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Mon Jan 08 2024
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
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Tue Jan 09 2024
Melodrama
Lorde
I already liked Lorde so this was an easy one to enjoy.
4
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Wed Jan 10 2024
The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Really enjoyed this!
4
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Thu Jan 11 2024
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Fine. Nothing stood out to me as particularly great on this album.
3
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Fri Jan 12 2024
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Wow what a lush tapestry of sounds. I loved the diversity of the tracks. This is a masterpiece.
5
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Mon Jan 15 2024
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
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Tue Jan 16 2024
Fragile
Yes
Weird and experimental and off the wall. I liked it, but probably not for a repeated listen.
4
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Wed Jan 17 2024
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
5
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Thu Jan 18 2024
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
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Fri Jan 19 2024
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
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Mon Jan 22 2024
(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
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Tue Jan 23 2024
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
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Wed Jan 24 2024
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
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Thu Jan 25 2024
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
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Fri Jan 26 2024
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
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Mon Jan 29 2024
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
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Tue Jan 30 2024
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
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Wed Jan 31 2024
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
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Thu Feb 01 2024
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
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Fri Feb 02 2024
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
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Mon Feb 05 2024
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
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Tue Feb 06 2024
(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
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Wed Feb 07 2024
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
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Thu Feb 08 2024
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
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Fri Feb 09 2024
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
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Mon Feb 12 2024
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
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Tue Feb 13 2024
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
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Wed Feb 14 2024
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
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Thu Feb 15 2024
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
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Fri Feb 16 2024
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
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Mon Feb 19 2024
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
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Tue Feb 20 2024
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
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Wed Feb 21 2024
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
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Thu Feb 22 2024
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
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Fri Feb 23 2024
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
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Mon Feb 26 2024
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
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Tue Feb 27 2024
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
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Wed Feb 28 2024
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
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Thu Feb 29 2024
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
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Fri Mar 01 2024
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
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Mon Mar 04 2024
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
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Tue Mar 05 2024
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
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Wed Mar 06 2024
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
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Wild Wood
Paul Weller
Who even is this? Pleasant background music, nothing remotely interesting about it.
2
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Fri Mar 08 2024
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
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Mon Mar 11 2024
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
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Tue Mar 12 2024
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
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Wed Mar 13 2024
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
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Thu Mar 14 2024
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
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Fri Mar 15 2024
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
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Mon Mar 18 2024
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
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Tue Mar 19 2024
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
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Wed Mar 20 2024
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
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Thu Mar 21 2024
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
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Repeater
Fugazi
Is this punk? It's mostly yelling. I don't like it. Pass.
1
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Mon Mar 25 2024
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
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Tue Mar 26 2024
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
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Wed Mar 27 2024
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
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Thu Mar 28 2024
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
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Fri Mar 29 2024
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
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Fri Apr 12 2024
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
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Mon Apr 15 2024
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
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Tue Apr 16 2024
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
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Wed Apr 17 2024
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
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Thu Apr 18 2024
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
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Fri Apr 19 2024
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
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Mon Apr 22 2024
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
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Tue Apr 23 2024
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
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Wed Apr 24 2024
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
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Thu Apr 25 2024
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
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Fri Apr 26 2024
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
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Mon Apr 29 2024
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
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Tue Apr 30 2024
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
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Wed May 01 2024
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
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Thu May 02 2024
Diamond Life
Sade
OK. This is just a cool album made by a cool group.
4
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Fri May 03 2024
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
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Mon May 06 2024
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
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Tue May 07 2024
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
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Wed May 08 2024
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
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Thu May 09 2024
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
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Fri May 10 2024
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
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Mon May 13 2024
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
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Tue May 14 2024
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
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Wed May 15 2024
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
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Thu May 16 2024
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
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Fri May 17 2024
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
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Mon May 20 2024
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
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Tue May 21 2024
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
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Wed May 22 2024
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
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Thu May 23 2024
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
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Fri May 24 2024
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
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Mon May 27 2024
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
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Tue May 28 2024
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Live. Very talented. Foundation of blues in America? I knew a couple of the songs.
3
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Mon Jun 10 2024
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
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Tue Jun 11 2024
Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
A real banger, from start to finish.
5
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Wed Jun 12 2024
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
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Thu Jun 13 2024
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
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Fri Jun 14 2024
Metallica
Metallica
Gods of rock, we are not worthy. Every single track is majestic, stellar, magnificent.
5
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Mon Jun 17 2024
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
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Tue Jun 18 2024
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
I love this album. I walked down the aisle to “Thank You” but every song is a phenomenon.
5
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Wed Jun 19 2024
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
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Thu Jun 20 2024
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
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Fri Jun 21 2024
Third
Portishead
I enjoyed it. Nothing stood out but it was soothing to listen to. Would give it another, more thorough listen, perhaps.
3
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Mon Jun 24 2024
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
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Tue Jun 25 2024
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
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Wed Jun 26 2024
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
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Thu Jun 27 2024
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
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Fri Jun 28 2024
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
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Mon Jul 01 2024
Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
I liked this: fun sound, peppy guitar. I wonder if they’re any good live.
4
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Tue Jul 02 2024
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
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Wed Jul 03 2024
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
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Thu Jul 04 2024
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
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Fri Jul 05 2024
Here Come The Warm Jets
Brian Eno
Too off-kilter and experimental for me.
2
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Mon Jul 08 2024
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
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Tue Jul 09 2024
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
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Wed Jul 10 2024
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
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Thu Jul 11 2024
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
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Fri Jul 12 2024
Phrenology
The Roots
Eclectic, creative, and fun. I enjoyed this and want to return for a closer listen. +1 ⭐️ for Philly representation
4
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Mon Jul 15 2024
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
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Tue Jul 16 2024
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
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Wed Jul 17 2024
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
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Thu Jul 18 2024
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
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Fri Jul 19 2024
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