Nov 22 2024
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Hip Hop is not a genre I listen to regularly but since I'm trying to expand my musical horizons, this is a good first album as I start this musical journey.
Overall impression: Tried to listen with an open mind and liked it more than I thought I would.
Loved Songs: All of the Lights, Lost in the World
Liked Songs: Dark Fantasy, Gorgeous, Hell of a Life
Indifferent Songs: Power, Devil in a New Dress, Runaway, Blame Game
Disliked Songs: Monster, So Appalled
Would I listen to it again? Probably not the whole album but there are a couple of songs that I will add to my playlist.
3
Nov 25 2024
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Oracular Spectacular
MGMT
This is more my speed and the type of music I usually seek out. I'm familiar with a few songs* from MGMT but have never listened to this full album.
Overall impression: I really liked it. A lot of the songs start slow but really grow on you. Nothing I outright disliked. Can definitely hear a Bowie influence.
Loved Songs: Electric Feel*, Kids*, Pieces of What, Of Moons Birds & Monsters
Liked Songs: Time to Pretend*, The Youth (this one is a grower), 4th Dimensional Transition (another that gets better as it goes on), The Handshake, Future Reflections
Indifferent Songs: Weekend Wars
Disliked Songs: None
Would I listen to it again? Yes
4
Nov 26 2024
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Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco
The only Wilco I've listened to before this are the two Mermaid Avenue records with Billy Bragg.
Overall impression: You know those bands that you think you should love but just don't. I think Wilco is one of those bands for me. There were a few songs that were nice to listen to but as a whole, it didn't grab me.
Loved Songs: Pot Kettle Black (I think because the beginning sounds like In Between Days, my favorite Cure song)
Liked Songs: Kamera, War on War, Heavy Metal Drummer, I'm the Man Who Loves You
Indifferent Songs: I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, Jesus Etc., Poor Places
Disliked Songs: Radio Cure, Ashes of American Flags, Reservations
Would I listen to it again? No
3
Nov 27 2024
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Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The Smashing Pumpkins
2
Dec 30 2024
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Classic.
4
Dec 31 2024
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The Man Machine
Kraftwerk
My first taste of Kraftwerk. You can see how much they influenced the synthpop artists that followed them and since I love those artists, not too surprising that I love this. Even with several 6+ minute songs, I was never bored.
Favorites: Metropolis, The Model, Neon Lights, The Man Machine
Would I listen to it again?: Yes
5
Jan 01 2025
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Be
Common
I'm more familiar with Common the actor than Common the rapper but consider me pleasantly surprised. Appreciate the soul/R&B-influenced backing tracks.
Favorites: Be (Intro), Chi-City, The Food, They Say
4
Jan 02 2025
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
I know who Traffic is but don't think I've ever really listened to them. It does tend to all blend together but love the organ.
Favorites: Freedom Rider, Empty Pages
3
Jan 03 2025
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Can't Buy A Thrill
Steely Dan
Not a Steely Dan fan. Never have been, never will be. However, I do like "Dirty Work".
2
Jan 06 2025
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Simply beautiful.
4
Jan 07 2025
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
A classic.
5
Jan 08 2025
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Fred Neil
Fred Neil
I've never heard of Fred Neil but have heard a couple of his songs done by other people. This feels like a rainy day kind of album. Nice voice.
3
Jan 09 2025
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Live At Leeds
The Who
I consider myself a casual Who fan but gotta say, I loved this. They sound great and I liked hearing them in their prime since I never would have had the opportunity otherwise.
4
Jan 10 2025
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
Love it.
5
Jan 13 2025
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Dummy
Portishead
Eh, kinda boring after awhile. I liked the opener, "Mysterons", but then it's just more of the same but not as appealing. Not for me.
2
Jan 14 2025
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
What a lovely album! There's a reason these songs are considered standards and Willie does a great job interpreting them.
Favorites: Stardust, Don't Get Around Much Anymore
4
Jan 15 2025
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Oar
Alexander 'Skip' Spence
A lot more misses than hits. Not for me.
2
Jan 16 2025
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
I'll admit that I'm a big Elvis Costello fan so of course I love this. A really fantastic debut. "Welcome to the Working Week" might be the most perfect 90 seconds in rock.
5
Jan 17 2025
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
I don't hate it but I don't particularly like it either.
2
Jan 20 2025
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
My first Kinks album. It's a good one.
4
Jan 21 2025
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
I have a friend whose favorite band is Iron Maiden. He would be so upset if I give this anything less than 5 stars. He should be prepared to be upset.
2
Jan 22 2025
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Something Else By The Kinks
The Kinks
My second Kinks album. It's ok but I liked the concept album better.
3
Jan 23 2025
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Really enjoyed it. Great banter and great songs.
4
Jan 24 2025
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
This is my 3rd Kinks album this week. I wasn't sure if I would like this album as that is a lot of Kinks at in a short period of time but this is my favorite by far. Loved it.
4
Jan 27 2025
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From Elvis In Memphis
Elvis Presley
3
Jan 28 2025
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All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
One of the reasons George is my favorite Beatle.
5
Jan 29 2025
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A Walk Across The Rooftops
The Blue Nile
The 80s are probably my favorite decade of music so even though I've never heard The Blue Nile before, I loved this. Hit my sweet spot.
Favorites: Tinsel Town in the Rain, Stay
Would I listen to it again?: Yes
5
Jan 30 2025
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Doolittle
Pixies
Never been a Pixies fan and this album didn't change my mind. One star for Kim Deal, who's cool. Everything else, eh.
Would I listen to it again: No
1
Jan 31 2025
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Blood On The Tracks
Bob Dylan
My first Dylan album. His voice is definitely an acquired taste but didn't think it detracted from the songs, which are great. Liked it better than I thought I would.
Favorites: Tangled Up in Blue, Buckets of Rain
Would I listen to it again: Yes
4
Feb 03 2025
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Ramones
Ramones
Hey ho, let's go! Hell yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Iconic for a reason.
Favorites: Blitzkrieg Bop, Beat on the Brat, I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend, Let's Dance
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Feb 04 2025
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
I know Dire Straits' hits (including 'Sultan of Swings' from this album) but that's about it. A solid debut with some great guitar work.
Favorites: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing, Wild West End
Would I listen to it again: Yes
3
Feb 05 2025
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The Hissing Of Summer Lawns
Joni Mitchell
I know a lot about Joni Mitchell but have never really listened to her. Probably not the best introduction as it's way too jazzy for me.
Favorites: Shadows and Light
Would I listen to it again: No
2
Feb 06 2025
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The Man Who
Travis
I can't be objective when it comes to Travis or this album. Been a fan of Travis since I first heard them and still love them. I loved this album when it came out and still love it. Their music just speaks to me.
Favorites: Writing to Reach You, As You Are, Driftwood, Turn, Why Does It Always Rain on Me
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Feb 07 2025
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Wild Wood
Paul Weller
I love Paul Weller. Love his voice, love his songwriting, love the Jam, love the Style Council, love this album. Love love love.
Favorites: Sunflower, Wild Wood, All the Pictures on the Wall, Country, The Weaver, Hung Up
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Feb 11 2025
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
I've never listened to a full Sinatra album but have heard some of this. I think this album shows his voice off to great effect and also what a showcase for his song interpretation. And hats off to Nelson Riddle as the arrangements are wonderful. I really enjoyed this.
Favorites: You Make Me Feel So Young, Too Marvelous for Words, I've Got You Under My Skin, I Thought About You
Would I listen to it again: Yes
4
Feb 12 2025
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Dark and depressing.
2
Feb 13 2025
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Veckatimest
Grizzly Bear
I've heard of Grizzly Bear but have never listened to them. Not sure what I was expecting. Mostly inoffensive background music with some bursts of energy. Liked the vocals.
Favorites: Two Weeks, Fine For Now
Would I listen to it again: No
3
Feb 14 2025
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AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted
Ice Cube
3
Feb 17 2025
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Van Halen
Van Halen
The music is so self-assured that sometimes it's hard to believe this is their debut album. A classic and with good reason.
Favorites: Runnin' with the Devil, Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love, I'm the One (for the scatting), Ice Cream Man
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Feb 18 2025
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Practically perfect.
Favorite: She Bangs the Drum
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Feb 19 2025
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Proof that the Temptations are one of the greatest vocal groups of all time. Just wow.
5
Feb 20 2025
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
I can appreciate the music but I hate the singing so much. Not for me.
1
Feb 21 2025
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
This album is stacked. I could try to list favorites but it would just be pretty much the whole album.
5
Feb 24 2025
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
3
Feb 25 2025
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
Is it sacrilege to say I find this album a little boring? There are some definite classics ("God Only Knows" is a perfect song) but overall, I don't find it that interesting.
3
Feb 26 2025
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The Sun Rises In The East
Jeru The Damaja
2
Feb 27 2025
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Fulfillingness' First Finale
Stevie Wonder
I was not familiar with this Stevie album but after listening to it, realized I had heard more songs than I thought (Boogie on Reggae Woman, You Haven't Done Nothin'). It's Stevie during his imperial period so of course it's fantastic. I loved it.
Favorites: Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away, You Haven't Done Nothin', It Ain't No Use, They Won't Go When I Go (especially the piano intro), Please Don't Go
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Mar 03 2025
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With The Beatles
Beatles
It's a good record and includes my favorite Beatles song but a few too many covers. Still a fun listen.
Favorite: All My Loving
Would I listen to it again: Yes
3
Mar 04 2025
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Disintegration
The Cure
I was obsessed with this album in college and it hasn't lost any of its power. As close to perfect as you can get.
Favorites: Plainsong, Pictures of You, Closedown, Lovesong, Lullaby, Fascination Street, Disintegration
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Mar 05 2025
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
2
Mar 06 2025
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Crooked Rain Crooked Rain
Pavement
I feel like I should like Pavement more than I actually do. This album has nothing I want to listen to again.
2
Mar 07 2025
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Fever Ray
Fever Ray
My first electronic record. Like the atmosphere of the first song but then it starts to get a little repetitive.
Like: If I Had a Heart
Would I listen to it again: No
2
Mar 10 2025
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I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
Aretha Franklin
5
Mar 12 2025
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Some stone cold classics, some snoozes but pretty good overall.
Favorites: Maybe Baby, That'll Be the Day, I'm Looking For Someone to Love, Rock Me My Baby
Would I listen to it again: Yes
3
Mar 13 2025
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Leftism
Leftfield
2
Mar 14 2025
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
3
Mar 17 2025
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
How do you follow up an album like Rumors? This is a pretty good attempt. A little overlong but there are some gorgeous songs on this.
Favorites: Over & Over, Think About Me, Sara, Sisters of the Moon, Angel
Would I listen to it again: Yes
4
Mar 18 2025
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I Should Coco
Supergrass
I was familiar with Alright but the rest is new to me. This is a pretty awesome album. Love the energy but it does drag a bit at the end.
Favorites: I'd Like to Know, Alright, She's So Loose, Time
Would I listen to it again: Yes
4
Mar 21 2025
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
I've never heard of this. I kinda liked the first two songs but then it really becomes a drag.
2
Mar 24 2025
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(What's The Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
Love, love, love, love, love.
Favorites: Hello, Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, Cast No Shadow, Morning Glory
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Mar 25 2025
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
First listen to VU & Nico. The only song I was familiar with is "Femme Fatale" because of the REM cover. Think I prefer the Lou Reed-sung songs to Nico's.
3
Mar 26 2025
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Rattus Norvegicus
The Stranglers
A lot more organ than I was expecting. I like it.
Favorites: Goodbye Toulouse, London Lady, Hanging Around, (Get A) Grip [on Yourself], Down in the Sewer
Would I listen to it again: Yes
4
Mar 27 2025
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Floodland
Sisters Of Mercy
A couple of songs are familiar but a lot is new to me. I'm a big fan of 80s alternative/new wave/goth so love this.
Favorites: Dominion, Lucretia My Reflection, This Corrosion, Flood II
Would I listen to it again: Yes
4
Mar 28 2025
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Younger Than Yesterday
The Byrds
Good solid 60s rock. Love the harmonies.
Favorites: So You Want to Be a Rock'n'Roll Star, Have You Seen Her Face, Thoughts and Words, The Girl With No Name
Would I listen to it again: Yes
4
Mar 31 2025
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
These songs seem to go on forever. Not a good thing.
2
Apr 01 2025
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War
U2
Probably my 3rd favorite U2 album. The Edge's guitar is amazing and the drums really drive the music. Love it.
Favorites: Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Year's Day, Like a Song, Surrender
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Apr 02 2025
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
I can't imagine how incredible it must have been to be in the room when this was recorded. The band swings and Sam Cooke is the ultimate showman. Absolutely amazing!
Favorites: Chain Gang, Cupid, Twistin' the Night Away, Bring It On Home to Me (seriously wow!)
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5
Apr 03 2025
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Rising Above Bedlam
Jah Wobble's Invaders Of The Heart
Background music.
2
Apr 07 2025
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Stone cold classic. Not a bad song in the bunch.
Favorite: Wish You Were Here
Would I listen to it again: Yes
5