May 06 2024
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
I get it - you're in love. 13 songs of the same concept gets a little old (except for one about not letting your girl talk to another guy). I guess there is some interesting musicality to the album? Historical significance? Easy enough to listen to. 2.5/5
3
May 07 2024
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1989
Taylor Swift
3
May 08 2024
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Guero
Beck
Maybe I like Beck? Some good songs with interesting genre variation and some decent "rapping."
3
May 09 2024
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
4
May 10 2024
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Always liked the story telling from Johnny Cash, but it gets even better when working a crowd. Great album. Great storytelling.
4
May 13 2024
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Deep Purple has some deep cuts??? Led Zeppelin lite??? Some great jams and some ok. Good album overall.
3
May 14 2024
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
What is there to say? It's Led Zeppelin's best album and one of the best rock albums of all time. Halfway through and you have four of the best songs of the decade. Easy 5.
5
May 15 2024
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Red Dirt Girl
Emmylou Harris
This is Cristian music, right? That only explains part of the reason why it is so pretentious and bland. This is what Britta from Community would listen to of she went to Calvin. The lyrics trick you into thinking there's meaning there, but it's just a stream of conscious nothingness. Can't think of any good lyrics? Just falsetto the fuck out of the song. This is Amy Grant if she grew up in Holland, MI and sucked.
2
May 16 2024
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
On paper, the Artic Monkeys are a band I should like. Unfortunately, I have found they never quite do it for me. I can respect the musicality as well as the interesting lyrics, but something about their "style" never quite engages me...maybe I just hate the British?
3
May 17 2024
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Rapture
Anita Baker
An easy listen if not made difficult due to Spotify incompleteness. None of the songs made a lasting impact but I wasn't waiting for them to be over.
3
May 20 2024
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Exodus
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Mellow vibes, y'all. What's not to like about these jams. Didn't know religion was so central to his music, but the political activism is welcomed.
4
May 21 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Good album. Funny, topical, good flow that still stands well today. I miss the skits from rap albums and it was refreshing to have so many that still fit well in the album flow.
4
May 22 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
It's ok. Is it a requirement that all songs from the 50s be about love or losing love? Seriously, like EVERY song. Songs are short and easy to listen to. First exposure to Buddy Holly so that's something.
3
May 23 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
It's a classic. Seems like a transitional album from the "dumb" love song Beatles of the 50s to the "smart" era. Most songs have interesting complexity and thoughtful lyrics. Some songs are much stronger than others but still enjoyable.
4
May 24 2024
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Unhalfbricking
Fairport Convention
Wasn't expecting much going into this, but enjoyable overall. Some songs felt like old Jethro Tull or Steely Dan, while others dragged on too long and just felt pretentious.
3
May 27 2024
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War
U2
Having a hard time with rating this one. I have never really like U2 and this album didn't do anything to change that opinion. However, there are a few songs that I did somewhat enjoy and the overall experience maybe made them not as bad as before? This album made me realize they aren't a bad band, I just don't like their style, Bono's voice or maybe a combination of the two. I think this one barely gets a passing grade.
3
May 28 2024
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
It's a good album. A classic of that era. If I had listened to this album when it came out and not the radio hits, it might be a 5 for nostalgia, but I have a hard time connecting with it like a lot of my peers do.
4
May 29 2024
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Oh man, this one was a surprise and not in a good way. Really like Supertramp, especially their 'Breakfast in America ' album, but this was boring at best. A few songs I actually didn't like and was ready for them to be over. A few where some good jams with good musicality, but few and far between.
2
May 30 2024
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Music From The Penguin Cafe
Penguin Cafe Orchestra
It's Penguin Cafe, what's not to like? Definitely some more "out there" songs than I expected and seemingly Avante Garde for the 70s, but still an enjoyable album.
4
May 31 2024
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
This album was an absolute surprise in more ways than one. Took me most of the first track to recognize it's wasn't being serious. Kudos to the dry, British humor. The music was actually good, the humor on point and overall enjoyable.
4
Jun 03 2024
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S&M
Metallica
4
Jun 04 2024
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Gorillaz
Gorillaz
Some great songs, but mostly just ok. Feel like there where quite a few try hard songs that focuses on being different over being good.
3
Jun 05 2024
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Throwing Muses
Throwing Muses
Well, that was a little much. Whiny falsetto to the max! Nothing was unlistenable, but some really dragged on. Some were ok. I'm sure there was something important and topical being said, but it's lost on me.
2
Jun 06 2024
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
What a bop! High energy all the way through and just plain fun. Not every song was about love and far more interesting that I was expecting from a 60's album.
5
Jun 07 2024
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere & The Raiders
It was listenable. Not great. Not bad. Ok. Some reeeeally corny songs and some good ones. Mostly background.
2
Jun 10 2024
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Live!
Fela Kuti
Itsa jam, man! Good vibes and lotsa bongos.
4
Jun 11 2024
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
Bloody ell, mate! Took about three to four songs until I could actually understand what was being said and even after that still a struggle at times. Felt like the album got better as it went on or maybe I just got used to the style. Can appreciate the impact this made in music at the time and the rebuke of a lot of non-questioned institutions. This is one I could see growing on me.
4
Jun 12 2024
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
The instrumental aspect of the songs is good, if not a little boring, but the lyrics just feel...blah. I don't know what genre this would fall under, but I imagine some liberal boomers in early 2000s really liking this album. For me, it's pretty bland and flavorless.
2
Jun 13 2024
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
If there was ever an album where you could hear the decade it was from. A good, enjoyable listen with good musicality and some saaaaaaax. All blended together in the end with only a few actually standing out.
3
Jun 14 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
It's good. Lyrics are the highlight. Music is still enjoyable and engaging. No weaknesses, but nothing stellar either.
4
Jun 17 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
Some classics and good riffs. It sort of all becomes the same at the end, but it's still good.
3
Jun 18 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
It's Baby Michael, all grown up! It's a good album. Good funk and nothing too repetitive. Some all time classics and some meh.
4
Jun 19 2024
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Good, smooth jazz. Some nice funk and freestyle. Easy listening.
4
Jun 20 2024
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E.V.O.L.
Sonic Youth
Some tracks are easy to get into and jam with, others just drag on with self-importance and trying far too hard to make a point. Pretentiousness disguised as self-awarenss.
3
Jun 21 2024
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
What a weird album, in mostly a good way. Some of the more "traditional" The Who sound coming through, with quite a bit of clowning and some funny songs. Overall, ok.
3
Jun 24 2024
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Classic Beastie Boys. I feel like I've slept on the lyrics of a lot of their songs, mostly because their constant volley of bats can become somewhat disengaging for me. I like it with other bands like Run the Jewels, but sometimes with the Beasties it becomes too much. Beats are good.
3
Jun 25 2024
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Definitely know what decade this album came out in. It's a good album. Not great, although some songs are. Overall an enjoyable listen with compelling lyrics and a few songs I could see myself coming back to. Also appreciate the hidden tracks(s), which added to the album.
4
Jun 26 2024
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Triangle
The Beau Brummels
It was ok. Pretty forgettable, but not bad. Musicality is good. Lyrics a little corny. The weird falsetto thing could be a bit much at times.
3
Jun 27 2024
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Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
Unfortunately, as a sheltered American I have only knowledge of the English language, so I couldn't understand the lyrics, but I could *feel* them. In all seriousness, a good exposure to someone and a genre I would never listen to. Overall enjoyable.
3
Jun 28 2024
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
I never felt like I cared much for NIN, but this album changed that perception slightly. Closer is still overplayed, but the rest of the songs are diverse and interesting. Some interesting melodies and rhythms. Lyrics are engaging and seemed relevant for the time.
4
Jul 01 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
A good introduction to more than just the singles Stevie. A solid album with a lot of diversity and good, funky music. Enjoyable.
4
Jul 02 2024
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
There are some fantastic, decade defining songs, as well as some real annoying ones. Her voice can really irritate me at times, which takes away from the rest of the music.
3
Jul 03 2024
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Some good big band music. Not my favorite genre, mostly find it boring, but there were some good songs and it's hard to deny the quality of musicianship. I rather enjoyed the lyrics.
4
Jul 04 2024
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Liege And Lief
Fairport Convention
The pretentious falsetto turned up to 11! All enjoyability of this band from the last album disappeared. Most songs dragged on and the singers inflection is always the same annoying, try-hardedness to it. Musicality is still ok, but lacking from the last listen.
2
Jul 05 2024
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Shaka Zulu
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
While I couldn't understand (most of) the lyrics, there was beautiful harmonization of the vocals with engaging music. It got a little repetitive, but again, maybe that is due to not being able to understand the lyrics. Overall enjoyable and exposure to a genre I would have never been exposed to.
4
Jul 08 2024
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Man. This one is probably the strongest '4' I've got so far, and the only reason it doesn't get a '5' is that something about Eric Clapton's voice just doesn't quite resonate with me. Every song is fantastic and full of energy and endless talent. A diverse album that never gets too repetitive. I can see how this is a masterpiece, but not quite for that level for me.
4
Jul 09 2024
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The Doors
The Doors
It's a fantastic album with some classic and timeless songs that hold up even half a century later. I really enjoyed the whole album and found each song interesting and engaging.
5
Jul 10 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Some very pleasant and easy to digest songs. I really like her voice as well as the lyrics of *most* songs. The last one on the album was a terrible closer, but the rest of the album was varied and enjoyable.
4
Jul 11 2024
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Before And After Science
Brian Eno
Some good ambient music with some funny lyrics thrown in. Didn't feel too serious and mostly enjoyable. Nothing overly memorable about it, but good music nonetheless.
4
Jul 12 2024
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Some beautiful songs with moving melodies. His voice is soft and calming. Honestly, I wanted to like this album more and give it a '5', but nothing about it grabs me. Instead it's more like comforting background music that I enjoy, but don't pay much attention to.
4
Jul 15 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
Some classic songs with undeniable talent behind them. Some songs really seem to contrast the other songs in the album, but overall some good rock music. Goes to show how the 'classic' rock songs are a selection of the best of the best.
4
Jul 16 2024
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The Bends
Radiohead
I mean...yeah, it's one of Radiohead's best albums. Great music, great lyrics. Captivating. Thoughtful. Engaging. Every track can stand alone, but as an album it's a complete package.
5
Jul 17 2024
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Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo
MC Solaar
It's always difficult giving an assessment to foreign albums. I find that the inability to understand the lyrics causes a bit of a disconnect for me. The music sounds great. It's funky, vibrant, engaging. I like his voice and the flow of his delivery, but the lack of being able to understand what is being said causes some impact to be lost. Still good, nonetheless.
4
Jul 18 2024
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Medúlla
Björk
Exposure to Björk, which is something. Always here her brought up as a pivotal figure in music, but never really heard much of her stuff. Can't say I feel like I've missed out until now. It was ok. Very well produced and technical, but it never really captivated me.
3
Jul 19 2024
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Tom Tom Club
Tom Tom Club
If this album wasn't trying to be serious, it would be a lot more fun and enjoyable, but...it is trying to be serious. Of all the pretentiousness so far, this takes the crown...and it's poorly done at that. Some of the music was enjoyable, but so many misses.
Also - if I have to hear that weird 'boioioioing' thing once more...
2
Jul 22 2024
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Meat Is Murder
The Smiths
It's a good album and very representative of much of The Smith's music. Some great songs that hold up decades later, and a few others that are just ok.
4
Jul 23 2024
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
I can tell why it's a classic. Every song is a banger and it's a piece of the modern rap backbone, let alone one of the best of its era. I always thought the album would have only a few good songs, but after listening, they all hit. Very enjoyable.
5
Jul 24 2024
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Supa Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
Honestly, I was expecting a little more from this. Maybe the expectations were too high knowing all of Missy Elliott's hits, but only a few tracks really stuck out. A lot was repetitive with only ok lyricism.
3
Jul 25 2024
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Some all time classics, but few and far between with the most sounding just 'meh'. Forgettable, really.
3
Jul 26 2024
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Slayed?
Slade
Nothing too memorable, but each track is solid with some standing out more than others and all quite enjoyable. Like the music style, the singers voice and find it surprising this album came out in the early 70s. Feels like early hair metal on some tracks.
4
Jul 29 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Oh, laddie I need a Guinness at the local pub! What a fun album with upbeat music and general enjoyment. Some poignant and topical lyrics with entertaining songs throughout. Diverse music and technicality as well.
4
Jul 30 2024
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Hotel California
Eagles
The song 'Hotel California' is a personal favorite and really the only great song in the album. Most go on too long with bland lyrics. A couple are ok, but nothing worth relistening.
3
Jul 31 2024
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If You're Feeling Sinister
Belle & Sebastian
I really liked the music of the songs and found the melodies enjoyable and the skill impressive. The lyrics are good, if a little try-hard at times. What really kept me from enjoying this album a lot more was the sound of the singer's voice. I just... didn't like it. A shame as this would be a far better album for me.
3
Aug 01 2024
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Odelay
Beck
I mean, I can appreciate the diversity in genres and how nicely they work together on a Beck album. Nothing ever feels overly forced, but it doesn't always feel like it adds to a song either. The lyrics feel like they're trying to be more important that they really are, which can take away from a song...also, we get it, you know what a drum break is.
3
Aug 02 2024
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
A surprise to be sure. Was not sure what genre this was going to be or that I would enjoy it so much. Goes back to the sentiment that I like country music, just not the modern, pop-country that seems to be the most popular version. Music is fun, lyrics are easily able to connect, musicianship is skilled. Overall an enjoyable and diverse album. A foot tapper if I say so!
5
Aug 05 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
Enjoyable if not a bit repetitive. Fantastic vocals from Solomon and a good introduction to early soul music. The content also gets a bit repetitive, but it's still a good album.
4
Aug 06 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
A great album by a great band. Some fantastic and complex songs with diverse and skilled musicality. Some others drag on a bit, but are still musically interesting. Mark Knopfler's voice does get to be a little hard to engage with after a while.
4
Aug 07 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Ok, so maybe I like country music after all. I really like the stories being told and the visuals they are able to elicit with enjoyable music. Each song is engaging and some are just fun. Poor Felina :(
4
Aug 08 2024
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Very good instrumental music. Some wired parts with the grunt language, but overall an enjoyable listen.
4
Aug 09 2024
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A Northern Soul
The Verve
The instrumentation is always good and enjoyable enough, but the vocals really just plod on and feel apathetic. Hard to stay engaged and not feel like I'm waiting for it to be over.
2
Aug 12 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
A pretty good album. I think their most popular songs are actually some of the weakest and some of the less known songs are really different and enjoyable. Unique and thoughtful lyrics.
4
Aug 19 2024
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
It's ok. Starts with one of their best (if not THE best) songs, but never reaches that high again. Most songs are ok, some better. Musicianship and guitar playing is great. One very problematic song, but that's a whole other issue.
3
Aug 20 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
A great album with some of their best songs. Not quite to the level of their self-titled album, but still good. I really dig Morrison's voice and energy.
4
Aug 21 2024
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White Light / White Heat
The Velvet Underground
Yeah, the skill is certainly there, but the rest of the music just isn't for me. I can tell they are having fun, so that's cool, but I don't think I "get it."
2
Aug 22 2024
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The Coral
The Coral
Such a forgettable album.
2
Aug 23 2024
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
There are some good songs (Lake of Fire) and some good instrumentals, but overall just waiting for it to be over and fairly unengaging.
2
Aug 26 2024
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Made In Japan
Deep Purple
Not usually a fan of live albums, but I found this one fairly enjoyable and fun. Some good riffing and a fantastic drum solo.
4
Aug 27 2024
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
This is probably as close to a '5' but not quite album I've had so far. The music is very technical, draws you in, and just great. Very skilled musicians making great songs. The whole album has good flow and each song can stand on its own. The downsides are that I find the lyrics a little lame at times and the voice of Matt just doesn't quite connect. Overall, I think it is an album I will come me back to and can find myself liking more over time. Made me like Muse a lot more than previous.
4
Aug 28 2024
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Very forgettable and uninspiring. Could be one of countless rock bands from the 60's.
2
Aug 29 2024
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Palo Congo
Sabu
I mean, it all kind of sounds the same. I guess that's ok as it's...ok, but just waiting for it to be done. Some hip swinging was had.
2
Aug 30 2024
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Atomizer
Big Black
The music is alright. Fast paced and lively punk. Lyrics are hard to comprehend and all sound the same.
2
Oct 14 2024
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Elephant
The White Stripes
The music is good, but it all sounds the same with the same riffs, same chords, same drums. I forgot and Jack White's voice alright, but a little tiring by the end of the album. Lyrics feel like they're tryna ng a bit too hard at times.
3
Oct 15 2024
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
Some of the best rock songs of all time, but unfortunately, a few others that fall pretty flat. Overall, a great album with a lot of different musical influences and compelling lyrics
4
Oct 16 2024
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Ragged Glory
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
One thing I didn't expect from a Neil Young album was for it to sound bland and uninspiring, but here we are. One or two songs actually commanded some attention, but the rest faded into a background of noise and 'meh'.
2
Oct 17 2024
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Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
Good electronic music that transports me back to the 90s. Thoughtful lyrics and a pleasing voice (albeit a little old by the end of the album).
4
Oct 18 2024
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Kid A
Radiohead
One of the best (if not THE best) Radiohead albums, and one of the best of all time. Beautiful. Cinematic. Moving. A true journey start to finish. Have and will continue to frequently come back to it.
5
Oct 21 2024
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Some good, timeless songs. A trio back in time that shows the importance of Elvis and his impact on rock and roll. A lot of boring, repetitive music, however.
3
Oct 22 2024
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Bossanova
Pixies
I feel like the Pixies are a band that people think they should like and don't really know why. Like, not liking them means you don't "get it." This album feels like an encapsulation of that. That being said, some tracks did rock, but the lyrics were try-hard and a lot felt repetitive.
2
Oct 23 2024
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Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Some funny and absurd tracks. Fairly good music, but nothing too exciting. Ok.
3
Oct 24 2024
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Some truly great songs, but mostly ok. Lyrics are strong and it's a well produced album. Was expecting to be blown away, though.
4
Oct 25 2024
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Treasure
Cocteau Twins
A good, ethereal album with haunting vocals. Some songs land, some are background filler. Overall enjoyable and a trip back in time.
4
Nov 06 2024
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
Truly fantastic album. One of the best songs of all time with some other beautiful, and diverse songs. Some languish and drag a bit, but overall enjoyable. Also, surprised by the diversity of Queen. Not surprised by the magnificent musicianship and Freddie's powerful vocals. Both in full display.
4
Nov 07 2024
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The Pleasure Principle
Gary Numan
All the synth, please. Seriously, a bit overwhelming at times. Also, just can't get on with his voice. Becomes a little much by the end. Most songs are ok. A few are good.
3
Nov 08 2024
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A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
Surprised I have never heard of here before. Good beets. Great lyricism and content. Enjoyable.
4
Nov 11 2024
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Automatic For The People
R.E.M.
A solid album with some deep and moving songs. Others are ok, and a few lagged on. Mostly an enjoyable listen with political relevance that stands today.
4
Nov 12 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I keep waiting to "get" the Yeah Yeah Yeah, but I'm always left with them reminding me of the try-too-hard to look like not-trying-too-hard indie bro of the mid-00's. Like, if you don't like it, it's your fault and you should feel intellectually inferior...anyway. Some songs are ok, others are about 20 falsettos too many. Didn't hate it.
2
Nov 13 2024
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My Generation
The Who
Much like many of the classic rock bands of this era, the earlier stuff is a far cry of the music they would put out in the later 60's and early 70's. Many of the songs are simple, repetitive, and just about 'love'. A few good, more lyrically diverse songs with a good instrumental, unfortunately, it's few and far between.
3
Nov 14 2024
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
A decade-defining album. Brilliant, diverse, witty, and clever from start to finish with great music and stellar features. A favorite.
5