Very stereotypical “classic rock” record. But to be honest, doesn’t really grab my attention like other “classic” albums. Pretty middle of the road for 60s/70s rock. Short record and consistent sound throughout with nothing pushing too far out from the rest in creativity—so much so that I might even call the songs repetitive. Not sure if there is anything on this record that find the need to I’ll revisit. The recording sounds nice. Like a lot of classic rock. I give it a 5-5.5/10 Standout(s): Green River Bad Moon Rising

I’d heard of this record before. I knew it was considered a reference quality audiophile record. It sounds awesome. Musically, I’m not sure it’s my style. I’ve tried to listen many times, but haven’t fully gotten into it. But there are some good moments. Overall, pretty mellow. Interesting bass lines, pleasing progressions. The longer the record went on, the more I found myself vibing. I enjoyed it more than I expected. Could be some good board game music for a game that people are talking through. Nothing on it that people will recognize. But, in the right circumstances, I think it could slap. Right now, I’m feeling 6.5-7/10 Standouts: The Golden Age Lonesome Tears Lost Cause

Very stereotypical “classic rock” record. But to be honest, doesn’t really grab my attention like other “classic” albums. Pretty middle of the road for 60s/70s rock. Short record and consistent sound throughout with nothing pushing too far out from the rest in creativity—so much so that I might even call the songs repetitive. Not sure if there is anything on this record that find the need to I’ll revisit. The recording sounds nice. Like a lot of classic rock. I give it a 5-5.5/10 Standout(s): Green River Bad Moon Rising

Pretty avant-rock. Structures are different, but overall a pleasant tone. Harmonies and progressions are pretty unique and cool throughout each track. But it takes a certain mood and attention to get the most from these tracks. Thom Yorke is a surprise on “The Mess We’re In.” This album does sound very much like a more guitar-and-acoustic-instrument-oriented Radiohead record. Maybe a little less experimental than that, but similar vibes. Some weird choices in production where vocal peaks are staticky. Sounds like when a vinyl is cut too hot. Not for me and rather annoying to me. I appreciate some of this record (especially on the front half or so), but overall, I’m not sure if it’s for me. 4.5-5/10 Standout(s):

An interesting concept album. Very classic rock in stereo. All about about a deaf, dumb, blind kid named Tommy. It’s a really long record—overstayed its welcome, in my opinion. But the musical ideas throughout are varied and interesting. Timbre and tone of the record doesn’t change or have big swings in variance throughout the really long runtime, which make the experience remarkably linear, but on the whole a little bland(?). There are exceptions towards the end of the record where it gets a little weird. But getting there was a slog. I like the record but the “same-sy” sounds played with a bloated runtime keeps me from getting more from it. 5.5-6/10 Standout(s): Overture Pinball Wizard Sally Simpson I’m Free

Bluesy, folksy classic rock with just enough variance and changes in timber tone, and tempo to keep me engaged the whole record. The twangy guitars interspersed with clean electrics were a vibe. The vocal harmonies were a bit cheesy throughout but weren’t totally off-putting and sometimes actually did add some depth. The middle of the record was its strength, I thought. It started off a little slow and ended on a downturn, but the middle was quite good. Overall, I liked it and might revisit some of the highlights. 7-7.5/10 Standout(s): Pre-road Downs Judy Blue Eyes

Part folk, part blues, part jazz, part atmospheric rock, part bluegrass, part singer-songwriter. Great Record. Slapped from start to stop. Though the first half is stronger (after the opening track). Standout(s): Everydays (Live) Expecting to Fly Bluebird Rock and Roll Woman

Interesting. I mean, “Pictures at an Exhibition” is a classic. But there’s so many versions. I went in thinking do I really want to listen to another version of something I’ve already heard? “The Gnome” kicked that thought right out of my head. Oh man. The tones, sounds, atmosphere, just so big and punchy. Kicks you in the face in the way you want. Not forward like sometimes metal can be. Super proggy but still grounded. Just absolutely ripped the whole way through. I enjoyed this more than any other adaptation of “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Great idea, great execution. Standout(s): The Gnome The whole thing 9.5/10

Some real earworms on this album. But between the hits I found a lot of filler. Inoffensive, but couldn’t find a lot to really get lost in. Standout(s): Hanging on the Telephone Heart of Glass

Initial thought was of how much I enjoyed the sound of this record. The drums especially have a, kind of, nostalgic punch to them. Most of this records feels surprisingly open, despite the grungy, distorted tones in the guitars and vocals. But this didn’t really scratch any musical itch for me. Not bad or irritating, just not anything I’ll reach for again. And I really do like the vibe of this record. But beyond the production being pretty cool, not much for me to grab a hold of. 5.5-6/10 Standout(s): Zürich is Stained Here Jackals, False Grails: The Lonesome Era

I recognize how great this album is in the pantheon of music, but I can’t help but feel a little bit sad about how this record sounds. It sounds…old. Really holds back the listening experience, in my opinion. It’s like watching a black-and-white film. Some people love watching those movies, but it’s not for me. Hearing the microphone consistently clip with Aretha’s voice and the static drone in the background left me wanting more. Pretty easy to listen to passively even if, overall, the songs were a little same-y. I don’t think I’ll find myself revisiting for active listening—pretty good, inoffensive background stuff. If the recording sounded better, maybe I could look past the mid songs to hear Aretha. Also, I hate fade-out endings. Just end the song. 4.5/10 Standouts: Respect Dr. Feelgood (Love is Serious Business)

So cool. Each track is rife with unique, exciting sounds. It’s a pretty long album with some challenging cuts, but it was interesting and ever-changing. It demanded my full attention, and it didn’t let go the whole way through. I’m glad I heard this one today. Will definitely revisit. 7.5-8/10 Standouts: Beetlebum Song 2 Death of a Party

I’m not sure I get it. It did not hit today.

I liked the tidbits explaining what was going on throughout this album. But, I can say this is not for me. Sitar drones and idiomatic plucking thoroughly wore me out with as long as it went. If I’m rating purely on how much I enjoyed this record: 1/10 My wife asked me multiple times to turn it off.