes album on this journey. I've always loved "You're Move." I think I liked the Fragile album slightly beetter but still an enjoyable experience.
3.5
3
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Wed Jan 17 2024
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Unless you're a card carrying member of the KKK, you love Sam Cooke. This was hit after hit of good vibes music. I feel putting on some Sam Cooke at any time could turn my frown upside down.
The only reason it's not a 5 is beause I prefer studio versions of these songs over the live recordings.
4.8
4
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Fri Jan 19 2024
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
After getting over the disapointing fact that this was not being performed by one half of the legendary tag team, Harlem Heat, I sat down for a listen.
I had obviously heard Green Onions before in about 100 movies, but I never really knew where it came from.
This was a fun, chill experience. No vocals, just straight musical talent. I guess my only complaint would be that the organ sound can be a little draining after awhile.
4
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Mon Jan 22 2024
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
As with many things, my introduction to "Shining Star" came from the Muppets, as it was played in "Muppets from Space" in 1999.
I knew of the band, and I know they got some hits. I still love "Shining Star" but as I listened to the rest of the tracks, nothing really did it for me. The disco style of music is one that is fun when you're at a party or with friends, but it's not really great for sitting alone in your car in traffic.
EW&F are fine, but not essential listening in my book.
2
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Tue Jan 23 2024
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Blondie is a fun band. It's pop rock before the term existed. I didn't know Debbie Harry was almost 80! Good listening experience.
3.5
3
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Wed Jan 24 2024
21
Adele
I can't not give Adele a 5/5.
This was arguably the last CD that I bought, and I enjoyed every song. I am typically not much of a "chick rock" listener, but her unique voice and style made me a real fan.
5
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Thu Jan 25 2024
British Steel
Judas Priest
I knew the two most well-known songs: Breaking the Law and Living After Midnight.
Rapid Fire and Metal Gods were an adrenaline fueled start to a spicy album.
I really liked the song United and have added it to my growing playlist.
Obviously these guys are known as heavy metal influencers, but it's the type of heavy metal that can be enjoyted by both metalheads and modern rock fans. I really enjoyed me some Judas, and I didn't even need 80s cocaine!
4
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Fri Jan 26 2024
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
So Fats Domino is not Chubby Checker.
I did not get to do the twist, and it ruined my day.
One Star.
1
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
I've always been a fan of Metallica, but I guess I would be considered a "middle career" fan. These early albums aren't as great as the early to mid nineties ones that started in 1991. Hetfield still hasn't quite developed his bassy throaty vocals just yet. Still, it's Metallica, so I can't go below a 4.
4
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Tue Jan 30 2024
Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Want to return to this one as I didn't have time to listen in full. 4/5 is a placeholder.
4
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Wed Jan 31 2024
On The Beach
Neil Young
I had no real expectation going into this one. I know Neil Young and some of his hits, but I never sought him out.
This was strange in that the first two songs, "Walk On" and "See The Sky About The Rain" really resonated with me and reminded me of the struggles of having a shitty day.
But then the rest of the songs just didn't click.
I appreciate having discoverd those first two tunes.
3
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Fri Feb 02 2024
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
It was interesting to listen just because of the historical significance of this being Elvis's first studio album. I don't know why, but I always have an issue with people who get famous for singing other people's songs. Everyone loves Elvis, but he really had no involvement in what songs he sang or which ones became hits.
Very much like Britney Spears. But she had tits.
2
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
I only had a minor knowledge of Stevens due to his Michigan album from the early 2000s. I was glad to come across this album as it made me interested in hearing more of this singer-songwriter.
Jake has been a big fan of his for years and I can see why. Only a talented songster can make a song about John Wayne Gacy sound calm and introspective.
5
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Wed Feb 07 2024
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
It's weird....
I enjoyed Public Enemy, and I really respect early hip-hop. As a white boy, I'm most familiar with Run-DMC and Aerosmith teaming up.
I expected to really love this, but it just didn't resonate. I can't place my finger on why. But even the hits didn't do it for me.
I wish I had a reason, but listening to this one just fell flat for me.
2
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
It was alright.
That's the most I will probably ever say about The Meat Puppets.
3
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Metallica
Metallica
Alright, so I went into this expecting to give it an obvious 5/5. It's Metallica's magnum opus and it created a hits machine for the band. I love so many of these songs and was happy to discover some new ones.
HOWEVER, as I was jamming out, I realized that every single song takes waaaaaaay too long to get the the lyrics. Every song pretty much has a minute or more lead up.
Now a lot of people probably credit that about what makes it so great. The musical talents of the band. But I've always been a lyrics man, which is the only reason I can't give it a perfect score.
4.8/5
4
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Apparently they are more well-known than I thought.
Wasn't for me...
1
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Dust
Screaming Trees
I knew the name. I didn't know the songs.
They were among the grunge pioneers to come from Washington and the influence on Nirvana, Pearl Jam and others is obvious.
I feel like I should be wearing flannel shirts, cut-off jeans and playing Super Mario 3 while I listen.
Look at You and Dying Days were standouts.
3
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Dookie
Green Day
My words can't give it justice.
This WAS the most significant album of my youth.
I had a poster on my door.
It was the first CD I owned with swears.
My friends and I would pretend to be the band and put on concerts.
I knew/know every word and every song.
Looking back, this might be the most significant album of my life.
5
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Fri Feb 16 2024
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
The fuck was this?
1
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Mon Feb 19 2024
Eliminator
ZZ Top
The hits are the hits. The rest didn't interest me.
2
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Tue Feb 20 2024
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Placeholder.
I’m interested in hearing more Leonard, but I didn’t have time to listen today.
Will revisit
3
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Palo Congo
Sabu
It was exactly as I expected it to sound. I can respect the genre and the influence this had on it, but it’s just not for me.
2
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Violator
Depeche Mode
This is the genre that I can only describe as wuss rock. Similar to The Cure, Tears for Fears and later Simple Plan.
Personal Jesus has appeared in about 100 movies, and the rest of the tracks are pretty okay.
I don't hate it; I don't love it.
3
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
I was honestly really excited to listen to this, as I've not had a lot of experience with Dylan but knew so much of his influence.
I found my criticism being the same as most people - his voice is tonally flat and most of the songs blend together.
I respect the man, but, hot take here - his son, Jakob Dylan of the Wallflowers is the more talented singer.
I feel like now that I typed that, a bunch of Vientnam Vets are going to come knock down my door.
3
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Stankonia
OutKast
In the early 2000s, Outkast was essentially the gateway rap drug for white people. We had Eminem and the Nu Rock sound, but OutKast and Jay-Z made it cool for us to get down with some rap.
I love Outkast. The only reason it doesn't get a full 5/5 is because I hate the early 2000s need to put skits into albums. Except for Tenacious D, skits are never funny when included into an overall good album.
4.5/5
4
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Tue Feb 27 2024
The Doors
The Doors
The Doors are highly overrated.
Yea I said it. Come at me, baby boomers.
2
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
A big reason for me wanting to go on this journey is because I known my musical knowledge and acceptance is extremely limited. I've always liked what I like, and many friends have teased me for my limited scope in the musical vernacular.
That being said, there are just some sounds, like Country Joe, that just don't do it for me. I always go in with an open mind, but sometimes I know after the first song, that's it''s not for me.
2
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
I’m with Jake. Wasn’t in the mood for this one.
2
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Mon Mar 04 2024
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
Yea it was ok.
Another prog rock album. And perhaps the first of its kind.
Different in an OK way.
3
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Clapton, Duane Allman and a crazy dude who killed his mom, among others, make up this one album only release.
Layla is considerd Clapton's magnum opus, and I can't disagree.
This was a really strong blues/rock album. the guitar and vocals were top notch. I had fun with this.
4
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Signing Off
UB40
Regae British from 1980 from the Red Red Wine People?
Good for what it is I guess.
OOOOOOH Baby I Love Your Way.
3
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Pink Flag
Wire
Late 70s influential British Punk band sounded like exactly what I figured it would sound like.
Enjoyable, if you're in the mood for it.
3
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Mon Mar 11 2024
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
I wish Kanye wasn't such a piece of shit because I like his music. I've always liked his music. But he's still just a piece of shit.
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
My knowledge of Willie Nelson is of his later life persona as a stoned grandpa as well as the song "Look Around You" portrayed in one of my favorite TV shows, Lost.
This was great honestly. No one track stood out, but it felt like I was sitting in the Smokey Mountains with Willie with just his guitar and the atmosphere to set the mood. I look forward to hearing more from The Stranger.
4
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Wed Mar 13 2024
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
It was fine. I really have nothing else to contribute. It may in fact be the most mediocre thing I’ve ever listened to.
It’s “The Eternals” movie of albums. It was a thing. You acknowledge it was a thing. And then you go about your day never thinking of it again.
3
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
What Jake said…
4
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Hotel California
Eagles
How can I not give it a 5?
One of the best selling album of all time, and one of my dad’s favorite bands. I grew up knowing who Don Henley was before I ever owned my own CD player.
Even the non-hits were stellar.
5
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
They were a big band for awhile but for some reason never came across my radar.
I knew North American Scum as it was used as the intro song to Ron and Fez when I listened to XM Radio, but nothing else was familiar.
It was decent. I can see why it's popular.
3
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Tue Mar 19 2024
The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
I knew of the Flaming Lips for a few random reasons, but this is my first full-album listen. It was really good, and I look forward to exploring more from the band, which has surprisingly been around since 1983.
I can't give it a 5 only because too many songs bleed together without a true standout. But I will for sure seek out more Lips in the future.
4
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Thu Mar 21 2024
War
U2
I knew we'd see U2 eventually.
I used to be a massive U2 fan but over the years I've grown kinda sick of them. After they forced their album onto my iPhone, I took a long break from them.
But I have to admit that old U2 is pretty solid. Even the songs I didn't know were enjoyable.
4
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
I know Byrne has better music than this...
2
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Parachutes
Coldplay
Ditto review. I was a hater for no reason.
4
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Tue Mar 26 2024
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Still not the biggest fan of live albums, but this was listenable. Pure 70s through and through.
3
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Wed Mar 27 2024
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
It’s like the other early rap: good beats. Terrible spoken/singsongy lyrics.
3
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Thu Mar 28 2024
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
As far as complete albums go, this is a gold standard. Even non-Cash fans know of this one. Classic.
4
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Isn’t this the band named after a sex toy?
It was okay. It more reminds me of other 70s rockers that I’d rather be listening too.
3
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Mon Apr 01 2024
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
I like the Beastie Boys. Over the years I’ve listened to them less and less. Not sure why. Always a good time though whenever we do cross paths.
4
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
It was fine background music. Nothing more.
I'd rather be watching a wrestling match with Dusty Rhodes while listening to Rick Springfield.
3
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Thu Apr 04 2024
1977
Ash
Here’s a story:
One of my favorite movies AND soundtracks of all time is Angus. Such an underrated movie and an almost perfect soundtrack.
That’s where my sole knowledge of Ash comes from as their Kung Fu song was a track on that album.
I never really thought I would come across what I assumed was a random band’s song on a mid-nineties soundtrack. But I’m so glad I did.
This shit was great. I am going to go on an Ash deep dive for sure.
4.5
4
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Fri Apr 05 2024
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Look…I don’t mind jazz, but I also don’t love it. I also don’t typically like live albums. So what do I do with this?
2.5
2
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Superunknown
Soundgarden
It would be a sin not to give it a five star rating. This is the band that is credited for starting the grunge and modern rock movement of the 90s.
5
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Tue Apr 09 2024
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Classic. Easy to jam to. Loved by everyone. Not their best album, but still fantastic.
4
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Wed Apr 10 2024
The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
I want to like the Beach Boys. I'm still not sure if I do.
3
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Make Yourself
Incubus
They gave me a free day today. I already know every song. Gotta go 5.
5
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Fri Apr 12 2024
High Violet
The National
I somehow have never heard of these guys before, but I fucking loved it. Deep ass dive time for me.
4
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Tue Apr 16 2024
The College Dropout
Kanye West
Once again, he has some great songs. This was one of my favorite albums when I was student teaching. But still just SUCH a douche.
3
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Thu Apr 18 2024
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Inoffensive generic 60s jams.
Look out for ham sandwiches!🥪
3
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Mon Apr 22 2024
It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
Still don’t love live albums, but ever since Morrison appeared on this site once before, I’ve found myself really enjoying his music.
4
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Wed Apr 24 2024
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
She's good. It's not my wheelhouse - 50s, Jazz, Live, but I can respect it.
3
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Tical
Method Man
I like it for the same reason Jake doesn’t. 90s rap is awesome!
3
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
I like Alice. Mostly just the hits though. There were no real exciting new discoveries here.
3
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Tue Apr 30 2024
My Generation
The Who
This was good. My first time exploring The Who besides the hits. The ties to other 60s rock sounds are there for sure. I was entertained.
4
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Wed May 01 2024
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
funky. Boring.
2
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Thu May 02 2024
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Stones and The Who in the same week. Solid. One day I'd like to listen to all the Rolling Stones albums from first to last, but I feel like it would take me years.
4
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Fri May 03 2024
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
I want to like Morrisey and The Smiths based on their influence. But I kinda hate it. Quit your British bitching.
2