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Thu Feb 01 2024
The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
- Strong concept album that works much better as an album than as individual tracks.
- Discovered that I like "Time," just not the opening.
- Also discovered that "Time" and "Money" are both on this album, both have annoying starts, and rediscovered that I do not care for "Money."
3
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Fri Feb 02 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
- The haunting, somewhat jaded version of Elvis Presley that I prefer. Most of his sound that I like is contained in this album.
- I do believe that the history associated with the album is arguably better than the album itself.
4
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Mon Feb 05 2024
Hotel California
Eagles
This album is a lot of fine with a couple of great songs mixed in. A bit too soft rock for me all-around. (Also impossible for me not to see The Dude being annoyed.)
2
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Tue Feb 06 2024
Thriller
Michael Jackson
- The middle of this album, i.e. Thriller, Beat It, and then Billie Jean, is possibly the best back-to-back tracks ever released.
- The rest does not quite live up to that.
4
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Wed Feb 07 2024
Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
- Knew absolutely nothing about this beyond Frank Zappa's name. Wow...had me almost immediately and did not let go.
- Personally found Son Of Mr. Green Genes to be a true banger, but I could see almost all of this pumping me up.
- Interesting, energetic, and often deep.
5
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Thu Feb 08 2024
Homework
Daft Punk
- Started strong. Not an EDM fan, but I can see the appeal
- This high wore off...multiple tracks were tough to get through.
- Continually reminded me of where Daft Punk would eventually end up, but that just made me want to listen to that music instead.
3
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Fri Feb 09 2024
Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
- On the one hand, I like the sound. I would argue that it is a generic psychedelic rock sound, but this is probably because Quicksilver Messenger Service is foundational to that sound.
- But the first half of this album is one jam session that goes on for 30 minutes...I am admittedly done after five have passed.
- It may be important. I found it boring.
2
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Mon Feb 12 2024
Abbey Road
Beatles
- First half of the album is strong. Very entranced by the back-and-forth of slow and fast tracks.
- Second half of the album is near perfect. The stretch from "Golden Slumbers" to "The End" is some of the best work the Beatles ever did. This part is so good that I am tempted to bump the whole album to 5 stars.
- God, I cannot stand "Maxwell's Silver Hammer." On the flip side, "Octopus's Garden" is an extremely fun jam.
4
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Tue Feb 13 2024
Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
- First album I have been given that had a cultural \"impact\" that I noticed in my lifetime. I saw Muse live the year after this came out (at a festival...they were not the only act) and it was very obvious that their American fanbase was growing. They would be much bigger five years later.
- Some fantastic tracks (some of which I had never heard), but the album does feel a bit same-y throughout.
- No doubt a fun listen. But I also do not necessarily feel like anything is being pushed. The sound is largely quite safe.
3
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Wed Feb 14 2024
Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
- Pleasant. The Byrds' sound is nice and peak 60s rock. Nice to listen to.
- On the flip side, it is just that: pleasant. Do not feel anything challenging here. It sounds a lot like earlier work from the Beatles, but a few years behind.
3
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Thu Feb 15 2024
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
- Initially concerned because this album is over two hours of country.
- While it is not what I would usually listen to, I have to respect the improvised nature of it all (which was apparently accurate), the craft on display, and the blending of generations.
- Personally found "Nashville Blues" and "Tennessee Stud" to be fun, but the best track was probably "Dark As A Dungeon."
- Did I mention it is long? Found myself ready to tap out in the second half.
4
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Fri Feb 16 2024
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
- This is so Irish it practically bleeds green. Fun, but it can be a bit much at times, particularly on the faster tracks. It is hard for me to get entranced when the rhythms are so constant and some of the instrumentation feels stereotypical.
- Mix of traditional Irish folk, country western, and some punk? (The punk is arguably more of an influence and attitude than a sound, which I find somewhat disappointing.)
- A few of the slower tracks are more impressive to me; \"A Pair of Brown Eyes\" is particularly nice.
3
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Mon Feb 19 2024
Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones
- Pretty quintessential Stones sound throughout; there is no mistaking who this is.
- \"Wild Horses\" is one hell of a track.
- Would definitely listen to this album again, even if it does not continually grip me throughout.
4
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Tue Feb 20 2024
The Yes Album
Yes
- Hella eclectic at times. Fair amount of creativity, though I could do with less keyboard (and pan flute?). Instantly dates the sound at moments.
- Do not know Yes well. Appreciate how heavy the bass is. (The bass in "Yours Is No Disgrace" is solid.)
- Some of these tracks are very long. Works well for some, not as much for others. ("Perpetual Change" becomes laborious, despite the rather melodic vocal bridge.)
- The organ in "Your Move" does a lot for me.
3
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Fever Ray
Fever Ray
- Never heard of this artist, but intrigued; instantly gives the vibe of being post-Björk and a more moody and experimental contemporary of Teegan and Sara. (In fact, their vocals are indistinguishable from the latter at times.)
- Great vibe all-around. Easy to turn on and soak in. Not sure if any of the tracks stand out, per se.
- Glad to have a break in genre and style on this list (I was getting so much 60s rock). Wish I knew how much music was like this was on the list--if it is standing alone, it deserves 4 stars for just that.
4
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Scott 4
Scott Walker
- Oh wow. I am actively annoyed by almost all of this immediately.
- "The Seventh Seal" sounds epic, but the meandering lyrics and Walker's refusal to rhyme makes it all seem lazy.
- I find "The World's Strongest Man" and "Hero Of The War" plesant? And "Boy Child" has some interesting backing?
- I am legitimately confused how this even included on this list. Because this is a super rough listen.
1
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Leftism
Leftfield
- I appreciate that this is one of the first albums I have had that seems to have some heavy non-white influences. Somewhat annoyed when I found out that the duo is indeed white, though.
- Found the first half more engaging than the second half. I do not feel like I have a good read on electronic music. Nothing was bad. But nothing stood out either.
2
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Kid A
Radiohead
- Okay...I get it now. First Radiohead album I have listened to in full. And now I respect why people like this band so much.
- Looking it up, this was apparently considered an experimental departure for them. I hope this is the vibe of more of their albums, because I feel for it hard.
- Adore "How to Disappear Completely" and "Motion Picture Soundtrack." Was worried when "Optimistic" came on (did not jive for me as much), but it was not much of a departure and the album quickly veered back to where I wanted it to be.
- Listened to the album two more times over the weekend.
5
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Tue Feb 27 2024
Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
- Nothing "new," but these classics are classics for a reason. The Chairman of the Board could croon, no doubt about that.
- All are relaxing to listen to, even if 90% of the tracks are essentially identical.
- Between the album title and a couple of the track names (lookin' at you, "Makin' Whoopee)...a lot of immature giggles.
4
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Want One
Rufus Wainwright
- Not that familiar with Wainwright, but I can see the appeal.
- The instrumental backing is the most impressive part here--saw one critic call it luscious and I can see why. Bombastic, fun, and rich.
- Wainwright's voice does not quite live up to his ambitions and many of the songs were a bit "same-ish", but fun all the same.
4
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Debut
Björk
- Engulfs me for two tracks then loses me for two tracks. Repeat.
- "Venus as a Boy" stands out and I am very entranced by the classic feel of "Like Someone in Love."
- Not a fan of her British dance/electronic hits. Just not my thing.
3
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Infected
The The
- Did not know this group. I will admit that I am not very enticed to learn more.
- It is...fine? I am probably being too harsh, but I found this largely unremarkable.
- Looking up the album, there is a lot of praise for the lyrics...considering that I listen primarily for overall sound and vibe, I am not shocked that this did not click for me.
2
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
- Fun sound in general, though it does get somewhat same-y after awhile. A couple of tracks drag.
- Ears perked up when "In the Morning of the Magicians" started. Like much of this one, but it is the only one that teuly catches my attention.
3
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Stankonia
OutKast
- The first segment of this album (from "Gasoline Dreams" to "So Fresh, So Clean" to "Ms. Jackson") is as engaging as any hip-hop album I have listened to.
- I do feel that the latter half of the album sags, though "B.O.B." is phenomenal and a few others almost reach the height of that first chunk.
4
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Wed Mar 06 2024
New York Dolls
New York Dolls
- Apparently the New York Dolls walked so that KISS could run?
- Fun sound, but nothing truly jumps out and I am not sure why this particular album is being cited for being noteworthy. I guess just how early this sound was emerging?
2
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
- My actual answer? Probably a 3...maybe a 2. While I am not the biggest fan of Manson, I get the appeal and this is essentially his classic stuff.
- That being said, I felt gross even playing his music given all of the allegations against him lately. So automatic 1.
1
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
- Pure early grunge, though also early enough to have a whole lot of diversity of sound.
- "Ted, Just Admit It..." is a bit more interesting and has some interesting thematic qualities. And "Jane Says" is fairly iconic.
3
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Remain In Light
Talking Heads
- I see why people like this and I especially see how it was somewhat groundbreaking in the 80s. This album is eclectic and oftentimes bizarre.
- Unfortunately, it just does not do much for me. I do like "Once in a Lifetime" and see why this particular song pops up often.
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
- Love "Walk On By" and Hayes's voice is indeed "Hot Buttered Soul" personified.
- Why are all of these tracks so long?
- Started to lose me with the rest of the album. Fun, but very prolonged.
3
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Wed Mar 13 2024
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
- Fresh, clever rhymes delivered with energetic, bouncy rhythms by young, passionate dudes that seem to be reading their raw, sincere bars off the notebooks they scrawled them into. Totally into this.
- Not dated...honestly feels quite innovative for 1989.
- Unfortunately, a couple of the singles (of which there were 8? Why?) stand out way more than the rest.
- "The Magic Number" is frenetic and captivating. "Eye Know" is quietly confident and pulsating. I also like "Me Myself and I", but way more for the mixing than any of the rap.
4
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
- All of the slowest, most brooding tracks are solid 5s. This includes "Peace Go With You, Brother," "Rivers of My Fathers," and "Song for Bobby Smith." Each is engaging, melodic, and haunting.
- Some of the other tracks felt like more generic soul.
- "H2Ogate Blues" is fantastic and sadly just as relevant now as it was in 1974.
- Gil-Heron's voice is unique, even for soul. Smooth, but with enough of a rasp to give it some weight. Usually 100% with it, but some of the more prolonged notes start to feel pressed and approach being out-of-tune.
4
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Fri Mar 15 2024
A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
- Unexpectedly really into this groove. Am really into the first four tracks as well as "Heatwave" -- not feeling "Easter Parade" as much, though I like it more than the other versions of this type of track I have heard. (Feels less pretentious?)
- Adore "Tinseltown in the Rain" and "Stay." These synthesizers and other electronic elements, including the percussion, are mesmerizing.
- This had to have been an influence on The Killers (especially Brandon Flowers).
4
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Mon Mar 18 2024
The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
- I am by no means a jazz aficionado, but I at least know that 1) Charles Mingus was incredibly influential in the jazz world and 2) that this jazz is not in any way generic or boring.
- I did like the second half (tracks C and D) more. There were more unusual moments sprinkled throughout these that caused me to perk up.
4
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
- I know this album was incredibly important, specifically in bringing gangsta rap into legitimate mainstream consumption, and I have a lot of respect for that...but I do feel like it becomes repetitive after awhile. One of those artistic achievements wherein I believe being "the first" is a more important piece than the actual quality of the product.
- The first four tracks are solid. But, I think diminishing returns are found almost immediately. The opening track ("Straight Outta Compton") is so goddamn electric. And even if "Fuck Tha Police" is not quite as kinetic, the thematic material boosts it. But, I find myself wanting to tap out about halfway through it all.
3
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Wed Mar 20 2024
Disraeli Gears
Cream
- The guitar work is delightfully crunchy and strong (no surprise there) and there is no question that Cream was bringing a new psychedelic sound to the table.
- Actually more entranced by the one blues track ("Take It Back") than I was by much of the rest. A cool sound overall, but this album does get repetitive.
3
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Elephant Mountain
The Youngbloods
- Unfortunately, the "We have the Beatles at home" of bands. The Youngbloods are trying things, but it is all fairly uninspired. Album is all over the place, but not in a captivating way. More just confusing and jarring.
- "Sunlight" is a genuinely touching song. Very heart-warming.
- Also found "Ride the Wind" interesting; apparently I find the more "easy listening" tracks to be a better direction for the Youngbloods.
- Found some of the more gimmicky tracks ("Don't Let the Rain Bring You Down") downright annoying.
2
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
- Admittedly not a fan of the titular song given that it involves hunting down and killing a woman in her sleep for having the audacity to leave you for another man.
- I do not enjoy, or even love, a ton of country. But this all sounds....fine? Somewhat generic. I feel that very little of it stands out at all.
2
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Illmatic
Nas
- With regard to lyricism, a solid 5/5.
- Unfortunately I just find Nas's rap style to be...fine? A true lack of variety on that front, given that his diction, rhytms, tempo, and cadence are all fairly monotonous. I found myself more engaged during AZ's verse and choruses of "Life's a Bitch" than anything Nas was directly producing.
3
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Dire Straits
Dire Straits
- Mainly know Dire Straits as the band that produced "Sultans of Swing." Apparently almost all of their music sounds almost exactly like that one track.
- A super cool guitar riff starts the album. And the persistently syncopated rhythms are fun. But everything really does feel like the diet version of "Sultans of Swing."
3
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Wed Mar 27 2024
Rattlesnakes
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions
- Never heard of this group; they have the smallest Spotify presence of any group on this list I have seen so far.
- Very generic new wave pop-rock. Most of the songs sound extremely similar.
- In general I find Lloyd Cole's vocals (a bizarre mix of Bob Dylan and flashes of Linda Perry from 4 Non Blondes) to be hard to tolerate.
- Super interesting backing on "Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?" If everything was this caliber, it might merit a 3 or higher.
- Not offended...but why is this album included?
2
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Post Orgasmic Chill
Skunk Anansie
- I am somewhat astounded that I have never heard of this group before. A hard rock/punk/metal band with a queer black female lead singer (who describes the group as "clit-rock"), interesting guitar work, a black bassist, that (on the whole) does not shy away from experimenting, going headfirst into political themes, or punching their critics in the mouth? I am disappointed that I could not worship Skunk Anasie at 21 and now am learning to embrace them at 35. Seems like they did not expand from Britain very well.
- Do I love every track on this album equally? No. "Secretly" is divine. "On My Hotel Tv," "Lately," and "Cheap Honesty" slap. But even the tracks I am not thay invested in are great to have on. I think "Charlie Big Potato" is a bizarre choice for an opening track (and a single for that matter) but whatever.
- First group that feels like a gift delivered to me by this list.
5
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Either Or
Elliott Smith
- Some of the most interesting indie singer/songwriter work I have encountered. Smith's whispered delivery is beautiful, hypnotizing, and haunting.
- A few tracks do not engage me as much in the middle, so the album does suffer a slight dip, but the first four tracks and the final two are fantastic.
- Loving "Alameda," "Between the Bars," "2:45 AM," and "Say Yes."
4
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Mon Apr 01 2024
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
- A more "old-fashioned" album, in the sense that the tracks are all fine but not connected together outside of the fact that Elvis is performing them.
- The real bangers are all the ones you know, "Blue Suede Shoes," "Tutti Frutti," and "Blue Moon." None of the rest are disappointing, but they are just not particularly memorable.
3
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
- Never been a big fan of Zeppelin...have always found them to be incredibly overhyped. But there is no question that their standard fare is a step above most other straight rock from the period.
- Pretty much turn this album on and just let it play. No one track truly stood out and wow'ed me, but I also found it all to be enjoyable.
- I do not find the bluesy sound they have on occasion to be as fascinating as their heavier stuff. Much like Elvis, part of me wonders how much the praise they received was for using songs and techniques from people of color but with an "acceptable" (i.e. white) appearance.
4
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
- Never heard of Big Star, which probably makes sense because they seem to have dissolved before this album was released in its "proper" form.
- Like "Holocaust" and "Nature Boy" (which I only knew from Moulin Rouge). The dark, moody pieces are legitimately interesting.
- Unfortunately, the rest is extremely generic and out-of-sync with these tracks. I very much disliked "Big Black Car" and "Jesus Christ"...apparently those were packaged together on a single? Woof.
2
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
- Chill and smooth. Honestly feels like background music to a relaxing pre-90s comedy.
- Would not change the station if this came on. But I would never seek it out either.
- How can you even separate the tracks in your head? They continually bleed into each other. "Minor Chant" started in a cool way...but then right back to sounding like everything else.
- I am probably being generous with this score. I do not mind the jazz, but why is this something everyone should hear?
3
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
- The first time I heard of this website, I entered an email out of curiosity and this album is the first one that popped up. I was admittedly turned off because I did not want my first experience to be Oasis.
- Some good tracks on here -- I heard "Live Forever" the first time in preparation for a guitar lesson. I also think "Bring It On Down" and "Cigarettes & Alcohol" are relatively strong and stand on their own.
- Second half is better than the first half...but it is still Oasis, which means I can take or leave Gallagher's voice and am never that impressed.
3
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Wed Apr 10 2024
The Bends
Radiohead
- This feels like the most 4-star of albums. Easy to get immersed in Radiohead's mesmerizing soundscape and the musicianship is incredibly clear, but I also have difficulty pointing out specifics that truly garbbed me.
- Love the start...first two tracks ("The Bends" in particular) are extremely solid.
- Radiohead has a weird ability to lull me into an absolutely acceptable, slightly more than fine track, and then insert a funky, jarring guitar jam element into the back third to wake me back up. This is often very pleasing (looking at you, "(Nice Dreams)" and "Just"). However, sometimes you are liking the vibe of the song a lot and the shift is very unwelcome because it harshes your musical buzz ("Iron Lung").
4
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Fri Apr 12 2024
The Message
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
- The influence on future hip-hop and rap is undoubted and there are moments of sheer brilliance here. There are, unfortunately, also very dated moments of mediocrity.
- First two tracks ("She's Fresh" and "It's Nasty") are full-on 5/5 bangers. Make you wnat to party.
- The opening guitar groove of "(It's a Shame") is pure delight. Instantly transports you to some island paradise. The call-and-response is also good, but then it loses me in the verses.
- "The Message" is obviously not only good, it is unbelievably impactful, too. Hard to imagine something this developed emerging in 1982.
- I am not a fan of "Scorpio." And "You Are" seemed so sweet. And then Jesus arrived. Woof.
3
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Mon Apr 15 2024
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
- Pure funk and soul. Impossible not to turn this album on without instantly imagining the bedrooms of the 70s.
- Some better tracks (I recognized "Shining Star" instantly), though ultimately little of it stands out on its own.
- Probably should rate this higher because Earth, Wind & Fire's sound is so unique compared to many other groups on this list, but I do believe that is the primary reason why this album was included in the first place.
3
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Elephant
The White Stripes
- Good god, inject this straight into my veins. Pure garage rock sound. I knew the White Stripes were talented (and had heard of this album and its incredibly famous opening track), but I did not realize how stellar their sound was overall.
- Raw...so fun and raw that you keep feeling it in your chest; the blues influences are right in your face. And simultaneously simple, surprising, and masterful.
- Jack White essentially makes his guitar into a tommy gun with the staccato syncopation of many of these solos.
- I added half the songs on this album straight onto my "Liked" playlist. First time that has happened.
5
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Reign In Blood
Slayer
- This one hurts, because this is the most disappointing album for me thus far. I like a lot of metal, but Slayer's work here was just not on my wavelength for the most part.
- I find the message of "Jesus Saves" to be interesting and enjoy "Criminally Insane" and "Raining Blood" (the latter largely because I remember it being an absolute bitch to try and do well on in Guitar Hero III).
- Unfortunately almost every track feels virtually identical despite the fantastic guitar work. The tempo never changes. The tone never changes. The lyrics never become less than overbearing. And any moments of innovation feel drowned out by the monotony.
- Also, I do not believe that the members of Slayer are in any way Nazi sympathizers...but "Angel of Death" is admittedly tasteless. And a very hard sell for the first track.
2
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
- Is Bon Jovi the least threatening hard rock band in existence? Something to ponder.
- The hits are strong, which anyone who has attended karaoke can attest to. I personally enjoy "Wanted Dead Or Alive" the most of those. But I was actually surprisingly really into "Raise Your Hands" (a legitimately fun party ballad) and "Without Love" (which has that quintessential 80s melodramatic charm). Maybe because I have not heard them 1000 times.
- Some of the non-hits are fine? A couple are rough. Not a fan of "Social Disease."
3