Mar 27 2025
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Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul
Otis Redding
4
Mar 28 2025
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Doolittle
Pixies
The soundtrack for so much of my late teens and early twenties - listened to this album almost every day while vacuuming the dining room of the camp where I worked. Iconic for me, and led me to a bunch of great music tracing back their influences.
5
Mar 30 2025
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Abraxas
Santana
4
Mar 30 2025
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Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival
4
Mar 31 2025
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You Want It Darker
Leonard Cohen
Surprised by how much I loved this album. Never been a giant Cohen fan, always appreciated his lyrics, but it often seemed like his musical arrangements only highlighted the limits of his vocal range. Here, I felt like the musical elements created a perfect space for Cohen’s ruminations. Maybe it’s just because it’s my birthday and I’m feeling one day closer to death…
4
Apr 01 2025
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Lady Soul
Aretha Franklin
5
Apr 02 2025
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I’m a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
3
Apr 03 2025
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Here Are the Sonics
The Sonics
4 for the album overall, but 5 for their original songs - especially “Strychnine” - going to have to check out more
4
Apr 04 2025
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Siamese Dream
The Smashing Pumpkins
Always too much bloat in almost all of The Smashing Pumpkins catalog (I’d exempt Gish from that). Corgan’s voice is what it is - it works for me sometimes.
3
Apr 05 2025
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The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Underground
4
Apr 06 2025
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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim
Frank Sinatra
4
Apr 07 2025
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3 + 3
The Isley Brothers
4
Apr 08 2025
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Black Holes and Revelations
Muse
The bombast of this album still works for me. The band’s tight - the bass lines are always moving like a storm at the edge of breaking. I feel like the band isn’t taking itself too seriously on this one, and that definitely helps to swallow the excesses.
4
Apr 09 2025
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Your New Favourite Band
The Hives
Two stars for the band - the instrumental end track convinced me this could have been a better band with a different lead
2
Apr 10 2025
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Bringing It All Back Home
Bob Dylan
A classic, and for good reason
5
Apr 11 2025
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Antichrist Superstar
Marilyn Manson
If you had to put an album by this p.o.s. on this list, at least make it Mechanical Animals - far less of a slog
2
Apr 13 2025
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Licensed To Ill
Beastie Boys
Might be nostalgia goggles talking, but this still hits for me
4
Apr 14 2025
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...Baby One More Time
Britney Spears
Two stars because of Soda Pop
2
Apr 15 2025
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A Hard Day's Night
Beatles
Probably my favorite of the pre-Rubber Soul Beatles catalog
4
Apr 16 2025
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The Black Saint And The Sinner Lady
Charles Mingus
3
Apr 17 2025
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Zombie
Fela Kuti
5
Apr 18 2025
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Olympia 64
Jacques Brel
3
Apr 19 2025
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Lust For Life
Iggy Pop
4
Apr 20 2025
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The Queen Is Dead
The Smiths
I first heard this album in 1987 during a transformational Summer for me. This album was one of the first inklings that there was a much larger world of music than I had been exposed to in the small Massachusetts town that I had done most of my growing up in. “Big Mouth Strikes Again” is one of my all time favorite songs. Classic album.
5
Apr 21 2025
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World Clique
Deee-Lite
Wanted more fun from this album, but it’s just okay.
3
Apr 22 2025
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Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Certain bands become part of your DNA if you grow up with hearing them all the time, and Led Zeppelin is one of those bands for me. I don’t remember the first time I heard them or what song it was. I underrated this album when I was younger because it didn’t have as much of the interplay between folk, blues, and rock that came later, and that immediately drew me in. This album was more of a slow burn for me as I came to appreciate more of the roots of the music that they were exploring. The rhythm section of this band is one of the best in rock history - the Johns thunder, howl, and thump like a prowling beast
5
Apr 23 2025
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Rhythm Nation 1814
Janet Jackson
Wayyyyy too long for the level of craft here.
2
Apr 24 2025
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Lazer Guided Melodies
Spiritualized
Liked this much more the second time through - I could see it growing on me. The sonic textures build into each other, rising and falling slowly - chant-like and meditative - boringly interesting
3
Apr 25 2025
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Spiderland
Slint
2
Apr 26 2025
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Diamond Life
Sade
3
Apr 27 2025
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Suicide
Suicide
2
Apr 28 2025
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Night Life
Ray Price
3
Apr 29 2025
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Machine Head
Deep Purple
“Highway Star” is prime 70’s rock in my book - enjoyed listening to this again - had been a while
4
Apr 30 2025
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Billion Dollar Babies
Alice Cooper
Had never listened to a complete Alice Cooper album until today, and I feel like I’ve been missing out - the variety of styles, the absolute embrace of camp, just so good
5
May 01 2025
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The United States Of America
The United States Of America
4
May 01 2025
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Pyromania
Def Leppard
I first heard this album when I was 12. It is so tied up in memories of my first 6th grade dance where not only did Michelle Zabka go, but she danced with me, and then I slept over my friend Cory’s house and we listened to “Foolin” about a million times. So, to make a long story short, can’t be terribly objective, here. But “Photograph” still rocks solid
3
May 02 2025
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Unknown Pleasures
Joy Division
4
May 03 2025
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Repeater
Fugazi
Love this album, though the two EPs that were released before this album, still rise above this for me. Fugazi’s incredible rhythms and lyrics always move me. I never feel yelled at by them, more invited to stand next to them and add my shout.
4
May 04 2025
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
4
May 05 2025
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Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
Definitely one of my favorite albums of all time.
5
May 06 2025
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Another Music In A Different Kitchen
Buzzcocks
4
May 07 2025
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Being There
Wilco
I always felt like this album allowed you to experience a band finding themselves in real time - each track an exploration of who they are and what they have to share. Endlessly creative. A classic, even if not as focused as what would come after this.
5
May 08 2025
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Live At The Witch Trials
The Fall
4
May 09 2025
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Time Out
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Love this album! I’m a huge fan of odd time signatures, and an even bigger fan of Paul Desmond’s sax playing - his tone and the way he adds these little triplet runs all over the place with ease - just perfect. The changing rhythms make it so arrangements don’t fall victim to the riff/bunch of solos/end with riff format that can make listening to a whole jazz album a bit maddening for me.
5
May 10 2025
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The Boatman's Call
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
4
May 11 2025
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Pretzel Logic
Steely Dan
Fun fact - I absolutely hated Steely Dan until I reached my thirties - don’t know what can be drawn from that musical and physiological parallel, but figured I’d put it out there
4
May 12 2025
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Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
Classic songs by a classic singer - a few with a sweet band behind him
4
May 13 2025
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Brothers In Arms
Dire Straits
Such a great variety of musical styles and lyrics. Not a weak track on the whole album for me.
4
May 14 2025
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Born In The U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen
I realized as I was listening to this album that I don’t think I have ever listened to it as an album. I know that is sacrilege, and in my listening group, even more so. Not a bad track, and listening in order was an even better experience.
5
May 15 2025
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Music Has The Right To Children
Boards of Canada
I liked this a lot more than I expected to. It kept my interest much more than most ambient electronic music. It still is background music to me, but more variety in the sonic textures made all the difference for me.
3
May 16 2025
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Moving Pictures
Rush
One of my favorite albums. I’ve enjoyed albums from every stage in Rush’s career - incredible musicians and always thoughtful lyrics. Red Barchetta is one of my favorite songs (and lyrical short stories)
5
May 17 2025
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Broken English
Marianne Faithfull
Had only heard individual songs from Marianne Faithfull, but I liked this. The Ballad of Lucy Jordan was a highlight for me, as was her cover of Working Class Hero.
4
May 18 2025
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Vento De Maio
Elis Regina
4
May 19 2025
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Different Class
Pulp
I mistakenly bought This is Hardcore from Columbia record club because I thought Common People was on that album. That song is worth a listen, but Jarvis Cocker is uncomfortably horny or just okay for the rest of the album. 3 for Common People, 2 for the album.
2
May 20 2025
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Among The Living
Anthrax
Saw Anthrax open for Iron Maiden in the early 90’s - they are even better, live. That being said, I haven’t really listened to much of their catalog. I enjoyed this - really liked One World in particular.
4
May 21 2025
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Arrival
ABBA
Love me some ABBA
4
May 22 2025
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Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
The Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy
A bit heavy handed at points, but overall, a thoughtful and pointed look at the social and political landscape of America, both in the recent past, and ongoing. Loved the production on this album - just so dense with layers upon layers feeding in and out each other. I was left pensive, in a good way. Still wondering how someone who saw the mindless and virulent nature of television would have reacted to a future peak at the internet…
4
May 23 2025
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Physical Graffiti
Led Zeppelin
Overly long, but not bloated, much like Kashmir. Don’t feel like I can adequately critique Led Zeppelin’s work - it feels like picking out your favorite child - there’s just this inherent love that gets in the way of my objectivity. Just love what they did. But 4 stars for stealing so much time out of my day lol
5
May 24 2025
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Electric Warrior
T. Rex
Liked this - surprised how much it reminded me of Donovan. Got a bit samey for me in parts, but a solid album all around.
3
May 25 2025
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A Little Deeper
Ms. Dynamite
I liked this more than I expected. That is not saying much since I hate most top 40ish pop. This at least had some maturity lyrically.
3
May 26 2025
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The Marshall Mathers LP
Eminem
Surprised by the repetition in this - how many times do you have to say that you say whatever you want to say and don’t care who cares? Eminem’s diction is impeccable, which is a shame because you’re not able to miss a single word. And what is the purpose of sharing a personal cathartic fantasy like “Kim”? Who the hell listens to that more than once?! Ugghhh
2
May 27 2025
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Signing Off
UB40
This was so hard to get through. A good enough band in small doses, but this album drags.
2
May 28 2025
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Dusty In Memphis
Dusty Springfield
A classic and great song interpreter. Particularly liked “No Easy Way Down”, which I had not heard before listening to this album.
4
May 29 2025
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Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J
3
May 31 2025
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Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
Derek & The Dominos
4
Jun 01 2025
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Appetite For Destruction
Guns N' Roses
Problematic lyrics aside, this album is even better than I remember - Slash’s amazing guitar work is immediately to the forefront, but Duff McKagan’s thumping and grooving bass lines are something I missed as a teen. Classic album that injected some much needed raw energy into rock at a time where most of it was being produced to death.
4
Jun 02 2025
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Songs Of Love And Hate
Leonard Cohen
4
Jun 03 2025
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At Newport 1960
Muddy Waters
Blues is not usually my go to for listening. I acknowledge the influence and legacy of Muddy Waters, but much prefer listening to Mississippi John Hurt or Son House. That being said, still a solid blues set from a master.
4
Jun 04 2025
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Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Had heard of Bert Jansch, but never had actually listened to any of his work. Didn’t gel with me with a first listen, but sunk in on the next time around. Beautiful finger picking phrases and lyrics.
4
Jun 05 2025
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Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
4
Jun 06 2025
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Snivilisation
Orbital
Nice aural textures, but even in headphones, still couldn’t engage me.
2
Jun 07 2025
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Elephant
The White Stripes
What benji2 said - verbatim what I was going to write, so won’t be redundant
5
Jun 08 2025
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Odelay
Beck
Listened to this album for the first time at a listening station at Border’s Books & Music, and immediately was completely sucked in by the collage of sounds and lyrics. It felt new and exciting. I’ve listened to the album hundreds of times since then, and though it has lost that luster of newness, still a great album overall.
4
Jun 09 2025
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Ready To Die
The Notorious B.I.G.
I don’t feel like I have the history or perspective enough to adequately review this album. I’m glad I listened.
3
Jun 10 2025
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Nilsson Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson
4
Jun 11 2025
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So
Peter Gabriel
A brilliant songwriter at the top of his craft. One of my all time favorite albums. “Mercy Street” alone is worth 5 stars
5
Jun 12 2025
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Konnichiwa
Skepta
I’ll have to return to this one when I can look past the posturing - loved the production and flow, but can’t abide inflated male ego at the moment - can’t imagine why
2
Jun 13 2025
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Surf's Up
The Beach Boys
3
Jun 14 2025
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Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s voice is phenomenal - whether the sweet smooth ballad, or the growling funk - and this album showcases his range and creativity throughout. Songs in the Key of Life is still my favorite by him, but this album still stands proud next to it.
4
Jun 15 2025
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There's A Riot Goin' On
Sly & The Family Stone
3
Jun 16 2025
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Metal Box
Public Image Ltd.
I can see the bands that were influenced by this album, but I enjoy all of their albums much better than this. The tracks where the bass was forward in the mix, I enjoyed a bit better, but overall it didn’t move me.
2
Jun 17 2025
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People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
The sonic collage of this album was a fun ride - made me realize how much I miss good sampling. They were able to capture the sense of hanging out with a group of friends swapping stories and observations of life. Not a small feat. Also appreciated the overall sense of claiming who you are without pretense or posing.
4
Jun 18 2025
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Celebrity Skin
Hole
Not sure that I would call this album an essential listen - there are much better albums in the same vein - anything by Joan Jett, for example. Celebrity Skin is a great track, but just a decent album.
3
Jun 19 2025
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The Next Day
David Bowie
Needed an edit to make it really hit for me, but still a solid Bowie album.
4
Jun 20 2025
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Remedy
Basement Jaxx
There was some good elements in this, but the repetition of electronic music always makes me check out.
3
Jun 21 2025
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Getz/Gilberto
Stan Getz
Loungy and unrushed - smooth jazz but not saccharine - vocals are fantastic
4
Jun 22 2025
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Nixon
Lambchop
3
Jun 23 2025
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Pretenders
Pretenders
Damn, what a debut! Great mix of styles and grooves. Loved the rawness of “Precious” as an opener and shifting gears until finally ending with the poppier groove of “Mystery Achievement”.
4
Jun 24 2025
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The Atomic Mr Basie
Count Basie & His Orchestra
Just can’t get over how tight the band is on this album - the crazy runs both saxes and brass do in such perfect matching tones and lightening speeds. Always in awe
4
Jun 25 2025
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Tigermilk
Belle & Sebastian
I’ve always felt like I should hate Stuart Murdoch’s voice but iI don’t. I love his lyrical and musical sense. It always takes me at least 4-5 listens for any given Belle and Sebastian song to really sink in, but then they stick with me. This album less than others, but still a solid debut.
4
Jun 26 2025
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Urban Hymns
The Verve
Everything about this album is okay
2
Jun 27 2025
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Teenage Head
Flamin' Groovies
Nothing remarkable here - a good down and dirty blues based rock band, but not quite sure it rises to the level of a listen to before you die album.
3
Jun 28 2025
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Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
Simply one of the best rock albums of all time - has never gotten old for me - lyrically, musically, emotionally
5
Jun 29 2025
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Follow The Leader
Korn
Often sonically interesting, but so lyrically abysmal at points that I could barely make it through one listen, not two, like I normally do for albums I’ve never heard.
2
Jun 30 2025
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Bossanova
Pixies
5
Jul 01 2025
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Live At The Harlem Square Club
Sam Cooke
A great set from a fantastic writer and performer.
4
Jul 02 2025
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At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Sometimes virtuosity detaches me from the enjoyment of music. I find it more in jazz, but also here - where I find myself thinking “wow, look at what they are doing here with that instrument”, and have the realization that I have become detached from the music as an emotional experience and I’m experiencing it as a clinical one. This album still rocks, but I just never seem to find the extended jams move me the same way as a succinct tune.
4
Jul 03 2025
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Drunk
Thundercat
This album could have been a masterpiece with better editing - got a bit too sonically repetitive as it wore on. That being said, it’s still a damn good album - his vocals are so smooth and the harmonies layered in perfect little petite fours of sound. A lot of Todd Rungren both in harmony and instrumentation. Loved this
4
Jul 04 2025
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The Fat Of The Land
The Prodigy
Nope in 97, nope in 25 - though the last 2 tracks brought it up to 1.5
1
Jul 05 2025
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Let's Stay Together
Al Green
Soulful and smooth - definitely a slow groove of an album, but still a classic for good reason
4
Jul 06 2025
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Talking Heads 77
Talking Heads
Love the live energy of this album, and just the energy, in general - it feels like the whole group is just feeding and building off each other with every track - love it
4
Jul 07 2025
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White Blood Cells
The White Stripes
If you need to listen to only one White Stripes album, this is what I would recommend every time - a feast of ideas served up loose - driving, loping, and grooving. Not perfect, but perfectly creative
5
Jul 08 2025
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Imagine
John Lennon
It’s hard to rate an album that contains such an iconic song. It’s hard to imagine a world without “Imagine”, but you can do it if you try. But like so many one hit wonder bands, we ignore the wider scope of their music for one smash. I like the varied tone of Lennon’s solo work, at times playful, scathing, and hopeful.
4
Jul 09 2025
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Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I like the Chili Peppers in small doses, and sometimes not at all. But I do admit that every once in a while “Give it Away” strikes some chord in my lizard brain that makes me a slave to the beat for a radio blaring moment.
3
Jul 10 2025
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Logical Progression
LTJ Bukem
Another nope for me - just not my genre in any way, shape, or form. Okay background music, but their are much better backgrounds
2
Jul 11 2025
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The Coral
The Coral
Hadn’t heard of this band before listening to this. I like the way they blend all the elements of bluesfolkpsych rock - “Simon Diamond” sounded like what the Partidge Family might have sounded like if Peter Wolf stood in for David Cassidy… but I digress. Solid and fun and creative throughout - I’ll be checking out more
4