View Album
Tue Jan 30 2024
American Idiot
Green Day
This album came out when I was 12-13 and I was the perfect candidate for its sound and message. It’s had a lasting impact on me. It may not be perfect, but is always a fun and enjoyable listen and still sounds fresh 20 years after its release. Catchy songs, punk energy, expanded creativity and musical range, and an underbaked but relatable concept makes American Idiot a 5/5 for me.
5
View Album
Wed Jan 31 2024
The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Some of the best solo jazz piano you’ll ever hear. Great upon a first listen and gets better with every spin. Impressive, extended improvisations that don’t get dull or wanky. Excellent for active or passive listening.
5
View Album
Thu Feb 01 2024
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Good Bowie, but not peak Bowie. Primarily piano or acoustic-guitar led arty pop rock (turning down from the harder rock of The Man Who Sold The World), with some solid and tasteful bass lines and perhaps the start of a distinctively Bowie sound. As always for Bowie, quality vocal melodies and performances. Has a couple of all time tracks (Changes, Life on Mars?, Oh! You Pretty Things) and a handful of fine/enjoyable songs, though somewhat unmemorable. Enjoyable listen all around, but not a high impact Bowie album. I don’t see myself contemplating this album in days to come or feeling that I need to revisit often. Some of these sounds and ideas are revisited and perfected in Bowie’s subsequent album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. I’ve never quite understood the critical beliefs that this is one of Bowie’s best.
3
View Album
Fri Feb 02 2024
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
This pop rock album has some really strong sections interspersed with a few weaker tracks. There’s times when I’m really in it, but occasionally my interest drifts. Solid compositions/arrangements, quality performances (love the bass), nice groove, and great vocal melodies and harmonies. After a strong start, things begin to slow down a bit in the middle of the album. Mostly solid songs but the album is a bit long. My attention starts to wane a bit mid-side B through mid-side C, but then the album comes roaring back for a few songs. I prefer the uptempo rocking songs & sounds with a bouncy feel to most of the slower, ballad types. Overall, a good pop rock album in which the highs outweigh the lows. May have benefitted from being a bit leaner, but an enjoyable listen nonetheless.
4
View Album
Mon Feb 05 2024
Fever To Tell
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This garage/art/dance punk album oozes energy and drips with attitude and coolness. It makes you want to move in some way or another. Karen O delivers a unique and memorable vocal performance and is a quality frontwoman. Riffs are simple but catchy. Drumming feels both loose and tight at the same time. Every move the band makes serves the song well. This album was made for the sweaty underground and hardly has a dull moment (most songs aren’t long enough to get bored, and there’s enough diversity between them to not get same-y), keeping me entertained fully through.
5
View Album
Tue Feb 06 2024
xx
The xx
This indie pop record about love and loss knows how to let songs breathe. The parts are sparse and they make nice use of quietness and silence. The albums mixes electronic elements with simple basslines and reverb dripped guitar melodies. The dual female-male singers work really well and complement each other nicely, delivering emotional lyrics with a quiet shyness to it. This is a well-made record, but the songs just don’t hit me that hard. I enjoy listening while it’s on, but don’t find myself thinking about it later or feeling like I need to go back.
3
View Album
Wed Feb 07 2024
Shleep
Robert Wyatt
This was a pretty strange album and tough to digest in a way. Sometimes experimental and weird, but also feels somewhat accessible (I’m pretty sure it’s not actually accessible). Wyatt’s voice is simultaneously haunting and comforting. Some interesting musical ideas that can be very psychedelic, but not always in a typical way. Some songs, or parts of them, occasionally lose my interest. Certainly a unique album that has plenty of diversity throughout but feels cohesive. I like it and it could grow on me over time, but hard to say.
3
View Album
Thu Feb 08 2024
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
A mix of orchestral and psychedelic funk and soul. Only a few songs have Hayes’ butter smooth vocals, but the rest are well-composed and well-played material. Some strong grooves with more mellow tracks interspersed. While I dig the album overall, it sometimes feels like background music (which it is for a movie) and doesn’t necessarily require intensive listening - though close listening can also be rewarded with the details of this excellent instrumentals. The almost 20 minute “Do Your Thing” stands out as a rocking jam that moves through several grooves.
4
View Album
Fri Feb 09 2024
A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
This R&B/hip hop album with a bit of reggae flavor is ok, but not really my thing. Some nice beat variety throughout, though beats within songs are pretty repetitive and don’t move much. Some thoughtful lyrics, while many are just ok. Dy-Na-Mi-Tee is a pretty rad and catchy song, but that’s the only one that’s sticking me from this album. I don’t actively dislike it, but it’s not leaving a memorable impact and I’m unlikely to go back to it.
2
View Album
Mon Feb 12 2024
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Decent hip hop album with a group trading off raps. Some nice diversity in tone, flow, rhymes, and beats. Beats are easy to groove to, and sometimes quite funky. Very old school vibe, somewhat surprising to hear that this came out in 2002. Overall, this album is really about the sound -the groove and vibe. While lyrics can be clever, I’m not really sure what they’re rapping about most of the time or that they really have much of significance to say. Enjoyable listen but not a significant impact on me.
3
View Album
Tue Feb 13 2024
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
One of the best hip hop albums of all time by one of the best groups to do it. Super creative, fun, and groovy. The beats are genius with a lot of diverse samples and keep you want to dance or nod your head. The raps are clever and will keep a smile on your face, with some laughs. Rewards repeated listening, which this album has earned. I really can’t say enough positive things about this album - one of my all time favorites. Absolute classic.
5
View Album
Wed Feb 14 2024
American Beauty
Grateful Dead
A combination of folk, rock, and country…a great example of cosmic country. Phenomenal songwriting - the lyrics are thoughtful and timeless. The music it’s set to is interesting and well-played. A comforting album to listen to with a cohesive sound but never gets boring. Vocals from several different members gives the songs different feels, and there are some beautiful harmonies here. Some all-time songs that are truly moving, like Ripple, Brokedown Palace, and Attics of My Life, and also some fun rockers, like Sugar Magnolia and Truckin’. One of the best of all time.
5
View Album
Thu Feb 15 2024
Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
Occasionally interesting indie/art pop rock, but this one mostly misses for me. Vocals seem to be a decent quality but I just don’t particularly enjoy the dramatic sounding style. General music has some entertainment value (some cool guitar sounds), but not enough to make me particularly enjoy this album or want to return to it. Not particularly bad or annoying, just not really my thing.
2
View Album
Fri Feb 16 2024
G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
This trio of vocals/guitar, acoustic bass, and drums lives on chill vibes, moving between hip hop, alt rock, blues, and jazzy sounds. It’s really all about the feel, less the content and meaning or moving instrumentals. Songs are alright - most have a nice groove but pretty insignificant lyrics or catchy melodies. The vocalist is also alright, he has a smooth casual delivery but doesn’t do much to impress. This band sounds best when they fall apart a bit and sound like shit. Somewhat enjoyed this but it also didn’t impress either. Runs a bit longer than it needs to. Not sure if I’ll come back to it, but if I do it’ll be more as background music than close listening.
3
View Album
Mon Feb 19 2024
Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
This pop record covers and blends music from many different genres. It has a great and pretty consistent groove, making you want to move. Bass playing is consistently strong, vocals are impressive (he’s really got a great voice), with fairly interesting instrumental flourishes throughout the songs. For instance, a close headphone listen if Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (standout track) revealed more musical density and brief interesting lines than I had ever heard in the song before. Pretty fun album that I enjoyed more than expected, even if it’s not where my main musical interests lie, though the slower songs are a bit dull. There’s enough ideas and groove to keep me entertained.
4
View Album
Tue Feb 20 2024
Neon Bible
Arcade Fire
Decent album. Not a bore but also didn’t grip me. Somewhat standard indie rock for the time with sometimes interesting instruments, lyrics, and themes. Has some nice moments like the end of No Cars Go. Good enough of a listen, but also not a standout to me.
3
View Album
Wed Feb 21 2024
Faith
George Michael
This very 80s-sounding pop album is not for me. The opening track, “Faith”, is decent enough and pretty catchy…but then it’s downhill from there. The 9 minute “I Want Your Sex” was kinda cringey to me (“I’m not your father, I’m not your brother”) and ran on very long. Monkey was a ridiculous song. He’s a good singer and the music is decent, but doesn’t really hold my attention. I have no doubt that George Michael is very talented, just not very entertaining to me.
1
View Album
Thu Feb 22 2024
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
This album was something unique and pretty cool! The singer is great and the backup vocals are great complements and make interesting environments for songs. There’s an intriguing African flavor and culture to it while it remains very accessible. Songs range from fun/joyous to sparse and beautiful. Instrumentation is fairly minimal but sets the stage for the vocals nicely.
4
View Album
Mon Feb 26 2024
Parachutes
Coldplay
Given their trajectory, it’s easy to forget that Coldplay were initially a decent alternative band, blending soft and space/atmospheric rock elements. The first few songs are enjoyable and have some nice guitar work. Chris Martin can hit a good falsetto. The album sounds really clear and smooth, it’s produced well. My interest waxes and wanes throughout. High Speed sounds like it could be a Radiohead jaint. It’s decent music, but they have no edge at all. Liked it more than I thought, but also nothing that’s leaving a major impact on me.
3
View Album
Tue Feb 27 2024
Document
R.E.M.
R.E.M. sounds uniquely like themselves, always identifiable - particularly Stipe’s voice. Generally good songwriting here - some good lyrics, solid hooks, enjoyable music. Some fun, some tender, serious, silly, upbeat, slower. It shows nice range in the band. Couple of excellent songs, couple of misses. It’s a well made album and enjoyable listen, but I’m not sure if the album sticks with me long-term. I was grumpy on my first listen and thought that colored my view but a later revisiting didn’t change much.
3
View Album
Wed Feb 28 2024
Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Holy shit, this album rips! This is rock n roll baby. Jerry Lee Lewis sets the piano ablaze and breathes the smoke through the microphone, and the band is right there with him. The energy never relents and the tempo only does for one number. How much speed was Jerry on this night? Very difficult not to move, or at least tap your foot, to this music. This is what the early days of rock were about.
5
View Album
Thu Feb 29 2024
E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Evil? Evolution? Either could be used to describe the dissonant sound of this album that finds Sonic Youth applying their no wave roots to a form that will develop into their own unique sound of rock. Cacophonous, but masters of their craft Sonic Youth never lose control or slip into the random. It’s organized, thoughtful chaos and noisiness. Very creative rock, with a unique guitar duo aiming for texture as much as riffs. A simple, driving, almost primal sounding rhythm section supports the guitar assault. Songs involved periods of quieter ambiance and crescendoing power. Album closer, “Expressway to Yr Skull” is SY at the top of their form and one of the best songs across their career.
4
View Album
Fri Mar 01 2024
A Night At The Opera
Queen
Queen, another band that had their own very unique sound that I guess you can call prog pop rock if it needs definition. The band’s talent shines and diversity through on this album. The vocals are stellar (both lead and backing), strong guitar playing (with May’s signature harmonized riffs), interesting bass lines, tight drumming, and solid production to hold it all together. Songs are well written and arrangements are always interesting, ranging from thoughtful/more serious to very quirky, whimsical, and jaunty. They show off their full range here and every moment seems carefully thought through. Obviously, Bohemian Rhapsody is one of the most iconic songs of all time. It’s a fun album, but a couple of ok songs and my lack of complete enthusiasm for Queen’s schtick (I like it, but don’t love it), prevents it from being a 5 for me.
4
View Album
Mon Mar 04 2024
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
Solid piano rock with progressive tints from Elton John again. Some elegant arrangements here, sometimes including strings and an interesting accordion (?) solo. The first two songs are Tiny Dancer and Levon, creating a pretty strong emotional 1-2 punch, and generally storytelling and somewhat visual lyrics across the album. Vocal melodies and harmonies are well-designed and performed. I was surprised to hear this came out before Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (an early assignment for me), because the arrangements generally seem more developed and complicated. Started zoning out a bit as the album got to the back half.
3
View Album
Tue Mar 05 2024
At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Exciting live blues from the main Muddy Waters. Everything is quality here - Waters is a commanding frontman and him and the band supply plenty of energy. Playing is tight all around. Songs range from raucous to slower and more somber blues. It’s all good stuff.
4
View Album
Wed Mar 06 2024
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
I love this album. Long, dramatic songs with a great groove and room to breath. This is innovative, progressive/psychedelic soul at its finest. Stellar instrumentals (tasty ass guitar licks, bass in the pocket with solid fills, strings and brass for added effect) and classic smooth delivery from Hayes. “Walk On By” is a phenomenal long journey (sampled in some great rap) that hits an exciting climax. The tempo picks up for “Hyperbolic…” but the tight groove sticks around. “One Woman” is the most classic sounding soul track, but a high quality one. The album ends with “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” which can only be described as epic, story telling in a song. Just a great album that rewards close listening. What other soul album could have 4 tracks take up 45 minutes and never get dull?
5
View Album
Thu Mar 07 2024
Mott
Mott The Hoople
Competent glam rock, but nothing that really excites me. Good playing, some decent hooks, but just overall not really a standout album to me. Sounds like a less interesting version of stuff Bowie was doing at the time. Decent listen but not long-term impactful to me.
3
View Album
Mon Mar 11 2024
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
I didn’t save my initial review. Sinatra js a quality singer with a good band, which makes this release entertaining enough. But the songs sound similar and the album drags a bit for me. A couple of classic songs but not doing anything special for me
3
View Album
Tue Mar 12 2024
The Yes Album
Yes
Track 1 “yours is no disgrace” comes out swinging and shows the quality musicians that the Yes guys are. Howe and Squire stand out to me on guitar and bass (great bass tone!), but keys, drums, and vocals/harmonies are all quality. This is all pretty classic prog rock - strong musicianship, bending songwriting, solid arrangements. But Why do they need to sing so high all the time?
4
View Album
Wed Mar 13 2024
Blackstar
David Bowie
Bowie’s death album - it’s hard to decouple this album from that. The album is haunting, the effect to which is enhanced by his passing. This album gives songs room to breathe, but still has interesting production/arrangements and nice flourishes to fill out. Drums on this album make some interesting beats and stand out more than other Bowie albums. Singing is often slower, longer, and with lots of vibrato. The title/first track “Blackstar” is a standout that brings the listener along on its journey, and that and “I can’t give everything away” are phenomenal bookends to the album.
4
View Album
Thu Mar 14 2024
Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water
Limp Bizkit
This album mostly sucks other than the Rollin’ songs - which it’s hilarious to have 2 different versions of the same song on one album. Those songs kind of suck too, but can be partially enjoyed. It’s overly long for how similar the songs are - maybe this would be tolerable at half the length. I don’t vibe with Durst’s tough guy schtick, and his melodic range is severely limited…but not like his rhythm or lyrics are more impressive. He’s the worst aspect of this band, as some of the music is decent and Wes Borland’s guitar parts are occasionally interesting. There’s much better nu-metal out there.
1
View Album
Fri Mar 15 2024
Who Killed...... The Zutons?
The Zutons
Why must I listen to this before I die? It was fine, some pretty good songs, but also very forgettable. Doesn’t seem particularly unique, influential, or important to make this list. Decent sound, some good hooks, but not a lot stands out to me about this albums. Decent enough listen, just low impact for me.
2
View Album
Mon Mar 18 2024
Blur
Blur
I dig this noisier, indie, less poppy, more lo-fi Blur. This is a band I never really got into, but dig this album. As a big Gorillaz fan, can hear some of the music moving in that direction a bit. The album may be a little longer than it needs to be, but is full of interesting ideas and sounds.
4
View Album
Tue Mar 19 2024
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
This disco album doesn’t really do it for me. The singles are solid dance music that can get the masses on the floor (“We Are Family”, “He’s The Greatest Dancer”). The rest/slower songs don’t add much value. Some quality funky/groovy instrumentals - particularly the bass. There’s good quality across this album, it’s just not really my thing.
2
View Album
Wed Mar 20 2024
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Peculiar, unique, and bizarre psychedelic/experimental folk music. Love it or hate it - it’s undeniably an intriguing listen. I’m somewhere in the middle, it’s not going to be a favorite album of mine but I certainly didn’t dislike it and overall enjoyed the experience. Unconventional song structures a a variety of worldly string instruments makes this album sound like no other. Worth a listen and wouldn’t mind coming across it in the future, but probably not seeking it out often.
3
View Album
Thu Mar 21 2024
Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
Decent 60s psych/garage record. Some songs hit pretty hard with the fuzz tones (Too Much To Dream) while others have a cleaner, dreamlike feel (Train For Tomorrow). Enjoyable record, but nothing mind shattering here - though perhaps it was seen that way more at the time. Some nice use of effects (fuzz, trem, reverb/echo) to create a psychedelic feeling without relying on the effects to make the song. Couple of weird choices that are duds and break up the feel of the album (Toonerville Trolley).
3
View Album
Fri Mar 22 2024
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
Good Smiths album, but not my favorite (that would be The Queen Is Dead). Girlfriend in a Coma is great though. It’s still very Smiths-y with a little more flourished instrumentation (making their music sound as dramatic as their lyrics), with the typical Morrissey-isms and Marr-isms. The songs and lyrics don’t hit me as hard as their previous release, but not sure if that’s due to the quality or me being less familiar with them. Still a strong album and good listen, just not their top in my opinion.
4
View Album
Mon Mar 25 2024
Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
This rootsgbpop album from Springsteen is considered an all-timer, but doesn’t hit me that way. He sings stories of normal, working-class people played with competent musicians. It catches my attention at times for some more picturable stories and moments of pleasurable music, but overal doesn’t majorly appeal to me. Some great songs and segments (Glory Days -> Dancing In The Dark), but the record as a while doesn’t majorly move me. A little too sleek sometimes and would benefit from a sloppier, more raucous feel. Something id potentially revisit with time, but didn’t hit me hard the way it seems to for many.
Not sure I feel the major appeal of this, though I’ve never really gotten into Springsteen. The musicians are competent, the lyrics tell some stories I can picture, but overall the songs don’t resonate with me in a strong way. It’s got a pop roots feel that doesn’t do much for me. I can understand why this may appeal to others, but it’s not something I’m wowed by personally.
3
View Album
Tue Mar 26 2024
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
my review got deleted…solid honky-Tonkin country blues from the Stones. Solidnkeith Richards playing throughout. An album thay hits opposites - fun and serious, tight and loose, precise and sloppy, rockin and quiet.
4
View Album
Wed Mar 27 2024
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
interesting, somewhat traditional (I think) sounding Indian album. Very different in instrumentation, rhythm, and flow from Western music. I enjoyed listening, but think this one would take me repeated, deep listens to really fully grasp. Had some amazing moments and cool and trippy sounds, but didn’t fully hook me the whole time. Will probably revisit, but not a top standout for me immediately.
3
View Album
Thu Mar 28 2024
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
Definitely not impressed with this one. The woman singing was pleasant enough, but then the guy comes in after a few songs and kills the vibe - he just doesn’t have an impressive or interesting voice. The grooves are ok, but nothing that truly gets me moving. The songs don’t build, progress, or generate excitement. Not sure what is significant about it overall. Wouldn’t care if I never heard this again, just not really digging it and find it boring.
1
View Album
Fri Mar 29 2024
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
Raucous, sleazy, fun, and energetic glammy garage rock that set the stage for punk to launch. Great riffs from the legendary Johnny Thunders and David Joahanssen up front brings an inspired trashy energy to the vocal delivery and whole band. Just a top notch record all around with a persevering influence.
5
View Album
Mon Apr 01 2024
Rio
Duran Duran
pretty catchy 80s new wavey synth pop rock type stuff, the blends and melds a bunch of influences into its own sound. Appreciate that the band is led with simple but memorable, melodic basslines. I knew 3 tracks already from covers (Rio - Goldfinger), not realizing it was Duran Duran (hungry like the wolf, also covered by Reel Big Fish…what’s with ska bands and Duran Duran?), or the David Lynch tribute concert (The Chauffeur), which were the standout tracks to me. Liked this more than I would expected… don’t think it will go on to crack the regular rotation, but could be worth revisiting.
4
View Album
Tue Apr 02 2024
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
a classic - the start of a fruitful collaboration between Neil Young and Crazy Horse that I thoroughly enjoy. Nice blend of hard and raw rock with some country and folk influence. Starts with the powerful but groovy riff of Cinnamon Girl, a few folky ditties with nice harmonies, and some excellent longer form jams with Down By The River and Cowgirl in the Sand. Some great lyrics throughout. Solid guitar playing and the band just has the right feel - loose, grooving, interesting but not showy… it feels both rehearsed and improvised. They just sound the way a great band should sound. Excellent album.
5
View Album
Wed Apr 03 2024
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Pretty catchy pop rock with good music and solid hooks. Lovefool was a huge hit, but a lot of solid songs that I didn’t know - including a bizarre but cool laid-back psychedelic tinged Iron Man cover. The vocalist has an alluring voice that fits the music well. Some cool basslines - sparse but a little funky and hooky. Not too many boring moments but also not too many peaks - a generally entertaining and fairly consistent album.
4
View Album
Thu Apr 04 2024
The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
My favorite Smiths album. It comes out roaring with the drums and bass of the title track before going into the bouncier Frankly Mr. Shankly. Nice guitar work from Marr throughout, ranging from aggressive to jangly. Good basslines throughout as well. Some classic songs here, particularly “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.” It’s got sad boy emo but also silliness and lightheartedness to it. Morrissey actually has a good sense of humor here with a tinge of self-loathing. The Smiths at the top of their game.
5
View Album
Fri Apr 05 2024
GI
Germs
germs are certainly legendary and influential as an early hardcore punk band. Darby Crash is a wild front man. There’s no melody - just growling punky poetic lyrics. His voice and timing kinda sucks, but that’s why it’s so punk. Lorna Doom (couple of cool basslines) and Pat Smear do what they can to hold the band together - sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t (again, very punk), though the drummer is pretty competent and quick. These songs spill energy, chaos, and aggression. Some top notch, some okay. It’s a huge album in punk that I appreciate and enjoy, but not a 5 star level for me.
4
View Album
Mon Apr 08 2024
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
a premier example in sample-based beats. Experimental, innovative, somewhat psychedelic, but also just a ton of fun. The sonics here are outstanding and the music is as essential to this album as the rapping. Samples come from a wide variety of sources and really make this a particularly interesting and unique album that’s both insanely dense but also smooth and not overwhelming. The Beastie Boys are in top form on this one - some people may not like their sound but if you do, this album hits all the right notes. Plus, it has 5-Piece Chicken Dinner. An essential album for anyone who enjoys hip hop. It’s great on a first listen, and the appreciate and respect just grows the deeper you dive - infinitely rewarding.
5
View Album
Tue Apr 09 2024
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash, the master of the prison live album. This may not reach the highs of Folsom Prison, but is still a kick ass performance of outlaw country. Cash’s voice sounds great while his band smokes and shuffles behind him. Cash has discovered some way to convey sadness and humor, seriousness and carefreeness, heaviness and lightness- all in the same line. There’s just a magic in the air here that makes it an excellent listen. The album is short and contains a repeat which reduces my enthusiasm a bit…but the legacy edition contains an extended concert. 4 for the regular release, 5for extended.
4
View Album
Wed Apr 10 2024
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
a dreamy, soundscapey pop album from the Cocteau Twins, who I never really got into. The instrumentals are pretty nice here - they’re lush and have that floaty vibe to it. The vocals aren’t as enjoyable. Sometimes they add to the floating, sometimes they pull me back down. Plus I have no idea what they’re saying. Overall, it’s fine - don’t love or hate it. Some moments are pretty pleasurable but also can get a bit boring or just feel like it’s missing something. Or maybe it’s me who’s missing something…there are aspects of this that make me want to revisit, but the music just leaves me wanting something more.
3
View Album
Thu Apr 11 2024
Oxygène
Jean-Michel Jarre
synthesize me cap’n! Need to spend more time with this one but cool soundscapey, kinda ambient but kinda in your face synth album. Interesting listen.
4
View Album
Fri Apr 12 2024
Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
My reviews keep getting messed up.l, but this was a snooze fest. Some kind of soft pop with smooth instrumentals, but not a good smooth (more of a sterile smooth jazz). Music you would hear your weird aunt listening to when you were young and/or the theme song to a cancelled pilot about a boring family with a dog named Benny. Not for me at all.
1
View Album
Mon Apr 15 2024
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
Amy winehouse has a sound that calls back to original soul and R&B while still managing to sound contemporary. This is an album that covers tough relationships - both boyfriends and alcohol. It’s a well made album with evocative lyrics, a strong vocal performance, and solid instrumentals to back it. The title track is a hard hitter, with a lot of guilt, pain, and regret throughout the album, but also some independence and power. Overall a solid album that I generally enjoyed, but unsure how much I’ll come back.
3
View Album
Tue Apr 16 2024
Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Not my favorite Sabbath, but a strong effort nontheless. Their cocaine album. Carries their signature sound with some evidence of development and maturation in their songwriting. The album is definitely heavy, but still had more sensitive and lighter moments. Lots and lots of riffs. As per usual, they’re great riffs and playing across the board. Iommi and Butler light it up, Ward holds it all together, and Ozzy does his Ozzy thing.
4
View Album
Wed Apr 17 2024
Dear Science
TV On The Radio
An interesting album that mixes sounds and genres to make something unique in the indie/art rock realm. The drumming stands out as driving the songs, along with strong vocals that fit in with the rest of the music but also seem to be outside of it? The music can be dense at times, tying in some interesting electronics too. A lot of different directions, but it fits together into a cohesive sound.
4
View Album
Thu Apr 18 2024
Dub Housing
Pere Ubu
a truly unique sounding post-punk band. Singer David Thomas delivers his high pitched vocals sounding fairly deranged, and the music is right there with him. Bass playing is right out front and finds some solid grooves with the drums. The guitar, synths, and sax squeaks and squonks around the rhythm section to build the atmosphere. Quite out there overall. It can be grating or groovy depending on your preferences, those who really like it will find some of both and be pleased with the result.
4
View Album
Fri Apr 19 2024
Feast of Wire
Calexico
Folky, indie rock with Mexican flavor. Arrangements and added strings almost give it a cinematic feel at times, somewhat reminiscent of music from a Spaghetti Western. Has some good moments but overall not findings songs that I find very memorable or impactful.
3
View Album
Mon Apr 22 2024
Abbey Road
Beatles
Timeless classic. Not much more else needs to be said.
5
View Album
Tue Apr 23 2024
Sea Change
Beck
Paper Tiger is a straight ripoff of Serge Gainsbourg’s Histoire de Melody Nelson, but it’s well done. Nice arrangements here throughout that are sparse and breathe but include tasteful additions to build the song. The strings really fit the feel and bring some sophistication and drama. It gets cool when they’re paired with synthy sounds like the end of Lonesome Tears. Otherwise, just some mellow, sad guy Beck. Decent album that’s a bit slow at times, but I prefer weirdo lo-fi Beck…I should revisit his discography.
3
View Album
Wed Apr 24 2024
Whatever
Aimee Mann
good singing, but the soft alternative rock sound isn’t really doing much for me. Nothing specifically to criticize about, just not a salient sound to my ears.
2
View Album
Thu Apr 25 2024
A Wizard, A True Star
Todd Rundgren
Amazing psychedelic pop record with experimental flare - a must listen for any fan of the genre. This album is weird, unique, and a lot of fun. It just exists in its own space (with maybe a bit of Beatles and Beach Boys influence). Very varied instrumentation with great instrumental parts and lots of cool bass and vocal melodies. Effects galore all over these tracks and a lot of interesting production choices (in a good way). Overall, it’s densely packed with sounds and ideas and rewards repeated listening. So much zaniness, a terrific album if you can really appreciate imagination in songwriting. It really feels like Rundgren did not give a fuck here and just made an album he thought it would be fun to make - and the results show in the best of ways.
5
View Album
Fri Apr 26 2024
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
the jams where both guitars are soaring are the highlights of this album (e.g., keep on growing). People pay too much moms to Clapton and not enough to Allman, who is a monster player and shines often. Solid tunes and playing throughout - some great songs and some alright. Could take or leave it overall, but this album certainly has its moments of power.
3
View Album
Mon Apr 29 2024
Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
solid, energetic bag of tunes falling in the rock/pop realm. A couple of great tracks, the title track being one. I don’t think I have much to say about this one, just an enjoyable record overall.
4
View Album
Tue Apr 30 2024
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Not sure that this blend of lower-level prog with 70s pop is really doing it for me. The first track, School and the final track were pretty decent, but the majority of songs didn’t hold my attention.
2
View Album
Wed May 01 2024
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
Eclectic mix of folk, rock, psych, country, blues, with some jazzier moments. Their sound is blended well, with none of these elements standing out as not fitting. Respectable musicianship throughout and a few enjoyable instrumental breaks with occasionally ripping guitar and bass (On Sir Francis Duke, Beautiful). pretty consistent quality throughout, though few songs jump out as majorly memorable (except Darkness, Darkness). Solid listen overall.
4
View Album
Thu May 02 2024
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
decent thrash, but doesn’t make me want to run through a brick wall. The guitar work is phenomenal - rhythm, leads, and solos ( particularly Bad Omen). All of the musicians are skilled (and like to show it). Can be corny at times, but also nice that they don’t take themselves too seriously. A little more melody and variety in sound would have went a long way. Overall it’s fine, but not a top of the genre (and maybe not my favorite of this band).
3
View Album
Fri May 03 2024
D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
cant say I’m feeling this one. It feels more in the realm of disturbed ambience, rather than industrial (with some exceptions like Walls of Sound). A bunch of it is just noise that isn’t necessarily irritating, but it’s also not interesting. It didn’t get much reaction from me other than boredom. A couple of the actually “songs” remind my of Chrome…but again, not really interesting. Do people like this for the challenging and subversive nature, or do people genuinely enjoy the way these sounds are arranged? I’m pretty open minded, but this ain’t it. AB/7A is a pretty rad track though.
1
View Album
Mon May 06 2024
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
the best at their soft/jazz/pop rock blend. The songs are well composed and the instruments are expertly played. A few great songs, like Reelin’ In The Years and Do It Again - but a bunch of the lot aren’t too memorable for me. I think I enjoy a Steely Dan best hits over their individual albums, and I always thought they were better with higher energy/intensity (and a rippin guitar) than the laid back stuff. Overall it’s quality stuff, some of which is great and some fine.
3
View Album
Tue May 07 2024
In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Excellent experimental/improvisational jazz fusion around a simple concept. Some of the best musicians that will ever sit in a room together take us to places unknown. Toes the line of getting out there without going too far out there. Beautiful textures. Each person uses their own space while leaving plenty of room for others. For the amount happening here, there’s little clashing or feeling overwhelmed. Just an excellent record. Feels like an influence on some later genres like post-rock.
5
View Album
Wed May 08 2024
Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
Something new - Senegalese folk music. There’s a beauty and calmness here…the musicians move at their own pace and play things as long as they’d like. There are some wonderful guitar lines that again have a soothing calmness to it. Interesting listen, but also somewhat repetitive and a little overlong - making it an enjoyable album but not a top rated one for me.
3