Mar 03 2024
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
3
Mar 04 2024
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
I kept one of the songs as a favorite, Saul to the Moon, which I could see doing for a moody drive at night. Very trippy overall. Plays better with headphones.
4
Mar 05 2024
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
There’s Hallelujah, of course. The rest is ok. Gets fun when he plays the blues at the end.
3
Mar 06 2024
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
Leads off with three well-known hits and a couple more. Most of the rest is noise except for the final track, “Bad Girl,” which seems like a warm up for the later “Tube Steak Boogie.” Other than that track, I wouldn’t go back to any of it as an album; they come up enough on my radio stations.
3
Mar 07 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
This is the first album of someone I already loved. Metropolis was a favorite album of mine, and I was surprised that both albums are over 10 years old. Anyway, I love when she’s telling a story. But Tightrope, which has OutKast’s Big Boi talking about MacBooks and NASDAQ, it takes me out of a future dystopia. Anyway, I liked the suite parts.
4
Mar 08 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
4
Mar 09 2024
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Enjoyed it overall, even if none of the deep dives added to what I liked about them. I could listen again.
4
Mar 10 2024
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The Undertones
The Undertones
It’s a light pink that gets repetitive. I went six tracks in and I don’t think it gets better. Not very good. Rather hear the Ramones or T Rex.
2
Mar 11 2024
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Country Life
Roxy Music
I enjoyed it. It’s a mood. I could come back to it.
4
Mar 12 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Starts strong. Walking on the Moon is a great start to a workout. Kinda meanders. One song, I forget which, too lazy to look it up…starts with someone saying it’s bullshit…is just well, bullshit. I like this one for its hits and the title track. Not much else.
3
Mar 13 2024
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
This is my first five-star. I always (perhaps irrationally) expect an album to tell a story. Marshall Matherd tells a hell of a story. I almost feel bad, but easily can imagine, Eminem compromising with record execs to make that disclaimer at the end. His non Stan role in Stan (a song that changed the language) is how I imagine him to be. And maybe that’s a character too. The others are sad detestable characters. But to condemn them is to condemn any other creator of well-crafted villains. I loved this album, and I’ll come back to it like a favorite read.
5
Mar 14 2024
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
It’s fun, but I wouldn’t need to come back to it. I enjoyed the encore “Nutrocker” more than the main performance.
3
Mar 15 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
It was fine. I enjoyed what I was familiar with . The rest seemed convoluted or within a context deep in some memory hole.
3
Mar 16 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
This is like a book of poetry that you have to judge on a first read. I knew Susannah, and the last song was lovely. The rest deserves more consideration. But I want to read it more than I want to hear it.
4
Mar 17 2024
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I could just listen to this all day. Lovely.
4
Mar 18 2024
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Punishing Kiss
Ute Lemper
Never heard of Ute. Notes hit sharp in the first track. Sounds like a cross between Barbara Streisand and Tori Amos. I see a lot of comparisons to Edith Piaf in notes. I get the overwhelming artistry in her work and that of the talent featured in the songs. I just don’t enjoy this. Feels overblown and too operatic without caring about the characters, like a Vegas or Lido show. If I want a dramatic German operatic experience, I’ll listen to Janelle Monet.
2
Mar 19 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
I love Hendrix, but he’s all over the place here. A couple of good deep cuts, classics. What’s with the applause?
3
Mar 20 2024
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
So this is where Shameka comes from. I liked this more than I expected and will likely come back to it. Added Relay to favorites.
4
Mar 21 2024
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Exciting at first, but ultimately repetitive.
3
Mar 22 2024
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Surprisingly pleasant. I did not expect Bkack Sanbath to make good background music while studying Grimm fairy tales. So many decapitations in both….
4
Mar 23 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Eh, it’s Buddy Holly, and not my favorite Holly. 26 minutes across 12 songs goes pretty fast. I have this on infinite playlist. So when the last song is followed by Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode, and it’s the best things far and away I’ve heard I. The last 27 minutes, it’s telling me to stop trying to justify Chriping as anything I’d come back to.
3
Mar 24 2024
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
So this is where Birdland comes from. Otherwise, it sounds like a forgotten 70’s or 80’s film score. Unnecessary.
3
Mar 25 2024
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This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Never heard of them. A nice, funny, near Bowie experience. I’d listen again but probably not seek it out.
3
Mar 26 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
Started strong, Take Me Out is legendary, the rest is okay.
3
Mar 27 2024
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Chelsea Girl
Nico
I know it’s Nico and the whole arty Warhol pedigree, and the influences on musicians I respect. But this was just awful. I don’t like her voice, nothing caught me in any of the songs, and reading she was likely incredibly racist. I don’t have anywhere to go with this.
2
Mar 28 2024
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
I get that it’s rock, and I get that it’s noise. But I don’t get noise rock. Pass.
2
Mar 29 2024
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Blue
Joni Mitchell
This may be my first five-star (I think Marshall Mathers got one also). I was familiar with the hits, but the whole thing is vivid and gorgeous. I will come back to Blue often.
5
Mar 30 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
The deeper cuts? Nothing.
3
Mar 31 2024
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All Directions
The Temptations
I mean, a third of it is Papa Was a Rolling Stone, which is incredible. But the rest is more covers and nothing that grabbed me.
3
Apr 01 2024
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Is This It
The Strokes
Not for me. I get why my kids would enjoy it.
2
Apr 02 2024
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Violator
Depeche Mode
It was nice of 1,001 to give me my own personal Jesus on Easter Monday. The rest is meh.
3
Apr 03 2024
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
I adored this and her. It gets five stars just for the Betty Boop stuff at the end.
5
Apr 04 2024
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
It’s okay. Feels like Happy Days interstitial music, and probably is. Love Hurts started here, and it’s a good version. Cathy’s Clown is better than I remember. If I want an immersive pre-Beatles moment, I guess I’d listen to this and Holly.
3
Apr 05 2024
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Really enjoyed it and added Gotta Get Up to my favorites.
4
Apr 06 2024
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
I’m sure it was revolutionary and historically significant. I was just bored by it.
3
Apr 07 2024
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The White Room
The KLF
I…don’t get it. Sounds like pretentious electronic stuff. Bleh.
2
Apr 08 2024
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Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space
Spiritualized
Best taken in small doses.
3
Apr 09 2024
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
I love the hits from this album and overall enjoyed the deeper cuts.
4
Apr 10 2024
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
I like the first song, but the rest kinda faded into more of the same.
3
Apr 11 2024
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
I love CSN, but separately, Crosby’s rough work.
2
Apr 12 2024
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
I love Alice Cooper, and I think this album was going for a theme of what happens in the absence of school. A critic on the Wikipedia article confirmed that. I get it. I don’t know if I’d come back to it unless I just wanted to hear more Cooper. I liked the West Side Story connection.
4
Apr 13 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I enjoyed it. Between hits and deep cuts, it’s a consistent vibe I’d come back to.
4
Apr 14 2024
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
Wanted to like it, but it just wasn’t enjoyable.
2
Apr 15 2024
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Tago Mago
Can
This is about the trippiest thing I ever heard on headphones. There’s parts of this I’d gladly kick back to. Not the screamy parts though.
4
Apr 16 2024
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
Loved this. I could listen to Miles Davis all day.
5
Apr 17 2024
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Green
R.E.M.
Stand is always fun, but the rest doesn’t compare to Out of Time.
3
Apr 18 2024
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
I don’t know music all that well, and certainly not ambient. To rate this, how do you tell where this ends and other ambient starts playing on an infinite list of similar music? Maybe this is one of the best 1000 albums because it innovated or otherwise opened the genre. But without researching it, why is it special?
3
Apr 19 2024
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The Age Of The Understatement
The Last Shadow Puppets
I’m about 50 albums in and this is the first that I both never heard of and really enjoyed. I’ll be looking into more from this group.
5
Apr 20 2024
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Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
I love Kate Bush. But the Pet Shop Boy rap stuff in the deeper cuts was distracting. Running Up That Hill gets regular play.
3
Apr 21 2024
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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
I love O’Connor’s voice and Nothing Compares is done so beautifully. The rest is fine but not anything I’d go out of my way for.
3
Apr 22 2024
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
I get this speaks to an audience. It’s just not for me. The If I Were a Rich Girl bit was cute. Satisfaction? Bleh.
2
Apr 23 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
It’s fine, but not as profound as I think it is for others.
3
Apr 24 2024
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I See A Darkness
Bonnie "Prince" Billy
First 1-Star in 60 some random albums. This is a total energy suck. Maybe somebody gets a misery-loves-company boost(?) from this, but it just makes just wait for him to stop his warmly whining. And I’m an empathetic, professional Santa Claus. No. Aggressively no.
1
Apr 25 2024
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Modern Kosmology
Jane Weaver
I do not need to hear we’re turning to dust repeatedly to start my morning. Lotta nihilistic stuff going on, 1,001. This is like Aimee Mann with an electric gimmick-obsessed producer. But the nihilism is worse. Hoping for Weird Al to compensate.
2
Apr 26 2024
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Drunk
Thundercat
I really liked this. Had no idea what to expect. And yes, we all want to be cats.
4
Apr 27 2024
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Surprisingly enjoyable. The first track really kicks.
4
Apr 28 2024
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Emperor Tomato Ketchup
Stereolab
Boring. I get it, but not for me.
2
Apr 29 2024
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Berlin
Lou Reed
An amazing album. It’s like a photo album of despair and abuse. Wow.
4
Apr 30 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
It’s early Queen and Killer Queen is amazing. The theatrics, like in In the Lap of Gods, is fun. I might come back to it.
4
May 01 2024
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Timeless
Goldie
This was like a good brisket with an enormous fat cap you have to trim before you get to enjoy the meat of it. That opening long track was more endless than timeless. And I was ready to dismiss it. But the good non-experimental stuff was really enjoyable. I’d come back to everything except that stuff at the beginning.
4
May 02 2024
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You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
Whiny. I get that people think he’s so important to their growing up. But I just waited for the album to be over.
2
May 03 2024
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Vulnicura
Björk
I just feel bad for Björk going through the breakup while listening to this. I love that crazy whirling dervish of an Icelander. Go do your thing, Björk!
3
May 04 2024
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Nevermind
Nirvana
Duh….
5
May 05 2024
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Sister
Sonic Youth
Nothing remarkable. Not much reason to come back to it.
3
May 06 2024
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Music
Madonna
Bleh
2
May 07 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
My God, fans of the non-hit stuff must have been insufferable. The hits are great, but not the rest.
3
May 08 2024
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Chemtrails Over The Country Club
Lana Del Rey
Oh my God is this a beautiful album. Easily the best one so far where I knew none of the tracks. Just plain gorgeous.
5
May 09 2024
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The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
The 13th Floor Elevators
I’ve loved the first track back from High Fidelity. The rest is just kinda irritating.
2
May 10 2024
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m b v
My Bloody Valentine
Bunch a noise. Not going back to it.
2
May 11 2024
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
3
May 12 2024
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Very familiar with this one. The deep cuts are tolerable. It’s like visiting an old friend.
4
May 13 2024
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Dance Mania
Tito Puente
It’s just an awesome vibe.
4
May 14 2024
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Homework
Daft Punk
Liked it a lot more than I thought I would.
4
May 15 2024
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
Less pretentious than Parsley Sage Rosemary and Time. Still, tough to get through some of the deeper cuts.
3
May 16 2024
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Amazing
5
May 17 2024
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
Can’t get behind the lead singer’s voice. Waited for it to be done.
2
May 18 2024
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Lovely jazz from someone I hadn’t heard from before. I enjoyed it.
4
May 19 2024
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
I really enjoyed this. Just a great 40 minute vibe. I’ll come back to it.
4
May 20 2024
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The Doors
The Doors
Hard to argue with so many classics. Unavoidable rather than seeking out.
4
May 22 2024
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Music in Exile
Songhoy Blues
Before knowing the backstory of Songhoy Blues, I just thought it was great guitar music and wished I understood what they were singing. Reading about them, it’s a must listen and I think they’re heroic. Preserving their culture with such a context is amazing. I love this band and will come back to it.
5
May 23 2024
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
It’s okay. The Drugs Don’t Work connects along with Bittersweet Symphony.
3
May 24 2024
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Purple Rose of Cairo is my favorite movie. Hard to reconcile that knowing the things Allen has done. It’s still my favorite movie, and the best I can manage to do is call it that and give it four stars in tiny protest for an incredible film.
Dark Twisted Fantasy is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. Incredible. The lyrics are clever, the orchestration is intense and complex. I’m listening to Monster now. Layers and layers of incredible wit and genius.
Four stars because it’s Kanye fucking West.
4
May 25 2024
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Guero
Beck
I generally like Beck. None of these songs are ones I’d come back to, but the vibe is good. I wouldn’t mind hearing it again.
3
May 26 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Not great, like Papa Was a Rolling Stone, only they got distracted while writing the lyrics.
2
May 27 2024
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Boring, really. Never liked their hits and this just seems like overreaching 80’s synth stuff. Bonus star for a funny album cover.
3
May 28 2024
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Liquid Swords
GZA
Like jazz, I don’t have the sophistication to know why a particular rap song or album is especially good. I just really liked this album. I’d come back to it. Keep your eye on the sparrow!
4
May 29 2024
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
Irritating. I won’t go back to it.
2
May 30 2024
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
The hits are fine, but the deep cuts are bland.
3
May 31 2024
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
It’s okay. I listened to the original recording because no one has 4 hours for the long version. Harmless.
3
Jun 01 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
It’s like two albums: one being greatest hits, the other being these long intro deep cuts. It’s lovely.
4
Jun 02 2024
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
Amazing. Somehow like the Dead, but better. Love these guys.
5
Jun 03 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
I really wonder what it was like for people in 69 to hear such a dense album of hits with those harmonies as the Beatles were going away. It’s lovely. Only too familiar to get the five stars I use for the albums I come back to. They’re in heavy rotation everywhere else.
4
Jun 04 2024
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Blue Lines
Massive Attack
Liked it much better than expected.
4
Jun 05 2024
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Another band where the less you know about the members (John in this case), the better. California Dreaming is so damn powerful though. Cass deserved better.
3
Jun 06 2024
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
I hate this band. I’m halfway through this, and it’s the worst workout experience I can remember. Horrid. I’ll update this if it gets better. But despite my option about most things, I have little hope for this. Screw you, Scritti Politi, you pablum spewing over produced 80-something-schlock muckers.
1
Jun 07 2024
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
Brave guy. Not my kind of music, but I admire his courage.
3
Jun 08 2024
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Amazing stuff that almost feels like a snapshot of a much more complex several years in the 50’s for him. Weird, crazy genius. Love the music.
4
Jun 09 2024
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
Loved it. Better than s& g
4
Jun 10 2024
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Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
The album was only available, though I found the title single. I’m now a fan.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
Doggystyle is like a walk through the most beautiful, vibrant and serene forest you ever walked through, except there’s all of this male genitalia you have to dodge to get through it. By the time you get to a Sukiyaki reference, that all falls away to gorgeousness. Lyrics are still hard to identify with, but it’s beautiful regardless.
5
Jun 12 2024
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
He sure seems to like himself. I don’t.
2
Jun 13 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
It’s got a good cohesion to it. I’d come back to it.
4
Jun 14 2024
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Virgin Suicides
Air
Didn’t know what to expect, but I enjoyed this. Kept a couple tracks as favorites.
4
Jun 15 2024
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
It’s a trip, it’s got a funky beat, and I can bug out to it.
4
Jun 16 2024
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Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
The first track was amazing and I couldn’t help smiling long broadly, tapping my feet, and just being in the world it created. Then the rest of the album passed by being ok enough, but not nearly as strong as the first track. Overall, it’s fine.
3
Jun 17 2024
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Os Mutantes
Os Mutantes
Oh, you’re a trippy bunch. Not my thing, but cool.
3
Jun 19 2024
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Talk Talk Talk
The Psychedelic Furs
Bleh. Hard to listen to. Pretentious.
2
Jun 20 2024
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My Generation
The Who
Hits aside, it’s stale blues. I like their later albums.
3
Jun 21 2024
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The Idiot
Iggy Pop
Not bad. Had no idea China Girl was his. Ok as a one-timer.
3
Jun 22 2024
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Since I Left You
The Avalanches
I loved their two videos from 20 years ago (Yikes). However, the bulk of the album just seems like random noise. I don’t get it.
3
Jun 23 2024
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
After the first two hits (of which “I Feel a Whole Lot Better” really clicks), it’s kinda bland. No great deep cut discoveries. The Bo Diddley stuff in Don’t Doubt Yourself, Babe is ok, but it’s still their voices. I’ll listen to Dylan or Petty first. We ain’t meeting again, guys.
3
Jun 24 2024
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
It’s the Cure. Good for a specific mood, but there’s no “Love Song” on this album.
3
Jun 25 2024
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Van Halen
Van Halen
Unfairly gets four stars because there’s so much of this out there to stumble upon that I don’t need to hear the album for the few weak deep cuts. It’s amazing work.
4
Jun 26 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Loved this. Had no idea what to expect, but these guys were fun. Definitely coming back to it.
5
Jun 28 2024
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Among The Living
Anthrax
Sounds like the Aquabats with whinier lyrics and less Mooncheese.
2
Jun 29 2024
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
Surprisingly good. I enjoyed the North American track especially.
4
Jun 30 2024
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
It’s got an interesting vibe, but not something I’d come back to.
3
Jul 01 2024
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Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco
Holy shit! I was already sold on Lupe Fiasco with three tracks favorited before realizing this is the guy that did Daydreamin’. Love, love, love this album. The orchestration is so rich, brilliant lyrics. This is a favorite.
5
Jul 02 2024
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Smash
The Offspring
I like the hits, not much else.
3
Jul 03 2024
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Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
I love Rundgren, but this seems where the aperture of a film is a little too far back and Rundgren thinks it’s a good idea to show the behind the scenes crap. You like all those false starts and trail off in “Think of Me”? The whole album does that. Bleh.
3
Jul 05 2024
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The Contino Sessions
Death In Vegas
Irritating.
2
Jul 06 2024
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
Not his strongest album, but still pretty great,
4
Jul 07 2024
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
It’s a vibe, and the urgency of the social issues is real. But it seems heavy handed. Like the ambiance of voices and the hits are great.
4
Jul 08 2024
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Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
I was ready to dismiss this album as an unwelcome defense of a South with the old references to Neil Young and for Northerners to stay out of Southern business. And maybe they just wanted to put a barrier for only the interested or committed to reach track eight “Three Great Americans,” which was a genuine education for me. I had no idea that Sweet Home Alabama was a character’s perspective, that Young loved the track, the deeper story of George Wallace, or the story of the singers themselves. And it brought me to a real appreciation of their histories, the storytelling and the artistry that went into this and the rest of the album. But why the hell would you stick this track so deep into the album? It clarifies everything? Almost seems like a “you don’t get to understand me till you see me at my worst,” which is shitty behavior whether that’s a Southern thing or not. Just throw it at the first couple of tracks and teach someone something. Damn. Otherwise, a great, epic album.
5
Jul 10 2024
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Autobahn
Kraftwerk
I get that it’s experiencing the Autibahn in an album, like a long road trip complete with highway hypnosis. I just don’t know if that’s fun. Respect the artistry and the minimalist album cover.
3
Jul 11 2024
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
Pleasant, but not his best stuff.
3
Jul 12 2024
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Rip It Up
Orange Juice
Nah. Boring.
2
Jul 13 2024
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Love Dave Grohl. Good guy, good first album.
4
Jul 14 2024
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To Pimp A Butterfly
Kendrick Lamar
I knew nothing about rap/hip-hop until I started this project. And I’ve been exposed to much more gorgeousness than awful, and this is gorgeous. Weirdly, the Apple version is some kind of radio-safe version with silenced profanity. And it takes away from it. Beautiful album.
5
Jul 15 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Sometimes I get in the mood for this sort of thing. It’s fine. I think it’s consorting with the devil was edgy at the time. Now it just seems juvenile. The music is great though.
3
Jul 16 2024
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Elephant
The White Stripes
Love White Stripes. Amazing album.
5
Jul 17 2024
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Deep lovely stuff that doesn’t murder anybody this time. Nice!
4
Jul 18 2024
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Noisy.
2
Jul 19 2024
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1999
Prince
The hits are great, but by the time you reach “Something’s In The Water,”… I don’t know who enjoys that. Just seems cacophonous.
3
Jul 20 2024
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
I’m glad Zappa showed up. I love this album so much. Inspired me to take on Joe’s Garage after. I’ll probably take a deeper dive.
5
Jul 21 2024
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Not available in the US on Apple Music. I found the specific track on an album called “3” and am rating based on that. It’s beautiful.
4
Jul 22 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
Not as strong as Autobahn, but good enough to return to.
3
Jul 23 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
Goes great, and then you reach Mother, and then…yeah.
3
Jul 24 2024
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Very sweet, kept a couple of tracks.
4
Jul 25 2024
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
I like a lot of punk/post punk, but this didn’t do it for me.
2
Jul 26 2024
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
Hard to get through a title like “Smack My Bitch Up,” but I have to sdmit the entire album goes good with driving on a highway. I’d come back to most of it.
4
Jul 27 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Classic, and added She’s Out of My Life to my favorites.
4
Jul 28 2024
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Djam Leelii
Baaba Maal
It was okay, but not something I’d return to.
3
Jul 29 2024
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
It’s just relentlessly rocking, amazing stuff. I could listen to these guys again and again.
5
Jul 30 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
Not my thing. I get what’s it’s doing, but I really just wanted it to be over.
3
Jul 31 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
I mean, it’s the Clash, and the hits are legend. But the rest is non hit stuff sung by the Clash rather than something I’d want to hear again.
3
Aug 01 2024
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In Utero
Nirvana
It’s not Nevermind. Difficult to get through beyond the hits.
2
Aug 02 2024
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Pleasant, but Pentangle is much better to listen to.
3
Aug 03 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Legend. It’s every bit better because of the audience. Such a crazy, bold thing to do. And a great listen.
5
Aug 04 2024
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Queen II
Queen
Oh, this is a fun one. Playful and harder than glam. Lots of fantasy tropes. Good stuff.
4
Aug 05 2024
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Aja
Steely Dan
Probably more influential on my growing up than any other album. I love everything about it.
5
Aug 06 2024
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
Lovely, lovely voice.
4
Aug 07 2024
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Duck Stab/Buster & Glen
The Residents
WTF? Then awesomeness. I deeply enjoyed the surrealism of this album and will definitely come back to it.
4
Aug 08 2024
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Raw Power
The Stooges
Starts innovative and cool, descends into noise. I’m sure it was groundbreaking, but isn’t very interesting.
2
Aug 10 2024
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
Heroin’s okay, but it’s not as good as other Lou Reed stuff.
3
Aug 11 2024
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Out of Step
Minor Threat
I don’t know the angry person that enjoys this. Not me.
1
Aug 12 2024
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McCartney
Paul McCartney
Gets a fourth star for Maybe I’m Amazed, maybe my favorite song at one time.
4
Aug 13 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
This is one of my favorite albums ever. I could listen to Knopfler all day.
5
Aug 14 2024
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
Had a nice groove, but nothing I’d return to.
3
Aug 15 2024
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
“Forget” this.
2
Aug 16 2024
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Connected
Stereo MC's
Oh, that’s where Connected comes from. Rest is okay.
3
Aug 17 2024
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
Amazing groove. Fun.
3
Aug 18 2024
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Legend. Hits are stronger than the rest, but it’s all good stuff.
4
Aug 19 2024
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Colour By Numbers
Culture Club
Surprisingly solid. I rolled my eyes when I saw it come up, but I give George and the others credit. Lots of good orchestration. I enjoyed this more than I expected.
4
Aug 20 2024
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Lovely early stuff, though the genius comes later.
3
Aug 21 2024
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Lovely, and I added a couple to favorites. Nice discovery.
4
Aug 22 2024
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Ray Of Light
Madonna
Surprisingly enjoyable. Ray of Light is a new favorite.
3
Aug 23 2024
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
Pretentious and annoying. Hard pass.
2
Aug 24 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
Nice work. I think I liked stuff from other albums of theirs better.
3
Aug 25 2024
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We're Only In It For The Money
The Mothers Of Invention
Whoa…. I listened to this album on a treadmill while doing an entire expert sudoku perfectly, taking pride in my concentration. And I imagined Zappa saying I wasn’t listening at all. I’m going to need some time with this.
5
Aug 27 2024
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
I can kick it.
2
Aug 28 2024
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Pump
Aerosmith
Eh, never was a Tyler fan.
2
Aug 29 2024
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
One of few albums I actually know intimately. No question five stars, still stirring.
5
Aug 30 2024
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
Irritating. I don’t know who enjoys this.
2
Aug 31 2024
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Hits are fine, but was never into these guys.
3
Sep 01 2024
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1984
Van Halen
Classic stuff, weirdly depressing in a stupid naive ‘84 world view way.
3
Sep 02 2024
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New Forms
Roni Size
This version wasn’t available in the States, so I listened to the 20th anniversary edition which was. Annoying. Gets a second star for the percussion.
2
Sep 03 2024
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Be
Common
Great vibe and lyrics. Just not my thing.
3
Sep 04 2024
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Warehouse: Songs And Stories
Hüsker Dü
You can leave this home.
2
Sep 05 2024
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Brothers
The Black Keys
I love these guys. El Camino is stronger, but this is a great album.
4
Sep 06 2024
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Justified
Justin Timberlake
I don’t get it.
2
Sep 07 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
A special album as “This Will Be Our Year,” discovered at the closing of Schitt’s Creek, is my wife and my song. The rest is glorious and lovely.
4
Sep 08 2024
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Blech. Seriously, just…blech. Tough to get through.
1
Sep 09 2024
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Steely Dan used to be my favorite band (and Aja still completely rules). However, listening to the deeper cuts on CtE, and maybe the not so deep cuts, the lyrics are starting to sound like obscure clues in an escape room.
3
Sep 10 2024
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Africa Brasil
Jorge Ben Jor
Pleasant enough (gets string in the center, but nothing memorable.
3
Sep 11 2024
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
It had one interesting track toward the end, Lion in Winter, I kept. Otherwise, its early BeeGees leading up to better stuff in the subsequent albums.
3
Sep 12 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Gorgeous music, though the famous bookends are the best parts.
3
Sep 13 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
I get the talent, but it all sounds empty. Guess I’m not a Swiftie.
3
Sep 14 2024
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Figure 8
Elliott Smith
Sweet, but ultimately boring. I like other albums he’s done.
3
Sep 15 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
New to me and just beautiful. Four songs, and I favorited three of them. Easily the highest batting average of any album.
5
Sep 16 2024
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
Pleasant. I liked the first track enough to favorite it.
4
Sep 17 2024
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Play
Moby
Lovely at first but fades into the background, and there’s a lot there. Gets tedious at the end.
3
Sep 18 2024
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Who's Next
The Who
What’s not to love? It’s nothing but hits and I’d still go out of my way to take the album in. Ever read the lyrics to “My Wife”? It’s really funny. I always thought “she’s coming” meant something entirely different. Great album all the way through.
5
Sep 19 2024
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Beyond Skin
Nitin Sawhney
An interesting album with the backdrop of Indian nuclear proliferation. I liked it more than I expected.
4
Sep 20 2024
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
Talented but nothing enjoyable enough to come back to.
3
Sep 21 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Familiar territory, most welcome today.
4
Sep 22 2024
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Microshift
Hookworms
More worms than hooks.
2
Sep 23 2024
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
Not strongest Springsteen, but you can feel his heart there in the aftermath of 9/11.
3
Sep 24 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
So that’s where Fairytale of New York comes from!
4
Sep 25 2024
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
Interesting rap, but not something I’d ciome back to.
3
Sep 26 2024
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All That You Can't Leave Behind
U2
Beautiful Day was a life changing song for me when it came out, so I have a special relationship with this album. It’s lovely, has a good thread through. I’ll come back to it.
4
Sep 27 2024
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The Only Ones
The Only Ones
Couldn’t get through it. The lead just hits bad. The “hit,” Another Girl, Another Planet has great music, but even that is wrecked by the lead.
2
Sep 28 2024
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
How can you not give this album five stars? It’s an incredible album with so many strong hits, and the deeper cuts are solid. Always a pleasure to listen to.
5
Sep 29 2024
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
It’s definitely a mood. A phlegmy, phlegmy mood which I weirdly love.
4
Sep 30 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Not a Radiohead fan, but this was not bad. Kept a couple as favorites.
3
Oct 01 2024
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
I’m cheating as I didn’t give it a fresh listen. Suffice to say I know this album to the point where I know they did Clare Tory dirty on Great Gig in the Sky. It’s five stars. Next!
5
Oct 02 2024
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Headquarters
The Monkees
I hadn’t realized this album was (after a week at number 1) the #2 album beneath the whole run of Sgt Pepper. And it’s very good. They were right to resist Don Kirshner. I kept some as favorites and, while I always respected Nesmith, have much more for the whole band. It’s a great listen.
4
Oct 03 2024
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Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
Exotic, fun.
3
Oct 04 2024
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Moss Side Story
Barry Adamson
Incredible, unexpected genius. I’m a new fan.
5
Oct 05 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Not as impressive as their later stuff. Passable.
3
Oct 06 2024
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Gold
Ryan Adams
Meh. Nothing stood out.
3
Oct 07 2024
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Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
Somehow manages to be all over the place and boring at the same time.
2
Oct 08 2024
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2112
Rush
Gorgeous album. Geddy Lee!!!
4
Oct 09 2024
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
I get why it’s legendary, but I mostly couldn’t get into it. Not for me.
3
Oct 10 2024
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So Much For The City
The Thrills
Not terrible. One good track in the middle I saved.
3
Oct 11 2024
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
Deep cuts are annoying. Otherwise genius.
4
Oct 13 2024
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The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
Surprising that a new British band would opt for Route 66 as their opening song. Interesting covers. I’d rather listen to their other albums.
3
Oct 14 2024
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The Modern Dance
Pere Ubu
This was a genuine, real surprise. I love this crazy surreal, Meshuggah.
5
Oct 15 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
Kinda tedious after a while, like she was struggling for filler.
3
Oct 16 2024
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White Ladder
David Gray
Not very interesting. Pleasant enough.
3
Oct 17 2024
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Phrenology
The Roots
Not for me. Tough to get through.
2
Oct 19 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
Yeah, what everyone else said.
5
Oct 20 2024
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
Weird, not enjoyable.
2
Oct 21 2024
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
There isn’t one single on here that stands out, but the experience of the entire album is joyous. I want to have a Jamiroquai experience rather than any one song. Their concerts must have been great.
4
Oct 22 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
I never listen to it all the way through, but it’s kind of all over the place with some brilliant moments. I might come back to it again as a full album.
4
Oct 23 2024
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The Libertines
The Libertines
Awful. Don’t need to revisit.
1
Oct 24 2024
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
Not for me.
2
Oct 25 2024
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
Annoying and whiny. I know there’s good Morrisey out there, but not on this album.
2
Oct 26 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Gorgeous stuff, though Wild Workd is kinda catty when you pay attention to it.
4
Oct 27 2024
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Birth Of The Cool
Miles Davis
Just gorgeous.
5
Oct 28 2024
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Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
OutKast
So much here, so much content. There’s a mood for this I’d have coming back to it.
4
Oct 30 2024
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
So many points for Nick of Time. The rest is lovely.
4
Oct 31 2024
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Stephen Stills
Stephen Stills
Love the opener, but missing the Crosby and Nash otherwise.
3
Nov 02 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
I love everything Dusty Springfield does.
5
Nov 03 2024
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No Other
Gene Clark
Surprisingly good. Nothing stood out, but it’s neat to hear the Byrd’s’ lead singer strike out on his own.
4
Nov 04 2024
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The Blueprint
JAY Z
I never listened to Jay-Z before. I probably will again at some point.
5
Nov 05 2024
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With The Beatles
Beatles
It’s ok and revolutionary in its time. But in ‘24, I was patiently waiting for it to be done.
4
Nov 06 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
Bland
3
Nov 07 2024
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
I’ve enjoyed some Mingus albums in the past, but this just seemed like a lot of noise.
2
Nov 08 2024
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
I love Louis Prima. Keep some of these as favorites.
4
Nov 09 2024
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War
U2
The hits are amazing, deeper cuts okay.
4
Nov 10 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
4
Nov 12 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
I can’t get enough Mitchell. So much sweetness in the stories. Heaven.
4
Nov 13 2024
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
A very pleasant listen. The overall album gives context to the hits.
4
Nov 14 2024
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John Prine
John Prine
I’ve always loved John Prine. This is a stellar album of him.
5
Nov 15 2024
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New Wave
The Auteurs
Pleasant enough. Kept a few songs.
4
Nov 17 2024
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Who Killed...... The Zutons?
The Zutons
I liked this a lot. Unexpected and geeky.
4
Nov 18 2024
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Better listen than I expected.
4
Nov 19 2024
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Cosmo's Factory
Creedence Clearwater Revival
A very good time. I wish the legal shit didn’t get in the way later on.
4