Jan 26 2024
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Purple Rain
Prince
This album is a classic, no dull spots.
5
Jan 27 2024
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
All in all this album was o.k. I can see how it pioneered certain indie esthetics down the road. However, in the grand scheme of things, it seems like this will migrate off of this list as many of the tracks are underwhelming or forgettable. 2/5
2
Jan 27 2024
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
This album defined the early 2010s, and has stood the test of time. Sing about me, Real and Compton are not the strongest end to the album.
4
Jan 28 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
This album started strong but by mid-way through the songs lost their luster and listening felt like a chore. Not terrible but certainly not enjoyable. 2/5
2
Jan 29 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
I did not enjoy listening to this album. 1.25 hours of the same love some repeated over and over. Ray has limitless talent but it didn't shine through on this album. 1/5
1
Jan 30 2024
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
This album is good. Part way through it seemed like it was dependent on it's singles a bit, however You See Me Crying was a great closer and wrapped up the experience well. 3/5
3
Jan 31 2024
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
It's pretty impressive that an album this experimental gained the popularity that it did. I enjoyed most of the songs: the bass was funky, I liked the repetitious elements, the droning sections, and the vocals. Though I found the album to not have much of an identity or personality. It felt like the songs were just clumped together with a few singles mixed in. Both the opener and closer were weak. 3/5
3
Feb 01 2024
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The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
This album is great: it has a unique sound, I love the music and the vocals, and the first and last song are really good. The content of the lyrics seems to be great. I love the album art. My only gripe is that it's a bit bloated toward the middle of the album (this may lesson on future listens). All in all a good listen and this will stay in my rotation. 4/10
4
Feb 02 2024
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
I had the misfortune of listening to Ray's "Modern Western" album before this and disliked it immensely. This album has much more character, talent and personality. The songs do all suffer from similar themes, but they are distinct enough. The first and last song are great openers and closers. 3/5
3
Feb 03 2024
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Harvest
Neil Young
This album is a solid folk album. Most of the songs are pretty pleasant. Some haven't aged well (Man Needs a Maid - not just the lyrics, but also how over the top and melodramatic the song is). All in all: not bad, not excellent. 3/5
3
Feb 04 2024
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Rapture
Anita Baker
That was a pleasant listen. It's always fun to listen to an album for the first time and recognize most of the tracks from the radio in my childhood. Same happened with the album Diamond Life by Sade. This album had a few dips in the middle, but otherwise was solid. 4/5
4
Feb 05 2024
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
I'd tried to listen to Rain Dogs a number of times before and I could never get into the Tom Waits character on that album. Maybe it's that the clean studio recording didn't match the character? Whatever the reason, I have never taken it seriously.
I was initially disappointed when I saw this album as my album of the day because of this preconceived notion. I must say, the live nature if this album gave validity to the TW character, and I really enjoyed the music and stories. I feel that time hasn't smiled too kindly on the references etc. as many went over my head. But all in all, I'll probably listen to this again. 4/5
4
Feb 06 2024
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Guero
Beck
I listened to this album growing up, but haven't put it on for a number of years. My thoughts were about the same - the tracks on the first half of this album are damn-near flawless. Unique, groovy, catchy. But the second half has some pretty mid tracks (scarecrow, farewell ride, rental car, emergency exit). On top of that, the album doesn't have a feeling of cohesion between tracks, other than maybe some slide guitar and sun-kissed guitar giving a "western" feel. I'd probably rate this a 3.5/5, so I'll round up. 4/5.
4
Feb 07 2024
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
That was a very underwhelming listen. Very few songs were interesting or memorable, other than All I Wanna Do (of course) and We Do What We Can. Even this albums contemporaries significantly outclass it (Natalie Imbruglia - "Left of the Middle" comes to mind). A few good songs and an overall positive "vibe" elevates this score from the bottom. 2/5.
2
Feb 08 2024
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Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
This album is in desperate need of a remaster. Lo-fi is one thing, but this sounds like garbage with how compressed the audio is. Virtually unlistenable.
The music itself was ok - the vignette style keeps things interesting at least, though no songs stuck out. 2/5.
2
Feb 09 2024
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
A very classic mambo sound. Solid "vibe" of an album, but essentially wallpaper at this point. Would give this a 2.5 but must round. 3/5.
3
Feb 10 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
I initially was unimpressed by how all over the place this album was compared to Ziggy, however after looking it's recording process up it makes sense. David Bowie constructed lyrics for most of the songs on the fly in a studio just meters from the Berlin wall. Robert Fripp apparently finished all of the guitar work for this album in 3 days. Now that I have that context I'll need to register.
I'm glad that I listened to this and that I took the time to review it's history. Still not my favorite Bowie record but I'm excited to revisit soon. 4/5.
4
Feb 11 2024
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Songs The Lord Taught Us
The Cramps
This album has not stood the test of time well. It's raw garage appeal is apparent, but by no means is this album in the top 1000. Good enough "vibe", but that's about it. 2/5.
2
Feb 12 2024
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Third
Soft Machine
I've listened to a lot of prog and prog-adjacent music in my day. This album was o.k. I've listened to it before but it is pretty forgettable. For example, I had only listened to Gentle Giant's "The Power and the Glory" once, yet immediately recognized the sample of "Proclamation" in Travis Scott's "Hyaena".
The same sticking power can't be said of this album. Still good, but middle of the road prog that is slightly elevated by the ethereal second half of the album. 3/5.
3
Feb 13 2024
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The Soft Bulletin
The Flaming Lips
The music on this album is good, but the vocals and lyrics aren't that great. I've tried to listen to it a number of times in my life and it never sticks, unlike Yoshimi.
It also feels like a very long album. 3/5.
3
Feb 14 2024
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Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
I like some of the smash hits off of "You've Come a Long Way, Baby" as much as the next guy, but this album is a stinker.
Talk about plain, muzak-esque electronic music. This album is souless, void of unique elements, and to top it off way too long. I will not be listening to this again. 1/5.
1
Feb 15 2024
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Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
This album has not aged well. I respect it for the impact that it had, but I am not a fan. The beats are paper thin, and their back and forth style is silly. 2/5.
2
Feb 16 2024
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
A pretty good album, certainly for it's time. A number of tracks stood out. Some were unexciting.
All in all I'd give this a 2.7 rounded. 3/5.
3
Feb 17 2024
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Be
Common
This album was entirely forgettable. It tried to be profound, and the first and last track were pretty good. Other than that I wouldn't listen again. 2/5.
2
Feb 18 2024
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Honestly, if you've heard one Neil Young track you've heard 'em all. This album was underwhelming and had no standout tracks, but wasn't unlistenable. 2/5
2
Feb 19 2024
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
All in all, a goodish album. It ran a little long for the homogeneous sound of most of the songs. The interludes were too abundant and more of a distraction than anything in the end - for a self-titled album there wasn't too much of her personality shining through here. The songs that stood out were very, very good. All together: 3/5.
3
Feb 20 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
This was actually much more interesting a listen than I expected. I was expecting an album of back-to-back punk songs. My expectations were subverted. There was jazz, ska, funk etc. All in all not a cohesive album, and too long given the content. But not horrible. 3/5.
3
Feb 21 2024
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Ocean Rain
Echo And The Bunnymen
This album was good. I liked it's carefree sound. The string were nice and the vocals were good. Nothing striking that blew me away, and contemporaries that released similar albums were much better (Stone Roses self-titled comes to mind). 3/5.
3
Feb 22 2024
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Raising Hell
Run-D.M.C.
This was better and more interesting than their self-titled, but that's probably because their hit singles were off of this record. I have the same stylistic gripes with Run DMC as before, but this is slightly improved. 3/5.
3
Feb 23 2024
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
This album is average. Most of the songs are simple and relatively uninteresting. All in all not horrible, but definitely in the bottom 50%. 2.4/5 but will need to round down. 2/5.
2
Feb 24 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
This album is plagued by the "first and last song are great, and the middle songs are subpar" scenario. The song Band on the run is good enough, but Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five makes the album. Not strong enough to hold the rest of the album up. 2/5.
2
Feb 25 2024
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
This album was a disappointment. I really thought every song was uninteresting, and especially disliked the song sixteen. 1/5.
1
Feb 26 2024
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
I thought that this album was pretty good. It was more experimental than I expected which was a nice surprise. All in all not bad. 3/5.
3
Feb 27 2024
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Another disappointing dad rock album. There was virtually no distinction between songs and the album sequencing was subpar. Sympathy for the Devil was obviously the big hit here then the band were comfortable filling the remainder of the album with sun-baked southern guitar and uninteresting content. It wasn't offensive but really not for me. 2/5.
2
Feb 28 2024
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
This was a good album. The songs were distinct and pleasant, and I enjoyed most of them. There were just a few duds on the small tracklist. All in all I wouldn't listen to it again, but not bad. 3/5.
3
Feb 29 2024
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
This album is great. There are some duds in the tracklist (Out on the Tiles, That's the Way, and Hats Off) but out of 10 songs that's still 3.5/5 hits. I'll be generous and round up. 4/5.
4
Mar 01 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
This album is mostly a classic. The first half is phenomenal and the interludes are well-constructed and funny. The second half gets a bit bloated and the songs don't hit as hard. Although it's bloated, it is an enjoyable album that I'd give a 3.5/5 and will round. 4/5.
4
Mar 02 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
I listened to Beggars Banquet a few days ago and wasn't the biggest fan. This album was more enjoyable a listen for me. Pretty simple and a bit long, but not bad. 3/5.
3
Mar 03 2024
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Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
This album was sterile, and an absolute bore. It was only just under an hour, but with 17 tracks I kept hoping it would end so I could move onto something more substantive. I won't listen to this again. 1/5.
1
Mar 04 2024
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
An alright alt. rock album. All in all it was a bit bloated and uninteresting. There were a few unique bits here and there, but nothing I'd go out of my way for again. 2/5.
I ended up listening again (despite what I said above). I think what dissuades me is that the album isn't sequenced all that well. The music is good/great on individual songs, but they fade out in uninteresting ways and feel like a connection of similar singles. I'd probably give this a 2.4/5 or relisten, but still rounds to a 2/5.
2
Mar 05 2024
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
A very plain and lackluster dadrock album. There are some good string bits and I appreciate how short an album in is, but altogether pretty standard. 2.5/5 rounded to 3/5.
3
Mar 06 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
This was a pleasant organ-led jazz album. i enjoyed having it on and listened to it a few times. Is it groundbreaking? Not necessarily. But it's something I'll put on in the background every so often. 3/5.
3
Mar 07 2024
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Music
Madonna
This album was a pretty good pop album. A few of the songs were superhits from back in the day. All around it seemed to be pretty experimental with it's glitchy sounds and futuristic uses of electronics. It didn't succeed all the time, but was pretty good nonetheless. 3.3/5 -> 3/5.
3
Mar 08 2024
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Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
This album had some highs for sure - a lot of big hits from the early 2000s. It was pretty funky and jazzy, too. There are a few weaknesses. Though it is a double album, the album is bloated at 1 hour and 20 minutes. Length isn't necessarily an issue, but there needs to be variety to keep the audience engaged. I think this was accomplished musically on this album, with jazz, strings, soul, funk, hip-hop coming together well. Christina's vocal delivery is just identical on every track which is grating given the length. Also the fact that she is so rooted in her inspirations on this album makes the whole thing come off as a bit derivative.
There are a few notable stinkers on the album as well, with Thank You and Nasty Naughty Boy coming to mind.
All in all a good album but would give a 3.4/5 given the above considerations. Rounded down: 3/5.
3
Mar 09 2024
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Play
Moby
I grew up with this album, but I'm not ignorant of it's many flaws. A ton of the songs are repetitive and rely too heavily on their samples. This makes some songs unlistenable (looking at you "Find My Baby"). Three of the big hits are pretty great: Porcelain, Run On, and Natural Blues. South Side isn't my favorite, the simplistic lyrics, short little verses, and Gwen Stefani feature stinks of generic soulless radio fodder for the time
A number of the other songs are pretty good, but now that years have passed, on relisten, this record scores below the 50th percentile for me. 2.4/5 -> 2/5.
2
Mar 10 2024
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Wonderful Rainbow
Lightning Bolt
Finally, something that is unique and stands out on this list! I can't believe this came out in 2003, it has a very modern appeal and I can see how this band may have influenced later groups like Death Grips, LustSickPuppy, etc. I love abrasive music like this so glad it was on the list.
The drumming is phenomenal, as well as the noisy glitch sounds.
My only qualm is that there could have been a little more variety in the songs (thinking of Sunbather as a perfect example). Other than this, a great album I'll listen to again, and I'll look into Lightning Bolt more. 4/5.
4
Mar 11 2024
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
PThis album put me on a fence. 80s soft rock hasn't classically been something I listen to or enjoy. But every song on this album was good and fit the album. Paul experimented with styles outside of his typical Simon & Garfunkel wheelhouse and I appreciate that. Some lyrics are definitely cheesy and haven't aged well, and some songs are less interesting than others, but overall I'm leaning closer to a 4 than a 3.
3.6/5 -> 4/5.
4
Mar 12 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Gorillaz is a good, but flawed album. It is clear that Damon Albarn wanted to move in a different artistic direction than Blur, but this album didn't uncover a unique personality for Gorillaz. A number of songs were interesting and catchy, others were wallpaper. Clint Eastwood is great to this day. All in all, a good album. 3/5.
3
Mar 13 2024
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
This album did not meet my expectations that were set by it's wikipedia entry (#1 on several lists for 2016 over Blackstar and A Moon Shaped Pool).
For what it is, it is a fine hip-hop album from the UK. It's well made and there are some earworms in the tracklist. The album didn't flow in an interesting or cohesive way, it just sounded like an assembly of tracks. Skepta's voice and flows are alright. 3/5.
3
Mar 14 2024
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
What a painfully average rock/blues-adjacent album. It sounds like muzak playing in the background of a JC Penny or a Hooters. Other than a few artistic gleams, overall generic. 2.4/5 -> 2/5.
2
Mar 15 2024
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Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
This album is alright. Music is pretty good as well as her voice. I could see this being nice in the background in certain scenarios. Is a a must listen? No. But pretty good. 3/5.
3
Mar 16 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
Not a bad album. The songs blend together and aren't super distinct but they have a nice, indie sound. I likely won't listen to it again but all in all not bad. 3/5.
3
Mar 17 2024
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Rock Bottom
Robert Wyatt
This album was alright. The final song was especially good. Many of the tracks are a bit forgettable but I want to keep trying the listen to this one. 3.3/5 -> 3/5.
3
Mar 18 2024
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The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
Talk talk is one of those bands I can't really get into. The music is good, but the vocals are too underwhelming and washed out. That is the case with Laughing Stock also the case with this album. 3/5
3
Mar 19 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
What an uninteresting, boring, waste of time. The songs on this album sound like 1) a knock off of the song highway to hell, 2) a car commercial, and/or 3) a diary excerpt of a very horny gremlin. The average guitar solos are NOT enough to redeem this album. Not a good listen. 1/5
1
Mar 20 2024
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Groovin'
The Young Rascals
I gotta say this one surprised me. The number of genres/styles The Young Rascals hit in 34 minutes is impressive: funk, bassa nova, doo wap, french waltz, R&B, the list goes on. I was initially dissuaded by how similar the themes of love were across the tracklist but they varied that toward the end of the album. All in all, especially compared to their pre-prog rock contemporaries, they made something pretty cool here. 4/5.
4
Mar 21 2024
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
I'm a fan of Curtis typically, but this album was uninteresting. If I wanted to hear a movie soundtrack I'd put on the movie so I could see the context. 2.4/5 -> 2/5.
2
Mar 22 2024
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
I remember throbbing gristle being one of those joke bands people mentioned in highschool. Needless to say they've stood up to their reputation. All in all a unique listen. 3/5.
3
Mar 23 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
That album was solid! Good funky grooves, great drums, the songs in Spanish were great, the ones in English were ok. All in all, a very impressive album by Santana!
4
Mar 24 2024
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
This album holds a special place in my music library, Brian Eno's discography, and music history. It's an imperfect album (hence the 4), but that's part of what is so great about it. It represents the messy and uncertain transition between Eno's art pop Warm Jets era and his ambient work on Discreet Music and Music for Airports (an easy 5/5).
While this album boldly displays a chaotic transition between two drastically different musical eras, it stands on its own as a unique album. The only things going against this album are that some of the instrumental cuts weren't as flushed out as they could be 4.4/5.
4
Mar 25 2024
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
This album wasn't bad. Some of the tracks are corny and some a bit out-of-touch, but a pleasant enough listen. 3/5.
3
Mar 26 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
It's hard to put this experience into words - the songs were so familiar, yet so new. It sounded aged, but the song construction was flawless and timeless. Every song is distinct and range in the feelings they evoke. This is a really impressive album that I'm glad to have discovered through this process, and am excited to continue to throw this on for years to come. (As well as buy on vinyl ASAP)
5/5
5
Mar 27 2024
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Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
This album really should not be on a list of this magnitude. it really listens as purely average psych rock with no standout tracks. It pales in comparison to it's contemporaries, and I have no interest in listening to it again. 2/5.
2
Mar 28 2024
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This album is good, but mostly due to it's hits. The sequencing of the album is abysmal - it sounds more akin to a collection of singles than a whole experience (The Power of Equality is about the most boring opening track). The hits are fantastic, of course, and make the album. All in all, could have been better, but the music is good across the board for the most part. 3/5.
3
Mar 29 2024
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The Nightfly
Donald Fagen
This album must have been a product of it's time, as it's aged rather poorly. All in all some ok vibes but the songs all had a similar sound and it doesn't have much replay value. 2/5.
2
Mar 30 2024
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Low
David Bowie
A good Bowie album but certainly not his best. I like the lean toward ambience. All in all an ok listen. 3/5
3
Mar 31 2024
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Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
Well that album was a mess. I guess I appreciate the artist approach and enjoy the variety of genres, but it really felt like an absolute disaster. The cool ideas hold it up a bit, but not too impressed. 2/5.
2
Apr 01 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
I've listened to "I Believe in a Thing Called Love" since it came out, but I never took it seriously. That continues to be the case on this mid-tier 80s resurgence album. Other than a few standout tracks, not impressed. 2/5.
2
Apr 02 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
The title track was good but the rest of the album was covers are reprise of green onions. 2/5.
2
Apr 03 2024
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
This album was stunning. I was really impressed with the lush instrumentation and the variety of musical styles in such a short project. "Deer Stop" and "Horse Tears" were the two songs that felt a bit weak comparatively, but generally this was a strong listen. 4/5.
4
Apr 04 2024
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
That was entirely forgetful and pretty disappointing. The songs were ok. 2/5.
2
Apr 05 2024
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Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
An incredibly boring and uninteresting album that was way too bloated for its own good. His voice is pretty ok, but can't redeem this sad excuse of an album. 2/5.
2
Apr 06 2024
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Coat Of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
This was a generally pleasant listen. The slower ballads certainly stood out better than the faster and more edgy tracks. I could relisten to this in certain contexts. 3/5.
3
Apr 07 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Listening to this live album feels equivalent to those times when your friend pulls out their phone and shows a video of some concert they once went to and talk about how amazing it was.
Honestly it sounded like a great show, but it's horribly grating to have to listen to an ~80min compilation of live Thin Lizzy songs. The only part that caught my attention was the transition from Cowboy Song into The Boys Are Back in Town, but even that is pretty common among live performances.
Only a select few live albums come to mind that would be appropriate on this list, ones that stand uniquely on their own for one reason or another. Folsom Prison by JC, Nirvana MTV Unplugged, and Portishead at the Roseland
This album is not trash by any means, but this should absolutely not be on this list. 1.5/5 -> 2/5.
2
Apr 08 2024
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Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
A fairly good album. Really nothing too stand out or special, but not offensive. 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
3
Apr 09 2024
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Liquid Swords
GZA
I've listened to this album for years and have always thought it's alright. That perception continues on this listen. Some really stand out tracks on the first half of the album, but it fades by the end to just ok. 3/5.
3
Apr 10 2024
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
I like Otis Redding, but an album of covers and ok originals doesn't cut it for this list. 2/5.
2
Apr 11 2024
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
This album was fine. Pleasant enough, but nothing special. 3/5.
3
Apr 12 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Ok, I was expecting to hate this album but it really wasn't all that bad. All of the hits on it take me back, and it's short enough not to overstay it's welcome. A lot of the unknown tracks weren't too memorable, but still not bad. 3/5.
3
Apr 13 2024
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Ten
Pearl Jam
I've listened to Ten for years, and it's always an amazing experience. Honestly, the first 6 songs (Once -> Jeremy) are perfect in my eyes. The last 5 (Oceans -> Release) are mid to weak tracks. All in all I keep coming back for the first half of the album, but the second isn't strong enough for me to give near a 5.
3.7/5 -> 4/5
4
Apr 14 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
That felt much longer than it was. He has a good voice and the strings were a nice touch, but there was nothing interesting or challenging on this album. Very straightforward. 3/5.
3
Apr 15 2024
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Lost Souls
Doves
I like a good prog rock album, but this one came off as bloated, derivative, and self important. I don't think there was much variety in the tracklist, and the songs presented were simply ok. Not bad, but not impressed. 3/5.
3
Apr 16 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
I'm generally not a punk rock fan, and this album didn't change my mind. Fast, short, samey songs with washed out vocals. At least the project was short. 2/5.
2
Apr 17 2024
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
This was a pretty good album. I really enjoyed it's laid back nature and the mix of styles. It didn't seem super unique or ambitious so I'm giving it a 3, but not a bad listen. 3/5.
3
Apr 18 2024
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
This album was ok. It was definitely a "pop" album of the time, where it sounds engineered to make hits rather than express an artistic concept.
Not amazing, not horrible. Solid 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
3
Apr 19 2024
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
That was a really good album. I loved the variety of styles and that it kept me on my toes. I definitely heard some Larks Tongues in Aspic influence in there. I also recognized some Godspeed You! Black Emperor in the song Chartered Flight. My only qualm is that the album was a bit too over the place which sacrificed cohesion. Still though, a great album. 4/5.
4
Apr 20 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
I've heard these singles since they came out, but this was my first listen to the whole album. It was ok, just some nice, safe, alternative rock. 3/5.
3
Apr 21 2024
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
That album was good, but a bit bloated. I definitely prefer the streamlined Baduizm. That being said I like the lyrics and grooves of these songs and could see myself listening to this again. 3.6/5 -> 4/5.
4
Apr 22 2024
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Sweetheart Of The Rodeo
The Byrds
The byrds. Why is it always the byrds. Another mid-folk/country album. 2/5.
2
Apr 23 2024
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
I really like Jim Morrisons voice and appreciate the bigger hits on this album. Sure it could be a more experimental album, but all around good. 3/5.
3
Apr 24 2024
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Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Great album. The songs Tarkus and Bitches Crystal are the best for sure. Jeremy Bender and Are You Ready Eddie? are a bit out of place. All around a great listening experience, but not a perfect album. 3.5/5 -> 4/5.
4
Apr 25 2024
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Dog Man Star
Suede
For most of this album I admit I was ambivalent, but goddamn The Asphalt World into Still Life may be the best two closing tracks I've heard on this list so far. So much so that I'm going to have to relisten now the I have the full album as context. An easy 4/5.
4
Apr 26 2024
View Album
Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
I'd listened to pieces of this album for years but this is the first time I made it through it's entirety. God this this is bloated and dated.
A Visit to the Gynecologist and Girl Let Me Touch You are absolutely horrible tracks. Other songs are ok, but just thematically repetitive across the album. Blue Flowers is really the best track on here. Sadly, this album is on its way out for me. 2/5.
2
Apr 27 2024
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Disintegration
The Cure
Certainly not a cure for boredom. This soft rock is so uninteresting. Every song sounds like the last, and for an hour and 12 minutes. This is not something I'll ever come back to. 2/5.
2
Apr 28 2024
View Album
Trafalgar
Bee Gees
The Bee Gees did much better with disco than soft rock. I'd happily go through my life not listening to this again. 2/5.
2
Apr 29 2024
View Album
Whatever
Aimee Mann
I can safely say, from the bottom of my heart, that was the worst album I've heard on this list thus far. Her weak, nasally voice, the uncomfortable lyrics, the sophomoric musical talent, all pulled into almost an hour long album. What an absolute waste of time. I refuse to listen to Aimee Mann albums again. 0/5 -> 1/5.
1
Apr 30 2024
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The Band
The Band
Not a fan of this one. Generic southern rock that I can in no way connect with. The lead singers voice is weak and muted. The yodeling at one point made it more interesting. All around not a fan. 1.5/5 -> 2/5.
2
May 01 2024
View Album
Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
I listened to this album when it first came out and enjoyed it. Since 2020 it's aged relatively well. A ton of tracks stick out while a few fall to the back. All around a strong album. 3.7/5 -> 4/5.
4
May 02 2024
View Album
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
This is an album I'll need to listen to again to give an accurate score. Few of the tracks really made my jaw drop, but I really like his voice and thought the whole experience was pretty pleasant. I'd give it a 3.4/5 today, but may listen again tomorrow.
I listened again and agree with my rating. 3/5
3
May 03 2024
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
This was some good jazz. Not exceptional, but good. 3/5.
3
May 04 2024
View Album
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
A painfully O.K. prog album. There are some songs that stick out, but most don't do much for me. 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
3
May 05 2024
View Album
São Paulo Confessions
Suba
This is the original "Chill Beats to Study To". Some fun time signature play occasionally, but otherwise stock-standard. 2.6/5 -> 3/5.
3
May 06 2024
View Album
Celebrity Skin
Hole
Perfectly alright grunge album. It came out a few years after Kurt's death so I imagine some of the concepts are related to him. I'd give it a 3/5.
3
May 07 2024
View Album
Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
This album is a classic. Generally strong, my only gripe is that sometimes the album is too trumpet-forward which washes out the other musicians. Otherwise very strong. 4/5.
4
May 08 2024
View Album
Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
Boring-ass snoozefest of an album. Sounds like a bad performance at a lounge. Hasn't aged well. I like her voice and the song "Apron Strings", but that's about it. 2/5.
2
May 09 2024
View Album
Locust Abortion Technician
Butthole Surfers
This album was ok. I appreciated the experimental nature of the music and the sampling. I may try to listen again, but for now: 2.7/5 -> 3/5.
3
May 10 2024
View Album
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Not a huge fan of this one. Repetitive, generally uninteresting - it hasn't aged all that well. There were a few sticky rhymes that I liked, but other than that, not my favorite. 2/5.
2
May 11 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
A good album. The first half was very strong, the second was meh. 3/5.
3
May 12 2024
View Album
Want One
Rufus Wainwright
This was an ok album. It sounded a bit like Thom Yorke without the benefits of the members of Radiohead. Nice listen, but I probably won't put it on again. 3/5.
3
May 13 2024
View Album
Fred Neil
Fred Neil
I liked his voice. The music itself was ok, but the concepts were generally interesting for the time. Not too enthusiastic about it, but deserves at least a 3.2/5 -> 3/5.
3
May 14 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Solid early metal album. A lot of great songs and elements that would be built upon by later bands. War Pigs is a great opener. The second half of the album has some weaker tracks, but this isn't bad. 3/5.
3
May 15 2024
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
I really liked this album. The State I Am In is a really strong start. The momentum keeps up for awhile but dips in the midpoint. I'll definitely relisten but for now very good. 3.8/5 -> 4/5.
4
May 16 2024
View Album
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
A fine classic rock album. It's essentially Gimme Shelter and You Can't Always Get What You Want with some filler songs in between. Still, not a bad time. 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
3
May 17 2024
View Album
Orbital 2
Orbital
I'd heard rumors about how tough a listen this was, but honestly I felt it was pretty enjoyable. The electronic elements keep you on your toes and you aren't sure what the next segment of the song will sound like. The repetitive intro and outro segments are great. On this list, an easy 4/5.
4
May 18 2024
View Album
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
An alright album. I didn't realize The Zombies did the song Time of the Season, so learned something new. Other than that very generic. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
May 19 2024
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
This was a pretty solid indie/folk album. Some areas got a bit stagnant, but overall pleasant. 3/5
3
May 20 2024
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
A pleasant enough country/folk album. It felt like it took longer than 30-some minutes but this isn't a genre I typically enjoy. Anyway. 2.7/5-> 3/5
3
May 21 2024
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
A really good album. A few songs were plagued by some preachy bits, and "They Won't Go When I Go" would have been a much stronger close, but generally not bad. 3/5.
3
May 22 2024
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
It's good? Blues rock really all sounds alike to me. That being said I did like some of the extra emotion/yelling on Mannish Boy, so I'll give it a 2.8/5. -> 3/5.
3
May 23 2024
View Album
Maxinquaye
Tricky
I'm a big fan of Portishead and Massive Attack when it comes to Trip-Hop, but I've never been able to get into this album. I find it meandering and uninteresting, even for background music. I don't find the music offensive to the ears or anything, but I do believe this album is overrated. 2/5.
2
May 24 2024
View Album
Funeral
Arcade Fire
This is a really solid and well produced album. You can tell they put a lot of thought and effort into each song. My only gripe is that some songs are a bit on the forgettable side. Other than those few, really solid. 4/5.
4
May 25 2024
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
I knew this divisive one was coming. I listened to it thinking of how Kanye was at the time, not perfect but with more substantive and impactful things to say.
Honestly, the sequencing of this album is phenomenal. Dark fantasy is one of the best opening tracks that comes to mind, and Lost in the World into Who Will Survive in America are a near-perfect pair of closing tracks. Every other song on the album is distinct and unique, with almost all being standouts.
My biggest complaint with this album is that almost all of the tracks are 1-3 mins longer than they need to be. If the extra bloat was removed this album would be near perfect. That is except for the song "So Appalled", which is an incredibly boring and unnecessary track.
All things considered, this is a strong album and deserving of a very positive score. 4.5/5 -> 5/5.
5
May 26 2024
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
If I was looking to scratch an industrial itch I think I'd rather listen to Nine Inch Nails. The amount of controversy that continues to follow this man makes the music all the more uncomfortable to listen to. It wasn't horrible, but I won't be listening to this again. 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
On listening again and thinking about this album, I really think the most interesting parts of the music are captured by bands like NIN, and the juvenile "shock" factor is childish. Lowering this to a 2/5.
2
May 27 2024
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The first six songs on this album are funky and relentlessly catchy. Unfortunately, after the song "Californication" they paint themselves in a bit. They redeem a bit on the last song Road Trippin', which is a nice closing track. 2.8/5 -> 3/5.
3
May 28 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
This album was ok. A bit underwhelming when it comes to sticking power but the folk vibes were strong. 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
3
May 29 2024
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
An o.k. metal album from back in the day. Few standout tracks but not bad. 3/5.
3
May 30 2024
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
A very ok album. Funny that this is commonly cited as one of the best albums of all time. A solid 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
3
May 31 2024
View Album
Dry
PJ Harvey
This is a really catchy and well made grunge-adjacent album. I really enjoy most of these songs and have a real appreciation for PJ's ability to craft a song. 4/5.
4
Jun 01 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
A boring, long-winded album that has no place being on a top list. There were some ok throwback vibes but other than that not a good one. 2/5.
2
Jun 02 2024
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
A good album all together. A few standout tracks amidst a lot of general psychedelic music. 3/5.
3
Jun 03 2024
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War
U2
I had medium-high expectations for this album and was completely underwhelmed. Generic alternative rock with a few notable hits - like the imagine dragons of their time. 2/5.
2
Jun 04 2024
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
This album was disappointing. Outside of the "hit" tracks (Give Me the Loot, Juicy, Big Poppa) which are o.k., the tracks were uninteresting or awkward. The interludes were egregious, and the sequencing of the album was missing. The moments that painted this as a concept album were overblown (Intro and Suicidal Thoughts). Not a great listen. 2/5.
2
Jun 05 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
I really enjoyed this for the most part. Some songs were a bit forgettable, but others blew me away. All together, a great experience. 3.3/5 -> 3/5.
3
Jun 06 2024
View Album
Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
This album has no personality. It is very flat and unassuming, with stale and simple songs. Cohesion was missing across the album. Some tracks were ok (the finale was pretty good) but other than that not impressed. 2/5.
2
Jun 07 2024
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Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
I really did not like this album at all. I was desperate for it to end. His voice, the electronics, the lyrics. It was all horrible. 1/5
1
Jun 08 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
One of the best jazz albums of all time. 5/5
5
Jun 09 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
This album was pretty good. My only qualms were that her singing was generally lackluster, and that Son of a Preacher Man stood out as a single, with no other songs coming close to matching the quality. All in all not bad vibes - 3/5.
3
Jun 10 2024
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Lam Toro
Baaba Maal
That was a unique and interesting listen. The individual tracks were good but resulted in an o.k. album experience. 3/5.
3
Jun 11 2024
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
Honestly, this was a crazy cool experience. Big Boi and Andre 3000 have such unique approaches to art, and the fact that they pieced together this behemoth of a double album which so distinctly captures each of their styles is crazy. It took me several days to fully experience this thing, but it is certainly deserving of a spot on this list. 4.5/5 -> 5/5.
5
Jun 12 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
This album is nearly flawless. The only blotch is the preachy jesus children of america. Other than that each track is perfectly placed. 4.5/5 -> 5/5.
5
Jun 13 2024
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
Mindless wallpaper drivel. Other than some nice guitar, this seriously lacks substance. 2/5.
2
Jun 14 2024
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
This was and excessively long (even without the bonus tracks), repetitive movie soundtrack. Many of the tracks sounded like knockoff Sade instrumentals with some electronics and accordion thrown on top. Not even close to deserving a place on this list. 1/5.
1
Jun 15 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
This album was good, definitely meant for a red-blooded blue-collar American. The hits stood out and some fell by the wayside. All together a good listen, seems like a cool dude. 3/5.
3
Jun 16 2024
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Ingenue
k.d. lang
A very o.k. album. She has a nice voice and there were some interesting musical concepts. 3/5.
3
Jun 17 2024
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Scott 4
Scott Walker
Scott Walker is an incredible songwriter and composer. I've loved his albums Scott 3 and Bish Bosh, but this was my first time listening to Scott 4. I was definitely impressed. The layered instrumentals across the album were certainly embellished a bit from Scott 3, and the musical styling was more homogeneous than the chaotic mix on Scott 3. That being said, the small downsides of this were that the album was too clean, and the closer "Rhymes of Goodbye" didn't pack too much of a punch. All around great album though. 4/5.
4
Jun 18 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
This album is pretty good. I like Yusuf's voice and some of the songs were really great (Where Do the Children Play?, Longer Boats, Father and Son). Others were pretty forgettable. 3/5.
3
Jun 19 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I was excited to see this album pop up, as I knew Heads Will Roll and Zero well and really liked those songs. Unfortunately many of the other songs on this album pale in comparison. Good album overall, but I was expecting much better. 3/5
3
Jun 20 2024
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Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus
Spirit
This album was not for me. It's rare to hear LPs with such dry, uninteresting sounds. This has no personality and none of the songs stood out. I really don't think I can give this higher than a 1. 1/5.
1
Jun 21 2024
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Snivilisation
Orbital
A horrible album cover and name, but the Orbital folks have delivered another interesting album. The hypnotic beats and music keep me entranced. This will be good for working. 4/5.
4
Jun 22 2024
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
This album was good, though the singles really keep it afloat. That being said Shout, Everybody and Head Over Heels are bangers. 3/5.
3
Jun 23 2024
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
I've always liked the Knife, but this album never really wowed me. On relisten I wish there was more variety across the tracklist. Still good, but could be better. 3/5.
3
Jun 24 2024
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Movies
Holger Czukay
This was an interesting listen. Cool In the Pool is an interesting juxtaposition with the other songs on the album. I like his voice, and appreciated the experimental nature of the album. Oh Lord and Persian Love we're not as interesting to me as cool in the pool and Hollywood. 3.4/5 -> 3/5
3
Jun 25 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
Honestly, this album is pretty incredible. I hadn't heard anything from Nick Drake before, but the depth of composition on these tracks is impressive, his voice is great, and the album is well structured. I feel like this will be a common rotation for me going forward. 4.5/5 -> 5/5
5
Jun 26 2024
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Chris
Christine and the Queens
This was an interesting listen. First, it was WAY too long, given the content (it was listening to the same album twice, essentially). I certainly prefer the second half of the album that is mostly in French. This is not the first case of releasing two versions of the same album in different languages, so I'm not sure why this is here. Side A: 3/5. Side B: 3.4/5. 3.2/5 -> 3/5.
3
Jun 27 2024
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Live!
Fela Kuti
This album had a lot of personality and soul, but was plagued by repetitious and drawn-out song structures. To make 20+ min songs interesting there needs to be a sticky moment that resonates with the listener and motivates relistening. This album didn't have that. A good listen generally but not one I'd soon go back to. 3/5.
3
Jun 28 2024
View Album
The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
...DOOKADOOKADOokadookadookadOOKADOOKADOOKADOOKADOOKADOOkadookadookadookadookadookaDOOKADOOkadookADOOKADOokadookadookaDOOKADOOKADOOKADOOKADookadookadookadOOKADOOKADOOKADOokadookadookadookadooka...
shit
1/5
1
Jun 29 2024
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Honestly, this album was an underwhelming bore. For an album that is so talked about and a cover that is so recognizable, I was truly expecting more. 2/5
2
Jun 30 2024
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
This was a pretty good 80s rock album. I appreciated that some of the songs had hook that I could see myself returning to. Not bad. 3/5.
3
Jul 01 2024
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
I've listened to the album TNT a number of times over the past few years and always thought that something was... missing. That is also the case on this album. I prefer instrumental music that is either: dramatic, ear catching, bombastic (Lift Your Skinny Fists, Earth 2, Fashion Week); or more subtle (Music for Airports, any Time Hecker or Phillip Glass). This middle of the road music (Tortoise, Explosions in the Sky) always feels lacking. 3/5.
3
Jul 02 2024
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
A good, classic album with a few standout tracks. Chain of fools is always great and A Natural Woman was a great surprise. 3/5
3
Jul 03 2024
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Out of Step
Minor Threat
A good punk album. The opener Betray was good, but the closer Cashing in was great. Some of the songs in the middle were same-y. I may listen again. 3/5.
3
Jul 04 2024
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
D'Angelo is really beyond compare when it comes to interesting and catchy R&B. His more recent album Black Messiah won me over and is an easy 5/5 for me. Brown Sugar may be a bit more traditional, but the songs are catchy, and break the mold of what you'd typically think is an R&B song. I have few complaints about this album, other than it wasn't as experimental as Black Messiah (but BM came out almost 20 years later!) 4.5/5 -> 5/5.
5
Jul 05 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
This album was purely ok. Few songs stood out and many were far too preachy, but not bad. 3/5.
3
Jul 06 2024
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
This was a great disco album. The bass was addicting and the vocals were beautiful and powerful. There were just a few songs that didn't grab much attention. Otherwise extremely solid. 4/5.
4
Jul 07 2024
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I've been pretty critical of all of the Neil Young on this list, but honestly this one is pretty great. The instrumentals are the majority of the album, and I enjoyed the rock. Good vibes. 3.7/5 -> 4/5
4
Jul 08 2024
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
My oh my that was dull. If I wanted to listen to an elevated version of that style I'd listen to "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. Really no peaks and a few troughs throughout the runtime. 2.4/5 -> 2/5.
2
Jul 09 2024
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The White Album
Beatles
I've been critical of how the Beatles are overrated in the context of modern music, but this album was really good. Certainly it didn't have a natural flow or a cohesiveness between the different tracks, but it showed the groups ability and interest in multiple genres. Not a perfect album, but very well done. 4/5.
4
Jul 10 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Reggae is a genre I haven't gotten too deep into. All around this album was ok. Good vibes but not much else. 3/5.
3
Jul 11 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
I've listened to this album for years and have liked it. Most of the songs are phenomenal but there are a few underwhelming moments. 4/5.
4
Jul 12 2024
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
A boring southern rock album with the most interesting song being a cover of an Otis Redding original. Not impressed, though it wasn't the worst I've heard on here. 2/5.
2
Jul 13 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
There is far too much rolling stones on this list. Like I said before, their style is very dry and uninteresting. There are hardly any memorable songs other than shine a light. 2/5.
2
Jul 14 2024
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Only By The Night
Kings of Leon
There is no universe where this pandering, underwhelming, sack of shit of an album should be in the top 1001. Kings of Leon clearly intended for Sex on Fire and Use Somebody to be the singles (both of which are not interesting nor good), with the rest of the album padded by bad songs with repetitive lyrics, grating vocals and basic song structures. This is an all time low on this list so far, and I sincerely hope the author removed this album to make room for other albums. 0/5 -> 1/5
1
Jul 15 2024
View Album
Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
That was an interesting listen. Of course Bjork totally stole the show on this, but it was cool to see her back in her early days. It was pretty fun an experimental. Some of the songs were repetitive or fell flat for me, but all around a worthwhile listen. 3/5
3
Jul 16 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
This is a good enough album. I'd listened to the singles off of it since I was young, and while the rest of the album didn't match up to the singles they at least tried. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Jul 17 2024
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Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
This album was fine, but a double album was entirely unnecessary. Most of these songs were alike, and they all melded together. I didn't find it unique nor engaging, outside of a few tracks. Bloated listen but not unpalatable. 2.4/5 -> 2/5
I listened to this behemoth again today and feel the same. Just props for him doing this mostly by himself.
2
Jul 18 2024
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Bitches Brew
Miles Davis
The perfect, experimental jazz rock album. Timeless classic. I loved reading about the recording process. 5/5
5
Jul 19 2024
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Mask
Bauhaus
This album was very impressive to me. Despite being released in the early 80s it has a very modern sound (like a grittier version of Depeche Mode's Violator). The random dog noises that screech at you twice is a good touch. All in all I'm a fan. 4/5
4
Jul 20 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
This album was phenomenal. Her voice is amazing, the amount of genres is incredible, the album is dramatic and well sequenced. Great listen and an easy classic to throw on repeat. 5/5
5
Jul 21 2024
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
This album was pretty good, but the CLEAR standout imo is "So Many Sides of You". All around this was a pretty sensual listen. Not sure how often I'll come back to this one but not a bad listen. 3/5
3
Jul 22 2024
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John Prine
John Prine
Repetitive with stupid lyrics and boring themes. Really not that great other than a few of the instrumentals. 2/5.
2
Jul 23 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
A very plain and uninspired album. Ok songs. 2.4/5=> 2/5
2
Jul 24 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I never want to hear another Neil Young album in my life. It's absurd that he has >10 slots on this list of 1001 albums and only ~75 albums have been added from between 2001 and 2021. 2/5.
2
Jul 25 2024
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The Last Broadcast
Doves
There is some technical skill here, but if I wanted to listen to Coldplay (which I never do) I'd listen to Coldplay. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Jul 26 2024
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Truth And Soul
Fishbone
A pretty good and interesting funk/ska album. Wouldn't listen again, but it is innovative. 3/5
3
Jul 27 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
This album really impressed me. I love the songs where they have more of a hard-rock lean rather than a blues-rock lean. Highway Star is a great opening track and Space Truckin' is a good closer. Smoke on the water is a tad overplayed and simplistic but still good. The only song I wasn't a huge fan of was Lazy. All around great album. 3.5/5 -> 4/5
4
Jul 28 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
This album is a classic that I've listened to for years. It's well sequenced, has good balance in song type, and has great hits. The album art is phenomenal. Some of the songs are a little forgettable, but this album mostly does a perfect job. 4.5/5 -> 5/5
5
Jul 29 2024
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Debut
Björk
Debut is a very special album. It certainly has a feeling of Bjork finding herself after the Sugarcubes era, exploring a number of styles and genres. The result is a bit messy, but certainly prevews the incredible talents that would make Homogeneous, Vespertine, Biophilia and Vulnicura (albums closer to a 5). For this one, 4/5.
4
Jul 30 2024
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Surfer Rosa
Pixies
I'm a big grunge fan and hoped the pregenetor of the genre would be more standout, unfortunately the lo-fi garage aesthetic with meh sound construction and weak vocals across the board really didn't do it for me. Where is my mind is ok. 2/5
2
Jul 31 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
This album was pretty solid. Fairly distinct tunes with a great singer and a unique sound. Lovefool is a classic and I liked Your New Cuckoo as an opener. 3/5.
3
Aug 01 2024
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
This was an interesting one. I found some of these moments transcendent. Others I felt like there could have been more drum presence to up the stakes as the song went on. Regardless, this album definitely got my attention and was a strong shoegaze presence. 3.7/5 -> 4/5
4
Aug 02 2024
View Album
Future Days
Can
I really, really like Ege Bamyasi by CAN which came out a year earlier. I feel like it has superior balance when it comes to catchy hooks and Krautrock instrumental passages. This album has a bit too much of the latter, making the album more of a jam session. Unfortunately, I can only give this a 3.3/5 -> 3/5.
3
Aug 03 2024
View Album
Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
This album surprised me, and not in a good way. Their subsequent album Violator is perfect, 5/5. This one suffers from forgettable songs, uninteresting instrumentals, and an ok vocal performance. I can only really give this a 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
3
Aug 04 2024
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I'm always praying that I've listened to my last Neil Young album on this list, and am always disappointed.
Another basic-ass boomer rock album. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Aug 05 2024
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Pink Flag
Wire
Some really good punk rock. I've listened to this before and yet didn't recognize too much of it. There aren't too many hooks. But I like the vocals and instrumentals. It's weakest point is there isn't much distinction between songs sometimes. Otherwise not bad. 3/5
3
Aug 06 2024
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Honestly, I've listened to this a number of times over the years but this time I was surprised. I think I usually make it through the first half of the album, which is certainly "catchier", but the real quality of this album comes from the second half. Us V Them, Watch the Tapes, Sound of Silver and NY really elevate the album experience. Especially Sound of Silver which probably became my favorite track. While it's not perfect (the minimalist electronic instrumentals are more of a hinderancs in some places than a boon), still a really solid album. 4/5.
4
Aug 07 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
This was exciting to see on here - I'd heard good things for years.
All in all it's a pretty strong album. Green Light, Homemade Dynamite, Liability, and Sober 2 through the end of the album are amazing. Sober, the louvre and hard feelings aren't all that great. Not perfect, but great listening experience. 4/5
4
Aug 08 2024
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
This album had some good spots, but generally this is utterly forgettable and not ideal for a list of this magnitude. Some good songs and bass riffs though. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Aug 09 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
I read the entire background of this record, and while it sounds impressive and really feels like the stars aligned to make it, it was just relatively drab. His piano playing must be more technical than I can perceive, because oftentimes I found specific passages oversimplistic and repetitive. These passages were so cheesy they sounded like they could act as the opener of an 80s sitcom. I also had the weird grunting and breathing sounds throughout the album - very immersion-breaking.
I'll give props for the accolades this album received and the unlikely way it was recorded, and acknowledge that many of the passages were more interesting and technical. But I can only go to a 3 for it's shortcomings. 3/5
3
Aug 10 2024
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
This is a good album, but it's really held up by Turn to Stone and Mr. Blue Sky. I also like the song Believe Me Now, though it's too short. Most other songs are meh or uninteresting, though Jungle is just plain bad. 2.5/5 -> 3/5.
3
Aug 11 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
This album was a really cool experience, and it's history really earned it the rating. I love the energy that these guys inspire from the crowd, especially during that insane sax solo on Diminuendo in Blue (the best song on the album). I really felt like I was transported back to this Jazz club. Very impressive album that I'll check back on for years to come. 5/5.
5
Aug 12 2024
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
That album was some o.k. blues rock. Better than being forced to listed to racist clapton. Not too bad. 3/5
3
Aug 13 2024
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
I've listened to this album for almost 15 years now, and it has stood the test of time well. This album isn't necessarily cohesive, and instead comes off similar to it's album artwork - a series of loosely connected vignettes with similar themes. Yet it's through this style that this album stands out amongst Radiohead's catalogue of more seamless albums.
Some of the tracks are not as strong as others given this style of delivery, which lowers the overall score a tad, but all around an iconic album and a unique one in Radiohead's discography. 4.2/5 -> 4/5
4
Aug 14 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
This album is pretty good. The jazzy elements have really stood the test of time, but the flows and lyrics haven't aged as well. 3/5.
3
Aug 15 2024
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Dirt
Alice In Chains
From start to end, this album is a masterpiece. 5/5.
5
Aug 16 2024
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The Dreaming
Kate Bush
This album was disappointing. Certainly it is experimental, but I don't believe that many of the tracks succeed is sounding *good*. Most of them combine strange instrumental palates and vocals in a way that is abrasive (and not in a challenging, fun way. In a grating way.) The three exceptions to this are Leave it Open, Houdini and Get Out of My House. Each of these tracks explored different registers of Kate's vocal range and really positively surprised me. Leave it Open was especially impressive. But only really liking 3/10 songs and appreciating the general experimental nature of the album only takes this to a 4/10. 2/5.
2
Aug 17 2024
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Document
R.E.M.
Wow, this album is incredibly mid. His voice is interesting and some of the songs were relatively interesting, but very much a bore. 2.6/5 -> 3/5
3
Aug 18 2024
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Scissor Sisters
Scissor Sisters
This was a really fun album, and I'm glad it was on this list. Take Your Mama took me back, and Filthy/Gorgeous was a great listen. I remember listening to their version of Comfortably Numb when I was going through a The Wall phase in 2008 or so. All in all a pretty solid album with just a handful of underwhelming tracks. 4/5
4
Aug 19 2024
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Searching For The Young Soul Rebels
Dexys Midnight Runners
All around a good album with a bit of a ska twist. Not my favorite, but the vocals and instrumentals were a bit sticky and it was a unique listen. 3/5
3
Aug 20 2024
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
A good vibe to this album. Willie has a great voice and a lot of passion. Good all around. 3/5.
3
Aug 21 2024
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The Slider
T. Rex
This album was an absolute bore and a chore to listen to. The vocals were too processed, it was too plain without any interesting points in the songs. Not the worst on here, but more than deserving of a 2/5.
2
Aug 22 2024
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
I enjoyed how raw and hypnotic this album was. Rough around the edges garage punk vibe. I love the song No Xmas for John Quays. 3/5
3
Aug 23 2024
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
This album really caught me by surprise. Really great vocals, high quality recordings, and a unique sound for the time while also staying pretty catchy/accessible. The Spotify version isn't the correct version, I had to find it on YouTube. Really solid listen that I'll come back to some day. 4/5
4
Aug 24 2024
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
I honestly have tried to listen to this album for years and have only been marginally impressed. Wouldn't It be Nice is an incredible opener and some other songs hit pretty well, but as an album experience it sounds more like a collection of singles of varying quality. Majority of tracks are strong. 3/5
3
Aug 25 2024
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I Against I
Bad Brains
A pretty good album. Some songs were bops and I enjoyed the energy. Others were forgettable. Evens out to a 3/5.
3
Aug 26 2024
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
A solid listen from Bob. Some classics on here, but overall conventional. 3/5
3
Aug 27 2024
View Album
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
A pretty good album. Eminem is clearly trying to be a troll in these songs with some hits and a number of misses. The skits/flows were mostly good. Some of the songs were too long and became uninteresting. 3/5
3
Aug 28 2024
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
A few good bops does not a good album make. The thought that came to mind while listening was "Isn't there six people on this album cover? Six people and they can't make more interesting music?" 2/5
2
Aug 29 2024
View Album
Very
Pet Shop Boys
I loved this album. From start to end it was full of so many interesting sounds and textures, and the music itself was so vibrant. Each song was destinct and creative. Honestly there were really no low spots for me, and I'm glad I discovered this through here. 5/5
5
Aug 30 2024
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
This music itself was mid, but honestly I question the judgement of any group that would give the o.k. to have several instances of blackface/Black caricatures on the cover (even in the 60s). I mean, that puts forward a pretty clear statement about what audience they'd like to listen to this. And I guarantee that audience is not the Black audience that revolutionized blues music and rock. 1/5
1
Aug 31 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
An ok (though understandably simplistic and undercooked) piece of 60s pop. While I understand why it's on here, I think other Beatles albums are better spent on a list like this. 2/5
2
Sep 01 2024
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
Two hit singles don't make an album one of the most important of all time. Similar gripe to that horrible Kings if Leon album. At least this album has some groove to it occasionally, though many of the songs sounded identical. 1.5/5 -> 2/5.
2
Sep 02 2024
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Different Class
Pulp
The most drab, boring and tasteless bits of Bowie, Arcade Fire and Coldplay combined. This album was a slog and I couldn't wait for it to be over. No distinct style or personality of its own. 1/5
1
Sep 03 2024
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
All around a pretty good vibe. Tuesdays Gone is great and Free Bird is a phenomenal closer. Other than those the other songs were just a bit more interesting than wallpaper. 3/5
3
Sep 04 2024
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Opus Dei
Laibach
I wanted to like this album, but that fact that multiple of the more interesting tracks were covers, and the rest of the songs were repetitive and uninteresting left a sour taste. The best part of this album is the album art. 2/5
2
Sep 05 2024
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
This album really blew me away. I was very impressed by the seamless mix of different styles and genres. "Receptacle for the Respectable" and "No Sympathy" really stood out as amazing surprises. I loved every song but "Presidential Suite", which was the clear low point on the album. All that considered, 12/13 is pretty damn impressive. 4.8/5 -> 5/5
5
Sep 06 2024
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The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
This was horrible. Diddling and unstructured nonsense with weak vocals and uninteresting songs. To top it off it was much longer than it deserved to be. One of the worst albums I've heard on here. 1/5
1
Sep 07 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
I didn't realize how many hits were on this album. All around good. The ones that didn't gain much attention were just ok, but the star power of the big songs elevate the album a bit. 3/5
3
Sep 08 2024
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
This was a challenging, technical album that definitely took a lot of skill to pull off. It sounds very ahead of it's time: I hear some examples of sounds that would pop up later on Radiohead albums. I've gone back several times and have gone between a 2 and a 4. Given the aforementioned skill and some fun hooks that keep me coming back, this is a 3.5/5 -> 4/5
4
Sep 09 2024
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Femi Kuti
Femi Kuti
This was a pretty meh album. His voice is great and the music is pleasant enough, but 73 mins of unrelenting upbeat sound that really doesn't vary much in it's structure is exhausting. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Sep 10 2024
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
This is some serious "cool jazz". It's goodish but very safe and predictable, which isn't necessarily my jam. Easy music for the background when guests are over for a winter cocktail party. 3/5
3
Sep 11 2024
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
I generally liked this album. I really liked his voice specifically. Some songs went on a bit, but I really enjoyed a few, namely Then She Did... and Been Caught Stealing. 3/5
3
Sep 12 2024
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Very meh, ok album. The blues elements were pretty good, the country elements less so. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Sep 13 2024
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
What horrible, preachy, dribble. Sure, put this on a top 1001 albums to play in church, but not of all time. It's cool he released this as a tribute to 9/11, but really the song quality here is so basic and simple, with an aggressively christian lean that makes the whole thing cheesy and unbearable. His "Blue Collar" stuff from the old days is much more palatable. 1/5
1
Sep 14 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
Rio is a 5/5 song and Hungry Like the Wolf is a classic, but the rest of the songs just bloat the album. The vocals are too washed out, the songs are samey and uninteresting. 2.4/5 -> 2/5
2
Sep 15 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
A good album. Very consistent. No high highs, no low lows. Morrison's voice is always great. 3/5
3
Sep 16 2024
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
This album had a lot of different styles, that made it hard to distinguish this bands style compared to its contemporaries. All around a pretty good album though. I liked the personality of the lead singer. 3/5
3
Sep 17 2024
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
A very great and compelling album. Really no low points, just the fact that it's very simple in nature holds it back. But will keep listening. 4/5
4
Sep 18 2024
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Smash
The Offspring
I really grew up liking the song Come Out and Play. Self Esteem never did it for me. The rest of this album is not good. Thin instrumentals with very similar songs throughout. The punk aesthetic is not appealing, the post-grunge aspects are grating, and the ska is obnoxious. Not one I'd ever listen to again. 1.4/5 -> 1/5
1
Sep 19 2024
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Coles Corner
Richard Hawley
I had high hopes for this album, but it really ended up being a one-trick pony. No variation on his delivery or instrumentals for 46 mins was a pretty grating experience. 2.4/5 -> 2/5
2
Sep 20 2024
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Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
This is not a good album. Generic singer/songwriter music that sounds exceptionally derivative of David Bowie (though a watered down version). 1.5/5 -> 2/5
2
Sep 21 2024
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Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
This album was ok. Some of the songs were fairly good, and some were forgettable and uninteresting. All together below average. 2.4/5 -> 2/5
2
Sep 22 2024
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
All around an interesting and ethereal listen. There were some songs on this that were amazing, beautiful drones; Others were uninteresting indie pop. Overall a favorable impression. 3/5.
3
Sep 23 2024
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
Impressive. A combination of a number of great styles, and a very avant garde style for the time. The vocals and instrumentals were great. All around not a perfect album (some of the songs ran a bit similar) but still very good. 3.5/5 -> 4/5
4
Sep 24 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Pretty good. The hits were solid, I liked the longer, instrumental songs mixed in. I may go back occasionally for the vibes, but just o.k. overall. 3/5
3
Sep 25 2024
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
One of the easiest fives so far. A whimsical and beautiful postrock/artrock/dreampop masterpiece. Every song is lush and compelling and sounds destinct. 5/5
5
Sep 26 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Honestly, I think that many of these albums are significantly overrated. And while this one's rankings near the top of the list is a bit too much, I understand most of the hype.
It's rare to have an album so packed with distinct hits that have stood the test of time and are this well sequenced.
Sadly, one of the members clearly didn't pull their weight (looking at you, Christine McVie), putting three dull songs into the album (Songbird, You Make Loving Fun, Oh Daddy). That and Gold Dust Woman is a pretty meh closer. If Christine McVie's solo songs were removed and Gold Dust Woman was improved, this would be an easy 5. Unfortunately, those blemishes reduce the score. 4/5
4
Sep 27 2024
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
A very grating and uninteresting listen overall. Some sections were ok, but mostly this was one of those times I couldn't wait for the album to end. 1.7/5 -> 2/5
2
Sep 28 2024
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
This was night and day from Rumors. No cohesion, no chemistry in the members. The songs were universally uninteresting. And to top it off it is >70min. Christine McVie put on as bad/sleepy a performance as ever and was far more prevalent. Bad listen and shouldn't be on this list. 1/5
1
Sep 29 2024
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Talking With the Taxman About Poetry
Billy Bragg
This album was very moving and complitative. Lyrics aside, it had me reflecting on some of the saddest and happiest times of my life. The lyrics themselves were great and really represented some positive political messages. Some of the songs were less interesting than others, but all around this was a good listen. Though I doubt I'd ever have the emotional bandwidth to listen again. 3.5/5 -> 4/5
4
Sep 30 2024
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I really don't understand why this album is on this list. It really seems to be The Talking Heads looking for their style. There are very few interesting songs, and David's vocals don't even shine on this album. Other than a handful of groovy moments, disappointing and should not be on this list. 1.7/5 ->2/5.
2
Oct 01 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
This album is exceptional. The Stone Roses both really captured the sound of their points of inspiration from the 60s and 70s, and also made an airy/atmospheric listen unique to both the 80s and 90s. There are so many peaks on this record, but "Bye Bye Bad Man", "I am the Resurrection" and "Fools Gold" are flawless in my eyes. A joy to listen to, and I go back at least once a month. 5/5
5
Oct 02 2024
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
I've listened to the Velvet Underground and Nico for years and have my own thoughts on that album, but this was the first time I'd listened to Nico solo material. It was ok. The strings are lush, but the other instruments and Nico's vocals are fairly sparce. It was a good vibe while on, but other than that just fine. 3/5
3
Oct 03 2024
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Doolittle
Pixies
After the last Pixies album I got I was unsure how much I would like this. Turns out Doolittle is a significant improvement on its predecessor! Most of the songs are great, and while it doesn't veer too far out of its comfort zone it is a good listen while it's on. 4/5
4
Oct 04 2024
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Gold
Ryan Adams
What an insufferable collection of ear numbing muzak. I can't believe this charted anywhere in the world. I can't believe how basic and uninspired each individual song was, and what a tedious experience listening to the whole album was. The fact that this was shorter than anticipated and was still 70 minutes of this shit is something else. 1/5
1
Oct 05 2024
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
The crowds enthusiasm really gives this album a leg up - it's a really fun snapshot into how a live venue must have sounded at the time. Some songs have become a bit dated, but generally a fun album. 4/5
4
Oct 06 2024
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
A grunge original. While I prefer later grunge with better hooks and production value, the core tenants are here and done well. 3/5
3
Oct 07 2024
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
A chill Morcheeba-esque album. Very calming and will be good for working. 3/5
3
Oct 08 2024
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Metallica
Metallica
A horrible slough of an album. No progression, uninteresting song structures, tinny/grating instrumentals and annoying vocals that didn't change throughout the album. I'm super disappointed in this and am NOT looking forward to the other Metallica albums on this list. 1/5
1
Oct 09 2024
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
Most of these songs were jams or just generally uninteresting, other than "Surrender" which was a pretty hype moment on this live album. Didn't outweigh the low-lights, though. 2/5
2
Oct 10 2024
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The Blueprint
JAY Z
All around a solid album. A lot of the songs had solid instrumentals and I really liked his flow. Pretty impressive and I'll listen again in the future. 3.5/5 -> 4/5
4
Oct 11 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
A pretty good listen. It's pretty drawn-out and one-note at times, but she is an amazing vocalist. 3/5
3
Oct 12 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
This was much better than their self-titled album. Fewer songs which were more distinct. Battery and Master of Puppets were great opening tracks. The only thing holding it back is just how samey his vocals are on every track and how dated and compressed the instrumentals are. 3/5
3
Oct 13 2024
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En-Tact
The Shamen
A good enough listen that fills the background. The sounds have dated a bit but a fun nostalgic listen. No complaints. 2.7/5 -> 3/5
3
Oct 14 2024
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...The Dandy Warhols Come Down
The Dandy Warhols
Generally, this was a good album. I really liked the songs that were a bit more atmospheric and ambient in nature. The song "Last Junkie" was AWFUL and dragged the album down a bit. That and the run time was about 20 mins too long. 3/5
3
Oct 15 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
I generally this Kraftwerk is a bit too repetitive, but on repeat listen I kinda get it. Front to back a futuristic experience that pulls you in. A pleasant listen I'll come back to. 4/5
4
Oct 16 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
This album is an absolutely critical listen. From front to back it is perfect. It pushed the envelope for it's time, and very few albums or artists have come close since. It is still the trip-hop standard next to Mezzanine by Massive Attack. 5/5
5
Oct 17 2024
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Country Life
Roxy Music
I was surprised at the quality of this. I never heard Roxy Music before and generally found thelis album to have a diverse array of styles and (usually) more of a modern sound. Some songs came off as a bit dated and underwhelming but all around good. 3.2/5 -> 3/5
3
Oct 18 2024
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Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
My initial thought seeing this album: "damn it, this is going to be a two hour long dad-rock jam session, isn't it?"
I was almost spot on. This has to be one of the most bloated and uninteresting records in here. A misguided mess, guised as the pinnacle of "improvisation". All they did was stop playing the cohesive sections of their songs that they rehearsed them let the guitarist diddle around a bit every time. This is the epitome of an album that should NOT be on this list. I was hoping for it to be over the minute it started, what a waste of my time. 0/5
1
Oct 19 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
This was an alright listen from War. It was less bumping then I'd have hoped for and not super memorable. Not exactly sure why this is on here but not horrible. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Oct 20 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Honestly, after message in a bottle this album never really regains its footing. The classic rock leaning ska approach just isn't for me. Some good moments but overall unimpressed.
2
Oct 21 2024
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
A mediocre dad-rock album with no unique elements. It's a shame this is taking the place of other potential albums. The only redeeming qualities are that many of the instrumentals are at least average and it's relatively short. 1.8/5 -> 2/5
2
Oct 22 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
A pleasant enough live experience. Few high-highs, no low-lows. 3/5.
3
Oct 23 2024
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
This album had some high points and some "meh" points. Does it belong on this list? Probably not. But ok listen nonetheless. 2.8/5 -> 3/5
3
Oct 24 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
It's so funny/sad how Kanye's albums act as portraits of a man's rise and fall, and how money power and fame can corrupt people. The general concept of this album is great. I love the skits and find them hilarious, and I enjoy a lot of the songs. Unfortunately this album suffers significantly worse bloat than MBDTF. Every song is about 1-2 mins too long, and many tracks on the second half of the album weren't entirely necessary. That being said I generally enjoyed the album. 3/5
3
Oct 25 2024
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Queen II
Queen
A good album I've listened to off and on over the years. A few duds in the mix (White Queen, The Loser in the End, Some Day One Day) and some that are a bit too theatrical (The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke, Seven Seas of Rhye). But most of the other tracks are good to phenomenal (Father To Son, Ogre, last 2 mins of Black Queen). I may have to listen again before I rate.
Listened again and my rating generally went down. But still not bad. 3/5
3
Oct 26 2024
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Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Not too shabby. Not the most engaging or dynamic listen, but some ear-catching tracks nonetheless. Not as intriguing as "It's Blitz!". 3/5.
3
Oct 27 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
I can't believe this album was <30mins, it felt like it went on forever. Songs were immediately forgettable and generic. Absolutely ridiculous placing on the list. There are a few songs that were mildly interesting, but that's about it. 2/5
2
Oct 28 2024
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
An o.k. 80s hair metal album with a few interesting moments. Woo. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Oct 29 2024
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
I love massive attack, though have never thought Blue Lines is even close to being their best album. Some songs are masterful, but then you have horrible duds like One Love. Net positive of an album, but give me a Mezzanine or Heilgoland any day. 3.4/5 -> 3/5
3
Oct 30 2024
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Despite this being a supergroup of well known individuals, of an album with well played rock instruments with lush string embellishments, this album was relatively forgettable. I've listened to it 3 times now and when done i cant remember any distinct moments. Not bad by any stretch but a bit too derivative of other bands and styles without its own personality. 3/5
3
Oct 31 2024
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Honestly, not a very good album. The repetition was a bit more refined and less jarring on The Man Machine. On TEE the electronics are more muted and less vibrant, and the repetition is maxed out. 2/5
2
Nov 01 2024
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Haunted Dancehall
The Sabres Of Paradise
I'm a fan of electronic music generally, but this is so uninteresting. Aphex Twin was releasing music around the same time that was leagues more complex and better constructed. Not the worst on this list but shouldn't be here. 2/5
2
Nov 02 2024
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
Musak-jazz with very little bite. Sits in the background but does not mean to be ambient. A weak piece of cool jazz. 2/5
2
Nov 03 2024
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
It was almost nauseating how color-in-the-lines this album was. Every buildup and swell felt very forced. He used the same formula for building drama in at least 7-8 songs (the strings coming in and him repeating his vocals). Reusing this formula is what made the second to last song lose it's impact. All elements considered he has a good voice and the album wasn't garbage, just a little too "safe" and white-bread to be expected on a list like this. 2.7/5 -> 3/5
3
Nov 04 2024
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
A great bass player can only get a band so far. Most of these songs were a diddling, scratching, low-fidelity mess. 2/5
2
Nov 05 2024
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Odelay
Beck
I grew up listening to this album but unfortunately it hasn't aged well. Only the hits have stood the test of time, including: Devils Haircut, the New Pollution, Where it's At, and High 5. Outside of those, the songs were underwhelming or too "experimental" for their own good. 4/14 songs is not a good ratio (1.4/5), however the quality of the good songs bumps the up a tad. 2/5
2
Nov 06 2024
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
The song(s) Shine on You Crazy Diamond are some of the best composed and atmospheric rock songs to-date. The song Wish You Were Here is beautiful in its simplicity. Have a Cigar and welcome to the machine are about 3/5 for me. Considered as a whole, while this isn't their most seamless listening experience, a damn good album. 4.5/5 -> 5/5.
5
Nov 07 2024
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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
George Michael
A middling poprock album. I'll give George props for mixing up the styles, though his vocals came off very airy and weak sometimes. Didn't overstay it's welcome but wasn't the best while it was on. 3/5.
3
Nov 08 2024
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
I had to listen to this album at least four times to fully appreciate all of the depth and nuiance. What a haunting and beautiful album. Anohni has such a unique voice, and she really structured the album well. Great experience and will listen again and to more of her works. 5/5
5
Nov 09 2024
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
A pretty good and groovy album. The doo doo song was a bit too long and tedious for my taste...
Relistened and actually loved "Promentalshitbackwashpsychosis Enema Squad (The Doo Doo Chasers)" - the juxtaposition of the filthy chaotic chanting and the beautiful melodic and hypnotic guitars and vocals is cool, and I like that they take turns going up and down in the mix. Fun album overall though some songs stood out a bit less than others. (4/5)
4
Nov 10 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Another mid-tier album from a certain era. The issue with Bob songs is they often ramble in far to long. Some good passionate singing throughout though. 2.8/5 -> 3/5
3
Nov 11 2024
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Occasionally adding strings/piano/woodwinds to crappy alternative music does very little to make the final product good. The uninspired cover if femme fatale and the fact that there are a ton of different versions of this album with the tracklist shuffled along makes me question the integrity of this as an album-listening experience. Not great. 2/5
2
Nov 12 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
A good classic rock album. Sultans of swing was a clear stand out but good all around. 3/5
3
Nov 13 2024
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
This album is phenomenal from front to back. The song Maggot Brain itself is a perfect song and intro to the album, taking you through a well sequenced rest of the project ending in another experimental and instrumental track. 5/5
5
Nov 14 2024
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461 Ocean Boulevard
Eric Clapton
A bad blues album comprised of a bunch of half-assed covers. One of the only "original" tracks is a rip off of stairway to heaven's iconic chord progression. Simple said, this is a shitty album by a talentless bigot. 1/5
1
Nov 15 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
A very beautiful and haunting album. I've very impressed with the ambient and atmospheric nature of most of these tracks. Dragged a bit sometimes and his voice is meh but very good. 4/5
4
Nov 16 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
A perfect album, front to back. They really nailed down their sound on this album, one of my favorites. 5/5
5
Nov 17 2024
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
This was a refreshing change from the usual British dad boomer bops. The beats were great and the mixing, and electronics were really nice, I'm just not big into Q-tips flow or presence. It was just a bit one-dimensional for my taste, and he was easily outshined by D'Angelo and Norah Jones. All around a good listen. 3/5
3
Nov 18 2024
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Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
A very straightforward and generally uninteresting rock/pop album of the time. At its best when Bruce is singing passionately. At its worst when the repetitive portions come in. It felt exceeding long. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Nov 19 2024
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
A really good album by a jazz great. Not jaw dropping or iconic, but good nonetheless. 3.3/5 -> 3/5
3
Nov 20 2024
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Shalimar
Rahul Dev Burman
Pretty good considering it's a soundtrack. Some songs would be better accompanied by visuals, others are stand alone. 3/5
3
Nov 21 2024
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Calenture
The Triffids
For coming out in the late 80s, this sure comes off as a derivative copy of several 70s and 80s artists. The difference is this sounds like a copy of those artists at their worst. A mediocre vocalist, forgettable songs that drag on and on. Really there is very little to like about this album, so it's a shame it is on a list like this. I'm glad that I realized "Save What You Can" is the true ending of the album as I was starting to be miserable. 1.2/5 -> 1/5
1
Nov 22 2024
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
I really wanted to like this album, but honestly found it exceptionally dull. I tried to listen and relisten about 7 times until I finally made it all the way through. Other than the title song, the others were repetitive and not musically interesting. The lyrics and concepts were overall good. 2/5
2
Nov 23 2024
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Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
I've never been huge into Talking Heads. This album sounds pretty alike to their other releases. Not bad but probably won't come back to it after this list. I appreciate some of the funkier bits. 3/5
3
Nov 24 2024
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Brian Eno is a master of subtlety, though I think this was a slight step back from the progress he made on Another Green World. The atmospheric/ambient elements of this album weren't as well balanced as the tracks on the album, and both the instrumental and lyrical songs have a bit less sticking power. However, this is still a great album in it's own right. I would have just chosen to omit it on such a list to leave breathing room for Here Come the Warm Jets, Another Green World and Ambient 1. 3.7/5 -> 4/5
4
Nov 25 2024
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Sunshine Hit Me
The Bees
This is one of the few albums that made the cut for this list a handful of times before being cut. It's an ok album, very homemade standard indie rock with a nice enough vibe. 3/5
3
Nov 26 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
I was expecting to hate this but was pleasantly surprised. It has a nice sound and the song styles are varied and interesting. Buddy Holly has a good voice. All around not bad. 3/5
3
Nov 27 2024
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
The Megadeath album(s) I had before didn't impressive me, but I thought this one was well constructed and had quite a bit of variety in it's sound. All around pretty good. 3/5.
3
Nov 28 2024
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Face to Face
The Kinks
A solid album though sounds very much like many of it's contemporaries. No complaints though. 3/5
3
Nov 29 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Another Neil Young. My god it never ends. I actually thought this one was ok, but WAY too many on this list. 3/5
3
Nov 30 2024
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
Pretty good album. Not especially ground breaking but I like her voice and no complaints. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Dec 01 2024
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Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
I really had to chew on this album. I listened to this years ago and didn't think too much of it. Now I think I'm beginning to understand the full picture. Most songs on it are really phenomenal, it's really just the couple of NOLA style saloon jams that are almost a bit of a caricature that detract from the whole.
That being said, my impression of Rain Dogs only continues to improve with time, and I'm really glad I can appreciate it now. 4.5/5 -> 5/5
5
Dec 02 2024
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Eagles
Eagles
I really wanted to give the eagles a chance, but this album was disappointing even with low expectations. The musicianship and instrumentals were laughably basic at most points, and the songs were mostly forgettable. The lyrics were the worst part, cheesy and cringe, especially when talking about women. "Chug All Night" and "Most of Us Are Sad" were the clear low points. The some of the songs did have a pleasant vibe when I turned out the lyrics. 2/5
2
Dec 03 2024
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
One of the all time best live albums. The acoustic environment, dialogue from Kurt and the guys, and a setlist that includes unique covers and unexpected songs (and almost no "hits") is so Nirvana. Where Did You Sleep Last Night may even be one of their best songs. My only gripe is the song Pennyroyal Tea which I've never been huge on. Otherwise perfect. 4.8/5 -> 5/5
5
Dec 04 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
A pretty meh listen. No real standouts other than the last few mins of Flying (the last song). Not really deserving of a spot on this list. 2/5
2
Dec 05 2024
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Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
I'll give them props, this was quite the endeavor to make this sound in the mid-80s. It was very unique, and interesting how they worked with Kraftwerk. Also turns out "Renegades of Funk" by RATM is a reimagining of this track - didn't know that, but I appreciate the original. All around it's not great, but I understand why it's on the list. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
3
Dec 06 2024
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
A masterpiece of electronic and ambient music that stands up to any album in 2024. 5/5
5
Dec 07 2024
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Music From Big Pink
The Band
An underwhelming album. More organ does not equate to more quality. 2.4/5 -> 2/5
2
Dec 08 2024
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Arular
M.I.A.
A bunch of 4 songs and 2 songs from a controversial artist. 3/5
3
Dec 09 2024
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
A truly disappointing album. Completely derivative of Here Come the Warm Jets era Brian Eno, but to the point of sounding like a bad cover band. Tribal drums cannot make this album more interesting, and only acted as silver lining to an otherwise repetitive and uninteresting mess. 1.4/5 -> 1/5
1
Dec 10 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
For an album that is as iconic as this, it's pretty clear that consistency across the tracklist is not the draw here. Four categories are apparent:
Amazing tier: Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean
Good tier: Wanna be Startin' Something, PYT
Meh tier: Baby Be Mine, Human Nature, The Lady In My Life
The Girl is Mine tier: The Girl is Mine
Despite the inconsistency, and the fact that TGIM exists, it still has some classic bops and good tracks and needs to be on this list. Just certainly NOT Michael Jackson's best. 3/5
3
Dec 11 2024
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Django Django
Django Django
An underwhelming listen. I had high hopes, but most of the tracks were just the same group harmonies and meh instrumentals. Not horrible but not needed on this list. 2.4/5->2/5
2
Dec 12 2024
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Slayed?
Slade
Laughably bad. I swore this was a parody album until I looked them up. Horrible lyrics, painfully derivative vocals and instrumentals - every song felt worse than the last. A truly bad experience. 1/5
1
Dec 13 2024
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
I was prepared to give this a 1 just given a preexisting impression of Alice Cooper, but honestly that was unfounded. This was a solid album - well-sequenced, diverse musical styles that all had a cohesive sound, and a pretty solid second half. Unfortunately, there were a few low points: Luney Tunes, Gutter Cat, Street Fight and Public Animal #9 were less than impressive. I especially thought the west side story nods in the album were tacky. Grande Finale was a great closer. All around a net positive: 3.4/5 -> 3/5
3
Dec 14 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
90s hip-hop is always hit and miss for me, and I've listened to the Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders off and on over the years and have never been that impressed. That being said, this is a very impressive debut album for the group that I prefer to those other releases. The sampling was great, the lyrics were good, and the jazz elements fit well. 3.5/5 -> 4/5
4
Dec 15 2024
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Really a transcendent and flawless album from front to back. 5/5
5
Dec 16 2024
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
I really hated this, but acknowledge it's probably a personal preference thing. I find the lead singers voice to be shrill, with an effect on my ears reminiscent of styrofoam. The backing vocalists cooing and yelping are tedious and gets under my skin. The instrumentals are proficient and technical (I'll give them that), but the meandering flow, and changing time signatures and tempo in top of my other criticisms made this album unlikeable, and virtually unlistenable. The last 30 seconds of the album were very good. But certainly a net-negative experience. 1.3/5 -> 1/5
1
Dec 17 2024
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
I've listened to the album for years - it is good but certainly not their best. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You is a classic. Not an album experience I return to often, but good nonetheless. 3/5
3
Dec 18 2024
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Signing Off
UB40
This album really hit it out of the park for me. I'm not typically into Reggae/Ska as genres, but the lyrics, themes, beats, instrumentals and even subtle electronic elements really elevates this project. Thoroughly impressed. 5/5
5
Dec 19 2024
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A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
A messy messy album. I commend the vast array of musical styles that went into this. While I think it's generally disjointed and chaotic, this album was certainly cutting edge. 3/5
3
Dec 20 2024
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
I enjoyed the subtlety of this album. Not too bombastic or standout, but pleasant enough in the background. 3/5
3
Dec 21 2024
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Transformer
Lou Reed
Weak vocals, forgettable songs, and severely dated lyrics rendered this album embarrassing to listen to. Some good instrumentals keep it afloat (Perfect Day is a great song, and the last minute of Satellite of Love is really hypnotic), but I could get better versions of these experiences on a David Bowie release.
And the colored girls go: "Meh, I'll pass."
1.4/5 -> 1/5
1