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Tue Jan 02 2024
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
5
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Wed Jan 03 2024
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
3
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Thu Jan 04 2024
Violator
Depeche Mode
4
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Fri Jan 05 2024
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
4
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Sat Jan 06 2024
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
One of my all time favorites. Mayonnaise might just be a top 10 alternative rock song of the 90’s.
5
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Sun Jan 07 2024
Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
3
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Mon Jan 08 2024
Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
2
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Tue Jan 09 2024
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
5
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
3
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
2
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Fri Jan 12 2024
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
2
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Sat Jan 13 2024
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
4
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Sun Jan 14 2024
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
3
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Mon Jan 15 2024
L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
1
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Tue Jan 16 2024
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
5
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Wed Jan 17 2024
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
5
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Thu Jan 18 2024
Thriller
Michael Jackson
5
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Fri Jan 19 2024
Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
4
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Sat Jan 20 2024
Moondance
Van Morrison
4
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Sun Jan 21 2024
Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
4
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Mon Jan 22 2024
Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Not an album I’d probably ever listen to again, but after reading the history and listening with context, it was a worthwhile listen. This kind of stuff is exactly why I love this project.
3
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Tue Jan 23 2024
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
This was a defining album growing up for me. Over the years, I feel like I’ve looked back on it with rose colored glasses. A lot of it still holds up, but listening to it with fresh critical ears, there’s some bloat to it. The first part (disc 1 from the original CD release) sets the bar high, but the second part (disc 2) doesn’t quite stick the landing as well as it could.
Still, a great album, and still hold it very near and dear to my heart, but not quite perfection.
4
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Wed Jan 24 2024
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
2
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
2
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Fri Jan 26 2024
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
3
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Sat Jan 27 2024
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
3
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Sun Jan 28 2024
The Stooges
The Stooges
4
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
4
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Tue Jan 30 2024
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
3
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Roots
Sepultura
4
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Thu Feb 01 2024
Parklife
Blur
4
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Fri Feb 02 2024
Whatever
Aimee Mann
2
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Sat Feb 03 2024
The Doors
The Doors
3
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Sun Feb 04 2024
Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
4
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
3
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Tue Feb 06 2024
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
4
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Wed Feb 07 2024
BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
1
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Atomizer
Big Black
When I first started listening to this, I didn’t like it. Then when I looked up the details, I realized it was Steve Albini. I still don’t like it, but it makes more sense now.
2
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Triangle
The Beau Brummels
2
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Sat Feb 10 2024
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
5
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Sun Feb 11 2024
Sheet Music
10cc
I actually weirdly like this. It’s all over the place, and some strange songwriting, but every song on this was an enjoyable listen. A 4 star rating in my rating system is for albums I enjoyed and would come back to again, and this certainly fits that criteria.
4
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Suicide
Suicide
1
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Tue Feb 13 2024
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
4
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Real Life
Magazine
4
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
Some really great stuff on this one, but ultimately as a whole it’s a bit forgettable.
3
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Fri Feb 16 2024
Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
This might be a weird take but it sounds like what U2 would be if they were more indie / electronic sounding. Not sure if that’s a compliment or a criticism. Had never heard it before, and I was pleasantly surprised, but also didn’t hear anything mindblowingly memorable to warrant a 5 rating.
4
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Sat Feb 17 2024
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
3
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Sun Feb 18 2024
The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
3
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Mon Feb 19 2024
Sister
Sonic Youth
I’ve tried to get into Sonic Youth many times in the past, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I like the idea of Sonic Youth more than I actually like Sonic Youth. It’s very clear they were highly influential, wrote great music, and created a totally different sound. And while I find myself appreciating it, I don’t particularly enjoy it.
3
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Tue Feb 20 2024
Dookie
Green Day
Maybe a biased rating because this was the first album I ever bought when I was 9 years old. I still listen to it regularly and love every single song. A pop punk masterpiece.
5
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Reggae has never been a genre that I’ve spent any meaningful time with - so it’s hard for me to rate, because I don’t have much reference point. But it was an enjoyable listen, and I hope there’s more reggae to come so I can start to learn more about the genre.
This is a rating I may look back on and want to change, but such is the nature of this project.
3
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Thu Feb 22 2024
A Night At The Opera
Queen
I’m very conflicted with this one. I love Queen in general. I love how this album totally flipped rock songwriting on its head. I genuinely believe that two songs on this album are two of the best songs of all time. But, in the end, I never find myself coming back to the full album. I appreciate what they did, and I appreciate the musicianship, but ultimately as an album, it doesn’t do it for me. And, if I’m being honest, I think that’s true of every Queen album.
3
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Fri Feb 23 2024
After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
I grew up listening to Neil Young via my father. I have an appreciation for Neil Young, and an enormous amount of respect for him as a musician and as a person. But, I can take or leave his music. Love him as part of CSNY and appreciate his songwriting, but it’s not for me.
Let’s put it this way - I have respect for him taking a stance and removing his music from Spotify, but I can’t say I’ve missed his music.
3
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Sat Feb 24 2024
Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
4
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Sun Feb 25 2024
Snivilisation
Orbital
When I started listening, I thought this might have potential to go somewhere. Unfortunately, for my taste, it got worse instead of getting better. Not offensive or bad, but feels pretty generic.
2
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Frank
Amy Winehouse
Of course her story precedes her, but I’ve never really listened to Amy Winehouse before this list. After listening, I can see why she’s held in high regard. I’m not the target audience, but I can certainly appreciate that she had some serious talent.
Not an album I’ll come back to, but glad I heard it.
3
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Tue Feb 27 2024
Blackstar
David Bowie
This is a heartbreaking listen if you have context around what was going on with Bowie when he wrote it. Hauntingly beautiful.
That being said, as much as I appreciate this album for what it is, if I’m gonna listen to Bowie, I’ll pick almost every other one of his albums before this. Makes it hard to rate, but tipped to a 4 because ultimately, it’s a special piece of art.
4
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Wed Feb 28 2024
School's Out
Alice Cooper
This might be my most pleasant surprise so far. Absolutely fantastic.
5
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Street Signs
Ozomatli
It’s not earth shattering but it had me grooving the entire time. Very enjoyable listen even if it’s not a “great” album.
4
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Teen Dream
Beach House
Honestly, this was a bore and totally uneventful. Maybe “dream pop” is just not the genre for me, but nothing at all about this album caught my interest.
Maybe something I’d put on as background noise to fall asleep? Is that why it’s called dream pop?
2
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Sat Mar 02 2024
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Feels like California Dreamin’ single-handedly got this album on the list, which I can’t argue with - it’s a fantastic song. The rest of the album isn’t bad, but nothing stands out like California Dreamin’ does.
It’s perfectly fine, but there’s nothing here that hasn’t been done better elsewhere, imo.
3
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Sun Mar 03 2024
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Fantastically written hip hop. I tend to prefer hip hop with more melody incorporated, vs. stripped down to the beat and vocals, but even though this one is more the latter, it still does it for me.
4
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Personally, I think this album is better than Dark Side of the Moon. The opening track is David Gilmour at his absolute best.
5
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Neil Young is always conflicting for me. I wrote this in my notes for one of his other albums, but I have an enormous amount of respect for him as a musician and as a person, but generally can't get into his music.
The exception to this is when he straps on an electric guitar with a band and lets it rip. I remember as a kid, my dad would always listen to Neil Young, while I was busy listening to Nirvana/Alice in Chains/Soundgarden/Pearl Jam. Then, when Mirror Ball came out, he put it on for me, and my 11 year old mind was blown.
Long story short, that means that this album is split for me. First half, could take or leave. Second half, I really enjoy, even if it's not in regular rotation for me.
3
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Wed Mar 06 2024
Feast of Wire
Calexico
Wasn't expecting much when it popped up but this is a pretty unique album. Not sure I'll come back to it often, but very enjoyable listen.
3
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
Very interesting mix of guitar-driven glam rock and punk, both genres that I love - but unfortunately, kind of falls in the weird area between genres. It’s generally enjoyable, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. A little juvenile in general with the lyrics, but music like this isn’t exactly intended to be highbrow to begin with.
Will definitely be coming back to some of the songs, because it’s a fun listen. But as a full album, it’s not overly compelling.
3
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
I dig it. Starts off with a total assault to the ears, then settles into some really good stuff. Not an album I’m going to put on everyday, but definitely one that will stick with me.
4
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Sat Mar 09 2024
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen is one of the greatest performers I’ve ever seen live. But, I’ve always thought his actual music is wildly overrated. Badlands is a classic, but the rest is just generic Springsteen.
This is a harsh take, but I’ve always felt like Bruce is just the NY/NJ equivalent of country music.
That being said, it’s also not awful. Perfectly fine, just not up to the hype.
3
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Sun Mar 10 2024
Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
This was a welcome break from a long streak of 60’s/70’s/80’s. I enjoyed it quite a bit, even if it wasn’t overly groundbreaking.
3
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Part of what I love about this list is that it’s not just your typical classic rock albums you’d find in a box of records at a yard sale. Never would have listened to this album if not for this list.
Quite enjoyable, love that there are lots of jazzy/funky themes incorporated into a traditional African sound. Likely never will make it into my regular listening habits but I’m glad I listened to it.
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Yeah, it's totally cliché, but this is legitimately a top 10 album of all time.
Everything about it is fantastic - the vocals, the harmonies, the guitar playing, the songwriting. There's a reason it has sold over 20M copies.
5
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
Really liked this. My complaint about it is the length of the songs, for several of them I was really into the groove and it would suddenly end. Very punk in that sense, but this would be a truly great album if they took the top 15-18 tracks and fleshed them out a bit more.
Instead, it’s a bunch of great music mixed with a bunch of songs that ultimately feel like filler. Reminds me of Sandinista in that sense, although even as a big Clash fan, I think this album as a whole is better than Sandinista.
4
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Thu Mar 14 2024
No Other
Gene Clark
Had never heard this album and when it first started, my reaction was “oh boy, another one of THESE albums.” But I’ll admit, it got more interesting as it went on. Some moments that I enjoyed, but ultimately not one I’ll be rushing to come back to again.
3
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Had seen this album mentioned before but had never heard it. Immediately felt like I was listening to a bunch of Cure / Depeche Mode songs I had never heard before, but as it went on, it also showed that it has it's own unique flavor of Synthpop / some Post-Punk.
I'm still a Cure guy through and through, but this was much more interesting than I expected. I also think it's unfair to compare them to The Cure, despite some similarities - this is something different entirely when you look at it as a whole.
4
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Sun Mar 17 2024
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
I’m conflicted what to give this one. If you’re a fan of the blues, this is top notch early blues. But I feel like on this recording specifically, a lot of what made Muddy Waters so influential is buried by the rest of the band.
What I love about Muddy Waters is equally his voice and his guitar work - yet on this album, his guitar work takes a back seat to the other instruments for a lot of it. This is a cool performance if you already know Muddy Waters, but if you don’t, it might not stand out.
Ultimately, 3 stars - because I like it, but I would listen to his other work over this almost every time. I’m not sure if Folk Singer is on this list - maybe it is - but that would have been my choice.
3
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Mon Mar 18 2024
AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Biggest surprise of this entire project is how much I love late 80's and early 90's hip hop. I guess I should have known I would, because I've always liked the hits, but going deep into the albums, there's a lot of great stuff that I missed.
4
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
I’m glad I know this album exists now, because there are a few specific moods where I will want this kind of music in the background. But, generally, didn’t really enjoy actively listening to this.
2
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
Mixed opinions on Dylan, great songwriter but don’t always love his music. This album was interesting to start, because it’s a bit more bluesy than I usually expect from Dylan, but ultimately nothing really stood out.
3
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Sat Mar 23 2024
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
IMO the best electronic album of the 90’s, fantastic and unique the whole way through.
5
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Sun Mar 24 2024
Tommy
The Who
The songs themselves on this album are quite good, the music in isolation is a 3.5/4 to me.
But man, the storytelling on this album is just top notch. To sum it up, everyone knows the song Pinball Wizard. But to really KNOW the song, you need to know it in context - and when you do, it takes it from a good song to a truly great song. For that reason, it gets a 5 from me.
5
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Fri Mar 29 2024
British Steel
Judas Priest
To me, Judas Priest is the bridge between Iron Maiden/Dio-era Sabbath and hair metal. They have the feel of the former, but definitely also have a bit of that glam feel of the latter. In other words - metal enough to be credible, but cheesy enough to be fun. I dig it, but it’s also a clear reminder why Sabbath and Iron Maiden are the gods of British metal.
This album specifically is solid all the way through, but a little same-y at times. I’d say 3.5 stars, but rounded up because it rocks.
4
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Sat Mar 30 2024
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
3
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Sun Mar 31 2024
Ingenue
k.d. lang
3
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Mon Apr 01 2024
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
I reserve 1 ratings for albums that I just can’t bring myself to listen all the way through. This one I was at least able to get through.
I often like experimental / noise rock, but this one I just don’t see it. Odd choice for this list, IMO.
2
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Really interesting listen, and cool that this album has had a resurgence in the last couple years.
Atmospheric, great vocals, and cool layering of sounds. Fits a certain mood very well.
In my rating system a 3 is an album that I enjoyed listening to but won’t find myself coming back to much. This fits that, although it’s among the better 3’s I’ve given.
3
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Boston
Boston
Sure, it’s kind of a cheesy cliché classic rock album, but it’s fun as hell and every single song was a hit. The only other album I can think of that has as high of a concentration of hits on a single album is The Cars self-titled.
Also, the sound quality on this recording is really something special. Borders on overproduced, but it works for me. On a good system, this album sounds absolutely huge, but without sacrificing dynamics. For all you vinyl collectors out there, find a copy with “Wally” in the deadwax and you won’t be disappointed.
The “corporate dad rock” criticisms it often gets are valid, but if you are able to put that aside and just enjoy the music, this is a really good album.
4
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Thu Apr 04 2024
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
Ah yes, the album everyone forgot about until High Fidelity came along. An album that deserves to be remembered.
I’m not a huge psychedelic rock person in general, but this feels like a different take on the genre to me.
4
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Fri Apr 05 2024
The Rise & Fall
Madness
I’m surprised people hate this as much as they do, but I’m also surprised some people love it.
My takeaway is that it was fun to listen to and catchy, but not really much more than that.
In summary, if you’ve heard Our House (let’s be honest, who hasn’t?) you’ve heard the album.
3
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Sat Apr 06 2024
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
One of my all time favorites of any genre. Funky, jazzy, everything you want from a great Herbie album.
5
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Sun Apr 07 2024
good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
I've been told so many times to listen to Kendrick Lamar, but rap / hip hop generally speaking wasn't my thing. Or, at least, I thought it wasn't my thing - until I started making my way through the 1,001 album list - and now I'm learning that I was wrong.
Certainly not fine poetry, but my takeaway from this album is Kendrick has a unique way with words and metric, and he lays it on top of a smooth beat and some well crafted melody.
I'm not surprised this album is polarizing - but even as a non-rap fan, I really do think it's extremely unique and interesting. I can't help but give it five stars.
5
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
This is lovely… but I can’t help but want some more upbeat songs mixed in.
3
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
This is totally dope. Caught me entirely off guard.
5
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Perfect example to me of how it’s possible to appreciate music, but not like it.
2
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
When it came out, I didn’t like this album. As a huge grunge person, as the mainstream converted to nu metal, I liked each iteration less and less.
But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate this album. It’s not an all time favorite, but I think it’s a very solid effort and Chester Bennington stood the test of time - unfortunately to a tragic end.
Overall I’d say it’s a 3.5 for me but rounding up.
4
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Synchronicity
The Police
Really cool album - lots of fun, and a really unique sounds that isn't limited to just Sting's voice. Also, sonically, a really great listen - the production on this album is fantastic.
Only complaint is a few of the tracks feel a little flat and don't really land with me. But, the standout tracks (both Synchronicitys, O My God, Miss Gradenko, Every Breath You Take, King of Pain, and Wrapped Around Your Finger) are phenomenal.
4
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Sat Apr 13 2024
Green
R.E.M.
R.E.M. is one of those bands that I constantly underestimate because they weren’t that “cool” when I was really getting into music as a kid in the early 90’s. But this album was a pleasant surprise. I’ve always known the hits, but there are some real gems on here.
4
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Sun Apr 14 2024
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Imagine you’re in 1969, and you hear about this new hyped up band led by Jimmy Page from the Yardbirds. You buy the album, and the first thing you hear is Good Times Bad Times. How do you not immediately fall in love with this band?
This album is fun because it shows the two sides of Zeppelin - as great songwriters, but also as blues scholars. Ultimately, it’s not my favorite Zeppelin album, because what came after was so damn good. But, Good Times Bad Times may still be my favorite Zeppelin song.
4
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Mon Apr 15 2024
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I kept wanting to like it and it kept giving me reasons not to. And I even tend to like noise punk, but not this one.
1
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Tue Apr 16 2024
Highway to Hell
AC/DC
There's a famous Angus Young quote - "I'm sick to death of people saying we've made 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we have made 12 albums that sound exactly the same." The good news is, I'm a huge AC/DC fan, so by that logic, I love everything they have ever done.
Jokes aside, love 'em or hate 'em, AC/DC is as consistent as they come. But, there's something special about the Bon Scott era - and this is my 2nd favorite Bon Scott album (behind Powerage).
A biased rating, but this is an undisputed 5 stars for me.
5
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Wed Apr 17 2024
C'est Chic
CHIC
Makes you want to dance and Le Freak is obviously a classic. But, it kind of feels like a one trick pony at times.
3
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
This is awesome. It’s shoegazey without being entirely shoegaze. It’s a long album, sure, but the dynamics that come and go throughout keep it interesting. And multiple moments where the sound just flies high and feels transcendent.
I have a weird feeling that it may ultimately not stand up to repeated listens, but on first listen, I absolutely loved it.
5
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Kind of fun but generally feels like a knockoff of an early 70’s Alice Cooper album, but with none of the lyrical charm of Alice Cooper.
One exception - The Faith Healer is a really cool song and stands out significantly from the rest of the album. Bumping it up a star for that song alone.
3
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Sat Apr 20 2024
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I’ve never been big into reggae, not because I don’t like it but because it’s never been something I’ve had a lot of exposure to. But listening to this, you can tell why Bob Marley is the most well known - it’s reggae through and through, but with some really poppy hooks that make it more memorable.
Very enjoyable listen on a Friday.
4
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Sun Apr 21 2024
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
I’ve listened to this album a few times over the years because a lot of people whose opinions I respect love it, but it never quite landed. Was excited when it came up because I wanted to give it a close, attentive listen.
My opinion hasn’t changed. It just doesn’t do it for me. Certainly not bad by any means, but just not my cup of tea.
2
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Mon Apr 22 2024
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
If you don’t listen to this and feel at least a little bit happy, I swear you don’t have a pulse.
5
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Tue Apr 23 2024
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I really like part of it. Another part of it is generally fine. The rest is… kind of annoying I guess?
Some good stuff here, and appreciate the songwriting, but listening to it was a bit of a rollercoaster.
3
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Da Capo
Love
There are too many psychedelic rock albums on this list for me taste.
2
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Thu Apr 25 2024
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
The king of using sampling to create infectious hooks. Overall this album just makes me happy.
Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I honestly only knew a few songs from the full album and even the ones I didn’t know, I enjoyed.
5
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Of all the Steely Dan albums, this is certainly one of them.
To their credit, the thing I love about Steely Dan is their commitment to high quality production. Every one of their albums sounds great. But aside from a few highlight songs on each album, they all kind of all blend together.
3
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Sat Apr 27 2024
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Great stuff. My only complaint, and this sounds silly, but I find that jazz with trumpet as the lead can be a little too shrill sometimes. Otherwise, this is a fantastic listen.
4
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Sun Apr 28 2024
Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I listened to it, and enjoyed it, but forgot to write my review. Finally getting to reviewing it a week later, and I remember it generally, but couldn’t tell you a single thing about it.
I’ll maybe come back to it, but it didn’t land as memorable on first listen.
3
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
I’m mixed on this one. On one hand, it’s cool as hell - lots of elements mixed in, great instrumentation, great harmonies - it’s got a lot to like and clearly good music. But, on the other hand, not a single song on this album got me really excited - Get It On is a perfect example - it’s a very good song, but for me, it generally blends in as fun but forgettable on classic rock radio.
Overall, musical appreciation is a 4+ but enjoyment is a high 2, maybe low 3. Overall, I’d say a 3+ for me.
3
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Tue Apr 30 2024
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Sure, it’s dated, and older rock and roll is not as timeless as some other genres (jazz, etc.) - but there’s still a lot to appreciate here. Some fun hooks, some cool guitar work, and overall a really fun time piece to listen to.
4
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Wed May 01 2024
Dare!
The Human League
Don’t You Want Me is catchy, but it’s also cheesy and borderline annoying - and it’s the best song on the album.
2
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Thu May 02 2024
Suede
Suede
This grabbed me right off the bat with the great guitar layering on So Young. Really enjoy the album as a whole, but did feel like there were some ebbs and flows.
Definitely will come back to this one.
4
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Fri May 03 2024
I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
Remember in middle school when you would ask your friends what kind of music they liked and the standard response was “Everything but country?”
This album is why.
In its defense, if you like this kind of country, I could see this being a quality example. But, I stand by my original statement.
2
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Sat May 04 2024
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
I’ve never quite understood why the Beastie Boys are held in such high regard. At least, that is, until now.
It’s not because I haven’t heard half these songs a million times, but rather because going through this list has put context around them for the first time.
I always assumed this album came out in the early 90’s. When it popped up, and I saw 1986, it made me realize that, at the time this came out, it was so fresh and different and way ahead of its time.
Ultimately, it’s still the same old whiney and grating Beastie Boys, but context is everything and that makes me appreciate them more. And No Sleep Til Brooklyn will
Always be a banger.
4
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Sun May 05 2024
Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
Not bad, but kind of feels like a watered down Misfits.
3
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Mon May 06 2024
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
I have a hard time listening to electronic albums like this critically, because they are fatiguing to listen to in normal settings.
That being said, can tell there’s a lot here (literally and figuratively) - and I really enjoyed the more low key tracks.
Overall, my takeaway is that it’s good electronic, but a bit long and not for every day listening.
3
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Tue May 07 2024
Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This is classic, textbook Creedence. I like Creedence, but I do feel like they sort of blend into classic rock radio and don’t stand out.
Lots to like here, but also doesn’t stand out to me.
3
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Wed May 08 2024
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Lots of really good stuff going on here, I love the layering of sounds and the smooth vocals. I can see why the hype exists.
In the end, really enjoyed it, but it’s not quite up there with some of my favorite hip hop / R&B that I’ve heard on this list. A strong 4 from me.
4
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Thu May 09 2024
If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
3
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Fri May 10 2024
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
Eh, it’s fine. I was excited to see a Sub Pop album that I had never heard before come up, and it was an ok listen, but there wasn’t anything that grabbed me enough to want to come back to it. Soul And Fire, Sacred Attention, and Bouquet for a Siren came close, but otherwise, nothing specific stands out.
To its credit, it’s unique - my favorite part of the album is how it borders on pure chaos at points. That’s ultimately what I’ll remember about this album, is how well they strike the balance between traditional songwriting and chaos. They remind me of the Meat Puppets in that sense, but I feel like the Meat Puppets stick the landing better.
Overall, some good moments and a unique listen - but as a whole, doesn’t really land for me.
Side note - after writing this, I was intrigued enough that I went to their main page on Spotify and checked out their top tracks. Actually really like some of their other stuff, might have to revisit this one at some point. I’ll admit, I didn’t like the Meat Puppets at first, and now I love them, so maybe these guys will grow on me like they did.
3
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Sat May 11 2024
Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Yeah, this is just awesome. A 35 minute vacation from everything around you.
5
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Sun May 12 2024
Slipknot
Slipknot
I bought this album when it came out after hearing Wait and Bleed on the radio. I listened to it for a while, but have since put it on the shelf for about 20 years. Occasionally a song or two would make it on a workout playlist, but I haven’t properly listened to it in a very long time. So, I have the benefit of familiarity, but also have fresh ears.
In retrospect, listening now many years later, I find Slipknot to be a bit of a gimmick band with the costumes and multiple drummers. Maybe the best comparison, to me they are the Millennial version of Kiss - where people liked the music, but the schtick made them more popular than they maybe would have been otherwise.
The percussion is a standout part of this album, but ultimately over the years, it feels a little over the top. I’d pick a standout single drummer over the multi-drummer spectacle every time.
Also, it was only a year later that Mudvayne’s debut album came out, and I feel like that album has everything this album has, but with much better songwriting.
My verdict on this one - it’s heavy, with cool percussion, and it stood out at the time it came out. But in the end, I find that it hasn’t held up well for me aside from a few standout tracks (Wait and Bleed, Spit It Out, Scissors)
3
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Mon May 13 2024
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Was never a huge hip-hop listener growing up, but this album was the one exception. Specifically, The Love Below pulled me in and I have always held it in super high regard.
Over the years, though, I've come to realize that I actually like Speakerboxxx better. The Love Below has higher highs, but Speakerboxxx is more consistently awesome.
In the end, collectively, it holds up as one of my all time favorites.
5
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Tue May 14 2024
Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Somehow, this is the first time I’ve listened to a full Smiths album. Knew a couple of the songs but a few were new to me.
Generally, The Smiths are very up my alley, especially the guitar work, which is exceptional. This is a solid collection of songs, but it doesn’t feel as cohesive as I’d hoped when it popped up. Sometimes it feels like Morrissey is singing whatever he wants, without much regard for the rest of the music.
That’s a nitpick though - overall I loved this album, even if it isn’t quite perfect.
4
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Wed May 15 2024
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
I have a preconceived notion of what this album was going to be because of Coconut.
And I was totally wrong. Just when you think you know what’s coming next, it keeps you guessing.
Overall, some really great stuff and some really weird stuff, and both are a lot of fun.
4
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Thu May 16 2024
S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
I listened to this with noise canceling headphones while walking and it made me dizzy.
I didn’t realize it was a concept album when I listened, so it probably warrants another listen with that in mind. But overall, enjoyed it, even if it feels similar to a lot of other British rock.
3
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Fri May 17 2024
Nowhere
Ride
I’ve seen a lot of bands described as shoegaze that aren’t really shoegaze. This is what I really expect when I think of shoegaze. Moody, airy, maybe kind of bland at times, but backed up with great instrumentation and a cohesive wall of sound.
I listened to the deluxe edition, and it’s really long - maybe a little too long - but I did like it quite a bit.
4
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Sat May 18 2024
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Of the “big three” Stevie Wonder albums, this is my least favorite. But it’s still Stevie at his peak, and Superstition may be his greatest ever song.
4
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Sun May 19 2024
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Have always know about this album but have never given it a proper listen.
A fantastic listen that kept surprising me with each track. It’s got a cohesive vibe, but without every track sounding the same. Great guitar work, spacey but catchy vocals, and a groovy rhythm section. What more can you ask for?
This is one of those albums to put on when you need that uplifting chill vibe. Will definitely be in regular rotation for me in the future.
5
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Tue May 21 2024
Copper Blue
Sugar
90’s rock / alternative is my genre of choice, but I had somehow never heard this album. Glad to have found it.
Feels a little like if the Pixies and REM had a baby. Some great guitar work, and really enjoyed a few of the songs. Overall though, I’m not sure it stands out enough to me, despite me really wanting it to.
3
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Thu May 23 2024
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Listened to Return to Cookie Mountain back when it came out and always liked it, but for some reason didn’t continue on with the band past then.
Well, I guess I should have. This album is very solid, with a few moments of brilliance. The back to back duo of Golden Age / Family Tree is the highlight for me, yet the songs couldn’t be more different.
Debating giving this one a 5, but it doesn’t quite hit that level all the way through. It’s close, though.
4
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Fri May 24 2024
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
I get why it’s on here and that Emmylou Harris is the bright spot, but overall it didn’t land for me.
2
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Sat May 25 2024
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Probably my favorite Bowie album. So many classics on one album.
5
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Sun May 26 2024
OK Computer
Radiohead
5
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Mon May 27 2024
Scum
Napalm Death
Some good thrashy riffs, and some crazy drumming, but I didn't exactly enjoy listening to it. I tend to like heavier music / metal in general, but this is a bit too much.
2
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Tue May 28 2024
Sea Change
Beck
I know Beck from Mellow Gold and Odelay, but had never heard this. Quite the change from what I was expecting.
Very interesting listen, and really enjoyed a mellower, more introspective Beck. Although, I would have maybe liked a little more variety - with the exception of a few parts, it’s a little too low key for me. If I want low key, I feel like I’ll generally go elsewhere.
Still, though, very solid effort that I’ll come back to at some point.
4
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Wed May 29 2024
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
All their best hits on one album, with some really good southern rock tracks in between.
Maybe stating the obvious, but in particular, some really great guitar work. Putting the meme aside, the solo in Free Bird is objectively an all time great guitar solo. And Simple Man is a fantastic track. The rest is solid, but not on the same level as those two songs.
Overall, a really good album all the way through, but also not quite at the level to warrant a 5 rating in my book.
4
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Thu May 30 2024
2112
Rush
I like Rush a lot in general, but strangely this isn’t my favorite Rush album. Moving Pictures, Permanent Waves, and A Farewell to Kings all land much better with me.
Still though, I like this album a lot, and it’s classic Rush through and through.
4
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Fri May 31 2024
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Pure, unadulterated, fun British metal. Some of the best guitar work in the genre.
Bruce Dickinson’s voice has grown on me, but it’s still not my favorite. Really my only complaint about Maiden.
I’d rate other Maiden albums higher (Powerslave in particular) but since I believe this is the only Maiden album on the list, it gets a 5 from me.
5
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Sat Jun 01 2024
Nevermind
Nirvana
I could write my perspective, but it’s nothing that hasn’t been written before. Plain and simple, maybe my personal favorite album of all time.
And Drain You isn’t just my favorite song on this album, it might be my favorite song of all time, period.
5
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Tue Jun 04 2024
The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
This was fun, you can see how it’s the bridge between big band and rock and roll. Enjoyable listen.
3
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Wed Jun 05 2024
Connected
Stereo MC's
I didn’t entirely hate it, but there was nothing about it that I enjoyed. It’s like a weird middle ground between pop and hip hop, but it doesn’t do either well.
2
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Thu Jun 06 2024
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Standalone, this is a great performance. Really nice music to listen to.
Alongside the story, this is a super cool piece of music history. Very glad to have been introduced to it through this list.
4
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Fri Jun 07 2024
Shleep
Robert Wyatt
*slaps roof of car* this bad boy can fit so many discordant sounds in it.
To be fair, there are moments when it’s not entirely awful, and even interesting / unique - but, ultimately, feels like it’s trying too hard to be edgy and it’s also not something I’d ever want to listen to again.
2
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Sat Jun 08 2024
Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Generally speaking I enjoy The Police, but the only full album of theirs I really like is Synchronicity (also on this list)
A few really solid songs on this one but overall doesn’t feel that special as an album.
3
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Sun Jun 09 2024
Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
Smooth as hell, which was very enjoyable for the first few songs. But after a bunch of songs, the enjoyment wore down.
3
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Mon Jun 10 2024
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
Maybe we should stick to 1,000 albums to hear before you die from now on.
1
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Tue Jun 11 2024
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Always a good listen, obviously packs less of a punch today than it did when it came out.
But Blue Suede Shoes will always be a banger, regardless of era.
3
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Wed Jun 12 2024
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Enjoyed it more than I expected but ultimately not something that I think will stick with me long term.
3
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Thu Jun 13 2024
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
I’ll be honest, I’m coming in with a negative bias. There’s not many genres of music I hate more than the “emo-cutesy-folky-whiney” variant of the indie genre. So the baseline here is pretty low.
In an attempt to put my bias aside, here’s what I’ll say about it… to start, this is a very well produced album. Great instrumentation, and the quiet / loud dynamic definitely keeps it interesting. I like that it’s much more than the “acoustic guitar with soft drums and some strings” that you usually get from this flavor of indie music. There’s some good musicianship here. If there was less cutesy lyrics and a different vocal delivery, I might actually somewhat enjoy it.
But that being said, I just can’t bring myself to enjoy it. This one will be put back on the shelf forever, unless someday I decide to make an indie movie where someone is going on a long train ride in the rain to try and win back their high school sweetheart and I need to pull a couple songs for the soundtrack.
2
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Fri Jun 14 2024
My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
This one goes in the category of albums I appreciate, but don’t enjoy. These kinds of albums are always hard to rate, because it’s hard to separate the two.
I love Talking Heads, and there are elements of the same things I like about them on here, but as a whole it’s a little too out there for me to fully enjoy it.
With my enjoyment at probably a 2, and appreciation at a 4, this ends up coming in at a 3.
3
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Sun Jun 16 2024
Third
Soft Machine
Some really good things going on here, but also feels a little all over the place. Certainly different. In the end, feels like it isn’t quite jazz, and isn’t quite prog rock, so it lands in a weird in-between.
3
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Mon Jun 17 2024
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Funky and fun to listen to, but ultimately forgettable.
3
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Tue Jun 18 2024
Tidal
Fiona Apple
I’m a 40 year old white guy from Boston whose favorite bands are Nirvana, Black Sabbath, and Queens of the Stone Age.
And I’m not afraid to admit that, not only did I somehow already know about half of the songs on this album, I also really liked the other half that I didn’t know.
Not necessarily going to be something I listen to all the time, but I can’t deny it’s a great album.
4
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Wed Jun 19 2024
McCartney
Paul McCartney
I don’t dislike this album, but I think the common criticism is fair - it feels like a bunch of half-baked ideas.
3
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Thu Jun 20 2024
Funeral
Arcade Fire
I loved this album when it came out, because it was so different.
A few songs on it still hold up (Rebellion and Wake Up in particular) but overall, I don’t find myself as compelled by it as I used to be.
Still like it a lot, even if it’s not quite the desert island album I used to think it was.
4
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Fri Jun 21 2024
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Obviously, context is important with this album. It’s arguably THE album that started what rock music is today.
But even without context, it holds up as great music. I hadn’t listened to it much since I was a kid - biggest thing that sticks out is that it’s blues-ier than I remember, in a good way. And the vocals are really something special.
Not an album I will listen to frequently going forward, but was awesome to revisit it. A time piece that deserves its place in music history, and holds up surprisingly well.
4
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Sat Jun 22 2024
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Enjoyed this a lot. Nick Cave has that Springsteen like baritone voice, but with much more interesting songwriting IMO.
Liked the first half of this more than the second, but overall really liked everything.
4
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Sun Jun 23 2024
The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
Have you even been sitting in your posh vinyl listening room, drinking aged whiskey, listening to Steely Dan, and thought to yourself, “I really wish this Steely Dan record was a little more Steely Dan-y?” Well let me tell you, you’re in luck, because this album is just what you’ve been looking for.
Joking aside, I actually like this better than some Steely Dan records. And one of the better sounding albums you’ll here - people criticize it for being overproduced, but I think it sounds incredible.
4
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Mon Jun 24 2024
Guero
Beck
This was a new one to me, I’ve listened to other Beck albums (mostly the older ones) but had never heard this album aside from the first track.
Scratches a similar itch to Gorillaz - alternative/hip hop/electronic mix with a good vibe to it. Only complaint was that it dragged a bit at parts, but overall, really liked it.
4
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Tue Jun 25 2024
...And Justice For All
Metallica
Metallica is one of my favorite bands, but I’ve always felt like this is their most overrated album.
Generally speaking, this album doesn’t do anything new and different. Everything on here feels like a rinse and repeat from their previous two albums, but with a harsher sound and worse production. Even One, which is an all time great Metallica song, feels like what would come out if Fade to Black and Sanitarium were put together in a blender.
Say what you will about the Black album, but at least they did something different and stepped up their game on production. Sure, pure thrash Metallica is awesome, but had they made another album like Justice, it would have started to feel stale.
Now that I’ve gotten the criticisms out of the way, this is still a great full throttle Metallica thrash album. Also, tons of credit to them for being to pull this album off after a period of enormous loss.
3
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Wed Jun 26 2024
Gris Gris
Dr. John
This didn't really do it for me. It's got a cool vibe going on, and an interesting mix of different styles blended together - but I can't say I enjoyed listening to it.
2
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Thu Jun 27 2024
Moon Safari
Air
I listened to this twice a couple weeks apart - because after the first listen, it felt like an album that I would enjoy more on second listen. Yet, even after a second listen, I still come away from it feeling like it was fun but forgettable.
Might revisit it at some point but for now, it feels kinda meh to me.
3
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Mon Jul 08 2024
Pink Flag
Wire
This was a great surprise. Loved it. Everything I like about that old school punk sound is here, I’m actually surprised I’ve never heard it before.
5
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Tue Jul 09 2024
Disintegration
The Cure
I’m a little too young to have experienced The Cure in their prime, but so many of the bands I grew up listening to cite them as influences. I have always known the hits, but never went deeper into their catalog until recently.
Other albums of theirs took a few listens to sink in. Pornography, in particular, took some time before I “got” it.
This album, however, was love at first listen. And now, listening to it critically again, I love it even more than I did on first listen. It has a way of balancing moody and brooding with optimistic and airy. Absolutely fantastic album that has secured a spot among my all time favorites.
5
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Thu Jul 11 2024
Ten
Pearl Jam
90's alternative / grunge is my music of choice, which is equally due to merit and nostalgia. So off the bat, my rating comes with a bias.
I generally put Pearl Jam near the bottom of the list of my favorite bands from this era, I think as a whole they are very overrated. But, the two exceptions to this are their first two albums, Ten and Vs.
I tend to think Vs. is a better album as a whole, but the highs on Ten are some of the best songs in the genre. Once, Alive, Black, and Release are among my favorite songs of all time. And, of course, Even Flow and Jeremy are all time classics.
My only complaint about this album is it's front heavy, and the B side is weaker by comparison. But overall, an amazing album that lives up to the hype for me.
5
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Fri Jul 12 2024
Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Gotta love Peter Gabriel / Genesis for having one of the more unique sounds of their era. Much more influential than most people realize.
4
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Sat Jul 13 2024
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Yet again, this album proves to me that I didn't listen to nearly enough hip hop in the 90's. I loved Low End Theory, which I got a couple months ago, and I loved this even more.
5
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Sun Jul 14 2024
Parachutes
Coldplay
I know Coldplay is polarizing, and rightly so given their recent work - but their first two albums rightfully put them on the map, and they are among my favorite albums of all time.
Rush of Blood to the Head is a better IMO, but this album is still excellent, and I think Shiver is my favorite Coldplay song.
4
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Tue Jul 16 2024
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Quite enjoyed this. Never really listened to it during its heyday, and I imagine it was more impactful at the time, but it still holds up strong by today's standards.
4
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Wed Jul 17 2024
Marquee Moon
Television
I knew what I was going to give this before I even listened, and lo and behold, it holds up to my already inflated view of how great it is.
5
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Thu Jul 18 2024
Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Fun enough, but ultimately didn’t change my opinion on Cypress Hill.
3
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Fri Jul 19 2024
Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
It’s not horrible, but man, there’s a lot of 60’s psychedelic rock on this list - and this one doesn’t really stand out from the crowd.
Maybe I’ve just had it front loaded, but at this point, I could do without any more for a while.
2
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Mon Jul 22 2024
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I don’t love The White Stripes but I very much respect Jack White as a musician. I love his work with The Raconteurs, but for some reason the White Stripes never quite landed for me.
Had only previously heard about half of the songs on this album, but the rest was pretty much what I expected. Some great riffs and a unique sound, but doesn’t quite land as a whole for me. Didn’t hate it, but also don’t see myself going back to it often.
3
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Fri Jul 26 2024
War
U2
I enjoy old school raw U2, but in small doses. That’s probably true about U2 in general, although in general I prefer their late 80’s / early 90’s sound to the early sound.
Standouts on this album for me are New Years Day and 40.
3