Jan 10 2024
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Lots of hits, not terribly surprised at its influence. When the Levee Breaks is far and away the best song, Stairway can go get fucked. Also, very odd for Stairway to be the midpoint of the song. I might learn When the Levee Breaks on guitar at some point - intro riff too strong.
4
Jan 11 2024
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
An absolute masterpiece from top to bottom. Fun, inspirational, great when high and equally great when not. Do I need to listen to it again? I am sure I've heard it 1000 times on its own lol. But - great album nevertheless. 10/10.
5
Jan 12 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Zero and Heads Will Roll are great - I like Karen Os voice a lot and the guitars/basslines on the tracks are super sick. Runaway was a standout - Dragon Queen has an interesting melody/guitar track. really enjoyable
5
Jan 13 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Has some of my favorite early Beatles stuff - It Won't Be Long, All My Loving, and cover of You've Really Got a Hold On Me. Their cover of Roll Over Beethoven is just okay - would rather hear Chuck Berry's any day. But lots of great hits here and some of their best early work.
5
Jan 14 2024
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
an unmatched classic - basically no song that is skippable. Love it!
5
Jan 15 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Last 4 songs were good - first 4 were kinda forgettable. I would listen again but Iron Maiden definitely not my go-to band.
3
Jan 16 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
It is Ray Charles - enjoyable music and vocals. Just not riveting - it's good music for the background but nothing i really feel like i need to focus on. I do like "I can't stop loving you" but definitely not the best Ray Charles album
3
Jan 17 2024
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Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
Reminds me a lot of Morphine. They have some interesting songs and lyrics. I like the delivery of the singer, will definitely pay a revisit.
4
Jan 18 2024
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Vanishing Point
Primal Scream
Just wasn't super interesting to me. Will give it a further listen later.
3
Jan 19 2024
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
Lot of repetition. Not necessarily in a bad way but definitely not my favorite - never really would have pegged them for a folk punk, not that I knew that was a genre. Blister in the Sun and Gone Daddy Gone both are enjoyable but not something on a regular repeat listen.
3
Jan 20 2024
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
It's a shame biggie was stolen from us so young. Such an immense talent with amazing flow. One of the greats and this debut is so killer. RIP
4
Jan 21 2024
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Kick Out The Jams (Live)
MC5
Kick out the Jams is a classic but i like RATM's version better. Their sound is solid and can definitely hear their influence around the punk/garage scene.
4
Jan 22 2024
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Weakest of the first four, surprisingly. Only song I really enjoyed was Since I've Been Loving You (Immigrant Song is okay too). Not the best of their first four outings.
3
Jan 23 2024
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Groundbreaking obviously - one of the greatest rap records from the 90s. Some lyrics didn't age well but still very enjoyable and sadly Fuck Tha Police is more relevant than ever. Eazy-E one of the best and Dre is unparalleled. Ice Cube wrote some great lyrics - shame he's such a chump nowadays.
4
Jan 24 2024
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Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
not my cup of tea - some decent background music but it did not grab my attention and I'm not sure why it would be on the top 1001 albums. Quicksand was a decent track but again - not something I'd put into regular rotation. May have to check out other albums by them.
3
Jan 25 2024
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
I've never been a big Madonna fan, so take this all with a grain of salt. I'm a big fan of 90s/00s dance music but every song on here felt very similar - other than the title track, it all kind of just felt like new age inspired dance tunes with breathy vocals. Not that interesting or danceable and Shanti/Ashtangi felt weirdly appropriative. All in all, I would give some of her earlier albums a try but this one is not one I would come back to.
3
Jan 26 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Its like if Bob Dylan had a better voice - soft, warm, good vocals. I would listen to this album again for sure. Master Song was really good.
5
Jan 28 2024
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
This was a trippy album to listen to. Vocals were monotone but in a pleasing way? The lyrics were beautiful if only a little repetitive but it never got annoying. It just pulled you in to a trance and kind of slowed everything down.
5
Feb 02 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Great background music. Jazz/Big Band that just feels great to listen to and probably to write to. Adding this to my rotation for sure!
5
Feb 03 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Lots of classics on this one - Subterranean Homesick Blues, Maggie's Farm (I still attest that RATM's version is better), Mr Tambourine Man, and It's All Over Now, Baby Blue (which is a top 3 Dylan song for me). Pretty amazing album top to bottom.
5
Feb 04 2024
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Is This It
The Strokes
Boring. Not a single song on there that I really liked minus Last Nite and I like that better by Weird Al
1
Feb 05 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
Obviously one of the greatest albums of all time. My only gripe is the order of the songs - and the girl is mine is such a lame song lol but otherwise it's an album full of amazing songs and though I like Bad just a little more, Billie Jean is a top 10 song ever recorded. That bass line is so good. I love this album.
5
Feb 06 2024
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Sick beats, groovy, got that ghostface killah, last emperor groove. Really enjoyable and the lyrics were great too - need to relisten and check out but its really good
5
Feb 07 2024
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Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
It was mostly okay - very 80s indie rock. Flavors of REM - I didn't hate it but I can't see myself listening to it again. Fine in the background but nothing stood out to me.
3
Feb 08 2024
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
Wow what a wild album. Great horn section - and just felt like a precursor or early ska album. I would definitely listen again.
5
Feb 09 2024
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Basic folk album. Nothing i would return to but he has talent. They all sound so samey to me though lol
3
Feb 10 2024
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
2
Feb 11 2024
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Forever Changes
Love
Not for me - I would not listen to this again. very generic folk music.
1
Feb 12 2024
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
Two classics with Everybody Hurts and Man on the Moon - the standout for me was Find the River. Honestly, not a bad song on the album though The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite was a little confusing in its chorus
5
Feb 13 2024
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Bowie is enjoyable and I love his whole vibe but I've come to find his albums I either REALLY love or they're just like... okay. I found this one to be the former. Enjoyable but just not super exciting.
3
Feb 14 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Very interesting - kind of gave some Tom Waits vibes. Very mellow and chill - the vocals are not super polished but I like it. some of their other work was also decent but i'll rate that later. Overall, a new band that I dig the groove of!
4
Feb 19 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Very mellow album. Always find Paul Simon kinda boring. Wimpy vocals but good lyrics. Overall a good album just a little weak? Idk
4
Feb 20 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
It's the background music used in so many movies/cartoons/tv shows - the driving or traveling or walking cool music. You know the one. Anyway, a whole album of those songs! Pretty rad and nice to put a name to the song.
4
Feb 21 2024
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
Very gentle and ambient. Would dig it while high im sure
3
Feb 23 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Nice thrash album though I am not a huge fan of thrash or Metallica in general. I think they're just Okay and listening to this whole album kinda confirms that.
3
Feb 28 2024
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
I'm not a huge fan of this band or this style of punk. Add in how this was a curated punk band and it really is a major turn off. Complete antithesis of what punk is supposed to embody - and the lead singer is a shit too.
1
Feb 29 2024
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Movies
Holger Czukay
Some nice noise tracks - but not terribly enjoyable overall. I might return to some of his other's tracks.
3
Mar 01 2024
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
They are mostly okay. I dont hate them but i dont like them - they feel like the way i feel about some food which is weird to say.
2
Mar 02 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
First couple of songs were classics - I do think the rest of the album is weaker than the Marshall Mathers LP but still a good album. Rock Bottom is also an excellent song - side note: really wish Apple Music would stop offering Expanded Editions of music....
3
Mar 03 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Sad songs and a sad story for the band! Guitarist just disappearing. The album reminded me a lot of like early 00s music
4
Mar 08 2024
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Blur
Blur
Song 2 is a fine track but just not very interesting. If I based my entire thoughts on that song, I wouldn't give this band another look. But the rest of the album feels like Gorillaz and I dig the sound on quite a few of the tracks. Need to look deeper in their other catalogue but this album was pretty solid.
4
Mar 09 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
he's like, the graham crackers of rock music. Nothing wrong with him but its not what i am jumping out for. Feels very soft.
2
Mar 11 2024
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
They’re okay. Some interesting sounds and melodies. Sound very early 00s indie so surprised they are from 2010. But that tracks so I guess that’s okay. I liked Temecula Sunrise a lot… wonder if they are local?
3
Mar 12 2024
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
An interesting album. You hear a lot of his songs across different forms of media but i dont get why he became SO huge. His music is enjoyable but there are better reggae artists out there. Maybe he influenced them?
3
Mar 13 2024
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Wild electronic music. Crazy while high - very repetitive but in a good way.
3
Mar 14 2024
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Bummed
Happy Mondays
Like a weaker INXS or Cure. Also did thry steal the melody to Ticket to Ride on Lazyitis? Just kind of dull music lol
2
Mar 15 2024
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Great beats, love Missy. Some songs were just OK though. Still - fabulous artist. The Rain is a super good song though.
4
Mar 16 2024
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
I like it but sometimes it came across a bit repetitive. Not that that is bad for electronic music but sometimes i was just like okay cmon - next album was better.
3
Mar 17 2024
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
Not very interesting. Sounds like every english rock band in the 90s. They werent bad but not great/amazing.
2
Mar 24 2024
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
It was okay. Very dylan-esque but not exactly my cup of tea. Wouldn’t listen again
3
Mar 25 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
Like Roger Waters or Bowie. Very chill but great melodies and Common People sounds straight out of Bowie's discography. One of the better 90s British Pop/Rock bands I've heard
4
Mar 26 2024
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Monk is one of the kings of bebop/jazz and this album is a standout example. Great horn section, choppy piano and chill drums. This is what I think of when I think classic jazz.
5
Mar 28 2024
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
Mostly just okay. It reminds me of the 69s but like b-roll music you hear in the background. Sam's Choice 60s music. Doesn't have the teeth of Hendrix or Jefferson Airplane or even the Stones but it's still enjoyable. I cant see myself returning to it often and enjoy their other work far more.
3
Apr 01 2024
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A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Not a huge Rod Stewart guy but this album is pretty decent. The band is really tight and the jams are great. Much better than his solo stuff
4
Apr 02 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
It’s… fine? Not the best work of the Stones and I really am not huge on them even at their best. This just feels like a watered down version of English rock. So many better bands… why did they get such praise? I will say that Jagger has a good voice and their rhythm section is pretty killer but I find Keith Richards to just be a tremendously dull guitarist
2
Apr 05 2024
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The Specials
The Specials
2nd wave ska band and they're really good! like their lyrics and their vibe - very groovy music and more enjoyable than I thought it would be
4
Apr 10 2024
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I'm just not a huge folk fan. His lyrics are good and he plays well but it just doesn't grab me much. Feels very vanilla - i dont hate vanilla but I always want something more.
3
Apr 11 2024
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
This album is absolutely insane - the vocals run all over the place and the sounds are jarring at times. I like her other album better but this one is bananas
3
Apr 12 2024
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Band was nice but man i cannot stand the singer's voice. It just sounds super whiny… kind of a precursor to the pop-punk singing style. Just not for me.
2
Apr 13 2024
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
This is such a ridiculously good album. tight rhythm, great solos, Snowblind is a beautiful song and all 10 songs on the album are fantastic, except maybe FX but I get what they were trying to do and it's an interesting early take on noise rock
5
Apr 14 2024
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25
Adele
Beautiful voice, haunting vocals, very straightforward love/heartbreak songs. I have never really given her much of a listen but I enjoyed dipping my feet into the water with this one. May explore some of the other albums from her.
4
Apr 15 2024
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
They have a very particular sound that is okay but the last track kinda drones and whines on. I hear their influence elsewhere but they're just OK to me
2
Apr 16 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Such just fun, joyful rock and roll. It's hard to really take it too seriously, as this is just when the genre/style was coming to fruition. But the harmonies and vocals are tight, the guitar is chripy, and the music just feels happy overall. Shame we lost him so early but the band definitely made some early impact.
4
Apr 17 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Aside from the often misinterpreted title track and "Glory Days", I hadn't heard too much. I'm On Fire seems creepy but I guess it's a nice song. My Hometown was actually my favorite on the album, though Dancing in the Dark is pretty solid too. I can see why he's well loved but still just not a Boss fan.
3
Apr 18 2024
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
The titular track is legendary but the entire album sounds like a live album - just back-to-back metal asskickery. One of the strongest metal albums I've ever heard and I really enjoyed every song, even if they were all kinda same-y. It just was a great high energy album - highly recommend!
4
Apr 19 2024
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
It was okay. There’s some interesting bits throughout the entirety but overall just kind of felt mediocre. Might return back to it sometime soon.
3
Apr 20 2024
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
Great voice, such talent. Sad it came to such a tragic end. These songs not as strong as her other outing but still mad enjoyable.
4
Apr 21 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
Very iconic and weird that the Time of the Season was the closer. Very much a hippie rock flower child album. Not great but not terrible.
3
May 03 2024
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
They have a sound similar to like Depeche Mode or new wave/post-punk bands of the era. The riffs and grooves on Second Head, Poppies, and Sleeping Gas are on point. Really enjoyable.
4
May 04 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Classic - such a great assortments of songs and amazing lyrics. Would listen to this on repeat. Even the hits dont get tiresome.
4
May 05 2024
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
She has a nice voice and I like the rhythm of the songs across the album but it just really kind of melts into the background. I tried listening 2-3 times now and I enjoy it but I'm not like, super stoked about it. Enjoyable but not a huge draw for me.
3
May 06 2024
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Woodface
Crowded House
What an incredible album. Very Beatles ish but with stronger production and a deeper sound. Instrumentals were good, the harmonies even better. Fun lyrics - it starts off with a bang on Chocolate Cake and just keeps going all over the place. Musical roller coaster.
5
May 07 2024
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Queen II
Queen
Definitely a stronger Queen sound - some of the songs were standout but still doesn't have the super strength of their later albums. I enjoyed Black Queen and Ogre Battle a lot -- wonder why all the fantasy imagery so early on?
3
May 08 2024
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The La's
The La's
Relatively generic - some enjoyable tunes but not my favorite group. I do like their original version of "There She Goes" but other than that, nothing really stood out. Not something I'd run back to.
4
May 09 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
Decent british rock/punk album. nothing to write home about but I like their cover of Under the Boardwalk. The rest kind of sounds like punk flavored Beatles/Elvis Costello. Not the worst but not the best.
3
May 10 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
From the title track to his cover of All Along the Watchtower, there isn't a bad song on this album. 1983 A Mermaid I should turn to Be is such a beautiful song and incredibly easy to just lose your entire self into. Especially after the last batch of Queen albums, which were disjointed at best, every song in this flows so well into each other and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next while longing to hear the last again. Just a wonderful album.
5
May 11 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
A really great album - Elvis has a wonderful voice and these songs are pretty solid. Good mix of soul/R&B with a country twist. It's no wonder that he was called The King - I know he stole from artists but damn he has a soothing voice.
4
May 12 2024
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
They are just not for me. Irritating music - I had high hopes with the intro track that maybe they'd be like early MSI or depeche mode but the songs were the wrong kind of noise rock and just incredibly irksome. Not enjoyable for me.
1
May 13 2024
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
Decent background music. I love this type of music but not a huge draw for me. It’s just something to put on while i drive or work on something.
3
May 30 2024
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Odelay
Beck
Two Turntables and a microphone... but still would listen to a different album. Where It's At is a solid track and I like some of the remix versions. The other songs are alright but some of the lyrics are so incredibly goofy and just seem like a stream of consciousness /weird lyrics for the sake of being weird. Like placeholder lyrics almost but just... kept them in. Not my favorite but still somewhat interesting.
3
May 31 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
I miss rap albums like this. I mean, they still exist clearly but this style of rap/hip-hop is just so satisfying to me. And the efforts that they take to be "clean" are really amusing - "she was a garden tool" made me chuckle... I love gangsta rap and later artists from the late 90s and early 00s but there is just something wholesome and comfy about these tracks. And the beats/drums/rhythm sections are just top tier. Very enjoyable!
4
Jun 01 2024
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
It's fine? It feels like the plain yogurt of the music world. - i don't mind it but there just wasn't much to it either. All the songs have that kind of 00-10s sound and it just wasn't interesting enough to want to engage with or learn. They aren't bad but they're a step above the Coldplay and Radioheads.
3
Jun 02 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones have some songs I like but mostly just a greatest hits guy. I dont care for their deep cuts - this album did nothing for me and I don’t really think they’re a band I’d spend a lot of time exploring. Again - Jagger has great vocals and rhythm section is solid but Richards is just not an enjoyable guitarist - his tone is bland
1
Jun 03 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
Just a kind of bland, same-y sound across all of their albums. The chords they play over and over again just remind me of the worst segments in Guitar Hero/Rock Band. Just playing the same notes over a 20 second stretch. The singing and lyrics are so whiny... not fun at all.
2
Jun 04 2024
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Brothers
The Black Keys
This is like, the soundtrack of BBQ and beer commercials from the 00s-10s. It's not BAD music but they've been licensed so much for that shit it's hard to take it really seriously. The songs aren't terrible, and some of the riffs/melodies are really nice - I would listen to them again but right now, I'm gonna go buy some ribs and Pascifico.
3
Jun 05 2024
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Ys
Joanna Newsom
Named after kong's favorite RPG on the PS1! This is my first time REALLY giving her a chance. She sounds like gentrified Bjork - not as interesting but nice music, interesting lyrics (if not a little overbearing at times) - her music sounds like something I'd hear in a dream or in one of my medication/weed fueled brain dumps. I'm not a fan but I don't hate it - i MIGHT give her other albums a chance.
3
Jun 06 2024
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Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Weird thing in the late 80s through late 90s where Irish culture and bands had a huge impact here in the US. This would be included in that I am sure. Also, US country music is just Irish music but with steel guitar instead of horns. This wasn't a bad album by any stretch, it was enjoyable to listen to , the band sounds tight, and the singer has a decent voice. But my goodness it felt about an hour too long. And I just... nothing stuck with me. Not something I'd return to but wouldn't hate it if it came on again.
3
Jun 07 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Never been a big Costello fan - his style just always seemed.. cultivated to me. But this album has some good songs on it - I'm Not Angry was fun. It's crazy how this was so short compared to the other one, clocking in at only 36 min. And one song less than 2 minutes... just goes to show, as long as the melody and the story are put through, length is just not that important.
3
Jun 08 2024
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Moondance
Van Morrison
An alright album. The first two songs were really strong but it kinda petered out after that. I do enjoy Moondance a lot though and never realized it was Van Morrison! Good voice and a fine album.
3
Jun 09 2024
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Palo Congo
Sabu
It's great music - it sounds so ritualistic in a weird way? It's like chanting but with instrumentation in it too. It just sets me into a trance but in a good way.
4
Jun 10 2024
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1984
Van Halen
I usually say I'm not a Van Halen fan but I really enjoy their music. Every song on this, though very synth heavy, is just full of great energy and fun. Jump, Panama, hot For Teacher, I'll Wait - all great songs! Just fun, headbanging, singalong tunes.
4
Jun 12 2024
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
A very early 60s rock album. It's enjoyable and fun, though the lead singer's scream in every song is a bit much, but it does what it sets out to do and is very good for its era. I like their originals more than their covers, as I can hear better covers of those songs on other albums.
4
Jun 13 2024
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Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
A quintessential country album. It screams country - Waylon is one of the best and this album was a to. Of fun. Just enough twang and rough and tumble outlaw country to make it enjoyable. It is apples and oranges to modern (and even up to late 90s) pop-country
4
Jun 14 2024
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The Yes Album
Yes
tight harmonies, driving bassline is almost every song, and oh man that Hammond Organ - such a gorgeous instrument and why oh why are they $4000
But all in all, I really enjoy Yes as a band. This album is a little short but its good and All Good People is such a fun song.
4
Jun 15 2024
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
I can see their influence and enjoy some songs but overall just felt rudimentary and flat. Doesnt help that i always mix them up with The Clash and that’s who’s sound I was expecting
2
Jun 16 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Really solid album - great beats, fun samples, and awesome lyrics that you would expect from such a hugely influential early 90s rap/hip-hop group. Incredible how many artists were clearly influenced by them.
4
Jun 17 2024
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American Beauty
Grateful Dead
Grateful Dead is one of those bands that I'm still discovering. I've heard their hits and I really like most of them! But this is the kind of music that I need to really focus attention on to properly digest. That being said, this album is a solid intro to their works (aside from Greatest Hits) and their sound is absolutely iconic. I'm excited to give the rest of their catalogue a dive.
4
Jun 18 2024
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
One of the best musicians playing one of the best albums. Glorious music to sit back and lose yourself in. It’s relaxing while still being exciting. It’s soothing and frightening. There are no words to fully dewcribe - just go listen!
4
Jun 22 2024
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
Beautiful album - hard to beat the danceability and harmonies of Bee Gees ever hut their early work is so smooth and calm. Adore it
4
Jun 23 2024
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Typical reggae sounds. Reminds me of my
Childhood - my mom was huge into reggae (still is I think) so I recommended this to her too. It’s very relaxing but reggae is rarely my go-to - still, i found the music enjoyable and weirdly nostalgic despite never hearing it before.
3
Jun 24 2024
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Live!
Fela Kuti
Was alright. Very groovy and drum heavy (obviously with Baker as one behind the kit) - all instrumentals and very rhythmic, in a good way. But hard to discern between tracks sometimes and it sorta blended into one another.
3
Jun 25 2024
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
An absolutely stellar album - there are a couple of weaker songs that keep it from being a 10/10 but so many hits - an amazing showcase of musicianship. It's hard to believe he almost gave away Superstition - I know it's played to death but that song is flawless. I hope to get more Stevie Wonder albums on here but will listen to the rest of his discography no matter what.
4
Jun 26 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
An incredible performance by an amazing artist - I had never heard of Keith Jarrett before but that is changing. The sounds he got out of that piano are so absurd - it blows me away listening to it and I was left wanting more. Absolutely wonderful album for jazz fans.
4
Jun 27 2024
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Everyday People was played everywhere as a kid but I still think its an amazing song. There were so many good tracks - fun songs, early funk rock and man that usage of the wah pedal was killer. Excellent album!
4
Jun 28 2024
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
Fats Domino is an incredible musician and the music is so great to put in the background. That kind of music that works just so well while working on other things - and you can hear the influence (aka: stolen work) that artists to this day continue to emulate. A titan at anytime; a pioneer in his own.
4
Jun 29 2024
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
ZZ Top will always remind me of my father and that's a happy thing to be reminded of - it's just good, solid dirty blues rock n' roll. They have a sound and it is threaded through all their songs/music but it's incredibly groovy and chunky. They're like a turkey and cheese sandwich - not the most elaborate or exciting but it is good and hits the spot.
4
Jul 01 2024
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Junkyard
The Birthday Party
Not as big of a fan of this album compared to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. It's not terrible but it is overly aggressive and repetitive. Get what they're going for but just not feeling it - though some of the songs were decent.
2
Jul 02 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
This sounds more like the Queen I know - the layered sounds, the depth and harmonies, the slow ballads and the driving pop-rock hits. Very enjoyable but stlil not SUPER strong... they have good songs but the albums don't feel super cohesive. For every Killer Queen and Stone Cold Crazy, there is a Tenement Funster and Leroy Brown. Not bad songs just not strong ones either.
3
Jul 03 2024
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Whiny vocals, boring instruments. Not my favorite band and not something I really enjoyed.
1
Jul 04 2024
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69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
Such an ambitious album - lots of fun songs but also incredibly silly ones. I love the range and the different styles - it's not something I could put in regular rotation but its worth a couple of listens to at least.
3
Jul 05 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
I go into all my reviews with an open mind. I'm not listening just for the sake of listening, I really want to expose myself to more music. She makes some good music - some. Not all, but some. Blank Space and Shake it Off are fine. Welcome to New York is not - bad blood was alright. Just not for me but im not her demo. It's fine
2
Jul 06 2024
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Excellent harmonies and such a 1960s Laurel Canyon vibe - but except for some of the bigger songs, they kind of just blend together. Still good but not what I'd call great, though obviously groundbreaking. Also a shame that John Phillips is such a sick bastard.
3
Jul 07 2024
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Never been a big Beastie Boys fan. I never knew anyone who was until my partner mentioned knowing one of our friend's brothers being super into them, and that surprised me. Getting this album and listening to it (while eating Deadpool branded snack food from Jack in the Box, which felt fitting if I'm honest), didn't sway me. It felt very one-note - it's a fun note, sure! But there wasn't a ton of depth and the best songs on there were the singles, which obviously get a lot of airplay. They did some interesting things and maybe broke some barriers, but were there barriers? And did those barriers need to be there in the first place? Either way, it's clear why they're revered but the number of people who count them as their favorite band may be isolated to just Jimmy in 2002.
2
Jul 09 2024
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Hotel California
Eagles
I hate the fuckin Eagles man! Honestly, they aren't all that bad - the title track is obviously amazing. Life in the Fast Lane is kinda dull and the rest is fine music. The title track bumps it up another star just for that closing harmonizing of guitars.
3
Jul 13 2024
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Fly Or Die
N.E.R.D
A decent album but not as strong of an outing as their first. There are some decent songs and collabs on there but for the most part it just kind of disappeared into the background. Unfortunately not for me.
2
Jul 14 2024
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
What an incredible album - lyrics were fun, flow was great, production out of this world. couple of songs were misses but overall, a stellar album. I finally get why people love his music.
4
Jul 15 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
First four songs are really great - rest of the album can barely stand up next to those songs. Not much to say - at least it wasn't the one that Apple forced on everyone. The Edge is a pretty boring guitarist and Bono has a persona for sure. Enjoyable though.
3
Jul 16 2024
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Not only does this album have so many amazing tracks, it’s just also beautifully produced and cut together. Amazing two intro tracks, fun middle, and of course THE closer. Fantastic album by a fantastic band. Unreal album that sits among the titans of debuts.
5
Jul 17 2024
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White Light
Gene Clark
Like a better vocally Dylan but with less gripping lyrics. A good album but best 1001 of all time? I dunno about that. Still… very enjoyable!
3
Jul 18 2024
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Like if British punk had a baby with New Wave - Extremely repetitive and not very interesting.
2
Jul 19 2024
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Astral Weeks
Van Morrison
Nothing really standout and a lot of his songs just droned and droned on. He is not my favorite performer and this album just left me wanting much, much more.
2
Jul 25 2024
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
No real problems but nothing really stands out either. The Band really is the definition of middle of the road when it comes to music to me. Immensely talented but their songs feel as generic as their band name. the Weight is a pretty solid song tho
3
Jul 26 2024
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Willie is always enjoyable. Just makes me feel like im sitting in a dive bar somewhere, forgetting about the world between beers and an old man is sitting there belting out their own sorrows. Comfort
4
Jul 27 2024
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
This is a great band that just kinda missed the mark here. A lot of the songs felt very jarring and while the harmonies were nice, there was something a little off about them. And so whiny at times. Not a strong outing by an otherwise pretty great group.
2
Jul 28 2024
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
A decent bunch of songs but nowhere near as strong as some of their other work. Also, why did so many bands/groups have to put an eating/conversation filler track on their records? Completely unnecessary!
3
Jul 29 2024
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Very
Pet Shop Boys
What an interesting album and sound on this album. It's not what I really would've expected from Pet Shop Boys but it was 1993 so maybe that's on brand. The last "hidden" track reminded me so much of a Scatman John song progression - I think it was the vocals but still. Very enjoyable overall
4
Jul 30 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
Some good songs, some really unnecessary fluff. This album felt a little long , even though i like the white album. Idk - many of the deep cuts were just on. But the music and vocals were good and Elenor Rigby is hard to beat.
4
Aug 01 2024
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
Interesting folk album. His vocals are incredibly chill, almost to a fault. It was easy to get lulled into a trance of sorts - very dreamlike. the lyrics were strong and the melodies were very nice. 7/10 only because it was too mellow at some points. i will absolutely check out some of his other work .
3
Aug 02 2024
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Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg
Incredibly boring album. Not a single song grabbed my attention for long
1
Aug 09 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
Mason's voice is incredible and they have a perfect balance of 90s alternative and that ethereal vibe. Great lyrics and incredible riffs. My only regret is I didn't know of them sooner - they would be huge if released now
4
Aug 10 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
Some really good songs and riffs, and Cornell's vocals are some of my favorites. The only issue I have is a lot of the songs sounded very same-y - but they were still good and the singles were standouts. Not a group I'd listen to on the reg but still killer when the time/mood is right.
4
Aug 11 2024
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Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Drivin, thumpin, head-banging good electronic music. Makes you want to dance, drive fast, and groove to the beat as it shakes your entire existence. It's no surprise that there is a sub-genre of electronic music called trance because that's exactly what it does - just an easy, enjoyable way to lose yourself in the music.
4
Aug 12 2024
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Moon Safari
Air
interesting beats and trance like grooves that just made the world melt around the listener. Crazy good album and can see why they're so influential.
4
Aug 13 2024
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
The famous Hurt album. I think the cover is extremely overrated but it's still decent. Some of the others, not so much. Danny Boy and I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry work for his voice/range. Desperado and Bridge Over Troubled Water, not so much. But at least he kept putting himself out there and trying things.
3
Aug 14 2024
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Tommy
The Who
A valiant effort at an early concept album - while The Who have never been a go-to band and I find their music just OK, there is a heart to this, a bravery to try something different from their previous works. You have to give it to them, even if it doesn't stand up to the test of time.
3
Aug 15 2024
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
Everything about The Sex Pistols that is terrible without the (very) few redeeming qualities. Absolutely dreadful.
1
Aug 16 2024
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
"Opening and closing tracks are objectively great but man, the Stones (much like Queen) just don't do it for me beyond their singles. For such a deep discography, i have yet to find an album that really makes me ""get"" them. "
2
Aug 17 2024
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Pretty decent live album. Hard to go wrong with live blues - long live the King! (Rip)
4
Aug 18 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
I love Duran Duran - I really do. But so much of their deeper cuts sounds so similar. Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf, great singles. New religion and Hold Back the Rain very enjoyable but the rest kind of blend into a mishmash of similarity - the good news is that the similarity is GOOD. But it does suffer from a homogenized sound that does little to hold up the other tracks.
4
Aug 19 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
So many great songs and one of my favorite Beatles songs in Nowhere Man. This album might be my #2 after the White Album but its pretty close to a three way tie for first between this, white alb, and Sgt Pepper's. What a killer period of music making.
4
Aug 23 2024
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
Amazed he’s still putting out work. Very good blues album but also just… your standard blues album. Don’t get me wrong - he’s killer. But the redundant melodies in 12-bar blues does leave you lacking at points.
4
Aug 29 2024
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
A lot of weird sounds (not a good album to drive with) and nothing extremely standout. Not a huge favorite but interesting enough to not hate it.
2
Aug 30 2024
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
Wow what an incredible album. My favorite kind of hip-hop. Charged, political, great beats. Shame they only made the one album it seems. Will explore more.
4
Aug 31 2024
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Purple Rain
Prince
An incredible album from start to finish - the opening track has a special place in my heart, but Doves Cry and Purple Rain are also incredibly important to me. I can't rate this album objectively - I can only say that it is beautiful genius.
5
Sep 05 2024
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Buffalo Springfield Again
Buffalo Springfield
Just an ok album. Some decent songs on there but nothing that i would classify as MUST LISTEN TO. it sounds like a late 60s rock album and that’s okay but i wouldnt call it groundbreaking
3
Sep 08 2024
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
First album - kinda meh. Didn't really have the established sound that I'm familiar with. I Build This Garden for Us had some nice harmonies and was probably my fav song of the bunch. His later work , especially 5, is so much stronger
3
Sep 09 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Groovy without a doubt though EWF is another one of those groups where I love the singles but the deep cuts dont really do it for me. Still, can't deny the absolute greatness of their danceability.
3
Sep 14 2024
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Better than the other one that I rated from this but still - Garfunkel's vocal style is so whiny that it's hard to enjoy in long stretches. It's too soft for my tastes though the title track is extremely great. El Condor Pasa is great and Cecilia is a sweet little track but the rest is just forgettable/too soft for me.
2
Sep 15 2024
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Surprisingly good. Enjoyed this album more than i expected. His single style is a little goofy but it grew on me and they riffs were catchy. I can see why he had a following - kind of like a more melodic Dylan ?
4
Sep 16 2024
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Enjoyable - very short for a live set but high energy. Always enjoyed his music.
3
Sep 22 2024
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Close To The Edge
Yes
Two long songs - more suites than just single tracks. It is what is to be expected from Yes, though not as strong as their other albums. Enjoyable.
3
Oct 15 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Classic album, classic singer. Great live album and extremely enjoyable
4
Oct 18 2024
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Leftism
Leftfield
I really dig trance/edm and this album was incredibly enjoyable. some of the tracks I couldn't help but here the Buck Bumble thing but so many were just head bobbin body swayin good times.
4
Oct 19 2024
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Another band I find the singles better than the albums as a whole. Great grooves and rhythms but I find Kiedis' vocals annoying. Still a very good album, just not what I'd call great.
3
Oct 21 2024
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The Doors
The Doors
It was fine. Morrison has kinda dull vocals but the band is excellent. Probably a better live group than album. Some classic hits but deep cuts were just there as murky palate cleansers.
3
Nov 09 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Jazz that I really love. That organ sound is just soul cleansing. Very enjoyable! Cant wait to check out his xmas album
4
Nov 12 2024
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
An incredible album from top to bottom. Might be my favorite Pink Floyd album - the soundscapes they managed to put together put me in a peaceful place. Melancholy and beautiful.
5
Nov 30 2024
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Not a huge Deep Purple guy. The playing is tight but something about them rub me the wrong way. Vocalist definitely seems to have inspired David Lee Roth - very similar style!
3