May 12 2024
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Meandering. I'd hate to be the bass player playing the same thing for 10 minutes. Otherwise good in the background
3
May 13 2024
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Paul Simon
Paul Simon
Gold. Simon’s guitar playing and songwriting with world bass and drum rhythms. Great songs for decades to come
5
May 14 2024
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
Super talented debut. So lyrically angry but controlled.
4
May 15 2024
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is not for me. I can appreciate the songwriting and lyrics but it all just sounds the same.
2
May 16 2024
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
4
May 17 2024
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2112
Rush
3
May 18 2024
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
Had this as a cassette in my youth. Lots of filler so lots of skips but some great songs and I enjoy Cyndi Lauper's vocals and writing (mostly)
3
May 19 2024
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Axis: Bold As Love
Jimi Hendrix
My least fav of the Hendrix experience studio albums yet still phenomenal. Songs are tight and poppy for Jimi (except EXP).
4
May 22 2024
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Elvis Is Back
Elvis Presley
It's Elvis. A few standout tracks. Good production. Tight backing musicians.
3
May 23 2024
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Young Americans
David Bowie
Great album.
4
May 24 2024
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
2
May 26 2024
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
Not sure how this wasn't on my radar back then. Maybe cause it's West Coast and that was a bit too gangsta for middle of Canada me. Now I put this one on and pretty quick, I'm like this a Public Enemy album with Ice Cube rapping. Very political. And look up the production and its the Bomb Squad. Throw in some Flavor Flav and Chuck D in the middle. This would have worn out my CD player in 1990.
4
May 29 2024
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I See You
The xx
Not the The XX album I’d put on or tell people to listen to at all. Couple of great songs that I’ll listen to multiple remixes of on repeat. But more indie club sound rather than a great album. It’s probably a 3.5 for me.
3
May 30 2024
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Untitled (Black Is)
SAULT
The style grew on me over time. Can see it as soundtrack to certain shows or films. But sounds a bit like a gospel choir mixtape.
3
May 31 2024
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Post punk craziness. Like music made for Peter Pan's Lost Boys but they are all post pubescent manchildren. It's okay to here once in my life and the occasional Adam Ant song in the future.
3
Jun 01 2024
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
I'll give it a 4. Some nostalgia. But over all great album with a thematic concept. Plus being Canadian and all that. Loses some of the luster with the latest Butler allegations.
4
Jun 04 2024
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
More of a 3.5. Great lyrics, social commentary and pre-grunge guitar. Gets better with relistening. Biggest drawback is the sound and production. Sounds like a bunch of guys getting together to do demos before laying down tracks. Its part of the aesthetic of certain Neil Young albums but....
4
Jun 05 2024
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Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elton John
Just under a 5 (I'm looking at you Jamaica Jerk-off and Roy Rogers) but then probably could have been a single album. Lots of really special songs and arrangements here. In general, I am a causal Elton John fan but this is definitely one of the greatest albums
5
Jun 06 2024
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Heroes to Zeros
The Beta Band
Good musicians and songwriting but just lacks something. I have a friend who told me to listen to Beta Band way back when but if you just can't get hooked on 1 or 2 songs it becomes a bit of a slog.
3
Jun 08 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
First two Coldplay albums were great.
4
Jun 09 2024
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Caetano Veloso
Caetano Veloso
3
Jun 10 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
My fam Jimi Hendrix album. Being a double album at 1 hr 15 min is pretty tight for a guy who grew up during the CD era (most RHCP single discs are over an hour). Even the meandering songs hit it for me as they are offset by some tight blues soul numbers.
5
Jun 12 2024
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Tago Mago
Can
I can see how CAN influenced some of my favs like Mogwai and LCD Soundsystem. I willing to take a dive into the other two of trilogy but its half good half off the rails.
3
Jun 13 2024
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Being There
Wilco
I love Wilco but its still rare that I put on Being There over other albums. A great showcase for his songwriting but a bit long. Not the one I'd recommend for someone I'm trying to get into Wilco but still great to me
4
Jun 14 2024
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
Given his voice, it is difficult to listen to Leonard Cohen's songs back to back but as background music I wouldn't complain. Of course the lyrics are phenomenal but it shows why his songs in different hands are so striking
3
Jun 15 2024
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Graceland
Paul Simon
One of my favourite albums of all time. And for those complaining about "cultural appropriation" read around the making of the album. Music should be something that brings people and cultures together and it does.
5
Jun 16 2024
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Infected
The The
Meh. Another post punk album that's not for me.
2
Jun 18 2024
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
Great voice. Great production. Backup singers showing sisterly love.
5
Jun 19 2024
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
4
Jun 20 2024
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In The Court Of The Crimson King
King Crimson
3
Jun 22 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
4
Jun 23 2024
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You Are The Quarry
Morrissey
I like Morrisey as a singer not a person. But why this album is one to listen too, who knows?
Especially given his first two have Stephen Street.
2
Jun 28 2024
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Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
4
Jun 29 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
4
Jul 01 2024
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Just too much piano for me. I can recognize the skill and talent but one and done
2
Jul 02 2024
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Van Halen
Van Halen
4
Jul 04 2024
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
Chicago blues. Well produced. Good synopsis of some classic blues.
4
Jul 05 2024
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James Brown Live At The Apollo
James Brown
3
Jul 06 2024
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Synchronicity
The Police
4
Jul 07 2024
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Viva Hate
Morrissey
Teen me loved it. Smiths extension. Stephen Street cowriting much of it and delicate guitars from Reilly gave a different vibe to the Moz’s mopeyness. Still gets an occasional play as an adult
4
Jul 08 2024
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Immigrés
Youssou N'Dour
3
Jul 09 2024
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
4
Jul 10 2024
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OK
Talvin Singh
2
Jul 11 2024
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The Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
3
Jul 16 2024
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Meat Puppets II
Meat Puppets
Every now and then, I'll listen to Meat Puppets 'cause they do have some well written songs. And then I'm reminded everything is a bit disparate. Very progressive for what was a mid 80s hardcore band but the album lacks as a hole. I'd rather listen to country punk by Violent Femmes, hardcore by Fugazi, and REM for guitar driven indie rock. Maybe just needed some polish or the right production. I will still return every now and then to try again.
2
Jul 17 2024
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Halcyon Digest
Deerhunter
As someone who liked Deerhunter's early stuff, this was a hard sell at the time. I do like Desire Lines, Helicopter and Coronado.
3
Jul 18 2024
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Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
Very talented multi-instrumentalist. And something to only listen to once in a lifetime
2
Jul 19 2024
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The Healer
John Lee Hooker
3
Jul 20 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Back ground music at a dive bar. If I was attending blues night and this was the band I'd be impressed and say they're tight. Only thing that would be better is more guitar just like "You Can't Sit Down"
3
Jul 23 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
Its good cause its The Police. Rhythm, crazy guitar chord progression, all on point. Just overall okay as an album though other than mining the hits off of it. Its probably a 3.8. At least it doesn't have Mother on it.
3
Aug 19 2024
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Murmur
R.E.M.
4.5 Really. Love R.E.M. and its like they sprung fully formed with trademark arpeggios and lyrical melodies. Only loses a bit of steam on the second half songs before closing with a shout chorus of West of the Fields.
4
Aug 20 2024
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
Great singer and artist. Maybe the album is a bit overrated as it was her last one and most polished of her solo and Big Brother work. Things were heading in a direction that would have been even better though
4
Aug 24 2024
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Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Was thinking I would rate this lower but re-listening for the first time in a long time gives me some good vibes. In retrospect, might be the most enjoyable complete Foo Fighter's album for me. Maybe because the non hits are just straight forward fuzzed out rock vs some of the filler songs that don't do it for me on their later albums.
4
Aug 25 2024
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
David Bowie's excellent production and an energetic yet restrained Iggy Pop made this one an excellent listen. Not sure how often I would put it on in the future but I do know where the standout tracks on it came from. Closer to 3.8 for me
4
Aug 27 2024
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Beyond the first two songs, which are amazing, just filler.
3
Aug 29 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
Great album. I do believe Gran Turismo is the better album, Not quite a 4. Probably a 3.8 but a very enjoyable listen with a wonderful playfulness. Tightly written pop-rock songs and always showing off their love of Sabbath. (Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is a delightfully playful upbeat rendering of the original)
4
Aug 30 2024
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Not for me. Warbly. I remember when the first two albums came out and I tried to get into Antony and the Johnsons based on critical reviews. The honest highlight for me our the horns on the last minute of "Fistful of Love"
2
Aug 31 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
Its fine. I will never put it on again. I'm neither a Rolling Stones' hater nor a stan but its too bad you can't just listen to Hot Rocks. Either way when I wanna listen to some Stones I'll put on Exile on Main Street first, Sticky Fingers second, Let if Bleed third and Beggar's Banquet in a pinch
3
Sep 03 2024
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25
Adele
My colleague loves Adele. When 19 came out it was unique and cool and was also my Kate Nash era. Now its fine. She's and incredible singer. But the constant over the top vocal theatrics and sameness just get to be too much. I'll stick to hearing the occasional single and maybe switching channels depending on my mood.
3
Oct 15 2024
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
4
Jan 02 2025
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Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge
Mudhoney
Lo-fi grunge gold. I did not dislike any song on this album though my years of being an angsty teen are behind me. Not something I'll put on frequently but I'll keep it as a resource for when I want some grunge not from the usuals. Thanks for saving SubPop Mudhoney.
4
Jan 03 2025
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Wish I could play like Bert and great influence on UK folk but the songs get a little repetitive on this first lofi home recording.
3
Jan 04 2025
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
5
Jan 05 2025
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
Interesting how what was loud and metal at the time gives more of a hard rock vibe now. Classic though. Currently would sit in my music to vacuum the house genre.
3
Jan 07 2025
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Its fine. It's Curtis Mayfield. Good but not the album I would put on if I'm craving Curtis Mayfield (Curtis would be it).
3
Jan 08 2025
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
So good. a jazz-funk masterpiece and those synth bass lines just heralded a new era.
5
Jan 09 2025
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Welcome To The Pleasuredome
Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Has some really really high points. A lot of Pink Floyd feel. But the concept and the covers coupled with the length dragged it down. I'm sure if I was a 80's Brit wanting to overthrow the government but not be a punk, I would have loved it
3
Jan 11 2025
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Elephant
The White Stripes
Great album. Loved it during that time. On relistening, some of the twinkly songs have lost some of their luster or else would be a 5
4
Jan 13 2025
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At Mister Kelly's
Sarah Vaughan
I'm always a bit trepidatious with live recordings especially older ones, but this is top notch. Sarah Vaughan is a phenomenal jazz vocalist and is top notch here. The few parts that do remind you it is live are whimsical. Jimmy Jones, Roy Haynes and Richard Davis are obviously great in support. It's more of a 3.5-3.8 but I'm giving it a 4/5. I'm more likely to put on a studio recording of Sarah Vaughan's but this was a quick treat.
4
Feb 01 2025
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
Classic. Would have been a 4 and a bit before the 50th anniversary last year. After repeated relistening's and reading around the making it stepped it up to a full 5. If in doubt, I just have to remind myself of the 7/4 time bassline of Money.
5
Feb 02 2025
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
NY by way of LA. Loose, fun but groundbreaking.
5
Feb 05 2025
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OK Computer
Radiohead
Don't even have to listen . But I did twice. Sorry to Radiohead haters. I love the production, sounds, themes, guitars, feels of OK Computer so much.
5
Feb 09 2025
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Third/Sister Lovers
Big Star
A great musical history footnote and likely an influence of all my favourite bands from the 80's. But also pretty long and at times medicore. Some songs are just amazingly written and I hear them and say this would be great to cover. But as an album meh.
3
Feb 10 2025
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Hearts And Bones
Paul Simon
An interesting listen indeed. I love Paul Simon and the best songs on this album would be my least favourites on his greatest hits album. They’re still well written and have great musicianship but just miss that something. Listening critically to the other songs was eye opening as well. “That’s a great bass line” “those steel drums rhythms and melody are so cool” But then it falls flat. Maybe the lyrics. Maybe the lack of anticipated harmony with Garfunkel before he bounced. Glad things came together on Graceland
3
Feb 11 2025
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Smash
The Offspring
More of a 3.5 but high school university me loved it.
4
Mar 02 2025
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Two live albums of space rock. Which sounds like old doom metal or stoner rock. Not bad and I’m sure it was something to see live. Just never going to listen again. I do like the occasional Hawkwind song
3
Mar 03 2025
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Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret
Soft Cell
2.5 maybe. Most of it sounds like two college students playing around on synths. Lots from that era already sound polished and great. Obviously the bangers are generational
3
Mar 04 2025
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The Cars
The Cars
Always admired The Cars and Ric Ocasek as a tight band and producer (see Weezer, Nada Surf, No Doubt) but don't think I ever put on this album or any Cars album fully. Probably heard it in the background when I was a toddler. This album is tight. Sure some new wave influence but Power Pop city. Catchy as F, guitars forward. Short and sweet from front to finish.
5
Mar 06 2025
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Paris 1919
John Cale
3
Mar 07 2025
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Crocodiles
Echo And The Bunnymen
Yep. Sounds like Echo and the Bunnymen. Well crafted sounds and excellent musicianship but I'll stick to the songs I know when I want to listen to their brand of post punck
3
Mar 21 2025
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Document
R.E.M.
Not for everyone but definitely for me. Recently did a chronological run of REM albums during a work day and got to the end of Automatic for the People. Green was the first REM cassette I bought but I burned this vinyl from the library. It just rocks and has fire.
5
Mar 22 2025
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
Its Little Richard. Reptitive and a little wild but iconic
3
Mar 25 2025
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Very good. JUst have to be in the right mood for engagement so not something to put on very everyday listening. Of course as background it also works.
4
Mar 29 2025
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Sea Change
Beck
In the era, this is one of my favourite albums. Great songs. Masterful breakup album. Twenty some years later a bit repetitive as the it progresses but still top notch songs and instrumentation
4