Apr 30 2024
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Very Huggy Bear. How do you open the door to happiness? You find the funky :D
3
May 01 2024
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In Utero
Nirvana
All Apologies is so great. This smells of the mosh pit (rather than teen spirit). I wonder if it's called In Utero because it goes back (in spirit) to before Nevermind - the mother of the baby. If you see what I mean. Maybe everyone knows this and I am being Dumb (another great track). So raw it's tender.
4
May 02 2024
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Fear Of A Black Planet
Public Enemy
Not my thing. But am sure it is brilliant in its field. I am in another field ... far away ... birds are singing. It sounds very angry - I am sure with good reason. I feel bad giving a low rating. But I never want to listen to it again.
1
May 03 2024
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Natty Dread
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Coooool. Lively Up Yourself and listen to some Rebel Music. What a voice. Didn't love every track (the backing vocals were a bit distracting) but enjoyed the vibe. And what an excellent title for an album! 😎
3
May 06 2024
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
🥱 Lost in Music? Lost on me, tbh. The star is for the start of Thinking of You, which is quite groovy. But just the start. I kept turning this down because it was annoying me so much 🤣
1
May 07 2024
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
I have never listened to an Elton John album before - now I know why. Best track: Holiday Inn. But still way
too OTT for my liking. The lyrics are all quite bad. The music/vocals rather bonkers in places. But it's Elton, and this is what he does. Watford! :D
2
May 08 2024
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Atomizer
Big Black
I'm thinking Elton could maybe collaborate with these guys? Rocket Man meets Kerosene ... Strange Things (amazing track!) indeed. I enjoyed getting lost in the energy of this. I suppose it did get a bit repetitive, though. Banging me on the head. But a huge step up from the last couple of albums.
3
May 09 2024
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One Nation Under A Groove
Funkadelic
Not funky enough, in my opinion. Rock vibe helped a teeny bit. A lot of this sounded the same. Which would be fine if it was interesting. I thought it would be waaaay more groovy. I won't be rushing to listen to this again.
2
May 10 2024
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Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
Well, some of this is a stone groove, and I think maybe Benjamin Clementine is a fan? But I much prefer Benjamin. Gil's voice is cool but the tracks, dare I say, get a bit boring. Emma would love the flute solos!
2
May 13 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Paint it Black is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ track on ⭐️⭐️⭐️ album. Too many dodgy lyrics on some tracks, in my opinion - this has lowered its rating.
3
May 14 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Yo!Yo!Yo! I think this has lots of energy. And it sounds like they are having a great time! Some tracks seem pointless - A Little Bit of Soap, to name but one.
Not my thing. Too long! And a bit irritating. More playground thang than Ghetto Thang. 3, alas, is not the magic number from me.
2
May 15 2024
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Fifth Dimension
The Byrds
Captain Soul is sublime. As is Eight Miles High ✌️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I could listen to those two on a loop all day. Cooool. But some missed by at least 8 miles: yes, I'm talking to you, Mr. Spaceman.
3
May 16 2024
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
I was never a huge Roxy Music fan, and I'm still not. Bowieesque in places (a HUGE compliment). Good. Dull in other places. Bad. Editions Of You is coolish. Too much mad brass, tho. But it has a punky vibe. Earned an extra star for this track. I find the whole thing too contrived - it's kind of painfully shiny-suited. Trying to be sophisticated. Lacks depth. I feel it to be nail polish music. I prefer a chipped nail polish: something showing signs of life beyond the pose. Aka Life on Mars?
2
May 17 2024
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
I thought I might like this more - but I still enjoyed listening to it; maybe would even give 3.5 stars, if that were a thing. Some tracks a bit self-indulgent (My Precious Love). But others good: I Build This Garden for Us, I particularly enjoyed - sounded quite Beatley/Princey, to me. Empty Hands, and Rosemary stood out, too. Guitar! Anyway, all in all, pretty cool - I think I would quite like to be Lenny Kravitz, haha.
3
May 20 2024
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25
Adele
Ugh
1
May 21 2024
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War
U2
U2 are, without doubt, a fine rock band.
Some absolute classics on here that still sound powerful and fresh today. I admire the fact that they didn't take the easy option in terms of content - they really went for what they believed in. And I had forgotten how great Like a Song is! It's honestly an amazing track - how it races along.
Some tracks get a little lost in themselves, and maybe lose the listener a bit along the way. But really, this is a great album.
4
May 22 2024
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
There's a world going on underground - and this tells its story. This is amazing. Cannot believe I haven't listened before. It's like a poetry/music jam you may come across after falling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland. Or down a cool backstreet in Paris. Or, at one point, a misty Scottish castle. Or maybe a club in any city, down a back alley that only cats know about - you come across it and, upon entering, find you can't leave. I feel cooler just having listened to this. There's a hummingbird trapped in a closed down shoe store. Imagery, imagery, imagery.
Rainbirds is a 5 star finish for a 5 star album.
5
May 23 2024
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G. Love And Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce
Had never heard of these guys. Drums okay. Guitar has its moments. Dislike the vocals. Found it a tad irritating, on the whole. On and on it went. Not really a special sauce - just an average sauce in a jazzy bottle. An average sauce in one of those squeezy, tomato-shaped ketchup dispensers. Actually, those dispensers are cooler than this album. In fact, I kind of want one now! 🍅 But I don't want to listen to this again.
2
May 24 2024
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
I quite like the off-kilter, faded pier vibe of this. It feels quite raw. Guitar is cool. Vocals good too. War on War is a highlight. As is Jesus, Etc. - you were right about the stars, each one is a setting sun.
It's like hearing a rock band playing through the walls of the house next door ... like you're not quite there, but you enjoy it for what it is.
3
May 27 2024
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Back In Black
AC/DC
I want an AC⚡️DC t-shirt. I really enjoyed rocking out to this. They really must be quite something live! Unpretentious. Silly in places. But LOUD. And blasts through, like dynamite, to that hidden cave inside where one is a Harley riding, whisky drinking, guitar playing free spirit. I'm Back in Black, baby. Yes, indeed. I will be driving to this album. In my rose gold Fiat 500. Look out world 🤣
5
May 28 2024
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Moon Safari
Air
Ooooo, this is quite cool and trippy. A world of stars, rainbows and odd flowers abound. Raindrops the colour of swirling words - each one a tiny mirror. Trees with feathers for leaves. That kind of thing!
I really enjoyed Sexy Boy, despite the odd title. And All I Need is so pretty, and absorbing.
All in all, quite cool. I think some tracks go on a bit too long and the spell is broken. But maybe this is an album to listen to at night - through headphones. I listened in the morning - still connected with the essence of it though. A shiny sound - like A New Star in the Sky.
3
May 29 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Thin Lizzy are great - so many excellent tracks on this album! Only criticism is that it's a bit too long. Phil Lynott is (was) cool. As is his love of Ireland. And I love Thin Lizzy's sound - get lost in the moment, and the music takes you away. Cowboy Song is amazing - a guitar journey 😎.
I would have loved to have seen them live - imagine how cool that would have been ... Dancing in the Moonlight.
4
May 30 2024
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Odelay
Beck
Sounds good through headphones. Not bad at all. A bit Eels. A bit lots of things. Like a junkyard of sounds. Nails and bits and bobs shaken up in a tin. I mean this in a good way! Odd bits of this and that joined together to form a colourful, Wacky Races type vehicle of music.
Funny and unexpectedly sharp in places, soft and deep in others.
I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, Lord Only Knows. Will be listening again.
4
May 31 2024
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1977
Ash
Oh Yeah. Excellent at times (who could not love Girl From Mars?!). I think they would be an amazing live experience - punky vibes abound. Kung Fu - I can see myself going bonkers to this 🤣
A few samey sounding tracks loses a star. But, on the whole, a smashing album.
4
Jun 03 2024
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1999
Prince
Prince is like some tiny, colourful hummingbird. Impossible to not be entranced by the brilliance of the wings. But, apart from a couple of songs, I won't be listening again - too long and not all great.
3
Jun 04 2024
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
A cool, sunny relaxed vibe. I see myself sipping cocktails at a sophisticated soirėe full of interesting types, effortlessly looking cool. Or a character in some intriguing film. Possibly black and white. I find it gentle to listen to - background music that sets a scene and vibe. Nice.
3
Jun 05 2024
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Being There
Wilco
Too long. Not bad, tho. I just got a bit bored. Which is a shame because there are some good tracks. They just get a bit buried in the many miles of sand, and have to be dug up like treasure.
Some beautiful guitar throughout. And interesting lyrics. And maybe more listens would gain another star: I don't think a double album can be taken in all at once.
But why a double album?!
Favourite tracks: Forget the Flowers and The Lonely 1
3
Jun 06 2024
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
A rich sound that sounds great in my car! Great voice and clearly important issues addressed. Not sure I will listen again - but I loved the feeling in this music.
3
Jun 07 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
I love the world this creates. I listened to it loads in my younger days. Some amazing work on this album - but is a little bit overblown in places. Another Brick in the Wall is one of my least favourite tracks, funnily enough! But I find it a cool experience to immerese oneself in, and an impressive piece of originality.
4
Jun 10 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
So Far Away is my fave on this album - it is quite unpolished and heartfelt.
I can't deny their talent, and Romeo and Juliet is one of my favourite tracks of all time (but not on this album). But I think I heard Money for Nothing too many times to enjoy it! It was played everywhere! All the time! Having said that, when I hear it now it is like a time machine back to my younger days. That's quite fun :)
Mark Knopfler is cool actually. Very laid- back in interviews.
Guitar ❤️
3
Jun 11 2024
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This Year's Model
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
There are some good tracks on this, for sure. I have just never really liked Elvis Costello's voice - it's a bit annoying! But that's just my opinion. I appreciate the vibe of this, but not sure I would choose to listen to the whole thing again. Actually, I am sure - I won't!
3
Jun 12 2024
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
With so many members and so many instruments, one would think an interesting sound would fill one's senses. But no. A dull sound like dustbins being moved in an alley. For a long time. Hurdy-gurdies, whirlygigs, and all manner of things joining in - but the result is yawneroo: one long track that goes on and on and on and on - please god make it stop. Pointless. I kept drifting off and forgetting to listen.
1
Jun 13 2024
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Homework
Daft Punk
Wow, this sounds good. So clear. So sharp. I loved Kraftwerk and Visage - this reminds me of them. I want to go clubbing! Haha. No idea if it flows as an album, but who cares? I am dancing (and driving) to this every day ... around the world, around the world.
Fave track: Revoloution 909 - how it moves.
This is coooooool 😎
4
Jun 14 2024
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Like a Prayer is a fabulous pop song. Sounds great still. And Dear Jessie is cool - quirky and actually quite Beatley!
I admire Madonna - what an entertainer. I mean, this isn't all to my taste, but I can't deny the talent and passion - and the way Madonna just does her thing, and doesn't bow to convention - Act of Contrition proves this: mad! But great guitar, and general mayhem 🎸
3
Jun 17 2024
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Not great. Voice did grate, however. Only good track is the last one. Nothing more to say really.
2
Jun 18 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
I like it. All sounds a bit Tom and Jerry - but in a good way! Not much to dislike. Creates a mood. A swinging vibe :)
3
Jun 19 2024
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
I see greatness here. Such imagery. A dirty floor of an album: people walking over life not seeing what is under their feet. Rainbows in puddles. Moonlight creating shafts of light in an abandoned coal mine: light getting in through the dark and finding hidden depths that were once used to keep us warm.
A weird tree in a desert, with jangled notes for leaves. A shady spot with its own cloud.
Are you still jumping out of windows in expensive clothes?
I love this.
5
Jun 20 2024
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Dirty
Sonic Youth
Joe's review is pretty spot on, actually. Some great parts, but somehow no extended moments of greatness. Also, the vocals aren't my favourite. Not bad, though. And they were probably quite an experience live.
3
Jun 21 2024
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The Clash
The Clash
I was expecting better, tbh! All sounds a bit samey, and, dare I say, flat! Didn't really enjoy it much.
2
Jun 24 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
An amazing album. 5 stars for The Model, alone! Sounds brilliant still. I love all of this - a jewel of an album. 🤖
5
Jun 25 2024
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
I'm not a huge fan of covers - apart from the obviously excellent ones (Tainted Love!) where the artist makes the track their own and gives it a whole new life. This didn't do that for me at all. Lift music that made me fall (asleep).
An extra star for some cool guitar.
2
Jun 26 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
Dear god.
1
Jun 27 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
A cool, magic carpet ride of an album. Trippy, psychedelic and fabulous. Maybe listening straight after Snoop (he's not Shakespeare is he) made me appreciate this even more. But actually, I think it is just a brilliant album. Listened whilst catching up on jobs at home, and I was just dancing and singing around the house - a festival in my mind - happy days. Groovy. 🌼🌸🌈✌️🎸
5
Jun 28 2024
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
I found some parts of this really good. But somehow it didn't grab me as a whole. A bit underwhelming. Not terrible, and sounded pretty good in the car. Just not enough to take it into 4 star territory.
3
Jul 01 2024
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
George. Ringo. John. Paul.
My favourite song of all time.
And a fine taste in coats.
5
Jul 02 2024
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Abbey Road
Beatles
5
Jul 03 2024
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Me Against The World
2Pac
Not my thing. But then it's not supposed to be. There is nothing for me to relate to here at all. However, definitely better than Snoop (poop). And So Many Tears is actually not bad.
I didn't even write a review for yesterday's album because you guys had said it all, so beautifully. I came out of work on Monday, after a very stressful day, and Because came on - it was honestly like angels singing. Pure and sweet. I was transported. This album also transports, but to a place I don't want to go.
2
Jul 04 2024
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Tago Mago
Can
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, so another win for the album generator :)
Groovy - some very cool guitar - a trippy, funky vibe. Oh Yeah and Halleluhwah stood out for me. Aumgn made me feel lost in space on an abandoned spaceship - like I had woken up after a long journey across many galaxies and found myself in some futuristic spacecraft, full of long, echoing corridors. Alone. Or was I?...👽
3
Jul 05 2024
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Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Dead Kennedys
I mean, it's okay. Sounds very 'formula punk'. Nothing really original. And every track sounds only ever so slightly different to the last. Not convinced.
2
Jul 08 2024
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Five Leaves Left
Nick Drake
This is an album that goes beyond star ratings. Such a rare talent. A delicate magic. Poetry put to the most exquisite music. I think of Nick Drake as a bird singing in a cage: trapped by the ugliness of the world, yet setting us free. This is music for the soul ... The Thoughts of Mary Jane makes me cry every time I hear it.
Nick Drake is a ray of hope: all the terrible things people do, the state of the planet, but we must remember that the human soul is capable of beauty such as this. More souls like this, please.
5
Jul 09 2024
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So
Peter Gabriel
Sledgehammer was played everywhere. All the time. The video was played everywhere. All the time. Sledgehammer, indeed. Don't Give Up stopped me from giving up, and to this I pin one star.
Annoying voice (wasp in a jam jar) and just clunky nonsense, really. Terrible lyrics! Let there be no doubt about it ...
1
Jul 10 2024
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Face to Face
The Kinks
Dandy, Dandy where you gonna go now? I love the quirky English charm of The Kinks. I mean, Damon Albarn must LOVE them. This is like a little slice of cool 60s England. More to the songs than meets the eye (ear). Cool guitar.
I know it's wrong to even mention You Really Got Me because it doesn't appear on this album, but I will - one of the coolest tracks ever!
I don't love every track on this, but it is a groovy collection of tunes - and Ray Davies is a top musiciiaaan.
4
Jul 11 2024
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Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Fine. Until he starts singing ...
1
Jul 12 2024
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Bad
Michael Jackson
So dated. And reminds me why I have never owned an MJ album. Smooth Criminal gains this collection of nonsense an extra star. I mean, Speed Demon ... really? And Liberian Girl ... feel queasy just thinking about it 🤮
2
Jul 15 2024
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Ramones
Ramones
One-trick pony.
Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue is a very Blue Peter version of punk. Silly.
I mean, it's ooookaaay. Clean-cut punk.
3
Jul 16 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
Listening to this through headphones, in the evening, has helped me to remember why I liked Coldplay: it's like looking up at the stars and realising we are seeing them as they were a loooong time ago ... And we live in a beautiful world, yeah we do, yeah we do.
There are some beautiful tracks on this album, and they still manage to get through. Shiver does just what it says: spine-tingling. And Sparks is just so pretty. And then there's Trouble ...
Okay, I have to conclude that this is a good album. There, I've said it.
4
Jul 17 2024
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Infected
The The
Very 80s! Not in a good way.
2
Jul 18 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
Each song a little bust of energy. Fantastic guitar. Drummy drums. Funny fun. Feargal's voice does get a teeny bit tiresome over the course of a whole album. But still an enjoyable listen. And definitely one of the bands that would have been a lot of fun to see live 🎸🎸
3
Jul 19 2024
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
I'm sure this is good ... if you like the cheesiest music in the history of the world. I am put in mind of plastic tablecloths in a tatty American diner. She can sing, and play the guitar - so an extra star for that. "You think I'm blind, but I've got eyes to see." And I have ears to listen - this is bad.
2
Jul 22 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
I do appreciate the guitar. And I like Mark Knopfler's laid-back vibe. But I just find this album a teeny bit boring. Sorry, Sam :(
2
Jul 23 2024
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Dummy
Portishead
Smoke drifting across a room ... caught in light coming from under a very closed door. Listening at a wall Delicate ghost shapes. But something is burning. It's good.
3
Jul 24 2024
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Highly Evolved
The Vines
Nirvana tribute band? They make a good noise.
3
Jul 25 2024
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
It's okay. David Byrne sounds suitably bonkers- I like that. Not a bad album, but also didn't make me want to listen again, particularly. But I admire their style.
3
Jul 26 2024
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Double Nickels On The Dime
Minutemen
A lot of the same. And not really keen on his somewhat shouty and flat vocals. Some decent guitarwork - Cohesion a good example of this. Oh, I probably like it because there are no vocals! A bit long and self-indulgent. Some decent drums. But those annoying vocals! Aaagh.
2
Jul 29 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
I don't like this at all. But it is a teeny-weeny star better than Adele. Like half a star better. Or a very distant star ... that has probably fizzed away by now.
"He's so tall. And handsome as hell." Poetry this is not.
2
Jul 30 2024
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Soft and gentle - it's as if nothing bad could ever happen in the world when you listen to this. I like that feeling. Yes, it's very long - but I enjoyed the nostalgic warmth of this - the Bose speaker became a softly burning candle in the corner of the room.
3
Jul 31 2024
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
Grim.
1
Aug 01 2024
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Greetings From L.A.
Tim Buckley
Clanky, annoying nonsense. A wind chime of an album.
1
Aug 02 2024
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Here, My Dear
Marvin Gaye
"When did you stop loving me?"
When you bored me to death.
Nice voice. But such a dull album zzzzzz
2
Aug 05 2024
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
The sound of hairs standing on end. And tingles down spines. An album about death that made me feel so alive. "I'm so sorry for that ghost I made you be."
From start to end. Life. Exquisite. A stunning work of art.
I can't really describe this - it is music from one soul to another. A gift. A curse. Poetry. Beyond the sky. Beyond the bottom of the ocean. Beyond the stars. Beyond anything we think we know. This comes from somewhere darker ... before and after.
5
Aug 06 2024
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
Wanna be Startin' Somethin' is actually a pretty cool way to open an album - I like this track more than I remembered.
The guy is at the top of his game here, and this album has some great moments. And some dreadful ones: Baby be Mine, and The Girl is Mine. Yuck. And the last three tracks ... really bad.
But Thriller (the track) still sounds great - (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) I remember watching the video when it was released, at a friend's house - the whole family watched! It was an event! And what an amazing video/track it is. One must remember I was very into Vincent Price films at this point. And Scooby Doo!
Then there's Beat It ... and Billie Jean. Not bad at all.
I thought I would dislike this more than I did ... but "no mere mortal can resist the evil of the thriller" ... maniacal laughter. Excellent.
3
Aug 07 2024
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The Sensual World
Kate Bush
I like the bells at the start of this album - promising and atmospheric. But the track that follows is pretty dreadful: a mish-mash of sounds, with a godawful drum beat throughout. Also, Kate's voice - what happened? So oddly polished.
Anyway, the next track is also pretty awful. And so it goes on. Reaching Out made me want to stop listening there and then - so so bad. The only track that stopped this being a one star album is This Woman's Work - although it's not a great version.
Disappointing.
2
Aug 08 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
This is actually pretty cool. Had never heard of them before, so was pleasantly surprised: a great blend of edgy guitar, punchy drums and quite bonkers vocals! Good. Reminded me of Siouxsie and the Banshees in places, and in other places just their own totally unique sound. A great live experience, I am thinking.
Lots to like here. I suppose my only criticism is that it all started to sound a bit samey. However, it is difficult to fully appreciate any album on just one listen. Unless it's total rubbish. Or totally brilliant.
Green stood out, for me.
3
Aug 09 2024
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Tuesday Night Music Club
Sheryl Crow
I just found this quite dull. I mean, her voice is fine but the whole thing is just quite beige. Not much more to say. So I suppose that says it all!
2
Aug 12 2024
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American IV: The Man Comes Around
Johnny Cash
From the opening track I knew I would like this: cool guitar and heavenly voice in perfect harmony. Felt like Johnny was in the room with me.
Not beige. So many colours. All the brighter because they are set against the blackest background. How do you find a candle in the dark? You feel your way. Then you enjoy the dancing shadow-ghosts its perfect light creates. And you realise you need the dark to see the light.
I Hung My Head. Life and death. Hope and regret. Wow.
Some tracks didn't work for me - Danny Boy, to name but one ... not a great version of what is a beautiful melody. But difficult not to cry listening to others - what is it about this guy's voice?!
Anyway, this review is a bit of a ramble. But that's life. And that's this album.
4
Aug 13 2024
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Pretty cool vibe. Sounded good today in the car, with the sun shining.
Proud Mary is the best track, by far. And Keep on Chooglin' is cooool. Love a bit of harmonica.
On the whole, a stone groove.
3
Aug 14 2024
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The Bones Of What You Believe
CHVRCHES
Vocals a little too saccharine a lot of the time for my taste. And all a little bit poppy. However, I do enjoy a synthy vibe!
Lies (amazing) is a great track, as is You Caught the Light. So, an extra star for each of these.
3
Aug 15 2024
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
No. Not one more time. Not ever again.
1
Aug 16 2024
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Hms Fable
Shack
Comedy is a great track. As is, I Want You. I rather like this.
3
Aug 19 2024
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
The Passenger is a great track. Never gets old. Lust for Life good too. Tonight sounds quite Bowiesque. But the rest is just a bit samey. Not bad.
3
Aug 20 2024
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
This is one of those albums that seems so ridiculous, lyrically, that I just find it very difficult to take seriously. Pointless waste of talent. I say talent because the musicality on this is actually pretty good. But then it just goes down the worst route possible. Obviously, I am not the target audience, but it kind of worries me that anyone would be. Grim.
1
Aug 21 2024
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
It's okay. Very shiny. Easy-listening.
3
Aug 22 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
What just happened? Jimi just blew through my mind. "Yeah, well, maybe. Maybe it was just a change of climate."
Little Wing - I mean, come on.
Damn, he was good. Imagine seeing him live ... just wow.
5
Aug 23 2024
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Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Oh dear, this is somewhat self-indulgent. I guess they had fun recording it - and some excellent guitar. But just quite a tiresome listen.
2
Aug 26 2024
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
Really enjoyed listening to this band again - I had forgotten how much I like them. Galapogos is such a great track: perfect vocals, lyrics and mood. As is 1979. And To Forgive. Stumbleine (very Elliott Smith). Actually, a lot of this is very good indeed. And surely one of the best album titles ever!
I think the album is too long, so one star lost. But I really enjoyed rediscovering this band, and will definitely be listening again.
4
Aug 27 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Killer Queen. What a track. Lily of the Valley is also great - Freddie's voice is just so exceptional. I love Freddie - what a bright star he was.
Have never been a huge Queen fan. But I appreciate them - and this really is the essence of what they are all about. How OTT. How brave. How cool.
3
Aug 28 2024
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Get Behind Me Satan
The White Stripes
My Doorbell is a great track - cool vibe ... had me pretending to be a rockstar, singing along to it, haha. Take, Take, Take another one that got me interested.
I actually rather enjoyed this album - will revisit.
3
Aug 29 2024
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Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
A hangover of an album. Barbed wire. Headaches. Migraine aura. Apart from that, great!
1
Aug 30 2024
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
Yawneroo. Nice voice. But ... zzzzzzzzzz
2
Sep 02 2024
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
"You got a fast car
And I want a ticket to anywhere
Maybe we make a deal
Maybe together we can get somewhere."
Great lyrics. Great guitar. Great voice. Great talent. Love this.
4
Sep 03 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
"How does it feel?" Amazing, that's how it feels. I find it difficult to write about one of the greatest wordsmiths of all time. Let's just say, this is one of those albums that lights my darkness and restores my faith in the human soul.
"And the only sound that's left
After the ambulances go
Is Cinderella sweeping up
On Desolation Row."
Thank you, Bob.
5
Sep 04 2024
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
I mean, this is one of those albums that just makes you think, Wow. I enjoyed the atmosphere it created. The way it made me listen to its intent. A lot to like here. Benjamin Clementine must surely be a HUGE fan.
How much power there is in honesty and pure emotion. Wild is the Wind. Great stuff, quite honestly.
4
Oct 02 2024
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
Well, I did actually sort of enjoy this. I think. Not the best quality recording, and imagine they would have sounded far better (louder) live.
Reminded me of The Doors in places - but not as good. In any way.
I had never heard of them, so found it an interesting listen. Could have done with a bit (lot) of editing - the freestyle jams at (nearly all) times seemed pretty pointless and not an enjoyable experience for the listener. But, I suppose that was kind of the point? Anyway, not much fun. Unless you were actually there in the audience.Or Playing. Or on drugs. Or a combination of those things.
As I say, an intresting listen, but doubt I have enough time left in my life to listen to those jams again.
3
Oct 03 2024
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Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
Bob, Bob and more Bob. Excellent.
5
Oct 04 2024
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Where's the harmonica?
Just joking, guys :D
Gentle waves breaking on a distant shore. A luxurious quilt to wrap oneself in and feel its warmth and depth - not too hot, not too cold.
I rather enjoyed this.
3
Oct 07 2024
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
soft rock
noun [ U ] music specialized
uk/ˌsɒft ˈrɒk/ us/ˌsɑːft ˈrɑːk/
a type of rock music (= popular music that is played with electric guitars and drums) where the beat is not very strong and loud, and it's a teeny bit dull; aka Steely Dan.
Pleasant enough listen, but I just found it a tad insipid.
3
Oct 08 2024
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Back To Black
Amy Winehouse
What a voice. What lyrics. What a mood this creates. How absolutely authentic. One of the true greats. Always makes me a bit sad listening to Amy - she was so genuine, and therefore so fragile.
Amazing.
5
Oct 09 2024
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Back to Basics
Christina Aguilera
"You inspire me to keep on living ... " surely the funniest track on any album. Ever. Dear lord. "It's not so easy loving me ..." Correct.
The fake crackles kind of sum this album up: trying to be authentic and getting it all wrong.
Shakespeare; WB Yeats; Sylvia Plath ... now you know I am an excellent writer, right? So funny.
Love her voice, though ...
NOT!!
1
Oct 10 2024
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
Just
A
ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Pleasant enough background (lift) music ... but that's about it, for me.
2
Oct 11 2024
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Van Halen
Van Halen
The perfect antidote to a stressful day at work. Play it loud and proud! Great guitar. Great noise. I enjoyed this. I mean, I'm not a huge Van Halen fan, but this was definitely the right album at the right time, for me. Lift music - but not in that way, in an uplifting way! Made me wish I could play the guitar🎸🤘😎
4
Oct 14 2024
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
A party of an album! I like the holiday atmosphere this creates - makes me want to 💃 (I did actually - badly! Haha). Great guitar, and an uplifting listen throughout.
3
Oct 15 2024
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
This is, to my mind, a definite five star album: when you look at the track listing you realise just how many great songs are on this. Some of the songs are just so perfect that it's difficult to imagine them not being around (yes, I mean you Champagne Supernova) - I think this is the mark of greatness.
Cast no Shadow is such a poetic number, followed by She's Electric. I mean, come on - these are fantastic tracks. And there are more, obviously - all on one album. Most bands can only dream of writing an album like this - it's even better than I remember. I think not having listened to it for a while has helped me to really hear it again, if you see what I mean.
"Slip into the eye of your mind ... " Brilliant.
5
Oct 16 2024
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Heroes
David Bowie
I see Bowie as a true genius. A unique talent who created some of the most brilliant music of all time. Like the great composers. Like the great playwrights. Painters. Oh, you know - he's one of those genius types who has the ability to create something new. Something that hasn't been done before. And shares it with the world to give us a different perspective on life. A skylight in the ceiling. A trapdoor in the floor.
I really enjoyed this - it is full of life. Full of imagery. Full of colour. As rich as an intricately embroidered piece of cloth that could be very old. Or very new. Who knows?
A hero. And not even a selfish hero - we can all be heroes! Oh David, you are missed.
5
Oct 17 2024
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Horses
Patti Smith
"Young Parisians are so French
They love Patti Smith ..."
And so do I. Thank goodness for the Patti spirit: feedom; expression; poetry.
Where would we be without the souls that decide to do their own thing?
An album that actually doesn't fit a time, place or thing. So just listen and enjoy the shape of things it moves. A kaleidoscope.
I will listen to this more an more.
4
Oct 18 2024
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Inspiration Information
Shuggie Otis
Was about to say: not bad, but not groovy enough - department store browsing music. But then, from Strawberry Letter 23 (great track) onwards, things improved - hoorah! The rest of the album is pretty cool - I enjoyed the vibe.
3
Oct 21 2024
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
March of the Pigs!
Take me to the mosh pit immediately (where I would surely die, haha).
Some good bits: liked the synthy vibe meets hard rock.
But a lot of this is just a bit of a wall of noise. I did turn it down because it was getting a bit headache inducing. Monty was not impressed!
2
Oct 22 2024
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
Okay, so this is one of those 'put everything down and listen to me' albums. And I want to listen more and more. It draws you in and plays tricks with your mind. It sounds like a bit of madness: when you get all these good ideas and put them together and realise you have the answer to everything. And nothing. Two sides of the same coin. And an amazing (heart) beat running through it all.
I shall listen to this more and more. I like to be immersed in music ... be it soft, be it loud, or be it just something that makes you feel removed ... yet very present. Same as it ever was. I can't really take any stars away from something like this.
5
Oct 23 2024
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The Next Day
David Bowie
I am always captivated by Bowie's voice - I think even hearing him read a shopping list would be enthralling!
Where are we now? is incredible. I really like Valentine's Day too. Very Suede! I struggled between a 4 and a 3(.5) for this because some tracks are a bit flat for Bowie. But it's David and there is a lot to enjoy here.
4
Oct 24 2024
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The Doors
The Doors
I absolutely adore The Doors - how they create this unique atmosphere that rambles here there and everywhere, seemingly leaving you behind, but then you are whisked back up again and dropped down somewhere totally new. What a trip.
The End.
5
Oct 25 2024
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Queen II
Queen
From the sublime ...
Slightly more interesting than packing boxes.
2
Oct 28 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
This confirms one thing for me: I do not ever want to listen to a Stevie Wonder album again.
Some tracks seem like they might be okay ... but then become just the same wishy-washy nonsense. The only track that delivers full grooviness is Higher Ground - so, an extra star for that.
So smooth it slips right through, never really catching my attention.
2
Oct 29 2024
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Blur
Blur
Song 2. Song 2. Song 2! WOOOOO HOOOO
I like this album. But ...
So, we have Beetelbum, Song 2 and then Country Sad Ballad Man. Not a bad way to start an album, at all. But then it all tails off a bit.
This is cool, tho, and just shows the breadth of Damon's creativity. A solid 3 stars.
3
Oct 30 2024
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Parklife
Blur
This is a very cool album. Sounds great still. I had forgotten how much I like tracks like End of a Century. And Badhead.
Full of fun, sing-a-long lyrics - pure entertainment. But also so much more than that. Both loud and quiet. A textured reflection on society: songs like Park Life, that everyone sings along to, are great, but it also reflects the other side of all of us. As in, even when we are all so jolly at the party, we have other things we are dealing with in life. To the End.
I really enjoyed listening to this again, and Damon's voice (both written and singing) is strong throughout. Not quite a five star because I don't love every track ... but a 4.5, for sure. Oh, actually, what the heck - l enjoyed it a lot - let's go 5!
5
Oct 31 2024
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OK Computer
Radiohead
There's the rest, and then there's Radiohead
No Surprises is one of the best pieces of music ever written. But there are also so many perfect, unique pieces of art to wonder at here. I am sort of speechless.
This album is a masterpiece: hang it up, playing, in a gallery ... watch and feel the pictures it creates, the souls it touches.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5
Nov 04 2024
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
I love the vibe of this. It has such beauty. I mean, transporting ... to a place that I want to be. It resonates in the cave of my soul.
Also, how does someone actually write something like Bridge Over Troubled Water? Like a butterfly: so fragile yet strong enough to fly and take us with it. Yes, this is what life is (should be) about. Song for the Asking ... need I say more.
5