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
Fri Feb 23 2024
Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Solid soul album with progressive and psychedelic flavor. The rhythm section creates a nice pocket groove - which amazingly was all played by Shuggie Otis! He’s got an undeniably smooth voice and is a talented musician and singer. The addition of strings and brass to some songs fill out the arrangements and set the mood. A few nice instrumental tunes. Enjoyable album overall.
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
Fri Mar 08 2024
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
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
View Album
Thu May 09 2024
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
a southern rock/alt-country kinda album about the duality of the South (esp Alabama) that provides some interesting descriptions and tales of Southern culture - generally through the context of Lynyrd Skynyrd… The lyrics/vocals and the guitars are what stand out to me, with a raw sound that’s both serious and fun, and often powerful. The 94 minute runtime is a lot to take it, but this is an interesting record to share the perspective of the good and bad of the South. Disc 1 is solid but drags at the end (should have ended with Three Great Alabama Icons) Disc 2 is the opposite - starts a little boring but the later songs bring the heat.
4
View Album
Fri May 10 2024
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Blues rock with a psych tinge led on guitar by Jeff Beck. Strong guitar as one would expect. The first 2 songs start off really strong (though the single Happenings Ten Years Time Ago is the best), but my enthusiasm begins to fade after. Jeff’s Boogie brings me back in, then it happens again. The rest is just fine - not amazing, doesn’t stink, some solid riffs. Some rhythmic & melodic bass lines, but doesn’t shine often - otherwise just holding it tight with the drummer.They would benefit from a more powerful/raw singer. Just a decent album overall that was probably more innovative and fresh at the time than it appears to be now.
3
View Album
Mon May 13 2024
Frank
Amy Winehouse
unexpected to have multiple Amy Winehouse albums here, and not sure that it’s really necessary. This album is a bit jazzier but not as powerful or memorable as Back to Black (which I gave a 3). the majority of songs are about relationships and/or sex. It just doesn’t grab me and more washes over me. You can see the talent is there and nothing is bad, but a lot of the songs are just whatever.
2
View Album
Tue May 14 2024
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
One of the best psych/baroque pop albums of all time. Great arrangements and vocal harmonies. Catchy melodies and solid instrumentals with some prominent bass and piano/organ. Toes the line between delicate and powerful. Just a great record that’s really a pleasure to listen to.
5
View Album
Wed May 15 2024
Stripped
Christina Aguilera
If you ain’t dirrty (the intro to that song is ridiculous, why are we throwing elbows?). …i grew up around this music, so it’s interesting to hear it again as an adult. This is an overly long pop album that covers sounds from an array of genres - hip hop, rock, jazz, Latin, r&b, etc. Xtina is a solid singer. A handful of the songs are catchy pop tunes or soulful ballads, but a lot of it isn’t memorable. Would have been better at half the length - this seems to be a throw it all at the wall and see what sticks approach (which isn’t bad, just too much stuff thrown). Wouldn’t care if I never heard it again but I didn’t feel the need to turn it off the whole time. A fine (but too long) pop album, but not really my thing.
2
View Album
Thu May 16 2024
The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
this is my first real listen to Gary Numan. Interesting synth-based music that probably leans closer to art rock than synth pop. Feels heavily inspired by Kraftwerk and Eno. The first track Airlane is a great album opener that absorbs you into the sound from the start. Some great textures here that are somewhat soothing but still grab my attention. Singing is somewhat odd and off-kilter, but it also fits nicely.
4
View Album
Fri May 17 2024
Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
British folk rock reminiscent of Jefferson Airplane, including both originals and old folk songs. Sandy Denny’s voice stands out - I enjoy her sound and style which fits the music and grabs my attention. The musicians are strong throughout and play these songs in interesting ways. I dig the bouncy feel of the bass (which is very prominent) on Marty Grove - which goes from classic folk song into a solid jam. Overall, this band can do some great things on an instrumental.
4
View Album
Mon May 20 2024
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Melodic…I’m not sure why but this classic album just didn’t so much for me this time around. Will need to revisit in a few years.
3
View Album
Tue May 21 2024
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
huge and majorly influential gangsta rap album. These dudes are pissed and let you know it. Some songs actually have a reasonable or even valuable points (Fuck Tha Police, Express Yourself), but messages of violence, misogyny, and homophobia ring throughout (the latter 2 being whacker, but also potentially representative of N.W.A.’s experiences). There are a range in beats showing Dre getting started - some are pretty basic with a little funk in there while some are stone-cold classics (Express Yourself) and both they fit the sound well and are likely a step up from what else was happening at the time. A picture into a culture that has faced inequity and injustice, are pissed at the world, and will take it out in anyone in their way. The albums comes out blazing but doesn’t quite maintain those highs, but still a solid listen that provides an interesting snapshot of LA street life.
4
View Album
Wed May 22 2024
Welcome to the Afterfuture
Mike Ladd
Interesting alternative hip hop beats that veer into psychedelia, some lead the songs whil others support Ladd’s rapping. Ladd’s raps are hard to keep up with and keep you guessing - surprising cadences and strange rhyme schemes with lyrics teetering a border between academic pontification and psychotic ramblings. There are some really cool moments that immerse me, but not always consistent and interesting enough to hold my attention. I’d need to revisit this one more and I think it will grow on me - there’s a lot to unpack here.
3
View Album
Thu May 23 2024
Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
solid album, the first 2 songs fucking rule. Can’t mistake the sound of Tom Waits. Waits has weirdish moments here but is still largely sane…but maybe seeing some bridge between the older/jazzier and more experimental music to come. Some respectable ballads. Just a master storyteller of life in the gutter.
4
View Album
Fri May 24 2024
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Knopfler has one of the best (mostly) clean lead guitar tones in the history of recorded music. Dude is just a monster and nimble player, whether it be rhythm, little licks and fills, or full out ripping solos. Despite knowing the phenomenal Sultans of Swing, I never dove into Dire Straits albums much. This debut incorporates elements of rock, blues, folk, and country. Knopfler is the star here. His guitar is front and center and his vocal delivery is somewhat reminiscent of Bob Dylan, but less nasally. The rhythm section holds down a tight beat, but doesn’t stand out for flashiness - they really support Knopfler. The fidelity and overall sound is excellent, with songs ranging wonderful to good. The songs have room to breathe without feeling boring or empty. Just a solid band and record overall.
4
View Album
Mon May 27 2024
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
A great story-telling album. Switches moods around a lot from somber to raucous fun. Cool to have the recurring theme/sound that it weaves in and out of on a continuous journey through the album. Overall, it’s very immersive and flies by.
4
View Album
Tue May 28 2024
The World is a Ghetto
War
Slow, funky, soul jams with some hints of psychedelia and some long tracks (some overstay their welcome a bit). Casual, infectious grooves. Solid bass, nothing too flashy. Rad organ. Just a playing it cool vibe going on here. Solid listen but doesn’t stand out as next level. I mostly can’t decide whether it’s worthy of repeated close listen or just really excellent background music. I don’t love the pacing - the 3 long tracks in the middle start to drag a bit.
3
View Album
Wed May 29 2024
Picture Book
Simply Red
Might be the weakest I’ve had so far. Just a ridiculous sound, super dated, ridiculous, cheesy, sometimes annoying. What is this and why is this here?prank?? Heaven is rough. Jericho is a wild ride that I’m not sure if I love or hate. I hate it but it also makes me smile and will probably be stuck in my head? What is happening… trigonomics?? Completely ignorable with only replay value being revisit f a song or two to say “did that really happen? Did I actually hear that right??”
1
View Album
Thu May 30 2024
Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
Wonderful and influential post-punk album. Melodic, memorable, but simple bass lines help drive the sound while Ian Curtis does his depressed, almost monotone singing type thing over it all - which makes it all the more exciting when he really gets into it. Guitar sound is often grinding and grating and serves an interesting counter to the melodic basslines. Touches on sounds that resemble gothic and industrial rock. Brooding sound. Iconic album cover.
5
View Album
Fri May 31 2024
Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
Idk what this mf is saying, but the emotion and drama of the music is easily felt. Pleasant arrangements with an orchestra with a sweet accordion. Started cool - Amsterdam is a great track - but I lost interest as it went on. Probably would enjoy more if I understood the language…
2
View Album
Mon Jun 03 2024
Dirt
Alice In Chains
Pretty dark, grungy music. Fuzzy, repetitive guitar riffs bring an almost doom/sludge quality to it, while leads are often wahed and create a sort of psychedelic hard rock board wring on metal. Vocals are interesting here - sometimes they’re great and sometimes they can be a bit off putting. Some weird vocal harmonies that are cool. I like a lot of the components and there’s a few songs I really enjoyed (Them Bones, Rain When I Die, Sickman, God Smack), but the others don’t do much for me. Decent album but could never get majorly into this band, just not enough consistent enjoyment for me.
3
View Album
Tue Jun 04 2024
Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
a true blend of rock, blues, and psychedelia of which Hendrix is a master. His guitar playing dominates the album, co-started by his tight band and experimental/psychedelic studio effects. Phenomenal tone, particularly his lead fuzz tone. Pure wizardry throughout. Not my favorite Hendrix album, but a revelation nonetheless. Length could be cut a bit, but also don’t feel like this is an album that drags too much if you keep an open mind. A handful of classic songs - Watchtower, Voodoo Child, Gypsy Eyes, Crosstown Traffic - while the rest show off other impressive and fun aspects of the band.
5
View Album
Wed Jun 05 2024
Vivid
Living Colour
The whole funk metal thing has never been my area other than a few bands like Primus, Bad Brains, and Fishbone. Living Colour writes good songs with good grooves and solid musical talent. This is hard rock! Guitarist is a shredder in solos and gets some crazy sounds from his axe. Really Strong rhythm section. Powerful vocals. They’re not afraid to be both conscious and silly. I don’t have a lot of specific criticisms of this album, but it’s also just not something I care to listen to much. A few solid songs, just not super memorable to me. Surprising Talking Heads cover.
3
View Album
Thu Jun 06 2024
S&M
Metallica
Metallica + symphony. Could be cool - it works nicely to elevate the music in some places and less so in others, muddling it up a bit or just not adding much. Really enjoyed The Call if Ktulu, but just thought it didn’t hit as well with Master of Puppets (except in the bridge section). Works well in One. It continues that way throughout. I never really explored Load/Reload, so those songs weren’t as interesting to me (other than Fuel). Cool idea with decent execution, but it doesn’t always land. A Metallica enthusiast might love it (might also not…) because it’s best if you know the songs well to better grasp what the symphony contributes. Would have been much cooler in person. Appreciate the attempt and it just makes me want to go listen to other Metallica albums.
2
View Album
Fri Jun 07 2024
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
I can appreciate the new direction taken here by the White Stripes, largely swapping out guitar and in piano (and riffs for more chords) and losing some of punky intensity for perhaps a more mature sound. At the same time, that is why it’s among my less preferred WS albums. There’s still plenty of great songs (blue orchid, my doorbell, little ghost, denial twist) but the album doesn’t hook me as strongly as White Blood Cells or Elephant and I don’t revisit with much frequency.
3
View Album
Mon Jun 10 2024
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
Pretty much a perfect album, everything about it just fits together exactly as it should. It has such a consistent sound across the whole album that unites with a pretty loose theme about an alien guy coming to earth and rocking out or something. The instrumentals are phenomenal, the musicians just seem to play off each other perfectly and give songs room to breathe. The bass lines across the album are phenomenal. I really don’t know what to write here, it’s an amazing album that’s one of the top of all time. No bad or boring songs - sure a handful stand out at the top, but the “lesser” songs are still of super high quality.
5
View Album
Tue Jun 11 2024
Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke sings! I mean he really belts it out here. Him and his band play with a loudness, intensity, and degree of grittiness that wasn’t present in pop or soul at the time. The recording has an immediacy and urgency that makes you feel like you’re right there in the club with them. And Cooke’s voice just grabs you, sucks you right in, and keeps you there until he’s done with his set. A masterful live soul album.
5
View Album
Wed Jun 12 2024
Heroes
David Bowie
Not Bowie’s best, but still an interesting effort with some good songs. The album starts with 3 strong tunes, particularly album opener and Heroes. This album sees Bowie experimenting more, along with collaborator Brian Eno, to make something a bit more experimental and electronically influenced. The main problem here is the lack of cohesiveness. Side A is typical Bowie affair of unique and danceable pop tracks. Side B is pretty much an ambient album. Don’t get me wrong, there are some really nice soundscapes there…but having Beauty and the Beat/Heroes on the same album as sense of Doubt/Moss Garden just seems like a strange fit. I’m never sure when I want to listen to this album because of those disparate feels; and thus I usually only listen to the front or back end depending on what I’m looking for.
3
View Album
Thu Jun 13 2024
Liquid Swords
GZA
Unique samples crafted into hypnotic beats give a gritty and grimey sonic palette to this album, often giving the feel of a cold night in the projects of New York City. They give from for GZA to show off why he’s called the genious with tight flows and rhymes at an easy going pace that makes it easy to digest the pictures he’s painting lyrically. Manages to straddle the line of gangsta and philosopher, but to me the gangsta aspects aren’t necessarily glorified - just a necessary reality for some. There’s an Intelligence here that isn’t always found in similar music. Title track is a phenomenal start to the album, with Gold, Cold World, and Killah Hills being some other top tracks. No songs that stand out as particularly weak. Pretty consistently high quality throughout and among the top of the Wu Tang solo efforts.
5
View Album
Fri Jun 14 2024
Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
Floaty dreamy psych rock/pop. There’s a bunch of songs here I really like, but some of the quieter ones don’t do much for me. At first I didn’t see what was particularly interesting about this, but it grew on me throughout the day. Would need to listen a bit more to write a really quality review, but I enjoyed this. It’s just nice and comfortable.
4
View Album
Mon Jun 17 2024
Dookie
Green Day
Phenomenal pop punk album that blends the two element excellently. It still feels organic and real and a little snotty with some grit, but super hooky and getting more polished. Just a fun (yet slightly depressing) album about being a bored and anxious burnout loser. The strong title track Burnout sets the tone for the record. “im not growing up, I’m just burning out.” Other standout and popular tracks include Longview (that bass line!), Welcome to Paradise, and Basket Case, but there’s not a single bad song here. The trio keeps the music pretty straight, for a consistent and cohesive sound of distorted chording and punchy bass fills. Their major label debut, which turned a lot of people onto the sound and helped push it into the mainstream. One could argue that’s a good or bad thing, but I’m happy if people are hearing music they enjoy that could help usher them further down the punk pipeline. 20 years from now, you’ll still remember some of these choruses.
5
View Album
Tue Jun 18 2024
Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
I dig jazz but never quite got into jazz singers. Nina Simone is very talented though. She pours emotion and soul into these songs, you can feel the mood in each word. Her delivery is impressive and varied, she can hold a long still note or go into an intense pulsing vibrato. Her tone conveys the message of the song deeper than the lyrics. Still, I don’t see myself revising this much but I’m glad I heard it. A handful of strong songs and a couple of ok ones.
3
View Album
Wed Jun 19 2024
Permission to Land
The Darkness
I don’t care for hair metal and glam rock is hit or miss for me, so a revival that draws on those isn’t doing much for me. It contains a lot of what I don’t like about rock music - over the top vocals, ridiculousness/excess, meh songs with power guitars. They’re a decent enough band - the performances are good, the guitar players likes a flashy solo, the songs are decently written (though I don’t like most of them)…it’s just not something I enjoy. But it’s probably fun for those willing to give it the time of day, but I find it mostly annoying. I Believe in a Thing Called Love was a hit and is a pretty good song, otherwise the only other memorable one for me is Givin’ Up. Happy to be done with this one.
1
View Album
Thu Jun 20 2024
Illinois
Sufjan Stevens
This feels like an album that needs to sink in…I don’t feel quite ready to review after a day. I’ve come across Sufjan plenty and checked him out a bit - always thought it was fine but didn’t quite get the hype. But I’m enjoying a close listen of this. I like him best when being Maximalist and grandiose, as opposed to the sparser/folkier arrangements (more art rock, less indie folk). Melodies are plentiful from any instrument willing to sing one. Really covers a lot of instrumental ground here and the arrangements are varied and interesting. Still the album feels very cohesive. He’s got a fairly soothing voice too. Its not an instant classic for me, but something I’d like to explore further.
4
View Album
Fri Jun 21 2024
Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
Robert Pollard is a man who is not short on ideas. And ideas are exactly what he presents, rather than fully-developed songs that have been labored over - and that’s ok! Seems like he gets a little hook and riff in his head, presses record on whatever is lying around…and that’s what ends up on the record. It’s not easy to digest even though it’s only 41 minutes long because of the sheer volume of ideas. Some are great and some are out of your head as fast as they were in it. Most of the songs longer than about 90 seconds are really enjoyable. Lots of poppy hooks (many seem Beatles-influences) hidden beneath the lo-fi sonic experimentation.
3
View Album
Mon Jun 24 2024
Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Elliott Smush is a great songwriter. He delivers meaningful lyrics with a voice that sounds just right, and often manages to convey sadness, pain, or lost through poppy hooks. The msuic fits the lyrics well, and though not showy he’s a very competent guitarist - particularly with his thoughtful and fluent fills on an acoustic between chords. While I’m enjoying this album, I don’t find it as moving or emotionally resonant as earlier efforts like his self-titled.
4
View Album
Tue Jun 25 2024
Young Americans
David Bowie
I find this to be one of Bowie’s less interesting and necessary albums. It’s got a couple of good songs (Fame and Young Americans are great), but overall I just don’t find this as particularly stimulating, notable, or memorable. It feels less inspired than other albums. The hooks don’t wiggle into my brain. Bowie’s vocal performances are still strong, just not impressed with the album as a whole.
2
View Album
Wed Jun 26 2024
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Jagged, buzzing guitars. Punchy bass lines. Vocals somehow both droning and passionate. A dark brooding sonic template. Both noisy and airy/spacious. Certainly influential, a lot of this was key to the formula of post-punk and gothic rock moving forward. No doubt it’s a good record, but I question if it’s a great one. I enjoy it while I’m listening, but it’s not something i see myself coming back to much (with evidence: I’ve known of this band and been into post-punk for over a decade, but have only heard this album a few times). Perhaps it was more vital at the time, but now it feels like other bands have warped and molded this sound into other music that I prefer.
3
View Album
Thu Jun 27 2024
American Gothic
David Ackles
What is this hard-to-classify album? Melodramatic, folksy show tunes with intricate symphonic arrangements. Unique vocal deliveries that switch up cadence, emotion, and intensity that can sometimes soar. Sometimes quiet and somber, sometimes bursting with grandiosity. The lyrics and music deliver emotional pictures of small-town/rural/western(?) American life. Montana Song is an epic film delivered in a 10 minute package. This album is unique and quite bizarre, with no indication of a time, place, or scene where it was made. I respect the hell out of this dude for making this behemoth album, but I find it more interesting than enjoyable to listen to.
2
View Album
Fri Jun 28 2024
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Masterpiece. A true elevation from things that came before it. Beautiful, catchy melodies. Transcendent harmonies. Complex, clever, symphonic arrangements that elevate the songs. It can sound simple if you want to hear it that way, and it can be endlessly rewarding with deeper listens and analysis. It changed music forever and is one of the most influential albums of all time. It changed how I listen to music forever. Perfect, no notes. An all-time favorite.
5
View Album
Mon Jul 01 2024
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
Solid album but not the best this band put out. They’re at their best with high energy efforts (I zombies, cities, life during wartime), though the slower and more standard songs don’t bore (Heaven). There’s just something f about this that leave it out of the top tier for me.
4
View Album
Tue Jul 02 2024
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Historic and influential album, though Sabbath’s best work came in the next few. Deep, heavy, sludgy riffs with a stellar rhythm section and Ozzy’s dark and mystical lyrics propel this album along. No really weak tracks, but none that propel to the heights of songs from Paranoid and Master of Reality. A strong start to an critical band along the ascent to their peak.
4
View Album
Wed Jul 03 2024
The Sensual World
Kate Bush
Pop music with an original sound (though quite 80s) and a unique vocalist who can impress and perplex. Kate Bush is somewhat new to me - I’ve browsed a few albums but never dove in deep. I’m not sure how to take this as a whole, there are a few cool songs and wonderful moments but a few that I don’t care much for here as the album started to drag a bit as it went on. Her vocal delivery requires close listening to really tease apart the melodies. But I can appreciate the novelty of what she’s doing and the strengths of this album. There seems to be a surface and deeper layer to this music that can reward casual and repeated listens. Just not sure I really see myself coming back to it much.
3
View Album
Thu Jul 04 2024
Graceland
Paul Simon
I dunno, man. I had 2 very different experiences with this in 1 day. The first listen I found Some fun, jubilant moments. Pretty well written songs, particularly vocal parts. Inspiration from a variety of cultures. But it still don’t love it. It’s decent.
My second listen left me contemplative, Inspired, and happy. I listened as I ran along the beach in Sag Harbor, NY (not too far from Simon’s solace in Montauk). I pictured Simon preparing to leave LI, searching for collaboration to fulfill his inspiration. I thought of myself - a scientist, a musician, a human - and how I seek inspiration and hope to synthesize that seamlessly with who I am and what I know. When does inspiration come? Where does it come from? How do we integrate it into ourselves? These are serious questions, but I finished the album with a sense of joy and fulfillment. Inspiration is there when we’re ready for it. When we find it, it comes out through a contagious exuberance and joy. We feel that in this record…but there’s still a few meh tracks.
4
View Album
Fri Jul 05 2024
Repeater
Fugazi
Post-hardcore of the highest qualify. Music thay makes you want to run through a walk and punch a CEO right in their stupid face, and then teach someone on the street how and why to do it. The rhythm section bulldozes forward, the guitars buzz down anything in their path, and the lyrics and dual vocal attack bite and sting as they attack sociopolitical topics with intensely open eyes and a critically ethical lens. A major development in the genre and huge influence on what came after. Phenomenal album (and still probably not my favorite Fugazi), though the first half is a bit stronger than the back, which is still really good).
5
View Album
Mon Jul 08 2024
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
This is an album of ambition, contradictions, and competing influences. Jazz synthesized with classical, with some avant-garde experimentalism on top. Composition with improvisation. Tight and organized with freedom and expression. Makes use of a big band to make some experimental sound, with the instruments interacting in a unique way. Certainly an interesting album that I need some time to sit with. My first listen wasn’t super impressive, while my second listen started to come around. Not sure that many melodies will get stuck in my head but it makes me want to do a silly dance.
4
View Album
Tue Jul 09 2024
1989
Taylor Swift
No doubt that these radio-friendly pop tunes are infectiously catchy. That’s not really my style, but still this album was more enjoyable than annoying. A handful of song are clear hits, but most songs are in the same vein but don’t always land as strongly. A pretty cohesive sound for an album of this sorts. Better than I expected, probably an important and strong modern pop album. It’s still probably not something I’ll revisit frequently, but may not be so quick to change the channel if Taylor Swift comes on. I may even enjoy a song or 2. She set out to make a fun, catchy album and generally achieved that, but the lyrics about tall guys with nice hair gets stale after a bit.
3
View Album
Wed Jul 10 2024
Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
Poetic folk + blues rock from the master Bob Dylan. Hard to contextualize that this album came out almost 60 years ago, as it still sounds relevant. Dylan spits his wordy, visual, lyrical stories while the musicians serve the songs perfectly - contributing and enhancing the songs without being flashy or distracting from Dylan’s ramblings. A monumental album for the future of rock music. All good songs, some brilliant songs, that mesh well together to make a cohesive and innovative album.
5
View Album
Thu Jul 11 2024
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
Pulsing synth pop. Often bouncy. Annie Lennox has something unique about her vocal style that I can’t really identify, and it doesn’t quite move me. Certianly not displeasurable and some catchy songs and interesting synthy parts, but it doesn’t excite or inspire me. It just didn’t leave much of an impression.
2
View Album
Fri Jul 12 2024
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Wooooo fucking Dark Side baby! A classic among classics and it’s hard to state the impact this album had on music, culture, and me. Every song serves its purpose on our journey through space and human psyche, with the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. One of the best ever, but is it even my favorite Floyd album? It was for a long time and sometimes still is. Not much to say that hasn’t been said, this album fucking rules.
5
View Album
Mon Jul 15 2024
Smash
The Offspring
This is an ok punk album. Plenty of hooks, some of which heavily focus on “woahs.” Some decent social commentary, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. Not bad but there’s much better out there.
3
View Album
Tue Jul 16 2024
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
This album still sounds fresh and relevant; I was surprised to hear it came out in 1976. Psychedelic-tinged funky Afro-samba may be the best description. It feels like it almost has a hip-hop influence, but I supposed it’s just the blending of Brazilian/african/funk rhythms and sounds. Really enjoyable grooves and beats from the percussion and bass. Hard to not want to move to this album. Some catchy vocal lines over the top, even if I don’t understand them. There’s a spirit and light-heartedness that shines through the music. Solid album.
4
View Album
Wed Jul 17 2024
Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Funky pop soul acid jazzy dance music. Plenty of energy here. The rhythm section stands out and makes the album listenable through incessant grooves. The bassist, in particular, writes nimble and funky lines without getting too complex or wanky, leading to memorable bass parts that keep my foot tapping and loop in my head. You can hear the bass influences of Larry Graham, Bootsy, and Jameson. There’s brass, woodwinds, strings, and probably more! There’s conscious lyrics! There’s a white Englishman who might have some soul! But I really didn’t care for most of that other stuff, just the bass. Would prefer to hear this as an instrumental group.
2
View Album
Thu Jul 18 2024
Tapestry
Carole King
Very musical softish pop rock made by a very talented songwriter. Songs are solid with good arrangements that give instruments space but also work together. Piano is featured often and serves the songs well without ever being over the top or virtuosic. Similar for bass…that seems to be the theme here- well written, arranged, and played songs where everything serves its purpose.
4
View Album
Fri Jul 19 2024
All Directions
The Temptations
Very musical softish pop rock made by a very talented songwriter. Songs are solid with good arrangements that give instruments space but also work together. Piano is featured often and serves the songs well without ever being over the top or virtuosic. Similar for bass…that seems to be the theme here- well written, arranged, and played songs where everything serves its purpose.
3
View Album
Mon Jul 22 2024
Thriller
Michael Jackson
Excellent singing and musicianship in one of the biggest pop albums of all time: MJ is in great form here. The upbeat pop songs here are instantly catchy and danceable, while the slower soul songs are good efforts but don’t hold my attention as well. A lot here has stood the test of time.
4
View Album
Tue Jul 23 2024
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
A savage rap album from one of the masters of the art. Interesting the way this album can cross between fucked up/ shock rap, while also covering some real shit and making you think and reflect sometimes. Why do we like Shady’s music? Perhaps it’s morbid curiosity. What’s he going to say next? Will I laugh, will I feel sick, will a sneer? will I nod to the beat no matter which? There’s some musically identifiable reasons - it’s technically impressive, sometimes catchy, cohesive, it tells dark horror stories of a psyche affected by poverty/violence/mental illness. Somethings are harder to put your finger on, but this is a really fucking good album.
5
View Album
Wed Jul 24 2024
John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
A collection of sparse and casual rock songs with folk and pop leanings and a somewhat lo-fi ascetic. Lennon yells raucously, he introspects, he acts silly, he proselytizes. There’s a balance of heaviness and levity, quiet and rocking- all very dual nature yada yada. There’s a quirkiness or something odd going on here. Maybe it’s the music the band lays down; which grooves but feels off at the same time. Maybe it’s the haphazard and sudden sound of the album. At the end of the day, a few great songs, few good songs, few forgettable.
3
View Album
Thu Jul 25 2024
Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
This kinda funky new wave album is ok, but doesn't impress me much (and I’m a Talking Heads fan). It’s got some good songs and moments, but overall feels forgettable. The playing is good, I’m just not sure most of the songs are really that good.
2
View Album
Fri Jul 26 2024
Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Side one is good. Side two is excellent. Side three is pretty good. Side four I could mostly leave behind. Unmistakably Zeppeliny. Great individual musicians and better as a unit. Some hard rock, some blues, some flirtations with psychedelia, some traditional, some loud, some quiet, some come in hot, some slow burns. This has a handful of great songs and a handful that are decent but not impactful. Cut it to an hour and you got a stew goin.
3