Jan 13 2025
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xx
The xx
Catapults me back to when I was 17 and living in Brooklyn and used to listen to this all the time on my old iPod, alongside Florence & the Machine and MGMT’s early albums. Very floaty, vibey, chill. Somehow makes me feel a bit cold temperature-wise. I like his voice better than hers, but they do work well together.
4
Jan 14 2025
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Jazz Samba
Stan Getz
3. First hearing. Listened to a fair whack of jazz like this with my Dad over Christmas. I’m developing a real taste for it in many ways but also still tend to prefer lyrics-driven music over instrumental at this stage I think. Enjoy the little trills and flourishes, makes me want to laze around on a boat.
3
Jan 15 2025
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
Familiar with half a dozen Jefferson Airplane songs but had never listened through an album before. Fun, funky. Sometimes almost childlike (in a good way). I like the narrative/literary nature of many of the tracks (like Alice in Wonderland). Go To Her probably slaps the hardest.
3
Jan 17 2025
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The Yes Album
Yes
First time listen. Only marginally familiar with Yes. Great vibes, episodic and journeyish, from some bluegrass-like guitar noodling to harder more psychedelicky sections. Put me in mind of Grateful Dead, The Who, Pink Floyd, The Doors, America. Favourite track was Your Move.
4
Jan 18 2025
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Stand!
Sly & The Family Stone
Effortlessly cool and jammy, influential on so much of what was to come. There are some sounds on it I don’t particularly enjoy (like production-wise) but obviously you can’t help but groove along. Made me want to rewatch the documentary ‘Summer of Soul’.
3
Jan 19 2025
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1989
Taylor Swift
Sorry but I’m not going to listen to this one. I don’t do Taylor Swift. I did used to quite like this album when it came out because we used to dance to Shake It Off at the Zumba class my friend ran. I can’t deny there’s some super catchy pop tunes here. But I don’t want to pay it a revisit in the slightest.
2
Jan 20 2025
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3 Years, 5 Months And 2 Days In The Life Of...
Arrested Development
First time listen. Loved this! Cool, fun, quintessentially 90s, interesting lyrical content (especially spiritually). My favourite track was definitely Children Play With Earth. “Dig your hands in the dirt” indeed! Words to live by.
4
Jan 21 2025
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Shake Your Money Maker
The Black Crowes
Not for me. Didn’t mind some of the songs in a ‘dad rock’ kind of way, like Hard to Handle was pretty cool. But I wouldn’t listen to this again.
2
Jan 22 2025
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Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphex Twin
I’m sure I remember listening to this back in my uni days as study focus music. I might crack it out again for the new course I’m starting because I seriously enjoyed the vibes. Pulsewidth was my favourite.
4
Jan 23 2025
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Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
HELL YEAH. Makes me want to fight everybody but also love everybody. Insanely powerful, classic for a reason.
5
Jan 24 2025
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Rain Dogs
Tom Waits
Crazy how avant garde some of this still sounds 40 years on. Unusual, creative, unsettling. At times genuinely offputting, at others enticing and enchanting, even comforting. He truly has one of the world’s most unique voices. I think because I love Nick Cave so much and there’s quite a lot of similarity, it’s almost surprising I haven’t been more into Tom Waits before, I’ve only ever dipped my toes, so I think I’m going to get into him properly now.
4
Jan 25 2025
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
Otis became one of my all time favourite artists last year, when I happened to buy a vinyl at the record store near my house and couldn’t get it off repeat. The definition of soul! Such a timeless voice, such rhythm and swing and heart. Always devastated the world lost him at just 26 years old.
5
Jan 26 2025
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Damaged
Black Flag
Goes hard. Interesting how much heavy punk today still sounds like this. Like I could even throw on a bunch of different local bands from 4ZZZ or wherever and their songs could almost be Black Flag and vice versa (I mean that in a positive way, like the genre is strong). Dug the track TV Party the most, it’ll be going in my playlists.
4
Jan 27 2025
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New Forms
Roni Size
Drum and bass isn’t for me. Makes me think of Letterkenny and the skids. I started listening to this driving down Mt Tamborine late last night but it was putting me into too much of a trance, making me feel like I was in Mario Kart or something, and I got worried I was gonna crash, so I had to stop and take it back up this morning in a safer environment! Also makes me want to do drugs? Anyway, I like the tracks with more vocals better, like Heroes and Share the Fall. But overall not something I’d ever listen to again.
2
Jan 28 2025
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears For Fears
Like most of the world, I’ve always been super familiar with Shout, Head Over Heels, and most importantly the classic Everybody Wants to Rule the World (for which my sister and I have a high score on the old karaoke video game SingStar, by the way) and loved those songs, but I’d never heard the rest and must say they definitely weren’t as good. Cool vibes throughout but also some of the sounds are a bit grating. I wish there were half stars because this is definitely not as low as a 3 but I can’t really give it a 4 overall, so consider this a 3.5 and I will be revisiting this album.
3
Jan 29 2025
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
This, dare I say it, kind of sucks. And not in a sexy way. It’s a far cry from the big hits like Good Vibrations, Kokomo, etc. The song about feet? Garbage. The song about Disney? Tripe. Pretty much the only track I didn’t mind was Day in the Life of a Tree, and even that feels kitschy and crap (but put me a little in mind of Sufjan Stevens, who I love). Actually, Till I Die is decent too, mostly for the harmonies (and I could hear a tiny bit of Fleet Foxes in that one). But overall, a disappointment from a band I thought I liked but apparently don’t actually know that well. (1.5 stars)
1
Jan 30 2025
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Was only aware of Marianne via Nick Cave, and don’t think I’d ever heard any of her own music before. This is a very interesting album - I feel like I’m using that word way too much in these reviews but I truly mean it here in terms of there’s a lot to be interested in. It’s quite unusual, from her voice (with its interesting rasp, lisp and cracks) to the structure of the songs and some of the sonic effects. I’m not sure how I feel overall, but Witches’ Song and Guilt were my favourite tracks.
3
Jan 31 2025
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Virgin Suicides
Air
This seems an odd choice to me, the score to a film I will never watch (because I read the Wikipedia synopsis after seeing Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and Priscilla and decided it would traumatise me too much). I found it all a bit samey, a bit droney and dull, but I can certainly see how it would work well in a film and a few moments reminded me of Tame Impala or something like that. I didn’t mind The Word Hurricane or Dead Bodies, but overall I just think I’ve heard many better scores and as a standalone album it really didn’t give me anything. (1.5 stars)
1
Feb 01 2025
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Funky and smooth. Can’t think of much more to say! Favourite track was Never Found a Girl, although as a massive fan of the Bee Gees, the cover of Mend a Broken Heart was extremely welcome and appreciated too. (3.5 stars)
3
Feb 02 2025
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Murmur
R.E.M.
Not bad but not much stands out. Really liked West of the Fields a lot, but didn’t find any others particularly memorable. At best, made me think of The Tragically Hip or even Crowded House and then I just kind of wanted to listen to them instead. (2.5 stars)
2
Feb 03 2025
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Californication
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I’ve never really liked RHCP and I still don’t. I’ve tried to get into them before, largely because one of my friends is a fan, but ultimately I don’t enjoy the sound of his voice nor the structure, cadence, rhythmic patterns, whatever you want to call it, of the songs. And there’s only so many times you can hear the word California! Scar Tissue is good though, and I didn’t mind Purple Stain or Right on Time either. (1.5 stars)
1
Feb 04 2025
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Heaven Or Las Vegas
Cocteau Twins
Loved this! Dreamy, floaty, floral, relaxing. Had always intended to check out Cocteau Twins but never got around to it before, so I’m glad this finally forced my hand and I’ll be seeking out their other albums immediately. Made me think of Kate Bush, Kate Miller-Heidke, even Magdalena Bay. Also this is a strange reference but I Wear Your Ring reminded me of a piece from the Donkey Kong Country soundtrack called Aquatic Ambience which I listen to probably too often. So many great tracks, I can only understand like 2% of the lyrics (and frequently wondered what language I was even hearing) but it’s all so melodic, maybe how mermaids would sound.
5
Feb 05 2025
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Penance Soiree
The Icarus Line
Firstly, since this was not available on Spotify I had to listen on YouTube and having to listen to ads in-between every track really interrupted the flow. That aside, this is very early-00s rock, a bit like The Strokes or White Stripes in places but much more noise-y. Some great guitar work but not something I’d revisit. Spike Island was my preferred track. (1.5 stars)
2
Feb 06 2025
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Darklands
The Jesus And Mary Chain
Very middle of the road. I’m starting to feel there’s too many 80s/90s rock albums on this list already. That’s not to say I didn’t like this, it’s easy enough to listen to and the songs about rain were fitting as I was driving through rain, it’s just mid, as the kids would say. Very forgettable. Top tracks were Happy When It Rains (more for agreeing with the title’s sentiment than anything) and April Skies.
2
Feb 07 2025
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Ghosteen
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
It’s impossible for me to be objective/unbiased when it comes to Nick Cave because he’s easily in my top 10 artists of all time and I’ve been a bit obsessed with him for many many years. It’s also impossible for me to separate this from its context (the tragic death of his 15-year-old son) and therefore it’s an album I very rarely play as it’s totally devastating. It’s almost more spoken word in parts too, but hauntingly beautiful. Sparse, stark, slow, spiritual and so so sad. I put on its successor (last year’s Wild God) straight after in order to kind of progress the story, move on to a sliver of healing and joy again, as Nick has begun to do.
4
Feb 08 2025
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Imagine
John Lennon
I’ve never been a Lennon girlie, I’m pretty much ride-or-die for Paul, so I don’t particularly enjoy John’s solo work. Some songs do slap, like unfortunately the infamous Paul diss-track How Do You Sleep is the coolest song on this album, while most of the rest kind of rubs me the wrong way. Still, even if I don’t really like it, you certainly can’t deny the enduring reach of Imagine. (2.5 stars)
2
Feb 09 2025
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Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
A jaunty, enjoyable jazz outing. The opening track Mandela was my favourite, I’ve already caught myself whistling the refrain. And I mean this in a complimentary way, most of this sounds like it could be the score to a children’s cartoon, like a kind-vibe 90s-00s PBS show along the lines of Curious George or Martha Speaks. (3.5 stars)
3
Feb 10 2025
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Henry's Dream
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
As much as I love Nick Cave to death, I’ve always kind of wrestled with and never been able to reconcile how to feel about the violence (and sometimes misogynistic or homophobic violence) in his (earlier) music. I think there has to be a place for storytelling of all types (including the vulgar, aggressive, uncomfortable, etc.) in art and media, but also acknowledging some of it is pretty awful to listen to and not to be celebrated or excused. As I said, I don’t really know and probably never will, but interesting to consider. Anyway, Straight to You is always gorgeous, a perfect song. (3.5 stars)
4
Feb 11 2025
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Gunfighter Ballads And Trail Songs
Marty Robbins
I’ve always enjoyed this sort of stuff. Classic, simple, super singalongable even if you’ve never heard it before. Reminds me of Burl Ives who I listen to a lot with my sister as well as others of that era and ilk. Makes me want to pick up the guitar again. (3.5 stars)
4
Feb 12 2025
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Trafalgar
Bee Gees
I adore the Bee Gees, they are a massive lifelong favourite that I grew up on and still listen to constantly (their greatest hits triple LP might be my most played vinyl) and my crush on young Barry Gibb will never subside, but taking this album honestly at face value, it’s not one of their better outings at all and I’m pretty surprised it’s on this list. Like there are several I’d give five stars but this is far from one of them. How Can You Mend and Don’t Wanna Live Inside Myself are excellent, and great examples of their songwriting prowess, but on the other hand you’ve got the total drivel that is Remembering which sounds like it’s from the Middle Ages or something, and a few others made me want to hit skip too. Interestingly, some of it also sounds quite Beatlesy, like It’s Just the Way. Look, I don’t really have any specific complaints except I guess that a lot of this sounds outdated in a not-fun way, whereas I could listen to their disco days forever. (2.5 stars)
3
Feb 13 2025
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Garbage
Garbage
Not to make the obvious joke, but for me it really is in the name: garbage. To quote a song on the album, “this is not my idea of a good time”. Truly did not enjoy this at all and in fact at one point genuinely yelled, out loud alone in my car, “I f*cking hate this!” I’ve committed to no skips so I stuck it out but it wasn’t worth it. Everything about it just annoyed me, the vocals, but I think especially the production and mix. The only track I found tolerable was Fix Me Now.
1
Feb 14 2025
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The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
Very cool! A band I’m surprised I’ve never gotten into before because they align so closely with a lot of those I love so I’ll be checking out more of their albums now for sure. Favourite tracks were Overground, Carcass and the extra fun little Hong Kong Garden. (3.5 stars)
3
Feb 15 2025
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Off The Wall
Michael Jackson
Truly having to seperate the art from the artist here. I’m gonna let that go without saying from now on. This album is so good. So funky, so smooth, so cool. Just an effortless listen. Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough is one of the greatest songs of all time and it keeps rolling on from there, with the only semi-low-point being She’s Out of My Life. (4.5 stars)
4
Feb 16 2025
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Back At The Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Unbelievably cool vibes from the cover alone! The outfit, the dog, the garden and of course the titular chicken. And gladly the music matches, just so chill and easy to listen to, like especially while making dinner.
4
Feb 17 2025
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Night Life
Ray Price
This kind of music always reminds me of working in aged care, the oldies absolutely love songs like this and I don’t blame them. There’s a timeless sound here, although I do tend to get a little tired after several tracks. Favourites were 24th Hour and If She Could See Me Now.
3
Feb 18 2025
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Chirping Crickets
Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Another one that reminds me of my aged care job, these are ‘golden oldies’ and I respect that, even if I don’t find them particularly riveting. Simple but sweet subject matter (love) set to simple but sweet melodies (two or three chords). Also, silly thing to say perhaps but I like that a lot of these older albums are under half an hour. I’m a big advocate for the 90-minute movie and now I’m gonna do the same for the 30-minute album. This is not one I’ll revisit though.
2
Feb 19 2025
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Tank Battles
Dagmar Krause
Glad I found this on YouTube because it is so unlike almost anything I’ve heard before. It reminded me at times of the Sparks musical Annette, of Eurovision, of circus/carnival adjacent films like Dr Parnassus and Nightmare Alley, and even a little of Kate Bush and Marianne Faithful. Obviously deeply political, with heavy hitting lines like “now you know how things can become, don’t you ever forget how it began” that sadly feel as relevant now as ever, I was captivated throughout. I don’t think I’d ever listen to it again but I’m really glad I did today because it was surprising and confusing in a thought-provoking way, like pondering a complicated painting or watching a multifaceted documentary.
4
Feb 20 2025
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Abraxas
Santana
Very smooth but I did wish I was listening to Smooth feat. Rob Thomas (1999) because Smooth feat. Rob Thomas (1999) is one of the smoothest songs of all time and when I hear Smooth feat. Rob Thomas (1999) life just feels so smooth.
3
Feb 21 2025
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The Sounds Of India
Ravi Shankar
There should be more educational albums like this! I would love to hear them from all different cultures around the world, gently explaining the rhythms and patterns to listen out for, building appreciation. I’ve always casually enjoyed traditional Indian music and can definitely see why the Beatles and so forth fell into it deeply, even if it’s not something I listen to often. Also cool to read that Norah Jones is his daughter!
4
Feb 22 2025
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Blood, sugar, sex, magic? Where did the Red Hot Chili Peppers find my shopping list! Bad jokes aside, I still don’t really like this band. There’s some moments of cool instrumentation and every now and then I’ll slip into a bit of a groove, but overall they just kind of bother me. It’s like teenage boy vibes somehow, plus all the songs start to sound the same.
2
Feb 23 2025
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Obviously shades of the Stones and others of that era/style with some moments of Elvis and Cash. My top tracks were Have You Seen My Baby and Whiskey Woman. Overall good though didn’t find it anything particularly memorable or special. (2.5 stars)
2
Feb 24 2025
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Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds
Fine and cute but nothing too special. I understand that cover versions were extremely significant particularly in this era for spreading songs and inter-promoting artists etc. but honestly I’d just rather listen to the originals most of the time. Favourite was I’ll Feel a Whole Better, which is an enjoyable original.
2
Feb 25 2025
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Cloud Nine
The Temptations
Really dug this funky album. Just so cool. Favourite tracks were Cloud Nine, Why Did She Have to Leave Me and I Gotta Find a Way. This genre/era is fast becoming a favourite.
4
Feb 26 2025
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Skylarking
XTC
Couldn’t really get a handle on this one. At times I was very on board and could hear shades of Custard, Ben Folds, even The Monkees. Quite whimsical and jaunty. At other times I was like “what even is this” and felt it was way too kitsch. I think I’d need to listen a bunch more to make up my mind but honestly wasn’t motivated enough to do that. Favourite songs were Grass and Mermaid Smiled. (2.5 stars)
2
Feb 27 2025
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My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West
Really debated not listening to this (an album I loved over 10 years ago but have rarely revisited) but ultimately too many artists on this list have done terrible, despicable things and I want to approach this as objectively about the actual music as possible so in the interest of completionism I listened. And I have to be honest, it’s still a 5 star album for me. So powerful and original, with such interesting production and some of my all-time favourite collaborations, with Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver. It really is the most definitive and creatively engaging collection in every way. What an awful shame.
5
Feb 28 2025
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Gris Gris
Dr. John
Quite the oddity! I mean that positively, and more in the way that I don’t know anything much about the world of New Orleans it comes from. Really enjoyed Danse Kalimba Ba Doom and Mama Roux, not enthralled by the rest. Fun to experience something new to me though.
3
Mar 01 2025
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Blunderbuss
Jack White
Very much enjoyed this. Some of it sounds a bit dated but it’s cool and rocky and easy to just casually jam along. (3.5 stars)
3
Mar 02 2025
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Smile
Brian Wilson
Loved the a cappella opening as it reminded me of Fleet Foxes. Have always loved (the original version of) Heroes & Villains, mostly because it’s on the Fantastic Mr Fox soundtrack which is one of my all-time favourite movies. Good Vibrations obviously another huge classic. The animal sounds on Barnyard are so kitschy it’s kind of insane but also I can’t be too mad about it because it’s pretty funny. Most of the album is just very ‘eh’ however and the whirring and jingling sound effects etc. get a bit grating. Also one of the worst album covers I’ve ever seen, Microsoft Word Art looking-ass.
2
Mar 03 2025
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In Our Heads
Hot Chip
Bit of a blast from the past (as I don’t think Hot Chip have once crossed my mind in a decade) and bit of a mixed bag for me but overall pretty banging and a good time! Really dug the first half of the album, especially Motion Sickness slaps. I think that half is more kind of electro and dancey which is fun, compared to the latter tracks which I didn’t really enjoy such as Now There is Nothing and Always Been Your Love. Anyway, chill vibes. (3.5 stars)
3
Mar 04 2025
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Kid A
Radiohead
Radiohead make me very emotional and I’ve never quite been sure why. There’s just something in their sound that gets me so melancholy and existential. I really like it but I can’t do too much at once or I start kind of internally drowning. Also I think I’m gonna start getting a bit abstract with my reviews on here so this album is like navy blue and pepper and the nice way some men smell that’s like sort of musky and herbal.
4
Mar 05 2025
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Black Monk Time
The Monks
Found on YouTube. Pretty fun, shades of the Stones and the Doors, but overall not something I’ll particularly remember or revisit.
2
Mar 06 2025
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Murder Ballads
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
What are the chances we got all these Nick albums so close together?! I’m still not a fan of the violence (I’ve never liked true crime or murder movies etc. and even his poetic stories on the subject don’t prove an exception) but I do very much enjoy the flow and pacing and delivery. I’ll never forget seeing Stagger Lee performed live, for instance, he’s like a man possessed when he performs that song, and performs is the right word for most of these tracks too, as he’s playing these wild characters, erratic and angry and ugly. But still with some beauty in the music and vocals to be found. (3.5 stars)
3
Mar 07 2025
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In It For The Money
Supergrass
First time listening to these guys (beside Alright, which I’m sure everybody knows and is a huge banger) and I loved it! A super fun album and I’ll definitely be checking out more of their work. Reminded me of Tame Impala on Hollow Little Reign, Last Shadow Puppets on You Can See Me, MGMT on Sometimes I Make You Sad, and Mother Mother on Late in the Day. (4.5 stars)
4
Mar 08 2025
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The Clash
The Clash
Truly great. Enjoyed everything about it. Scrappy, fun, silly, tough. Just cool. Plus very significant in terms of so many bands I love today being influenced in some way by their sound (like Midnight Oil and Private Function, for instance). Favourite tracks are I’m So Bored with the USA (how relevant 48 years later!) and Career Opportunities.
5
Mar 09 2025
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Too Rye Ay
Dexys Midnight Runners
An unusual ride! Like everyone on earth, I knew Come On Eileen extremely well but hadn’t heard the rest. What an odd mix, like Celtic and ska and pop and a Van Morrison cover all got thrown in a blender at the circus. Pretty fun all round! But also somehow off-putting at times.
3
Mar 10 2025
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo
I think it’s been a long time coming for me to become a D’Angelo fan but particularly recently he has kept popping up, like even at the Jordan Rakei concert last week Jordan talked about how much D’Angelo has shaped his music and I was like ‘I really have to get on that’ and then today it was delivered right into my hands and yep, I’m in love! So smooth, soulful, sweet, sexy. Like drifting through a sunset sky on a really nicely scented cloud. Favourite tracks were Alright, Me and Those Dreamin Eyes, and When We Get By, but I think that would change each listen.
5
Mar 11 2025
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After The Gold Rush
Neil Young
Hesitated to give another 5 stars so soon but I have to be honest and follow my heart! This is always going to be a 5 star album for me, along with several of the great Mr Young’s others. I just love it. It’s so comforting and warm to me. It makes me think of my mum and of Canada and of the beginning of summertime and of tall wheat and juicy corn and campfires and swimming and newspapers and birds. Favourite tracks are Tell Me Why, Southern Man and Cripple Creek Ferry.
5
Mar 12 2025
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Run-D.M.C.
Run-D.M.C.
Really good fun! That classic style which can seem a little clichéd now but still has impact and flair. Makes me want to force a friend to walk around doing the alternating words/lines thing with me! Rock Box was my top pick, closely followed by Wake Up. Cool cover too.
4
Mar 13 2025
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Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
Just not for me. I can definitely appreciate the artistry of certain moments and some of it’s pretty vibey, but overall I found it dull and ended up fast-forwarding through a number of tracks. (1.5 stars)
1
Mar 14 2025
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Hail To the Thief
Radiohead
Not one of Radiohead’s better albums in my opinion, it just doesn’t strike me much, but I do really like the songs Go to Sleep, There There and A Wolf at the Door. (2.5 stars)
2
Mar 15 2025
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Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman
Solid songs straight from the soul. Of course I knew Fast Car very well but not so familiar with the others so I was quite moved by how political this album was, and saddened at how little has changed in 37 years. Fantastic voice, interesting tunes, some nice country/western influences etc. Very good all round. (4.5 stars)
4
Mar 16 2025
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Chicago Transit Authority
Chicago
Liked some elements of this much more than others, like the big-band funk-jazz stuff hits a lot harder than the guitar interludes etc. I think overall it’s the kind of music I’d enjoy seeing live a lot better than recorded.
3
Mar 17 2025
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All Hail the Queen
Queen Latifah
Funky, fun and still topical, delivered in an instantly recognisable style. Favourites were Come Into My House, Ladies First and Inside Out. I really disliked the baby voice on Mama Gave Birth unfortunately and wasn’t a big fan of The Pros either. But overall it’s cool and a great example of that hip hop era. (3.5 stars)
3
Mar 18 2025
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It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Public Enemy
Some cool moments and iconic style but also I had a headache and that high-pitched sound that’s repeated throughout the record did not help!
3
Mar 19 2025
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Frampton Comes Alive
Peter Frampton
Pretty cool! Kind of reminiscent of the Eagles and the Grateful Dead. Baby I Love Your Way is one of those tunes I’ve sung around the house for years but I didn’t know any of the others, second favourite was Show Me the Way.
3
Mar 20 2025
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The Cars
The Cars
Loved this, top shelf dad rock. Certain shades of Queen, even Sparks and Talking Heads. Of course Just What I Needed is a stone cold classic but I also loved You’re All I’ve Got Tonight and Moving in Stereo. Just a solid solid 35 minutes of rock goodness. (4.5 stars)
4
Mar 21 2025
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White Ladder
David Gray
Nice but mid. Nothing really stood out to me, besides what I assume is theremin on We’re Not Right. Nightblindness was probably the track I liked most. But I think I’ve forgotten this entire album already.
2
Mar 22 2025
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The Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks
Not sure about this one! Some of it was great and I had a great time and thought of the Beatles and occasionally even my beloved Jonathan Richman (like Big Sky and the album title track). Other songs really made me scratch my head going what the hell is this (like Phenomenal Cat and Wicked Annabella). It’s quite an unusual mix in some ways. I’m sure I’ll revisit and rethink so for now I’ll go 3 but that seems unfair.
3
Mar 23 2025
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Paris 1919
John Cale
First few songs of my first listen I was like ‘euh no I don’t like this’ and then I hit Andalucia which I have always looooved the Andrew Bird version and didn’t know that was actually a cover! So then I was locked in. And next comes Macbeth which is wild, and Paris 1919 which is beautiful, and probably my favourite on the album ended up being Half Past France which straight up sounds like Johnny Flynn to me, who is one of my biggggest favourites! A real mix on this album overall, it’s interesting and unusual, very pretty in places and kind of grating at others but grew on me more and more as I listened! Also Cale kind of looks like comedian Paul Foot on the cover of this.
4
Mar 24 2025
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Vol. 4
Black Sabbath
Goes hard, good fun. Favourites were actually probably the slower tracks like Changes and Snowblind. (3.5 stars)
3
Mar 25 2025
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Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
Wow! I feel quite ashamed I didn’t know Solomon Burke and interestingly I read online he has been described as ‘soul’s most unfairly overlooked singer’. Well I’m glad I know him now because this was awesome. Obviously akin to many of my favourites like Redding and Brown. Fun and passionate, my top tracks were probably Cry to Me and Goodbye Baby.
5
Mar 26 2025
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Heavy Weather
Weather Report
Might make good study music or a video game soundtrack. Just as its own thing though, I wasn’t particularly captivated. Some of the more Latin feel moments are fun.
2
Mar 27 2025
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Porcupine
Echo And The Bunnymen
Interesting! Reminded me of so many different bands I haven’t bothered to write them down. Favourite tracks were The Cutter and Ripeness. Keen to check out some more of their work. (3.5 stars)
3
Mar 28 2025
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Out Of The Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Fun stuff! Thought of Sparks and Bee Gees and Beatles and Elton John. Favourite tracks were Sweet Talkin Woman, Across the Border, Night in the City and of course the classic Mr Blue Sky. Also one of the sickest album covers out there.
4
Mar 29 2025
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Harvest
Neil Young
Another five for Neil. How could I not! Listened on the original vinyl copy I’ve borrowed (permanently) from my mum. Just a masterclass in songwriting. Also Heart of Gold is the only song I can play (badly) on harmonica and guitar.
5
Mar 30 2025
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Queen Of Denmark
John Grant
Firstly, I don’t understand why this was included. Maybe the artist is a blind spot for me but I just felt it was nothing special, considering it only came out in 2010 and therefore hasn’t even stood the test of time like most of the entries. Secondly, I was kind of hating it until ‘Sigourney Weaver’ when I was like “ohh some of it’s meant to be funny?” and then it grew on me. Moments reminded me of Josh Pyke in terms of the cadence and voice, with others like Jonathan Colton or Custard in subject matter and style, that sort of thing where it’s kind of ironic humour but not laugh-out-loud funny. So overall, not bad but still kind of dull and odd.
2
Mar 31 2025
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The College Dropout
Kanye West
I can’t bear to write a single thing about Kanye but yes, unfortunately still a great album.
4
Apr 01 2025
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C'est Chic
CHIC
Funky, groovy, smooth. Not many huge standouts but an easy ride throughout. (3.5 stars)
3
Apr 02 2025
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Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Really enjoyed this, effortlessly cool and classic.
4
Apr 03 2025
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Maggot Brain
Funkadelic
Perhaps the most aptly named band yet, this is indeed funkadelic! Really cool and went harder/heavier than I expected. Don’t love some of the sound effects in the latter part of the album but most of it was jammy.
4
Apr 04 2025
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The Gilded Palace Of Sin
The Flying Burrito Brothers
For a group with such an exciting name, this album sure was a disappointment to me. Some of it’s fine but mostly it felt overly schmaltzy and not-aged-well. (1.5 stars)
2
Apr 05 2025
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Doolittle
Pixies
Really dug this! Made me think of some of my more modern favourites like Canadian band Mother Mother and sadly defunct Australian band Yves Klein Blue. Favourite tracks were probably Debaser and Monkey Gone to Heaven. Will be checking out more! (4.5 stars)
4
Apr 06 2025
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Home Is Where The Music Is
Hugh Masekela
Interesting instrumentals I probably don’t know enough about to properly appreciate. Definitely some funky moments but nothing jumped out overall. (2.5 stars)
2
Apr 07 2025
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Horses
Patti Smith
So cool and still fresh sounding in some ways despite it now being 50! Thought of Kate Bush and Nick Cave. Will be digging deep into Patti’s catalogue soon I think. (4.5 stars)
4
Apr 08 2025
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Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips
Fine, average, doesn’t stand out over any other early-00s indie kind of stuff to me and I have no real knowledge of the band so don’t really know why it was included. The opening track is pretty cool, the rest sort of blended for me. (1.5 stars)
2
Apr 09 2025
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Dog Man Star
Suede
Another ‘sure, fine’ entry I’ve already forgotten, to be honest. At its best moments, it kind of reminded me of U2. Just nothing notable to me. (1.5 stars)
2
Apr 10 2025
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Transformer
Lou Reed
36 perfect minutes. Gets in, has a blast, gets out. Effortlessly enjoyable. Perfect Day an exceptionally perfect song (please see also the Wim Wenders film). Then you throw in Wild Side and Satellite? Just an all-round all-timer.
5
Apr 11 2025
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Hot Buttered Soul
Isaac Hayes
Not a real stand-out to me but certainly some solid smoothness and interesting spoken word moments. (2.5 stars)
2
Apr 12 2025
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good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar
Fascinating throughout and still sounds fresh after 13 years. Heralded for a reason and a banner of what other greatness was to come from Kendrick. (4.5 stars)
4
Apr 13 2025
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
Very cool! Kind of reminded me of this reggae album my dad used to play a lot and I loved when I was a kid (Six Boys from Skaville) and of a recent favourite WITCH (the Zambian rock group). Great vibes.
4
Apr 14 2025
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
I mean it’s a total classic, isn’t it! (Again fully separating art from artist.) Just full of bangers, with Wanna Be Startin Something or PYT perhaps my favourite. (4.5 stars)
4
Apr 15 2025
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Aja
Steely Dan
I’ve sort of skirted around Steely Dan for a couple years without properly listening until now and this wasn’t really what I expected. Favourite tracks were Deacon Blues and Home At Last, but generally a bit underwhelmed.
3
Apr 16 2025
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Songs In The Key Of Life
Stevie Wonder
So cool, classic timeless funk and soul and sunshine.
5
Apr 17 2025
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Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
An undeniably beautiful voice and some nice witchy vibes. The best bits reminded me of Kate Bush but ultimately a lot of it just kind of bored me. (2.5 stars)
2
Apr 18 2025
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Heroes
David Bowie
I love Bowie so much but this is definitely not my favourite of his records. I find quite a bit of it drones on and while interesting doesn’t particularly work for me. Still certainly well worth listening to though! (3.5 stars)
3
Apr 19 2025
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My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello
Fine and some fun moments, with my favourite tracks being No Dancing and I’m Not Angry, but overall forgettable.
3
Apr 20 2025
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NEU! 75
Neu!
Really didn’t understand the inclusion of this, it was just… nothing to me. I was excited for a German band I hadn’t heard of before but then… meh. What am I missing?! (1.5 stars)
1
Apr 22 2025
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Toys In The Attic
Aerosmith
Honestly pretty fire. The dads get it. Best tracks are Uncle Salty, Walk This Way and Round & Round. The cringiest is Big 10 Inch Record. Overall heaps of fun and goes hard.
4
Apr 23 2025
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
All just kind of sounds like ‘YoU WOuLdN’t STeAL a CAr’ to me.
2
Apr 24 2025
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
While I really like and support its political and cultural nature, I don’t think I’d probably revisit this because it doesn’t really stand out over any other hip hop of the era etc.
3
Apr 25 2025
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The Lexicon Of Love
ABC
Funny timing that just a few days ago I had Poison Arrow stuck in my head but realised I didn’t actually know who the artist was so looked it up and went ‘huh I don’t recognise ABC but cool’. Now this is indeed a cool album! I just had a great time with it. Favourite tracks beside Poison Arrow were Valentine’s Day and Look of Love. (4.5 stars)
4
Apr 26 2025
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
I just… don’t think I like Steely Dan. I’m not sure why because I like stuff like The Eagles and Grateful Dead which they sort of remind me of. But I just don’t find them interesting or memorable at all. At least not so far.
2
Apr 27 2025
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Marquee Moon
Television
Fine, forgettable. See No Evil was my favourite track.
2
Apr 28 2025
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B-52's
The B-52's
Slapssssssss. So punk and so funny. Big fan, can’t stop walking around imitating their voices. (4.5 stars)
4
Apr 29 2025
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Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
I mean, fine. Another one that just didn’t really hit for me, but there’s nothing wrong with it. Some cool moments that made me think of Elton John or something, but probably not a band I’ll revisit. Asylum was my favourite track.
2
Apr 30 2025
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Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Firstly, I was like ‘what, this album is only 2 years old?’ before I realised actually no, 2018 was 7 years ago now. I’m still not convinced that’s enough time to merit inclusion and also I just found it rather dull. She has a pretty voice and I’ve heard she’s a cool person but to me it was all a bit generic. The song Butterflies had a cool sound though. (2.5 stars)
2
May 01 2025
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Bitte Orca
Dirty Projectors
Sounds totally 2009 and still different from 2009 at the same time. I last dipped my toes in their music a few years back (because frontman Dave Longstreth’s brother Jake co-hosts the digital radio show Time Crisis with Ezra Koenig and I was having an extremely strong Vampire Weekend phase) but still not entirely sure what I think of it. The bits I like best do remind me a lot of Vampire Weekend but there’s definitely a real uniqueness to their sound too. Not something I find myself particularly excited by though but again I’m not sure why. Favourite tracks are The Bride and No Intention. (3.5 stars)
3
May 02 2025
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Casanova
The Divine Comedy
Sorry but this is godawful. I think it was supposed to be funny and I tried really hard to get into it but I just thought it sounded weird and crap and it couldn’t finish fast enough.
1
May 03 2025
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Tapestry
Carole King
Fantastic stuff, just so easy to listen to. Some huge hits including Feel the Earth Move and Natural Woman. Not much to say really because it’s lovely. (4.5 stars)
4
May 04 2025
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Back to Mystery City
Hanoi Rocks
Some cool moments but ultimately forgettable. Favourite track was Malibu Beach Nightmare.
3
May 05 2025
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The Poet
Bobby Womack
So fun! So cool! Favourites were Secrets and Stand Up but every track was great and I listened through a couple times. I wasn’t going to give it a five but then I was like actually what’s not to like, what would be my specific criticism to bring it down? And couldn’t think of one so went with it.
5
May 06 2025
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
Lovely and reminds me of my mum somehow. What a voice and what a way to convey sorrow etc. through just her tone!
4
May 07 2025
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War
U2
I grew up on U2 thanks to my Dad and I still love them very much even though I know that’s not like cool now and I still really want to see them live one day. Sunday Bloody Sunday is one of the world’s great songs to me and there’s heaps more on this album to admire. I always hesitate to give a 5 for some reason but I’m just gonna go for it again here because at the end of the day I just love this and if that’s tinged by nostalgia so be it.
5
May 08 2025
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Planet Rock: The Album
Afrika Bambaataa
Cool (and sick cover art) but ultimately I don’t think I’ll remember it.
2
May 09 2025
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British Steel
Judas Priest
Liked this a lot more than I expected to. Goes hard! Quite a bit vocally made me think of Jack Black to be honest. Breaking the Law was probably my top track. Will be checking out more of their stuff.
4
May 10 2025
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Arrival
ABBA
Some absolute stone cold bangers (Knowing Me, Money, Dancing Queen obviously) and some absolute steaming tripe (Kissed the Teacher, Dum Diddle). But overall, undeniable.
4
May 11 2025
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Stardust
Willie Nelson
Relaxing and comforting like a campfire but also not much that really stands out to me, just pretty and chill. (3.5 stars)
3
May 12 2025
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Highly Evolved
The Vines
One of those ones that’s just so middle-of-the-road to me I can’t even understand why it’s been included. Forgotten it already. (1.5 stars)
2
May 13 2025
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With The Beatles
Beatles
Obviously not the Beatles best work being so early in their careers but still a heap of fun to be had, especially All My Loving and You Really Got a Hold. Just love these four boys form Liverpool eh!
4
May 14 2025
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I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail
Buck Owens
That classic sound, good for driving or camping, but not particularly memorable in the long run for me.
3
May 22 2025
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Winter In America
Gil Scott-Heron
I only recently came across GSH actually through the unlikely source of Australian footballer and St Pauli captain Jackson Irvine, who hosts a wonderful monthly digital radio show and played The Bottle. I find it remarkable and frustrating how the messages in this music are still so relevant today.
4
May 23 2025
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
Not for me. I wanted to like it because I often like avant-garde-ish stuff but this has no redeeming qualities to me.
1
May 24 2025
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The White Album
Beatles
Classic for a reason. So many brilliant tracks. Just beloved.
5
May 25 2025
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White Light
Gene Clark
Fine, nice enough but nothing I will remember. I think the best track was the titular White Light. But again I’ve forgotten it already. But I think that’s okay too. (2.5 stars)
2
May 26 2025
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Repeater
Fugazi
Eh. Fine but nothing particularly special or interesting to me. (1.5 stars)
2
May 27 2025
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Young Americans
David Bowie
I think maybe overall as albums I don’t love most Bowie albums. I love individual songs a hell of a lot and the man himself of course. Fame is an all-timer and I also dug the Across the Universe cover I somehow don’t think I’d heard before. Many cool moments but yeah as a collective I just don’t really think the album does a whole lot for my tastes.
3
May 28 2025
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Live At The Regal
B.B. King
Again not sure why I always hesitate to give five stars but this was an album where I just can’t fault it, it’s just like ‘what’s not to love’ so five stars it is!
5
May 29 2025
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Peter Gabriel 3
Peter Gabriel
Some interesting moments for sure. I’m not sure that overall I totally enjoyed it though. And Through the Wire was probably my favourite, followed by Biko. I think I will be checking out more of his work though. (3.5 stars)
3
Jun 22 2025
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Deep Purple In Rock
Deep Purple
Cool stuff. I can’t say any particular track really jumped out but I enjoyed it overall, a good classic rock sound. (3.5 stars)
3
Jun 23 2025
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Morrison Hotel
The Doors
Really cool classic sick stuff. Extra fan of Peace Frog and Waiting for the Sun. Have always enjoyed this band. (4.5 stars)
4
Jun 24 2025
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
Interesting, rich, and still fresh sounding in many ways.
4
Jun 25 2025
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Bayou Country
Creedence Clearwater Revival
I love CCR and always have. It’s like the very definition of ‘dad’. Just rocks and rolls the right way. Also ‘choogling’ is an objectively funny word.
4
Jun 26 2025
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69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields
At best, reminded me of Jonathan Richman or Sufjan Stevens or The National. At worst, and at such length (although I respect the commitment to the concept) it drags on and feels dull and repetitive. (2.5 stars)
2
Jun 27 2025
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Once again, kicks ass. Also still makes me think of Jack Black at moments. Just cool and hard hitting. (4.5 stars)
4
Jun 28 2025
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Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
I can’t be unbiased about Arctic Monkeys, I was obsessed with them all through my early-20s (like Alex Turner posters on my wall and everything, fully wanted to be Alexa Chung and/or Miles Kane) and now in my 30s I know it’s ‘uncool’ but I don’t care and I still honestly get around every song, including their much maligned new 70s space age spy soundtrack lounge vibe records. This album is banger after banger, IBYLGOTD is particularly generation-defining stuff of course, with Mardy Bum and WTSGD my main favourites.
5
Jun 29 2025
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Channel Orange
Frank Ocean
A genuine favourite (alongside Blond). I am truly in the ‘Frank is a genius’ camp and can’t wait for more music from him one day at long long last, but if he never makes another song then I’m ok with that too because the ones he’s done are perfect and nothing can take that away. Started listing favourite tracks but there’s too many. Pyramids and Lost are particular all timers though. All round effortlessly cool and smooth and funky and easy to listen to.
5
Jun 30 2025
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Space Ritual
Hawkwind
Must admit I fast forwarded and skipped my way through this. Some cool moments but mostly all blended together to me. (1.5 stars)
2
Jul 04 2025
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Moondance
Van Morrison
I’ve always loved VM. My mum played him a lot growing up and there’s just something so endlessly warm and nostalgic and enjoyable about his music.
4
Jul 05 2025
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Debut
Björk
So interesting! Human Behaviour is a remarkable song and there are moments in many others that struck me a lot too. I can’t say I particularly love the overall effect but she is certainly very creative and unique and I will be listening to a lot more, as I have always intended to (being a fan of often compared artists like Kate Bush and Aurora). (3.5 stars)
4
Jul 06 2025
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At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
Brilliant. Johnny just never lets me down! Can’t help but sing along and laugh along to his live chat here as well as consider how kind of revolutionary his prison visits etc. were and still feel today.
5
Jul 07 2025
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Live At The Star Club, Hamburg
Jerry Lee Lewis
Classic tunes done in a classic style. Makes me feel both old and young.
3