May 01 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Enjoyed it more than I expected. Several song were familiar which also surprised me. Makes for more background listening than dedicated listening for me.
3
May 02 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
2
May 03 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
I had never heard of King Crimson and my only familiarity was from Kanye West's sampling of 21st Century Schizoid Man. I really liked this album though on first listen and am looking forward to a future relisten. The only song that didn't do much for me first time through was I Talk To The Wind. The other 4 at least I found interest in. Hard to pick between 21st Century Schizoid Man, Epitaph, and Court of the Crimson King for favorite from first go around.
I loved the heavy feeling of 21st Century Schizoid Man. The lyrics were a little hard to pick apart on first listen but I liked the vibe.
The lyrics of Epitaph were both comforting and horrifying in the fact that they felt like they applied to today, as well as the time in which they were written.
Court of the Crimson King had a familiar feeling so maybe I have heard it somewhere along the way once or twice and not remembered it. I absolutely love the imagery in this one.
4
May 04 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
I wanted to like this more. I was into the first couple songs and as it went on I got less and less interested. Lyrically I really loved it but the delivery and music started to blur together.
2
May 04 2024
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Sign 'O' The Times
Prince
I was excited to get a Prince album since I have always enjoyed his hits but have never gotten around to doing a deeper listen of his catalogue. On first listen I was pretty let down because I wasn't jiving with it very well and none of the tracks were any of his songs I know and love. Something told me to give it another listen the next day though and I definitely liked it a lot more on second listen. I suspect this will continue to grow on me with subsequent listenings.
3
May 05 2024
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
I almost feel a little bad that I am giving this album a 4. I can see on paper why it should be a 5 and totally understand why it is for so many. However I decided I would only be giving 5's to albums that really resonated with me and has no (or minimal) skips. Dark Side of the Moon is unquestionably good, but either because of where I am currently in life or just my taste I had trouble really connecting with most of it. It's one I would definitely consider revisiting though. A few songs definitely stood out to me (Money, Any Color You Like, Brain Damage, Eclipse). The others, while I acknowledge as interesting or good, just didn't make me feel much other than a detached interest that appreciated the construction of the music. I will also say the duo of Brain Damage and Eclipse as a finisher is very powerful and so perfect it almost made me up it to a 5.
4
May 06 2024
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B-52's
The B-52's
Well I can definitely say this was an interesting listen. I really struggled to decide if I liked it or disliked it. There were moments/songs that made me feel both. Overall I think I decided it's mostly not for me but I am glad I listened anyway.
2
May 07 2024
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Ten
Pearl Jam
I actually really liked the music, but the vocals I found generally grating. (something I see in a lot of the reviews too) There were songs/parts of songs where it was exactly the right sound though. His voice is very distinct to me which can be a good thing or a bad thing in large doses and in this case it's the later. It's a shame there isn't a second vocalist to break things up. If so I think I would have quite liked this. I can definitely see where this sound evolved with other groups as time went on.
2
May 08 2024
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
This most definitely was not for me. I generally am ok with darker lyrics but something about the lyrics + music + his voice = no thank you. Really waffled between 1 and 2 stars for this but this is maybe the first one where I am struggling so much to see what value this has and why it's on the list. My other 2 stars while not for me, I can understand why they are on the list.
1
May 09 2024
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Follow The Leader
Korn
I was very curious how I was going to feel about this. I mostly missed out on Korn because either I was too young when an album came out (I was 9 or 10 for this one) or just hadn't really developed a taste for that kind of music. That definitely came later. I ended up feeling kinda "eh" about it overall. There were some songs I really enjoyed, and I liked the overall sound. Unfortunately the songs that weren't my thing REALLY weren't my thing.
For the first half of the album I was feeling like this definitely would be a 3 star for me but as I listened on I started leaning more towards a 2. The last two songs were weak enough to me that it slid it pretty solidly into a 2. I'd give it a second listen if the mood struck but don't think I'll be reaching for this very much as there are other albums that scratch a similar itch. I'd be more likely to just skip through most of it and stop on a few songs.
2
May 10 2024
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2112
Rush
I'd never heard anything by Rush so I had no idea what kind of sound to expect. I ended up absolutely loving this album. The title track was incredible to me. I can see where such a long track is endless if you aren't feeling it but for me it flew by. The second half of the album was also a lot of fun to me. The only "weak" song for me was Tears which even still I like in the context of the whole album, and can see myself listening to in the right mood. Very shocked to give my first 5 star to a band that I couldn't name a single song by, but here we are! Glad to find a new album to love and looking forward to exploring any more of their albums that are on the list.
5
May 11 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
When I saw this was my album I once again was very curious what my take was going to be. I was 16 when this came out, and I was really not a big fan of the hits. I know in retrospect I just wasn't there for it taste wise, even if I had listened to the whole album.
I went in with an open mind and definitely enjoyed more than I expected! I do definitely enjoy the hits more in the context of the album. There is also something about the shift from Holiday to Boulevard of Broken Dreams that is magic and is lost entirely when you just listen to the radio edit of the later. The album starts strong, and finishes strong. That said the middle section kind of loses me entirely. His voice also used to annoy me at 16, and now I like it more but still get a little tired of it after a bit.
Overall this is a worthwhile listen. I'll probably return to it again at some point. However, I will probably only listen to the first 4 and last 4 tracks and just skip over the middle entirely.
3
May 12 2024
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
Mostly, I am rating this a 3 because I didn't hate it. I truthfully didn't have the time to give this the focused listen that I would have liked. This might instead be a 2 but only a relisten will really tell me.
What I liked about it was the vocals and felt like a good mix of country and blues. What I am unsure on is that some of the stuff sounded very samey, but I can't tell if that was because I wasn't focused enough or if that's accurate. I definitely wouldn't balk at a relisten though so at the least I passively enjoyed it.
3
May 13 2024
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
I'll be honest this album on the front half frequently hit the same emotional response for me as the portion of Happy Xmas (War Is Over) where the children are singing "war is over if you want it". Which is to say I both couldn't take it seriously and also it makes me lowkey want to bash my head against something because I hate it so much. I don't mind social commentary in my music at all but there's just something about the delivery here that makes it somehow insincere to me. It probably doesn't help in me taking it seriously that the back half of the album seems to kind of abandon that theme after being so aggressive about it up front.
The portions of the album where she wasn't singing about starving people/poor people/etc where fine enough but only a couple songs really grabbed me (Escapade and Black Cat). That all said, the sound of this album really "feels" like a specific time in pop to me so from that perspective maybe still worth a listen. Just not my personal cup of tea.
2
May 14 2024
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
This was a fun listen. It makes you want to dance and I found myself bobbing my head in time with the beat through most of it. That said it's probably not one I see myself returning to for the whole album often. There are a few stand out tracks, a few I passively enjoyed, and a couple I was very "eh" about. Some of the tracks seemed to go on a little long to me, but maybe that is the norm for disco (which make sense for dancing out on the floor)? I don't have an overly developed ear for disco as it wasn't one I listened to growing up, or one I have explored a lot independently. That makes me wonder what I might think of the album after I have some more under my belt from this list. For now though, it falls solidly to a 3 star.
3
May 15 2024
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
While I'm glad to have listened to this from a culture/music history standpoint, this wasn't overly my thing. I did like a couple songs but found myself to be glad when it was over.
2
May 16 2024
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Happy Sad
Tim Buckley
Gypsy Woman is doing a lot of heavy lifting here to keep this from being a 1 star album for me. Otherwise the songs were too slow and discordant for my taste. While I appreciated him using his voice like it's own instrument it just felt like one too many sounds/notes for me to try to keep track of which added to the overall chaotic feeling. That made it really hard for me to be able to pay any attention to the lyrics at all. I might have actually liked this better if there were no lyrics and just instrumental and wordless singing? Hard to say. Either way, other than maybe Gypsy Woman I don't think I will be touching this again.
2
May 17 2024
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
I felt like this was a fun listen. I know a lot of his hits, and knew at least a few songs off this album but was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked a some of the songs I hadn't heard before. That said, enough of the album was so-so to me that I don't feel like I should rate this much higher. I really liked about half the album, but that said the other half wasn't bad just not great. Most of those were the slower songs which tend to take time to grow on me so entirely possible this could grow up to a 4 for me over time.
3
May 18 2024
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
This album was fantastic. I do struggle a bit on first listen to pick out individual favorites but I was grooving to the whole thing. Time flew while listening to it. Lyrics seemed less important to me here, but the sound was incredible. Knowing both Money for Nothing, and Sultans of Swing ahead of time I was a little worried I might find the singer's style of vocals grating. However, I ended up really liking them against the music throughout the whole album.
5
May 19 2024
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
I don't know if I would consider this whole album essential listening. I love the songs I already knew (You Give Love A Bad Name, Livin' On A Prayer, Wanted Dead Or Alive) so was hoping to find some new lesser known songs to love. Instead, I think I know why I only know those few songs. That said it's not necessarily a bad listen, just that the songs other than the hits are imo mostly forgettable. I think the only new to me song that stood out was Raise Your Hands, but I'm not sure it stood out enough to be a new favorite.
3
May 20 2024
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Kollaps
Einstürzende Neubauten
I wondered to myself what album I was going to get while I was doing my prep for my colonoscopy and was hoping it would be something fun and distracting. Then I thought to myself "lol watch I'll get that weird German album that is sitting at lowest rated". Imagine my shocked pikachu face when I rated my album for the previous day and low and behold... there it was. Since I'm only 20 albums in the odds on that are pretty low, but here we are!
The first track in I was instantly thinking about NIN (which I do like at least some of). A quick google search confirmed for me this is one of the influences for their music. I can definitely see how this had an influence on other bands and because of that I think it's worthwhile to listen to at least once in your life. It's not really "enjoyable" but it is "interesting". A lot of disjointed screaming/yelling and discordant noises. Also including banging sounds, sudden distorted instruments that fade in and out, and power tools.
Maybe it's the lack of solid food, maybe it's Stockholm syndrome, but by the end of the album I was kinda digging it? I'm not sure if/when I will ever relisten to it but it made me feel a way I don't really know how to describe, and I can't say anything else I have listened to has given me the same feeling. I was left questioning how to rate this. Based on how I have rated my other albums, it should probably be a 2 but I think I kind of want to bump it up to a 3 just to counterbalance the lower score a little. I do think it's worthwhile to listen to. Even if it's just to widen your music knowledge, and know stuff like this exists out there and there are people who enjoy it.
3
May 21 2024
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1984
Van Halen
Wow I really enjoyed this. Sure, the lyrics are a little dated/shallow in places but I absolutely had a good time. Not all music has to be so serious! Made me want to dance around (but I didn't because I'm still recovering from a procedure this morning, another time!). Guitar riffs that made me want to close my eyes, and drum beats that had me bobbing my head. Vocals matched well with the vibe. Of course I already knew Jump and Panama because I have seen a movie from/set in the 80s before. Most of the rest of the album was just as fun to me. Drop Dead Legs was the weakest imo but even that I wouldn't necessarily skip on a relisten.
5
May 22 2024
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Scott 4
Scott Walker
This was a weird one! Genuinely don't fully know what to make of it. I'm thinking I will need at least one relisten to really hone in on how I feel about it. I don't think I hated it though. From first listen I liked Seventh Seal and The Old Man is Back Again. If I had to try to define it, I like his vocals, I like the lyrics, but the instrumentals were either a big hit or miss for me. Might be one of those ones that grows on me.
3
May 23 2024
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Fromohio
fIREHOSE
The album cover for some reason made me nervous I was going to really dislike this one for some reason. I ended up enjoying it a lot though! Part of me feels like rating a 4 is a little high but somehow a 3 feels too low.
Others have said similar but it really gives the impression of good musicians having a jam session/having some fun. Somehow reminds me of when my dad, uncle, and grandfather used to go down to the basement in my childhood home and just play music. They are much more skilled than my family (though they definitely were not bad) but it has the same "feel". Can definitely see me returning to this.
The only downside was I did majorly struggle to understand the lyrics on first listen. Depending on those I could see this being bumped down to a 3 but going with my gut here.
4
May 24 2024
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
What an interesting listen for me....
I have been lowkey curious about The White Stripes for a bit. I of course know Seven Nation Army and am a fan of that song but never got around to exploring more (or so I thought). I did not like the beginning of this album. I was convinced it was going to be a 1 star for me for probably the first 8 tracks. Then it hit We're Going to Be Friends and unearthed a memory I had completely forgotten about.
There was a period of time I DID try to get into The White Stripes, I believe around the time Elephant came out when I was 14 or 15. Overall my reaction had been "??? ok? well I'm going to save a couple of these and go back to my other music." We're Going to Be Friends was one of the ones I liked, but when my dad swapped streaming services (either Rhapsody to Napster, or from Napster back to Rhapsody. He did this a few times.) I lost all my liked songs. I never got back to it and somehow The White Stripes remained filed in my brain as something I had never really tried to get into.
Anyway, triggering long forgotten memories aside, I think I still react like "??? ok?" at least to this album. The second half of the album I like much more than the first but is still not a love other than We're Going to Be Friends. So at least I can bump it up from my initial reaction of 1 star to 2.
I feel like I see seeds of music I could really like but it feels like it hasn't ripened yet to me. I think there is at least one later album by theirs on the list so very curious if I will like that more.
2
May 25 2024
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
I'm a little sad I didn't know about Dusty Springfield sooner! I really loved this album. I could listen to her warm voice a long while. The lyrics and the music has this great bittersweet quality to them. This is definitely something I want to return to. On first listen, Son of a Preacher Man was really excellent, also really enjoyed Don't Forget About Me, Breakfast In Bed, and The Windmills of Your Mind.
5
May 26 2024
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Permission to Land
The Darkness
This was a fun listen, I'd probably revisit them again. Could see them really growing on me but for now they are about middle of the road as far as this list is concerned. Some great songs, and some missable ones. There are times they feel really of their era, and times they feel like a throwback to eras past. Above all else they sound like they are having fun which makes me feel that way too.
3
May 27 2024
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The Hour Of Bewilderbeast
Badly Drawn Boy
I'm not surprised I haven't heard of this album because this isn't really the type of thing that goes mainstream. I however was sorry I hadn't heard of it sooner because I really liked it a lot. Listening to it felt like drifting down the river. Some parts slow, some parts rushing, some winding, and some through a spooky little forest.
4
May 28 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
I've never gotten into Radiohead, and the only song I knew by them was Creep. I did however recognize this cover instantly which tells me how much it must be around despite me not being into the band.
I'm not sure this is really a love for me, on first listen anyway. The only song that outright grabbed me was Just, but wow did I REALLY like that one. Overall the album has kind of a melancholy vibe that just manages to keep from being too depressing/whiny to me. Some great guitar work for sure.
I saw another review comment that maybe listening to it in the middle of the day isn't the right time for it. I do wonder if I am having a similar issue. I could see me going for this more late night in my room or on a night drive and being a lot more into it potentially. Whenever I do my relisten I'll see if I can manage that.
3
May 29 2024
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Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
This was a very interesting listen. Genre wise it's all over the place but that kind of works for me. I knew Solsbury Hills right away but I honestly never knew who that was by or what the name of the song was. I greatly enjoyed this album. To me it was very ahead of it's time on certain songs. For example I always thought Solsbury Hills was an 80s song. Other songs have more of a timeless sense to me. This will definitely be something I relisten to. I waffle between 4 and 5 while listening to it but whenever I hear Here Comes The Flood at the end I want to make it a 5. I can quickly tell that's going to become a favorite of mine.
5
May 30 2024
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Playing With Fire
Spacemen 3
I couldn't really get into this one. Every song felt like it dragged on way too long. Maybe I would need to be doing whatever drugs they were all doing to really appreciate it? That said, I do think it's still worth listening to from a music appreciation standpoint so I'll refrain from rating a one star.
2
May 31 2024
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Hypnotised
The Undertones
I kinda wonder if maybe I just don't get new wave? I have seen debate on if The Smiths are new wave or not, but I don't get them (at least not the album I got so far on this list). I just barely got the B-52s and I think that is just because I was already just a little familiar with them. Anyway, I feel a little bad giving them a 1 star because I really didn't hate them, but I also just did not get anything from this.
1
Jun 01 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I liked this a lot. It felt like The Beatles a bit to me. Time of the Season is just incredible. I kinda of wish the rest of the album felt a bit more like that one. But still very much feel like this is worth a listen. Looking forward to a relisten.
4
Jun 02 2024
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Some of this I liked, but some of this I absolutely hated. I liked the imagery he uses in some of the songs as well, but others made me feel insane. Unfortunately what I liked doesn't do enough to lift this out of a 2 star for me. A big part of that is that the song Black Hair made me feel crazy with how bad it was to me. Not that I'm that far into this list, but out of everything I've listened to off the list that is the song I hate the most. I'm no song writer so I won't even say that I can personally do better. But, somehow I think you should be able to write a better song about your lover with black hair. Something that doesn't state that she had black hair almost every line at least? Green Eyes is a close second for how much I hated it to me. Similarly he doesn't seem to do very much here with the concept. A lot of singing "green eyes" over and over again. The weird talking over his own singing is also off putting to me.
In the end I think very much not for me. I see the value in listening though.
2
Jun 03 2024
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Street Life
The Crusaders
Overall, a fun listen. Probably not something I would go to frequently but I enjoyed it. I can see why some of the reviews describe this as elevator music, but sometimes I actually enjoy that kind of sound. A lot of the key to that for me is if I have control over listening or if I'm being forced to listen to it while on hold.
I saw a lot of people mention that they liked the title track but nothing else. Kind of wonder if that is because it's the only track with vocals? I'm the other way around. Street Life was probably the song I liked the least. I preferred Carnival of the Night and The Hustler. Night Faces and Rodeo Drive (High Steppin') were also fun.
3
Jun 04 2024
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Went in blind for this one. I spent the first few songs thinking this might be a 4 star for me because I was digging the sound. As the album went on I just was more and more into it. By the end I just sat in silence for a bit and then went in for the second listen. Definitely 5 star...wow.
5
Jun 05 2024
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
I'll have to give this one a fair relisten when I am not so tired, but my initial reaction is "meh". I like some of the initial songs (Expectations and She's Losing It) but by the middle I was feeling ready for the album to be over. The back half of the album just kinda blurred for me. Feels like there isn't enough substance for me musically for a lot of it. Will be curious to see if being more awake helps or hurts this one but my gut is telling me it won't make much difference. We will see! I don't know if it's essential listening, but it was not horrible.
2
Jun 06 2024
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Tical
Method Man
The flow on this is engaging and steady. The beats are dark, murky, and gritty. I'm definitely a fan of this. I haven't ever really delved into Wu-Tang Clan or any of their members so this was my first experience with them. Probably most accurately a 3.5, but I think in this case it's more of a round up than round down situation.
4
Jun 07 2024
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So
Peter Gabriel
Was a little let down that I did not like this as much as I liked his solo debut. It's definitely less experimental which makes perfect sense timeline wise. However it turns out I really liked the variety of him playing with styles more than one full album of a consistent style with him. One thing this had in common with his debut is both albums have a heck of a finisher song. In Your Eyes is the best song on the album imo. Overall I do really like this album even if it's not as strong to me as his debut. Don't Give Up drags it down a bit for me because I am not a fan, and it's the longest song on the album.
4
Jun 08 2024
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C'est Chic
CHIC
I think this is the platonic ideal of disco. If I loved disco more this would be a 5*. I do really like it though.
4
Jun 09 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Definitely a fun listen. I can really hear the foundation of so many rock and roll groups to come.
3
Jun 10 2024
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Electric Prunes
The Electric Prunes
I might be rating this a little high, but my gut reaction is that I really like it. I think most accurately it would be a 3.5 but I'm going to round up. A few really strong songs for me and a lot of guitar playing I enjoyed throughout.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
I was expecting to hate this one. While I already knew and liked Bullet With Butterfly Wings I hadn't really listened to much more of The Smashing Pumpkins. Imagining a whole 2 hours of that same sound seemed awful to me. While I do think this album is... entirely too long, I liked it better than anticipated. The main vocalist can be grating, but thankfully swaps it up enough that he's not always going for that "shrieky" sound. Also there were some songs that really enjoyed musically so I'll be taking more from this than I thought.
Since it was so long, a lot of it started to bleed together, and I honestly have no clue how I even felt about most of the second half. I very much think if this was shorter, more edited down, or even split into two albums I would be giving this an additional star. As is I really debate if this is more of a 2 or 3 star album for me. There are great songs on here doing a lot of heavy lifting to make me want to give it a 3, but when I consider the entirety of the album and how forgettable a lot of it felt (probably mostly due to length and fatigue) I really want to make it a 2. Since I suppose that makes it a 2.5 and I have been rounding up my 3.5s, I'll make it a 3. This is really making me want a half star system though.
3
Jun 12 2024
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Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye
This was one I had to hear twice to decide about. One of the benefits these shorter albums get more frequently. On the initial listen I think I was expecting more of it to be upbeat somehow? I don't know why exactly since I am not all that familiar with his music other than Let's Get It On. But no, it's smooth and a bit funky. Once I got over it not sounding how I expected I quite liked it. It's not an all the time listen but one I would certainly put on in the right mood. Highlights were Let's Get It On, Keep Gettin' It On, You Sure Love To Ball, and Just To Keep You Satisfied.
4
Jun 13 2024
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
This is pretty ok. Not blown away by it but did like some of the tracks. On first listen I liked Have You Seen Her Face, Everybody's Been Burned, and Mind Gardens. I could see some more of it growing on me but don't think it will be a favorite.
3
Jun 14 2024
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Suicide
Suicide
Yeah... not for me. A challenge to listen to, but not in a way I found intriguing or expanding. It's interesting to read in the wiki entry that it seems to be considered a great album which makes me wonder what I am missing. I also keep seeing that it's influential, and I am struggling to see that too. Maybe for a genre I am not well versed in, or a time period I am less familiar with maybe?
1
Jun 15 2024
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
I enjoyed this. Very nice chill vibes for a summer night. Have to knock it down a star though because I found it a bit repetitive. I'd hit some highlight from it again though.
3
Jun 16 2024
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
I thought this was pretty good! I am a little surprised I've never heard any of this, but I suppose it's just one of those groups that never was popular in the US (to my knowledge). Really looking forward to a relisten because I think I will like this even more. On first listen The Bones of You, Grounds for Divorce, An Audience With The Pope, The Fix, and One Day Like this all stood out to me.
4
Jun 17 2024
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Pills 'n' Thrills And Bellyaches
Happy Mondays
I didn't really like first four songs on this album, but it picks up for me with Loose Fit. I ended up liking the whole rest of the album. Not a love, but won't mind doing a second listen at some point.
3
Jun 18 2024
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Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme
Simon & Garfunkel
Overall, really enjoyed this album. Just had a beautiful sound to it, and the lyrics were interesting. A few of the songs lyrically had more edge to them than I was expecting. I mean they are not especially edgy, just more than I was expecting (which was none edgy). I think that's because I only knew "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by them which I associate as "Jesus music". I would say there are a couple weak songs, and I though I enjoy it a lot it's not a love which is why it stays at 4 stars. It's definitely a mood I will reach for sometime though.
4
Jun 19 2024
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
This was ok. Nothing about it really grabbed my attention and I found myself struggling to focus on it much. There was nothing that made me hate it either though. I wouldn't ask someone to turn it off/change it if they wanted to listen to it, it makes fine background music. But I doubt I'll be doing more than my second listen (which I am doing for everything) for this.
2
Jun 20 2024
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Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
Idk I just don't really get new wave or post punk which I see this is labelled as. There are at least a couple tracks that do grab my attention which makes me wonder if I will like their later stuff a little more. The Forest, Seventeen Seconds, and Three intrigued me. We shall see!
That all said this definitely feels like a worthwhile listen as I can just tell this inspired many moody goth albums to come!
2
Jun 21 2024
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Purple Rain
Prince
Superb. This is one of those albums you always hear about one of the greatest records of all times. I can definitely see why. I think if I had heard this album younger it wouldn't have hit me the same way it does now so I am glad to just be getting around to it now.
5
Jun 22 2024
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At Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
Good lord, I was right to be excited when I saw I had this album. It's really incredible. Usually not big into live albums but the crowd, and hearing Johnny Cash interacting with the crowd really adds something special. I know it's been said a million times before but it's absolutely brilliant of him to be singing these songs in prison.
5
Jun 23 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
I definitely seem to like 60s psychedelic rock so far. I had always heard of the band Cream but, gun to my head, I couldn't have told you what genre of music they were. The cover tipped me off of course. There are definitely some weaker parts of the album but the parts I liked I really liked! Strange Brew, Sunshine of Your Love, Tales of Brave Ulysses, and SWLABR were the biggest standouts for me. Liked a few more, liked a few more a lot less, but hated nothing. Definitely would happily relisten to the whole thing.
4
Jun 24 2024
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69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
Ah yes, one of the infamously long ones. As soon as the first track started playing I thought "Oh no, oh hell." Thankfully, not every song had the same feeling as that first one or I would have lost it. Truthfully though this was so long I was not really able to give it a good critical listen.
It seemed like there was some good variety, and I really didn't hate it as background music. I think there are a few songs I did really like maybe? I know there were definitely a few I hated. A second listen at some point might be able to help me hone in on that more. It seemed like a lot of it was kind of playful, which seems right to me for an album called 69 Love Songs.
I fully did not realize they did the original version of The Book of Love. I've only ever heard the Neil Young version. That's definitely a great son though.
My final thought is I think some people are a bit over dramatic about this album. Yeah it's unnecessarily long but is it actually THAT horrible to listen to? I suppose if the various singers voices aren't your thing I could see it but from some of the comments I have read I thought it might be WAY worse than it actually was.
3
Jun 25 2024
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
I have definitely seen this cover around and know that I was vaguely aware that this was supposed to be a good album. Some of it seems vaguely familiar which makes me wonder if I tried listening to it closer to when it came out. If so I am not surprised I more or less forgot about it. That makes it sound like I don't like it, which is very untrue. Just strikes me like something I wouldn't have appreciated as much in my teen years for a lot of reasons.
Going in when I heard the first song I was kind of like "ugh... ok... this seems kinda overrated." It won me over very quickly though starting with the second track. Ended up enjoying the rest of it. Very dreamy and a great thing to vibe to when relaxing. I bet this would also be super to walk/sit on the beach with. Especially sunrise/sunset time. Some weak tracks in there which takes this down to a 4 instead of a 5 for me but really enjoy this album as a whole and as a concept.
4
Jun 26 2024
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Eh...this wasn't really my thing tbh. I didn't mind a few songs but thinking grunge isn't something I like much. I was a little too young at the time to seek it out on my own, and generally speaking neither of my parents liked it much (with the exception of Nirvana) so I wasn't really exposed to it. While I am not sorry to try it out and see if I can develop a taste for it, so far I haven't really found the right group/sound to convert me to a fan. That said, I think maybe if I did like the genre more I would think this was pretty good? I did at least somewhat enjoy some of it so that's my best guess.
TL;DR maybe listen and you will like it if you are a fan of grunge. Otherwise this is probably forgettable if like me, you aren't much of one.
2
Jun 27 2024
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
Another one I was pretty excited to listen to. It's something I missed because I was busy listening to other genres when this came out. But I know some of the hits and loved them. Just hadn't gotten around to doing a whole album listen.
I am a little bit on the fence for this one. The songs I like I REALLY like, but some of the others are just a little boring to me. There is also something to be said for the cohesiveness I feel in the album. In the end I think what I do like overpowers what I don't enough that this is a 5 star for me.
5
Jun 28 2024
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
I love the concept of this album and really applaud the theme and honesty you can feel here. Reminds me a bit of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I saw others say similar in their reviews! I really like the confessional spoken word tracks between the songs as well as the confessional nature of some of the songs themselves. The music however did not grab me very much for the most part. While I am not sure I completely disagree with other reviewers that this may not stand the test of time, I think it's still worth an open minded listen.
3
Jun 29 2024
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Ah man, the first album I've gotten so far that I know front to back and already love. Was glad that ended up being a favorite Beatles one. This was one of two Beatles cds my parent's owned (the other being Abbey Road) and I can remember listening to it on repeat on my little portable walkman disc player. I used to love to start at all the faces on on the cover, not knowing who most of them were but being fascinated anyway. I haven't done a full listen in AGES though so I was very excited for this.
Obviously I am not coming to this at all objectively. It's hard for me to even articulate and pick out why it's so great. I just get hit with an overwhelming nostalgia dopamine hit. It's exploratory, fun, and psychedelic. You never quite know what you will have next and to me all of it is worth a listen. One thought I had while listening for the first time with actually good headphones was "they don't mix them like that anymore." "Within, Without You" and "A Day In The Life" were particularly superb with actually good headphones. There are a lot of amazing songs on here but I think "A Day In The Life" is actually one of the best Beatles songs, not just on this album, but in general. It might not be as catchy and ear wormy as a lot of their better known stuff but I think it's one of the most (if not the most) artful.
Anyway, obvious 5 star for me. Great excuse/chance to listen to it again. It's so influential that even if it's not your thing it's definitely worth hearing at least once in your life. But it's also an incredible album aside from that, so hopefully most people get something from it.
5
Jun 30 2024
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
Two nostalgia hits in a row! I was 10 when this one came out. I do not know this one front to back quite the same way I know Sgt. Pepper since I never personally owned it. But my next-door neighbor friend's sister owned it and I remember me, him, and his sister dancing around in their basement singing to it on repeat. Also "...Baby One More Time" and "(You Drive Me) Crazy" was basically everywhere.
It's hard a little for me to judge this one because I am not sure the music is really anything earth shattering BUT it's such a great representation of pop at that time. Britney Spears and "...Baby One More Time" in particular are so iconic to that era, I am not sure you can not include this on the list. I can understand the criticisms though.
If you are taking this from an "artistic" perspective I would rate it lower. But personal connection wise, and influential wise it definitely deserves a higher rating. Even though I haven't revisited most of these songs since I was a kid, I found myself enjoying revisiting many of the non hits as much as the hits. "Sometimes", "Born To Make You Happy", "From The Bottom of My Broken Heart", and "Thinkin' About You" were all fun.
4
Jul 01 2024
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
So this one is a little hard to rate for me. It mostly settled into background music for me BUT I was enjoying listening to it. I think this is a fun sound, though not one I am all that familiar with. I can't really pick out particular songs I like at this stage, but I would give this a second listen for sure!
3
Jul 02 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
I would say that there were no songs in this which I disliked. But by the same token I am not sure I heard anything I loved. Overall liked the sound though.
3
Jul 03 2024
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
I would say most of this was "ok" with a few songs that caught my ear. I already knew and loved "Come On Eileen", but I also enjoyed "Plan B", and "Show Me". Definitely enjoyed a lot more than any other album I've seen labelled new wave so far, so maybe there is hope for that genre for me yet.
3
Jul 04 2024
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Savane
Ali Farka Touré
Spellbinding album. The fusion of genres mixes very well to me. I can't really pick out specific songs well and it blends together a bit for me though. Nonetheless I did not get tired of listening to the album. I'd happily put this on in the background sometime while doing some other things.
3
Jul 05 2024
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
Beautiful album. I didn't recognize any of the songs from this one but I have always enjoyed the Frank Sinatra songs I've heard. His voice really is so smooth and a joy to listen to. These songs were no exception. Even though I am not sure how many individual songs I can pick out as favorites I just really enjoyed listening overall.
4
Jul 06 2024
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A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Coldplay
I was loving this album on the front half. It was moodier than I expected from the Coldplay singles I know. Then unfortunately after "Clocks" I slowly got bored. Maybe the second half will improve on the second listen but for now it felt kind of missable. Which is a little sad because the second half was more how I was expecting the whole album to sound. I do like some Coldplay but they can be very hit or miss for me.
3
Jul 07 2024
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Beach Samba
Astrud Gilberto
I found this to be a pleasant listen. Definitely of a very specific time. I found myself thinking that they really used flutes a lot more in the 60s. This isn't the first album that's made me think that, but it reinforced it for sure. I'd put this on in the background at a party, maybe without the parade song though...
3
Jul 08 2024
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
I can see where this was probably pretty influential, and I love the idea of punk. I want to love it conceptually, but I guess I just don't love the actual sound of it. Vocals are too grating and overall find it kind of repetitive.
2
Jul 09 2024
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Moving Pictures
Rush
Was a tiny bit disappointed to get this so early in the challenge after having 2112 already as well. I had enjoyed 2112 so much, I kind of was hoping to get this one later so I could look forward to it longer. Nonetheless was pretty thrilled to see it. This one is a little bit of a tough to rate one for me. While I still really enjoyed this album I did not love it as much as 2112, at least on first listen.
I didn't find the music particularly catchy. I was masterfully played, and there is just some incredible stuff here musically. But did any of them come off as catchy "get stuck in your head" kind of stuff? Not very much at all for me on first listen. Additionally, while I really liked the vocals on 2112, I found them the weaker part of the album here. I still don't mind them, and even like them on certain songs/in spots. But, there were times I admit that I would have loved an instrumental version a little more.
Despite all that, do I still think this is a very good, worthwhile album? Absolutely. That drumming alone makes it worth it, but the rest of the music too is just too good to not hear at least once. I am hoping too on a second listen I might change my mind about some of my gut reaction. This gets a 4 in the end for my overall feeling on it. But from the perspective of hearing rock be very well played I think it's a 5.
4
Jul 10 2024
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Bongo Rock
Incredible Bongo Band
At the start of the album I was thinking I might rate this a 4. I was really enjoying it. Also definitely recognized this album gets sampled a lot. Then it just started to drag on too long, with too much of the same sound. However, overall still a fun listen I don't regret. Very specific to a time, and one I do think I will revisit sometime.
3
Jul 11 2024
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OK
Talvin Singh
Ok this is exactly the kind of stuff I was into in late middle school/early high school. Kinda new agey electronica. I seriously wondered if I would find that kind of stuff on here. I never came across this one but it gives me a very nostalgic feeling. It maybe deserves a 3 in all actuality because I have heard stuff in the genre of new age electronica I like more as a whole. But there are some really good tracks on here, and I really am glad something of that genre is on the list so I am inclined to rate it higher.
4
Jul 12 2024
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
I somehow feel like I should have enjoyed this more than I did but... felt very meh listening to it. I love some of the "dirty" sound of a lot of the instruments a lot tbh BUT something about the exact combo of play style and vocals made me kind of bored actually?
2
Jul 13 2024
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Parklife
Blur
Wow what an interesting listen. I got a lot of influences from older stuff I've listened to on this list. I liked a lot of this, and can see this really growing well on me too. Definitely some Beatles inspiration, and the last track made me think of Green Onions in the beginning.
3
Jul 14 2024
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Histoire De Melody Nelson
Serge Gainsbourg
This is a tough one to rate to be honest. Instrumentals? 5/5. Vocals 2/5 (I just really hate how they are mixed). Subject matter? 1/5. Ability to convey a story I can clearly follow despite the language barrier? 5/5. I suppose that rounds out to a 3.25 which will get a 3 from me.
3
Jul 15 2024
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Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
I haven't had a ton of 80/very early 90s hip-hop yet on this list and the first I had was a struggle. I definitely liked this more. It's still very foreign to my ear, and so I feel like that's a barrier to how good it probably actually is. I think given time to grow and develop more of an ear for it this might be a 4 star to me, but as it stands it feels more like a 3. Pleasant to listen to, and I liked his flow but nothing super grabbed me.
3
Jul 16 2024
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All Directions
The Temptations
Great little album. Really enjoyed the funky songs on this one the most and really only two songs didn't really grab me. This is probably most accurately a 3.5 for me but I am going to round up here.
4
Jul 17 2024
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
I think actually hearing this live would be amazing. While I really enjoyed it, I don't know if that translated as well to an album for me personally. I really do enjoy the style but several of the tracks drag on too long for me to get into not hearing live. That all said, this one is definitely worth a listen and I do think it belongs on the list. I just won't be revisiting too often I don't think.
3
Jul 18 2024
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
I find myself unsure how I want to rate this one which I feel like I've said a few times lately. I liked "Billion Dollar Babies", "Unfinished Sweet", and "Generation Landslide". "I Love the Dead" is.... a lot but I'm ngl I love the sound of it and it's a great finisher to the album. I feel like I say this a lot too but I have a funny feeling this album will really grow on me. Right now it's more of a 3 but I bet after a relisten or two it will be a 4 for me. I love the guitar work on this album and the vocals feel fitting for the style/subject matter. I think though, I don't find this album particularly "catchy" which is why I think it suffers a bit on first listen rating. But since I am mostly trying to rate these on first impression I will be keeping this to a 3.
3
Jul 19 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
My thought for how to sum up this album is "good for what ails you". I'm not sure how well I can articulate my feeling about that further but hopefully that makes sense to more people than just me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I think there is just something about the bluesy/rock style and his voice that just soothes my soul. He really seems to know how to use his voice very well, changing the sound up to suit each part of each song.
THAT all said there are definitely enough songs on here that are "skippable" to me that it ends up being more of a 4 start than a 5 star for me. What is good is really incredible though. This will definitely be an album I reach for in the right mood.
4
Jul 20 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
I would say I definitely liked this more than anything else I have heard labelled as grunge by this list. Either the genre is growing on me, I'm getting more of an ear for it, or this album is just better. I'm still not in love with the sound though. Certain songs will strike me (in this case "Let me Drown", "Fell on Black Days", "Black Hole Sun", and "Spoonman") but I seem to not like whole albums so far. I would even say I would prefer to not listen to all the songs I really liked in a row. Part of a bigger playlist with other styles on it put on shuffle, I think each of those would be a refreshing change of pace. However as a whole this definitely felt like a 3* to me.
3
Jul 21 2024
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This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Idk this was kinda boring to me overall. It's not bad, but most of the songs hit the same emotional resonance to me and feel like he sings almost every song the same. \"I'm a Man\" and \"Sylvia\" were the two tracks that stood out to me.
2
Jul 22 2024
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British Steel
Judas Priest
I warmed up to this more after a second listen. It's still not a 4 or 5 for me but I at least wouldn't mind listening to again.
3
Jul 23 2024
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
I was feeling a lot of trepidation about this album. The only song I really knew by Beastie Boys is "Fight For Your Right" and was struggling to imagine enjoying a whole album of that sound. This really blew me away though. The skill in the sampling is something else. I felt like I never knew what I was going to hear next and I think on relistens I am going to keep noticing new things for a while. The humor in the lyrics is sharp imo and I enjoyed that and the style of rapping too. The beat also was great, it made me want to dance. All just layered together to make a fantastic album. Shocked to be giving this a 5 star rating, but that is what is fun about going through this list.
5
Jul 24 2024
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
I didn't realize I knew anything by Sam Cooke until I started listening to the album. Song after song I was familiar with and I just loved the live versions of them. It sounds like they were having such a ball at this show. Between this and Folsom Prison I am more and more opening up to maybe listening to some live albums. I've never been a big fan before but I loved both of those. 5 stars for me.
5
Jul 25 2024
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
Ooo yes this is good stuff. Making me even more curious for when I get Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I was too tired for an in depth listen, so it's possible this is even a 5 for me BUT from what I gathered it's at least a 4 star.
4
Jul 26 2024
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Devil Without A Cause
Kid Rock
Love getting two of the lowest rated albums on the site in my first 100 albums, get them out of the way I say. Initially I was a little surprised and lowkey horrified that I REALLY was enjoying the sound of the album, but it starts going downhill after the third track and steeply declines for me after the fourth. To be clear, I don't like the lyrics for any of it. I can overlook "edgy" lyrics if I feel like it's an act or for the art or w/e, but because I know Kid Rock is a POS human being it's really hard to separate the art and artist. Because I love the sound of the first three tracks so much I can't rightly rate it 1 star, but I am admittedly relieved I don't feel the need to rate it higher than a 2.
2
Jul 27 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
I went to this thinking I only knew 1 song (Electric Feel) and completely did not realize I knew "Time To Pretend" and "Kids". I've heard both a million times but not known who they were by or the names of the songs. I really enjoyed this album. It gives me big nostalgia for my late teens/early 20s. I think it's a great pick to capture a certain sound from a certain era. I ended up really loving a lot of the other songs too! I think I have to give it the extra star for the nostalgia vibes, and for the other groups it inspired down the line.
5
Jul 28 2024
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A Seat at the Table
Solange
Very pleasantly surprised with this album. She is obviously not her sister, but I have always found Beyonce to be a little overrated. She's certainly talented, and has some very good songs but I have never quite understood the level of hype. But knowing that I was a little worried this would be in the same vein.
I ended up really enjoying this album. It's very smooth, chill, and easy to listen to. It's got a bit of funk, and a bit of hip hop mixed in which is enough to keep my attention. Her voice is smoother and more gentle than her sister and I'll be honest, I might prefer it. I love the interludes as well, adds a personal touch. Definitely a great new find to go into my rotation.
4
Jul 29 2024
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La Revancha Del Tango
Gotan Project
Was absolutely thrilled to get an album by a French group during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Not sure what the odds are of that but since this list seems to be heavy on the USA and UK artists I suspect low!
As far as the actual album, I absolutely loved it. This is definitely my kind of thing. I like electro swing a lot and this is kind of like its tango cousin. A great fusion of electronica with tango music, and what I think is singing in French. It's something that can easily go on in the background and float in and out of and just kind of chill out to. I think for some people background music is kind of an insult but for me, when it's GOOD background music it can really help me focus or set the stage to relax. To me this is GOOD background music. I am pretty certain I have heard some of these tracks in movies before as well. If not, it's certainly cinematic enough for it. For me, I love it enough for it to be a 5 star!
5
Jul 30 2024
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
Oof...what an absolute bummer of an album. Disappointed with myself this is what I ended my day with DESPITE thinking Strangeways Here We Come was also quite depressing. This at least has a little more of value musically for me I think? I still really am just not into it. I think the music on its own, is actually good, but the lyrics and vocals kind of stink imo. I can tell I am going to be in for a "treat" with how much Morrisey is on this list. To be fair, the lyrics are at least clever in spots but, I repeat, they bum me out and I think they make the album as a whole a bummer. This paired with his crooning, whiney, mopey voice? I'll pass.
Would it bum Morrisey out if he knew listening to this made me want to eat a burger in revenge for how bummed it made me? I think that would be only fair right? No? Ok, well, I think I am going to do it anyway.
I should probably give this a 2 star because I at least liked it a little more than Strangeways Here We Come. But my heart wants to give it a 1 star, and I am in the mood to listen to my heart.
1
Jul 31 2024
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
I quite liked this one. I didn't catch a lot of the lyrics because I had to multitask and listen to this one BUT I liked the sound a lot. Taking a star off because the longer songs are definitely TOO long and started to wear on me. But as a whole I would definitely look forward listening to this one again. Definitely funky, definitely something to groove to.
4
Aug 01 2024
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Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
This might be a good album maybe. Definitely the first album labelled post punk I enjoyed. The back half of the album is where it's at. Once it hits Porcupine for me I am sucked in. I still am not totally in love with this kind of sound but I think this album could make it grow on me. The music backing is the part that pulls me in. Feels very like a soundscape. I think that makes a nice contrast with the more sparse vocals. I feel like it's a high 3 on the how much I enjoy it scale, and a 4 on the how good I feel like this sound can be. I am in the end, inclined to give it a 4.
4
Aug 02 2024
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
I have been very curious to see what album I would get on my birthday and here we are! While it's nothing mind-blowing, I can't be mad at a 3 star. It could have been another Smith's album.
Definitely some good songs on here, and some of it reminded me of The Beatles for sure. I was pretty surprised because I really have only heard their disco songs. However there were plenty of weak songs in here too, and I doubt I'll be reaching to listen to this whole album again.
3
Aug 03 2024
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
This was a fun listen. I definitely knew a couple of these and enjoyed revisiting them and hearing what the rest of the album sounds like. Definitely one of the things labelled New Wave that I have liked the most. Still falls to the 3 star level for me, but can get to why it's a higher ranked one for anyone. It's still just not quite my genre, but more albums like this might start to win me over more.
3
Aug 04 2024
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Come Find Yourself
Fun Lovin' Criminals
I was definitely thinking this was going to be a 4 star to me. There is a lot to love in this imo, but then I seem to like albums that are doing some experimenting. I think the sound of the rap over the more rock music in this case is mostly successful. However the back half of this fell off a bit for me so I have to deduct a star. I'd be curious what I think after a second listen.
3
Aug 05 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Stunning album. Definitely recognized some spots where this has been sampled. I lost track of time in a good way with this one. Groovy and soulful sonic waves to surf on. That voice is smoooooth. Absolutely worth many listens.
5
Aug 06 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
I had to restrain myself from just giving this a 5 star on sight. I figured it's been a while since I listened to it as a whole instead of just my favorites, so to be fair I needed to listen to it critically. There was ONE point where I thought I was going to have to dip my rating to a 4 star. On the front half of the album I am about 50/50 on if I am meh about a song or absolutely love it. The back half is stacked though. I think I could only justify rating this a 4 realistically is if maybe is if You Could Have It So Much Better was on the list as well as that one is maybe better than this to me. That said, still an album I absolutely love. Probably the only artist/band on this list I have seen live (twice no less!) unless you count having seen Ringo and the All-stars and unless I am forgetting someone. Therefore, I feel I can and should give it a 5 because anything of theirs is high on my list.
5
Aug 07 2024
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Butterfly
Mariah Carey
I was hoping to like this a lot more than I did. I liked "Honey" and "My All" and felt like there were some interesting things going on with the music in "The Beautiful Ones". Otherwise found most of the rest of this pretty boring. She has a beautiful voice, and this very much feels like a nostalgia blast from my childhood. I think for my own personal enjoyment level it's a 2 star, but it probably should be upgraded to a 3 for how much it captures a time. I am pretty sure I read someone else say that a lot of this was used as movie credit music but if not true, it EXACTLY sounds like the type of music you would hear at the end of many movies. While listening to this I would not be surprised to look up at the tv and see some credits rolling. This all to say, worth a listen once to experience that little slice of 90s sound. 3 stars from me for my 100th album.
3
Aug 08 2024
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Wow what a great album. I had no idea I would like Black Sabbath so much. The only thing I really associated them with was Ozzy Osbourne and he was truly more of a reality star to me. I never watched the reality show but being in middle school in the early 2000s you couldn't avoid at least hearing about him.
I had an idea in my head of what their music would sound like but it was much more melodic than I expected. I think in my head it used to be metal=death metal screaming and it's not been until more recent years I unlearned that.
I thought this album was beautiful in spots which surprised me. I particularly like the guitars on the album but everything blends together amazingly to make beautiful music. It's hard to even pick out favorites, but I would say that "Wheels of Confusion/The Straightener", "Supernaught", "Snowblind", and "Laguna Sunrise" stood out to me most on first listen.
5
Aug 09 2024
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When I Was Born For The 7th Time
Cornershop
This was an interesting listen. I really did enjoy the fusion of genres (I'm hearing pop, electronica, and Indian). It's not a love for me, and I doubt I'll revisit much but I'm glad I listened to it. The instrumentals are definitely some of the strong parts of the album. I also was enjoying the non English portions a lot. I enjoyed Good Sh** a fair bit out of the ones that were in English. Also their cover of Norwegian Wood was pretty cool too. That said, the weaker songs were weak enough to drag this to a 3 instead of a 4 for me.
3
Aug 10 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
This definitely surprised me a bit. I know the big radio hits from Coldplay but other than the other album on on this list I didn't know much of their music. I liked this one a lot more overall than "A Rush of Blood to The Head". The only song I knew "Yellow" in my opinion was one of the weaker ones. Still decently good. Makes me wonder if they had evolved in a different direction from this if I would have liked them more.
4
Aug 11 2024
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25
Adele
Poor Adele, she doesn't really get a fair chance with me. It's such a shame because I can very easily recognize what a gorgeous voice she has and her music is quite beautiful. But unfortunately it has a few things going against it. I first was introduced her her music when 21 came out and Borders decided to play the album in it's rotation. Because I worked there, what might have been an album I found ok with a few good songs, became something I dreaded hearing the first few notes of. I was completely sick of it. I know that album is coming at some point on the list, and I hoping sincerely I can listen with new ears because that one I think maybe has a chance to win me over.
This one however... very unfortunately was an album my cousin's ex wife was absolutely obsessed with. I won't give too many personal details about their lives, but all I can say is I literally can't think of "Hello" without it being something that I can see going through her head years after the divorce. I was hoping there might be other songs on this album that I might like enough to distract me from that but thematically... oof. Very hard for me to separate this album from the pain she caused. Personally, I'd like to rate it a 1 for how it makes me feel to listen to it (I honestly almost skipped because of the personal history) BUT I think this album is better than that, actually. I'm going to compromise for a 2 and just say, it's very much not for me but absolutely worth a listen because you might fall in love with her voice and the piano.
2
Aug 12 2024
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John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band
John Lennon
I would very much say that this took me by surprise. I was expecting to hate it because I can't stand the songs Imagine and War is Over. Those are the only two solo John Lennon songs I knew. I think both are kind of insufferable. I'm glad to say that I loved most of this album. I made it almost all the way through thinking that I was going to not hate any of it but then "God" played. Yup, also insufferable. I get it dude... I get it! You only believe in you and Yoko and that's all that matters to you. We got it. You didn't have to list every single thing you don't believe in, and I felt like targeting his time with The Beatles was also just kind of in poor taste.
That all said I am trying to not let my disdain for one song wreck my whole view of the album. That still leaves me with a little trouble deciding how to rate this. I was already kind of learning towards a 4 star before I hit that song...and that song might be enough to drag it down to a 3. I feel the need to be generous though because it did surprise me with how much I liked most of the rest of the album.
4
Aug 13 2024
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The Yes Album
Yes
Listening to this felt like a fever dream. My overall feeling is positive but have a hard time nailing down my exact feeling. I think it could possibly be a 4 star but... as of now I am feeling like a 3. It felt hard to follow in some places and while I think that added to to the overall "feeling" I am not sure I enjoyed the journey all the time. They are for sure skilled musicians!
3
Aug 14 2024
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
Hm... this one could grow on me maybe. On first listen I still just feel like I don't get this genre of music very well. I feel like I get glimpses of things I like though so maybe I am on my way to getting more of an ear for New Wave? As is, it's "fine" so a 3 star from me. I am glad I looked up the original track list or my listening time would have about doubled. I don't always remember to check that, but it's saved me a couple times. I think the original length is about perfect. Keeps the sound from becoming overly wearing or dragging on.
3
Aug 15 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Oh I like this much better than "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness". Maybe it's because it's not a 2 hour long album? I know that was part of my problem with the other album. This felt tighter and more cohesive for sure. But overall I just think I liked the vibe a lot more too. I'll definitely enjoy relistens of this in the future.
4
Aug 17 2024
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Disintegration
The Cure
Definitely like this one a lot more than "Seventeen Seconds". This one is interesting because I listened to it multiple times before rating. I found with headphones on this is a 4 for me but when played out loud on speakers it drops to a 3. I think there is a lot of detail in the music that gets lost for me without headphones. It could be because my headphones are definitely better quality than my speakers, or it might be something about it being close to my ear making it easier to pick the details up. Regardless with the headphones on it's easy to get pleasantly lost in the gloomy soundscapes of this album. It's definitely an album for a specific mood. Perfect for a rainy fall/winter day/night.
I love the way this album intros, and in general the intro to each song draws you in. "Plainsong", "Pictures of You", "Lovesong", "Lullaby", "Prayer for Rain", "The Same Deep Water as You" were all songs that stood out to me.
4
Aug 18 2024
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
Another album where I like it more than the first generated by this list for a particular artist/band. This one is in a lot of places a bit silly, but in a way I find fun! The Westside Story section was definitely a surprise but not an unenjoyable one. "School's Out", "Blue Turk", "Public Animal #9", and "Alma Mater" were the tracks that stood out the most to me. This is one I will enjoy listening to again.
4
Aug 19 2024
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Rip It Up
Orange Juice
I think this one is pretty ok. It has a fun vibe and I think the music is well played. This particular style of 80s music is not overly my thing though. I feel like this one COULD grow on me but definitely didn't grab me fully on first listen. I definitely don't dislike it though.
3
Aug 20 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
I really feel like I have been missing out by not listening to Neil Young sooner. I don't think there is a bad song on this album! His voice is definitely unique to me but it just blends with the vibe of his music so well. Somewhere I heard or read someone describe his music as the perfect camping music, and I think that is probably true even if I am not a camper. I'd love to listen to it on a hike instead or by the beach maybe. Something about it lends to a relaxed feeling I tend to associate with being out in nature. I also feel like I hear the seeds of some of the sound of "On the Beach" in the song "Southern Man". I haven't heard "Harvest" yet which I know was released between this album and "On the Beach", so wondering is there are any bridges there as well. Anyway, I loved this album am excited for the rest of the Neil Young albums on this list.
5
Aug 21 2024
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Play
Moby
I knew I knew some stuff by Moby, specifically off this album in particular, but he was never an artist I ever did a deep dive on. I was surprised by how many songs I already knew off this album just by having existed in the world. Definitely used a lot for soundtracks and probably even commercials over the years. Realistically some probably would come up on electronica radio mixes on streaming services back in the day when this came out and I was listening to those.
Anyway, in my opinion this album holds up. It's held in high regard for a reason and one of the few electronica albums I feel like has overly broke big into the mainstream. At least to my awareness! This is smooth and relaxing while still having enough of a beat to groove to. I love the fusion of blues into the electronica. Also love the samples he picked and how he utilizes them. Realistically a 4.5 for me for reasons I can't quite define at the moment but I am going to go ahead and round up to a 5.
5
Aug 22 2024
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
So I'm not sure this is "good" but it is certainly fun! Definitely don't think they are especially talented musicians but they definitely have a specific sound/attitude that makes up for it for me. I'm hoping I can take that attitude into other punk albums. We will see though because from what I read this is more of a precursor to punk so maybe I like it because it's a bridge to the genre? Some of it is genuinely catchy though. I liked "Personality Crisis", "Looking For A Kiss", "Trash", "Bad Girl", "Pills" , and "Jet Boy". 6/11 isn't too bad considering this it outside of my typical wheel house. "Trash" and "Personality Crisis" are particularly catchy to me of that list. I think this is probably most accurately a 3.5 because 4 feels too high, and 3 feels too low. I'll go with a 4 because I like that this pushed me out of my comfort zone a bit.
4
Aug 23 2024
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Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
I was so kinda let down on my first listen to this. I thought it was so-so. Then I remembered that there are no David Bowie songs I was super into on first listen. He's an artist with music that needs to grow on me. He's not an artist I was raised listening to because my parents weren't super into him. Most of my exposure to him has been in pop culture with his music being on soundtracks or from watching Labyrinth. I've always meant to get around to getting into his music though.
I liked this so much more on second listen. The first half of the album is still a little hot and cold for me, but from "Cracked" on I definitely really like it. This has a lot of jazz and rock and roll influence I think. With a touch of blues maybe? Something about it reminds me of Rocky Horror Picture show in a good way. Not quite a 5 but I do quite like it and will be returning to it.
4
Aug 24 2024
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Steely Dan was one of those bands I knew the name of but couldn't tell you what their music was. Listening to this I do now kind of remember my dad playing this for me when I was younger. Particularly "Reelin' In the Years".
This album has a great opening, it sucked me right in. "Dirty Work" is probably my favorite but I really love most of this album. It's smooth, chill, and catchy. I understand this is considered "yacht rock" which I think is considered uncool but, who cares? I'm not sure about the genre as a whole, but this album I love.
5
Aug 28 2024
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Trout Mask Replica
Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
Why do I get these really experimental albums when I'm in some amount of physical discomfort? Our AC is broken and it's probably close to 86 or 87 in my room right now.
Anyway, I'm not giving this a 1 because I don't get it. I'm giving it a 1 because it doesn't get me.
1
Sep 01 2024
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
I was thinking this would be a 2 because while it's definitely not for me, I could at least kinda appreciate it. Then "No Xmas for John Quays" came on and I could not wait for it to be over. The album didn't really improve much for me from there but at least became "tolerable". Overall I just kinda found it to be noisy. I stuck through it because I'm just determined to listen to every album and every track. You can be certain though I only listened to the songs on the original release and not the over 2 hours on the release version.
1
Sep 02 2024
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Arise
Sepultura
This is more or less exactly what I thought all metal was when I was younger. There is a reason I spent a lot of years saying I don't like metal, and that is because I really am not a fan of this kind of sound. There are elements to the music which I do enjoy, which probably do get picked up in other metal subgenres. The vocal style though.... oh lord. That's the part I really can't get past. I did not enjoy this very much but at least there was a fun guitar solo on "Meaningless Movement" and I liked the drums in "Desperate Cry" so it still rates a 2 stars. Just not a sound for me.
2
Sep 04 2024
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Your Arsenal
Morrissey
Was genuinely so surprised when this started playing and I thought \"oh... I kinda like this???\". I do like the first couple tracks, and a couple more throughout the album. Most of the rest is just kinda... eh to me. I still like this better than any of The Smiths albums I have heard so far. Could have done without some of the more xenophobic sounding lyrics. Still though, nice to know that maybe there is a chance I won't hate every album that features him considering I have 3 more solo albums and one more Smiths. I don't suspect I will love any of them, but I maybe won't completely cringe when I see they are my album for the day.
3
Sep 07 2024
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
Was genuinely shocked how many songs I knew off this album. I think some of it is some of the songs I had no idea were Billy Joel songs. He's one I have picked up passively. This is a stunning album though. A lot of story telling in the songs which makes me understand why he had a juke-box musical made with his music. Really enjoyed all of this though, there is a reason why many of these are classics.
5