Nov 04 2024
The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
I've never really been a fan of album skitsâthey often feel like filler and this album was no exception past the the first few listens they always got skipped. Back in the 2000s, it was on heavy rotation on the stereo at Woo Towers. Despite my general dislike for skits, the rest of the album had something compelling that kept me coming back to it.
As for standout tracks, rather predictably"Stan" is my favorite. Itâs one of those songs that stays with you long after it's over.
That said, I can't ignore the album's more problematic aspects. Lyrically, itâs undeniably filled with homophobic and misogynistic content, which makes it a bit difficult to listen to through a modern lens. But thereâs no denying the rapper's skillâhis flow and rhyme are impressive, and he knows how to command attention. It's a complicated mix of admiration and discomfort with this album, but it holds a place in my musical history regardless.
3
Nov 05 2024
Guero
Beck
When I first listened to this album, Iâll admit I only had a limited knowledge of Beckâs earlier work, mainly up to and including Odelay. This album struck me as decent, with a sound and production style that felt reminiscent of Odelay. I think The Dust Brothers, who co-produced Odelay, were also involved in this one, which might explain the similar vibe.
As I havenât explored much of Beck's discography beyond those earlier albums, itâs hard for me to compare this to his other work. However, I can say that while it didnât immediately blow me away, I will certainly give it another listen. It might not be as groundbreaking as Odelay, but it still has Beckâs signature experimental twist. If you're a fan of his sound from that era, this album is likely worth a try.
3
Nov 06 2024
Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
Up until now, although I was aware of Willie Nelsonâs music, I mostly associated him with his activism, especially around marijuana legalization and LGBTQ+ rights.I was genuinely surprised by the stripped-back productionâit feels so raw and honest. I later found out that this style was actually a deliberate pushback against the more polished, mainstream Nashville Sound, which just added a new layer of appreciation for me. This discovery led me down a bit of a Google rabbit hole, learning more about the âoutlaw countryâ movement, which is all about authenticity and breaking industry norms. Thereâs something timeless and soulful about Nelsonâs voice and his storytelling; he captures emotions in such a simple yet powerful way. Iâll definitely be coming back to this albumâitâs clear now why heâs so revered not just as a musician, but as a true artist with a unique voice.
4
Nov 08 2024
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
âIt Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Backâ by Public Enemy is not just an album; itâs a cultural milestone that (re)shaped hip-hop . Released in 1988, this album became the blueprint for political socially aware hip-hop
This album has since become an undeniable classic, influencing generations of hip-hop artists who use their music to speak on societal issues. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back transformed hip-hop into a platform for social justice, proving that music could be powerful, thought-provoking, and a force for change. Its legacy in hip-hop is unshakeable, marking it as one of the genreâs most essential and impactful works.
Ps letâs not ruin it by talking about Professor Griff đ€đ±
5
Nov 09 2024
Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
Used to like Clapton and itâs hard to deny that this is a âClassicâ Despite this, itâs important to acknowledge Claptonâs controversial history, including openly racist remarks in the mid-1970s, and anti vax bat shit craziness of recent years so despite absolutely classic tracks like Layla itâs not for me anymore
3
Nov 10 2024
Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
Was ok
2
Nov 11 2024
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Listening to this album, itâs clear why Elvis became a cultural phenomenon almost overnight. His charm and magnetism are undeniable, but even more impressive is the originality of his voice and sound, although heavily influenced by blues legends like B.B. King and country icons like Hank Williams. Elvis Presley remains a landmark album, marking the beginning of a new musical era and laying the foundation for the future of rock and roll. Itâs essential listening for any music lover, not only for its historical importance but also for the joy and energy it continues to bring, even after all these years.
4
Nov 12 2024
Kid A
Radiohead
Iâve never been a big Radiohead fan, but this album definitely feels like a departure from their earlier, guitar-driven sound, moving towards a much more electronic vibe. While there are a few tracks I enjoyed, I found it challenging to get into as a whole. Maybe with more time and listens, Iâd come to appreciate it more, but that moment isnât here just yet.
2
Nov 13 2024
Pornography
The Cure
âPornographyâ by The Cure became a landmark album in shaping the goth scene that emerged in the 1980s.
The albumâs layered, echoing production style also left a mark on shoegaze bands like My Bloody Valentine, who embraced similarly dense, immersive soundscapes.
Furthermore, Pornography influenced artists across genres who sought to capture emotional rawness and existential themes. Many alternative and indie rock bands in the 1990s and 2000s, from Placebo to Interpol, drew on its themes of alienation and desolation. In many ways, Pornography helped define the darker aesthetic that would characterise much of post-punk and goth rock, establishing The Cure as pioneers of emotionally driven, atmospheric music.
4
Nov 14 2024
Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
Raekwon
4
Nov 15 2024
Pyromania
Def Leppard
Been a while I listened to this and out the output that I have heard I prefer Hysteria
About as 80s glam metal as you can get.
2
Nov 16 2024
Mothership Connection
Parliament
II truly enjoyed Mothership Connection, and one of the things that makes it such a rewarding listen is the experience of uncovering its original grooves and riffs that have been sampled countless times over the years. Itâs like hearing the roots of so much modern music come alive. Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, in particular, have leaned heavily on the Parliament-Funkadelic catalog, and Mothership Connection is a goldmine of foundational beats, hooks, and vibes that shaped the sound of hip-hop and beyond.
A Cosmic and Cultural Milestone
Released in 1975, Mothership Connection was more than just an album; it was an event. George Clinton and Parliament crafted a unique universe where funk wasnât just a genre but a cosmic force. The concept of the âMothershipâ created a space-age mythology that drew on Afrocentrism and Afrofuturism, presenting funk as a vehicle for liberation and transcendence. The lyrics, drenched in humor and double entendre, invite listeners into a world where grooves reign supreme, and the music is both escapist and deeply rooted in cultural commentary.
A Treasure Trove for Sampling
The albumâs tracks, like "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)" and "P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)," have been sampled by countless artists, especially in hip-hop. Dr. Dreâs The Chronic (1992) is practically a love letter to Parliament-Funkadelic, with Mothership Connection serving as a primary source for its laid-back West Coast sound. Snoop Doggâs iconic "Who Am I (Whatâs My Name)?" borrows liberally from the Parliament track "Atomic Dog" (another Clinton masterpiece). Listening to Mothership Connection feels like discovering the blueprint for much of modern musicâitâs thrilling to recognize the iconic riffs and grooves that have been reimagined across decades.
Musical and Cultural Legacy
Beyond the sampling, Mothership Connection established a new standard for funk music. Its synthesis of gospel harmonies, rock-infused solos, and jazz-inspired improvisation created a sonic palette that was as innovative as it was infectious. George Clinton and his collaborators, including Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell, werenât just making dance music; they were creating art that spoke to a larger cultural movement.
The albumâs impact extends far beyond funk. Its Afrocentric, science-fiction-infused narrative inspired future artists like Janelle MonĂĄe, who embraced Afrofuturism in her albums like The ArchAndroid. Even OutKastâs ATLiens owes a debt to Mothership Connection for paving the way for Black artists to explore alternate identities and storytelling methods through music.
Why Mothership Connection Endures
Thereâs something timeless about Mothership Connection. Itâs not just the grooves or the funkâitâs the audacity of the albumâs vision. Clinton and his crew didnât just make music; they made an experience. Whether you're a fan of funk, a hip-hop enthusiast tracing the origins of your favorite beats, or someone just looking for a good time, Mothership Connection delivers on all fronts.
For me, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the album is how it rewards attentive listening. Hearing the origins of a beat you recognize from Snoop or Dre is like uncovering a hidden piece of musical history. Itâs a reminder of how innovative Clinton and Parliament were, crafting music so ahead of its time that it continues to fuel creativity nearly five decades later.
If you havenât given Mothership Connection a spin, do yourself a favorâclimb aboard the Mothership and let George Clinton take you on a journey you wonât forget.
4
Nov 17 2024
Marquee Moon
Television
3
Nov 18 2024
Step In The Arena
Gang Starr
Step in the Arena by Gang Starr, released in 1991, is a cornerstone of golden-age hip-hop. A seamless blend of DJ Premier's innovative, jazz-infused production and Guru's laid-back yet socially conscious lyricism, the album set a benchmark for the genre. It was one of the earliest records to exemplify the marriage of jazz samples with intricate beats, a hallmark of East Coast hip-hop's evolution.
Influences: The album draws heavily from jazz and funk records, with Premier sampling artists like Donald Byrd and Art Blakey. The lyrical focus reflects the social consciousness inspired by earlier hip-hop pioneers like Rakim and Public Enemy.
Artists influenced: "Step in the Arena" left a lasting mark on the hip-hop world, inspiring East Coast legends like Nas and The Notorious B.I.G., as well as groups like Wu-Tang Clan. Its production style became a template for boom bap, influencing producers such as Pete Rock, J Dilla, and 9th Wonder. Its impact extends beyond hip-hop, resonating with contemporary jazz-hop and alternative hip-hop movements.
Overall, Step in the Arena is widely celebrated for its role in shaping the sound and ethos of 1990s hip-hop.
5
Nov 19 2024
The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
A metal masterpiece
3
Nov 20 2024
Nighthawks At The Diner
Tom Waits
Not my thing at all however I appreciate him as an artist.
3
Nov 21 2024
A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
At just 32 minutes, A Short Album About Love doesnât waste a second, delivering a tightly packed exploration of romance in all its glory and folly. It's witty, theatrical, and deeply heartfeltâa testament to The Divine Comedy's talent for making the grandest emotions feel intimate.
4
Nov 22 2024
1977
Ash
Ash â 1977 Album Review
Ashâs 1977 isnât just an albumâitâs a time capsule of teenage rebellion, romance, and raw exuberance. Released in 1996, it catapulted the Northern Irish trio into the spotlight, blending Britpop melodies with punk urgency. The album feels like a love letter to youthful chaos, capturing the kind of unfiltered energy that only comes from a band barely out of their teens.
Opening with âLose Control,â complete with a cheeky Star Wars TIE fighter scream, the album establishes its playful yet forceful tone. This is not a record that tiptoes around its influences; it embraces them. Tracks like âGoldfingerâ and the iconic âGirl From Marsâ shine with hook-laden melodies and crunchy guitars, showcasing Ashâs ability to craft earworms that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
âKung Fuâ is a frenetic punk anthem that barrels through its runtime with reckless abandon, while âOh Yeahâ slows things down for a wistful, sun-soaked ode to summer love. The diversity in sound is one of 1977âs greatest strengthsâit oscillates between raw punk energy and polished pop sensibilities without ever losing its charm.
But what makes 1977 truly special is its sincerity. Ash wasnât trying to reinvent the wheel here; instead, they made a record that feels intensely personal yet universally relatable. The lyrics are simple but heartfelt, the production is unpretentious, and the energy is infectious. Even in its quieter moments, like âDarkside Lightside,â the album radiates an authenticity that resonates.
Nearly three decades later, 1977 still holds up. Itâs a snapshot of a band finding their voice and having a blast doing it. For anyone whoâs ever felt the electric spark of youthâthe reckless joy, the heartbreak, the endless nightsâthis album is a perfect soundtrack. Ash might have grown up since, but 1977 ensures their teenage spirit will live on forever.
5
Nov 23 2024
Gorillaz
Gorillaz
3
Nov 26 2024
Violator
Depeche Mode
3
Nov 28 2024
The Colour Of Spring
Talk Talk
The Colour of Spring by Talk Talk is a masterpiece of atmospheric art pop, blending lush instrumentation with introspective lyrics. Released in 1986, the album marked a shift from the bandâs synth-driven beginnings to a richer, more organic sound, laying the groundwork for the post-rock genre. Tracks like âLifeâs What You Make Itâ and âLiving in Another Worldâ showcase Mark Hollisâs emotive vocals and the bandâs impeccable craftsmanship. Itâs a timeless work that bridges accessibility with profound artistry, cementing its status as a pivotal record in modern music history.
3
Nov 29 2024
Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Not for me
1
Nov 30 2024
Seventeen Seconds
The Cure
4
Dec 02 2024
Abbey Road
Beatles
3
Dec 06 2024
Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
4
Dec 20 2024
GREY Area
Little Simz
Review of Grey Area by Little Simz
Little Simzâs third studio album, Grey Area, released in 2019, is a masterclass in sharp lyricism, raw emotion, and musical innovation. Clocking in at just over 35 minutes, the album packs an incredible punch, showcasing Simzâs versatility and growth as an artist.
From the opening track, âOffence,â Simz sets the tone with unapologetic confidence and defiant energy, proclaiming, âI said it with my chest and I donât care who I offend.â This boldness threads through the album, making it as much a personal manifesto as a musical journey.
The production, helmed by Inflo, is impeccableâseamlessly blending gritty beats with soulful undertones and live instrumentation. Tracks like âSelfish,â featuring Cleo Sol, offer a softer, melodic reprieve while still exploring themes of self-empowerment. Meanwhile, âVenomâ dives into darker territory, with Simzâs rapid-fire delivery cutting through the eerie, string-heavy production as she confronts systemic oppression and gender inequality.
What makes Grey Area so compelling is its balance of vulnerability and strength. On âSherbet Sunset,â Simz opens up about heartbreak, painting a vivid picture of emotional turbulence, while â101 FMâ takes a nostalgic look back at her journey from bedroom studios to international acclaim.
Simzâs storytelling is both deeply personal and universally relatable, capturing the complexities of adulthood, identity, and ambition. Her ability to oscillate between introspection and bravado keeps the listener hooked throughout.
In Grey Area, Little Simz solidifies her place as one of the most important voices in contemporary hip-hop. Itâs an album that demands attention, rewards multiple listens, and cements her reputation as an artist unafraid to push boundaries.
Rating: 9/10
A concise yet impactful body of work that is as bold as it is introspective, Grey Area is a modern classic.
4
Dec 21 2024
Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
4
Dec 23 2024
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
3