Feb 21 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Not bad. I don’t go out of my way to listen to AC/DC but I respect them.
3
Feb 22 2024
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Exile On Main Street
The Rolling Stones
Another album from a band I respect but I’m not all that into. Not knowing where this album sits in regards to the year it was released in the bands catalog, it feels as if they had already made it big and this was a “B-Sides” release. My choice cut was Sweet Virginia.
3
Feb 23 2024
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Kid A
Radiohead
Being OK Computer obsessed, Kid A really disappointed me at first. It took numerous listens, a few years away and an open mind to come around to this album. It’s good. It doesn’t have a specific place or time for me where I’m in a situation where I need to hear it but I’d listen and have listened to it on my own free will.
Choice cut: Treefingers.
4
Feb 26 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
This album made me firmly believe that George Harrison was the Beatles. I would say this is a lounge out on your back deck type album or something you put on right before you pick up the acoustic and write a new song. I may not go back to this album in the next 5 years but I will listen to more pre-80’s George, that’s for sure. Choice cut: My Sweet Lord
4
Feb 27 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Another not bad album. There’s nothing bad about it. I don’t think a person could ever dislike a soul album, if that what it would be called. I’d listen to it while doing random chores around the house.
Choice cut: I’ve Never Found a Girl
3
Feb 28 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
This one I just couldn’t get in to. I’m all for dark, slow, brooding music and artists but I found myself not listening and trailing off with my thoughts more than I heard the music. As always, respect to Elliot Smith but not my thing.
Choice cut:2:45 am
2
Feb 29 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
With no background searching done on this album, I feel like it’s written for theater. It’s not what I expected from only listening to their Greatest Hits. There weren’t any awful songs, it’s just that nothing really stuck though In the Lap of the Gods was enjoyable.
Choice Cut: Killer Queen
3
Mar 01 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
This one really confused me. I don’t know anything about this band and I didn’t hear anything special on the album that would make me even slightly believe it was one of the top albums of all time. Musically it was fine but nothing overly stood out.
1
Mar 04 2024
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
This was good. Easy listening. Great harmonies. I have always wanted to hear more than their big songs.
Choice cut: California Dreaming
4
Mar 05 2024
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
A solid early Beatles album. I often wonder how they made such a big transition from holding hands and love is everything to the stuff on the White Album and beyond. Drugs probably but bless those drugs. This album is just your classic early Beatles sound. I really liked being able to hear the acoustic guitar throughout the album. I don’t know if that was turned up higher than everything else or not.
This isn’t an every day listen album but it wouldn’t piss anyone off if you were playing it loud outside.
Choice cut: Any Time at All
4
Mar 06 2024
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
It’s like David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed had a love child. I’m not sure what the thing about Roxy Music is that makes them influential but I also don’t agree with it after listening to this album. I won’t go to it again but I would listen to more
3
Mar 07 2024
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Beautiful Freak
Eels
I’m not sure how I stumbled onto the Eels but I did and I’m thankful. I don’t know where to classify the Eels and I don’t know what most of their songs are supposed to be about but I dig it. I wouldn’t give them 5 stars for any album or song but I don’t think they could ever fail. This album keeps you moving and could be the soundtrack for any low key event you may be a part of.
Choice cut: Manchild
3
Mar 08 2024
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LP1
FKA twigs
I’m open to all types of music but this doesn’t satisfy in any way. There’s no momentum to it, there’s no stand out song. It’s like it’s meant to be music for wales. Her voice often stays in the higher tone as she rambles over a collage of musical instruments. If this was the album that got her noticed then excuse me, I have music to make.
1
Mar 11 2024
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
At first I just didn’t care. A live album??? Then I listened. The best part is the interaction with the crowd and just hearing the pure enjoyment in their response. I actually felt like I was seeing BB live. This is just an enjoyable album.
Choice cut: How Blue Can You Get
4
Mar 12 2024
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
You can’t go wrong when an album starts with ODB and Method Man. This is back when rap/hip hop was at peak performance. Flow and samples reigned supreme instead of the crap that is out there now. I couldn’t tell you what any of the songs are about, other than maybe Method Man is about….Method Man. This could be one long track for all I care, it just moves from track to track effortlessly.
Choice cut: Method Man
4
Mar 13 2024
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Truth
Jeff Beck
I never research an album so I can form my own opinions. Jeff Beck sounds like Rod Stewart and the he does a song with Rod so maybe I knew that? This isn’t bad but it’s not a returnable album for me. There are hints of a Hendrix sound on the album which is cool. The songs don’t really stand out from each other but Jeff Beck released quite a few albums so he has a reason to be where he is in rock history. It’s just not my trajectory.
Choice cut: Rock my Plimsoul
3
Mar 14 2024
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Strange Cargo III
William Orbit
Classic 90’s dance/techno/electronics sound. At first I could picture 90’s Duran Duran playing over the music. The songs here don’t seem to separate themselves from the next one. The usual “dead air” occurs between the songs so you know a new song has come on but the tempo doesn’t change. This album could be used as music for when you are on the phone and are on hold.
1
Mar 15 2024
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Being There
Wilco
Wilco reminds me of The Lemonheads. If you don’t know who they are then how about Bright Eyes with less lyrical genius behind them? If you still don’t know, give this a listen on a low key day. It’s not a bad album. It kept me teetering on “do I skip this song or keep listening?”
I may not listen to Wilco again but I’ve officially taken a far step away from my original belief that Wilco sucked.
Choice cut: Misunderstood
3
Mar 18 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
I understand the hype around the Flaming Lips and I also don’t. Their live shows seem like they are more entertaining than listening to the music but then again, maybe they both need to be experienced together. I’d place the Lips in the same category as The Eels. Musically pleasing, lyrically confusing at times. You can go on a journey with this album but I’m not sure where to. I’d listen to more from them.
Choice cut: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots Pt 1
2
Mar 19 2024
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
With the White Stripes, you always hear songs that could have been on earlier albums. That’s what makes them so good. If you like one album, you like them all. This isn’t their best album. If you haven’t listened to The White Stripes before, start at the first album and work your way in.
Choice cut: My Doorbell
3
Mar 20 2024
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Boston
Boston
The album production is on point. Every instrument sounds at peak performance. I don’t know who was inspired by Boston but I can hear the sound of bands like The Darkness, Bullet for my Valentine and Baroness.
This isn’t an album for someone who doesn’t like guitar driven, fast paced music. You’d be hard pressed to find an Elliot Smith fan putting on Boston when they want to change it up.
I’m impressed enough to listen to more by them.
Choice Cut: Peace of Mind
3
Mar 21 2024
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Pavement have perfected the combination of having a singer that can’t really sing and a band that play slightly out of tune. They’ve turned that combo into album of songs you almost want to skip but you don’t. This album flows nicely together. There aren’t any top 10 songs but that’s not Pavements style. At least that’s what I’ve gotten from listen to 1 album plus 2 other songs.
I have frequently thought to myself that I need to listen to more from this band. Again I have that thought after hearing Unfair.
Choice cut: Unfair
3
Mar 22 2024
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Dr. Octagonecologyst
Dr. Octagon
I miss hip hop albums with sound clips/bytes in them. It made the music more enjoyable. I have always said that I could tell a movie was going to be good if there was a sex scene right away. I now wonder if albums can go the same way. Let’s listen…
Well, the beats are pretty good, the delivery is good for the style of hip hop but it’s not for me. I like a Method Man, Bushwick Bill, Dr.Dre delivery.
Choice cut: Earth People
2
Mar 25 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
In my early days of sexual relations with the ladies, I’d always put slow burning songs on to make the mood right. This album would do it. It won’t make you stop mid thrust and say “Ooooo I like this song” but you’d still think it. Aside from Glory Box, that’s a stop thrusting track
Choice Cut: Glory Box
2
Mar 26 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
This album isn’t bad. It’s good background music. I found myself doing other things while it was on and not really being drawn to what each song is about. It all seems to blend well together and there are no drastic changes in one song to the other. I don’t think I’d listen to Elvis Costello again but that’s just based on taste
Choice cut: Blame it on Cain
3
Mar 27 2024
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
There is definitely a lack of bass on this album. A classic 80’s sounding album. On the other hand, there isn’t anything really catchy with the songs. It really seems like they were greatly fortunate in getting a hit with Perfect Way.
Oddly enough, that song was the only song that broke them from the same monotonous sound.
Choice Cut: Perfect Way
2
Mar 28 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
The album starts off slow and just kind of messy. Living for the City finally caught my attention about half way through the song. I really liked the vocal onslaught that came just before the talking came. Higher Ground really picked up the feel and momentum of the album, that alone deserves a star for helping me understand its greatness.
All in Love is Fair was a nice change from the funk sound to a piano driven one. This album got better as it went on. It’s better than I thought it was going to be.
Choice Cut: All in Love is Fair
3
Mar 29 2024
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
For some reason I thought Sly and the Family Stone would sound like a more poppy sounding funk band and I wasn’t looking forward to it. I was wrong. Much like Funkadelic, I got sucked into this sound immediately. My only qualm about this band is the one guy who has a voice that reminds me of a voice that sang in a bunch of Sesame Street songs. For example, in Higher that voice sings “sound is there to help you groove”. Not a fan. Anyways, this is a good album. It’s been so long since I’ve heard an above 3 star album since taking part in this program. I want to give this a 4.5 but I can’t. I’m not done listening yet so my score of 4 can’t go down. I’ll be listening to more by these guys for sure.
Sex Machine is an instrumental journey
Choice cut: Don’t Call Me….
4
Apr 01 2024
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
The vocals sound like he recorded this himself when he was trying out GarageBand for the first time. The music is a tad bit more upbeat than his first album.
There still isn’t much to Elliott Smith for me. I can make it through this album. That’s at least a passing grade for me.
Choice Cut: Easy Way Out
3
Apr 02 2024
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
Frontier Psychiatrist brought me to this band. An unbelievable song that is only great if you watch the video. I really liked this album. Not all of it but most of it. My only issue with this type of music is where do you play it? It seems like it’s fit to have its songs remixed into some dancehall anthem and that’s ok. I can hear it.
You won’t want to play this at a wedding or while you are pregame drinking but you’ll want to play it if pure lyrical singing isn’t your thing. If anything, listen to my choice cut, watch the video and repeat.
Choice Cut: Frontier Psychiatrist
4
Apr 03 2024
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Moon Safari
Air
This is one of those albums you can say is good but you can’t explain why. It’s pleasant to listen to is the best I can come up with.
Sexy Boy does stand out head and shoulders above the rest.
I don’t think I can explain my passing grade for this album. It’s a middle of the road compilation of songs that don’t make me feel emotions at all and I like that.
Choice Cut: Sexy Boy
3
Apr 04 2024
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
I just have no interest in listening to this.
I can’t stand people that come off like they they think they are the greatest. Well, aside from Oasis.
Beyoncé is very unlikeable.
I am giving this 3 stars because I don’t doubt it’s ok. I’m just not listening.
3
Apr 05 2024
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Slayed?
Slade
So, Quiet Riot could have covered any of their songs it seems.
This was a decent album. It’s a party album where everyone is sitting around drinking or drugging. No dancing. I’ll give other albums a listen after this. I’ll be giving this a 4 but it could have easily been a 4.5 if that option was there.
Choice Cut: Gudbuy T’Jane
4
Apr 08 2024
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
A great quality sounding album. Nothing is overdone or not needed. The songs are simple and to the point. This is a Sunday afternoon soundtrack for sitting outside on a summer day or when the world is burning down.
Choice Cut: Fast Car
3
Apr 09 2024
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1984
Van Halen
When Van Halen are good, they are good and when they are bad, they are bad but not terrible. You definitely have to be into a certain sound to really dig these guy or this album. I’m not a huge Van Halen fan but I have respect for the work, regardless of who is singing for them. This album isn’t disappointing, it has some lesser known bangers.
Choice Cut: Panama
3
Apr 10 2024
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Hot Shots II
The Beta Band
These guys sound like Pink Floyd if Pink Floyd didn’t know how to write catchy songs.
I guess that’s all I can say about this album.
Choice cut: Human Being
2
Apr 11 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
I love the guitar on Walk on By. So much so that I will learn to play it myself.
The album wears down around By the
Time I Get to Phoenix, at least through 3/4 of the song, then it gets good again. It’s a decent album
Choice Cut: Walk on By
4
Apr 12 2024
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Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics
A classic 80’s album that can be remixed time and time again to keep its place in history. Then again, that hasn’t been done so what do I know. This isn’t a disappointment but I’m just not fully invested.
Choice Cut: Sweet Dreams
3
Apr 15 2024
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
This seems like a “get moving” album. The songs flow together well without them sounding like one long song. The well known hits on this album do separate themselves from the rest of the songs but the “unknowns” hold up fairly well. This isn’t a jaw dropping album but it also hasn’t made me skip a song, even on the expanded edition.
Choice Cut: Wrote a Song for Everyone
3
Apr 16 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
This album isn’t as groundbreaking as I thought it was going to be. It’s actually quite mellow, even with the more upbeat sounding songs. This album wouldn’t have made me the fan I am today. I do enjoy the dueling earphone sound this album was recorded with. Meaning different sounds are coming from the left and right side. This isn’t their best album by far
Choice Cut: Yellow Submarine
3
Apr 17 2024
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Manassas
Stephen Stills
Bluesy, light rockish and good music production on this one. This album is a soundtrack for some people I’m sure but I just don’t find myself getting carried away in its musical offerings.
Choice cut: Anyway
3
Apr 19 2024
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The Visitors
ABBA
This was surprisingly better than I thought it would be. Obviously keyboard driven, at least in my mind, it fairs well against other 4 star albums I’ve rated. I think starting off with a 6 minute song was ballsy but it has me going back to it. Soldiers kind of kills the appeal for me but it was short lived. The album seems to be best fit for Broadway . Most of the songs come off less disco’y than Dancing Queen.
I really think this should be a 3.5 star album actually. It’s better than the 3 star albums I’ve dished out but not better than the 4 star.
Choice cut: The Visitors
4
Apr 22 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Well, this is exactly what I figured a Paul Simon album would sound like. Peaceful, hippy, smoke a joint, dance poorly and not give a shit about life for a moment. I like that ideology but not to this soundtrack.
This isn’t terrible but it doesn’t get me moving like it should . I don’t have a choice cut because it all sounds the same
3
Apr 23 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
It doesn’t take long to hear their influence on the industrial music scene and bands like Nine Inch Nails.
I am giving this a 5 star. I do wish that the vocals were a little louder and that there was a song I could add to my “driving in the city” playlist. It’s a 5 star because it was just an easy to listen to album that never once made me want to skip to the next song. That matters.
Choice Cut: The Model
5
Apr 24 2024
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
I don’t know who came first but I’d call this Barry White lite. I just like this type of music so I’m really not sure what it would take for me to be blown away.
There are no songs to be skipped. There really isn’t any songs to get you moving, other than to have sex. It’s actually more of a warm up before you put Barry White on to “drive it home”.
Choice cut: Where Do We Go from Here
4
Apr 25 2024
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
Surf music at its peak. I don’t think I really need to explain this album anymore. If you don’t know who The Beach Boys are….well….I’m not sure you’ll like them then. I do. It’s not Pet Sounds but it is their sound.
Choice Cut: Help Me Rhonda
3
Apr 26 2024
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
These guys could be the worst band in the world but as long as they have Andy McCoy, they will always have legendary status.
I feel like this band’s trajectory would have been different if they had only come out after Appetite for Destruction. No songs need to be skipped but I don’t think any of them could have skyrocketed these guys into superstardom either. It’s just a middle of the pack album.
Choice cut: Tooting Bec Wreck
3
Apr 29 2024
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Master Of Puppets
Metallica
For me, this type of music makes me feel like listening to it, even if I didn’t know I wanted to hear it originally.
Choice Cut: Master of Puppets
4
Apr 30 2024
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Classic David Bowie as in lyrically confusing but musically pleasing. I’d have to place this album with most of his other albums. Meaning, it’s not groundbreaking, it’s not hit after hit and I wouldn’t be a fan after listening to the whole thing. I guess I’m a greatest hits Bowie fan. His legendary status is what keeps me coming back for more.
Choice Cut: The Stars
3
May 01 2024
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
This sounds like Syd Barrett trying to sound like the 80’s versions of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones if the Beatles had made it that far.
More than once while listening to this album I thought to myself “what the fuck?”.
I’ve liked some albums that others have not liked. I guess the tables turned on this one.
Choice Cut: Hard to be Human Again
2
May 02 2024
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
Weird hippy shit. I’ve heard worse. I’ve heard way better
No choice cut
2
May 03 2024
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
This album is very 80’s and very much a cabana on the beach soundtrack. It’s like Culture Club minus the guy with the long hair who looks like a girl.
This album is just happy song after happy song with Seinfeld bass playing in the background. It’s not for me.
I need a splash of depression to brighten my day
Choice cut: Milk Film…..I guess
2
May 06 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
The album is good but with Soundgarden I have always felt like you could tell the difference between the hits and the others. The benefit here is that the “others” are still listen worthy they just don’t blow you away.
Choice Cut: the Day I Tried to Live
4
May 07 2024
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
This has pretty much everything I like hearing in a hip hop album that isn’t an affiliate of NWA. I don’t really know how to sell it in a review, I just know that I enjoyed it enough for 4 stars.
Choice Cut: 911 is a Joke
4
May 08 2024
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Shitty attitude, good collection of songs.
Choice cut: Can’t Take my Eyes off of You
4
May 09 2024
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Risque
CHIC
I’m guessing they had a lot of faith in Good Times being a big hit because leading off an album with an almost 9 minute song is insane if your name isn’t Pink Floyd.
2
May 10 2024
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
The Toy Story movies ruined this guy but also made his career. Every song on this album made me picture an animated character running through his life from song start to finish. That’s all that I can think of.
This isn’t an easy to listen to album because of that but it’s not bad
Choice Cut: Guilty
3
May 13 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
Jazz is just too un emotional for me. I respect it but I can’t get through an album of it.
3
May 14 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
I remember thinking that Damon Alburn had lost his mind when he started this band. These guys are one of those bands that have really good songs and not good at all songs.
Choice cut: 5/4
3
May 15 2024
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Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
I expected more from this album since I had heard such high regard for it. There really isn’t anything special that separated Willie from anyone else in country at the time.
It’s enjoyable. Just middle of the pack.
Choice cut: Time of the Preacher
3
May 16 2024
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
This is noise. Not bad noise but the noise level stays consistent from one song to another through the first half of the album. That to me, doesn’t separate the songs from one another like I personally like to hear. That also means that there really isn’t a stand out song.
Later listening and they remind me of Jet. So if you like Jet, these guys may be for you.
Choice cut: Caviar
3
May 17 2024
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
This is good. The singers voice is a little whiney but not unbearable. Maybe it’s because I know these guys are Canadian that holds me back from being all in.
I’d give other albums a listen. There’s good flow from track to track. The music is catchy and crisp. Lyrically It’s not simple which is a bonus.
Choice cut: Crown of Love
4
May 20 2024
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
This is exactly what you’d think Ray Charles is. Fun, catchy and full of energy.
I am not excited to listen to it. Not my type of music but it’s not terrible.
3
May 21 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
I thought I had heard and had seen every Hendrix record there was out there. Guess not, even with a few known songs on this album.
As far as a review goes, I hate to say it so much but again, this whole album is exactly what you’d expect from this artist. Beautiful, innovated guitar playing, solid musicianship from the rest of the band.
It’s not hit after hit but aside from “Exp” all the songs are hovering around the hit category.
Choice Cut: Little Wing
3
May 22 2024
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Modern Life Is Rubbish
Blur
Blur to me seems a perfect example of a band that couldn’t put their money where their mouth is. The cockiness and battles that Damon Alburn and Oasis had were great but musically it’s a fail for Blur.
The songs on this album aren’t terrible. They almost have an 80’s sound, like if the Pet Shop Boys played guitar. That’s ok but I don’t think this one will get more than 3 stars from me, which is my going rate these days it seems.
Choice Cut: For Tomorrow
3
May 23 2024
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Country Life
Roxy Music
When I was a kid I loved looking at this album cover. That’s at least 2 stars so far .
Out of the Blue really turned this album from sounding like one long song to a nice mix of musical ear candy.
This is a strange album. It can jump from 80’s synth to circusey to medieval .
It does make me wonder is Jarvis Cocker was influenced by these guys. I feel like this could be a Pulp album.
I prefer their first album over this one. If I had to pick a first listen for someone this wouldn’t be it. It will fall in my typical 3 star album review. That’s my “so-so” category.
Choice cut: Out of the Blue
2
May 24 2024
View Album
Low
David Bowie
This sounds like it’d be a side 2 of a double album for Labrynth .
I have mad respect for Bowie and most of the time I put on one of his albums, I’m left saying to myself “what the fuck are we doing here”? As in I have no idea what direction this album is going and I have no idea how he released a song that sounds like utter trash to me. Not this album. I really enjoyed this one.
Warzawa…..not good
Choice cut: Sound and Vision
4
May 27 2024
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
I was actually disappointed with this album without totally hating it. I just expected more Beatles sounding songs instead of Simon and Garfunkel sounding songs.
I passed on this before it was completely finished.
Choice cut: Band on the Run
2
May 28 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
I listened but not enough but enough where I know I’m just not a jazz guy. I’m sure it’s decent for a jazz album.
2
May 29 2024
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Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
I’m surprised that this album is a required listen given that PJ Harvey seemed to be past her prime by 2011.
There is something good about this album. I’ve stayed engaged with every song. Some songs bordering on “not listenable” but not quite there.
Choice Cut: These are the Words that Maketh Murder
3
May 30 2024
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Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo
I never thought I’d listen to a DEVO album and here I am hearing 2 in one year. I don’t know, I don’t get it. I’m not impressed by them. The album started off promising with the first song (Uncontrollable Urge). Then followed probably one of the worst covers I had ever heard.
It’s not a terrible album, it’s just not one that I could really enjoy. I’m done listening to DEVO and I’m ok with it.
Choice cut: mongoloid
2
May 31 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
This album is a ride. Well, for the times I guess it’s a trip. Drops of blues, flamenco, rock and love songs to boot. I did often find myself wondering “what does that mean” when listening to songs but I guess that is the poetic side of the doors that you hear about. This album would do nothing but make me want to explore more.
Choice Cut: Maggie McGill
5
Jun 03 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
This one is interesting. When the songs “hit”, they “hit”. The ones that don’t aren’t disappointing, there is just a separation of likability. Having 4 charting songs on an album can’t be denied and liking those songs merits a higher rating than my “norm”. I will give more of their stuff a listen. It has an enjoyable mix of radio, obscure and deep songs to make me wonder more about them.
Choice cut: Time to Pretend
4
Jun 04 2024
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
This one is very blusey compared to what I know of the rest of their stuff. I’m well aware that the blues heavily influenced these guys, it just really stands out in this album. I feel like this album was meant for them. As in they made something that they wanted to make without thinking of selling records . It’s just solid from front to back. The only complaint is that there wasn’t a song where I felt the need to go back to.
Choice cut: Trampled Under Foot
4
Jun 05 2024
View Album
Live Through This
Hole
Did Kurt really write this album for Courtney? It sure damn seems like this is a female version of Nirvana. You know what though? It works. This is prime female grunge. If you like grunge, give this a go. If you prefer Adele, turn away …..fast
Choice cut: Doll Parts
4
Jun 06 2024
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
The album titles screams “hey, I wanna hold your hand” Beatles type music from Bob Dylan. Then you press play and you are lightly socked in the mouth with protest music.
I couldn’t get through this one. I’m all for slow, acoustic driven music but there is no change in the delivery of each song as it passes by. That’s probably just Bob Dylan at this time of his life but that life isn’t for me
2
Jun 07 2024
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Scott 2
Scott Walker
This guy is what I’d call an experimental Frank Sinatra. By that I mean, instead of clearly laid out songs and well thought out lyrics, Scott writes a bunch of lines, tears the lines up in strips, drops them in a hat and writes his songs by pulling those strips of paper out one by one. It’s like if druggy David Bowie wrote lounge music. I didn’t turn it off but I also don’t remember it a day later
2
Jun 10 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
Rarely do I enjoy live albums anymore but this is now 2 for 2 on live albums through this site. This is great background music that from time to time stops you in your tracks and just has you grooving to what it has to offer.
Choice cut: I Don’t Mind
3
Jun 11 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I’m glad this isn’t an album based off of the first track (suite II overture) , I thought “no f’n way am I going to get through this”. Then again, the rest of the album isn’t for me either. I can’t put my finger on the style of this album either. You have classical, you have disco, you have soul, you have pop and you have a song that sounds like a James Bond theme song…. That’ll be my choice cut I think.
This really isn’t me more than it’s not a listenable album.
Choice cut: Sir Greendown
2
Jun 12 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
If I were to listen to the Stones for the first time, I would have hoped it would be this one. This is solid, not perfect but solid. Lady Jane seems like a throwaway song .
Choice cut: Paint it Black
4
Jun 13 2024
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
That Lady Pt 1&2 is a perfect song to start an album with in my opinion. The jam during the last half of the song had me almost hitting the back button just to listen to it again. I didn’t do that because I remembered that Spotify are assholes and only pay the artist if you listen to the song completely. The thought was there though, that’s how much I appreciated that song.
This is a great album for the genre. I wouldn’t hold it up to an album like Radiohead - Ok Computer or different genre 5 star albums but this is perfect for its class
Choice cut: That Lady pt 1&2
5
Jun 14 2024
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Soul Mining
The The
3 songs deep and this isn’t even remotely close to how I thought it was going to be. Instead of avant- grade style music where words are thrown against a cheesy 80’s beat, you get quality 80’s beats with talking heads type of delivery. So far so good!
By The Twilight Hour I grew tired of listening. No fault of their own, I didn’t hate this album at all but the most exciting it got can be heard in the first 4 songs.
Choice cut: uncertain smile
3
Jun 17 2024
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
This is sloppy blues but I mean that in a good way. Janis knew how to deliver a song through her singing.
This is a decent album, exactly how I thought listening to a full Big Brother album would be.
That probably doesn’t help someone reading this review but it justifies it to me.
Choice cut:piece of my Heart
4
Jun 19 2024
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Protection
Massive Attack
This was bland. The beats were there but it’s like they just didn’t want to add a little bit more flavor to shake the walls of whatever establishment you are listening to it in.
I’ve moved on
2
Jun 20 2024
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
This is a slow burn album, a very slow burn. Best suited for fine dining or the soundtrack to a black and white movie that was just recently discovered and it had no soundtrack.
This isn’t meant to be listened to at 530am during a work week.
On a positive note: Franks voice is on point and the music is perfect for the genre.
I just have to dip out early on this one.
3
Jun 21 2024
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
Sitars abound on this one. The name says middle eastern and to no shock so is the album. This was a different cover album than I have ever heard. It works.
I’m not sure where you would blast this at full volume but it’s good to say I’ve heard it.
Choice Cut:
Light My Fire
3
Jun 24 2024
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I was not impressed with this album. One of my “things” is having songs change tempo and change from nearly track to track. This is one level to me. Sort of what it would be like if someone told these guys to play and sing when they are very tired and feeling sad.
Choice cut: The Big Country
2
Jun 25 2024
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
I was a little concerned with how this album would be when that first song came on. It sounded like a serious Eddie Murphy singing and that just doesn’t work for me.
I was wrong. Good
Not that this album works for me. It’s not a return listen album but gosh darn it, Stevie Wonder has quite a few great licks up his sleeve. I love the synthed keyboard or electric piano that he highlights somewhat frequently on his songs.
Choice cut: Heaven is 10 Zillion Light Years Away
2
Jun 26 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
This is quite the onslaught of musical experiences. Opera, childlike, get up and dance, rock and roll, soft songs??? Nice. I see why this is one of or is the album that put them on the map.
This should have been called A Night at the Funny Farm
But in a good sense. I was not displeased with this but what’s that matter to the 0-1 people that read this??
Choice cut: lazing on a Sunday Afternoon
5
Jun 27 2024
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Picture Book
Simply Red
This one was difficult to get through. It was sort of jazzy and what I like to call lazy pop. It doesn’t make me feel anything listening to it. The vocals are nasally to the point where I sometimes think “Red” is imitating Aaron Neville.
I’m assuming this is from the 80’s, I don’t recall reading it.
Choice Cut: Heaven
1
Jun 28 2024
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Alien Lanes
Guided By Voices
I expected this to be hippy music. Instead I got a somewhat noisy rock album that occasionally make me think that this is what the Beatles would sound like in the mid 90’s.
Drugs were probably big at this point in their careers.
This also could have been a Syd Barrett album.
This album was just a little on the positive side of not good.
2
Jul 01 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
This is mellow but if you didn’t know that about Neil Young then I guess you do now.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all mellow but you’re not going to be destroying personal property in your own personal mosh pit.
All in all, this is an OK album. There are beautifully written songs and then there are songs that he really didn’t know what to say and just threw some words to the wind to see what God felt like saying.
If you know Neil then you know what to expect. That’s about all I’ve got.
Choice cut: Hey hey, my my (either one)
3
Jul 03 2024
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White Light
Gene Clark
How can I sun this up??
It’s what would happen if Bob Dylan sang over Jimmy Buffet music….
I liked this album. I’m afraid though that Gene Clark will get lost in my mind before I really dig deep into his life’s collection but what a fun first ride.
Maybe you’ll feel the same but you have to like acoustic almost protesty sounding songs.
Choice cut: White Light
4
Jul 04 2024
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
To borrow from The Simpsons, about the Happy Mondays, I can tell you two things wrong with their name. Well, one I guess. Happy. It’s not very happy. More monotone. Nothing stands out. It’s not terrible in the sense that it shouldn’t be listened to. It’s just not what I’d highly rate.
Choice cut: Grandbags Funeral
2
Jul 05 2024
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Drunk
Thundercat
First of all, I’m a big fan of album covers and when I see an awesome album cover, I listen to the band. This one would have caught my eye and I’m surprised I hadn’t seen it before.
Secondly, I thought the main voice on this album was going to be an aggressive sounding one, more like Ice T and not Andre 3000.
Thirdly, this seems like the type of band that the hippies who like Frank Zappa would be in to.
Fourthly, it’s a strange album if you already didn’t get the hint with the Frank Zappa mention.
Choice cut: Walk on By
2
Jul 08 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
I’ve rarely heard an album where the 3 biggest tracks start off 1,2,3 but this does it. My old motto when CD’s were a thing was the rule of 3. If I liked 3 songs off of an album I would buy it. This makes the cut.
Well produced, everything comes off as the perfect pitch and tone and compliment each other perfectly. But it drops off after the big 3. There are splashes of Bob Dylan, Chris DeBerg, Toto and 80’s soft core porn music. To be fair, I could barely make it through the full songs. I am not calling this album terrible though, it’s just not for me
Choice Cut: So Far Away
3
Jul 09 2024
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
Let me start by saying that their best album, by far, is Too Old to Rock and Roll, Too Young to Die. With that, I must hold this album up to that one when I give it my Michelin caliber grading.
So, yes, it follows the same formula as Too Young or perhaps Too Young follows the same formula as this.
I should hate this type of music. The flute being so overpowering in the songs should make these guys a niche, but it doesn’t and that’s why this is good.
I can’t really explain this album. The music in itself could carry it. It’s solid. I don’t find very many “bangers” as the kids say. Sometimes an album doesn’t need that. I’m sure people hate these guys but having an open mind goes a long way when listening to what I can assume every Jethro Tull album sounds like.
Choice cut: Aqualung
4
Jul 10 2024
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
The first thing I remember about Kanye is the video for All Falls Down and the girl from Clueless walking around in it with hard nipples.
Anyways
This is classic Kanye, in my opinion he has not changed his style and delivery. If you find yourself a late blooming Kanye fan, you can rejoice in knowing that album 1 follows the same lines as whatever set of songs you liked later on in his career.
Choice cut: The New Workout Plan
4
Jul 11 2024
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
Well, this is classic Neil. Maybe it’s just me but the album flows nicely from one song to another like it’s one big performance piece. Other than that, here it is, existing in the realm of good but with an unexplainable way of describing why it is good.
Choice cut: Speaking out
4
Jul 12 2024
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
Live updates as we listen:
1. What’s going on? Did I press play?
2. Oh ok it’s James Bond type music
3. No, maybe it’s a Get Smart soundtrack with some sound bytes
4. The drums could be a Nine a inch Nails drum loop.
5. Soooo there’s no singing on this album I’m guessing .
6. Ya this is an instrumental album.
7. Ahhh soft core porn music…..in a scary looking house….
8. Oh look, is that a Prince song coming up??
9.skip
10. Nope, not a Prince cover
11. My opinion has been formed.
I can’t give this a low score like I gave Grimes. For what this is, it’s listenable. It’s different but it’s not so different it’s bad.
No choice cut
3
Jul 15 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
I’m just not an instrumental guy. On that note. This album sounds like the Superfly soundtrack if it had a sequel.
Funky jazz? Is that what a person would call it?
This album is short. Just enough for me to listen all the way through , which must be a record for how long I’ve listened to music with no words.
Decent
Choice cut: Mr. Follow Follow
4
Jul 16 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
Let’s face it here, David Bowie had better music when he was on drugs. This album could have been written by Stevie Wonder as in it has a very Stevie Wonder funk sound.
Solid musicianship, typical Bowie lyrics, great delivery.
I really can’t sit here and explain a Bowie album. Everyone knows who he is and how he sounds.
Choice cut: Fascination
3
Jul 17 2024
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Fun House
The Stooges
This is punk in a somewhat family friendly way. Maybe PG-13.
You could have this album on in the background of really anything. Sex, cooking, driving, home showing…anything.
I don’t feel like there are any “singles” or “big hits” but they all make you enjoy your time spent with the album.
Choice cut: Fun House
4
Jul 18 2024
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Ahh yes an artist who straddles that line between spoken word and singing. It’s like it’s a Lou Reed album if Lou was slightly happier with life.
I would say that Bill Callahan is a lot less poetic than Lou Reed. Maybe he just didn’t do as many drugs. I don’t know. I’m flying off the cuff with my knowledge and thoughts of an artist.
It’s not bad for background music but you won’t be playing it at parties or using it as your main sample when you DJ
Choice cut: The Wind and the Dove
3
Jul 22 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Right away I’m shocked. The song Green Onions, I had always thought was “On the road again” by canned heat. I had never listened to Green Onions on my own and never really heard the whole song. Mind blown already!
Then Rinky Dink comes on and I didn’t realize these guys made that song.
I think I had these guys and Sly and the Family Stone mixed up. I was expecting some Soul/Funk/Disco type music and not fun smelling flowers hippy stuff. Either way, this is a win 2 songs in.
The only issues I have with this album are 1) there isn’t any singing on it
2) even though there isn’t singing on it, I still enjoy it so that tells me that I just don’t like jazz
Choice cut: Rinky Dink
3
Jul 23 2024
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Abraxas
Santana
I like bongos. That’s a start.
So, it’s apparent that if you have heard anything by Santana then you know what you are getting into with every album. Well, this album at least. It’s not an album you can hate, that’s for sure. I can only imagine what these guys were like to see at Woodstock, high as fuck. You, not them. You can easily be taken away by the jams that they break out in every song.
Choice cut: Oye Como va
4
Jul 25 2024
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Blood, Sweat & Tears
Blood, Sweat & Tears
Starting off with a song that could easily be played by a Gelfling from The Dark Crystal isn’t what I’d call a “hot start” to an album.
This really doesn’t get better in my opinion. Again, as I’ve stated before, I can’t give this a 1 star because it is musically far better than that Grimes album I heard. It’s a 1 star as far as real artists go. Though I did like the musical breakdown of More and More.
Choice Cut: More and More
2
Jul 26 2024
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It's A Shame About Ray
The Lemonheads
I’m a Lemonheads fans but even this makes me question why this album is one I must listen to. This album does not create new fans or many new fans, someone has to bite on it.
There is no mistaking what time frame this album came out in. It’s mellow but not too mellow. There’s decent lyrics throughout the album. Vocally Evan Dando isn’t going to wow you or blow you away but he delivers on each song. The music is tight and the production is crisp.
There just isn’t a “wow” factor. Mrs. Robinson didn’t cut it when I heard the original and this one doesn’t do it for me either. Then again, this album came out in the age when one song made you a headliner at the biggest music festivals….
Choice cut: My Drug Buddy
3
Jul 30 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
Back in the day, to like Bon Jovi was to be considered a pussy and you don’t like real music. It still kinda is that way but Bon Jovi got you through relationships. Especially the Bed of Roses years.
All in all, this is a solid late 80’s album. I dare anyone to not like at least one song from this album.
You have ballads, sing alongs and just rock on here.
Choice cut: Livin on a Prayer
4
Jul 31 2024
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
Not what I wanted a Bongo band album to sound like but it’s a change from the norm, I will say that. I was expecting hippy bongo jamming but got funk bongo jamming.
I was surprised to already know “Apache” with the song “Jump on it” clearly influenced by it.
For the genre, this is a passing grade. This is a perfect background soundtrack for anything. Maybe not a funeral
Maybe not during sex….well, I guess it could be. I must still have Bon Jovi ringing in my head.
This is really a fun album. You forget that there’s no singing on it and that is usually important to me.
Whatever, this is good, listen to it
Choice cut: Dueling Bongos
5
Aug 01 2024
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GREY Area
Little Simz
This is just an album by someone I have not heard of. It did not do anything to sway me to listen to more from her. She has nice flow. The beats are decent. She swears.
I don’t hear a single. I want to hear a single to justify why an album is on this list.
Choice cut: Selfish
2
Aug 02 2024
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Sea Change
Beck
I’ll be honest, it’s hard to listen to Beck because I believe that he puts subliminal Scientology messages in his songs. At the same time, I have always wanted to like Beck. Let’s see…
Well, it’s mostly one tone throughout the album. Basically a slow burn.
It’s Beck. Worlds jumbled together to make a sort of poetic verse collection.
Honestly, Lost Cause is a generational song and would result in me buying the album if I had to do that anymore.
Not great but not a terrible album.
Choice Cut: Lost Cause
3
Aug 05 2024
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Led Zeppelin II
Led Zeppelin
This is an album that you can’t hate even if you hate Led Zeppelin. Well, that’s stretching it I guess but if it was based solely on rock and roll with blues influence, you’d be hard pressed to hate it.
Choice cut: Ramble On
5
Aug 06 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
Now this album listening party is starting to get good. 3 banger albums in a row? Get the net. Ok, I’m not sure if it’s been 3 in a row for me and I won’t be checking so let’s roll with this.
This is probably the best soundtrack that has ever been released. Soundtrack you say??? Well, watch the movie and try to argue with me. There are great songs and there are good songs on this album. There’s longish songs and there are short songs. They all fit, blend together and take you on a journey, wether sober or not. Enjoy it.
Has anyone not listened to this album? Like even a little bit?
Choice Cut: Young Lust
5
Aug 07 2024
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
One tempo so far. Mellow.
Very acoustic guitar driven from the onset and throughout.
It’s not a standout album but it doesn’t fail other than not making me want to hear more from them.
Choice cut: Another Pearl
3
Aug 08 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
I think this is Willie’s attempt at jazz? If that’s what the genre is that I’m thinking.
He has a type of delivery that can cross numerous musical platforms. This could be a pleaser for an older generation. Like retirement age. Best suited as a soundtrack for a department store like Khols.
This isn’t where I’d start with a Willie Nelson album but it has its place in the world.
Choice cut. Unchained melody
3
Aug 09 2024
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Play
Moby
An unlikely music pioneer. I’m sure after this album made it big things changed for skinny, bald and unattractive guys.
I’m a sucker for samples so based on the type of music this is, this album hits in the area of my wheelhouse for this genre of pop/dance.
Clearly aware that his singing is the weakest thing on the album, I feel Moby does a good job singing a lot when the music matches his tone and cutting back on the vocals when it could really bring down a song.
This album doesn’t disappoint if you have an open ear to dance music. It did reign supreme over the music landscape for a handful of years.
Choice Cut: Southside
4
Aug 12 2024
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
This will be a tough one, I HATE Morrisey or however you spell his name.
I do enough of The Smiths to believe that I may like them.
I guess that’s a good thing because this is NOT the album you want to listen to if you are curious about them. Maybe this is their sound and it doesn’t get any better. I really like How Soon is Now? Which isn’t on this album. Shame. I can’t give this a 2 star because it is instrumentally pleasing, it’s just not catchy . It’s not experimental or storytelling to me either so I’m not just sticking to one preference. It’s not even that gloomy and I thought the Smiths were supposed to be one of the kings of gloom. Whatever, I will give them another listen one day. This just didn’t make the cut above mediocrity.
Choice cut: Big Mouth Strikes Again
3
Aug 13 2024
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The Low End Theory
A Tribe Called Quest
Although talent wise, these guys are in the upper echelon, musically it’s not my thing. I’d group this in the Fresh Prince and Arrested Development class where I’m just not into the clean rap/hip hop. They do have sprinkles of explicit lyrics but it almost feels like it’s forced.
So if you’re looking for something to play during a garage sale or while cleaning your car next to a school, this will do but maybe stay away from a handful of songs.
Choice cut: Butter
2
Aug 14 2024
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Trio
Dolly Parton
If you know anything about what Dolly Parton sounds like then you can guess what this album will sound like.
Classic old style country.
Not much else to it. It doesn’t blow a person away.
Choice cut: Wildflowers
2
Aug 15 2024
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Slow brooding, slowed down Bob Marley like delivery. It’s calming background music.
Choice Cut: Jordan River
3
Aug 16 2024
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Suicide
Suicide
Imagine really liking this band as an early teen and asking your parents for the album? My mom thought Kiss were devil music so I would have been sent to the loonie bin.
Anywho….
This first 2 songs are sort of trancelike. Not that it puts me in a trance but it reminds me of trance music.
I do like this, 3 songs in. It would then pass the album buying quota.
This is what Lou Reed would sound like if he had so positivity in his voice.
This is decent in a slow moving spaces out way. Be high when listening to this
3
Aug 19 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
This is the album that I rate all other albums against. There’s just so much to sift through. It takes you all across the rock music spectrum and spits you out slowly at the end.
If you have never heard this album before then it’s safe to assume it’s not for you. It would be mind blowing for me to come across a person who doesn’t know at least 3 songs from here and for them to tell me they didn’t enjoy it.
Choice cut: Let Down or No Surprises
5
Aug 20 2024
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Harvest
Neil Young
This one is well pieced together. Less whiney and mellow Neil and more picked up the pace but still a fast shuffle Neil.
Neil still likes to jam out in this one, though I don’t think he’s ever given that up but whatever.
This is a good album with standout tracks you’ve most likely heard.
Choice cut: Words
4
Aug 21 2024
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
I feel like I everyone knows this album but everyone hasn’t listened to it and I get it.
Cecilia breaks the mold on this one. That’s as much of a banger that this type of band can muster. Keep the Customer Satisfied tries to keep the momentum going and then it drops back into mellowdom.
When they pick up the pace of the music it’s very reminiscent of peak Beatles. But then they let it go.
This is a good album to put on to fall asleep to. That gives it a place in this world.
Choice cut: Cecilia
3
Aug 22 2024
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
How can I sum this up?
It’s like an alternate world mashup of Kraftwerk and Devo…….
Valley of the Shadow of Death seemed like they accidentally left the record button on….
There seems to be no point to this album then to just experiment with sounds and beats. But at the same time I’m not turned off by it.
I did only get to Weeper though. It’s not a full listen for me but it’s enough to get a ranking of 3, which is sort of my Land of Misfit Toys I guess.
Choice cut: IBM
3
Aug 23 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
This is heavier than i thought they were. I can’t speak for other albums but This album definitely screams 90’s.
If I hadn’t known who The Pixies were I may have skipped them completely with Cecilia Ann being their first song on the album and it being instrumental. Stop it with that shit boys.
To me, this is not a standout album at all. It’s not terrible but when you’re looking for something to hook you and don’t find it? You get no more than 3 stars
Choice cut: Is She Weird
3
Aug 26 2024
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
This album brought my attention back to Johnny Cash. With only a few weak spots on it, it’s a recommended one for sure. As expected, it’s mellow, sad and uplifting at the same time. If you’re a sucker for covers then this is pretty close to being as good as it can get. It’s not the covers that sold me on this album, though it means something when the original song performer relinquishes his song to Cash for blowing the original out of the water (see Hurt).
The best song on the album is the title track and an original.
Enjoy wallowing in the dark on this one
Choice Cut: The Man Comes Around
5
Aug 27 2024
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
I was a bit disappointed with this one. You really have to be in a mood to get something out of it. Not even a bad mood or depressed mood, just something different than a feeling of just existing I guess. This is the 3rd album I’ve listened to and maybe it’s me but I really feel the blues in this one. I wouldn’t suggest a first time listener to listen to this album though.
Choice cut: New Dawn Fades
3
Aug 28 2024
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Traffic
Traffic
First impression? It sounds like early Bowie mixed with White Album Beatles.
Then it’s funk influenced with Steve Winwood singing. Almost like Jimi Hendrix is on guitar with the 2nd song.
Then another Hendrix infused song.
Then back to a funk sound.
I’m guessing this is a cover. Classic hippy music
Then it’s back to an early David Bowie sound with Canned Heat flute
Now it’s Canned Heat flute mixed with Santana
Well, Cryin to be Heard is kinda their song. Trippy organ, a little bit of horns, good harmonious background singing .
Ok, now it sounds like Supertramp
Well, I think if you can’t get what I’m saying with this review, you understand that this album is all over the place.
I don’t hate it but it really doesn’t seem to have a definite classification. I guess it’s a 3 since it’s not memorable but it’s not bad
Choice cut: Cryin to be Heard
3
Aug 29 2024
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The Stooges
The Stooges
This is pop punk before it turned into music for pussies. It has the right blend of hardcore punk but it has the type of Melodie’s that could have crossed them over into more prominent radio play if the world was ready to hear it.
It’s not a mind blowing album but it does the job to create listeners.
Choice cut: No Fun
4
Sep 02 2024
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
It’s very peaceful music I will say that. Relaxing.
Not my cup of tea but it does have a place in this world.
I think it’s only fair to not have a choice cut since I need to know what the words mean when I hear them and this album does not have that feature, for me at least.
3
Sep 03 2024
View Album
1989
Taylor Swift
I interrupted my Tech N9ne listening to listen to this album. I’m not bothered, it’s at least one star because Taylor’s looks get her somewhere in my books. I won’t lie, I’m a bit of a swifty even though I’m male, straight and a Republican.
Ok, let’s see what we’ve got here:
Well, Talent is hard to deny. This was a very pleasing album with almost every song worth being listened to again. There’s no reason not to consider it a 5 star album. For the genre it fits in and the people it’s geared towards, what’s to hate. Lyrically it’s written with thought and skill. The music fits with the words. Catchy choruses. Act like a girl who has had their heart broken when listening to it and see how you feel
Choice cut: Style
5
Sep 04 2024
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Tago Mago
Can
This is a jam album. So much so that I feel like I’ve been listening to the same song for 3 songs now. This as well, has a place.
If I may be picky, the vocals are a bit flat and drowned out. There could also but a deeper sounding bass added to take away the high frequency sound. The drums are solid though.
As I said, it’s jammy. If you like that, enjoy!
Choice cut: Halleluhwah
3
Sep 05 2024
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Did these guys get pissed when America and Asia were taken as band names?
These guys fall into my biggest pet peeve category. There is no real separation of sound from one song to another. No standout track, just pure 80’s pop.
Choice cut: Second Head
2
Sep 06 2024
View Album
Tragic Songs of Life
The Louvin Brothers
Old, old country. That’s what this is.
Sad but happy sounding old time country music.
I hate to cut this short but that’s all you need to know.
Do you like a drum beat that goes bass, snare, snare?
Yea? Well then there you go.
Nothing wrong with this album in my opinion other than lacking a “blow it out of the water” track.
Choice cut: In the Pines
4
Sep 09 2024
View Album
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
I think the only thing people may not like about Amy Winehouse is her voice and the way she sings. But people also really like her for that exact reason.
Musically pleasing, the band is solid.
Her blusey, soulful singing is on point. I’m assuming this was her breakthrough album.
5 stars says I’ll return to listen to it again.
I just can’t do it.
This is a good start if you’re someone like me who wanted to delve into the world of Amy Winehouse. It’s feel good music covering a world of pain .
Choice cut: You Know I’m No Good
4
Sep 10 2024
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Just a Gigolo bridges the gap between those that don’t want anything to do with jazz and those that like jazz. I’m assuming this is jazz.
I can handle the jazz with singing. The purely instrumental stuff, though it’s good, reminds me of Tom and Jerry or some old timey cartoon.
I, for once, can’t pretend what I know the next person to listen to this album is going to like. I say listen to this and try not to enjoy it. I won’t be going back to this but maybe I will delve more into other albums by Louis Prima.
Choice cut: Just a Gigolo
4
Sep 12 2024
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Goodbye And Hello
Tim Buckley
I have to say, if I was told to listen to an album just based on the album cover, I’d pass on this one.
2 songs in and I’m pretty such this will be a rough listen.
Side note, I thought I was listening to early Jeff Buckley at first and was shocked at how terrible he started off in his career. Crisis averted.
This album sounds like the music was recorded first and Tim just had to come up with lyrics to put something on tape.
Pleasant Street was a pretty good song though.
This album is very “keep my castle happy while they eat Court Jester”
This has moments of promise but it’s mostly a fail. I guess in the “protest” era it might have faired alright but that’s a long time ago.
Choice cut: Pleasant Street
2
Sep 16 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Water of Love? I can just imagine what the band thought looking at the lyrics before putting music to it. That song was saved by the music and you know what? It’s actually a decent song.
This is really a solid album. Much better than Brothers in Arms and this one only has one standout track. They all compliment each other nicely and the album flows well. Having a single standout track doesn’t make much difference in my opinion of the album. It’s bluesy, kinda poppy and jammy. I really don’t think I’ve sold anyone reading this on this album but sometimes words can’t direct a person any which way.
It’s worth a listen, how about that?
Choice cut: Sultans of Swing
4
Sep 17 2024
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
This album didn’t blow me away but I get it’s importance and I know the stories that went on behind it. The “big hits” could basically be their greatest hits and that’s hard to believe that it’s all coming from one album. I consider Fleetwood Mac in the same grouping as Supertramp where everyone knows them and seems to like them but they aren’t anyone’s favorite band.
It’s solidly produced, well written and generally a nice sounding album. The non hits don’t really tread water but they don’t really sink either. This is just an album worth listening to but you wouldn’t need to go back to it.
Choice cut: The Chain
4
Sep 18 2024
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
I really thought that whoever did “Rappers Delite” was the same ones that did Genius of Love. Wrong again.
I don’t know what to think of this.
I feel like The Avalanches were inspired by these guys, I like The Avalanches but my taste for them comes in waves
I don’t know what to think of this. At times it sounds groundbreaking, other times it sounds like an interlude during Sesame Street. There’s singing, there’s sound bites, there’s odd sounding instruments. It exists . Let’s leave it at that.
Choice Cut: Genius of Love
2
Sep 20 2024
View Album
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Let’s be honest, this is pretty much a Rod Stewart album. Well, before the late 80’s I guess. Welllllll it’s more of a cooler Rod Stewart album. More rock sound, more groove. There is also someone who sings on this album that sounds like George Harrison. He does a good job when pushed to the forefront. I’m not disappointed with this album at all.
Choice cut: Stay With Me
4
Sep 23 2024
View Album
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This is like spacey, somewhere between cocaine high and weed low. If you know who Arcade Fire is and like them, I think you’d like this. I found myself searching for a little more from them as I continued to listen. The album could be a soundtrack for mostly anything in life. Long road trip? Pool Party? Showering? Sex? Cleaning the house? Yep, this will do it.
I have no choice cut due to each song just carrying off of the one before it.
3
Sep 24 2024
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
One song in and I feel like this is Joni Mitchell without the annoying whiney hippy sound. There are some “catch me by surprise” songs on here and some “that was a waste of my time” songs. The latter being that they sounded more like Joni Mitchell and that’s REALLY not for me.
This album really started off strong for me and then it just settled into mid tier, which is still pretty good considering I almost skipped listening to it
3
Sep 25 2024
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The White Room
The KLF
Wait, is this not the KLF from the nineties? Like, there are 2 bands who thought up that name?
Seriously, this isn’t the “KLF is gonna rock you, yeah yeah, uh huh, uh huh” and then you pretend to call someone from your cordless phone????
If I don’t hear that KLF is gonna rock you song this album will be an utter fail. There is nothing that stands out here, not even the beats. This is like a Mili Vanilli album after they got found out to be fakes.
I really have nothing to offer in a review of this, it’s up tempo but it’s bland.
If you could pull some inspiration from it then you’re a better person than I am. This is better than a Grimes or FKA Twigs album but it’s also still in the rating class as those as well.
1
Sep 26 2024
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I thought this album was called Black Chocolate and then got really confused why someone like Elvis Costello would name an album that.
There is definitely an effort put into this album but in regards to what level of orgasm it gives my ears? It’s on the level of “someone knocked on the door after a handful of fist pumps”.
Choice cut: I want you
…..I guess
2
Sep 27 2024
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
I couldn’t get this album on Spotify so I picked the album closest in year to this one. I’ll be reviewing Superwolf as if it were this one.
This guy is like a really mellowed out Evan Dando which would make this album a really mellowed out Lemonheads album.
Very slow and less than happy sounding.
This type of music lends itself to a certain type of person who is feeling a certain type of thing in the spectrum of sadness.
That’s a beat around the bush summary for an album that wasn’t the one pictured and could sound nothing like that particular album.
2
Sep 30 2024
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Imagine not knowing much about the Beatles aside from songs you heard your grandpa play and then seeing this track listing. The only other album that would blow a persons mind would be the White album.
Listen, this is the Beatles, you either like this or not.
I don’t believe that this album is the be all and end all of Beatles albums. After the big 3 tracks at the start, it does fade a bit.
Choice cut: When I’m 64
4
Oct 01 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
Well isn’t this a great start to my week.
Planet Telex is shippable but not terrible.
The Bends is where it’s at if you don’t like the “big” radio songs that came from this album.
I really hated that they strayed away from this sound. This album and Ok Computer will always be their wheelhouse to me.
This album teeters on the bed time music soundtrack. It’s not filled with overpowering guitar or non stop screaming, not that Radiohead is any of that really. It’s just really the heartbeat of the 2000’s, until Ok Computer staked it through the heart and put it out of its misery we didn’t think it had.
This album could be played for any occasion and that’s what makes it so good. Sure there are a few weak tracks but the rest make up for any song writing slipping the band may have had.
Choice cut: The Bends
5
Oct 02 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
What I’m hearing is depressing hippie music so far. 3 songs in.
Nice guitar playing.
Not big on the voice.
Good lyrical story telling.
Way to Blue sort of shook this album from its monotone downfall but just musically. There’s still that one tone, weak note carrying vocal
Is Nick Drake a poet turned singer? If not, he should have taken that route. That makes his lack of vocal range more acceptable.
I don’t see the appeal with this. Maybe as an instrumental album it could have some standing with me.
I’m sure this is a critically acclaimed album, hell, I recognize the album cover. It’s just not ear hole pleasing for me.
Choice cut: Day is Done
1
Oct 03 2024
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Queen II
Queen
This album has your typical Queen operatic flow. The songs don’t give you much “thinking room” between songs as they seem to just move from one to another.
The 1st noteworthy song is The Loser in the End and that’s not even Freddie singing.
This is the 2nd Queen album that has left me with something to be desired. There just isn’t anything special to it. Maybe I was spoiled by cutting my teeth on their greatest hits.
Choice cut: The Loser in the End
2
Oct 04 2024
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Classic early Aerosmith, before the pop hooks took over. I think when it comes to Aerosmith, anyone could sing one of their songs and not knowing it, you would say “wow, that sounds like Aerosmith”. They have this sound and it’s a love or hate sound.
This album rocks, that’s for sure. Rocks as in it’s just pure blusey, dirty rock. I can just imagine hearing Sweet Emotion for the first time. It has a very distinct opening and hearing that for the first time would have caught your attention instantly. That song does not fail. Walk this Way needed Run DMC in my opinion .
This isn’t a bad album. It has a steady pace with a few well known bangers.
Choice cut: Adams Apple
3
Oct 07 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
This is a good album. First time listener as well. One musical wave of enjoyment .
5
Oct 08 2024
View Album
In Rainbows
Radiohead
After “Ok Computer” I found myself “hate fucking” every Radiohead album after that one. I kept saying to myself “why can’t you be like your sister and stay with the formula that works”. The problem is, is this new Radiohead “formula” works and I continue to eargasm when I listen to the later albums. A person like myself just enjoys it. Do I need to go back to it and listen over and over again like Ok Computer and earlier? No! But I do find myself returning at the most random of times.
Without looking it up, I think this album is supposed to be mixed in with OK Computer tracks to make one super album that never happened. At least, according to Radiohead lore.
I could be wrong though.
Choice cut: All I Need
4
Oct 09 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Meh, it’s a live album. It’s good but it’s just a live album. Don’t cut your teeth on The Who via this album.
3
Oct 10 2024
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Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
This is pure 60’s rock? Or whatever the genre was called that sums up the 60’s. It’s hippy, it’s simple, it’s occasionally oddly structured verses.
It’s not groundbreaking but it’s what I thought the Byrds would sound like if I listened to an album.
I will say, “I come and stand at every door” is a terrible song.
Choice cut: Hey Joe
2
Oct 11 2024
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The Joshua Tree
U2
Just thinking of how much of a cocky, wannabe know it all, punchable face, fake rock idol dickhead Bono is, I want to give this a zero star. However, I can’t deny this album based on the fact that it produced 4 decent songs and they are listed one after another on the album. It doesn’t get better after those songs. I really shouldn’t say this is a rock album because it’s too “soft” in my opinion but it’s almost peak U2 and you can’t deny the power they once had over the music world. I think if you appreciate other music and just aren’t into hip hop or death metal, you will like this album.
Choice cut: With or Without You
4
Oct 14 2024
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Musically this is decent. Vocally I’m not feeling it. It sort of has a more upbeat, 80’s style Enya sound. It also has a less poppy Abba sound as well. I can’t exactly plug this album into a specific music category. It doesn’t seem radio friendly. It’s not elevator music or department store music. Maybe for a yoga class???
Choice cut: I Wear Your Ring
3
Oct 15 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
If you wanted to listen to a kid friendly version of hip hop, these guys are your people. PM Dawn is a good path to lead kids down too.
There are plenty of samples in this album, which is a bonus to me. That seems to be a dying art in hip hop these days.
This album, to me, doesn’t tell a story. It’s more of just one short story about who knows what after another.
This was ok. Stuck with the rest of the albums that were just ok.
Choice cut: A Little Bit of Soap
3
Oct 16 2024
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Dust
Screaming Trees
This is noise rock in my opinion. Typical for the sound in the world at that time. I actually thought that annoying bitch from Queens of the Stone Age was in this band so I hated it at the start.
These guys, at times, sound like Spacehog but aren’t as good.
All in all, the vocals can be slightly drowned out but the music flows, every song seems to almost be at that breakthrough point where it could have been a radio hit but they just lack one more undefinable ingredient. I don’t hate this, I don’t love it but I do appreciate it.
Choice cut: Look at You
2
Oct 17 2024
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Station To Station
David Bowie
At first I thought, can an album be 5 star worthy if there are only 6 songs on it? Especially if the band isn’t Pink Floyd? Then Station to Station comes on and it sounds like Pink Floyd to start and it’s 10 minutes long. Note taken.
Well, it’s definitely not a Pink Floyd album and it’s not David Bowie’s attempt at a Pink Floyd album.
Like every Bowie album I’ve heard, which is 4 of them, this album just kind of hovers between good and ok. There’s not much to it. This won’t make or break someone’s decision to listen to Bowie again.
3
Oct 18 2024
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Another Green World
Brian Eno
This album HAD to be drug induced.
The thing is, is this isn’t bad, it’s just different. This is art rock I think. A soundtrack for a b movie thriller or a odd space movie.
I could just let the music take me on a thoughtless journey. It’s almost hypnotizing. I’d be ok with Brian Eno’s vocals being removed.
I have no choice cut because I really can’t separate the songs from one another.
3
Oct 21 2024
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Ahh the album that broke me away from listening to Michael Jackson and Culture Club. The album where I heard my first swear word in a song. The album that produced the video for Paradise City which was the most energetic video I had ever seen. There was no turning back after this album. I had been molded into a new person that still exists today. I masturbated to the moaning in Rocket Queen and to the photo on the album sleeve of the naked cartoon girl. Times were different then and I was thankful for the experience.
A great rock album from start to finish.
Choice Cut: Rocket Queen
5
Oct 22 2024
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Take out the synthesizer in any Muse song and you’d get what Radiohead would have sounded like if they didn’t go artsy.
Muse is one of those bands that a person would never hate but just not go out of their way to listen to an album. For me, I know it’ll be good and I’ll enjoy an album but I just haven’t taken the plunge until now.
This album if full of energy. So far, you could start a run on song one and not have to slow down until much later.
Muse feels like a band that is there to cheer you on in any sort of competitive thing you may be taking part in. They are a soundtrack for accomplishing anything. Big or small. I could be wrong though. Maybe they hate humans.
4
Oct 23 2024
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Sludgey rock. Like Black Sabbath but less evil.
Jammy. There is plenty of time on each song for the mushrooms to kick in, that’s for sure. The solos don’t drag on too long, not that I think that is possible but if you were concerned about it, no need to…..fret.
I don’t have anything for my choice cut. It’s the same formula for each song. Nothing wrong with that but not a perfect album.
4
Oct 24 2024
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Ahh samples, I love me some samples. Is that what they are called?sound bytes? Is that better? Whatever it is I dig it. Clips from movies and such. That’s the best type of hip hop to me.
You don’t have to know a lot of Wu Tang to be able to hear it in every solo project from its members. On that note, if you like the Wu Tang sound, you’ll like this. At the same time, much like a Wu Tang album, there aren’t any blow away tracks. It’s good but not great.
Choice cut: Shadowboxin’
4
Oct 25 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Cool, a happy sounding piano album. No lyrics just a mix between Charlie Brown songs and silent movies.
For its musical category, it’s fine.
For anyone who i’d care what they thought about a certain group or album. Hard pass
2
Oct 29 2024
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In Utero
Nirvana
This album seemed to pull back the ascension of Nirvana just a little bit in my opinion. Not commercially but developmentally. There are some bangers, some radio friendly hits and some songs that your mom and Dad would grope each other to. There is also noisy trash. It seems like as soon as the album starts to take off, it’s steered back toward the ground and then driven upwards again.
I find that the deluxe version gives more flavor to the album as a whole.
If you want to cut through the bullshit, ignore
Scentless Apprentice
Milk It
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter
Tourette’s
…..then all is good
Choice cut: Frances Farmer…
4
Oct 30 2024
View Album
Very
Pet Shop Boys
If my Spotify was alive, I bet it would stop my music and ask “what the fuck is up with you”? That’s the feeling I get with the back and forth and side to side stepping with each album that is suggested to me.
I know the Pet Shop Boys, which is good because I’m not sure I’d find one of their albums listenable if I didn’t.
It’s very soft disco pop with songs that don’t drag on but seem to end a little earlier than they should.
This is not one I’d suggest to someone if they were interested in listening to the Pet Shop Boys. It’s not a strong album, though Go West blows the whole album out of the water.
Choice cut: Go West
2
Nov 01 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
Since I had heard of these guys before I thought there would be something to them more than what I heard on that album. There is a lack of vocal range and power on these tracks that gives the album an unfinished feel. It doesn’t fully take praise from the songs but it hinders listening to the album in full. It’s mid
3
Nov 05 2024
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Guero
Beck
I vowed never to listen to a full Beck album because he is a Scientologist. If anyone could put effective subliminal messages into their songs, it’s him. I’m going to go for it though, my mind is strong.
There’s samples, samples are always good to hear in a song. I really feel like it’s a dying art form.
To me, this is classic Beck. Decent songs but not overly great. Somewhat catchy but scattered lyrics most of the time that only he understands, though I feel he geared himself towards a more pop feel with this one. I don’t know, it’s not bad but it’s not blowing my mind. It’s worth a listen to be able to agree with me, which you will.
Choice cut: Scarecrow
3
Nov 06 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
A hot lead singer? That’s immediately a 2 star, unless it’s Grimes.
Vocally soothing
Musically pleasant, bordering on soft rock.
Lyrically it holds up and doesn’t seem completely out there with good structure. Words aren’t sung just to make it fit.
This was different in it’s time in regards to the sound that they put out. As in they had a distinct sound that could identify them to a person.
There aren’t really any pauses in between songs, which I’m big on, for some reason….that’s another star from me. I’m easy to please.
There are a few songs that take away from the pace of the album, it’s not perfect but it’s interesting to listen to. It’s not at all complex though so don’t think you’re getting yourself into an artsy album .
You really just have to be accepting of a female voice longing for love throughout the whole album. She says “whore”, if you like a little edge in your female leads.
Their worst song is a cover, so that says something.
Choice cut: Choke
4
Nov 07 2024
View Album
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This album brings back so many memories but they all mesh together except one. I still can’t fully listen to I Could Have Lied due to that song being on when i found out a guy from my grade got hit by a car and died. It’s just too much. I was a fan of the Chili’s back when Mothers Milk came out but this catapulted them into the stratosphere for quite some time.
It’s funky but not completely out there. Under the Bridge is a top notch slow song, so is Breaking the Girl. The big hits were big for them. You have to know at least one song from this album.
I guarantee this is an album that every listener at least likes. It doesn’t disappoint.
Choice cut: Blood Sugar Sex Magik
5
Nov 08 2024
View Album
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
I never seem to be disappointed with the Stones albums when they were good, so like the 60’s and 70’s. I get why they were so popular. Gritty blues, acoustic rock, harmonized jams. I’m just confused as to why I say something like I just did and not dig deeper into them.
This album flows nicely, keeping the tempo riding along at a pace you could road-trip in. This is the type of album you could have a conversation over and not get pissed at the other person for talking over your favorite part.
I will say, this album doesn’t make me what to return to it like a 5 star album would, according to me at least, that’s the only fault in it.
Choice cut: Gimme Shelter
4
Nov 11 2024
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Not as “revolutionary angry” as some other albums, it’s still in the classic Bob Marley wheelhouse. He won’t lose any fans listening to this album.
This is just that classic Marley reggae that I personally couldn’t never find a replacement for. Does this album make me want to give it another listen soon? No, that is the only fault in it and my rating system.
A good music presentation for any occasion I could think of, just not jaw dropping.
Choice cut: Stir it Up
4
Nov 12 2024
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
First of all, I disagree with how the bands name should be pronounced.
Ok now on to the album….
I’m not sure there is an Album that has more big hits on it than this one. Which is odd since by default, you should say this is the greatest album of all time. Which it’s not, to me at least. I don’t have a reason why. How it makes me feel I guess.
There is nothing wrong with this album as long as you accept the fact that music in this day and age sounds completely different than back then.
This is pure southern classic rock. Crisp, soul felt and foot tapping.
Fans of almost every genre of music can appreciate this album. If you hate it, it’s based on musical preference. There can’t possibly be any other reason.
The vocals are good and don’t sound out of key or an annoying tone.
The band is solid with not one instrument taking too much control over the others.
The pace of the album flutters in the mid range high and low zones where it’s not too heavy and not too soft, at any point. Enjoy this damn it!
Because of Free Bird, the ending to the movie “The Devils Rejects” is the best ending ever in a movie.
Choice cut: Free Bird
5
Nov 13 2024
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Violent Femmes
Violent Femmes
True story, I was in the 8th grade or so and I forgot I was supposed to attend a friends birthday party. Mom my rushed me to “Records on Wheels” where I frantically looked for something to get my friend. I had no idea what he liked musically. My eyes settled on the Violent Femmes based solely on the name. My luck lies in the fact that I saw “Add It Up” first and he really like Blister in the Sun. A win-Win situation.
Some songs on this album re not good but then you have Blister in the Sun and Add it Up which basically cancel out 2 poor songs each with how good they are.
The poor songs sound like the were demos and were never worked on again. Like the idea of the song was done but the lyrics were just ramblings that weren’t meant or stay. Then you have Blister in the Sun, Kiss Off and Gone Daddy Gone which sound the same with different lyrics and add it up and Prove My Love borrowing from each other musically. Even with those comparisons, the songs are effective in their own ways that you give these guys a hall pass for repeating the same sound numerous times.
You really want to fail this album but as each song goes on, it goes from boring to good. They have earned my respect. I enjoyed this.
Choice cut: Add it Up
4
Nov 14 2024
View Album
Who's Next
The Who
I have heard a few Who albums and was actually blown away by how much I liked them. This album doesn’t cut it for me. I found myself wondering when the current song would be over. There isn’t anything groundbreaking on this album. Nothing intriguing either.
I will say, I just recently noticed that they peed on that monolith and it wasn’t just shadows. Hilarious.
Choice cut: Behind Blue Eyes
2
Nov 15 2024
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
If I may be so bold to say, this album, song for song is better than any Nirvana album that isn’t Nevermind. Maybe Kurt helped her write this one and maybe he didn’t. Courtney definitely couldn’t replicate this album sound with anything else she did.
This really is a “sold their soul” album in my opinion. It’s just so good from start to finish yet as I have already said, they never had a album like this after. It’s not grunge at all, more of a pop punk formula that consistently works for bands when they get the ingredients exactly right.
The only slight on this album is Courtney’s voice. It wears on you if there isn’t noise to drown it out.
Choice cut: Hit so Hard
4
Nov 19 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I just am not a fan of clean rap/hip hop. It’s no fault of these guys, it’s me.
So based on who these guys are, they get a pass but nothing stands out for me.
I can best sum this up as intelligent Will Smith music. It’s not a sell out like a Will Smith album. There’s a statement being made in this album. It’s just not what I’m looking for. Even with an open mind.
3
Nov 20 2024
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
This is funk. This is the sound my mind goes to when I hear someone mention funk music. There’s just so much going on instrumentally that it shouldn’t work but it does. There’s instruments that I don’t think I’ve heard before that mesh well. It’s like birds chirping through a fan and another sound like farting through a megaphone….to name a few new sounds.
All in all though, the band is a deep dive band but you have to be ok with the sound. I wouldn’t have called myself a “funk” guy but I explored all these guys had to offer and I was thoroughly impressed. Not that that will influence anyone reading this. I’d be lucky to get 1 like on this review.
To sum it up, if you like funk and less confusing Frank Zappa music, here you go.
4
Nov 21 2024
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Stripped
Christina Aguilera
Her looks get her much farther in my books than her music does. Not that she doesn’t have any good songs, it’s just that the music isn’t anything great. Her list of “non hit” music is well deserved to be not largely listened to.
There’s party type anthems on here. There’s some blusey, sultry sounding ones as well. There’s some that should have been left on the cutting room floor.
The album isn’t as seductive sounding as I was personally left to believe.
This also isn’t the album for you if you don’t like good voices who carry notes for too long. I’d much rather listen to Fiona Apple than this. As in she has a much better product, not that I’m picking out the better of two shit products.
Choice cut: walk away
2
Nov 22 2024
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
First impressions are that this is a heavy blues album. The band has a great sound, I’ve always been a sucker for that heavy sounding 70’s drumming.
Vocally, not much to praise about. Ozzy isn’t off key at any point but he more or less talks and low range yells throughout this . The more harmonious Ozzy won’t come until much later. Lyrically this won’t win any competitions but that really isn’t the goal here.
This is good and it’s only 5 songs. I could have sworn I was 12 songs deep.
As long as you like blues infused rock from the 70’s you are good to go here. I’ll be returning for more now that I know Ozzy and the boys aren’t really devil worshipers.
Choice cut: The Wizard…
4
Nov 25 2024
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Well, a few songs in and I’m surprised. I really thought my ear drums would be ripped out of my ears, turned inside out and stabbed with knives of noise but I was wrong. This is not as heavy as I thought it would be. It compares to Black Sabbath in sound, though the band are less sludgy and bluesy.
I can see why they are a popular band but I also don’t see what makes them different than a band like Anvil or why they became oneof the “big 4”. For the sound they are producing, it’s good. It was only 1980 when this came out, I don’t doubt that this was considered “too loud and heavy” by uptight parents.
This is good for the genre and the time it was released. Rolling guitars, hard hitting drums, good solos, good vocals. Not evil sounding. I’d listen to more
Choice cut: Running Free
4
Nov 26 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
Well, I hate the album cover. Good thing I didn’t see that as a kid or it would have been the source of my nightmares for years.
Without listening to a note, I’m guessing these guys are heavy. Let’s see.
Ok, first song in and I thought that was a Beatles song.
This is what I think Prog Rock sounds like.
It’s hard to imagine how someone could think to follow up 21st Century with a song like I Talk to the Wind.
Musically this is solid. Lyrically it’s a “try hard”. It’s like medieval sounding where I need a crown and a wench. I don’t think I’ve taken such a downturn in emotions over an album so quickly. 21st Century starts off banging and then the knife of enjoyment is pulled out of your heart and you are bleeding out quickly.
This is a hard one for ranking. I’m not an instrumental music guy but if these guys removed the singing I’d rank it high. It’s not a terrible album but the lyrics are terrible. It’s like a series of David Bowie B sides when he was too fucked up to get through a song in one take.
Choice cut: 21St Century Schizoid Man
2
Nov 27 2024
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Life's Too Good
The Sugarcubes
I’m just not a Bjork guy. It’s the voice and the tone. Even with this, the music is weak. The lyrics are ok but this album does not make a statement other than, give me your money for my fun project.
I tried with this one but it really lacks a complete sound. It seems like a demo that accidentally got released.
2
Nov 28 2024
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Feast of Wire
Calexico
Based on their Spotify photo and this album cover, I thought these guys were going to be a techno or EDM band. Nope. Complete opposite.
I’m having a hard time putting these guys into a specific musical class. It’s more of a Placebo grouping. Wherever they are placed on the musical genre scale.
I’m pleasantly surprised with this one. I have an issue with the lack of passion in the singers voice but it does fit with the music. The music sort of sets one tone and rolls with it. You could put this one before going to bed and it would lullaby you as you needed it.
Choice cut: Black Heart
3
Nov 29 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
The Beatles St.Peeper era splashed with Beach Boys harmonies. I get it and I like it.
Oh wait, add in Pink Floyd when Syd was there. Yes, that should do it.
Now, just because I like this doesn’t mean I think it should be on this list. I’m lost when it comes to this album. It’s weird. It lacks a stand out track and it’s like a mashup of metaphors, that which I can’t figure out. I kept listening though and that holds some weight. Just not much
Choice cut: Hung Up on a Dream
3
Dec 02 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
There really isn’t anything special about Bruce other than longevity. This album made its name off of a misinterpreted USA song and ran with it. It sits right in the middle of a soft rock and rock album. If you’ve heard any of his music, whatever song that is, this album hovers around that sound.
Choice cut: Dancing in the Dark
3
Dec 04 2024
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
I’m not even sure what brought me to this. Like I understand it’s this app but what really got this album a spot in a list that supposed to be the best of the best. To best sum up the lyrics on this album, write down every word in the dictionary, scramble them up in a hat or box and then draw the words out one by one to form a verse. No rhyming. No real explanation. Just piece together the words to make something.
The music is pleasing. Everything else is very very weak.
Choice cut: Stillness is the Move
1
Dec 05 2024
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Chore of Enchantment
Giant Sand
This is like if the Flaming Lips singer wanted to make an album that sounded like Bruce Springsteen. That’s not a good thing.
I found myself getting distracted by everything but this album. I actually forgot I was listening to something, which says a lot since music is my thing. There is nothing good about this one, sorry. 2 failure of albums in a row? Sheesh
1
Dec 06 2024
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
This is like a straight up punk version of Devo.
There isn’t a lot of variety on this album though. It’s just straight up Devo punk. I really can’t explain it any better.
It lacks a stand out track.
There is no vocal range.
The music is simple but perfect for the vocals.
Don’t ask me what the lyrics are about. It’s mostly noise to me but not ear bleeding noise. I could stand this, I just wanted something more out of it.
Choice cut: Non Alignment Pact
2
Dec 09 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
If every song on this album was an element in their name, it’d go as follows
Earth
Fire
Wind
Wind
Wind
Wind
Fire
Wind
Which, to sum up, says this album is not that good. I expected more groove. Nothing really.
Choice cut: That’s the Way of the World
2
Dec 10 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
My first thought, “oh fuck, now I have to get through 120 minutes of the prog rock kings”. Then I realized it’s practically an EP…but it’s 40 minutes long.
So all in all, it’s jammy. It’s spacey, it’s what you know Rush sounds like if you’ve ever heard a few notes from them. Did this make me a fan? No it didn’t.
Choice cut: Tom Sawyer
3
Dec 11 2024
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Faith
George Michael
Oh how techno and dance music can make the mighty fall. Madonna and George Michael to name a few. If only he had stuck with this formula, he would have stayed relevant for so much longer. Well and maybe if he didn’t get caught trying to play footsie with that cop….
Anyways..
I want your sex, I remember lip syncing that song in my room, pretending I’m singing to a girl and dry humping the air and specific times.
This album is a sex filled journey that doesn’t disappoint. I know enough about George Michael to know that this album was the cream of the crop for him and what a way to start and leave a mark with.
There really isn’t much to not like on this album. The drums are a little too electronic but that was ok at the time. There are plenty of radio hits. This isn’t perfect but it’s timeless. You could play it to have sex and you could play it at a house party with drugs for free in the kitchen.
Choice cut: Father Figure
5
Dec 12 2024
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
I try to be fair when diving into a band and album I have not heard before. I sat through a whole FKA Twigs album listen once.
I just don’t understand the “greatness” of an instrumental only album, such as this one. Is this supposed to be indie jazz?
I will say, if you put Thom Yorke vocals over top of the music it could work itself as a Radiohead album.
There’s a band called Matmos who have perfected this type of sound and they use every day items to create their “noise” . I especially like it when they use medical equipment. Try them instead.
Choice cut: Along the Banks of Rivers
2
Dec 13 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
This review I’ll just sum up the songs one by one:
Rolling stone: good start. This one sticks in your head.
Tombstone: just rambling. It started off ok. I got where he was going. Then it seemed like it was never going to end.
Laugh: this one was a lot like Tombstone. It rambles with one tone. If it wasn’t for the harmonica I would have skipped it after a minute.
Buick 6: listening to the lyrics of any of these songs, you could get taken away with your thoughts. That’s what Dylan is good at. This song follows the same formula as the other ones that aren’t Rolling Stone. It’s just the same delivery over and over. The music Carrie’s this song on this one.
Thin Man: this is a good change of pace. Sort of a bluesy slow jam. It alone increased my review by a star.
Queen Jane: another one that has a different taste to it. Sort of the same formula as Rolling Stone, just a wee bit slower. Not as good
Highway 61: this one falls back into the boring category. It’s just the same delivery again. Someone can say “oh that’s just Dylan” and it may be but I’ve heard enough to know that he has more in him then puzzle piece verses over better sounding music.
Tom Thumb: a bit of an awakening but I get the idea of this album. Probably most of his albums. It’s about the poem and although it may not translate well into singing, the music can carry it into the realm of listenable.
Desolation row: not a bad song to end with but it stayed loyal to the one tone, one delivery formula that plagued this album.
All in all, the album was just ok. A middle of the pack effort but closer to a 2 star than I would have thought a Dylan album could be.
Choice cut: Like a Rolling Stone
3
Dec 16 2024
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Pretenders
Pretenders
This is like pop punk at its birth. Still more punk then pop but so very close to what we know as pop punk today.
The vocals are short ranged, almost spoken but the hardness in her voice doesn’t make it come off lazy like a Lou Reed delivery.
The music is quick, the guitar is simple.
This album moves along quickly but I don’t find myself replaying a track because it was just that enjoyable.
The best track was Space Invader and it didn’t have any vocals on it. What a waste.
There isn’t much to this album after a full listen. I wouldn’t return.
Choice cut: Space Invader
2
Dec 17 2024
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Live!
Fela Kuti
A 2 song album makes it on this list? 24 minutes long? That’s it?
I’ve heard better drum solos and better jam out performances than this. I don’t feel the urge to move and get into it like I know I should. This album leaves me scratching my head that’s for sure.
2
Dec 19 2024
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
Poppy early 1960s sound even though they are more modern. There is a lack of bass driving this album. I think that’s what gives it that older sound.
All in all, nothing jumps out to me. The band as a whole is pretty solid but they don’t seem to have a “big 4 “ UK sound, if there ever was such a thing. I’d say these guys are far behind Oasis, Pulp, Blur and whoever. What makes this album so great, I cannot tell. It’s a low tier delivery.
2
Dec 20 2024
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Sound bites, guitar solos, drum half solos, music that flows into one another, being a soundtrack for the Wizard of Oz, clear meaningful lyrics. That’s a formula for greatness. This album really cannot fail. Other than a female vocal solo that goes on for too long that is.
There is something about Pink Floyd that people don’t like and I’m sure it exists with this album, I just don’t hear it.
Choice cut: Us and Them
5