Feb 12 2024
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
The first two songs were really fun and listenable. They were stuck in my head for a while. Neil Young and Crazy Horse sounded great together. The album took a nose-dive with the slower ballad-y songs.
Also this album isn’t on Spotify. I had to steal my boyfriend’s Apple Music. 😤
3
Feb 13 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
Apparently my parents fucking love The Cars. Because I knew most of this album and I didn’t even realize these songs were The Cars. Still, the instrumental-heavy songs toward the back half of the album were boring and repetitive. And for that reason, I’m docking a point.
4
Feb 14 2024
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Arrival
ABBA
Had a lil menty b during my second listen of this one. Nothing like crying to “Dancing Queen” as you drive down the 5. Either way, I love this album, so no chance I was gonna give it less than 5 stars.
The title track of this album was actually one of the only ones I hadn’t heard before. And it’s my least favorite song.
5
Feb 15 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
I’m really struggling to rate this album, because I know how successful it was, and how influential Jimi Hendrix is as a musician.
I just really didn’t love this album. It was long and it wasn’t cohesive. Every other song sounded like it was performed by a different band. I can respect the versatility they have as performers, but damn.
I also felt like some of the songs didn’t feel fully finished or thought out. Some of the songs just felt like a collection of random sounds without much melody. I suppose that’s the nature of the genre, but it isn’t for me.
A 2 star album, but I’ll grant it a bonus point for being so influential.
3
Feb 16 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
I get why people like this album. It has very pretty sounds. I think I would have liked it better if I smoked some indica. Or if I could make out anything Thom Yorke was singing about.
Might smoke somethin and give it another listen.
4
Feb 19 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Okay, on my first listen, I was genuinely gonna give this a 2. But I listened to it again, and god I love it so much. The music, the lyrics, the gentle pop that gets stuck in your head. Plus, some of these were among the first songs I would play on guitar and sing at girl scout camp — so there’s some nostalgia.
5
Feb 20 2024
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
This album was okay. It really didn’t do much for me. It sounded a lot like all the other synth-pop from the 80s that I’ve heard before, just this time, not in English. 🥴
This album also felt like a wall of constant sound all at the same volume. It didn’t have any levels, and it was therefore, fatiguing to listen to. Bonus points for being a short ass album though.
3
Feb 21 2024
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
God, this album felt timeless. Truly, if you asked me to guess what decade this album came from, I wouldn’t be able to.
Simple lyrics sung by a beautiful voice , with comforting music to accompany it.
I listened to it twice, and will likely listen to it again.
5
Feb 22 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
This album was NOT what I was expecting. This sum campy sea shanty Irish jig typa shit.
It was a really fun listen, but probably not something I’d return to often (if ever).
3
Feb 23 2024
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
This album was unique — I’m grateful for the experience of listening to it, but it wasn’t for me.
I heard the horns at the beginning of the very first song and got stoked for a big band album. But it was not big band at all. It was mostly a Frenchman singing so fast and garbling his words together. And don’t @ me, but French is an ugly language.
2
Feb 26 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
I had listened to this album previously on my other project, and given it 2 stars for being too long (and less compelling than the other albums of a similar genre I had listened to that week).
But this album is really listenable. Some parts, I’ll admit, do sound like my high school marching band. But the funky African beats made for a fun, easy listen.
3
Feb 27 2024
View Album
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I LOVE Credence Clearwater Revival. I listened to this album like 3 times through today.
As will Arrival, I cried to it as I drove down the 5. 🥰
It’s not quite a 5-star album to me, but it’s a classic. Tons of nostalgia.
4
Feb 28 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Bro finally. This is my genre. I would have ate this shit up in high school.
I can’t believe I had never heard of this band before, so I did a bunch of research. Fascinating.
I wanted to listen to some music from when Richey Edwards was still in the band, and let me tell you, it’s way better than this one.
Luckily, it’s on the list. 😉
4
Feb 29 2024
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Dear Science
TV On The Radio
I didn’t like this. I find that I judge albums with a lot more scrutiny when they are from a genre/time period I’m more familiar with. And 2010s alt holds a very special place in my heart. I’m not sure how or why this album is chosen to represent that time and genre.
This album also confuses me, because the first half is full of shrill, screechy sounds. And then the second half of the album sounds completely different (and much more listenable).
2
Mar 01 2024
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Station To Station
David Bowie
Really fun album, but too instrumental for my taste.
4
Mar 04 2024
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
I hate Johnny Cash.
I didn’t like the way this sounded at all. Every song sounded like Cash was singing with cotton mouth through a set of dentures.
The only redeeming thing about this album is the lyrics, and even then, these songs were mostly covers.
1
Mar 05 2024
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Hunky Dory
David Bowie
I’m about 40 albums into this journey, and so far, I’ve gotten THREE Bowie albums. That said, this has been my favorite one so far. Hell, I’d give it 5 stars just for “Changes.” That song holds a special place in my heart.
5
Mar 06 2024
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
This is objectively bad music. But it takes itself so unseriously, and I kind of find it intriguing. It’s so bad it makes me want to keep listening.
3
Mar 07 2024
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Sunshine Superman
Donovan
I don’t totally love the sitar sounds on this album, but the middle 3 songs (Bert’s Blues through The Trip) are soooo good.
4
Mar 08 2024
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Basket of Light
Pentangle
This album was not what I expected from the name of the band and the album art lol.
It wasn’t a terrible listen. But some of the singing is kinda… bad.
Sally Go Round the Roses was by far the best song on the album, but by the third listen, I was kinda tired of it.
3
Mar 11 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
I didn’t listen to this in an optimal environment — I started falling asleep during the back half of it.
3
Mar 12 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
This was such a fun listen. The middle chunk of the album (Mother through King of Pain) was just 80s alt-pop perfection.
I see a lot of reviews complaining about Mother, but I enjoyed the different sound.
Also King of Pain scratched an itch in my brain I didn’t even know I had. It’s an ear worm that will be on repeat for me for a little while.
5
Mar 13 2024
View Album
Odelay
Beck
Okay, I’m biased because I’ve never liked Beck. I saw him live in 2016, and his stage presence was as painful as his music.
At least now I can say I gave him another try, and my opinion still holds.
For me, this album was as objectively terrible as Trout Mask Replica. The difference is, Beck takes himself waaayyyy to seriously about it.
1
Mar 14 2024
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
This album opens and closes SO STRONG. I love Europe Endless.
But damn, this album really suffers from how long and repetitive the songs are. Especially the 3 that follow Europe Endless. And since I’m rating the album as whole, it’s unfortunately, a 2 from me.
2
Mar 15 2024
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
I listened to this album 3 times, and I can’t figure out what to rate it, so I guess it’s getting a 3. I knew a lot of songs on this album! And I do tend to have some bias in favor of albums I’m more familiar with. But all in all, this album was too long and not cohesive. The songs didn’t sound like they all belonged on the same album.
3
Mar 18 2024
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Be
Common
This was a great listen. I did have a breakdown while driving and listening to this one, so you know it’s good.
I’m really shocked I had never heard of this person before. (Both because of his work and also who he’s dated. 🤪) “Be” sounds like the kind of album my Dad would have played for me as a kid.
Great rhythm and flow, great lyrics. A little bit of Christian undertones?
4
Mar 19 2024
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
My first listen of this album had be like, “boo, dogshit, 1 star.” But then I listened to it the next day, and I was like, “what crack was I smoking yesterday?? Is this even the same album.”
The music is very groovy and listenable. Some of the vocal performances (particularly the female performances) are not my favorite. But it’s certainly not a bad album.
3
Mar 20 2024
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Forever Changes
Love
The first song on this album had me stoked. The intro acoustic guitar was soooo lovely. But the rest of the album kind of fell flat. It didn’t leave a very big impression on me — it kinda sounded like generic 60s pop. I got some hints of The Monkees, but… not as good.
3
Mar 21 2024
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
This shit is fucking awesome. Don’t get me wrong, it’s objectively bad music. But it’s SO interesting. It reminded me of the music that would play during a creepy Disneyland ride, and the theme song of American Horror Story. I wanted to keep listening to hear how the album progressed.
If I’m being honest, this is not a good album to work to. I was working on a stressful task during the last 3 songs, and I started to have an anxiety attack.
All that said, super fun listen. Birthday Boy - Version 1 shall be my birthday anthem henceforth.
4
Mar 22 2024
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
The album art really threw me with this album. 😅 I was expecting more indie, less synth. It was a weird blend of genres.
It was a nice listen, though, I didn’t love the production. The parts where the singing sounded the best, the synth drowned her out. I also didn’t love that you could hear the mouth noises and static from the vocal recording.
I dug a bit deeper into this band because I was curious, and damn, Supernature is so good. They do electronic dance right. This was a bit more of a miss.
3
Mar 25 2024
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1984
Van Halen
I keep getting surprised by how repetitive and pop-y 80s rock music is. Even still, I can’t say I don’t like it.
Hot For Teacher will always be a bop.
4
Mar 26 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
I’ve put myself in a bit of a pickle here… because now every time I want to give an album lower than a 4, I have to ask myself, “Is this worse than Duck Stab?” Of course it’s not.
This is a nice listen — some fun yacht rock.
But it’s a bit boring. It reminds me a lot of Paul Simon’s solo work. But of course, he does it better.
3
Mar 27 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
Ever since I started taking antidepressants, I live for pop music. This is quintessential Taylor Swift pop. And god, I love a good breakup song.
As someone who was a young teen when this album came out, some of the songs feel stale/overplayed. But I can’t deny how fun of a listen this is.
5
Mar 28 2024
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Dookie
Green Day
I probably like Green Day more than any other band on this entire list, so prepare for a biased take:
This album is so fun. So good. The baselines are iconic and instantly recognizable (She, Longview). It has some of the best opening lyrics (Basket Case).
This album is a mainstay in my angsty ass life.
5
Mar 29 2024
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
I don’t know why on Earth The Pogues were included on this list more than once. It’s fine enough music, but it loses its unique charm after the second album. Unfortunately this one didn’t do it for me.
2
Apr 01 2024
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
I didn’t love this. And I was trying to figure out why it didn’t strike me as much as Cowboy Junkies — theoretically they have a similar vibe?
But Norah Jones’ voice just doesn’t sound as timelessly beautiful to me. It’s almost as if she’s singing in cursive haha.
3
Apr 02 2024
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
A good 80s rock album, but there’s nothing exceptionally unique about this.
4
Apr 03 2024
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
The front half of this album was a 5. The back half of this album gets a 1.
Cyndi has a unique voice, and when it works it works. And when it doesn’t she sounds like a fucking giggle stick. Or a groan tube. Whatever it’s called.
Also minus points because the transition in He’s So Unusual almost made me crash my car.
3
Apr 04 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I’m looking forward to more Bob Dylan on this list. This one was just okay. The harmonica was quite shrill all over this album, making for an unnecessarily difficult listen.
3
Apr 05 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
This was a nice listen. But I can’t give an album with this many covers a very high score. Especially when the black artists they’re ripping off do it better.
3
Apr 08 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
This probably comes as no surprise, but I’m a fan. I appreciate the blend of the harder rock, more pop-rock, and sometimes hip-hop.
It’s a little more overtly angsty than the stuff I listened to in my angsty teen phase, but it still has a special place in my heart.
5
Apr 09 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
I didn’t even know this Stevie Wonder album, but it was great! His voice is amazing. I love the variety of genre he is able to present while still sounding like a cohesive album.
5
Apr 10 2024
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
I’ve always shit on Morrissey for the same reasons I shit on Beck, but this was enjoyable… definitely in my wheelhouse of genres I gravitate toward.
4
Apr 11 2024
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
A nice, listenable alt-pop album. It reminds me of Glass Animals a bit. I’ll probably return to this one.
4
Apr 12 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
Another Beatles album that I’m just not too crazy about. The songs all kind of blend together. It was enjoyable enough, but I probably won’t return to anything other than the hits. And I am the kind of goober that likes Yellow Submarine.
3
Apr 15 2024
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
If we’re separating the art from the artist, this feels like an easy 5 stars. It’s definitely long, but it doesn’t feel long.
This has always been my favorite Kanye album, but it also is the one I have spent the most time with. I anticipate seeing some of his earlier work on this list, so we’ll see if this remains the favorite.
5
Apr 16 2024
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
I feel like this is gonna be a hot take, but the production was actually my least favorite part of the album. I didn’t mind the misogyny and dick jokes.
But the shrill synth all over this album? Absolutely unlistenable: ear blood.
And the jingle bells/tambourine that starts at the top of 4 and doesn’t end until the end of track 5 was so painful. My ears heaved a sigh of relief when it ended.
1
Apr 17 2024
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Movies
Holger Czukay
The first song was fun and interesting, but then I got bored fast. This album somehow made 39 minutes feel never-ending.
2
Apr 18 2024
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
Lmao the bongos were absolutely the worst part of this album. They reminded me of my high school’s drum line.
The horns were nice and interesting enough, but I am a lyric girly through and through.
2
Apr 19 2024
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
I really expected this to be a bunch of floaty yacht rock songs. Don’t get me wrong, I love yacht rock. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much electric guitar the songs have. It was a good listen that left a really good first impression.
4
Apr 22 2024
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Ill Communication
Beastie Boys
I liked this album well enough. I’m a huge fan of Licensed to Ill and Paul’s Boutique, so I was disappointed by the lack of rap on this album.
I had to keep checking to see if Spotify accidentally started playing something else — I was so confused.
3
Apr 23 2024
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
The big band was fun, and Ray Charles has a great voice. But this album feels very dated. I really disliked the Disney-sounding female harmonies that backed a lot of the songs.
2
Apr 24 2024
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Sex Packets
Digital Underground
This album was super fun. Full of funny bits and didn’t take itself too seriously.
It was made even better by the clean vocals any groovy beats backing every song. I definitely plan to revisit this album.
5
Apr 25 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
This almost for a 4 out of me for being the best Beatles album I’ve heard from this list so far. But I’m docking a point for that creepy ass “Little Girl” song.
3
Apr 26 2024
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
I usually dislike live albums, but this was fantastic. Some good, pure, rock and roll.
4
Apr 29 2024
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
This was nice enough. It is not as good as some of the other jazz I’ve heard so far from this list, so it’s just a 3 for me.
3
Apr 30 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
This album took me a long time to get through. The first song absolutely goes, but everything after that is a painful, twinkly, snoozefest.
2
May 01 2024
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
The best of the “just a guy and his guitar” albums so far.
4
May 02 2024
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
Disappointing. The music was good, but there was too much talking.
No, I don’t want to listen to an English guy talk over “Sweet Home Alabama” for 6 minutes.
2
May 03 2024
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
This was a great listen! I can’t believe these guys only have 67K monthly listeners on Spotify.
4
May 06 2024
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Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Dang, these 4 men are all over this list. But I can’t complain! This was a wonderful listen and I appreciate the different sounds each member brings to the group.
4
May 07 2024
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Homework
Daft Punk
I wanted to like this album so bad. “Around the World” is such a fun song. An hour-fifteen is just mind-numbingly long for how little diversity in sound this album provides.
2
May 08 2024
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
13-15 year old me would have ate this shit up. But now, I recognize how whack the flow is. Still, there were one or two songs on this album I could see myself returning to (Fit but you Know It and Dry Your Eyes).
3
May 09 2024
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If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
When I first listened to this album, I was kinda meh on it. But man did it grow on me. This is the kinda guy-with-his-guitar shit I like. I was boppin around my kitchen doing chores to this shit at like 10pm last night. 🔥
4
May 10 2024
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Skylarking
XTC
Pretty good stuff! There’s definitely a song or two in here I could see myself returning to. (That’s Really Super, Supergirl and Dear God)
It’s a bit too 80s British cheese for me in some places.
3
May 13 2024
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Doolittle
Pixies
Fuck yes. Where has this been all my life? Awesome sauce front-to-back.
5
May 14 2024
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Who's Next
The Who
All of The Who’s music tends to blend together for me.
It’s easy listening though!
3
May 15 2024
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Shleep
Robert Wyatt
I can see what this is trying to do, but I feel like it’s trying too hard. Robert Wyatt’s voice sounds very old, which is not appealing. I also feel like the album is not cohesive in terms of sound.
2
May 16 2024
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
I’m a fan of most of the songs on here, but not a fan of the live feel.
3
May 17 2024
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
This is enjoyable, but not my genre of choice. As a result, it didn’t leave much of an impression on me.
3
May 20 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Uhm, any album that has an entire Glee episode dedicated to it is an immediate 5.
On a serious note, this album is timeless, easy listening. So excited to have this as my Friday album and listen to it all weekend long.
5
May 21 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
Super fun listen. My only complaint is that the album is heavily front loaded. The back-half isn’t quite as good.
4
May 22 2024
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
This is the kinda stuff I like, so it was an easy listen and an easy 4. I’m surprised to see this has such low reviews tbh.
4
May 23 2024
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Opus Dei
Laibach
This shit sounds like I’m watching a WWII Disney cartoon and I’m here for it. Very refreshing.
3
May 24 2024
View Album
You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Learning how close to Cohen’s death this album was released certainly makes the lyrics more haunting. But it’s not any easier to listen to.
2
May 27 2024
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
A no-skip double album is quite the feat. I was raised with many of these songs and will return to many of these songs again.
5
May 28 2024
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Amnesiac
Radiohead
Radiohead feels like a “if you get it you get it and if you don’t you don’t” band.
And I don’t get it.
3
May 29 2024
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
I was on the fence about giving this album a 5. So with my hesitation, I’ll give it a 4.
It was super enjoyable though. I’m definitely taking a few songs away from it.
Of course, this was my genre of choice before starting this project.
4
May 30 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
When I first saw that this was my album-of-the-day, I thought, “easy 5-stars.”
But after listening closely, I’m surprisingly meh on it. It’s a fun listen, no doubt, but all the songs sound exactly the same. The lyrics are super repetitive (when you can even understand them).
Plus I’m docking a point for the song about dating a little girl.
3
May 31 2024
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Joan Baez
Joan Baez
A beautiful voice singing simple, delightful songs.
5
Jun 03 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
A nice listen. This is definitely the oldest one so far (and obviously so).
It was exactly what I needed today, too (I was too stressed for lyrics).
The big-band really lifted my spirits. :)
3
Jun 04 2024
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Tbh if you played me Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden, I wouldn’t be able to tell you which was which.
Unless you played me the song Changes off of this album. Then I was grimace and turn it off.
2
Jun 05 2024
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Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
This album was just okay. It really feels like they’re trying too hard.
3
Jun 06 2024
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
This was a nice album. I really enjoyed the music itself. Veloso’s voice was kind of grating on the tracks with a lower register.
3
Jun 07 2024
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
So fucking good. Awesome beats and political commentary.
5
Jun 10 2024
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Idk man. Head Over Heels absolutely fucking goes. After rediscovering it, I’m not surprised if it ends up one of my most played songs of the year. But overall I think this album is rated too highly. I think a lot of the people on this website are rating from a place of nostalgia (of which I am sometimes guilty).
The songs are way too long and incredibly repetitive. The music is generally great — very of-the-time. But the vocalists sound like they could be Muppets.
3
Jun 11 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
This one didn’t strike me nearly as much as the other Pixies album I just had (Doolittle). In fact, I think having that one so recently made this one fall a little flatter.
3
Jun 12 2024
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Follow The Leader
Korn
I really feel like this album/Korn is over-hated. Yes, the gra-a-a-a and the growling was cringey, but the music itself wasn’t the painful noise I was expecting. This was an interesting and unique listen — something I appreciate from this project, even if I won’t return to the album anytime soon.
3
Jun 13 2024
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
The first song of this album SUCKS hahaha. I actually listened to it 5 days ago, and immediately turned it off because I wasn’t in the mood for such a snooze of an album.
As such, the middle chunk of this album really surprised me. It was pure indie goodness. I’m really surprised I hadn’t heard some of the middle tracks before, but then again, it came out a few years before my time.
If I were just rating the middle portion, this would be a 4.5 album — pushing 5 even:
But the end is as much for a drag as the beginning, and for that reason, it’s just a 3.
3
Jun 14 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
I listened to this 3 times (the Iggy mix once and the Bowie mix twice — and I still can’t discern a difference between the two).
To be quite honest, I liked it less and less with every listen. This take feels hypocritical having just given Korn a 3, but the grunting and groaning all over this album was kinda… cringe.
That said, I can hear how this album influenced the grunge music of the decade that followed, so, 2 stars.
2
Jun 17 2024
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
LOL I hella has Rage Against the Machine and 30 Seconds to Mars confused in my head for some reason (blasphemous, I know).
This kicked ass. What an album to listen to as I drove to work on Monday morning.
My angsty ass will be returning to this for sure.
4
Jun 18 2024
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
This was a pleasant surprise — it has all the sounds of modern alt+pop+rock that I love. Surely Iggy Pop paved the way for much of the music I consume on a regular basis.
Much of this album reminded me of Franz Ferdinand.
Also, Iggy Pop’s vocal intonations reminded me of Tim Curry’s singing in Rocky Horror Picture Show. A weird comparison maybe, but I can’t unhear it.
Regardless, I see myself returning to the first 6 tracks of the album. The whole first 2/3!
5
Jun 19 2024
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Yes the album is long, but it’s incredibly listenable. In fact, I split up my listening over 2 days. The day after I got this album, I had to listen to Leonard Cohen. Returning to this was a breath of fresh air.
That said, a lot of the songs have similar sounds and themes. There is certainly room to filter some songs out here.
Additionally, I’m docking a point for the song about being a little girl looking for her little boy. Yuck. Why do 50s and 60s albums seem to love the little boy/little girl lyric??
3
Jun 20 2024
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I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Fucking bad. I see many reviews praising the lyricism, but I don’t get it. A lot of the lyrics are creepy. I don’t want to hear an old man growling lustfully about naked women over shitty 80s synth.
The silver lining is: I’m only 6 months in, and I’ve already suffered through 3/4 Leonard Cohen albums on this list. I got them out of the way.
1
Jun 21 2024
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
This sum FitnessGram PACER test type music. It was nice enough to listen to while I worked. That said, if I listened to this while I was driving, I’d fall asleep at the wheel.
2
Jun 24 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
The 3 hits from this album (Time to Pretend, Electric Feel, and Kids) absolutely eclipse the other songs. But I have to admit, the hits all bang (and hold up). And the other tracks aren’t bad.
All in all, this is a fantastic representation of 2000s alt.
4
Jun 25 2024
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
I genuinely procrastinated listening to this album because I was not prepared to slog through the heavy metal I was expecting (based on the looks of the album art and the band name).
I was really, really pleasantly surprised! I even considered giving it a 5, but I don’t think I LOVE it so much as my really, really low expectations were exceeded.
I also appreciate the diversity of sound throughout this album, while still sounding like a cohesive collection of songs.
And God damn I fuckin love a pan flute.
4
Jun 26 2024
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Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
I really dug some of the songs on this album — particularly the songs that seem to have been released as singles (Fascist Groove Thang, I’m Your Money, Let’s All Make a Bomb) so the band chose right.
I will definitely be returning to some songs on this album (Fascist Groove Thang has already been on some of my playlists), but there are plenty of songs here I could do without.
3
Jun 27 2024
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Isn't Anything
My Bloody Valentine
After the first song I RAN to the reviews because wow. Ow my ears.
I stuck it out, and there are some songs here that sound like actual music. But this album mostly just makes me feel like I have tinnitus.
2
Jun 28 2024
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S.F. Sorrow
The Pretty Things
This album didn’t leave a huge impression on me. I was really into it after the first few songs, but as the album went on, it became more psychedelic, and I got bored.
That said, I do appreciate the wide variety of sounds and genres encompassed in this one album. It’s as if all the different eras of The Beatles got condensed into one project.
3
Jul 01 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
This is… fine. Idk I really don’t have an ear for discerning between good and bad metal. It’s all just… fine.
3
Jul 02 2024
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
I appreciate the blues representation! This was a quick, easy listen, but you could have given me any blues album and I wouldn’t know the difference.
3
Jul 03 2024
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Loveless
My Bloody Valentine
I really want to like this because, as with Radiohead, it feels “cool” to like this. But I’d be lying to myself if I rated it any higher. Truth be told, I just prefer my music to have more structure. I’m big on drums, baselines, and lyrics, of which this album has none.
2
Jul 04 2024
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Elastica
Elastica
Now this is some good shit. I love the female representation in this genre. The baselines all over this album are sick as hell. I will be returning to this album — this is one of my favorite discoveries of this project so far.
5
Jul 05 2024
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The Madcap Laughs
Syd Barrett
This reminds me of when I was 9, and I would sit at my parents’ computer playing Webkinz, just singing any lyrics that rhymed. For hours.
Syd Barett really captures that childlike whimsy here, and I’m super into it. The music was great too — a very fun, very easy listen.
4
Jul 08 2024
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Makes me want to go to a sock hop real bad. I loved the energy of this album. I’m sad to hear Jerry Lee Lewis is so poorly regarded.
4
Jul 09 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Now THIS is how you do harmonica. This was such an enjoyable listen. Normally I’d dock for it being a cover album, but Idc I’ve never heard the originals.
5
Jul 10 2024
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Orbital 2
Orbital
This music would be fun to do drugs and dance to at a strobing night club.
Unfortunately, I listened to this in the morning at my well-lit desk job.
I actually had to split my listening up into two days, because I was super stressed out yesterday, and this album was giving my anxiety.
3
Jul 11 2024
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
I didn’t hate this. It was surprisingly far less scream-y (and therefore, far more listenable) than I expected.
You can’t deny, “I wasn’t born with enough middle fingers” is a bar.
3
Jul 12 2024
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Every song on this album sounded like the music that would accompany a spooky Mario level.
2
Jul 15 2024
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Van Halen
Van Halen
Van Halen continues to be my favorite of the late-70s/early 80s rock bands, and this album is no exception.
4
Jul 16 2024
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
I got some Monkees and some Fleetwood Mac vibes from this band that I had never heard of before, but will definitely be returning to. I really enjoyed it! It holds up super well.
5
Jul 17 2024
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
It was interesting to hear how much Western rock influence this album seems to have. This album put me in a good mood! That said, it felt long. I’m a big lyric lover, so any album where I can’t hear or understand the lyrics is hard to listen to for more than 30 minutes.
3
Jul 18 2024
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
I LOVE pop music, I love Britney, and …Baby One More Time is an absolute smash of a debut single.
But, this album is dated as hell. The music on it sounds like it came out in the early 90s. I was surprised to see it was 99.
3
Jul 19 2024
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
I made the unfortunate choice of listening to this album for the first time while stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic and Sex Machine gave me an anxiety attack lmao.
So I gave it a week and listened again, and boy am I glad I did. If I’m learning anything about myself through this project, it’s that I LOVE funk music.
5
Jul 22 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Guys I think I’m starting to get it. Up-tempo Radiohead is much better than whiney ballad Radiohead.
This is definitely my best experience with them so far. Or… maybe I’m just in a good mood today.
4
Jul 23 2024
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25
Adele
This album came out during my junior year of high school (probably the worst year of my entire life) so returning to it is interesting. I’m not old enough to be able to associate most of the other albums on this list with a specific time in my life.
I was surprised how “meh” this album is. Adele is an incredible vocalist, but much of the music on this album sounds like royalty free travel vlogger music. I feel like 21 is a much better Adele album, so if this is her only entry on the list, I’m surprised this is the one they went with.
3
Jul 24 2024
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I don’t typically go for lyric-less music.
This is a really nice, tight representation of jazz music though! I see myself returning to it.
4
Jul 25 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Really awesome album. One of those albums where I come home from work and tell my bf I’m in a good mood because of the album I was listening to today.
The call and response moments made me feel like I was at a party.
5
Jul 26 2024
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Make Yourself
Incubus
The first half of this album really all blurs together. I was going to give it a 3, but the back half really picks it up! Everything starting with Make Yourself bangs.
4
Jul 29 2024
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The Score
Fugees
Easy 5 here. Great music, great lyricism and storytelling, great vocals.
It was fun to hear so many familiar sounds as well — both from the songs this album is sampling and the songs that sample this album.
5
Jul 30 2024
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
This is a fantastic representation of 80s synth pop. I just don’t really love 80s synth pop.
3
Jul 31 2024
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
The songwriting is great, but something about Suzanne’s voice + the base guitar gets old after a few songs.
Which is I know is rich coming from a Taylor Swift enjoyer.
3
Aug 01 2024
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
I really want to rate this higher. I totally get that the shock factor and offensive nature of Eminem is the point. But having this album generated the WEEK after I first listened to The Death of Slim Shady makes it feel… stale. This album was impressive, and raw, and unique when it came out, sure. But he’s still milking the same schtick damn near a quarter-century later.
Plus, the dick sucking noises were super jarring to listen to at my 9-5 desk job.
3
Aug 02 2024
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Back In Black
AC/DC
I love so many of the songs on this album that I can’t not rate it highly. But I’ve never listened to AC/DC for 42 minutes straight before, and I gotta say, it came with some ear fatigue.
This project has been teaching me this. I used to think I was the kind of person who could listen to music 24/7, but albums like this make me need an ear break haha.
4
Aug 05 2024
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
I made the mistake of reading the reviews (after listening to but before rating this album). But I’m not gonna let it drag my score down — this was a delightful listening experience. It has that late 60s/early 70s pop charm that ages well. And the layered vocals to boot.
I also love when an album from half a century ago has lyrics that are still relatable today.
5
Aug 06 2024
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1999
Prince
Sex and camp. My favorite combination.
5
Aug 07 2024
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Close To You
Carpenters
I’m surprised to see how divisive this album is. It is completely inoffensive and easy listening.
That said, it feels very similar in genre and sound to The Mamas and The Papas album I just had, and by comparison, that one id better.
4
Aug 08 2024
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
This was right in my wheelhouse and seems very ahead of its time for 1991. I will happily return to this one.
5
Aug 09 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Honestly, the lyrics were dull and repetitive and the vocal performance was not fun to listen to. The music was fine.
2
Aug 12 2024
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
My teenage ass had Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova on LOOP. And while I’ll probably continue listening to those songs for the rest of my life, they have a cheeseball factor about them now. The rest of the album is just okay. Sometimes I love a whiney song, but a whole album gets exhausting.
3
Aug 13 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
The first few songs were all the same and not really my vibe, so I got a bit nervous. The later parts of this album have a nice variety of sound. I’m glad I stuck it out.
3
Aug 14 2024
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1977
Ash
This album was fine, but all the songs sounded the same and blended together. It just isn’t interesting enough to return to.
3
Aug 15 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Whoever wrote this list has a throbbing boner for Neil Young. His music is nice. It’s easy to listen to. But I don’t feel like I need to listen to ever second of recorded music he ever put out before I die.
3
Aug 16 2024
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Brothers
The Black Keys
I appreciate reading the criticism of this album, because my own judgment is a bit clouded by the influence it had on my adolescence. It’s still good music, but I agree that the album could do with a few less songs. It particularly drags in the middle around “The Only One” and “Too Afraid to Love You.”
4
Aug 19 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
I’m lagging really hard on rating this album. I keep listening to it hoping it’s gonna get better. It’s certainly good. It’s just not hitting for some reason. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard has always been a favorite of mine though.
3
Aug 20 2024
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
The music is fine, but her voice really isn’t my cup of tea. Her low register sounds like Hootie and the Blowfish… and her falsetto is kind of screechy. :(
2
Aug 21 2024
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
I know it’s a double album, but it kind of drags in the middle. It starts and finishes strong as hell though. Great music to play while working or doing chores — really pumps me up.
I’ll admit, I haven’t listened to as much Led Zeppelin as I’d like to. It all sounds the same to me right now. Looking forward to more!
4
Aug 22 2024
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill has a lovely voice, but the amount of vocal riffs she packs into a single song is exhausting.
I much prefer her rap songs, and as such, could do without the back half of this album.
3
Aug 23 2024
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
This is not music, it’s just noise. 😭
1
Aug 26 2024
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Tapestry
Carole King
This rating might be inflated by my nostalgia, but fuck it. Tens across the board. I was so excited to see this pop up as my Friday listen.
5
Aug 27 2024
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
Funk has quickly become one of my favorite genres via this project. This album is no exception. It predates most of the funk albums I’ve listened to so far this year, and I can hear its influence.
4
Aug 28 2024
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
After the first song of this album, I was ready to turn it off. But I’m glad I stuck it out! It was so fun and refreshing to have an album with such diversity of sound!
While the lyrics may be repetitive, and not particularly moving, this was a fun 51 minutes. I’d listen again.
4
Aug 29 2024
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Microshift
Hookworms
Albums like this, with techno-beats that sound almost like a hum behind the entire length of the song, are incredibly fatiguing. I kind of hated this, but I also made it all the way through.
2
Aug 30 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Okay I thought I needed a really long break from 70s rock, but this album was surprisingly awesome. It has some real stank on it compared to some of the more formulaic rock I’ve heard lately. And the baseline fucking goes.
5
Sep 02 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
The backup singers sound like Mickey Mouse and the lead singer (I’m assuming Buddy Holly) squeaks like Goofy.
2
Sep 03 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Lmao I don’t understand why Neil Young deserves every second of music he’s ever put out on this list. I continue to stand by the fact that he’s fine, but genuinely all of his music sounds the same to me. And his voice gets real old after a while.
3
Sep 04 2024
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
I see a lot of reviews saying this album suffers from being downtempo and repetitive. While both of those things are true, I don’t think they make the album boring. This shit is some groovy-ass fucking music. That said, I do think this album would benefit from being ~2 songs shorter. I’d personally shed When We Get By.
4
Sep 05 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Loved this. I’ve been hitting a wall lately — not wanting to keep up with this.
But this album basically reinvigorated me haha.
5
Sep 06 2024
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Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
From a technical perspective, Tom Waits is not good. He sounds like a bumbling drunk. But from an entertainment perspective? This is excellent.
The music was outstanding. The comedic timing was brilliant. I really felt like I was in a boozy jazz club in 1970s LA.
4
Sep 09 2024
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Queen II
Queen
This is fine. I love Queen’s hits as much as anyone else, but this album kind of dragged for me. I feel like Queen shines with its structured pop hits. Whereas all the songs in this album kind of glob together.
3
Sep 11 2024
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Scum
Napalm Death
I get why people like this kind of music, though clearly I am in the majority when I say I don’t. The singer sounds like he’s throwing up into microphone! Shoutout to the quick runtime though. It was an easy listen — didn’t even feel like 30 minutes.
2
Sep 12 2024
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Wow, I don’t speak French, but this album sure sounds horny! *reads other reviews* oh…
Wow En Melody might be the best song on this album! *gets to 1:30 mark*
OH…
The music on this is genuinely great. It creates an atmosphere of great storytelling. Unfortunately, I have a bit of misophonia, and the Gainsbourg’s cotton mouth made this an insufferable listen.
1
Sep 13 2024
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Bug
Dinosaur Jr.
This was such a pleasant surprise! I actually put this album off by a few days, because I wasn’t in the mood for rock the day this album was generated. But it was right in my genre wheelhouse! Reminds me of Counting Crowe but a little less pop-y.
4
Sep 16 2024
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
I tend to dislike 50s music because of how dated it sounds. This album, however, felt timeless. Not sure if it’s been remastered, but the audio was incredibly crisp. I love it.
5
Sep 17 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
I’ve genuinely lived my whole life thinking I hate Johnny Cash — I’ve only heard American IV so far.
Boy was I wrong. This album is incredibly badass. The fact that it’s a live album allows the listener to get a sense of Cash’s sense of humor as well as his stage presence, and I ate it up.
5
Sep 18 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
The music of the first few songs was good - great even. The lyrics were generally uninteresting (or offensive), and I didn’t really enjoy the lead vocalist’s voice.
Luckily, the back half of the album is more instrumental heavy! But it is kind of a downtempo slog. I was glad when it was over.
2
Sep 20 2024
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
The music was nice, and Frank Sinatra has a lovely voice, but damn this album is a drag. All these songs about unrequited love and sadness and pining after uninterested women.
Was Sinatra the original “nice guy”?
2
Sep 24 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I genuinely do not understand why all the top commenters are stroking their dicks to this album. It’s fine. It is certainly experimental and progressive for 80s pop, but it doesn’t have enough structure for me to find it interesting. And I don’t personally love Bush’s voice all that much.
3
Sep 26 2024
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Graceland
Paul Simon
I can’t not give this album a 5. I may be clouded by nostalgia, but it makes me so happy. In fact, I was listening to it, and I was like “how can anyone hate this?” Then I read the other reviews lmaooo.
5
Oct 01 2024
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21
Adele
I was surprised to learn that I much prefer the ballads to the songs that were pop hits! Some of the pop mixing already sounds dated, and it’s only a decade old. But you can’t deny, Adele has some pipes.
4
Oct 02 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
I’m not mentally well rn, so I was excited to have some nice lyric-less jazz to buckle down to. Unfortunately the horns were a bit shrill for me. I feel bad because this is definitely the result of my mental state, but it’s just a 3 for me.
3