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Wed Jan 03 2024
The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
Sounded like a rave backdrop. Pretty repetitive beats but some interesting lyrical choices (also repetitive within the song). Reminded me of chemical brothers? Would fit into the Matrix soundtrack
3
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Thu Jan 04 2024
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Interesting timing on custard. In my time dying I thought was too long.. Trampled under foot or Kashmir probably most well known. Bron-yr-aur is beautiful. Enjoy this album
4
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Fri Jan 05 2024
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Songs blend together as if one long set - meant to be heard as an album? Short samples bound by music. “Tonight” is my least favorite, although I didn’t really enjoy any all too much.
1
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Sat Jan 06 2024
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Bit of a funky feel to begin, remnants of 60s with the orchestration. Beatles vibe. Kinda reminds me of Little Feats (around the same era). Get it on (bang a gong) certainly the most popular song on the album.cool groove on Motivator. Most songs have room to breathe. I enjoy this one a lot
5
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Sun Jan 07 2024
Tommy
The Who
Liked how the early songs blended together. Tommy mentioned throughout, pinball also. Curious if real person. Pinball wizard probably the big hit from this album? Enjoyed it
4
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Mon Jan 08 2024
The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Heard the “I ain’t got nobody” riff/phrase before but not in context, that was cool. Jump Jive and Wail popular cover (Brian Setzer) late 90s so I knew that one. Buona Sera another popular one. Cool to revisit swing/jazz/big band again, many great players. Some funny lyrics throughout, I enjoyed this collection a lot.
4
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Tue Jan 09 2024
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Don’t know many Beastie Boys songs (none on this album), interesting with a lot of low-hanging rhymes but then something much more sophisticated. Album seems sample heavy but works in the genre. Unsure how B.B. is regarded within hip hop, but they have an undeniable sound. Imagery is comical. B-Boy bouillabaisse set is a totally different sound. Think my fave was either “egg man” or “looking down the barrel of a gun”
4
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Who's Next
The Who
Baba Oreilley is a massive hit, probably the biggest by the Who. Another great album
5
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
I immediately liked the music but thought the vocals sounded like a drunk at karaoke. But with more listening I started to enjoy it more. Maybe that’s the way with this punk music, not caring about a commercially/stereotypically “good” song package, and more about staying true to yourself and your message.. “Futures and Pasts” is my favorite, but enjoyed “Industrial Estate” and “Underground Medecin”
3
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Fri Jan 12 2024
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Brand new artist but Wow, really like this one! Reminds me a lot of different bands like Poison, the Cure, Duran Duran, even the Beatles.. but there is such a variety across the album it speaks to the talent they have. “Elizabeth My Dear” sounds exactly the same as Scarborough Fair, and therefore in my opinion the weakest. Loved them all so hard to choose my favorite for my Spotify playlist but I have to go with “She Bangs the Drums”
5
View Album
Sat Jan 13 2024
Abraxas
Santana
What a guitarist! “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va” are huge hits - that I’ve heard before - but this album is more than those two songs. Great blend of Santana’s solos with the rest of the band proving their abilities as well. Cool Latin vibe underlying with classic 70s rock sounds overtop. Liked how the songs wove together to provide a tide of music, slowing and quieting just to swell again; made for a pleasant album-long listening session.
4
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Sun Jan 14 2024
California
American Music Club
Hard to find, not on Spotify. Nice easy listening. To me it’s good but not amazing, middle of the road. Would listen but probably wouldn’t seek it out.
3
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Mon Jan 15 2024
Rip It Up
Orange Juice
Definitely interesting compilation-style album. Many songs in different “styles” but then some seem out of place. Favorites are the titular ‘Rip it up’ and ‘Can’t help myself’, reminded me of INXS, Prince, the Cars.. I enjoyed ‘Louise Louise’ although had an older feel to it. ‘Million pleading faces’ and ‘Hokoyo’ had an African (Swahili?) vibe.
3
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Tue Jan 16 2024
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
New artist/album although I have heard of Elvis Costello.. I enjoy the punk flavor with some classic 70s aspects as well, like synth keyboards. ‘Pump it up’ reminds me of ‘Voodoo Child’ - possible sample/influence there; one of my album favorites. Noticing some familiar sounds that remind me of later artists like Counting Crows and Tom Petty, but also earlier like the Who (‘You belong to me’ resembles ‘my Generation’). Interesting phrase “she’s last years model” in ‘(don’t want to go to) Chelsea’ when the album is titled “this Years Model”. Overall I really enjoyed the whole album, pretty cohesive across the board.
4
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Wed Jan 17 2024
1984
Van Halen
Somewhat familiar with VH so this was a fun listen. ‘Jump’ is probably the biggest song they have, but ‘Panama’ is big too. To have these back to back speaks to the albums quality. The song ‘I’ll Wait’ was charting the week I was born (#18). Love the drums on ‘Hot for Teacher’. Guitar solos throughout are incredible.
3
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Thu Jan 18 2024
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Know a couple queen songs but not many. Definitely a classic identifiable sound in Mercury’s vocals. ‘Killer Queen’ the biggest hit of the album (and only one I knew), but lots of fun variety regarding time, emotion throughout. Lyrically impressive with some sophisticated rhyming but still cohesive. Some really nice guitar solos across the board. ‘Lap of the Gods’ seemed to imitate Pink Floyd, in sound style as well as the echoes in the revisit at album’s end. I’m not a huge fan of the ballad-style songs although ‘Dear Friends’ was nice. Reference to Jim Croce’s character in ‘bring Back Leroy Brown’?
3
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Fri Jan 19 2024
Movies
Holger Czukay
I don’t know what to say about this, definitely WEIRD and experimental. Never heard of this artist before. I enjoyed “Lord give us more money” as background music but there is so much going on it got a bit disjointed and fatiguing for my taste. I enjoyed the more laid-back vibe of ‘Persian Love’ and ‘Hollywood Symphony’. Maybe a jazz background, certainly playing with sampling. Enjoyed hearing something new
3
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Sat Jan 20 2024
Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
First heard of Marty Robbins from a Rick Beato video, so familiar of this album. Great voice, sneakily good guitar, beautiful harmonies. Very fun cowboy western music. ‘Cool Water’ was fun to hear as I remember it from the “Buster Scruggs” movie.
Favorites are ‘Big Iron’ (love the harmonized octave slurs) and ‘El Paso’.
4
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Sun Jan 21 2024
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
This reminded me of lots of different bands: Grateful Dead, Allman Bros, the Doors,Steve Miller band, CCR… and I kept thinking I would rather been listening to those bands instead.
Liked the A-side treated much like 1 long jam, B-side definitely more disjointed. Added ‘Who do you love pt 1’ to my list as I enjoyed the first half more. Unfortunately this album is quite forgettable for me, even though I didn’t hate it
2
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Mon Jan 22 2024
Kala
M.I.A.
Some songs just gave me a headache, some I enjoyed. As something that isn’t really my taste, this album was more fun than I thought at the outset. Favorites include ‘Boys’ and ‘Jimmy’, more than the commercial success ‘Paper Planes’. Beats were fun, almost had an Indian/Persian flair at times. I wanted to like/dislike this album more than I did
3
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Tue Jan 23 2024
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Not bad but wasn’t feeling it. I have heard of Supertramp but not sure I could name any specific songs. Favorite from the album is probably ‘Dreamer’
3
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Wed Jan 24 2024
Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
I only know of the Byrds for their psychadelic rock. Maybe this Americana style was present in the undercurrents of their earlier/other music (‘Nothing was Delivered’ sounded the most like the Byrds I was familiar with). I can’t tell if this album was made as satire or the group was truly interested in Country/Western music. Either way, I can appreciate the songs’ quality of production and musicianship even if I don’t enjoy the genre too much.
Favorite song is probably ‘Hickory Wind’ or ‘Lazy Days’
3
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Live!
Fela Kuti
Wasn’t sure what to expect but what a cool album. Long-form jazz takes a certain kind of mood, but didn’t take too long to feel it. Very funky Afro jazz, great drums, fat horns… First time hearing of Fela, but I may have heard some of his music back in my jazz band days. Interesting to read up a bit about him while listening!
Favorite song probably ‘Ye Ye De Smell’
3
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Fri Jan 26 2024
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Great Hendrix album. Pretty recognizable sound, exactly what you’d expect. ‘Purple Haze’ is probably the most popular song on the album, I think my favorite is ‘Hey Joe’ since that’s my name (also a pretty big hit).
4
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Sat Jan 27 2024
Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Nice album, heard of ‘money for nothing’ and ‘walk of life’ but the others were easy listening.
3
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Sun Jan 28 2024
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Elton John is a great artist. There is always so much movement in his piano playing! ‘Tiny dancer’ is the only song I’ve heard from this album and must be the biggest hit, but every song was definitely enjoyable
3
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
I’ve heard the song ‘Kids’ but overall a totally new artist.
3
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Tue Jan 30 2024
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Definite similarities with other English bands, like the Beatles or Hermans Hermits. Didn’t know any songs on the album but in searching I did know several other Kinks songs. Fun use of different sounds (horns, kazoo) throughout. I enjoyed every entry on this album, favorite was ‘Shangri-La’ but not a bad choice to be made.
5
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Certainly lots of energy! Good live album but wasn’t really into it
3
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Thu Feb 01 2024
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Nice folk album, beautifully simple and profound at the same time. The vibrato in her voice became a bit much for me all at once but was better broken up around the errands I had. Definitely renaissance festival vibes. Nice chill listen
3
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Fri Feb 02 2024
Vespertine
Björk
Bjork takes the weird and turns it up to 11.. I was expecting to dislike this album more than I actually did. Ethereal.
3
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Sat Feb 03 2024
Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Good live album, the audience was quiet during to songs - due to nationality of recording I’m not sure. Was familiar with ‘Smoke on the Water’ but several other great songs too. “Disc 2” was weird as it was the same encore (?) songs from different dates, so I only listened thru each unique song.
3
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Sun Feb 04 2024
Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
Fun music, my first fully foreign album on here
3
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Familiar with several Iron Maiden songs but none from this album.
3
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Tue Feb 06 2024
The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan is a beloved artist and songwriter, but not really for my preference. His decision to be so loose with the time structure of some songs is distracting to the point that the lyrical strengths are lost to me. ‘Blowing’ in the Wind’ is certainly the most well-known from this album, I think my favorite was ‘Hard Rain’s a-gonna Fall’. Pretty decent folk album, feels like a soundtrack to the 60s.
3
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Wed Feb 07 2024
Car Wheels On A Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
I wanted to like this album as there were different aspects of each song I enjoyed. But it was a chore to get through.
2
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Spiderland
Slint
Cool alternative/grunge sound, good listen.
3
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
Liked it
3
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Sat Feb 10 2024
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Great high-octane metal album. Was familiar with many of the songs but a couple were new. Liked them all, good mix of blazing speed with melodic ballad
4
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Sun Feb 11 2024
Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Nice jazz album, short form may be more accessible for general audience but would have been nice to have longer songs
3
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
Even though the Spotify link doesn’t go to the original album, it was still a good listen. Fantastic ambient listening, very relaxing and meditative. Very cool
4
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Tue Feb 13 2024
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
I was a fan back in the Nirvana heyday, and possibly have been exposed to this set either thru MTV or something else, but wow what an amazing live set! I understand that some people can love or hate it, and can see both perspectives, but I really enjoyed the listen (nostalgia? Taste?). Nice curation of songs that doesn’t rely too heavily on Nirvanas smash hits, and also covers that highlight their talent within the acoustic space. Cobain’s haunting and soulful singing works just as well “unplugged”
4
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Lady In Satin
Billie Holiday
Nice unique singing voice, soothing songs that remind me of old Disney movies. I enjoyed the music behind, great horn solos that compliment and aren’t starved for the attention. Songs did blend together a bit. Not my favorite album but overall very nice
3
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Make Yourself
Incubus
I remember some of these songs from the time of release. ‘Drive’ and ‘Pardon Me’ are the biggest songs on the album. I liked the funkiness of ‘Battlestar Scralatchtica’. This album is a pretty good summary of my music tastes at the end of the 90s
4
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Fri Feb 16 2024
New Forms
Roni Size
Interesting music for the background but not something I’m terribly interested in.
2
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Sat Feb 17 2024
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Nice live album, the crowd noise even enhances it; would have been great to hear it in person, sounds like everyone was having a great time. Was not familiar with any of the songs, although I did know BB King was a big name in blues.
3
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Sun Feb 18 2024
Boston
Boston
First album that I know well, and it’s one of my favorites!! A lot of depth layered within the songs that is easy to miss on a quick listen. And such a great debut for a band too
5
View Album
Mon Feb 19 2024
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Thought I wouldn’t like this much but I did. Not sure what they mean by ‘ambient’ because some songs definitely bring your attention. Brand new artist, never heard the name. I could see listening again, at least in the background.
Favorites: Xtal, Ageispolis, Delphium
Least favorite: Green calx
3
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Tue Feb 20 2024
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I have two feelings about this album; I generally like it but the angsty lyric screaming over the top in places seems to be trying too hard (I liked the lead female vocals when more controlled). Reminds me of Scott Pilgrim movie, I saw a review say the early 00s EA Sports and that seems appropriate also. I enjoy ‘Maps’ and ‘Y Control’ the most, and they are at the end of the album, reminds me a bit of Paramore
3
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Konnichiwa
Skepta
Don’t listen to rap much, and this is probably my first UK rap album. Decent variety in the hooks, interspersing of conversation seems fairly common in the genre but was a distraction. Not bad but nothing terribly new or valuable. Hard to find a song I wanted to add to my playlist.
2
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Pretty big variety of sounds on this album, very eclectic. Enjoyed some, but it was all so weird that it was hard to take it seriously. Which maybe was the point.. Very middle of the road ratings-wise, not my favorite but not terrible.
2
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
I have heard some of these (‘Kicks’, ‘Not your Stepping Stone’), at least as far as I know. Fun bubblegum music for the most part. Definitely reminds me of the Monkees, the Grassroots, early Beatles, maybe a bit like Herman’s Hermits. ‘SS 396’ is more like a Beach Boys/Jan & Dean song, didn’t fit in with the others.. with so many styles and that this was a pretty early album for PR&tR, may have been identity decisions, or just chasing commercial success.. Classic 60s sound that is fun to hear.
3
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Sat Feb 24 2024
Purple Rain
Prince
Great album, I’ve heard a couple songs here and there but never to the whole. As one review said aptly, so excessive but so uncluttered! Shows its age but it has aged well. Lots of hit songs just from this one album, was a pleasure throughout.
4
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Sun Feb 25 2024
There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
This is a hard rating for me. There’s been some albums that I didn’t enjoy AND didn’t understand them being on the list. I can see the importance of this one but it just didn’t grab me in any way. It’s not that I didn’t like it though.. maybe it just wasn’t a good day for this one to come up.
3
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Tago Mago
Can
Another hard one to rate. There were certainly times that were too experimental for me and I hated it, but at the same time could see myself getting into it.. guess I should have gotten high before listening. Middle of the road but rating down as I dont see listening again
2
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Tue Feb 27 2024
Tapestry
Carole King
Great album full of hits! Easy to argue the importance of Carole King, some of the songs on this album were massive hits for the covering artists. Really liked this one, I was familiar with some of the songs.
3
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Is This It
The Strokes
Lots of songs that I enjoyed, although it was monotonous in places. I wish I heard this when it was released! I would def listen again.
4
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Sister
Sonic Youth
I’ve heard of Sonic Youth but don’t think I’ve ever listened to any of their songs. Few places that were a bit like noise but overall very cohesive. I enjoyed, would listen again but may not seek it out.
3
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Ten
Pearl Jam
Never listened to too much Pearl Jam but an old neighbor was into them enough for the both of us!! Amazing A-side with hit after hit, but 2nd half dropped off a little bit — could be that I just wasn’t as familiar. There were some songs I didn’t know the title but that, once started, seemed to come back to me. Fantastic debut album, for me it’s a 4.5... I wish they would allow half-star ratings but rounding up
5
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Sat Mar 02 2024
Queen II
Queen
I enjoy this album more than my previous from the list (Sheer Heart Attack) despite not knowing any of these songs. There are definitely typical Queen glam sounds but in general a bit heavier. I like the fantasy subject matter, some beautiful lyrics throughout. White queen on A-side, black queen on B-side. 3.5/5
3
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Sun Mar 03 2024
Spy Vs. Spy: The Music Of Ornette Coleman
John Zorn
Reading some of the other reviews, I understand why this may have been added to the list. Was it a minority choice to appease the jazz listeners? It was barely listenable, and I’m somewhat a fan of jazz. Every so often something would bloom from the chaos and be quite nice, but then degrade back into noise. The high point is that I made it through the whole album… 1.5/5
1
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Suede
Suede
Sounded familiar but also new. Decent album, middle of the road
3
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
Cool old-school hip hop. Think I’ve seen that ‘Walk this way’ gave Aerosmith a resurgence. Fun listen, 3.5/5 but rating up as you can easily see how it was influential to the genre
4
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Wed Mar 06 2024
A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
I knew several of these songs as I had a Beatles anthology set as a kid, but at least half were new to me. They’re all pretty much bubblegum pop, short songs, exactly what you think of with early Beatles. Fun listen, even the “throwaway” songs were decent. 3.75/5
4
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Metallica
Metallica
Knew a couple of these songs from back in the day, plenty of new ones too. Great album with lots of big hits.
5
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Fri Mar 08 2024
3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
I wanted to like this album, and ‘That Lady’ was a great start. But it just devolved into covers that I’d rather hear the originals, some other instrumentally decent songs that were forgettable. 2.5/5
2
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Sat Mar 09 2024
Thriller
Michael Jackson
Plenty of big hits, one of the biggest albums of all time. Still, amazingly, was my first time listening to the whole album thru
4
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Sun Mar 10 2024
Pyromania
Def Leppard
Couple songs I knew, overall a really fun listen. The excess of 80s hair bands but some real subtlety hidden there
4
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Stripped
Christina Aguilera
Remember this from back then, never quite my thing.
2
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Album started off nice and I thought I would love it, but it quickly became nothing more than background music and didn’t hold my attention. I enjoyed ‘Unfinished Symphony’. Overall middle of the road- enjoyed but wouldn’t seek it out, 3/5
3
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Decent mix of punk alternative and rock. Sounded familiar yet don’t think I have heard any of these songs. A couple played with the time signature which added interest. 3.75/5
4
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Decent album, many new songs. 3.5/5 rounding down as I don’t think I would seek it out
3
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
Short album, I enjoyed it a lot 4/5
4
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Sat Mar 16 2024
Smash
The Offspring
Great album, remember from back then.
5
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Sun Mar 17 2024
Crazysexycool
TLC
Thought I would enjoy more than I did. May be my unfamiliarity with the genre but didn’t do it for me. 2.5/5 but rounding down as I won’t be seeking it out again
2
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Only 8 songs but some massive hits! Nice listen, surprising it’s only 41 minutes. Hit songs I knew well but even the ‘filler’ had some cool sounds and ideas within them. 4.5/5 but with ‘Everybody wants to rule the World’ having 1.5 billion plays on Spotify, I’m rounding up 👍
5
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Tue Mar 19 2024
1989
Taylor Swift
Great album with lots of huge hits. Catchy tunes, not 100% my style but still a fun listen that’s massively popular. Can’t fault, 4.5/5
5
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Eternally Yours
The Saints
Cool album from a brand new band to me. Really enjoyed, did blend together a bit.
4
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Fun House
The Stooges
Pretty cool, reminded me of The Rolling Stones 3.5/5
4
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
Not sure what to say. Some songs were nice, some were awful. Some had decent production, some sounded shit. 2.5/5 but I’m rounding down because I’d be ok not hearing ever again
2
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Sat Mar 23 2024
One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
So good. Except ‘promentalshit…’ really rug-pulled the rest of the album. I have heard some Funkadelic before but none of these. Accessibility hurts this one; as good as it is, should be on streaming platforms. 4/5
4
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Sun Mar 24 2024
Protection
Massive Attack
Strange album, couldn’t figure out the cohesion.. ok but not great, 2.5/5
3
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Decent easy listening, ‘Sultans of Swing’ their biggest hit with over a billion plays on Spotify. 3.5/5
3
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Tue Mar 26 2024
The Bends
Radiohead
Know of Radiohead but not crazy familiar worth many songs. Pretty good album, from my musically-formative years so a bit of nostalgia rates this up. Not seeking this out but enjoyed listening throughout. 4/5
4
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Wed Mar 27 2024
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Really cool old-school hip hop, really enjoyed. Not my typical listen but it was a treat. Never heard the album but I swear the album art is giving me serious deja-vu. 3.75/5
4
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Decent folk music. Nothing outstanding, middle of the road
3
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
Not into it. Not that it’s bad, but I just don’t get it
2
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Sat Mar 30 2024
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
Know Coltrane is a jazz master but I don’t like free-form jazz anymore
2
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Sun Mar 31 2024
Faith
George Michael
Decent, pretty typical 80s pop songs but pretty sexual. Didn’t really hold my attention too well, right down the middle 3/5
3
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Mon Apr 01 2024
The White Room
The KLF
Unavailable on Spotify but found on YouTube, wish streaming accessibility was better. Enjoyable listen, although I was working on other things so nothing specifically stands out. Somewhat generic electronic pop sounds, but still holds up today. 3.5/5
4
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Brothers
The Black Keys
A lot of reviews are talking about blues, and I kinda get it, but I always thought of the Black Keys as an alternative rock band. Decent album but does blend together. 3/5
3
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
This was a weird album, it sounded like so many different artists: Tom Petty, Beatles, Prince, Hendrix… it showed the talent that Kravitz has but also all the influences taken. I didn’t realize how well rounded that he was, I admit I hardly know any of his songs. There’s definitely some hidden depth, I’m gonna go 3.75/5
4
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Among The Living
Anthrax
Definitely goes hard.. nice head-banger that can hang with the likes of Metallica and Megadeth. Wasn’t sure if I’d like it as much as I did, although it could have used a reprieve from the high octane chugging. 4/5
4
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Fri Apr 05 2024
Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
Another brand new artist for me. Wasn’t sure what to expect and was nervous about the run time but it was a joy. I liked how each song had a certain hook that they explored from different sides, reminded me of Pink Floyd. Really can’t believe this came out in ‘89.. I think ‘Lord can you Hear Me’ will be most people’s favorite as the most “song”-y track
I feel like I want to be stingy with my 5/5 ratings but this album was my jam.
5
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Sat Apr 06 2024
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Decent, didn’t know much about them
3
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Sun Apr 07 2024
The Predator
Ice Cube
It was ok. Unfortunately my rating system is based on my replay-ability and I just wouldn’t put it back on much, if at all. 2.5/5
2
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Nice enjoyable album. A lot of times with my hearing I have a hard time with lyrics, so it’s more about the music. And this doesn’t translate too well with rap/hiphop. Nice variety of hooks, cool to hear so many different artists on here too. 3/5
3
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Dirt
Alice In Chains
Nice album, played it while watching the eclipse
4
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Love Tom Petty, but not super familiar with album releases. Huge hits in ‘Breakdown’ and ‘American Girl’ but also some outliers that sounded out of place (‘Mystery Man’ and ‘Luna’). For a debut album it shows the promise of the great artist Petty will be, overall a solid album but not his greatest. 3.75/5
4
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Liquid Swords
GZA
Another wu tang member’s solo album 2 days later… again middle of the road listen, again it’s not something I mind but wouldn’t listen to often
3
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Nice album, I enjoyed some of the covers. Great soulful singer
4
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Sat Apr 13 2024
Nevermind
Nirvana
I was too young when Nevermind came out but I was into Nirvana starting around 1996. Awesome album, tons of great hits here and very deserving to be on the list.. 5/5
5
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Sun Apr 14 2024
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Nice album, variety of sounds spanning from the 60s to 90s. ‘Lovefool’ the big hit here but other good ones here. 3.5/5
3
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Mon Apr 15 2024
NEU! 75
Neu!
I liked this, definitely more of an ambient album. Another album that I wish I could rate half stars: want to give it more but can’t quite give it a 4.. glad to have it on the list but somewhat forgettable within the scope of the 1001-album challenge. 3.5/5
3
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Tue Apr 16 2024
You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
I liked this. Remember some of these songs from the release. 3.5/5 but rating up as I’d listen again without much convincing
4
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Wed Apr 17 2024
Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Another fun album, didn’t know any of the songs but was a cool transitional mesh of psychedelic and hard rock. 3.5/5
4
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Odessa
Bee Gees
This was not at all what I expected. There were times I couldn’t tell they belonged on the same album, so heavily influenced/mimicking the Beatles or Beach Boys.. but even on the same album there were so many different sounding songs, it was quite disjointed. Still was a decent listen, some songs missed the mark but some were great. 3.5/5
4
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Smile
Brian Wilson
Cool story behind the album, and I know what a great artist Brian Wilson was (is?). But this was a weird listen… some songs had cool harmonies calling back to Beach Boys hits, but then other songs were a fever dream during a drug binge. Disjointed flow between songs with some hard transitions, where some faded well. I wanted to like it more than I did. 2.5/5
3
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Sat Apr 20 2024
Funeral
Arcade Fire
Nice indie pop music that can be on in the background or searched for deeper meaning. Not terribly familiar with Arcade Fire other than a single from their 2022 album I found last year, but I’m a fan. Easy listening, 4/5
4
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Sun Apr 21 2024
Signing Off
UB40
Super chill, nice listen. Didn’t get a chance to listen to actively but had it on while running errands, need to revisit this. Great background music though
3
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Mon Apr 22 2024
The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
Subsequent plays are better, and I want to like this album/artist, but I just can’t into it. The first 30 seconds of the first song of the album is just a screech, like it’s actively trying to get the mainstream listener to dislike it so the punk fans can claim superiority.. second Pere Ubu album, another 2/5
2
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Tue Apr 23 2024
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I first heard of Kate Bush a couple years ago as ‘Running up the hill’ was surging in the charts (thanks to Stranger Things, I now learn), and Rick Beato breaking down the song. Listening through now, the whole album is a true experience. The 80s peek through the curtains but I also feel this could have been released any time since and it would fit in. Mix of pop with much more experimental stuff. Both lyrically and melodicly interesting, it was a pleasure to be (finally) introduced to this album. 5/5
5
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
Tough to rate this one: there were some points where I felt I could get into it, but devolve back into the muddy soup of noise. I haven’t heard of “noise rock” before so maybe this is exactly the point. First impression was of a low-production dirty bootleg for a little known punk group. There were some nice bass lines throughout. 2.5/5
2
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Like it more after a couple songs, like a slow burn. Once you’re in for a bit you realize the tide has pulled you deeper than you thought.. more sophistication melodically, and deeper sadder lyrics blossom. Not sure if I’ve heard of Big Star before but certainly the first time with all these songs. And by the end it had me digging into more of their catalog. 4/5
4
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Started ok but quickly got repetitive. Background music at best for me, not amazing not terrible 2.5/5
2
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Sat Apr 27 2024
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Another album that I didn’t expect to be as good as it was. And only gets better with subsequent listens. It’s sparse but yet very deep, “simple” stream-of-conscious lyrics that are incredibly profound as they simmer. Incredible voice (that initially grated me) that truly makes the listen feel all the more real and personal. Awesome album 4.5/5
5
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Sun Apr 28 2024
Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Great album and makes jazz very accessible to the layperson. You could listen to this any time. Smooth with a great groove, nice tight playing.. well done. Heard of both credited artists but not terribly familiar with their work, I’m a fan. 4/5
4
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Myths Of The Near Future
Klaxons
Pretty typical late ‘00s alternative/indie rock, reminds me of Arctic Monkeys, a bit of Black Keys here and there. Enjoyable but nothing too amazing. I liked the different styles from song to song. 3.5/5
3
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Tue Apr 30 2024
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
‘Sympathy for the Devil’ is the hit of this album, but other than that I didn’t hear anything too spectacular. Granted I was driving a van full of kids to go camping, so my attention was divided.. 3/5
3
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Wed May 01 2024
Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Nice chill album, nice one while relaxing while camping. 3.5/5
3
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Thu May 02 2024
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
This is the great thing about this album project - finding great music that you wouldn’t necessarily know about! Great singing and hip groove, 3.5/5
4
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Fri May 03 2024
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
I appreciate the challenge mindset behind this album project, but this was too much. Some songs were okay but they really all blended together and became monotonous. 2.5/5
2
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Sat May 04 2024
1999
Prince
I knew Prince was a sex symbol in his heyday, but this album was auditory imtercourse. Really good though. 3.5/5
4
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Sun May 05 2024
Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
Started mid but finished worse. Didn’t really enjoy, 2/5
2
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Mon May 06 2024
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Really enjoyed this album, perfect mix of quirky with alternative, easy to listen in a variety of settings. ‘Beautiful Monster’ I recognized from Shrek but I probably had heard some of this when it released. Vocals were somewhat one-dimensional but some cool effects helped. 4.25/5
4
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Tue May 07 2024
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Nice smooth jazz good for entry level listening or those with a more experienced ear. 3.5/5
3
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Wed May 08 2024
Orbital 2
Orbital
A lot of mixed reviews here, but I really enjoyed this. The first and last song were somewhat a test of patience but it fit with the style and theme, like an eclipse of phrases. 4/5
4
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Thu May 09 2024
Calenture
The Triffids
Not sure if they were trying too hard, but I just didn’t get into this album. Flickers of great music but overall just mediocre. 2.5/5
2
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Fri May 10 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Decent fan of Elvis but don’t see this as one of his greatest albums. Seemed like a lot of B-sides toward the end of his reign as king. Still a great voice though, 3.25/5
3
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Sat May 11 2024
Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Think I may have heard some of these songs from past delves into 60s music, but certainly my first time through the album. Having “Elvis in Memphis” yesterday there are some comparables, but I have to say I enjoyed this more. Dusty’s voice is so warm and welcoming, and orchestration and songwriting is perfect for the easy listening this is. Works well when feeling up or down. ‘Son of a Preacher man’ certainly her most popular song here but there are plenty of other greats here. 4/5
4
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Sun May 12 2024
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Decent oldschool album, not familiar with any of these songs. I enjoyed their later “Raising Hell” album more but knew some of those songs. Definitely pioneered some of the hiphop genre
3
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Mon May 13 2024
Space Ritual
Hawkwind
I sorta understand the concept of the album, but this style and the length of the album did not lend itself to active listening, which in turn leads to more personal connection to the band and discovery within the genre - it turns into simply background ambient music, which is not something that fits the project in my opinion. This was not bad music, just middle of the road. 2.5/5
2
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Tue May 14 2024
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Nice jazz album, great for both deep active listening or background dinner music.
4
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Wed May 15 2024
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Throwback! 3.5/5
3
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Thu May 16 2024
White Light
Gene Clark
Came to the reviews to see why this would be on the 1001 list… and most others don’t know either. Not bad, but certainly reeks of someone leaving a group for a solo career, and producing this average material. 2,2/5
2
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Fri May 17 2024
Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Wasn’t sure what to expect, I knew the name Neil Young but was not too familiar with his music. I can now say that I am not impressed.. can’t decide if this album sounded more like an amateur busker or drunken karaoke. Very few redeeming moments sparsely scattered throughout. 1.5/5
2
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Sat May 18 2024
A Night At The Opera
Queen
Nice breath of fresh air after what a week of crap albums… great production, some massive hits for Queen here. Even a few new ones for me that were sneakily good. Really nice harmonies. And how can I not choose ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ for my 1001 playlist…
5
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Sun May 19 2024
Garbage
Garbage
No idea what it would be coming in, but this really surprised me! Nice variety of pop, alt rock, industrial.. Clear vocals that have a certain angsty edge, I love female voice over heavier music. Each song has an interesting hook that draws you in. Great production value, has a 90s flavor but does sorta transcend the era in some ways. I’m sure I heard this back then but can’t be sure. Some songs maybe weren’t as commercially successful but nothing here is “bad” in my opinion.. An unashamed 5/5 from me
5
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Mon May 20 2024
Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
It’s nice that musicians create music that means something to them and want to share it with others, but this was not for me. It seemed emotionless and flat throughout — I have a hard time hearing lyrics often so it’s more about the music for me and this could have been the main issue here. I appreciate twhat I imagine is the sentiment behind the album, but I will never listen to this again. 1.5/5
2
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Tue May 21 2024
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Great rock album with some massive hits, including their top 3 on Spotify with all over a billion plays. Clear that they are still influential today. Been a fan of these big hits but was cool to hear some others for the first time. 4.5/5
5
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Wed May 22 2024
Triangle
The Beau Brummels
Feels very niche, but at the same time broad as the folk-rock movement of the era. Once again the cool part of the 1001 project - hearing brand new groups.. Thought they were a British Invasion group but turns out they’re American! Enjoyed it well enough, 3/5
3
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Thu May 23 2024
Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
Not quite sure how I feel about this one! There’s some interesting stuff, some boring, some funny, some sad but true… some songs I really liked, some I didn’t… Really enjoyed ‘Marie’ with its beautiful sadness. Gonna give it a 3 but it could fall on the scale anywhere depending on the day haha
3
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Fri May 24 2024
Forever Changes
Love
Feel like I might need to revisit this album where I can really actively listen better, but my first experience with Love was positive. Seemed to be plenty of interesting and unexpected sonic movement, dreamy vocal sequences. Holds its own alongside other late-60s bands like the Doors, Beatles, Grateful Dead, etc. 3.5/5 but rating up
4
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Sat May 25 2024
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Some big hits for Springsteen on this album! Never loved his music but this was appropriate for Memorial Day weekend working out in the yard haha. 3.5/5
4
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Sun May 26 2024
Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
Not a big fan of country (especially older honkytonk stuff like this) but I have heard of Loretta Lynn. It’s filled with the country tropes you expect - poverty, relationship problems, retribution.. incredible voice is the main focus, and tasteful backing music staying just below the surface. Definite parallels to Elvis, Dolly Parton, June Carter.. 2.5/5
3
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Mon May 27 2024
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Torn with this album as I enjoyed her singing voice and the sparseness of the backing music, but also felt my attention waning with the slow speed and sad droning melodies. Although I didn’t give her any favors by waiting so late in the evening to listen.. didn’t know any of these songs but more recognizable for her contributions to “O Brother, Where Art Thou”. Not exactly my cup of tea, 2.5/5 not sure if I’ll rate up or down yet.
3
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Tue May 28 2024
S&M
Metallica
Really torn as I enjoy both Metallica and orchestral music. And it’s a cool concept. But although the differing music sounds great together and really elevate each other, the singing was a MASSIVE distraction. The only songs I enjoyed were the ones with no vocals, of which there were few. Some of this is the inherent difference with live albums - it’s a performance for the live audience and doesn’t translate well to recordings, since the whole visual/atmospheric show is missing from the experience. Unfortunately, gotta give this one a low score, not only for being disappointed in the product but also I don’t feel a hits compilation has business being on the 1001 list
2
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Wed May 29 2024
Ys
Joanna Newsom
Was initially interested that she was a harpist, thinking this would be some nice soothing music to put on and chill. Instead what I heard was shrill wailing that was like nails on a chalkboard. I saw one review say she is the “wish.com Bjork” and funnily enough it’s pretty accurate. Her music does grow on you a bit but there is almost no chance I’ll give it any more than the time already given to her. 1.5/5 as it’s not the absolute worst thing I’ve heard.
Annoyed at first that this wasn’t on Spotify but found on YouTube. Now I’m glad it’s not on Spotify so I don’t have a song to add to my 1001 playlist.
1
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Thu May 30 2024
Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
Nice to hear the lyrics to all the gold/elevator music! But honestly, very smooth, easy listening that goes with almost anything. The parade song sorta pulled the rug from under you in the middle, but it quickly settles down again. 3/5 not phenomenal but if you’re feeling like Austin Powers, then put this on, baby, yeah
3
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Fri May 31 2024
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Definitely an avant-garde album that I can see would not be for everyone. But I thought this was great. Simple yet profound, shows you don’t need to overload with too many parts - less is more. ‘Heroin’ plays with the soundscape in a way that makes you feel desperation and euphoria. Maybe this hit me on a good day, and an argument could be made to lower the rating, but giving 5 stars today
5
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Sat Jun 01 2024
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
I enjoy Stevie Wonder and absolutely love ‘Superstition’. This was a nice listen, forgot how diverse the sounds were in his music. Certainly a lot of deeper interest within the music. 4.25/5
4
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Sun Jun 02 2024
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Nice but fairly predictable country, enjoyable listen. Couple songs I liked a lot, a few I didn’t like. Down the middle, 3/5
3
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Mon Jun 03 2024
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
I really enjoyed this, the synth/pop feel with maybe just a touch of electronic, just seemed so cool. First opening I really didn’t know what to expect, but the 1:08 went incredibly fast for me. I only had heard ‘Cars’ before today but some others seemed familiar. 4/5
4
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Tue Jun 04 2024
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Enjoy Marley’s reggae even though I’m not too familiar. I see in the comments that the lyrics have a bit more depth but as usual my ears treat the vocals as an instrument far more than commentary. Easy to zone out and imagine chilling on the beach, drunk and/or high, which is a welcome fantasy on so many days! 3.5/5
4
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Wed Jun 05 2024
Pornography
The Cure
This album has a much more dark and sinister feel than the Cure songs I’m familiar with. Subtly complex, decent hooks. Songs blended together a bit, didn’t really love the drum sound with the echo, made everything feel much muddier than it really was. 3.25/5
3
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Thu Jun 06 2024
Your Arsenal
Morrissey
Really nice production balance, nice variety between tracks. Pretty unfamiliar with Morissey/The Smiths so can’t really comment like other reviewers, but this was pretty good. Enjoyed the heavier stuff a bit more but liked the satire humor in others. 3.75/5
4
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Fri Jun 07 2024
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
This entire album is the band standing on their soapbox screaming “look how quirky and interesting we are!” I guess my question is, who gave them a soapbox? This was awful.
1
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Sat Jun 08 2024
Sea Change
Beck
The summary says “themes of heartbreak, desolation, solitude, and loneliness”… well it’s certainly palpable, not only in the lyrics and vocal performance, but in the dissonance throughout. Great production and balance. I remember Beck from back in the day, but didn’t know any of this album. 3.5/4
4
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Sun Jun 09 2024
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
Really give a punk-rock Nirvana feel. Wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it as I haven’t given the best scores to punk albums but I really like it. Nice mix of sounds, time signatures and vocal performance make for an interesting listen. 3.5/5
4
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Mon Jun 10 2024
Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Found on YouTube and therefore sound quality was a bit lacking.. seemed fairly stripped down and clean, I enjoy female-led alt/punk rock so I’m keen on this. Accessibility hurts this one a bit, 3.5/5 rounding down
3
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Tue Jun 11 2024
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Jazz smooth as butter! And this cool cat loved it
4
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Wed Jun 12 2024
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
This was a strange one. Orchestration was nice on some of the songs but incredibly jarring in other places. Iconic Bee Gees vocal sounds, I really couldn’t get into this album. I have had ‘Odessa’ earlier where I could sense their ambition, which made it better than this. 2.5/5
3
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Thu Jun 13 2024
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
Twice in a week, after never hearing before.. this is a decent little album, a bit boring for me but still middle of the road. Adding “More you ignore me…” to my 1001 playlist. 3/5
3
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Fri Jun 14 2024
Leftism
Leftfield
Middle of the road electronics house music. Some cool beats, but got a little fatigue as it’s all pretty similar tempo. Great background music, and mixed very well
3
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Sat Jun 15 2024
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
I’ve heard a couple of these before, but first time listening all the way through. Nice hybrid of the rock/metal instrumentals and hiphop/shouted vocals, yet keeping things fairly simple and clean & well balanced. 4/5
4
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Sun Jun 16 2024
Mothership Connection
Parliament
Super fun and funky album. ‘Give up the Funk’ is a classic but there was plenty of great parts in the other songs. Final song ‘Night of the Thumpasorus Peoples’ was the only track that I didn’t particularly like, only for the weird synth bass part.
4
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Mon Jun 17 2024
I Against I
Bad Brains
Never heard of Bad Brains so idea what to expect, but this was cool. Nice blend of punk and metal, will definitely be exploring their catalogue. 3.75/5
4
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Tue Jun 18 2024
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Mediocre album, nothing too groundbreaking. It was ok but not clear why this is on the list. Am I missing something? 2.5/5
3
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Wed Jun 19 2024
Future Days
Can
Second CAN album, I enjoy this but it unfortunately becomes just background music for me. That being said, it’s amazing that this futuristic stuff was made this early. Certainly deserving of its place on the list 3.25/5
3
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Thu Jun 20 2024
Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
I’ve known a bunch of Rod Stewart songs, and these are no exception. Great variety of sounds within the album, good production. Got several different vibes throughout, like Tom Petty and Steven Tyler, but always clearly himself. Adding ‘Maggie May’ to my playlist as it’s arguably his greatest hit. 3.5/5
4
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Fri Jun 21 2024
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
I’ve heard maybe half of these songs but never gave the album a full listen. This feels, to me, to be the quintessential punk album: the right amount of rock, anger, sloppiness, power vs restraint.. definitely earns its place on the list as I believe it was influential on many other groups, but I also can understand why some other listeners don’t like it - everyone has their own tastes. But for me this is an easy 4.5/5
5
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Sat Jun 22 2024
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Wow, this was definitely an encompassing task and felt much longer than the listed 1 hr 25; “The Wall” is itself a wall of soundscape and experience, in some places even a hurdle. But it’s filled with a gamut of emotions both up and down (touching on Pink Floyd’s theme of the music star’s experience). First time listening all the way through but I’m familiar with many of these tracks. Not my favorite PF album but still a great listen, 5/5
5
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Sun Jun 23 2024
Bad
Michael Jackson
Another MJ album with several massive songs, but another that I haven’t ever listened straight through. There are a few filler songs that aren’t the best, and many tracks are a bit synth-heavy for me, but that just shows the album’s age. It’s easy to see how people could get caught up in the sensation and name Jackson the king of pop - each track is fun, phenomenally produced, and buried in layers of tremendous musicality. He, and the team behind him, are certainly masters of their craft. 4.25/5
4
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Mon Jun 24 2024
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Fun album, I’ve heard some of these songs but others were new to me. Amazing to learn that this is the first of 3 albums they released that year. No bad songs here but a few were a bit long, 4/5
4
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Tue Jun 25 2024
Raw Power
The Stooges
I have heard of Iggy Pop/Stooges but none of these songs sounded terribly familiar. I did enjoy the sound of the album: little bit punk, real grimy garage-style high intensity rock. 3.5/5
4
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Wed Jun 26 2024
Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
I’m not the biggest fan of folk/singer-songwriter sort of albums. Although I did enjoy some parts, there were others that I didn’t. I think if I had a more laidback day this would be pushed to 4 stars, but didn’t really work while more hectic. 3/5
3
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Thu Jun 27 2024
Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Total dad-rock but it was a fun listen. Nothing too outstanding to my ear. 3.25/5
3
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Fri Jun 28 2024
Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Knew the first song ‘Love the one you’re with’ but this was full of nice tracks. Great mix of styles, it was easy to hold your interest throughout. Hard to choose a favorite song. Pleasantly surprised with this album as I was expecting to have a hard time with it
4
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Sat Jun 29 2024
Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
It’s possible that I haven’t given the Beastie Boys a fair shake, but this was much more sophisticated than I was thinking! Nice mix with different undercurrents of jazz, funk, punk, rock… not sure I would normally spin this all the way through, but once again that’s what I like about this 1001 challenge. Only knew ‘Sabotage’ but coming away with some new appreciation. 4.25/5
4
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Sun Jun 30 2024
Gasoline Alley
Rod Stewart
Middle of the road easy rock.. It seems like the pieces were there for this to be better but it just fell a bit flat. Nothing too exceptional, 3/5
3
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Mon Jul 01 2024
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Haven’t watched Shaft but I do know of Isaac Hayes.. Fun album, jazzy and funky soul music, really nice listening. That being said, not sure why a movie soundtrack would be included on the list. I wish half ratings were a thing because although I’d like to score higher than a 3, it doesn’t quite reach 4 for me. 3.5/5
3
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Tue Jul 02 2024
The Doors
The Doors
Great debut album, I knew the hits but there was plenty of new tracks for me. I don’t remember ‘Light my Fire’ being as long as it was. 4.5/5 bit gonna round up
5
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Wed Jul 03 2024
Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
This album sounds like a lot of fairly typical 70s ballad-style rock/pop music, but also contains much more on subsequent listening. In fact there is enough variety that I wonder why this collection was arranged into the (double) album as it loses its cohesiveness a bit. That being said, I believe Rundgren is quite groundbreaking as some of this material could fit in many subsequent eras, and it’s quite impressive that he was behind basically the entire arrangements, vocals, instruments, and production. This easy listening is simple enough for background music, but also sophisticated enough to delve into deeper. 4/5
4
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Thu Jul 04 2024
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
Couldn’t get into this one, partially for the length.. 1.5/5
2
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Fri Jul 05 2024
KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Awesome! Hard rocking, I really enjoyed this. Not sure I’d go much longer than this length though, got a bit fatiguing by the end. Brand new but a new fave, 4.5/5
5
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Sat Jul 06 2024
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Another awesome brand new artist courtesy of the 1001 project! Really fun funky samba. The fact that it was sung in Portuguese didn’t matter at all!
4
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Sun Jul 07 2024
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Very soothing and delicate covers. As famous as Willie Nelson is I have never listened to any of his albums, I quite enjoyed this. That being said, not sure how I feel about a cover compilation being on the list, would much rather hear something original - he did put his flair on it at least. 3.5/5
4
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Mon Jul 08 2024
Bright Flight
Silver Jews
New artist, reminded me of Crash Test Dummies. Not really interested at first but by the end (and second listen) I enjoyed it more. Subtly intricate in the background but I believe the singing would be the biggest turnoff for people. 3.35/5
3
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Tue Jul 09 2024
Illmatic
Nas
Great listen, I enjoyed this more than many of the other hip-hop albums I’ve had so far. Super lyrical rapping but the samples and scratches are cool too. Heard of Nas but never listened to any of his music. You can really feel the gritty sounds of NY from the 90s
4
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Wed Jul 10 2024
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Amazing harmonization, great songwriting, emotional performances… S&G are the complete package here. Hard to pick a favorite to add to my 1001 playlist, too many goodies.
5
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Thu Jul 11 2024
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
New album for me, although I know others by the White Stripes. Great mix of alt rock with a pinch of punk here and there. Shows how big a sound you can have while stripped way back instrumentally. 4/5
4
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Fri Jul 12 2024
Violator
Depeche Mode
Knew a few of these songs, I’m realizing through the 1001 project I enjoy the synth-y futurism of new wave. Vocals are dark and ominous but fit so well with the production of the music. A couple songs weren’t my favorite but there were enough bangers that raise the score. 4.25/5 would listen any time
5
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Sat Jul 13 2024
She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Super fun poppy album, but with a nice variety of styles at the same time. Some big hits here too. Her voice has always been a bit grating to me
4
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Sun Jul 14 2024
...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
I believe this was influential on the pop genre, I remember how huge she was right out of the gate with this debut album. Certainly a blast from the past - a bunch of these songs I had completely forgotten about. Total bubblegum pop without much substance like much from the time, but the producers sure knew how to appeal to the masses
3
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Mon Jul 15 2024
Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Any time The Rolling Stones comes on, I roll my eyes a bit… always found them a bit overrated. They are a solid band, sure, and have stuck around. They do their blues-rock well, but lyrically it’s not aged well. The Spotify link sends the listener to the UK version, which eliminates their greatest hit “Paint it Black”.. To me this was ok but not great
3
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Tue Jul 16 2024
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
I really like Arcade Fire but this album really didn’t do anything for me. Maybe it hit me on the wrong day.. added the title track to my playlist as no specific song jumped out at me
3
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Wed Jul 17 2024
Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I just can’t get into Neil Young, his vocals ruin any song for me. This project sure wants to give me more and more chances to change my mind…
2
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Thu Jul 18 2024
Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
First time with this band but I really liked it. Wide variety of styles, instrumentation, and overall super fun. Definitely looking more into them! 4/5
4
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Fri Jul 19 2024
London Calling
The Clash
Awesome album! Added a couple songs to my lists. Liked the variety of sounds and styles
5
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Sat Jul 20 2024
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Instant 5 stars when it comes to Sam Cooke! Heard some of his radio hits thru the years but really “discovered” him around 2005ish, instantly loved him.. nice change on this live album from his more whitewashed pop sound - makes sense that he was in the middle of the civil rights era
5
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Sun Jul 21 2024
Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
Gonna be honest, I think I got this album on the wrong day. I enjoyed this one fine, but didn’t appreciate as much as I should have (or would have on a less hectic day). Added ‘Who knows where the time goes’ to my 1001 playlist. Will need to revisit Fairport Convention in the future
3
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Mon Jul 22 2024
Foxbase Alpha
Saint Etienne
Interesting in a way, but nothing so mind blowing that I would be scrambling to relisten unfortunately. Didn’t know what to expect from the outset but quickly became fairly typical Euro pop reminiscent of what I remember from the time
3
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Tue Jul 23 2024
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I knew of Gorillaz but hadn’t listened to much of their material. Some interesting stuff here, I enjoyed 5/4, Clint Eastwood one of their biggest.. can’t say that it’s been one of my favorite albums from the project but I would listen again. 3.5/5
4
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Wed Jul 24 2024
Harvest
Neil Young
How many Neil Young albums are they going to throw at us?!? This one was better than the others I’ve had already (certainly the earliest yet from the catalog), with a few bigger hits, but other songs were just a chore.
3
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Thu Jul 25 2024
Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
Hard to rate this one… I enjoyed the dreamy weirdness of some of the songs, some not so much, really loved a couple, really disliked others. So many things going on, some work and some fall flat. Gonna rate this 3/5 today but I could understand anyone’s ratings from 1-5 (because my feelings throughout the album and even some songs swung from 1-5). Fave song is ‘Astonished’ as it reminds me of Lord Huron with the female harmonies
3
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Fri Jul 26 2024
School's Out
Alice Cooper
Not what I was expecting outside the title track! Reminded me of the Doors, Aueen.. The jazz on ‘Blue Turk’ was out of the blue but so great. 4.25/5
4