Jan 16 2024
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
first one?
4
Jan 17 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
Like the prog rock
3
Jan 18 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Background music. Interesting story (cautionary tales podcast)
2
Jan 19 2024
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Is This It
The Strokes
3
Jan 22 2024
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Back In Black
AC/DC
Simple rock done well. Lots of recognizable hits. I probably would have rated it 3 or 4 stars when I was 18-20 but today I can’t actually picture myself putting this on when so much more interesting music exists. I guess a good album to have to put on when entertaining a bland boomer/ conservative crowd.
2
Jan 23 2024
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
3
Jan 24 2024
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
I appreciate it more than I like listening to it. The genre pivot / reinvention. Definite vibes of the late 90s/ matrix era. Sounds/ songs that have been buried deep within my brain that I recognize but would never pick out.
2
Jan 25 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
I had missed this one originally and finally got around to listening to it. I wish I hadn’t.
1
Jan 26 2024
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
I like chuck d’s flow & delivery. While I respect the groundbreaking status of the album and what the political lyrics might mean to some, I can’t say I actually enjoyed listening to it. Probably would be a 2 ⭐️ if it weren’t for that talentless hack flava flav interjecting his annoying “yeah boiii”s enough that it made me want to turn it off.
1
Jan 29 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
3
Feb 16 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
proto - daft punk-y
3
Feb 19 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
More of a novelty / snapshot in time / historical piece than something I'd want to actively re-listen to (besides Folsom Prison Blues). Might be OK to put on for old-timey, western, "Better Call Saul" vibes.
2
Feb 20 2024
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
a boring version of oasis. too long. Like caleb said, a sound of the late 90s that stayed there for a reason. at least it has "bittersweet symphony"? "come on" actually had some energy, they should have brought that to the rest of the album
1
Feb 21 2024
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NEU! 75
Neu!
I guess there’s little I “hate” bc I didn’t mind listening to the experimental sound but I’d be kidding myself if I would actually ever put this on in any scenario. Part ambient elevator music and part experimental rock
1
Feb 22 2024
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
Never heard of it before (Steve Winwood's band) and not sure if I'll remember it but i liked the prog-rock/ jazz/ blues sound
3
Feb 23 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
recently rediscovered the album on a reddit post of albums with no skips and i agree with the assessment. Catchy hooks and guitar riffs combined with new wave synths.
5
Feb 26 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Has that classic metal sound. Good instrumentals. I like songs from other metal bands better (Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath) but I can respek
2
Feb 27 2024
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Fine but not essential. Probably didn’t need to be on this list.
2
Feb 28 2024
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Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes
TV On The Radio
Sounded good, don’t know if I’d seek it out?
2
Feb 29 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
good "poet", cool voice, nice listen. Not a lot of focus on hooks or melodies. voice can get annoying after awhile. "raised on robbery" is fun
2
Mar 01 2024
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Never heard of this guy before but I liked it. As some said, vaguely OC / death cab sounding. The wiki said he was in inspo for boygenius members and I hear that
3
Mar 04 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
we don't need no thought control
4
Mar 05 2024
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
old lady music (carly probably loves it)
1
Mar 06 2024
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Gentlemen
The Afghan Whigs
Grungey, boring, kind of dissonant. guy's delivery sounded a bit like nine inch nails?
1
Mar 07 2024
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
Going in, one of my favorites. Love the beats and the energy and ridiculousness of his lyrics, Although the main ding on this album is it’s probably a tough listen around non-Eminem fans so you can’t just throw it on in any situation. I Should also probably leave room to grow for MMLP
4
Mar 08 2024
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The Score
Fugees
Top tier hip hop boosted by recognizable singles. Love the cool sound and the blend of styles. Everyone vibed in the car on the way to ski at palisades. Shae wanted me to put in the record that he would also rate this highly although he will not be filling out a ballot. I wonder if I wouldn’t rate this a 5 if I had grown up listening to the whole album more.
4
Mar 11 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Good hip hop vibin music
3
Mar 12 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Perfect for carly's birthday. Thank god this is the last dusty trombone album we will have to listen to. At least this one had "son of a preacher man". i think i don't really like this older blue-eyed soul bc it comes off as corny when white people do it. I do kind of see the influence of this kind of stuff on someone like Adele or Amy Winehouse (per the wikipedia page)
2
Mar 13 2024
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
Boring uninspired generic hair metal/ glam rock: a genre I realized I hated by always being repulsed by the Sirius xm channel.
1
Mar 14 2024
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
3
Mar 15 2024
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Immediate take is that it sounded like the Rolling Stones. Was validated when I read the Wikipedia summary. Mick Jagger said it's a better version of Sticky fingers and I hear it. For a band and songs I've never heard of I really liked it. The album-based recommended radio that came on after was also a good listen; I like whatever this genre is.
4
Mar 18 2024
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I respect prince's talent and output more than actually enjoy the songs themselves. Maybe would change with some more familiarity though.
3
Mar 19 2024
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
cool foreign sounds to mix things up from western music, but probably mostly a novelty for me
2
Mar 20 2024
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Liked it but wouldn’t be able to differentiate it from any other decent reggae album. Probably would change if i was more familiar with reggae than just putting it on for vibes.
2
Mar 21 2024
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
Good jammy music, a bit weird. i like the bluesy "willie the pimp"
3
Mar 22 2024
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
Beatles-y
3
Mar 25 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Not a great singer but great songwriter
3
Mar 26 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Good production. higher ground is a great song.
4
Mar 27 2024
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
Discordant noise
1
Mar 28 2024
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
Not bad, a bit Whiny Radiohead -esque. Interesting to hear the rest of a style of “hallelujah”
2
Mar 29 2024
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Bad Company
Bad Company
Prototypical classic / dad rock. Def didn’t hate it but wouldn’t seek it out.
2
Apr 01 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Nostalgically quaint
3
Apr 02 2024
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
I like the chill trip hop beats and sounds especially for background music. cool to see the lineage to the Madonna album we listened to (ray of light), the matrix, gorillas, and Born to Die by Lana del Rey, etc.
3
Apr 03 2024
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
The sound of the late 90s, and quintessential Max Martin.
While the hits still get played (overplayed by the nostalgia junkies IMO) the middle and back songs aren’t very good at all. To have not heard the album for 20+ years but still recognizing these trash songs shows how much we must have listened to this CD in formative years .
Provides good album ratings debate on how to factor in:
-familiarity/fondness/cultural impact
-album consistency (highs vs lows)
-music quality in a vacuum
3
Apr 04 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
While I find Coldplay pretty “meh” I don’t see how they can invoke such strong feelings either positive or negative. After listening to this album i couldn’t help but wonder if this music was some unknown artist (like Elliot smith) if we wouldn’t be more generous to our takes and say something like “oh that was pleasant”. However, the album radio afterwords put on similar songs that were actually enjoyable which kind of proves the “Coldplay is boring” take. I am now curious what specifically it is sonically about their music that makes it so mid at best
2
Apr 05 2024
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Headquarters
The Monkees
Long but pleasant? Probably need to listen to it again since I wasn’t paying that much attention
3
Apr 08 2024
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Play
Moby
You don’t know me. You’re too old. Let go, It’s over. Nobody listens to techno.
But actually pretty good tbh
3
Apr 09 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Pleasant listen. His instrumentals are more country sounding than I realized even though his voice is distinctly Neil young and not country
3
Apr 10 2024
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Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
Chill. I recognized the one song, probably from the kraftwerk album radio, considering they came up a lot after this album was over. Hard to rate bc I doubt I’d seek it out specifically as “background music” but it did sound good for what it was.
2
Apr 11 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
I enjoyed it, but like many of these older albums it’s more of appreciating a historical piece than something I would actually regularly play. However, I like the funk/ blues/ soul sound of the music as evidence by the other songs that came on the album radio
3
Apr 12 2024
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Teenager Of The Year
Frank Black
Exposing a blind spot of pre-00s Alt/indie/punk rock that didn't break through to the pop charts. I have never heard of this guy before until looking into him. Made me realize how little i know of the Pixies and similar bands. While i don't know the specific songs, the actual music didn't sound all that foreign or off-putting as it's adjacent to other music that I enjoy (e.g. Nirvana). So with a little more familiarity i bet I'd appreciate it more, but as is it didn't move the needle much.
2
Apr 15 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
Really liked this. Chill, Dark, moody, cinematic, downtempo with cool hip hop beats. Singer has a unique voice. Some of the songs almost had a feel of a "less-soul, more-electronic Fugees". I had previously saved Sour Times and recognized Glory Box and now saved that too.
4
Apr 16 2024
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Didn’t grow up listening to Bruce so I don’t have the nostalgia connection others have to give it auto 5 ⭐️, so here is a sober take:
Dad rock (whether or not you use that term as a pejorative, it fits the bill). Def hear the Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" inspiration. the instrumentation is fantastic, vocals not so great but that’s part of the charm. One of the reviews said he sounds like Meatloaf and i can't unhear it. The worst part for me is the mumbling, histrionic lyrics (although I can see how they would be fun if you grew up with them and know them all). I really want to like it more but it’s hard to sing along when you can’t make out the lyrics.
3
Apr 17 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
It was fine 90s alternative music but not sure how this could be considered one of 1001 albums to hear before you die. Especially jarring a day after having Born to Run to have analbum that seemingly has little impact on general culture, rather a niche has-been band. Pretty forgettable and the album was long.
2
Apr 18 2024
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
3/3 of the trip hop artists named in the Wikipedia summary for the genre is too many over the course of two to three weeks
2
Apr 19 2024
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
American girl and Breakdown are classics but a lot of the rest is forgettable
3
Apr 22 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Chooglin Blues / country/ folk rock. Not actually born on the bayou. Part of an insane 3 albums in a year run of great music
4
Apr 23 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
not garbage. we have been getting a lot of 90s alternative lately but this one sounded more listenable and distinct than some of the others. Also I went the whole day thinking the lead singer was Courtney Love
3
Apr 24 2024
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Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Fun Big beat / electronica to have on while doing stuff. Reminded me of fatboy slim, I could see a connection to homework by daft punk as well.
3
Apr 25 2024
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
Fun British honky Tonky bluesey country rock bookended by two great songs (gimme shelter and you can’t always get what you want)
4
Apr 26 2024
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Faust IV
Faust
Initial reaction of frustration for yet another Krautrock band we would have never heard of and will never hear again made me want to give 1 ⭐️. However, I decided to give it a fair shake and must admit that some of the instrumentals are good. I guess chalk it up to ignorant American lenses, but I don’t think this qualifies as one of 1001 albums to hear before you die, at least in a list targeted at Americans.
2
Apr 29 2024
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Unfortunately I think reggae has a low ceiling for me as I can’t really tell the difference between great reggae and mid reggae as it’s more just for the vibes, mon.
3
Apr 30 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Paul Simony
3
May 01 2024
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
what in the fuck did i just listen to. absolute trash. Avant-garde art experiment masquerading as "music"
1
May 02 2024
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Enjoyable blues rock with a hint of psychedelia and other eclectic sounds, particularly Jeff Beck's guitar work. Interesting to learn more about an influential band that spawned Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton (even if they aren't on this album). Spotted the Pussycat Dolls sample on "He's Always There". Probably didn't need the demos and B sides at the end.
3
May 03 2024
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
Somehow never heard of this, but it was good. Smooth beats and delivery.
3
May 06 2024
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Queen II
Queen
Discovering albums like this are what this project is all about. Somehow never heard any of these songs but liked it. Definitely a more classic hard rock sound than some of their later more famous stuff. You can still see the theatricality, particularly in the march of the black queen.
3
May 07 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Like the last Marley album, I don’t feel qualified to tell if this is good reggae or not which limits its ceiling. That being said I enjoyed the music and knew the one song so that’s something
3
May 08 2024
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Felt like the music you would hear in Animal Kingdom. Interesting and decent, but like most world music I’m not going to actually listen to this outside of the novelty. Recognized the precursors to “the lion sleeps tonight” in Mbube
2
May 09 2024
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Dust
Screaming Trees
Unremarkable and forgettable
2
May 10 2024
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Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Superbad soundtrack if they just smoked weed and sat on the couch.
3
May 13 2024
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Sounded interesting, but fairly disappointing and boring. I wanted to like it more.
2
May 14 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
I’m finding Bowie is an artist I like more in theory than in practice. Might just need more reps.
Also, Jean Genie was ripped off for Gold on the Ceiling by the Black Keys.
3
May 15 2024
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
Noise/ Garage rock is not a genre I enjoy, especially when done as boring and forgettable as this.
1
May 16 2024
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
Loved the indie western mariachi etc blend. A unique find that I'll be listening to again.
4
May 17 2024
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Sounded vaguely Irish folky? Fine but not super memorable.
2
May 20 2024
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My Generation
The Who
a 2 for enjoyment and a 3 for appreciation
3
May 21 2024
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Moondance
Van Morrison
Mellow and vibey
4
May 22 2024
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Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson
Upon first listen (in a semi-distracted, background music state), I found it boring and couldn't even make it through the double album. But reading the Wikipedia page and reviews and listening a second time, i enjoyed it a lot more. A good case for knowing the background behind an artist or album improving one's enjoyment of it.
3
May 23 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
Good candidate for a 3.5 since i don't quite "love" it but feels like it should stand a bit above the glut of 3s. Enjoyable easy-listening country-rock blend that is recognizable, but I understand the critique that it can be a bit boring. Ironic timing to get a descendant of the "California sound" originated by the Beach Boys the day after a Dennis Wilson album
3
May 24 2024
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California
American Music Club
pretty unremarkable, can't see why it's on this list. third california-centric rock album we have gotten in a row. this isn't even factoring in the pain it was to find these songs using youtube since it wasn't on spotify.
2
May 27 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Rage Against the Nigerian Machine's version of "fuck you I won't do what you tell me". Great listen, very funky blend of jazzy afrobeat sounds that I never would have been exposed to without this generator.
on top of that, background story to this on the wikipedia page is a trip (Being attacked by soldiers in retribution, them murdering his mother by throwing her out a window , him taking 27 wives and rotating them, etc)
4
May 28 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
It’s tempting to be contrarian with the highest-selling album of all time, but there’s a reason 34 million people bought it. Despite years of overplay, Thriller is just plain fun to listen to, with diverse sounds ranging from pop, R&B, funk, rock, and disco. Quincy Jones brought the heat on the production to accompany Michael at the height of his powers. It has the most top 10s from an album of all time (I don’t care about the Mickey Mouse Spotify-era records of Taylor Swift, Drake, and 21 Savage).
I debated dropping it to a 4 due to some down-ballot clunkers (“The Girl is Mine” = cringe). However, an album this catchy, with this much cultural impact, and this many hits has gotta qualify as a 5, or else I’m setting myself an unreasonable standard.
5
May 29 2024
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Similar to my Coldplay take: I can't see why people hate the Smiths so much. Definitely an enjoyable enough listen but i don't think i fully appreciate their music the way some of their avid fans do. I could see a world where I am exposed to them more and/or do a deep dive and get a feel for why people are drawn to them, but i don't have the time or interest.
Jangle Pop / new wave, proto- indie/britpop
2
May 30 2024
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
As the book so eloquently described: "a truly challenging listening experience." If this is considered their most accessible album, i don't want to hear the rest of their shit
1
May 31 2024
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Closer
Joy Division
Mopey, boring, post-punk / gothic rock is not my genre, but I am grateful to this 1001 albums project for making me actually listen to this "less mainstream, but still culturally referenced" musical lineage. Rather than just zoning out, I got some insights about what the fans are hearing by CTRL+F 'ing the song name and reading through those excerpts from the reviews for each particular song
2
Jun 03 2024
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
I'm not an active jazz fan as much as I like using it as background music for a vibe. However, with two recognizable songs "Blue Rondo a la Turk" and "Take Five", interesting time signatures, and an accessible cool jazz sound, this album stands out among the nameless shuffled playlists. I was shocked to see it was from the 50s, I guess jazz doesn't show its age as much as pop/rock.
Also enjoyed the fun fact of the melody of "Kathy's Waltz" inspiring the Beatles' "All My Loving"
3
Jun 04 2024
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Atmospheric, eerie, cinematic, almost lo-fi production. His flow is nice. I like it as background music, but that's a backhanded compliment in this context.
Despite everyone gushing about his lyrics, I can't help but find them boring and repetitive. Similar feeling to what I had for Illmatic. I just can't possibly relate to anything he is rapping about. This sounds naive, but plenty of other more pop-savvy rappers can make similar topics more catchy or fun enough for me to enjoy. I've never really gravitated to these East Coast technical "street cred" rappers like the Wu-tang Clan or Nas, but rather ones that make hip-hop accessible, like Jay-Z or Biggie. I wish I did, and maybe this project will eventually lead me to a greater appreciation, but sadly not as of now.
Also, rap skits always suck.
2
Jun 05 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
I’m between a 3 and 4: there’s one all-time song but the rest is still Elton John even if it isn’t all a sing a long. Also hilarious how bad the Indian song has aged
4
Jun 06 2024
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Didn’t need to hear that
2
Jun 07 2024
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
2.5ish but I’ll round up. Can hear the Bowie fingerprints
3
Jun 10 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Never actually listened to this album outside the singles and it’s great. I love the blues rock and the way she sings it.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Solid all the way through, a couple classics including Cecilia which had been a party sing-a-long staple for us
4
Jun 12 2024
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Maybe it's the glam rock or the punk-ish sound, maybe it's his voice or nonsensical "eccentric" lyrics, but I'm beginning to think that Bowie just isn't for me. I realize many people speak highly of him and this album in particular, but i just don't get the reverence. Album is still good (especially the music and arrangements), particularly Starman.
3
Jun 13 2024
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
A fun listen, only song I knew was smoke in the water but I actually liked the other songs more, as well as the extended jamming. A good example of how rating these albums can kind of be apples and oranges, and you would rate a live album in a different criteria than you’d rate a studio album you’ve heard many times.
3
Jun 14 2024
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Solid Air
John Martyn
Really liked it. Folk, blues, psychedelic rock, jazz combined in a really appealing way.
4
Jun 17 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Willie's Outlaw country style and Booker T's folksy arrangements are probably the only way I could enjoy listening to an album of pop standards
3
Jun 18 2024
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Illmatic
Nas
Knowing it's high regard, I have listened to this album various times even prior to this 1001 albums prompting, trying to "get it". I read the entire Wikipedia article. I re-listened multiple times and even had the Genius lyrics up to explain.
While I appreciate his lyricism, articulate delivery, "90s NY Hip Hop" vibes of the production, it would be disingenuous to act like I relate to any of his topics. If not for the accolades, feels indistinguishable from plenty of other stories in rap. The obvious one that comes to mind is Kendrick's Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. However, I find the latter to be easier to bop along to, wheras Illmatic feels more like cerebral slam poetry to me. I enjoyed it enough, but there isn't anything memorable to bring me back for the fun of it.
As a fan of hip hop, I'm disappointed that I can't bring myself to love the album, even though I can respect it and understand why it is so highly regarded. But what it probably just means is that I prefer rap that is more catchy to rap that is more poetic.
3
Jun 19 2024
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Maverick A Strike
Finley Quaye
A Scot impersonating a Jamaican accent to do reggae is the equivalent of a trust fund Pennsylvanian putting on a southern drawl to do country.
2
Jun 20 2024
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
sounded listenable enough but i don't think i get the smiths
2
Jun 21 2024
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O.G. Original Gangster
Ice T
Never actually listened to Ice T before. Interesting to hear this west coast style after recent archetypal examples of east coast rap (GZA, Nas, Public Enemy). My gut reaction is that I think I enjoy West Coast hip hop more than east, as it has more of a catchy fun vibe. the lyrics are simpler and more repeatable which makes them easier to participate in.
That being said this album didn't do much for me and I doubt I'll seek it out to play again. It was certainly fine (he had some funny lines and moments) but nothing stood out as needing to hold onto and revere. Def liked the sound and vibe and his delivery.
Also: Cube > T >>>>>>>>Vanilla
2
Jun 24 2024
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
Metal for rap lovers. High energy, fun to listen to, gets you pumped. You don't even need to listen to the lyrics to feel the message. Zack raps kind of like Chuck-D. Also, the album art is metal AF.
4
Jun 25 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
The pop hooks and melodies made this new wave /punk adjacent sound much more palatable to me. I enjoyed. Only knew brass in pocket from Rock Band
3
Jun 26 2024
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Odessa
Bee Gees
Interesting to hear their pre disco sound. Almost sounded like the Beatles and The Band on some songs. That being said it was pretty boring beyond the novelty of getting to hear another side of the famous band.
2
Jun 27 2024
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Close To The Edge
Yes
new to me. Almost baroque or symphonic? I Didn't love it at first but wasn't paying attention. It grew on me after listening like 3 times.
3
Jun 28 2024
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Shadowland
k.d. lang
hotel lobby jazzy bluesy lounge country. Really good voice. Not sure how country fans were surprised she was gay when that's the first thing I thought of when I saw the album cover.
feels like the first country/western album we are getting
3
Jul 01 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
Don’t usually like metal but this one is decently mainstream and accessible. Helps that it has a couple recognizable hits.
3
Jul 02 2024
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
I would benefit from a deeper dive or song explainer documentary to better appreciate the lyrics and meaning. As it was, I passively listened to the album (both in real-time in Norway and a month later playing catchup) and came away thinking it was a decent enough baroque pop Beatles knockoff. I can't help but feel I'm missing something that fans are seeing, so I'll be generous and give it a 3.
3
Jul 03 2024
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
I always wondered how an artist so popular in her time and with so much cultural influence doesn’t seem to have any staying power today in 2024. After listening, it’s immediately obvious it’s the new jack swing that poisons this to be “of a time”. That said the songs are decent, particularly the rock oriented ones. I can see me liking this album a lot more if I was 20-40 when it came out
2
Jul 04 2024
View Album
Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Enjoyed it, especially on a car ride through the Norwegian alpine countryside.
3
Jul 05 2024
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Smash
The Offspring
Fun pop punk to enjoy while traversing the Norwegian Fjords
3
Jul 08 2024
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Very boring and monotonous. Not a great soundtrack for driving through the mess of Catania streets
2
Jul 09 2024
View Album
I Should Coco
Supergrass
Not bad 90s britpop, knew one song. Listened to on way to mt. Etna.
3
Jul 10 2024
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
Was surprised at how listenable this was and not just “old- time classic” you have to take like medicine. Good for the ride from Taormina to Palermo.
4
Jul 11 2024
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
unmemorable. can't even remember where in sicily we listened to it
2
Jul 12 2024
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Recognized from girl talk. Sounds like Lenny kravitz in little trigger. Didn’t love it at first probably bc I never have listened to Elvis Costello (that punk rock blind spot). But some of it grew on me. Likes the accordio-ish sound, which seems unique.
Listened to on drive from Trapani to Agrigento in Sicily
3
Jul 15 2024
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Tommy
The Who
A long album, but cohesive and good for a road trip. We listened while driving from Agrigento to Syracuse in Sicily. I've never actually listened to the album outside of Pinball Wizard, so this is why I appreciate the 1001 challenge. I don't have the memberberries associated with this like Carly does and don't see myself craving to put it on in the future, but I enjoyed it and would listen again. Would need to be in a situation with a lot of time. I could see this rating growing to a 4 with more familiarity, as it is a true album with a distinct sound and story.
3
Jul 16 2024
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
I enjoy blues rock whenever it comes up, and I don't think I ever gave the Stones enough listen outside of the hits. I like their loose-sounding playing while in reality having impeccable instrumentation and arrangement. Great opener in "Sympathy for the Devil".
The lyrics to Stray Cat Blues certainly don't age well
4
Jul 17 2024
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
As active listening: nothing really stood out and it was way too long.
As background / multi-tasking music: I liked the psychedelic space live jam sound. The length doesn't hurt it as much when you aren't paying close attention and are just looking for some decent vibes to throw on the Sonos.
3
Jul 18 2024
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Snivilisation
Orbital
I’m probably being inconsistent in my ratings but I don’t know how to handle these albums that I enjoy for background listening but would not seek out to actively listen.
2
Jul 19 2024
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
I remember when Missy played the Super Bowl and all the white suburban online millennials pretended to be longtime huge fans. When in reality they were just nostalgic for her hits like "Work It" which reminded them of middle school dances. I doubt many regularly (if ever) put on "Under Construction" as an album.
The album definitely feels of its early 00's time, not the least because of the distinctly Timbaland production. Her flow is good and understandable why she is held in such high regard for her rapping. It was a fun and interesting listen for the time-capsule element, but I don't think it has the timeless sound that keeps me coming back regularly in 2024. My gripe is mostly with people who pretend otherwise for the clout.
3
Jul 22 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Yes, Chef. Great grooves, psychedelic guitar, and a soulful voice that sounds more modern than 1969. Also, recognized "Walk on By" as sampled in Ludacris's "Southern Fried Intro"
4
Jul 23 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Despite never listening, I have heard good things about De La Soul. They were only recently put on Spotify due to sample-clearing issues, which may explain the blind spot for me and modern listeners. I like alternative hip hop and this album could be considered the genesis of that subgenre. It's a fun listen, and they were clearly having fun messing around making this. You can hear its influence on many modern projects. I really dug the "sampledelia" instrumentals, extra impressive since this was before easy sampling tech.
I found some of the dialogue and in-jokes kind of corny and annoying, and this album holds the dubious distinction for inventing the dreaded "rap skit." The lyrics sometimes almost gave me the juvenile vibe of a "t3h PeNgU1N oF d00m" (soooo randommm). I'll blame my lack of lyrical connection on unfamiliarity, which will improve on subsequent listens now that it's on Spotify. The music is just too good and the album too influential on a genre I like to rate it a 3.
*Saw a couple reviews that said this was "hip hop's Sgt. Pepper" and the timing is ironic because we got Sgt. Pepper the following day.*
4
Jul 25 2024
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
Hated it on first listen but forgot to log. Upon re-listen, yup I still hate it. Not going to subject myself to listening to this entire album again
1
Jul 26 2024
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Never listened before, I like the funk-infused acid jazz sound. I like the use of bass (especially in Whatever it Is) and didgeridoo.
It dawned on me part of the appeal was that this sounded like a white Stevie Wonder knockoff. The lyrics can be a bit overly earnest.
3
Jul 29 2024
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
I've procrastinated reviewing this classic album for two months, trying to find a reason not to give it a 5. I failed to do so. It's interesting how much I enjoy Led Zeppelin when I tend to dislike the metal and glam rock they spawned. I'll attribute that to their phenomenally catchy blues-rock riffs. Whole Lotta Love is one of the best songs of all time.
5
Jul 30 2024
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
I don’t like metal but this wasn’t too bad. I’d be kidding myself if I were to ever want to put it on to enjoy.
2
Jul 31 2024
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Sounded Beatles-y
3
Aug 01 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Nothing stood out in particular, but smoove soul vibing music.
3
Aug 02 2024
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Kala
M.I.A.
Paper Planes, XR2, Boyz, and some of her older songs off Arular give the je ne sais quoi of late 2000s high school (Dansex) & early college (pimp plaza). However, I imagine if I weren't in this prime demographic when it was released, I'd find this album very abrasive.
3
Aug 05 2024
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The hits from this album have been in the ether to such an extent that it's easy to take for granted its place in the elder-mid millennial pop culture canon. Front-loaded with big hits, it drags in the second half. For better or worse, RHCP certainly have a distinct sound and vibe.
4
Aug 06 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
For most artists, the album project has allowed me a deeper appreciation that I might have missed before. Unfortunately for Coldplay and their legion of fans that exist for some reason, I am becoming radicalized in the "Coldplay sucks" camp whereas I was indifferent before. Like the diehard fans, their music also brings me back to my childhood. However, it evokes memories of hearing this bland adult contemporary shit on the radio. I thought listening with fresh ears and an open perspective would allow me to understand what so many others love about them. I guess it's just a "you had to be in the fan club" kind of appeal, because in the words of Siobhan from Banshees, "You're all feckin' boring!"
2
Aug 07 2024
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
After 20 years of giving Metal a shot, I think it's just not gonna click for me. Sorry, Ethan. I like the vibes, but hate the sounds.
Metallica abandoned their thrash metal sound for a more commercially accessible one their self-titled album in 1991, one that I enjoy as far as hard rock goes. Pantera viewed this as a disappointment and an opportunity to fill a gap and produce this record. I understand that there is a distinct subculture to which this is a good thing, but not to my ears.
1
Aug 08 2024
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
Good music to vibe to. Filled the same use case as fela kuti for me. Nothing specific stood out but I listened in the background multiple times.
3
Aug 09 2024
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Didn’t realize they did relax. Had some other covers. Very 80s sounding with the new wave and all that.
3
Aug 12 2024
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Very approachable and crowd-pleasing with catchy riffs and southern boogie rock sound. I will say that there isn't much depth or complication after awhile but they are a fun listen and what every bar band thinks they sound like
4
Aug 13 2024
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Homework
Daft Punk
Daft Punk Slaps. I've been looking forward to the day we got Homework. I have no idea how Discovery, Random Access Memories, or Alive 2007 (one of my favorite albums of all time) didn't make the cut. It's interesting to see them as the progenitor to the nu-disco trend of the 2010s & 20s. Funny timing to receive this album, as I was searching the internet for any chatter on why they didn't perform at the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremonies last night.
5
Aug 14 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
A musical blind spot for me, but enjoyable. I imagine if I were more familiar I would like it even more. It. sounded more like 80s new wave (e.g. the Cure) vs. the 90s Britpop it was described as (e.g. Oasis)
3
Aug 15 2024
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Sounds like Pepé Le Pew
2
Aug 16 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
I'm wondering why the authors would include this and the live album "Made in Japan" when 3 out of 7 songs overlap. I suppose the latter is more included as a display of one of the highest-regarded live albums of all time, but it still feels weird to listen to such redundancy when so many other albums are omitted. That aside, Deep purple is about as "down the middle" as "classic rock" gets.
3
Aug 19 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
props to this project for showing me how good Queen's non-Greatest Hits catalog is.
4
Aug 20 2024
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
You can't beat the 1-2 punch of Sir Duke and I Wish. Great album, though its length caused it to get diluted from pure bangers to good music to vibe to. If it were a bit tighter in the tracklist it would be a 5.
4
Aug 21 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
decent but boilerplate soul/ Motown songs, but I particularly enjoyed the psychedelic / funky songs like "Runaway Child, Running Wild". You can hear the influence of Sly and the Family Stone on these songs.
3
Aug 22 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
I was surprised to see how highly regarded this album is because I found it fairly dull. Even the songs I recognized from Guitar Hero weren't doing it for me. A great example of grunge, but an indication that I don't like the genre so much as I like Nirvana. Makes sense since at its core, grunge is a fusion of punk rock and heavy metal, both genres I don't particularly enjoy as much.
EDIT: shamefully missed “Cherub Rock” in the music trivia “songs from rock band” category the day I listened to this song twice. Kind of proves my disinterest.
2
Aug 23 2024
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
The guy’s voice and lyrics reminded me of a wannabe David Byrne. Music was fine enough although it was nothing I would seek out
2
Aug 26 2024
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
I liked it a lot more on a subsequent closer listen. Like in the "Village Green", I'm getting a lot of Beatles, but with a tinge of Rolling Stones with the guitar work. The rock opera storytelling of the album reminded me a bit of Tommy by the Who. Really liked Victoria. Makes me wonder about an alternate universe in which I am just as familiar with the Kinks songs as the Beatles, would I feel differently? I'll give it a 4 because I was pleasantly surprised and want to compensate for my lack of exposure to some bands.
4
Aug 27 2024
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
I have always found the Beach Boys campy and corny. Maybe it's their high-pitched vocals that sound and feel their age, but they never seem to stand up to modern music, unlike some of their peers such as the Beatles. I appreciate them rather as a time capsule of influential history that has been passed by. Brian Wilson described this album as "Commercialized choir music," which explains why I have never really vibed with the songs as much. The Wall of Sound is almost too much sound and the lyrics are very childlike and innocent for 20-somethings.
That said, I've spent the past two weeks procrastinating this review so I can read the entire Wikipedia page, watch "Love and Mercy", and both the BBC and Disney + documentaries. I have a newfound appreciation for the Beach Boys, particularly Brian and Pet Sounds. I now understand its complexity, uniqueness, and influence on future music (such as Sgt Pepper).
3/5 for actual enjoyment and 5/5 for appreciation
4
Aug 28 2024
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
Listenable enough production, but pretty unremarkable and unmemorable songs. I thought I’d like this more but it came off as artsy rather than catchy.
2
Aug 29 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Only knew Lovefool going in, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this. Really interesting use of minor chords and interesting arrangements
3
Aug 30 2024
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
I liked it more than I expected at first as an ambient electronica trip hop listen. Started to get a bit boring by the end though. Reminded me a little of the music in Madonna's Ray of Light / the Matrix / video games where you are hacking the mainframe.
3
Sep 02 2024
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
We started our Labor Day Friday with “immigrant song” , which we recently learned was written about the band’s trip to Iceland. It proved a cruel irony though, as we had made the difficult decision to forego our flights that evening to Reykjavik due to logistical issues. So it was either a sign that we should send it, or the 1001 album gods taunting us.
As for the rest of the album, I can’t help but think it doesn’t bring the heat like some of the other Led Zepplin offerings outside of immigrant song. Regardless it’s still a great listen.
4
Sep 03 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
I like jazz as passive listening, so this historical album was cool to hear and learn about. The emcee talking and applause give the feel of what it would be like to be there, but does take away from the background listing qualities.
By far the oldest album we've gotten so far (5th oldest of the whole list. Good timing to hear what inspired Stevie Wonder to write "Sir Duke" as we just had that album two weeks ago. Also funny to put an actual voice to Jordan Peele's "Ghost of Duke Ellington" character in Big Mouth.
3
Sep 04 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I gotta be honest, I found this kind of grating. I know it gets glazed by people who wanna show off their musical street cred to teenagers who just heard of her from Stranger Things. Despite how experimental and interesting some of her sounds were, I can't say I found them all that appealing to listen to.
2
Sep 05 2024
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Thought it was church music at first. Later on felt like they were just button mashing the keyboard. Interesting collection of sounds that I can't say I'd seek out again. It is a good example, however, of my struggle to rate some of these albums. I am pretty tolerant of a "jammy" album even if I don't love the actual music because it provides good background music.
2
Sep 06 2024
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
To me, Sheryl Crow evokes bland, adult-contemporary radio and grocery store music. Upon listening, I found her voice to be borderline unpleasant at times, her delivery Dylan-esque. That said, the instrumentals and songwriting were good and gave a laid-back 90s folk-pop summer vibe. I imagine if another artist (such as the Dixie Chicks) were given these songs they would be more effective.
3
Sep 09 2024
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
Marvin just couldn't stop getting it on. Very cohesive, probably the first album that comes to mind when one thinks of "mood-making music." Kanye West samples; here's one for example: "Distant Lover" → "Spaceship"
4
Sep 10 2024
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
I would be more interested in delving into what I'm missing about Arcade Fire if I hadn't already done that in 2011 when The Suburbs won the Grammy for Album of the Year. I couldn't figure out what the appeal was then and I can't now. I found them bland, similar to listening to Coldplay. It's wild to see how widely regarded their albums are among critics. I guess that's the stereotype of indie rock snobs being pretentious. I'll give Funeral credit for the indie rock sounds and tropes they spawned that have become ubiquitous in the decades since.
2
Sep 11 2024
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
An interesting listen, cool to see the influence in nu-metal bands like korn, limp bizkit, papa roach. Guys voice was annoying. I liked epic and war pigs (credit mostly to Ozzie). Wouldn’t actively seek this out but glad we got it.
2
Sep 12 2024
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
Like a cross between rage against the machine and a tribe called quest and the Styleboyz from Popstar
3
Sep 13 2024
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25
Adele
Great voice. Hello was so over played it’s nice to listen to it fresh and remember what a good song it is. I thought it was going to be a 4 until I listened through it and found some of it formulaic compared to 21 or 19
3
Sep 16 2024
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Blur
Blur
nothing too memorable (Besides song 2) but nothing too off-putting. Getting a 3 due to the rating needle's inertia rather than any deep thought about this album.
3
Sep 17 2024
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Transformer
Lou Reed
was fine, but nothing stood out as worth going back to. Contrary to most people's reviews, I think Bowie's touch is a negative
2
Sep 18 2024
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Deloused in the Comatorium
The Mars Volta
Didn't enjoy it. I'll chalk it up partly to lack of exposure and partly to lack of preference to this genre
2
Sep 19 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Catchy combo of genres. Clint Eastwood is a great song.
Funny timing since we got Blur three albums ago.
4
Sep 20 2024
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Arise
Sepultura
Nope. Couldn't finish it.
1
Sep 23 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
NGL, kind of a vibe. Old-school gangster, "shoot someone who's talkin' to your girl at the saloon" shit. Years of accumulated useless knowledge from Wikipedia rabbit holes also yield the following easter eggs/ fun facts.
Big Iron: famous as a meme from the radio on Fallout: New Vegas
The Strawberry Roan: Namesake for Chappell Roan (her grandfather, Chappell's favorite song)
El Paso: Featured in Breaking Bad finale "Felina," as the story echoes Walter's arc in the final season.
4
Sep 24 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Never heard of this but given its critical reviews and genre description I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised. I can't say I enjoyed it; I found it boring. 70 minutes and none of the songs caught my ear. To me, Janelle Monae's cultural recognition far outweighs her mainstream output, as evidenced by my not recognizing or vibing with any of the songs. One explanation would be an "alternative R&B" blind spot to experimental, non-mainstream acts such as this. Another interpretation would be that I gravitate toward catchier songs vs artsier songs, and she is firmly in the latter group. She takes herself very seriously: like Prince but with less of a talent for producing earworms.
2
Sep 25 2024
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
cacophony
2
Sep 26 2024
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
brought an upbeat energy, would probably be good to run to. Started to feel a little redundant by the end but I enjoyed it for a change of pace
3
Sep 27 2024
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
90s chill electronica to be played at the mall. I liked the beats and music especially at first but I found her vocals off-putting and boring. Close to a 3 but I found my mind wandering by the end which probably slides it down to a 2.
When Carly pointed out that this band did the song "Missing" (recognizable 90s song of this vibe that we keep missing in music trivia), it all made sense.
2
Sep 30 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Very pleasant and musically well done, just not something I actively seek out. Rather a good background/ sleep vibe
3
Oct 01 2024
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Pleasant enough, but the only song I actually knew and enjoy is Mrs. Robinson.
3
Oct 02 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Gravelly spoken word poetry of a dying man. Interesting but not musically enjoyable. Sabrina Carpenter hates the lyrics.
2
Oct 03 2024
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
A genre I’m not going to actively listen to but great to put on for a vibe
3
Oct 04 2024
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Night Life
Ray Price
Nice historical listen, but not something I'd flock back to
2
Oct 07 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Cowboy Charles
3
Oct 08 2024
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Most reggae is high floor low ceiling for me, but the hits on this one push it to a 4
4
Oct 09 2024
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Venus Luxure No. 1 Baby
Girls Against Boys
Didn't enjoy it, and the album radio confirmed similar songs from albums I didn't like before.
2