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Mon Jan 08 2024
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Average album elevated to above-average by Tiny D and Levon. Holiday Inn is good, but overall…average. 3/5
3
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Tue Jan 09 2024
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Totally fine and average. Not really prog enough or rock enough for my liking. Deserving of a half star based on Crime of the Century track that I enjoyed. 2.5/5
2
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Good, not great. Above average. I see why The Beatles were fans of Mr. Nilsson. Without You is a certified banger. The entire album is brought to a halt by Coconut, which is an abortion of a song, and then drags for the final three songs. Could have been a 4/5 with a better finish, but ultimately 3/5.
3
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
This album is a vibe. I guess all jazz is a vibe, but this is a vibe I actually enjoy. I could see myself putting this as background music during a sexy/sex party. That may be simultaneously a diss and the highest compliment I can give a jazz album. Jazz always makes me think of that scene in So I Married an Axe Murderer. Woman. WHOOAAA-man. 3.5/5
3
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Fri Jan 12 2024
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth has always been a challenge for me. I know they’re beloved and had a massive influence on alternative music. There’s some great stuff on this album, but it jangles and rambles a bit much for my liking. In the words of Kim Gordon… Does this sound simple? Fuck you! 3.75/5
3
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Mon Jan 15 2024
Rubber Soul
Beatles
Not much to be said here. Great album. Doesn’t get a 5 simply because I know even better albums are forthcoming (Beatles and other artists). Great tunes for driving around London knocking side mirrors off cars and failing your practical driving test. 4.25/5
4
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Tue Jan 16 2024
Marquee Moon
Television
This was an average to slightly above average album to me. I can hear influences in other artist, but just didn’t grab me. 3/5
3
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Wed Jan 17 2024
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
Put PJ on a long list of acclaimed artist I just don’t get. There’s some stuff here I liked, but overall didn’t grab me. I sound like a broken record, but this is an average to slightly above average album. 2.75/5
3
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Thu Jan 18 2024
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
TIL I like Jethro Tull! Flute rock! Previously all I knew about this band was Aqualung, “Hey Aqualung!” in Anchorman, and their controversial Grammy win over Metallica (turns out I had the year and albums totally wrong, too). This shit makes me want to skip hand-in-hand with Frodo Baggins through The Shire and then deliver a swift gut punch to that bastard Bilbo while Gandolf looks on with an approving nod and knowing smile. A really pleasant surprise and I shall enjoy listening to it again!
4
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Fri Jan 19 2024
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
It’s been forever since I’ve listened to this album, and frankly not sure I ever listened start to finish. Wow, what a trip down memory lane! Hit me right in the feels. Nirvana’s last album and recorded five months before Cobain’s death. Amazing mix of covers, many of which are clearly better than the original, as well as great renditions of their own songs. Stripped down, but still captures all the vibe of the band. I absolutely love Where Did You Sleep Last Night as the last track. Haunting. Raw energy in Kurt’s vocals. Simply great all around.
5
View Album
Mon Jan 22 2024
The World is a Ghetto
War
I thought I was going to like this album. I did not like this album. I’m shocked it was the best selling album of 1973 and appeared on the original Rolling Stone 500 best albums of all time list. There’s other albums on the 1001 albums list I don’t like, but get why they’re there (influence on the music landscape, other artists, etc). I don’t get that here. Most songs sound like the theme music of a sitcom. Not a fan of jam bands and 12 minute songs. I did enjoy The Cisco Kid. This is a shrug emoji album to me. 1.75/5
2
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Tue Jan 23 2024
Purple Rain
Prince
Amazing. Listened to it twice back to back. A lot of the lyrics would be corny if sung by another artist. But Prince can pull it off because, well… he’s Prince. Love the story about Tipper Gore walking in on her daughter listening to Darling Nikki and having a proper freak out (leading to the introduction of the parental advisory sticker on albums). Game…blouses. 4.5/5
5
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Wed Jan 24 2024
Soul Mining
The The
I suspect I enjoyed this album more than most others in our group. That said, at the end of the day I view this as an average album at best. I like some synth pop, but this didn’t grab me and I don’t see myself picking it up again. 2.25/5
2
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Gris Gris
Dr. John
I’m sitting on a DART train after another painful Mavs loss thinking… why do Mavs suck? Why did I listen to a Dr John album today? Why is this album on the Rolling Stone top 500 album list. So many questions, but just one answer… this ain’t good.
1
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Fri Jan 26 2024
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
Love me some Bowie, but his stuff has always been up and down for me. Same with this album. Really enjoyed some songs (Watch That Man and The Jean Genie) but others not so much, especially the piano in Aladdin Sane. Pretty easy 3* when you rank it against other albums in his catalog. Bowie's in space. Bowie's in spa-a-hace. Whatcha' doin' out there, man? 3.25/5
3
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Dirt
Alice In Chains
I’m torn between a 3 or 4 for this album. It has many certified bangers, but I found my self struggling through some of the other tracks. Not sure if that’s a knock on those tracks or a testament to the quality of the songs we know and love. It feels like a stretch to call this a 4 against the pantheon of amazing albums, but against those we’ve heard thus far and giving a bump for nostalgia factor… I’m going 4* but more of a 3.75/4
4
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Tue Jan 30 2024
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
I didn’t want to like this album, less about the music and more about the man. But damn if this shit ain’t good. Yea, Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough is about two minutes too long. And yea, the lyrics can be pretty cringeworthy at times (MJ is the opposite of Prince in this department). But MJ is amazing and I couldn’t resist grooving and having a good time.
4/5
4
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Any album that has a 9+ minute song I actually like deserves high praise. I remember this album being a critical darling when it came out, but for some reason I never listened. I’m glad this exercise forced me to do so cuz I really liked it! We had a family dance party to Pyramids this evening. Plus, there’s a love song to Forrest Gump. Maybe it’s a metaphor or some dumb shit, but I like to think Frank is literally in love with Forrest. Maybe a tad long front to back, but there’s too much good shit for anything less than a 4 in my mind.
4/5
4
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Thu Feb 01 2024
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
It’s JAZZ!!!
2/5
2
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Fri Feb 02 2024
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
I like Bob Dylan. He has some great songs. But I never listen to his albums start to finish and B on B is a great example why. I think it’s too long and I hate to say his vocal style wore on me (and harmonica). Still a very good album, but I think all the praise it has received is a bit overdone. I pegged it at the 4.25/5 I gave Rubber Soul and added/deducted from there. At the end of the day I simply did not enjoy it nearly as much as RS.
3.5/5
3
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
I think the significant others of the bros in this group are in for a treat this weekend! Just a gaggle of horned up bros looking to GET. IT. ON.
These are my confessions:
1) I didn’t know this album existed. I prob would have said Let’s Get it On was on his What’s Going On album.
2) I thought for sure this would be no less than a 4 star album. But it was kind of one note to me.
3) In the words of Flight of the Conchords:
My rhymes are so potent that in this small segment
I made all of the ladies in the area pregnant
Yeah, sometimes my lyrics are sexist
But you lovely bitches and hoes should know I'm trying to correct this
3.5/5
3
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Tue Feb 06 2024
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
This album has two things working against it that would typically doom it for me:
1) Jazz
2) Live recording
But to my surprise, the live aspect really elevated the album. Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue Is a perfect example where the band is feeding off the audience and the audience is loving it. Doesn’t take it to 4* category, but ended up enjoying more than I expected.
3.25/5
3
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Wed Feb 07 2024
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
Yea…I struggled with this one. The odd time signature on every track got to me. Could have been cool if used sparingly, but was grating after awhile. I did enjoy Stillness is the Move, but not enough to save this album from a sub-average rating.
2.25/5
2
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Shadowland
k.d. lang
Now we have an answer to the age old question: what do lesbian cowgirls listen to after a rough breakup? This album is totally fine, but I def did not expect to see KD Lang on this list. But at the end of the day it’s easy on the ears and totally fine.
2.75/5
3
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
LOL I thought maybe I’d enjoy this album. I did not. Would things have been different in my middle school years? Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe fuck yourself. Anyways, this would have been a 1* but I gotta give props to the opening two songs. Still a sucker for The Beautiful People. [shrug emoji]
1.5/5
2
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
After the first song I thought this was going to be the first "holy shit who is this???" surprise album. Turns out it didn't reach that level, but I still liked it. Dug when the electric guitar comes in on the first track and the grooves on the last. Not sure this gets to a 4* album (it's close), but I could def see myself digging into her catalogue.
3.5/5
3
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Tue Feb 13 2024
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
God damn these licks are tasty! Thoroughly enjoyed this album. Rare case of me wishing an album was a bit longer. Easy 4* for me. Crazy that it was recorded in only 12 hours considering the influence on rock/metal. Good shit.
4.25/5
4
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
I can say this definitively: this is my favorite CSN album.
I love listening to three dudes harmonizing as much as the next guy, but this didn’t grab me like I expected. Judy Blue Eyes and Helplessly Hoping are solid and get the album extra points, but just can’t go higher than 3*
3.25/5
3
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
I have a soft spot for this old school Grand Ole Opry stuff. I love the juxtaposition of the upbeat sound with dark lyrics (Knoxville Girl…..SHEEESH ). Influenced by Baptist upbringing, but clearly in Ira’s case did not walk the walk. Do yourself a favor and read up about the guy. I thought this could be a sneaky 4*, but I found the songs to be a bit repetitive. Still very much enjoyed the listen.
3.5/5
3
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Fri Feb 16 2024
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
I’ll say one thing about this album…it is definitely JAZZ.
.25/5
1
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Mon Feb 19 2024
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
The album algorithm gods smiled upon us and bookended the week with Sabbath’s first two albums. Paranoid has the radio hits, but I think I enjoyed their debut more front to back. I rated that album 4*, which is an obvious mistake in hindsight. The fact that they gave the world these two albums within just eight months of each other is a miracle.
4.5/5
5
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Tue Feb 20 2024
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Inject this goodness directly into my veins. Got me talking like Stefon… this album has everything: glamour, camp, licks, Bowie in space, production, weirdness… a very easy 5/5 for me. Checked Rolling Stone’s updated best album of all time list expecting this to be in the top 10. But no, #40, which is an abomination. It’s so good.
5/5
5
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Bossanova
Pixies
I’m not a huge fan of Pixies and this album didn’t sway me away from that opinion. I’m going low on this album with the expectation for better things to come with Doolittle and Surfer Rosa.
2.5/5
2
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Thu Feb 22 2024
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
This album oozes late 80's/early 90's style (read: corniness). It was a pretty enjoyable listen and props to Queen Latifah for blazing a trail for female MC's. That said, not sure I will be revisiting this album and can't rate higher than "average."
2.5/5
2
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Aja
Steely Dan
Steely Dan is the answer to the question: what if we combined jazz and rock and made both worse? And then what if we took that and made it bland AF? And Steely Dan was like, "hold my low calorie beer." Not like this is a BAD album... it simply evokes zero emotion other than feeling like a douche bag while listening. I think of all the albums we've had thus far I would be most embarrassed for my wife to walk in on me listening to this one. Not because it is the worst album of the bunch. But it would be the same as her coming home to me literally watching paint dry or grass grow. Snoooooze.
1.5/5
1
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
I’m not familiar with Solomon Burke and really enjoyed his stuff. That said, as an album I think this is just above average. Look forward to digging into his catalog a bit more.
3.25/5
3
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Tue Feb 27 2024
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
This is a good album but not his best. I’m guessing we’ll see another one or two ES albums that I’ll enjoy more. I think this one may get better with additional listens, but ain’t nobody got time for that. I’ll for sure check it out again at a later date.
3/5
3
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Teen Dream
Beach House
I was not expecting Beach House to show up in this exercise. I like Beach House…but admittedly it is typically background music for work, etc. Not sure I’ve ever really intently listened to any of their stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy this album, just not sure it’s deserving of a 4*, so I’m rounding down.
3.5/5
3
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Moving Pictures
Rush
I get it. Rush’s prog rock can be polarizing. Maybe this isn’t considered a great album by many. All I know is every time Tom Sawyer comes I reach for the volume knob and turn it up to 11. It’s a guilty pleasure and gets me right in the feels every time. Shocked this was their eighth studio album. Not sure I’ve listened to any of the other ones! Slapping’ da bass, an animal on the drums, and angelic vocals. What else could you ask for???
4/5
4
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Suede
Suede
Gummy is kicking in and I can’t come up with much to say about this album. I liked it ok. Above average.
2.75/5
3
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Not a huge fan of Tracy, but was excited to jump in after all the hoopla surrounding her performance at the Grammys. Figured maybe I misjudged her… I did not. Two things kept popping into my head while listening: adult alternative and Joni Mitchell. Not sure if either is an appropriate descriptor… but that’s immediately where my brain went and neither is a compliment (spoiler alert for my review of Blue whenever that album drops). Fast Car is good, but not sure it’s deserving of all the praise. Apologies to all the adults and their alternative music.
Oh, and to my dumb ears it sounds like Edward Sheeran ripped off Mountains O’s Things for Shape Of You.
2.5/5
2
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Woo, this is a tough one. Went into it knowing lots of folks think it’s their best. Rocks Off is a legit banger, but I found the rest of it a bit hard to get into. I feel like I may revisit this rating and wish I had gone higher. But at this moment it doesn’t rise to the level of a 4* for me.
3.5/5
3
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Wed Mar 06 2024
Picture Book
Simply Red
A white dude doing jazz and soul/R&B music? No thanks! This is def not my tempo. Question is… is it Steely Dan bad? I’d argue no. It misses the mark but at least it feels like it is trying. And it has a song I recognize and think is ok [shrug emoji]. I bet peeps in mid-80’s power suits with huge shoulder pads rocked out to these tunes in elevators. Blah.
1.5/5
P.S. you know you want to punch that kid on the cover right in his stupid face.
1
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Boys! I'm gonna do it! I'm rating a SD album higher than 1*! Listen, this album is still pretty trash, but (i) Rikki Don't Lose That Number is mildly ok, (ii) anything looks good compared to that Simply Red trash album we had yesterday, and (iii) it is better than Aja (oh god I just threw up in my mouth a little bit). I nearly crashed my car in a fit of rage when East St. Louis Doodle-Oo came on. Pretentious AF and no fun. Fuck, am I talking myself into a 1*??? Take a breath... At the end of the day this is a 34 minute album and I made it through ok.
1.75/5
2
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Shleep
Robert Wyatt
This mother fucker fell out of a window, broke his back, paralyzed, but kept on making music. PROPS. Not sure I knew what was going on for most of this album, but I generally enjoyed it! Heaps of Sheeps (great song title) and Free Will and Testament are enjoyable songs. This album intrigued me enough to want to check out his other stuff. Here’s to my fellow Broken Back Brother.
3/5
3
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Mon Mar 11 2024
25
Adele
You could give this a 4* based on Adele’s vocal talent alone and I wouldn’t be mad at ya. But for me it started feeling a bit one note after the first couple songs. I love me some Send My Love. Def the highlight of the album. I’m rounding down on this one.
3.5/5
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
The Band
The Band
So...The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Racist or naw? I'm going with no since it was written by a Canadian bro...but I guess Canadians can be just as racist as the next bloke. Anyways, I thought this was a pretty decent and easy listen. Didn't blow my mind, but a couple enjoyable and recognizable songs. Def something I wouldn't mind listening to again.
3.5/5
3
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
...in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes...and Eric will rate all Bob Marley albums no less than 4*. Honestly not sure I've ever listened to a Marley album other than Legend, so I was really glad to see this on the list. Straight vibes.
3.75/5
4
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Really dig this album. Was considering going as high as a 5 banger based on the first few tracks, but second half wasn’t as strong. Interesting to learn about Bowie’s involvement with this record and its predecessor. Seems pretty obvious after listening. His fingerprints are all over the album. Amazing that Bowie toured with Iggy as his keyboardist and was dead set against stealing the spotlight. Look forward to digging into his catalog a bit more along with The Stooges.
4.25/5
4
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Fri Mar 15 2024
The Slider
T. Rex
This record is a vibe and I enjoyed it very much. But I’m tired and don’t have energy to put more thought into a review.
3.75/5
4
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
5-banger, LET’S GOOOOO!!!! Greatness. Felt like a kick in the face reminder of just how amazing Queen was back in the day (unlike that crap movie). Not stuffed with many of their “hits,” but songs like Brighton Rock and Stone Cold Crazy rocked so hard I didn’t need a bunch of well known tracks (I’m ignoring Bring Back That Leroy Brown). Just the album I needed going into the weekend and I enjoyed several listens.
4.5/5
5
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Green
R.E.M.
I have this odd REM-block where I generally like their well-known songs, but can't get into the rest of their stuff. This albums clearly has some great and popular songs like "Stand" and "Orange Crush" but the rest of the album didn't speak to me. I was only able to listen to it once, so my rating may change with additional listening, but at the moment this isn't higher than a 3* for me. Now please excuse me while I put on Everybody Hurts and have a good day-long cry. Bye.
3.5/5
3
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
I love Tainted Love. But it can’t save this album. Overall very forgettable. I’m bumping my rating to average based on Tainted Love alone.
2.5/5
2
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Thu Mar 21 2024
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
I want to like this album. And maybe I would after another listen. I like some of the guitar grooves but the vocals threw me off in pretty much every song. I’m sure fans would say the vocal style is a feature and not a bug, but I’m just not feeling it.
2.5/5
2
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Fri Mar 22 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
The version of the album I heard had Suspicious Minds…but it was actually cut from the original album. That stupidly alone makes me want to rate this low. But it is still Elvis and an enjoyable listen.
2.75/5
3
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
She said, "My breasts, they will always be open
Baby, you can rest your weary head right on me
And there will always be a space in my parking lot
When you need a little coke and sympathy"
Yeah, we all need someone we can dream on
And if you want it, baby, well, you can dream on me
Yeah, we all need someone we can cream on
Yeah, and if you want to, well, you can cream on me
No notes. 4.25/5
4
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
I’m typically not a fan of live albums (says the guy who gave 5* to Nirvana Unplugged). Sure the hits are there, but I prefer the studio recordings. This one was pretty enjoyable and sounded good. I guess there’s some controversy surrounding the band overdubbing most of the album. Anyways, who cares? It’s an above average listen and I really enjoyed Massacre.
3.5/5
3
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Wed Mar 27 2024
Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
I didn’t mind this album. I appreciate the turn in genre from other albums on the list. That said, not sure why this is an essential album. My guess is Brian Eno’s involvement elevated its status and it wouldn’t be in this list otherwise. I could see myself putting on a station based on these guys. I’ll probably forget their name and look forward to asking Siri to “play a station based on that band with naked penguin/human creatures on the cover.”
2.75/5
3
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Transformer
Lou Reed
Bowie keeps popping up! He produced this album, too! I do like it quite a bit. Walk on the Wild Side, Perfect Day, and Satellite of Love (my fave) are enough to get this 4 stars from me. But once again I’m gummied-up and don’t have anything insightful to say.
4/5
4
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Beautiful Freak
Eels
I’ve always enjoyed Novocaine for the Soul but never really gave the album a chance. I liked it quite a bit! Is it on par with some other albums at this rating? Prob not. Did it give me tasty 90’s vibes? Indeed. And for that reason, 4*.
3.5/4
4
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Mon Apr 01 2024
Either Or
Elliott Smith
Pretty good and I thought I was going to revisit over the weekend. I didn’t. And didn’t really feel compelled to do so. Maybe I just don’t get his genius. [shrug emoji]
3.25/5
3
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
Was there any doubt Snoop’s debut would get less than 4*? There are some bangers on here for sure, though I felt the album was kind of one note…thankfully it was a note I enjoy.
3.75/5
4
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
Never been able to get into TVONR. Something about their sound doesn’t jive with me. But I do love me some Staring at the Sun. I’m bumping my rating up on that song alone.
2.5/5
3
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Thu Apr 04 2024
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
Live albums…I got no love for them. I gave Thin Lizzy a 3 and enjoyed it more. So I’m giving this a 2 and will prob never revisit. Just give me their studio recordings which I enjoy. Bye.
2.25/5
2
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Fri Apr 05 2024
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Well this was an interesting listen! I can see why Lynch enlisted his talents to score Lost Highway. Still have a hard time understanding why this is an album I must listen to before I die… though I briefly considered a 3 based on the whiplash experienced going from the insanely weird/creepy/terrifying It’s Business As Usual to the upbeat/jovial Miles. At the end of the day I can give props to someone who is scoring movies that were never made, but not likely something I will revisit.
2.25/5
2
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Mon Apr 08 2024
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Who knew Sarah Vaughan was the answer to the question “how do we get Eric to like jazz and a live album?” Not sure this is worthy of a 4* on its own, but it’s a gateway drug to the rest of her catalog. And for that reason I’m rounding up.
3.5/5
4
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
I'm late to listening to this one and I'm about halfway through. Finally decided to be true to myself and concede that Immigrant Song is one of the best album openers ever and for that alone 5*.
4.75/5
5
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Electric
The Cult
This isn’t terrible, but sounds very generic. Seems like they tried to become rockers by imitating Van Halen, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, etc. I want to give it a 3 cuz it is a totally ok album, but feel like I should round down given there’s nothing here to really distinguish from other dad rock albums.
2.5/5
2
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Hms Fable
Shack
If The Cult album we just heard was the epitome of Dad Rock, this album is the epitome of Pussy Rock. Don’t get me wrong, I can fuck with some Pussy Rock. But today is not that day my friends. I’m being generous and rounding up to 2*, but I’ll never purposefully listen to this band again.
1.75/5
2
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
Another band that’s apparently essential that i just can’t get into. The Killing Moon is great, but the rest of the album didn’t do much for me.
2.75/5
3
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Mon Apr 15 2024
Ramones
Ramones
I love me some punk. I'm rounding this lovely album up to 5* to acknowledge the true grand-daddies of punk (sorry Sex Pistols!). Just four bros playing two minute punk songs about everyday shit and making it sound awesome. Also really enjoy hearing the influences of The Beatles and The Beach Boys in their recordings. Great stuff.
4.5/5
5
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Tue Apr 16 2024
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Went into it thinking it’s likely a 5-banger but didn’t hit me like I thought it would. Also very interesting that American Girl is the last track on the album. Anyways, I’m rounding up cuz Petty rocks.
4/5
4
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Wed Apr 17 2024
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
I’m not the biggest fan of electronic music, but I think this is enjoyable in the right setting. A bit long for my taste (both the songs and album) but overall an above average album.
2.75/5
3
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Thu Apr 18 2024
The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
Glad this album came right after Underworld. I did not like it as much and thus rating a notch lower. Easy peasy.
2.25/5
2
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
First thing’s first: I’m giving this album an emphatic 5*. That said, a had an interesting reaction while listening. Boredom isn’t the right word, but the songs are so ubiquitous that there's really no surprise or discovery factor here. Not like Sabbath's debut that blew my mind because I wasn't as familiar with the tracks (my stupid 4* rating of that album will haunt me until the day I die). Incredible that six of eight tracks are stone cold classics. Obvi Stairway, the most played track on the radio ever. Funny that Plant got so tired of hearing it that he donated a pile of cash to a station fundraiser so they would never play it again. I think that's true. Anyways, that's my take. 5* to the max. Thanks for listening. #BeBlessed
5/5
5
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Mon Apr 22 2024
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Blows my mind this is her only solo album. What a shame. Great blast from the past and great album.
4/5
4
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Tue Apr 23 2024
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
In my review of Natty Dread I said I would never rate a Bob Marley & The Wailers album less than 4*...so that makes this exercise pretty easy. Not quite sure if I like this album more or less than ND, but the vibes continue and I'm here for it.
3.75/5
4
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
I listened to this one a couple times. Not a difficult task given its 21 minute runtime. Pretty cool thinking about Seattle in the mid/late 80’s with all these bands being all grunge and shit. I was thinking maybe I have to temper my rating given this only feels like a template of things to come. But at the end of the day it fucking rocked and I’m here for it. Dem drums be drumming, y’all.
3.75/5
4
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Pyromania
Def Leppard
Can't say glam metal (or however you want to define their music) is my favorite style, but dang do some of these songs slap. Not a 5* for me, but a very strong 4*. Photograph, Too Late for Love, Foolin', and Rock of Ages are just too much fun.
4/5
4
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Trio
Dolly Parton
This is good. Unfortunately I wasn't able to give it the attention it deserves, but still enjoyed it. And you must be tripping if you think I'm giving Mesdames Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris anything less than 4*.
3.75/5
4
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Elephant
The White Stripes
Love me some Whizzy Strizzies. Album is great, but even better is it led me down a YouTube rabbit hole of their live performances. Amazing so much sound came from Jack’s guitar. And Meg does her thing, too! Leave Meg alone!
4/5
4
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Tue Apr 30 2024
Live!
Fela Kuti
This album is all vibes. Helps that I was chilling by the ocean while listening. I probably don’t give it the close listened it deserves, but I’m rounding up on vibes alone.
3.5/4
4
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Wed May 01 2024
Odessa
Bee Gees
This isn’t The Bee Gees I want… it’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be after the first track. But cmon man.
2.25/5
2
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Thu May 02 2024
Document
R.E.M.
A solid listen with a couple bangers. Also gave us that great scene in Tommy Boy listening to …End of the World. I still struggle to connect with R.E.M.’s catalog outside of their major hits, but this is good enough for me to round up.
3.5/4
4
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Fri May 03 2024
Nevermind
Nirvana
This is the easiest “I don’t even need to listen to this album again” 5 of all time. Revisited Nevermind a few months ago before starting the 1001 Album challenge. The run of the first eight songs is simply incredible. Banger after banger. Album does drag a bit towards the end and the final song is def WTF. But this is too good and too influential to get anything less than a perfect score.
5/5
5
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Mon May 06 2024
Blunderbuss
Jack White
Sometimes JW's stuff feels a little overproduced to me... I'm not sure if that is a fair criticism or really even makes sense. That said, you can't deny his licks and variety of genres he's able to tap into for a very well rounded album. I still prefer his time with the White Stripes, but there is enough here to round up to 4*.
3.5/4
4
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Tue May 07 2024
Tidal
Fiona Apple
This starts out as a clear 5* across the first 4-5 tracks, but loses a bit of steam from there. Still a very solid album that I've revisited several times in recent years. Absolutely insane she was only 18 when she debuted with this album. Her voice is incredible and I still remember the music video that accompanied Criminal. Great stuff.
4/5
4
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Wed May 08 2024
The Score
Fugees
Hmmm this is a difficult one. Went into it think it’d be a 4* for sure with possibility to get to 5*. But I started to waffle the more I listened. There are the hits, sure, but the rest of the album isn’t as captivating as I remember. And those skits…man, really take me out of the flow. I ended up at a strong 3* or weak 4* and rounding up given how monstrous this album was when it came out. And the popular songs are still great.
3.5/5
4
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Thu May 09 2024
Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Gotta give props to them being innovators and popularizing trip-hop, but this really isn’t my tempo. I pretty much only know them through their song, Teardrop, that was used as the House theme (and I suspect I am not alone). Most of this sounds pretty generic to me. Something you may hear in a hipster salon. Not bad, but in my mind also not worthy of the praise it receives.
2.75/5
3
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Fri May 10 2024
Mott
Mott The Hoople
C’mon y’all, All The Way From Memphis is a MFing bop. I’d prob round up if ….Young Dudes was on this album. But alas it’s not and the album kinda drags.
3.5/4
3
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Mon May 13 2024
Parallel Lines
Blondie
This was fun.
3.75/5
4
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Tue May 14 2024
In Rainbows
Radiohead
I ended up favoriting 8 of the 10 songs on this record and prob could have favorited the others. Super solid top to bottom. Easy 5*.
4.5/5
5
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Wed May 15 2024
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
I enjoyed this quite a bit! Thought it could be a surprise 5 bomb after the first few tracks, but it didn’t hold that pace throughout. Still, a very solid album that I’ll revisit.
3.75/5
4
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Thu May 16 2024
Ingenue
k.d. lang
KD Lang’s music is the most adult-alternative music that has ever adult-alternatived. I wouldn’t say it’s bad, just kind of meh bordering on cringey. Sounds like music you’d hear on a seniors-only Caribbean cruise. I’d say my craving to listen to something else was…constant.
2.5/5
2
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Fri May 17 2024
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
I’m perplexed. Flummoxed even. No clue why this album is on the list. As far as I can tell it was not popular, not critically acclaimed, has no hits, and isn’t particularly influential in the world of synth pop. So….what are we even doing? Sounds like a cheap rip off of the Lambda Lambda Lambda battle of the bands set. The album cover is pretty awesome, tho, in that so bad it’s good kinda way.
1.5/5
1
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Mon May 20 2024
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Oh Kanye, you antisemitic, misogynistic, crazy-ass piece of shit... you had to go and make one of the great rap albums of all time. Hits from top to bottom. A crazy lineup of guest rappers, singers, and producers. One complaint is that it drags a bit towards the end with the John Legend song and that (too long) Chris Rock monologue. Otherwise...greatness.
4.5/5
5
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Tue May 21 2024
The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
I'm not a huge fan of beeps and boops music, but this one feels more influential than others we've had thus far. Literally the first track I was like, "this sounds like Get Innocuous! by LCD Soundsystem." Not sure if Kraftwek were actually credited on that track, but c'mon man, it was directly lifted by LCD. I assume the dudes of Daft Punk are huge fans, which also kinda explains the whole robot thing. Some tracks kind of remind me of the Blade Runner score and of course Tron. Haven't seen either in forever, but that's the vibe/feel I'm getting. This is also a great album to get soon after that Heaven 17 mess... one sounds dated, crappy, and irrelevant. Yes, you can tell this is of another time, but it also somehow still works today and you can hear influences everywhere. Despite all that, to my ears this doesn't rise to the level of a great album. Good for what it is, but not incredible.
3.25/5
3
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Wed May 22 2024
Sister
Sonic Youth
I’m starting to think I’m not cool enough to like Sonic Youth…
2.5/5
2
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Thu May 23 2024
Brothers
The Black Keys
I favorited like six tracks on this album but for some reason I’m having a hard time giving it a 5*. I like it. It rocks. I have a great time listing to it. It’s prob like 4 songs heavy. Would have preferred a tight 38-43 minute album. I don’t really know what I’m talking about. Mavs won. Gummy kicking in. Fuck it, 5*!!! LFG!!! #MFFL
4.5/5
5
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Fri May 24 2024
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
A kick ass debut with bangers galore from one of the greatest rock bands of all time? GTFO with anything less than 5*.
4.5/5
5
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Mon May 27 2024
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Nearing the end of this album I thought to myself, “why am I enjoying this more than B on B?” Sure there’s a bit more variety in the songs, but I think it’s even more simple: this album is about 25 minutes shorter and Bob is best consumed in short chunks. That said, I did enjoy this album. Go Mavs! MFMFFL!
4
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Tue May 28 2024
The Stranger
Billy Joel
I've always found Billy Joel's music to be corny as hell... not that it's bad, just has a corny sound to it. But hey, I'm not ashamed to admit sometimes corny is good and this album is a prime example. Also, everything sounds better after a Mavs win!
3.75/5
4
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Wed May 29 2024
Damaged
Black Flag
I give props for this album laying the groundwork for hardcore punk. Rounding up since some of the stuff I listen to today may not exist without these guys. That said, didn’t love it, but rolling with 3* given its influence.
3.25/5
3
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Thu May 30 2024
I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
I enjoyed some of the arrangements on this album...but hate to say the singer's voice took me out of what could have potentially been a nice listen. Another reviewer mentioned vibrato (I think the exact term they used was VIBRAAATOOOO) and I couldn't get that out of my head the entire time. Just too much for me.
1.75/5
2
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Fri May 31 2024
Cloud Nine
The Temptations
The perfect palate cleanser after that I Am A Bird Now shite. Also, Mavs going to the finals. LETS GOOO!!!
4/5
4
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Mon Jun 03 2024
Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Well this was a delightful surprise and I enjoyed it very much! The comparisons to the Beatles are obvious, but it also feels very much like its own thing. The arrangements, lyrics, variety of songs all add up to an amazing album. My favorite discovery thus far in the 1001 challenge (if you can call a Kinks album a discovery).
4.5/5
5
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Tue Jun 04 2024
Pearl
Janis Joplin
What a voice. What a loss. This albums slaps, obvi. I didn’t know she passed away before it was finished. Cool that they left Buried Alive in the Blues on the album even though she never recorded vocals as a kind of moment of silence. Missing a little extra something to get it to 5* category, but still great.
4.25/5
4
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Wed Jun 05 2024
Your Arsenal
Morrissey
I’m not the biggest Morrissey fan and this album was alright. Totally fine. Not great but still enjoyable.
3.5/5
3
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Thu Jun 06 2024
Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
Another day, another sad-boy cry-sesh. Just not a whole lot of stuff here that speaks to me. I mean, I like a good boy-cry as much as the next chap, but it's just a bit much having two of these albums back-to-back.
2.75/5
3
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Fri Jun 07 2024
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
I expected to roll my eyes through much of this album. And while eyes did roll, there were parts I enjoyed…and also parts that pushed the wrong buttons (call me a traditionalist but I generally don’t enjoy loud annoying sounds in the middle of songs…looking at you Cindy Tells Me and Dead Finks Don’t Talk). There’s enough here to be above average, but just barely.
2.75/5
3
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Mon Jun 10 2024
Doolittle
Pixies
I’m guessing this is probably considered the entry level album for non-Pixies-obsessed peeps…and for good reason. It’s def the most accessible and, to my dumb ears, the best. Fight me. Mavs in 6. LFG!!!!
3.75/5
4
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Tue Jun 11 2024
In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
Oof, this is a tough one for me. I legit love me some 21st Century Schizoid Man. Shit goes hard, y'all. The rest of the album can't really match that greatness, but there's still some solid stuff...and also long sections of beeps and boops, which can make for a challenging listen. My mind is telling me this is probably a 3* album, but my heart wants to give it 4* for the first track and its influence on Prog Rock (even though I'm not exactly sure what Pro Rock truly is). The heart wins out today.
3.75/5
4
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Wed Jun 12 2024
So Much For The City
The Thrills
This is a totally fine album. An easy listen but nothing stands out.
2.75/5
3
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Thu Jun 13 2024
Out of Step
Minor Threat
I gave Black Flag 3* so I’m rolling with the same rating here. I enjoyed it, but isn’t great. Mavs in 7.
3
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Fri Jun 14 2024
Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
I looked at the album cover and it made me sad. Then I realized Tim Buckley was Jeff Buckley's dad and that made me happy. Then I read they were estranged and that made me sad. And then I read that Tim also died tragically and that made me even sadder. Then the album was better than I expected and that made me happy again, but not too happy. 3*
2.75/5
3
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Mon Jun 17 2024
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Def a pleasant surprise. Was expecting to be very meh based on her other stuff, but I enjoyed it.
3.75/5
4
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Tue Jun 18 2024
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
It’s Per Sounds. Not sure much else needs to be said about this album…
4.5/5
5
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Wed Jun 19 2024
Le Tigre
Le Tigre
I wanted this album to be more of a bop than it turned out to be. I was optimistic after the first song but kinda fizzled. Maybe sitting in the airport waiting on a delayed flight to wasn’t the best setting for this type of record…
2.5/5
2
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Thu Jun 20 2024
Music
Madonna
The fact that THIS Madonna album is on the list makes me think we have another 2-3 Madonna albums to go... she has never been my favorite and not sure why it was selected to represent her catalog. I did enjoy Music and Don't Tell Me, but the rest is kinda meh (especially when she leans heavily on Autotune).
2.5/5
3
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Fri Jun 21 2024
Live At The Regal
B.B. King
This was fun. B.B. being B.B. and the crowd loving it. Not sure I’d call this a historically great album, but still enjoyable.
3.5/5
4
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Mon Jun 24 2024
Machine Head
Deep Purple
I was def meh on hearing Smoke on the Water for the millionth time…but what a delightful surprise when that was one of my least favorite tracks on the album. Maybe I’m a bigger fan of deep plodding rock than i previously thought. A solid 4* for me.
4/5
4
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Tue Jun 25 2024
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
Please hold while I come up with something unique to say about an album that is consensus one of the best of all time...............
Only thing I got is it is a bit long for my taste, especially when you add in the bonus tracks included as a separate 45 with the album. Saturn prob should have been the last track and nix the others. That's a very small knock on a wonderful album.
4.75/5
5
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Wed Jun 26 2024
S&M
Metallica
Fun nostalgia bomb. It’s too long, but also too many hits not to rate highly. Although a live album of your greatest hits is kind of a cheat code…
4/5
4
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Thu Jun 27 2024
evermore
Taylor Swift
I just can’t even right now. I think this is totally fine but just didn’t grab me by the plums in an enjoyable way. Methinks we have more Taylor on the way…
2.75/5
3
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Fri Jun 28 2024
Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
This was enjoyable listen. Prob better while chilling in Rio drinking a Caipirinha but hey we can’t always get what we want. Very hard album to actual find. Best I can tell what I got was a compilation that had most of the tracks. Always, good times.
2.75/5
3
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Mon Jul 01 2024
All Directions
The Temptations
Went into this album thinking it was a surefire 4* and the first two songs def had that feel. Not to mention Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On being an all-time great song title. Kinda grinds to a halt with Papa Was a Rollin' stone. I mean, I like a few minutes of the song but do we really need 1/3 of the album tied up in one song. The other songs don't hit as good as the first two and I'm having a hard time putting it in the same category as other 4* albums. So I shan't.
3.5/5
3
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Tue Jul 02 2024
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
This is fine. Not my thing, but it’s fine.
2.75/5
3
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Wed Jul 03 2024
Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
A nice little surprise. This is the way and Fall were standout tracks to me. Need to check out some of his other stuff.
3/5
3
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Thu Jul 04 2024
1999
Prince
First three tracks are bangers, but the rest of the album didn’t do it for me.
3.25/5
3
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Fri Jul 05 2024
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
Overall a solid album. Admittedly not sure I've ever heard another of her songs outside of Nothing Compares 2 U. Makes me want to go back and explore more of her catalog.
3.5/5
3
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Mon Jul 08 2024
Odelay
Beck
Middle school nostalgia bomb! It’s interesting revisiting this album now considering the direction his career has taken. Who woulda thunk he’d win a best album Grammy 20 years later for Morning Phase? A fun listen. A good album. But ultimately not great. And admittedly the nostalgia factor is what’s pushing it to 4* land for me.
3.75/5
4
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Tue Jul 09 2024
Dummy
Portishead
Classic vibes album.
4/5
4
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Wed Jul 10 2024
Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
First I make the computer go *beep*. And then I make the computer go *boop*.
2.5/5
2
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Thu Jul 11 2024
Forever Changes
Love
I enjoyed this, especially the first song. Always fun when you don’t recognize a band and then you’re like, “ohhhh I know this song!” Was teetering on 4* territory, but I think it’s more high 3* at the end of the day.
3.5/5
3
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Fri Jul 12 2024
Under Construction
Missy Elliott
I don’t know if you know this, but this is ANOTHER Missy Elliot exclusive! Couple bangers but average overall.
3/5
3
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Mon Jul 15 2024
So
Peter Gabriel
Sledgehammer and In Your Eyes are obvi great. I’m sure there’s a lot about this album I don’t get…just sounds a little corny to me. I’m teetering between 3* and 4*, but rounding down cuz I don’t think it’s on the same level as other 4* albums thus far. Very close, though.
3.5/5
3
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Tue Jul 16 2024
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Been awhile since I've revisited this album. Forgot how much I like it and think it's my favorite, even over Funeral. I waffled between strong 4* and 5* but for some reason having trouble going full 5*. Very strong 4*.
4.25/5
4
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Wed Jul 17 2024
The Poet
Bobby Womack
Sorry, Bobby, I did not really enjoy this and don't have much to say. Dig the album cover, tho.
2.5/5
2
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Thu Jul 18 2024
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
I’m sure this is a totally fine album in the beep/boop music genre. Just not my cup of tea. Too long and little variety. I found myself skipping tracks out of boredom.
2/5
2
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Fri Jul 19 2024
The Coral
The Coral
Not terrible, not great. A couple jams that were ok. Felt like they were trying VERY hard to be unique.
2.25/5
2
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Mon Jul 22 2024
Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Pretty much a greatest his album of originals and covers. Great album to pull heading into the weekend.
4.75/5
5
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Tue Jul 23 2024
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Feels like these guys have fallen out of favor, but 18-22 year old me really dug Absolution and this album. One of those albums deserves a 4-bomb for nostalgia factor alone. Not sure we're going to get a second Muse album on this list, so I'm going with 4* here.
3.75/5
4
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Wed Jul 24 2024
On The Beach
Neil Young
I liked this. I also listened to it this morning and don’t really remember any of the songs…and so I’m notching back.
3.5/5
3
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Thu Jul 25 2024
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
White Stripes is def a band I've grown to appreciate more with time. I think this is a step back from Elephant, but I still enjoyed it and rounding up my rating.
3.75/5
4
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Fri Jul 26 2024
Revolver
Beatles
I overthought my rating on Rubber Soul. I'm not going to overthink this one.
4.5/5
5