Dec 13 2024
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That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
Shining Star is an absolute banger...helluva way to open an album.
Wish there was more funk and less ballads. This is a 3.49 ⭐️, so it rounds down to 3.
3
Dec 16 2024
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Disintegration
The Cure
72 minutes is an audacious run time for this genre. They could have chopped off 3 songs and made it 60 minutes.
A lot of it sounds the same. I dig a lot of the bass. Love Song is a classic and Pictures of You was good.
If the previous EWF album was a 3, this can't be a 3. Giving it a 2. Maybe setting the bar high too soon, but we got a long way to go.
2
Dec 17 2024
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
I love a lot of this album.
"Thinkin Bout You" is a flawless song. Vocals/lyrics/instrumentation are incredible.
"Pyramids" - I could listen to this ten minute r&b/pop/dance suite(?) ten times in a row and not get tired of it.
"Lost" - fun little catchy beat on this one
Andre 3000 and Earl Sweatshirt both drop a verse
A few too many weak points (Forrest Gump, Monks, Pilot Jones, Sierra Leone) to be five stars....but this does have great replay-ability.
4
Dec 18 2024
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
Very solid album as a whole, but a bit surprised that 4 of the 9 tracks are covers.
I love the takes on "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" and "Summer Breeze", but prefer the original "Listen to the Music"
I don't think I know the "Sunshine (Go Away Today)" original - Wikipedia says it's a country/folk song so no way the original gets down as hard as this jam
That lead guitar on "Summer Breeze" is killer
Really enjoyed it...gonna give it a 4.5 since almost half of it is covers.
4
Dec 19 2024
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Live And Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
A lot of good rock here...that 8-minute "Still In Love With You" might be my favorite.
"Cowboy Song" into "The Boys Are Back in Town" was a fantastic transition.
Drums at the end of "Sha La La" were a highlight for me.
Fun fact if you didn't catch the introductions: "Baby Drives Me Crazy" has Huey Lewis on the harmonica.
All of it sounds good....a little too good. Started skimming the Wikipedia page and it appears that A LOT of it was overdubbed in the studio. Sounds like there are conflicting reports on how much was live vs. studio-boosted, but I gotta give it 3 based off of that.
3
Dec 20 2024
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New York Dolls
New York Dolls
I love the 70's glam sound, but nothing totally grabbed me. I liked "Personality Crisis" and "Trash" the most.
Was wondering if it influenced Bowie, but of course Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane came out before this one.
3
Dec 23 2024
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
I can confidently say I've never heard this album....and maybe even never heard of Solomon Burke
Not really finding a bad track here...I especially enjoy the ones with the female backing vocals.
Surprise Surprise: Jerry Wexler produced this album
I like this a lot. The 60's soul/r&b sound is totally in my wheelhouse, but I think I'm going to call this a 4.5 star album. I would definitely spin this again outside of this project, but nothing is telling me "I HAVE to hear it again."
4
Dec 24 2024
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Parklife
Blur
Didn't care much for this. I know they are pretty big across the pond but I'd rather listen to Oasis...or Gorillaz.
Tracks that stood out to me: "Clover Over Dover", "Badhead", "London Loves"
Wouldn't actively seek out listening to this full album again.
2
Dec 25 2024
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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
5 stars off of "Down by the River" and "Cowgirl in the Sand" by themselves. Throw in the title track and "Cinnamon Girl" and we're in business.
7 tracks, 40 minutes in and out, no filler....classic album
5
Dec 26 2024
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
The best thing that this album has going for it, besides Phil Spector, is that the songs aren't religious. Never been a huge on Christmas music, but greatly prefer these types of songs over the praise baby Jesus songs.
Kind of wish it was all Darlene Love and The Ronettes...."Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" is probably the best non-traditional Christmas song ever.
Since it's Christmas tunes, it can't be a four....but it's definitely not a two. I liked quite a few renditions of the songs.
3
Dec 27 2024
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Definitely Maybe
Oasis
Never dug much into Oasis, outside of the radio songs and the song from the Snatch Soundtrack, but I really liked this one.
"Live Forever" still slaps.
Other favorites: "Slide Away", "Supersonic", "Cigarettes & Alcohol"
I don't know if it's because it's more electric, more melodic, or just more consistent, but I prefer this to Parklife. These reviews should probably be in a vacuum, but since the 1,001 albums gods decided to bless up with both 1994 Britpop classics this week, I feel the need to draw the comparison.
This album makes me want to dig into more Oasis....and watch Snatch again.
4
Dec 30 2024
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Diamond Life
Sade
This is nothing I'd every seek out personally. "Smooth Operator" is the only song I really knew by Sade, which I could really take or leave, so was wondering if it would all be like that.
I liked it a lot more than I expected I would...It ended up being a pretty decent listen for a cloudy Friday morning.
Glad to hear a few upbeat tracks: "Hang On to Your Love", "When Am I Going to Make a Living", "Cherry Pie" have some fun grooves.
3.49 stars.
3
Dec 31 2024
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Stankonia
OutKast
5
Jan 01 2025
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
4
Jan 02 2025
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Eagles
Eagles
I'll never forgive The Big Lebowski for making me think I shouldn't like this band. I have grown to appreciate their country rock and their harmonies are solid fucking gold. "Train Leaves Here" is a perfect example of those harmonies in action.
Love the banjo on "Earlybird" but were the sound effects really necessary?
Too many weak points to be five stars - "Chug All Night" does nothing for me. "Witchy Woman" really doesn't fit in.
4
Jan 03 2025
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The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan
So many classics here....my favorites would be "Don't Think Twice It's Alright", "Girl from the North Country", "Masters of War."
I've never been critical of his singing because the lyrics and overall vibe of his music overpower them....I just don't really care for the songs where he talk-sings.
Every song on the track list on Wikipedia has a blue link, so I guess they are all pretty important.
I really enjoyed this listen, but wouldn't take it upon myself to spin the whole thing again a week, or even a month from now. 4.5 stars.
4
Jan 06 2025
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A Night At The Opera
Queen
Quite an eclectic, entertaining mix here.
I actually really liked the songs where Freddie Mercury wasn't singing: "39" and "I'm in Love With My Car", specifically.
"Bohemian Rhapsody" is still a banger, and would be without Wayne's World.
When it was over, I was ready to hit play again.
5
Jan 07 2025
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My Generation
The Who
Pleasantly surprised with this one. Nice mix of pop/blues/rock/garage.
The only time I was really bored was "My Generation" since I've heard it so much.
"The Ox" was a helluva way to end the album.
4.5 stars.
4
Jan 08 2025
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Music For The Jilted Generation
The Prodigy
Great music for spreadsheet navigation. I liked the second half more than the first....not sure if the second half is better, or if the coffee had just kicked in by then.
"No Good (Start the Dance)" is such a banger.
"Poison" was one of the songs I really liked but that "Yeaaaaaah!" kept making me think of Howard Dean.
They really used EVERY inch of the 80-minute compact disc capacity....so much so, that it really does get monotonous after a while. I liked most of this more than the radio songs I remember: "Firestarter" and "Breathe."
The length and repetitiveness though, make me not really want to spin this any time in the future. 2.5 stars, rounding up.
3
Jan 09 2025
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
Call me a dolt if you must, but I just don't really get it.
2
Jan 10 2025
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Headquarters
The Monkees
How did this get on the list? No "Last Train to Clarksville"...no "I'm a Believer."
Boring and bland album. It reminds me of all the worst Beatles songs. The only time it really picks up is the final track....why not throw that in somewhere in the middle?
2
Jan 13 2025
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
As they're not all classic rock radio staples, I don't really know many of these. Still an entertaining listen. I like the folkiness in some/mos(?) of the songs, specifically "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp."
"Since I've Been Loving You" is probably the top track....it's gonna be hard for me to rate any Led Zep less than four.
4
Jan 14 2025
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Whenever I hear Radiohead, I think to myself "Self, you should listen to more Radiohead." In Rainbows is the only album I REALLY know, and that one is incredible.
These are good tunes. When it was over, I could have spun it again. I probably could have listened to it all day, but no tracks really grabbed me.
Didn't really get the allegory of the US election or whatever, but maybe I could unpack that on more listens.
4
Jan 15 2025
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I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight
Richard Thompson
Love the mandolin on the opening track.
Title track and "End of the Rainbow" are probably my favorite tracks.
Some of the songs are a little TOO folky....like you would hear them in the Shire or some shit. 2.5 stars, rounding up.
3
Jan 16 2025
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Fishscale
Ghostface Killah
Starting this album with "Shakey Dog" and "Kilo" is diabolical. The lyrics are incredible and the beats are outrageous. Throw in "The Champ" as the third song, and it's off and running.
Unfortunately, these three set the tone for the album and it can't really keep the pace or recover. I lost interest pretty quickly.
I hate hate hate the early aughts pattern of rappers throwing in unfunny skits in between songs...just give me the music.
As much as I love Ghostface - probably in my top 2 or 3 of Wu-Tang, I'm a little unimpressed with this album as a whole. If the tracklist was moved around and the skits were dropped, it'd be a 4.....as it stands, 3.5 rounding down.
Footnote: "Kilo" might have one of the greatest samples ever: https://youtu.be/XMOp7YXYqvc?si=9AYPQfdINDPYaO5W
3
Jan 17 2025
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Trio
Dolly Parton
Decent songs...great harmonies.
3
Jan 20 2025
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If You Can Believe Your Eyes & Ears
The Mamas & The Papas
Catchy tunes...fantastic harmonies. Great folk rock.
4
Jan 21 2025
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Pet Sounds
The Beach Boys
5
Jan 22 2025
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Idlewild
Everything But The Girl
This album felt like being on hold with the cable company for 45 minutes...I really don't want to experience either situation ever again.
1
Jan 23 2025
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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie
'Five Years' is an incredible song to start the album and set the tone of the story/theme.
'Moonage Daydream' absolutely shreds.
'Starman', 'Ziggy Stardust' still hold up.
'Hang On To Yourself' and 'Suffragette City' are bops.
Classic album.
5
Jan 24 2025
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Raw Like Sushi
Neneh Cherry
Track one and two gave me high expectations for this album. I feel like 'Buffalo Stance' was in heavy rotation on the radio when I was a wee one. That hook bangs, for sure. The rapping on track two is actually decent for someone from Europe in the 80's.
...then the album quickly goes downhill. The rapping and subject matter are REALLY 80's. Typical late 80's/early 90's new jack swing...nothing too memorable, in my opinion.
(Only listened to the 10 tracks from the original vinyl release)
2
Jan 27 2025
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Cheap Thrills
Big Brother & The Holding Company
Pretty killer blues/psychedelic rock.
I'm never a big fan of people covering 'Summertime', but Goddamn this rendition shreds.
4
Jan 28 2025
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
Call me Judas if you must, but I prefer this to The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan.
4.6 stars...rounding down.
4
Jan 29 2025
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
This whole album is fire....'Pusherman', 'Freddie's Dead', and 'Superfly' makes it 5 stars by itself.
I noticed 'Think' is used in the beat for 'Nobody's Perfect' by Missy Elliot and J. Cole. Always fun to track one of those down in the wild.
5
Jan 30 2025
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Cut
The Slits
Not a fan of the vocals...not a fan of the instrumentation.
The only good thing was the provocative album cover, and I could only see a 1" by 1" version of it on Spotify.
Seems like anything classified as post-punk just means "Yea, the music IS shit....but they paved the way for all these other bands."
Would prefer to never hear this again.
1
Jan 31 2025
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Virgin Suicides
Air
Decent enough for spreadsheet navigation - luckily I was already awake so I wasn't too bored with it.
Nothing I would ever really seek out...or listen to again. And that last track was straight up bizarre.
2
Feb 03 2025
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash rules. This album is a great album. I like the banter in between songs. It actually gives you the feel of being there.
It's strange to me that they would include both takes of "San Quentin", even making them track one and two of Side B. "Folsom Prison Blues" unfortunately cuts off....did the warden shut the concert down?
I'm surprised this was the final release. Looking at the reissue and legacy edition, it seems like they had a lot more material they could include.
This is pretty minor nitpicking, but something about this just won't let me give it 5.
4
Feb 04 2025
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Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Hell yes. This is the kind of funky groovy jazz I can vibe with.
'Watermelon Man' is such a cool song.
Unfortunately another album that suffers by the track order. 'Vein Melter' is such a letdown to close out the album after the first 3 tracks. Looking at the track times, it looks like it could ONLY be track 3 or 4. Would have loved it to be the first track - damn outdated technology.
4
Feb 05 2025
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
White guy blues done right.
Double LP is a lofty aspiration...but I don't see enough to chop off to make it a single LP.
Favorite tracks are covers: "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" and "Little Wing"
"Layla" still rips after hearing it time after time after time on classic rock radio.
4
Feb 06 2025
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Super Fly it ain't. This was, dare I say, a bit boring.
'Jesus' and 'Blue Monday People' just don't do it for me.
I need more funk in my life....we all need more funk in our lives.
2
Feb 07 2025
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Doggystyle
Snoop Dogg
I can't believe
■ this album came out 32 years ago
■ how vulgar/raunchy it is
■ that I was bumping this nonstop in 5th grade
■ that I still know the vast majority of the lyrics
Classic rap album for sure. Being 32 years old, it still holds up. The beats don't sound outdated (G Funk is timeless) and the lyrics, although misogynistic here and there, seem like they'd fit in today's rap game.
🎶 everybody's got to hear the shit, on WBALLZ WBALLZ WBALLZ 🎶
5
Feb 10 2025
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
A classic for sure. Side A is perfect. 'War Pigs', 'Paranoid', AND 'Iron Man'?!?! What else needs to be said?
Black Sabbath must have blown people's minds in the 70's.
5
Feb 11 2025
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Hybrid Theory
Linkin Park
This was the peak of rap rock (nu-metal?). Sounds dated, but still kind of holds up.
4
Feb 12 2025
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evermore
Taylor Swift
I....actually...really...liked this one.
Maybe because Aaron Dessner is all over this album as writer/producer. Vibes of The National all over this thing. Throw in Jack Antonoff and Justin Vernon and baby, you got a stew going.
'No Body No Crime' doesn't fit in at all....sounds like a 'Before He Cheat's knockoff and ruins the flow of the album....Otherwise, quite a pleasant surprise.
4
Feb 13 2025
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
The album title AND cover gave me false hopes. Thought we were in store for something weird.
Decent shoegaze/dream pop....nice enough background music for spreadsheet navigation, but nothing I'd really seek out or play again.
2
Feb 14 2025
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
What a voice. I skimmed through her wikipedia while listening and got pretty bummed out. Gone too soon!
4
Feb 17 2025
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Achtung Baby
U2
U2 is a solid "meh" from me every time I hear them. I think "meh" translates to 2.5.
Rounding down because the only song I really like is 'One.' That shit still holds up.
2
Feb 18 2025
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Revolver
Beatles
5 stars. What really needs to be said?
I always thought Sgt. Pepper's was my favorite Beatles album, but every time I spin this one, it gets better and better.
Everything is great but 'Love You To' and 'Tomorrow Never Knows' would probably be the top tracks for me.
5
Feb 19 2025
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Slipknot
Slipknot
I called 'Hybrid Theory' the peak of nu-metal the other day, but this album shows me that I was mistaken.
A debut album so good, I have no recollection of their follow-up album. Sophomore slump was a given.
Great headphones album - so much going on - loud and aggressive, but still melodic and pleasing. When it was over, I was ready to play it again. Not always a given for me on the heavier stuff.
5
Feb 20 2025
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
Surprisingly heavy and listenable. Didn't know much beyond 'Smoke on the Water' going in.
'Highway Star' is a helluva opener......made me want to hop in my car and start doing burnouts.
4
Feb 21 2025
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L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
Some of it is giving Tom Waits meets Nine Inch Nails on holiday in Paris.
The orchestral industrial idea is interesting, but that's about as far as it goes for me. Wouldn't seek out- wouldn't want to replay.
2
Feb 24 2025
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Violator
Depeche Mode
This album has 'Personal Jesus', 'Enjoy the Silence', AND 'Policy of Truth'??? Holy buckets.
Love the synths, love the drums....a few of the slower songs seem to be building but never hit a big payoff.....maybe I'm just spoiled because I listened to some LCD Soundsystem the other day.
Solid 4.5...would definitely throw this in the rotation.
4
Feb 25 2025
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Is it blasphemy to say a Duke Ellington release is middle of the road?
Nothing special to me....but at least it's melodic and has a little pep. 2.5, rounding up.
3
Feb 26 2025
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S&M
Metallica
113 minutes....I listened to this straight through. May have benefited from a set break, but who knows?
It all just really feels unnecessary. The orchestra is doing their thing, but I don't see it adding a whole lot of value.
People ARE singing along on the call and response thing, so I'm guessing this wasn't a totally hoity toity affair. But how many Metallica heads HAD to have this?
2
Feb 27 2025
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
'Heroin', 'Waiting for the Man', 'Sunday Morning', 'There She Goes Again' - absolute jams.
Never have and really don't understand the appeal of Nico though, 😕
5 stars if Nico isn't there......but then it wouldn't be "The Velvet Underground & Nico." Quite the conundrum - luckily she only leads 3 songs. This is for sure a classic, though.
4
Feb 28 2025
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Pornography
The Cure
2.5....rounding down because it seemed more depressing than Disintegration
2
Mar 03 2025
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
A bit more pep than Ellington at Newport....if these are comparable, I'm not even sure. Just not really my style of music.
Helluva an album cover though!
3
Mar 04 2025
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Songs Of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen
I really liked this. The sparse arrangements really give his voice that much more impact.
A lot of the lyrics seem a bit cryptic - I'd like to spin it again and listen more intently.....but didn't have the desire to replay immediately. 4.5 stars.
4
Mar 05 2025
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Cupid & Psyche 85
Scritti Politti
This shit is so goddamn 80's. Transports me into the drive-in restaurant scene of Footloose immediately.
It all sounds the same....doesn't feel like any emotion - just going through a formulaic process. Wouldn't seek out, wouldn't listen again.
Also what the hell is a Scritti Politti?
1
Mar 06 2025
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Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Let's be honest: the rapping isn't great. Not really flowing - more talking (yelling?).
But the beats are 🔥🔥🔥 and this is hella influential.
4
Mar 07 2025
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Hard Again
Muddy Waters
What is there to say about Muddy Waters that hasn't been said already? The version of 'Mannish Boy' rocks and the rest of the album follows suit. Great listen.
5
Mar 10 2025
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Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
"When you're in a band you don't get with your bandmate's girlfriend - past or present....you get a love triangle ya know? Fleetwood Mac situation....Well there was four of them, so more of a love square....mind you, they did make some of their best music back then."
"Rumours"
"No, that's all true."
I'm not sure I've ever actually listened to this full album. Full of bangers....always impressive when every song on a Wikipedia track listing has its own article.
No skips...five stars...was ready to spin it again as soon as it ended.
5
Mar 11 2025
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Tommy
The Who
The first rock opera? The story is kind of out there but the songs tell the story well.....and the songs are good. I enjoyed this one and would gladly spin it again.
4
Mar 12 2025
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Another example of an album cover giving very different expectations than the music.
Decent music, not bad for an early morning coffee....groovy enough but almost too "smooth jazzy" for me. The bass player is a beast though. Gimme more of him!
3
Mar 13 2025
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The Rising
Bruce Springsteen
Seems like a middling Boss album that is only lauded because of 9/11?
Tracks 3 and 4: 'Waiting on a Sunny Day' and 'Nothing Man' gave me some hope that there might be some classic throwback sound here....but the rest is just meh.
2.5 stars - rounding down because I don't think it had to be 72 minutes.
2
Mar 14 2025
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Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Bill Callahan
Country version of Leonard Cohen? This is boring as shit. Can't believe it came out in 2009. Sounds 20 or 30 years older.
1
Mar 17 2025
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Great listen. Helluva one-two punch with the first two tracks.
Classic album, but I felt like I didn't need to play it again any time in the near future. 4.5, rounding down.
4
Mar 18 2025
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Marquee Moon
Television
post-punk? early new wave? post-glam?
not sure what it is but i like a lot of it
4
Mar 19 2025
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Spiderland
Slint
The music is cool but the talking thing is kind of weird.
3.5....If I listened more intently there's probably some poetic shit in there, and it might round up to 4, but rounding down for now.
3
Mar 20 2025
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Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I don't really get it. Wikipedia calls it punk blues, which I should like....but it's just not hitting.
2.5 - rounding down because I really have no desire to run this one back.
2
Mar 21 2025
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If I Should Fall From Grace With God
The Pogues
Need more Celtic Punk in my life....it's like folk meets rock meets bluegrass meets drinking.
4.5 stars.
4
Mar 24 2025
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
A lot of classics on here.....the clapping on 'Bye Bye Love' is obnoxious.
4.5 stars.
4
Mar 25 2025
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Garbage
Garbage
Better than I thought it would be, but the only real standouts to me are the radio hits. 3.5, rounding down.
3
Mar 26 2025
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Classics for sure - but I like the louder stuff like the 'Hard Again' album a lot more.
Definitely legendary but not a lot of replay value for me: 4.5 stars
4
Mar 27 2025
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What's That Noise?
Coldcut
Can't believe a computer programmer and ex-art teacher from England made some shit like this in the 80's. The beats and samples are so good. The rapping sounds dated, but what do you expect from 1989.
This is a great hidden gem - 4.5 stars
4
Mar 28 2025
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
I like my beer cold, my TV loud, and my post-rock SPRAWLING.
Kind of a snooze fest, if I'm being honest.
I saw these dudes live once - I think it was kind of a big deal. The show was decent...better than this album.
2
Mar 31 2025
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
What needs to be said about this one? Still holds up. Beats/samples are still amazing/groundbreaking. Classic singles and non-singles. I'll be playing this again and again for years.
5
Apr 01 2025
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The World is a Ghetto
War
Lowrider, it ain't....and that's totally fine with me. Love these extended jams, especially 'City, Country, City.' 4.5 stars.
4
Apr 02 2025
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New Forms
Roni Size
Maybe I'm just spoiled by Daft Punk or LCD Soundsystem-type stuff...or maybe I just don't know enough about Drum and Bass, but why does it feel like it never goes anywhere?
'Brown Paper Bag' didn't have to be nine minutes....I got the gist of it in the first three. Repeat this logic for the other tracks and you don't have a 100-minute slog.
I'm writing this review whilst listening to track eight. If the next 14 tracks knock my socks off, I'll gladly contact admin so I can edit my review.
1.5 stars...rounding down because it's ever so long.
1
Apr 03 2025
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
I liked this one more than I thought I would. Wikipedia has it listed as post-punk before gothic rock, but I'm getting more gothic rock here. Reminds me of those albums we did by The Cure - just a bit more listenable.
3
Apr 04 2025
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Born To Be With You
Dion
I don't know why this is on the list....really meh to me.
1.5 for the Phil Spector production, but rounding down because I was just bored.
1
Apr 07 2025
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
It's not bad....just a little repetitive over the length of an album. Radio songs still hold up though.
"I got the 6, gimme your 9" would be a great bumper sticker.
3.5, rounding down.
3
Apr 08 2025
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Green Onions
Booker T. & The MG's
Classic sound, classic tunes. Songs are short enough that they don't get boring.
Could've listened to this thing on repeat all day.
5
Apr 09 2025
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Rings Around The World
Super Furry Animals
There's some cool stuff in here. I liked some of it, but some of it was a bit too out there or a bit too plain.
A little too disjointed for 4 stars - but not a terrible listen.
3
Apr 10 2025
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Abbey Road
Beatles
Nothing more to say than "classic."
Favorite song: 'I Want You (She's So Heavy)'
Side B is perfect.
5
Apr 11 2025
View Album
Tubular Bells
Mike Oldfield
This album is fucking rad. Seeing the cover, I was afraid it was gonna be some British techno shit that I'd have to slog through for 79 minutes. This 47 minutes went by way too fast.
Holy buckets...this dude recorded this at age 19 and played: grand piano, glockenspiel, Farfisa organ, bass guitar, electric guitar (including "speed guitar", "fuzz guitar", "mandolin-like guitar" and "guitars sounding like bagpipes"), taped motor drive amplifier organ chord, assorted percussion, acoustic guitar, flageolet, honky tonk piano, Lowrey organ, tubular bells, concert tympani, Hammond organ, Spanish guitar, vocals ("Piltdown Man" and "Moribund chorus")
Quite impressive.
5
Apr 14 2025
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Sounds a little dated and a little cheesy, but shit it's rock 'n roll from the 50s.
3.5 stars...rounding up for the history/influence.
4
Apr 15 2025
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We Are Family
Sister Sledge
It is what it is....disco with a few classic hits. Not really my cup of tea, but Nile Rodgers is THAT DUDE.
2
Apr 16 2025
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
These dudes fucking rock. I don't know how I've never heard of them. That 'Summertime Blues' is heavy AF. Love this psychedelic/metal combination.
5
Apr 17 2025
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Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
Hard to believe this is the same band that made Only By the Night and Come Around Sundown and whatever the hell else they're on these days.
Love the rough garage sound and most of it...but nothing super memorable besides 'Molly's Chambers.' 3.5 rounding down.
3
Apr 18 2025
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
I liked the upbeat stuff more than the slower stuff. Some of it reminded me of Flight of the Conchords though. Being my introduction to Pet Shop Boys, not a terrible listen. 3.5 stars.
3
Apr 21 2025
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Come Away With Me
Norah Jones
Why does this album feel so long? I didn't notice what time I started this album, so when every song ended, I was like "ok, it's finally over"
She has a great voice and I get the vibe.....just a bit of a snoozer to me.
2.5 stars - rounding down because I listened on a warm, sunny Friday. If it was a rainy Wednesday, I'd probably round up.
2
Apr 22 2025
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
A classic for sure - gotta love 'Scenes From an Italian Restaurant', 'Movin' Out', and 'Only The Good Die Young.'
Great album, just not a lot of replay-ability in my eyes. 4.5 stars.
4
Apr 23 2025
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Crazysexycool
TLC
This album bugged me
16 tracks - 5 of which (31%) are interludes....what the shit?
Why is Puff Daddy all over this thing? it's a LaFace record
A bland/uninspired Prince cover into a toilet humor skit? gimme a fucking break.
Busta Rhymes talking for 3 minutes? what is happening?
At least Phife Dawg and Andre 3000 made decent appearances
Honestly, the Andre 3000 verse, the radio hits for nostalgia's sake, and maybe that 'Mr. Big Stuff' sample on 'Switch' are the only things worth a listen.....hated it.
1
Apr 24 2025
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Time (The Revelator)
Gillian Welch
Country version of Norah Jones? A bit of a snoozer for a sunny Thursday afternoon but I really enjoy the instrumentation.
3
Apr 25 2025
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Mothership Connection
Parliament
This shit jams....but it just needs a little something more - a little more zing.
Side A is pretty tame, but Side B is incredible. How can you not get down to "Give Up The Funk"?
If Side A was a little more funky this would be a 5 for sure....alas, I can only give it 4.5.
4
Apr 28 2025
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Buena Vista Social Club
Buena Vista Social Club
I mean, it's alright....not really my jam and I have no clue what they're singing about. Instrumentation DOES seem on point though.
But I would rather listen to this than Roni Size, The Slits, or Scritti Politti. And for those reasons, I give this a 2.
2
Apr 29 2025
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
4
Apr 30 2025
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Homework
Daft Punk
I remember hearing "Da Funk" for the first time on our local "alternative" station and my mind was blown. You can make electronic music like that?! The only electronic I remember hearing on the radio before that was probably Underworld or The Prodigy.....or Chicago freestyle on our R&B (i.e. urban) station.
I love how all of the tracks slowly build towards something. Sure some of it can sound repetitive, but as they add layers it makes the tracks incredible. 'Around the World' is 8 minutes long, with 3 lyrics, and never gets boring because SO MUCH is going on.
These dudes are the masters and it's unbelievable that this is their first album. I could listen to this shit all day. If you dig this, check out their "Alive 2007" album - a live set they recorded with mash-ups, blends, and other easter eggs.
5
May 01 2025
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16 Lovers Lane
The Go-Betweens
This is the definition of "middle of the road" for me. 2.5 stars. Rounding up since I wouldn't totally mind spinning it again.
3
May 02 2025
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Harvest
Neil Young
It's pretty good. 'Heart of Gold' and 'Old Man' are timeless bangers. Just didn't seem that cohesive. The inclusion of the symphony on a couple of tracks seemed unnecessary.
I think we got spoiled with 'Everybody Know This is Nowhere" first. Had higher expectations for this one.
4
May 05 2025
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Fun listen...a lot of groovy songs. Feel like ELO is slightly underrated because they weren't totally prevelant on the classic rock stations growing up.
4.5 stars, only because I didn't totally want to hit play again when it was over.
4
May 06 2025
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Guero
Beck
My type of Beck album: not too weird, not too slow, eclectic mix of genres.
4
May 07 2025
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The Trinity Session
Cowboy Junkies
Nice music for a gloomy day. Her voice is killer and the instrumentation is spot on. Love the 'Sweet Jane' and 'Blue Moon' covers.
4
May 08 2025
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Drunk
Thundercat
What a pleasant surprise to see this on the list. So re-playable, so eclectic, so much fun. The bass is extraordinary but the other instruments are no slouch.
'Them Changes', 'Lava Lamp', 'Friend Zone', 'Uh Uh' are my favorites, but love pretty much all of this.
If you enjoyed this at all, hop on YouTube and look for Thundercat's NPR Tiny Desk Concert. It's a fun listen/watch.
5
May 09 2025
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
This shit rocks.....Love the 'garage punk' sound.
Trying to think why I never got into these dudes - probably listening to a lot more rap in the early aughts - and The Strokes were my go-to 'garage rock revival' guys. Will probably check out more of The Hives now. Thanks generator! 4.5 stars
4
May 12 2025
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Makes me want to go hang out on the beach with a pina colada, but I'm stuck in the midwest. At least the sun was out today to give some atmosphere.
3
May 13 2025
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
3.5....rounding down because didn't' feel like it had a whole lot of replay-ability.
3
May 14 2025
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Melody A.M.
Röyksopp
Good music to chill out to....or navigate spreadsheets to. I guess 'downtempo' is a musical genre I like and need to explore more.
4
May 15 2025
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
The only Muse I really knew was 'Knights of Cydonia' from my Guitar Hero days. This album was better than I expected. Chalk up another interesting Wikipedia music genre "Space Rock."
4
May 16 2025
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Kenya
Machito
This was a fun listen.
That bongo player is getting after it!
4
May 19 2025
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
32 years later and this all still holds up. The radio songs are still worth a listen, and so is the rest.
5
May 20 2025
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Not a bad listen...not nearly as good as Violator though. Only really remember "Strangelove" from the radio or MTV.
3.5 stars...rounding down because of that song with the weird breathing.
3
May 21 2025
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Under Construction
Missy Elliott
I liked the rap songs. "Work It" and "Gossip Folks" still hold up for sure. Didn't care much for the slower R&B stuff or the talking intros/outros.
3.5 rounding down.
3
May 22 2025
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The Notorious Byrd Brothers
The Byrds
Psychedelic folk? This is a cool listen. That last track is pretty out there, especially for 1968.
4
May 23 2025
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Being There
Wilco
Fantastic album, just slightly bloated. 4.5 stars because I didn't totally want to hit play again right after it wrapped.
4
May 26 2025
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
3
May 27 2025
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Dire Straits
Dire Straits
Always forget these dudes are British...more bluesy than I expected, but in a good way. 'Sultans of Swing' is an all-timer - didn't realize it came off their first album.
4
May 28 2025
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Tonight's The Night
Neil Young
This list really loves Neil Young....and rightly so.
4
May 29 2025
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British Steel
Judas Priest
The radio hits are still good....but I greatly prefer the faster stuff on this album.
Not a fan of "United." What is this arena rock sing-a-long bullshit?
4
May 30 2025
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Not great...but not bad. Truly middle of the road for me.
2.5 rounding up because I would listen again.
3
Jun 02 2025
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
Modern classic - easily a top 5 rap/hip-hop album on my list.
You hear "hip-hop concept album" and your eyes might roll immediately...mine would too. But this tells such a great story with solid lyrics and beats, that you can experience the environment and feelings of a young adult's life in areas like this.
Everything (less the Drake feature 🙃) still holds up. When it was over I was ready to rewind it like the VHS tape and play it again. Will never forgive the RIAA for giving the grammy to Macklemore over this!
5
Jun 03 2025
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On The Beach
Neil Young
An album called "On the Beach" with no tracks akin to "Who Let The Dogs Out?", "The Thong Song", or "Kokomo."
An album called "On the Beach" where 38% of the song titles have the word "Blues" in them.....and are really not that bluesy.
An album called "On the Beach" by a folk rock legend from Canada...
Is still a great album. No weak points at all, nothing really stood out, but I'd still spin this again and again. Starting to think all Neil Young albums are 4+ stars.
4
Jun 04 2025
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Duck Rock
Malcolm McLaren
Interesting mix of (approachable) world music and hip hop. Caught a couple-two-tree modern day rap samples in there. I like the idea of it sounding like a radio show, with callers and everything. Seems like a revolutionary idea for a 1983 LP. 3.5 stars
3
Jun 05 2025
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Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
It's fine. It's no Daft Punk...but it's no Roni Size.
Middle of the road electronic music for me.
3
Jun 06 2025
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Murmur
R.E.M.
3.5 stars.
Not bad - can definitely see this as "alternative" when you look at the landscape of 1983's music.
3
Jun 09 2025
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Tea for the Tillerman
Cat Stevens
3.5 stars....extra star is because "Wild World" is here. Rounding down.
3
Jun 10 2025
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Smash
The Offspring
Man, this thing still holds up surprisingly well. Radio hits are still good IMO, and most of it is pretty damn listenable.
Wikipedia lists it as punk, but I'd call it crossover punk. 4.5 stars on this one. Makes me want to dig back through The Offspring's catalogue.
4
Jun 11 2025
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Didn't know Jamiroquai was acid jazz....or whatever this is.
2.5 stars - rounding down because it doesn't have "Virtual Insanity".
2
Jun 12 2025
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
"Sweet Emotion" is STILL such a banger...without that and the (RUN DMC-less) "Walk This Way" it's a two.
3
Jun 13 2025
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
Really didn't know any of these songs, really didn't know The Beach Boys ever got this political. I still liked it and would spin it again.
4
Jun 16 2025
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Helluva debut and a classic for sure...just feel like it doesn't have the replay-ability of their following albums. Still 4.5 stars.
4
Jun 17 2025
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Hot Rats
Frank Zappa
When I saw Zappa I was afraid we were in for some avant garde bullshit that I wouldn't get....but this album rips.
Psychedelic bluesy jazz fusion is everything I didn't know I needed. 4.5 stars.
4
Jun 18 2025
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
Middle of the road for me - 2.5 stars, rounding up because I wouldn't mind hearing it again.
3