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Mon Jan 08 2024
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
I was surprised when I saw the tracklist how few of these songs I’d casually come across… then I heard them and it made sense. Not a ton to like on this one. Levon is a top five EJ song for me (but Tiny D is NOT… maybe because of that dumb scene in Almost Famous). Did Elton record/release Indian Sunset on purpose? I wish this was a 10pt scale or we could rate with half points, because prob between a 2/3 for me. Ultimately just not good enough for 3.
2
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Tue Jan 09 2024
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
What type of rock are we progressing towards with this? Truly a tough listen, and I’m a little upset this likely poisoned my algorithm.
2
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Wed Jan 10 2024
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Great album name and a good (not great) listen. Some obvious Beatles influence, but plenty of stuff that feels like it should have been left on the cutting room floor. “Coconut” alone excludes this one from going any higher than 3.
3
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
First of all, anyone remember the one hit wonder Jimmie’s Chicken Shack? This has to be where they got their name.
Anyways, loved this album. Listened to it twice back to back. I don’t know enough about jazz to say it’s a great jazz album, but I’ll certainly revisit along with the rest of his catalog.
4
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Fri Jan 12 2024
Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
Double albums are sooooo hard to pull off. This album starts off incredible, and just doesn’t have enough gas to pull off so many tracks. Super influential for so many of the artists a lot of us got into in the 90’s and later. But as an album, I can’t see myself revisiting it that often
3
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Mon Jan 15 2024
Rubber Soul
Beatles
A clear turning point for the Fab Four, as they transitioned out of Beatlemania into the most important bands to ever do it. Like most of their albums from this point on, this one is loaded with timeless songs. John shines especially bright on this album. And for me, it really doesn’t get much better than ‘In My Life’ from a songwriting perspective. Easy 5.
5
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Tue Jan 16 2024
Marquee Moon
Television
Surprised I haven’t heard these guys since I’ve seen every Wes Anderson movie? Overall, just ok for me. Starts off pretty good but was less into it as the album went on. I’m sure I’d be called a poser by some cool kids if I was caught listening to this publicly
2
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Wed Jan 17 2024
Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
I appreciate the vibe, I like plenty of artists that are similar but PJH just isn’t it for me.
2
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Thu Jan 18 2024
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Props for making the flute an integral piece of the album/band. I don’t mind the occasional Tull making its way on the playlist of the local classic rock station, but can’t really get into a full album. Maybe too put off by the lyrics, because obviously some good musical moments on this.
3
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Fri Jan 19 2024
MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
Though not truly ‘unplugged’, you definitely get an unproduced version of Kurt’s raw vocal talent with this live album. I love the song selection even though it’s so heavily reliant on covers, and glad they didn’t try to force in anything like Smells Like Teen Spirit. In the end, it’s just an abbreviated unedited set, so why have so many of these recordings been so inescapable over the last 30 years? Probably timing. Recorded just months before Kurt’s death and released just months after, this was unfortunately the last thing we got from the band, which is probably why people remember it so fondly. I do as well but can’t rate it up there with the truly great albums as it wasn’t ever meant to be that.
4
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Mon Jan 22 2024
The World is a Ghetto
War
Get the funk outta my face. I must be missing something with this one, as apparently it was album of the year and the years best selling album, but to me it’s just boring. They definitely know how to find a groove and hang on it for several minutes, I guess that’s something.
2
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Tue Jan 23 2024
Purple Rain
Prince
Gotta be honest, I don’t think Prince is as good as he gets credit for. As a performer, he was larger than life (though actually quite short! Few know this). Talented musician, unique, but does that make him a good songwriter? I actually find the majority of this album annoying and unlistenable. I would honestly never put this on and listen to the whole album.
It’s a shame that the album’s title track and finale is lumped in with the rest of this, because Purple Rain single handedly outscores the rest of the album combined. The moment he comes in with his trademark falsetto in the solo… chills, no matter how many times I hear it. Makes sense that it’s the last song, because what could follow that?
2
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Wed Jan 24 2024
Soul Mining
The The
Yikes. I could only make it through half of this one before I had to spit it out and cleanse my palate
1
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Thu Jan 25 2024
Gris Gris
Dr. John
What is John a doctor of, exactly? Hopefully just confusing voodoo music. I wouldn’t let this person anywhere near my chart. This one just left me with a furrowed brow and a lot of questions. Like “what actually was that?” and “has a spell just been cast upon me?”
1
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Fri Jan 26 2024
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
You freaky old bastard, you. As demonstrated on this and other records, Bowie had a unique talent for lulling you in with a familiar chord progression before turning it on its head and taking a song in a really unexpected direction. With a career that spanned so many years, you certainly got a lot of costume changes with Bowie. But this was from the era where I think he was at his best, maybe the last album of that era. Great songs, tons of originality, and lots of nuanced vocal performances. The only thing holding this album back is somehow it doesn’t include a song that really breaks into that upper level of classic songs (and we know not every Bowie album had that problem). I think a 5 album has to have at least a couple of those. So a 4.5 for me, and I’m not rounding anything up to 5.
4
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Mon Jan 29 2024
Dirt
Alice In Chains
AIC has never really been my favorite flavor of 90’s rock, just always felt too adjacent to some of the stuff from the 80’s I don’t care for. But definitely some familiar tunes on here and a pretty cohesive album for the genre.
3
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Tue Jan 30 2024
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
We’re separating the art from the artist for this little exercise, right? Ok just making sure.
If this album doesn’t get you moving or doing your best Paul Rudd slappin da bass… see a doctor and get your pulse checked. Other than a two song lull in the final third, this album starts off hot and keeps it going through the end. Hard to deny how talented this guy was.
4
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Wed Jan 31 2024
Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Really a beautiful album that I probably should have revisited more times since its release. Definitely deserving of the accolades it got back then. Frank has such an effortlessly cool and understated vocal style, really enjoyed listening through this.
4
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Thu Feb 01 2024
Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
This is fine I guess? Honestly a pretty sleepy album and not sure what makes this special.
2
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Fri Feb 02 2024
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Won’t be surprised to see some polarization with Bob. But to me he’s one of a select few of great American songwriters. B on B is probably the sweet spot for most listeners, where he’s expanded his sound beyond all acoustic but pre… whatever he turned into after this, which was at times unlistenable. A truly great album that I’ve heard countless times, but is missing a song that launches it into 5 territory for me.
4
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
How many babies is this album responsible for? Perhaps Japan can solve its birth rate problem by blasting this in the streets of Tokyo.
3
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Tue Feb 06 2024
Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
I navigated to the original LP which was a much more manageable 40 min compared to the 2+ hour version Spotify linked to.
This album cooks, no doubt about it. Makes me wish I was in the audience, taking down martinis and talking about the Eisenhower administration. Truly remarkable display of musical talent on this. Player after player just letting it rip.
4
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Wed Feb 07 2024
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
I’ve mostly known Dirty Projectors from occasionally showing up on Sirius or a Spotify playlist, and have never listened to an album in its entirety. An oversight by me, because I really enjoyed this. Lots of ear candy and creativity throughout. And I appreciate that it’s a brisk 9 track, 40 min album too.
3
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Shadowland
k.d. lang
I just hate this so, so much. Ruined my day.
1
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
An album that makes you feel like you’ve probably been added to some type of watch list. I def was NOT allowed to purchase this in 1996 so have never listened to it. Honestly I expected more based on how much press this got. Nothing impressive musically. The vocals, if we’re calling them that, are annoying. And lyrics that I’m sure were shocking at the time are now just kind of pathetic. Makes me sad that this resonated so much with a group of our generation, they deserved better. To me this is the epitome of someone who got way more success than they should have. You guys know about his ribs right?
1
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Was completely unfamiliar with this one, which is what’s fun about this whole thing. When the album started, I had pretty high hopes. But I just couldn’t get into it. Nothing wrong with this, but just isn’t for me.
2
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Tue Feb 13 2024
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Awesome album, terrifying album art. Loved this from start to finish, from riff to riff. The way they recorded this makes it feel like you’re listening to their live set. Just great, nearly a 5 for me.
4
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Blasting forth with three part harmony, YEOW! I respect the art of constructing these vocals, because it’s not as easy as they make it seem and is truly an art form. Overall the album is a little sleepy for me, though it contains a couple classic tracks.
3
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Well yeehaw! This album makes me feel like taking my betrothed by the hand and do-si-do-ing all over the county fair. Or maybe just pondering all over yonder. A tip of the Stetson to these chaps for what feels like a solid execution of the genre. Can’t help but feel like there’s probably a lot out there pretty similar to this. But def enjoyable
3
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Fri Feb 16 2024
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
It’s Mingus, ya dingus! This one falls firmly into my “jazz=3” rule, since I’m too dumb to know any better, one way or another.
3
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Mon Feb 19 2024
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
What a blessing to have been granted the opportunity to observe the Sabbath twice this week. Killer album. It steps in where the debut album leaves off, and ups the ante by dropping in a few classics. While I might prefer their first album, I think you have to say this one is better. And War Pigs is one of the best side one track ones of all time.
5
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Tue Feb 20 2024
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
This album is phenomenal, track after track sets the bar for creativity that other works should be measured against. I sort of forgot how stacked this album is, but jeez. Just a joy and a lot of fun to listen to, will have to revisit much more often.
5
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Bossanova
Pixies
First time all the way through this one, didn’t love it and didn’t hate it. I think they’ve got some better stuff, but ultimately this is still pretty listenable.
3
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Thu Feb 22 2024
All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
I really tried to get into this and just couldn’t make it happen. Props to her for being a trailblazer with this (I think? Honestly I don’t know). But I just didn’t enjoy it. If this was considered good at the time, the rap game has come a LONG way
2
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Aja
Steely Dan
I used to frequent a bar that had bands play on the weekends, often cover bands. When we’d walk in and see it was the Steely Dan cover band that night, we were so disheartened. We hated the songs and thought the band sucked… but in hindsight? They were nailing it.
1
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
Love this era of soul, always a vibe. Interesting that he name checked Sam Cooke in Can’t Nobody Love You (annd Ray Charles), invoking that comparison wouldn’t do anyone any favors. Dude can definitely sing, I felt like the songs were a pretty average representation of the genre.
3
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Tue Feb 27 2024
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
I definitely revisit Elliott’s older stuff fairly often, so was expecting to feel like this one doesn’t hold up to those albums. But this album is great, with a more filled out sound to it and the great musicianship featured on everything he did.
4
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Teen Dream
Beach House
Love to see this on the list. Super dreamy album indeed, great sonically and flows so well from start to finish.
4
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Moving Pictures
Rush
Inject “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight” into my veins and let me go quietly into the night on account of their bountiful rock. Unquestionably this oozes with musical talent. But if you understand the time signatures on this album, you are a nerd. Too difficult to adequately head bang to this, and at times it feels like experimental rock for its own sake. GOOD NOT GREAT
3
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Suede
Suede
I liked this much more than I expected to. Having said that, I expected to hate it.
3
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
I’ve only heard a couple of Tracy’s songs, one of which is obviously on this album. Other than that one, was pretty bored by the rest of this.
2
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
I’ve never really been a big Stones fan, but actually really liked this album as I got into it. Perhaps because it didn’t have a lot of their more recognizable hits. Pretty fun album, where they’re tapping into their bar band gear and not trying to be the Shitty Beatles. The double album thing drags this down, as it really loses steam. You couldn’t find 6 or 7 songs to cut to make this a certified banger? I def could.
3
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Wed Mar 06 2024
Picture Book
Simply Red
Tf Is this? I know “music” like this exists, but can we pretend it doesn’t?
1
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
FUCK THIS BAND. Why do they hate everyone? Hey, at least if you’re having a bad day, you could always make it worse by listening to this shit sandwich.
1
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Shleep
Robert Wyatt
Well, this album is definitely unique. Takes a seriously creative mind to craft this, and it’s not just utter chaos. But it was such a tough listen for me. So much dissonance and repetition, I just can’t say I enjoyed it or will ever listen to it again.
2
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Mon Mar 11 2024
25
Adele
Like every Adele album, this one doesn’t fall short on vocal performance. Such a powerful voice. Unlike some of her others, this album lacks a variety and never really picks up enough steam for me. Probably doesn’t deserve to be lumped in with other 3s, but didn’t quite reach 4 status for me.
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
The Band
The Band
More like The Bland…. Nothing remotely remarkable about this. I didn’t mind it, but overall such an average band and average album.
2
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I don’t really like reggae, but I definitely like Bob Marley. I’m sure there are tons of people that share that view. Says a lot about the dude to be that synonymous with the genre. Felt like this album had some “lesser” versions of songs (No Woman No Cry, Rebel Music) that I’ve heard. Was between a 3 and 4 and rounding down on that alone, but I’ll never be upset with someone who grabs the AUX and throws on some Bob.
3
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
Liked this a lot more than I expected. I didn’t know a lot about Iggy Pop, had mostly just seen those pics of him looking homeless. But I thought this album was great, a couple of very recognizable tunes and overall kept my attention for the entire record. Would definitely come back to this
4
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Fri Mar 15 2024
The Slider
T. Rex
Enjoyed it, but didn’t feel like I’d take much away from this one. Good listen but ultimately not very memorable
3
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Well you can’t say Queen ever pulls any punches. This band knows how to load it up with unique, interesting moments at nearly all times. Just constantly swinging for the fences. I thought this was a great album, and relatively devoid of the songs from them that have become a bit overplayed. One major nit - how the hell can you have Freddie Mercury as a front man and think it’s ok to take the mic from him on any song? Basically a felony.
4
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Green
R.E.M.
REM knows how to live in the sweet spot. Stipe and Co tee it up on track one, hit the fairway and stay there for the majority of the album. They don’t take many chances, so I could see people getting bored with some of their stuff. I really enjoy this album, found it super listenable.
4
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
After the needless woodwind solos started to pile up a few tracks in, I knew I was dealing with a 1/2 here. I check the track count….18 songs and 74 minutes?? Coffin nailed. I think it was presumptuous of them to go to the trouble of recording this and thinking anyone would enjoy it.
1
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Thu Mar 21 2024
This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall
These guys subscribe to a simple two step process to writing songs. Step one: find a groove, even if it’s unremarkable. Step two: do not leave that groove. Sort of indifferent about this album overall and don’t think I’ll revisit it. Lots of tracks felt skippable, but there were definitely some I enjoyed. Middle of the road for me.
3
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Fri Mar 22 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Never really been the biggest Elvis fan. Just always felt like even as iconic as he was, it was always more quantity over quality. And I can’t help but feel like this is post-prime Elvis on this album. A few great tracks but a lot of filler also.
3
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
I guess I’m just never going to understand the level of praise some people have for this band. Truly tried to get into this, but man what a jarring stop at TRACK TWO. I just think the vast majority of what The Rolling Stones did was way more average than people give them credit for.
3
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
This was definitely at times pretty fun, several tracks that rocked and were worth listening to, especially for a band that I had always thought (probably erroneously) was basically a one hit wonder. But not sure I needed this, and something tells me if I had a visual to pair with this audio I would have liked it less. The Spotify link initially took me to a four track version, inclusive of The Boys Are Back in Town… felt like that would have been sufficient for me.
3
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Wed Mar 27 2024
Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
This was like a fever dream. Wait, did I accidentally drop acid at work? Truly great album cover by the way. I might try to find the vinyl for that reason alone. I liked this, can’t really imagine sitting around one day and having the presence of mind to put this on.
3
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Transformer
Lou Reed
In this era of excess, I can appreciate the restraint of Lou’s records. But for me a little bit goes a long way with him. Some classic songs on this album, and a well placed Lou song in the right movie or something can be great, but I don’t really enjoy 11 tracks straight. At what point does atonal just equate to “not a great singer”?
3
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Beautiful Freak
Eels
Hell yes, I love this album. My 90’s bias is probably showing, but I just think this album captures that post-grunge 90’s alt-rock sound so well. I think this is probably under appreciated, there’s a lot of clever choices from progressions to instrumentation.
4
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Mon Apr 01 2024
Either Or
Elliott Smith
I’ve got a soft spot for Elliott and this album has a few of his best songs on it. I wasn’t cool enough to know about Elliott before Good Will Hunting, but have long been a fan.
4
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
A fun trip down memory lane. I started to think about how old I was when I heard this, which made me laugh. Picturing a middle schooler acting like he identifies with any of this… hilarious. Some super memorable tracks and on and I’m assuming the album most would count as his best. But man there is a lot of cringe on here. Enjoyed it but couldn’t get above 3
3
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
A cool band and I can appreciate the creativity here, but just never been one of my favorites and felt like they blended in with a lot of other bands. The vocals on their records are often the weak link, makes it a tough listen for me.
3
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Thu Apr 04 2024
At Budokan
Cheap Trick
I’ll take a fairly hard pass on this. What did these guys do to warrant getting screamed at as if they were the Beatles? And did they actually write a song about it being the end of the show, asking if the audience wants to hear one more? Jeez.
2
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Fri Apr 05 2024
Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Did I need to start my day picturing what Joe Cocker’s O face looks like? I did not. This album was hard to pin down, I guess you could say. It transitioned from what can only be described as ‘evidence for a murder trial’ into something you’d hear while on hold with AT&T.
2
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Mon Apr 08 2024
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
I could see there being a temptation to lump this into other jazz albums or put it in the “good background music” category, but that would be underselling how talented Sarah was. What an incredible voice, her skills are completely on display here with a live recording. I love how she screws up a couple of songs in (though I didn’t notice) and pretty effortlessly jokes about it with the audience mid-song. Seems like she was doing exactly what she was meant to do. This is a near 5 for me.
4
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
I love LZ, but LZIII isn’t among my faves and always fell like a bit of a lull in an otherwise stellar catalog. Just too much slide guitar, kick drum and banjo (really any banjo is sub-optimal). I don’t think this album really highlights why they were so amazing, but still a great album.
4
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Electric
The Cult
Really confused as to why this made the cut. This sounds like a million other bands.
2
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Hms Fable
Shack
Overall I was mostly bored with this. A few parts that struck a chord with the emo kid in me, so rounding up from 2.
3
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Mon Apr 15 2024
Ramones
Ramones
A quintessential album of the genre and rocks from start to finish. It wears me out a bit and it’s not like a TON of thought went into these songs… but I’m sure that is exactly the point.
4
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Tue Apr 16 2024
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I def would not have guessed American Girl closed this was out. Feels like a classic track one side one. Anyways, definitely enjoyed this and have always loved Petty. Easy 4 for me
4
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Wed Apr 17 2024
Second Toughest In The Infants
Underworld
I remember in the late 90s and early 2000s when it felt like people started to listening to stuff like this. I was TERRIFIED that this was the future of music. Luckily not true.
1
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Thu Apr 18 2024
The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
Liked it more than the electronic one we had yesterday, but not a lot more
2
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Is there a bustle in your hedgerow or are you just happy to see me?! This is LZ at the peak of their plentiful powers. I don’t care how many times I’ve heard Stairway (a million?). That song is flawless.
5
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Mon Apr 22 2024
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
This album just makes me wish we got more out of Lauryn over her career. It holds up, great album that’s just as listenable today as it was when it was released.
4
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Tue Apr 23 2024
Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Enjoyed this one a lot. Immaculate vibes. Gonna go listen to this once more and imagine I’m not working all day…
4
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
I’m down with this but not overly so. I feel like the musicianship is sloppy, but maybe that’s the point
3
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Pyromania
Def Leppard
Rock, rock, til you drop?? Don’t mind if I do! This album made me want to play hooky. I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I thought Def Leppard was just a band you heard at… well you know. Anyways this was great, will def revisit.
4
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Trio
Dolly Parton
I had no idea this album existed. Definitely some star power here from some lady legends of the country game. I found this pretty sleepy though. Problem with this and a lot of country is that artists pretty consistent use the same formula over and over again. Gets old fast for me.
2
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Elephant
The White Stripes
Listening to this left me with the feeling that I take this band for granted. Their songs are everywhere (particularly track one of this album), so I don’t feel the need to listen to their records start to finish. But that’s a mistake, because this is great. If you love guitar and you don’t love this and pretty much anything Jack does, you’re doing it wrong.
4
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Tue Apr 30 2024
Live!
Fela Kuti
Really liked this album, and the other stuff it led me to after it finished. Feels like a solid three but want to round up based on the upside surprise / good vibes.
4
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Thu May 02 2024
Document
R.E.M.
REM knows who they are, you gotta give them that. Maybe not a ton of variation in their stuff, but they rarely miss. This album has a couple of their classics included. Great listen, easy 4
4
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Fri May 03 2024
Nevermind
Nirvana
I feel stupid even writing anything about this. It’s perfect, iconic, timeless and plays like a greatest hits album. One of the very best ever.
5