Jun 25 2024
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
5/5
This album is mostly loud, poppy and hopeful- leading to an iconic very American sound. Yet on its most melancholic and reflective songs Downbound Train, I'm On Fire, Dancing In the Dark, and My Hometown, it is most powerful and emotional. Bruce's striking vocals and thoughtful lyrics throughout make an amazing listening experience.
Born in the U.S.A. 5
Cover Me 5
Darlington County 4.5
Working on the Highway 4.5
Downbound Train 5 (FAV)
I'm On Fire 5
No Surrender 5
Bobby Jean 4.5
I'm Goin' Down 4 (LEAST FAV)
Glory Days 4
Dancing In the Dark 5
My Hometown 5
5
Jun 26 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
5/5
This collection of unique and often weird songs is a masterpiece. Thom's voice still feels so raw, fresh and new, to lead each song, and the minimal yet meaningful and poetic lyrics cut through each instrumental with impact. The production itself is carefully layered and beautiful without feeling overdone and losing the essence of each song. The refusal to stick with a section for too long before changing the mood makes this such an enjoyable experience. In fact the weakest songs 15 Step and Videotape which bookend the album are the most repetitive and least interesting musically. But the strength of the middle section makes this an exceptional recording.
15 Step 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
Bodysnatchers 4.5/5
Nude 5/5
Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi 5/5
All I Need 5/5
Faust Arp 5/5 (FAV)
Reckoner 5/5
House Of Cards 4.5/5
Jigsaw Falling Into Place 4.5/5
Videotape 4/5
5
Jun 27 2024
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
4.5/5
This funky unique experience is a delight. Jim Morrison screams and reminisces over groovy tracks oozing with flavour. The lyrics evoke strong sexual desires or inspire beautiful psychedelic images, such as the fantastic Peace Frog, which fades amazingly into the elegant change of pace of Blue Sunday. A slightly weaker stretch following the brilliant Ship of Fools weakens the overall quality of the album but the highpoints are so high this is a must-listen. Maggie M'Gill brings the album back to what it does best right at the end.
Roadhouse Blues 4.5/5
Waiting for the Sun 5/5
You Make Me Real 5/5
Peace Frog 5/5
Blue Sunday 5/5
Ship of Fools 5/5 (FAV)
Land Ho! 4/5
The Spy 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Queen of the Highway 4/5
Indian Summer 4/5
Maggie M'Gill 5/5
5
Jun 28 2024
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Beauty And The Beat
The Go-Go's
5/5
Catchy lyrics, easy-on-the-ears instrumentals and harmonious vocals make this an amazing album. The guitars and bass meld so well to make some real grooves, which with quality production forms a fantastic pop-rock experience.
Our Lips Are Sealed 4.5/5
How Much More 5/5
Tonite 4/5
Lust To Love 5/5
This Town 5/5
We Got The Beat 5/5
Fading Fast 5/5
Automatic 5/5 (FAV)
You Can't Walk In Your Sleep (If You Can't Sleep) 5/5
Skidmarks On My Heart 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
Can't Stop The World 4.5/5
5
Jun 29 2024
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Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
4/5
Silky smooth jazz. The three instruments feel like the ideal combination at times, with the unrelenting, darting, almost abrasive bass, dazzling piano and constant drums making such a heavenly sound. Often it is impossible to listen to without an immediate sense of calm. In fact the more energetic moments such as on Solar are the weak points when the excitement brings the piano and bass to different places, such that they compete for attention, or the bass seems to wander aimlessly. But when the piano and bass fuse it feels great, and it would be an exceptional album if they did so consistently.
Gloria's Step 4/5
My Man's Gone Now 5/5 (FAV)
Solar 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Alice In Wonderland 5/5
All Of You 3.5/5
Jade Visions 4.5/5
4
Jun 30 2024
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Moon Safari
Air
5/5
The luscious, endlessly appealing opener sets the bar ridiculously high, but it is immediately followed by a diverse range of beautifully produced tracks. The creepy, otherworldly Sexy Boy, the delicate All I Need, the simple yet fun Kelly Watch the Stars, the larger than life Talisman, the dark and twisting Remember, the full of longing You Make It Easy, the romantic Ce Matin-La, the calming, fantastical New Star in the Sky, and finally the groovy Le voyage de Penelope. All in all this album is just fantastic because of its grand impressive production, shown in a wide variety of ways across the 44 ish minutes.
La femme d'argent 5/5 (FAV)
Sexy Boy 5/5
All I Need 5/5
Kelly Watch the Stars 4.5/5
Talisman 5/5
Remember 4.5/5
You Make It Easy 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
Ce Matin-La 5/5
New Star in the Sky 5/5
La voyage de Penelope 4.5/5
5
Jul 01 2024
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Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
2/5
This album is a mess, and not a very good one. I'm sure there's a great song in the jam, the endless aimless ramble of Dark Star, with a catchy riff and clearer vocal performance, but the randomness of the sometimes pleasant and sometimes annoying arrangement doesn't do it for me. I feel guilty and stupid for not taking anything particularly positive out of 23 minutes. Then the groovy St Stephen kicks in and that is forgotten, and the actual tune is amazing, but it is neglected and left behind for bad vocals and forgettable change-ups. The Eleven returns to the boring inconsistent mess of guitars found on the opener, and with them a feeling of frustration and incompletion, before a bit of repetition comes in, only for a completely banal chord progression with no feel. Turn on Your Love Light reminds us this is a band who play music, and is a fun little rocker played and sung with passion. The song can be strung out and still maintain its charm and groove to an extent, but that extent is unfortunately breached by the 15-minute runtime, even if it finishes strong. Death Don't Have No Mercy is pretty chill until it isn't, and is just ok at its best, and once again confusing and random at its worst. I feel like I am on a completely different wavelength to this band as to what plays and feels good. A strong finish cannot make me enjoy all 10 minutes. Feedback begins intriguingly, and deserves credit for being a unique psychedelic experience which continually introduces new sounds, holding deeper feelings. The album's closer is a fantastically sweet and calming ballad, as if hoping to distract from some of the mind-numbing performances heard previously.
Dark Star 1.5/5
St. Stephen 3/5
The Eleven 1/5 (LEAST FAV)
Turn on Your Love Light 3.5/5
Death Don't Have No Mercy 2.5/5
Feedback 4/5
And We Bid You Goodbye 5/5 (FAV)
2
Jul 02 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
5/5
Solomon's powerful voice penetrates simple love songs for a great set of tracks. The backing vocals are so on point and the instrumentals are full of life and soul on a remarkably consistent tracklist, which manages to continue feeling fresh as it progresses.
Cry to Me 4/5
Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms) 5/5
Goodbye Baby (Baby Goodbye) 5/5
If You Need Me 4/5
Can't Nobody Love You 4.5/5
Someone to Love Me 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
You're Good for Me 5/5
Won't You Give Him (One More Chance) 4.5/5
Hard, Ain't It Hard 4.5/5
You Can't Love 'Em All 4.5/5
Beautiful Brown Eyes 5/5
He'll Have to Go 5/5 (FAV)
5
Jul 03 2024
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
4/5
Atmospheric, otherworldly, funky, futuristic. A lot of words can be used to describe this album but none seem to sum it up sufficiently. I know I like it a lot though. The lyrics and vocals dance around saying a lot without saying or doing much, and the change ups and punchiness of the instrumentals are magnificent. An inconsistent tracklist, with plenty of room for ok-ness as the album progresses past the incredible highs, reduces the overall enjoyment for me.
Someone Somewhere (In Summertime) 5/5
Colours Fly And Catherine Wheel 4/5
Promised You A Miracle 5/5 (FAV)
Big Sleep 5/5
Somebody Up There Likes You 3.5/5
New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84) 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Glittering Prize 4/5
Hunter And The Hunted 4/5
King Is White And In The Crowd 4/5
4
Jul 04 2024
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MTV Unplugged In New York
Nirvana
4/5
A pretty chill listen with awesome live acoustic playing of great songs. Really good vibes overall. I prefer the covers, and the parts with more instrumentation than just Kurt and his guitar. Kurt's vocals are great until the very end when they transcend exceptional, with such a powerful and emotional finish.
About A Girl 3.5/5
Come As You Are 3.5/5
Jesus Doesn't Want Me For A Sunbeam 4.5/5
The Man Who Sold The World 5/5
Pennyroyal Tea 3/5 (LEAST FAV)
Dumb 4.5/5
Polly 4.5/5
On A Plain 3/5
Something In The Way 3/5
Plateau 4/5
Oh Me 5/5
Lake Of Fire 4/5
All Apologies 3.5/5
Where Did You Sleep Last Night 5/5 (FAV)
4
Jul 05 2024
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
5/5
Amazing, timeless, classic rock. Side 1 is banging, but side 2 emerges touching and beautiful. The whole thing is paced fantastically, with a delicate instrumental leading into a heavier side 3, which contains a great change of pace within the brilliant Jumping Jack Flash. Then side 4 has only the relaxed Lines On My Face and the supreme Do You Feel Like We Do to finish this exceptional album with a bang. It's coincidental to review two live albums in a row which have incredible peaks right at the end of their runtime (after Nirvana's MTV Unplugged).
Something's Happening 4.5/5
Doobie Wah 5/5
Show Me The Way 4.5/5
It's A Plain Shame 4.5/5
All I Want To Be (Is By Your Side) 5/5
Wind Of Change 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
Baby, I Love Your Way 5/5
I Wanna Go To The Sun 5/5
Penny For Your Thoughts 4.5/5
(I'll Give You) Money 4.5/5
Shine On 5/5
Jumpin' Jack Flash 5/5
Lines On My Face 4.5/5
Do You Feel Like We Do 5/5 (FAV)
5
Jul 06 2024
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Hot Fuss
The Killers
3.5/5
Bright, poppy rock. This album gets off to a flier before a strange gospel fusion is introduced on All These Things That I've Done that is just ok, and really breaks the pacing, and the album struggles to reach those consistent highs again.
Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine 5/5
Mr. Brightside 5/5
Smile Like You Mean It 5/5 (FAV)
Somebody Told Me 4.5/5
All These Things That I've Done 3/5
Andy, You're A Star 4/5
On Top 3.5/5
Change Your Mind 4/5
Believe Me Natalie 3/5 (LEAST FAV)
Midnight Show 3.5/5
Everything Will Be Alright 3.5/5
4
Jul 07 2024
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
5/5
This album is a testament to great songwriting, with the 100+ minutes full of great grooves, lyrics and vocal performances by Stevie (and of course an incredible feature by Shirley Brewer). The diversity of instrumentation, genre, and vibes shows a truly talented artist. Some of my favourite songs appear on the bonus EP to the double album showing the insane depth of quality.
Love's In Need Of Love Today 4.5/5
Have A Talk With God 5/5
Village Ghetto Land 5/5
Contusion 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Sir Duke 4/5
I Wish 5/5 (FAV)
Knocks Me Off My Feet 5/5
Pastime Paradise 5/5
Summer Soft 4/5
Ordinary Pain 4.5/5
Isn't She Lovely 5/5
Joy Inside My Tears 4.5/5
Black Man 4.5/5
Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing 5/5
If It's Magic 4.5/5
As 5/5
Another Star 5/5
Saturn 5/5
Ebony Eyes 5/5
All Day Sucker 4/5
Easy Goin' Evening (My Mama's Call) 3.5/5
5
Jul 08 2024
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
4.5/5
Massive, anthemic, cold, weird, but also touching, soft, biting, and beautiful. The lyrics are fantastic.
Dominion / Mother Russia 5/5 (FAV)
Flood I 4.5/5
Lucretia My Reflection 5/5
1959 4/5
This Corrosion 4.5/5
Flood II 4/5
Driven Like the Snow 3/5 (LEAST FAV)
Never Land - A Fragment 3.5/5
5
Jul 09 2024
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
5/5
Fantastic album. Brilliant tracklist.
Tell Me Why 5/5
After the Gold Rush 5/5 (FAV)
Only Love Can Break Your Heart 5/5
Southern Man 4.5/5
Till the Morning Comes 4.5/5
Oh, Lonesome Me 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Don't Let It Bring You Down 5/5
Birds 5/5
When You Dance I Can Really Love 4/5
I Believe in You 5/5
Cripple Creek Ferry 4/5
5
Jul 10 2024
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american dream
LCD Soundsystem
4/5
This album is consistently interesting and enjoyable, but rarely exceptional. The lyrics are great, and the Bowie tribute is touching, but ultimately the album doesn't come together to be more than the sum of its parts.
oh baby 4/5
other voices 3/5 (LEAST FAV)
i used to 4.5/5
change yr mind 4/5
how do you sleep? 4/5
tonite 4.5/5
call the police 4.5/5 (FAV)
american dream 4.5/5
emotional haircut 4/5
black screen 4/5
4
Jul 11 2024
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Fuzzy
Grant Lee Buffalo
3/5
You definitely don't need to listen to this album before you die. It's decent though. Listenable for sure when you're drunk.
The Shining Hour 4/5
Jupiter and Teardrop 4.5/5
Fuzzy 3.5/5
Wish You Well 3.5/5
The Hook 4.5/5
Soft Wolf Tread 2.5/5
Stars n' Stripes 4/5
Dixie Drug Store 5/5 (FAV)
America Snoring 3/5
Grace 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
You Just Have to Be Crazy 5/5
3
Jul 12 2024
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Yeezus
Kanye West
4/5
Yeezus has great highs, but lacks real consistency, with a particularly weak stretch of tracks on the back end. Send It Up is a painfully irritating listen to say the least. Kanye's writing is pretty poor throughout, and often only just saved by the intense instrumentals. However, the album does have amazing moments. The best points are the most lush, packed with vocals and instrumentation, such as the gorgeous New Slaves outro, or the fantastic Bound 2, but the simplicity and minimalist production can also be effective, shown by the enjoyable I Am A God.
On Sight 4/5
Black Skinhead 5/5
I Am A God 5/5
New Slaves 5/5
Hold My Liquor 4.5/5
I'm In It 2/5 (LEAST FAV)
Blood On The Leaves 3.5/5
Guilt Trip 2.5/5
Send It Up 1/5
Bound 2 5/5 (FAV)
4
Jul 13 2024
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...And Justice For All
Metallica
3/5
This album is very loud and repetitive, and long. Way too long. It's an enjoyable listen at times, but it could be a lot, lot shorter and hence sweeter without losing any of its quality. I would definitely return to a 25-30 minute version of this album. When the instrumental does change up, it's fantastic. The guitar solos are often very middling, neither interesting or annoying, and the vocals and lyrics generally are good.
Blackened 3/5
...And Justice For All 4/5
Eye Of The Beholder 2.5/5
One 2.5/5
The Shortest Straw 1.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Harvester Of Sorrow 4/5
The Frayed Ends Of Sanity 2.5/5
To Live Is To Die 4.5/5 (FAV)
Dyers Eve 4/5
3
Jul 14 2024
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
3/5
The songs on this album are mostly ok and rarely great. It can be a bit of a boring listen at times. However there are still enjoyable movements, including the Hendrix cover and the inescapable Layla, and you have to give it credit for starting and finishing strongly.
I Looked Away 4/5
Bell Bottom Blues 4/5
Keep On Growing 2.5/5
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out 2.5/5
I Am Yours 2.5/5
Anyday 3.5/5
Key To The Highway 3/5
Tell The Truth 3/5
Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad? 2/5 (LEAST FAV)
Have You Ever Loved A Woman? 3/5
Little Wing 4.5/5
It's Too Late 3/5
Layla 5/5 (FAV)
Thorn Tree In The Garden 4.5/5
3
Jul 15 2024
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Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
4.5/5
Some really special songs and performances on this massive collection of country music. Just a really enjoyable and relaxing listen, with so many talented musicians and songwriters featured. There are plenty of ok songs in the first half, but very few stinkers. Then the second half goes from strength to strength with amazingly consistent quality, finishing strongly.
Grand Ole Opry Song 3.5/5
Keep On The Sunny Side 5/5
Nashville Blues 3.5/5
You Are My Flower 3/5
The Precious Jewel 2/5 (LEAST FAV)
Dark As A Dungeon 5/5 (FAV)
Tennessee Stud 4.5/5
Black Mountain Rag 3.5/5
Wreck On The Highway 2.5/5
The End Of The World 3/5
I Saw The Light 3/5
Sunny Side Of The Mountain 2.5/5
Nine Pound Hammer 3/5
Losin' You (Might Be The Best Thing Yet) 4.5/5
Honky Tonkin' 2.5/5
You Don't Know My Mind 4/5
My Walkin' Shoes 3/5
Lonesome Fiddle Blues 4/5
Cannonball Rag 4.5/5
Avalanche 4.5/5
Flint Hill Special 3/5
Togary Mountain 4.5/5
Earl's Breakdown 4.5/5
Orange Blossom Special 3.5/5
Wabash Cannonball 4.5/5
Lost Highway 5/5
Way Downtown 5/5
Down Yonder 4/5
Pins And Needles (In My Heart) 4.5/5
Honky Tonk Blues 4/5
Sailin' On To Hawaii 5/5
I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes 5/5
I Am A Pilgrim 4/5
Wildwood Flower 4/5
Soldier's Joy 3.5/5
Will The Circle Be Unbroken 4.5/5
Both Sides Now 5/5
5
Jul 16 2024
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
4.5/5
Really fantastic soulful songs.
Cloud Nine 4.5/5
I Heard It Through The Grapevine 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Runaway Child, Running Wild 5/5 (FAV)
Love Is A Hurtin' Thing 5/5
Hey Girl 5/5
Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go) 5/5
I Need Your Lovin' 4/5
Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me 4/5
I Gotta Find A Way (To Get You Back) 3.5/5
Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love 4.5/5
5
Jul 17 2024
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Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
5/5
Cohesive tracklist full of funk and soul, which changes up well and is never boring. I slightly prefer the rockier, poppier second half. Lenny's vocals and lyrics are fantastic.
Sitting On Top Of The World 5/5
Let Love Rule 5/5
Freedom Train 3/5 (LEAST FAV)
My Precious Love 4.5/5
I Build This Garden For Us 4.5/5
Fear 4.5/5
Does Anybody Out There Even Care 5/5
Mr. Cab Driver 5/5
Rosemary 5/5 (FAV)
Be 5/5
5
Jul 18 2024
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
3.5/5
While occasionally thought-provoking and instrumentally interesting, this album ultimately falls short of anything exceptional, and contains a string of ok songs. A consistent vibe is easily found, but without any great swells of passion or emotion amongst the melancholy.
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart 5/5 (FAV)
Kamera 3.5/5
Radio Cure 4.5/5
War On War 4/5
Jesus, Etc. 4.5/5
Ashes of American Flags 4/5
Heavy Metal Drummer 3.5/5
I'm The Man Who Loves You 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Pot Kettle Black 3/5
Poor Places 3.5/5
Reservations 4/5
4
Jul 19 2024
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Among The Living
Anthrax
4.5/5
Outstanding metal, which is written, performed and produced fantastically. There are no bad songs, and the album flows really well.
Among The Living 3.5/5
Caught In A Mosh 4/5
I Am The Law 4/5
Efilnikufesin (N.F.L.) 5/5
A Skeleton In The Closet 4/5
Indians 4/5
One World 4.5/5
Medley: A.D.I. / Horror Of It All 5/5 (FAV)
Imitation Of Life 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
5
Jul 20 2024
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Remain In Light
Talking Heads
5/5
This classic album is often deservedly listed among the greatest ever made. The rich, catchy instrumentals slap over and over again, with brilliant percussion. The production is out-of-this-world good to achieve a unique recognisable sound, over which David Byrne alternately whispers, preaches, screeches and serenades to us with manic energy. The African influence, incorporating complex polyrhythms, just takes these songs to the stratosphere. By the time the dark and intense The Overload kicks in, I feel enriched. I don't know if 40 minutes of music have ever sounded so good before, or if they will again.
Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) 5/5 (FAV)
Crosseyed and Painless 5/5
The Great Curve 5/5
Once in a Lifetime 5/5
Houses in Motion 5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Seen and Not Seen 5/5
Listening Wind 5/5
The Overload 5/5
5
Jul 21 2024
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
4.5/5
This album gets off to a flyer, and finishes strong. Some real bangers on here. Short and sweet.
Waitin' for the Bus 5/5
Jesus Just Left Chicago 5/5
Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers 5/5
Master of Sparks 4/5
Hot, Blue and Righteous 4/5
Move Me on Down the Line 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Precious and Grace 3.5/5
La Grange 5/5
Sheik 5/5 (FAV)
Have You Heard? 4/5
5
Aug 05 2024
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
5/5
Light, funky tunes make for easy listening, with really great moments throughout. The organ wails over, and the guitar punches through the silky smooth instrumentals beautifully. The second side in particular is just exceptional. All in all, this album sounds incredibly cohesive and timeless.
Green Onions 4.5/5
Rinky Dink 4.5/5
I Got a Woman 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
Mo' Onions 4/5
Twist and Shout 5/5
Behave Yourself 5/5
Stranger on the Shore 5/5
Lonely Avenue 5/5
One Who Really Loves You 5/5
You Can't Sit Down 5/5
A Woman, a Lover, a Friend 5/5
Comin' Home Baby 5/5 (FAV)
5
Aug 06 2024
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Bad
Michael Jackson
4.5/5
This album is not bad at all. The first side has a consistent quality and vibe but doesn't often reach the highs expected of the King of Pop, and sounds quite dated at times. However, the second side is fantastic, with some real gems, but it still cannot lift the album to another level.
Bad 4.5/5
The Way You Make Me Feel 4/5
Speed Demon 4/5
Liberian Girl 4.5/5
Just Good Friends 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
Another Part of Me 4.5/5
Man in the Mirror 5/5
I Just Can't Stop Loving You 5/5
Dirty Diana 5/5 (FAV)
Smooth Criminal 5/5
5
Aug 07 2024
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
5/5
Cooke briskly marches us through a classic soul tracklist, with energy and character. The band is fantastic and Sam's voice is endlessly charismatic. Great, great listen.
Feel It (Don't Fight It) 4.5/5
Chain Gang 4.5/5
Cupid 4.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Medley: It's All Right / For Sentimental Reasons 5/5
Twistin' The Night Away 4.5/5
Somebody Have Mercy 5/5
Bring It on Home to Me 5/5
Nothing Can Change This Love 5/5 (FAV)
Having a Party 4.5/5
5
Aug 08 2024
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
3/5
While often feeling just loud or rushed, the best moments on this album are when the songs are given a moment to breathe from the repetitive heavy guitars and screamed vocals, to appreciate some decent ideas and melodies. And to give it credit, the music is never afraid to get weird, even if laughably so.
Suite-Pee 3.5/5
Know 3.5/5
Sugar 4.5/5 (FAV)
Suggestions 3.5/5
Spiders 4.5/5
DDevil 2/5
Soil 3/5
War? 3.5/5
Mind 2/5 (LEAST FAV)
Peephole 4/5
CUBErt 2/5
Darts 2.5/5
P.L.U.C.K. 2.5/5
3
Aug 09 2024
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
2/5
Very inconsistent tracklist which has moments of melodic brilliance, more moments grating to the ears, and even more moments of sheer boredom. Not an enjoyable experience as a whole, with the production not great, sometimes actively bad, and White not acting as a particularly compelling lyricist at all. In fact, it's like listening to the very worst of old man Paul McCartney in the later stages of the album, with an attempted whimsicality which is just annoying for the most part.
Missing Pieces 4.5/5 (FAV)
Sixteen Saltines 1.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Freedom At 21 3/5
Love Interruption 4.5/5
Blunderbuss 3.5/5
Hypocritical Kiss 3/5
Weep Themselves To Sleep 2/5
I'm Shakin' 2.5/5
Trash Tongue Talker 2/5
Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy 2/5
I Guess I Should Go To Sleep 1.5/5
On And On And On 4/5
Take Me With You When You Go 3/5
2
Aug 10 2024
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
5/5
The album begins patiently with the massive, fantastic Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Part 1 is so atmospheric and beautiful, drawing you in. Then those four notes introduce part 2, and the song is truly underway and grooving. Already two lengthy Gilmour solos in and you want more. Wright shows his feel on Part 3, with the simplest but most elegant of synth solos, before Gilmour decides, guess what, it's time for a guitar solo. And who could blame him? It sounds great. Then the vocals come in so smooth and full of life, complimented beautifully by guitar licks. As Waters does so well, the lyrics say so much with short, simple wordplay. Part 4 is just a couple of minutes but impacts so hard. Then Part 5 runs away with this energy, with the guitar arpeggios and two fantastic sax solos, before Shine On fades away, never to be seen again (until 20 minutes later). Suddenly Welcome To The Machine is playing and slapping hard, with the repetitive synth. So many sounds come together behind Gilmour to create a world of anxiety and disorder. Guitars lead the way but the synths cut through to give the track a disorientating, uncertain tone, which I just love. The vocals and lyrics are fantastic, but with Pink Floyd at this time that is almost a given. The synth solo that closes the track is so evil and sinister it rips right through you. Suddenly it cuts out, and we hear a party, really adding to the world this whole album as an experience creates. Turn over. Oh shit we're really grooving now. But still the synth cuts through beautifully and perhaps troublingly. Harper is just fantastic, and really puts down the humour of the song so well. Another great guitar solo pulls us away. I can't really describe the feeling I get when I hear the little radio sound effect at the start of Wish You Were Here. Just a comforting, exciting, sad feeling. Each element of this song is perfect. I could say why but that would take me a lot longer than the 5 minute runtime. Just legendary. Whistling winds. We're back where we started, and so quickly too. Part 6 makes me feel sad and angry, it's full of emotion, and I never want it to end, with the pulsating bass and attacking guitars supported by the magnificent synth additions. It goes from musically calm to screaming in not much time at all. Then part 7, and Waters' brilliance is once again showcased, for the album to really come full circle. Those addictive guitar arpeggios kick in before a funky section for part 8. It feels like a victory lap at this point, and it sounds amazing. Wright's fingertips are all over it and the majestic part 9, which is just beautiful. Finishing with a final flourish full of colour and life. While a lot of this album feels negative and set in the past, this final section is full of hope for me. In summary, this album feels like it could be twice as long, and that's why it's the perfect length. Each track, each section, leaves you wanting more, wanting to dive back to the start, and yet you must continue on the ride because they are so much more together. Much like the members of Pink Floyd. Waters' lyricism, Gilmour's musicianship and Wright's creativity come together, I think, the most balanced and the best of the band's catalogue on this album. Shoutout to Mason as well for doing exactly what he should throughout, giving it just what it needed for percussion.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pts 1-5 5/5
Welcome To The Machine 5/5
Have A Cigar 5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Wish You Were Here 5/5 (FAV)
Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Pts 6-9 5/5
5
Aug 11 2024
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
5/5
Amazing grooves with brilliant vocals and lyrics. Just an almost flawless album, which just happens to be fantastically enjoyable.
Marcus Garvey 5/5 (FAV)
Slavery Days 5/5
The Invasion 5/5
Live Good 5/5
Give Me 5/5
Old Marcus Garvey 5/5
Tradition 5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Jordan River 5/5
Red, Gold And Green 5/5
Resting Place 5/5
5
Aug 12 2024
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Rocks
Aerosmith
4/5
A remarkably consistent hard rock album. Consistently great, that is. Not much on here to blow your mind but an enjoyable listen for sure.
Back In the Saddle 4/5
Last Child 5/5
Rats In The Cellar 4/5
Combination 4.5/5
Sick As A Dog 4.5/5
Nobody's Fault 4/5
Get The Lead Out 3.5/5
Lick And A Promise 3/5 (LEAST FAV)
Home Tonight 5/5 (FAV)
4
Aug 13 2024
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
3.5/5
With fairly weak lyricism/vocal performances, this Young album is not amazing, but it's still a pretty enjoyable listen. There are some interesting melodies in the instrumentals but they can feel quite stale, safe and boring at times, going on too long also. There aren't any stinkers in the tracklist on a positive note, but that's probably not enough to bring me back.
Cinnamon Girl 3.5/5
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere 4/5
Round & Round (It Won't be Long) 3.5/5
Down by the River 4/5 (FAV)
The Losing End (When You're On) 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Running Dry (Requiem for the Rockets) 3.5/5
Cowgirl in the Sand 3.5/5
4
Aug 14 2024
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
2.5/5
I find the vocals annoying, and the instrumentals are quite uninteresting. Some sections are great, but they are so surrounded by repetitive mediocrity they cannot be really enjoyed. It's never good when I don't feel like the music is going anywhere, and that's a common feeling while listening. Real struggle getting through this album.
In The Flowers 2.5/5
My Girls 2/5
Also Frightened 3/5
Summertime Clothes 2.5/5
Daily Routine 2/5
Bluish 4/5
Guys Eyes 2.5/5
Taste 2/5
Lion in a Coma 1.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
No More Runnin 4/5 (FAV)
Brother Sport 2/5
3
Aug 15 2024
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The World is a Ghetto
War
4.5/5
Nicely varied, really enjoyable album. The second side is amazingly good.
The Cisco Kid 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Where Was You At 5/5
City, Country, City 4/5
Four Cornered Room 5/5 (FAV)
The World Is A Ghetto 5/5
Beetles In The Bog 4.5/5
5
Aug 16 2024
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New Forms
Roni Size
3.5/5
Some jams on here but it is longer than it should be. If you make a sick beat, you don't have to play it for more than 5 minutes with little to no variation. Repetitive, with the same drums over and over again. It is 1997 and there are definite Daft Punk Homework vibes in the approach and execution of this album. That is also partially a compliment in the freshness of some of these songs which I will return to.
Railing 3.5/5
Brown Paper Bag 2.5/5
New Forms 4/5
Let's Get It On 3.5/5
Digital 4.5/5
Matter Of Fact 2.5/5
Mad Cat 2/5 (LEAST FAV)
Heroes 2.5/5
Share The Fall 3/5
Watching Windows 5/5 (FAV)
Beatbox 3.5/5
Morse Code 4/5
Destination 3.5/5
4
Aug 17 2024
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Aja
Steely Dan
5/5
This album gets off to a real flyer with the absolutely amazing Black Cow, which is lyrically, vocally and instrumentally brilliant. It's structured beautifully, with such an infectious quality that draws you in straight away, and keeps you there. Then Aja, which is at its core so delicate and smooth, yet is unsettled, continually moving forward dramatically and fantastically. Deacon Blues is so inviting and clever, and goes by so fast, closing the first half with elegance. Then the funk kicks in on Peg, a song with groove and glamour. Home at Last feels like a jazz-reggae fusion sent down directly from heaven. So, so good. It's bright and full of life. It would be a favourite on almost any other album. Then I Got The News is fun and groovy, before the experience finishes with Josie. The guitars cut through the song so well, melding with the great bass work. Once again, just a breathtaking track that deserves so much praise. All in all, this is 40 minutes of brilliant songwriting and musical performances that I can't wait to revisit.
Black Cow 5/5 (FAV)
Aja 5/5
Deacon Blues 5/5
Peg 5/5
Home At Last 5/5
I Got The News 4.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Josie 5/5
5
Aug 18 2024
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Miriam Makeba
Miriam Makeba
4.5/5
Makeba's exceptional voice transcends language and culture in a both beautifully sweet and fantastically powerful performance. If only the quality stretched to the very end of the record, then the album would be something special. Charles Colman's bizarre, goofy laughing feature is something I won't be able to get out of my head any time soon though.
The Retreat Song 5/5
Suliram 5/5
The Click Song 5/5 (FAV)
Umhome 4/5
Holilili 4/5
Lakutshon' Ilanga 5/5
Mbube 4.5/5
The Naughty Little Flea 5/5
Where Does It Lead 5/5
Nomeva 4/5
House of the Rising Sun 4/5
Saduva 3/5
One More Dance 2/5 (LEAST FAV)
Iya Guduza 3/5
5
Aug 19 2024
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The Clash
The Clash
3.5/5
Some really enjoyable punk rock, easily digestible, and flowing well throughout. There are truly great moments, but most of the album is just good.
Janie Jones 4.5/5
Remote Control 3/5
I'm so Bored with the U.S.A. 4.5/5
White Riot 3/5
Hate & War 3.5/5
What's My Name 4.5/5
Deny 3.5/5
London's Burning 3.5/5
Career Opportunities 3/5
Cheat 3.5/5
Protex Blue 3/5
Police & Thieves 5/5 (FAV)
48 Hours 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Garageland 3/5
4
Aug 20 2024
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Kid A
Radiohead
5/5
Kid A begins with the cold, dark, massive Everything In Its Right Place. Such a unique, special kind of song. Then the title track is so comforting and elegant, beautifully built up, with the soft piano and synths akin only to prime C418. The National Anthem starts strong, with that iconic bassline, and a particularly creepy atmosphere. The density of instruments in the middle section sounds great. How to Disappear Completely is simply gentle and beautiful, then the outro is just brilliant. Treefingers has an otherworldly feeling, as it drifts slowly to Optimistic. This one is, as much as I love the simplicity and ambiguity of earlier tracks, lyrically fantastic and has a great groove. In Limbo is less interesting than a lot of other songs but it has a certain charm. Idioteque is something different though. The beat slaps and the song keeps moving and changing for better. Then Morning Bell is melodically and instrumentally one of the strongest moments on the album. I love the chord changes on the keyboard, it just sounds so good. Before you know it, the organ kicks in to mark the end of the journey. Motion Picture Soundtrack is so full and huge, and is a great closer with its massive arrangement. Untitled is a fun little bonus, bringing a more uplifting feeling to the whole thing. All in all, this album is amazingly varied and feels truly unique.
Everything In Its Right Place 5/5 (FAV)
Kid A 5/5
The National Anthem 5/5
How to Disappear Completely 5/5
Treefingers 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Optimistic 5/5
In Limbo 4/5
Idioteque 5/5
Morning Bell 5/5
Motion Picture Soundtrack 5/5
Untitled 4.5/5
5
Aug 21 2024
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
5/5
The music seems to be simply a vessel to take on Mitchell's poetry on the opener Coyote, like much of Dylan. But it is great writing. Amelia is more melodic, and so beautifully constructed. Then Furry Sings the Blues is a pleasant and evocative if not groundbreaking tune. A Strange Boy is pretty similarly good too, and after that the title track is really packed full of emotion. Such a good tune. Song for Sharon is an amazing groove, and Mitchell's performance is fantastic. It's actually just one of the best things I've ever heard. Black Crow is such a welcome change of pace, full of life and energy. It's a brilliant track before Blue Motel Room is a relaxing, laid-back love song. The closer is great to wrap up the whole concept of travelling and feeling unsettled. In summary, Mitchell proves that she is one of the greatest lyricists and vocalists of all time. The high points are so good, and these exceptional peaks are scattered across the album, which has a cohesive, consistent feel.
Coyote 4/5
Amelia 5/5
Furry Sings the Blues 4/5
A Strange Boy 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Hejira 5/5
Song for Sharon 5/5 (FAV)
Black Crow 5/5
Blue Motel Room 4.5/5
Refuge of the Roads 4/5
5
Aug 22 2024
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
4.5/5
This album is hard-hitting, funky and well-written. A great listen with some incredible standout tracks.
Satanic Reverses 3.5/5
Famous And Dandy (Like Amos 'N' Andy) 4.5/5
Television The Drug Of The Nation 4.5/5
Language Of Violence 5/5
The Winter Of The Long Hot Summer 4/5
Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury 4/5
Everyday Life Has Become A Health Risk 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Socio-Genetic Experiment 5/5
Music And Politics 4.5/5
Financial Leprosy 4/5
California Uber Alles 5/5
Water Pistol Man 5/5 (FAV)
5
Aug 23 2024
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
4.5/5
Loud. Passionate. Melodic. Excellent. This album beats a lot of other hard rock due to its vulnerability and variation.
Irresponsible Hate Anthem 4/5
The Beautiful People 5/5
Dried Up, Tied And Dead To The World 5/5 (FAV)
Tourniquet 3.5/5
Little Horn 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Cryptorchid 4.5/5
Deformography 4.5/5
Wormboy 3.5/5
Mister Superstar 4.5/5
Angel With The Scabbed Wings 5/5
Kinderfeld 4.5/5
Antichrist Superstar 5/5
1996 4/5
Minute Of Decay 5/5
The Reflecting God 4/5
Man That You Fear 5/5
5
Aug 24 2024
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British Steel
Judas Priest
4/5
Great metal album. Some weak choruses and inconsistency in the tracklist stop it going higher.
Rapid Fire 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Metal Gods 4.5/5
Breaking the Law 5/5
Grinder 5/5
United 2.5/5
You Don't Have to Be Old to Be Wise 4.5/5
Living After Midnight 3.5/5
The Rage 5/5 (FAV)
Steeler 3.5/5
4
Aug 25 2024
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
3.5/5
Cave's poetic writing and wistful singing create an intriguing listen, but ultimately the quality is lacking on many of these tracks. It's good, but a bit boring. The peaks are truly exceptional though, and we mustn't forget the colour of her hair was black.
Into My Arms 5/5
Lime Tree Arbour 3.5/5
People Ain't No Good 3/5
Brompton Oratory 3.5/5
There Is a Kingdom 3/5
(Are You) the One That I've Been Waiting For? 3/5
Where Do We Go Now But Nowhere? 3/5
West Country Girl 4/5
Black Hair 2.5/5 (LEAST FAV)
Idiot Prayer 5/5
Far from Me 5/5 (FAV)
Green Eyes 2.5/5
4
Aug 26 2024
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
5/5
This is fun and funky, with such an iconic, unbeatable sound. The beats are so clean and banging, and the change-ups incorporating samples are so good. The lyrics are great, and every line flows through the beat. Dre carries himself so well on the mic, and Snoop is absolutely on another level. Daz dips in to support and RBX has an outstanding feature. Then Nate Dogg comes in and it becomes really hard to stress just how good the features are on this. The Lady of Rage, Kurupt, Bushwick Bill, to name just a few who have some time to shine. Even the skits fit perfectly. Banger after banger until it's impossible to deny this is one of the best albums ever.
Fuck Wit Dre Day (And Everybody's Celebrating) 4.5/5
Let Me Ride 5/5
The Day The Niggaz Took Over 5/5 (FAV)
Nuthin' But A "G" Thang 5/5
Deeez Nuuuts 5/5
Lil' Ghetto Boy 5/5
A Nigga Witta Gun 5/5
Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat 5/5
Lyrical Gangbang 5/5
High Powered 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
Stranded On Death Row 5/5
Bitches Ain't Shit 4.5/5
5
Aug 27 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
4.5/5
Just great song after great song. It makes for an amazing album.
Message In A Bottle 4.5/5
Reggatta De Blanc 4.5/5
It's Alright For You 4/5 (LEAST FAV)
Bring On The Night 4.5/5
Deathwish 4/5
Walking On The Moon 4.5/5
On Any Other Day 4.5/5
The Bed's Too Big Without You 5/5 (FAV)
Contact 5/5
Does Everyone Stare 4.5/5
No Time This Time 4.5/5
5