Dec 19 2024
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Ten
Pearl Jam
Great album that I’m already very familiar with. I’ve always thought that Pearl Jam actually has some pretty dark themes but it doesn’t come off as overly depressing because the songs rock and a lot of them are relatively upbeat. But if you actually listen to the lyrics there is some heavy stuff here.
4
Dec 20 2024
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Funeral
Arcade Fire
It’s ok. I listened to this album once probably 15 years ago and wasn’t really a fan. Since then, and with another listen, there are definitely tracks that I like, and overall my opinion has moved more into the “not bad” category. I’m not a huge fan of the indie genre, so honestly a lot of it sounds the same to me and I really don’t see what all the fuss is about with this album. I know people love it, and it’s very critically acclaimed. Maybe with some more exposure to the genre I’ll be able to appreciate it more.
3
Dec 23 2024
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Kind Of Blue
Miles Davis
So I know that I really like Jazz. However, I’m still at the point where it all kind of sounds the same to me (blasphemy, I know). But I know this album is objectively great and genre defining for its time. Not to mention the all-star cast including Bill Evans, John Coltrane, and Cannonball Adderly. I just need to continue my journey to discover more jazz that I like, and get a more trained ear to pick up on subtle differences between artists.
4
Dec 24 2024
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Blonde On Blonde
Bob Dylan
What can I say about this album that hasn’t already been said. It’s a masterpiece. I own it and have listened to it many times. But each time I get a new appreciation for it. 10/10 album, perfection.
5
Dec 25 2024
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Blackstar
David Bowie
Not my cup of tea. It gives off some pretty heavy Radiohead vibes, but honestly, if that’s what I’m in the mood for I’ll just go listen to Radiohead. And if I want to listen David Bowie, it’s not going to be this. It’s not bad per se, there just isn’t anything here that would ever make me come back to it.
2
Dec 27 2024
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
I can definitely see why people would like this, and even though I like a few tracks (the first track is actually quite beautiful), an entire album of it is too much for me. I got a very spiritual vibe from it, but not in any kind of interesting or endearing way, and the style is kind of plodding after awhile. However, just because it isn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean it isn’t good, but my rating will reflect my personal opinion.
2
Dec 30 2024
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
This is my first real exposure to Elvis Costello and it’s one of those things where you say to yourself “why hasn’t anybody told me about this guy?!” This album is amazing. He’s like a mix between Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Buddy Holly. Quality songwriting, different styles and grooves, varied themes, all around amazing stuff, I love it.
5
Dec 31 2024
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Garbage
Garbage
This was one of those albums that I was always interested in as a teenager, but never bought it, because, well… broke teenager. And it’s probably better I didn’t, because I don’t know that I would have liked this when it came out in 1995. 30 years later, I love this. There is a lot of anger here, but a lot of other emotions as well that 12 year old me wouldn’t have been nearly in tune with or known how to process. Musically, it’s like the perfect blend of rock/grunge and electronic. It’s done really well with tons of catchy riffs but also driving beats and bass. Big fan of this.
5
Jan 01 2025
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
I like this album, although not as much as his later release “Voodoo”. It’s the same fusion of jazzy vibes with R&B grooves but “Voodoo” just takes it to another level. That being said, this is a very good effort. Typical D’Angelo… very sensual, and explores the gamut of lover’s emotions from shock and betrayal, to one night stands, to being deeply in love.
3
Jan 03 2025
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen
The Good, The Bad & The Queen
Despite being a supergroup with a pretty all-star lineup, this project is definitely not what I was expecting. I don’t really know what I was expecting… but it wasn’t this. I know this album was praised, and maybe I just don’t “get it” but I don’t think it’s for me. There just isn’t anything on here that makes me want to come back. Maybe I need to give it another chance. But for now, “meh” at best.
2
Jan 06 2025
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
This is an album that I’ve always been interested in but never gave it a deep dive. I’ve always liked the popular tracks, but now that I’ve listened to the whole thing I can see why it is so highly regarded. Dire Straits has a sound that is all their own, of course led primarily by Mark Knophler’s signature guitar twang. Not every track is a standout favorite for me, but generally I really like it and it’s a solid listen.
4
Jan 07 2025
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The Chronic
Dr. Dre
I’ve been on the Chronic for decades. It’s a classic that defined a genre and pioneered the G-Funk sound. One of the best albums of all time.
5
Jan 08 2025
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What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
This is a classic album that spans generations. Even 50+ years ago people were already asking “what’s the matter with the world today?”. Marvin explores a myriad of complex social topics such as poverty, inner city struggles, faith, returning from war, addiction, and concern for future generations. 10/10 album that cannot be overhyped… it’s that good.
5
Jan 09 2025
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
This album is mostly cover versions of other songs (there are a few originals) but in any event, you can’t go wrong with Otis Redding. His soulful spin is as pleasant as always, and I really need to dive more into his original material. I always obviously knew that like “Dock of the Bay” but I want discover everything else that is out there from him.
4
Jan 10 2025
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If I Could Only Remember My Name
David Crosby
I’d always seen this around, like on Discogs, but never gave it much thought. I always liked CSN/CSNY but just figured, “oh it’s probably ok but I’m sure I can easily slip it”. And was I wrong. This album is great, and much more than I was expecting. The last few tracks are a little weird, but over all the musicianship, lyrics, etc… here are top notch.
4