Aug 27 2025
Among The Living
Anthrax
4
Aug 28 2025
Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey giving some Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) vibes on Good Fortune
3 songs in, it's ok so far, but not great. Kind of one note late 90s early 2000s stuff
Beautiful Feeling feels like a Thom Yorke before he even starts singing. Kinda liking the ethereal feeling of it
I like this other Thom Yorke song, This Mess We're In
Ooh Kamikaze slaps
This is Love, meh
Kind of coffee house, punk ish (I mean that in the loosest way), 2000s drama soundtrack vibes. Not totally my cup of 'coffee', but it's artful and fun at times. Didn't resonate, but hey imma big dumb boy
3
Aug 29 2025
Sunday At The Village Vanguard
Bill Evans Trio
For maybe the first 20 mins I was having a great time, and filling a jazz void I've had for a while. Bill Evans has such deft and control that he gives just the right amount of emphasis through the song. I learned that this style bled into modern jazz so apparently he's a big deal. Then, as the album continued, it overstayed it's welcome. Once you get the first 20 mins, you've essentially heard the whole album. Special shout-out to Solar though, that was pretty good
3
Sep 01 2025
Hot Fuss
The Killers
Holy smokes, gonna go ahead and say that the A-side of this album, while packed with super recognizable songs, might be the best A-side in 2000s Alternative. Will be curious to confirm that as well go on, but it was fabulous. Back side of the album has some good tunes but wasn't as strong. Cannot give this a 5 when you hold it next to true 5s, but it is a super strong 4
4
Sep 02 2025
Raw Power
The Stooges
So I obviously know of Iggy Pop and the Stooges, but have never say down and just given them a listen. This was a really fun album, and there's this element of it where, today would seem tame, at the time folks must have looked at this as vile and inappropriate. Some repetitive tunes, some really fun tracks. Solid 3 and I think there are a couple of songs I'll keep for myself (Shake Appeal)
3
Sep 03 2025
Paranoid
Black Sabbath
Ok so this album is obviously iconic, and the big hits are huge and unforgettable. So heading into this I wondered how do they all weave together and what songs support them. There's a similar vibe across all of the songs. Slow and sludgy riffs with some of those notes highlighting how they used to be a blues band (fun fact!). Electric Funeral and Hand of Doom are fun, and it's all just a vibe. Very inventive for 1970, gotta give it its props.
4
Sep 04 2025
Stardust
Willie Nelson
Gotta be honest, not a ton of context around Willie's music heading into this. I know he's an icon, know what he sounds like, but could not tell you a time I've ever listened to one of his songs. This album rules. I know it's mostly (if not entirely) covers but he just puts his own imprint on all of these tunes and puts out such an uplifting and easy listen. This one caught me by surprise and was quite nice.
4
Sep 05 2025
The Grand Tour
George Jones
Ok this one is kind of frustrating, I'll explain. Half aware of George Jones, first time really listening (am I going to keep saying this?). Lots of ballads in here, seemingly all the same time signature and chords, but, every once in a while, George plays a sped up tune and it's so much fun. The Weatherman and Our Private Life "slap" as they say. If he had a full album of those I'd be all for it. Just too much sap in this one. Almost a 2 but the other songs elevate it.
3
Sep 08 2025
All Directions
The Temptations
This album was awesome. Whoa Papa Was a Rolling Stone is almost 12 mins long? I could honestly listen to a 2 hour long version of that song. They knew they had something good and just ran with it. The other tunes are all really good and all of them compliment each other so well. Great work fellas.
4
Sep 09 2025
Born To Run
Bruce Springsteen
So, Bruce, Da Boss, is undeniably a talented lyricist (and composer if he's in charge of that, idk). He's got the energy, a great ensemble, and just gives it his all. Folks absolutely adore him. I'm not one of those people. It just does not resonate with me. Like I can't even critically try to say it has problems, but for me this album isnt a stellar achievement. Maybe that's an overstatement but it was no more enjoyable than many of the albums I've listened to this far.
3
Sep 10 2025
The Scream
Siouxsie And The Banshees
No expectations heading into this one and it was a really refreshing listen. This album is a happy marriage between The Go-Gos and The Sex Pistols. Great heavy bass lines and Siouxsie Sioux is a fabulous front woman. Pretty fun little journey and hey maybe I'll listen to a few more albums (when I'm done listing to my remaining 900ish albums)
4
Sep 11 2025
A Short Album About Love
The Divine Comedy
This one is a true "going in blind" album. No idea who these guys are. Never heard of this album. I am absolutely blown away. Could be that this was my first listen not at my home, or that I'm freshly married, but front to back this is such an impressionable and moving album. Dare I say my first 5 stars and not at all the emotions I expected while sitting in an airport. I also like when the theme of an album is clear and throughout (a la Dark Side of the Moon), and this one stays its course throughout. Will need to give it a second listen but for sure my fave from the project this far (not that many albums in to be fair).
5
Sep 12 2025
Now I Got Worry
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Not much to say here. Some songs have merit (Rocketship, maybe Chicken Dog) but this album is largely noise. I see it as more of a frenetic Beck album or more disjointed Primus album (with much less of the sick bass lines). Probably not coming back for the Blues Explosion
2
Sep 15 2025
Rock 'N Soul
Solomon Burke
Initially was going to rare this a 3 but this guy's voice is so soulful I've gotta go for a 4. Can't believe I hadn't heard of him. Similar to a Sam Cooke with such a rich voice, you get lost a little when he's singing. Very good stuff
4
Sep 16 2025
Endtroducing.....
DJ Shadow
If I was running a fusion restaurant with cool vibes in NYC, or trying to have something on in the background while I chill with friends, this would be a good option. If I'm largely sitting and listening to it, this thing goes on and on and on. Fun use of the medium, good DJ, but you could cut it in half and have the same album.
2
Sep 17 2025
Paris 1919
John Cale
Maybe it was because I only had access to the Deluxe Version, but this thing went on and on. At first I was like hey this is kinda neat, but only a few tracks had something interesting going on. It's meandering and too artful for my liking. I noticed that this guy is from Velvet Underground and friends with Andy Warhol, so this trying to be very arty makes sense (nothing against those things, just the vibe I pick up)
2
Sep 18 2025
Take Me Apart
Kelela
This was ok. Not really up my alley but I can tell that it's produced and performed well. My problem with some R&B albums is that they can seem monotonous. No real criticisms but probably won't come back for a visit
3
Sep 19 2025
That's The Way Of The World
Earth, Wind & Fire
They're a big deal for a reason. This album was solid front to back. From the hits to the B-Sides. Happy Feelin was a great introduction to me. Also, the bass lines in this album are so think and rich. Might have to put this one back on if I want to move around
4
Sep 22 2025
The Wall
Pink Floyd
I mean, what do you say that's already been said? Have heard The Wall before. It's NOT my favorite Pink Floyd album but maybe I'm heading into this already biased and affected by public opinion. It's really good with some absolute killer songs. Uncomfortably Numb is out of this world. I'll probably give the album a 5, BUT if I had half stars I'd give it a 4.5 because to me (and maybe no surprise) Dark Side is the true 5 star in this catalogue.
5
Sep 23 2025
Queen II
Queen
Oh look! A Queen album with none of their hits on it! What am I to expect?!
Well, I had a very odd epiphany while listening to this. Very early Queen, and I swear for the first half of the album I felt as if they were wanting to emulate Led Zeppelin. Almost to the point of cover band at times. It wasn't until Ogre Battle did the more Queen vibe start to come out. Not an incredibly notable album (for me) but it was very interesting to get this glimpse of the band that's not constantly shoved down your throat.
3
Sep 24 2025
Let Love Rule
Lenny Kravitz
Fairly shocked that this is Lenny Kravitz's first album. His sound seems fully formed at this point and largely no boring tracks in the whole thing. Really really impressive entry and I had a lot of fun listening to it. Special shout-out to Mr. Cab Driver. That song rocks.
4
Sep 25 2025
Live / Dead
Grateful Dead
Sweet Lord. I know that the Grateful Dead have their own committed following, and are a vibe all on their own essentially, but this did not click. Don't get me wrong, the entire middle of the album ranged from good to great, but the beginning of the album was a meandering 23 minutes (intentional I know) and ending with nearly 8 mins of literal feedback. The name of the song is Feedback but I didn't know I needed to take it literally! It was trending towards a 3 after a rough start but they solidified a 2 in the end.
2
Sep 26 2025
Triangle
The Beau Brummels
Really interesting album from a group I've never heard of. Gave them a little read and you can definitely sense their country roots in this music, but at times they venture into ethereal which is kind of fun. This being from 1967 is astounding given they were not a big band and it sounds great. Another shout-out because there is absolutely zero wasted time here. An easy sub 30 min album of decent tunes.
3
Sep 29 2025
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette
Fully aware that this is a big time massive album (actually fun fact I didn't know until few years ago, it is a Top 10 best selling album of ALL TIME), so heading into it I had the the thought of seeing how the other songs stack up with the obvious hits that I've heard a million times. Gotta say, she put together a killer album. Now that's not groundbreaking news but her emotional rawness is evident throughout and there is rarely a lull. Just a great album.
5
Sep 30 2025
Talking Book
Stevie Wonder
Wow what a fabulous album. I even didn't scroll down to see that Superstitious was on it so when it came on I genuinely got excited. Such an interesting sound, like a mixture of jazz and creating this new kind of funk. I've been a believer that Stevie Wonder legitimately has one of the best voices of all time. Really fun front to back
4
Oct 01 2025
The Next Day
David Bowie
I love Bowie, I think he's got some really exceptional songs and albums, but this one wasn't it. I hate to say it but it's got that similar stink and production as so many late era greats put out on their albums. It's a right album with some decent tunes here and there, but I was shocked to find myself continuously checking to see how much was left. Sorry Duke, this wasn't it
3
Oct 02 2025
Definitely Maybe
Oasis
This was neat. I don't know much Oasis outside of their big hits, so it was interesting to get a familiar sound on entirely new songs to me. This album is certainly a little harder than their more mainstream songs, and they're all composed really well. Cigarettes and Alcohol is completely ripping off Bang a Gong? But not sure if that is intentional as an homage. Decent album, would be a 3.5 if I had the ability but I guess I'll give it a 4
4
Oct 03 2025
More Songs About Buildings And Food
Talking Heads
Unabashedly a big Talking Heads fan. This album absolutely rocks. I can not help but bob my head or move around a little listening to these tunes. This can't be overstating it but The Talking Heads might be some of the funkiest white people ever. Exciting bass lines and really inventive guitar and drums, AND that's not even mentioning the enigma David Byrne. Easy 5 Stars
5
Oct 06 2025
Rage Against The Machine
Rage Against The Machine
This is their first fucking album? Are we sure? This is amazing! The musicianship on this is absolutely next level for whatever level of metal this is in the 90s. Tom Morello is of course celebrated, but he really proves his breadth and expertise here and it's incredible. What can you say about Zach De La Rocha? Unmatchable energy and anger. Maybe the angriest singer ever. I know Killing in the Name of, and it absolutely GRIPS you here, but the rest of the album is just so phenomenal. It is shocking to me how such a politically driven album can also be maybe one of the best albums of the 90s from a pure music standpoint at the same time. AND their first album? An incredible perfect storm.
5
Oct 07 2025
Low-Life
New Order
This was alright. I like some of the New Order hits but this to me was mostly middle of the road. I didn't know a lot of the history about New Order and how they're born from Joy Division, and how the singer of New Order reluctantly became the singer. Honestly kind of makes sense listening to this (at times).
3
Oct 08 2025
New Boots And Panties
Ian Dury
This was, bizarre, but in like a really endearing way. Ian Dury has such a thick cockney that it makes everything have this extra layer of silly, and not only that but then the lyrics themself are already cooky. But the way that he sings it is with so much sincerity that it makes each song fun. Top that off with the fact that his band seemingly are all good musicians as well and that makes this real music (is that a backhanded compliment?). Songs can be basic at times but I was never bored listening to this.
3
Oct 09 2025
Violator
Depeche Mode
Wow I didn't know that this album was THAT album that has all of their moody hits on it (you won't be seeing Just Can't Get Enough here). Really ahead of their time while be of the time, if that makes sense. You feel their inspiration in a lot of the artists to follow, AND you can just imagine all of the goth kids absolutely loving this album the moment the needle hit the record. Good work gang
4
Oct 10 2025
The Band
The Band
Good album. Couple of their hits. Others are all pretty good and interesting. There's not much I feel I can really say here, but I will recognize that this is one of those very important bands that is largely slept on. All members are excellent musicians.
4
Oct 13 2025
3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul
Have only been aware of De La Soul, and haven't spent any time to listen to them. This album is phenomenal! Granted, I'm a Tribe fan and seeing QTip is on this album and De La Soul is chummy Tribe all makes sense. Great samples from some big songs and perfectly incorporated into their songs. Big time props for Eye Know for using Steely Dan. I may actually have to buy this album
5
Oct 14 2025
C'est Chic
CHIC
An interesting disco entrant to the list. This has that big hit Le Freak, but under this album and not known to the world is that there's a secret really good guitar album in here. The guitar solo throughout Savoir Faire was really impressive. Beyond that a lot of the songs can seem repetitive, but I'm sure it is a product of the time because these songs were made for disco dancing. Alright album
3
Oct 15 2025
The Clash
The Clash
Aware of The Clash and their incredibly important position in music history. There is no other singer like Joe Strummer. This album is neat. Good riffs, strong bass lines, not much I'd go back to. I already love Police and Thieves but the rest of the album is good punk.
3
Oct 16 2025
Rocks
Aerosmith
Some interesting licks here and there. Joe Perry has such a good way of making interesting riffs. Pretty straight forward and cool rock n roll. Sick as a Dog was actually pretty interesting and hadn't heard that before. Fine album
3
Oct 17 2025
Youth And Young Manhood
Kings of Leon
I love an able with notable and interesting bass lines, and they really keep the bass turned up here. Caleb Followill has such interesting vocals too. We of course all know Sex on Fire, but it's nice to listen to an album of simply their sound without the baggage that comes with a hit (this is not a negative connotation by the way). Great entry album by them and hey maybe I'll listen more often
4
Oct 20 2025
Disraeli Gears
Cream
Really interesting combo of the sound of the times and the blues inspiration that they have (and of course informed Eric Clapton). Sunshine of Your Love is a classic. There are odd times of psychedelic rock that I'd never heard them do. Overall an alright album
3
Oct 21 2025
Crime Of The Century
Supertramp
Candidly, I already love Supertramp and some of the songs on this album. I've been aware of Crime of the Century but didn't give it a proper listen. This is a phenomenal album. I was really teetering between a 4 or a 5 but the highs of this album along with the hits just bring it up to that 5 level. I just love Rick Davies' vocals and piano and the the orchestral bits are real fun too. Excited for Breakfast in America
5
Oct 22 2025
Walking Wounded
Everything But The Girl
No expectations heading into this one, and I gotta say, it's a vibe. Very heavy on the 90s house drum kit (very British I gather), and the vocals are ethereal and soothing. No real notable songs I think but the album in its entirety is just nice, and as they say, cool
4
Oct 23 2025
Behaviour
Pet Shop Boys
This is a tough one to rate, pretty good is largely how I feel about it, but I can't recall any tracks here a few hours after listening. Is that my fault? Ehh idk here's 3 stars. Easy listening and cool
3
Oct 24 2025
Penthouse And Pavement
Heaven 17
Hot dog if you're going to make an hour and a bit long album you better have something profound to say and produce. This largely feels like they had all of these ideas and were just scared to trim it down. It's a big bloated mess with relatively interesting techno/synth riffs. At times got funky on the bass, and that's fun, but that's about it. One thing I hate is when you listen to a song, and you can tell that they think they have a hit, and it's just . . . not (example, The Height of Fighting)
1
Oct 27 2025
Aladdin Sane
David Bowie
This was pretty fun, and have so many fun David Bowie moments throughout. Jean Genie is the big hit from this album but I don't think it's even really the best song on the album. Time is pretty awesome (which to be fair was another single). The musicianship throughout was just awesome, and you can catch some pointed Jazz influence here and there too. It's odd to get this kind of quintessential Bowie album without really any of the songs being notable.
4
Oct 28 2025
Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music
Ray Charles
I think I mentioned on the Stevie Wonder album I listened to that he had the greatest voice, maybe greatest love song voice idk, but Ray has THE best voice period. It's so distinct, and rich, and soulful that it elevates any song he sings. What is it with blind pianists sounding beautiful? Candidly when I saw how long the album was u was concerned, but my lord it flew by and I hardly checked the time. I listened to a Heaven 17 album recently that felt endless, this was longer and felt shorter. Goes to show making a good album with good songs matters (and being Ray Charles). Great stuff, solid 4
4
Oct 29 2025
Highway 61 Revisited
Bob Dylan
This album is a conundrum. On the surface it should largely be considered gibberish, but, as I sat and listened, it put me in some kind of trance trying to translate the lyrics.
So these words that are all reasonable next to each other but shouldn't share the same sentence are being unpacked during these catchy riffs and good music. I feel like Bruce Springsteen wants to be the energetic Bob Dylan, but he'll never be Bob Dylan. Can not believe my brain is guiding my finger to giving this 4 stars but here we are
4
Oct 30 2025
Graceland
Paul Simon
I was excited to see this album pop up because I had always heard it was a good album. Upon listening that largely rang true, while not really achieving any 5 star status though. Really enjoyed the heavy South African musical influence throughout, and of course Call Me Al is great. Love me some Paul Simon and this is a good entry
4