Jan 05 2024
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Moon Safari
Air
Retro Durham vibes.
5
Feb 25 2024
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American Idiot
Green Day
Loved this album - had just moved to Guernsey and listened to it on my 30 min walk in/ back from work. Still rocks.
5
Mar 01 2024
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Listened on my CD version - bought the day it was released in the UK! Stills sounds great - esp organ donor.
5
Apr 08 2024
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Imagine
John Lennon
The best Beatle.
5
Apr 14 2024
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High Violet
The National
Love the National - not my favourite National album (prefer "trouble will find me" and "I am Easy to find" but still a very solid 4
4
Apr 15 2024
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Parklife
Blur
I did not have this album first time around. Am over familiar with the singles and they still hold up - but otherwise underwhelmed with the rest of the album - do not think I have missed much.
3
Apr 16 2024
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Couldn't stand Jamiroquai when I was younger thought Jay Kay was such a bell end. Whilst my views and tastes have changed and mellowed over the years - this still makes my ears bleed. Not aware of what Jay Kay is upto currently - but would put money on him still being a dick.
1
Apr 19 2024
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Rubber Soul
Beatles
5
May 04 2024
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The Seldom Seen Kid
Elbow
I am in a minority but I find his vocals so whinny.
2
May 09 2024
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London Calling
The Clash
Awesome album. One of my favourite of all time and have loved for years. So many great tunes - do not think there is a weak one amongst them. If had to choose would go Hateful, Rudie Can't Fail, Guns of Brixton and Train in Vain as favourites...
5
Jun 09 2024
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
Surprisingly still sounding great - a classic from Durham days when i borrowed the album from Tanya and then bought my own copy as liked it so much.
4
Jun 23 2024
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
Perfect music to work to (meant as a big compliment rather than diss).
5
Aug 08 2024
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Let England Shake
PJ Harvey
I have always enjoyed this album - although have never enjoyed it as much as I think i should based on the 5* reviews it received.
4
Aug 10 2024
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Apocalypse Dudes
Turbonegro
hmmmm Bottom hmmmmm
2
Aug 12 2024
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Melodrama
Lorde
Enjoyed it - a couple of bangers - and some interesting soundscapes. Vocally its a little bit effected and lyrically makes me feel old :-(
Not enough cheese.
3
Aug 20 2024
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Teen Dream
Beach House
I bought the follow up album - Bloom - first time around and enjoyed it a lot - even though songs all sounded very similar. Not that surprised therefore that the songs on Teen Dream also sound very similar. Unfortunately in the years that have passed I have kinda moved on and find it all a bit flat and monotone and lacking passion. Its certainly not bad - just all on a level that never really goes places.
3
Aug 24 2024
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
A few cracking tracks - Scar tissue, Californication, Road Trippin & Parallel Universe - and a lot of bang average/ poor fillers inbetween. I definitely lean towards the Frusciante influenced tracks rather than more traditional BSSM slap bass funky tracks... Scraps a 4 due to the strength of the above songs.
4
Sep 06 2024
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
I used to love Marc Bolan - especially given his tragic early death just around the corner from my Gran's house. Summer is heaven in 77 and all that. Works best as a greatest hits as he had some banging singles but quality threshold dips across the albums
4
Sep 25 2024
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Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
Big fan of PSB - this album marks the shift to more grown up adult pop from the Smash Hits tastic bangers of Please and Actually (which are peak PSB for me). Some classics on here like Being Boring and Jealousy but a few that IMHO are a bit meh so its a high 4.
4
Oct 01 2024
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Reggatta De Blanc
The Police
I have always enjoyed the singles - had not listened to the album previously and not sure what to make of it after 3 listens. It sounds like they are having fun - but I think of Sting as being so po faced and serious that it does not quite ring true for me. A disappointing 3.
3
Oct 04 2024
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Graceland
Paul Simon
Still really enjoy this album. Every songs a banger
5
Oct 10 2024
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Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
Have always loved this album esp "you Said Something" .. although weirdly has not acted as gateway to other PJ Harvey records yet.
5
Oct 15 2024
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Revolver
Beatles
Not my favourite Beatles album and have never really understood why people elevate it above others.. still a banger and a 5/5 tho.
5
Oct 18 2024
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Sound of Silver
LCD Soundsystem
All My Friends and Someone Great are clearly bangers and have been a playlist staple for years. I enjoyed the rest of the album - but have always had this feeling that I should be enjoying the album more. I like it but I don't love it like some people do. I'm almost there but not quite there. So its a solid 4.
4
Oct 19 2024
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Chris
Christine and the Queens
I really liked Tilted and their first album. Finding this album rather bland - with not much jumping out at me - especially the tracks in French which just wash overme as I have no idea what the songs are about. Was hoping to enjoy it more.
2
Oct 23 2024
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White Ladder
David Gray
booooooring. Early 2000 vibes but not in a good way.
2
Oct 25 2024
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KIWANUKA
Michael Kiwanuka
Another CD from the collection - but not an album I have listened to recently. He's got lovely smooth vocals - but its all a little bit polished and a bit trying too hard to be retro in places.
3
Oct 26 2024
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Beautiful Freak
Eels
Very strong Uni / Mackie memories of this album. Have not listened in 20 plus years - but surprisingly it still sounds good - with lots of hooks. Just creeps a 4
4
Oct 27 2024
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Back In Black
AC/DC
Banging.
5
Nov 02 2024
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L.A. Woman
The Doors
I used to hate the Doors (cannot remember why). Going in with an open mind and largely meh response. Enjoyed Riders on a storm - but large parts passed me by / annoyed me slightly. Some good bass /grooves but do not really care for Jim Morrisons vocals. A high 2.
2
Nov 04 2024
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Sheer Heart Attack
Queen
Brighton Rock followed by Killer Queen is such a strong opening - but from there it gets a little bit lost and downhill ("Now i'm here" aside) which is such a shame as Brighton Rock is absolute banger and great opener.
3
Nov 05 2024
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Street Signs
Ozomatli
Still have the CD for this. My brother in law really loved them a few years ago. cannot see the fuss now.
3
Nov 06 2024
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Makes you think what greatness he could have achieved had lived long enough to fully develop/ mature as an artist...
5
Nov 09 2024
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I Am a Bird Now
Antony and the Johnsons
Had a very vivid dream once where I was on X-factor but had the singing voice of Anohni - fucking blew Simon Cowell away. Hope There's Someone is great track - rest of album fades a bit. I like Anohni's vocals and really like some of the dance tracks she put out post AJ.
3
Nov 12 2024
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Public Image: First Issue
Public Image Ltd.
I have a very low tolerance for the butter boy sell out that is John Lydon. As a result have not really delved into his PIL back catalogue - I do really like "Rise" despite John Lydon and I had therefore expected to enjoy this album despite my reservations. I am therefore a bit disappointed (but also pleased) to find that I thought the album was bullshit with no real redeeming songs/tunes/hooks.
1
Nov 17 2024
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Paul's Boutique
Beastie Boys
Have not listened to this in ages and had forgotten how good it is. Stand out track is Sounds of Science
5
Nov 19 2024
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Sea Change
Beck
Another album I was able to listen to on CD. My favourite Beck album, Lovely.
5
Nov 20 2024
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Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones
5
Nov 22 2024
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Rio
Duran Duran
Never really thought of myself as a big Duran Duran fan - but really enjoyed this. A bit silly - very 80's and a bit too much slap bass - but some quality tracks - esp Hungry Like a Wolf and The Chauffeur which is absolute banger. Strong 4.
4
Nov 23 2024
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Low-Life
New Order
Have always liked New Order - and they have some absolute classics. Not that familiar with Low-Life but really enjoyed - not quite a 5 but solid 4. Followed up with the extended version of Elegia which really enjoyed.
4
Nov 24 2024
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
For reasons known only to me I was a big early Radiohead fan in the Pablo Honey era then really went off them - even to the point where I was one of the few people at Glastonbury in 97 and 2003 not to see their seminal gigs. "In Rainbows" was the my first step back to reappraising them and realizing that i had been a dick - with "Reckoner" being one of my favourite tunes of all time (for some reason I think its about the Sopranos). Great album.
5
Nov 25 2024
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Love this album - especially the mini opera of a "quick one while he's away".
5
Nov 29 2024
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There's No Place Like America Today
Curtis Mayfield
Went in knowing very little about this album - but really enjoyed it - beautiful yet powerful vocals and a groovy bass. Solid 4 for me - will listen again.
4
Nov 30 2024
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Power In Numbers
Jurassic 5
Very strong 4. Not as good as J5 (which was a defining album of the late 90's for me) but still cracking - so smooth.
4
Dec 01 2024
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Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Tortoise
Was not familiar with Tortoise - but had looked at the Global reviews and was rather looking forward to this. Unfortunately whilst I did like Djed I found the rest very bland and lacking any emotional heft or connection and all a bit vanilla and plodding.
3
Dec 02 2024
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Classic 80's dad rock and I'm in the back of the car being driven to Saturday football and I'm admiring the electric windows and wishing that we had electric windows. For years I hated Dire Straits and all they stood for. I must be old now as I really enjoyed it and going to give it a 5!
5
Dec 03 2024
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They Were Wrong, So We Drowned
Liars
Really wanted to like this - but was a struggle.
1
Dec 05 2024
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Don't Stand Me Down
Dexys Midnight Runners
A mixed bag - really enjoyed parts of the songs but found the "chat" sections annoying and all a bit loose. Wanted to like it more.
3
Dec 07 2024
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The Libertines
The Libertines
I was post indie when they peaked in the early 2000's - so did not catch them first time around. I was team Whitehouse and always thought Pete Doherty was a bell end which repelled me from them for a few years. In latter years I enjoyed Can't Stand me Now as a bit of a guilty pleasure. Rest of the album is pretty piss poor by comparison and feels especially ropey when I have spent most of the day listening to Elvis Costello/ REM.
2
Dec 08 2024
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Armed Forces
Elvis Costello & The Attractions
Forgotten what a banger Oliver's Army is. Couple of other classics on the album also. Not the greatest fan of his vocal delivery - but strength of the songs overcomes this and feeling generous so its a low 5.
5
Dec 10 2024
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Rum Sodomy & The Lash
The Pogues
5
Dec 11 2024
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Movies
Holger Czukay
Had never heard of Holger so was a first for me. Not quite smoking what Tom's smoking but did enjoy it although overall found it a mixed bag - enjoyed parts - although other parts had very strong flight of concords vibe...
3
Dec 12 2024
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Merriweather Post Pavilion
Animal Collective
I've had "My Girls" on various playlists for a few years now and really like the tune. Rest of the album falls a bit short of this - not bad - just lacking a spark that grabs me - I've listened to it 3 times now and nothing else has jumped out at me. A low 3.
3
Dec 16 2024
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
Enjoyable album - although I find the beat a little pedestrian at times. Lacks standout tracks but overall an easy listen.
4
Dec 17 2024
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Fragile
Yes
Patchy ! Liked the solo one with guitar but very mixed bag
2
Dec 18 2024
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Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt
Great voice but way too eighties and not in a good way....
2
Dec 19 2024
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Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
I really enjoyed Generation Terrorists when it came out and was a big Manic's fan even though they were bellends in their early years. As they matured I liked them less and less - a bit too portentous and lacking fun. Quite enjoyed "Everything must go" - but found it a bit flat and washed over me without sparking much joy. Singles are okay - but thats probably as have heard them so much. Was hoping to like the album more and that my younger self would be proved wrong for dismissing them but still found it all a bit meh.. 2/5 is probably harsh - its more a 2.5.
2
Dec 20 2024
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The Last Of The True Believers
Nanci Griffith
Liked this alot -esp the title track. I must be getting old.
4
Dec 21 2024
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
4
Dec 24 2024
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Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
4
Dec 25 2024
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Hotel California
Eagles
I have not really listened to Eagles much. Hotel California is still sounds strong even after repeated exposure. The rest of the album is pretty bland nostalgia tinged American dad rock that did not float my boat.
2
Dec 26 2024
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A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
Various Artists
5
Dec 28 2024
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Parallel Lines
Blondie
Classic - trying to get Aga to move from Abba to Blondie...
5
Dec 30 2024
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Innervisions
Stevie Wonder
Classic - and another opportunity to use the CD player. Nice. Stand out track - Higher Ground. tWangy.
5
Dec 31 2024
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
Enjoyed - smooth vocals. Only problem for me is that cannot really relate to Cowboy songs about horses so kinda washed over me with no emotional hook.
3
Jan 02 2025
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Arc Of A Diver
Steve Winwood
The album title is the best thing about the album. Rest is very bland sub Phil Collins 80's pfaf.
2
Jan 04 2025
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xx
The xx
Classic - still think of it as a recent album and one of the few current artists that I follow - turns out it came out in 2009...
5
Jan 05 2025
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Marquee Moon
Television
Loved it.
5
Jan 06 2025
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Heartbreaker
Ryan Adams
Really liked the follow up album "Gold" - but this rather washed over me - a bit generic and a bit forgettable.
2
Jan 07 2025
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Grace
Jeff Buckley
Strong Durham vibes. Not listened to in years. Did not spark much joy.
3
Jan 08 2025
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Have not really listened to much Pink Floyd as had previously dismissed as wanky toss when i was in my punk phase and never really revisited this opinion. Roll forward 30 years or so and its much more up street and very much enjoyed large parts of the album - unfortunately there are some wanky bits like the sax solo - but still happy to give it a solid 4.
4
Jan 09 2025
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Rip It Up
Orange Juice
The two big singles are bangers. everything else is a little bit 80's bland for my taste so only a 2... not quite a 3
2
Jan 10 2025
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Two Dancers
Wild Beasts
Not listened to Wild Beasts before. Another mixed bag. A bit like Foals in places a bit meh in places. Not particularly bad - but doubt will come back to it...
2
Jan 11 2025
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Songs For Swingin' Lovers!
Frank Sinatra
Franks a bit too overplayed and ubiquitous for me - guess I’m used to the classic canon and this felt mostly sub par by comparison.
3
Jan 12 2025
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Dookie
Green Day
Was familiar with the singles - but had not listened to the album previously. I really like the later album: American Idiot and had high hopes as have a soft spot for punk pop. Unfortunately I found it rather disappointing - all the songs seemed to blur into each other at the same tempo/level with a lack poppy hooks apart from the singles. Maybe it was too early in the day but I found the whole thing rather tiring... :-(
2
Jan 13 2025
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Band On The Run
Paul McCartney and Wings
Macca has always been my least favourite Beatle and I have always found his lyrics borderline twee and naff (and do have a similar view on his personality). So I approached this with a fairly negative mindset - so was genuinely surprised to discover that I rather enjoyed it - very catchy tunes - esp Mrs Vandebilt. Still a bit on the light and fluffy side with no moments that truly moved me - but very listenable and enjoyable.
4
Jan 14 2025
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Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones
Fab.. they don't make like they used to...
5
Jan 15 2025
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Good Old Boys
Randy Newman
Like listening to Toy Story.... not my bag.
2
Jan 16 2025
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Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
One listen was enough and that was a struggle. Not my bag baby. Enjoyed reading everyone else's comments.
2
Jan 17 2025
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Tres Hombres
ZZ Top
Disappointing - was not familiar with early ZZTop so was hoping for something young/ rocky with energy. But found it rather dirgy with tedious geetar solos and no real stand out tracks. Had spent the morning listening to Beggars Banquet and this album was very poor by comparison. Would give it 2.5 if I could.
2
Jan 18 2025
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
I enjoyed this album a lot first time around - but given he is such a massive bellend now I will not be listening this time round.
1
Jan 20 2025
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Vulnicura
Björk
Its a grower. Will definitely listen again. Its probably a 3.5 - but was feeling generous so rounded up. Favourite track is Black Lake.
4
Jan 21 2025
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On The Beach
Neil Young
Really enjoyable listen. Surprisingly jaunty and poppy. Very much enjoying "walk on".
4
Jan 22 2025
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Signing Off
UB40
Had pretty low expectations - and on initial listen I thought the songs all sounded the same and it was as a little bit lightweight. On repeated listens it has grown on me and it works really well as background music to work to with a decent groove and not too in your face. Lyrically its pretty interesting when you do tune into the vocals. Its a 3.5 but feeling generous so will round to 4.
4
Jan 23 2025
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Sail Away
Randy Newman
Still cannot escape the Toy Story connection - preferred it to the Good Old Boys - and would make this a solid 3.
3
Jan 24 2025
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Harvest
Neil Young
47 years of living without listening to a Neil Young album and now two in a week! Enjoyed it - much preferred the rockier numbers - not fully sold on his vocals and there are a couple of bum tracks ("Theres a World" & "A Man needs a maid") which feel out of place with a Disney strings backing track.
4
Jan 25 2025
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Ellington at Newport
Duke Ellington
Enjoyable - great skill on display and has an energy and vibe but not my cup of tea .
3
Jan 26 2025
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Felt Mountain
Goldfrapp
Wanted to like more as I thought I liked Goldfrapp based on singles/ radio play over the years. Found this quite irritating on both listens and do not feel like giving it a third listen. Disappointing - a high 2 but not quite a 3.
2
Jan 27 2025
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Born To Be With You
Dion
Its very MOR - I'm guessing my mom would be a big fan. Had to google him and was very surprised to see he was the singer of one of my favourite American 60's tunes : "Runaround Sue". Sadly this album does not get close to replicate the perfection of that tune. Feeling mean today so its a 2.
2
Jan 28 2025
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
I was looking forward to this as I own a Tom Petty Greatest Hits that I enjoyed but had not ever delved deeper into an album. Was unfortunately a little disappointed. "American Girl" is a classic and stands head& shoulders above the rest of the album - which is a little bit vanilla by comparison with no real stand out tracks after 4 listens. A solid 3.5.
3
Jan 29 2025
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
Not familiar with Devendra prior to this. Rather enjoyed it - a solid 3.
3
Jan 30 2025
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Music for the Masses
Depeche Mode
Strong 4. Some quality tunes - strong 80's vibes (sometimes to the detriment of the songs) - a couple of bum tracks (Pimpf?) mean its not a 5.
4
Jan 31 2025
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Great album title and a great album. Enjoyed a lot. Was not really aware of their pre 80's stuff apart from "pyscho killer" and for some reason I thought they were Australian... Not a dud track on album - its's a very high 4 as want to hold back my 5's for the absolute classics.
4
Feb 01 2025
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
A strong 3 - some good tunes - sadly Smoke on the Waters impact is much diminished due to over familiarity. Would not rush back - but nothing made my ears bleed.
3
Feb 04 2025
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Achtung Baby
U2
I was a big fan of this album when first released and I really remember being desperate to see the live tour with the flying trabents. Listening to it again now it feels like the dictionary definition of bland. It just washes over me with the exception of "One" which I still have a soft spot for.
2
Feb 05 2025
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Medúlla
Björk
Another Bjork album I had not heard previously and another one I really enjoyed overall. A couple of real stand out tracks ("Who is it" in particular). Real drama and epicness (?) to the album - unfortunately a couple of bum tunes ("Ancestors") where the crazy gets dialled to 11 means its not a 5. Strong 4. Will return.
4
Feb 06 2025
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Guitar Town
Steve Earle
Initial thought was not more good ole boy American country rock - which really is not flavour of the month currently. However after 3 listens its really growing on me - with a couple of really good tunes (esp Someday, Fearless Heart) and I am suddenly realizing were the Saw Doctors (a formative band for me!) got a lot of their inspiration from. The sun is shining and I'm feeling generous so going to give it a low 4.
4
Feb 07 2025
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Relentless. Imagine would be awesome live. Bit too intense to work to .... could only manage 1 listen through as energy levels too high.
3
Feb 08 2025
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Maybe because its raining today but just not feeling it. A couple of stand outs (stir it up in particular) but it generally passed me by. A high 3.
3
Feb 09 2025
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The Dark Side Of The Moon
Pink Floyd
I'm getting old as I really enjoyed that in all its pomp.
5
Feb 10 2025
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The New Tango
Astor Piazzolla
I tried. The musicianship may be A+ but it just washed over me as background muzac without making any impact. Not terrible just not for me.
2
Feb 11 2025
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Illmatic
Nas
Was aware of Nas but had not listened to this album previously. Really enjoyed it - great beats - strong smooth lyrically delivery and no gimmicks. Strong 4.
4
Feb 12 2025
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Maxinquaye
Tricky
Another CD from the collection! Big up the Bristol. Awesome album with not a weak song - standout for me is "Suffocated Love".
5
Feb 13 2025
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Dig Me Out
Sleater-Kinney
A new discovery for me - which surprises me as back in 97 this would have been right up my street so am surprised it passed me by. Really enjoyed the discovery - will defn listen again. Strong 4.
4
Feb 14 2025
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Cee-Lo Green... Is The Soul Machine
Cee Lo Green
I tried really hard - but really struggled with this one. Main beef being the whiny pitch of the vocals was really effin irritating not matter how catchy or groovy the songs maybe. A struggle. Low 2.
2
Feb 15 2025
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
4
Feb 17 2025
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
A lot of nostalgia for Madness as their greatest hits was one of the first albums I bought. Listening again after all this years was a bit of a struggle to be honest. Suggs vocals are pretty irritating and whilst they do have some catchy tunes (like our house) - it all feels a bit moronic and music for people who don't really like music. A very low 3
3
Feb 18 2025
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Like A Prayer
Madonna
Cracking singles - including the title track which is my favourite Madonna song by a long margin. A few dodgy album tracks but the singles are stellar.
4
Feb 19 2025
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Bookends
Simon & Garfunkel
A real mixed bag - Mrs Robinson remains one of my favorite songs ever - but other songs like Fakin it are very underwhelming.
3
Feb 20 2025
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Being There
Wilco
A double album.... unfortunately only managed a couple of listens through (and it probably needs a few more). Enjoyed it - but nothing really jumped out and grabbed me but equally nothing repelled me. So I guess that makes it a solid 3. If it was not so long and I had more time to listen a few more times it may have crept up to a 4 as enjoyed the sound.
3
Feb 21 2025
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I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
Sinead O'Connor
Its hard to listen to this album without feeling sad about how her life panned out (same feeling as listening to Whitney Houston's I wanna dance with somebody). She has a fantastically powerful and emotional voice and I really enjoyed it. Stand out track - Blackboys on Mopeds. Was going high 4 - but think it just edges into 5.
5
Feb 22 2025
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Countdown To Ecstasy
Steely Dan
Never listened to Steely Dan before and hopefully never win again. Low 2.
2
Feb 24 2025
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The Wildest!
Louis Prima
Sounds great as one song on a mix tape or a soundtrack - a whole album is a little bit too much. I really like the vocals and the vibe is fun but not sure I would readily come back for a whole album...
3
Feb 25 2025
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Clube Da Esquina
Milton Nascimento
A new discovery for me and quite a diverse soundscape of different latin sounds. Unfortunately did not have the time today to listen to the album enough times (and it is a double album) to give it full chance to grow on me. There are a couple of songs I really enjoyed like San Vicente which had beautiful vocals and reminded me a little of Vampire Weekend or Cravo E Canela (bit of Julio down by the shore) - had the whole album been in a similar vein and it would have been pushing a 5 and I would be scoring Brazilian hipster kudus. But unfortunately given aforementioned musical diversity meant that my attention waivered and some tracks just passed me by. A low 4 as would like to return to it.
4
Feb 26 2025
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A Grand Don't Come For Free
The Streets
I had not realized this was a concept album even though had played it on reasonably heavy rotation when it came out. Back in 2004 was living in London and perhaps it all felt more relevant and contemporary - roll forward 20 years and living in the country it all feels a little dated/ basic with the vocal delivery a little bit grating with its fake cockerny. Still really like Blinded by the Lights - but would not return to much else. A low 3.
3
Feb 27 2025
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Boston
Boston
14 year old me would have loved this album. Slightly older me did enjoy this slice of classic soft rock. A fair few bangers and not many fillers. Leaning towards a 4 which is more than I expected.
4
Feb 28 2025
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Tellin’ Stories
The Charlatans
I used to love the Charlatans - my favourite album being the "The Charlatans" which preceded Tellin' Stories. I recall at the time being a bit underwhelmed with Tellin' Stories as the follow up and have to say that remains the case today. The singles remain catchy slices of late 90's brit pop - but the album as a whole is a bit bland and generic - with not enough organ or differentiation from all the other sub oasis bands of the era.
3
Mar 01 2025
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Reign In Blood
Slayer
Not as bad as I expected. Lyrically very silly. Not for me.
So far have only given 1's to records that really annoy me or where I have strong feelings about the artists. This album has not elicited this response so I guess that makes it a low 2.
2
Mar 02 2025
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All Directions
The Temptations
I guess the clue is in the title - its called All directions and musically it goes all over the place. Papa was a rollin stone is a cinematic classic next to which everything else pales. I think just scrapes a 4 as the funky tunes out weigh the schmaltz.
4
Mar 03 2025
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The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill
Another album I used to listen to a lot previously (but have not picked up in years). At the time is was very zeitgeisty and I guess I just went with the flow. Listening today and its all very meh. Not terrible but not anything I am going to rush back to listen again - none of the tracks sparked the joy of rediscovery. Spotify was fucking around which has made be grumpy so unfortunately its a 2.
2
Mar 04 2025
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Superfuzz Bigmuff
Mudhoney
Just focused on the original EP track listing and did enjoy - albeit I was not really in the time/ place to fully enjoy it. Appreciate the importance/ influence of the band and what followed it - but today its only registering a 3 on me.
3
Mar 05 2025
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Tusk
Fleetwood Mac
Another double album.....
Had not listened to Tusk before - so there is a lot to get through in one day. First listen was a little meh and underwhelmed as did not think there were that many stand out tracks. After another couple of listens and it is really growing on me - although with 21 tracks there is not really enough hours in one day to do it justice. I'm sure it well could be a 5 - but I'm not there yet so giving it a 4 and will definitely return.
4
Mar 06 2025
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L'Eau Rouge
The Young Gods
Swiss industrial metal/rock is not my thing. Not without merit or terrible but will never listen again. So a low 2.
2
Mar 07 2025
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Heartattack And Vine
Tom Waits
My first whole Tom Waits album - and its more accessible than I was expecting. Main impediments for me 1) I do not like his vocals 2) I don't really listen to lyrics (!) so his lyrical talents are wasted on me... and 3) I don't really care for plodding blues rock.... Notwithstanding the above I still enjoyed it. Doubt I will rush back - but its a solid 3.
3
Mar 08 2025
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Strong title, strong cover and strong opener and I'm thinking its a definite 5. Sadly it flags a little esp on By the time I get to Phoenix, but still a groovy & funky 4.
4
Mar 09 2025
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For Your Pleasure
Roxy Music
It's another grower. First listen I was a low 3 - after three rotations I'm a mid 4. Not sure it will get to 5 but on each listen I am enjoying it more.
4
Mar 10 2025
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Murmur
R.E.M.
Had not listened to REM debut previously - and found it more fun that had been expecting. I do like a lot of REM songs but had to admit that do find a lot of them fairly middling. Was therefore surprised by the energy of this record - would like to listen again - so sneaks a low 4.
4
Mar 11 2025
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Shleep
Robert Wyatt
The problem with this undertaking is that having a new album everyday does not really give you the time/ headspace to appreciate more challenging albums - that may give greater joy on repeated listens. My first impression of this was very poor - pondering whether it was a 1 or a 2. On my second listen its getting a bit better. Was excited to see a song named after my birthday. Unfortunately its a bit of a wet fart so will not be adding to future playlists or wowing the kids with it. Not sure I can face a third run through so will stick at 2 and go back to listening to Tusk (to which I 1000% should have scored a 5....rather than 4. If only there was an edit function)
2
Mar 12 2025
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Strangeways, Here We Come
The Smiths
I find it hard to disassociate Morrissey from the Smiths given how distinctive and prevalent his vocals are. Unfortunately given Morrissey is bell end with right wing leanings it somewhat undercuts my enjoyment of the Smiths. Favourite track: Girlfriend in Coma.
3
Mar 13 2025
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Such strong 80's memories listening to this at scout camp with the big boys thinking it was height of rebellion. The singles are classic and still sound great.
4
Mar 14 2025
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Further evidence that I'm getting old - but I really enjoyed this. Was expecting it to be very 80's but not in good way - but was pleasantly surprised.
4
Mar 15 2025
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Black Metal
Venom
A slog - that I did not finish. Sounds like a demo tape. Surprisingly for metal the vocals are very clear and so unfortunately can hear all the nonsense that they are singing / shouting aback.
1
Mar 16 2025
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Its growing on me - very 80's. Extra point for living locally.
4
Mar 17 2025
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Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Absolute classic. 10 Bangers. Love PSB.
5
Mar 18 2025
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Classic.
5
Mar 19 2025
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Not my favourite Radiohead album. Perhaps with more time I would like it more.
4
Mar 21 2025
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Wild Gift
X
A new discovery for me - started well with Ramones like punk vibes - then got a bit rockabilly and a bit new wavy... enjoyed it. Was going to go for a 3 - but I think it sneaks a low 4.
4
Mar 22 2025
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Ogden's Nut Gone Flake
Small Faces
I have never really got this album. On the A-side there are some strong tracks - particularly Afterglow - but then it all gets a bit silly. I really like the organ led rocky bits but find Steve Marriots vocals annoying and the whole concept album a bit tiring.
3
Mar 23 2025
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Savane
Ali Farka Touré
Listened to it a few times over the weekend - hoping it would grow on me - and whilst I enjoyed it did not breakthrough and faded into pleasant background music.
3
Mar 24 2025
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Trans Europe Express
Kraftwerk
I do enjoy at bit of Kraftwerk. Generally prefer the non vocal tracks as the vocals are a little tired and cliched now. Strong 4 but not a 5 as do not feel any of the tracks really connect with me.
4
Mar 25 2025
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My Generation
The Who
I love the Who - and whilst they would defn go to make better albums there are a few classics on here - my generation / kids are alright. Not a 5 but a strong 4.
4
Mar 26 2025
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GREY Area
Little Simz
I actually had pretty low expectations of this - but was pleasantly surprised at 1) the groovyness of the tracks; 2) her lyrical flow and 3) the brevity of the album. It's not really my bag and I'm not the target audience but it just creeps a 4 for me. Favorite tracks Offence and Venom. Not one to listen in the car with the kids.
4
Mar 27 2025
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Berlin
Lou Reed
Another effin concept album. Love the Velvet Underground - and best song by far is the reworking of Stephanie Says - but the rest is a bit of a mixed bag.
3
Mar 28 2025
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Elastica
Elastica
Meh. Singles are okay - rest is very average. Never really got the hype.
2