Sep 10 2024
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Dust
Screaming Trees
I’m an old guy that gravitates toward classic 70’s and late 60’s rock, so I didn’t have high hopes for this one. But for the most part I found that I enjoyed it. Not sure it belongs on a list of 1001, but liked it nonetheless. I had never listened to this band before, so I appreciate the introduction.
3
Sep 11 2024
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Among The Living
Anthrax
Not my cup of tea, but although I expected to hate it, I was able to listen to it. To my ears, most of these songs are really repetitive. Not sure that it’s fair for me to rate it, as the rating is a reflection of my personal taste, and I just don’t care for this genre. Although I could give it a listen once, I would never choose to listen to it again. Life is too short.
1
Sep 12 2024
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The Slider
T. Rex
I thought this one was okay, but didn’t love it. I thought it was quite similar to Electric Warrior as I remember it. Liked a few of the songs, but I would have been disappointed if I had purchased it back in the day. Maybe if I listened to it more, it would grow on me, but on to the next one.
3
Sep 13 2024
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
I didn’t like this kind of music in the 80’s, and after listening to this album, I found that I still don’t. I know that there is no accounting for taste, but I am surprised that this one’s on the list. I find a lot of these songs are really similar. Definitely not my thing.
1
Sep 16 2024
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New Gold Dream (81/82/83/84)
Simple Minds
I am just not digging these 80’s synth music albums; just not my decade. Won’t be listening to this one again.
2
Sep 17 2024
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Aftermath
The Rolling Stones
I’m a big Stones fan and I had never listened to this album, but of course knew the singles. Paint it Black is one of my favorites, but the rest of the album was pretty “meh” for me. Although Under My Thumb is catchy, the misogynistic lyrics leave me a bit cold. I liked a couple of the more bluesy numbers, but it’s an album I probably won’t listen to again. For me, the Stones sweet spot was 1968 through 1972, starting from Beggars Banquet through Exile on Main Street. I thought that Aftermath fell well short of any of those efforts.
3
Sep 18 2024
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Blood And Chocolate
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
I have had very little exposure to Elvis Costello. Years ago I purchased a best of CD that was released in 1994, but only listened to it a couple of times because it just didn’t grab me. Needless to say, my expectations were not very high for this album. However, for the most part I enjoyed it and may give it another listen. It isn’t anything that I would purchase, but it exceeded my expectations…not too bad.
3
Sep 19 2024
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Bright Flight
Silver Jews
Hadn’t heard of this band before. I somewhat enjoyed the music, but a lot of the lyrics were a bit weird for me. And the singer’s voice may be an acquired taste, but wasn’t my cup of tea. Onto the next one.
2
Sep 20 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
I listened to the expanded version and other than the first song, “Heaven and Hell”, I really enjoyed this. I am a long time fan of this band, but had never listened to all of this album. Like many live albums, a couple of the cuts seem unnecessarily long and drawn out, but I still give it a solid 4 out of 5. If I stumble on a used copy at an antique or record store, I will probably pick it up.
4
Sep 23 2024
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Savane
Ali Farka Touré
I was hoping for the blues like Keb Mo or Taj Mahal, but this was the blues with a middle eastern accent. I need to be able to understand the lyrics as well, so this one just didn’t do it for me. Doesn’t really seem fair to rate this one, but I will give a 2 since I am really rating it for my own reference.
2
Sep 24 2024
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Oedipus Schmoedipus
Barry Adamson
Well, once again I have to say, this just isn’t my thing. I’m not sure whose thing this would be, and I am not too sure that I would want to meet them either. I only listened to a minute or two of most of the songs, with the exception of “it’s Business As Usual”. I was intrigued by this disturbing track, and had to see how the voice message ended. For me, the best thing about this album was its title. I’ll be trying to forget about this album.
1
Sep 25 2024
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Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
Meh. No need to hear this one again.
1
Sep 26 2024
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Whatever
Aimee Mann
I actually liked this one…didn’t love it, but liked it well enough to save it for another listen someday.
3
Sep 27 2024
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Not a fan of this type of music, but some of the songs I didn’t mind too much. I would like to hear this artist in another genre, as I liked her singing voice. Not really fair to rate it, but my ratings are for my own edification only.
2
Sep 30 2024
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Brutal Youth
Elvis Costello
Didn’t mind this one at all. Would possibly give it another listen.
3
Oct 01 2024
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Liked a few, disliked a few, was indifferent about a few. if I could, I would give it 2.5, but I will round it up to a 3.
3
Oct 02 2024
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Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona Apple
Didn’t mind it, but found it a bit weird at times. Another one I would rate a 2.5, but I am rounding it up to a 3.
3
Oct 03 2024
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2112
Rush
Damn! I think that I would really like this band if not for one thing….Geddy Lee’s vocals. I have never cared for his voice, and although I have heard small samplings of Rush over the years, this is the reason I have never given them a chance. I believe that he is a skilled vocalist, it’s just that I find his voice…annoying. I like it much better when he sings softly, e.g. tears. Anyway, I understand why this band has such ardent fans.
4
Oct 04 2024
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
I have to say, I really liked this one, and it surprised me. I had purchased two or three ELO albums back in the 70s, and by the time this one came out I was quite tired of them. Everything kind of sounded the same to me. I didn’t hear Mr. Blue Sky until much later in life, but really did like that one. But needless to say, I had low expectations for this record, but I really did like it a lot. Probably would give it nine out of 10, so I’ll round up to a five. If I see this used in a vinyl store someday, I’ll pick up a copy unless it’s too expensive.
5
Oct 07 2024
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
For me, a little goes along way with this type of music. I would enjoy listening to a selection too in a bar restaurant setting, but this album was just way too long for me.
2
Oct 08 2024
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Didn’t mind this one…only had heard the singles from Blondie in the past. Liked a few of the album cuts. I’ll call it a 3.
3
Oct 09 2024
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
I owned Teaser and the Firecat on cassette as a kid, and liked that one. I had never heard Tea for the Tillerman, only a couple of selections. I think that overall, I like Tea a bit more. I’ll give it a 4, rounded up from 3.5.
4
Oct 10 2024
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She's So Unusual
Cyndi Lauper
This was like a trip down memory lane for me. I recall driving around with my young daughter in her toddler seat, trying to sing along to she bop. I enjoyed this, mainly because of the memories that brought back. But it’s very typical of 80s music that I’m not particularly fond of. Even so, I’ll give it a three.
3
Oct 11 2024
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Berlin
Lou Reed
I previously had no exposure to Lou Reed other than Walk on the Wild Side. Thought this album might be a bit weird, and it was, but I didn’t hate it. I don’t care much for his half-singing half-talking vocal style, but I guess that’s a big part what makes him Lou Reed. I might have to give it another listening, due to the story telling. Not really my thing, though.
2
Oct 14 2024
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American Pie
Don McLean
Just a disclaimer: My ratings are a reflection of my own personal taste and nothing more. I bought the singles American pie and Vincent when I was a kid in junior high, but had never listened to the album. I have to say I really enjoyed this one, and will pick up a copy if I see a decent used one in store someday. The song American pie seems to be a bit of a The song American pie seems to be a bit of an anomaly on this album, and most of the other songs are quite similar to Vincent. Definitely will listen to this one more in the future.
5
Oct 15 2024
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Just a disclaimer: My ratings are a reflection of my own personal taste and nothing more. Surprisingly, I really didn’t mind this one. Didn’t particularly care for the lead vocals, but I did enjoy parts of these tracks. Probably won’t listen to it again, but I didn’t hate it.
2
Oct 16 2024
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Hms Fable
Shack
Just a disclaimer: My ratings are a reflection of my own personal taste and nothing more.
I didn’t mind this one, but there was really nothing special about it either. I’m not sure I understand all the vitriol in a lot of the reviews, but I do agree with the notion about its relevance and placement on this list of 1001 Albums. Probably won’t listen to it again.
3
Oct 17 2024
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Moondance
Van Morrison
5 stars, a masterpiece. And Van Morrison is a treasure.
5
Oct 18 2024
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
I have heard all of these songs over the years. I really like wish you were here, but the rest of the album is ok for me.
3
Oct 21 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I generally enjoyed this album, but it’s the third Elvis Costello album. I’ve listened to on this list and I’ve been listening to these for less than a month now. I’m not not sure. I understand why he needs so much representation. I didn’t find this one terribly different than the other two I listened to, but I may give it another listen at some point in time.
3
Oct 22 2024
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A Date With The Everly Brothers
The Everly Brothers
I really enjoy their harmonies, but only need to listen to them once in a while. I had never heard them do Love Hurts…loved it!
3
Oct 23 2024
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
I really liked this album up to a point. This would’ve been a four or five for me, but I didn’t particularly care for the vocals. Guess I’ll give it a three.
3
Oct 24 2024
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
I didn’t mind this one, didn’t love it either. Feels like a 2.5 for me, but I’ll go with a 2.0 because I doubt I’d listen to it again. They play a couple of those songs enough on the radio for me to get my fill.
2
Oct 25 2024
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First Band On The Moon
The Cardigans
I hadn’t heard of this band before. I had heard the song Lovefoot on the radio, but always thought that was No Doubt. And I don’t understand their cover of Ironman at all. Another record that I don’t need to hear again.
2
Oct 28 2024
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
I seem to be saying this a lot, but although I didn’t hate it, I won’t be listening to it again.
2
Oct 29 2024
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
Here we go again…I seem to be saying this a lot, but although I didn’t hate it, I won’t be listening to it again.
2
Oct 30 2024
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Fear and Whiskey
Mekons
I liked about half of these songs, and disliked the other half. I enjoyed the ones with a bit of a “country” flair more than the others. Won’t listen to it again.
2
Oct 31 2024
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Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Well, if the lyrics and subject matter were not so objectionable, I really would’ve liked this one. Too bad.
2
Nov 01 2024
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Swordfishtrombones
Tom Waits
Yeah… Well, there’s 41 minutes of my life I will never get back. Not sure who the audience for this guy would be. I’ve certainly heard of Tom Waits, but never actually heard him before. Not sure I need to hear him again.
1
Nov 04 2024
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The Suburbs
Arcade Fire
Not sure I understand all of the critical acclaim or the vitriol surrounding this album. I thought it was enjoyable enough, and really liked a couple of the songs, but didn’t find it remarkable either way. Probably a three.
3
Nov 05 2024
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The Velvet Underground
The Velvet Underground
I really didn’t know what to expect out of this one, but I really didn’t expect to like it. I was a bit surprised, I enjoyed the simplicity of it. Certainly have heard of the velvet underground, but actually it never heard them before. I loved the song Jesus, but hated The Murder Mystery. Overall, I would give it a 3.5, so I’m going to give it 3 stars.
3
Nov 06 2024
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Violator
Depeche Mode
I don’t like electronic synth music, and I didn’t like this album. It was exactly what I thought it was going to be. Two stars.
2
Nov 07 2024
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Seventh Tree
Goldfrapp
I liked about half of these songs, and didn’t for the others, preferring the less electronic selections. I won’t be listening to it again.
2
Nov 08 2024
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Bandwagonesque
Teenage Fanclub
I enjoyed this album for the most part, and may give it another listen; hadn’t heard of the band before. 3 solid stars for me.
3
Nov 11 2024
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White Ladder
David Gray
Once again I must ask, why do I have to hear this album before I die? 2 stars.
2
Nov 12 2024
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
I have a lot of mixed feelings about Bob Dylan. On one hand, I think he’s a national treasure, and really respect his career and work, but on the other hand, I have never been a big fan. Having said that, I enjoyed this album lot more than I thought I would. Although in my opinion, so many of these songs sounds so similar, and they often end in a fade out which sounds dissatisfying to me. Still, I enjoyed this one and might just listen to it again. And let me say that this album totally belongs on the list of 1001.
3
Nov 13 2024
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Horses
Patti Smith
This is yet another artist that I’d certainly heard of, but hadn’t actually listened to before. If nothing else, I’m thankful to this project because it exposes me to a lot of artists that I should’ve listened to, but have not yet. In any event, I did enjoy this album somewhat, But at times, I’m not crazy about Patti Smith’s vocals. Sometimes they are just a bit too out there for me. But all in all, I found this album to be an enjoyable experience. I’ll give it three stars.
3
Nov 14 2024
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Movies
Holger Czukay
What the hell was that?! At least it was mercifully short. I’m looking at all of the five star reviews on this website, and it only reinforces the notion that there truly is no accounting for taste. This is clearly not my thing, while others seem to adore it. I don’t get it.
1
Nov 15 2024
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
My music education continues, with yet another band I had heard of, but hadn’t actually listened to. After the first 4 songs, I was ready to rate it a two or even less, as those selections just weren’t my thing. But after that, I didn’t mind the rest of the album and really actually enjoyed some of those cuts. I probably won’t make an effort to listen to it again, but it comes out to be a 3.0 for me.
3
Nov 18 2024
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
This was a nice pleasant album, and for the most part, I enjoyed listening to it. This is the type of thing for me that is fine to listen to if it happens to be playing at a friends house or a restaurant, but it’s nothing that I would seek out or purchase for myself. For me, this is three stars.
3
Nov 19 2024
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
After reading about this, I didn’t think I would probably like it at all. But as I started listening to it, I didn’t mind it and actually liked a couple of the songs. However, as it went on, I found it really redundant. I’m gonna settle at two stars for this one.
2
Nov 20 2024
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Pink Moon
Nick Drake
I had never heard of Nick Drake, and I didn’t read any of the info or reviews about him, so I had no idea what I was getting into. For a while there, I thought I was listening to Jack Johnson. I really like the simplicity of this album, and think that it’s really held up well over 52 years. There are one or two selections I didn’t care for, but overall I really like this and will probably listen to it again in the future. To me this one sounds like it could’ve been recorded within the last few years.
4
Nov 21 2024
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1999
Prince
I know this is going to sound sacrilegious to some, but after listening to this album, it seems to me to be really overrated. I never cared for the singles off of this record, but went into it with as open of mind as possible, even hoping to like it. But I found several of these songs really redundant and even more repetitive, seeming to go on forever. Most of them were just too long. I never have been a fan of 80s electronic pop, and this album just reaffirms that for me. The last song, International Lover was probably the one I liked best. But, I just don’t get the critical acclaim and love for this album. Two stars from me.
2
Nov 22 2024
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Moby Grape
Moby Grape
I had never heard of the band Moby Grape. Of course I was young child when it came out, so that probably has something to do with it. I really, really liked the first song 8:05, but the rest of the album was just OK for me. I’m giving it three stars on the strength of the first song alone. The album was enjoyable enough, but probably won’t give it another listen.
3
Nov 25 2024
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Kings Of The Wild Frontier
Adam & The Ants
Another band that I had not listened to before. I kind of liked some of these, but really didn’t love or hate any of them. Probably a weak 3 for me.
3
Nov 26 2024
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Drunk
Thundercat
Pleasant enough, despite some of the lyrics. Found it a bit boring for my taste though. Won’t need to hear it again.
2
Nov 27 2024
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Trio
Dolly Parton
A good old-fashioned country album with three voices that blended beautifully, I loved it.
5
Nov 28 2024
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Pieces Of The Sky
Emmylou Harris
Really liked this one a lot. I will be saving it and listening to it again in the future.
4
Nov 29 2024
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Giant Steps
The Boo Radleys
I didn’t mind this one, and found the music very representative of that era. But it was just too damn long, and it would benefit from the concept of addiction by subtraction. There are just too many throw-away songs on this album. Still, I will give it a 3.0. Probably won’t bother to listen to it again, however.
3
Dec 02 2024
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
I liked this one, and liked all of the songs with the exception of Silverf*ck. I have a hunch that I would have liked this album more 20 years ago when it came out, but incredibly I had not listened to it before. I think that I must have assumed that it was too “alternative” for my taste and didn’t give it a chance. Anyway, I am giving it four stars, on the lower end.
4
Dec 03 2024
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It's Blitz!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Not crazy about electronic music like this. It’s a 2 for me.
2
Dec 04 2024
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Teen Dream
Beach House
As my son liked to say when he was a toddler many, many years ago…this is bow-ing! Once again I must asks, why is it important for me to hear this album before I die? I hope the next one is better. I haven’t been enjoying these selections much lately.
2
Dec 05 2024
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
I had never heard Suzanne Vega, with the exception of “Luka”. I really liked this album, but would have like it more if not for her penchant for speaking some of the lyrics instead of singing them. To me, it’s such a waste as I really do enjoy her lovely singing voice. This kept me from giving the album four stars. I will listen to it again, however.
3
Dec 06 2024
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Black Metal
Venom
Well, I sure thought THAT was horrible! I guess if you’re into devil worship, you might like this, but otherwise…
Anyway, is it possible to give an album zero stars? I would’ve been able to tolerate this, if not for the so-called singing and lyrics, but I suppose that’s a lot of the appeal for its audience. I did make myself listen to at least one minute or so of each of the songs. Needless to say, this is just not for me.
1
Dec 09 2024
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Highway to Hell
AC/DC
For whatever reason, I love the song “Highway to Hell”. I enjoyed the rest of the album just fine. I like to listen to a record like this once in a while, but not often. It’s a very solid three stars for me.
3
Dec 10 2024
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The Cars
The Cars
I had heard this album a few times before, and don’t know why I didn’t purchase it back in the day. I really like it, and it takes me back to my old college days. The only reason that I don’t give it 5 stars is because I seem to tire of it somewhat quickly. But all in all, it’s excellent.
4
Dec 11 2024
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The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
This was a fun album, nothing but covers, I believe, and very raw. And since it’s the Stone first album, it definitely belongs on the list. Although I enjoyed it, I probably won’t be playing it again. I give it a three.
3
Dec 12 2024
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Achtung Baby
U2
Out of nearly 70 albums from this list that I have listened to and reviewed so far, this is remarkably the first one that I owned…and I bet that I hadn’t played it in over 25 years. Unlike most of the critics, this U2 is a band that I just never really got into. There are a few songs on this album that I really like, most notably Cruel, but the rest are pretty “meh” for me. I really dislike the open cut, Zoo Station. Anyway, I give this one a three.
3
Dec 13 2024
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Bone Machine
Tom Waits
I think I was able to get completely through only 3 out of 16 songs on this album. Please, please, please, for the love God, no more Tom Waits albums. I just don’t get the dude or his appeal.
1
Dec 16 2024
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Low
David Bowie
I was excited to get a David Bowie album, because my exposure to him has been minimal hearing little beyond what was played on the radio, but I have always been curious about his music. I was a bit disappointed in this album. A bit too electronic for me, and many of the cuts were instrumentals or near instrumentals. Hope they have me sample another one before too long.
2
Dec 17 2024
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Survivor
Destiny's Child
Of course I was familiar with Beyoncé and this group, but I had really never listened to them before. I thought some of these songs got a bit repetitive, but there nothing I really disliked besides the last song. A few of the songs I did like, but I probably won’t find myself listening to this album again. Although I find them to be very talented singers, it’s just not my thing. It is between 2.5 and 3 stars for me…I’ll settle on 3.
3