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Tue Mar 05 2024
Ten
Pearl Jam
The hits are HITS but the rest is just filler mostly. Too many AUOOOOOHS and YEAAAAAAHSSSSS
3
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Thu Mar 07 2024
Revolver
Beatles
I’ll admit I am a massive fan of this album because as a kid Yellow Submarine was one of my favorite movies and I played the violin. The composition of the tracks, from George's sitar features to the fucking mod nonsense of She Said She Said… this is kinda an unfuckwithable record. To give it less than 4 stars would be criminal.
4
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Fri Mar 08 2024
Hounds Of Love
Kate Bush
Interesting percussion! Lots of that “slappa da bass” running through the woods up that hill kind of sound. A more palatable weird girl sound- not as fucking weird as Nina Hagen but with some Brian Eno smoothness. The kind of record I’d put on to lull me to sleep after a 10 mg edible. Precursor to that garbage new age crap that every 8th grade art teacher would put on during class to inspire creativity. All in all not my cup of tea but the reverb heavy recording style screams itself to sleep by the very end.
3
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Mon Mar 11 2024
Grace
Jeff Buckley
AUTOMATIC 5 STARS. ARE YOU FRIGGIN KIDDING ME. Jeff Buckley should be considered a legend in every regard. Do his vocals turn some people off? Sure but so do other legends like Geddy Lee and that fuckin guy from Placebo but lyrically and emotionally this shit slaps and will make you remember that one ex who destroyed your soul but you can’t blame them because they’re too beautiful to even be alive.
5
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Tue Mar 12 2024
Blur
Blur
Oh Damon. This one could have been better. As a huge Blur fan this one stuck to a predictable formula to stay relevant. A few standout tracks but for the most part this is what happens when your feud with the Gallagher overshadows the songwriting. (Middle of the Road, indeed!) Oh Flimsy Steve. Song 2 may have been one of the most popular tracks of all time though, which, good job lads, but what the fuck is Beetlebum? Justine should have knocked you on your ass for that one. Otherwise a fairly unremarkable record with a couple of fun bright spots but listen to Parklife or The Great Escape instead for the better Cool Britannia sound. Or just listen to Oasis 😈
3
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Wed Mar 13 2024
Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers
Fuck this shit entirely. Imagine the worst guys you know suddenly decide to act like storytellers like they’re Bob Dylan only they were football players and only drink light beer. Pass!
2
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Thu Mar 14 2024
Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
I love Paul Simon but I’m woefully behind on his less acclaimed albums. First track immediately reminds me of older stuff but it’s not corny, even with the synthy drum sounds. This man knows what’s up with percussion! I got a bit bored by track 4 which clearly seemed to influence Under The Sea from the animated Little Mermaid movie. It also feels like each track was a practice track for better songs? Cars Are Cars seems like a throwaway track with its icky 80’s clap sound too. Definitely not a bad record but he’s got a predictable sound which is better done on other records.
3
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Fri Mar 15 2024
Bossanova
Pixies
OH SHIT OH DAMN OH FUCK. Finally something good! I’ve always liked this one a lot. Pixies discography is pretty much essential listening so kicking the day off with Cecilia Ann feels sooooo right.
There’s so much going on right off the bat and it’s just so much fun. I can imagine pixies shows around the time this came out must have been crazy. Good ass simple fun songs with tons of energy, nice and quick listen. Doesn’t need much of a deep interpretation beyond the cool stuff that jumps out, like the crispy guitar tones in The Happening to the radio friendly Dig for Fire it’s like a good ass mess of frenzy and chill.
5
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Mon Mar 18 2024
The Bends
Radiohead
SON OF A BISCUIT. One of the best records ever made?? Oh inDEED. I could write an entire dissertation on this record. When I was a wee bairn I bought this record the day it came out. What can be said about this record that a million other reviews haven’t? Five stars out the gate.
5
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Tue Mar 19 2024
C'est Chic
CHIC
DISCO SUCKS!
Just kidding. This shit fucks. Literally! You can’t watch a single tv show, movie or anything about the 70’s without a snippet off of this record. Everyone knows Le Freak of course but this is the soundtrack to cocaine fueled nightclub shenanigans, late night drives, chill nights with your boo, really anything that you want to capture a feeling that makes you feel GOOD. The music itself makes you want to boogie. Funky as fuck and will make your day rule. Nile Rogers can do no wrong and the history of the band is so cool.
Each track has its own theme, its own sound, its own FEELING. Savoir Faire sounds like how it feels waking up with your new babe after a night out partying and having coffee in bed. The vibes on each song are so distinct and unique but the tracks all lead into the next one perfectly. If you need some fun tunes for a party this one’s a great start, makes you wanna get all freaky deaky. This record has gorgeous string and horn compositions and incredible vocalizations that were defined by this era. The fact that Rogers was hugely influenced by Brian Eno is also important because of the crossover influences of the time period. Honestly I wish this record was longer because it takes a hold of you and it’s just so CHILL. The track “At Last I am Free” isn’t a disco track but a perfect slow jam that is so beautiful I was surprised to be so moved. Listening to this album will put you in a better mood, I can guarantee.
5
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Thu Mar 21 2024
Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
If you’ve never listened to this your life hasn’t been worth being alive for. Every single track on this record is legendary. Honestly this is another one that truly deserves to be a requirement for anyone who likes music in any capacity. Love songs, funk, soul, gospel, all of the best of the best of this time frame for ol Stevie after the Motown years. Reminds me of music on a Saturday morning helping mom wash the curtains. The production is also incredible. Music made in the mid to late 70’s had so much spirit and emotion behind it and this captures it perfectly.
4
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Fri Mar 22 2024
From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
Eyyyy it’s da king! I never even heard of this album but it’s a decent one.
Kind of a slow start, and the vocals on the first track didn’t impress me but it does improve a bit. It’s got some good tracks that sound great live and again the production sounds a bit dated but hey, this was the top of the line for that time period.
In The Ghetto was definitely a choice, but at least it made me think of Cartman singing it on South Park.
Suspicious Minds is probably my favorite track, as well as the only song off this album I’ve heard before, but it just has more energy on it than a lot of the others.
Not an album of bangers, kinda drifts into overblown emotion towards the end but hey, it’s ELVIS. Worth a spin but don’t expect much.
3
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Mon Mar 25 2024
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
I don’t think I’ve listened to a Willie Nelson record on purpose but here we go. Admittedly I am not a country fan but I always appreciate good songwriting.
First few tracks didn’t do much for me but I did like the storytelling element. I feel like that’s his trademark. I can picture a campfire with some bros listening to this while getting shitcanned on natty lite but they’re having a great time so it’s nice.
The title track has a cool waltz feel to it, which I’ve always been a fan of. Something you can sway to! And who doesn’t love an outlaw story anyway. I think it’s about someone stealing a horse and a yellow haired lady? Very cool little ditty even if murder is a thing.
The rest of the record has a few moments of more upbeat stuff, like in Down Yonder, but the man is a legend for a reason. Not my favorite kind of chill but definitely deserves a spot in this list.
4
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Tue Mar 26 2024
Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Another first time listen!
Kicks right the heck off into Tutti Frutti and already my mood is better.
This is a super quick spin so I needed a few to really take it all in. The deluxe version including the outtakes and different takes are just as good as the original material too. Proof positive that this was the GREATS behind the instruments. You just can’t mess with the ancestors of rock!
5
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Wed Mar 27 2024
I'm Your Man
Leonard Cohen
Ah yes the new wave, cocaine guy Cohen album. I dont hate it, as it reminds me of, say, Blixa Bargeld vocals (which on this record are WAY too loud in the mix) but I’ll give it a shot. The first track had me giggling like picturing him on a stage that’s set up like an Olan Mills photoshoot. Smoke and laser shit. The lyrics are ridiculously silly, as if he’s describing a drug fueled night where you think you’re captain America on copious amounts of speed.
Track 2 starts off with a sexy sax solo which seems to take itself seriously, so of course it’s terrible. This sets off a horrible theme of longing but it’s gross, like the kind of slick weirdo in his older years trying to hook up with someone 30 years his junior: YUCKY. Track 3 sounds like how I sound when I’m drunk and trying to figure my life out, so I’m whispering to a stranger in a bar in a French accent for some reason. Reminds me of a Disney villain describing his devious plans.
The lyrics get progressively worse so I kind of tuned out a bit for I’m Your Man, but god damn dude too much coke makes your bits n pieces inoperable! Cripes man!
Jazz Police legit made me spit my coffee out. Absolute garbage track. How is this record on this list?? Jeez haha.
2
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Thu Mar 28 2024
Chelsea Girl
Nico
As a big fan of VU, the old Bowery scene, old NYC lore and all things proto punk etc I’m kinda embarrassed to admit I haven’t done a full and proper listen to this one. I’ve never been a fan of her vocals but that’s just a personal thang.
First few tracks are mostly just, for lack of a better term, easy listening. Very pleasant, chill as heck. Songs to sip tea to. It seems far less interesting than the tracks she played with VU but for a solo album it’s solid.
Winter Song has a ren faire lilt to it which is a welcome change from the folky sound but then it goes back to its old form.
Lyrically it’s all over the place but not terribly cliche. The mid-60’s sound production is obvious as well but done better than others from the same time. Interesting compositions too but for the most part it’s nothing groundbreaking although it is enjoyable.
4
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Fri Mar 29 2024
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Another absolute classic! Very excited to see this one, as a kid this was one of my mom’s favorites. We’d listen on Sunday mornings as she watered the plants and sang along.
You really can’t mess with ol Reggie.
This album has just about everything- symphonic composition, poetic lyrics, a real storyline you can follow. It’s fun and somber, both of which evoke all sorts of emotions. The remastered version brings out a lot of tones and sounds that I probably missed out on as a kid so this is definitely a treat.
5
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Mon Apr 01 2024
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
With the Nico album coming up here the other day it made me think a lot about this one, the myths and the legends involved in its making. Say what you want about Lou reed but the guy was an arteeste. Nico was definitely Warhols muse for a minute but this record changed the landscape of NYC for better and for worse. Heroin too but whatever.
I love songs that tell a story and this album is full of them. Waiting for the Man is all about waiting for the next fix and Venus in Furs is so sexy it feels illegal. Nico’s songs aren’t too bad but again her vocals aren’t my favorite but good on them for trying, eh?
John Cale is a friggin genius and I wish the guy got more props. They all do tons of weird shit here and for 1967 it was unheard of. Bunch of strung out but beautiful people slumming it in a loft painting and recording? Jeez man. Insanely impressive music here. Early experimental industrial sounds inspired a whole separate no wave movement and the track Heroin proves that dissonance in sound can be just as emotive as music. Automatic 5 stars.
5
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Tue Apr 02 2024
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
It’s 50’s Elvis, fam. Classic. Sure the guy lifted all his best moves and sounds from Black artists but we all knew that. Fun album, lots of fun tunes. Just remember the guy married a child and died on the crapper.
4
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Wed Apr 03 2024
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
OH SNAP I was waiting for some Led Zep.
In another universe these guys never would have made it out of the pub but they had the magic, the special shit, and probably Satan helping out. You know what I’m saying.
But imagine you’re some dumb hippy stoned out of your ass and you hear the opening riff of Good Times Bad Times. BOOM you’re in a different world whether you want to be or not.
Did they also lift half their sound from Black American rock and blues? Obviously. You can’t deny it. But the lads were onto something, and it still holds up decades later.
This is not my favorite Led Zep album but it is outstanding. Robert Plant is one of the best vocalists of all time and you can tell in Babe I’m Gonna Leave You just how good he’s gonna be. It’s a great debut album because you know they have potential that will come later. And of course scandals and thelema and whatever.
1969 may have been the best year for music and this record belongs in the top tier of it.
5
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Thu Apr 04 2024
Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
An album about a French pervert who hits a 14 year old girl with his car and then falls in love with her. Typical. Is it influential? Sure. But I prefer my trip hoppy loungey music without statutory rape and death even if it is French. Fuck this guy. Listen to Stereolab
1
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Fri Apr 05 2024
Pearl
Janis Joplin
Here we go! Classic as fuck here. Janis defines the 60’s with her intense vocals that she belts out with gusto. The realest blues come from the lived experience of pain and heartbreak, and this record defines it.
There’s the tracks everyone knows, like the first track and Me and Bobby McGee, but A Woman Left Lonely is incredibly beautiful.
The organ and walking bass lines are what gives this one some cool sounds and feel. But this is HER record, not just the singer of Big Brother’s solo album.
Her life was kinda tragic and it sucks for sure. This came out after she died of an overdose. 27 Club member, her favorite drink was Southern Comfort. But you know she loved to play music and loves the blues, so her legacy is immense. Rippity pip Janis!
4
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Mon Apr 08 2024
Moving Pictures
Rush
Ugh. Prog. This one’s gonna be hard.
Pretty much everything I knew about Rush was from tv and movies. Everyone knows the hits, Tom Sawyer especially, but I never listened to this start to finish.
It’s pretty much what you’d expect with cool drum fills, unusual time signatures and guitar solos, some synthy flourishes and gloopy bass. YYZ is a bitchin riff fest. I don’t hate Geddy Lee’s voice but it’s not my preference (as a Placebo and Smashing Pumpkins fan, I get it.)
People go HARD for this band which I also never really understood. In my mind it’s fairly par for the course for 80’s music. The production is kinda meh, it feels very treble heavy, but I suppose that’s the intended effect. I can say this probably sounds fucking awesome on some good ass headphones and a J but it didn’t strike me particularly well. Also a fun soundtrack if you invite the boys over for some D&D and chill haha.
4
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Tue Apr 09 2024
This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
The man himself! Definitely a fan of THIS Elvis.
This is yet another one I never sat down with start to finish but I’ve always enjoyed the hits from this record. It’s post punk but kinda not really? I think this was the breakout record but 1978 was a fucking banner year for a lot of bands lol.
I’m a sucker for the Hammond organ sound and it’s all over this album. It’s fun, funky and is great for a nice sunny day. It has a timeless feel that is kind of hard to capture for post punk BUT it isn’t really post I guess?
I remember as a kid hearing Radio Radio and liking it but I didn’t appreciate him until much later. Songs like (I don’t want to go to) Chelsea have a fun ska beat and are just cool little stories.
Top notch stuff here, great tunes and production. Gonna add this to my regular rotation for sure!
4
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Wed Apr 10 2024
Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
I learned about this one because of that craptastic Makeba song that was all over the internet last summer but this is a great one. Her life as an anti apartheid activist in South Africa is in itself incredible but as a singer she’s untouchable.
First song hits out of nowhere and immediately you feel the power of her voice. What struck me right away was the non-drum percussive sounds that accompany her impressive vocals.
The second track flips to a gentle lullaby which is just as good as the punchier track before it. I don’t speak Afrikaans but the music is beautiful enough to make me tear up.
The Click Song starts with her introducing the story of the song and it’s like listening to your favorite teacher.
The album is short with 14 tracks, but I think this is her debut so the songs are also short to fit them onto a vinyl record. Old ass RCA Victor shit lol. The production is very good for something that came out in 1960!
Seriously just stop what you’re doing and treat yourself to this record and learn about her life. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
5
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Thu Apr 11 2024
Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
An obvious classic tbh! I spin this regularly.
The full album is FULL of classics but it’s one you can really sit down with all these years later.
Sometimes the raps are a little bit cringe but this was their post hardcore, pre rapcore days so they were 100% in party mode here.
First track hits HARD with a Led Zeppelin drum beat and it just takes off from there. Super dancey, super FUN stuff. Most of these songs use immediately recognizable samples (heavy on Led Zeppelin for some reason) but it works. For the time, this was groundbreaking work.
The MC volley is one of my favorite things, the mic passing as it is. Honestly this is a massive record so I’ll cap it as a must listen for anyone.
5
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Fri Apr 12 2024
Electric Warrior
T. Rex
My man Marc Bolan, rippity pip in peace.
I feel like T-Rex is really not as appreciated as other bands in their genre. They helped coagulate the velvet goldmine sound, the glam rock that Bowie helped perfect as Ziggy Stardust. Even though they made it to the rock n roll hall of fame, deservedly, I wonder why they didn’t get as famous as Bowie or even Eno.
T Rex has a great bluesy sound without being derivative. Understated and classy. This was the breakout record with Bang A Gong, but heaters like Cosmic Dancer are where they shine. Sexy booty rock haha. Like this is what you play when you’re trying to seal the deal ya know? 😏
Jeepster is a kinda silly love song but it still works. Planet Queen is another funky slow one. Basically, this album is heavy on the chill vibe. Perfect choice for lounging or doin a J in your living room.
5
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Tue Apr 16 2024
Tapestry
Carole King
I’ve loved Carole King since I was a kid.
Another one of my mom’s favorites! I can remember seeing some late night Singer Songwriter CD compilation with a few of her songs and it’s an instant nostalgia hit to listen to this album start to finish.
Her vocals are just so… cozy. Comforting! This is about as easy listening as I can handle, so it’s a nice little treat. Her songwriting credits are absolutely fucking INSANE for all of the songs that she wrote for other people but I think she kept some of the best ones for this record.
I didn’t know that this went 14 times platinum either lol. There’s not much I can really say about it other than it’s songs you know, and it’s just really really fucking good.
5
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Wed Apr 17 2024
If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
FUCK YEAH! One of the best bands from Glasgow.
I’ve loved this band for years and I think this record is one of my favorites. One of the coolest bands to exist if I’m being honest. Their musicality, lyrics, and the recording of this really takes off from their debut but I would argue this one shows off a more mature and polished sound.
The album starts with a quiet little number Stars of Track and Field, which is a great track and gives you a taste of what’s coming. Like Dylan In The Movies is another great one with their trademark soft riffs over strings.
The vocal arrangements are also great with Stuart, Stevie and the crew. When they play live they all sing and it’s fucking cool as hell.
I love almost everything this band has put out because yeah it COULD be super pretentious indie rock but it isn’t. It’s fun well written music that calls back some nostalgia but still feels modern.
4
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Fri Apr 19 2024
Truth And Soul
Fishbone
FUCK YEAH FISHBONE! What a weird band. I found these guys after seeing the video for Party At Ground Zero on beavis and butthead and being like what the FUCK IS THIS?? (That’s not on this record but is worth listening to!)
Funky and fun, this is a great album. Freddie’s Deaf is a classic but the whole record is fun and you might accidentally learn something too. It’s definitely a dated sound with synthy crap but also has a healthy sprinkling of real brass and riffs. Upbeat stuff!
4
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Tue Apr 23 2024
Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
Is my mom in charge of this project? She was OBSESSED with Harry Nilsson lol. Yet another record that brings me back to cleaning house on a Saturday morning before getting shipped over to grandma’s house.
This album is kinda like a “guys being dudes” soundtrack. Very dated, but still listenable. There aren’t too many standouts here other than the MASSIVE hit Without You. Lyrically dude has some spunk and some spicy stuff but for the most part I don’t think it’s particularly interesting. Son of Schmilsson is actually better in my mind, but this is still decent. The track Down has some bluesy elements but his vocals are actually pretty strong, so it’s probably my favorite song on this. Coconut… another one everyone has heard but almost nobody remembers who sang it lol.
Not a bad record by any stretch but I feel like people who were into this sound kinda knows it’s not his best.
4
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Wed Apr 24 2024
Faith
George Michael
I will openly admit to being a massive George Michael fan. I bought this one as a kid on cassette and then promptly lost it at school so I’m guessing that was fate telling me to knock it off and chill out lol.
While it’s a great debut album it’s not as deep as Listen Without Prejudice BUT! this is the ultimate GM sound. All that 80’s goodness and Wham! fun but the slow jams are a look into his lyrical style and ugh I cannot love this enough.
I cant remember if he was Out at this stage or if that came later but once you look at his actual life the songs kinda make more sense. Dude was going through it for a long time and that pain comes out for sure. Fortunately he did it sexy as hell so it doesn’t drag, and is an honest to goodness great record. If you can get past the kinda corny production you’ll really like this one. Literally everything else except for underground music that came out in 1986-87 had this sound so deal with it lol because the heart and soul of his words far outweigh the cheesy music.
4
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Thu Apr 25 2024
Trio
Dolly Parton
Wow what a beautiful record. It’s got so much- country, bluegrass, honky tonk, even a couple more contemporary sounds but the real star of this one is the VOCALS. Like are you fucking kidding me. Three absolute legends all together?? Fuck man.
If you’ve ever seen O Brother Where Art Thou you’ll know what this one sounds like. Each of these singers is an absolute treasure like cmon it’s DOLLY here. But the way their voices just compliment each other is absolutely outstanding.
I listened to the 2016 remastered version and I gotta say it sounds like it was recorded recently. There’s plenty of fiddle and mandolin in the band and piano and ugh it’s just all so beautiful. Lyrically it’s mostly love songs but they’re the kind of love songs that are about lost love or longing. The first track almost brought me to tears in the dunkin drive thru haha. If you’re feeling bummed out or kinda meh this will lift you up for sure, even if the songs are a lil bit sad. I think my favorite song on this is Wildflowers but yeah this is incredible.
5
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Fri Apr 26 2024
The Specials
The Specials
OH HELL YES. The purveyors of 2tone ska! I still spin this one regularly so it’s hard to critique in any meaningful way lol.
It is impossible to overstate how important this band and this record are. The resurgence of ska and honestly the skinhead movement (skinhead was born in Jamaica, remember) are directly related to this band. How I wish I was in London in the late 70’s to witness it.
And honestly? It’s just a fun fucking record. You can’t help but move around a little bit! Remember how Thatcher and Reagan were actively dismantling the economy in the US and UK so bands turned to political action? You can’t remove that from the creation of this record. It was tumultuous but bands like the Specials made it… special.
Everyone knows the hits like A Message To You Rudy (a cover of a rocksteady song from the 60’s!) but anti racist songs like Do The Dog and Concrete Jungle highlighted what was really going on. Fun ass songs you can dance to AND get radicalized by? Fuck yeah.
Both for history and for being a solid record you gotta give them the ol 5 star. RIP Terry Hall!
5
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Tue Apr 30 2024
The Wall
Pink Floyd
Absolutely legendary. Took the full double record for a spin, which I haven’t done in forever, and was pleasantly surprised how many of these songs are just impossible to forget. Knowing the story of the concept makes it so much more enjoyable too. At face value it’s hard to tell what the god damn fuck is going on, but on its face this is just a solid fucking album. Roger Waters is one of the best songwriters that has ever existed and this record is proof of that on top of Dark Side of the Moon and Animals.
This one doesn’t have Syd Barrett but his PRESENCE and attribution as the inspiration for the main character Pink is clear.
I can’t say enough about this becoming to be honest it is a listening experience top to bottom. You already know the hits. You saw the movie. Give it another listen!
5
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Wed May 01 2024
Purple Rain
Prince
It’s fucking Prince. PRINCE.
I don’t even need to say anything else. This record changed the world.
5
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Thu May 02 2024
The Yes Album
Yes
I didn’t love this because I’m not a huge fan of prog in general but this was a cool album.
There’s quite a bit of material here and the way they track a few songs are similar to orchestral movements. Kinda cool!
There’s also some cool vocals and I’m a sucker for the organ tones, especially on I’ve Seen All Good People, but for the most part I felt a bit bored with the record. Maybe it’s because it’s so familiar, and it’s not BAD by any stretch, just not the sound I prefer.
3
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Fri May 03 2024
Station To Station
David Bowie
FUCK YEAH FINALLY! What a weird record this is haha. I celebrate his entire catalog so keep that in mind as I fangirl yet again.
This is a very short album but it packs a lot on. The two hits, Golden Years and TVC15 are solid as heck but the whole package really fits what Bowie was doing in this time. Man was COKED UP according to his own words and the songs have weird themes of occulty shit but it’s Bowie at his finest tbh.
Berlin really had an effect on the guy later on but this was kinda the start of the Thin White Duke time period and people even slung the word fascist around but the guy was so fucked up he can’t remember recording this haha.
The real thrill of Bowies songs are courtesy of his backing band, and the arrangements on this record are dope as fuck. Real weird shit. Not bad for the guys tenth album!
This one isn’t my favorite but it’s just really fucking solid. The guy is a legend for a reason!
4
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Tue May 07 2024
1999
Prince
ONCE AGAIN ITS TOO GOOD TO CRITIQUE
Anyway Prince. Fun fact: my ex husband bought the last ticket to the last show he ever played in Atlanta.
The hits are thee fuckin HITS here. You immediately get punched in the face with 1999. Then it’s Little Red Corvette. Then Delirious?? Look it’s Prince here so you know you’re gonna fuckin party regardless of if you want to or not.
Even the lesser known songs are jamz. You literally can’t fuck with this album. Did you also know that if someone doesn’t like Prince you can legally beat them up with a roll of nickels in a sock? I’m not a lawyer tho so use discretion there.
If you really listen you can hear how masterful of a composer the guy is. There’s layers in there that you can really tell have an effect on the overall sound of the tune. Even the album cover has lots of cool details and shit.
Purple Rain aside, this is Prince and the Revolution at their finest. Just a solid record start to finish and hot as heck. If you don’t like Prince after hearing this then you should jump in the nearest ocean immediately.
5
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Wed May 08 2024
Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
This is one of those classics that I was always aware of, and had heard the singles, but haven’t given the full record a spin. I was pleasantly surprised by this one and how much I enjoyed it. Super simple poppy rock songs but done well. They were also known for wearing silly costumes a la Paul Revere on a horse but what’s a little gimmick to set you apart?
The first track Kicks reminded me of listening to oldies (lol) with my mom and grandfather. We’d put a record on the turntable and I’d always tune into the very small sounds coming off the needle.
The rest of the album is fun! There are some slow jams like Little Girl In The 4th Row (I’ll always be weirded out how in the 60’s women were pretty much only ever called Girls but whatever) and I’m a sucker for a good organ/ early synth with a touch of Mod Sensibility sound so I liked it a lot.
4
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Thu May 09 2024
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Oh shit the GOAT! Stoked for this one.
This is one of those albums that completely fucked everything up. Sonically it’s light years beyond anything else that was coming out around this time so even by that metric it’s an essential record to listen to. They truly kicked the door in for so many reasons with this one.
Wouldn’t It Be Nice starts this off with what these guys are best known for- soaring harmonies and that falsetto! Lyrics on this record go far beyond the simple times of Barbara Ann too. Real life stuff.
Again this is one of the best records of all time so I don’t have much else to add other than find a high quality rip with some good headphones and do a J about it.
5