Apr 15 2025
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The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
Three catchy tracks to open, then 1 that would have been better as a b-side. Descent middle, then a few more good and great ones to finish off.
Favorites - "I Wanna Be Adored", "Made of Stone", "I Am the Resurrection."
I remember when this album came out. The band hit so big on the college/alternative scene so fast that it kind of soured me on them, though I've always like "Adored." Glad I was given a reason to revisit the album. I wouldn't call it an all-time classic for me, but a solid debut, which helped usher in the Madchester scene to America.
3
Apr 16 2025
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In A Silent Way
Miles Davis
There's no denying Miles Davis' talent, and with so many other huge names (Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Tony Thompson) along for the session, of course this is a top notch jazz album. Little surprised at the choice of album, only because he has others that are more universally well known (Bitches Brew, Kind of Blue, Birth of Cool). The only negative for me was the occasional transition between song parts felt a little abrupt. Aside from that one minor thing, a great listen.
3
Apr 17 2025
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Either Or
Elliott Smith
Meh. Just meh. I enjoyed the music, but couldn't get past the vocal delivery. Not an awful album, just didn't get me. Wouldn't listen to again.
2
Apr 18 2025
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Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
My previous experience with Dylan has lead me to believe he is one of the best song writers of all time, but a less-than-stellar vocalist. I went in to this one trying to keep an open mind. Honestly, a good album. The writing, both lyrics and music, is of course top notch, and his voice doesn't distract like I expected it to. Can't say I'd run out and buy a copy, but I wouldn't be upset if someone put it on while I was around.
3
Apr 19 2025
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The Gershwin Songbook
Ella Fitzgerald
Ella 5/5. The band 5/5. The songs: 5/5. The only issue, as many others have pointed out, is the length. It's a fantastic set, but I'd be far more likely to put on the "best of" before I'd listen to the whole 3+ hours. Still, that's not a knock on the quality of the full set, more a knock on my own attention span and need for variety.
4
Apr 20 2025
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Emergency On Planet Earth
Jamiroquai
Always up for the funk. I've been a fan of Jamiroquai since Traveling Without Moving hit during my record store days. Never went deeper until now. Great album, with a couple of absolute killer tracks ("When You Gonna Learn" and "Revolution 1993")
4
Apr 21 2025
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Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear
Not a fan of Marcus Garvey (the person), though I understand his status in Jamaican culture. I am, however, a fan of Burning Spear (the living legend). Enjoyed the album throughout. Best tracks (imo) are near the end - "Jordan River", "Red Green & Gold"
4
Apr 22 2025
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Paranoid
Black Sabbath
There is nothing I can say about Sabbath that hasn't already been said by better writers than me.
5
Apr 23 2025
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Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite
Maxwell
At it's heart, it's a bedroom album. A well written, produced and performed album, but not really my taste. I would have loved for the band to stretch out a bit and go a little heavier into the funk, but every song is just kind of mellow.
3
Apr 24 2025
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Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading
I've heard of Joan Armatrading many times over the years, but have never listened to her prior to this. Absolutely wonderful album. I'm a bit shocked I'd never heard it even in my record store days.
Favorites: "Love and Affection", "Join the Boys", "Like Fire", but then they're all great.
5
Apr 25 2025
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D.O.A. the Third and Final Report of Throbbing Gristle
Throbbing Gristle
Definitely at the "challenging" end of the musical spectrum. Not for everyone, and honestly not really for me. That said, I do see the artistic merit in the work, so I won't criticize. They created something I couldn't have created. Not going to rush out and buy a copy, though.
2
Apr 26 2025
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Rust Never Sleeps
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
I was a little surprised this album started out so mellow. The stuff I've heard before with Crazy Horse has been far more rocking. Great album, though. Just a bit thrown 'cause it's not what I expected.
Favorites: "Hey Hey My My", "My My Hey Hey", "Welfare Mothers"
4
Apr 27 2025
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Devotional Songs
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
You can definitely feel the joy come through in these songs. To my ears, they all sound a bit too similar. I didn't dislike any of them, and yes I could tell them apart, but being that I'm not particularly familiar with qawwali music, they didn't sound very different. The end result for me, I enjoyed the listen, I get why people love his music, but I likely wouldn't put it on again.
Favorites: "Yaad-E-Nabi Gulshan Mehka"(had a little different sound than the rest, so it stood out)
3
Apr 28 2025
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
First, I will say that country has never been a draw for me. There are a few artists that I do like (Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson), and knowing a bit about Merle Haggard's backstory, I can respect the man. The (I'm assuming typical) 60s production on this album kills any chance of me enjoying it. The backing vocals, the steel guitar (a little goes a long way), and worst for me, the abrupt fade outs just when the band starts kicking. For f*** sake, let's hear them stretch out a bit.
I'll give it a 2, just because Merle doesn't deserve a 1, but I won't be listening to it again - unless someone has the original master tapes and can release the full songs without the unnecessary fades.
2
Apr 29 2025
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Young Americans
David Bowie
All hail The Sovereign of the Guild of Calamitous Intent!
Best: "Young Americans" (an absolute classic)
Worst: "Can You Hear Me" (string section made it sound like it was intended for Barbra Streisand)
4
Apr 30 2025
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Hejira
Joni Mitchell
I was over half way through the album when I realized I couldn't recall a single lyric or note from what I had already heard. At no point was I wanting to stop listening, but also at no point did I want to listen closer. It was just. . . forgettable. At least up until "Blue Motel Room". The lyrics in that one were so cringe inducing. "Hanging on your boom boom pachyderm"? "tell them you've got Gerrrrman measles"? Yeah, this one's not for me.
2
May 01 2025
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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
The title track is a classic of epic scale. Love the drum solo. Love the whole song.
Side one is so of it's time that it nearly sounds like a parody of psychedelic 60s music. How many times can he say "Girl, I just know I love you"? Side one not as awesome as side two, but still pretty damn good.
3
May 02 2025
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I See You
The xx
Not much to say about this one. I liked it. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Some songs verge on trip-hop (which I like), but others got a bit too typical modern pop. Did like the interplay of the two singers.
Favorite: "Brave For You"
3
May 03 2025
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Loved the title track. Loved the closing track. Everything in between was great writing, great lead vocals, but overproduced. Unfortunately, that has long been the case for Leonard Cohen. I haven't listened to him since the 90s, and that's the main reason. Disappointing.
3
May 04 2025
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Solid Air
John Martyn
Loved the music. Not so much the vocals. At times they were ok, but he seems to purposely not enunciate on certain songs, and it distracts from the music. I'm assuming that was his artistic choice, but it just didn't work for me. Really wanted to like this one, because like I said, the band was kicking.
3
May 05 2025
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Synchronicity
The Police
Here's one I've listened to many many times in my youth. Honestly, I'd have to say it's my least favorite of Police albums, but that's not saying it's bad. Just not a good as their previous efforts.
Favs: both title tracks, "Oh My God", "Tea in the Sahara", "Murder by Numbers"
Worst (by far): "Mother"
Liked "Walking In Your Footsteps" back in the day, but today, lyrics are clunky and heavy handed. Music is still good, though.
4
May 06 2025
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In Rainbows
Radiohead
Not a bad song on it. I haven't listened to this one as much as OK Computer or Kid A, but it's still a favorite.
5
May 07 2025
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Heaux Tales
Jazmine Sullivan
Modern R&B has never done anything for me. The old stuff from the 60s and 70s - absolutely! But the newer stuff just doesn't click with me. I gave this album a try, having never before heard of the artist, and, still not my thing. She me be talented, but to my middle-aged ears, it was just generic background noise.
2
May 08 2025
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Club Classics Vol. One
Soul II Soul
I remember when this one first came out. Didn't listen to the whole thing back then, but always liked "Back to Life." Nice to hear the whole thing. Not a flawless album, but an enjoyable one.
Favorites: "Back To Life", "Feel Free" (Do'Reen has a powerful voice)
3
May 09 2025
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Live 1966 (The Royal Albert Hall Concert)
Bob Dylan
Not doing much to change my opinion of Dylan. Still can't deal with his voice, and some of the songs on this one are much more poorly written than what I've heard from him before. This is the beginning of the "Dylan Goes Electric" thing, so I get the importance of the recording, but damn it's a tough listen for me. Dreading the (I'm sure) many more Dylan albums on this list.
2
May 10 2025
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You've Come a Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim
Much as In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was of its time, You’ve Come A Long Way is very much a 90s album. A good 90s album. I could listen to any of the songs any time, but the album as a whole I probably wouldn’t. Interesting that this was our follow up to Soul II Soul. They’re both dance albums that would be great in a club, but without folks shaken’ what they got, they’re a bit less interesting.
3
May 11 2025
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell, from everything I’ve heard, is a wonderful person. Nothing against her. Her music, on the other hand. . . There’s a special ring of hell made just for me where they play her music on repeat. This album is well produced and varied, and I hope to never hear it again.
1
May 12 2025
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Rejoicing In The Hands
Devendra Banhart
This is why I wanted to take part in this project. I’ve heard of Banhart before, but have never listened to him. His voice is a bit quirky at times, but it works well with the somewhat minimalist music. Reminds me a bit of Tallest Man on Earth or Keaton Henson. Loved this album. My only issue is that several of the songs are too short
4
May 13 2025
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
An interesting one. Back in the day, it would be an instant 5 stars. Given what I know now about the personal life of one of the band members, it's hard to separate art from artist. When I can do that, it's still an amazing album. Rick Rubin's input took the band to a whole new level. Maybe a touch too long overall, but a mighty good listen.
4
May 14 2025
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The Slim Shady LP
Eminem
I gave it a try. I did. But, god I fucking hate Eminem. As much as I could get through was just a misogynistic mess (in my opinion).
1
May 15 2025
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Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
A good album. Not something I'm going to run out and buy, but I'd have no problem listening to it again. The only major negative is the vocal delivery on the opening track. An odd choice, but that's ok I guess.
3
May 16 2025
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Tidal
Fiona Apple
I've heard this one several times before, but not for a while. Some of my coworkers at the record store loved it when it came out, so it got played quite a bit back then. I've always liked the opening track, "Sleep To Dream", but other than that didn't remember much of the album.
I've always felt Fiona Apple has a lot of talent, but also has an ego that is much larger than the talent, and that keeps me from paying much attention to her career.
Going purely from the music, and laying aside her personality, it's a good album. Solid songs, well produced and well performed.
Fave is still "Sleep To Dream", "Criminal" is pretty good.
I found "Shadowboxer" and "Never Is A Promise" lyrically pretty week compared to the rest.
3
May 17 2025
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Damn good album. I have the same complaint about it that I’ve had with a few others on this list. What’s with the quick fades? Let the songs breathe a bit. Let the musicians jam a bit. Several of the tracks on this one clock in at less than 3 minutes with a fade ending. Maybe that was done to make them more likely get airplay? Bad decision if you ask me. The songs were too good to be so short.
4
May 18 2025
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Face to Face
The Kinks
Enjoyed the album, but still have that same criticism. Fade outs before the songs feel finished. Would love to hear the full takes of many of these songs.
3
May 19 2025
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Straight Outta Compton
N.W.A.
Having not grown up in the same situation as rappers of this era, I’ve never listened to much of the music, but always had respect for the likes of NWA, Public Enemy and the like. After listening to this one, I actually have less respect for NWA. I was expecting some hard hitting tracks, but what I got was, by today’s standards, rather sophomoric repetitive lyrics with forced rhymes about being the greatest, and not caring about anything else. I stopped counting how many times someone said “I don’t give a fuck”. Bottom line, I get that it was a massively influential album, bringing in the Gangsta Rap era, but listening to it without that in mind, it just comes of as juvenile.
2
May 20 2025
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The Köln Concert
Keith Jarrett
Forgive me for not being eloquent, but I enjoyed the shit out of this one. Jarrett is a supremely talented pianist.
5
May 21 2025
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Haut de gamme / Koweït, rive gauche
Koffi Olomide
I’ve grown to like some world music over the years. Can’t say I know enough about the style to give a wordy review, but I can say I liked this one.
3
May 22 2025
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Hotel California
Eagles
Ah, the Eagles. I was a big fan back when I was a kid. Been a long time since I’ve listened to this one, so it was interesting to revisit. I’d say “Life in the Fast Lane” still holds up, as does the classic title track, though I’ve heard that one so many times I don’t really need to hear it again. Everything else on the album is a bit too mainstream 70s yacht rock for my current taste. Well written and immaculately produced, but not what I’d listen to today.
3
May 23 2025
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
3
May 24 2025
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The ArchAndroid
Janelle Monáe
I first heard this album shortly after it was released. Listening to it again now, my opinion hasn't changed much. Monae is a very talented musician. I like the concept of the album. It constantly feels so close to a great album, but the production seems to strangle the life out of every song. I'd love to hear some more raw demos or a rougher overall mix. So close, but it just ends up bland in the long run.
3
May 25 2025
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Third
Portishead
Love Portishead. Haven't listened to this one as much as their first 2 albums. I'd say this one is worthy follow up to those.
4
May 26 2025
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Smash
The Offspring
I heard this album upon its release back in my record store days. My reaction back then was, "Wow - this is absolute crap!" Listened to bits of it again, just to see if my opinion would change, and no. How an album of such generic reductive punk-but-not-too-punk, like this one gets on a list like this I don't understand. All of the bands that Offspring are ripping off deserve to be listed as influential, but this band doesn't have an original idea anywhere to be found. Utter dreck.
1
May 27 2025
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Odessey And Oracle
The Zombies
This one, like the Iron butterfly we had a while back, is so 60s it’s nearly a parody. But I don’t mean that to sound like a bad thing. It’s just very set in its time. Obviously the big hit here is “Time of the Season”, and it’s probably the best track on this, but I did like many of the others as well. Many songs feature vocals that start to verge on Beach Boys territory- but only if The Beach Boys didn’t annoy the piss out of me. Bottom line - I like it. Not enough to run out and buy a copy, but I’d listen to it again.
3
May 28 2025
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Did we really need yet another 6+ minute cover of "Louie Louie"? Other than that, though, I did enjoy this one. A solid garage rock jam.
4