Aug 31 2024
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
I listened to the album twice… and I can take it or leave it.
There are obvious notes of other bands which caught my ear (Pink Floyd, David Bowie, but otherwise it all kinda flowed together as a single track.
I could put this on in the background when company is over and that’s probably it.
3
Sep 01 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
This record is an early Stones classic and has influenced rock and roll to this day.
All original tracks, some edgier lyrics (for 60’s rock) and great exploration with different instrumental sounds.
I’m not as familiar with the UK release so it was a great listen. Lady Jane is the only track I can live without.
5
Sep 02 2024
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
For me… meh. Lots of horns and repetitive beats.
I bet this would be great live, as it was more of a stream of consciousness.
2
Sep 03 2024
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Wild Is The Wind
Nina Simone
Wow. Just wow.
This is why I signed up.
I was blown away by Nina Simone’s voice, the emotion and the arrangements. During the first track, I Love Your Lovin’ Ways, I had to stop what I was doing and sit down to deliberately hear this album and soak it in.
Give it a listen. You won’t regret it.
5
Sep 04 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
I remember Sade from the 80’s. Didn’t like this album then, don’t like it now.
Granted, she has an amazing voice and Smooth Operator was all over the airwaves. However, I find this album boring with boring themes.
Not for me.
2
Sep 05 2024
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Such a fantastic album and it rekindled Duke Ellington’s career into the 1950’s.
Legend.
5
Sep 06 2024
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This Is Hardcore
Pulp
Nope. Not for me.
This album seems like it searching for its sound… and doesn’t find it.
Sounds like a Bowie cover band.
1
Sep 07 2024
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
I’m just not a jazz fan. I never have been and probably never will be. With that, I can’t pretend this isn’t good… it’s just not for me.
3
Sep 08 2024
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
The radio hits brought back early 2000’s memories but that’s about it.
2
Sep 09 2024
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Roxy Music
Roxy Music
I’ve never heard of Roxy Music before this. This album sounds waaaay ahead of 1972! Great listen, bonkers sounds that are unique yet consistent throughout! Very cool album.
3
Sep 10 2024
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Talking Heads are a staple from my youth. I’ve always liked them, but have never loved them. They also seemed to have a new album at every turn. Solid but a bit tired for my taste.
3
Sep 11 2024
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Listened to this album my entire life.
50+ years later and it still crushes.
4
Sep 12 2024
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Disraeli Gears
Cream
With tracks like Strange Brew and Sunshine of Your Love, this album is a classic. I’ve never been into Cream other than their hits, but I enjoyed the listen.
Quintessential trippy album cover.
3
Sep 13 2024
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BEYONCÉ
Beyoncé
Destiny’s Child and a Beyoncé album in the same week?
FFS.
Talented, yes. But this procured pretentious pop brand building vehicle is not for me.
One thing is certain with the inclusion of this albums “short film”… Yoncé has a clear aversion to wearing pants.
2
Sep 14 2024
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British Steel
Judas Priest
I’ve never been a huge Priest fan, sticking mainly with the mainstream hits. However, I really enjoyed the second half of British Steel, as it held up more than I expected.
3
Sep 15 2024
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No Other
Gene Clark
Meh. It’s an okay album but it bounces all over in style and sound elements. In this case, the album isn’t very cohesive. Overall, it’s just there and rather bland.
2
Sep 16 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Smashing Pumpkins is my college days. Back then, this was an automatic 5 stars for me. Then as time went on, the polish wore off and alt-rock became stale. I stayed away from those 90’s albums for many years. I was tired of it and that 5 star rating dropped to a 2 star.
But time has a way. This now sounds like the good ole days, familiar and comfortable. The fondness is back and upon re-listening, this album has risen back to its former glory to take its place in the history of 90’s alt rock.
4
Sep 17 2024
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
Wow. Now this is a concept album in the best way. I love the range and the bold way she goes after different sounds. So many different approaches yet so much Janelle Monáe in each approach!
This needs more than one listen for sure.
4
Sep 18 2024
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Parachutes
Coldplay
24 years and still not a fan.
Yawn rock.
2
Sep 19 2024
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
This is a slow boring album. Definitely some Pink Floyd blended in, but I’m not a fan.
1
Sep 20 2024
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Don't Come Home A Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
Absolute legend of country music.
4
Sep 21 2024
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Love RHCP and this album has a lot to offer! You can’t put this one on without immediately moving to the groove.
Great record.
4
Sep 22 2024
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Tanto Tempo
Bebel Gilberto
Even though the cover art was thrown together in a 1994 version of Photoshop, I was pleasantly surprised by what I heard. This is not an artist I would seek out to listen to, but her vocal talent is clearly there. It’s just not my taste.
3
Sep 23 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
I’m not typically a fan of live albums and really don’t think there are too many live albums that warrant needing to listen to before I die!
With that said, I enjoyed this album for the band banter. Solid recording and worth a listen.
3
Sep 24 2024
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All Directions
The Temptations
I’m here for the 12-minute version of “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”.
3
Sep 25 2024
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
So much hip hop came out in the mid 90’s, I’m not surprised I missed this one.
Solid beats and some provocative themes… and lyrics that don’t age well.
Feels like 90’s east coast hip hop… and that’s not good or bad, just a lot of hip hop history under that bridge.
3
Sep 26 2024
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Ananda Shankar
Ananda Shankar
I did not need to hear this sitar album before I die.
Nope.
1
Sep 27 2024
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
70’s British punk. It all sounds the same. Indistinguishable vocals, loud for loud sake garage sounds. Not for me.
2
Sep 28 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
This album was fantastic! I’ve not listened to a lot of Elvis Costello, but that is about to change. Albums like this are why I signed up!
4
Sep 29 2024
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In The Wee Small Hours
Frank Sinatra
I’ve always liked Sinatra. And while I’m not well versed in the vast recording history that is the Sinatraverse, I can put this album on and let it play on repeat all day long.
5
Sep 30 2024
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
Welp, that was… something.
The first track had me optimistic about where this album was headed, and then it took a 90° turn, and then another, and then another.
There are some bright moments that feel like this band knows what they are doing and has a developing sound. Then there are others that feel like they enlisted a 6-year old with a Mattel Magical Musical Thing (look it up) to play random notes.
Disappointing is a compliment.
2
Oct 01 2024
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The Band
The Band
This is a solid album from The Band, but it’s not my favorite. Frankly, it’s a little slow and boring. “Up on Cripple Creek” is the highlight for me, and also the highest chart hit on the record. I can put this on the in the background while cooking on the grill with a beer and it’s fine. Beyond that, meh.
3
Oct 02 2024
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Django Django
Django Django
Psychedelic electronic alt pop rock.
Nothing I’d listen to intentionally.
Not my vibe.
2
Oct 03 2024
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The Renaissance
Q-Tip
I didn’t love this album, but I didn’t hate it either. It’s cohesive in style and a solid production.
Worth a listen, as it’s a good album… but not something I’d come back to.
3
Oct 04 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
Great, now I’m depressed.
This is an “it’s me, not you” scenario because I know my feelings about most contemporary folk music. As a 70’s kid, folk rock has a melancholy sound that always brings me down. I’m not a fan.
Objectively, I recognize the songwriting, melody and production of this album. The Cat Stevens catalog is loved by many, but not for me.
3
Oct 05 2024
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I’m one of those who doesn’t understand the veneration of Bob Dylan.
His songs are well written, sure. His voice and even his harmonica playing at times is shrill.
I didn’t hate this album, but Dylan is just not precious to me.
3
Oct 06 2024
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Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
This. Is. Terrible.
It’s a self-important nonsense of babbling lyrics.
Nick Cave must’ve become the lead singer because he owned the mic and wanted to be in a Warren Zevon tribute band.
Rubbish.
1
Oct 07 2024
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Clandestino
Manu Chao
I judged this book by its cover… and I’m pleasantly surprised.
This album was enjoyable to listen to. Spanish, English and French all wrapped up into this package. There’s even some retro video game sound fix mixed in.
Am I seeking out more Manu Chao? Probably not. Was this a waste of my time? Not at all,it was a fun listen!
3
Oct 08 2024
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
This album immediately jumps back to the 90’s Brit pop era. Besides Bitter Sweet Symphony and the orchestral arrangements, it stalls into a sea of sameness.
2
Oct 09 2024
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Vulnicura
Björk
Nope. I just can’t.
I truly do not understand how someone can listen to this as enjoyable music. Björk, to me, is a performance artist and not a musician. Her voice does not match the bizarre arrangements. At times, the music sounds as if somebody dropped a synthesizer down a flight of stairs or a small child is banging aimlessly on a toy piano. Sprinkle some retro video game audio, and you have this album.
Does anyone actually sit and listen to this album from beginning to end and then desire to do that again?
1
Oct 10 2024
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Roger the Engineer
The Yardbirds
Solid Yardbirds album. It’s a good listen but as a mid-60’s rock sound, it’s not blowing the doors off.
3
Oct 11 2024
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The Infotainment Scan
The Fall
This.
Is.
Terrible.
This entire album sounds like the Festrunk Brothers from SNL speaking over music that, on occasion, sounds intentional.
1
Oct 12 2024
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Bad
Michael Jackson
It’s obviously impossible to triumph over Thriller. But I also think Off The Wall is a better record than Bad. Bad has too much of that late 80’s tech pop sugar coated sound on the tracks.
3
Oct 13 2024
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25
Adele
Adele is an amazingly talented singer. Her voice is gorgeous. However, this album is not my bag. It’s… just… boring.
2
Oct 14 2024
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Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
I am not a huge punk rock fan, and I expected this "classic" album to fall into the same bucket of most punk albums I try and listen to.
However... I couldn't have been more wrong. I have listened to 'Never Mind the Bollocks...' before, but it must've been decades ago and I shelved it with a different era of what I found enjoyable.
I really dug this album, ran through it twice, and can now see why it stands on this list.
4
Oct 15 2024
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Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand
This album is pretty solid. Nice sound and each track offers varying styles. Not my favorite type of music but I did listen to this entire album twice and don't regret it.
3
Oct 16 2024
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Bingo, Bango, Bongo and Irving are pretty good!
5
Oct 17 2024
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Mama's Gun
Erykah Badu
I haven’t listened to much Erykah Badu, so this was a new listening experience.
Overall, this is a solid funky sound. Some tracks run long for no rhyme or reason but this album is great background fodder nonetheless.
3
Oct 18 2024
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Paris 1919
John Cale
So this album exists. Not good or bad, just there. I guess for 1973, it has a "modern" sound, but overall this just killed the time.
2
Oct 19 2024
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A Girl Called Dusty
Dusty Springfield
Solid album of covers. It’s odd to me that it’s on this list.
3
Oct 20 2024
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
This album was super weird, slow, trippy folk music. And such a looooooooooooong album. Tough to get through it, it’s really just boring.
2
Oct 21 2024
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
I wasn't expecting this album to be so jamb packed with these specific songs. I have heard them all many times over the years, in too many movies to count, and have listened to Harry Nilsson many times... just not in album form apparently.
Fantastic shifts in styles with some truly memorable songs everyone knows!
5
Oct 22 2024
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Live!
Fela Kuti
I had previously reviewed a live Fela Kuti album and did not care for it at all. It was a droning stream of consciousness that may work live, but as recorded album, did not translate well.
This album, however, was a different story for me. Maybe it was the day, or maybe this album is just better. And while I get a little tired of 10+ min music tracks, this record is solid and I am not as hesitant the next time a Fela Kuti album pops up.
3
Oct 23 2024
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
Obviously, Come on Eileen has been on rotation for about 25,810 times on every 80's pop station/retro playlist... but besides that... I thought this was a decent album that I had never listened to. Probably not a go-to by any means, but not terrible.
2
Oct 24 2024
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Collection albums on this generator aren’t my favorite because it’s like a cheat code for stars.
However, Sinatra hits different and this album is top to bottom fantastic.
5
Oct 25 2024
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
Rap metal… two words that define a terrible genre. This album is a star in that genre and it’s awful.
1
Oct 26 2024
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
I was not a fan of Tears For Fears when this came out.
However, time and maturity have a way of changing even strong opinions and I recognize the quality of this album.
3
Oct 28 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
Per usual, songs are well written. Also per usual, his voice grinds my geears.
I didn’t hate this album, but Dylan is just not precious to me.
3
Oct 29 2024
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Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Wu-Tang Clan
Gross.
I don’t need rap about torture.
1
Oct 30 2024
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Superunknown
Soundgarden
Never been a huge fan of Soundgarden outside of the radio hits at the height of this album. Overall, solid sound, but I'm not a fan Chris Cornell's voice screaming at me for an hour (like most are).
3
Oct 31 2024
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Boy In Da Corner
Dizzee Rascal
noise: /noiz/ noun - a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance.
1
Nov 01 2024
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Technique
New Order
New order is just simply not my vibe. I can objectively listen to it and say it’s a decent album even though it’s just not for me. I was in high school when this album came out and I did not care for it and I don’t really care for it now.
3
Nov 02 2024
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Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix
This is an album that should be heard before you die.
5
Nov 03 2024
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Want One
Rufus Wainwright
Meh. That’s what this album is. Meh.
Not really bad, but not really good.
Would be a great Billy Joel cover band.
2
Nov 04 2024
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Slanted And Enchanted
Pavement
Early 1990's grungy rock sound: Check.
Cake cover band status: Check.
Apologies to Cake: Check.
2
Nov 05 2024
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The Score
Fugees
I had high hopes for this one. I had never listed to this entire record, and I gotta say, I was underwhelmed. I guess I had all sorts of anticipation for listening to Lauryn Hill's gorgeous voice, and her ability to wail was undermined by mid 90's rap/sfx noise that was disappointing. Maybe it is simply that time doesn't help this one.
2
Nov 06 2024
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Hard to argue this isn't great.
4
Nov 07 2024
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
I did not care for this one... maybe being high is the pre-requisite.
Messy, confusing and too long.
1
Nov 08 2024
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Shleep
Robert Wyatt
Nope.
1
Nov 09 2024
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The Wall
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd has always escaped my interest. Sure, there's a song or two I like based on years and years of air play on classic rock stations. However, I just don't like their sound.
2
Nov 10 2024
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
I remember when this record came out. Not one of my favorite bands from the era, but time has made this one nostalgic.
3
Nov 11 2024
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Exile In Guyville
Liz Phair
I get the context of this album and remember it from it's original release. I am just not a fan. This album, for it's songwriting, feels flat to me.
2
Nov 12 2024
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
I really enjoyed this album. Clearly a late 60's vibe, but I didn't realize this had Time of the Season on it, so when that last track began to play, it was almost startling how great that song really is. Capped off a solid album.
3
Nov 13 2024
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Skylarking
XTC
Man, this was a cacophony of instruments and effects (i.e. birds chirping) that I did not need.
2
Nov 15 2024
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
Clear. Your. Damn. Throat.
I don't get the fanboys for Tom Waits. To me, he sounds like a muppet who's character trait is the stereotype of what a blues singer sounds like.
I cannot stand the gag inducing phlegm that is dancing around this man's vocal cords.
1
Nov 16 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Rock N Roll Royalty
5