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Wed Dec 13 2023
So
Peter Gabriel
This album starts off strong with two great tracks. I still have a fondness for “Sledgehammer” because of the music video. The rest of the album has some great production value. The drums and synths really do it for me. But I doubt I’d ever want to listen to the full album again. “This is the Picture (Excellent Birds)” is aggressively awful. 2.5/5
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Thu Dec 14 2023
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
The only Blacksploitation film I’ve seen is Shaft. The songs on this album seem to be overtly commenting about the actions happening on-screen. At least I assume. But this album rips! Super funky sound. I love those horns. And it’s capped off by the sweet voice of Curtis Mayfield. I’ve found a new favorite album. 4.5/5
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Fri Dec 15 2023
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Apparently I’m a bigger fan of funk than I thought. No skips at all on this. Just infectiously upbeat rhythms and melodies. My only minor nitpick, which is what prevents this getting a perfect score, is that two or three tracks tack on an extra few seconds of random noodling that I could do without. 4.5/5
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Sat Dec 16 2023
Rubber Soul
Beatles
Love The Beatles. But this isn’t my favourite record of theirs. As a bit of a nitpick I think the order of songs is weird. There’s not a good flow to this. Still there are some of my all time favourite songs on this. “Norwegian Wood,” “Nowhere Man,” and “In My Life” are my personal high spots on the album. 3.5/5
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Sat Dec 16 2023
A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Some all time classic songs on this. But there are just as many, if not more, that are just ok. A pleasant listen that I’ll probably come back to. But I’ll skip around to hear the highlights like “You Don’t Own Me,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” or “Wishin’ and Hopin’.” 3.5/5
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Sun Dec 17 2023
Tommy
The Who
As a lover of musicals I’m prone to like this. Which I do! While none of the individual songs outside of “Overture” and “Pinball Wizard” I have a desire to listen to on their own I can’t deny being swept up in the rock opera when listening to the full thing. The movie is wild too. 4/5
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Mon Dec 18 2023
The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
I fell in love with this album when it was first released. I still groove with these Scottish musicians. I understand the criticism that it begins to “sound the same” after a while. But I like the sound and never get bored with it. “Recover” and “By the Throat” are my two favourite tracks. 4.5/5
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Tue Dec 19 2023
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
One of my biases is that I’m just not a big fan of heavy rock or metal. That being said I can get behind Robert Plant’s unique voice, and Led Zeppelin is a band I can like in short burst. While “Kashmir” is undeniably a great song the rest of the album is only so-so. I saw another reviewer say that this is an 8 song record forced to be 15 and I wholeheartedly agree. It’s diminishing returns past the halfway point. 3/5
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Wed Dec 20 2023
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
I really enjoyed my time with this album. I could see myself listening to the abridged version more where they remove all the filler tracks of Duke and the MC talking. The music is fantastic. This is really my first time sitting and listening to Duke Ellington and I want more. However the full record, at nearly 2 hours, is almost too much of a good thing. 4/5
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Thu Dec 21 2023
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
This is probably going to come across way meaner than I intend. But this was generic jazz tunes without any passion. They’re performed competently but without urgency. I’ve heard Judy Garland, and other artists, perform these songs and I become emotional due to her performance. This elicited nothing from me. Ray Charles could do that with other songs that I’ve heard. This was a dud. 2/5
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Fri Dec 22 2023
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I can totally understand why someone would find this insufferable. The vocals and instrumentation are very much of a time. But it’s completely and totally my jam. I love the grungy sound, the whiny vocals, and the aggressive posturing. Plus I think the lyrics are great on both a thematic and technical level. 5/5
5
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Sat Dec 23 2023
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
I’m trying my best to embrace hip hop more. My brain is so geared to enjoy melody that when music prioritizes rhythm I tend to become bored very quickly. There’s still some fun to be had here. This comes across as a goofy concept album complete with samples from Liberace and random French speakers. I liked some of the tracks. But overall I thought this was just ok. 3/5
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Sun Dec 24 2023
So Much For The City
The Thrills
This was pretty disappointing. Nothing about this record feels authentic. Maybe I’m projecting, but an Irish band affecting a Southern US accent and wistful recollections of travelling there comes across as try hard. The music is fine, but not exceptional. The presentation continually pushed me away. No individual song was a standout. I’ll never listen to any of this again. 1.5/5
1
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Mon Dec 25 2023
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
I love Waylon Jennings’ voice. This is the type of country I enjoy. Most present era pop country is just not my thing. But this harkens back to when country music could have an edge. However, I don’t think there are many standout tunes. This is a pleasant listen but also one I’ll forget about in a few hours. Nothing urges me to return. 3/5
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Tue Dec 26 2023
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Certainly a festive selection to listen to today! But this is a weird one. Will I ever consciously return to this album? No. Is it a decent recording of Christmas songs? Sure. It does the job it sets out to do. But I’m not amazed at the production. 2.5/5
2
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Wed Dec 27 2023
The Man Who
Travis
It’s just so lethargic for the entire runtime. Every track ends up sounding the same. There’s a reality where I could see myself listening to this while relaxing knowing that there will be nothing interesting happening musically. Mostly I was bored while listening to this. There’s some talent on display but nothing that I’d want to return to. It didn’t help that my autoplay had a Keane track and then a Radiohead track after the album was finished. That feels like what they’re attempting but failing at. 2/5
2
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Thu Dec 28 2023
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
It’s been a while since I listened to this album in full. While not one of my all time favourites I still find it solid. There’s a few great songs. It definitely laid the groundwork for the alternative rock I still find pleasure in today. Totally agree that a couple of the songs can come across as noise. But overall this album keeps my interest while I groove out. 4/5
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Fri Dec 29 2023
Pornography
The Cure
My guess is that in further listening this will be rated higher by me. However, on the first experience, while I enjoyed this quite a bit there were no standout songs. I love The Cure and Joy Division but I admit I’m not a deep fan who knows their entire catalogue and B-sides. I just know the hits. So that’s a long way of saying I enjoyed this a lot but I’m not in love with it. At least not yet. But I will be returning to it. Especially when I’m in need of existential dread. 3.5/5
3
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Sat Dec 30 2023
Music From Big Pink
The Band
I don’t really “get” The Band. I understand how influential they are and how much they were respected in the industry but they’ve never done anything for me emotionally. I’ve listened to a bunch of their song and I’ve seen The Last Waltz. Still nothing. I enjoy “The Weight” and some of the instrumentation in other tracks. That’s about it. 2/5
2
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Sun Dec 31 2023
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Currently the average rating for this album is 2.97. So I enjoy this WAAAAY more than the average. I think this is the perfect rock record. It has great songs and doesn’t overstay its welcome. There are different kinds of tunes so there’s a good flow to the whole thing. I’m a fan of Elvis Costello generally. I’d never listened to this before but so glad I did as I’ve just found a new favourite. 5/5
5
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Mon Jan 01 2024
Arise
Sepultura
I’m just not a metal guy. It makes me feel angry rather than allows me to release anger. So I can certainly understand how this band is musically proficient. The drums and bass are crazy. But I can’t get over how I want to turn this off after 10 seconds. I still listened to the whole thing, but this is very much not my tempo. 2/5
2
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Tue Jan 02 2024
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I love this album. So many songs are among my favorite rocks songs. Totally get that Jack White’s voice is not for everyone. But for me he hits the exact right notes. This is just a great rock record. My only minor criticism is I think that it’s one or two songs too long. 4.5/5
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Wed Jan 03 2024
The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
I had no idea who these people were. It made me research Astor Piazzolla and his studio stuff feels very cinematic and odd. I wouldn’t be surprised if Danny Elfman was inspired by him. While I don’t think the live aspect improves this there are a couple of tracks that I love. I can see this is a divisive record, but as a guy who loves listening to movie scores this was a treat. 4/5
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Thu Jan 04 2024
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Really solid record. Listened to it twice in a row. While I can’t say there was a standout song, the album washes over you. Love the stripped down nature of it. I’ll probably revisit this in the future. 3.5/5
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Fri Jan 05 2024
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
Some solid tunes. I tend to like Merle Haggard but this didn’t leap out as one of his best albums. Maybe his singles were just better. Not terrible but definitely not something I’ll be returning to soon. 3/5
3
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Sat Jan 06 2024
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I’m of the right age that this album came out as I was entering university. I understand that this is important to so many people. But I never liked it. I don’t like good metal music let alone substandard versions of it. 2/5
2
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Sun Jan 07 2024
Sunshine Superman
Donovan
Granted I find a lot of these songs generic. But the title song and “Season of the Witch” are so strong that I have to give it an extra star. 3/5
3
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Mon Jan 08 2024
Celebrity Skin
Hole
I think my peer group did a disservice to Hole because I was always under the impression they sucked. But this rocked! Loved the production, and instrumentation, and the vocals. It’s lyrically pretty good too. Sad I’ve missed out on this for so long. 4.5/5
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Tue Jan 09 2024
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
I think the majority of this album is great. The music is complex, the lyrics insightful, the production stellar. It can occasionally get too juvenile for me. I also think it’s a couple if tracks too long. But I always love listening to this. 4.5/5
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Night Life
Ray Price
Solid country record. I think the song “Night Life” is great. But I also think that’s the only standout. Not a terrible listening experience. But I’m not so sure it’s an essential one. 3/5
3
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Kenya
Machito
There’s some great jazz tunes on this. I enjoyed learning more about Machito. Weirdly, and this doesn’t happen very often, I found the tracks too short. I kept wanting them to be longer so that I could fall into the groove. But just as I was loving them the song would end. 3.5/5
3
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Fri Jan 12 2024
Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
There’s a rawness that I enjoyed about this. The original songs are good. I can see now this would evolve into the punk scene. But the covers, which is what most of this album is, range from underwhelming to terrible. 2/5
2
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Sat Jan 13 2024
Bad
Michael Jackson
There’s three absolute bangers on this. But like other Michael Jackson albums there’s at least one that’s godawful. (For me that’s Liberian Girl.) The rest of the album is fun. But those great songs are phenomenal. 3.5/5
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Sun Jan 14 2024
Tapestry
Carole King
A solid album featuring some of the greatest songs. I really love a lot of Carole King’s body of work. But I have to admit that as an album I get a bit bored by the end. 3.5/5
3
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Mon Jan 15 2024
Dookie
Green Day
I’m exactly the right age for this to hit a lot of my nostalgia centres. However, while I love Billie Joe Armstrong’s voice and there are a handful of songs that are among my favorites, there are a bunch of tracks that just kinda sound the same. That last track is awful. Still had fun revisiting this, though. 3.5/5
3
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Tue Jan 16 2024
OK Computer
Radiohead
I’m not going to say anything new about this album. If you don’t like whiny voices you’re going to bounce off of this really quickly. But for me it hits right to my core. Coupled with the production and orchestrations this becomes one of my favorite albums. 5/5
5
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Wed Jan 17 2024
Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
I love Loretta Lynn’s voice. But this doesn’t feel like one of her essential records. A pleasant enough listen. I doubt I listen to any of these again. 2.5/5
2
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Thu Jan 18 2024
The United States Of America
The United States Of America
I went on quite a journey with this album. At first I hated it. Then there was a run of songs I found enjoyable. Then I hated it again. I probably need to relisten at some point but for now I’m rating it 2.5/5
2
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Fri Jan 19 2024
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Totally understand the importance of this. There are some good hooks. But this is just not my kind of genre. It was a bit of a chore to get through. Especially due to the lyrics. 2/5
2
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Sat Jan 20 2024
The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
What can I say? I mostly live The Velvet Underground. Until they get too bizarre and screechy. That only really happens once on this album. Otherwise this is mostly filled with bangers. 4.5/5
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Sun Jan 21 2024
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
May need to give this another listen. I honestly can’t say I hated this. It does feel like a bunch of theatre kids made a rock band replete with jazz flute. I can see why some would absolutely loathe this. To be honest I should love this but was only slightly amused by it. It’s possible it’ll grow on me over time. 3/5
3
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Mon Jan 22 2024
The Score
Fugees
Really liked listening to this. I expect the score could rise after relistens. Lauryn Hill’s voice is gorgeous. The production is great. The beats and samples perfect. Wish the skits were on their own tracks. Often they ruin songs. 4/5
4
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Tue Jan 23 2024
It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Really enjoyed this. Haven’t delved too far into this band before. But it make download the album. Just some fun indie tunes. 4/5
4
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Wed Jan 24 2024
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
While not as dreadful as I was led to believe I also didn’t enjoy listening to this. Occasionally I found something musically interesting. But that was soon followed up by annoying noises. 2/5
2
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
I love this. I know Chicago tangentially through some of their bigger hits and especially when they became a far more commercial band. But this debut is great! Kinda a jazz infusion with a wicked lead vocalist and a killer guitarist. It’s a shame that the track “Free Form Guitar” exists because it’s truly awful to listen to. 4.5/5
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Fri Jan 26 2024
Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Solid album. Reggae isn’t always my jam, but Bob Marley is always Jamin’ for me. 4/5
4
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Sat Jan 27 2024
Debut
Björk
Another artist where I was convinced by other people that they were bad. I loved this! Bjork’s ethereal voice mixed with banging music is a recipe for greatness. I’ve found a new favorite. 5/5
5
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Sun Jan 28 2024
The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Listen. I love George Gershwin. (Ira Gershwin is hit or miss with lyrics.) Ella Fitzgerald has a beautiful voice. But there’s no reason why this should be on the list. It’s a box set. It’s way too long. And many of the songs use a tempo that’s far too slow for my taste. Only a handful are what I’d considered great. 2.5/5
2
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
I was pretty underwhelmed by this. I’m not the most knowledgeable of Springsteen outside his major hits. This seemed far more down tempo than what I’m used to. And none of the tracks really grabbed me. The production and vocals pulled me through. I’m gong to give another listen soon to see if I’m just having a bad day. Not for now this just seemed like mostly filler. 3/5
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Tue Jan 30 2024
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
I would love to be a contrarian. But I must be the stereotypical white guy who loves this album. I wasn’t even alive in the 70s for this to be a nostalgic record. It’s just undeniably great and is one of the few albums that I enjoy listening start to finish rather than skipping to the good stuff. It’s all good stuff. 5/5
5
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Was only able to listen to this once today. There were some good parts but nothing truly grabbed me. I do like a lot of other Neil Young music. So maybe this one will grow on me. 3/5
3
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Thu Feb 01 2024
Take Me Apart
Kelela
Not really my thing. Kelela’s voice is beautiful. The music is only interesting a couple of times. Otherwise it’s just repetitive drum loops and I get bored. 2.5/5
2
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Fri Feb 02 2024
In Rainbows
Radiohead
I guess I’m turning into a Radiohead freak. I can’t say there’s a bad song on this. Such a great album to just vibe to. 5/5
5
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Sat Feb 03 2024
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
For sure there are three songs on this that have seeped into the popular culture. It kinda needs to be on the list. But this is aggressively not my thing. I tried convincing myself for years that I liked it. But I don’t. Plus, I don’t know if I’m alone in this, but this music sounds like completely uncool people trying to be cool. I guess it worked. But beyond having to hear these songs in every grocery store for the rest of my life I won’t seek them out. 2/5
2
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Sun Feb 04 2024
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Extremely not my cup of tea. Maybe had this artist gone on to do other albums there would have been a novelty with their freshman effort. A couple of melodies are fine. But he mostly mumbles incoherent lyrics with the urgency of someone who knows they only have access to the recording studio for two hours. Anyway I didn’t like this and won’t revisit it. 1/5
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Previously I got Physical Grafitti from Led Zeppelin which outside of the one great song I found seriously lacking. This on the other hand is full of almost all bangers. With the exception of “The Battle of Evermore” all of these songs are good to masterpieces. But that one song prevents it from getting a perfect score. 4.5/5
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Tue Feb 06 2024
Mothership Connection
Parliament
One of the great things about going through this list is discovering things about yourself. I had no idea I was such a lover of funk. But I am! This album is great. Just groovy beats to vibe out to. Plus it features one of the best songs of all time. An easy 5/5
5
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Wed Feb 07 2024
Live At Leeds
The Who
Perfectly fine. If you love The Who I’m sure this hits deeply. I can enjoy two or three of their songs before I need some variety. Not sure if this is an essential live album. Anyway I wouldn’t be mad if somebody played this but I won’t ever choose to listen to it again. 2.5/5
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Solid. But another album I can’t see myself ever going back to. I also am starting to see that a live album has to do a lot for me to like it more than a studio album. Most of the time I prefer to listen to something where the crowd isn’t interrupting the performance. Anyway, King is very good. This just didn’t blow me away. 3/5
2
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Fri Feb 09 2024
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
This is what I love about this project. I never would have come across this unless it was forced upon me. But I loved it. I listened to it three times today. Sometimes haunting, then bizarre, but always interesting. There’s only a couple of boring parts. Can’t wait to revisit! 4.5/5
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Sat Feb 10 2024
Synchronicity
The Police
The second half of this album is great. However the first half is filled with forgettable tunes and what even is “Mother” trying to be? The good is very good but the bad is head scratching. 3.5/5
3
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Sun Feb 11 2024
Roxy Music
Roxy Music
Another great find because of this challenge. Every song grew on me on the second listen. Really enjoyed the production behind this. Looking forward to hearing more from Roxy Music. 4.5/5
4
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s voice is beautiful. But after the first banger of a song it’s just variations on a (not that impressive) theme. He’s horny and wants sex. That’s about it. Still love “Let’s Get It On” but I will never listen to these other songs let alone the album. 2/5
2
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Tue Feb 13 2024
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
I had two Marvin Gaye albums in a row. This one suffers from the same issue I had with his other album. This first song is awesome and then the rest of the album is forgettable. This has the slight edge because I think there’s two other songs that are good. But the highlight is the first track. 3/5
3
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Heroes to Zeros
The Beta Band
Was only able to listen to once today. I was intrigued but not blown away. Need to revisit to know for sure. But cool to be introduced to a band I’ve never heard of. 3/5
3
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
The first half I was on board with. Then the second half just felt like a repeat and I became bored. 2.5/5
2
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Fri Feb 16 2024
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
I only discovered that I love Talking Heads in the last couple of years. This is a very good album. Listening this time proved that the first half is killer. And the second half is just good. Therefore it just misses the perfect rating. 4.5/5
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Sat Feb 17 2024
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Really loved this album. The voice, the production, and the lyrics. Except that last song stinks. I actually turned up my nose at it. 4.5/5
4
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Sun Feb 18 2024
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Not really my thing. There’s some ok tunes. But nothing I’d intentionally seek out to listen to again. 2.5/5
2
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Mon Feb 19 2024
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
I wouldn’t call myself a huge Beastie Boys fan. I’ve heard a handful of their songs and enjoyed some. This is the first time I’ve listened to one of their albums in full. I liked it! 4/5
4
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Tue Feb 20 2024
Who's Next
The Who
I keep feeling that I should love The Who. Most of the time I just have a grudging respect. I don’t know why. This opens and closes with a banger. The rest of the album is solid. I will never choose to sit down and listen to The Who. 3.5/5
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
There was a moment in my life that I really liked the Sex Pistols. Their style and attitude were attractive to a jaded teen. Now I can’t get past their corny lyrics. The attitude still works, but far better punk bands have come along since this made waves. 2.5/5
2
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Thu Feb 22 2024
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Really liked this. I know some find Neil’s voice grating but I’m not one of them. There’s a few bangers on this record. I can see myself returning to this. 4.5/5
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Fri Feb 23 2024
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
I’ve enjoyed the occasional Grateful Dead song. But they feel so much like background music. Nothing urges me to relisten to them. And I certainly won’t be coming back to this. But also it isn’t really bad. It just kinda exists. 2.5/5
2
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Sat Feb 24 2024
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
I stumbled across The Stone Roses when I noticed them on the Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Best Albums of all time. This is the first time I actually listened to the full album and really enjoyed it! It feels like the lyrics of the 60s matched with the instrumentation of the 80s. So it was great! 4/5
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Sun Feb 25 2024
Calenture
The Triffids
Pop music isn’t exactly known for its lyrics but that can be hidden behind hooks and infectious melodies. This band brings the lyrics front and centre but they’re dopey and sometimes overwrought. The music is fine. But I’m never coming back to this. 2/5
2
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
I’ve always regarded this band as a joke who only were able to be a one hit wonder. While I wasn’t blown away by this album there was a lot of the production elements I loved. The changing of the radio stations on the first track, the instrumental interludes, and the use of horns. Only able to listen to it once all the way through. But I think I’ll return to this. 3/5
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Tue Feb 27 2024
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
I’m a Beatles fan. Sue me. So listenable with a bunch of their best songs. Of course I’m giving it a 5/5
5
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Wed Feb 28 2024
School's Out
Alice Cooper
The musical theatre flair should thrill me more than it does. (I mean he samples West Side Story for goodness sake!!) But outside the title track I don’t find much to be enthusiastic about. Mostly it’s a fine rock record if not a little bland. 3/5
3
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Gris Gris
Dr. John
A wild album. I love Dr John’s voice but a few times I thought the record just meandered around. I did end up enjoying it. But another listen will confirm whether I love it or not. 3/5
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Had never heard of this album or group in my life. Was entranced by the whole thing. It becomes unwieldy by the end and almost went off the rails. But I enjoyed it. A few more listens may convince me this is a masterpiece. 4.5/4
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Sat Mar 02 2024
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Except for the one song that became a hit this was mostly a waste of my time. 2/5
2
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Sun Mar 03 2024
Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
There were individual moments that I liked. But no single song made me want to return to this. Completely fine. 3/5
3
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Casanova
The Divine Comedy
Wanted to give this a second listen today but ran out of time. I’m in the minority based on the average rating. I loved this! It’s weird, funny, and always musically interesting. Will definitely be revisiting this. 4/5
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Tue Mar 05 2024
I Should Coco
Supergrass
Energetic raucous rock record. I recognized one song but all the others were new. Never knew the name of the band. I’m a new fan. 5/5
5
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Wed Mar 06 2024
Blur
Blur
Song 2 is a banger. But everything else is so bland on this album. This is definitely one of those bands I “don’t get.” Sorry. 2/5
2
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Not the hugest hip hop fan. I know how important this is. There’s some fun tunes. But there is a corniness that’s inescapable from early hip hop. 3/5
3
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Fri Mar 08 2024
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Kind of disappointed in this one. I normally love The Kinks! But this early album doesn’t feature much of what would make them great. Too cutesy and generic pop for me. 2.5/5
2
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Sat Mar 09 2024
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
I like “Highway to Hell” and I enjoy a couple of the other songs. But mostly this falls into the category of music that is ultra masculine that I can engage with for a couple of tracks and then become increasingly tired with. I don’t think it’s garbage but the aggressiveness drives me away. 2.5/5
2
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Sun Mar 10 2024
Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Solid album with a unique history. I can see myself returning to this. Enjoyed the variety of voices heard on the record. 4/5
4
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Mon Mar 11 2024
All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
I’m not the U2 hater that many seem to be. A couple of the songs on this album are quite formative for me as they mark the time I left high school for university. Though released pre 9/11 they would become mega hits post 9/11. So there’s a lot of history here. However, after revisiting this with the exception of the first two songs (which I still say are good) this becomes a bit of a slog to get through. 2/5
2
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
I think this is the first time I’ve ever listened to a full album from The Rolling Stones. I certainly know their hits. But this was far more country and blues focused than I was expecting. I dug it. It was a busy day so I could only listen once. But I’ll be back to listen to it again. 4/5
4
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Wed Mar 13 2024
When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
I don’t know. I actually liked the first song and thought I was discovering a hidden gem. But the more it went in the more I wanted it to stop. 2/5
2
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Odelay
Beck
Call me a hater because I didn’t like this at all. I’m even the right age for this to be a seminal work. But I never “got” Beck. I enjoy weird. But this is mostly nonsensical. It feels like I’m being trolled the entire time listening to it. I look forward to never doing so again. 1/5
1
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
I’m starting to suspect that for many of the renowned 60s musicians I’m going to remain impressed at their impact but not necessarily love their work. This has sick guitar riffs. A couple of songs are great. But I’m never going to intentionally listen to the full album ever again. 3/5
3
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Sat Mar 16 2024
Marquee Moon
Television
I guess I just love whiny men who sing. Everyone has a type I suppose. Anyway all of this is entirely my jam. Love it from start to finish. Can’t wait to listen again. 5/5
5
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Sun Mar 17 2024
Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Really enjoyed this even though some songs felt like they were from an entirely different genre. Unlike the last Kinks album I was given this felt more like the band I love. Ending an album with Waterloo Sunset automatically makes it good. 4/5
4
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Mon Mar 18 2024
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
I’m discovering that I have little patience for psychedelic music. I didn’t enjoy any of this. I could barely finish it. Yes there’s some interesting instrumentation. But I’m never listening to this again. 1.5/5
1
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
I know it’s controversial now because of Morrissey’s words and actions. But I love The Smiths. This is no exception. However this isn’t my favourite album of theirs. Still solid. I can groove to it. But it doesn’t feature what I consider their absolute best. I still love it, though. 4/5
4
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
I had a good time with this! I have no frame of reference of how this compares to other Cuban music. Or even other Spanish artists. But I was never bored. Just a solid record that I’ll probably return to. And my score will probably climb. 3.5/5
3
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Thu Mar 21 2024
90
808 State
As I type this the average rating for this album is 2.9. I done know why! I loved this. Great rhythms and melodies. The orchestration, such as it is, is wonderful. Maybe I’m just an electronic guy. The more I spend with this it could creep up to be a perfect 5 but for now it’s 4.5/5
4
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Scum
Napalm Death
Completely not my thing. I wish I could like this kind of music. But every fiber of my being rejects it. I can hear the talent in some of the playing. However this makes me angry. I get angrier the longer I listen. There’s no catharsis for me. This completely ruined my day. 1/5
1
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Sat Mar 23 2024
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
It’s an ok record filled with covers of great songs. There are a few that have a unique orchestration that makes this a non-typical collection. It’s a reinterpretation of many of these songs. All that being said the back half started boring me because I’d rather listen to the originals. 3/5
3
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Sun Mar 24 2024
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I’ve only tangentially known about Nick Cave and now I need to listen to his whole discography. I loved this! Moody, poetic, and musically dense. Can’t wait to listen again. 5/5
5
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
You wouldn’t think the two halves would work together. But I totally think they do! Just a great collection of songs that range in complexity and danceability. 5/5
5
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
I quite enjoy Marty Robbin’s’ voice. The entire album is pleasant although never veering into greatness. I love the song “El Paso” but only two other songs come close to it. It’s fine. Wouldn’t mind listening again but I’m not going to rush to so. 3/5
3
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Wed Mar 27 2024
The Cars
The Cars
Had no idea I was this much of a Cars fan. Nor would I have guessed they released this in the 70s. Just some great rock with some punk attitude. 5/5
5
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
Perfectly fine for the most part. But I guess I couldn’t get a wrangle on what made it great. As an outsider it felt like one long song stretched across the entire record. Nothing was specifically bad but I can’t see myself ever listening again. 2.5/5
2
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Fri Mar 29 2024
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Just hippie bullshit. I can’t stand this kind of stuff. Like kids pretending to be a rock band. 1/5
1
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Sat Mar 30 2024
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
“Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion” are great. But the rest of this album is disjointed and, in parts, completely unlistenable. Stick with the two hits and ditch the rest. 2/5
2
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Sun Mar 31 2024
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
I enjoy later Stones’ records. I don’t feel they had their harder edge yet on this first record. You can certainly hear the Blues influence. But they also feel too beholden to older pop music that just feels cheesy. 2.5/5
2
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Mon Apr 01 2024
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Solid record but not at the level as some of other Costello’s work. Only a couple standout songs. 3.5/5
3
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
This one didn’t grab me like the other Radiohead albums. I still grooved to it. But there didn’t seem to be any standout songs. It was more of a sound bath. Will have to return to see if anything jumps out for me on a second listen. 4/5
4
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
This was a blast to listen to! I didn’t thing I knew The Go-Go’s but it turns out a handful of the songs I was familiar with. From top to bottom this is all killer stuff. Can’t wait to dive in again. 5/5
5
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Closer
Joy Division
I love so many Joy Division songs. But I was a little let down by this one. Nothing really hooked me. And the first song I thought was kinda bad. There’s still a couple of standouts. But this is something I’ll have to return to and see if it rises in my estimation. 3.5/5
3
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Fri Apr 05 2024
The Stooges
The Stooges
For some reason what I’ve discovered is that I’m not much for the 60s sound unless it’s The Beatles. This was ok but once again I’ll never choose to listen again except for one or two tracks. But there’s nothing overtly bad either. 3/5
3
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Sat Apr 06 2024
1999
Prince
I’m a Prince guy. Love his sound and his eccentricities. This is great beginning to end. Good grooves and catchy hooks. Will be listening forever. 5/5
5
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Sun Apr 07 2024
Viva Hate
Morrissey
I wish I could unabashedly love Morrissey. But outside of his music he makes it so hard. Anyway, this is essentially my catnip. I like his vocals and ethereal instrumentation. It’s mostly a home run, but might have a couple of songs that could’ve been cut. 4/5
4
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
I kinda liked the first few songs. My bias against most 60s bands was melting. Then it devolved into mostly forgettable tunes. But nothing overtly terrible. Might need to revisit at some point. 3/5
3
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Tue Apr 09 2024
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Solid live set. Loved the interplay amongst the band mates. Even though was the exact right age to be obsessed with Nirvana I never was. I’ve begun to warm to them over the years. I could see myself returning to this. 4/5
4
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Wed Apr 10 2024
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
While the rest of the album is ok to very good, the crowning achievement is the 17 minute long titular masterpiece. Call me basic but I love all of it. 4/5
4
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Thu Apr 11 2024
The Rise & Fall
Madness
I’m such sucker for horns and music that feels like a small orchestra is playing it. I had a lot of fun listening to this. Weirdly it’s hard to find streaming. So I had to suffer through a bunch of ads while listening on YouTube. The first two thirds are pretty great and then it loses a bit of its lustre. 3.5/5
3
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
Another album where the average rating is far too low in my opinion. Apparently I love the electronic industrial stuff far more than most. And I didn’t think I did! Anyway I listened to this twice through on my drive today just drifting along to the music. It’s very good! 4/5
4
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Sat Apr 13 2024
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
I’ve actually never listened to Iron Maiden but know the name. Was expecting a much harder sound. So there was stuff to like even if it wasn’t completely jam. 3/5
3
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Sun Apr 14 2024
Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
I just love this kind of whiny white boy music. Especially from the 80s. Will be listening to this over and over. 4.5/5
4
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Mon Apr 15 2024
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
I’ve heard one song from Kacey Musgraves before this which I thought was fine. But I loved this! Beautiful melodies, quality songwriting, and a collection of tunes that fit nicely together. A perfect album. 5/5
5
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Tue Apr 16 2024
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Slightly better than the other Iron Maiden album I listened to (only two days ago!) I like this one marginally better. And I could actually see myself listening to this again. For some reason this reminded me a lot of Spinal Tap. The lyrics aren’t as funny but there does seem to be the same level of irreverence. 3.5/5
3
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Wed Apr 17 2024
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I’ve liked a lot of Gorillaz’s songs in the past and was sure I was going to love it. Except for “Clint Eastwood” and a couple of other times this was mostly just fine. I don’t think I’d really ever re-listen to the full album again. 3/5
3
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
This was a weird one. I liked a lot of the music and could see myself vibing with it. But I couldn’t stand the vocals. They ruined the song almost every time. 2.5/5
2
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
I know this is highly regarded. But except for a couple of songs this didn’t vibe with me at all. Not that it was bad. A lot of the lyrics, music, and production I can recognize are good to great. I just was never moved by it. 3/5
3
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Fri Apr 26 2024
London Calling
The Clash
Just perfect from start to end. It’s an album I’m very familiar with. But each time I think there might be a lull it’s just another great song. One of the best! 5/5
5
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Sat Apr 27 2024
The Clash
The Clash
Two Clash albums back to back. Not a bad week. Maybe it’s because London Calling is perfect that this felt a bit lesser than. It’s not bad. There’s some great tunes. But it’s no London Calling. 4/5
4
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Sun Apr 28 2024
You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
This is just Old Man Yells at Cloud: The Album. 2/5
2
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I think Kate Bush is mostly an artist you either love or hate. I’m on the love side. Does every little choice completely work for me? No. But as a complete work this is challenging, trippy, and has more than enough pop hooks with ethereal vocals to make me adore it. 5/5
5
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Tue Apr 30 2024
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Still love Talking Heads. But what I’ve discovered is that I adore individual songs and not entire albums. At least not yet. There are a bunch of individual tracks that are great. But as a whole it’s just good. But my epic playlist with all my favorite Talking Heads songs flows better. 4/5
4
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Wed May 01 2024
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I don’t dislike CCR. It’s just find them to be OK. I’m down to listen to their most popular songs. But for an entire album it just washes over me and then I forget about it. I’m never eager to listen even when I recognize their musicianship and cool vocals. It’s simply fine. 3.5/5
3
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Thu May 02 2024
Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Steve Winwood before. Some of the melodies I enjoyed. But every song is too long and outstays its welcome. Plus I felt that each song sorta sounded like a rough draft for a 1980s sitcom. 2/5
2
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Fri May 03 2024
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
I’ve known about Belle & Sebastian for years. Even liked a couple of their songs. So I was convinced I’d love this. It was ok. Certainly there’s three, maybe four, songs that I’ll come back to. But the rest of the album really didn’t do much for me. 3/5
3
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Sat May 04 2024
American Idiot
Green Day
I know my rating is mostly due to nostalgia. I own that. Because nowadays this type of artistic activism drives me nuts. It’s performative and makes it feel like you’re doing something when you’re actually doing nothing. But the songs slap and I enjoy listening to it. 4/5
4
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Sun May 05 2024
The Renaissance
Q-Tip
It’s always hard to rate an album that I recognize is just not made for me. I think this is well produced. Some of the lyrics are great. There’s a smooth quality to it. But I’ll never listen to this again. It’s not terrible it just isn’t my thing. 3/5
3
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Mon May 06 2024
25
Adele
The album has two gears. One where I’m completely in tune with what Adele is singing. The other where I’m not vibing at all. There is no in-between. I still enjoy it more than I don’t. But there are a handful of tracks that are very skippable. 3.5/5
3
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Tue May 07 2024
The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
I lived through this. Thought he was edgy. Probably even cool. But rap has just never been my thing. Now listening to it as a 40 year old I just think most of it is cringey. I will say there are some great rhymes. But that doesn’t make up for the rest of it which I find distasteful. 2/5
2
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Wed May 08 2024
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Perfect from start to finish. Some of Bowie’s best work. I never tire listening to this. 5/5
5