Jan 06 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
Better than expected, although still hard to shake off the cloud of bad feelings from later work.
3
Jan 07 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
Wasn't my favorite in the 1990s, and it's even worse in the modern ear.
1
Jan 08 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
It was good. Not super interesting by modern standards, although I respect how revolutionary it was at the end.
2
Jan 09 2024
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
Funky indeed, with some real classics
2
Jan 10 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Nice, soothing. Know the hits, of course, but it's interesting to hear tracks that I never have before.
2
Jan 11 2024
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Hold up even now, 25 years later. Truly great.
4
Jan 12 2024
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Struggled to make it through. This is truly bad. Who the fuck likes this?
1
Jan 13 2024
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Definitely a classic that had my head bobbing along at least a few times.
3
Jan 14 2024
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Street Life
The Crusaders
Top notch disco-y jazz--very warm and friendly. It lands a little cheesy these days, but is nonetheless quite enjoyable.
3
Jan 15 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Big energy, fun and feisty. I'm not really a rocker these days, but this one gives me some nostalgia.
3
Jan 16 2024
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Just barely saved from one star by Sweet Emotion, a genuinely good song. All the rest made me grit my teeth in regret.
2
Jan 17 2024
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
Folksy and rich, dripping with the innocence of a simpler time. Even this far in the rearview mirror, it's hard to hear it as apolitical, with country music now serving as the marching songs of red states. Was caught between 2 and 3 stars, but the darker thoughts did not prevail.
3
Jan 18 2024
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Justified
Justin Timberlake
Quality music driven by a modern crooner. As good as it might be, who wants to be caught listening to Justin Timberlake?
2
Jan 19 2024
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Somehow made it through the 30th Anniversary Edition / Deluxe, but really didn't like even a single track.
1
Jan 20 2024
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
They call her the Queen of Soul for a reason. Listened to it twice!
4
Jan 21 2024
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Remedy
Basement Jaxx
Remarkably good. Hard to believe I have never heard this whole album. It's right on the border of 5 stars.
4
Jan 22 2024
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Sound Affects
The Jam
Not exactly my style, but genuinely enjoyable. Doubly surprising because I've never heard of The Jam.
3
Jan 23 2024
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
World class! The interludes were great, but definitely not safe for work. There are a lot of great tracks with fresh beats in the back half that I had never heard before.
4
Jan 24 2024
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Trio
Dolly Parton
Feminine classic country. Good variety of sound without being too sappy. I'm a fan of Dolly Parton as a human being, even though I would probably never put this on voluntarily. Solid work, but not what I want to listen to.
2
Jan 25 2024
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My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts
Brian Eno
Some truly putrid tracks, but mostly decently listenable. I would call it a failed experiment, but I didn't truly hate it.
2
Jan 26 2024
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
I big part of me doesn't really want to like this album, but honestly it pushes a lot of buttons. The nihilistic, toxic masculinity with little gems of vulnerability make for a stunning texture.
3
Jan 27 2024
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Definitely a classic that I had never bothered to sit down and listen through. Rich, folksy, and full of character. It's clear why he became such an icon.
3
Jan 28 2024
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Tago Mago
Can
Super weird experimental rock. I probably would have loved it if I was a music-appreciating age in 1971. Today it's just okay.
2
Jan 29 2024
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Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
Technically stellar and endearingly folksy. Require a particular mood though, because it's slow, soft, and wants your full attention. Not for me, but I respect it a lot.
2
Jan 30 2024
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Illmatic
Nas
Wow, I did not think of myself as a Nas fan, but this album is genuinely great. And at least track I have long loved, without even knowing it was Nas.
4
Jan 31 2024
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The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
It was fine; nothing to write home about.
2
Feb 01 2024
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Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
Drum and bass is drum and bass. This is definitely top drawer in the genre, but it feels very flat without vocals. The last track is a with-vocals mix of the whole album, which I enjoyed a lot more. That alone would probably be 3 stars, but this one is definitely 2.
2
Feb 02 2024
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Heroes to Zeros
The Beta Band
Shrug, it was okay. Feels a little bit like going back to high school.
2
Feb 03 2024
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
It's so fun to hate on hair bands, especially given how terrible their behavior was. This album deserves is legendary status, but I would absolutely never put it on for fun. It was interested to hear some tracks that I never had before, but think I'd be happier listening to almost anything else.
2
Feb 04 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Not as good as the Marshall Mathers LP. Felt over the top and more screechy. Definitely has some classics, but I wouldn't dig it up.
2
Feb 05 2024
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
Super cool! Amazing variety with lots of weird, funky sounds.
3
Feb 06 2024
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Wow, so great! Didn't realize I was not familiar with the man behind so many classics. Great energy live too 😁
3
Feb 07 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Pure stereotype. Everything I disliked about 90s rock--bland, whiney, screechy. Kinda can't believe I made it to the end.
1
Feb 08 2024
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Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
First few songs were definitively meh. The lyrics felt clunky and a bit like gibberish, and the instrumentals felt monotonous. Some of the songs feel sexist or abusive, like Just Like a Woman or You Belong to Me.
It does pick up quite a bit in the back half, which makes sense for a live show. Mr. Tambourine Man fuckin' slaps, and Like a Rolling Stone is huge.
Would go with 2.5 ⭐️ if possible.
3
Feb 09 2024
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
Yipes, I genuinely hated this. Angsty bullshit just does not hold up well, and early '90s rock almost always lands with a thud for me.
1
Feb 10 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Absolutely top notch jazz, a big band sound with improv front and center. It's almost impossible to go higher than this without vocals. Deepest respect for Basie ❤️
3
Feb 11 2024
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Weird experimental rock, seems like the Bjork of its time. It was okay, but I doubt I'll ever listen to it again.
2
Feb 12 2024
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Cypress Hill
Cypress Hill
Still great even 20+ years later. Full of great tracks that prove their range far beyond Insane in the Brain.
3
Feb 13 2024
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Actually really liked this. It has a freshness to it that lots of other '70s rock really lacks these days.
3
Feb 14 2024
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São Paulo Confessions
Suba
Absolutely wonderful! Great variety, good energy, strong vocals, and all super duper lush.
4
Feb 15 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
Legendary for a reason. One of the greatest albums of all time. A lot of these tracks felt totally unfamiliar to me, so I'm not sure whether this was my first time listening all the way through.
4
Feb 16 2024
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
Pretty jaunty and fun. Kinda halfway between the Springsteen and the Magnetic Fields. Liked it a lot more than I thought I would.
3
Feb 17 2024
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Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes
I remember when this came out, and friends were very into it, but I didn't understand the appeal. Maybe the general mood has changed in my life, because now it seems lovely.
3
Feb 18 2024
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Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
Twas good, but honestly didn't really wow me. Looking at her list of albums, it seems like she just pumps out huge amounts of content. At that volume, I imagine it's hard to really keep the quality up.
2
Feb 19 2024
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
The Hives have a great sound, although it's pretty monotonous. This album is only 28 minutes, and honestly it's hard to listen to all the way through, since it's almost nonstop thrashing and belting.
2
Feb 20 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
Simple but so good. Chocked full of soul, with good variety and depth.
3
Feb 21 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
Beautiful! Big stretches have minimal instrumentals, which gives the vocals room to shine. Listened to it with headphones, which maybe gave it extra kick. I'm officially a big fan.
4
Feb 22 2024
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Wild Gift
X
Meh. Early punk is not really my thing. Funny that they're actually American, because it has a very British sound.
2
Feb 23 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
Pretty enjoyable. Listening to Vieux Farka Toure recently kinda spoils it though, since Vieux is much more enthralling.
2
Feb 24 2024
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
Technically excellent, but really really not my style. Active since 1969 => holy fucking shit!
2
Feb 25 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Meh! More Coldplay. Thanks.
2
Feb 26 2024
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
Folksy and fun. Not really my style, but I can see why they're famous.
2
Feb 27 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Went back and forth on whether Bon Jovi is better or worse than Backstreet Boys. I think better, but not by a lot. Didn't hate it, but wasn't proud to be listening to it.
2
Feb 28 2024
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Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
Such a great album! Only bad thing I can say about it is: it's not especially distinct/sharp. Technically strong, lots of variation, and so head-noddable.
3
Feb 29 2024
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
Don't really like new Bjork, and apparently I also don't like old Bjork ⭐️
1
Mar 01 2024
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
It was good but didn't feel super special. Unclear why anyone thought Oasis was the biggest thing since the Beatles, because there's really not much innovative sound in this album.
2
Mar 02 2024
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Superb. I've been really into reggae recently, and Bob is obviously one of the greatest of all time. Rest in peace, homie.
4
Mar 03 2024
View Album
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Every single track on this album is a masterpiece. The man basically invented a new genre. Rock (even Fantasy Rock) is just not my favorite, so this is right on the edge of four stars, but not quite there.
3
Mar 04 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
Noooooooope! Nope nope nope. If he says, "sucking on my ding dong" again, I'm flip a fucking table ⭐️
1
Mar 05 2024
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
So many classics on this album. I'm just not that into rock these days, even Bowie's far-out corner of it.
3
Mar 06 2024
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom is really great. I never gave him a fair chance when I first heard his music in the 90s. It's still not really my thing, but I have a lot of respect for it.
2
Mar 07 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Actually pretty fun. Didn't realize what I was listening to until I hit "Time of the Season". Not really my style though, so I'm sticking with my typical two stars.
2
Mar 08 2024
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Suede
Suede
Can see why this is beloved within its genre. It's just not my genre.
2
Mar 09 2024
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Teen Dream
Beach House
When this came out, I was at a stage of life that wanted higher energy. So these relaxing thumps didn't really land with me. But they do today,
3
Mar 10 2024
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Purple Rain
Prince
I'm that one weirdo that doesn't like Prince. Even giving the whole album an honest listen didn't change my mind. At first I thought I might dislike When Doves Cry because it's in A minor, but I love Stairway to Heaven, Rolling in the Deep, and Smooth Criminal. Maybe it's the lack of bassline? Honestly I don't know. Bordering on one star, but I didn't hate hate it.
2
Mar 11 2024
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
Obviously very talented and at times captivating. But ultimately not really my style.
2
Mar 12 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
Pretty cool. Feel like a broken record explaining why 70's rock is not really my thing. The Doors were clearly much better, mostly because of the additional richness of the organ. This is just passable.
2
Mar 13 2024
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
Pretty good. Doesn't quite have the intensity of The White Stripes, but it is a technical masterpiece.
2
Mar 14 2024
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Sweet Dreams is my karaoke song! Obviously love that track. All the rest is kinda meh.
2
Mar 15 2024
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Nebraska
Bruce Springsteen
Wow, so slow and soulful. This album gives me a deeper respect for Bruce.
3
Mar 16 2024
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Wow, fantastic, soup to nuts 🤯
3
Mar 17 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
Quite disappointing. I have such a fond memory of Pixies from Where Is My Mind, but I mostly disliked this whole album.
2
Mar 18 2024
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
Although I truly do not enjoy listening to this, I appreciate its inventiveness. It's weirdo music biiiiiiiig time, in a supremely discomforting way.
2
Mar 19 2024
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Super fun and weird! Didn't realize that I enjoy that I'm a fan of Zappa. How was he making this shit in 1969?!
3
Mar 20 2024
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Orbital 2
Orbital
Pretty cool. Not something I would pick, but I'm glad I gave it a try.
2
Mar 21 2024
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Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde
The Pharcyde
Fan-fucking-tastic! Especially amidst this endless ocean of rock with icebergs of experimental, it's clear that this really is one of my favorite albums. Great job, Pharcyde.
4
Mar 22 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
Clear to see why they were so famous for a hot second. It was a fresh sound, but really doesn't age well. It's angst without purpose, unlike a Rage Against the Machine or System of a Down.
2
Mar 23 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
One of the worst things to happen to music in my lifetime.
1
Mar 24 2024
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Traffic
Traffic
Remarkably good for a band I've literally never heard of before. What, me heap kindness on early country?
2
Mar 25 2024
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Technique
New Order
Didn't like it, honestly, but also didn't totally hate it.
2
Mar 26 2024
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In Utero
Nirvana
Legendary for a reason. Funny that some of the tracks are quite meh, whereas others are outstanding. Clearly they were just finding their footing at this stage.
3
Mar 27 2024
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Transformer
Lou Reed
Pretty good. Have heard some of these tracks before, and I know the name Lou Reed, but I wouldn't have been able to put them together before.
2
Mar 28 2024
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Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
Strong dislike
1
Mar 29 2024
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
Wow, actually I'm a big fan of this. It's a remarkable tour de force, with almost every track sounding completely different. It definitely has a strong 90s vibe, and many tracks feel straight out of the Tank Girl soundtrack. But still, I really like it!
3
Mar 30 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Can see why he's famous. His vocals jut out of the ocean of electric guitars like an iceberg. Especially when his lyrics get trippy, it's a real delight. Still not really my thing, so dropping it in the default bucket: two stars.
2
Mar 31 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Pretty fun and very skillfully executed, although it lacks purpose and passion. It seems like professional coasting, to be honest.
2
Apr 01 2024
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Want Two
Rufus Wainwright
Droning lyrics with very eclectic instrumentals and LGBT themes. It's definitely a strong piece of work, but not really my jam.
2
Apr 02 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
The Dude was right, the Eagles suck.
1
Apr 03 2024
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Yeezus
Kanye West
Don't love the human being, but there's no denying the music is excellent.
3
Apr 04 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Really unique. Slow and throbbing. Sooooo far outside of other music I listen to, but genuinely quite enjoyable.
3
Apr 05 2024
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Not really my jam, but I appreciate the quality
2
Apr 06 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
Loved listening to this on the drive out to Texas to see the eclipse. It made me want to get up and dance in my RV.
3
Apr 07 2024
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Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
Meh. Don't really like it--kinda teetering on 1 star. Would give 1.5 if I could.
2
Apr 08 2024
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Strooooong dislike
1
Apr 09 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Oddly charming. Honestly, the B-sides put me over the top into 3-star territory. Nice work, George!
3
Apr 10 2024
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Very good! Funky, fun, and so unique. It's like jazz collided with R&B.
3
Apr 12 2024
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Technically excellent, but not really my style.
2
Apr 13 2024
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
Almost got me up to three stars with Somebody Told Me, but the rest is droney and feels empty.
2
Apr 14 2024
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High Violet
The National
Meh! It's aloof in this way that feels moderately depressing. And maybe melodramatic feeling. Only a tiny notch about 1 star.
2
Apr 15 2024
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Loved it! So soft and soothing--perfect for my Friday morning workout.
4
Apr 16 2024
View Album
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Masterful tour de force. Kinda lost me at the growlcore B-sides. But to be honest with myself, I'm just not that excited about Smashing Pumpkins. Respect this album a lot, but for my personal listening enjoyment, it's two stars.
2
Apr 17 2024
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Definitely some big sing-along hits on this album. My problem is I just don't feel good listening to Oasis.
2
Apr 18 2024
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
Wow, totally off my radar. It was pretty good up to Filthy/Gorgeous, at which point I simply fell in love ❤️
3
Apr 19 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
Legend for a reason. Castles Made of Sand is one of my favorite songs of all time, not to mention Little Wing.
4
Apr 20 2024
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
Looking back at this point, it feels a lot like country music. Certainly I respect the Rolling Stones, although it's not my style at all.
2
Apr 22 2024
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Hunting High And Low
a-ha
Woof, barely made it through this. It's what teenagers in the 80's thought would be cool, and maybe it was at the time, but it has aged very poorly.
1
Apr 23 2024
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Whoa, so good! Funky jazzy awesomeness, which still feels fresh almost 50 years later. Curtis Mayfield is a genius.
3
Apr 24 2024
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Smokers Delight
Nightmares On Wax
Awww, this is great. I love Nightmares on Wax, but somehow had never gone back as far as this album. Great way to spend my Tuesday morning.
3
Apr 25 2024
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Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
Pretty cool, especially for its time, although not really my jam.
2
Apr 26 2024
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Document
R.E.M.
End of the World is genuinely great, although all the rest of... kinda meh. Didn't previously understand this was from 1987--it sounds way ahead of its time.
2
Apr 27 2024
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
It's OG emo, basically.
2
Apr 28 2024
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Third
Soft Machine
Genuinely intriguing mishmash of rock and jazz.
2
Apr 29 2024
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
Seems like it was way ahead of its time, but I just really dislike New Wave.
1
Apr 30 2024
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Well done, I've just always felt pretty meh about Foo Fighters.
2
May 01 2024
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
80s x crooner = ugh
1
May 02 2024
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
There's definitely something unique and timeless about Paul Simon's music, and I respect him a lot. The vocally-driven melodies are just not what I would pick, so gonna stick with my default two stars.
2
May 03 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Wonderful. I've never listened to this whole album straight through, although I have heard many of the tracks before. Seriously, I'm proud of my country for producing such music.
3
May 04 2024
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Liked this more than I thought I would, especially given the super creepy album cover. Doesn't quite bubble up to 3 stars, but it's definitely a strong 2.
2
May 05 2024
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
Couldn't make it through. Some tracks were mildly interesting, but many were just grating.
1
May 06 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Totally understand why she was so adored. The instrumentals are fairly basic, so the vocals/lyrics carry it almost entirely. Not my jam, although I have very deep respect for Janis.
2
May 07 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Shout out to 13 year-old me for having great taste in classic rock. The Doors are still great, and many of the tracks I had never heard, because I was a greatest hits basic boy.
3
May 08 2024
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
My kind of weirdo in so many ways, but just not something I would choose to listen to.
2
May 09 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Whew, so many hits on this one. I wanted to chuck it into the bucket of 80s country music and fully shrug it off, but sing-along songs like Dancing in the Dark and earnest love songs like I'm On Fire knocked me over to a three-star rating. Bravo, Bruce 👏
3
May 10 2024
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Signing Off
UB40
Not bad. Technically strong and very smooth, although it somehow doesn't feel special. I've been on a reggae kick lately, and nonetheless this just doesn't do it for me.
2
May 11 2024
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Umm, this was fine. Doesn't seem that interesting to me, but it's certainly not bad.
2
May 12 2024
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
Vaguely interesting. Seems like it was probable more notable at the time.
2
May 13 2024
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Low-Life
New Order
Did not dislike as much as I thought I would, but it's very close to one star.
2
May 14 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
Honestly did not realize that Santana was so old. Especially for being released in 1970, this album is amazing. Great job, y'all!
3
May 15 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Quite good. Easy to see how they became so famous. The relentlessly romantic themes are a real grind, but the skillful performance through a broad range of sounds makes listening worthwhile.
3
May 16 2024
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Ten
Pearl Jam
Didn't understand this album when it first came out, and I still don't understand it.
2
May 17 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Technically solid, but really not my style
2
May 18 2024
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Angsty British teens kinda goes down with a thud for me. Anarchy tends to put less advantaged people at risk, so this just reads as selfish these days.
2
May 19 2024
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Our Aim Is To Satisfy
Red Snapper
Amazing variety of different sounds. Remind me a bit of Radiohead, albeit with less interesting lyrics.
3
May 20 2024
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
Hmmm, I guess I don't really like Blur. It was terrible, but it also really didn't give me any joy.
2
May 21 2024
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Disintegration
The Cure
Instrumentals are rock solid, but Pouty White Guy is just not my genre.
1
May 22 2024
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
So bland and so beige. Complete lack of soul.
1
May 23 2024
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Chris
Christine and the Queens
Respectable tour de force, although doesn't feel special to me. Maybe it would feel more important if I was really deep in the LGBTQ community, but as is, it's kind of a shrug.
2
May 24 2024
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Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
Oh, wow, this is delightful. Stereolab was totally off my radar!
3
May 25 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Truly a masterpiece. More than 20 years later and this album still feels fresh, and brings me such joy. Giving a rare four stars to this one.
4
May 26 2024
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Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
Actually pretty cool, especially for 1967 and espeically for a band I've literally never heard before. Nice job, y'all!
3
May 27 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
Didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Certainly masterful work. Maybe it's because of the sheer amount of time that has passed, but I just didn't really get into it.
2
May 28 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Was shocked to learn this was their eighth album, and best selling. Didn't love it.
2
May 29 2024
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Debut
Björk
In general I'm not a huge fan of Bjork, but this album is pretty good. She's really a remarkable weirdo, and I love weirdos.
3
May 30 2024
View Album
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Truly a masterpiece. Such a unique sound, especially for 1992, blending elements of metal and reggae. Plus the energy is through the roof. This is one thing I loved in my childhood that I love even more today ❤️
4
May 31 2024
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Legalize It
Peter Tosh
Really good! Peter Tosh wasn't on my radar. Too bad he didn't live to see legalization.
3
Jun 01 2024
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Bow down! This really is one of the greatest albums of all time, and Stir It Up is one of my favorite love songs. I've been listening to a lot of reggae on SomaFM's Heavyweight Reggae station recently, and so this really pops up as exceptional work.
4
Jun 02 2024
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BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
Love this album! Her unique combination of singing and rapping is wonderful, and the variation in instrumentals makes this album relentlessly entertaining. Bordering on four stars.
3
Jun 03 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
Wow, really good! I didn't fully appreciate MGMT when they first came out, but going back now is surprisingly delightful.
3
Jun 04 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
Obviously there are some true classics on this album, and I really enjoy it, but I honestly don't feel any special affinity for it.
2
Jun 05 2024
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New Forms
Roni Size
Clearly a very strong album, and it was teetering on three stars for me. I'm just not that into drum and bass.
2
Jun 06 2024
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Obviously a skillful creation, but very much not my style. It's basically classic country. Didn't hate it, but it was teetering on one star for me.
2
Jun 07 2024
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Arrival
ABBA
Sparkling disco, so beloved by all of the Swedes in my life. Not really my jam, but I appreciate the quality.
2
Jun 08 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Sigh. I want to be the sort of person who can enjoy the earnestness of something like this, but in my ear it's just saccharine. Wholesomeness is just no respite for me.
1
Jun 09 2024
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Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
Yeah, not bad. Didn't knock my socks off, but I'm glad I listened to it.
2
Jun 10 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Wonderful! Tiny Dancer is definitely my favorite, but the weird combo of folksy and glam is oddly charming. I honestly don't think of myself as the sort of person who likes Elton John, but this album is undoubtedly a triumph.
3
Jun 11 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Pretty great, with at least a couple of true classics. I would put this back on basically any time.
3
Jun 12 2024
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The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
Some decent tracks, but others were downright cringe.
1
Jun 13 2024
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Darkdancer
Les Rythmes Digitales
Some fun stuff, but overall feels cheesy and vapid, like watching Barney.
1
Jun 14 2024
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Brothers
The Black Keys
I just fucking love The Black Keys. This might not even be their best album, but it absolutely fills my soul with joy. Top fucking notch! 👏👏👏👏
4
Jun 15 2024
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Dookie
Green Day
I like Green Day, but honestly never really loved them. And strangely I think their later albums are better.
2
Jun 16 2024
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
Twangy crooner. Country is *really* not my jam, but I honestly did not hate this. Songs about alcoholism slap me so much harder than any about heartbreak.
2
Jun 20 2024
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Can understand why she is famous, but it still feels like watered down pop to me.
2
Jun 21 2024
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Undoubtedly one of the best albums of all time. Jimi is like a magical traveler from space. I hope one day to hear the music he has created since leaving earth.
5
Jun 22 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Pretty good, I'm just honestly not a huge fan of The Who.
2
Jun 23 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
Smooth jazz is a little easier on the ears now than it was when I first heard this as a kid. But it's still pretty shruggy for me.
2
Jun 24 2024
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Nope nope nope. Make the whining stop, please.
1
Jun 25 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
So much to love about this album. Don't Think Twice is one of my favorite songs of all time.
4
Jun 26 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Would say that he's "my kind of weirdo", but he's actually a very different type of weirdo that I don't like so much. Didn't hate it though.
2
Jun 27 2024
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Really struggled to get through this.
1
Jun 28 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
Aaaaaaagh! Make it stop!
1
Jun 29 2024
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Very good! Really top notch jazz, and Hugh was totally off my radar before.
3
Jun 30 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Soft and soothing, although it feels so very beige.
2
Jul 01 2024
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Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Folksy and fun, trad rock. Not exactly my jam, but I enjoyed it.
2
Jul 02 2024
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Lovely. Playful lyrics with a silky smooth voice.
3
Jul 03 2024
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Actually pretty great, and it's amazing that they've continued to exist until today with SO MANY members. They were completely off my radar.
3
Jul 04 2024
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
In one way, delightfully weird. In multiple other ways, heinously grating. I made it through, but just barely.
1
Jul 05 2024
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Soooo weird but I like it.
2
Jul 06 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Meh, bland late 80s rock. Not a great period for the genre.
2
Jul 07 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
So earnest and so human. I didn't get into downtempo hip hop until almost a decade later, so this album was off my radar for a long time. It's really a triumph.
3
Jul 10 2024
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
It was okay. Twangy and folksy, and altogether forgettable.
2
Jul 11 2024
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Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
Ugh, I feel bad poopooing such an important feminist, although I really didn't like this. I'm gonna stuck with two stars in recognition of her important contribution to society, although I was honestly teetering on one.
2
Jul 12 2024
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Wow, earliest known hair band? I don't like hair bands!
1
Jul 13 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
Lots of songs were just too saccharine and sappy for me, although enough were more punchy that I tipped up into a two star review. I'd describe it as "okay" at best.
2
Jul 14 2024
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Wailing, wailing, wailing, and wailing! Honestly I'm not a fan of Jane's Addiction. I respect the quality of the music, but I truly dislike the style.
1
Jul 15 2024
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
It was alright. Rock is not really my thing, but I definitely appreciated the humor in this one.
2
Jul 16 2024
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Hmmm, I guess it was fine. Not really my thing.
2
Jul 17 2024
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
It was fine. Didn't really feel special 😐
2
Jul 18 2024
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Parklife
Blur
Ha, I knew some of these songs without knowing that they were Blur. Nice work, guys!
3
Jul 19 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Wonderful. Bob is a legend for a reason.
4
Jul 20 2024
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
Wow, stupendous! I guess I had just not given Arcade Fire a proper chance when this first came out.
4
Jul 21 2024
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Headquarters
The Monkees
Feels like a watered down version of the Beatles, to be honest. Quality music, it's just didn't feel exciting at all to me.
2
Jul 22 2024
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
This felt like punishment.
1
Jul 23 2024
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
What a journey. This one is not licensed in the United States on streaming platforms, so proved to be hard to track down. I looked at a few vinyl and physical CD options before resorting to TPB. The music itself was fun, silly, and very human. Maggot Brain, in particular, reminded me a lot of Jimi Hendrix. Overall it was worth the work.
3
Jul 24 2024
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
British aught rock! There's definitely some catchy tunes on here, and it's kinda teetering on three stars for me. Honestly I'm just pretty sure I would never choose this on the jukebox, unless it was a really shitty jukebox.
2
Jul 25 2024
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Rockabilly is oddly charming. Totally get why this guy is famous!
3
Jul 26 2024
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Guero
Beck
Pretty good stuff. Not as off-the-charts weird as his earlier stuff, but still quite enjoyable.
3
Jul 27 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
I love the Pogues. It's like getting a big fuzzy hug from your sarcastic grandmother. Keepin' it real, keepin' it jaunty.
3
Jul 28 2024
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Soul Mining
The The
Pretty cool, although not really my style. Didn't realize that "This is the Day" was by The The--I actually know their stuff.
2
Jul 29 2024
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Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black
Public Enemy
Fuck fuck fuck yeah! One of these tracks was played on a boombox on the first day of my Rhetoric 20 class at Berkeley my first day of college, and Public Enemy has been near and dear to my heart ever since.
4
Jul 30 2024
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Legends for a reason. I'm a huge Hip Hop fan, and therefore kinda embarrassed that I never listened to this whole album straight through before.
3
Jul 31 2024
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Fight the Power is fantastic, but a lot of the rest of this album is pretty meh. I love Public Enemy, but Apocalypse 91 is just way better.
2
Aug 01 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Still a unique idea more than 50 years later. Cash's voice and way with the crowd is absolutely perfect. Plus the gritty lyrics make this one of the greatest albums of all time ❤️
4
Aug 02 2024
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
Wow, this is a really impressive album--truly a tour de force. It's especially shocking because I have never heard of Moby Grape before. Their name is remarkably bad, but the music is wonderful!
3
Aug 03 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
So fun and so full of life. This album is a treasure!
4
Aug 04 2024
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Kimono My House
Sparks
Pretty cool, although not exactly my jam. I'm glad I listened to it, but it seems very unlikely I'll go back for more Sparks in the future.
2
Aug 05 2024
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Elephant
The White Stripes
Stupendous! Seven Nation Army is one of my favorite songs of all time. At first I thought this might be a 5-star album, but many of the tracks are just good. For 5 stars tracks need to be almost all great.
4
Aug 06 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Really really good, unsurprisingly. Mingus is one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.
3
Aug 07 2024
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
So distinctive and so soothing. Somehow I never really got into Erykah Badu, but listening to this album certainly fills me with respect for her, and curiosity about her other work.
3
Aug 08 2024
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Silky smooth to the point of being cheesy. It felt fairly one dimensional. So kind of a shrug, although I didn't dislike it.
2
Aug 09 2024
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Yawn. It felt like a watered down version of The Beatles, to the point where I thought they must be a predecessor. But I was wrong--they were contemporaries.
2
Aug 10 2024
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Very wholesome and very classic, it feels like a hallmark of a simpler time. I didn't dislike it, but I also genuinely don't have much esteem for it.
2
Aug 11 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
Very funky and very cool. Somehow War was totally off my radar.
3
Aug 12 2024
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Dear Science
TV On The Radio
Kinda fun and jaunty. I guess I'd call it aughts comfort folk. It just doesn't really seem like much to get excited about.
2
Aug 13 2024
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Was bracing for another yawn after getting another The Kinks album just a few back. But this one I liked a lot more. Nice work, gents!
3
Aug 14 2024
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
Wonderful! It's interesting to hear her voice when she was so young.
3
Aug 15 2024
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Damn, this album is amazing. Given how well I know Ice Cube, it's funny that I have heard almost none of his early stuff.
3
Aug 16 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Very fun, very weird, very arty.
3
Aug 17 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
Wow, super cool! Seems like it must have been first wave psychedelia.
3
Aug 18 2024
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The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Genesis
Heady and unique. Between the punchy lyrics and weird sounds, it reminds me a little bit of Pearl Jam. Didn't love it, but I do respect it.
2
Aug 19 2024
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
Ummm, I don't know. Certainly well executed, but but really attractive to me.
2
Aug 20 2024
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
What a treasure of an album. I'd heard "Hurt" before, but most of these I hadn't. And I didn't realize there was a whole series of this. Much respect for you, Johnny ❤️
3
Aug 21 2024
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Spiderland
Slint
Ugh, it was really hard to get through this. I truly hated it.
1
Aug 22 2024
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Very weird! Really takes you on a journey. Don't expect myself to go back, but I'm glad I listened to it 🙂
2
Aug 23 2024
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Arise
Sepultura
Ugh, heavy metal always puts me in a bad mood.
1
Aug 24 2024
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
2
Aug 25 2024
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
Certainly seems like part of the bridge to punk. Not exactly my jam, but I respect it.
2
Aug 26 2024
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Really enjoyed this. Put it on while cleaning up from Burning Man.
3
Aug 27 2024
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
So fun. Maybe not LCD's very best album, but their talent is showing huge on this one.
3
Aug 28 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Well executed, but not really my jam.
2
Sep 05 2024
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Love Chvches! I've seen them live before and am totally in love with Lauren Mayberry. This is a sterling album--really groundbreaking and well executed.
4
Sep 06 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Pretty great, although I'd call "Stupid Girl" problematic by modern standards.
3
Sep 07 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
It's funny that this is such an iconic album cover, because it really doesn't seem to be Bowie's best work. Just honestly okay.
2
Sep 08 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
So fucking good. It's a notch down from "Are You Experienced", but still one of my absolute favorites.
4
Sep 09 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
Seems like it was part of that wave of absurdism with Quiznos' Spongmonkeys, Tom Green, Napoleon Dynamite, and Space Ghost. I still enjoy this kind of freakiness, but certainly identify with it a lot less than I did at the time. Still, surprisingly good for a band that was completely off my radar.
3
Sep 10 2024
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
I'm not exactly sure why I don't really like this album. It does have some songs that I love, and make me feel nostalgic. I really don't like Aerosmith, so that cameo was super meh. Maybe it's just too shouty?
2
Sep 11 2024
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
Iconic disco, and a lovely collection of voices. They feel like a predecessor to Destiny's Child. I put it on while cleaning the pedicab this morning before work, and I was getting smiles from the neighbors!
3
Sep 12 2024
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Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Soothing and gentle. I think it helps, actually, that I don't know what she's saying 😅
3
Sep 13 2024
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Kala
M.I.A.
Truly a masterpiece
5
Sep 14 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Wow! Just fucking wow. I honestly don't really like rock, but this album is amazing.
4
Sep 15 2024
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
Spectacular! Really a tour de force. Totally caught me by surprise, because I had not even heard of Skepta before today. How'd I miss?!
4
Sep 16 2024
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Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Todd was not really on my radar before, but this is solid stuff.
2
Sep 17 2024
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Bad
Michael Jackson
Lots of fun stuff on here, but honestly it's the beginning of Michael Jackson jumping the shark, so it's just hard to feel good about it. He already is starting to look like a white woman on the cover 😒
3
Sep 18 2024
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Ambient 1/Music For Airports
Brian Eno
I appreciate the artistry in this, but I prefer airports to have gently energetic music, to strum my excitement about traveling.
2
Sep 19 2024
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
Metal is a chore for me. Motorhead is not so bad though. Lyrics are pretty blah blah blah, but I prefer that over something ripped from a horror movie.
2
Sep 20 2024
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Umm, yeah, this was weird. Didn't dislike it, but it would also not be something I would choose.
2
Sep 21 2024
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Wow, this album is amazing, especially for a debut album I'd heard a few of the tracks before, but not the whole thing. Earnest but silly in the most delightful way.
4
Sep 22 2024
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
Fit but You Know It is great, but the rest is just okay. The style is definitely unique for its vintage, but I honestly wasn't excited when The Streets came out, and I'm still not.
2
Sep 23 2024
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
Soooo great! Full of character and life. It's supremely uplifting.
4
Sep 24 2024
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1984
Van Halen
It's just hard for me to muster the slightest respect for hair bands. Technically this is good, but I just get no joy out of it.
2
Sep 25 2024
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Woooooooow! How come no one told me about Jane Weaver. This was absolutely fantastic. So lush and unique.
4
Sep 26 2024
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Cut
The Slits
Whoa, hey! Remarkably good. The Slits were not on my radar at all, but this album is an unmitigated triumph.
3
Sep 27 2024
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Have long been a fan of Bob, and this is a great album. It feels a little less human than some of his other stuff, and maybe more polished.
3
Sep 28 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
It's hard to set aside everything that happened since, but this album was absolutely a triumph.
3
Sep 29 2024
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Faust IV
Faust
Amazingly weird. Almost felt like it might have been the original inspiration for creating 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Not sure if I really understand what krautrock is, but at least it feels a little more familiar.
3
Sep 30 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Unbelievable!
5
Oct 01 2024
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Totally caught off guard by how good this was. Now I'm questioning my very identity. Am I an Iron Maiden fan?! Hard to get over how bad the cover art is; the music is so much better.
3
Oct 02 2024
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Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
Love this album so much. Truly took hip hop in a new direction. Even though I was never a skateboarder, "Kick, Push" always felt very personal for me 🛹
4
Oct 03 2024
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The White Album
Beatles
An unmitigated triumph
5
Oct 04 2024
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Sex Packets
Digital Underground
Granted, this album went on right after The White Album by the Beatles, but I was truly unimpressed. Humpty Dance obviously stands out, although most of the rest are almost comical. One star would be too harsh, but this is certainly a weak two.
2
Oct 05 2024
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Quality classic and hip stuff. Dusty really was a treasure. It's an almost painful reminder of simpler times.
3
Oct 06 2024
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
Have a lot of respect for Joni, but her music is really not my style.
2
Oct 07 2024
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
The most metal thing that I have ever truly loved. Although I've been enamored with System of a Down since high school, I had never actually heard their whole debut album. So this was a real treat 😁
3
Oct 08 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
Radiohead is great. Definitely droney and somewhat melodramatic, but a lot of the songs feel very personal for me.
3
Oct 09 2024
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Viva Hate
Morrissey
It's not clear to me exactly why I hate Morrissey, but it's like nails on a chalkboard for me. Ugh, just fucking stop.
1
Oct 10 2024
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Dust
Screaming Trees
It's like a watered down version of Radiohead. So very meh.
1
Oct 11 2024
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Copper Blue
Sugar
Do respect the quality of this work, but it's really not enjoyable listening for me. Mid 90s rock is soooo full of meh for me.
1
Oct 12 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Truly wonderful--it's clear why all of these guys are so famous, although kinda hard to believe this was the best selling album any of them ever made.
3
Oct 13 2024
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
Seems to thread the needle between experimental and approachable. Obviously I had heard "Cars" before, but don't think I had ever even heard of Gary Numan. It's maybe teetering on three stars, but honestly I don't think I would listen to this again without a reason. Plus checking in on Gary on Instagram is profoundly depressing--fame has clearly fucked up his family royally.
2
Oct 14 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Even 52 years later, the romance does not land as sappy. I'd gladly put on Al for sexy time. Top notch work!
3
Oct 15 2024
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
Very good! I was a big fan of The Doors back in my early teenage years, when I had long hair and baggy pants. But honestly I mostly just stuck with a single greatest hits album. This one feels a little more... all over the map. The almost growling vocals are still super unique to this day, and at my current age I see them as more aggressive.
3
Oct 16 2024
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Picture Book
Simply Red
Pretty cool, and completely unfamiliar to me. It's not super well aligned with my tastes, but I have a lot of respect the quality of the work.
2
Oct 17 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
So earnest and gentle! The later album with Young is definitely better, but I can certainly see why this one got so much attention. Well done, guys 👏
2
Oct 18 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
Dummy really is one of my favorite albums of all time, and truly stunning as a debut. Wandering Stars, in particular, is amazing. Although as deep as my feelings are, I can see the space between this work and perfection, so landing at four.
4
Oct 19 2024
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Such crisp and clear racial/political angst. The juxtaposition between the vocals of Chuck D and Flava Flav really gives this a lot of character. The punchy drum kit and occasional electric guitar are not really my favorite, but I do cherish Public Enemy nonetheless.
3
Oct 20 2024
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John Prine
John Prine
Twangy, folksy, and overtly Christian. Liked it more than I thought I would. The storytelling reminds me a bit of Bob Dylan. Much respect for staying out of politics all the way until his death in 2020.
3
Oct 21 2024
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Make Yourself
Incubus
Crooner grunge, basically. I liked Incubus when I was a teenager, but it's honestly slowly faded in the intervening decades. It feels, I guess, a little childish and empty-hearted. But I also don't hate it.
2
Oct 22 2024
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Truly and forever the Queen of Soul ❤️
4
Oct 23 2024
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
No no no no no noooooooo! Death metal puts me in a bad mood every time, and this is even worse than average.
1
Oct 24 2024
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Arular
M.I.A.
Love MIA in general, and this album is definitely solid. URAQT and Galang are my favorites, for sure. It's not nearly as good as Kala. Plus I just learned that she's a Trumper, so it's hard to muster true admiration right at the moment.
3
Oct 25 2024
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
SO. FUCKING. WEIRD. I love it! Seriously, every track is very different. It's a tour through sounds jazzy, rocky, funky, loungey, and experimental.
4
Oct 26 2024
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Stevie is amazing human being, although this album was more hit-and-miss than I expected. Some tracks really lost me, whereas others had me totally hooked.
3
Oct 27 2024
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New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
It's as if the horny 12-year-old version of me could create an album. Maybe it was edgy in a delightful way at some point, but now it just feels dopily crass. I didn't truly hate it, but even two stars feels too generous.
1
Oct 28 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Okay, I think I still understand Neil Young a bit better now. This is not my jam, but I don't hate it.
2
Oct 29 2024
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Basically crooner rock. It's definitely high quality stuff, although I was never able to get very excited about Muse. It's right on the boundary between two and three, although I'm feeling generous, so going one notch higher.
3
Oct 30 2024
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Straddling the line between hammy and sincere. It's almost like a country version of Frank Zappa. So yeah, I dig it!
3
Oct 31 2024
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
How does Motörhead have two on this list?! Speed metal just feels like it stimulates the evil in people, which is such a huge turnoff. Really wanted to be done after Hammersmith. Although I will say I was tickled to learn that they're all from the UK and Lemmy is from Staffordshire!
Stop. Metal. No. Don't. Go. Away.
1
Nov 01 2024
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Night Life
Ray Price
It's funny how tame and kinda boring this is compared to music that came only four or five years later. Ray is clearly talented, and a master of a style of music that was just tailing off in the early 60's, but it's just not something I can get excited about.
2
Nov 02 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
Wow, what a bunch of weirdos! Would have thought that this album had come from the 80s. I just didn't love it. Sorry, guys.
2
Nov 03 2024
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
Super fun!
3
Nov 04 2024
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Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Pretty fun. Very 80s. Clearly a talented bunch of guys, but it has a bit of that hollow, airiness that typified the decade. Flirted with the boundary of two and three stars, but ultimately I don't hold a lot of esteem for it.
2
Nov 05 2024
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The Clash
The Clash
Truly, I was ready for this to be an amazing piece of work, which launched a whole genre. It fell far short of that. Maybe my expectations were just too high, but I really didn't like it.
1
Nov 06 2024
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Lovely music by a very talented guy, clearly. Compared to later artists like John Denver or Woody Guthrie, it feels kinda two dimensional. Although maybe it was more groundbreaking at the time.
2
Nov 07 2024
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Pink Flag
Wire
It is a big surprise how far this was ahead of its time. It reminds me a lot of the music I used to listen to in the mid 90s. Later stuff is just a lot better, just like with the Clash.
2
Nov 08 2024
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Vespertine
Björk
Dig it! Going back to Bjork makes me appreciate her more and more--really missed out on enjoying her when she first came around.
3
Nov 09 2024
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Whoa, this was amazing! I had heard some of these tracks, probably most sampled in later electronic songs, but didn't know where they came from. This is easily one of my top foreign language albums so far.
4
Nov 10 2024
View Album
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Truly top notch jazz. Monk's mastery of the piano shines here. Truly love this, but it's almost impossible to bump me up to four stars without lyrics.
3
Nov 11 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
Wow, this is exactly the sort of super weird, High Art stuff that would tempt me to four stars. But it's grounded in 90s rock, which is generally pretty meh for me. So I'm sticking with three stars. Still, great job, guys!
3
Nov 12 2024
View Album
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Unbeliveable! I knew Tears for Fears but never let them sink in before. I laid on the couch and really let this what works, but this literally wept while listening.
5
Nov 13 2024
View Album
Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
Holy shit, PJ Harvey, this album is amazing! I knew of her before, but didn't realize she had been making amazing music for so long 👏👏👏
4
Nov 14 2024
View Album
Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
Wow, the hits just keep coming. This was stupendous. I must have heard MC Solaar, since I listen to to French hip hop from time to time, but never really latched onto him.
4
Nov 15 2024
View Album
The Real Thing
Faith No More
Ugh, real love/hate relationship with this one. There are some great tracks, to which I gleefully sing along. But at its core, this is not far away from speed metal, which I tend to despise. I respect the skill, but find so much of it cheesy.
2
Nov 16 2024
View Album
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Very good! I was familiar with both the name and the music before, but don't know if I would be able to connect them together. Listened in the car on the way up to Tahoe with Lemur.
3
Nov 17 2024
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Hysteria
Def Leppard
There is some genuine artistry to be respected in Def Leppard, and their story of overcoming adversity is very heartwarming. But the cheese factor is so very strong.
2
Nov 18 2024
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Pretty good. I honestly don't understand why it was seen as such an important album based on the content itself, although maybe it inspired many others.
2
Nov 19 2024
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Wow! A complete unknown. What a treat. Love at first sight.
4
Nov 20 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
It's hard not to see crowds of fans in my head when hearing this album. It's good artistic work, but I really don't like what it created.
1
Nov 21 2024
View Album
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
Wooooooooow! I knew about Underworld, and in fact have seen them live before, but had never heard this album. It's magnificent--really takes you on a journey.
4
Nov 22 2024
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Utterly marvelous. I really enjoyed this a lot. I like Arcade Fire a lot, but have never really spent serious quality time with them.
4
Nov 23 2024
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Low
David Bowie
I appreciate the artistry of this album. It wasn't particularly well aligned with my mood, so I had a hard time getting into it.
2
Nov 24 2024
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Let's Get Killed
David Holmes
Oh, wow, super cool! Had never heard of David Holmes, but the artistry here is remarkable. It's genuinely impressive!
3
Nov 25 2024
View Album
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Hot damn, this was fun! Duke is a legend for a reason ❤️❤️❤️
4
Nov 26 2024
View Album
This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Wasn't about to listen to a few of the tracks, so I wasn't able to find them anywhere on the internet. But everything I did hear was great. Fats is a legend for a reason ❤️
3
Nov 27 2024
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
Really good. Mid 90s rock is not really my jam, but there is real artistry in this one. Good job, guys!
3
Nov 28 2024
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Berlin
Lou Reed
Oh, hey, this is the guy from Walk on the Wild Side. This album is great. I knew the name before, but would not have been able to pair it with the voice.
3
Nov 29 2024
View Album
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
Wow, this was so good that I went on to listen to the MTV Unplugged version too. I know George Michael, and am reminded again every Christmas. Faith is definitely one of my favorite songs of all time. But I had never heard this album, and I'm really glad that I now have.
4
Nov 30 2024
View Album
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Love Jurassic 5. Love this album. Soooooooo great! Love love love ❤️❤️❤️
4
Dec 01 2024
View Album
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
Hmmm, this was just okay. I've learned to love the Talking Heads from a friend, but this album didn't really hook me. I'd rather re-watch Stop Making Sense.
2
Dec 02 2024
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
Good quality stuff, but it pulls me toward a low mood. So it'd be hard for me to go above two stars.
2
Dec 03 2024
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Made me uncomfortable in the most delightful way. This is also the name of a local coffee shop that I frequented for at least a decade, so it makes me a little nostalgic.
3
Dec 04 2024
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
Love the juxtaposition between the wholesome sound and the lyrics. Pretty sure I had heard "You Can Leave Your Hat On", but never really paid close attention to the lyrics. How in the world is the Joe Cocker version more famous?
3
Dec 05 2024
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Mask
Bauhaus
The bleakness is this is just not something I can handle today.
1
Dec 06 2024
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90
808 State
Really liked this, didn't quite love it. Maybe I've been spoiled by too much great electronic music made later.
2
Dec 07 2024
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Stupendous. The White Stripes single-handedly revived a dying art form 🤘
4
Dec 08 2024
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The Visitors
ABBA
Wonderful! I'm familiar with ABBA, but had not gone back to listen to whole albums. This son was definitely a treat.
3
Dec 09 2024
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Truly amazing! Had a general fondness for The Rolling Stones before, but listening to this album really cemented it. So much variety in the sound--it's almost like every track is off of a different album.
4
Dec 10 2024
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Abbey Road
Beatles
Excellent! Really great job guys, you absolutely deserve to be famous.
4
Dec 11 2024
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Splendiferous! It takes you on a whole journey. Absolutely, Herbie deserves every bit of fame he has.
4
Dec 12 2024
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Beautiful Freak
Eels
Fantastically weird. I listened to it twice, actually, and then went on to listen to his secret solo work--MC Honky, which was also great!
4
Dec 13 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
Very well done! Honestly I liked this more than I thought I would.
3
Dec 14 2024
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Doolittle
Pixies
This was okay. Kinda lost me at Debaser, and then even good tracks afterward had a hard time winning me back. Where Is My Mind is my favorite Pixies track, and isn't on this album 😐
2
Dec 15 2024
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
Fun and funky and weird. Had never heard of Spirit. Clearly they're talented, although this isn't really something I'd ever reach for.
2
Dec 16 2024
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Pretty great! Would need to be in just the right mood for this, but by luck I was when it came up.
3
Dec 17 2024
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Wonderful! Really top notch jazz, and especially amazing given how early it was. Without lyrics, four stars feels like a little too much to me, but it's certainly close.
3
Dec 18 2024
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Nowhere
Ride
This was okay. It would have me for a song or two, but then totally lose me again. Maybe you had to be there.
2
Dec 19 2024
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KE*A*H** (Psalm 69)
Ministry
Speed metal just always makes me feel bad. Maybe this sounds great on meth.
1
Dec 20 2024
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
Really lovely! Honestly I had never heard of Astrud, but this is top notch stuff ❤️
3
Dec 21 2024
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Canonical country. In the context of all the other albums, it's pretty clear that Willie is just twangy + crooner. I say "just", but he really nailed it. It is earnest and simple in a way that's unfortunately hard for me to appreciate these days, so hard to go beyond two stars. Nonetheless, I respect Willie a lot, and believe he's a national treasure.
2
Dec 22 2024
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Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
New wave is not my jam in general, and Boy George is all the way at the Nope end of the spectrum. Clearly lots of talent behind this, but it's not for me. Still, I don't hate it, so sticking with my baseline of two stars.
2
Dec 23 2024
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
Ugh, another Metallica. See my previous review--feelings have not changed.
1
Dec 24 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
This was exactly what I needed tonight. Especially after Metallica last night, the soothing powers of this are absolutely magical.
4
Dec 25 2024
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Real Life
Magazine
Pretty cool. Not what I'm into these days, but I was glad to get acquainted with Magazine.
2
Dec 26 2024
View Album
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
Genuinely wonderful Christmas music--an asset to humankind that will be appreciated for centuries. It is genuinely difficult to detangle the joyousness of this music from the darkness of the whole second half of Phil's life. My huge crush on Ronnie Spector masks enough that I still deeply love this album.
4
Dec 27 2024
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Peggy Suicide
Julian Cope
Stopped at the first remix, since it seems to go on forever. Julian is definitely talented, and the album has a very unique sound, but I just didn't find myself getting even remotely excited about it.
2
Dec 28 2024
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Pretty much the defining sound of classic rock, with good energy and plenty of twang. Not really my style, but I respect and appreciate ZZ Top.
2
Dec 29 2024
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Knew and respected Leonard Cohen before listening to this album. But something about this album on this day made me fall in love with him. Far Out Magazine's list of his best albums puts this one at #4, so I've been listening to the others, and really enjoying. Days like this are what this project is all about 😁
4
Dec 30 2024
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Slayed?
Slade
Honestly liked this more than I thought I would. The album cover is, in my taste, truly horrible. The vibe is fairly puerile, but the artistry is real and it's quite energizing.
3
Dec 31 2024
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Very jammy with a real Grateful Dead vibe. It's certainly not my favorite style of music these days, but it gave me a nice warm feeling today. So split between two and three stars, I'm going towards the generous end.
3
Jan 01 2025
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Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
Classic country. Not really my style, but it's certainly well executed.
2
Jan 02 2025
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Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
Yeah, so twangy. Really not my favorite of music, but Dwight is a consummate crooner.
2
Jan 03 2025
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Da Capo
Love
Super unique sound, although the lyrics seemed flat by comparison. Certainly on the borderline, but giving it a generous rating because of its age.
3
Jan 04 2025
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Aja
Steely Dan
Feels a bit watered down, compared to the last Steely Dan album that came up. Squarely in the realm of easy listening, which I generally find meh.
2
Jan 05 2025
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Seems like Diet Britpunk. Bit monotonous, and didn't really pull me in, but certainly well-executed.
2
Jan 06 2025
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Pretty far from my favorite Bowie album. Lacked imagination and had a kind of stale sound, like it came out of the 90s. Still it's a pleasure to his voice, and to know he was devoted to making music, all the way to the very end.
2
Jan 07 2025
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Wonderful! Some part of me thinks the Beatles would have made music like this if they had kept going. So much variety and so many layers, it's truly lush.
4
Jan 08 2025
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Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
Super cool early hip hop that was completely unknown to me! Relly enjoyed listening to this, and I'm glad to now know Jungle Brothers.
3
Jan 09 2025
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
So amazingly weird, and just what I needed tonight. Honestly I had not given Tom Waits a proper listen in the past, although he clearly deserved it.
4
Jan 10 2025
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
Totally a triumph of music making, although I somehow just can't get super excited about Wilco. Maybe it's the low-emotion lyrics. Still, much respect!
3
Jan 11 2025
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Almost the pinnacle of silliness for the Beatles, although Yellow Submarine was probably the tipey top. It's amazing and really fun, and was way ahead of its time in terms of complexity. They absolutely deserve their legendary status. I actually just got back from visiting Liverpool for NYE 2025, but I skipped the Beatles Museum. Still, this feels lucky.
4
Jan 12 2025
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Top notch hip hop, especially for its time. If it came out even five years later, I might bump it down to three stars, but this early it really deserves four.
4
Jan 13 2025
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Very energetic and fun. It's weird hearing him talk in between tracks, because his natural speaking voice is so high.
3
Jan 14 2025
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Boston
Boston
Power rock at it's finest. Boston is not really my style, but I respect them. Three stars feels a little generous, but their spaceship looks cool.
3
Jan 15 2025
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Solid Air
John Martyn
So great! Lovely being swept along by this.
3
Jan 16 2025
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OK Computer
Radiohead
Perfect. No notes.
5
Jan 17 2025
View Album
Kid A
Radiohead
Very very good! Coming up right after OK Computer, this one is not nearly as wow, but I still love it. Tipped just barely over to four stars, since I can still hear the riff from Idioteque in my head from 25 years ago.
4
Jan 18 2025
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Pretty great. I'm honestly not the biggest Talking Heads fan, in part because I know the biggest Talking Heads fan. Anna--she's great. This one feels like a middling performance for them. Quite enjoyable, but not wow.
3
Jan 19 2025
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White Light
Gene Clark
Wow! Gene Clark was totally new to me and this album is really good. He's no Bob Dylan, but certainly in the same league.
3
Jan 20 2025
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
Huh, not bad! Don't think I've ever heard of The Saints. It's impressive that had a sound I would describe as similar to The Hives, although 15 years earlier. Although I didn't actively dislike it, I found myself wanting it to be over.
2
Jan 21 2025
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Wonderful. Fame well deserved. Takes me back to being a teenager. I didn't catch on to Smashing Pumpkins until later in the 90s, but I was right to revere them then, and I revere them now.
4
Jan 22 2025
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Liked this more than I thought I would, based on looking at the album cover. Maybe that was an alluring image in 1971 record stores, but provokes a huge ugh now in 2025. Little on the border, but I'm inclined to be generous because it reminded me yet again to not judge a book by its cover.
3
Jan 23 2025
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Whoa, what a triumph! This is bordering on five stars. Top notch artistry, yo 👏👏👏
4
Jan 24 2025
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Basically the definition of Jaunt Rock. It was not especially cool to like RHCP when I was a kid, but I do enjoy their music.
3
Jan 25 2025
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
Not sure if it was the coincidence of last name, but The Smiths landed wrong for me a long time ago, and has not changed since then.
2
Jan 26 2025
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
Weird and crass and very human. Certainly not as good Swordfishtrombones, but I enjoyed it and respect the artistry.
3
Jan 27 2025
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
Usually I'm all about weird. But something about Cee Lo just lands with a thud for me. Maybe I'm just not the target audience. Fuck You (from his Lady Killer album in 2010) is on my deserted island playlist, but this album honestly just feels okay.
2
Jan 28 2025
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
This album definitely means a lot to me. I gave it on vinyl as a gift to my old doctor, who as it turns out went to school with Lauren Hill. Love the schoolhouse sounds between tracks. Also Everything is Everything is one of my favorite tracks of all time. Still don't love it enough for five stars, but damn is it close.
4
Jan 29 2025
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Tell. Me. About. It. I fell in love with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs when I first heard them, and Maps is one of my favorite tracks of all time. It was a life goal for me to hear them perform it live, and I finally got the chance at the Greek Theater in Berkeley a couple years ago. It was so crowded I couldn't even see the stage, but I didn't care. I sang along to every single word, and I wept tears of joy. If the Yeah Yeah Yeahs are not proof that music is the mountain top, I don't know what ever could be.
5
Jan 30 2025
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Elastica
Elastica
Okay, I get it. It's just not that exciting for me, to be honest.
2
Jan 31 2025
View Album
The Dreaming
Kate Bush
There is at least one Kate Bush track that is very close to my heart. But at least last night when I listened to this album, it totally landed with a thud. One day I should definitely give it another try when I'm in a better mood.
2
Feb 01 2025
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25
Adele
So many great sing-a-longs. Very simple music, but it gives me big feels.
4
Feb 02 2025
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Maybe not my favorite Talking Heads album, but I enjoyed it a lot.
3
Feb 03 2025
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Noped out of this one in the first track. Currently I'm bedridden with abdominal pain, so suffering through metal is a hard no.
1
Feb 04 2025
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
Solid Dylan. Not especially distinctive or outstanding, but definitely a good listen. I love Dylan, so going deeper into his catalog is a treat.
3
Feb 05 2025
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Mega cheesy. I listened to this while filling out medical forms, and the irony was stupendous.
2
Feb 06 2025
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Gris Gris
Dr. John
Wow, super cool! Dr. John was not on my radar at all, and I feel like a fool. The voice was a little meh in the beginning, to be honest, but I was able to get into it. I went on to listen to another album of a live performance he did a couple of years later. He clearly had one hell of a career 👏👏👏
4
Feb 07 2025
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Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
Whoa, this was wild! Hard to believe they never were super famous. Ultimately it was a little heavy for me as I got into the bonus tracks, so I had to turn it off. But genuinely enjoyed listening.
3
Feb 08 2025
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The Cars
The Cars
Oh, very fun! I know at least a few of these songs already, but could not have told you they come from The Cars. Nice work, y'all 👏👏👏
3
Feb 09 2025
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
Noped out about halfway through. This was probably very fun live, but very much not the vibe my Friday night needed. I guess I understand the term post-punk now, but I want to put this back into the punk bucket.
1
Feb 10 2025
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Odessa
Bee Gees
Very interesting to hear the Bee Gees before their disco hits that are so familiar. Kinda lost me at "remember you're just a woman." Also learned while listening that I was holding an old wives tale in my head, that the Brothers Gibb all died of cocaine in the '70s. So wrong! Two are still alive today and the other made it to 2012. Glad you're still here, guys.
2
Feb 11 2025
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Whoa, so good! I was dancing around in my kitchen to this one. Wonderful to hear such good music emerge from such a terrible situation. Renews my faith in humanity.
4
Feb 12 2025
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
One of purest representations of '80s music I've ever heard. It might have been just right for the time, but I just don't think it holds up. It's honestly hard on my ears. I made it all the way through, but only just barely.
1
Feb 13 2025
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
Well, obviously the Beatles are wonderful. Not sure if any of these songs are new to me, but to sit down and listen to the whole album straight through is a lovely experience. Lots of songs on this album have already wormed their way into my soul: Michelle, In My Life, Drive My Car. Also love that they threw so much poetry into this album. Not as amazing as their later stuff, but still great.
3
Feb 14 2025
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Wow! Starts so strong with Immigrant Song, which I know so well, but then ramps down from there. My lean is definitely towards their later stuff, so it's interesting to listen to the turning point.
3
Feb 15 2025
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Very impressive! Never heard of Keith Jarrett, but he's clearly a boss.
3
Feb 16 2025
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Whoa so good! I knew of Massive Attack before mostly from their 1998 album, Mezzanine, especially the track Teardrop.Although I had never sat down to listen to a whole album, nor their earlier work.
3
Feb 17 2025
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Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
Definitely respect the artistic direction here. It didn't really pull me in, but I am impressed by the amount of work to create this.
2
Feb 18 2025
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Absolutely a classic. Obviously I had heard the title track, but mostly not the rest of the album. It's all great. Iggy deserves fame for sure.
On a whim, I listened to Lana Del Rey's album by the same name, and it is absolutely fantastic. Obviously she has the benefit of 40 years of advancements in technology, and no doubt a lot more funding. But damn, hers was better.
3
Feb 19 2025
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
Whoa, did not expect the list to include such recent music. I fucking love SAULT! Wildfires is very high on my list of favorite tracks of all time. Every time its on, it just takes me away. Love love love love love love love!
4
Feb 20 2025
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Wonderful! Otis' voice has such emotion in it, weaving from buttery to gritty within the same track. I did not know browsing Wikipedia while listening to this album that Otis died two years after making this album, in a plane crash at age 26. What a tragedy; he was truly a master of the craft.
3
Feb 21 2025
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Maybe I'm biased by my social group in high school, when this came out. Objectively it's wonderful music, but it somehow feels uncool. And I don't know why.
2
Feb 22 2025
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Lovely! Although I'm not sure if it's exemplary for a top 1001, but I did enjoy it.
2
Feb 23 2025
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OK
Talvin Singh
Super cool! This is basically the best of SomaFM's Suburbs of Goa station, which I listen to a lot.
4
Feb 24 2025
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
Solid Dlyan. Doesn't seem to be a standout album for him, but it was just what I needed last night.
3
Feb 25 2025
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
Wow, super cool! It's a shame they did not manage to stay together to make more music. Reading their story on Wikipedia, it makes sense why it fell apart so quickly. Impressive that they managed to make this in their first go!
3
Feb 26 2025
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
Not sure why, but I've always felt kinda meh about The Flaming Lips. Some tracks really can hook me, and I have enjoyed seeing them live, but somehow I am not generally attracted to their music. This album is no exception.
2
Feb 27 2025
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Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Super cool! Heard parts of this album when it first came out, but never listened to the whole thing through. Such a treat 🍬
3
Feb 28 2025
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Every Picture Tells A Story
Rod Stewart
Rod is certainly fun and folksy, he was always just too easy-listening for me.
2
Mar 01 2025
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Old time country. Definitely near the interesting end of the spectrum, but still not really my thing.
2
Mar 02 2025
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
Whenever an album description includes the words, "a truly challenging listening experience", there's a very good chance I'm going to hate it.
1
Mar 03 2025
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Easily one of the greatest rap albums of all time. C.R.E.A.M. is one of my absolute favorites. The interludes make it really immersive, and honestly a lot more approach than the gritty hip hop would be on its own.
5
Mar 04 2025
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Country Life
Roxy Music
Love the album cover. The music was just okay.
2
Mar 05 2025
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
Love this album so much! In particular, it has many more uplifting lyrics than most of the genre. Common is a national treasure.
After seeing the dedication to Fela, I looked it up. It is, indeed, Fela Kuli, and apparently because of his activist movement. I learned after that about Fela's beating after making Zombie, so I listened to that album next. Splendid evening all the way through.
4
Mar 06 2025
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
Wow! Had heard Super Furry Animals before, but never really let it sink in. Actually listened to the whole 20th Anniversary Edition, including endless remixes, to cover up PG&E loudly doing work across the street all through the night 😴
4
Mar 07 2025
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Super bounced out of this one! Often groan whenever 1001 gives me esoteric rock, especially from the 90s. As an artist, I do feel bad poo-pooing genuine works of art. The Afghan Whigs put some top notch creative energy into this, but it was very contextual, and listening now is better left to specific or historical interest. This is not an album to listen to before you die. Die without listening. Or if you do listen, try not to die.
1
Mar 08 2025
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Wow, liked this a lot more than I thought I would! Paused in the middle to play the AD video on YouTube about the Harbon House Inn, and the two went together remarkably well. Will definitely put it on again if I ever get the chance to go.
3
Mar 09 2025
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Medúlla
Björk
Bjork being Bjork. This album is great. Seems like not her best, but it's really good.
3
Mar 10 2025
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
This! This Flaming Lips album is the undeniable triumph that made me fond of them. Previously wrote a meh review their older album, The Soft Bulletin, and I think this means they grew a lot in the time in between.
4
Mar 11 2025
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Screamadelica
Primal Scream
Haha! Was definitely expecting not to like this, given the artist name and album name, but it was actually quite enjoyable.
3
Mar 12 2025
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What's That Noise?
Coldcut
Super cool! So many of these sounds were delightfully familiar. Honestly never heard of Coldcut, but they seem to have an impressive catalog.
3
Mar 13 2025
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
Cheesy as expected, but honestly pretty fun.
3
Mar 14 2025
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
So fun and jaunty. Definitely feel good music, carried by strong vocals.
3
Mar 15 2025
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
Very cool! It's like wofting through a dark dream, slow and deep. Had heard several of these tracks before, but don't think I'd be able to attribute to Fever Ray.
3
Mar 16 2025
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1999
Prince
Honestly, I'm generally not a huge fan of Prince, but this album I quite liked.
3
Mar 17 2025
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
Don't know why I didn't expect that to be so gentle and soft. It's still not quite my jam, but I now have clear respect for Elliott Smith.
2
Mar 18 2025
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
As a feminist, I'm certainly glad that women have Tori Amos. I know many women who love her and I get it. Honestly not for me, but I wouldn't jump up to turn it off.
2
Mar 19 2025
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
What a French crooner! The lyrics are lost on me, but the quality of his voice really is special. Would recommend this one to curious music types.
3
Mar 20 2025
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Play
Moby
Listened to The Complete Recordings by chance, and it was very worthwhile. Love ya, buddy ❤️
4
Mar 21 2025
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
This is really good. I don't think of myself as a fan of The Cure, but this one definitely landed for me.
3
Mar 22 2025
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
Wow, what a thing! And the collaboration with David Bowie was totally off my radar. Great job, Tina ❤️
3
Mar 23 2025
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
Love this album so much! Bolt cutters were definitely a big player in my teenage years, and so this feels like going back in time. Big fan 👏👏👏👏
4
Mar 24 2025
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Cafe Bleu
The Style Council
Remarkable variety, track for track--really a tour de force. If you gave me the 13 tracks randomly and asked how many were from a single album, I would probably guess 2 or 3. This would be less impressive even 10 years later with the rise of electronic music, but they did so much of this themselves!
3
Mar 25 2025
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Tippity top notch jazz. Truly magical. Obviously I know and love Miles Davis, but I had never sat down to listen to this album and it's a masterpiece.
4
Mar 26 2025
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
The Pogues in general are a beautiful collision between Irish trad music and punk rock, and this album is truly a delightful example. Just visited Ireland in January, and hearing this makes me want to go back 😊
4
Mar 27 2025
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Ah, yeah, I know some of these tracks, but would not previously have been able to say who made them. Deep Purple is weirdo rock and honestly I like it. Being upstream from metal gives me some resentful feelings, but it's not really their fault to be part of an evolution. Overall, it was a worthwhile listen, but I'm not coming back.
2
Mar 28 2025
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
Punchy in a way that kind of blurs the lines between singing and comedy. Hasn't aged well, in some ways, but is fun in the others.
2
Mar 29 2025
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
This certainly seems like a landmark for the Queer community. As music, it's honestly not something I would choose. However, its sheer existence is a triumph over circumstances.
3
Mar 30 2025
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Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent D'Arby
Terence Trent D'Arby
Wow, this was wonderful. It's kinda making me want to go back and re-listen to INXS.
3
Apr 01 2025
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Bad Company
Bad Company
Definitely strong classic rock with zesty lyrics. Having no nostalgia for that genre, so it doesn't have a ton of appeal for me. (Although The Doors are a notable exception.)
2
Apr 02 2025
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Microshift
Hookworms
This was pretty fun! Definitely a lot of inventive sounds, which are oh so endearing.
2
Apr 03 2025
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
Laughed out loud multiple times when listening to this, because so many bits and pieces of it have been used in trailers and samples. Had no idea so many of them all came from one album. Truly delightful.
3
Apr 04 2025
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The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
Absolutely wonderful! With this album, Ravi helped introduce the Western world to Indian music, and probably changed the very arc of human history. It's hard to imagine any other musician alive having more impact. It's also truly beautiful music.
5