Dec 11 2023
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Not my favorite style of soul/funk, but Isaac's voice is on point and some of the guitar points had me grooving. Might warrant a few more listens on my part, as I have not previously given this album a chance.
4
Dec 12 2023
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
I love Talking Heads, but this might be one of the albums I listen to the least. I know it's the most acclaimed, the most inventive, etc. but it doesn't hit me the way Fear of Music does. Still, its Talking Heads, so I'd rather listen to this than most other music.
3
Dec 13 2023
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
I love this album. For being recorded in a prison, there is so much pure joy contained in the sounds - from Johnny's singing and jokes between songs to the raucous laughter and cheers from the crowd, there are very few live documents that truly capture the power and energy of being there. Of course, the songs are all incredible, and that voice is on full display. Absolutely the album I would play for someone who says they 'don't like country music'.
5
Dec 14 2023
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
I don't know if I have ever listened to this album before, and it is much better than I expected. I've never had anything against Black Sabbath, they've always just seemed a step too slow and sludgy for my tastes, but this album is great.
I can see why this is considered the 'cocaine' album. Urgent, exciting and driving, this is not what I thought I'd be listening to, and I was pleasantly surprised. Great stuff.
4
Dec 15 2023
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The White Album
Beatles
Can I give this album a 5 while also acknowledging the fact that it is incredibly flawed? Yes, yes I can.
Let's be honest, there are some real garbage tracks on here, maybe more so than any other Beatles album, and a single LP probably would have fixed most of this (which is true for almost every double LP I can think of).
But it does have Martha, My Dear, Dear Prudence, Rocky Racoon, Blackbird, Julia, etc. which more than makes up for Honey Pie (fuckin' Honey Pie, am I right)?
5
Dec 16 2023
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The Cars
The Cars
Let them brush your rock 'n roll hair....
Is it just me, or is this album not as good as I remembered? I found myself just wishing that Benjamin Orr sang all of the songs, and that the guitar was more prominent than the keyboards. Don't get me wrong, there are some classic songs on here, but it's not an essential for me.
3
Dec 17 2023
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Mostly overblown and self-indulgent. All traces of the storytelling narratives in Tumbleweed Connection are gone, and noodly nonsense has taken its place.
Saturday's Alright For Fighting is pretty good, but otherwise this has the vast majority of my least favorite Elton John songs on it.
2
Dec 18 2023
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
Trippy, Brit-hippie nonsense. I like some of the Martin Hannett-associated stuff, but this ain't one of them. Sounds like the Spin Doctors fucked Blind Melon and the offspring were raised on a diet of cheap ecstasy and dirt weed in Manchester.
1
Dec 19 2023
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
I first discovered a love for Marvin Gaye through the early Motown tracks - Grapevine, Can I Get a Witness, Ain't That Peculiar - the songs with that big beat. As I get older, I appreciate sweet, smooth Marvin Gaye 'with a message' more and more.
This album is so incredibly powerful, and such an amazing statement if you consider the state of 'socially conscious' music at the time of its release, and the introduction of the orchestra and the use of the jazz elements and improvisation still sounds fresh and new.
Absolutely essential.
5
Dec 20 2023
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Vespertine
Björk
Not for me. Surprisingly, I know a lot of people who love Bjork, and I've never understood it. It has elements of things that I like, but the finished product is not my thing whatsoever.
2
Dec 21 2023
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Ew, no.
1
Dec 22 2023
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Roots
Sepultura
I started to listen to this at 8:30am. Now I don't need coffee.
First impressions: this is much better than I expected. Good, aggressive vocals, interesting percussion (is that the snare sound or a timpani?), and the guitar tone is impressive for this type of 90s metal (pre-Nu Metal?).
It's brutal, but also kind of accessible.
I'm pretty sure the last track is gun shots and someone intensively cleaning a cooking pot.
3
Dec 23 2023
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All Directions
The Temptations
I love the Temptations, but this is nothing special.
Papa Was a Rolling Stone is a classic, but the rest of this album is a "What's Going On" also-ran. Not bad to listen to in the background, and the band is incredible, but the songs are phoned in and its all easy to ignore.
3
Dec 24 2023
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Not really my thing. Kind of sounded like 70s variety show music.
2
Dec 25 2023
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Okay. Kind of forgettable.
3
Dec 26 2023
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
The greatest Christmas album of all time? It's possible.
Every song is a banger, the production is impeccable (obviously) and the voices are note perfect. Those drums, reverbed vocals, all of it. Nothing gets me into a Christmas mood more.
I'd listen to this in July, I love it that much.
5
Dec 27 2023
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Such a fun album. I love playing "identify the sample". Not an every day listen for me, but a great LP nonetheless.
4
Dec 28 2023
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Goo
Sonic Youth
I had this album cover's poster on my wall as a teenager. Way before I knew who Raymond Pettibon was and had gone backwards to discover earlier SST bands like Black Flag, Minutemen and Husker Du, Sonic Youth was my epitome of cool and this album was the most accessible of the bunch.
All these years later, it still holds up.
5
Dec 29 2023
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The Yes Album
Yes
This sounds like walking into Guitar Center on a busy weekend.
2
Dec 30 2023
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Liquid Swords
GZA
I met GZA once on the street with my sister. He asked us who our favorite member of Wu Tang was, and I said him. My sister said "Method Man", to which he replied "Fuck outta here" and I missed my opportunity to hang out with GZA.
This album is great. One of the best Wu Tang solo albums.
4
Dec 31 2023
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Woodface
Crowded House
This is good. A little generic at times, but I enjoyed it much more than I expected. Solid album.
3
Jan 01 2024
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
It's fine. There's some good tracks and some stinkers.
3
Jan 02 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
A near perfect album. Got to love that Hi Records sound.
5
Jan 03 2024
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
I like poppier, more upbeat Madonna, and I remember Ray Of Light being ever present on MTV when it first came out. This is atmospheric and basic electronica - easy to use as background music at work. Meh.
2
Jan 04 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
Not really into this at all.
2
Jan 05 2024
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
This is good enough. Not a big fan of neo-soul, and she modulates her voice in an odd way that I am not a fan of. It's not bad, and very listenable, but I wouldn't choose to play this on my own.
3
Jan 06 2024
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Perfect album of quirky genius.
Thirty-five minutes of eccentric pop mastery. I really love this album more than words can describe. Nilsson should be spoken of in the same breath as Brian Wilson, Lennon/McCartney and Smokey Robinson for sheer songwriting power and pure fun.
5
Jan 07 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
I once went to a bar deep in Astoria, Queens, because I was told Shane MacGowan often played there after Pogues shows in New York City. My friends and I proceeded to get blackout drunk, singing along to whatever songs they played at the bar waiting for Shane to arrive. I honestly cannot say whether he showed up or not, but the parts of what I remember, still rank as one of the greatest nights of my life.
This album reminds me of that night, and all the other amazing experiences I've had while listening to the Pogues. And absolutely essential band with an energy that you rarely see outside of punk rock dive into this album, as well as Red Roses for Me and Rum, Sodomy and the Lash, and discover your new favorite band.
5
Jan 08 2024
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
This is good. Again, another album that I don't think I would choose to listen to, but it was thoroughly enjoyable. Fiona has a great voice - throaty and bluesy, and while the production was not my favorite (very appropriate for the time it was released), the songs are strong and catchy.
3
Jan 09 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
It's the Beatles. This album is great, but less great than other Beatles albums. A second-tier Beatles album. Still better than most albums, but not a five star.
4
Jan 10 2024
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
I've always liked the Minutemen, but I've never loved them. This album would be a great single LP, but the sheer length along with some filler loses it a star for me. I do wish D Boon had done a campfire folk album before he died though. The acoustic tracks on this are killer.
4
Jan 11 2024
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Fuck this neo-nazi adjacent shit. Everyone who likes this album is an asshole.
1
Jan 12 2024
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I See You
The xx
beep boop bop boring.
2
Jan 13 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
Not my thing at all.
1
Jan 14 2024
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Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
I really enjoyed this. Fun and catchy.
4
Jan 15 2024
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Another essential. There are other Otis records that I love more, but this record is still absolutely incredible. A must-listen.
5
Jan 16 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
I worked at a record store when this album came out. When it would come on during the day, we'd joke it was 'nap time'. That being said, it's a great background album, but I don't mean that as an insult. I know the band made up a language for this, and it makes the vocals another instrument and part of the soundscape. Upon close listening it's droney, symphonic and catchy in all the ways I want music like this to sound. I like this so much more than Radiohead I can't even begin to tell you. Take my 4 stars, you weird Icelanders, you've earned it.
4
Jan 17 2024
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Who's Next
The Who
I learned how to scream by listening to this album. Not for a band or anything, just for fun.
4
Jan 18 2024
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Baby-making music. When I worked at a record store in my teens/twenties there was a very large lady working in the receiving department who listened exclusively to D'Angelo on her portable boombox. So I know this album well. It served her well, and I enjoyed it as well.
4
Jan 19 2024
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Faith
George Michael
Another album that I had low expectations but found myself really enjoying. I forgot how good a song 'Faith' is, and the album keeps going from there. Lots of songs I recognized from the radio at the time this came out. I'm not rushing out to buy this, but I wouldn't complain if someone put it on.
3
Jan 20 2024
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
I have loved this album since I traded a Temple of the Dog cassette for a copy of this with my friend George, who bought it because he heard Kurt Cobain considered them an influence but he hated it. His loss, this album rules.
5
Jan 21 2024
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Germfree Adolescents
X-Ray Spex
One of the greatest punk rock albums of all time. The out of tune sax, Poly's incredible vocals, the songwriting - it's perfect. Absolutely perfect.
5
Jan 22 2024
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
I love the Band, and this album has some of my favorite songs of theirs. It also has some of my least favorite. I think that they found their footing on later albums, but this one, as great as it is, misses the 5 star rating from me if only due to the inconsistency of the track list.
4
Jan 23 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
This is good. Not really my taste, but I appreciate it.
3
Jan 24 2024
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
This is absolutely exceptional. My first five star that I had never heard beforehand. What an amazing voice. Jesus.
5
Jan 25 2024
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Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This one was a slog for me. I know so many people who absolutely love Nick Cave, and I trust their musical tastes, but I've never been able to get into him.
This is maudlin, overblown and just so overwrought that I can't help but dislike it. The lyrics are weaker than I expected, and the songs themselves all sound like something out of a Sweeney Todd-esque Broadway show. Not for me at all.
1
Jan 26 2024
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
Let me make this clear - I don't think this is a good album. It's a clusterfuck of different styles of 60s and 70s cliches, with no more than a song or two leaving any lasting impression.
What is impressive though, is that this album was released on a major label in 1989 - the height of hair metal. Helping to launch Lenny Kravitz into pop-culture stardom at a time when music like this was impossibly uncool. Respect for that earns it a star from me.
2
Jan 27 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
There are so few artists in the history of popular music that can instantly immerse you in their world as soon as you drop the needle, and Stevie Wonder had that ability at his peak. Although I prefer a bit more grit with my Wonder, it's undeniable that this album tells a story like few others. Living For The City and Higher Ground are immortal, and the album as a whole has a cohesive narrative that certainly makes a lot more sense than most "concept" albums. Wonder's orchestration, songcraft and mastery of melody and harmony are unsurpassed. Definitely an essential album.
5
Jan 28 2024
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Group Sex
Circle Jerks
Some overserious pencil dick tried to disparage this album in their review by calling it "music made by teenagers" or something like that. Fuck you, dude, not everything needs to sound like Yes to be important.
This is the perfect album to put on when you want to break stuff. In fact, I always have at least three copies of Group Sex at all times just in case one gets broken in the course of listening. Essential.
5
Jan 29 2024
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The Doors
The Doors
I decided to give this a listen with open ears, in spite of my preconceived notions of the Doors, and Morrison in particular.
It starts all right, Break on Through is a decent enough track with fun keyboards. Soul Kitchen is fun (I prefer the X cover), but by the time we got to Crystal Ship I was starting to remember what I don't like about this band.
The lyrics are abysmal. Anyone who considers Jim Morrison a poet probably isn't really listening. Stupid, amateurish and forced, the lyrics really take me out of it.
The music is fine. It doesn't drive me wild, but it's not offensive in anyway. A little noodly at times, but that's a given for the beginning of the psychedelic era. I just don't find a lot on this LP that gets me excited. I don't hate it like I've said for years, but I don't think it's ever going to be in my regular listening rotation.
3
Jan 30 2024
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Murmur
R.E.M.
This album has some great songs, and some real filler. I like REM, and this has hints of their later greatness, but it's never been my favorite of theirs.
3
Jan 31 2024
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
Sounds like Elvis.
3
Feb 01 2024
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Zzzzzzzzzzzz. It's fine.
2
Feb 02 2024
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
I've always really enjoyed the early Pretty Things singles like Midnight to Six, they have a rawness and soul that even the early Stones records don't have. But SF Sorrow has always sounded too kitschy and faux mind-bending for my tastes.
In listening again it's better than I remember, and still has lots of ummph to it for a "psychedelic" record. It's not top-tier for me, but it was a very enjoyable listen. I'll definitely give this some more spins in the future.
4
Feb 03 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
I don't know exactly when Elton John started to suck, but this album is still mostly awesome. It's no Tumbleweed Connection, but the opening 1-2 of Tiny Dancer and Levon is incredible. What a great album.
4
Feb 04 2024
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
Pleasantly surprised by this album. Pretty, mellow indie rock with catchy melodies.
4
Feb 05 2024
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Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
I like Sebadoh, but I've never really found an album that I felt was listenable the whole way through. Sebadoh III might be the closest, but this album suffers from the same problems - mostly three songwriters with vastly different visions that makes for a disjointed album. There are some very good songs on here, as well as some unlistenable tone experiments. It's a good album overall, but I definitely skipped some tracks.
3
Feb 06 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
A beautiful voice, great lyrics, some truly timeless songs - why don't I like this more?
3
Feb 07 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
It's Neil Young. Never loved him, but don't hate this.
3
Feb 08 2024
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
Nope. Hate it.
1
Feb 09 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
There's nothing to be said about this album that hasn't already been said better. From the opening riff a damn near perfect album, weird Bowie production and all.
5
Feb 10 2024
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
The older that I get, the more convinced I become that CCR is the greatest rock 'n roll band of all time. This album plays like a greatest hits and never lets up. Fucking mint.
5
Feb 11 2024
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Aja
Steely Dan
This shit sounds like the MASH theme song played at a dentist's office. Pure garbage.
1
Feb 12 2024
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
One of the greatest voices I've ever heard. There are better Aretha albums (Aretha Now, for one), but Lady Soul flows so well and is a great "clean your house" album. You WILL sing into a broom.
4
Feb 13 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
My second favorite Bowie album released in 1977, but still an indispensable classic, if only for the title track alone. The rest of the album is filled with krautrock odes, traditional Japanese music and other things that have no place in a mainstream rock album, but cocaine is a hell of a drug.
5
Feb 14 2024
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Basket of Light
Pentangle
This sounds like the soundtrack to a nightmare about a Renaissance Festival. Truly awful.
1
Feb 15 2024
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
I fell asleep halfway through. Which was embarrassing because I was at the gym.
2
Feb 16 2024
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Nixon
Lambchop
I've tried so many times to get into Lambchop. It's not bad, I actually like the music here a lot, but his voice takes me out of it. Not for me.
3
Feb 17 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
What a gem! I guess I never really gave this album a listen (but I thought I did)? The songs are jangly, catchy little masterpieces and it's infectious like my favorite power-pop. I'm sorry that I slept on this for so long!
4
Feb 18 2024
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Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
Couldn't get into this at all. Is the show tunes?
2
Feb 19 2024
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1999
Prince
Yes.
4
Feb 20 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
I loved this album as a teenager, and many of the songs still hold up, but there is also a good deal of filler on this. Not as cohesive of any album as I remember.
3
Feb 21 2024
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Possibly the best album to choose to decide if you love Motörhead. I already knew the answer to this question, and already knew where I stood on this album. I just wish my speakers were 20x as loud.
5
Feb 22 2024
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Larks' Tongues In Aspic
King Crimson
Was that just chimes for four minutes up front? It sets the stage for an anti-climactic, self-indulgent mess of cockery and noodling. Not at all something I need in my life.
1
Feb 23 2024
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A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
I didn't hate this. Sounded kind of like a mix between Roxy Music and Elton John. I guess I know what Todd Rundgren sounds like now.
3
Feb 24 2024
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
I should like Zeppelin on paper. I like British blues rock. I like guitar solos. I like monster drums. And I have to say I like this more than any Zeppelin listening experience I can remember, but it's still not something I'd choose to listen to personally. Maybe it's Robert Plant's vocals.
Yeah, it's probably the vocals.
3
Feb 25 2024
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Born To Be With You
Dion
I gave this a chance and I has high expectations. I like Dion's early doo wop period and his later singer-songwriter folky stuff is great too, but I couldn't get into this. Not bad, but not for me.
3
Feb 26 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
The perfect culmination of her career. It combines some bluesy caterwauling with a lot more polish. My only complaint is that it isn't longer, which makes sense given the timing on its recording and her death.
5
Feb 27 2024
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
Half paying attention this album isn't offensively bad, but when I listened again without distractions I could barely make it through. It was awful bar-band blues rock noodling with high school poetry.
2
Feb 28 2024
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
This is good, not great. There's a lot of filler and some element of "boogie" that rubs me the wrong way in a way that the later Isbell and post-Isbell stuff doesn't. Not bad by any stretch, but not an album I'd reach for regularly.
3
Feb 29 2024
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
This album was great. A wonderful mix of his early Byrds-era songwriting with what came afterwards. I really enjoyed this.
4
Mar 01 2024
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Totally fine, but not my thing.
3
Mar 02 2024
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
I love Nina Simone's voice and her bluesier arrangements. There is some of this on here, but a lot of jazz-influence and other elements that I don't gravitate towards as much with her music. This is very good, but not as consistent as I would like.
3
Mar 03 2024
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
The later "weirdo" period Tom Waits songs always sound to me like they should be performed by an old man dressed like a sea captain at some off-off-Broadway interpretive performance of Bukowski works. That's not a bad thing. Like other artists (like Beefheart) I have to be in the mood to listen to it, and Tom Waits is still one of the coolest guys to ever walk the earth, but it's great music.
4
Mar 04 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
This album is catchy and fun. Is it cheesy? Of course. Is it meant to be profound? Definitely not. Just throw it on and enjoy it.
4
Mar 05 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
I'm not usually a fan of overt guitar heroics, but Jimi Hendrix is a major exception. The songwriting is great and I love his voice (even if he didn't love it himself).
4
Mar 06 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. The samples are killer and the rapping is excellent.
5
Mar 07 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
This is garbage.
1
Mar 08 2024
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Real Life
Magazine
A post-punk masterpiece. As much as I treasure every post-Devoto Buzzcocks single and LP, what he brought to the group before leaving to form Magazine is truly special. This still has plenty of hooks, but with an angular guitar-led approach that makes it a completely unique album for its time. Essential.
5
Mar 09 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Is there anything worse than soulless garbage like this in music?
1
Mar 10 2024
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Really liked this one, and it hadn't been on my radar before. Soft / hippie rock vibes with a little country thrown in. I'm looking forward to giving this a second listen when I have time.
4
Mar 11 2024
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Incredible album from one of the pioneers of hip hop.
4
Mar 12 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Orchestral, baroque pop perfection. So beautifully constructed and performed, and Colin Blunstone's voice might be one of my favorites to come out of the 60s and the British Invasion.
I first heard these guys as a young punk kid, expecting the name to align with some scuzzy pre-punk noise. It obviously didn't, but the Zombies have since become among my most treasured artists, and this album is definitely their pinnacle.
5
Mar 13 2024
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The Predator
Ice Cube
Great album, great samples. Who doesn't love this album? Assholes, that's who.
4
Mar 14 2024
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Not bad. Some good songs here, along with some soft-rock schmaltz. Overall, I'm glad I took a listen.
3
Mar 15 2024
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
This rocks more than I thought it would. I actually like Harvey's voice a lot as well. I may have to dive deeper into this.
3
Mar 16 2024
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Haunting, urgent and totally unique. One of the best punk/post-punk debuts ever.
5
Mar 17 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I don't know what happens at the chicken shack on a normal day, but with Jimmy Smith it's smooth and a little funky. Great music to relax go on a Sunday morning.
4
Mar 18 2024
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Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Eh.
2
Mar 19 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
It's Maiden. This album is great. Would I listen to it every day as a middle-aged man? Fuck it, sure. Let's go.
4
Mar 20 2024
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
3
Mar 21 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
Duran Duran is where new wave really started to separate itself from punk in my opinion. Some good post-punk elements on this, but the whole image of the band and the focus on fashion, etc. really puts me off. For songs only, however, it's a strong album.
3
Mar 22 2024
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It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
A great live document of Van Morrison's skill as a performer and the soulfulness of his voice.
4
Mar 23 2024
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
The greatest rap album of all time. Absolutely perfect.
5
Mar 24 2024
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Odessa
Bee Gees
Early Bee Gees are the best Bee Gees.
4
Mar 25 2024
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
This is fairly awful, although some of the lyrics are amusing.
2
Mar 26 2024
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
I hope he gets the help he needs.
1
Mar 27 2024
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
One of the best spite albums of all time. From heartbreaking to humorous at times, this is the work of a genius sending a giant 'fuck you' to his label and ex-partner in the most creative way possible.
5
Mar 28 2024
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Station To Station
David Bowie
One of my favorites from Bowie. A little croonier than Low, but some great tracks on this.
4
Mar 29 2024
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Beautiful and thought-provoking. It'll always amaze me that Billy Bragg never became a household name.
4
Mar 30 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Surprisingly better than I expected. I still hate Tom Sawyer, but that is classic rock radio's fault more than Rush's.
3
Mar 31 2024
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
I don't know what this type of music is called, but I hate it.
1
Apr 01 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Schmaltzy pop with some good tracks. I've always wanted Wings to be better than they were.
3
Apr 02 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
It's very conflicting to hate Clapton as much as I do, yet really enjoy this album. Tales of Brave Ulysses kicks ass.
3
Apr 03 2024
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
I acknowledge that her voice is an acquired taste. I acknowledge that most of the genius is in the instrumentation and songwriting. I also acknowledge that "These Days" is one of the greatest songs ever written.
4
Apr 04 2024
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Low
David Bowie
My favorite Bowie album. Strange, cold and obviously influenced by krautrock, Eno and copious amounts of illegal substances, it is the pinnacle for me of this period of Bowie's career. Put it on at a party and watch the chaos ensue.
5
Apr 05 2024
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
I actually just discovered this album recently after writing off Funkadelic as the inferior group to Parliament for all these years. Holy shit, what an album. Worth it alone for Eddie Hazel's guitar playing, especially on the opening track. This might be my favorite "psychedelic" album of all time.
5
Apr 06 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
My least favorite of the three Experience LPs, but still essential. Great stuff.
4
Apr 07 2024
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
This is like Peter Gabriel, but more boring.
2
Apr 08 2024
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Eh. Basic psych pop.
2
Apr 09 2024
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Not really for me.
2
Apr 10 2024
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Speed + JLL = heaven
5
Apr 11 2024
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Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This is much better than the last Nick Cave record that came up. I actually like this a lot. Rocking, catchy and the vocals are a little theatric but they fit the so gs well. Very into this.
4
Apr 12 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Catchy moments, and interesting instrumentation.
3
Apr 13 2024
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
One of the greatest albums of all time. Put it on for an instant party.
5
Apr 14 2024
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The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
I usually like droney music, but this is too much for me.
2
Apr 15 2024
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You're Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr.
Good stuff.
4
Apr 16 2024
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Shit blues-ripoffs with horrible caterwauling and moments of boogie rock. Hate it.
1
Apr 17 2024
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Dig Your Own Hole
The Chemical Brothers
Not altogether awful for what it is, but I don't really want to listen to it.
2
Apr 18 2024
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Debut
Björk
Baby babble nonsense.
1
Apr 19 2024
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The Score
Fugees
I can't help but like this album. It's well-crafted, catchy and fun. You already know all of these songs but in the context of the album they are that much more compelling.
4
Apr 20 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
Probably the TSwift album I align with the most. The New York song is annoying. The Style guitar line sounds like the opening riff from Eminence Front by The Who. Shake It Off is great (except for that weird rap break).
Overall this album is great.
4
Apr 21 2024
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Good, low-key disco-ish funk. Good stuff.
4
Apr 22 2024
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
This is awful.
1
Apr 23 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
I really hate Queen.
1
Apr 24 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Stupid fun with good rhymes and some content that has not aged well at all. Still worth listening with an understanding of the moment in time when this was created.
4
Apr 25 2024
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Savane
Ali Farka Touré
This was okay. It had elements of what sounded like delta blues, which was very cool, but overall it didn't keep my attention.
3
Apr 26 2024
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Queen II
Queen
I actually hated this a lot less than A Night At The Opera.
2
Apr 27 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
This album has my favorite Beatles song of all time on it (For No One), but might be my second favorite album if theirs next to Rubber Soul. Still essential and a great listen ever for the zillionth time.
5
Apr 28 2024
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
This is pretty good. I enjoyed this much more than I expected / remembered.
3
Apr 29 2024
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Heck yeah! I could listen to this all day. Love me some Depeche Mode, even if I still no zero words after all this time I still sing along to the synth lines every time.
4
Apr 30 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
I first listened to this album when I was working at a record store in college and it blew my mind. From that first guitar chord it had me hooked and I loved Dylan's seemingly effortless rhymes and the energy of the songs. Over the last 25 years I've listened to this album countless times and it never grows old.
5
May 01 2024
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
There's a lot to like on this album. The beats are good, sample choices are a plus and you already know some of the songs. I guess that leaves LL himself. There's something a little too "teen heartthrob" about him that kept me from loving this. It's okay, and great at moments. Worth a listen.
3
May 02 2024
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Central Reservation
Beth Orton
Eh. It was fine.
2
May 03 2024
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Copper Blue
Sugar
Heck yeah! Other than Hoover Dam this album is nearly perfect. Hooks galore, loud guitars and that Bob Mould voice. If I Can't Change Your Mind was on so many of my mixtapes back in the day.
5
May 04 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
Just because all of these songs have gotten stuck in my head at one point doesn't mean I like this album.
3
May 05 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Not into this at all. This guys voice sucks, the songs are weak. Nope.
2
May 06 2024
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Better than I expected, but less silly hats and treadmills.
3
May 07 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
All of these songs, and not one of them is the hit single "Smooth" featuring Rob Thomas? Hard pass.
2
May 08 2024
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Transformer
Lou Reed
Vicious? Maybe, but there's a lot of soft shoeing and camp too. This album didn't make sense to me for many years, but I get it now, and it's excellent.
4
May 09 2024
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
No shame, this is great.
4
May 10 2024
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
God, this is boring.
2
May 11 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
2
May 12 2024
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
I found parts of this that I liked, but overall, I don't know if I quite got it. Still, I'm going to file this for some thing to listen to again in the future, as it was definitely some thing that caught my attention.
3
May 13 2024
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Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
Better than I expected for French hip-hop.
3
May 14 2024
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
There's something about S&G that I can't stand. But every 15th song or so hits me in the right way. This album isn't terrible, but I still hate most of it.
3
May 15 2024
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
I love early Waits (the drunken piano ballads era) the best, but sometimes the later stuff works for me. Other times it sounds like an ogre screaming as someone throws silverware on the floor. The stuff that sounds like Beefheart is the best, and there's some of that on here so I'm okay with this album.
3
May 16 2024
View Album
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Two days of Tom Waits? After this I think I'm going on a four-day bender and waking up next to my new exotic dancer bride in a cheap Tijuana motel with no money and someone else's boots.
4
May 17 2024
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Excellent album that I had not listened to before. Richard's singing in particular was a highlight for me.
4
May 18 2024
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2112
Rush
Much better than I thought it would be. Even the vocals were pretty okay.
Fuck, do I kind of like Rush??
4
May 19 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
This might be my favorite Kraftwerk album. It's certainly the darkest and most dystopian. Unfortunately, I can only play this when my wife isn't home since she calls it that "beep boop bullshit".
Well you married a guy who loves this beep boop bullshit, okay? Who's worse?
5
May 20 2024
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
I put this on and immediately hated it, thinking it sounded like a bad YouTube ASMR video. Also, I remembered when SPIN Magazine or someone tried to make them the "next Nirvana" in the 90s, as if instrumental math-rock was going to blow up and blast from every high schoolers' car stereo in America.
Then I left it on and forgot about it, only to find myself making guttural noises along with the instrumental sounds and tapping my steering wheel along with the drum beats. Okay, part of this is catchy.
By the end I was totally invested. It may not have blasted from this high schooler's car stereo in the mid-90s, but it was playing at a reasonable volume in my sensible truck almost 30 years later, and I was enjoying it.
4
May 21 2024
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
The single greatest live album of all time. From the introduction, the way that it builds, the way that Sam whips the crowd into a frenzy, the release on Somebody Have Mercy and the sheer peak of Bring It On Home To Me, followed by the slow cool down that ends with the celebration that is Having A Party.
In the words of Mr. Cooke himself, "I just can't quit you". His voice is raspy perfection, the best a soul singer has ever sounded on tape - a little raspy, tired, pleading, a little cocky and hopeful that it will all work out in the end. The band is loose but tight in all the right places. The crowd is vocal and you can hear their sweaty love for it all through the tape and 60 years of time.
A masterpiece.
5
May 22 2024
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
This was a surprising one. I can't say I didn't enjoy parts of it, but I don't think I fully get it.
3
May 23 2024
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
The best white guy blues record ever made. Fight me.
5
May 24 2024
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Yeah, can't get into this at all. So much scatting.
2
May 25 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I hate when I look forward to my album of the day and I get a total shitburger like this.
1
May 26 2024
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Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
Not my thing at all.
2
May 27 2024
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
Talentless, racist clown.
I agree with Angus Young that the only good thing he did was the Bluesbreakers album.
1
May 28 2024
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
It's Fats Domino, how could you not love this?
4
May 29 2024
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Moon Safari
Air
Good mood music with some catchy tracks. Not hating this at all.
3
May 30 2024
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Yes! This album reminds me of high school. Still love it.
4
May 31 2024
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
Quirky but not all that fun. The second half is better.
2
Jun 01 2024
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Great voice and great songs. I enjoyed this a lot.
4
Jun 02 2024
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
The best concept album about being an 80s fuckboy in London I've ever heard.
2
Jun 03 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
I kind of hate this album. It sounds empty and cheap in all of the worst ways.
2
Jun 04 2024
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This sounds like the Eagles if they were even more boring.
2
Jun 05 2024
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
Scottish pop perfection with a dose of grungy distortion. Teenage Fanclub are hard to beat and this may be my favorite album of theirs.
5
Jun 06 2024
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
Great album and great representation of the later-period Dylan sound. A bit repetitive at times, and something that deserves a deeper listening, but overall a pleasure of an LP.
4
Jun 07 2024
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
I always found Frank Black solo stuff to be like a more boring Pixies. This album is the best of the bunch, but still kinda boring.
3
Jun 08 2024
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
The only band that understood the assignment when it came to Unplugged. As essential as any of their studio albums.
5
Jun 09 2024
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
It's fine. I really wish I loved this, but it's just kind of whiney and boring.
3
Jun 10 2024
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Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
Really liking this. I get why they called him the African John Lee Hooker. Smoother, but just as hypnotic.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Such a beautiful album, and one of the few artists whose lyrics can actually be considered poetry.
5
Jun 12 2024
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Close To The Edge
Yes
Pompous, fantasy van music. The funny part is, I don't think nights flying dragon or aliens, floating through space would want to listen to the garbage. When it comes to Yes, I say no thanks.
2
Jun 13 2024
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
The beginning of the weird era for the Kinks. I love this run of albums, up to Muswell Hillbillies. Some great tracks on this one.
4
Jun 14 2024
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Nightswimming might be the best REM song, and the rest of this album is killer, albeit equally depressing. Not a bad thing, but you have to be in the mood for it for sure.
4
Jun 15 2024
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Abbey Road
Beatles
It's Abbey Road. Oh Darling fucks harder than your mom on a first date.
5
Jun 16 2024
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Every song sounds like a Frankensteined collection of other riffs. Which isn't to say it isn't enjoyable at times, but it's not exactly memorable or all that good.
2
Jun 17 2024
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
This rules. African blues with a hypnotic edge. Reminds me a lot of hill country Mississippi style blues.
4
Jun 18 2024
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Victoria is the greatest Kinks song of all time. I don't know how much I consider this a "concept" record, but I definitely love it. Essential mid-period Kinks.
5
Jun 19 2024
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
Couldn't get into this at all. Atmospheric and moody (even more so than many other 80s pop records) that just didn't draw me in.
2
Jun 20 2024
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Life Thru A Lens
Robbie Williams
This is actually great. Catchy, clever lyrics and much more well produced than I thought it would be. Shit, do I like this?
4
Jun 21 2024
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
This album is so fucking great. The concept was excellent, and the execution is flawless. I actually slightly prefer the second volume, but I'd listen to this any day.
5
Jun 22 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
I appreciate this album but I have never fully fallen in love with it. Son of a Preacher Man is a classic but the rest of the album just has a little too much pop schmaltz for my liking. Dusty's voice is stellar, I just wish these songs had more grit to them.
3
Jun 23 2024
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Fire Of Love
The Gun Club
This album is so close to being brilliant. I have lots of love for the Gun Club but there is something that has always bugged me about them that doesn't bother me in bands like the Cramps. I think it's the vocals, the more I listen to this album is particular. Still worth a listen, but not an all-time favorite for me.
3
Jun 24 2024
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
I wish there was a 3.5 star option. This album is great, and a lot of fun, but it just keeps going at the same speed the whole time. Which is totally punk rock, but I need a little variety in my old age.
3
Jun 25 2024
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1984
Van Halen
This is a fun album, as in, I can imagine the band having fun making it and drunken teens having fun listening to it. It is also an "important" album in the evolution of popular music - so says the critics. Is it a good album though? Is it?
2
Jun 26 2024
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Johnny at his most badass. The edgier counterpart to Folsom, the songs aren't as iconic, but he still has the audience in the palm of his hand. An excellent performance from a master.
4
Jun 27 2024
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
I have a hard time with a lot of jazz albums, but this one just owns it from start to finish. Everything about this album is excellent - from the rhythms to the sound of the recording and of course the songs themselves. I understand why this is a classic.
5
Jun 28 2024
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Am I in a bad mood or does this kinda suck?
2
Jun 29 2024
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!
Fuck yes. This album will brighten any day, and if you don't appreciate Bowie I don't want to know you.
5
Jun 30 2024
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Teen Dream
Beach House
This is fine. It's just so basic. Nothing outstanding or distinctive in my opinion.
2
Jul 01 2024
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
This sounds like Lemmy playing bass for a prog rock band. Which is exactly what this is. Parts of it rule (especially the bass) but some of it sucks.
3
Jul 02 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
I have probably heard songs from this album thousands of times. Blasting from shitty car stereos, sports stadiums and boomboxes. You have too. We all know these songs.
Either you like them or you don't. I'm on the side of liking them. I like their earlier, thrasher stuff better, but this still mostly kicks ass. It's hard to imagine this album NOT existing, so maybe that does mean it's essential?
5
Jul 03 2024
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Nope. I really hated everything about this album.
1
Jul 04 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
This sounds like "Happy Birthday" Marilyn Monroe fronting a made for TV ABBA with a little 90s alternative angst thrown in for good measure. Which means I don't necessarily HATE it, but I don't need to listen to it again.
3
Jul 05 2024
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Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Great voice, boring songs.
3
Jul 06 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
I crashed my car and ran home on pure adrenalin after putting this on. Fuck you, mom and dad!
5
Jul 07 2024
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
The beginning of folk rock and an absolutely wonderful album. That 12 string guitar (especially that riff on Tambourine Man) creates some of the most iconic guitar sounds to come out of the sixties, and the harmonies are incredible. Gene Clark does not get enough credit for his pop genius along with Crosby and McGuinn, and I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better is a near perfect song.
5
Jul 08 2024
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
I thought I'd like this more considering their obvious influences, but I found it boring and uninspired.
2
Jul 09 2024
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
So fun and odd. I love OutKast for their ability to add so much joy to their music, while adding a good deal of funk and groove to every track. I could listen to this all day.
4
Jul 10 2024
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Today I learned that the lyric isn't "and there's a road with a piss stained glove" so this album just lost at least a star.
3
Jul 11 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
The most enjoyable Paul Simon album besides Graceland. Fun and not as boring as some of his other stuff.
4
Jul 12 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
My second favorite Beatles album. You Won't See Me is perfect, as is I'm Looking Through You and that deep breath in Girl. What a great album.
5
Jul 13 2024
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Guero
Beck
A great, funky album from everyone's favorite Loser. In my opinion, this one falls into the winner camp.
4
Jul 14 2024
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
I almost turned this off about 30 seconds in and declared it total garbage, but I'm glad that I didn't. It is totally ridiculous, and may still be garbage, but I'm now enjoying it immensely with the same part of my brain that loves the Shaggs and certain Daniel Johnston songs. The musicianship is better than both, but the songs are totally stupid and amazing.
4
Jul 15 2024
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Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
This is okay. Nothing struck me as especially distinctive or unique. Electronica-flavored reggae that very much dates itself.
2
Jul 16 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
Overdramatic nonsense. I tried, I really did. I put this on with an open mind and listened to the whole thing. Terrible. Why do people like this band?
1
Jul 17 2024
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25
Adele
She has a wonderful voice. This album is hella boring.
2
Jul 18 2024
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Vulnicura
Björk
Another Bjork album. Still awful.
1
Jul 19 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Meandering and self-indulgent. I hated this slightly less than other Radiohead albums post OK Computer, but I would still never willingly listen to this for fun.
2
Jul 20 2024
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
This is fine for 90s electronica, which might be my least favorite genre.
2
Jul 21 2024
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Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
A total classic of pent up sexual frustration and swampy punk rockabilly. An absolute essential release, and one of my favorite albums of all time.
5
Jul 22 2024
View Album
Very
Pet Shop Boys
I have to admit that this is very catchy. Not something I'm usually into, but I admire the songwriting and approach.
4
Jul 23 2024
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Do you like filthy funk jams that seem like they will never end? Me too. Four stars.
4
Jul 24 2024
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Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
This shit is so plodding and boring. Every song is so fucking slow and whiny. Awful.
1
Jul 25 2024
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Scream, Dracula, Scream
Rocket From The Crypt
Great album. I don't love the production but the songs are top notch punk rock n roll. Definitely worth a listen.
4
Jul 26 2024
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
This album is fine. You know the hits and the rest is filler.
3
Jul 27 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Blowin' in the Wind might be the weakest song on this album, and that song is so iconic that I learned it in 3rd grade.
5
Jul 28 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
The album that opened my eyes to what else punk rock could be beyond fast and loud. So much to live on this album from elements of reggae, jazz, blues, rockabilly and early rock 'n roll that have nothing back in terms of ferocity from their earlier albums. They would never hit this mix as flawlessly again.
5
Jul 29 2024
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
What I always wished Bad Brains had started sounding more like rather than going the metal route. This album is fun, thought-provoking and catchy as hell. The Chili Peppers wish they sounded like this!
4
Jul 30 2024
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Harvest
Neil Young
The songs are great, but I still wish someone was singing them other than Neil Young.
3
Jul 31 2024
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The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
My favorite album featuring an electric jug. Essential psych rock from the Evil One himself, Roky Erickson. What a great scream and songs you'll find yourself humming for days.
5
Aug 01 2024
View Album
The Who Sell Out
The Who
My favorite album by the Who. I love everything about it - one foot in pop and another in this pseudo-psychedelic oddness that includes commercials, odd jingles, etc. along with pop masterpieces like "I Can See For Miles" and "Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand".
I'll take this over Who's Next any day.
5
Aug 02 2024
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The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
Beautiful. Really enjoyed it. Is that a xylophone?
4
Aug 03 2024
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
I can't. Not for me in the least.
2
Aug 04 2024
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Illmatic
Nas
One of the best hip hop albums of all time.
5
Aug 05 2024
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D
White Denim
Hey ma! Someone got shitty prog rock and jazz chords in my garage rock.
2
Aug 06 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Do you like the music from Peanuts but want to seem more cultured? This is the ticket - and that is not an insult whatsoever.
4
Aug 07 2024
View Album
Parachutes
Coldplay
I didn't hate this album the first 10,000 times that I heard it. But, unfortunately I worked at a record store when this came out, and we had the label reps calling daily to offer us prizes if we played it daily on the in-store system. This is where this album became my nemesis.
2
Aug 08 2024
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
LCD Soundsystem is the Wilco of electronic music. Meaning everyone has that uncle that's way too into them.
3
Aug 09 2024
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Beautiful, but totally fucking depressing. This makes Elliott Smith sound like the Spice Girls.
4
Aug 10 2024
View Album
Ten
Pearl Jam
I'm a 43 year old man, of course I love this album. Nirvana was always my favorite, but Pearl Jam was excellent as well, and this album combines the best of their songwriting with a love of 70s rock, sludge and a tiny bit of punk rock (surprisingly, they got punkier later). An essential album.
5
Aug 11 2024
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Weird sound bites and electronic soundscapes. Who listens to this shit?
2
Aug 12 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
I hate that this album is so great. I will separate the art from the artist and remember how I felt when this album came out. It was such a revelation and the songs were such a breath of fresh air. So sad what this guy became.
5
Aug 13 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
This might be my favorite MJ album, but it also makes me realize that maybe I don't like Michael Jackson solo all that much. Thriller is a great song, but I love the video more than the music. Everything else on here is either things I've heard a zillion times (which is no fault of this album) or just kind of 'eh'.
3
Aug 14 2024
View Album
Dust
Screaming Trees
This album is GREAT! I never listened to Screaming Trees as I always lumped them into that grunge also-ran category of downtuned grumblings, which I am not a fan of most of, but this album is tuneful, even poppy at times. Catchy and very fun to listen to. I'm a fan.
4
Aug 15 2024
View Album
Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
Strange, lo-fi pop blasts. 28 songs (and song fragments) in 41 glorious minutes. Dive the fuck in.
4
Aug 16 2024
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Tommy
The Who
The Who at their most pretentious and self indulgent. There are some decent songs on here, but I never actively choose to listen to this, and relistening to it now confirms I am correct in this decision.
2
Aug 17 2024
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
I don't dislike Dusty Springfield, and the songs are great, but sometimes she sounds like my grandmother singing the songs of her youth. This is a good example of this.
3
Aug 18 2024
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Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
An incredible introduction to old time, country and bluegrass music. This is a gateway to the original recordings (which you should definitely check out if you like this) and the studio interactions between the musicians are priceless as well. Essential.
5
Aug 19 2024
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Fun theatrical French pop. Not my usual first choice but I liked this a lot.
4
Aug 20 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Such beautiful songs. I'm not crying.
4
Aug 21 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
If this album was one disc it would be perfect, but as a two album set there is a good deal of filler. Still, filler from George Harrison is still better than most artists' best work. It's the only thing that stops me from giving this five stars though.
4
Aug 22 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
This is one of those albums that I hate that I love. I attribute most of it to the influence of Bernie Leadon, who adds most of the country elements, but Glenn Fred's vocals are also exceptional on this album. I also give Jackson Browne credit for the pop perfection that is "Take It Easy". Otherwise, fuck the Eagles. Except for Joe Walsh, I like that guy.
4
Aug 23 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
I don't even need to listen to this again (but I will), it's one of my favorite albums of all time. Love everything about it, even the mixing (love those low vocals in the mix for minimum Mick). Near perfect.
5
Aug 24 2024
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Boston
Boston
You've either heard one of the eight songs on the album a zillion times since childhood or you have never heard it because it is objectively terrible. Still, I can't help but have some nostalgic link to this steaming pile of music shit.
3
Aug 25 2024
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
Garbage vapid electro-indie pop. Who buys this shit?
1
Aug 26 2024
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Third
Soft Machine
I get it. I like noise. But how do you separate good noise from bad noise? I don't know, but this is not good noise. It's like 70s sitcom music with feedback and prog leanings. I hate it.
1
Aug 27 2024
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
It's fine. Totally serviceable British pop music.
3
Aug 28 2024
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Viva Hate
Morrissey
I saw Morrissey at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem once. At the entrance they were aggressively scanning each chubby middle-aged Otho from Beetlejuice lookalike for weapons when one security guard turned to the other and said "Hey man, why we gotta be doing all this with these bitches?"
3
Aug 29 2024
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
There's a reason you see so many copies of this album for cheap at Goodwills, flea markets and less discerning used record stores - it's complete garbage.
1
Aug 30 2024
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Blur
Blur
A fun album, and on the top of my list of my favorite Brit-pop albums (admittedly not a long list). I wouldn't death stare someone who put this on at a party.
4
Aug 31 2024
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Pompous and clodding. Not for me at all. Maybe if I was getting dressed for a Ren Faire or something.
2
Sep 01 2024
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A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Great proto-butt rock from Rod Stewart and company. I love the Faces singles more than any single LP, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be this one. Great guitars and the songs are excellent all around.
4
Sep 02 2024
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Protection
Massive Attack
This is the type of shit playing way too loud at some boutique you get dragged into with like 3 things for sale.
2
Sep 03 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
There are parts of this that are incredible, but it's all weighed down in this hippie-era slop of pretension and ego. Still, it's undeniable that there are some incredible songs on here.
3
Sep 04 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
I love the early Solomon Burke sides. His mix of deep soul, pop, blues and country is completely unique and this album is a perfect starting point for those looking to dive in.
5
Sep 05 2024
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Much better than I expected. Good screams and growls over odd music. Not bad.
3
Sep 06 2024
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
Saw these folks once live about 25 years ago. Put this on and realized I'm still good from that.
2
Sep 07 2024
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Hotel California
Eagles
The most offensive thing about this album is how fucking boring it is.
1
Sep 08 2024
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Not as perfect as the first album but still exceptionally accomplished and hella catchy.
4
Sep 09 2024
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
This album is the blueprint for so much of what I love. Gerry's vocals alone were enough to influence teenage me to shred my own vocal cords trying to replicate that scream. Basic, primal angst and aggression in its most suburban teenage form. What a band.
5
Sep 10 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
I can't say anything about this album that hasn't been said better before. Absolutely life changing for me and one of the greatest albums ever recorded.
5
Sep 11 2024
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
This album fucks.
3
Sep 12 2024
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Dog Man Star
Suede
In the UK they'd call this "bloody awful".
2
Sep 13 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Not my favorite Willie album by a long shot but still a great representation of the man's talent.
4
Sep 14 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
5
Sep 15 2024
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Bad
Michael Jackson
Better produced than his earlier solo albums. There are some great songs on here, but maybe I just don't love MJ all that much.
3
Sep 16 2024
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Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
First song: oh, I like this.
Fifth song: this first song is really long and boring.
2
Sep 17 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
I don't really love jazz, but this album is an exception. This is some classy shit from a pre-coked out Miles Davis.
4
Sep 18 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Great stuff. The musicianship is top notch, the songs are catchy and it kept my attention. Enjoyed this one a lot.
4
Sep 19 2024
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The Man Who
Travis
This album is all of the worst parts of Brit-pop combined. Awful.
1
Sep 20 2024
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
Wash your hair and stop with all the whining already.
1
Sep 21 2024
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Second only to "What's Going On" as Marvin Gaye's 70s masterpiece. Essential.
5
Sep 22 2024
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
Better than I expected from a Jack White solo album. Still, a little too self-absorbed and unfocused for my tastes. Dude can write a great song, someone just needs to stop him before he covers it in bad ideas.
3
Sep 23 2024
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
An essential album of my teenage (riot) years. It could stand to be a tiny bit shorter, but no other complaints. I love every atunal, feedback-ridden rock dork note of it.
5
Sep 24 2024
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Great album, and more than just reggae. Some great elements of rocksteady, soul, folk and even prog. It's hard to say Marley is underrated, but his albums as a cohesive listening experience might be.
4
Sep 25 2024
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White Ladder
David Gray
I listened to this. No thank you.
2
Sep 26 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Revolutionary in approach and songwriting. Some of this hasn't aged perfectly, and there is some schmaltz, but still an amazing achievement and lots of fun to listen to.
4
Sep 27 2024
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Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
I was in a great mood this morning. It took about 5 minutes of this shitbrick of an album to change that. I loathe this with the passion of 1,000 suns.
1
Sep 28 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I love this album, from its punk energy to its country rock roots. Elvis's voice was fully formed from the start and the songs are all singalong bangers (even Alison, which is way overplayed on classic rock radio).
5
Sep 29 2024
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
Good background working music. No complaints, but nothing stood out.
3
Sep 30 2024
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21
Adele
This is fine.
3
Oct 03 2024
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Great late period Muddy Waters, with a killer backing band. Proof that he had it right up to the end.
5
Oct 04 2024
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Pink Flag
Wire
One of my favorite albums of all time. Their rules of negative self-definition from 1977 that formed the basic framework of the band said it best: No solos; no decoration; when the words run out, it stops; we don't chorus out; no rocking out; keep it to the point; no Americanisms.
5
Oct 05 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
I once saw Snoop live and he had people come out with money guns and shoot cash into the crowd.
4