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Tue Feb 20 2024
L.A. Woman
The Doors
This was always a classic growing up. I actually got this album signed by Ray Manzarek before he died. Watching him play “Riders” live was life defining. There are so many great songs that returned to their true rock form. It’s not my favorite album of theirs but that’s not to say it’s not an all-time classic! Great first pick.
4
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Wed Feb 21 2024
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This was a new one for me. I wan’t sure what to expect going in, especially having so little prior knowledge. The album is really well recorded and the songs a vibrant reflection of where my mood wanted to be had it not been flipping a ream of papers to be grading and responding to the endless barrage of email which kind of blended the songs into one continuous flow. I am definitely going to relisten tonight when I can void out the world and take it in.
3
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Thu Feb 22 2024
Revolver
Beatles
I’m going to say it: this is not the best Beatles album. There are so many good songs on here I listened to throughout my life. Hell, my daughters are named after Beatle’s songs/albums. But this album as a whole is plays like the Beatles were on a crapload of drugs. Probably because they WERE on a crapload of drugs. It’s a good album and I own it in several format, but as a whole concept it feels…at least to me… a jumble of ideas of a band trying to find itself individually and collectively. Taxman followed by Eleanor Rigby is a jump, then a bigger jump George’s Indian-influenced “I’m only Sleep” leading to two more songs and the ever so popular “Yellow Submarine”, which all culminate to a center theme: drugs. It lacks the poise and polish of Hard Days Night, the pop sensationalism of Please Please Me, the experimentation of Rubber Soul, the fun of Sgt. Peppers, or the personal resolution of Let It Be. It’s more of a placeholder. Again, just one guys opinion.
3
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
When I first heard this as a teen I was expecting License to Ill, which this album was not. The older I got, the more I appreciated this album, when it came up today I had no complaints about a re-listen. Much like Paul’s Boutique itself, there are so many quotable lines and riffs on this album. High Plains Drifter is a weaving lyrical masterpiece. Hey Ladies and Barrel are fun and gangster at the same time. The only reason this is not a 5-Star is the massive Rick Rubin overproduction is not my personal preference (favorite B-Boy album is Check Your Head). Some say it is the one of the best albums of the Golden Age of Rap. I can’t disagree that it might be.
4
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Mon Feb 26 2024
Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
After Li’l Kim changed rap to a sex-game and Nelly turned into club bop, I thought rap was dead. I could have used this album in 2002 to prove it wasn’t. Favorite tracks incl. High Fidelity and amazingly the groove-driven instrumental Acetate Prophets. This is getting listened to again….
4
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Tue Feb 27 2024
Debut
Björk
I saw this and was thinking Sean dresses and screaming. I never particularly cared for this Icelandic princess. I have say, though, I was pleasantly surprised by how good this album was. What I appreciated most is you can here the Gaga, Ray-era Madonna, the Radiohead, Oakenfold, Alanís and so many others, but this predated them all. Standout tracks were Human Behavior and Violently Happy. Inclusive of the historical influences this had on other artists , I gotta go 5-Star on this one!
5
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I saw this and was thinking Sean dresses and screaming. I never particularly cared for this Icelandic princess. I have say, though, I was pleasantly surprised by how good this album was. What I appreciated most is you can here the Gaga, Ray-era Madonna, the Radiohead, Oakenfold, Alanís and so many others, but this predated them all. Standout tracks were Human Behavior and Violently Happy. Inclusive of the historical influences this had on other artists , I gotta go 5-Star on this one!
2
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Thu Feb 29 2024
The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band
Normally I enjoy a little psychedelia. If I was a 15th century Irish stoner this might appeal. Otherwise, I’ll pass…
1
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Celebrity Skin
Hole
I think we often overshadowed by Courtney loves relationship with the musically superior Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain and her own irrational behavior which, honestly, left me feeling turned off my the spectacle. It’s honestly a shame because this album is well constructed grunge music rock in a post-grunge era. The classic single Celebrity Skin is a fun song with punk flair (personal favorite) down-tempo songs like Hit So Hard and Dying show a rare depth for both the artist and music. This album definitely deserves more attention that it got.
4
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Mon Mar 04 2024
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
I have always respected Curtis and his cultural influence but have had a problem personal with his music. My introduction to his music came from Beastie Boy samples and later Blacksplotation movies (Shaft; Fox Brown; etc), which makes it hard for me to separate in my mind. Additionally, his music was a reflection of his world-1970s post-Soul urban New York. Being a 21st Century whiteboy from Colorado leaves me with little context for connection. Plus, I’m not a huge fan of falsetto. His beats and rhythms are good. Key songs for me on this were So In Love and Love to the People, both which have a distinct groovy feel. Overall, he has my respect but, honestly, I wouldn’t look for this album on a Saturday afternoon.
2
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
White Stripes is one of those bands that gets better the old you get. They’re weird wall of sound and sonic explosion was so different from everything on the radio it takes a few listens to love from “what is this” to a state of true appreciation. Favorite tracks are the blues-based My Doorbell and oddly The Nurse (rock xylophone…who knew?!) There is genius in each spin!
5
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Wed Mar 06 2024
Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
I would never claim to be a huge jazz fan but I have always had an appreciation. Blame it on Ms. Valdez from junior high or Mr. Steven’s from high school. The DBQ has always been an easy-listening album of songs written by talented musicians dedicated to the craft. I can’t think of how many movies have used Strange Meadow Lark or the most famous Take Five, which I just watched in the John Cusack movie Serendipity. Reasonable so, they are my two standouts from this album too. Jazz isn’t my first go-to, but I could definitely listen to this album again and again.
4
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
Whenever I hear this album I always feel like he was writing my story: “ I love when they call me big papa; I wear 13’s if you know what I mean”; “damn,_______ want it stick me for my paper”.
… No, it doesn’t. Matter of fact if I would have called any woman I know a “bitch,” they would ”bring pain, bloodstains on what remains”. His talent is unquestionable. This is a good album but it flow like fantasy. Much like the Curtis Mayfield song that starts this album, this album holds up for those who live in the culture, which I do not.
3
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
I don’t know what I’m listening to. Is it Indian, but she’s singing in Spanish? Is it techno-pop, trance, rock? Is that Caribbean flamenco?? It sounds the Middle Eastern acid-addled love child of Bowie, Shakira and Enigma was delivered by the B-52s!
…and I like way more than I should! I get why I have never heard of it: it’s way to weird for a mainstream American audience. It’s a shame! Key songs for me are the opening track Visions of You and Ezequiel. I may be voting way to high on this but I’m blown away. This is getting a few more listens.
4
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Sea Change
Beck
I introduced Beck to my daughter a few weeks ago as “The King of Alt-Wierd”. He was the first and only artist to perfectly blend country, pop, rock, psychedelia, and whatever else he was listening. Odelay and Guerro are mind blowing! This album is not. It’s not that it’s a bad album: it’s a highly personal ode to a series of changes in his life. It’s well written. It’s masterfully performed. Songs like Paper Tiger and Around the Bend are soft and reflective. For me, it sounds too much like mid-00 Wilco, which I really liked and given the choice would probably choose first. This is a good headphones and bottle of red wine after a shitty week album, but outside of that not an everyday celebration.
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Master Of Puppets
Metallica
It was impossible to be a metal head in the late ‘80s and ‘90s and not know this album. It was Metallica firing on all cylinders at their career best (arguable ever). Hell, the first song I ever wrote was based on a riff I lifted from Disposable Heroes. Songs like Sanitarium and the title track helped make the entire genre. My favorite, though, was the instrumental Orion because it showed in detail the musical talent of each musician in their prime. Not only did Cliff Burton pen one of the most recognizable bass lines 1/2 way through (I spent so many hours learning and practicing it) but also plays the final distorted solo which for years I thought was Kirk Hammett. Metallica went on to have many great bass players but they were never treated with the dignity they gave Cliff whom died supporting this album. This was his Opus.
5
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Wed Mar 13 2024
The Last Broadcast
Doves
This album was okay. I think if I would have heard it when it came out in the early ‘00’s I would have loved it. Now it just feels too familiar, like reruns of Friends. Pounding is a pretty good song I could return to but nothing else really grabbed me in a way that would draw me back again and again.
3
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Among The Living
Anthrax
This alum was Anthrax awaking as a Big-4 Thrash band (Metallica; Megadeth; Slayer). It was filled with hardcore kick ass but unlike their Big-4 counterparts Anthrax also liked to have fun. My first introduction to them was the succeeding EP called I’m the Man, where they became the first rap-metal band. I use a gavel in my classroom that is inscribed with I am the Law” from this album. Indians might be considered cultural appropriation today but back then it was a stadium anthem to get the crowd cheering. Anthrax when one to create other better (and worse)albums but this one still stands the test of time. Of their eleven albums I’d put this at #5, which should be a “3”. Personal bias stealing this from my brother on cassette included and four great tracks, I’m going to give this a 4!
4
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Urban Hymns
The Verve
I have to admit: I didn’t know they had more songs than Bittersweet Symphony, which I always associate with the Cruel Intentions movie. This album is actually pretty which makes me guilty for never exploring it prior. Key songs for me are BSS (obviously), Catching the Butterfly, and Come On/Deep Freeze. This is one of those lesson learned albums: if you really like a song, explore more from the album.
4
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
I’ve never need a huge Thin Lizzy fan. They weren’t heavy enough to be heavy metal; not camp enough to be Yatch; not emotional enough to be soft. They were always kinda “mid” to me. This album shows the kind of powerhouse they were live, which sounds like a good party. Boys Are Back has always been a good song. However, among the titans of Classic Rock, even their live album comes off as, well, mid. If I wondered in to this concert I would enjoy the band and probably respectfully talk about them to friends if I remembered their name, and eager await the main act.
2
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Tue Mar 19 2024
Guero
Beck
Whenever you get Beck, Jack White and the Beastie Boys together how can you go wrong! This album brought back what Beck does best: blend weirdness into wonder! Key tracks: ePro and Go It Alone, though the entire album is repeatably good!
5
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Wed Mar 20 2024
We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
“I'm completely stoned / I'm hippy and I'm trippy / I'm a gypsy on my own / I'll stay a week and get the crabs and
Take a bus back home.” That’s all I can say. It’s like Zappa was attempting to take the most drug fueled parts of the Beatles and wash it down with a speed ball and a bottle of French Absinthe. Van Gogh wasn’t making an artistic statement when chopped of his own ear, he was listening to this album. Pass…
1
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
I was introduced to Royksopp in the height of the Nuevo-techno era in the early 2000s with their album The Understanding. That album was a club bop. This one sounds like the soundtrack to a martini bar. I’ll take dirty ‘Tini with three olives so I can leave please. Kind of forgettable
2
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
In truth I was never a fan of Smashing Lumpkins, however, this album has all the ‘90s rock edge and not the alt-emo-nasal-whine of their later work. Key tracks for me are Hummer (which my copy has a skip in due to a scratch on the CD and it sounds weird not hearing it on Spotify), and a Cherub Rock, a song that was inescapable in the ‘90s. This is overall a great flashback album even for the non-radio hits you may not have heard.
4
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
There is only so much room to wax poetic about Led Zeppelin’s opus. Simply put: “Ramble On” has always been one of my Top 3 favorite songs. “Thank You” was the recessional song at my wedding. “Killing Floor” was huge introduction to my love of blues, and I can’t say how many times I rewound “Whole Lot of Love” trying to figure out the reverb section (it was an overdubbing accident). This album should be listened to repeatedly on high volume preferably with headphones. An absolute classic!
5
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
I really wanted to dislike this but didn’t. It was a soft opening to a Monday morning. I kind of wish I had a hangover to enjoy it more. I don’t know if I will ever look for this but not bad!
2
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Wed Mar 27 2024
Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
Erin go Braugh! ‘Ve heard this album many-a-Patty’s Day! I love that the Pogues took traditional Irish music and blended it with a bit of New Wave and rock. It really did set the foundation for later artists like DropKick Murphys and the Corrs. Key songs “The Sick Bed” and Jesse James. Raise a glass!
4
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Thu Mar 28 2024
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
This wasn’t a bad album but nothing really grabbed me. I think in the arena of ‘80s pop there were so many greats good just doesn’t cut it. Nothing really caught my attention on here.
2
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Apple Venus Volume 1
XTC
This was a weird album: it was like modern pop mixed with mid’60s indie vibes. Key tracks for me: Greenman & Furious Tonight which sounds a lot like late ‘60s Turtles. You would have never guessed this was produced in 1999.
3
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Mon Apr 01 2024
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Some say the best rapper of all time was Biggie. Some Tupac. I would have to argue that it’s the triple threat Lauren Hill: singer/rapper/actress. This album is a masterpiece that successfully tells the soul of an artist. There’s some R&B like Ex-Factor. There are songs of faith, like To Zion and Forgive Me Father. There are amazing collaborations with Mary J and Santana. My favorite: Everything is Everything: it creates a perfect tapestry of everything she is. I have listened to this album many times and will do so many more. Side note: the book Hail to the Queens is an amazing look at women in Rap from the beginning and explains the miseducation we all received about Lauren Hill. Strongly recommend both.
5
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Paul Simon
Paul Simon
This is a good album. Paul was definitely the song-writing talent of S&G. Key songs for me were Me & Julio, and Run That Body Down, which feels a little biographical. Surprisingly good album.
4
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Emma Lou Harris’s voice is liltingly beautiful. The track Before Believing made me stop and watch the sunrise for a few minutes. The Dolly Parton cover of Coat of Many Colors could have been her original. The Eddy Vedder Ukulele cover Sleepless nights (I know… other way around) was so personal, which I have to credit to her: her honesty drives her music to greatness. I may go vinyl hunting for this one.
3
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Teen Dream
Beach House
Hey you got any weed? This album would be so much cooler if you did! I had never heard of this one and, honestly will probably never look for it again.
2
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Fri Apr 05 2024
Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliot has always been a titan of rap. On this album, though, it showed more of her production genius than her quirky rap mastery. The two songs with Timbaland were ethereally smooth. Beat Friends with Aaliyah was R&B candy. The problem though is the collabs at the time were revolutionary, but now feel dated. Her best was still to come.
3
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Harvest
Neil Young
I’ve never been a Neil Young fan. I know: people who love him love him. I respect him but he’s not my thing. On the album the radio friendly Old Man and Heart of Gold are good. Country has a nice bluesy feel. The rest of the album was tolerable.
3
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Tue Apr 09 2024
American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
I have listened to this album many times. It is admittedly a playlist of covers but Johnny Cash recorded this after a lifetime of experience that makes his bare-bones, Rick Ruben-directed cuts memorable. Trent Reznor once said that ‘Hurt’ now belong to him; the Beatle’s cover ‘In My Life’ has a very different flare (I still like theirs best) but the Cash version is authentic. Everything on this album was sung from his experience in life. It is a classic!
5
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Funkadelic is legendary in so many ways. When I saw them in concert it was probably one of the best live shows I’d ever seen. This album has some bops on it: You and Your Folks; Can You Get To That; Super Stupid. James Brown may have started funk but Funkadelic perfected it!
3
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
I had never heard of Bert before. This album was a good listen. It had the familiar feeling of sitting in a coffee shop listening to someone sprinkle my cup-o-ccino with a little bit of soul. Courting Blues was my standout track. I don’t know how often I would look for this one but I definitely would listen to again.
3
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Solid Air
John Martyn
It’s pretty good though I don’t know how often I’d look for it. The sounds reminds me of Jack Johnson meets Mumford &Sons and Nile Rodgers. Over the Hill is my key track. It kind of feels disjointed
2
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Mon Apr 15 2024
A Love Supreme
John Coltrane
The hard part about Coltrane is I’d always understood his true talent was the improve in his live performance. It’s hard to hear that on a recording. I’ve heard plenty of Coltrane and he was great. The way he could emote from his saxophone was astonishing. You can hear that in his language in Pursuance. Unfortunately for a casual listen this entire album kind of disappears into its own repetition. For an unquestioning fan this album might be legendary. For me it was a’right.
2
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Tue Apr 16 2024
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
I’m a sucker for Bowie. This was the first big transition between Hippie and Ziggy. I was actually thinking about ‘Changes’ the other day and how applicable it feels right now. Thinking about my coworker prompting th changes, Queen Bitch also feels relevant. I ranted extensively about this album on Instagram so I will just say this: it’s still art; it’s still relevant; it’s still Bowie!
5
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Wed Apr 17 2024
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
My dad and I have spent a generation fighting about this album, most particularly whether Cecilia is a good song (I say it’s fucking great; he hates it); whether Art’s solo vocals on Bridge or the harmony part is better; and which song is better, The Boxer or Only Boy Living in NYC. Honestly, we’re both right on all of. I am undeniable biased on this album, which is great, but my memory of it is even better.
5
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Thu Apr 18 2024
Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
So, about song 2 my mind wondered. Song 3 (Jonz) I stopped paying attention. If I was attempting to get laid in my 20s, I could see throwing this one so I could feel the swagger and pray she was into it. However, just for a listen in my 40s feels…well, too “Shit. Damn.Motherfucker” for my tastes. I’ll pass.
1
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
I remember the first time I heard this album I was confused. Then my good friend Mop gave me the key: listen to it like a cross-country trip listening to the radio. Genius! Though not my favorite Wilco, I love this album, not for any particular song (though Heavy Metal Drummer, PKB, Man Who Love You, and other great songs are here), but for the experience this album uniquely offers. It would rank it as one of the best concept albums of our generation! Apparently all you need is a Mop, a key and a CD!
5
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Mon Apr 22 2024
Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
In a world where “Straight outta…” is slapped on everything it’s easy to forget the cultural influence this album had. The title track followed by “F-the Police” were so hard hitting and revolutionary. Many people associate them with gangster rap but the lyrics show more of the statement about life in the late ‘80s LA. Though some tracks feel dated, others feel as relevant today as 1989. My favorite track is actually Express Yourself, in which Dr. Dre in a profanity-free, Staples Singers-Inspired track talks about everything from drug use to gun culture. His classic, slow flow turns the future superstar producer into a storyteller. This album is a relic, and as fresh as ever. Not something to play at a family BBQ but a classic none-the-less.
5
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Tue Apr 23 2024
Aqualung
Jethro Tull
I have always wanted to like this album more. The musicality is good. But the entire album just feels too renaissance rock for me. It lacks the mastery of Led Zeppelin. It lacks the psychedelia of Doors. It lacks the straightforward drive of Black Sabbath and the sensibility of Sir Elton. Aqualung, in my opinion remains the only single off this album that makes it worth listening to. I haven’t listened to it in 10 years and I think I’m good for another decade.
2
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Bob Marley is always easy listening. Now understanding the context for his life better than I did when I discovered him in college I realize how great his message was. I have to admit that I am used to hearing his Legend hits aBlum and live versions so the original tracks are different. Key tracks are Revolution and No Woman. He is the legend!
3
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Get Rich Or Die Tryin'
50 Cent
I remember when this one came out. “In Da Club”was a banger in the club, though I don’t remember much more of the lyrics other than the birthday opener. I know rap fans rave about this album but I find myself not invested. Much like Biggie and Tupac it’s that I don’t identify with the culture of guns, drugs, or despite my best effort, hanging with the “hoes”. The track with Eminem is good but not something I would look for. The object misogyny, racial overtones and hedonism just isn’t my thing. I stopped listening about 1/2 and don’t feel like going back. Next…!
2
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Fri Apr 26 2024
Call of the Valley
Shivkumar Sharma
I could only find the one song on Spotify but I did enjoy it! It’s not something that I would rush to listen to but on my pre-dawn work days I could totally see throwing this on.
2
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Ten
Pearl Jam
I had pull the disc out for this one. I first bought it on cassette way back, but upgraded to CD shortly after. This album was such an influence on my formative years. “Even Flow” was the first “grunge” song I heard and I have been dedicated to PJ ever since. The day I broke up with my first girlfriend I heard “Black”, and it became a reminder of that first heartbreak ever since. “Once” taught me how to grab people’s attention, and “Jeremy” was pleasantly inescapable, especially when feelings of being an outsider were a daily occurrence (damn 10th grade!). Eventually I lost interest in PJ in early college because the commercial nature of their radio play but it was an acoustic bootleg of “Black” and “Release” that reignited my interested, and I have grown with them. They are not a great grunge band: they are a great band for our entire generation and continue to be part of my ever evolving life soundtrack.
5
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Tue Apr 30 2024
(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
I never knew how many songs I have loved came off this album. There are so many radio hits: Simple Man; Tuesday’s Gone; Freebird; Poison Whiskey. Classic rock radio might as well put press the entire album. Skynyard always seemed too rocks-billy for me overall. I have had a respect but not necessarily an interest. Now listening to an entire album, I want more and am a bit ashamed of my own close mindedness. I am going to remedy that immediately!
4
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Wed May 01 2024
Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Another album hit the table for this one. Middy Waters is a legend for a reason and this album is evidence. The opening call of “Mannish Boy” has been used as a mainstay of pop culture for as long as I can remember. my favorite track, though, is “Bus-driver” because that simple 12-bar pattern explodes into a jam session that doesn’t seem like it should work but does so well. I would have loved being in the studio when that was being recorded. This is one of the best blues albums recorded and a defining moment for both Blues and rock history!
5
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Thu May 02 2024
Electric Music For The Mind And Body
Country Joe & The Fish
There is something to said in music about timing. This album I imagine was revolutionary in its day. In this day it feels dated. I don’t hate it but I don’t know if I would necessarily look for it. Super Bird, Love and Flying High were my key tracks. You can definitely hear a lot of Brian Jonestown Massacre in here. Maybe headphones and edibles would help….🤔
3
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Fri May 03 2024
Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
I rolled my eyes when I saw this. I wanted to hate it…but kinda dug it! It was slower and more blues-based than I thought it would be. Omaha sounds a lot like later CCR. Key tracks were Honky Tonk Heroes and Rode Me Down Easy, though Black Rose deserves honorable mention. I could definitely see listening to this one again. Who knew?!?
3
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Mon May 06 2024
Blackstar
David Bowie
There was so many Bowies: the Hippie; Ziggy; Aladdin Sane; The Duke; Garreth the Goblin King. This album was the diary of a man named David Jones dying of cancer. It’s a powerful view of his reality and fears. He yelps in “Tis a Pity…” in such a way that you can hear both the pain of his illness was and the pleasure of doing something he loves. Key track for me is Lazarus. I’m convinced that Bowie didn’t die. Instead the Starman just went home, leaving us this final opus of everything he loved from jazz to saxophone, to storytelling.
4
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Tue May 07 2024
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Listening to this you can hear the influence it had on the Beasite Boys, so obviously, I dug it, though I did feeling like I was the sidekick in a Blacksploitation movie. Chameleon was the key track for me, and I vaguely remember our high school band teacher attempting to have us play this. Overall, I’d listen to this again
3
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Wed May 08 2024
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
We Are Family was a mainstay in my house growing up, despite the fact that my parents hated disco. I’ve long known Sledge, though I hadn’t listened to the rest of the album. Key tracks were aside from the Title track, are He’s a Great Dancer and Thinking of You, boosted because of the stellar bass work of aficionado Bernard Edwards (Boomers know him from Chic; Xers know him from Rappers Delight, and Meillenials don’t think music existed before them so they don’t know shit).
3
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Thu May 09 2024
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I don’t remember much from my grad-school days but I remember this album. It is filled with now classic bops. At the time it was compared to the Beatles, which I don’t know if that’s accurate but I do know this album is fun! Key tracks Mardy Bum and Perhaps Vampires. This is a definite listen to again and often!
4
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Fri May 10 2024
Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
Peace Sells was a good opening salvo from the former Metallica guitarist Dave Mustaine and his new crew. In truth, Megadeth’s best work was still to come, solidifying them as part of the Big 4 thrash bands. The title track and Good Mourning are key tracks for me, though the cover of Ain’t Superstitious is also fun!
3
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Mon May 13 2024
Different Class
Pulp
I have zero recollection of this album from 1995. After listening to it I can’t say I will have a lot of recollection in 2025. I enjoyed the listen. It reminded of post-Labyrinth Bowie meets OMD. Key songs were I Spy and Common People. I’m not sure I would look for this again though.
2
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Tue May 14 2024
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
This is considered to be one of the greatest rap albums. There are some really good parts of, then Kanye opens his mouth and trashes it. He was pretty good producer, I will give him that. “All of the Lights” and the collaboration “Monster” are okay. “Runaway” is also pretty good. Overall, this album graced my IPad and probably will not be gracing it again.
2
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Wed May 15 2024
Heroes
David Bowie
I have a love/tolerate relationship with this album: love side one, tolerate side two. If I owned this on vinyl I would never flip it. Beauty and the Beast and John the Lion lead up to my favorite song on the album and for the artist, Heroes. Unfortunately, side 2 sounds a lot like Radiohead was attempting to make a movie soundtrack (#moonshapedpool) and I kind of want to walk at the theater ASide:Classic! B-side: pass!
3
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Thu May 16 2024
Station To Station
David Bowie
This my favorite Bowie album, which is funny that he was so coked out that he doesn’t remember making it. Whether it be the Lennon-produced Golden Years or TVC-15 which feels like it gets faster due to the crescendo in complexity, this album is my go-to Bowie album on vinyl.
4
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Mon May 20 2024
2112
Rush
When you make the opening track a 7-part futuristic rock opera that spans the 20-minutes of side-1, you are making a statement. This prog-rock classic a masterpiece, though I have to admin this is best left to headphones and lava lamps in the basement rather than active passive listening at work or the gym. Obviously, the tittle track is a complex and masterfully artistic rock concerto. But (Rush fans please don’t judge) I prefer Something for Nothing as it keeps the same amazing musical range but in 1/6th the time. It’s a great album when you’re in the mood. How often that happens is a personal preference.
3
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Tue May 21 2024
Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
‘70s Blacksploitation Soul was never really my thing but I have always loved this album. It was a movie soundtrack. But what I always appreciated (aside from the constant samples from this album littering Paul’s Boutique) is it was a concept album that told a story without a movie. I never saw the movie. I know exactly what is going on. Key tracks: Superfly (of course!) and Pusherman. I’ve listened to this album a few times when I want to feel extra swaggy, and I probably will continue…
3
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Wed May 22 2024
Street Signs
Ozomatli
I had no sides what I was listening to, but I liked it. The blend Latin, Middle Eastern, EDM, jam rock and reggaeton was weird and cool and a perfect start to summer. Key tracks: Love and Hope and Street Signs. This is definitely a listen again.
3
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Thu May 23 2024
Let It Be
The Replacements
This album falls into the British post-punk era. In the modern day this could still be an Indie-classic. Key songs for me are Sixteen Blue and Answering Machine which has a Van Halen meets Clash flare. I listened to this bop a few times.
3
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Fri May 24 2024
White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
Velvet Underground is a unique band. I loved the avante garde-ness of the first album, VU&Nico. Though Andy Warhol was only a small influence, the album feels like a reflection of the dark underbelly of the 1960s NY culture. This album feels like Lou Reed was attempting to one-up their debut, but was on more drugs than the first time. The 12 stretch of The Gift and 17-min slog of Sister Ray move from being in-the-pocket jam band to elementary school band class where everyone is banging and clanging. I was left not “waiting for my man” and instead waiting for the end. The title Track and Here She Comes now are top tracks but the rest is meh. Good intention but the White Light has left the bottle and left me lukewarm.
2
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Mon May 27 2024
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Wow! Where to start? Rolling Stone writer Jordan Runtaugh wrote of it, “the inner turmoil surfaced in brutally honest lyrics, transforming the album into a tantalizing he-said-she-said romantic confessional.” I can’t add anything more to it! If you don’t know the history, get a laced glass of Chardonnay and have a go at this one. It’s worth it!
5
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Tue May 28 2024
Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
I tripped across this on vinyl last Friday and had a “should-or-should-not” moment. I did and don’t regret. ZZ Top has always been the Billy Gibbons show. Jimi Hendrix once referred to him as “the best guitarist alive”. Listen to most of the album (any album) and it focuses on Gibbons’ white-boy Texas Blues. Please note: not a negative critique! He has more soul in his right hand than I do in my genetic lineage. Key tracks are (of course) the immediately recognizable La Grange, and Masters of Spark. Those two alone need no other introduction to the Genius that is ZZ Top. Fun note: this album also features Frank Beard (the only guy without one) as Rube Beard. I am bisssed by their ‘80s hits but this is a Texas-Blues-Rock Classic ZZ Top!
4
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Wed May 29 2024
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
This came out when I was 3-1/2, and I spent my entire life not knowing this album. After listening to it, I realize that was okay. I vaguely remember Geisha Boys and Temple Girls. I imagine that this album was a revolution in the New Wave Movement, with its synth-heavy rhythms and deeply British lyrics. I can hear the influence they had on everyone from Depeche Mode to OMD and the Petshop Boys. However, I respect this album for its evolutionary role more than itself as a piece of work.
2
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Thu May 30 2024
Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
When I was a kid my parents banned me from listening to Prince because they felt he was too pornographic. Little did I know the Little Red Corvette was not a car. Obviously I didn’t listen to a lot of him off radio play. Now that I am old enough (I didn’t tell my parents …) I was amused by this album. You can hear a lot of Sly Stone and JB’s-era James Brown I there. His musicality is exceptional with a favorite track being Ballad of Dorothy Parker. On disc 2, U Got the Look and It’s Going to be A Beautiful Night were key tracks. Unfortunately, a lot of this album sounds like the 1989 Batman Soundtrack, which as a film did not hold up well. But you have to appreciate Prince made sure you got your money worth. I could listen to this one again!
3
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Fri May 31 2024
Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
This album screams 1980s Broadway, which for someone not inundated daily with Broadway may be appealing. I just couldn’t get into it. Her voice…well, actually, all the music feels too over dramatic for my tastes. I felt like I was in a James Bond movie, except a post-retirement Sciatica and Glaucoma eating at Denny’s at 430pm James Bond…
2
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Mon Jun 03 2024
At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
When Metallica played San Quentin Prison in 2003 it was a PR stunt to cover a bad album. When Johnny Cash did it in 1969, it was to make amends with his own demons. Cash was never afraid to explore the darkness. As his career exploded what started as lyrical curiosity turned into confession art and his guitar became his priest. What made him so endearing was his honestly. He didn’t do most of what he claimed but it was believable. My favorite track was/is ‘Boy Named Sue’ live. I love the interplay with the audience and when he changes it up in the end it shows how much fun everyone had. I almost wish I could have been there, but then I remember that the admission to San Quinten is a little steeper and longer lasting than I would prefer. However, God Bless Johnny Cash!
4
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Tue Jun 04 2024
Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
fellow music appreciator @sam_paquette_81 recently reviewed “Kind Of Blue” where his experience reflected my own: getting the album on reputation, not putting a whole lot of focus on it and then, after some research of who these legends where and why they were legends, realizing what is spinning feet away from you. To quote directly, “reflecting on this makes you understand the importance of this record, they had the most stellar line-up. Miles’ songs were some of the most amazing backbone for each of them to bring their flavor to make this record a timeless classic. I could go on...but I’d prefer to drop the needle and be transported...”. I can’t say it better.
4
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Wed Jun 05 2024
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
I loved the first Doors Album. It was raw and new. I loved Morrison Hotel more because it was the Doors when their art was honed to perfection. There is a song for every mood. Waiting for the Sun is a psychedelic ride while Land Ho! Was a funky exploration of uptempo oddity and Roadhouse Blues was a down and dirty classic rocker. One of my favorites is the soft romance Indian Summer. There is beauty in there, despite the fact it’s comparing his love to multiple women. Hmmm. I love the story about the cover too, that the owner refused so when he wasn’t paying attention then ran inane got the shot before being chased out. Classic twenty year old rock band mayhem!
5
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Fri Jun 07 2024
Da Capo
Love
I will have to come back to this one again. At first I was surprised (and jaded) by the flute and church organ being the feature instruments (Jethro Tull PTSD). However, the further I delved into the alb the more I was curious. Key song for me is “The Castle”, but the wander Revelation was definitely worth a second listen …or more. I may be over ratting this one but…
3
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Mon Jun 10 2024
The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
This 1959 classic is shows the versatility of Ray Charles, this time on a big band setting. What shouldn’t be forgotten is his earlier blues-based work was thought to be too race-music related so this album was meant to be a bridge to more white audiences. When I think of RC, I tend to lean to more of the Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll rather than Count Basie-esque band leader. “You Won’t Let Me Go” and “Am I Blue” are key tracks for me as each show his bluesy roots. Overall this is a great album, though it is a great album for red wine and love makin’. After 17 years of happy marriage, I’m in the she-goes-to-sleep-and-I’m-drinking-a-beer-on-the-coach-with-headphones phase…
3
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Tue Jun 11 2024
Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
The BVSC was an interesting mix-up from the recent picks. First thing that hit me was how well the recording quality was. I am going to relished to this when I have my good headphones available. Overall this isn’t my normal jam, but I enjoyed it. I picked up on the In the Heights Musical soundtrack nod in Candela. This reminded me of my brief stint in Belize many moons ago. Favorite track was the opener Chan Chan.
3
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Wed Jun 12 2024
Manassas
Stephen Stills
I was never a huge CSNY fan but after watching a PBS performance years ago I saw the talent behind Stephen Stills and I liked them better. This album exemplifies that talent. You can hear a lot of his song writing influence from CSNY in songs like Witching Hour. My favorite from the track is the bluesy High & Dry and Go Back Home. This is a listen again kinda’ album.
3
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Thu Jun 13 2024
London Calling
The Clash
The Clash redefined a lot during the 1970s and 1980s. They blended so many styles together it’s hard to call them punk or reggae or rock. In truth, they did for the London Alt scene what Oingo Boingo was doing in the LA Alt scene. The hard hitting London Calling was a sonic explosion but I have to say that favorite track is Brand New Cadillac. This album is a classic!
5
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Fri Jun 14 2024
NEU! 75
Neu!
This album is bipolar between the atmospheric groove and the protopunk. At one point I though I was listening to the B-Side of the original Top Gun Soundtrack and all of a sudden I was listening to the bootleg of the Sex Pistols recorded from the closet down the hall. Honestly, I didn’t hate it but I can’t say it will be a frequent listen. Actually, I’ll forget about it by the end of the week….
2
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Mon Jun 17 2024
Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
The first time I heard of Nick Drake was on the serendipity movie soundtrack. It was a good song, but it didn’t quite grab me. This album I haven’t listened to up until this point. It was the perfect Sunday morning album. River Man and Three Hours were by far my standouts, though I enjoyed the entire album and plan to listen to this one again.
4
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Tue Jun 18 2024
Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Let’s be honest: if you hate Buddy Holly you hate America. Most people say that the Beatles was their biggest influence. One of the Beatles biggest influences was Buddy. Don McLean wrote the masterpiece American Pie about his death, and Madonna wrote a master piece of shit of Don’s Masterpiece. I have always had a theory that people know when they will die. Buddy Holly asked Maria to marry him, aka, the day they met, he said that he didn’t have that long to wait. But what he did for American Music by the age 22 was the stuff of legends: he took country, jazz, and folk, and mixed it into a genre that became the simple patterns of modern pop rock. Elton John, Destiny’s Child, Taylor Swift started with him. My favorite tracks on this album were Oh Boy and That’ll Be the Day, though the entire album is great. My daughter’s found it outdated until I showed them the simplicity of his musical life biography which is a staple of modern pop, and then they texted someone. Damn Gen Z and Alphas. Buddy is an American icon, like Dolly without the boobs and altruism (or lifespan but we don’t talk about that….). Long live Buddy Holly!
5
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Wed Jun 19 2024
Pelican West
Haircut 100
Growing up in the midst of 1980’s New Wave has left an indelible print on my musical psyche. This album was obviously on the forefront of British New Wave. For me, though, it feels like Nile Roger’s le Chec and Orchestral Maneuvers In The Dark had a supergroup. Favorite Shirts and Baked Beans were stand out songs. Unfortunately I was curious to start, got lost in the sound about four tracks in, and was kinda’ wondering when it was going to end about 12 songs in. Then I found out I was listening to the extended double disc and cried…
2
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Thu Jun 20 2024
The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
It’s always fascinating listening to a “family band” that still likes each other after a long career (eg, Oasis, kings of Leon, CCR,etc). They sounds is good, very Irish folk meets Norah Jones vocal jazz, I mean, 15 years prior to NJ of course. Blue Moon Revisited and Sweet Jane are definitely stand outs, but I remember hearing those when I was a kid. Margo Timmons voice is beautiful and almost ghostly. The hard part is if they came up on the radio I would listen , but it would take a specific mod to look for them.
2
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Fri Jun 21 2024
Bummed
Happy Mondays
This album was far from a “Bummer”. I’m surprised I’ve never heard of them before. It’s like The Cure, The Clash & Depeche Mode had a menage a’tres resulting in a love child called Happy Monday! Key songs for me are Wrote for Luck and Mad Cyril. This is a listen again!
3
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Mon Jun 24 2024
Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
I’m a sucker for a Hammond Organ! Wait, that sounds bad! The musical instrument, I mean. I liked his version of the blues, which landed somewhere between New Orleans Jazz and a southern Baptist church. Title track and Minor Chant were key tracks.
3
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Tue Jun 25 2024
Kid A
Radiohead
I remember the first time I heard this I was so confused. It hardly qualified as music, at any I knew at the time. It was haunting, emotional, thematically overhead my head. It was nothing like I had head before. Was that a baritone sax on a song about mental psychosis? I immediately listened to it at least five more times, and countless more over the years. It still is haunting, emotional, and confusing, and one of two go-to Radiohead albums. National Anthem and How to Disappear both ended up on my annual soundtrack that year, and the latter has been used in numerous playlists. I know the 9/11 theory is bunk, but I do have to say that it makes perfect sense. A classic of our times!
5
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Wed Jun 26 2024
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
The longer I listened to this album the more I liked it. I was stuck on one major issue the entire time: punk has always been earmarked as high energy, burn-hot and be done fast song writing. Prog bands can do a 10 min song because they understand the role of storytelling and dynamics. This began feeling redundant, then monotonous after a while, like they wanted a cross between Sex Pistols and late ‘80s Metallica. Luau and Do You Compute were key tracks.
3
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Thu Jun 27 2024
Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
I grew up with this album so there is probably a heavy bias here. Jefferson Airplane was one of those unique bands that took rock to new levels, most of them drug fueled. It did however give a new way to look at music that has inspired generations, for example listen at “Today” and then "Infinite Tamboura“ by Rusted Root in the 1990s, or anything by Tame Impala. “Embryonic Journey” was a favorite of my dad’s which was played on his coconut headphones as nauseum.
5
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Fri Jun 28 2024
KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
I really liked this. His musicality and flow were good. I think the challenge of retro-soul, especially reflecting the Blaxploitation era, is people like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and James Brown did it so well it became iconic. If someone is going to pay homage, it needs to offer something they didn’t. This album was a great reflection but I am not sure it offered anything not already done. You Ain’t the Peoblem and Piano Joint were my key tracks. I will definitely give this another listen, thiugh
3
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Mon Jul 01 2024
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
I have tripped across this album many-a-time in the stores, and never listened to it. I was surprised by how much I appreciated it. I was expecting mid-70s Yatch-rock (no logical reason why) and got more psychedelic and prog-rock. Key tracks Rudy and Asylum. I am going to come back to this one.
3
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Tue Jul 02 2024
The Score
Fugees
You could not live through the 1990s without knowing and appreciating this album. This, in my humble opinion, was one of the last great hip-hop albums of the Golden Era, succeeded maybe by and only by the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It was refined but street; it was rap but melodic; it was a near perfect album. Key songs for me: The Score and Killing Him Softly. Will listen to many more times.
5
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Wed Jul 03 2024
Darkness on the Edge of Town
Bruce Springsteen
I am going to say something potentially Un-American: I’ve never really been a Boss fan! I have the deepest respect for him but never listened to an album until now. I have always heard he was a great story teller and this album was an example of that. Badlands and Factory are perfect evidence of why he is considered “Working Class” Bruce. His vocals present like he took over Elvis boweled out. This band is tight and legendary. I could definitely see him live. This was a good album! I might be a Boss fan yet…😀
3
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Thu Jul 04 2024
Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
There are few bands as overplayed as RHCP. I would probably like them better is the major radio stations didn’t have them on hourly rotation, I didn’t hear them in grocery stores and I wasn’t inundated by their SoCal sound non-stop. But let’s be honest, they put lightning in a bottle with Sex Drugs Sugar Magic in 1991, and retained that formula all the way up to Stadium Arcadium, and then went back to it later. Rarely do I hear a RHCP song that doesn’t song like every other RHCP songs. To their credit, they produce it, someone else plays it, and they are making $ hand-over-fist. On this album I enjoyed hearing the non-radio songs like Get On Top, Right on Time and Savior. However, if I want to listen to them, I’ll just turn on the radio or go buy a cucumber and wait five minutes….
2
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Fri Jul 05 2024
Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
This album cannot be critiqued without context. Simple: this was the world’s first major tap production. Comparatively, it’s not great but for what it was it was revolutionary. Sucker MC’s still holds up, and Jam Master Jay, DMC and Rev Run later even perfected many of these songs. Still a classic
4
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Mon Jul 08 2024
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
I can’t remember the first Hendrix song I heard. While most kids had Big Bird and Barney, I had Jimi, Jim and Grace. It might have been Purple Haze. Maybe Watchtower. The first song I really remember sitting back and going, “wow!” was Red House. It was blues but with a rock edge, and guitar playing that emoted pain. This album has a lot of that, from the fun Foxy Lady. To One of my favorites on this album Fire, to the riff-heavy Manic Depression. It always annoyed me that the English and American releases had different tracks but that was common to get people to buy both. Honestly, I would have and still might. This album was incendiary.
5
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Tue Jul 09 2024
Abraxas
Santana
Santana is undisputed as a Guitar God, and this album, along with 1999’s Supernature prove that, though I have to give a shout out to his instrumental Santana Bros. This earlier work show cases some of his best work, pulling from his childhood playing on the streets of Tijuana. Black Magic Woman is an example an artist taking someone else’s song, on this case Fleetwood Mac, and owning it. Oye Como Va is Mexican folk rock at its best. The irony is this guitar hero would be extradited back to Mexico today. Kinda’ gets you thinking 🤔
4
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Wed Jul 10 2024
If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
This album was…well…forgettable. I listened to it twice back to back and struggled to grasp anything from either listening. It wasn’t a bad album, per se, just background. Some of the harmonizing was chill, and Cowboy Movie had some good guitar work. If only I could remember this album.
2
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Thu Jul 11 2024
The Coral
The Coral
If Smashmouth and Mother’s of Invention had a love child, it would this album! It was a reflection of the post-grunge-indie revolution made famous by Napster. Personally, not my thing but not unlistenable, just weird and jam-band on ‘shrooms. Key songs Skeleton and Spanish Man
2
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Fri Jul 12 2024
Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
I had never heard this album until this set of listens. I applaud their efforts as a 1990’s post-grunge band, but for me it felt like a relic of the ‘90s offering little that I hadn’t heard before from other bands (eg, Pablo Honey-era Radiohead; the Verve; Gin Blossoms; etc). Key tracks Everything Must Go and Girl Who Wanted to be God.
3
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Mon Jul 15 2024
The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
I enjoyed this album as a whole. I have to confess, though, the first four songs felt like they were taking over from where the Beatles left off after Rubber Soul. It felt like Last of the Steam Power Trains ushered in a more unique sound. Once Starstruck hit, it felt like there was a return to the very Beatles-esque sound. In between Animal Farm, Sitting and Village Green offered the oddity I liked most. This is definitely a listen again
3
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Tue Jul 16 2024
If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
First off, I am always fascinated that Mama Cass and Keith Moon died in the same hotel room 4years apart. I am also amazing that the entire run of Mamas&Papas was four years. I appreciated M&Ps because they were a straight-edge vocal group but also hippie; classic folk but progressive lyrics; rock but not rock at the same time. This album was a great example. Key songs for me: Monday, Monday; Go Where You Wanna Go; Beatles cover I Call Your Name; and California Dreaming is one of the best songs from the entire era. Have listened to and will listen to again! (I may be underrating this one).
4
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Wed Jul 17 2024
Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
My techno phase was between 1998 and roughly 2003. Fatboy Slum was definitely on a short list of favorite DJs. Techno/EDM is hard to judge. It’s about telling an audio story in 120BPM 4/4 time. I always appreciated that his was fun, buoyant and integrated a lot of influences from funk to rock to classical. That said I rarely focused on individual songs, but rather feel. Today I listen to techno for its repetitiveness when I need to drown out other stimuli. It’s better than Ritalin (well, almost). I can’t say this is a bad or good album. I might listen to it again but I probably wouldn’t necessarily look for it. For me, it’s a musical capsule of a foregone time between college and reality.
2
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Thu Jul 18 2024
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Public Enemy is the greatest rap group of all time. My first introduction was actually when my brother encouraged me to watch 1991 Anthrax-collab video for Bring the Noise, which both came off this album and name drops fellow Brooklyn boys Anthrax. I was blown away. Then I heard Fight the Power, Hazy Shade of Criminal and more and was hooked. What separated them was they took rap from a backstreet genre to the mainstream by giving it a national voice. This album was the catalyst for the entire genre after. Unfortunately when gangster rap started within a few years, it’s hedonism and rawness overpowered Public Enemy’s trajectory as an industry leader. This album still is relevant. It still hits. It should be listened to again right now at high volume. Key songs: all of them, except for Flava’ flab’s such still kind of come off as silly, but he was the best hype man aside to Bobby Byrd to James Brown.
5
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Fri Jul 19 2024
Chelsea Girl
Nico
My first introduction to Nico was with Velvet Underground and Nico, which is a legendary avante garde album. Her solo work is, well, um, like listening to my wife talk about our summer home improvement projects. I stopped listening after the fourth. Key song: These Days, because it was used on one of my favorite mixtapes/cd given to me years ago (Thanks again, BTW).
1
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Mon Jul 22 2024
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
This was a fun romp through junior high, except this time I got to listen to all the songs I couldn’t listen when I was younger. I don’t know how much I would listen to this album again but I did get a new perspective and respect for it. Ghetto Thing was an intriguing callout to hood life predating the power of Gangsta rap or Public Energy. Favorite track: Jenifa Taught Me was just a classic misogynistic teen-boy-mentality that made the 13 year old in me snicker.
4
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Wed Jul 24 2024
Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
Guided by Voices can be described as this: Pavement for people with extreme ADHD. At first I was impressed, and then the song ended after lengthy 1:30 seconds. Spool up the next, and end it 0:59 secs later. This album comes off more like a group of kids who had a great riff but didn’t know how to write a bridge so they just ended the song. I appreciated the 1950s quality of Prick, and several songs got the head bobbing briefly. Favorite track was the epic of the album (2:30) Watch Me Jumpstart. Probably won’t be returning to this street…or should I say driveway?!
2
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Thu Jul 25 2024
It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
The his album was a solid grunge album before grunge was cool. The irony is I don’t remember hearing this album, which predated Nevermind and Ten, until the late ‘90s. The Simon & Garfunkel cover of Mrs. Robinson is still a classic and my favorite track, but I have to give a shout out to Ceiling Fan is My Spoon and It’s A Shame as standout tracks.
3
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Fri Jul 26 2024
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Just another teen mom without a college education here…
Okay, she also happened to be the Queen of Soul and the woman who shattered virtually every barrier in music. This album is a testament to genius, and I don’t use that world lightly. I heard Respect for the first time in the Blues Brothers and it quickly became a favor track (only later did I discover it was an Otis Redding cover). Dr. Feelgood is a fantastic look at her blues roots, while I Never Loved A Man was a soulful serenade made for weddings and anniversaries for generations. I thought it was interesting that Save Me was her lyrics and the background music for Them/Van Morrison’s Gloria, which predates this album by 3 years. But the Swampers were a powerful for a powerhouse. This album is a classic
5