Dec 07 2023
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
An OK passive listen. Epic sounding. But once you have heard it once it feels like it has nothing more to give.
3
Dec 08 2023
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
I have tried numerous times to appreciate this album's legacy, but I just think it is overblown. It is a very good album, but that is the extent of it.
4
Dec 11 2023
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
A high level of quality from front to back. Didn't hear many classic moments though.
4
Dec 12 2023
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Not a preferred genre, but I liked this album quite a bit and will probably revisit it again in the future.
4
Dec 13 2023
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
There are a few songs I'm really into and overall the quality is consistently good. But not much stands out as a must-listen
3
Dec 14 2023
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
good, just not my style
3
Dec 15 2023
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Spiderland
Slint
i find it rather boring
2
Dec 18 2023
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Good, but not something I desire to listen to again
3
Dec 19 2023
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
Amy's voice makes it listenable, but some of the songwriting and music here is actively bad. I had to skip past a handful of songs and couldn't finish the album in full.
1
Dec 20 2023
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Elastica
Elastica
Enjoyable alt rock, although unspectacular. Consistently good from front to back and potentially worth revisiting.
3
Dec 21 2023
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Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
Unlistenably bad. Couldn't bear to hear more than a small portion of each song
1
Dec 22 2023
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
It's a classic for a reason but the overall sound doesn't 'do it' for, so it will never be a personal classic.
4
Dec 25 2023
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Requires a very specific environment and mood, but it's about perfect for that limited scope
5
Dec 26 2023
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
A very enjoyable Christmas album, would definitely play this yearly. I can't rate xmas songs higher, but this is about perfect for what it is.
3
Dec 27 2023
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Tago Mago
Can
The two long form experimental tracks are not essential and a rather difficult listen, but everything else is brilliant
5
Dec 28 2023
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
About as solid as modern R&B gets.
5
Dec 29 2023
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
One of the best indie albums of all time
5
Jan 01 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
An objectively great album, but like most 90's mainstream rock my ears just get tired of the sound quickly
3
Jan 02 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
A flat out great collection of songs, but it doesn't resonate with me on a higher level
3
Jan 03 2024
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Quality isn't consistent throughout, but there is no denying it's classic status
4
Jan 04 2024
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
A few great songs but mostly unremarkable
2
Jan 05 2024
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Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
A cult classic, but on a tier below the best 90's Hip Hop albums
3
Jan 08 2024
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25
Adele
A very high quality album within its genre. Still feels a bit manufactured and impersonal to me and really draining on the ears after 15-20 minutes.
2
Jan 09 2024
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Some absolutely stellar songs, some fluff mixed in too
3
Jan 10 2024
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Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
The singles are just bad music, but the rest of the album is 100x worse. Absolutely unlistenable
1
Jan 11 2024
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Purple Rain
Prince
Although it sounds dated, it is still pretty stellar
4
Jan 12 2024
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Objectively a classic. I'm rating it to my personal tastes, but I still greatly appreciate this music.
3
Jan 15 2024
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Rap rock is a bad genre but Rage are one of the few who do it well
3
Jan 16 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Hopelessly dated, rating to my own tastes without historical context. It is nice for what it is though.
2
Jan 17 2024
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
A lesser-tier classic from one of the GOAT bands.
4
Jan 18 2024
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Pump
Aerosmith
Not my style, but I can appreciate the songs
2
Jan 19 2024
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
Not a classic but its a very good album
3
Jan 22 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Pleasant to listen to but devoid of anything noteworthy
2
Jan 23 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
There are a few weak points in here but overall its some of the best music of the turn of the millennium
5
Jan 24 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
A pretty good album overall, sprinkled with some of the best singles of the era
3
Jan 25 2024
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
This was unexpectedly excellent. Forward thinking, doesn't sound dated. One of the better 70's singer/songwriter albums I have heard even though there may not be specific tracks that stick out
4
Jan 26 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
I appreciate the eccentric nature and performance, its just not a sound that I truly love
3
Jan 29 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
One of my favorite albums ever. Maybe a couple weak points, but completely forgivable by the rest
5
Jan 30 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
A very good album but lacks that next-level greatness
3
Jan 31 2024
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A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
Really unlistenable, just not my style at all
1
Feb 01 2024
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
I'm not really into live albums but this one was nicely recorded and captured good energy
3
Feb 02 2024
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
2
Feb 05 2024
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Not my style, its OK though
2
Feb 06 2024
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Too much funk influence, isn't really a style I prefer. Not a bad album though
2
Feb 07 2024
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Really good, just not my preferred style of jazz
3
Feb 08 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Very dated but the quality still shows. I really liked most of the songs with only a few moments otherwise
4
Feb 09 2024
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
There are some good songs here, but I just could never really get excited about this album
2
Feb 12 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
This one is so close to hitting that next level, but it just can't quite match my favorite Bowie albums
3
Feb 13 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
Nice to listen to but doesn't really connect with me
2
Feb 14 2024
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I See You
The xx
Although their debut album made a bigger cultural impact, I think that this might be a better album. A really great release.
3
Feb 15 2024
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Sound Affects
The Jam
Very solid album from front to back. Not much more to say, I really enjoyed it.
3
Feb 16 2024
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Classic and influential early 90's Hip Hop. Not quite as high of quality as other albums from the era, but still sounds good to this day.
2
Feb 19 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
This isn't a genre I particularly like, but there is no doubt that this is an essential classic from within that genre
3
Feb 20 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Not really into the big band sound, despite the high perceived quality of this record
2
Feb 21 2024
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Musically and melodically this album may be worth 3 stars, its pretty solid in that regard. But the singer is HORRIBLE. Just an annoying tone, shitty lyrics, pretty much everything about the singer is like a caricature of shitty 90's alt rock. It seems unfair to rate this 1 star when the band is decent, but I just can't get over the front-man being so shit.
1
Feb 22 2024
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Possibly my favorite soul/funk album ever. Perfect in almost every aspect.
5
Feb 23 2024
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Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
A great listen from beginning to end. It's a bit long and lacking in variation, but individually everything is strong
3
Feb 26 2024
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xx
The xx
When this came out it sounded so unique and fresh, I consider this album a classic for that reason. But they released a better album later (I See You) and Jamie xx released a better solo album as well (In Colour). This doesn't hold up to time quite as well, but it is still very very good.
3
Feb 27 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Obviously a great album for its genre, I just don't find the genre particularly engaging
2
Feb 28 2024
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Station To Station
David Bowie
The title track is an all-timer, but I'm not sure the rest of the album really reaches the highs that Bowie can reach. A great album nonetheless, but not one I feel compelled to re-visit.
3
Feb 29 2024
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Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
A solid example of 90's mainstream alt rock. I wouldn't ever want to listen again but I didn't dislike it completely
2
Mar 01 2024
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Drunk
Thundercat
I didn't really like this album when it first came out, but I find it better now upon revisiting. There still is the issue of completely uninteresting vocals, but there is no denying the music underneath is really good
2
Mar 04 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Classic example of just fun, no frills party rock
3
Mar 05 2024
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
A prototype 70's soul album with no flaws. I don't find the music particularly moving so I can't rate it any higher, but it deserves its accolades.
3
Mar 06 2024
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Some of this sounds like when I was a teenager and bought my first drum machine and started programming sounds using the step counter randomly and not knowing how it was actually going to sound until I hit the play button. The singer is very annoying as well, sounds like he is trying to mimic people like Bowie at their most eccentric, but he lacks natural charm and charisma. The cover songs are sometimes cringe-worthy. 80's-as-fuck in bad way.
1
Mar 07 2024
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
Perfectly fine 90's alt rock, but I don't think it is particularly noteworthy overall
2
Mar 08 2024
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
I thought this album was very pleasing to listen to. Good voice and a timelessness to the style of music. However, the songwriting was boring in spots and it didn't hold my attention throughout.
2
Mar 11 2024
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Violator
Depeche Mode
Definitely sounds dated but it is a pretty solid album overall.
3
Mar 12 2024
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
It's a very good album, I have never been able to get into it as much as it's legacy demands though.
3
Mar 13 2024
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Quiet Life
Japan
It's fine, nothing too noteworthy about it
2
Mar 14 2024
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
This is a notable release in the history of Hip Hop but I'm not sure it really holds up today as most than a 'pretty good' abum. There are are a significant amount of 90's Hop Hop albums that are better. Even decades ago, I didn't feel it stood up to them.
2
Mar 15 2024
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Smash
The Offspring
This style isn't to my tastes, but objectively it is a fun and original album of decent quality
2
Mar 18 2024
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
There is no doubt that this is a landmark album that shifted the landscape of hip hop. I never really was super into it growing up, and revisiting it now I don't think my feelings have changed. There are some all-timer songs here, but also a lot of relatively uninteresting stuff mixed in.
3
Mar 19 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
A solid album front to back, nothing too remarkable but a nice listen
3
Mar 20 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Most of this album is solid, but there are a couple of really weak tracks that make up too much of the runtime.
2
Mar 21 2024
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
A definite classic, and it holds up quite well to this day. The quality of the songs is a bit up and down, but it never dips below 'good' or 'very intriguing'
5
Mar 22 2024
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Holds up much better than a lot of albums with a similar sound. I enjoyed most of the songs on the album.
3
Mar 25 2024
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War
U2
I liked this album quite a bit from front to back. I was on the fence about adding another star but I think it comes up just a touch short of that next level
3
Mar 26 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
It's quite easy to see why this album is considered one of the greatest of all time. Only a portion of it lines up with my personal tastes so I'm rating it accordingly to that, but it is nearly perfect objectively
4
Mar 27 2024
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
I have been a fan of Jurassic 5 since their debut on the scene, but in no way are they an essential band, nor is this an essential album. I don't understand why it is on this list. It's a decent little rap album, but it came and went like a fart in the wind with zero impact or importance. I'm not trying to bash it, I'm just very confused why it is on a list of 1001 "must listen" albums
2
Mar 28 2024
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90
808 State
This album is unlistenably bad. Perhaps it had a huge impact on the genre at the time, but the only impact it has for me is to remind me that the genre really fucking sucks.
1
Mar 29 2024
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
It is a really great album, no denying that, but as far as I'm concerned it has quickly become the most overrated album ever. Kendrick is quite annoying in spots and some of the songs are more impressive than they are enjoyable.
4
Apr 01 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
A truly beautiful album. I'm not sure I fully am engaged with it, I have tried a few times but never could bring it to that next level.
3
Apr 02 2024
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
High quality 60's pop rock. Perhaps missing an X factor, but high quality nonetheless.
3
Apr 03 2024
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
The ballads aren't all that interesting but the uptempo songs are all quite good and I'd be happy to revisit.
3
Apr 04 2024
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Certainly one of the best albums of its style ever released. It sounds fresh 17 years later which is tough for an electronic/dance album to do.
4
Apr 05 2024
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
It is a fun album but it is super dated and I don't hold it in high regard.
3
Apr 08 2024
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
It's very good for a 90's mainstream alternative record which is not a category of music that particularly love
3
Apr 09 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Prog rock is a genre I find rather void of feeling, but sometimes a great record can just transcend the faults of the genre and this one certainly does that. Super fun and entertaining and catchy.
4
Apr 10 2024
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
The highs of this album are incredibly high, but it is also too bloated to really be next level great.
3
Apr 11 2024
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A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
The music isn't bad, but it is is bland and completely forgettable
2
Apr 12 2024
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
I often find foreign language songwriter albums challenging to fully appreciate, but this one transcends
4
Apr 15 2024
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
There is no doubt that this album is really good and a landmark, but it has just never clicked with me fully. I prefer Arcade Fire's next two albums over this.
3
Apr 16 2024
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Odelay
Beck
It's a cool album, I don't personally find it essential but it is worth note
3
Apr 17 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
A surprisingly very good debut from a band I had never even heard of. Sounds forward thinking in its sound for the time it was released.
3
Apr 18 2024
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Picture Book
Simply Red
A completely inconsequential album other than 1 or 2 decent singles. Not actively bad, but also not worth listening to.
2
Apr 19 2024
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
A very solid indie pop album. Nothing next level, but quite enjoyable start to finish
3
Apr 22 2024
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Back In Black
AC/DC
AC/DC is a band that I will never desire to listen to on my own, but when they are playing I will still always enjoy them. This album is fun and infectious and even if it doesn't fall within my personal style preference, I still appreciate it for what it is.
3
Apr 23 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
It's a good piece of pre-60's pop but it is hopelessly dated
2
Apr 24 2024
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
It's fine, but sounds rather Rolling Stones derivative and uninspiring
2
Apr 25 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Captivating and soulful, holds up well despite its age
5
Apr 26 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
This has never shown up on my radar and I was shocked, because it is quite good. I'm not quite sure it reaches the highs that it shoots for, but it is a good listen from start to finish.
3
Apr 29 2024
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
About as good as raw 60's soul gets
4
Apr 30 2024
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Nothing special, this style of vocal jazz doesn't hold up. But it was fine to listen to.
2
May 01 2024
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Pink Flag
Wire
It is a very good album and I appreciate that it may have been original and influential, but it isn't quite dynamic enough to hit that next level of greatness for me.
3
May 02 2024
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Sheet Music
10cc
A unique and interesting album. I honestly don't know how much I like it, but I certainly would listen again which is usually a good sign
3
May 03 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
Decent, but not noteworthy
2
May 06 2024
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Transformer
Lou Reed
One of the best glam rock albums ever and one of my favorites of the 70's
5
May 07 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
One of the best of the 70's
5
May 08 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Very good album. Doesn't stand out from the pack amongst other very good 2000's indie rock though.
3
May 09 2024
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Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Very catchy and original and well played. I'd like to revisit.
3
May 10 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
I love Spoonman and Black Hole Sun, but otherwise this album is another example of mostly bland 90's mainstream rock. I just hate the 90's aesthetic, the chugga chugga guitars, the stereotypical singing style. That isn't to say it is bad, it just isn't something I want to listen to.
2
May 13 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Not every song is perfect, but overall it still stands up 60 years later and there is no denying its greatness
5
May 14 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
It is a hopelessly dated sound but I found it a very nice listen from start to finish.
3
May 15 2024
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
It is a perfectly suitable album for what it is, it just doesn't excite me in any way.
2
May 16 2024
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Very solid front to back
3
May 17 2024
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Crazysexycool
TLC
Creep and Waterfalls are forever classics, but most of this album is a bit dated and corny sounding to listen to in full.
2
May 20 2024
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
I'm not huge on pure funk music, but of course this is one of the best of the genre
3
May 21 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
It is a really great album but I'm just not engaged enough by his voice to place it on the pedestal that some do
3
May 22 2024
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
Good pop-alt rock, but overall it does feel like it lacks something to make it special outside of the popular singles
2
May 23 2024
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Timeless
Goldie
I tried, but I couldn't even get through half of it. The vocals are terrible (luckily they aren't always present), and the absolute excessive runtime for a drum and bass album is tough to swallow. It's not that the individual songs are bad, it just that the album as presented doesn't need to exist.
1
May 24 2024
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
I went into it open minded but I couldn't listen to it. I just hate this sound in my ears.
1
May 27 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
It is a nice listen, I would have it on as background music, but I don't find this style of jazz to stand out or be particularly engaging
2
May 28 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
3
May 29 2024
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Gris Gris
Dr. John
2
May 30 2024
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Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
Very good songs from front to back, but I don't think it really reaches that next level of greatness that its legacy suggests. Perhaps it was more of a product of being ahead of its time, but nowadays there are a regular stream of albums released on its plane of quality.
3
May 31 2024
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Headquarters
The Monkees
Borderline 2 or 3. I like listening to it, but I'm not sure there are many super memorable songs. Just a lot of good ones.
3
Jun 03 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
I have tried multiple times to love this album and I can't bring myself any further than just liking it. I think what is missing is either a set of striking melodies, or alternatively some more creative instrumentation.
3
Jun 04 2024
View Album
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Some of this album really sounds cringe-worthy nowadays but overall it still holds up decently. I was definitely part of the target audience back in 2000 when it dropped but even then I didn't necessarily think it was classic from a quality perspective, but it definitely was a classic from a cultural impact perspective.
3
Jun 05 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
The first truly great Beatles album, and one of their most consistent from front to back.
5
Jun 06 2024
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
There are some classic songs but this album is way too long and stuffed with multiple skippable songs. Not bad songs, but certainly ones that are not necessary. I'm OK calling it a classic but it has been canonized as an all time great album and I don't agree with that.
3
Jun 07 2024
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Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
Fun to listen to but the songwriting holds it back from being great, a typical prog rock problem
3
Jun 10 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
It's a good album, but doesn't stand out in any way over other good rock albums from this era
3
Jun 11 2024
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Really strong performance but a bit same-y from front to back and not something that really draws me back.
3
Jun 12 2024
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Really good album, I'm not sure it is an essential listen but nonetheless I would happily revisit it in the future
3
Jun 13 2024
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Illmatic
Nas
Possibly the greatest Hip Hop album ever, and one of the best overall of the 90's
5
Jun 14 2024
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Bluesbreakers
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Very good guitar work but the songwriting is not noteworthy
3
Jun 17 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Quite solid from front to back. Nothing really leaps out as essential, but I'd happily listen again in the future.
3
Jun 18 2024
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Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
It is all big and epic and fun, but it is so much so that it starts to border on overboard. Doesn't really feel personal or authentic enough to become great
2
Jun 19 2024
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1984
Van Halen
Not really my style but the songwriting is really great throughout
3
Jun 20 2024
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Another typical good-but-uninteresting 90's rock album
2
Jun 21 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Super high energy live album, worth being labeled as a Who essential
4
Jun 24 2024
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The Yes Album
Yes
Great musicianship, borderline 2 or 3
3
Jun 25 2024
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
An undeniable classic but I have trouble lumping it in with my personal favorite albums. Perhaps the 'song cycle' structure makes it so not enough of the songs stand out? There are only like 4 songs on here that really make me perk up and the rest just kind of doesn't excite me to that level.
4
Jun 26 2024
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Pleasant to listen to but uninteresting
2
Jun 27 2024
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
The backing band is nice but the songwriting and vocals leave something to be desired.
2
Jun 28 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Fun and very interesting. Borderline 3 or 4. I'll round up.
4
Jul 01 2024
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
It isn't a personal favorite but it's reputation is earned. I appreciate it slightly more than I actually love it, I think the vocals and songwriting aren't as groundbreaking as the overall sound.
4
Jul 02 2024
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So
Peter Gabriel
Really good album, I'd listen again. Didn't find it super essential, but it is quality
3
Jul 03 2024
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Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
Not a style I'm thrilled about but it's decent
2
Jul 04 2024
View Album
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
It's OK but it is kind of hot garbage in a lot of spots.
2
Jul 05 2024
View Album
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Very fresh and exciting music, but I don't think I like it quite as much as I WANT to. If I had to pinpoint why, I'd probably blame lead singer's voice as just not grabbing my emotionally.
3
Jul 08 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
3
Jul 09 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
I'm not really into dad rock, but this is about as good as dad rock gets
3
Jul 10 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
90's alt rack can often feel bland to me, but this album is definitely not that. Great album that they will still somehow surpass it multiple times.
4
Jul 11 2024
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
It's a pretty good folk album but I don't think it's super special. I'd be happy to listen to it any time but I wouldn't ever have a desire to put it on. There just isn't any edge to it.
3
Jul 12 2024
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Amongst the best Hip Hop albums of the 90's. It doesn't hit me on a personal level enough to elevate it to my personal favorites though.
4
Jul 15 2024
View Album
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Very good album, not something to put in my rotation though
3
Jul 16 2024
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Very consistent and high quality throughout
4
Jul 17 2024
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
It all sounds good, but in the end I'm not sure I really care about any of these songs other than a couple of them. It's a nice listen but certainly not essential.
2
Jul 18 2024
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
He really wants to come off epic but I'm sorry he just comes off as bland and lacking an edge
2
Jul 19 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
I understand why people loved it during its era but ultimately it is disposable sounding for me
2
Jul 22 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
His voice comes off as a bit thin and lacking character, but the music and songwriting here really are top notch and I think it is a fantastic album. Some of the slower tracks don't quite hold up as well though because they don't have that interesting voice to hold them together.
3
Jul 23 2024
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Enjoyed the whole thing, I didn't really personally connect with it that hard though
3
Jul 24 2024
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Boston
Boston
I'm generally not a fan of this style of power pop mainstream rock, but this album is a huge exception. It is excellent from start to finish, a true classic. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I don't really connect with some of the songs on a personal level and the second half can't keep up with the first half. But when I do play it, I get reminded of how good it is.
4
Jul 25 2024
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Very good
3
Jul 26 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
An excellent representation of this type of 60's sound. Solid from front to back, although not quite on my personal favorites list.
4
Jul 29 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
It's a nice album, not my style but its good.
2
Jul 30 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
It's good but I really don't find anything that amazing about it.
3
Jul 31 2024
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
I am well versed in 90's Hip Hop both mainstream and underground and I had never heard of this album or group. I'm not sure how it is possible that a 90's Hip Hop album could make a list of "must listen to before you die" yet I've never heard of it. Hmmm. Well....let's listen....
....and, I see why it had never been on my radar before. Why is this album from 1992 sounding like a Public Enemy tribute band in the 80's? Hip Hop was already rapidly evolving in 1992 well beyond this sound and flow.
Even ignoring historical context and judging it in a vacuum, its fairly unlistenable just because it is boring. Not 'bad' per se, but completely not worth anyone's time and definitely not worthy of being on this list.
I almost wanted to give this 1 star because it is so incredibly DULL but I'm saving my 1 star ratings only for albums that I actually actively dislike. But man....this really comes close.
2
Aug 01 2024
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Heroes to Zeros
The Beta Band
The songwriting and vocals don't really stand out as noteworthy but musically I like it quite a lot.
3
Aug 02 2024
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Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
Corny and dated and not good.
1
Aug 05 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
It is a pleasant album to listen to and very well recorded and performed, but the music itself is somewhat stagnant and basic.
2
Aug 06 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
It's a good album but it lacks an edge for me that would take it to the next level
3
Aug 07 2024
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
I don't think its super memorable and definitely not essential but I did enjoy it from front to back.
3
Aug 08 2024
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Ten
Pearl Jam
I just find these 90's sterotypical rock albums so yawn-inducing and soulless. Always have. It just isn't for me.
2
Aug 09 2024
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Calenture
The Triffids
Very dated and not strong enough to withstand that
1
Aug 12 2024
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The White Album
Beatles
I struggle to really get heavily into this album. I love the variety of sounds and experimental vision, I just don't think the songwriting is up to par with my favorite Beatles albums. A classic nonetheless, just not top tier.
4
Aug 13 2024
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Van Halen
Van Halen
These glam metal albums aren't really the type of thing I'm into but I can appreciate and enjoy them, which I did this one. I probably won't ever listen to it again, but I liked the whole thing.
3
Aug 14 2024
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
There is some really good stuff on here, but overall it comes off lacking a bit of edge and soul. I was bored through most of it even though it sounded nice.
2
Aug 15 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
It's a decent album but this type of pop-punk sound always feels a bit mundane and unrewarding for me.
2
Aug 16 2024
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Scum
Napalm Death
Obviously you have to have very specific tastes to really latch onto abrasive sub-genres like this and truly be in love with them. It isn't my personal taste, but I do recognize the appeal of this album to those who are into that style.
2
Aug 19 2024
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
A good album but they hadn't hit their creative stride quite yet
3
Aug 20 2024
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
The guitar work is phenomenal of course and the music is solid, but the vocals aren't super strong which holds it back in my mind from the next level
3
Aug 21 2024
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
There are a couple decent tunes here but overall I don't find this type of jazz fusion particularly engaging
2
Aug 22 2024
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
It is a bit bloated and I'm somewhere on the border of 3 and 4 stars. I'm rounding down to 3 stars because the reality is that I never really felt much desire to re-listen to this entire album since the day it dropped. I certainly re-listened to a handful of the songs quite a bit, but not the album as a whole. Hip Hop at this time was absolutely obsessed with filling up the entire 80 minutes on a CD instead of making things more concise and consistent.
3
Aug 23 2024
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
There are a couple of OK tunes but most of this is a slog to listen to. Borderline 1 star, but I'll give it 2 stars just because there were a few redeeming qualities. Definitely not an essential album in any way.
2
Aug 26 2024
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Document
R.E.M.
Very good album, would be happy to revisit in the future
3
Aug 27 2024
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Great musicianship, good songwriting. A nice mix of early metal and early prog that doesn't lack soul and remains interesting.
4
Aug 28 2024
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Hms Fable
Shack
It is pleasant background music but I find it too banal for active listening
2
Aug 29 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
She is clearly talented and its fine pop music, but it is not the type of stuff I care to listen to or that interests me.
2
Aug 30 2024
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Virgin Suicides
Air
It is good soundtrack music, but it doesn't quite have something extra to make it particularly memorable as a standalone album to listen to. It's just fine.
2
Sep 02 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
A very solid album but one that is in a style that bores me. I'd give it a 7/10 or so but that means 2 stars for this list because nothing should be below an 8 here.
2
Sep 03 2024
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
It is a really good album but she moved on to much better things later in her career
3
Sep 04 2024
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
Not my style of music but very original and interesting, so I can appreciate it
3
Sep 05 2024
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Dry
PJ Harvey
An excellent album, raw and creative. I'd rate it a high 8 but for these rankings that is a borderline 3 or 4 star for me.
4
Sep 06 2024
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
It's fine, just generic and unmemorable
2
Sep 09 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Very good, but I don't feel like I need to listen again to get anything more out of it
3
Sep 10 2024
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
Definitely a classic, I'm not sure it is quite as exciting as their debut and therefore I never really put this album into my rotation. But that isn't a knock on the quality....it is there. Murder Mystery is probably the only song on here that really perks up my ears and makes me want to immediately re-listen. So I can't give it a full 5 stars even though it arguable deserves it.
4
Sep 11 2024
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Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
The vocals and songwriting are both rather ho-hum. It's OK I guess
2
Sep 12 2024
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Just flat out excellent music. Perhaps not as hauntingly beautiful as Pink Moon, but excellent nonetheless
4
Sep 13 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
It definitely sounds a bit dated and I never really truly loved this album even back when it came out. There are some really great songs and also a lot of gimmicky stuff. Very tough to rate.
3
Sep 16 2024
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Elephant
The White Stripes
I think the actual quality of many albums get a little exaggerated due to cultural significance. This is one of them. It is a solid rock album that dropped in an era that desperately needed solid rock albums. There are a few true classic songs on it, but outside of those it's just solid.
3
Sep 17 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
It is really good but it isn't one of my favorite Bowie albums
3
Sep 18 2024
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Graceland
Paul Simon
Really good album but it doesn't really hit my personal tastes to really be in love with it
3
Sep 19 2024
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Play
Moby
Natural Blues was definitely one of the better sampled/electronic tracks from the late 90's but overall this album just isn't super high quality. It is fine at times, boring at others, and very memorable.
2
Sep 20 2024
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Not one of Radiohead's best overall, but there are multiple amazing songs and it is still high quality
3
Sep 23 2024
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
I enjoyed this quite a bit even though it really isn't the type of music I would listen to. As far as folky/pop/rock albums go, it is a worthy listen
3
Sep 24 2024
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
It's a solid listen. Nothing next level though.
3
Sep 25 2024
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
The vocals are really really bad and I couldn't listen to more than a couple songs. Musically it seemed fine though.
1
Sep 26 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
Over the course of time the sound has been duplicated a million times so it loses its freshness today, but I likely would have been obsessed with this album if I were around when it released
4
Sep 27 2024
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New Wave
The Auteurs
A very mundane sounding album. I didn't dislike it but it wasn't noteworthy either.
2
Sep 30 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Fine for what it is, just not something I'm interested in
2
Oct 01 2024
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Love the rhythms and tones/timbres. One of my favorite jazz albums for sure.
5
Oct 02 2024
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Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Very good, I prefer his more cinematic later works
3
Oct 03 2024
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
It's OK, I like the uniqueness but the vocals are a unappealing for the most part
2
Oct 04 2024
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Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
A few good songs, but mostly mid or weak
2
Oct 07 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Very good. Not super consistent, but lots of really great songs
3
Oct 08 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Excellent album from front to back with a few classic songs sprinkled in there
4
Oct 09 2024
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Corny and not that good
1
Oct 10 2024
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Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
This is very much the product of its time, it doesn't hold up and although it still sounds fine, it is very forgettable.
2
Oct 11 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Classic. Borderline 4 or 5
4
Oct 14 2024
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
It is very good and I would happily listen anytime, but it isn't enough to my personal taste to put it on that next level
3
Oct 15 2024
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
I had never heard of Joan so I had no expectations, but I was very pleasantly surprised with this one. Borderline 3 or 4 stars, I'd happily listen to this one any time.
3
Oct 16 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
The best pop album of the 2010's. Creative production, great songwriting, and most importantly it has long-term sticking potential. It isn't a flash in the pan.
5
Oct 17 2024
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
It is fine musically but the lyrics are actual bad enough to be distracting and it brings down the listening experience.
2
Oct 18 2024
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Legalize It
Peter Tosh
It is pretty solid, just not a style of music I find super interesting.
2
Oct 21 2024
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
Well written with some cultural canon songs, but it is all a bit too safe sounding for me to really get into it.
3
Oct 22 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
It is a good album but for me it's influence is stronger than it's greatness. I much prefer the better songwriting of Lust For Life than the rawness of this record.
3
Oct 23 2024
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
Really good for what it is but not the type of stuff I get excited about
3
Oct 24 2024
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Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
Excellent album with great guitar work. No real songs per se, but great jams
4
Oct 25 2024
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
It's decent but very un-memorable
2
Oct 28 2024
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Although hopelessly dated (as most pre-60's music tends to be), I have to say I thought this was fun and interesting and I would enjoy the occasional revisit.
3
Oct 29 2024
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
It is a good album and notable historically, but I don't think the songs are strong enough front to back for me to really get into it. I much prefer the follow up album, which to me is one of the best of the 80's.
3
Oct 30 2024
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Not that interesting or good, but not actively bad either
2
Oct 31 2024
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Fantastic album, still feels fairly fresh. This has earned a spot in my permanent rotation.
4
Nov 01 2024
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
There definitely is something to be said for albums that felt like they broke new ground when they came out. But not all of these albums remain quite as interesting as time goes on. This is one of them IMO. It is good, but doesn't feel special.
3
Nov 04 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
A classic for sure, even though I personally prefer their next 2 albums
4
Nov 05 2024
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
There are a couple classic singles here of course, but overall I don't find a lot of this super interesting. They kind of just stick to their established sound and keep it safe.
2
Nov 06 2024
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Very good, but not on that next level of greatness.
3
Nov 07 2024
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Dare!
The Human League
It certainly sounds like a product of it's time and clearly dated, but I still quite liked it.
3
Nov 08 2024
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Phrenology
The Roots
I love The Roots but this is not in the running for their best work. It is good, but not great. They tried to break into the commercial realm which is fine but it really doesn't suit their strengths.
2