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Wed Feb 21 2024
Dummy
Portishead
Great album. Very well balanced between underground trip hop, but also appealing to the mainstream. Album definitely stands the test of time.
4
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Thu Feb 22 2024
The Next Day
David Bowie
So I can’t say I’ve listened to every Bowie album from beginning to end, but I’ve listen to a lot of them from beginning to end, and unfortunately this one slipped through the cracks, but this is definitely worth a listen. It’s just a consistently good album from beginning to end. This was towards the end it his career but this album just goes to show that he was able to stand the test of time, and even make good solid music that was enjoyable towards the end of his life, and the end of his career.
5
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Fri Feb 23 2024
Transformer
Lou Reed
This was a good album. If your not familiar with Lou Reed than this is a great starting point. I’ve known about him for many years, but never really had a chance to digest his music. I want to say that I can hear the David Bowie influence, but I’m not to sure who really influenced who, but if you like early David Bowie, than this will be right up your alley.
4
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Sat Feb 24 2024
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
It’s an okay album. The last track was pretty cool and catchy, but there’s really nothing to exciting for it. It definitely had its place for its time, but in today’s world, it’s old new. Like 60 years out of date, so it’s not even relevant now these days. Although I can see how people really enjoy music like this, it’s definitely an album that I won’t ever come back to.
3
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Sat Feb 24 2024
Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
I loved this album. I’ve never heard of these guys, but this was such a breath of fresh air. I’m really looking forward to more surprises like this one.
5
View Album
Sun Feb 25 2024
1984
Van Halen
Van Halen will always have a special place in my heart. This is a great album. I love the synths incorporated into this one, and plus this album has so many tracks that will never get old to me.
4
View Album
Mon Feb 26 2024
Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
So this was a pretty good classic dance album. It’s definitely a good combination of soul, jazz, r&b, and house music, but I think it probably stood on higher ground back when it first came out. I can’t say it stands the test of time as good as other classic dance albums from the same time period such as paradise from inner city. It’s worth a listen to, but I’ll probably never go back to it like I do with other albums from the past.
3
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Tue Feb 27 2024
If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
dumb! Dumb!! DUMB!!! This is just stupid silly music that’s very watered down and saturated. It feels like they were all just hanging out at a pub, and decided “let’s do Irish punk for bar fighting”, and there they went, off to the races! Making the most cliché, stereotypical music that would sound like bar fighting Irish punk. This is music that you would only play on st. Patti’s day in a bar for a pub crawl, or background music for a funny bar fighting movie scene, but it’s hard to take it as serious music because it lacks authenticity which is why I said it’s watered down and saturated.
1
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Wed Feb 28 2024
Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
This was a pretty enjoyable album. Folk is definitely not at the top of my list when it comes to music I enjoy, but this was way better than a good majority of the folk I’ve heard in the past.
4
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Thu Feb 29 2024
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
Honestly nothing too impressive. It’s was probably good for the time it came out, but other than that, the best element was probably the beats.
2
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Fri Mar 01 2024
Opus Dei
Laibach
This was an interesting album. Overall I liked it. It came from an era of time when just about every industrial band had its own unique sound. I also love how this band has a lot of electronic elements that are more on the experimental side, which really showcases their influence of the early industrial pioneers like Throbbing Gristle.
4
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Sat Mar 02 2024
Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
Man this was a short album. This is probably one of the better ones from this era.
4
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Sun Mar 03 2024
Hotel California
Eagles
This one reminds me of my childhood. Hotel California will never get old.
3
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Mon Mar 04 2024
Bubble And Scrape
Sebadoh
Wow this was an awesome find! I love discovering a lot of these old indie rock albums from the late 80s and early 90’s. I will definitely be listening to this one more in the future.
4
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Tue Mar 05 2024
Morrison Hotel
The Doors
It’s been SOOO long since I’ve listened to a Doors album, and boy I forgot just how enjoyable they are. This one is definitely another one I’ll go back to and jam out again.
4
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Wed Mar 06 2024
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Oh yeah this is one of those albums I was raised on. It’s still nice to go back and hear it again since it’s been such a long time. Anyways I can see how people can be excited about this album, but I guess it’s hard for me to have the same appreciation for it, since it was always there in my life ever since I can remember.
3
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Thu Mar 07 2024
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
One of my all time favorite Bowie tracks is on this album which is Moonage Daydream! Back when I was first getting into David Bowie a little over 20 years ago, this was the first album I listened to, and I was hooked. Thanks to this album, I’ve dug deeper and deeper into his discography and have been a fan ever since.
5
View Album
Fri Mar 08 2024
Trio
Dolly Parton
Pretty cool album. It’s nice and chill. I’m not much of a country person so I can’t say I’ll be coming back to this for more listens in the future, but I also have a lot of respect for Dolly Parton and her influence within the music industry.
3
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Sat Mar 09 2024
Blue
Joni Mitchell
It’s a decent album, and the music and instrumentation was very enjoyable, but I definitely had to try and get use to the sound of her voice which I wasn’t too impressed with.
3
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Sun Mar 10 2024
Aha Shake Heartbreak
Kings of Leon
I’ve never really been to impressed with this band. They’re definitely one of many bands that were commercially successful and signed to major labels, but tried to disguise themselves as a cool edgy indie rock band. Compared to other bands that were around during this time, Kings of Leon is just so watered down, saturated, and polished where it’s hard to tell them apart from any other commercially successful bands from the time period who where all running with the same sound.
2
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Well I’m not a reggae person at all, and most of it is annoying as hell, but this album was not too bad for what it is. I can definitely see that it was probably ahead of its time.
3
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
This was actually pretty good. That last album I listened to from her was decent but I couldn’t get around the sound of her voice. As for this one, the music aspect was really good, and I also enjoyed the sound of her voice better on this one as well.
4
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
I have always been a huge fan of electronic music, even 25 years ago when this album first came out, but Goldfrapp has always fell completely flat for me. It’s not like I hate their music or anything, it’s just there as a space filler that had no real use or purpose. All in all, the only kind of gold this is, is fools gold!
2
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Live At Leeds
The Who
Well it’s just a typical live album, just like the rest of them. Obviously this was supposed to be one of the first live albums to come it, which was groundbreaking for its time, but other than that, it’s definitely good music, you can’t go wrong with The Who.
3
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
This album is a great reason why I’m so excited to be doing this music generator. I really enjoyed it. It was a great album to get my day started. Easy listening, calm, chill, but also very unique and stands out from a lot of the other jazz albums I have listened to. This definitely isn’t my go to type of music, but this is definitely an album I’m going to try and keep track of so I can play it again in the future.
4
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Sat Mar 16 2024
Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
This was a pretty fun album to listen to. I’ve always been a fan of tears for fears, but I’ve never listened to any of their albums straight through. Instead I always played the greatest hits, or something similar. Now I feel like I was missing out this entire time. I’ll definitely be listening to this one in the future.
5
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Sun Mar 17 2024
I Should Coco
Supergrass
So this was one of those album that I didn’t know what to expect going into it, and at first, it totally caught me off guard, and not in a good way. Mostly because it was first thing in the morning, and it was a little too obnoxious, but a few hours later when I was driving in my car, I put it back on, and I was a little on edge with it at first, but as it kept going, I began to like it more and more. As I walk away from this album, I definitely enjoyed it, and I’ll play it again in the future.
4
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Mon Mar 18 2024
Cut
The Slits
So I love punk, and especially a lot of the stuff that came out of the UK during this era, but man some of this music did not age good one bit. This was something that was probably good for its time, but meant for a specific audience, like 13 year old girls who are angry at the the world who still needs to figure their shit out. Anyways I can go on forever on why this was a tough record to listen to through the end, but like I said, over all it didn’t age well, and I think it’s something that’s better off keeping in the grave.
2
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Tue Mar 19 2024
The Doors
The Doors
Great and classic album. It’s funny how the album from the day before this, I was complaining about how it didn’t age well, and it should remain in the grave, but than the next day I get a great timeless album like this one. This is everything you can ask for in a record. Every song from front to back is good and enjoyable.
5
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Wed Mar 20 2024
L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
This is one of those bands that I have always appreciated. One of the few industrial bands whose music stands the test of time. Although this is industrial, this is experimental avant-garde industrial that’s way a head of its time. I was a little surprised when this album popped up and I saw it on the list, but I’m grad it’s going to be heard by a wider audience. Now if that wider audience is going to enjoy and appreciate it, well that’s a whole other story of its own.
4
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Dust
Screaming Trees
Screaming Trees has always been more of a mediocre band with a handful of really good tracks. You can definitely tell that Mark Lenegan had a big influence on Josh Homme and really played a roll in developing the soundscape of Queens Of The Stone Age. Anyways, it’s not a bad album, but definitely easily forgettable due to the bland mediocre sound of most of the tracks.
3
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Fri Mar 22 2024
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Well this was another one of those albums that’s just kind of middle of the road. Back in the early 90’s when they were always on MTV I always wanted to get this album, and but never got around to it. I’m sure it was more enjoyable for its time, but it’s not really aging well either. All in all, the albums not bad, it just kind of moves along and does its own thing, but does nothing too noticeable either, so this album will just get a middle of the road rating which will be 3.
3
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Sat Mar 23 2024
The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Well if I had to give this a number, I think 3.5 would be the most honest rating, but since it Friday and I got today off, let’s say 4 since I’m in a good mood. Arcade Fire should feel honored. Anyways, this album blends in with a lot of indie rock from this era. It had some cool tracks, along with tracks that were pretty mediocre. It’s nothing I’ll ever go back to in the future, but I also don’t regret listening to it this one time.
4
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Sun Mar 24 2024
First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
This was a pretty cool album. I’m glad I finally got around to listening to it. I recognize the cover, because I’ve been seeing it for years, but for some reason the thought of listening to it never crossed my mind. In certain ways, it’s very dated and definitely sounds like it came from the 90’s, but in a good way, but in other aspects they were about 10 years ahead of their time by doing a groovy disco sounding indie rock. Reminds of what a lot of indie rock bands from the late 2000’s were doing. Over all it’s a fun light weight album that’s good to play in just about any type of environment.
4
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
To be honest I wasn’t familiar with Leonard Cohen until now, and I’m really enjoying him. Once this album was done, I moved to another one that was in his discography, and I think it’s fair to say that he’s my favorite folk singer as of right now.
5
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Parallel Lines
Blondie
Comparing this album to their first one, you can definitely tell that they evolved as a band. If I was around during the time this album came out, and had a better awareness of what was going on with the current state of music at this point in time, this probably would of had a bigger impact one me. It’s a decent album, but their are several other new wave albums I would favor more than this one.
3
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Wed Mar 27 2024
Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
It’s okay! Nothing I’m into so with that being said, it was just background music. I’m sure if you want to give a review in context about this album, you can read about how complex and sophisticated it is, but like I said, for me it was just background music.
2
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
I thought this was a good album overall with some great producers. On the flip side, I don’t think this one belongs on the list. In the grand scheme of things, it’s just an average middle of the road hip hop album of its time.
3
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
I can definitely tell how this album probably had a big impact when it first came out, especially based off of what was currently popular at the time. I just will never be a fan of this band. All through my childhood this band was always playing in the background, and it was annoying then, and it’s still annoying. This is one album I would like to just keep it buried in the past.
2
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Sat Mar 30 2024
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Great classic album! If you really want to experience this album in the best way possible, I’d recommend listening to it with earbuds or headphones. They used a lot of state of the art production techniques. I’ve even seen sources go as far as say this was one of the essential albums that helped lead to the emergence of progressive rock. Either way this album was ahead of its time in a lot of ways.
5
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Sun Mar 31 2024
The White Room
The KLF
I’m definitely giving this one a five star rating, because I love this album. Unfortunately for all the people who are listening to this for the very first time, I totally get why you think this record would suck. It comes off as generic, samples that everyone else has used, and just very run of the mill hyped up eurodance. Well in order to understand this, you just had to be there at the time, and know what was going on with music at that point in time. The sampling, the hyped vibe of the album, and everything else that comes with this record, was literally the first of its kind. Although dance music was already around, these guys definitely progressed it forward in a lot of ways, and have definitely made their mark in electronic music history.
5
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Mon Apr 01 2024
Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Man the music on this album, and the band on this album could have had so much more potential only if they would have ditched the singer!!! How is Elvis Costello one of the most disliked by everyone, but some how his entire discography ends up on every commonly recognized “must listen to list”?
2
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
This is definitely a great album, and anyone who likes metal or hard rock definitely needs to check out this album, and pretty much everything else from Black Sabbath. Anyways it’s hard for me to be super excited about this album on the flip side, because I grew up hearing Black Sabbath in the background, so it’s kind of old news for me, but I also don’t want to discredit them either, and the influence they’ve had in the music industry.
4
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Thank you for this album generator! I forgot just how good PJ Harvey is. It’s probably been about 20 years since I’ve listened to her, and man this album is just amazing. If there’s a such thing as singer/song writer with a raw gritty punk edge to it, than this is it. Also don’t even get me started on the bass. The bass guitar is what gives the texture of that raw and gritty feel the album has to it.
5
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
This album was just middle of the road for me. Unfortunately it’s getting a lot of bad reviews because people are completely unaware of the context around the album, such as what was going on with music and the UK punk scene at the time. Also even though it’s a very influential album, but it’s for a very niche genre, which will make if more unrelatable to the average person. although it was a influential album, it really phase doesn’t seem to hold much value against time.
3
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Fri Apr 05 2024
25
Adele
Well a lot of people gave this album bad reviews because they didn’t like it. I really REALLY wish I could have been one of them. I mean come on, ME??? Adele???? YUCK!!! But the truth is, I didn’t hate it as much as I really wanted too. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t super good, or anything I’ll ever go back too, but it had parts that where pretty catchy. I’ve always had a weakness for pianos, and to be honest, the music aspect of this album was pretty good and on point. It’s Adele herself where I get a little lost. I’m not a fan of her voice, and I can’t really say I enjoy her lyrics either, but she really had some great producers who she worked with that really gave this album much more potential.
3
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Sat Apr 06 2024
Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
This was a pretty enjoyable album. I’ve always known about Steely Dan, but never really looked into him and actually listened to any of his albums until this one, and I’m definitely going to look into more of his music.
4
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Sun Apr 07 2024
Vulnicura
Björk
Theres really nothing wrong with this album, it’s just that Bjork kind of just becomes the same thing over and over and never evolves to anything new. Which I don’t car how unique or clever something is, after 30 years of the same thing over and over again, anything will eventually get old.
3
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Stardust
Willie Nelson
I’m really glad this album was on the list. Willie Nelson is one of those guys that I haven’t really gone out of my way to listen to, but his music has been really hit or miss with me. About 20 years ago, I had a CD from him that was from the late 90s, and I loved it, but than everything else that I heard from him, just wasn’t the same. Wasn’t even the same style of country, but this album is the same style as that CD than I once had, and I’m loving this one.
5
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Tue Apr 09 2024
Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
I actually decided to give this a listen, and it’s been so long, it was like a breath of fresh air again. I try my hardest to listen to every single album on this generator, but some of these albums, live heard SO MANY times over the years, there is nothing left to get out of them at this point, and I thought this would be one of them. But for whatever reason I decided to play it on my way to work, and it’s been so long since I’ve heard these songs, I actually enjoyed them the way I did back in the 90s when I was a kid hearing this stuff back when it was new and fresh.
4
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Wed Apr 10 2024
They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
Like many others, I’m puzzled as to how this album made it onto the list. To those who might think I “Just Don’t Get It,” let me clarify: I was deeply immersed in the hardcore underground indie rock scene, listening to bands like Liars, when this album was released. Even then, it fell short of my expectations. While it has a few enjoyable tracks, overall, its music hasn’t aged well.
Back when this album was new, it was, at best, a mediocre indie offering compared to the other albums of its time. To earn a spot on a list of 1001 albums to hear before you die, an album needs to bring something truly exceptional to the table. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t measure up to the standard set by many other albums that didn’t make the cut.
3
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Violator
Depeche Mode
If your not too familiar with Depeche Mode, than this is a great starting point. If you start with this album, I’d recommend going backwards and listen to all of their old albums before you go forward.
4
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Fri Apr 12 2024
The Real Thing
Faith No More
Yes!!! One of the best rock bands ever! Too bad I can’t say the same about all the bands that they influenced. Lol! But anyways Faith No More is truly an interesting band with such a wide range of sound and style. Every single album from them is in a world of its own. Although for any true fan of Faith No More, if they had to pick a stand out album that they would rank as number one, it would be Angel Dust. Another fact that most people are unaware of is that Courtney Love was one of their lead singers for a short period of time. This was before Chuck Mosley, which eventually lead to them replacing Chuck with Mike Patton. For anyone who would at least rate this album a three or higher, if you’re willing to listen to at least one more album from Faith No More, than please check out Angel Dust from 1992.
5
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Sat Apr 13 2024
Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
I thought this was a more middle of the road album for The Rolling Stones. Not their best, but it’s not all that bad either. Their two prior albums were more psychedelic rock, and I personally wish they would have stayed on that road, cause I really enjoyed those albums. Either way this one is definitely more of a blues rock album, so if that’s your thing, than you’ll definitely enjoy this one.
3
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Sun Apr 14 2024
The Holy Bible
Manic Street Preachers
This actually grew on me more and more as got deeper into listening to it. I’m definitely not a big fan of the dudes voice, but I’m sure as more time goes by I can get use to it more and more. Any ways this is definitely some really raw and gritty alternative with grunge, post punk, and punk influences. For anyone who likes the raw stripped down sound of indie rock, this will definitely be an album you’ll probably enjoy.
4
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Mon Apr 15 2024
Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
I’m giving The Beach Boys’ Surf’s Up a 4-star rating, mainly for its bold departure from their earlier surf music sound. The album’s musical aspects are truly enjoyable. However, I have mixed feelings about its social activism themes. Some lyrics come across as opportunistic and a bit sleazy, almost like reaching for low-hanging fruit. Despite this, I appreciate the album’s overall musical direction, which is why I’ve rounded my rating up from a 3.5 to 4 stars.
4
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Tue Apr 16 2024
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
This is definitely a classic album. I grew up listening to this album. Immigrant song has so much amazing energy behind, but on the flip side it’s a little misleading because no other song on the album really matched that level of energy. Either way, these guys were amazing musicians.
4
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Wed Apr 17 2024
The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
I definitely enjoyed this album. It’s basically a Neo-Psychedelia album with elements of an old western movie score.
4
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Thu Apr 18 2024
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
This was a decent album especially when it comes to early Post Punk. It was much darker than I expected. I’ve only listened to Siouxsie and the Banchees when they pop up on playlist and compilations, and to be honest I really wasn’t too impressed so that’s why I never checked out any of their albums. But over all it a 3.5 in my book. Better than a 3 but falls short of being a 4.
4
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Fri Apr 19 2024
One World
John Martyn
Although this album may fall short of five stars, it’s far from deserving harsh criticism. I found it forward-thinking with Martyn’s blend of folk and electronic elements that makes me think of early pioneers of electronic music such as Giorgio Moroder, and Jean-Michel Jarre. Over all this album definitely pushed boundaries for its time and place.
4
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Sat Apr 20 2024
Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I just can’t get enough of these 60’s psychedelic rock albums. Definitely a 5 for me!!!
5
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Sun Apr 21 2024
Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Classic album with an amazing soundscape.
5
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Mon Apr 22 2024
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Man this era of The Beach Boys was SO sleazy, it’s really hard to enjoy it as serious music. Now Surfs Up from 1971, was truly an amazing album, and I gave that one a very high rating, but this will probably be a 2 for me.
2
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Tue Apr 23 2024
White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
I approached this album with some hesitation and apprehension. Having heard it many times in the past, it evoked memories from a period of my life I'd rather forget. However, upon listening, I found it surprisingly enjoyable. Revisiting the album made me appreciate its quality and relevance during its time.
3
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Fear Of Music
Talking Heads
This album isn’t bad. Talking Heads has always been one of those bands where most of their tracks are just middle-of-the-road, 3 out of 5’s. However, when they do make a track that’s a 5 out of 5, they really hit the ball out of the park. Unfortunately, I wish I could have the same experience listening to them like I used to, but I’ve really just burned myself out on them over the years. For a newer and younger music critic who’s still exploring different types of music, this is definitely an essential band to check out.
4
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Thu Apr 25 2024
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Well it’s hard to say much, because this is my second talking heads album back to back, so my comment is pretty much the same as yesterday. Most of the tracks are mediocre, but when they make tracks that are fives, they’re solid fives.
3
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Fri Apr 26 2024
90
808 State
I absolutely love this album. It's a nostalgic trip back to a time when electronic music was truly unique, with each artist having their own distinctive sound. Unlike today's EDM scene where many tracks sound alike, the artists of this era, including 808 State, maximized the potential of their equipment, often limited by what they could afford. This album showcases the creativity and ingenuity of that time. While I understand why some may give these old-school electronic albums low ratings, to truly appreciate them, you had to have been part of that era and understand the cultural context of the time, as well as what was happening in the music scene.
5
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Sat Apr 27 2024
The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Well this was a fun album at the time, and it really helped progress the music scene in a whole new direction, but to be honest NIN really didn’t age well, and standing the test of time is very important if your making a list of the best albums of all time.
3
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Sun Apr 28 2024
Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
This album epitomizes hipster pop, embodying its eclectic, seemingly random mix of styles. To some, it may seem like a messy art project, but to its creators, it's a masterpiece. As for me, it’s just a pile of shit, trying to be something that it’s not.
2
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Mon Apr 29 2024
Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
Yeah overall it’s a pretty decent album. During this time era, they were doing some
Psychedelic music, and than the completely switched up with this album, but any ways this album as a lot of different styles of music that they Incorporated in to making this record.
4
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Tue Apr 30 2024
Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
While running errands, I gave Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black’ a listen. Her voice didn’t resonate with me, making it a bit of a challenge. I appreciate talent, but enjoyment is key in music. This reminded me of John Zorn, whose intricate music is admired by many but not for everyone. Music should resonate with the listener, and this one just didn’t click for me.
2
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Wed May 01 2024
Fisherman's Blues
The Waterboys
Fisherman’s Blues” by The Waterboys was a delightful surprise. Initially hesitant due to past experiences with Celtic rock, notably The Pogues’ “If I Should Fall from Grace With God,” which felt forced and insincere, I found “Fisherman’s Blues” to be refreshingly authentic. Unlike The Pogues’ contrived attempts at creating Celtic pub anthems, The Waterboys’ album feels genuine, focusing on creating high-quality music rather than pandering to a specific pub atmosphere. While it’s undoubtedly suitable for a pub setting, it doesn’t try too hard to be rowdy pub music. Authentic Celtic music for the pub environment should naturally evoke that vibe, not force it.
4
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Thu May 02 2024
Grievous Angel
Gram Parsons
It’s not the worst of its kind, but on the flip side I didn’t really find anything special about it either. It’s just a mediocre middle of the road album.
3
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Fri May 03 2024
16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
This was a really good album. It was fun, uplifting, smooth, lush, jangly, and melodic. I’m a sucker for music like this.
4
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Sat May 04 2024
Raw Power
The Stooges
I absolutely adore this album and everything by The Stooges. They were undeniably influential in the birth of punk and the proto-punk movement. If you're a punk fan, The Stooges are a must-listen.
4
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Sun May 05 2024
Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
This was definitely a good find for me. Another awesome garage rock and psychedelic album with strong blues influences. It also has a nice raw and gritty sound to really bring out the garage rock feel.
5
View Album
Mon May 06 2024
Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
One thing I’ve really enjoyed about this music generator is that it has softened my heart to folk music, and "Liege and Lief" by Fairport Convention is another great album that I’ll definitely be coming back to in the future.
5
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Tue May 07 2024
Blackstar
David Bowie
Bowie's ability to push boundaries and innovate shines through, making this album a fitting conclusion to his legendary career.
5
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Wed May 08 2024
What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
Yeah this was definitely a cool album. I’m not sure it I’ll ever go back to it in the future but it’s definitely worth a listen to.
3
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Thu May 09 2024
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
For fans of Neo-Psychedelia, this album is a must-listen. Its laid-back and soothing tones make it perfect for starting or winding down your day. A great addition to any music collection.
5
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Fri May 10 2024
Electric
The Cult
When it comes to straight forward rock music in it’s most raw and truest form, this is a classic album.
4
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Sat May 11 2024
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
I have to admit, this one was way better than the last Elton John album I had.
3
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Sun May 12 2024
The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
4
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Mon May 13 2024
Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
To those criticizing lower ratings for albums like Koffi Olomide's "Haut De Gamme/Koweit Rive Gauche" because they feel we can't separate personal opinions from an artist's potential, it's time to reassess. Unless you're culturally connected to this genre, you're no more knowledgeable than the rest of us on the album's influence or quality. People often downvote what they don't understand, but on the flip side, some upvote anything new or foreign to showcase their supposed understanding and tolerance. It's okay to admit that sometimes, you just won't connect with certain things because the cultural bridge is too far, and you may never truly understand—and that's okay.
1
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Tue May 14 2024
Deja Vu
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
I found Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young's *Deja Vu* to be more enjoyable than I expected. While most songs landed around a middle-of-the-road 3 rating for me, there were a few standout tracks that I would rate a 4 or 4.5.
3
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Wed May 15 2024
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
After revisiting Rage Against the Machine's 1992 self-titled album, I find it to be more reflective of teenage angst than a profound musical statement. While their political stance against authoritarianism is commendable, recent events, such as their militant stance on the Covid pandemic and Tom Morello's Twitter outburst against a Seattle bar, have left me questioning their credibility. The incident at 'The 5 Point Cafe' highlights a disconnect between their advocacy for workers' rights and their expectation of special treatment. This album, once a symbol of rebellion, now feels more like a relic of youthful rage, lacking the depth and maturity I once attributed to it.
2
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Thu May 16 2024
Either Or
Elliott Smith
I really enjoyed this album. I’m surprised I didn’t know more about it considering it’s been out for so long.
4
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Fri May 17 2024
At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash Live at Folsom Prison is a classic album. For those new to country music or seeking to delve deeper into the genre, this album serves as an excellent introduction. Its cultural impact was profound, as performing for inmates was unheard of at the time.
5
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Sat May 18 2024
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
I really enjoyed listening to the 'Pink Moon' album by Nick Drake. I'm glad I finally got around to listening to it because it was on my list for a while. The album has a unique charm with its beautiful melodies and thoughtful lyrics. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something different in folk music.
5
View Album
Sun May 19 2024
A Nod Is As Good As A Wink To A Blind Horse
Faces
Within 60 seconds of starting this album, it was clear where The Black Crowes got their sound from. It immediately conjured up the image of a random bar or pub in the early 90s with The Black Crowes playing in the background. If that’s your style, you’ll be in for a treat. Unfortunately, it’s not for me.
2
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Mon May 20 2024
Guitar Town
Steve Earle
This album isn't bad, but it doesn't stand out as exceptional either. It feels very mediocre and middle-of-the-road, falling short of being worthy of a "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" list. I'm not the biggest fan of country music, so perhaps I'm not the best person to fully appreciate it, but I can confidently say I won't be revisiting this one.
2
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Tue May 21 2024
Doolittle
Pixies
Whenever I want something raw and gritty, the Pixies are always one of my go-to bands. This is such a great album, but my favorite track is "Gouge Away."
4
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Wed May 22 2024
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
This was a really fun album back when it first came out. This album is how I discovered Del The Funky Homosapien.
3
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Thu May 23 2024
Songs From A Room
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen is an artist I discovered while working my way through the "1001 Albums You Must Hear" list, and he's now one of my favorites. It's hard for me to give an in-depth review since he's still so new to me, but this is my second time hearing this album, and the more I listen to him, the more I like him.
5
View Album
Fri May 24 2024
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
This was a fun album to listen to and a very interesting album to read about. It basically consists of covers and reworks of country songs through a soul and R&B lens. What I find really impressive is that some of these songs even got radio play on country and western stations. Thanks to this album generator, I never would have listened to this album on my own, so I'm really excited to say that I enjoyed it and will definitely listen to it again in the future.
4
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Sat May 25 2024
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
I have to admit that I was very hesitant going into this album. Unfortunately, the older I get, the less appealing hip hop becomes to me. Nothing against it—it has its place—but most of it resonates more with a younger version of myself. Now that I’m older and past that stage of my life, it’s hard to find that neutral ground. So, I started this album with my guard down and my criticism left behind. Right from the beginning, it reminded me how much fun this era of hip hop was. All these MCs really blew up and went on to successful solo careers. It’s amazing to look back at how they all evolved after this album. Another great aspect of this album is the music production. I love the production and beats.
4
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Sun May 26 2024
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
This was probably a groundbreaking conscious hip hop album that was designed to wake us up and expose the evils of government, media, and censorship. Well, it’s clear that the message of this album has fallen on deaf ears. We’re living in a time where society is more fractured than ever. Suicide rates are skyrocketing, substance abuse and addiction are rampant, and homelessness is at an all-time high. Whether it’s class, race, or gender, divisions are deeper than they’ve ever been. Everyone thinks they have the answers, yet fingers are constantly pointed, accusing others of being brainwashed by propaganda. The hatred in our society is so pervasive that we wouldn’t even recognize a real enemy threat because we’re too busy accusing each other of being the true threat to democracy. Despite its good intentions, its time has passed, leaving us in an even worse state with far greater problems.
2
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Mon May 27 2024
Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
This is one of those albums I had already heard before it came up through this generator. I already had a lot of respect for this album, mainly from the perspective of it being an early innovative progressive rock piece with heavy use of early synthesizers. Now that I’m looking deeper into it and learning that it’s really a progressive rock adaptation of a well-known classical suite, I have even more respect for their attempt to bridge classical music and early experimental progressive rock. It was a highly innovative endeavor for its time.
5
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Tue May 28 2024
Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
I’ve known about Fleetwood Mac my entire life, and to be honest, “Rumours” is an album I don’t ever need to hear again because it was always played when I was a kid. Moving forward to “Tusk,” I really enjoyed this album because it marks a significant shift in direction from “Rumours.” “Tusk” goes all over the place. It has some chill songs, tracks that are more upbeat, and some that are experimental and avant-garde compared to the more traditional sounds of rock from that era. It’s really cool to see Fleetwood Mac take this direction, especially after the massive success of “Rumours.” This is definitely an album I plan on revisiting in the future to absorb it much deeper.
4
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Wed May 29 2024
Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
4
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Thu May 30 2024
At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Before listening to this album, I knew nothing about Sarah Vaughan, but I definitely enjoyed listening to her. To be honest, I can't say I'll go back to her on a regular basis, but it was definitely a nice, chill, and smooth jazz album. Her voice stood out the most for me, which really showcased her talent the most.
3
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Fri May 31 2024
Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Aerosmith had a good run in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. I got to experience the hype towards the end of their heyday in the early 90s when I was a kid. I don’t want to discredit them too much, but I think their time came and went. Even going back and listening to these songs, it just doesn’t have the mojo anymore like it once did.
2
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Sat Jun 01 2024
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
“Red Headed Stranger” is a decent, middle-of-the-road album by Willie Nelson. It’s not my favorite, but it’s not the worst either. It has its moments, but overall, it’s a fairly average listen.
3
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Sun Jun 02 2024
Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Out of everything I’ve heard so far from Tom Waits, this is one of my favorite albums. The album sits solidly on a blues foundation but is also experimental, quirky, and features playful instrumentation. It’s produced in a raw, stripped-down, and gritty way, and when you add Tom Waits’ gravelly voice on top of that, it gives the album a lot of texture. I don’t think this is an album for everyone, but for those who can appreciate it, you’ll hold on tight to this one. It will definitely be a good album to revisit in the future.
5
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Mon Jun 03 2024
Lost In The Dream
The War On Drugs
This was my second time listening to this album, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time. I remember my initial reaction was that it sounds like “Tom Petty” in today’s culture as an indie rock artist. Overall, this album is a perfect blend of Heartland Rock, Indie Rock, with a little bit of Neo-Psychedelia. I’ve only heard this one album, but I definitely plan on listening to more from them. It’s a smooth and easygoing album that you can play on just about any occasion.
4
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Tue Jun 04 2024
Moving Pictures
Rush
“Moving Pictures” is an album I grew up listening to, so I’ve heard it a million times. Moving forward to the stage of life I’m in at the moment, I’m really going through a phase of appreciating prog rock, and Rush is a band I’ve found new respect and appreciation for. This particular album is the perfect blend of hard rock and synth rock. I really enjoy the way Rush uses synthesizers. They had a very clean, polished approach that gave it a futuristic sound for its time. Although I’ve already heard this album more than enough times, it’s one I’ll always go back to in the future.
5
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Wed Jun 05 2024
Protection
Massive Attack
This is one of those albums that has stood the test of time pretty well. But if you could have heard it back in the ‘90s, it was so ahead of its time. It’s a really nice laid-back album, but the soundscape is what really sets it apart and makes it unlike anything else that was around in the early ’90s.
4
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Thu Jun 06 2024
Dookie
Green Day
“Dookie” is another album that my heart has softened up to over time. I used to hate this album and this band, mostly because of the negative associations I had with them. I had a neighbor kid who would play a VHS recording of their live performance all day and night. Sometimes when I was hanging out with him, I would hear it three or four times in a row. Not to mention, there were a few more bad experiences that I associated with their music.
Listening to it now, I can confidently say that it’s still not all that great. It’s not the worst thing ever, it’s just mediocre, middle of the road. But at least I don’t hate it like I used to, so I guess we can look at that as a small victory of its own.
3
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Fri Jun 07 2024
Since I Left You
The Avalanches
This album was created entirely with samples. If you research it, you’ll find it contains over 3,500 samples, making it a true testament to the art of sample-based music. For me, this album is like a time capsule. I remember the late ’90s and early 2000s very clearly, and this was the kind of music I was really into. It contains a lot of samples and vibes that bring back precious memories.
When I say time capsule, I mean it on two levels: it captures the essence of the past through its samples, and it also resonates with me on a deep, personal, nostalgic level. This album has segments that are more house music oriented, but for the most part, it’s a chill out/downtempo album. Although I’ve known about this album for a long time and have heard bits and pieces of it in the past, I never played it from beginning to end until now. Looking back, I feel like I missed out, but better late than never.
5
View Album
Sat Jun 08 2024
Bad
Michael Jackson
Going back to some of my earliest childhood memories, I vividly remember my babysitter playing this album in the late ‘80s. Today was the first time I’ve listened to it since then. Not that I have a clear memory of it in the first place, but overall, I can’t say I’ve ever been a big Michael Jackson fan. Obviously, he has standout classics, and in this case, “Smooth Criminal” is my favorite track. Other than that, the album isn’t bad but doesn’t offer much else that would make me want to revisit it. There’s really nothing more to add, because this is one of those albums that has been thoroughly discussed, and anything I could say has probably already been said a hundred times before.
2
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Sun Jun 09 2024
Surfer Rosa
Pixies
As of posting this review, it’s been exactly one month and one day since the death of Steve Albini. Let’s start with the production of this album. There’s no doubt that the Pixies are a great band in their own right, but one of the biggest factors about this album and what gives it its timeless quality is Steve Albini’s production. Steve’s talent for having his minimal approach and being able to capture a room’s natural acoustics and ambiance, or his ability to capture the raw imperfections of the band’s performance, really shines through on this album. It gives you a finished product that’s very raw and unpolished, with a live performance energy and a gritty feel.
Another aspect to point out is that Steve would place singers in unusual locations, such as bathrooms, to catch natural reverb. This technique is definitely evident in “Gigantic” with Kim Deal’s vocals.
Now moving on to the band, I love how they have an abrasive element to their music, but they also have a knack for catchy hooks and melodies. I could keep going on and on about this album, but the last thing to highlight is Kim Deal’s basslines. Her bass steadily moves in the background, laying a rhythmic foundation for all the other layers and elements of the songs to be built upon.
5
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Mon Jun 10 2024
The Stooges
The Stooges
This is definitely a good album to listen to when exploring the early days of proto-punk. It’s a great starting point, but I personally enjoy some of the follow-up albums from The Stooges more than this one.
4
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Tue Jun 11 2024
Moon Safari
Air
"Moon Safari" is such a timeless album. It really pulls on the strings of nostalgia for me. I remember discovering it at a record store on a new release listening station. Back then, I listened to a lot of aggressive gabber, DNB, hard house, and the list goes on, but this album hit me differently. It was so soothing, lush, smooth, dreamy, yet euphoric and uplifting. It spoke to my soul. Even today, when I listen to the opening track “La Femme d’Argent,” I still feel that sense of calmness, euphoria, and now, years later, a hit of nostalgia. It takes me back to a time when life seemed simple and carefree.
Another element I’ve always appreciated about this album is the way they use synthesizers. They make it clear that they are using analog synthesizers, creating a warm, organic sound that can't be ignored. If you’re a fan of chill and downtempo music, this is a must-hear album. It’s amazing how this album is 25 years old now, but it still feels fresh. This album will never get old.
5
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Wed Jun 12 2024
Tapestry
Carole King
So I really wish I could give you guys a nice long review breaking down this album and the context and legacy that follows. Overall, here’s my honest review: this album is a very big deal with lots of influence. If you want to know more, then go research it yourself. For whatever reason, I don’t like her voice, I don’t like her style, and I don’t like her instrumentation. If I were to ever make a list of annoying songs I’d like to never hear again for as long as I’m alive, “Natural Woman” would definitely be somewhere on that list.
2
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Fri Jun 14 2024
It's Too Late to Stop Now
Van Morrison
This was a pretty decent middle-of-the-road album. I have a lot of respect for Van Morrison because his music style crosses over into multiple genres. With that being said, I find myself enjoying some of his albums more than others. Overall, this was a good album with good energy, and it was also a good recording for a live album. It’s probably not something I would go back to for personal pleasure, but it will definitely be on the list of albums to have playing in the background for special occasions.
3
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Sat Jun 15 2024
There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
So I have to be honest, ‘70s soul and funk have never really been my style of music, and when I was younger, I couldn’t stand it. I’m definitely more appreciative of it these days, but finding tracks that I truly enjoy enough to go back to is still rare. Moving forward to this album, overall, I would give most of the tracks a 3. However, I definitely want to point out the first track, “Billy Jack.” I loved it, and that was the standout track for me.
3
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Sun Jun 16 2024
Debut
Björk
Out of all the albums I’ve heard from Björk, “Debut” stands out the most to me. What makes this album my favorite is its ability to balance a variety of different elements seamlessly. It’s innovative and forward-thinking, incorporating experimental sounds with lush elements like trip-hop and house music. This balance makes “Debut” the album I return to the most, as it is easier to absorb in everyday moods or environments.
Since “Debut,” it seems Björk has focused more on the experimental route, putting all her eggs in one basket. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it does require a specific mood and mindset to fully appreciate. I love experimental music, but sometimes it feels like artists are just throwing random elements together and calling it experimental art.
However, when someone like Björk approaches a project like “Debut” with an innovative mindset and uses unconventional tools and methods within a more structured framework, it creates something that’s more easily enjoyable for the listener. This balance of innovation and accessibility can be more challenging to achieve than pure experimentation.
I will end on a high note by saying Björk has always pushed the boundaries of music, so you have to give credit where credit is due. For personal enjoyment, though, “Debut” is my favorite album.
4
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Mon Jun 17 2024
Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
OMD has always been a middle-of-the-road type band for me. I view them as a very influential band, especially in the world of electronic music. “Architecture & Morality” is known for its innovative use of synthesizers, sampling, and layering, which made it ahead of its time. As for the music itself, it’s a decent album from beginning to end, but I think it really only has a few standout tracks; other than that, it just kind of blends together. It’s definitely more of a slow-burn type album. Overall, I have a lot of appreciation for this album based on its innovation and cultural impact in the history of electronic music. However, for someone who’s not interested in those aspects, I can see how this might be a difficult album to get through.
4
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Tue Jun 18 2024
Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
With the resurgence of genres like shoegaze, psychedelia, garage rock, and even this new generation of post-grunge, if you’ve never sat down and really paid attention to “Are You Experienced,” now is the time. This album takes the essence of garage rock to a whole new level. It’s raw, dirty, gritty, and unpolished. Hendrix’s guitar work is drenched in distortion and feedback, giving it a feel of controlled chaos.
Every time I think about music from the ‘60s, it blows my mind how an album like this was appreciated and at the forefront, even with all the experimentation in psychedelic rock. Music was valued for its imperfections because they gave the songs so much color and texture. Unfortunately, that appreciation faded as the decades went by, and music became all about perfection, precision, and being so polished it often feels saturated. Jimi Hendrix just happened to be at the right place at the right time, because in today’s world, he would be completely overlooked by the masses.
5
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Wed Jun 19 2024
G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
I always lumped these guys into the jam band scene, thanks to a coworker who was all about that vibe and constantly raved about G. Love & Special Sauce. So, I wasn’t exactly eager to dive into this album. But from the very beginning, I realized I had totally misjudged it, and it was way better than I expected.
What really hooked me about this album was its funky, raw energy. It’s laid-back and groovy, with a strong jazz and blues feel. The production is stripped down and unpolished, giving it a vibe that feels almost like a live performance, which I loved.
However, there were some aspects I didn’t vibe with. The rapping and lyrics felt sleazy, simplistic, and fell flat for me. Honestly, I think I would have enjoyed the album more if they had dropped the rapping altogether.
All in all, I’d say it’s worth a listen. Even though there was one element that didn’t resonate with me, I can’t ignore the other parts that were genuinely enjoyable.
3
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Thu Jun 20 2024
We Are Family
Sister Sledge
This was actually my very first time listening to an entire Sister Sledge album from beginning to end. So first off, if the actual song “We Are Family” just popped out of existence forever, I definitely wouldn’t miss it. Other than that, this album had some really good tracks that were very influential for modern-day dance and house music. Also, when it comes to Nile Rodgers, his name speaks for itself, and you can always count on getting something of good quality. I’m not going to pretend to be an expert or huge fan of disco, but overall, I enjoyed this album simply for what it is.
4
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Fri Jun 21 2024
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Wow! I actually thought this one wasn’t all that bad. The album is upbeat, catchy, and melodic. The keyboards brought out a distinctive new wave flavor that was colorful and a little quirky. Hopefully, moving forward, I’ll find more Elvis Costello albums I like. So far, the ones I heard before this would have been better off without Elvis Costello’s vocals in the first place.
4
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Sat Jun 22 2024
In Rainbows
Radiohead
So, like most albums from Radiohead, I think you’ll get the best listening experience by listening to it on headphones or earbuds. In this case, you’ll be able to hear different elements of the track in a more multi-dimensional layered soundscape. I’ll point out the opening track “15 Step.” It begins with some vocals, then you hear some rhythmic guitar work. From there, you get some electronic beats and the track builds. The rhythmic guitar feels like it was unearthed from a dusty vinyl collection, looped and layered to create a rustic, vintage foundation. From there, Radiohead overlays clean, polished production of more modern sounds. This approach really adds a lot of depth and texture that blends nostalgic and modern elements seamlessly. Now, this is just one example, but the album is filled with multiple layers where each layer feels like it was created and produced separately.
5
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Sun Jun 23 2024
Clandestino
Manu Chao
This was a fun random album that I never would have come across on my own, so thank you 1001 album generator. “Clandestino” is a very catchy world beat album that combines reggae, ska, and various other worldly genres. It’s very multicultural, featuring lyrics in Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English. The instrumentation is diverse, with guitars, bongos, congas, and subtle synth and electronic elements that are very effective at creating a good atmospheric sound.
4
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Mon Jun 24 2024
In Utero
Nirvana
If it wasn’t for this generator, I wouldn’t have had a reason to revisit this album. Nirvana undoubtedly made a huge impact, and I don’t want to downplay their success, but my enthusiasm for them isn’t what it used to be. I listened to them so much when they were fresh that I just don’t enjoy them anymore, especially “In Utero.” I can’t even count how many times I played this album as a teenager. With that being said, I’ll leave the deep and impactful reviews to someone who’s more energetic and enthusiastic, and not as burned out on this album as I am.
3
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Tue Jun 25 2024
The Band
The Band
This was one of the early albums that helped shape and form the Americana genre. It’s definitely a more traditional rock album with country, folk, and blues influences. Most of the songs are historically based and revolve around life in rural America. The album is pretty diverse in its own way, and I love the keyboards and piano elements. They really give the album depth and texture.
4
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Wed Jun 26 2024
The White Album
Beatles
Honestly, there’s no point in me writing a long, in-depth review of this album. Everything that can be said about this iconic album has already been said. Its influence, diversity, and groundbreaking nature have been analyzed and praised countless times.
4
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Thu Jun 27 2024
Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I really enjoy the strong blues element in this band, but I have to admit that southern rock isn’t usually my go-to. It definitely wasn’t a bad album, though. As a South Florida guy, if I ever find myself down in the Everglades on an airboat wrestling alligators, this will definitely be my go-to background music.
3
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Fri Jun 28 2024
Lost Souls
Doves
I can’t believe this album slipped through the cracks for me. Back in the early 2000s, this was exactly the kind of music I loved. Discovering it now feels like I missed out back then. This album reminds me a lot of Moon Safari by Air, but with an indie rock twist and more structured songs. It has a sense of longing, with a lot of emotional depth. It’s very melancholic, dreamy, and atmospheric. This is definitely an album I’ll be playing more in the future.
5
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Sat Jun 29 2024
Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
This was a cool album to stumble upon, especially if you love the Hammond organ like I do. I was already familiar with the “Green Onions” track, but I never thought to look into who made it. By the end of the album, though, it definitely started to feel very repetitive.
4
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Sun Jun 30 2024
Abraxas
Santana
This was my first time listening to this entire album, and it’s very impressive to hear the blend of genres. It’s obviously a crossover of Latin music, jazz, and blues, but it also shares many characteristics with prog rock and has a bit of psychedelic influence as well. While Carlos Santana’s guitar work garners much acclaim, the musicianship across the board is top-notch. The bass, keyboards, organ, and percussion each contribute significantly, so that every member complements and elevates the others.
5
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Mon Jul 01 2024
Suede
Suede
Overall, the music was solid, but the vocals were a bit rough around the edges. The album presents an intriguing mix of alternative, grunge, and glam rock. While it might seem average for its time period, I can see it being the kind of album that grows on you with repeated listens, revealing its depth and unique qualities.
3
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Tue Jul 02 2024
Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Out of all the post-Beatles solo albums, this is the best one I’ve heard so far. It varies in styles but remains very melodic with plenty of catchy hooks. The album is also energetic and uplifting. I ended up playing it a second time right after finishing it the first time.
4
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Wed Jul 03 2024
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
This album hit me with a double whammy. It was an hour-long ordeal of Lenny Kravitz delivering what I found to be terrible music, and just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, the last song felt like a punch in the gut on the way out.
1
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Thu Jul 04 2024
Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
When I think of the 1001 albums to hear before you die, it’s baffling how this one ends up on the list next to giants like Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles. Sure, the theme of female empowerment is significant, especially given today’s social climate, but shouldn’t we be celebrating albums with timeless music and profound, thought-provoking lyrics? This album feels bogged down by surface-level clichés and talking points, lacking the depth that truly great albums possess.
1
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Fri Jul 05 2024
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Tom Petty is one of those artists whose music has stood the test of time and aged incredibly well. Rooted deeply in rock traditions, he’s hands down the best artist within the heartland rock genre. His music is evenly balanced and fits perfectly with just about any mood and any time.
5
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Sat Jul 06 2024
My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I don’t get how Elvis Costello ends up on every top albums list, with half of his catalog making it onto these lists. He’s not THAT good to deserve such recognition multiple times. The first album I heard from him was awful, and the second one was just as bad. Strangely enough, after giving that second album another try, it sounded much better. The same thing happened with this album. I played it and hated it, even drafted a review about how bad it was, but decided to give it a second chance. On the second listen, it improved a lot. To be clear, I’m not saying it’s good, just average. The constant praise for his albums being on top albums lists everywhere is baffling to me.
3
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Sun Jul 07 2024
Yeezus
Kanye West
I remember listening to this album when it first came out, and my opinion is still pretty much the same. I appreciate the innovative and experimental approach, especially with electronic music. However, this experimentation sometimes results in an overly produced sound, where the complexity and layering of elements can overshadow the core simplicity of the music. There needs to be a balance between experimental creativity and maintaining simplicity; otherwise, the excessive production becomes a distraction of its own.
As for Kanye himself and the lyrics, there’s no denying that he’s a talented rapper. Even though I would love to hate on him, I have to admit he has had a handful of songs over the years that I enjoyed. One of my favorites is “American Boy” by Estelle. He’s so suave on that track. But on the flip side, most of his lyrics are so brash, hubristic, egotistical, and arrogant, and on this album, he displays all of those characteristics as if they were on steroids. This is why all of his behavior and the hate he’s received over the last 10 years, I take it all with a grain of salt. Wherever the excitement or drama happens to be, Kanye is going to throw himself right in the middle of it, like a monkey in a cage shaking the bars. He thrives on chaos and always dives headfirst into the middle of the drama, drawing all eyes to his wild and uncontrollable antics.
3
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Mon Jul 08 2024
Yank Crime
Drive Like Jehu
For an indie post-hardcore album, this one was pretty solid, but an hour and ten minutes is quite a long runtime for this genre. By the middle of the album, I was already feeling drained. The music is raw, unpolished, and aggressively in-your-face. It boasts intricate guitar work, complex structures, and unconventional time signatures. If math rock is your thing, this album will definitely hit the spot.
3
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Tue Jul 09 2024
Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
It was kind of fun to go back and revisit this album, however, it’s not something that will make its way back into my regular rotation, primarily because I’ve heard it so many times since I was a kid. Despite its undeniable classic status, it feels like it’s more of a nostalgic trip than a staple for my current playlist.
3
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Wed Jul 10 2024
Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Wow! This was a great album to start my day with, and it definitely caught me by surprise. First off, Suzanne Vega is a great storyteller, and I really like the sound of her voice. This was a fantastic singer-songwriter album, but it also had a very atmospheric and ambient feel to it. It was ethereal and dreamy. The album is driven by the acoustic guitar with excellent fingerpicking. The use of percussion is minimal and subtle, so you might not even notice it unless you’re paying close attention. Another standout element is the use of keyboards and synths. While the guitar is the prominent instrument, the synths play a crucial role in the background, adding to the album’s atmosphere and ambiance. After hearing this album, I’m definitely curious to check out more of her work and see how she progressed in her career.
5
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Thu Jul 11 2024
Quiet Life
Japan
Japan is one of those bands I’ve always been aware of but never took the time to explore their music. While it features a few upbeat tracks, the overall vibe is more laid-back and atmospheric. The standout element for me was the bass guitar, particularly in the second track, “Fall In Love With Me.” The bass in this track had a playful and quirky feel, adding a unique texture to the music.
4
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Fri Jul 12 2024
Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
This album is a double-edged sword because it has a handful of tracks that are pretty good, but the rest of it really just annoys me. One reason why is because my father used to play this album a lot when I was a kid, and it was one of his least impressive albums that he would like to play, so I always had to listen to it.
Secondly, I really associate this type of live album with your typical run-of-the-mill album that always seems to be playing in the background at a musical instrument store, especially with the sounds of the audience.
Although it has tracks that I can’t deny are pretty good, it’s an album I will probably never go back to because I was burned out on it the first few times my father played it when I was a kid.
2
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Sat Jul 13 2024
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Supertramp has been a favorite since my dad played them when I was younger, though it was always their greatest hits. Now, at this stage in life, diving into their actual albums gives me a whole new perspective. Supertramp has a great balanced blend of instrumentation, particularly making the saxophone, harmonica, and piano stand out. The dual vocals of Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies are another highlight that really elevates their sound.
Technically, one thing I really give Supertramp credit for is their seamless way of switching the direction of their songs. They manage smooth transitions between different sections while keeping a cohesive core theme and unified whole, avoiding abrupt musical shifts or disjointed pieces. I love how they incorporate complex prog rock characteristics, yet keep it all within a pop rock sensibility, making it easy for just about anyone to enjoy.
5
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Sun Jul 14 2024
Disraeli Gears
Cream
This was a good 50/50 combination of blues and psychedelic. I can’t say I’m as excited as all the hype surrounding this album, but it’s still a decent album.
4
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Mon Jul 15 2024
Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
This album took me by surprise in the best way. I was expecting a straightforward jazz album, but instead, I got a jazz-driven avant-garde experience, which I'm a total sucker for. I love experimental and avant-garde music, though it often demands a specific mood and setting to fully appreciate it. However, "Moss Side Story" stands out because it's accessible and can be enjoyed in a variety of contexts. I also love that it's a soundtrack for an imaginary film that doesn't even exist in real life. It's definitely not for everyone, but I'll be revisiting this one for sure.
5
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Tue Jul 16 2024
xx
The xx
This album stands out with its distinctive sound. It’s a perfect blend of pop, indie, electronic, and ambient elements. The minimalist guitar work, laid-back breakbeats, and ethereal synths create a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape. The intimate vocals touch on themes of love and longing, adding emotional depth to the music. This album definitely delivers a unique listening experience that captures a perfect mix of genres and moods.
4
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Wed Jul 17 2024
Sea Change
Beck
Beck was an artist I really enjoyed in the '90s when I was a teenager. I jumped on the bandwagon when "Mellow Gold & Odelay" came out. Shortly after, I moved on to edgier music like electronic, goth, and industrial, and Beck was no longer cool to me. I remember this album being promoted everywhere, but when someone told me it was a folk album, I thought, "BBBAAAARRRRFFFF!" and never gave him the time of day.
About four years ago, I finally opened my heart to Beck again and realized he had done some pretty decent albums over the years. I listened to "Sea Change" for the first time about a month ago with my wife, and we really enjoyed it. Listening to it again, there's nothing particularly groundbreaking about it, but it's just a nice, calm album to chill out to.
4
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Thu Jul 18 2024
Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
It’s a decent album. I wish I had a stronger connection to Stevie Wonder’s music because every single album I’ve listened to just feels like the music is simply there. It’s not that it’s bad; I see the talent behind it, but unfortunately for me, there’s a lack of connection.
3
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Fri Jul 19 2024
The Last Broadcast
Doves
Decent Brit rock album that mixes alternative with some subtle electronics to create a more atmospheric and ambient backdrop. Highly produced and cinematic, it’s a very polished commercial album designed to appeal to the masses. Overall, it was an enjoyable listen and slightly better than average. I probably won’t go out of my way to listen to it again unless I want something easygoing and non-offensive to play with a group of people.
4
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Sat Jul 20 2024
Madman Across The Water
Elton John
4
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Sun Jul 21 2024
Horses
Patti Smith
I can only imagine what it was like to listen to this album back in the mid-’70s when it first came out. It was truly one of a kind. I like this album because it has a laid-back feel overall. Despite being laid back, it has a stripped-down, raw energy that gives it a punk aesthetic. I also love the piano, which definitely adds depth to the music.
3
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Mon Jul 22 2024
Illmatic
Nas
Illmatic by Nas is definitely a classic album. Although I’ve reached a point in life where hip hop doesn’t resonate with me as much these days, this still remains a timeless album that is always fun to revisit from time to time. The production of this album is raw and gritty yet high quality, with amazing producers like Pete Rock, Q-Tip, DJ Premier, and a few others. Nas is truly an amazing MC. His lyrics are vivid, and he has a remarkable way of giving a clear visualization of life in NYC, with a smooth and intricate flow.
5
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Tue Jul 23 2024
Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
I’m so glad I discovered this album. Brazilian funk with African influences – what more can you ask for? This album is super groovy and catchy. One element I really like is how the funk adds playful and quirky vibes to some of the tracks.
5
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Wed Jul 24 2024
Street Signs
Ozomatli
I can see the appeal of this album, with its blend of Latin rock, hip hop, and funk. However, the rapping felt cliche and sleazy, filled with outdated punchlines and hooks reminiscent of ‘80s hip hop stereotypes. By the time it reached the end, the album had worn out its welcome and began to feel more annoying than enjoyable.
2
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Thu Jul 25 2024
Viva Hate
Morrissey
I've always been puzzled by the amount of hate Morrissey receives. While I don't know much about him personally, discovering his music through this musical journey has been a highlight. I slightly prefer The Smiths over his solo work, but his music really resonates with my normal bassline mood—easy-going, with catchy hooks, lush, jangly, and smooth.
4
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Fri Jul 26 2024
Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
After listening to this album a few times, I find the musical elements quite good. It has a very indie, raw, and stripped-down production. However, the lyrics come off as juvenile to me. I understand that she’s making a cultural statement and challenging norms, but it seems her lyrics are praised more for their shock value. I can see how a younger generation full of angst might enjoy this, but to me, the lyrics feel immature.
1