Jan 15 2025
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At Budokan
Cheap Trick
I like Cheap Trick, I love rock and under some circumstances live recordings. But this isn't a good live recording. Some classic tracks on the album, some of which are their most recognisable, but overall I wasn't impressed with this album. The sound was off, some of the songs are too long and boring. Was glad it ended, the shrill of the recording was too much.
1
Jan 16 2025
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S&M
Metallica
I'm a huge fan of MetallicA so I was pleased to get this. It's not my favourite of theirs, the orchestra for me doesn't always light up their songs it just seems a little over thought. It works well for Nothing Else Matters and for some others, just not every one of them. It's a spectacular listen nonetheless. The live recording really is special - the guitars are heavy, James is singing well, the crowd really join in at the moments they need to. Love it, wish I could have been there.
5
Jan 17 2025
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Never heard of this band before, I feel they're just a copy of various other mainstream bands from the same genre/era. It was pretty standard, nothing to write home about. Not sure I'll listen to them again, and I don't think they would make it to any of my playlists. Enjoyed listening whilst coding some automation requirements, so deserves a 3 for that.
3
Jan 20 2025
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Electric
The Cult
I liked it. Some have said "generic rock", while I don't entirely disagree I think it has enough to separate it from the others. The Cult have enough of a different sound to stand out, after all they defined that sound with "She Sells Sanctuary". Giving it a four because I'd listen to it again.
4
Jan 21 2025
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Led Zeppelin IV
Led Zeppelin
Unmistakable, undeniable! One of the best albums in the world, ever. Simple as that. Any less than 5 stars for this masterpiece is a sacrilege of the utmost.
5
Jan 22 2025
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I Against I
Bad Brains
Hardcore, metal, punk, reggae. A very interesting concoction. I enjoyed their rock and metal riffs mixed with funky bass lines and that powerful snare. Not overly keen on the vocals all of the time, but I could pick out many different influences and styles that mingled quite nicely. Some tracks you could hear RATM, sometimes elements of Dog Eat Dog and even at times some Faith No More. Is it weird that I could hear some INXS in there (I think I’m going crazy). Can’t say I liked every song, but they were all energetic. Quite liked “She’s Calling You”. Wasn’t what I was expecting. For me a low 4, but a 4 nonetheless. Might venture into some of their other stuff.
4
Jan 23 2025
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Bad Company
Bad Company
Classic rock, classic sound for the 70s. A few good songs, but nothing truly memorable. Feel like it needs more grit. Listened a couple of times, left it on in the background for a while. Vocals are mid, doesn’t make you wanna come back for more. Steady 3.
3
Jan 24 2025
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Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
A landmark for 80s metal. Nothing would be the same without it! The early sound of IM shine through in this. Metal albums, IMO, aren’t worth much without a good instrumental track (or two). This album delivers what it’s supposed to. “Strange World” is exemplary, and "Phantom of the Opera" is undeniably magnificent. I prefer the vocals of Bruce Dickinson, but Di’Anno does it well. This should be part of any Metal enthusiasts diet.
5
Jan 27 2025
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-knees, I love it. I won’t lie and tell you I was a huge fan of GnR back in my teenage years, I was more into Nirvana and MetallicA. But this is a top album. Sometimes Axl’s voice grinds me and the dead awful dancing in their videos is cringe worthy, but you can’t take that away from this ground breaking record. Slash paved the way for many guitarists and remains to be one of the must influential pros out there. His blues prowess gives their tracks some really oomph, his solos are not to be sniffed at. The sound and energy is ace. With so many top hits in one album and all songs being enjoyable you really can’t give this less than a 5, whether you’re a fan or not. Come on!
5
Jan 28 2025
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John Barleycorn Must Die
Traffic
Groovy 70s Rock. Not really into it much, but I liked a few tracks and they were usually less jazzy. Sometimes the flute was a little psychadelic which I wasn’t keen on. Generally speaking it’s decent, but not particularly for me.
2
Jan 29 2025
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
This is a classic album at their peak of funk rock. Expert musicianship all round. Not my favourite of theirs, but career defining. Their top track is there in all its glory. It still sounds fresh and relevant.
4
Jan 30 2025
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Mott
Mott The Hoople
It’s okay, just about listenable. Nothing great. If it weren’t for All The Young Dudes, would they be known at all? Perhaps I’m just ignorant here.
2
Jan 31 2025
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Queens of the Stone Age
Queens of the Stone Age
I like QotSA, but this album seemed a little repetitive. I really like the overall sound, but the repetition is not for me. Sometimes it's bearable, other times just not at all! I think other albums are better.
3
Feb 03 2025
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Pictures At An Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
I liked “The Sage”, the rest was just psychedelic nonsense and improvised keys. “Nutrocker” was complete junk!! Not for me at all.
1
Feb 04 2025
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The Number Of The Beast
Iron Maiden
The best Iron Maiden album there is. It's pivotal to their shining and extensive career. Bruce's voice is so powerful and iconic. The sound is still relevant and never gets old. Run To The Hills, The Number of The Beast, Hallowed Be Thy Name, Children of The Damned... Love them just as much as I did when I was a teen. A 5 star album without any doubt.
5
Feb 05 2025
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
This was the album I needed, I had no idea! I know their top hits “Hard To Handle” and “She Talks to Angels”, but I’ve never paid them much attention. What a mistake that was, this is an amazing blues rock record and I’m glad to have discovered it. So many great tracks, didn’t skip any - starting on a high and ended on one. I WILL listen to more of their discography.
5
Feb 06 2025
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Tarkus
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Certainly an experience, not great prog rock IMO (are some songs even considered prog rock?). Couldn’t really get into it. Maybe with the right mood, maybe when I’m older? I don’t know. Right just not for me, sorry.
2
Feb 07 2025
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School's Out
Alice Cooper
Not listened to Alice Cooper particularly much. I admit I’m not much into his biggest track “Schools Out”, but bike so many other reviews I found it surprising to hear such varied styles. Was expecting typical glam rock, prog rock stuff and was pleasantly surprised with some bluesy, jazzy styles in there. His voice on some of the songs was mellow. Very nice indeed.
4
Feb 10 2025
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
Aside from “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” it was mostly forgettable, but listenable. Didn’t really gain anything out of it. Toss away record.
2
Feb 11 2025
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Live At Leeds
The Who
Not a huge fan of The Who and this is way before any of the songs I actually know and like. I’ve only really listened to their big hits and Quadrophenia. As far as live records go this isn’t particularly bad, but I still don’t really like it. They did a good job of “Fortune Teller”, otherwise I don’t see why a live record needs to be on here.
3
Feb 12 2025
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Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction
Musically most of the tracks are good, but I don’t find it enjoyable listening to Perry Farrell. His voice grinds me.
3
Feb 13 2025
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Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin
Own it, love it, always have, always will! Released in my mid teens as I was making my way through the end of school and finding my way into college, right about when I started learning guitar and was infatuated with video games. “Girl From Mars”, “Oh Yeah”, “Angel Interceptor” and “Kung Fu” are some of favourites. All were perfect for my teenage angst, lust and confusion. Solid 5 for this one.
5
Feb 14 2025
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Are You Experienced
Jimi Hendrix
Not everyone loves Jimi, but I do, and this was the first album I heard. I’m always awed by his magic fingers and that unmistakable tone, after all tone is in the fingers. The blues, the rock, the riffs, all great. The influence he still has to this day makes not only this album, but his collective work that much more impressive. This unforgettable experience can’t be mistaken for anything less than a 5.
5
Feb 17 2025
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
Not their best album, but still a solid rock record. The poor reviews here are based on ignorance and poor judgement. Rick Allen didn’t lose his arm until December 1984, more than a year later than this was released. Coincidentally coming back stronger in 1987 with Hysteria. This album has been on lists of greatest heavy metal albums. It was a breakthrough for not only the band but for Metal. It’s enjoyable and easy going Metal, with energy and power. I go with a 4 because it’s not their best album for me.
4
Feb 18 2025
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My Generation
The Who
I said it on the last review of a The Who album, I'm not a fan of The Who. The last one was a live recording, that was a big no. This is better, although the link sent me to the mono version so I switched it to the stereo version (which wasn't massively better). I liked "I Don't Mind, "Please, Please, Please" and "I'm A Man", but that's probably because of the blues element. "My Generation" is a classic and has been covered by many bands. It's a good debut, some classic sounds and some of the songs appealed to me. Not overly bothered by it though, not significant enough.
3
Feb 19 2025
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Aqualung
Jethro Tull
A good classic hard rock album. The title track “Aqualung” appears in many of my playlists, always liked that song. Can’t say I loved all the tracks, but it’s musically ear opening. Bad reviews and poor ratings for some ignorant reasons. Definite 4.
4
Feb 20 2025
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
The birth of Heavy Metal. One of the most iconic, influential albums. Masterpiece! Nothing more to add, ignorance is the only route to less than 5 stars.
5
Feb 21 2025
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Back In Black
AC/DC
I'm not much of a fan of AC/DC, I don't really know why. I like their overall sound and will occasionally rock out with my amp on full playing "Hells Bells" and "Back In Black". Perhaps it's Brian Johnson's voice, it doesn't really appeal to me. Guitar riffs and solos are decent, but I just can't get past those vocals. Perhaps it's because it's the same feel/tempo all the way through. Sorry, middle of the road for me.
3
Feb 24 2025
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Eliminator
ZZ Top
I got this right after listening to ACDC and I put it in the same category. I’m not a fan of ZZ Top, I don’t think I can be. There are a couple of really cool songs, some of them actual classics, but the rest is just bloat. Mediocre at best, I’d rather listen to a “greatest hits” or just a few of their tracks.
3
Feb 25 2025
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Ace of Spades
Motörhead
Classic. I have to give this a 5, I owe so much to this album. One of the greatest metal albums. Punk rock and biker rock. Their sound is undeniable and they inspired future generations.
5
Feb 26 2025
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Peace Sells...But Who's Buying
Megadeth
Sorry, but I’m in the MetallicA camp. This is a good album, I like it, but as some others said it’s kinda hard to differentiate between each song. It sounds a little blended. I think some of their later albums are better. I’m not a fan of Dave’s vocals either, but no-one can fault his riffs and technical ability. It always makes me wonder what MetallicA would have been if he remained a member, especially if it was Kirk AND Dave. But I love Kirk, so… It must have been hard having to live with the events of April 11th 1983 and I can understand why he’s so bitter about it. It must have sucked having to be in their shadow all the time, but I think he did remarkably well with Megadeth. I’m not saying MetallicA are better than Megadeth or vice-versa, they’re both great in their own right. It’s great to have them both. I just happen to prefer MetallicA.
4
Feb 27 2025
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Nothing's Shocking
Jane's Addiction
I think went middle of the road for the last album of theirs I reviewed. Some good drums and guitar work, musically it’s pretty decent. Sadly, the vocals start getting a little hard to put up with. I realise they were pretty important for the alternative rock scene, but (although I like it generally speaking), it didn’t wow me.
3
Feb 28 2025
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No Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (Live)
Motörhead
It was just a few days ago that I got Ace Of Spades. Great selection of songs from their vast array of bangers and they sound great live, but I just don’t do live albums. I didn’t listen to it all. Quality isn’t great, I would just rather listen to a collection or playlist of the studio recordings. I can’t give a 5 for that reason, but I can’t go lower than 4 ‘cos it’s Motorhead.
4
Mar 03 2025
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Dust
Screaming Trees
I have two concurrent “projects” on this site and have already heard this album. I gave it a 4, and I uphold that rating. I didn’t review it however. It’s a good grunge album, vocals aren’t bad, musically decent. Some good tracks I can listen to again. Enjoyed it for the second time.
4
Mar 04 2025
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2112
Rush
Never really bothered with Rush before, so this was interesting. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t blow me away. Not sure I like the vocals too much. It’s definitely a classic prog rock album that deserves some credit. It’s more than a 3, but maybe not quite as high as a 4 for me.
4
Mar 05 2025
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(Pronounced 'Leh-'Nérd 'Skin-'Nérd)
Lynyrd Skynyrd
“Tuesday’s Gone”, “Free Bird”, “Gimme Three Steps” and “Simple Man”. 4 pure classic tracks. Loved “Mr Banker”. No brainer… 5!
5
Mar 06 2025
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Another live album? Why?! I disliked it before I played it. I liked it even less after playing it. Samey, psychedelic space rock junk all wrapped up in poor quality live recording. 2 because I disliked it, 1 because on top of that it’s live.
1
Mar 07 2025
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Aside from a couple of tracks including “Walk This Way”, it’s rather generic and mostly forgettable. Not their best album at all. Midway house for me.
3
Mar 10 2025
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Vulgar Display Of Power
Pantera
I like Pantera, I’ve listened to a few of their tracks and have some of them in my playlists. Not really listened to much else, so this was relatively new. I liked it. It was powerful, heavy and angry. 4 stars for me, enjoyable enough.
4
Mar 11 2025
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Follow The Leader
Korn
Shocked to see so many 1s. I listened to this album a lot throughout my mid teens. I still like it now. I prefer Limp Bizkit, but they're a great band that jilted a generation.
4
Mar 12 2025
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Scum
Napalm Death
Not much to say really. I don’t mind listening to stuff like this, just has to be the right time and place. It was neither of those for me when I listened. It’s not bad though.
3
Mar 13 2025
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
Not everyone's cup of opium, but it's certainly mine. Saw them live back in 1999, weird as fuck but great musicians. I realise he's "cancelled" and mostly hated, but "it's just rock and roll and guitars".
5
Mar 14 2025
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Slayed?
Slade
I just don’t like Slade. I have tried, but they’re not for me. I reviewed this album just recently, and it remains the same. 3, good enough rock sound but not particularly note worthy. Don’t enjoy the vocals.
3
Mar 17 2025
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Make Yourself
Incubus
Although not a big fan this is a great album, shocked at the 1 star reviews. “Drive” is a great track and there are so many others. Once one of MetallicA’s favourite bands. I was going to give it a 4, but I gave it 5 because it needs it (and ultimately deserves more than the 1s and 2s that it seems to be getting).
5
Mar 18 2025
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Slippery When Wet
Bon Jovi
How my teenage angst and young broken heart are thankful for Bon Jovi. “Cross Road” never left my ears, and that compilation album wouldn’t be half what it is without “Slippery When Wet”! It doesn’t surprise me to see so many low ratings from the haters, just makes me love it more… 5+
5
Mar 19 2025
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Pump
Aerosmith
Fuck the haters, this is Aerosmith’s best! Back to back bangers. “Love In An Elevator” holds great memories for me. I do have a soft spot for this one - it’s a nostalgic, energetic, killer of a rock n roll album!
5
Mar 20 2025
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Vincebus Eruptum
Blue Cheer
Raw, Creamy, Sabbathy and rocking! A good album, glad to have found it.
4
Mar 21 2025
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Opus Dei
Laibach
No idea what he’s saying, but “Leben - Tod” was kinda cool, the rest felt like it should be in some Lord of the Rings anime remake (and not a good one). His voice is certainly interesting, I wonder what he sounds like live. Might have to find out. Can’t say I’ll listen to it again.
2
Mar 24 2025
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System Of A Down
System Of A Down
This is a good album. I never really branched beyond their more famous tracks. Each song is as good as the others I already know.
4
Mar 25 2025
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The Who Sell Out
The Who
Nope, another one of their albums I detest. I’m not even much of a fan of The Who, besides some of their more famous tracks. This is just unlistenable for me.
1
Mar 26 2025
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1984
Van Halen
Instant 5, just add high volume! “Jump”, “Panama”, “Hot For Teacher”… unmistakable classics in a classic album.
5
Mar 27 2025
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Among The Living
Anthrax
This album goes hard. I ramped the volume up and enjoyed it! I think I’ll add a couple of tracks to my weight lifting playlist. Not quite as good as MetallicA, but I’m biased I guess.
4
Mar 28 2025
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
The peak of Led Zeppelin! Classic rock at its finest. “Kashmir” is a crowd pleaser and immediate 5, but there are so many other great tracks here. When “Custard Pie” starts and you get that “ooooOOOH”… unmistakable!
5
Mar 31 2025
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Tommy
The Who
Meh. I’m bored of saying it, but I’m not a big fan of The Who. They had some great hits, but their albums are mediocre. Pinball Wizard is always a good listen, well written, catchy and covered a few times by other prominent artists. The rest is mostly forgettable.
3
Apr 01 2025
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The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails
Could never get into NIN, It’s too much of a challenge. I didn’t like the electronic drums. Breaks barriers and I award points for the creativity, but on the whole unenjoyable. I prefer Marilyn Manson, but only a little bit.
2
Apr 02 2025
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The Real Thing
Faith No More
Top Album from a top band. Plenty of hard tracks (including Epic) and their cover of War Pigs is solid!
5
Apr 03 2025
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Who's Next
The Who
Another one of their albums? Eurgh... I’ve said it in every one of my reviews of The Who so far, I’m just not a fan. Well, fortunately this time we have a good one. Relatively familiar with a few of the songs already and the rest is pretty good too. Glad to get something decent.
4