Dec 16 2024
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
A classic Rock band. Long songs with long periods of just straight music jamming and no lyrics. Dad music 100%. Wheels of Confusion was eh. Liked Tomorrow’s Dream. Liked Changes. FX is just crazy I felt like I was in a fever dream. Supernaut was a banger. Snowblind is good. Cornucopia is aight. Laguna Sunrise is pleasant and calming, a welcome reprise in the midst of the chaos of the rest of the album. It reminds of me of something that would play in the background of a Legend of Zelda game. St. Vitus Dance is aight. Under the Sun is a good end of album song but just aight on its own.
3
Dec 17 2024
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
Seems kinda emo, I’ve never heard of this person but he’s vibey. Speed Trials and Alameda were okay. Ballad of Big Nothing was pretty good. Between the Bars was a nice soft song. Pictures of Me was good. No Name No. 5 was okay. Rose Parade and Punch and Judy were alright. Angeles and Cupids Trick were fine. 2:45 a.m. is good. Say Yes is fine but a good end of album song. The melody sounds like it wants to end the whole time. Track No. 2 sums up how I feel about this album: Ballad of Big Nothing. Was it a vibe? Sure. Was it my vibe? Not really.
1
Dec 18 2024
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Bryter Layter
Nick Drake
Introduction was beautiful, such a wonderful orchestral number to start the album. Hazey Jane II was a fun beat with Drake’s soft voice being a sweet contrast. At the Chime of a City Clock is a more somber song but the sax hits. One of These Things First is so relatable. Like I, too, want to be an inanimate object. Also this song sounds like it’d be good in a Twilight movie, the vibes are there iykyk. Hazey Jane I is another orchestral banger. But who the heck is Jane? She seems like a love interest but kinda rude to call her slow so many times. Bryter Layer’s another great melodic song with that prominent flute. Fly is wonderful, I love the sound of a cello so that was great. Poor Boy is another more somber song but the piano and percussion gives it a more jazzy feel which is nice. Northern Sky was good. Sunday brings back the flute, some soft guitar, and a mild percussion to end the album with grace. Loved this album, Drake is a true composer - it gets a 5 star rating from me!
Fave song: Introduction
Least fave song: Northern Sky
5
Dec 19 2024
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Parklife
Blur
Wow long album. Every song feels like it should be the background track at the beginning of an early 2000s teen movie. Interesting album cover. Girls & Boys was a fun beat, got a little repetitive at the end but I was jamming to it. Tracy Jacks was good, loved the weird sounds in this song. End of a Century slowed things down a bit but was still enjoyable. Parklife was alright. Bank Holiday felt more metal/rock and was super chaotic and like they were rushing through the song which was interesting but not my vibe. Badhead is relatable like what I feel when I need to wake up and go to work ugh. The Debt Collector is kinda jazzy and chill. Far Out is unsettling and weird but I guess it kinda makes sense like alien vibes. To the End is good, again with the early 2000s teen movie except this time background for prom scene. London Loves brings back some funk, rock, and an oddball beat which I kinda dig. Trouble in the Message Centre is a head banger. Clover Over Dover uses that instrument typically used in Halloween songs so it’s a little creepy but still a good jam. Magic America was okay. Jubilee brought back the rock but overall I thought it was just okay. This is A Low was a nice slower song with the acoustic guitar really setting the tone. Lot 105 is hilarious. It’s giving baseball game from the 50’s, Napoleon Dynamite, and old timey trolling. That’s a great end of album song. Awesome album - 4/5!
Fave song: This is A Low or To the End
Least fave song: Bank Holiday
4
Dec 20 2024
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Juju
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Another longer album with an interesting album cover! Spellbound feels like I’m riding a speeding train - what an interesting song. Into the Light was alright. Arabian Knights was weird and funky but I kinda vibed with it. Halloween wasn’t really my vibe and neither was Monitor. Night Shift was an emo rock song which is not something I listen to typically, and for good reason. #depressedafterhearingit
Sin in my Heart was more of the rock I’m used to and the quiet electric guitar in the background was sick. Head Cut and Voodoo Dolly were weirdddd, not my vibe. Voodoo Dolly was especially unsettling… Felt similarly about Spellbound and Arabian Knights 12” versions as the first songs, though I loved the percussion added to Spellbound in this version a lot. Fireworks was alright. Overall this album had a kooky vibe and it didn’t really hit for me. Thus I dub thee 2/5 stars.
Fave song: Spellbound 12” Version
Least fave song: Voodoo Dolly
2
Dec 23 2024
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Harvest
Neil Young
I rock HEAVY with folk-rock artists like the great Neil Young since that’s what I grew up listening to (thanks, Dad). Neil’s voice is so nostalgic for me so I’m likely biased, but I love his music. I also feel like this is the first album we’ve heard where we don’t have to strain to actually hear the lyrics lol. Out on the Weekend is a great start of album song, it starts slow but sets the tone and the beautiful harmonica moments are just great. Harvest, the title of the album, is slow and wonderful, allowing Neil’s voice to shine. A Man Needs a Maid brings the drama with the orchestra. Heart of Gold has a great acoustic sound with the harmonica and vocals. Are you Ready for the Country? is a great song with the fun piano and uplifting percussion. Old Man slows down again and becomes a sad ode to aging, but the banjo brings soul to the song. There’s a World is such a great song. It really feels like you’re going on a journey as you listen and I find the drama of the song so beautiful… god I never thought I’d ever say this but… I love Alabama! It’s got a great melody with the powerful electric guitar and vocals setting the tone. The Needle and the Damage Done was a beautiful song but the clapping at the end to the immediate cut to Words was strange lol. Words was a great end of album song, with a somber lyrical performance contrasted by the powerful guitar and percussion. Man I’m so biased but I love the album - 5/5!
Fave Song: There’s a World
Least Fave Song: A Man Needs a Maid
5
Dec 24 2024
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Here's Little Richard
Little Richard
I love Little Richard’s voice, it’s so powerful, like he sings with his whole body - heart and soul! The upbeat swing and jazz of his songs are infectious. The only demerit I give this album is about the homogeneity of the songs. Maybe it’s because of the era of music this was created in, but I feel like all 50s music sounds the same - sock-hop swing. It was a lot to listen to but doesn’t fully detract from the album because Richard’s talent is the shining factor.
Overall rating: 3/5
Fave song: Oh Why?
Least fave song: Rip it Up
3
Dec 25 2024
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3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
I love the album cover, and the intro song was funny and charming. I like that the album continues with the scene set in that song, they don’t take themselves too seriously. The Magic Number is a song I’ve heard so many times but never knew the artist, it’s such a good song. De La Soul sounds like the origins of hip hop with a little soul combined and I love the vibes. Every song is something my body wants to move to. The beat in Change In Speak is fire. Can U Keep a Secret is so funny… Danny is a SCRUBBB. Eye Know also has a fire beat it’s something you can’t help but nod your head to.
Fave Song: Eye Know
Least Fave Song: Say No Go
Overall rating: 5/5
5
Dec 26 2024
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
I love a good old Christmas album, they just have that warm cozy feeling that a Christmas album should have. The singers have so much soul and joy in their voices which is so nice. If I’m judging this album on its own, I can’t say it’s the best Christmas album I’ve ever heard nor can I say it’s particularly special. But the songs are classic and the singers and music are good.
Fave Songs: Sleigh Ride, The Bells of St. Mary
Least Fave Song: Frosty the Snowman
Rating: 4/5
4
Dec 27 2024
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
I really like the funky guitar riffs in Disorder - it feels very emo punk-rock. Day of the Lords was a heavy beat but I rocked w it. Candidate and Insight were not the vibe. Liked the beat of Interzone. I Remember Nothing was depressinggg. Overall, this type of music isn’t something I typically listen to and for good reason, it makes me feel sad and alone :(
Fave Song: Interzone
Least Have Song: Candidate
Rating: 2/5
2
Dec 30 2024
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Superfly
Curtis Mayfield
I’ve never heard of the movie Superfly but maybe I’ll give it a watch now! I like the funky soul-inspired vibe of this album. It gives heavy 70s vibes and Mayfield’s voice is soothing. Little Child Runnin’ Wild is a fun way to start off the album. Pusherman is a funky jazz bop with witty lyrics and badass percussion. Eddie You Should Know Better brought out the triangle and the soul, it’s a beautiful slow song. Superfly is such a fun song and it makes you want to dance and bump your head.
Fave Song: Pusherman
Least Fave Song: No Thing on Me (Cocaine Song)
Rating: 5/5
5
Dec 31 2024
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Frank
Amy Winehouse
I LOOOOOVE Ms. Winehouse. Her voice is just so beautiful. Gone too soon. This is not my favorite album of hers, that would be Back to Black (duh), but this one has some bangers too. Stronger Than Me is classic and Fuck Me Pumps is iconic. Mr. Magic is the funky jazz jam sesh I love from her songs and it pairs so well with her voice. She was such a talent.
Overall rating: 5/5
Favorite Song: Fuck Me Pumps
Least Fave Song: Amy Amy Amy
5
Jan 01 2025
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
I’ve never listened to much Bob Dylan so glad to have gotten this chance. Like a Rolling Stone is a slow rock song that’s pretty nice but long! Tombstone Blues brings a little Southern rock into the album which I appreciate. Dylan’s voice is so unique, a bit of gravel and a bit of smoothness.
Fave song: Queen Jane Approximately
Least Fave Song: Highway 61 Revisited
Rating: 4/5
4
Jan 02 2025
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The Stranger
Billy Joel
What a timeless album, nearly every song is a banger. Joel’s vocals are strong when they need to be and soft when they need to be. The music is catchy and wonderful! His songs compel you to listen and feel them, they’re beautiful.
Fave Song: Vienna
Least Fave Song: Get it Right the First Time
Rating: 5/5
5
Jan 03 2025
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Brilliant Corners
Thelonious Monk
Wow only 5 songs to make a 47-minute long album?? They don’t make stuff like this anymore. I love jazz so I might be biased going into this, but the music is wonderful. I love how the whole album just feels like one big jam session.
Fave Song: Pannonica
Least Fave Song: I Surrender, Dear
Rating: 5/5
5
Jan 06 2025
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Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
Beatles
Finally we got a Beatles album! Gotta love the classics. These gentlemen just have a charm in their vocals while the music is full of whimsy and grooviness that you can’t help but love.
Fave Song: Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
Least Fave Song: Within You Without You
Rating:5/5
5
Jan 07 2025
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Bat Out Of Hell
Meat Loaf
I’ve never heard of Meat Loaf but the vibes are fun. The music is pretty great!
Rating: 3/5
3
Jan 10 2025
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Madman Across The Water
Elton John
I’m actually more familiar with Elton John the man than his music haha. I’ve seen so many of his publicity stunts and know a bit about his work for the gay community - I adore him. I know a few of his hits but I’ve never sat and listened to any of his albums so I’m glad to have gotten this experience. Tiny Dancer is a classic, love this song. Elton’s vocal range is so cool and his music is so unique, you can’t help but feel impressed.
Fave Songs: Indian Sunset, Tiny Dancer
Least Fave Song: Razor Face
Rating: 4/5
4
Jan 14 2025
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Oh Boy! Another album from the 50s… I think this era of music has charm certainly, but it’s also extremely repetitive and that’s a bit irritating. I don’t know how my grandparents could stand it lol. The slower songs like It’s Too Late are the only reprieve from the constant sock hop drone of the other songs. It’s just not my favorite genre.
Fave Song: Maybe Baby
Least Fave Song: Not Fade Away
Rating: 2/5
2
Jan 15 2025
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Next
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Hm so I really hate this. The lead vocal’s singing is essentially just screaming constantly which is quite annoying. The music itself is fine, good even, but the vocals and lyrics are so poor that it ruins the album.
Fave Song: …
Least Fave Song: Gang Bang
Rating: 1/5
1
Jan 29 2025
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Kilimanjaro
The Teardrop Explodes
80s music isn’t totally my vibe, but I do appreciate the genre. The vocals sound so classic late 70s/80s and while the music isn’t my favorite, I can respect the melodies throughout.
Fave Song: Poppies
Least Fave Song: When I Dream; Strange House in the Snow
Rating: 4/5
4
Jan 30 2025
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New Forms
Roni Size
Whoa hello early 2000s. The jazzy high-tempo beat is so unique and nostalgic. What a weird time for music, super experimental, but not in a bad way per se.
Fave Song: Brown Paper Bag
Least Fave Song: New Forms
Rating: 3/5
3