Jan 08 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Instrumental. Jazz. Not my favorite, but I appreciate being exposed to it. Good background work music.
2
Jan 09 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
I already liked Lorde so this was an easy one to enjoy.
4
Jan 10 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Really enjoyed this!
4
Jan 11 2024
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Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Fine. Nothing stood out to me as particularly great on this album.
3
Jan 12 2024
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Wow what a lush tapestry of sounds. I loved the diversity of the tracks. This is a masterpiece.
5
Jan 15 2024
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
So nice to listen to Stevie Wonder for a full album. What talent, such a unique and recognizable round sound.
5
Jan 16 2024
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Fragile
Yes
Weird and experimental and off the wall. I liked it, but probably not for a repeated listen.
4
Jan 17 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
5
Jan 18 2024
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Swanky, funky. I enjoy it but it's not one I'd pick up again.
3
Jan 19 2024
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
Studio mixing and overall sound is thin. Repetitive.
What exactly is so great about this group? They sound like a throwback to traveling groups of the 70s. The music is basic, no particular instruments (including the lead singer's voice) stand out as talented or musically beautiful.
Best song is \"One Horse Town\" because it has a sweet melody and easy harmonies.
They grew on me over time, but still... not my style.
3
Jan 22 2024
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Great album - can you imagine hearing this for the first time ever? Great hits entering the world: Free Bird, Simple Man. Wow.
4
Jan 23 2024
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
I looove the slide guitar! This must have been absolutely wild live. I don't prefer listening to live albums but this one was mixed well and I didn't hear the distracting crowd noise too much. And the talent (esp on the guitar) is on another level. Very "American" sound.
5
Jan 24 2024
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
A resounding MEH. “California Stars” is recognizable and I love nearly everything Natalie Merchant does but I was left wondering why on Earth this album was included.
2
Jan 25 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
All in Spanish, nice cultural change up from what I've been listening to. I respect its contribution to the global music scene but it's not a re-listen for me. Lots of horns, that Latin percussion style, a recognizable cadence. I like the piano & slide guitar on "Murmullo."
3
Jan 26 2024
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Talking Timbuktu
Ali Farka Touré
I feel like I'm stuck in a rut of being served albums that are "fine" for me but have a lot of love in other parts of the country. I'm trying to appreciate them but this one is another album where I'm like OK, next. Good background music for working though!
2
Jan 29 2024
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
Fun and raucous. This would have been a riot to dance to when it first came out. The lead singer embeds a lot of character and emotion into his voice. A little too "punky" for me to fully love, but I appreciate it all the same. All shorty songs, longest (by almost a full minute) is 4.5 minutes.
3
Jan 30 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
A cleaner sound than I would have expected for how I understand live shows from The Who to be. I enjoyed it, fondly remembering how silly some of their songs are.
3
Jan 31 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Fully immersive and soulful sound. I love it.
Every song is (or feels like) a smash hit. Holy crap what an amazing album. I even loved the instrumental piece.
5
Feb 01 2024
View Album
Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
Categorically disliked this album. Every song set my teeth on edge. I’ve seen “shoegaze” type bands live and they are not any better that way.
1
Feb 02 2024
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Bright Flight
Silver Jews
While I liked the voice of the singer, all songs similarly blended together into one long blur of sound. It was gentle to listen to but nothing stood out.
2
Feb 05 2024
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Tiny snippet songs. Feels old-timey, definitely from the mid-60s! Sweet voice, soaring background music. Pleasant listening but didn't evoke much of an emotional response for me.
3
Feb 06 2024
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
This album still slaps, even all these years later. Timeless. Sorry not sorry, but Oasis crushed Blur in the Brit Pop competition.
5
Feb 07 2024
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Fun, immature, shallow. I would have loved to see these guys during a glam metal music festival along with Motley Crue, Cinderella, the Scorpions, Ratt, etc.
3
Feb 08 2024
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The White Album
Beatles
I'm biased of course because I listened to this album quite a bit growing up. What a delightful mess of boundless creativity. I love it.
5
Feb 09 2024
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Deserter's Songs
Mercury Rev
Kinda quiet and oddly distorted vocals. I liked the orchestra mixes behind "The Funny Bird." Never heard of these guys and I doubt they'll leave a lasting impression.
3
Feb 12 2024
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Not a lot of experience with listening to full-length albums by DJs. I guess I view them as a completely separate category in music since they are creating a collage rather than strictly brand new material. But I guess the same could be argued for all music? It's all recycled, built on previous artists, using the same sounds and instruments... Anyways this guy was fine.
2
Feb 13 2024
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Kinda whiny, very Oasis. I liked it well enough but it's not like I'm gonna enter any of the songs into my personal rotation.
3
Feb 14 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
I'd almost give this album 5 stars just based off of the song "Here There and Everywhere." What an absolutely lovely song. Keep giving me Beatles albums and I'll keep giving them 5 stars.
5
Feb 15 2024
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
Meh. Studio mixing is primitive. I only recognized one song and it isn’t even a polished version of it. 2 stars because of sentimentality, otherwise it would be 1.
2
Feb 16 2024
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
Oi really did nowt loike dis awbumm. And it 'ad two discs! Just a guy singing with his electric guitar... did not like this voice. I hope this is the end of Billy Bragg for me.
1
Feb 19 2024
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Moon Safari
Air
Ethereal and trippy. I really enjoyed listening to this while I worked, I'd probably love cranking it with the windows down while I drive through a city at night.
4
Feb 20 2024
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
I enjoyed this more than I expected because of my limited understanding of Deep Purple's scope. I love this type of glam metal vocals, pumping guitars.
4
Feb 21 2024
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D
White Denim
Some hints of Rush with the interplay of guitar and bass runs. A little too jam-bandy for me to LOVE, but still way better than Phish, Dead, etc. I like the voice on the singer but only when he goes hard.
3
Feb 22 2024
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Swanky and swaggery at times. It has a hint of the Beach Boys but different enough to stand on its own feet. Heavy threads of sadness throughout, especially the songs "Home," "Farewell My Friend," and "End of the Show" which hit hard knowing he is struggling so much with substance abuse at the time of recording.
Actually forget it the whole gd album is acutely sad.
2
Feb 23 2024
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
Campy, genuine mood-lifter. I loved nearly every track. Wavered between 4 and 5 stars but the sadder song "It Can't Come Quickly Enough" sent me into 5 stars.
5
Feb 26 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
I love this phase of Bowie. I like all the saxophones and saucy background singing. Almost five stars but not quite. "Young Americans" is always a banger.
4
Feb 27 2024
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
A couple of huge hits, obviously, which makes it hard to imagine what it must have been like to hear them for the first time. I am wavering between 3 and 4 stars, that last song was so weird I'm afraid it's pushing me to giving this 3.
3
Feb 28 2024
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
I love this album - it's full of fun, bluesy rocks songs. Puts a smile on my face, nostalgia from "Bell Bottom Blues." Minus one star because Eric Clapton broke my heart by becoming a dickhead.
4
Feb 29 2024
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
I'm not a country music fan but her voice is sweet and pleasant to listen to. Her music is soothing and positive. Enjoyed it!
3
Mar 01 2024
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
What the actual fuck is this?
It's like Primus, but take away all the talent and add a bucketload of annoying noise.
I almost turned this off but I sat through it. Once is more than enough for this lifetime.
1
Mar 04 2024
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
This was their debut album! I'm not even a little bit of a Beastie Boys fan but I knew at least three of these songs. They sound like they're having so much fun. I want to give them 4 stars but a whole album of their thin yelly voices got tired after a while.
3
Mar 05 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
So this is where Janis Joplin got her singing inspiration from. What a soulful performance. The energy of the crowd is high and infectious. I don't love live albums so I can't go above 3 stars on this one.
3
Mar 06 2024
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The Slider
T. Rex
Honestly I like glam rock and I hear traces of Bowie in this but this album had no standout pieces. Boring.
2
Mar 07 2024
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Who even is this? Pleasant background music, nothing remotely interesting about it.
2
Mar 08 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
I, like many people, remember where I was when I first heard this album. The crooners aren’t as good (Paul, just no) but everything else is so remarkable, it just doesn’t matter.
5
Mar 11 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Weird to hear so many covers by the Beatles who were absolute masters at writing their own music. Best song is "All My Loving." It's a little unpolished but undeniably fun. While I enjoyed this, since almost half of the songs were covers, I am only awarding 3 stars.
3
Mar 12 2024
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
Strange experience: I kept waiting for "Life During Wartime" to turn into "Psycho Killer" haha. Classic Talking Heads album. Fully of catchy bops, and I don't even particularly like this band.
3
Mar 13 2024
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Murmur
R.E.M.
I historically have been pretty ambivalent towards REM. They're one of those bands whom I respect for what they have contributed to the world of music, but I don't choose to listen to. This album was a pleasant surprise. No standout songs, nothing to make it GOOD per se, but Michael Stipe is less whiny here than my audio memory of him would indicate.
2
Mar 14 2024
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
This is tough because it's Bob mfckn Dylan. I went through a Dylan phase in college and really loved his poetic ramblings. I guess my tastes have changed since I really don't have the patience for his nasal inflections and longass songs. I do like "Tangled Up in Blue" and other singles, just not a whole album at once.
2
Mar 15 2024
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All Mod Cons
The Jam
Beginner’s rock. The singer is too punk-like for me. Forgettable. I liked the bass on “Down in the Tube Station at Midnight” though.
2
Mar 18 2024
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
This was fun! A romp through the unique sound of Talking Heads. A bit experimental so there are some misses, but most of the songs are cool and weird.
3
Mar 19 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
I love the Cars. This is a tremendous (debut) album, chock full of hits. Punchy pop, immediately puts me in a good mood. Rock on.
4
Mar 20 2024
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
I liked this album much better than the other T. Rex album that I was served from this project. It was sultry, glammy, and the musicians sound like they're in love with every song they perform.
4
Mar 21 2024
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
I liked the band and the music on this album a lot! But the lead singer ruins the songs. Like total annihilation.
2
Mar 22 2024
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Repeater
Fugazi
Is this punk? It's mostly yelling. I don't like it. Pass.
1
Mar 25 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
I listened to this while driving anxiously around North Philly in a torrential downpour. Joni, your voice soothes all storms. I love your grace and simplicity.
5
Mar 26 2024
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I've never been a fan of Elvis's voice. His band is undeniably talented and his songs are catchy but his vocals just sorta wreck this for me.
2
Mar 27 2024
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Suede
Suede
Man oh man am I tired of getting served bands like this, where the lead singer is a whiny wet blanket. Why are so many of these albums in this style making this list? Where is the instrumental stuff? World music? Anything but western male-dominated bands? Oh well, I kinda liked their sadder songs like "The Drowners" and "Sleeping Pills."
2
Mar 28 2024
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
Another band with a lead singer who has this type of singing voice. I feel like I'm in a rut. I liked the funky guitar, percussion, and horns on this album - it was a nice peppy way to shake things up. But please give me a break from dudes who sing like Simon Le Bon/David Byrne/Billy Bragg. Not bad, and it's not their fault that they're showing up after a long line of similar bands.
3
Mar 29 2024
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White Light
Gene Clark
Low-key. Pleasant to listen to, but honestly whose world would this actually rock? Maybe that's not the point. "Where My Love Lies Asleep" is a soft, sweet song, and represents most of what is on this album.
2
Apr 12 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
This was clearly a lot of fun for these guys to record. I enjoyed the light-hearted nature of the tracks. One listen is fine.
2
Apr 15 2024
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I love this band. It's another album where I wish I could have experienced what it was like to hear all of these hits on one album when it first dropped. I love the vocals, I love the twangy guitar. So different for what passes as "hits" these days.
4
Apr 16 2024
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
Love Fiona. This was an amazing album when it came out - every song is great but SIX hit singles out of ten tracks? Greatness. And a perfect broody soundtrack for my angsty teen self. Swanky and jazzy at times, ragey and rocking at others, I really enjoyed the range of emotions displayed here.
4
Apr 17 2024
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
I don't know these people but I really like the reverb guitar, gentle background vocals, and occasional falsetto on The Calvary Cross. The title track is very catchy. The rest of the album is pleasant for a listen, except for "The Little Beggar Girl" like who green-lights songs like this. The last track was a royal bummer.
2
Apr 18 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
I really like "Rock Bottom" - this was the first time I've heard it. It's like the only song on the album that follows a standard song format. The rest of the album is a mess of crude and violent imagery, unconventional story-telling, and immature characters. While I respect Eminem's massive talent and how he carried rap into a different corner, I found most of the songs difficult to listen to. So how do I rate this? Based on talent (5 stars) or enjoyability (1.5 stars)?
3
Apr 19 2024
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
I was enjoying this as kind of a quirky background work music type of album but then the demon(?) voices started on track 2 amidst some pretty rockin guitar and I was jolted out of my flow. The rest of it was widely varied and interesting. Of course I recognized The Shining melody at the beginning. What exactly is going on in the last track?
3
Apr 22 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Quite the range of sounds out of this band - who even are they? Blues, honky-tonk, rock, gospel, some country vibes... Tirelessly recorded, I can hear the cocaine from here. I liked the soulful backup singers of "Let It Loose" and "Shine a Light."
3
Apr 23 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
An enjoyable album of jangly 80s pop. Given that I love music from this decade, I'm surprised I hadn't heard of this band. Particularly liked songs like "Made of Stone" and "This is the One." Enjoyable yes, but will I listen again? Probably not.
3
Apr 24 2024
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Wow. I guess I'm not a gangsta rap girl. I appreciate some diversity in the albums (finally!) but... Such profanity and tough talk mixed with some good ol' misogyny. He's angry, and probably justifiably so (there is literally a drive-by as one of the tracks) but I still did not like this.
1
Apr 25 2024
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
I like this album - Madonna is going through her sleek, ethereal club phase and it evokes a wistful sense of nostalgia for my 90s life. Some wonderful songs on here, like "Frozen" and "Skin."
4
Apr 26 2024
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Central Reservation
Beth Orton
I liked her wistful way of singing, perhaps for one song at a time. I don't love a whole album of her voice. Her songs are pretty but aside from "Stolen Car," nothing really stands out to me.
3
Apr 29 2024
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Fuck Kanye. Narcissistic sack of shit. This album is very good, some real bangers. But 1 star because his shoes suck and his public stances on white nationalism and antisemitism are reprehensible.
1
Apr 30 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Lead singer's voice is airy and refreshing. The songs are light and fun. I'd put this on again and go for a drive in my nonexistent convertible. I especially liked the dreamy "Hysteric."
4
May 01 2024
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
A joyous departure from what I've been listening to. Compels me to get up and dance even though I don't know how. Not sure how to rate this. I liked it but probably won't listen again. Unless I'm throwing a Latin-themed dinner party.
3
May 02 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
OK. This is just a cool album made by a cool group.
4
May 03 2024
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
This album is full of stupid songs, which tracks with the past productions of the lead singer of Blur. whinge whinge whinge
1
May 06 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
One of my all-time favs. I will forever love the music these two poets make. One of my favorite lyrics of all time lives on this album: "I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep let the morning time drop all of its petals on me. Life, I love you..."
"For Emily..." is incredibly beautiful and inspired heartache in me even as a pre-teen who had no grasp of love.
5
May 07 2024
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Most of the songs on this album are pleasant enough, easy-listening stuff. Nothing really stands out, except for when he goes hard, like during "Down." And that was awkward and didn't work very well. "Without You" is a recognizable power ballad. "Coconut" is cringey.
3
May 08 2024
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
One of the most expressive performers of all time. Most of the songs are covers, but I'd argue - with few exceptions - these are the best versions of these songs.
4
May 09 2024
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Like Water For Chocolate
Common
I'm not a the world's biggest hip-hop fan but I'm open to the possibility of liking some. This album is not it for me. Common seems to be providing a lot of commentary on race and gender issues but it doesn't resonate with me. Must have been under a rock in the early 2000s because this was the first time I heard "The Light" - a vulnerable and sweet love song, but not enough to save the album for me.
2
May 10 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Listening to this album again immediately transported me back to my high school days driving around in my clunky standard transmission Volvo station wagon. I loved this album, knew - and still know - every word by heart. The nostalgia, the guitar riffs, the talkbox, the heart and soul, the crush I had on Richie Sambora... it's all still there.
5
May 13 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
While I recognize, appreciate, and have immense gratitude for this dude's contribution to rock and roll, I find his songs hokey. His songs are the formula used by many who came after and even though he's the giant whose shoulders they stood upon, I'm not yearning for another re-listen anytime soon.
2
May 14 2024
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Historically I'm not a jazz fan but this singer has a magnificent voice. "How High the Moon" includes her scatting (live) and it's like watching a gymnast execute a perfect routine.
4
May 15 2024
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
A different listen for me. This album used a lot of the ethereal sounds I associate with sci fi and space-themed movies. It was fun to have on in the background as I drove around on a rainy day but it's not my favorite type of music.
3
May 16 2024
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
I like a lot of 80s music but this was a lot of fluff (needs more pumping base). I think I just wanted them to be Depeche Mode and they aren't. Honestly, this is what people are probably thinking of when they say they don't like 80s music. And why was this album so friggin long?
2
May 17 2024
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The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
Controversial opinion(?) but Syd Barrett without Pink Floyd sucks. Especially all the outtakes at the end of the album. I don’t care what kind of genius he is, I don’t need to listen to him cough into the mic.
1
May 20 2024
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Boston
Boston
This is some of my favorite type of music. Classssssic arena rock painstakingly arranged, I love the layers of carefully and deliberately screeching guitars. I wish they (Tom Scholz) could have made 50 albums like this.
5
May 21 2024
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Homework
Daft Punk
Techno beats. Rather than grinding away at an ecstasy-fueled club, I'm listening to this during a slow Tuesday morning at work. I'll give it one additional contextual-dependent star as an acknowledgement of this unavoidable situation.
2
May 22 2024
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Nice background music (especially if played live) for a dinner in a candle-lit, velvet-lined, red wine & martini-serving restaurant.
3
May 23 2024
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Wow what a voice, what an experience. I love the baritone and sultry vibes of this record. I love how his voice is buttressed by the soft backing vocals. -1 star for the synth use. Don't care for that sound, even if it was edgy for the times.
4
May 24 2024
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Le Tigre
Le Tigre
God I hate this music. Punk sucks. And, sorry, but it's several orders of magnitude worse when it's being screeched at me by girl voices.
1
May 27 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
A couple of WEIRD songs on this one. But I enjoyed it more than I expected - the tunes and singer were actually kind of soothing, wistful, and dreamy. And then there were space lasers (?) I wonder how the musical was. 3.4 stars.
3
May 28 2024
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Live. Very talented. Foundation of blues in America? I knew a couple of the songs.
3
Jun 10 2024
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Rust In Peace
Megadeth
Oh fuck yes. Drums yes. Guitar YES. Vocals were good, not quiiiiite great, which is why this album gets 4 motherfuckin stars from me.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
A real banger, from start to finish.
5
Jun 12 2024
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Dog Man Star
Suede
Better (different!) than the other album I've heard from them on this list. Singer found his niche: dramatically belting out a song like it's a musical's closing number. I rather liked "The Wild Ones." "The 2 of Us" is full of anguish. Given how much I loved Queen (and glam rock) when I was a teenager, I probably would have gotten into Suede if I had known about them.
4
Jun 13 2024
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
What a classic sound. I'd recognize it anywhere, even if I didn't know the song. I can't believe I am just learning today that his father murdered him. YIKES. Anyway, this album is sex.
4
Jun 14 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
Gods of rock, we are not worthy. Every single track is majestic, stellar, magnificent.
5
Jun 17 2024
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
This was a delightful, if unpolished, musical romp. I love Janis and I love her bluesy band but parts were uneven.
4
Jun 18 2024
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
I love this album. I walked down the aisle to “Thank You” but every song is a phenomenon.
5
Jun 19 2024
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Live Through This
Hole
I hated Hole when they were big, and I hate them now. Screaming into mic does not a song make. In my unpopular opinion they have only one not-too-bad song and it’s not even on this album.
1
Jun 20 2024
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Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
I guess this type of music exists. And I guess there are people who go fucking nuts for it. I cannot imagine losing my shit for this chill synth repetitive sound. But it wasn't the worst thing I've heard. Some parts were pleasant.
2
Jun 21 2024
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Third
Portishead
I enjoyed it. Nothing stood out but it was soothing to listen to. Would give it another, more thorough listen, perhaps.
3
Jun 24 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
Historically, I have not enjoyed the radio hits from the Clash. Two of them are on this album. But there is also a wide range of offerings which have given me a greater appreciation of this band’s scope. However, I still dislike this type of lead vocals that seems so be so popular on this list: whiny, pissed off British boys.
2
Jun 25 2024
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
Iconic sound from my adolescence. Perhaps due to this nostalgia, I did not tire of the songs. I welcomed the change up to a harder sound!
3
Jun 26 2024
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Whoever made this list had a raging hard-on for British boy bands from the 80s. That being said, this band was one of the slightly better ones. I probably won’t remember it though.
3
Jun 27 2024
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
Parts of this album are like warm sunshine on my brain and it’s difficult to separate the quality of the songs from the love I have for the memories associated with that horn/guitar/vocal combo. And then there’s parts of the album that need to be tightened up: do I really need to hear six minutes of guitar feedback?
3
Jun 28 2024
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
How could I give this icon less than 5 stars? I fell in love for the first time while listening to “Under My Skin.”
5
Jul 01 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
I liked this: fun sound, peppy guitar. I wonder if they’re any good live.
4
Jul 02 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
I love this album. I bought it when it first came out and thus became an early fan of the new band Coldplay. The warm and immersive guitar, the soft vocals… every song is wistful and soothing and evokes a gentler time.
5
Jul 03 2024
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Close To You
Carpenters
What a sweet album for these ears to take in. I enjoyed every track except the one where Richard sang and whatever the heck that last experimental one was.
4
Jul 04 2024
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The Yes Album
Yes
Classic Yes sound. I have always liked their instruments, but I don’t care for the vocals. 3.5 stars rounded up - this album is short and sweet and leaves some wanting me.
4
Jul 05 2024
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Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
Too off-kilter and experimental for me.
2
Jul 08 2024
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
I have loved the song “Northern Sky” for years and I was happy to see I knew that and another song on this album. It was pleasant listening, features an unexpected amount of flute.
4
Jul 09 2024
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Almost an AMAZING album. If it had been reduced by five or so songs, this would have been a masterpiece. All tracks were full of varying levels of fun and camp (except for “Candle in the Wind”) but that Jamaica song has got to go.
4
Jul 10 2024
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
I have no real way to evaluate if this is a good hiphop album since I am not a fan of hiphop. The gunshot made me flinch since I was outside listening to this. Takeaways: Drugs. Objectifying women. Numerous puzzling references to Tony Stark. I’m sure I just don’t get it.
2
Jul 11 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Short and sweet. The guitar sound >>> Ozzy’s vocals. Of course this album is on this list, no problem saying that even though they’re not my favorite band.
3
Jul 12 2024
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Phrenology
The Roots
Eclectic, creative, and fun. I enjoyed this and want to return for a closer listen. +1 ⭐️ for Philly representation
4
Jul 15 2024
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye: the world is a mess
Also Marvin Gaye: just love one another
This album is seamless, a work of art.
5
Jul 16 2024
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Be
Common
Seemed rather good. Hip hop isn’t my thing but I enjoyed a few of the songs, especially the title track and “They Say.”
3
Jul 17 2024
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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
What a voice. His music is dramatic and soulful and there really can only be one George Michael. Some of it is a little over the top and I prefer his upbeat hit on this album ("Freedom.")
4
Jul 18 2024
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
Music like this - where the instruments drown out the barely audible vocals - really doesn’t do it for me. Like why even bother having worthwhile lyrics if nobody can hear them? The band sounds fine enough and maybe it was more a problem with my stereo but the mix is trash.
2
Jul 19 2024
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Mournful, almost country-rock at times, Neil Young probably deserves his own genre. I like him best when he's harmonizing with others, and that only happened a couple of times on this album.
3
Jul 23 2024
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Violator
Depeche Mode
When Depeche Mode are good, they are SO good. That bass sends me right back to an earlier time. That voice is instantly recognizable anywhere. The hits on here and out of this world, pulling up the average for the rest of the album.
4
Jul 24 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
To quote my father (a serious CSNY fan) “they just don’t make music like this any more.” This is a rare moment in which I agree with him. This album is perfect.
5
Jul 25 2024
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
This album was almost good but nothing really stood out to me. If it was a color, it would be a pleasant beige. Not offensive, but not interesting either.
3
Jul 26 2024
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
The mix on this album was crap - it was very bass-heavy and I don’t like not being able to make out James Hetfield’s voice and lyrics. However, the drums were phenomenal and while this version of Metallica is less melodic and more thrashy than the Metallica that I prefer, there is definitely a place for this album in my heart. I loved the last track, “Dyers Eve.” What a way to end.
4
Jul 29 2024
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Liquid Swords
GZA
While I am still not (and, this point, probably will never be) a fan of rap, I appreciate this guy’s obvious talent.
3
Jul 30 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
He’s Snoop Dogg so he’s got that recognizable smooth flow which is just so cool. What isn’t cool is the casual misogyny and exhaustive profanity, both of which make this album a difficult listen.
2
Aug 06 2024
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Kenya
Machito
To my untrained ears this just sounded like an organized mess of horns. I know I know. I’m sorry.
2
Aug 07 2024
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
If you castrated George Michael and made him sing against his will, he would still sound better than this group.
2
Aug 08 2024
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In Utero
Nirvana
Mostly crashy clashy noise with 2-3 major hits thrown in. I’m not a fan of Grunge but I appreciate these kings and what they did for music.
3
Aug 09 2024
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
I liked this album more than their early silly shallow stuff. The songs here are somber, full of warnings and questions and wistfulness. I hadn’t heard a single one of them before, so I gained a greater appreciation for the Beach Boys’ breadth of talent.
4
Aug 12 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
Am I missing something? What’s the big deal with this album?
3
Aug 13 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
An absolutely beautiful album to listen to the day after your cat dies.
4
Aug 14 2024
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
If someone went back in time and killed the butterfly who flapped its wings and set off the events that made New York Dolls a success, would that mean we’d be spared all the insufferable imitators of this vocal style? The band is fine. Can’t stand the singing.
2
Aug 15 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
What an odd little album. I rather liked some of the tracks and others seemed silly, like songs for children.
3
Aug 16 2024
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Ten
Pearl Jam
One of the best. I love this album.
5
Aug 19 2024
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
I love Depeche Mode. This album had a bit of everything - some hits and some wonky tracks. Like what is "Pimpf" even doing. Anyways, when they're good they're SO good and when they're weird, they're like normal weird.
4
Aug 20 2024
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
This was fine. Nice to paddle my kayak to.
3
Aug 21 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
I feel about this album the same way I feel about some modern or minimalist art. "I suppose somebody had to do it, so why not them?" But that means it's a one-time listen from me, dawg.
3
Aug 22 2024
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
A pleasant listen. The best song (by far, in my opinion) is the Bob Dylan cover. I am grateful to these musicians to provide shoulders for many others to stand on. Waffling between 3 & 4 stars...
4
Aug 23 2024
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Ugh enough with this style of music already.
2
Aug 26 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
Iconic sound. LP hit a vein of gold and then milked it for all it was worth. This album was for all those angsty teens existing without normalized therapy and proper mental health awareness. Hits like a greatest hits album.
4
Aug 27 2024
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British Steel
Judas Priest
I love the theatrics of this band, especially coming from singer Rob Halford. What a fun time it was to listen to this! Some obvious hits, but the entire album is a celebration of metal <3
4
Aug 28 2024
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
I love this album. The raw vocals of Axl Rose and the over-the-top guitar off the Slash, it's all here to enjoy. Fun silly manic energy that must have been so crazy to hear for the first time. I know like 3 songs of these are played to death but just IMAGINE it. Put yourself into the shoes of someone hearing these guys for the very first time.
5
Aug 29 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Very very Neil Young. Mournful and poetic. I don't really get where Neil got his reputation as a rocker since all of these songs seem carefully mellow. Maybe his live shows are real gnarly.
4
Aug 30 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
I’ve never had a very high opinion of The Rolling Stones and this album did little to change that. Who actually wants to hear Mick Jagger free-style for 11 minutes. [I listened to the UK version]
2
Sep 02 2024
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Hotel California
Eagles
Probably one of the best albums ever made. And I'm not even really an Eagles fan. It's just that good. Don Henley fucks.
5
Sep 03 2024
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
These guys are fine. I guess they opened the door for others to borrow some pretty recognizable sounds of the 90s. Nothing really stood out to me, but I was also fully immersed in that decade as I was growing up and all of the bands kinda blended together as their sounds washed over me.
3
Sep 04 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Difficult for me to rate soft organ jazz. The music gave me warm and fuzzy feelings, and I would love to have this playing in the background as I sipped a glass of red wine next to some candles in a dim restaurant.
3
Sep 05 2024
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New Forms
Roni Size
Listening to this gave me anxiety. Spotify served me up a 5 hour, 4 disc album set for this title. No chance I was going to make it through that without falling ear-first onto a fork. I listened to the first one and called it a day.
2
Sep 06 2024
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Rid Of Me
PJ Harvey
She's talented and unique, just not my favorite. She just came and played at the Met here in Philly so good for her to have this kind of staying power.
2
Sep 09 2024
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Jazz. Seems cool. Easy to listen to, I guess.
3
Sep 10 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Somewhat sleepy until we were served up "Proud Mary" which is a delicious slice of glorious blues rock art. Aside from that track, the album is fun to listen to but mostly forgettable. Mostly.
3
Sep 11 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Almost there, but ultimately unsatisfying. Like a single coat of cheap paint in a really great color on a dry wall. Also, their art inexplicably gives me the heebie jeebies.
3
Sep 12 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
This drummy trumpety rhythm album resulted in the death of his mother and the destruction of his home? What?!
2
Sep 13 2024
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
Weird and trippy, very "of the times." Not my cup of tea, but I acknowledge that their contributions were far-reaching.
2
Sep 16 2024
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
The thin vocals paired with minimal instrumentation somehow result in a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. I think the Whites could have shaved off 3 or 4 songs to maximize the punch of these particular Blood Cells.
3
Sep 17 2024
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Ethereal, gorgeous, heartfelt. The soaring melodies, the swelling background vocalists, these arrangements make me FEEL deeply. The world needs more artists like Michael Kiwanuka. I'm very much looking forward to seeing him perform at the Met in a few days!
5
Sep 18 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
Well shit I love this album. Second half cannot keep up with the galactic speed of the first but that is only because the first three songs left the world breathless. “Running to Stand Still” remains in my list of top 10 songs of all time.
5
Sep 19 2024
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Done By The Forces Of Nature
Jungle Brothers
This was enjoyable to listen to. Comfortable, like a soft pair of jeans. Can’t explain it.
3
Sep 20 2024
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Recognizable bubble-gum sound. Good for them, not interesting for me.
3
Sep 23 2024
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
It's not my least favorite of all hiphop albums I've heard from this list. But it's not my favorite either. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'm grateful for the exposure because I would have never listened organically to these guys.
2
Sep 24 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I honestly don't get the hype. Would this guy even be famous if he hadn't changed his name and have the fortune of having an album gain popularity in the wake of [the other] Elvis's passing?
2
Sep 25 2024
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Future Days
Can
More noise than music. This sounds like a bunch of above-average New York subway buskers found themselves in a recording studio. I would love to meet a dedicated fan of this group and have them explain to me what they love about listening to this album.
2
Sep 26 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
A handful of recognizable hits as well as a handful of songs that sound like the recognizable hits. He’s less of a singer than a poet soliloquizing his thoughts with a guitar and harmonica. I like when he laughs mid-speak/song.
4
Sep 27 2024
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Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
I like quite a few of Kings' of Leon songs... but none of the songs on this album were any good! What even was going on with the lyrics on "Taper Jean Girl" and "The Bucket?" The latter was the only song that sounded like the Kings I loved in the mid-aughts.
2
Sep 30 2024
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
What a bonkers album. FM's musical genius shines through the experimental mêlée at times like beams of pure golden light. Many risky songs live here but only "Tusk" was a hit. And even that one is bananas.
3
Oct 01 2024
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
Sexy and swanky. I already knew/liked "Thinkin Bout You" and other favorite track was "Sweet Life." A lot of sexy talk which isn't typically my vibe, but it was fun to listen to at a low volume.
3
Oct 02 2024
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
Difficult to pin down a review for this one. Twinkly, ethereal, shallow… I feel nothing.
3
Oct 03 2024
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen doing Leonard Coheny things. Man sounds like he’s lost all his friends, flung himself into an empty well, and then decided to cut an album.
3
Oct 04 2024
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Fun, get up and dance music. I don’t understand any of the lyrics, of course. But I enjoyed bouncing and bopping along to the snazzy beat.
3
Oct 07 2024
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
I want to give this queen five stars because of her legacy and impact on the music industry. But I found most of this album somewhat difficult to listen to. Maybe it's just not my style? I feel some kind of way that I like the white-man-covers of two of these songs better than her originals.
2
Oct 08 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
This is what the northern lights would sound like if they made music.
4
Oct 09 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
I wish I liked Sting's voice more. If I did, I'd be a much bigger fan of the Police. That said, this is a pretty good album. Quirky, eclectic, silly at times, and downright awful for one track ("Mother" seems like it was recorded by Primus before they figured themselves out). I want to give it four stars but it didn't quite reach that level for me.
3
Oct 10 2024
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Gris Gris
Dr. John
Felt like I was on drugs listening to this. But if I were actually on drugs, this album might give me a very disturbing experience. If I saw this guy live, I'm 100% certain that his entire audience would be tripping balls.
2
Oct 11 2024
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This album washed over me like a warm waterfall. Wistful, wonderful, their use of reverb really tugged on my heart (esp "Burning"). Now I want to see these guys live. My one gripe is that many of the songs sounded similar.
4
Oct 14 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Eerie and ethereal. Though I admit that I was one of the millions who made their way into Kate Bush's catalogue due to "Stranger Things," "Running Up That Hill" is still the best track on this album. "Cloudbursting" was also good.
4
Oct 15 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Not a jazz fan, but I enjoyed listening to this while I worked. It felt like a great productivity booster.
3
Oct 16 2024
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
I'm grateful to this project for giving me an album that I'd never listen to by an artist I've never heard of, in a genre that is brand new (to me). I didn't really like it but still, grateful.
2
Oct 17 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
The hits are the hits. No doubt, great songs. I saw Duran Duran in 2004 and they were terrific. All that aside, the rest of the album is forgettable, too much same same in the other tracks.
3
Oct 18 2024
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
This is more country than rock for me: not my cup of joe. And the band name is just embarrassing. Sorry to be in a bad mood with a headache while listening - if I felt better, I might be a bit more generous with my rating.
2
Oct 21 2024
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
So Zappa is like the original jam band guy? But with trumpets? Dislike. And I was really bummed to see another entry featuring one of the only artists I've given one-star on this list (Captain Beefheart). Blech.
2
Oct 22 2024
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Blackstar
David Bowie
This man changed my life and sculpted so many of my musical tastes. This album is yet another serving of his endless creativity: unique, exciting, tragic. This heavy dish is not for easy listening.
4
Oct 23 2024
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Pleasant enough, a little too twangy for me. The last song lingered way too long. 14+ minutes of going nowhere slowly. Yawn.
3
Oct 24 2024
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Daydream Nation
Sonic Youth
No matter what happens and how evolved I become in this life, I don’t think I’ll ever be into punk. Even the more “musical” punk such as this. Bangy bangy yelly yelly done.
2
Oct 25 2024
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
I’m a sucker for a leading man who sings the high notes.
4
Oct 28 2024
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Elephant
The White Stripes
I liked this. It gives a vibe of stripped-down Beatles.
4
Oct 29 2024
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Imagine
John Lennon
The first half of this album makes my heart flip sideways with nostalgia. But then we hit songs like "How Do you Sleep" and "Oh Yoko" and I'm like yeahhh there: this is why John will never be more than my third favorite Beatle.
4
Oct 30 2024
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Lost Souls
Doves
Throwing me back to that emotionally turbulent time of the early aughts when I listened to these guys *on repeat.* I still like them, but I'm not sure I love the memories their songs are dredging up.
4
Oct 31 2024
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
I do not like Sheryl Crow. I find her to come across as low-effort and low-energy, the iceberg lettuce of rock and roll. She opened for the P!nk concert I went to a few weeks ago and I showed up late so I didn't have to see her. This album was still better than I expected. A begrudging 2 stars.
2
Nov 01 2024
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Forever Changes
Love
Groovy and pleasant, this is the music that I would call "hippy shit." I like it well enough, especially the first track "Alone Again Or."
3
Nov 04 2024
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Sea Change
Beck
This was a beautiful album. Mournful and understated, I really like this version of Beck. He should have his heart broken more often and write albums from the resulting chasm of sadness. I'm sure certain billionaires will attest that this is a money-making strategy.
4
Nov 05 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
Honestly one of the most beautiful works of musical art I've ever experienced. I can't believe I'd never heard "Bullet Proof..." before today. Gorgeous.
5
Nov 06 2024
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Time Out Of Mind
Bob Dylan
I listened to this the day that Tr*mp won the US presidential election. I was depressed. As far as Dylan sounds go, this is the stuff I tend to prefer. However, I keep reading how he didn't like the production on this album, which means I just don't care for the "typical" Dylan sound. That's not news. I was vibing along until I hit that final track which felt like it lasted for 16 hours, just like this week feels like it has lasted 16 years. Minus one star just for that, for making this terrible day in this terrible week seem even longer than it already is.
3
Nov 07 2024
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Eternally Yours
The Saints
Did the lyrics of a song from this album just use the word "retarded" over and over? Yes. Does this make me somehow dislike punk music even more than I did before? Yep. At least these songs are all short. Say what you want about punk, they don't belabor their point.
2
Nov 08 2024
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Make Yourself
Incubus
Yes, I love this album because it takes me back to a different, exciting time in my life. But, and I may be in the minority here, I also love how it sounds today. Great vocals, pounding guitar, even the DJ in the mix serves as a flourish and not relied upon too heavily.
4
Nov 11 2024
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
I mean... it was fine. What I expected. They are psychadelic. They are fun. No surprises.
3
Nov 12 2024
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
The genius of Prince is that he makes his masterpieces seem effortless. The man was operating on a plane several levels above his contemporaries. I don't *like* every song on this album but that doesn't stop me from recognizing the brilliance. Everyone should listen to this. In addition to classic Prince sound, this album even offers up "conventional rock" with "The Cross."
5
Nov 13 2024
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
I greatly enjoyed listening to this - all the layers of voices, meshing together to create a warm, auditory tapestry. That said, my untrained ear didn't discern much difference between the tracks. They all sort of melded together into one unified super-song.
4
Nov 14 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
This was an incredible album. No notes.
5
Nov 15 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I think I was more familiar with the live recordings of some of these songs: "No Woman No Cry" sounds very clean and less impassioned in this studio cut. It's a general theme here that these tracks seem very clean and tidy which is to say that they lack some of the emotion that I usually associate with Mr. Marley. I admire his careful and delicate control of his voice and while I'm firmly out of my reggae phase, this album was a nice way to revisit the roots of that time in my life.
3
Nov 18 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
How do I rate a collection of songs that I personally do not care for or about but recognize the importance of to the broader cultural landscape of this country?
3
Nov 19 2024
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25
Adele
When we sing from the heart, we imagine we will sound like Adele. We never will but that is OK. She is a once-in-a-generation talent.
5
Nov 20 2024
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
OK I hated this. It's like everything terrible about "rock" music jammed into one album. Talented musicians aside, this audible dementia is garbage. Thank all that is holy that the entire absurd mess lasted less than 40 minutes.
1
Nov 21 2024
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Private Dancer
Tina Turner
She pours her entire soul into these performances. I was carried away on the wave of raw emotion. The only miss is the song penned by my personal music god David Bowie and I feel like I’m committing a crime by saying so.
5
Nov 22 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
For chrissakes, Nico’s voice makes me wanna perpetuate violence and I’m pretty sure that’s not a good thing. This album was better than I expected but still tremendously in enjoyable. Two stars for two very enthusiastic thumbs down!
2
Nov 25 2024
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Funky and fun. This album was consistent with its delivery of a catchy beat and some sweet falsetto. Many of the songs sounded very similar, so I am only feeling three stars.
3
Nov 26 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Beep boop this music is made by computers. I am a human, therefore I do not understand it.
2
Nov 27 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
Listening to the Eagles is like eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich made with Skippy, Welch's, and white bread. They're so easy to like but you don't necessarily feel that good (or mature) about it.
3
Nov 28 2024
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
I wanted to like this. I really tried. I must be missing the gangsta hiphop gene.
2
Nov 29 2024
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Enjoyable. Simple pleasures.
3
Dec 02 2024
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
The lush tapestry this album weaves immerses me in an audio landscape from which I never want to emerge. Musical geniuses.
5
Dec 11 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Classic Neil Young. What can I say that hasn't already been said? He's got a recognizable sound. He's fine.
3
Dec 12 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Nothing really stood out to me other than the vocals, the pure pomposity of rock-and-roll, the catchy tunes, and the guitar.
3
Dec 13 2024
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Interesting funky moments, experimental swanky sounds I'm not used to hearing out of the Beastie Boys. They seem to be in love with using the voice distortion mics though.
2
Dec 16 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Eerie, gorgeous background strings and soft vocals. Cohen dramatically speak-sings the majority of this album and that approach lends itself perfectly to the album's title. I didn't realize it but I DO want it darker, at least for this listening experience. I want to curl into a fleece-ensconced ball and listen to this again on decent headphones.
4
Dec 17 2024
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xx
The xx
This was kinda neat. Airy, dreamy, ethereal. I wonder why I haven't heard of these guys.
4
Dec 18 2024
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
This was kinda cool at first with all the synths and sound effects. But I just don't think the sitar is doing it for me as a lead instrument. I prefer when it tiptoes into a [Beatles] song, adds some flavor, and spirits away. By the 5th song, I was tired of the noise and oh god the next track is 13 minutes long.
2
Dec 19 2024
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
Punk: complete with that annoying nasal/throat singing style that I’ve come to know and hate. It wasn’t as bad some of the other wankery tripe in this style that I’ve been served on here… but that doesn’t mean it’s good.
2