Jan 18 2024
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Imagine
John Lennon
It's fine. Nothing stands out quite as much as Imagine. Fine background music. I can imagine it being played in the background of smokey rooms. But maybe that's influenced by the cover image.
3
Jan 19 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
3
Jan 22 2024
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
It's Aretha. And some of her absolute best.
5
Jan 23 2024
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
This was great! I was familiar with Alright, but didn't know anything else on the album or recall any familiarity with the band name. Super solid album, with some clear influences. I particularly enjoyed Sofa (Of My Lethargy) which spans several decads of style, but I particularly love the Sgt. Pepper-like sections. I'll probably listen to this again.
4
Jan 24 2024
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
This didn't do anything for me. It didn't hold my attention, I generally forgot it was playing, and I certainly wasn't doing anything terribly distracting.
3
Jan 25 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Lovely. I know it's categorized with folk, but this album doesn't sound quite like anything else I'm familiar with from that era. I can see how it's influential, and wish Apple Music had an Inspired By playlist to better see those through lines. It's a clear vibe.
4
Jan 26 2024
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
This was a surprise. I definitely wasn't expecting West Side Story or jazz. Very unexpected. I have adjusted my clearly woefully incorrect impression of Alice Cooper. Really like Blue Turk.
4
Jan 29 2024
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
I keep thinking of Rufus Wainwright while listening to this. Not a fan of "So Real," especially the insipid and repetitive lyrics and the section where the guitar imitates a weed whacker. It's one of the great renditions of Hallelujah, and I also liked "Forget Her." After listening to the whole album on a loop, I doubt that I'll revisit it, but I will listen to the two songs I like.
3
Jan 30 2024
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Like many, the interstitials didn't feel entirely necessary from a casual listening standpoint, BUT, when considered as a whole work of art, it does ground, frame, and contextualize the album. I can't get Doo Wop (That Thing) out of my head, which is a problem I haven't had since this was in regular radio rotation. I appreciate the variety of instrumentalizations and style incorporated in the album while still managing to seem cohesive. It was a very enjoyable listening day having this on loop.
It was amusing to have this come up two days after Alice Cooper's School's out, with both using the school desk motif for the album covers. I wonder if that was accidental or intentional on Ms. Hill's team's part.
4
Jan 31 2024
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
I expected to like this, as while I've not listened to an eniter Peter Gabriel album I am familiar with a few songs, like Solsbury Hill, but this was kinda a disjointed mess. Super random, and I agree with another commenter that it feels like he was trying to figure out his voice as a soloist and threw a pot of spaggetti at the wall to see what would stick.
Excuse Me definitely did not stick. I suspect there are better PG albums out there. I can't see myself listening to this again, largely just so I never have to hear Excuse Me again. Solsbury Hill is catchy, Humdrum, Slowburn, and several others are fine.
2
Feb 01 2024
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Mysogenist as hell. These dudes are gross. Small doses only. I can acknowledge that the guitars and percussion are great, occassionally epic. Lyrics and singing, no thanks.
2
Feb 02 2024
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Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
You know, it's a lot of sound. Deep, layered, multifaceted sounds. It's a vibe. A pleasant vibe. However, after Southern Point and Two Weeks - which a great - the rest of the album really just blends together into that vibe. I think musically it's strong, but I definitely don't hear the lyrics. Very mumble-y.
3
Feb 05 2024
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
These were American Standards that Sinatra made even more standard. I knew every dang one of the songs, even though I doubt I've listened to this album before. The songs on this album, as sung by Sinatra, have permeated American culture. If you're familiar with the original versions of them, you can see how the arrangement matters. For instance, I've Got You Under My Skin is a Cole Porter song from a movie in 1936. All the lyrics and melody are exactly the same. They are entirely different songs. The original is a bit of a slog. If we're ranking on influence? This is a 5. I'm dropping it to a 4 for personal taste. But I'll pick Frank's versions over the originals 8 times out of 10.
4
Feb 06 2024
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Another album of a band I thought that I knew what they were about, and another album where I'm wrong. That said, the falsetto/yelling gets old and makes it difficult for me to differentiate one band from another. The musicality is fascinating. More blues influence than I expected.
3
Feb 07 2024
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
After a little too much heavy metal, it was a real relief to see this pop up. Did I know this album? No. But I know Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd and anticipated something more chill. Which I got. Gosh this was good. Such an enjoyable day to listen to this on repeat.
4
Feb 08 2024
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Entertainment
Gang Of Four
I need to be in a certain mood for this, but when I am, I really like it. Damaged Goods, especially. Return the Gift got too repetitive. I don't love how the vocal approach is so similar to other bands in the genre. LOVE the bass guitar. Drums are great, too.
Can't listen to this on loop all day, like I do with most albums.
4
Feb 09 2024
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
I don't know. I wanted to like it. I think I prefer other people singing Leonard Cohen songs. For instance, with Avalanche, I love the propulsive rythmic guitar in the original, but I like Aimee Mann's version a lot more. Her voice is more dynamic and the arrangement just feels both more lyrical and rich and... urgent? imparative? something more.
Another example is Famous Blue Raincoat. I'll take Tori Amos' version. Or Joan Baez, although that opening has a tinge of sad lounge singer to it. Actually, I like the version on The Best of Leonard Cohen better than this version.
IDK. I just don't know.
3
Feb 12 2024
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
It's Dylan. Dude's got a Nobel Prize in Literature for his lyrics.
4
Feb 13 2024
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
Favorites: The Changeling (the guitar!) & Riders on the Storm.
3
Feb 14 2024
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E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
3
Feb 15 2024
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Protection
Massive Attack
Decent background listening. Light My Fire really doesn't belong on the album.
3
Feb 16 2024
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
It gets as close as one can get to singing in a monotone. I almost took out the digital tuner just to see if he actually hits more than three notes in the entire album. I thought maybe I was missing some lyrical brilliance but then I started reading the lyrics and nope. I don't see the appeal. Sad Boomer music. There are many better sad options out there.
And, wow, I really, really hate Green Eyes. That's a bunch of nonsense with a pompus voice over. Good grief. Wth was that? Ugh.
3
Feb 28 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Listening to Elton just makes me happy. I love the musicality.
Dug the long instrumental exit on Holiday Inn. Indian Sunset is beautiful if you take away or don't listen to the lyrics. I don't think I'd heard the title song before, but I liked it.
4
Feb 29 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
What a great listen. I really like the back and forth of the guitar and lyrics on Penthouse Pauper.
5
Mar 01 2024
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Third
Soft Machine
The album as a whole I'd describe as spaceship dreams. Someone must have written a PhD thesis in music on this album. What a ride. Will I listen to it again? Eh. If I could cut out the noise sections, maybe. But probably not.
2
Mar 04 2024
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A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
3
Mar 05 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
5
Mar 06 2024
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Hotel California
Eagles
3
Mar 07 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
4
Mar 08 2024
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
I admit I'm a little baffled to encounter this on the list, but that's what I'm in this for: widening my music knowledge and exposure.
I think I liked Romantic Theme the best. Baby Let's Dance Together was fun.
The plot to this movie has got to be wild.
3
Mar 11 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
I'm not mad. It's a fun album.
4
Mar 12 2024
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Marquee Moon
Television
Instantantly loved.
4
Mar 13 2024
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Microshift
Hookworms
Pleasant listen.
3
Mar 14 2024
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Low
David Bowie
4
Mar 15 2024
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Siembra
Willie Colón & Rubén Blades
Not sure why there are babies on the cover? Love the trombones!
I'm pretty new to this project, and is the second album (30-ish in) that has sampled West Side Story. I wonder how many more there will be. And whether that cast recording will be in here, given it's clearly had influence over albums included.
4
Mar 18 2024
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
While I wouldn't want to eat that cake, I'll definitely listen to this again.
4
Mar 19 2024
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
5
Mar 20 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
Look, no one is arguing that Dylan has a great voice. He doesn't. That said, there's a certain Americana tradition to it that's especially apparent in Talkin' WWIII Blues. This is my second Dylan album, 38 albums into the project and, I mean, dang. I didn't realize HE wrote Blowin' in the Wind. I thought it was the Mamas & Papas. Girl from the North Country, Masters of War, Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, are all spectacular.
There's a simplicity of the pared back instrumentalization and music that lets you focus on the lyrics and meaning of the song. It's a good balance, even with lack of vocal agility from the singer. I don't really see getting sick of these songs.
I could probably leave I Shall Be Free.
5
Mar 26 2024
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
I don't really love the breathy woman's chorus bits, or when things are overly repetitive (Lorelei hits both with one word...). I'm usually good with the funky groove and instrumentals here, but the vocals are not quite for me in most cases. The nonsense is definitely intentional, but... eh.
I agree with the commenter who said every track is about two minutes too long. Did the world really need a longer version of Genius of Love?
I don't really see myself listening to this again, but I don't hate it. I can even see pieces of it in future music. I actively skipped Booming and Zooming after the first couple times through.
3
Mar 27 2024
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
Being all of a year older than Britney, I remember this skyrocketting into public conciousness. I also remember being horrified at the entire pop princess/boy band atmosphere that quickly followed.
I agree with other commentors that the first three songs really are stronger than the rest. I also think those demonstrate the direction she'd go better than the rest of the album which just blends together (until The Beat Goes On cover which is fun). The moments that aren't just a pop slush don't generally stand out for good reasons. Soda Pop, Email My Heart are cringe. Born to Make You Happy makes me deeply uncomfortable.
Hey, it's hard to make 17 year olds interesting, especially if their role is primarily to be cute and "innocently" sexy (barf), not to actually contribute in meaningful ways. This is definitely a product of a very specific culture I hope most of the country has moved on from.
3
Mar 28 2024
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Suicide
Suicide
Yesterday was Britney Spears.
Ghost Rider and Rocket USA did not prepare me for the rest of the album. Cheree begins to get there and the dichotomy between the rhythm, lyrics and the... almost ice cream truck bells is eerie. It's gives stalker vibes.
I really didn't need to listen to 4 minutes of foreplay ("Girl") or a decent into madness and dispair and murder ("Frankie Teardrop") but the propulsive pace of the album can't be denied. Will I skip those two tracks in the future? 100% (thank god I'm not doing these on vinyl). I can see how an angry and disaffected movement would be furthered by this work.
3
Mar 29 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
WTH were they thinking with Runaway Child, Running Wild? I can't even put into words how I feel about having a crying child wailing for their mother embedded in a song. I had to immediately skip to the next song. Jesus. Immediate down vote for that. Fuck.
2
Apr 01 2024
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
2
Apr 02 2024
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
4
Apr 03 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yes. More of this.
5
Apr 04 2024
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This Is Fats Domino
Fats Domino
This is genuinely fantastic. I mean, it's Fats Domino.
I couldn't find the exact album, so I made a playlist from other compilations:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/fats-domino-this-is-fats-domino-story-of-soul/pl.u-38oWZ6WC2Gk4y
4
Apr 16 2024
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
I enjoyed this album, definitely creates a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Great for a background sound, like most bossa nova. A Banda and You Didn't Have to Be So Nice (which strangely reminds me of the musical Oliver!) throw you out of that chill zone. They're out of step with the album as a whole. That said, I think You Didn't Have to Be So Nice is actually adorable and, honestly, seems like excellent parenting.
Reading the full Wiki entry on Astrud Gilberto, I didn't realize Stan Getz was such a boorish tool who actively cut her out of deserved royalties from The Girl from Ipanema and took advantage of her in other ways. What a jerk.
4
Apr 17 2024
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Opus Dei
Laibach
I'm having a hard time taking the lyrics seriously. I don't understand German, though, so I'm aware that my inclination to giggle over them could be deeply innappropriate. He really does sound like Cookie Monster and I envision him looking/performing like Animal the Muppet (my favorite muppet!).
Removing the lyrics, I can see the music being the soundtrack to a fairly intense action movie. I'll have to check out their newer stuff, especially the take on Bach's Fugue.
Could do without Herz-Felde's loops. Not likely to listen again, but I doesn't make me want to peel my ears off, so, yeah.
3
Apr 18 2024
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
Listened to it several times. It failed to make an impression.
3
Apr 19 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
For me, this is one of those influential albums just blend into the era they were created in. Sounds like generic 80s to me. The only song I knew was Smooth Operator, and it is now stuck in my head.
3
Apr 22 2024
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
I love that this album really focuses on rhythm and does it with so many different instruments from drums, piano, marimba, each get their moment. I don't know that any other band I've heard uses cymbals they way Meg White does, and it's fascinating. I would guess that it'd irritate me, but it's just enough in exactly the right moment.
Propulsive and fun. Really enjoyed this.
5
Apr 23 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
It was fine. Nothing really stood out to me.
3
Apr 24 2024
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
This is an album that forces you to pay attention. It's a giant smile on the same face as eyes that tell you to fuck off. I need to check out his 2017 album Dark Matter to see if his satire and sarcasm bite as well for recent history.
4
Apr 25 2024
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The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
The disappearance of one of the band members made more of an impression than the music itself. It's fine.
3
Apr 26 2024
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
It's fine as long as it stays instrumental. I nope right out with their lyrics.
2
Apr 29 2024
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Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
Honestly, this has a great chill vibe. Absolutely would put this on in the background and go about my business, whether it's chores, socializing, or just snuggling up with a book.
There are lyrics, but they are just sounds. Essentially not much different from the occassional guitar lick.
4
Apr 30 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
3
May 01 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Super chill, really enjoyed. Mostly sounds the same with a few exceptions (Marrakesh Express, Long Time Gone). I'm always surprised when they are categorized as Rock when I mostly associate them with Folk. I get that folk-rock is a thing, or was for a moment.
Listened to the original tracks, not the 2006 bonus tracks (Everybody's Talkin', Teach Your Children, etc).
4
May 02 2024
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
3
May 03 2024
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
I liked this far more than expected. Fun Fun Fun on the Autobahn.
3
May 06 2024
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
3
May 07 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
Turns out I'm okay without the computer telling me what to do. Skipped Fitter Happier everytime after about 10 seconds. Liked No Surprises.
I need to dig a little deeper on the lyrics, because they don't typically stand out to me while I'm listening, but tracks like Electioneering are definitely still relevant more than 25 years later. Still not really a Radiohead fan, but I wouldn't turn if off, either.
Like a cat.
3
May 08 2024
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
I've been trying to figure out my thoughts on this one for the better part of a day. Ultimately, I think I'm more interested in Martina Topley-Bird than Tricky. It's interesting to me that Apple Music describes this as "a make-out must, but it's the pervading sense of danger that makes is so sensually sinister." I'm not really looking for romantic entanglements that can be described with "danger" or "sinister" so maybe that's my holdup.
Black Steel was my favorite track which makes sense since it's a Public Enemy cover. Actively disliked Strugglin', Suffocated Love, and Abbaon Fat Track. Basically, the ones that felt most violent.
3
May 09 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
5
May 10 2024
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I See You
The xx
This mostly made me want to take a nap.
3
May 13 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Dang, that VOICE. So rich and smooth. And Grady Martin on lead guitar plays such a beautiful counterpoint that belies the simplicity of the arrangement from the rhythm and bass. Elements of classical guitar and maybe even fado?
Big Iron is such a perfect opener. Although I had heard El Paso before, I didn't know anything about Robbins before today. I was full of skeptism when this popped up, I think I actually laughed outloud when I saw the cover. Big Iron immediately made me sit up, pay attention, and reconsider.
4
May 14 2024
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
It's a great album. If I didn't have to skip Voices of Old People every time, it'd be a 5.
4
May 15 2024
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
I still have the Old Friends box set with their entire output even though I haven't listened to a CD in...17 years?
Anyway, this album is classic and has many of their best work. In my imagination, once Simon got Garfunkel to sing Bridge he knew it was the pinnacle of their paring and they'd never top that song. They had to break up.
I saw them at their Old Friends reunion tour in 2003, and I'm pretty sure Simon was deeply, deeply, stoned and Garfunkel inexplicably didn't change Bridge to a key his much older vocal chords could handle. It was an experience. I look forward to Simon's solo stuff popping up here.
5
May 16 2024
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
I don't know who is who on the cover, but the guy in the hairy cardigan is clearly existing on a different plane than the other guys. This is also borne out in the album itself. It's got four feet in the fifties, one in the seventies.
While I mostly prefer their originals on the album they only work because they're broken up. Without the lyrics (or with) it's apparent their original music is a variation of the same phrases with a different intro and tempo. Sometimes with a little Chuck Berry thrown in for variety. The transition to Have Love Will Travel (not original) to Psycho (original) is wild since the rhythm is so similar.
I initially wanted to say that The Witch is by far the best track, but after listening to it multiple times, it's sort of metronomically plodding. Very square. The same with Boss Hoss. They find a lick they really like and just lean into it. Repeatedly.
I'm done with Garry Roslie's screaming. Too much of a good thing used as filler. Waaaaaoooh. Psycho.
3
May 17 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I’ve been meaning to listen, but hadn’t gotten around to it yet. I didn’t know what to expect, but I completely fell in love. Excellent fusion of style, technique, and genre with seamless transitions.
Do I get extra credit for immediately listening to Metropolis first, then delving into ArchAndroid? I just couldn’t start with part 2.
5
May 20 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
When this popped up I honestly thought I was being punished (another obscure 60's UK band!) for having such a great run this week with Simon & Garfunkel and Janel Monae, but I was WRONG. This is a DELIGHT.
Butcher's Tale has a haunting quality that reminds me of Days of Future Passed (The Moody Blues). Touches of it in Maybe After He's Gone & Changes.
Holy shit, Time of the Season is The Zombies. Iconic.
5
May 21 2024
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Dookie
Green Day
I have to say that I was thrilled to get this album. I'm not sure I've ever listened to the whole album, although I can't imagine I could have avoided it. I am certainly familiar with the cover. I expected to give it a 5, but I think it's a 4 from me.
"She" still feels too relevant once you actually listen to the lyrics.
Listened to the original track list, not the 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition with 5 discs, 65 songs, that runs for 3 hours 21 minutes. That is excessive.
4
May 22 2024
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
A good speaker matters with this one. Sounded quite different depending on what audio set up I put it on. The vocals seem to range from whining to moaning to screaming. Never with much articulation. Oh, let's not forget the... moo-ing... on track 13.
Good Enough gets a bit jangley for me. Were they intentionally dissonant in Don't Fade IV?
I'm glad that I can now say that I have listened to Mudhoney and that I do not like them. That's two Seattle bands in the last week that are a no for me (the other being Here are the Sonics by, you guessed it, The Sonics). Hopefully, they don't take my residency away.
Listened to the original 14 song, 42 minute album, not the bloated 29 song 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. Ugh. I can't even imagine wanting to spend close to 90 minutes with this.
Every Good Band Draws Fans. Not this time.
2
May 23 2024
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
Yeah, wow. If you can appreciate the sounds of seagulls, whales, breaking glass, human seizures, and an out-of-tune bagpipe with a first time player, this is for you.
I get punk. I get avant-guarde. I get the anti-establishment overlap and the relation to underground music and sound collage. I just don't want to listen to noise and nonsense. I like my ability to hear too much.
1
May 24 2024
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
There's nothing wrong with this album. Clean sound, solid musicianship. It's just boring.
Walk Between Raindrops sounds like a collage a cappella group's dream.
2
May 27 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I liked it more each time I listened to it. It definitely gets stronger after the first songs.
4
May 28 2024
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Graceland
Paul Simon
Look, this was always going to be a 5.
5
May 29 2024
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Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
Well, I listened to that.
1
May 30 2024
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Sound Affects
The Jam
I have never heard of this band and I don’t recognize anything on this album. I was sold from the first song. This was fantastic.
The snarling in That's Entertainment, really hammers home the sarcasm/derision. Fascinating. Love it.
I’m going to give it a four, but I hope I don’t regret not upping it to a five like I do with Hall of the Crimson King and Marquee Moon. (Why can’t we edit/change our minds?!)
4
May 31 2024
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
This is just a lovely album. The influences are so interesting, from Dolly Parton to Paul Simon, to disco and ELO. I love the banjo in Oh, What a World; it's so assertive and unexpected, but fits.
4
Jun 03 2024
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Be
Common
My 10-y.o. came home while I was listening to this and needed to comment "There's a lot of swears in that."
3
Jun 04 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Heard of Dire Straits, hadn't listened to them. Had definitely heard radio edits of Money for Nothing and Walk of Life.
It's a lot of steel guitar for something not considered country. Minus one star for the slur.
I'll pass.
2
Jun 05 2024
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
I'd never heard of this band before. Is Ska Punk a genre? Rowland's vocals are the weakest factor of the album. The horns are spectacular, especially Paterson's trombone. Very tight.
"Everything I do will be funky from now on."
4
Jun 06 2024
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...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
I enjoyed this album, and I'd listen to it again. It was great to listen to while working, and again while making dinner and cleaning up. The kids didn't object to it. I actually really like the instrumental tracks. It's a good groove, especially in the background.
It's never going to achieve sing-along status.
4
Jun 07 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
This was magic.
5
Jun 10 2024
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
It's fine. Solid. I wouldn't turn it off, but nothing really sticks out. It all blends together. There are other BritPop bands I like more. There are other Oasis albums I like more.
3
Jun 11 2024
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Murmur
R.E.M.
It's interesting to learn that this album was wildly different than everything else on radios at the time. It definitely sounds like R.E.M., but doesn't sound like anything else I know of from the era.
4
Jun 12 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
3
Jun 13 2024
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
You know, this grew on me over the course of the day listening on loop. Mostly it's the excellent and unusual guitar.
3
Jun 14 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
It's Coldplay. The album sounds like one 54 minute song. Not bad to work to or fall asleep to, but nothing I'm ever going to put on independently. I've never understood the hype, and I was 100% in the target audience at the time.
3
Jun 17 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Aw. This album is real nostalgia for me. It immediately makes me think of my uncle and listening to this on vinyl with him as a kid. Warm happiness.
5
Jun 18 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen is this mythical everyman and you're expected to love him, and I suppose, specifically this album, if you are an American. It's certainly unavoidable to know/recognize a handful of his songs, but I've never listened to a Springsteen album. This is my first.
It's like... if Johnny Cash liked Elvis and Don McLean but really hated steel guitars. Some lyrics haven't aged well (not sure they were ever great... see: I'm on Fire; Born in the USA).
It doesn't do anything for me. It's fine.
3
Jun 19 2024
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1984
Van Halen
*eyeroll*
This is music for horny adolescents (of any age) who objectify women and don't realize how toxic that is. But, I suppose when 30-year-old's sing about homework, I don't know that I should expect anything else. I imagine hip thrusts are frequent stage moves.
This album made me cranky.
Jump is only popular for the synth and guitar. Certainly not for the lyrics. Which, perhaps can be said for the entire album. Ugh.
2
Jun 20 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
I have to laugh at Just Out of Reach, because it sounded like the women's chorus was singing "just out of reach of my NPR." I don't really dig that style of backing vocals, so I was glad they only showed up on a couple tracks.
This is a truly great album. It needs to be added to my rotation.
4
Jun 21 2024
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Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
Better than expected. Seems like their lyrics are sometimes more about sound and rhythm. Other times they're just dumb.
3
Jun 24 2024
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
It's a great album. Got a little sick of it after about the 5th loop through.
4
Jun 25 2024
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
What a great album.
How Blue Can You Get is fantastic.
4
Jun 26 2024
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
This was fun. I don't get the impression that they take themselves too seriously, which I appreciate, especially for this genre. I'd listen to it again.
4
Jun 27 2024
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Crazysexycool
TLC
3
Jun 28 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This is not what I look for when I want to listen to music. I'd probably rate it higher if it was a spoken word performance. But apparently it's "Alternative" or "Rock."
2
Jul 01 2024
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
For all practical purposes, this is the only MTV Unplugged concert.
4
Jul 02 2024
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
I made it through a little more than twice before I had to bail.
Cool album cover though.
2
Jul 03 2024
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
Turns out I prefer Randy Newman in small doses.
3
Jul 05 2024
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Machine Gun Etiquette
The Damned
Ladies and gentleman, how do?
Fuckin' great after being assigned this album!
5
Jul 08 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Requires close listening, not casual.
3
Jul 10 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
I like several of these songs, but the album as a whole is too long, and I just don't see revisiting it.
3
Jul 11 2024
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
Initial reaction: I like The Kinks, but apparently not this album as much. It's whimsical, but maybe not whimsical enough to be interesting?
Later: It grew on me with repetition.
Waterloo Sunset is pretty great, though. FYI, a harry rag is a cigarette - tobacco or pot. One of my least favorites on the album.
3
Jul 12 2024
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British Steel
Judas Priest
I thought I hated metal, but I enjoyed this.
3
Jul 15 2024
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
Enjoyable. Missing the sparkle of her later work.
4
Jul 16 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
111 albums in, my third Leonard Cohen. I have to confess, I was not excited about drawing this today. I like it a bit better than Songs of Leonard Cohen and Songs of Love and Hate, but... this style is still not really my thing.
3
Jul 17 2024
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Bitter Sweet Symphony immediately throws me back to getting rides home from my friend Justin senior year. Scrounging for loose change to pay for gas. Getting confused whether it was The Verve or The Verve Pipe with the song on repeat on the radio.
Nothing on the rest of the album stands out.
3
Jul 18 2024
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
Ok, 1965. Brian Wilson is 23, Dennis Wilson 21, Carl Wilson 20, Mike Love is 24, and Al Jardine 23. It's weird to realize that this is their EIGHTH album and they've only been a band for four years. Several of them were married.
Given their youth, and likely... distorted view of life due to fast fame so young in an era where misogyny was standard, but...
Some of the lyrics are creepy as fuck:
Good to My Baby:
"They think I'm bad and treat her so mean, but all they know is from what they've seen / and when I get her alone now, you know we're happy as a couple could be / and when I giver her my love it's between her and me." Sounds like a classic abuser and rapist.
Don't Hurt My Litter Sister:
"Why don't you love her / Like her big brother" ew.
Help Me Rhonda
He's begging Rhonda to have sex so he can forget about another girl who dumped him.
Please Let Me Wonder:
"I built all my goals around you / That some day, my love would surround you / You'll never know what we've been through / For so long, I thought about it / And now, I just can't live without it / This beautiful image I have of you" So, basically, stalker vibes.
She Knows Me Too Well:
He places unreasonable expectations on his girlfriend. He "treat[s] her so mean." He's jealous, "And then I'm not happy 'til I make her break down and cry." Wow.
Great harmonies can't overcome that.
2
Jul 19 2024
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Hms Fable
Shack
I would like this more if it were sea shanties.
3
Jul 22 2024
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
3
Jul 23 2024
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Violator
Depeche Mode
I knew Enjoy the Silence and Personal Jesus. Both stand out, the rest blend in. Nice to work to.
3
Jul 24 2024
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
For the most part it's a chill velvety vibe. For the most part for me it fades into the background - until The Murder Mystery plays. It's unusual, and I could see it being really powerful if there wasn't so much lyrical nonsense.
That said, Moe's voice is... innocently bad. I don't see myself revisiting this.
3
Jul 25 2024
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
I know the album is only 28 minutes, but it felt a lot longer than that. Lynn has an excellent voice with fantastic control, but, and this is just my preference, a bit too much vibrato for me. I'll take Dolly or Patsy over her.
I don't mind it, but no single song stands out, and I don't see myself coming back to it.
2
Jul 26 2024
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
I had this issue yesterday with Loretta Lynn - I'm fine with old country as individual songs, but the same artist for a whole album is a bit much for me. This album definitely feels like it set a tone for multiple subsequent generations of country.
2
Jul 29 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
4
Aug 01 2024
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
What was most noteworthy to me was how the album comes full circle; when you reach the end the restart is almost seamless.
Ray of Light, I think, still stands as a solid dance song. Unfortunately, this listen showed me that I'd misheard lyrics all these years. Always thought she was saying "And I feel/And I feel like a disco ball." Honestly, I like that better than "...like I just got home." I hear the influence on Olivia Rodrigo.
This doesn't really do it for me. I actively dislike Candy Perfume Girl and Little Star. And I don't like how her eyes on the album cover follow me everywhere.
3
Aug 02 2024
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
You know, I really like this. Especially after I stopped attempting to figure out the lyrics and just went with it.
I can see how this accelerated dream pop. The vibes are strong.
4
Aug 05 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
All Along the Watchtower has been a favorite for a loong time. So good.
4
Aug 06 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
I knew Flaming Lips was a band. That was the extent of what I knew about them.
LOVED Fight Test and I wanted to give it bonus points for the Yusuf Islam sample, but Coyne's weak lie about using Father and Son is off-putting. Nothing else on the record really got near that song for me.
Don't really love the Yoshimi Battles the Pick Robots with the screeching, nor how repetitive it is.
I am also reminded of Monae's ArchAndroid (which is obv. 8 year's later). I like Monae better.
3
Aug 07 2024
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Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
It's not bad, it's just forgettable.
3
Aug 08 2024
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Black Metal
Venom
It's just noise, for the most part.
2
Aug 09 2024
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Odelay
Beck
I'm happily listening along, and then obnoxious beeping, bleating, or grunting comes along to assault me unprovoked. I'm all for experimental exploration, but it's in your best interest to leave your listeners better than you found them. Or at least not deafened.
2
Aug 12 2024
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
That bass line in the opener is fantastic.
Is this my favorite rap album? I've never even heard of this group before (not difficult), but the melding of rap and jazz and positive messaging really works for me. I'm not sure I've ever heard anything like this.
This album brought me joy. So well done. Loved the little kid on After School.
5
Aug 13 2024
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Live!
Fela Kuti
This was a groove. My only exposure to Kuti was the stage musical which was not great. I'm glad to have had this exposure, as I'm sure I would never have sought it out.
4
Aug 14 2024
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
I don't know what to say about this one. It's fine. I'm neither going to seek it out nor turn it off if it comes on.
3
Aug 16 2024
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Third
Portishead
The parts where it feels like they're stabbing my eardrums are my favorite.
1
Aug 19 2024
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Harvest
Neil Young
This was not energetic enough to keep me going on a summer Friday.
3
Aug 20 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
The elation that came through upon seeing this album pop up. I don't even know the album, but I am familiar with Basie. This was a joy to listen to and a breath of FRESH 64 year old air. The list needs more jazz.
5
Sep 04 2024
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
WT *actual* F was that?
Just no. Breaks were needed to get through the entire album. And why did it have to be a double album? ugh.
This is actual bullshit, and it sounds like Beefheart/Van Vliet was an abusive asshole, so this is the one and only time I'm listening to this album. Yes, to the whole thing. I committed to this project.
Full album on YouTube, if you dare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF0g-2SeoMM&t=214s
1
Sep 05 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
The easy standouts were the two songs I was familiar with, Let's Stay Together and How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. Will happily listen to this again.
4
Sep 06 2024
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
I'm not sure it needed to be a double album, but I wouldn't turn it off.
4