2025 in 2025: Day 66

Escape - Journey

That opening song is ridiculous and the rest of the album cannot live up to it, but still a decent album overall. Nothing bad. A few great songs.

Highlights: Don't Stop Believin'

7.5/10

Escape - Enrique Iglesias

Now THIS is an Enrique Iglesias album! Pop dance coolness personified. The Spanish version of Escape (Escapar) is hilarious, because they didn't bother to redo the backing vocals where he still sings in English. Maybe Enrique did not want to attempt to hit that high note again? Same thing happens in No Apagues La Luz, so I am definitely going to assume that. Or the producer did not want to have to hear Enrique attempt the high notes. Maybe both!

Highlights: Escape, Don't Turn Off the Lights, Maybe, Heroe

9/10

The Essential Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson

This is just a handful of songs that are not on MJ's solo albums pre-Off The Wall - mostly consists of Jackson 5 songs. Which only serves to remind me that I do not have any Jackson 5 albums, so am officially a loser.

Highlights: I Want You Back, ABC, Blame it on the Boogie, Can You Feel It

8/10

The Essential O'Jays - The O'Jays

And if only to further emphasise my loser status, this is only the song Love Train. It is a perfect soul jam, but I really should have more O'Jays. What a loser.

10/10

Euphoria - Enrique Iglesias

What is this? Awesome Enrique day?? The Spanish language tracks on this are stronger than the English ones, but that is not such a surprise. I Like It is awesome no matter if Pitbull appears or not.

Highlights: I Like It, Cuando Me Enamoro, Dile Que, Everything's Gonna Be Alright

7/10

Even More Dazed and Confused (Music From the Motion Picture) - Various Artists

They should have just released a big box set of all the music in the movie. Because the whole movie is full of awesome 70s rock songs. Never Been Any Reason must be one of the most underappreciated gems of the entire music world.

Highlights: No More Mr. Nice Guy - Alice Cooper, Never Been Any Reason - Head East, Balinese - ZZ Top

7/10

Everybody!! - WANIMA

These guys never fail to raise a smile. I wish the weather was sunny to give them the respect they deserve! Plus it just feels wrong to listen to this kind of awesome summer music when it is grey and cloudy and I don't have a nice cold Pepsi...
Highlights: OLE!!, シグナル, ヒューマン, CHARM, ANCHOR

8.5/10

Everything Must Go - Manic Street Preachers

Sometimes I think I do not actually like Manic Street Preachers as much as I think I do. Does that make sense? Like, I have this idea in my head that they are an awesome band that I really like, but then when I listen to them I don't actually dig it as much as I think I am going to. Anyways, I came in to listening to this album now thinking that way, but turns out I do like it a lot; A Design For Life is a bonafide 5 star hall of fame classic, and the rest of the album is pretty darn solid, as well. I have the 10th Anniversary edition or something, and it has all these live tracks that come after the album and kill the good vibe I was leaving with. They must go.

Highlights: A Design For Life, Australia, Interiors (Song for Willem De Kooning)

8/10 for the original album, 7/10 with all the other stuffs

Everything Must Go: 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition [Disc 2] - Manic Street Preachers

The demos are kind of fine? Certainly interesting from a development point of view. The rehearsals are... pointless. Unless you want to hear a badly recorded distorted live recording? The b-sides are mostly okay and b-sides for a reason. This is the stuff that makes me think I think I like them more than I actually do...

Highlights: Small Black Flowers That Grow In The Sky [Demo], Australia [Stephen Hague Production], The Girl Who Wanted To Be God [Stephen Hague Production]

5.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 529

2025 in 2025: Day 65

The End of Yesterday - ELLEGARDEN
Nice to start my new year with some ELLEGARDEN. This really is like no other ELLEGARDEN album and at first I was somewhat disappointed. But it actually makes sense when you realise that these dudes were all approaching 50 and their last album 16 years earlier was quite a bit darker than what they had done previously. So there is an element of that in some of the songs, but also some older wisdom. And general awesomeness. Because ELLEGARDEN know no other way. So gawdam happy to have them back!
Highlights: Strawberry Margarita, Firestarter Song, チーズケーキ・ファクトリー, 10:00 AM, Perfect Summer, Goodbye Los Angeles
9/10

Endless Flight - Leo Sayer
Coincidentally, Leo Sayer performing as a clown came up in my socials feed this morning. He was a real character. Still is? This album has character, too. Harmless 70s pop.
Highlights: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, Hold On to My Love, How Much Love, Endless Flight
7/10

Endless Summer: Donna Summer's Greatest Hits - Donna Summer
When she's doing average pop, I find Donna Summer fairly mediocre. She can sing - and her voice totally reminds me of someone else that is awesome - but these songs are kind of there. BUT when Donna Summer is getting down and giving me disco sass, it is incredibly great. 
Highlights: Last Dance, I Love You, MacArthur Park, Bad Girls, No More Tears (Enough is Enough), On the Radio
7/10

Enema of the State - blink-182
This album is teen sex comedy of music. Except I love it?
Highlights: What's My Age Again?, Dysentery Gary, Adam's Song, All The Small Things
9/10

Enrique - Enrique Iglesias
This is the album that caused Enrique to be a breakout star outside of Mexico/Latin America, right? But... how?!?
Highlights: Oyeme, Bailamos
5/10

Entreat - The Cure
This is actually the reissue/remixed version released as part of the 21st Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Disintegration. It is Disintegration performed in full at Wembley Stadium, instead of the original release which omitted a few songs or something and was not mixed to Robert Smith's liking. I don't know - I never heard the original version. Like Concert, musically it is pretty much exactly the same - just different tempos on some songs - and vocally similar. Missing the harmonies and whatnot is a shame. Just once I would like them to go full Bowie and bring in a bunch of killer backing vocalists.
Highlights: There is a really cool riff between The Same Deep Water As You and Disintegration
7.5/10

Entreat Plus - The Cure
Okay, so the previous album was actually Entreat Plus, but when the the 21st Anniversary Deluxe Edition of Disintegration was released, they also put this live version of the album online. So I saved it in my library using the Entreat Plus name and gave the other live album the original Entreat title. This would appear to be a soundboard recording or something, because the mix is definitely not that great - there is at least one guitar track that is almost completely not in the mix, so songs like Disintegration really sound like they are missing something. At least the tempo on Pictures of You is better? Robert Smith's performance certainly is not.
Highlights: What's with all the screaming during the songs? It is The Cure performing depressing and nihilistic music, not BTS looking hot and pulling off killer dance moves!
7.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 520

2025 in 2025: Day 64

Emancipation - Prince

People can feel free to disagree with me, but this album is pure Prince-styled R&B. I am not a huge fan of the production, but it is generally a very solid album and gets harder as it gets going. Elvis gets a shout out on Face Down, so that continues my new Easter tradition? It also features a whole mess of Prince swearing, which I find refreshing. From about near the end of disc 2 to the end of disc 3 is seriously good times.

Highlights: The Holy River, Saviour, Friend Lover Sister Mother/Wife, Slave, New World, The Love We Make, Emancipation

8/10

The Emancipation of Mimi - Mariah Carey

So much going at the start of this - pretty sure about 7 different songs/artists getting referenced/sampled/ripped-off. I also love that MC just drops these insane high notes in the background at the end of a song to kind of prove she's still got it. And she sure does. And then some. Talk about a real comeback album - my girl Mariah came back with some of her coolest songs?

Highlights: We Belong Together, Shake It Off, Mine Again, Your Girl

7/10

Emergency on Planet Earth - Jamiroquai

Ah the old didgeridoo and world/jazz fusion days of Jamiroquai. Stuart Zender on bass is a groovy beast. So much funk going on.

Highlights: When You Gonna Learn (Digeridoo), Too Young to Die, If I Like It I Do It, Revolution 1993

7.5/10

The Eminem Show - Eminem

Man, why is this dude so angry? He was at the peak of his popularity at this point and produced a very dark and angry album. Every skit involves a gun. As someone that watches MMA, I am pretty over people using Till I Collapse as a walkout song. 

Highlights: Till I Collapse, Business, Square Dance, Without Me, Say What You Say

6/10

Emotions - Mariah Carey

Early 90s R&B Mariah. Which is... surprisingly great, at times. Bah gawd that young woman could sing the hell out of anything. 

Highlights: Emotions, And You Don't Remember, If It's Over

6/10

Empire State of Mind [Single] - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys should always double-track her vocals.

8/10

The Empire Strikes Back - Meco

I think the official title of this is actually Meco Plays Music from the Empire Strikes Back, according to the album artwork. It could be called Meco Improves the Music from The Empire Strikes Back, because The Imperial March is way more awesome as a struttin' disco song than one could have imagined. 

Highlights: The Empire Strikes Back Medley, Battle in the Snow, The Force Theme, Asteroid Field and Finale

9/10

Empty Room/Nutshell - Ryan Adams

Yet another single from DRA, this time including a cover of one of Alice in Chains' most popular songs. Both of these are fine, but not exactly memorable.

Highlights: It is just two songs and they are fine

6/10

Encino Man: Music from the Original Motion Picture - Various Artists

We used to listen to this album a lot back in the day. Well, at least the first four songs. This version of You're Invited (But Your Friend Can't Come) is so much cooler than the Exposed version. Cheap Trick's version of Wild Thing is so off the wall that I didn't even realise it was Cheap Trick. You may be surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoy the Queen song on here, even if it is a remixed version. Then there is a funk rock version of Mama Said Knock You Out, which is fine? It's also somewhat ironic that Vince Neil and Jon Corabi would appear (separately) on the same album shortly before Corabi took his job. And I got Edgar Winter confused with Edgar Wright. What a wild ride.

Highlights: You're Invited (But You're Friend Can't Come) - Vince Neil, Stone Cold Crazy [Remix] - Queen, Frankenstein - Edgar Winter, Young and Dumb - Scream

6.5/10

ENCORE SHOW - SCANDAL

Idol-pop-punk-era SCANDAL is always fun. There may not be anything all that outstandingly amazing, but it is all very fun and upbeat, without sounding like idol silliness. That is an achievement and a very admirable quality.

Highlights: 君に嫉妬中, KOSHI-TANTAN, Midnight Television, Shining Sun

7/10

Encounters of Every Kind - Meco

This is a misleading title; it makes you think it is all about Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but it is not. Which is lucky, because I have never actually seen that movie. The first track is a medley of many different theme songs - I can pick out a few westerns, but that is about it. Then there are some original disco tracks. And some more stuff I don't know what they are. Then the theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I'm guessing... 

Highlights: Time Machine, Meco's Theme/3W.57, Theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 513

2025 in 2025: Day 63

It's an Easter Elvis Extravaganza!

Elvis On Tour: April 9, 1972, Hampton Roads - Elvis Presley

Oh, you thought we were done with Elvis? Silly amateurs. Of course I have the Elvis On Tour boxset, with the original film on blu-ray + 6 CDs of concerts and rehearsals. This, obviously, is the first concert in the set. We lose Elvis' vocals for most of I Got a Woman, so that's not fun. But the rest of this show is a delight. Elvis has some difficulties with the crowd and then gives his piano player some stick for playing Teddy Bear too fast. This rendition of Bridge over Troubled Water is killer, but someone tell Ronnie Tutt to calm down! Suspicious Minds also goes off the rails, but that's because Elvis is getting attacked by female fans or something. They brought more photo albums from the plane...

Highlights: You Gave Me a Mountain, I Can't Stop Loving You, Bridge Over Troubled Water, An American Trilogy, How Great Thou Art

8/10

Elvis On Tour: April 10, 1972, Richmond - Elvis Presley

Concert number two! Never Been to Spain is such an awesome song - I even found a live performance by Three Dog Night that was very enjoyable. Those dudes could sing. Some woman just yelled like she was having a minor orgasm. This show is certainly better in some ways, and not as great in others. The piano seems a bit more defined in the mix (often hard left) and it really lifts a few of the songs, because the playing is fantastic. I never enjoy when Elvis mocks Charlie Hodge - he is your dear friend, you should be nicer and not make the crowd think he's a dork. And his harmonies are perfect. Holy balls that ending for Can't Help Falling In Love is the stuff! The Elvis souvenirs are items you will treasure...

Highlights: Never Been to Spain, You Gave Me a Mountain, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, Bridge Over Troubled Water, I Can't Stop Loving You, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Can't Help Falling in Love

8/10

Elvis On Tour: April 14, 1972, Greensboro - Elvis Presley

Something is up with the mix on this album; it sounds a bit dull and I've had to kick up the volume a notch. Which is not what I need when I'm still recovering from a loud concert. So maybe it is just my ears getting tired after two similar sounding concerts? Hawtdam Elvis' voice on Bridge Over Troubled Water is phenomenal, but again Ronnie Tutt gets carried away. The setlist actually gets a bit of a change and a couple of new songs are added; Burning Love is performed with the caveat of "We don't know this one too well" and then they proceed to completely lose it halfway through. Man, Release Me is hilariously unkind. An Elvis button for $0.25? Get me four, please.

Highlights: Never Been to Spain, You Gave Me a Mountain, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, A Big Hunk O' Love, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Can't Help Falling in Love

7.5/10

Elvis On Tour: April 18, 1972, San Antonio - Elvis Presley

By chance, today is the 53rd Anniversary of this show! Let's hope it's a good one...
It is largely just a complete no-nonsense performance - very little jibber jabber or joking around and a big focus on putting on great performances. That is, until Suspicious Minds and Elvis completely loses the plot. They only make minor mistakes in Burning Love this time, and instead save that for An American Trilogy. They dropped Release Me? Bummer, I would have taken that over Funny How Time Slips Away yet again. A wonderful memento of this evening's show.

Highlights: Never Been to Spain, You Gave Me a Mountain, Teddy Bear/Don't Be Cruel, How Great Thou Art, I Can't Stop Loving You, Burning Love

8/10

Elvis On Tour: The Rehearsals - Elvis Presley

This is all very... here. Clearly even in rehearsal Elvis could not remember the words to Burning Love. I would guess it didn't last too long in the setlist after this tour. One thing this demonstrates that Elvis between songs, Elvis clearly enjoyed just randomly singing some of his old 50s numbers. If you want to hear Elvis and the band mess around with For the Good Times for an hour, then these discs are for you! The final takes are pretty impressive performances and are basically how Elvis and crew would have sounded in concert without an orchestra. I wish he had been around long enough to try that. The gospel jams here are again a standout.

Highlights: Burning Love [Version 1], Burning Love [Version 2], Never Been to Spain [Take 2], I John, Bosom of Abraham, You Better Run

6/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 502

2025 in 2025: Day 62

Eluphant Bakery - Eluphant

More Korean hip-hop. And these dudes are pretty cool.

Highlights: Ophilia Please Show Me Your Smile, Pink Polaroid

7/10

Elvis at Stax - Elvis Presley

I enjoy the outtakes on here, because they are like having the masters without the overdubs - an idea the Elvis team actually have been using on a few releases - so you get a focus on the song and Elvis' performance. I also would have liked if Elvis had used the Stax musicians and made something more funky, but there are still some great songs in here. And, as per usual Elvis, they are a mix of styles. The lyrics don't really work for Good Time Charlie's Got the Blues; Elvis was older than 33 and he had already lost his wife. Or maybe he was just confirming the warnings he was given? Midway through disc 2 we move on to the masters and, to be honest, they started with the most average of the bunch. For a song called Raised on Rock, it sure does very little 'rocking'. But then we move to disc 3 and things kick off with a seriously rocking version of Promised Land, and after that things pick up nicely. Elvis' old granddaddy is someone I can relate with... It closes off with If That Isn't Love, which might be my favourite gospel number from Elvis.

Highlights: Promised Land, I Got a Feelin' in My Body, If That Isn't Love, Talk About the Good Times, Thinking About You, It's Midnight, If You Talk in Your Sleep

7/10

Elvis Back at Nashville - Elvis Presley

Pretty sure that title needs changing. This set is apparently ordered "thematically"; Disc one is country/folk/piano and pop songs, disc two is gospel and Xmas songs, disc three is outtakes and whatnot, and disc four is gospel and Xmas outtakes. So kind of the opposite approach of the Stax set. Also, the songs on this have all been remixed to remove all overdubs - so it is just Elvis and the band. It serves to make things quite chill. And shows up a bunch of mistakes in It's Still Here. But it means Elvis' voice isn't hiding behind an orchestra and backing vocals - which makes things very interesting. I definitely prefer this version of I'm Leavin'. And bah gawd his vocals on We Can Make the Morning are massive. Why does Elvis say to hold hands with Geddy Lee? Was he a massive Rush fan? The gospel numbers are all awesome. I actually don't mind these Xmas songs - they are the less cheesy predictable songs, because he had already recorded those. On to the outtakes and whatnot. Elvis must have really loved singing Don't Think Twice, It's All Right, because not only is there a 9-minute version on the first disc, but here in the middle there is a full 11-minute version as well. The gospel outtakes are very good. The Xmas outtakes are more humorous than anything - Elvis is clearly trying to make the sessions a bit more fun for himself. And I have never heard him swear so much. This is a surprisingly great set and the chill-ness to the whole thing is really what I needed after a night out watching the greatest punk rock band put on a great live show. My head and neck are quite sore today!

Highlights: Amazing Grace, It's Only Love, We Can Make the Morning, Bosom of Abraham, I John, Seeing is Believing, I'm Leavin'

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 497

2025 in 2025: Day 61

El Camino - The Black Keys

No idea where this came from. I am not sure I have listened to this or even heard a song from it in my life. Or even know who The Black Keys are. It seems fairly indie rock; short songs that all sound the same and kinda rock. 

Highlights: Lonely Boy

6/10

Electric Fire - Roger Taylor

Whoever mixed this album should have been fired - could Taylor not afford someone good? Anyways, this is quite rocking and more enjoyable than I expected. Roger Taylor is such a mixed bag sometimes it is like he saved all his best material for Queen.

Highlights: Pressure On, A Nation of Haircuts, Surrender, Is It Me?, No More Fun

6.5/10

Electronic Sound - George Harrison

George's "avant-garde a clue" album. It is nice to know that a musical genius is also entertained by making silly noises on a Moog.

Highlights: Moogs are fun!

3/10

Elephant - The White Stripes

This album is bizarre and highlights the problem with Jack White; there are awesome songs on here - and they are really awesome - but there is also garbage. And it is really boring garbage. Not really sure what his deal is, but I always get the impression he thinks he is way more amazing than he actually is? I don't know.

Highlights: Seven Nation Army, There's No Home for You Here, The Air Near My Fingers

6.5/10

ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS - ELLEGARDEN

Pizza: ready. Drink: cold. Volume: UP! This album has everything and it is all shades of awesome. I am seeing this band tonight. In 10 hours. Needless to say, I can not wait.

Highlights: Find a bad song - I dare ya!

10//10

Eliminator - ZZ Top

Every LOGMAN's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man. Especially Jimmy Garvin. I'm sure this version of Legs is different to the one used in the video, but I could be wrong. What I am right about is that this album is at its best when it is really pushing the driving dance beats. 

Highlights: Sharp Dressed Man, Legs, Gimme All Your Lovin', Got Me Under Pressure

6.5/10

Elixer - Bria Valente

Prince really overestimated how much sex sold, IMO. I don't think any of his 'proteges' ever really hit it big the way he expected. Pretty sure he could have put more effort in to these songs and made them much better himself.

Highlights: Another Boy, All This Love

6/10

ELLEGARDEN - ELLEGARDEN

The debut E.P. from the greatest band ever. More pizza and cold drink on hand. Is there really much difference between this and the album version of The End of the World? I actually always forget about these songs, which is silly because there are a few super fun awesome songs. Only 7 1/2 hours until the concert.

Highlights: Stupid, Punk, ナイフ

9/10

ELLEGARDEN BEST (1999-2008) - ELLEGARDEN

So the actual album was my initial introduction to ELLEGARDEN and is just the best compilation ever. Of course, this is not that; I have kept the re-recorded songs (because bah gawd I actually think I love this version of Middle of Nowhere!?!?) and then thrown on all the b-sides and whatnot to make my own compilation. And it is all very very awesome because it is ELLEGARDEN and they are awesome. But also, some of their b-sides like New Year's Day and The Autumn Song are some of their absolute best songs. In fact, two of them were already on this compilation. Weirdos. 6 hours until the concert.

Highlights: New Year's Day and Don't Trust Anyone But Us are like 7 stars out of 5

9.5/10

Without ELLEGARDEN this day would have been a terrible listening experience. I need to get my butt to the concert!

"Albums" listened to so far: 494

2025 in 2025: Day 60

E.T. (feat. Kanye West) [Single] - Katy Perry

Even when I didn't think Kanye was a nutjob that should be ignored, I preferred the album version of this song. And I felt very awkward rapping his part in front of little kids. 

8/10

E=MC² - Mariah Carey

I remember the video for Touch My Body being completely hilarious. That intro for Side Effects sounds like the opening for a song by The Lonely Island. I do enjoy that all throughout this album some dude just keeps randomly yelling "M.C." And what does "O.O.C." stand for?

Highlights: Touch My Body, Cruise Control, I'm That Chick, Last Kiss, Thanx 4 Nothin'

7/10

Early Takes - George Harrison

Acoustic demos and alternate takes, mostly from the All Things Must Pass sessions. The acoustic takes are good for more of a focus on the lyrics and George's singing. These definitely showcase how great he actually was.

Highlights: I'd Have You Anytime [Early Take], All Things Must Pass [Demo], My Sweet Lord [Demo], Mama You've Been on My Mind [Demo], Woman Don't You Cry For Me [Early Take]

8/10

Earthling - David Bowie

Little Wonder is so schizophrenic; when it came out, I actually could not get past the verses, which is sad because if I had I would have realised how great that 'chorus' is. I'm Afraid of Americans never stops being awesome and just gets truer every day. This album is WAY betterer than I have ever given it credit for.

Highlights: Seven Years in Tibet, I'm Afraid of Americans, Looking For Satellites, Battle For Britain (The Letter)

8/10

East - Cold Chisel

The most classic Australian rock album by the most classic Australian rock band. And I feel like Cheap Wine might even be the most classic Australian rock song?

Highlights: Standing on the Outside, My Baby, Cheap Wine, My Turn to Cry

7.5/10

East of the Sun, West of the Moon - a-ha

This is certainly not their finest hour.

Highlights: Slender Frame, Cold River, Rolling Thunder, (Seemingly) Nonstop July

6/10

East Side Story - DJ Reggie

Not even this delicious bottle Pepsi Zero Peach can make me understand how I thought this was fun.

Highlights: Revenge of the Ninja, Kick Em' in the Dungeon

3.5/10

Easy Tiger - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

Look, I can be fair to this guy and still say that his songs are great when they are. And some of these songs are absolutely brilliant. Two features probably his most honest line ever. My only criticism is going to be the drums, because they sound blurgh. But gawdam the harmonies and vocals are very good. Actually, the more truthful line is in These Girls: "These girls are better off in my head". Any woman would be better off not dealing with you in real life, buddy!

Highlights: Goodnight Rose, Two, Oh My God Whatever Etc., The Sun Also Sets, I Taught Myself How to Grow Old

8/10

Easy Tiger Rarities - Ryan Adams

These are fine, I guess? One of the songs was actually re-released with a different title, but there is absolutely no difference between the two except for the title.

Highlights: Alice

6/10

echo - CHARA+YUKI

Two indie pop queens uniting to make an E.P. - 20 years in the making, since they actually recorded the first song back in 1999. And I'm pretty sure they were in a punk band together around then? Anyways, lucky for me, YUKI seems to drive this or at least it all sounds like a YUKI kind of album. And the good kind, too.

Highlights: 愛の火 3つ オレンジ (2020version), 楽しい蹴伸び, Night Track, echo

8.5/10

Echo - Leona Lewis

Gawdam whatta voice! And mostly great songs... that all sound the same. So if you want epic pop songs with massive vocals, then this is a great album. I like those things, so thumbs up from me! Even an Oasis cover thrown in for fun? And yes, that was also epic (though I probably prefer the Oasis version, because Liam's voice not so perfect).

Highlights: Happy, I Got You, My Hands, Broken, Lost Then Found

7.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 485

2025 in 2025: Day 59

Dream Police - Cheap Trick

I should really get the whole album, because I only have the title track and it is brilliant. In fact, I have not really heard much Cheap Trick at all. I should correct that in 2026...

10/10

Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture - Various Artists

Anyone who knows me would know how much I love that Motown sound. And musicals. So a musical based on Motown? Featuring Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson - who can sing awesome as hell like Boyz II Men - and Beyoncé pre-whateversheisnow? Patience is the most hilarious mish-mash of What's Going On? and We Are The World. Gawdam someone get me a 4K UHD of this movie ASAP

Highlights: I Want You Baby, And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going, Steppin' to the Bad Side, Cadillac Car, Love You I Do

8/10

Dreaming Out Loud - OneRepublic

This dude has a very solid voice and it is all very listenable, if not a bit same-samey and... safe. And Timberland's version of Apologize is better, IMO.

Highlights: Apologize [Timbaland version], Mercy, All We Are

6.5/10

Dressed to Kill - Kiss

My favourite Kiss studio album. If I didn't have another 18,000 songs to listen to, you better be sure I would be listening to this again and again.

Highlights: The WHOLE ALBUM

10/10

Drunken Confessions - Whiskeytown

What better way to follow that up than with a collection of badly-recorded demos of relatively average alt country songs... 

Highlights: It ended

4/10

Dude Ranch - blink-182

For all the complaining I do about Tom's voice now and after the self-titled album, it sure was completely terrible on this album. I have always enjoyed how much their drummer can't maintain that fast beat in the intro for Josie - he clearly loses timing at one point. Punk rock, yo! I realise they were still kids, so I give them a pass for writing stupid songs about Star Wars. I would probably do the same. Not about Star Wars, because I'm not a complete loser, but maybe something cool like RoboCop or The Last Starfighter. I have class. 

Highlights: Dammit, Waggy, Enthused, Untitled, Josie

7/10

dumping swimmer - シナリオアート

These cats are one of those bands that I always forget I even have in my library, but when I put them on I am instantly like 'oh wow this is so good!'. I need to listen to this more..

Highlights: カオティックダウナー, シニカルデトックス, プライドモンスター, ナイトスイマー

7.5/10

The Dunes - Ghetto Birds

One of Ryan Adams' internet radio albums. This one is short and dreamy acoustic numbers with weird lyrics. Well, at least it starts that way; about halfway through it just turns in to silly acoustic numbers and then that last song is definitely one of his 'DJ Reggie' songs that he put on the wrong album, because he ends it by saying "DJ Reggie is going home.". So, yeah.

Highlights: DJ going home...

5/10

Dusty in Memphis - Dusty Springfield

Of course I am a nerd and only have Son of a Preacher Man. Classic song. But more importantly, did Dusty see Elvis while she was in Memphis?

10/10

Duty - Ayumi Hamasaki

The first half of this album is kinda dark. The last half is super pop . It is all full of big beats and massive production and is simply perfection.

Highlights: Perfect Album

10/10

Dynamite - Jamiroquai

Return of the funk masters! I have massive love for Ken Harris' guitar playing; dude comes up with the funkiest riffs and licks that just blow my mind. Actually, the whole band are groove-meisters. It is just that the original band were so fantastic, it is hard to really appreciate them (original guitarist was a completely different style to Ken Harris, so easy to NOT compare).

Highlights: Feels Just Like it Should, Seven Days in Sunny June, (Don't) Give in to Hate

8/10

The Dynasty: Roc La Familia - Jay-Z

This a pretty much Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel and Memphis Bleek. You know, dudes that would have no career if Jay wasn't looking out for them. Never going to work, Jay. Doing a song with R. Kelly called Guilty Until Proven Innocent seems like a poor choice all around. 

Highlights: Streets is Talking, Stick 2 the Script, Holla, Squeeze 1st

7.5/10

Dynasty - Kiss

Kiss does disco, but not really - A.K.A. The Rise of Ace Frehley. Dirty Livin' is so incredibly groovy and it is hilarious that I almost forgot it existed! Also hilarious is the idea that Peter Criss could have played drums on this album, when they sound absolutely nothing like him.

Highlights: I Was Made for Lovin' You, Sure Know Something, Dirty Livin', Ace Frehley being awesome

9/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 474

2025 in 2025: Day 58

Doo-Wops & Hooligans - Bruno Mars

Hikola: Bruno Mars is great!

LOGMAN: Yeah, he's the man!

Hikola: *checks my iTunes to put on some Bruno Mars* Ummm you only have 1 song of his? And you're telling me he's the man?

LOGMAN: Yeah, he's the man!

Hikola: You have so much rubbish on here that you hate, yet this guy is "the man" and you only have 1 song??

LOGMAN: Yeah, he's the man!

Hikola: Get some more Bruno Mars, would you?!?

LOGMAN: Yeah, he's the man!

10/10

Dookie - Green Day

Kids these days with this sanitised version of Green Day don't know what it was like in 1994 to hear Basketcase for the first time. Or get this album and realise that pop-punk is the future. I used to busk like 90% of this album. And listening to this now makes me really appreciate how much I just made up half the lyrics to some of these songs. Also, my friends in 1994 thought I was dumb for liking this album. Then When I Come Around hit the radio and everyone wanted to borrow my CD. It's tough being more awesome than everyone else...

Highlights: Lowlights might be easier?

9.5/10

Doolittle - Pixies

Are these cats like the godfathers of grunge or something? This album is hilarious; for every great song, there is an almost unlistenable few minutes of dirge that barely resembles a song. No. 13 Baby is not in fact the child of ELLEGARDEN's No. 13. Non-pretentious non-grunge LOGMAN is less than impressed.

Highlights: Debaser, Wave of Mutilation, Here Comes Your Man, Monkey Gone to Heaven

5/10

Dopamine - Third Eye Blind

When this came out, like most Third Eye Blind, I listened a lot. A LOT. So much, in fact, that two songs from it are still in my Top 25 Most Played playlist - and that is without listening to the album since 2017. Seriously. I have actively avoided it for five years now. Everything Is Easy sounds like The Cure musically. In fact, I would argue that this whole album is heavily influenced by both 80s New Wave and the music of 2015 - which also heavily borrowed from 80s New Wave. Here's to another five years...

Highlights: Shipboard Cook, Back to Zero, Something in You, Get Me out of Here, Say It

9/10

Double Fantasy - John Lennon & Yoko Ono

The contrast on this album is made less obvious by having John and Yoko trade songs. And that is one reason the album works - if they had done something like Side A = John, Side B = Yoko, it would have been one side of standard rock'n roll and then one side of provocative new wave. But mixing them together actually makes it more cohesive, to me. One day I will check out the Stripped version of this album. One day...

Highlights: Watching the Wheels, Cleanup Time, Woman, Hard Times Are Over

7/10

Double Happiness - Jimmy Barnes

This is Barnesy doing duets with a bunch of Australian artists I do not know. And a few I do. Like The Living End - that is a great combo! Bah gawd I will always get chills when Jimmy Barnes screams those crazy high notes, like on What Will They Say. The man is a true one-of-a-kind. Even when doing hip-hop.

Highlights: What Will They Say, Gonna Take Some Time, Resurrection Shuffle, Higher

7/10

Double Platinum - Kiss

Oh, this album again! Kiss trying to make things more interesting, but just making things silly?

Highlights: Strutter '78, Calling Dr. Love, Rock Bottom (Intro)/She

8/10

Down To The Promised Land: 5 Years of Bloodshot Records - Various Artists

This is purely Monday Night by Ryan Adams. It is a very good song!

9/10

Down With The King - Run-D.M.C.

The Kings are back! With some proper hip-hop guests like Pete Rock and A Tribe Called Quest and Onyx. And even Tom Morello! And some disses at MC Hammer. Come on, guys - can't we all just get along? Run even says that exact line on In The House, so why is he starting trouble with a fellow man of god? This whole album hits HARD and it is glorious.

Highlights: Down With The King, Come On Everybody, Can I Get It Yo, Ooh Watcha Gonna Do, In the House, Get Open, Wreck Shop

9/10

Dr. Dolittle 2: Original Soundtrack - Various Artists

Of course this is not the whole thing - simply Do U Wanna Roll (Dolittle Theme) by Snoop Dogg, R.L. and Lil' Kim. This is one of the coolest singles Snoop Dogg has done since Doggystyle. It is at least better than anything he did at WrestleMania?

8/10

Dr. Feelgood - Mötley Crüe
This album is the business. The title track is just badass. Slice of Your Pie is also fairly badass. Complete with an outro from The Beatles and Bryan Adams singing backing vocals. Seriously. Reminds me of when Kiss enlisted his help to make their most rocking album after making some dire stuff on their own. BRYAN ADAMS IS THE FIXER! Man, the production on this album is just off the charts. Kickstart My Heart may well be the greatest 80's rock song of the 80's. I've always liked Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.), but I probably liked it more when I was younger and had no idea what was going on with the lyrics - now it just seems like some adolescent male fantasy. Sticky Sweet is kinda more of the same. And while She Goes Down just continues that lyrically, musically it is just so badass I don't care. Then we finish things off with another couple of power ballads - Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away) and Time For Change. Peak Crüe, right here.
Highlights: The Whole Damn Thing

10/10

Draw The Line - Aerosmith

Wasn't I just lamenting the fact that I have not had much Aerosmith come up? Well, looks like I spoke too soon, or something, because here is some more 70s Aerosmith in my face. It is fairly standard 70s Aerosmith. Which is fun.

Highlights: I Wanna Know Why, Get It Up, Bright Light Fright, Sight for Sore Eyes

7/10

Dream Days at the Hotel Existence - Powderfinger

This is one of those albums where I have no explanation as to how or why I have it. Some of their songs can rock pretty well and definitely show some of that fire, but the ballads are pretty meh, to me. Otherwise, it is fine.

Highlights: Head Up in the Clouds, Who Really Cares, Surviving, Ballad of a Dead Man

6.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 461

2025 in 2025: Day 57

Dogs Eating Dogs - blink-182

This was the nail in the coffin for the first failed reunion (I'm still expecting this second one to go down in flames, as well). The songs are better than the previous album (Neighborhoods), but Tom's voice continues to get worse. Travis must genuinely love these dudes, because he is infinitely more talented and could play with any musicians he wanted - and he still chooses these goofs. 

Highlights: Pretty Little Girl, Dogs Eating Dogs, Disaster

8/10

Doing it to Death - The J.B.'s

I so wanted to start today with this album, but will just pretend I'm getting started now. Because this is pure funk. Just the funkiest jams on the planet.

Highlights: Doing It To Death (Part 1 & 2), More Peas, La Di Da La Di Day, You Can Have A Watergate Just Gimme Some Buck And I'll Be Straight

9/10

Domino [Single] - Jessie J

Sadly, not the Kiss song. I think Jessie J would sound great singing that. Great pop song, even if her voice is annoying.

7/10

Don't Believe the Truth - Oasis

I think by this time I had completely checked out on Oasis. Not sure why. Heathen Chemistry was a step backwards that perhaps I just didn't see where they were going with this one? The answer was nowhere. It is a solid album, don't get me wrong. Much more accessible and consistent than one would expect. But there is nothing new here; the same chords, same lyrics, same Oasis sound. But that is not a terrible thing, because Oasis do their thing well. And I think Liam's voice on this is pretty good. 

Highlights: Turn Up the Sun, Lyla, Part of the Queue, Let There Be Love

7/10

Don't Forget Your Roots - Six60

Oh NZ music, huh? Actually, this is a pretty groovy song.

7.5/10

Don't Look Back Into The Sun [Single] - The Libertines

Classic Libertines! Absolutely one of their best songs.

10/10

Don't Stop the Revolution - Breathe

More NZ music? That I don't hate? I mean, this album is kinda average - but it does feature a couple of very good songs. 

Highlights: Don't Stop the Revolution, Landslide, Get Yourself Together

6.5/10

DON'T TRUST ANYONE BUT US - ELLEGARDEN

ELLEGARDEN's debut album. Hilariously, my least favourite ELLEGARDEN song is apparently the one responsible for them becoming a band! This also features more guitar solos and slower songs. And ELLEGARDEN being awesome. Seriously, this album is a bit of a different vibe to everything they did after - less 'surfing party the world is a drag but let's surf and party' kind of vibes, more 'emo party surf's up emo kids' kind of vibes. I love ELLEGARDEN.

Highlights: My Favorite Song, Bare Foot, 45, 風の日, Lonesome, Sliding Door

9/10

Dónde Jugarán Las Niñas - Molotov

Angry Mexican nu-metal! I could imagine a tattoo-covered luchador coming out to one of these tracks at Arena Naucalpan. This is as much fun as a lucha libre show at Arena Nauculpan!

Highlights: Que No Te Haga Bobo Jacobo, Molotov Cocktail Party, Matate Tete, Porque No Te Haces Para Alla?...Al Mas Alla!

7/10

Done With Mirrors - Aerosmith

Oh wow, I think this is only the 2nd Aerosmith album I've had so far? But then, I am only up to albums starting with D... this is actually pretty cranking. Far more dirty rock'n roll than anything they would do after this. 

Highlights: Let the Music Do the Talking, My Fist Your Face, The Hop

6.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 448

2025 in 2025: Day 56

Dissident/Live in Atlanta - Pearl Jam

This is such a weird release; they released 3 different versions of the singles - each one with a different selection of live songs from the same concert, and this is basically the 3 singles compiled in to one box set to get almost the full live concert. Pretty dumb to cut out Sonic Reducer. And some of the editing is... questionable. But it is all but one song each from both Ten and Vs, so the songs are solid. And decent enough performances. I know Pearl Jam had some better shows, but this is fine. Makes me somewhat look forward to listening to Ten and Vs... in, like, 6 months...

Highlights: Dissident [Studio Version], W.M.A.

8/10

The Distance to Here - Live

I once gave an acoustic performance of The Dolphin's Cry (just me and a friend on acoustic bass) and I can honestly say it was one of my most memorable performances. I want to do that again. I saw these dudes on tour for this album; in one of the most confusing combinations, Stabbing Westward were the opening act - which should explain to you, reader, why LOGMAN went to this concert. I mean, I do not hate Live or anything (it would be strange if I did, considering I have three of their albums in my iTunes library), but they are not exactly a band that I was ever clamouring to see live. I would, however, beat the snot out of your children to see Stabbing Westward live again.

Highlights: The Dolphin's Cry, They Stood Up for Love, Sparkle, We Walk in the Dream

7/10

DIStopping - Charisma.com

Have I mentioned how much I dig this group? Because this album is flat out good stuff; big beats, cool rapping and sweet production.

Highlights: スーパーガール, ペインオフ, 100%ブービー

8.5/10

Distortion - Rev Run

This is interesting; Run not only just recycles some of his classic rhymes and rhythms, he also samples Sweet Home Alabama - which I'm pretty sure they did on Crown Royal. At least here it is better, because this is just Run being Run, instead of playing second fiddle to a bunch of dorks. Run turns it up to 11 by sampling God of Thunder, and then Joan Jett's I Love Rock'n Roll. Run-D.M.C. and Joan Jett is the combo I didn't know I wanted in 1986.

Highlights: Mind on the Road, Distortion, I Used to Think I Was Run

8/10

Divine Madness - Madness

Madness were one of those bands that I thought were super fun when I was a kid, without actually listening to much of their music. And that all still tracks today, because there are only two songs here.

Highlights: House of Fun, Our House

8/10

Divinyls - Divinyls

This is purely I Touch Myself. I did not get this song at all when I was young. Then it was used in the film Austin Powers, and it just clicked for me; now I consider it an extremely well-crafted pop-rock song. That hook is unbeatable.

10/10

Dizzy Up The Girl - Goo Goo Dolls

Oh boy, I loved this album and this band. Slide is a perfect song for busking - I actually forgot I used to do this song and that the guitar work in it is really fun. Hard to believe these guys were full on dirty indie garage rock before making it big. We (my BFF and I) both hated the bass player back then, but I've grown up and actually totally dig his songs a lot now - even if I do still think his voice is nowhere near as good John Rzeznik's.

Highlights: Dizzy, Slide, Black Balloon, All Eyes On Me, Iris, Hate This Place

8/10

Do I Wait/Darkness [Early NYC Versions] - Ryan Adams

More Ryan Adams singles. I read today he had another meltdown on stage, but this one at least seems to be justified. Anyways, this version of Do I Wait is amazing. 

Highlights: Do I Wait

8/10

Do What U Want [feat. Christina Aguilera - Single] - Lady Gaga

Instead of scrapping this song and hiding it from the world because of R. Kelly, the album should just replace it with this version. Because who doesn't want to hear these divas belting out a sexy tune together?

10/10

Do You Laugh When You Lie? (Pax Am Singles Series, Vol.4) [Single] - Ryan Adams

More Ryan Adams channeling his 80s influences - this time in a kind of R.E.M. college radio vibe. And an acoustic number.

Highlights: By the Way

6.5/10

Doggystyle - Snoop Dogg

Absolute bonafide hip-hop classic. I am pretty sure back in the day this was the only hip-hop album we would listen to, because nothing came close to being as cool. And most of my crew were skate punks, so gangster rap wasn't their total jam. Somehow I find the G-Funk crew rapping about sex far less offensive than one would think. Especially considering the way they rap out it. How great was Kurupt? Whatever happened to that him?? Warren G always was and always will be a very cool dude. Holy balls Gz and Hustlas is funky as hell. 

Highlights: Gin & Juice, Serial Killa, Ain't No Fun, Gz and Hustlas

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 438

2025 in 2025: Day 55

The Diary of Alicia Keys - Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is a very good songwriter, a skill that is only matched by her ability to sing flat on almost everything. Honestly, her vocals always sound so raw - they could use a bit of reverb. And a lot of autotune. She sounds tired. Also, why is Kanye West always hailed as a producer on this album when he only worked on one song? And this album is too long. But still, great songwriter. 

Highlights: If I Ain't Got You, Heartburn, Dragon Days

7/10

Dig Your Own Hole - The Chemical Brothers

Groundbreaking. Maybe not for real electronic music fans, but this was the first album of its kind to really break mainstream music. And LOGMAN's interest. Seriously, these beats and grooves are just too funky.

Highlights: Block Rockin' Beats, Dig Your Own Hole, Elektrobank, Setting Sun, Get Up On It Like This

9/10

Dim The Lights - MONOEYES

LOGMAN said MONOEYES were good, but not great. He said bad things (jokingly) about Scott Murphy. The more LOGMAN listens to this album, the more he wants to change his mind because this album is absolutely flawless.

Highlights: Free Throw, Two Little Fishes, Borders & Walls, Get Up, 3 2 1 Go

9.5/10

Dirt - Alice In Chains

Teenage LOGMAN didn't really connect with this album at first; he was too grunge, maybe? Which makes no sense, because I always loved glam metal. Might be because I heard it after I heard Jar of Flies, which is so dark and mellow? However, once I got a bit older I was able to fully appreciate how totally badass this album is. It is dark and heavy. And always makes me want to scream along like Layne Stayley. The last 3 songs are especially great for jamming and swinging your hair around.

Highlights: Dem Bones, Rain When I Die, Angry Chair, Down in a Hole, Would?

8/10

The Dirt Soundtrack - Mötley Crüe

The Crüe teaming up with John 5 (this was before he joined full-time) and... Machine Gun Kelly. I'll almost let it pass because he was in the movie... but seriously. I'm trying hard to hold off on swearing in these music blogs, but fuck that guy. Remove his part and The Dirt would be a decent almost pop song! Credit to Bob Rock for making Vince Neil almost sound like he can sing. Except for on Like a Virgin, but the man is only capable of so much.

Highlights: The Dirt (Est. 1981), Ride with the Devil

6.5/10

Disco Christmas - Jay Manero and His Disco Band

I had 3 killer albums in a row, then the sad shell of what was the Crue and now this? I think I actually bought this because we needed Xmas music in my office and demanded we keep it disco. And it was hilariously over-priced. It is everything I wanted the Meco and James Brown Xmas albums to be.

Highlights: It's fucking Xmas music in cheesy disco form

6/10

Discography: The Complete Singles Collection - Pet Shop Boys

Is there another act that is more British than these dudes? These songs defined that 80s synth-pop sound for me. And I was totally obsessed with the video to Heart. Is it impossible to record a bad version of Always on My Mind?

Highlights: West End Girls, What Have I Done to Deserve This?, Always on My Mind, Heart

8/10

Discovery - Daft Punk

The guitar or whatever it is solo on Digital Love is amazing. This is one of those albums that has a few totally killer tracks and then the rest of the album is steady level of pretty great. This whole album is a fantastic disco vibe.

Highlights: One More Time, Digital Love, Harder Better Faster Stronger, Face to Face

8.5/10

Disintegration - The Cure

There was a time I would have told you this is my favourite album. That was also the time I listened to this multiple times a day. I will still rave about it in every possible way. And strangely, I probably did not think much of it at first? Pictures of You contains some of the greatest guitar and bass tone ever committed to tape. What really makes the whole thing stand out, to me, is the space within the songs; there is not a million things going on and not a big essay of lyrics in every song - even if they are 10 minutes long. The songs are actually repetitive musically, but somehow it doesn't get monotonous or boring at all. I mean, Disintegration is pretty much 3 chords over and over for 9 minutes, and it is one of the greatest songs The Cure ever did. Gawdam I still can not catch the ending the first time around!

Highlights: Plainsong, Pictures of You, Fascination Street, Prayers for Rain, Disintegration, Homesick, Untitled

9.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 427

2025 in 2025: Day 54

Devil's Playground - Billy Idol

Billy and Steve are back together making fun hard rock again! Man, Billy's voice on this is cranking! Did he just admit he drinks and drives all the time? The innuendoes in Yellin' at the Xmas Tree are quite funny. 

Highlights: Super Overdrive, Rat Race, Yellin' at the Xmas Tree, Cherie, Summer Running

7/10

Diamond Hoo Ha - Supergrass

This is one of those albums that gets going and a few tracks in you are thinking to yourself 'hotdamn this is a great album!' and then the rest of it is just okay and not nearly as awesome as it started. Supergrass were awesome, but this was not their most consistent album. The highlights, though, are seriously fab.

Highlights: Rebel In You, Diamond Hoo Ha Man, Bad Blood, 345, Butterfly

7/10

Diamonds and Pearls - Prince & The New Power Generation

Prince does New Jack - like MJ did! And just like MJ before him, Prince kills it. He also delivers some not so awesome songs, as well. Whenever I hear a song like Cream, I find it so confounding that I hated it so much when I was young. That song is pop-funk perfection. 

Highlights: Diamonds and Pearls, Cream, Jughead, Gett Off, Live 4 Love

8/10

Diamonds and Pearls (Super Deluxe Edition) - Prince

Prince opens the album admitting to date rape? Then he moves on to (hilarious) fat-shaming. Prince is going to get cancelled if he isn't careful. While there are some uncovered gems to be found here, a lot of these feel quite unfinished; we get a few songs that ended up being further refined and recorded for the album, some demos or songs that get demoed again later in the set, and also some random extended versions. I'm not overly complaining, because I will always take a big collection of Prince very happily. It's just that after how awesome the Sign O' The Times Super Deluxe Edition was, this first disc of Vault Tracks kind of felt like a step down. But then discs II & III are mostly great and full of Prince being Prince; there's a big extended funky jam, gorgeous ballads, and preachy songs about God's love. Can we get another Super Deluxe Edition of a Prince album in my lifetime, please?

Highlights: Diamonds and Pearls (Long Version), Something Funky (This House Comes), The Voice, The Last Dance (Bang Pow Zoom and the Whole Nine)

7/10

Diamonds and Pearls: Promo Mixes and B-Sides - Prince & The New Power Generation

Horny Pony sounds like Prince was having a big ol' barrel of fun. And I actually dig these dance remixes, as well. I genuinely do not get all the hate for Tony M's rapping - I think the dude was solid.

Highlights: Horny Pony, Do Your Dance, Diamonds and Pearls (Edit), Gett Off (Damn Near 10 Minutes)

8/10

It was a very diamond day!

"Albums" listened to so far: 418

2025 in 2025: Day 53

Destroyer - Ryan Adams

Not a cover of the Kiss album. That is disappointing. What it is instead is very low-fi acoustic alt country and it is all very fine. There is some weird synth or something in Bartering Lines. And then it all ends with a song that sounds like it is absolutely not from the same sessions, because it sounds like The Cardinals making noise rock complete with way too much wah.

Highlights: Born Yesterday, Poison and Pain, Memories of You

7/10

Destroyer - Kiss

Oh, this is the album I was after! Detroit Rock City is so awesome. So is King of the Night Time World. And the rest of the album. I must be in one of those moods this morning, because this album is hitting all the right notes for me today. 

Highlights: Detroit Rock City, King of the Night Time World, God of Thunder, Shout it Out Loud, Do You Love Me

9/10

Destroyer (45th Anniversary Super Deluxe) - Kiss

I actually kind of did talk about this before, but I'm willing to do it again. Manly because I have removed all the demos and stuff that I did not want to listen to again. Maturity is realising you don't need every song in the world in your iTunes library. This acoustic remix of Beth is good until that synth kicks in - very unnecessary. And I really dig Ain't None of Your Business - darn cool song! The rest of this is just the Destroyer album in various single edits and early mixes and even instrumentals. Beats listening to demos of bad Gene songs, I guess.

Highlights: Shout it Out Loud [Single Edit], Do You Love Me? [Alternate Mix], Ain't None of Your Business

7/10

Destroyer {Resurrected} - Kiss

Am I sick of this album yet? Luckily, listening to the {Resurrected} version is like listening to it with fresh ears. I think I like this version of Sweet Pain a little more? And not just because Ace 's guitar solo has been restored. I mean, you should always choose Ace Frehley guitar solos over everything. Actually, this mix of Beth is better as well - they've mixed in a little bit more acoustic guitar to fill things out nicely. Honestly, today has transformed my opinion on this album; I've generally considered it overrated, and while it is still not my favourite Kiss album, it is still better than you. Unless you are LA Park? Or Dr. Wagner, Jr.

Highlights: Sweet Pain (2012 Remix)

10/10 once I remove Rock and Roll Party and the Ace-less version of Sweet Pain

Details - Frou Frou

Imogen Heap was totally the 'it' girl back in 2005, right? And it felt like Guy Sigsworth was everywhere doing everything with everyone. I don't think I have listened to this since 2005... It feels like I might have some sort of deluxe version, because this album totally runs out of steam after 10 tracks and just gets really self-indulgent. But those first 10 tracks are awesome. It's no Destroyer, but it is a great collection of electronic pop music.

Highlights: Breathe In, Let Go, Only Got One, Shh

7/10

Devil's Night - D12

Another album I probably have not listened to since 2003. I totally dug Eminem back in the day, and thought this album would be cool. It is a bit too rude for me - I don't dig all the gross sex talk and what not. When that isn't going on, the songs are fun. How is it he mentioned him in a million songs but Eminem can not get that it is Christophe Reeve not Reeves? I need to seek out the radio version of Purple Pills - pretty sure it was called Purple Hills and Bizarre's rap was way different. Proof was the best rapper of the crew and his voice was cool. There are a lot more homophobic slurs than I remember.

Highlights: Shit Can Happen, That's How, Purple Pills, Instigator, Obie Trice (Skit), Revelation

6.5

"Albums" listened to so far: 413

2025 in 2025: Day 52

Decade of Decadence - Mötley Crüe

Album #400! The first Mötley Crüe compilation and it had an actual purpose; it is two songs from all of their studio albums up to this point in time. So if you were like me and only discovering them from Dr. Feelgood, this gives you a nice little taster of all their previous albums. And two is the perfect number, because there really are only two good songs on Girls, Girls, Girls. Live Wire and Piece of Your Action get remixed again to make them sound less budget. The massive outerspace reverb on the vocals might be a bit much, to be honest. They've also re-recorded Home Sweet Home. Controversial opinion; this version is better. The real piano sounds infinitely better than the tinny keyboards used in 1985, Vince's voice sounds much more polished, and Tommy's drums sound massive. Good production, yo! The whole thing is capped with new songs; Rock'n Roll Junkie is pretty awesome (ok, not technically new, but like you care) and Primal Scream is super awesome. Angela is actually pretty cool as well - fantastic hook in the chorus. Then we finish things off with the best rendition of a Sex Pistols song ever. This album is worth it just for the last 4 songs.

Highlights: Home Sweet Home '91, Primal Scream, Angela, Anarchy in the U.K.

10/10

Decadence - Head Automatica

Early 00s emo rock, but not actually emo and more groovy? Legit no idea how to explain it. There are very good songs, some not very good songs, and then a bunch of 'hey it's on in the background' kind of thing? It was cheap, so I'm cool with it. And I have probably listened to this album much more than one would expect.

Highlights: Dance Party Plus, Disco Hades II, I Shot William H. Macy

7/10

Def Jam 1985-2001: History of Hip Hop, Vol. 1 - Various Artists

I am not going to pretend this is anything more than Jay-Z killing it with Can I Get A... Like I said, he is killing it. First Jay-Z song I ever heard and I immediately knew he was the man. Ja Rule, however, can suck a phat one and I have also thought that since day one.

10/10

Definitely Maybe - Oasis

I still remember when this album came out; I heard Live Forever and thought it was a great song, but then Oasismania took over and I decided they were the worst band ever. I still think this album is overrated, but I at least can stop being edgy and thinking that song is anything but a fantastic pop rock song. I like when Oasis rock it out on songs like Bring It On Down, and Supersonic just oozes with attitude. You really need to be Liam Gallagher to pull that off properly.

Highlights: Live Forever, Supersonic, Bring It On Down, Slide Away 

8/10

+ (Deluxe Version) - Ed Sheeran

I have no idea how iTunes decided this comes next - are they ignoring the plus symbol and brackets? What does he mean someone should own a VHS player instead of a DVD player? And what has he got against blu-ray? 

Highlights: The a Team, You Need Me I Don't Need You, Give Me Love

6/10

Demolition - Ryan Adams

Well, at least they are not really demos? And mostly good songs? It is all just a bit mixed up. Starting to Hurt performed on Letterman was awesome - the second performance, not the original one in 2002. 

Highlights: Hallelujah, Desire, Cry On Demand, Chin Up Cheer Up

7/10

Desensitized - Drowning Pool

This is only the song Step Up. I think it was in some WWF songs pack that I downloaded at some point - strange to have this and not Bodies, which was infinitely more popular and I remember being used during the WCW Invasion nonsense. BUT this song is definitely better and totally sounds like something from a WWF show.

8/10

Destiny Fulfilled - Destiny's Child

Another 'one song' album. This time it is Lose My Breath. Totally badass song and probably the first (and only?) Destiny's Child song I liked. Before Beyoncé became this nonsense. Come at me, Beyhive! Shizz, I ain't afraid of you mofos!

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 407

2025 in 2025: Day 51

Daydream - Mariah Carey

Wasn't this, like, the peak of Mariah's popularity? Or was that earlier in life? I know that, at the time, I thought One Sweet Day was the worst possible musical combo in the universe. I think I was just trying to be edgy, because there is no way I thought this was the worst song ever even back then. And we all know Boyz II Men can sing awesome as hell. Oh, now we get Mariah singing a Journey ballad? That's a nice surprise. 

Highlights: One Sweet Day, Fantasy, Open Arms, Always Be My Baby

8/10

Daydreaming/Choose Me [Single] - BAND-MAID

Choose Me is awesome and I am super happy to get some more BAND-MAID.

10/10

Daylight - Needtobreathe

Christian pop-rock time! These guys were pretty popular when I was at church and stuff, but even then I waited until I found the CD for $1 before buying. And honestly, it is pretty decent. Lyrics are a bit preachy and self-important, but musically these songs are solid.

Highlights: Don't Wait for Daylight, Shine On, Haley, You Are Here, Lost

7/10

Dazed and Confused (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Various Artists

Oooh yeah, one of the most important albums of my high school growth. Funnily enough, for all the killer songs in that movie, this soundtrack actually could have been even more awesome? But it still rocks. Hard. My CD is actually scratched badly, and so there are some skips and whatnot during some of the songs, so I am on a bit of a mission to replace the whole album with the original albums these all appeared on. I really should finish that off. Also, this version of Rock and Roll All Nite is just odd and I have to assume it was a re-record by the 80s lineup?

Highlights: Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo - Rick Derringer, School's Out - Alice Cooper, Tuesday's Gone - Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fox on the Run - Sweet, but yeah the whole album rocks my socks

9/10

De La Soul is Dead - De La Soul

Possibly their weirdest album. A whole bunch of songs that are barely songs and random skits about people being not good - which are generally fun. Who Do You Worship? is super hilarious. Then the last half of the album features a lot more solid old school hip-hop grooves and I go home happy. Pretty sure I've been singing the hook to Ring Ring Ring for 35 years now...

Highlights: Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey), Keepin' the Faith, A Roller Skating Jam Named "Saturday", Let Let Me In

6.5/10

Dear Impossible Foggy Demo - Ryan Adams

I would ask what was going on and what I was thinking with this, but at this stage I think my Ryan Adams collection has more bad than good. Especially annoying when you realise half of these could have been if recorded properly.

Highlights: Sunflowers and Rain

4/10

The Death of WCW - Bryan Alvarez

This is an audio book. It is long. It is Bryan Alvarez reading me through the history and rise and fall of WCW. This is a nice timely recap, since I have been taking a break from WCW viewing these past few months and will be returning to it soon. Also, Alvarez is such a great person to listen to; his voice always accurately portrays his complete frustration and dissatisfaction with what he has had to watch.

Highlights: Lessons Not Learned

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 399

2025 in 2025: Day 50

Dangerous - Michael Jackson

Jam jam here comes the man! Never have truer words been spoken. MJ albums always open with an awesome song, and this may well be the most awesome. The whole first half is New Jack badassery, before it slows down with Heal the World, which feels a lot like 'We Are The World Part II'. I don't care what anyone says - Black or White is peak pop-rock-funk perfection. Damn Slash's guitar solo on Give In To Me is seriously great. I can totally picture some young MJ fans crying when they first heard his spoken word outro for Will You Be There. MJ fans were insane like kids these days have no idea. I cannot hear Gone Too Soon without thinking of Usher singing it at MJ's memorial... Vocals on Dangerous are awesome. Bah gawd this album is awesome.

Highlights: Jam, Black or White, Keep the Faith

9/10

Dare! - The Human League

This is only the hit song Don't You Want Me. Alexis Sayle throwing this in to his Dr. Martin's song on The Young Ones will always be iconic.

8/10

Dark Horse - George Harrison

Hari's On Tour sounds like it is from some sports program or something, like maybe a cricket show? This album gets a bad rap, but I always find it really consistent and super listenable. The wobble-board thing in It Is "He" is hilariously fun. If his voice had not been so destroyed, I think this album would have been quite different.

Highlights: So Sad, Dark Horse, Far East Man

7.5/10

Darkbreaker (Elizabethtown Sessions) - Ryan Adams

A whole bunch of unfinished songs? I was about to say that this version of Everyone Knows is quite good, but then it all fell apart. Two is not bad, either, though the studio version on Easy Tiger is definitely better. I was concerned that during my Ryan Adams marathon 10 years ago I may have bought in to the hype (and my own obsession with this dude) and pretended this 'album' was great, but NOPE! Even then I knew this was trash.

Highlights: Don't Get Sentimental on Me, Elizabeth

4/10

Darkest Days - Stabbing Westward

The kind of industrial metal that makes you want to dye your hair black, paint your fingernails, turn out the lights and do whatever goths do in the dark. I used to listen to this while playing the original Gran Turismo, so not totally dissimilar? This dude's voice was seriously unbeatable until Taka came along. Thing is, amongst the angry dark heavy goth metal are some fantastic hooks. And that coupled with Christopher Hall's awesome screaming has me sitting here enjoying this album immensely. 

Highlights: You Complete Me, Save Yourself, Sometime It Hurts, Desperate Now, Waking Up Beside You

8/10

David Live - David Bowie

My man Bowie had better performances, but this is still a pretty decent live album. The bluesy version of All The Young Dudes is pretty great. Earl Slick sure likes shredding up a storm all over this show.

Highlights: Moonage Daydream, All the Young Dudes, Big Brother, Time

6.5/10

Day and Age - The Killers

This was when I started losing interest in The Killers. They still had a big stack of goodwill with me for their debut album, but this album is definitely a bit of a drop-off point. Well, mostly the last half - the first half is quite fun, though very different to what they had released up to this point. Brandon Flowers is the opposite of Christopher Hall, in that his voice is weaker and just getting more annoying. And the lyrics are getting pretty naff, as well. Again, it is not all terrible, but this is certainly where they stopped living up to their name.

Highlights: Losing Touch, Human, Spaceman, Goodnight Travel Well

6.5/10

A Day at the Races - Queen

Let's end day 50 with my first proper Queen album! It's fun; some years ago I would have told you this was one of the best albums ever, but then in the lead up to listening now I was convinced it was kind of average (for a Queen album - which is still top tier). But listening now and it just owns. Seriously. It has everything: straight up rock classics (Tie Your Mother Down), beautiful ballads (You Take My Breath Away), poptastic fun (You and I), epic dark stuff (White Man), random Japanese (Teo Torriatte) and some of the best songs in the Queen catalogue (Somebody to Love). Is that solo in Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy just the funnest? Drowse is the worst Roger Taylor song, but otherwise this album is Queen at their best.

Highlights: All the songs I already mentioned and everything else too

9/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 392