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Mon Dec 25 2023
American Idiot
Green Day
If you only listen to one Green Day album before you die, make sure it is Dookie. But hopefully you have time for two, as this one should also not be missed. Yes, it’s a fairly formulaic pop-punk album composed of catchy riffs and Billie-Joe’s signature vocals but the ambition and creativity to attempt the concept rock opera should be applauded - the segues between songs work well, a few nice changes of pace and instrumental arrangements, and the recurring lyrical themes make you feel like you’re on a journey, not just listening to a collection of songs.
Something to make America’s youth think about what was going on in their post-9/11 world without being preachy, but more importantly, packed with great tunes.
American Idiot, Jesus of Suburbia and Holiday are all memorable but it’s Blvd of Broken Dreams that is the real jewel in the crown.
Only loses a point for me due to a slightly weaker second half but it would be an easy 4.5, great start to this project for me.
*my CD version must be different to what’s on streaming now as I have a 13 tracks compared to the 9 on Spotify, altho the runtime is the same.
1/1001
4
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Tue Dec 26 2023
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
While I enjoyed the timing of this coming up, it feels like a strange inclusion for the list. Are there really many people who die without having heard this dozen or so schmaltzy Christmas standards? It’s essentially the 1960s edition of Now That’s What I Call Christmas so of course it contains all the festive classics but it feels out of place in the project for me. The narrated final track ruins Silent Night as well, sadly, and has me reaching for Simon & Garfunkel’s version to cleanse my palate.
Roll on, Boxing Day.
2/1001
2
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Wed Dec 27 2023
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
This is the kind of challenge I was hoping for but also not prepared for with this project. How to rate an album that is quite clearly and objectively beautiful and essential, but so far outside my own wheelhouse that I’ve never heard it before and probably won’t put it into regular rotation.
It feels daft to underrate it based on my own ignorance but pretentious to just slap on a 5.
But I thoroughly enjoyed the listen, at times spine tingling and heart wrenching. Musically excellent and vocally delightful. While I may not put it into regular rotation, when it does next come up, I know I’ll be very happy to spend more time with it.
‘Midnight’ gave me goose bumps.
3/1001
4
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Thu Dec 28 2023
Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
I must’ve listened to Blister In The Sun a hundred times in indie clubs through my University days without knowing what it was called or who it was by. So I was immediately grateful for that discovery. The remaining half hour or so was unremarkable.
The sound doesn’t deviate much from track to track although the acoustic bass is fun and I had a few chuckles at the lyrics. Can’t see myself coming back to this one, and not sure I really get why it makes the list. I guess you had to be there.
4/1001
2
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Fri Dec 29 2023
Illmatic
Nas
Brilliant and seminal album, an important piece in the history of hip-hop but also, more importantly, a joy to listen through, with bangers at every turn and lyrically engaging.
Manages to sound fresh even nearly 30 years on.
5/1001
4
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Mon Jan 01 2024
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Bluesy country rock. It's a little formulaic and the album doesn't stray far from its template but there's a quality to Willie's voice and guitar playing that I can't help but appreciate. The storytelling and concept feel to the album was an unexpected treat and I definitely plan to give this more time in future.
There's plenty to like about it, even in a style and genre that I would never choose for myself. It's a very very strong 3.5 that could even end up a 4 if I were to get to know it better.
6/1001
3
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Tue Jan 02 2024
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Something of a surprise - I had no idea Zappa was this jazz-influenced but it's clear this is an adventurous and highly accomplished record. I pretty quickly found elements worming their way into my brain and as challenging as Captain Beefheart's singing may be, his performance on Willie The Pimp is memorable and brilliant in its own way.
The bluesy elements and dense production definitely appealed to my more classic rock taste, although the composition is looser than I tend to prefer. I can understand why this is an important album and glad to have met it, but we're likely to stay acquaintances, rather than friends.
7/1001
3
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Wed Jan 03 2024
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
- "Sorry to let you know you have died. Welcome to heaven. How are you feeling?"
- "Relieved that I listened to Fred Neil before I went. Wow. That was lucky."
Said nobody, ever.
Give me actively terrible over offensively bland and unmemorable, any day.
1
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Thu Jan 04 2024
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Probably not for me but lots to appreciate and some great numbers. Shining Star is great, and plenty of this album feels familiar from film soundtracks and the like.
9/1001
3
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Fri Jan 05 2024
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
I know Leonard Cohen a bit so wasn’t surprised by the fantastic voice and the songwriting. I was surprised by the 80s flavour to the production and instrumentation. Almost go so far as to say cheesy in places but this was an enjoyable listen and I am glad to have given it a couple of goes through.
10/1001
4
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Sat Jan 06 2024
Bad
Michael Jackson
A classic that could be heard everywhere in its time. Listening to it now I was a bit surprised by the number of slower songs that I didn’t really enjoy so I can’t quite give it that 5 stars but it is rare to find the sheer quality of the title track, The Way You Make Me Feel and Smooth Criminal, all sitting together on one record.
11/1001
4
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Sun Jan 07 2024
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Lot of respect for Polly Jean and gave lots of her albums a go but none of them ever seemed to stick with me.
Same for Rid Of Me. First track was great but I felt it went off the rails a bit after that and after two listens I’m glad I know it now but don’t think it will enter my rotation. Heavy influence on a lot of great artists too, I can hear a lot of this in Garbage, Elastica and even more recently Wolf Alice. It’s one of my stronger 3s for sure.
12/1001
3
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Mon Jan 08 2024
Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
I've never been massively keen on the post-punk/new wave sound but I enjoyed this more than I expected. Its influence on some of my favourite 90s Britpop bands is really clear to see as well.
3
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Tue Jan 09 2024
The Doors
The Doors
Quite enjoyed the overall vibe and some classic tunes. I don't love the proggy, organ-led numbers or the long stonery jams. It's probably not quite up my street but I am glad to have given it a couple of listens and I do get the hype, at least at the time.
14/1001
3
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Vespertine
Björk
Obviously know Bjork but this was a new album to me and one I enjoyed through twice. She is a mad genius and it’s about of fun to hear her creativity. An influence on many many other musicians. This worked well for background atmospherics and it might just be the time of year but feels frosty, delicate but powerful.
4
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Thu Jan 11 2024
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
I was pleasantly surprised by this one! All I really knew was Girls Just Wanna Have Fun but ended up gladly giving it a second listen. Also learned that Cyndi Lauper wrote Time After Time. Plenty of good tunes and overall an enjoyable listen.
4
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Fri Jan 12 2024
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Quite enjoyed my slice of classic rock this week but I don’t tend to love live albums and there was a bit more on the jammy side here. It lacked a bit of punch and cohesion for my liking but a lot of fun.
3
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Sat Jan 13 2024
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Just an essential album for any guitarist. Was great to give this a couple of proper airings. I knew all about Voodoo Child (Slight Return) and All Along The Watchtower but Little Miss Strange and 1983 are also brilliant.
5
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Sun Jan 14 2024
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
All I really knew about Elvis Costello was his cameo in Austin Powers. So much more to be discovered. Great debut album that could’ve come from the 50s with its rock n roll swagger. Really enjoyed it.
3
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Mon Jan 15 2024
Ctrl
SZA
Awful
1
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Tue Jan 16 2024
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
A pleasant surprise today as an album I know well from when it was new. It’s not quite ‘White Blood Cells’ but the White Stripes in their prime were exciting and consistent, bashing out their unique brand of blues-rock. Equally capable of creating a catchy rocker like Blue Orchid or My Doorbell as a tender but accomplished piano ballad like I’m Lonely or Forever for Her.
Great album and very close to a 5. Comfortably a 4.5.
4
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Wed Jan 17 2024
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
Really enjoyed this one. I know bits of the Grateful Dead from my Dad and they certainly know how to take a solo for a walk, go on a jam or write a hook that'll stick in your head. This particular one had some familiar hooks and tunes and some new ones. Definitely worth a couple of listens. Great album.
4
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Thu Jan 18 2024
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
First dabble into Miles and still not a big fan of jazz/fusion. Found the first half chaotic, noodly and directionless. Enjoyed the second half more and could contentedly work with it on in the background. That said, I’m quite happy to work with music on that is actually a lot more melodic and deliberate than this. It’s a 1.5 but I’m rounding up because it’s definitely not offensively bad.
2
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Fri Jan 19 2024
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Took a while to get to this as it's not on streaming but it was worth the wait, it's got some great stuff that I really enjoyed. He can write a hell of a song. I felt it tailed off a bit in the second half making it a strong 4, rather than scraping a 5.
4
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Sat Jan 20 2024
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
It’s a great album, a dub and hip-hop classic that introduced me and a lot of the indie crowd to this kind of music through Damon Albarn’s connection. Really enjoyed having another listen. Although there are one or two odd experimental tracks that prevent it from being a perfect 5, it’s a very comfortable 4 and a half.
4
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Sun Jan 21 2024
Frank
Amy Winehouse
Not really my thing but she does it well and has a hell of a voice. There were some memorable numbers but I just don’t see myself going back to it. Glad to have heard it though.
2
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Mon Jan 22 2024
Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
I don't really get why this belongs in the 1001. It's interesting to hear the sitar used in a contemporary (well, 1970...) setting, but the inclusion of Stones and Doors covers, especially in the opening run, make this feel like a bit of a novelty record. The most entertaining parts are the original works towards the end of the album but overall it doesn't get out of second gear, for me.
2
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Tue Jan 23 2024
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
I liked it better than I expected but I had really low expectations from brief previous encounters. Won’t be going into my rotation but I can see how it would be important within its genre.
2
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Wed Jan 24 2024
Mott
Mott The Hoople
Listened twice and didn't really interest me. They sound like an imitation of Bowie but the tunes weren't catchy or interesting and I'm left wondering why this was included. Pretty ordinary to me.
2
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
Fairly unremarkable 60s fuzz rock. Summertime Blues was a nice surprise; I only knew of the Who version (which is better). It's hard to unpick the influence of a band of 60 years ago when I am so much more familiar with all the artists it has since influenced but to me, on two listens there was nothing I'd come back to.
2
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Fri Jan 26 2024
Dust
Screaming Trees
This has been a pleasant surprise. I knew nothing of Screaming Trees and didn't even know they comprised later members of Queens Of The Stone Age. This is a great melodic grunge album from a time when I was listening to a lot of this kind of music so I'm surprised it passed me by but maybe I just had plenty to keep me occupied at the time.
I'm glad to have found it now though. It's nothing massively groundbreaking but I am definitely keeping it on my radar for the future.
4
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Sat Jan 27 2024
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Not really my thing but objectively good and a couple of classics on here. I gave it a go but won't really be coming back to it.
2
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Sun Jan 28 2024
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Simply the greatest album of all time. Even if it had come out today it would be incredible but the fact it is nearly 60 years old and changed the course of music makes it even more extraordinary.
5
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Listened to this a few times - really good album and a clear influence on a lot of the post-punk/garage type band and albums of the 90s and 00s. I am sure this one is going to head into my rotation now.
4
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Tue Jan 30 2024
Doolittle
Pixies
Can do without the screamy stuff but liked the second half. Quite a clear pathway to a lot of music I liked in the 90s and early 00s and a lot of great guitar work.
4
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
Had never even heard of this but if I’d discovered it in the late 90s or early 00s I would definitely have bought it. Great hip hop album that clearly influenced a lot that came after it. Glad to have found it.
4
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Thu Feb 01 2024
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
A lot to like about this and something that I didn't know at all before today. Another pleasant surprise in that this album is 55 years old yet, to recycle a cliche, sounds fresh to me and has influenced a lot that I like, from Portishead to Labi Siffre. Probably won't be one I add to the regular rotation but I have enjoyed a couple of listens and certainly won't mind dabbling again in future. A very very strong 3.5!
3
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Fri Feb 02 2024
The Grand Tour
George Jones
Oh dear. Just so dull. Very very country and it all sounds the same. Some poetic lyrics and he has a good voice but I have no interest in coming back to this.
1
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Sat Feb 03 2024
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
A lot of it didn’t really stand out, a fairly middle-of-the-road 80s rock album as far as my two listens went. Some nice familiar numbers but I have to say the lyrics feel a bit cliche and I don’t think there’s anything remarkable about his vocals or musicality. Just a few catchy hooks. The title track is by far the redeeming moment and a couple of nice numbers in the closing run.
3
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Sun Feb 04 2024
Pearl
Janis Joplin
Janis rocks and has some great songs here. She also wails and I enjoyed this one a lot. Really on the fence between 3/4 as I don’t really feel myself coming back to it on a regular basis. Probably the highest 3 I’ve given.
3
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Mon Feb 05 2024
L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
What have I just listened to?!
Swiss French industrial metal apparently. And yet having found it bizarre and horrendous at first, I quite enjoyed a bit near the end and might give some of it another go. Some of it, I never want to hear again in my life.
2
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Tue Feb 06 2024
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Pretty good Beatles-y rock. Nothing that really grabbed me but it was good and I'll keep it around for a couple more listens. It's hard when The Beatles did all this first and so very well, raises the bar to ridiculous standards and now with all the benefit of hindsight, it's hard to judge them fairly hearing them all together.
Still, I enjoyed it and will listen to it again.
3
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Wed Feb 07 2024
The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
My favourite new discovery so far. This is a cracking album and one I’ll be buying. Going Back is a brilliant song. They have a lovely psychedelic folk-rock sound that just rolls through the album and then they seal the deal with effortless harmonies. I really really like it.
5
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Not really my thing. Gave it a go and yeah in some moods there’s a good groove and some fine guitar work but I just can’t see myself ever choosing to listen to it.
2
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
I didn't particularly like Nu-Metal when it was new but it was at least interesting - mashing pop-punk with turntablism and rap. Now it feels dated and there's really nothing here I'm that interested in returning to.
2
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Sat Feb 10 2024
My Generation
The Who
Really listenable and clearly a classic. More bluesy than I was expecting and I was surprised I only knew My Generation and none of the rest as The Who have always been a staple of my Dad’s taste.
4
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Sun Feb 11 2024
Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
It’s an indie staple with a lot to like about it. Not quite as enjoyable to listen to as I want it to be but there are some fantastic moments, like Here and Fame Throwa. Really on the edge of a 3/4 but I’m in the mood to round up.
4
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Django Django
Django Django
Only knew the name and nothing more before today but this was a lot of fun and an unexpected hit with me.
The 2010s was a quiet period for me with new music so it’s good to find some hidden gems that had passed me by.
4
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Tue Feb 13 2024
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Nah. Seems wrong to give an album 1 star that includes Fairytale of New York but I was just waiting for this to end and don’t see myself ever coming back to it. I’m sure it’s a great album if you love Irish folk but it was very much not for me.
1
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Lots of classics here. Already a fan of Walk This Way and Sweet Emotion but there is more to like and overall a solid selection.
4
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
It’s just organ and guitars. It’s a cool groove and the title track alone goes straight into the library but the pace, instrumentation and mood never really shifts and it didn’t really stick with me. Glad to have found it. Will be moving on, thanks.
2
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Fri Feb 16 2024
Is This It
The Strokes
One that I know very well but in my opinion, bettered by its successors. I didn’t quite get the hype at the time; it sounded a bit mechanical, the vocals are all distorted and I sort of felt the songs all sound too samey. It’s still one I listen to quite often though and was hugely significant at the time, which fortunately I was there to see.
4
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Sat Feb 17 2024
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Started off thinking this would be dull, generic cock rock but I got quite into it and found that lots of it was really good. Most of it is indeed generic cock rock and variations on the 12 bar blues but they could rock out and it has all the energy and grime you want from a live album. It’s probably a 3.5 but I’m feeling generous for some reason with this one.
4
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Sun Feb 18 2024
Sheet Music
10cc
It’s wacky but I’ve listened to it a few times and really enjoyed parts of it. Nice to have something completely different but they could also write a good hook to be fair.
4
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Mon Feb 19 2024
The Slider
T. Rex
Really didn’t grab me. Found myself thinking (wishing) something catchy like Get It On or 20th Century Boy would come on but it was all pretty drab and samey. Obviously got the wrong T Rex album for today.
2
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Tue Feb 20 2024
The Clash
The Clash
Obviously an important album for punk and the direction music would go in from here on but after a couple of listens, nothing really got me wanting to keep it in my rotation. Decent but not incredible.
3
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Liked it but not as much as the previous Byrds albums (Notorious Byrd Brothers). It feels a lot like The California Beatles and the best numbers here are jangly covers of Dylan songs. I like their sound but evidently they got better as they started writing their own stuff.
3
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Make Yourself
Incubus
Some good moments that I enjoyed. Generally very 90s alternative US, feels a bit cookie cutter at times.
3
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
Liked this more than I expected. A varied mixture of sounds and perhaps a touch too long but there were some songs I really enjoyed and will spend more time with.
3
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Sat Feb 24 2024
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Really good album. Nirvana were just a bit before my time but I’m looking forward to digging deeper and live acoustic is a great different angle to approach them. Will keep this one in rotation.
4
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Sun Feb 25 2024
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Liked this more than I expected to. It’s more mid 60s jangly folk rock but the songs are solid, catchy and I’m a sucker for a harmony.
Discovering so many contemporaries of the Beatles is also making me realise more how special they were, considering they basically pioneered this movement and achieved what they did in just 5-6 years. But I enjoyed this one twice and will keep a few highlights on rotation.
4
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Night Life
Ray Price
I really thought the biggest struggle of this challenge would be RnB, Soul and maybe Jazz. But no, who would’ve thought? It’s the dull, depressing 60s Country albums that turn up from time to time. I will be forgetting this one immediately.
1
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Tue Feb 27 2024
Music From Big Pink
The Band
I’ve discovered a fair bit of 60s rock and beat pop etc through this challenge so I was pretty keen for this one but it fell flat. Disappointed. Nothing really stuck with me after two listens and I can’t see much reason to go back. The overall sound was ok but never really turned into anything.
2
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Wed Feb 28 2024
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Great stuff! A very cool album and hard to imagine this hitting shops in the 70s when it was a pretty new sound. It’s basically what has evolved into Daft Punk but a bit more atmospheric rather than dance floor friendly. Definitely coming back to this one.
4
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
I actually liked this more than I remember. Still not sure there’s enough material for a double and it would’ve been incredibly consistent if it was whittled down to one disc but I respect what they’ve done here. Speakerboxxx over The Love Below for me but it’s a solid collection and doesn’t seem to have aged in 20 years.
4
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Fragile
Yes
Already know and like this one although it’s definitely stronger with the bonus tracks as ‘America’ is a prog masterpiece that the original is missing.
4
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Sat Mar 02 2024
Harvest
Neil Young
It’s nice but it didn’t blow me away. Admittedly I’ve heard it before but other than Heart of Gold and Out on the Weekend, it pretty much passed me by.
3
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Sun Mar 03 2024
London Calling
The Clash
I live by the RIVERRRRRRRR!!
4
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Mon Mar 04 2024
So Much For The City
The Thrills
Nah. I heard this one at the time it was new and a bit hyped but I found it dull and cheesy. Time has done nothing for it. No idea how it has made the list. Is he trying to sound American? It’s just not good and it was also too long, I could not wait for it to end.
1
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Hotel California
Eagles
Three songs in, I thought I was headed for an easy 5 but it goes a bit soft rock in the second half and overall just has a middle-of-the-roady feel to it. Title track and Life in the Fast Lane are brilliant though and generally just enjoyed it a couple of times through.
4
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Wed Mar 06 2024
All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Took a few days to digest this fully and there are some outstanding songs here, certainly close to being a 5 but I felt it just dragged a bit. It's a huge volume of work and such consistently high quality. In a way it might have been better as a tight, 12 track masterpiece but at least this way we get more of Harrison's genius, just spread across three discs, including all of the filler.
4
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
I found this really interesting. I’m not sure what it is - a bit like rock but then it’s also funky and a bit jazzy. I did like it though, strangely. It’s close between a 3 and 4 but I think it’s going to fall on the higher side. It’s just fun.
4
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Fri Mar 08 2024
OK
Talvin Singh
I remember this when it was new and didn’t try it out but it’s nice. A lot of atmosphere and a decent album. Just not one I can see myself coming back to, but that’s probably not Talvin Singh’s fault to be fair.
3
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Sat Mar 09 2024
Transformer
Lou Reed
Owned this one for a while and probably never gave it enough love beyond Perfect Day and Walk On the Wild Side. It’s much more than that, really consistent and enjoyable listen. Tails off a bit at the end or it could even be a 5.
4
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Sun Mar 10 2024
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
It feels like an important album in the history of hip hop but personally I don’t see myself coming back to it. Other than The Message, which is a classic. The rest was a bit slow and unremarkable.
2
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Mon Mar 11 2024
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
It not my favourite or one of the Beatles’ 5s but it’s still packed with tunes and great songwriting.
4
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Heroes
David Bowie
Of course I know Bowie but I don't know this one. First three tracks had me really interested. But then it lost its momentum and direction and the second half was pretty disappointing, weirdly avant garde and just a bit random.
2
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
This is a stormer. I bought it way back but clearly hadn't remembered how good it is, just consistently excellent throughout. I probably didn't give it as much love as their debut back in the day because it doesn't have stand-out single type material but the overall quality is really high and the production is superb.
5
View Album
Thu Mar 14 2024
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Didn’t do loads for me but his patter is quite amusing and clearly he can turn a tune. Can’t see myself coming back here again.
2
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
It sounds a lot like an 80s movie soundtrack. Which in a way isn’t surprising as this is what JMJ did for a lot of his career. While it’s still pretty impressive in a ‘before its time’ kinda way, I just wasn’t that excited by the idea of listening to it again.
2
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Sat Mar 16 2024
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This gave me American Zeppelin vibes. Very similar sound but the voice is nowhere near as good as Plant and the guitar work is nowhere near Page. Some stuff I liked but not as much as I’d hoped.
3
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Sun Mar 17 2024
Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
Familiar with lots of QOTSA but not this one. And it’s good, consistent with their work but it’s no Songs For The Deaf to be fair. Slightly too long as well, but I later found out they added some extra tracks to the original release. Some great stuff but it’s not quite a 4. Not far off it but not there.
3
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Lost Souls
Doves
I somewhat remembered this album from its original release but I didn’t remember how dull it was. It never gets going and never goes anywhere. I clearly didn’t remember it very well as it’s just not that memorable. The follow up was much better.
2
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Live!
Fela Kuti
I appreciate the musicianship here but it's more jazz fusion and I just don't really click with it. Some very long tracks of (albeit impressive) just drumming. And drumming. I appreciate that Tony Allen is a legend but can we give him a band to stick an actual melody over that?
2
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Another really strong entry in the hip hop genre and one that is just classic after classic. Amazing to think this happened in 1988, which is 36 years ago now, and the influence it spread across the decades that followed.
4
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Safe As Milk
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
I've probably prematurely dismissed Captain Beefheart after hearing Trout Mask Replica many years ago and finding it pretty painful. However, I found a lot of good stuff in Safe as Milk and kept it in rotation for a few days while deciding between a strong 3 and a scraped 4. But every time it comes on I enjoy its bluesy vibes and variety so I'm going generous.
4
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Black Monk Time
The Monks
Don’t really get what’s special or significant about this. It was ok, similar to much other 60s beat pop. Maybe I’m missing something.
2
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Sat Mar 23 2024
Moondance
Van Morrison
I was expecting a bit more as this one feels like it should be a classic but found it a bit bland. Some nice moments but nothing really grabbed me and doubt I’ll rush to return to it.
3
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Sun Mar 24 2024
Among The Living
Anthrax
Bit of thrash metal. Not super keen. Obviously there’s always some good guitar work in these albums but there’s not enough of a melody and the drums are so fast it just feels exhausting. Not for me.
2
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Solid Air
John Martyn
This was a joy to discover. Never heard of him but reading around his bio, I'm familiar with a lot of his peers and collaborators. Clearly a really talented guitarist and takes a lot of interesting directions on this album. At first seems like a fairly tame folk record but there are some real gems hiding in here. Very tempted to give a 5 but will go with a strong 4.
4
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Tue Mar 26 2024
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Great album! One I’ve owned for a while and packed with bluesy classics. Come for Freebird, stay for Tuesday’s Gone and Mississippi Kid! It’s not a 5 but it’s a very very easy 4.
4
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Wed Mar 27 2024
Pretenders
Pretenders
It’s very textbook punky new wave. A bit jangly for my taste but I can see where this comes in the line from the punk and rock eras to where we were in the 90s and today. Don’t see myself going back to it but I appreciated it.
3
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
More of the jangly new wave and just boring.
Not for me. Couldn’t wait for it to be over.
1
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Sex Packets
Digital Underground
Some good moments that I’ve heard sampled in other hip hop and apparently pretty important in its place but it’s just so cringy to listen to. Sounds dated and embarrassing. It’s a whole album about some kind of weird sex drug. What?
2
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Sat Mar 30 2024
xx
The xx
Underwhelming. There was a fair bit of hype when it came out and I gave it a go then but didn’t really get it. Listening with fresh ears, I still don’t. It has some nice moments and overall a good vibe but it’s nothing I haven’t heard before or since really. Basic Space and Crystalised just about got me thinking 3 over 2 but it’s more of a 2.5 really.
3
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Sun Mar 31 2024
You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
While Morrissey is a complete lunatic and wildly unlikable, I do try to separate the art from the artist. However, the ‘art’ here is also boring, full of asinine and hypocritical political bollocks and just not very good.
1
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Mon Apr 01 2024
Diamond Life
Sade
There’s nothing like this in my collection so I guess I’ve learned about something new. But there’s also a good reason I have none of this in my collection. I can’t stand it.
1
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Tue Apr 02 2024
To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
Just not that inspiring. Better than some of the more drab RnB but it’s not as fun or exciting as the classic Hip Hop that’s been on the list so far. Don’t really understand why he’s considered as highly as he is. It was very average for me.
2
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Very random and quirky noisy post-punk type stuff. Pretty bizarre but I feel it warrants more than a 1 because it’s sort of innovative and original in a way and not boring. Can’t see myself coming back to it but it’s something learned that I’d never heard of, and I can see where it led to things like Pavement, Talking Heads and LCD Soundsystem.
2
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Signing Off
UB40
It’s ok. I mean, it’s all very samey reggae. I liked the overall groove but it doesn’t really change formula throughout and had me waiting for it to end.
2
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Fri Apr 05 2024
1984
Van Halen
Really enjoyed it. Especially after days and days of duds, a bit of good old fashioned rock music. Easy to get into, rock out a bit and not overthink my 4 star rating. Knew Jump was great but there are numerous bangers here.
4
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Sat Apr 06 2024
Live At Leeds
The Who
Don’t tend to like live albums and I also don’t know The Who much deeper than Who’s Next and the singles, so I’ve never given this a go til now. But it was a lot of fun with a number of really strong live takes. The medleys and jams are great, take a lot of these songs to the next level and they have some good patter with the crowd.
4
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Sun Apr 07 2024
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Generally enjoyable cookie cutter hard rock but it does start to feel a bit generic and samey by the end. Would be interested to hear the odd change of pace but not really their thing I guess.
3
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Mon Apr 08 2024
In Our Heads
Hot Chip
Always liked Hot Chip and while this has been somewhere in my collection for years, I hadn't given it a fair crack for quite a while but it's a brilliant album, both eclectic and focused. Nice and chilled but has its boppy moments too, although I think it fades a bit in the second half which is keeping me from thinking too hard about a 5 star. No qualms on giving this a 4 though. Great stuff.
4
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Nice little album although I found it tailing off in the second half. Never really made time to listen to a lot of Bob properly but enjoyed this and happy to have found it.
3
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Some of the post-punk movement really bores me, even when I understand that it forms an important path from rock and punk to the indie and garage music I liked around the late 90s-early 00s. But something about this album really appealed. The rhythm section really gets into some grooves and I can also see the path to the likes of The Prodigy and Primal Scream through this. I can definitely see myself listening to this again. It is a chaotic, noisy mess at times but there's something strangely brilliant about it.
4
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Bone Machine
Tom Waits
That was hard work. Good grief. A truly horrible vocal performance. But something about this prevents me from giving 1 star. There is some really nice music hidden under it and it's full of variety and intrigue. In a way it's a shame he ruins it by singing over it, to the point where I never want to listen to this again in my life, but I do have an appreciation for the character and craft on display.
2
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Yeah just not my thing. I gave it a go. Next please.
2
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Sat Apr 13 2024
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Remember this one from the late 90s and it was pretty important in terms of opening the door to more of the mixing and sampling subgenre of hip/trip hop. It’s mostly great as background vibe music but undeniably cool.
4
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Sun Apr 14 2024
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
I’ve been surprised not to have encountered Dylan yet in over 100 days, and here comes one I don’t know at all. I didn’t actually know he was still releasing decent new material in the 90s to be fair. It’s a good job he knows how to write a damn fine song and execute it with this much earnest authenticity, because he sounds like a goblin and that’s the only thing holding me back from considering 5 stars. Great album.
4
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Mon Apr 15 2024
The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
Liked it. I know OF The Fall but not sat and listened to any of their albums and this one I enjoyed twice through. There's a bit of baggy type early 90s influence and a bit of post-punk new wave, a bit of a Talking Heads meets Primal Scream vibe but also with Smith's distinctive vocals.
3
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Tue Apr 16 2024
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
My reviews have settled into a much more succinct form since starting the challenge. Who has time to listen to AND write a full page review for an album every single day?! But this one is special.
I already loved the Prodigy by June 1997 and had been anticipating this one since the Firestarter single in 1996. I can't remember why I would have had a day off school on a Monday in June 1997 but I clearly remember meeting my best mate in town to buy a copy of this from Our Price at the moment of release, 9am. I also clearly remember taking it back home and smashing it on Dad's big stereo at about 9:15 and for most of the rest of the day, and much of the rest of the year. It's just an all time favourite. Are some parts of it dated now? Sure. Are there still new releases in the 2020s that borrow from and are indebted to it? Absolutely. I'm sure there were less well-known artists fusing punk and techno at the time but none were doing it AND breaking the UK charts with consecutive huge #1 singles.
The side-B suite of Mindfields - Narayan - Firestarter is one of the strongest 3-track runs in all of music, and while I was slightly worried that I may have gone off it somewhat in the past 25 years, I thoroughly enjoyed listening through today. It was a life changing album for me and a game changing album for music in the 90s.
5
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Wed Apr 17 2024
Kala
M.I.A.
I'd not come across this before but really glad I have now. Loved how distinctive and different it sounds. Really tribal rhythms and her voice is brilliant.
4
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Pink Flag
Wire
It's good. I've often been underwhelmed by these 70s-80s post punk albums which is probably unfair as I'm coming at them with the benefit of hindsight and taking them for granted. You can hear the influence of this one in Ash and a lot of the 90s-00s guitar music I love, so it's great to experience it as part of that journey. I didn't quite love it though; the sound is great and I did enjoy the overall vibe but never quite found myself thinking I'd come back to it in any hurry.
3
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Forever Changes
Love
I liked it but not as much as I'd hoped. It felt up my street stylistically and there were lots of good elements. The searing guitar solos kept grabbing my attention but then they never lasted long and despite three full listens it never really raised my head above a pleasant nodding along. 1967 was a great year for albums but I'm a little surprised this is one that gets held in such high regard.
3
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Sat Apr 20 2024
Amnesiac
Radiohead
Today I learned that Amnesiac was essentially a Kid A leftovers album. It makes a lot of sense too, as it has very similar atmosphere and instrumentation, particularly compared with the pre-Kid A Radiohead sound. It also explains why this is a bit of a loose and inconsistent record. In places it soars and touches the highs of its predecessors but it doesn’t feel as coherent or rewarding a listen.
3
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Sun Apr 21 2024
Let It Be
The Replacements
It has a lot of ingredients that I often like. Post-punky, crunchy and rocky. But beyond a couple of songs, the vocals really grated on me and the chaotic arrangements just don't land often enough. I don't really see myself wanting to come back to it.
2
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Mon Apr 22 2024
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
More 60s US country. Not my thing. But there's a little more here than in some of the previous albums I've been dealt. A bit more blues and some variety on the pace and overall feel. I still didn't like it much and was glad when it was over.
2
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Tue Apr 23 2024
Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Another classic from the golden era of hip hop. Just flows and never really drags for the better part of an hour, then you get ‘Fight the Power’! Great stuff
4
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
I remember parts of this from when it was new and it's actually even better than I remembered. Some great electronic-tinged rock and Bellamy's voice and guitar playing are on another level. I thought about giving this a 5 but somehow just feel it's on the lower side of a 4.5, a little overblown and bloated at times. Fantastic album though and really glad to have rediscovered it.
4
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Abbey Road
Beatles
There isn't much to be said about this album that hasn't already been said. The first half is classic after classic and the second is one of the most fun runs of songs in the history of music. It's probably only my 4th or 5th favourite Beatles album but it's hard not to consider it an all-time great. And that's even when you allow for Octopus's Garden.
5
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
It's a nice, safe rock album with some really enjoyable numbers but never quite consistently crosses over from good to great for me.
3
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Sat Apr 27 2024
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Not really playing on my home turf here but for a precious hour on a Friday afternoon, I'm more than happy to slip into the warm glow of a Cuban evening and enjoy this slice of the Caribbean. Impossible not to move your hips, admire the musicality and enjoy the vibes.
3
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Sun Apr 28 2024
Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
The other Elvis has been a really fortunate discovery for me on this challenge. Who knew he'd done so much and carried the rock'n'roll torch for so long?! I liked this more than the previous one, he does catchy and hooky really well and lyrically there's loads to unpick, so this one stayed in my rotation all weekend and will stay on the radar.
4
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Virgin Suicides
Air
When it's good, it's really dreamy and atmospheric. It's also a lot of slightly out-of-context soundtrack music so at times you don't really know what to make of it. Air are fantastic and do what they do better than anyone else. But this one feels a bit odd outside of the film it was created for. Some great moments though.
3
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Tue Apr 30 2024
Tommy
The Who
I always have time for a concept album and obviously this is one of the 'rock opera' variety. It's got so many great tunes on it that even if the story gets incredibly weird and doesn't always make complete sense, the songs are there and it's great fun to listen to, regardless. Pinball Wizard has to be one of the greatest rock songs ever written.
5
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Wed May 01 2024
John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
I was a little concerned when it started off a bit funk/jazzy but then they pull out a really classic rock sound with some great guitar work and catchy hooks. I've enjoyed keeping this one around for a few days. Nice find.
4
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Thu May 02 2024
White Light
Gene Clark
I didn't realise Gene Clark was a member of the Byrds, but it makes sense. The guitar playing is nice if pretty simple and it's a soft and enjoyable little collection of songwriting. Some great moments but a few too many that didn't really stick in the brain after a few listens, for me.
3
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Fri May 03 2024
Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
Gave this a couple of goes but it really didn't click with me. It's not terrible and there are some good moments but I could never hear this again and not really feel like I'm missing much. Geno is good.
2
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Sat May 04 2024
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
When I listen to an album in the car, I often turn the volume up when my favourite song comes on. When I listen to Led Zeppelin II in the car, I often turn the volume up 9 times by the end of my journey. It’s probably my favourite pure rock album of all time. I defy anyone to listen to the opening riff of Heartbreaker and not want to be Jimmy Page just for a few sweet moments.
5
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Sun May 05 2024
Hejira
Joni Mitchell
I had to give this one a few goes through with the good headphones. It's a fantastic record. The minimalistic sound and the poetry in her lyrics are just perfect.
5
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Mon May 06 2024
All Directions
The Temptations
This was a really pleasant surprise. I had no idea this is what The Temptations could sound like but reading around the progression of the band and their sound it makes sense. The brilliant 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone' is a perfect centrepiece but it's just groovy and fun the whole way through.
4
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Tue May 07 2024
Superunknown
Soundgarden
It's a decent slab of grunge. I would definitely have enjoyed it more if a third to half was trimmed off as it's a bit long and bloated with some of the more middle-of-the-roady mid-tempo stuff but there was plenty I enjoyed. Chris Cornell was one of the best vocalists of his generation, but I prefer his later work against the harder backdrop of Audioslave.
3
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Wed May 08 2024
evermore
Taylor Swift
It's inoffensive if a little dull. I'm sure it would be easy to shit on Taylor as she's become irritatingly ubiquitous and I'm really not sure she deserves it. The songs are ok and she can sing them just fine but I don't really see the appeal above any other young pop female singing about their breakups while seeming to sit on a mildly feminist platform. I gave it a couple of spins but don't see myself coming back for any of it.
2