Jan 01 2024
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
I’ve never given them a fair listen past their classic radio hits. I love storytelling in music, but I still find them a bit of a one trick pony. I respect what they do like I do the Beatles. Still a solid album and a cool start.
3
Jan 02 2024
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Sounds like something my parents would listen to. Enjoyable, but nothing I’ll come back too. I usually like longer songs, but some of these dragged, hard. His vibrato is wild.
3
Jan 03 2024
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
I started in Blond and always love my first the most, but this is still such a solid entry. I’ve heard it before but it ages great. A few songs that don’t land but it doesn’t change my appreciation.
5
Jan 04 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
3
Jan 05 2024
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
I’ve largely been an avid despise of Talking Heads, but I can’t say I’ve ever sat down and given them a shot. I’m glad I did, but I can confirm that I don’t hate them — I just can’t find anything to like. I’m sure it was good at the time, but there’s nothing here for me.
2
Jan 08 2024
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
I've never given Jack White a fair chance, and have never really listened to the White Stripes outside of the hits. While this album doesn't feel evergreen to me, there's a few songs on here I can see myself coming back to. It's a fun project, and I'm definitely interested in exploring more of his/White Stripes as a whole.
4
Jan 09 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
This sounds like the stuff Jan from The Office would listen too. Pushing the definition of melancholic to its limits. Not bad, but I’ll never be revisiting it again.
2
Jan 10 2024
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
The first song started out really good, and I was optimistic about this one! Then the way over pitched synth came on a song. Then a pan flute on the next. I gave up once I heard the equivalent of a rock being drug over a violin. Wildly disappointing. DNF.
1
Jan 11 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
I was once of the mindset that the only valid live alum was Alive 2007, which felt like a one-time experience. This album has changed my views entirely — this rocked. Not every day you get Huey Lewis to do harmonica for you. Won’t go out of my way to find new live albums, but I won’t outright ignore them now!
4
Jan 12 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
Another artist I’ve only ever listened to the hits, though I knew this one was very influential as his first. Production is great, flow is solid. That said, there’s nothing here for me.
3
Jan 16 2024
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25
Adele
I thought I had never listened to this through, but turns out that not only does my wife own the CD, so do my classic-rock obsessed parents. And turns out this album sold so well and reached so many people for a reason: it’s just good. Solid listen all the way through, lots of ballads and a few poppier tracks.
4
Jan 17 2024
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Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Have never heard of him before. A quick peek at his Wikipedia shows that he’s massive as a songwriter and author. This album is really melancholic and a tad depressing honestly. I imagine I’ll see more of his albums up soon based on his popularity, but if I’m rating it to how I liked it, I honestly didn’t.
2
Jan 18 2024
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Basket of Light
Pentangle
They sounded surprisingly progressive for their time? Their sound was awesome, but the lyrics and vocals did nothing for me. Likely won’t revisit
3
Jan 19 2024
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Been an Aerosmith fan for decades, but was raised off the radio hits and a CD of their greatest hits. Two of the heavy hitters were on this album, and maybe it's literal decades of exposure to their best, but the rest of the album began to feel like filler. Never bad, but not to the top of what I know they can do. Still an enjoyable ride.
4
Jan 22 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
This album rocked! Not every song landed but a vast majority of them were great.
I guess Neil Young used to be in the group and his absence diminishes, but having heard this first, that judgement remains to be seen.
Also of note: man, they don’t mix in stereo like they used to. A lot of it is full left and right pans, but it feels like they really embraced that technology when they could.
4
Jan 23 2024
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Odelay
Beck
Heard Beck plenty over the years (his Mornings album is a frequent) but haven’t listened to much else. I came in wanting to like this album, but it just didn’t land. Way too disjointed, bad interludes.
Felt a Beastie Boys influence though, so maybe this list is working. DNF.
2
Jan 24 2024
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Another that I know the hits but have never dug into the albums. This was great background music, and I picked up on one song from the past, but it was nothing incredible otherwise. Starting to think that will be the case with a lot of these.
3
Jan 25 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I've heard the hits but never gave the album a shot. It's too long and tries to be too many things at once. Demon Days (the sophomore album) is what really defined them, so I'm excited for that one. DNF.
3
Jan 26 2024
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
Just okay. You have to be in the right mood and I was today, great for data entry.
3
Jan 29 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
I remember stealing this album from my parents once or twice, and I’m surprised for how many of the songs I already knew. Giving this another shot in my 30s, holy shit this album rules.
Feels like a concept album (and deserves a relisten when I’m not as distracted), but blends musical styles and meshes the songs together incredibly well. No real stinkers whatsoever. Some of the all time greatest songs on two discs.
Easy 5.
5
Jan 30 2024
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
I’m glad that I listened to Doggystyle before this and looked up more about the G-Funk era this fell under, as most people consider this to be as much a Snoop album as it is Dre’s. Half the time it feels like Snoop is doing the talking.
Same feeling with Doggystyle; there’s obviously something here but it obviously isn’t for me.
2
Jan 31 2024
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
Having never listened to anything but Rehab, I feel like I've robbed myself of this. Such a talent lost too soon.
Incredible voice over some great jazz-esque tracks. Considering the subject matter, it keeps everything feeling rather upbeat.
Loved it. Might not wait to listen to her other album before it's (assumptively) on this list.
5
Feb 01 2024
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Been a fan of them since I found Love is Dead a few years back.
This album leans a lot heavier on the electro, and does so with an extra dose of distortion. Love the sound and the energy, but didn’t connect with it as much. Still rocked… but you just never forget your first.
4
Feb 02 2024
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Closer
Joy Division
Meh? This isn't offensive, but it isn't anything I wanted to listen to. Maybe it was great for the time... DNF.
2
Feb 05 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
Perfect Friday album.
4
Feb 06 2024
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War
U2
Has a few of the hits, and while it was good, it was probably better for the time. Nothing remarkable.
3
Feb 07 2024
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Elastica
Elastica
Rad sound, but nothing I need to come back to.
3
Feb 08 2024
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
You know it’s a hit when my son asks me to play it again. Absolute jam, turns out I have a deep love for 50’s rock. Easy 5.
5
Feb 09 2024
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Is This It
The Strokes
Not really it for me. Different Strokes for different folks, I guess.
3
Feb 12 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
I gave it multiple chances over the weekend because everyone looked at me crazy for saying I didn’t like it on Friday. I really tried. It’s just not for me.
2
Feb 13 2024
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21
Adele
25 is better to me, but only by a fraction.
4
Feb 14 2024
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Great sound, but nothing I need to revisit.
3
Feb 15 2024
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
There's a decent chance that it's my (quite literal) dogshit day, but man, this just is not it.
2
Feb 16 2024
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Low
David Bowie
This solidified my opinion that I’m just not a Bowie person.
2
Feb 19 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
Top tier Friday vibes.
4
Feb 20 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
This album has always been a part of my life in some way, but I’ve never listened to it all front to back. What an absolute gem. Wasn’t ready for the Paul McCartney feature. This is going to be heavy in the rotation
5
Feb 21 2024
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
People always tell me I like elevator music, but I can't find much that I enjoy about this one. DNF.
1
Feb 22 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Torn on this one. The project is dope, but I don't hear anything that would make me want to come back to it. This is listed low on the popular albums on Spotify, so I may dive into the newest/popular one to see. Still awesome though.
3
Feb 26 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
Realizing I’m not a Hendrix person. I recognize the talent, but just don’t see myself listening to it willingly.
3
Feb 27 2024
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
I never realized his last (or very much later) album was the best. It was enjoyable, but nothing I ever feel the need to revisit. It's nice to hear something that isn't just "Hurt", as good as it is.
3
Feb 28 2024
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Turns out I love the 50s/60s sound.
5
Feb 29 2024
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Not bad but not for me. DNF
2
Mar 01 2024
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Hard miss. DNF.
1
Mar 04 2024
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Good, but I’m more of a greatest hits guy.
3
Mar 05 2024
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
Certified classic.
5
Mar 06 2024
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
I thought I’d like them more than I did. Obvious talent but didn’t land. Also that guitar improv sucked.
3
Mar 07 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
I gave up after Bonnie and Clyde. Maybe it was the shock value that got him on the map, but I don't even think this is it aging poorly. It's just bad. DNF.
1
Mar 08 2024
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
Cool sound, but nothing to revisit.
3
Mar 11 2024
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Parklife
Blur
Very Gorillaz.
3
Mar 12 2024
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Catchy, fun, and full of the hits. Still nothing I feel a need to revisit, happier having it come on in a grocery store.
3
Mar 13 2024
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Never been huge on Motörhead, and it being live has reaffirmed by belief that they just replay one long song with the same sound. DNF.
2
Mar 14 2024
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Surprised to find how many of these I knew. Frampton is a massive talent, and this may be the one that sells me on live albums: maybe they just don't make them like they used to?
5
Mar 15 2024
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Took two songs to turn off. Pigs is horrible and I gave Kill a Man a chance for being the most played song. No interest, easy DNF.
1
Mar 18 2024
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Groovy and great, but I'd have to be in a really specific mood to listen to anything but the title track.
3
Mar 19 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
I've been in a mellow mood lately, but even this is a bit much. Passable.
3
Mar 20 2024
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
2
Mar 21 2024
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
I wanted to DNF this based on the first song, which is actual dogwater. I looked at the reviews, and all the 5's had me feeling like I was missing something.
Gave it another chance this morning, and after a full listen through, it's not actual dogwater... just not my cup of tea in the slightest. It manages to raise to a two after pushing past the horrific start.
I don't think I like "art rock".
2
Mar 22 2024
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Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
Really good! Hoping to revisit it soon.
4
Mar 26 2024
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
First actual listen to Billy Joel and I get the hype now. Hoping (and fully expecting) there to be more on the list, but I'm hoping to revisit this one soon.
4
Mar 27 2024
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Bright Flight
Silver Jews
There's an audience for this but it sure isn't me. DNF.
1
Mar 28 2024
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Cool short project, but nothing I need to revisit.
3
Mar 29 2024
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Station To Station
David Bowie
I’m just not a Bowie kinda guy. The talent is there but it isn’t for me.
2
Apr 01 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Classic. I’ve heard the hits but. It the entire album.
5
Apr 02 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
I remembered the first song from Rock and Roll Racing on the SNES and I think I was most surprised by how compressed and sound font-y it managed to feel. Rest of the album never picked up from there.
3
Apr 03 2024
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Fun, but nothing to revisit.
3
Apr 04 2024
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Smash
The Offspring
I just have no interest in this band unfortunately
2
Apr 05 2024
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Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
This album was a fun one for a few reasons:
- I learned that Spotify cuts to the radio feature anytime I change audio devices, so a ton of albums have been cut short
- I finally got a chance to look at the reviews of this album to realize I'm missing a lot of nuance and context... realizing I have been having the albums on in the background, not paying full attention
Gave this album a second listen with the context of the reviews and Wiki and liked it a bit better. I won't need to revisit, but it's gone from a 2 to a 3.
3
Apr 08 2024
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
I try every time but I do not like the Talking Heads.
2
Apr 09 2024
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
Fun, but nothing to revisit.
3
Apr 10 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
A fun listen!
3
Apr 11 2024
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Jesus. I knew I liked Zeppelin, but I didn't realize just how much. Quickly becoming one of my favorites in the classic rock era
5
Apr 12 2024
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
3
Apr 15 2024
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Repetitive. Catchy. Has the hits.
3
Apr 16 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
3
Apr 17 2024
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Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
2
Apr 18 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
4
Apr 19 2024
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
2
Apr 22 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
4
May 01 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
An interesting listen, but nothing to revisit. Great background music for a weird day, which I'm currently having.
2
May 02 2024
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Not for me. DNF.
2
May 03 2024
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2112
Rush
Doesn’t help that this is my parents favorite album ever.
5
May 06 2024
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Turns out I just don’t like NIN all that much. Stopped short when there was a loop of people screaming.
2
May 07 2024
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Green
R.E.M.
If NIN was too aggressive, this is way too mellow. DNF
3
May 08 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
Not my style.
2
May 09 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
4
May 10 2024
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Destroy Rock & Roll
Mylo
Hell of a title to be the savior of dance music. Drop the Pressure seems to be the highlight but it isn't the highlight at all. It's fun but nothing to revisit.
3
May 13 2024
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Be
Common
Top tier rapping and killer beats, unsurprising when it's Kanye producing in his prime. Great showing
4
May 14 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
I've tried before but I'm just not a Radiohead person.
2
May 15 2024
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
2
May 16 2024
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Opus Dei
Laibach
1
May 17 2024
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Odessa
Bee Gees
2
Oct 29 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
It’s just alright. Nothing worth revisiting
2
Oct 30 2024
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Destroyer
KISS
Fun but nothing I’ll come back to.
3
Oct 31 2024
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
3
Nov 01 2024
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
There are definitely some beside tracks on here, but it’s still Zepplin at its best
4
Nov 04 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Absolute classic.
4