Jun 03 2025
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Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire)
The Kinks
Some great songs here, some that have not aged well, and some that must have frankly felt pretty weak even when first released. I like, but don’t love, The Kinks. This is one of their better albums, but it still retreats a little too often for me to a certain twee mawkishness.
3
Jun 04 2025
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Catch A Fire
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Reggae isn’t really my thing, otherwise I might have rated this one star higher. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the artistry, gravitas and significance of much of this album. It’s great music, delivered with real commitment and virtuosity, and I can imagine opening all my windows and treating my neighbours to then thudding bass. I enjoyed the protest songs most.
3
Jun 05 2025
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Surrealistic Pillow
Jefferson Airplane
This album absolutely exemplifies the sound of its era. Difficult to imagine how any other could be more evocative of the late 60s. Airplane was a perfect band. I’ll never tire of listening.
5
Jun 06 2025
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Ágætis Byrjun
Sigur Rós
Last listened to this when it first came out and was underwhelmed, but a lot of water has gone under the bridge both personally and musically since then. This time around I loved it! A zen-like experience…
4
Jun 07 2025
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Pearl
Janis Joplin
This album is great as much for the contribution of the excellent Full Tilt Boogie Band as that of JJ herself. It’s a real ensemble piece. I love it from start to finish.
4
Jun 08 2025
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Court And Spark
Joni Mitchell
This is a slow burn. Music and lyrics of great sophistication which gradually reveal their power and depth. Beautiful and mysterious from start to finish.
5
Jun 09 2025
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Eli And The Thirteenth Confession
Laura Nyro
I really love this album - Laura Nyro is a brilliant songwriter and has a great voice with an incredible range. I particularly like the sudden tempo shifts in most of her songs.
5
Jun 10 2025
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Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash
These guys could harmonise, way before the days of auto-tune!
4
Jun 11 2025
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Vauxhall And I
Morrissey
Never really got into Morrissey or The Smiths. On the basis of a single listen this is solid 3* and no more. Maybe this would improve if I heard it more, but just not enough time at the moment.
3
Jun 12 2025
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The Rise & Fall
Madness
Such an enjoyable album - it brims with originality, joyfulness and wit from start to finish. I can’t really fault anything. Great tunes, fun lyrics, slick production, superb arrangements. Madness at their glorious best.
5
Jun 13 2025
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The Beach Boys Today!
The Beach Boys
4
Jun 14 2025
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Thriller
Michael Jackson
I’ve never actually listened to this album from start to finish before - only really focusing on the singles - but every song is a gem. And the production is stunning too. So much still to discover on the inevitable repeat listenings.
5
Jun 15 2025
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More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
I love the initial inaccessibility of this music. Angular, lyrically arcane, devoid of melody but intricately structured. I can hear Captain Beefheart, Sparks and Eno-era Roxy Music, all delivered with David Byrne’s energy and total commitment. I’ll be back to this one again.
4
Jun 16 2025
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Pelican West
Haircut 100
4
Jun 17 2025
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The Genius Of Ray Charles
Ray Charles
Great singing, great arrangements, the songs themselves are patchy in there quality - a few are standouts but the majority are unmemorable. Not Sinatra.
3