This album has the weird vibe of being super low-fi and indie sounding, while simultaneously being wholly overproduced. It was the end of grunge, so it all makes sense. It was also probably the last album I bought on cassette! These might not be their best work, but there are some seriously glorious moments of awesome riffs in otherwise average songs - that kind of bridge part in This Is No Place being a prime example. And who else could make a compelling song about playing Monopoly?
Highlights: The Break, Take Me, Last Night/Tomorrow, And You'll Say
8/10
Experience Hendrix: The Best of Jimi Hendrix - Jimi Hendrix
Where is Hollywood Hogan and his WCW belt-strumming? Legit never get tired of hearing that. But I would probably say All Along the Watchtower features some of the coolest guitaring of the 60s.
Highlights: All Along the Watchtower, Little Wing, Voodoo Child (Slight Return), Purple Haze, Fire
7/10
Exposed - Vince Neil
I actually dig this album a lot; it is Vince Neil just doing the stereotypical 80s hair metal - because that is all he knows - and Steve Stevens is just the absolute greatest. He is all over this album, writing cool riffs and shredding up a storm and making crazy sounds that lazer noises with his guitar. Despite that, I still prefer the Encino Man version of You're Invited (But You're Friend Can't Come), but otherwise this a very cool album. If you dig 80s hair metal... which people in 1993 did not, so much.
Highlights: Look in Her Eyes, The Edge, You're Invited (But You're Friend Can't Come), Forever
8/10
Extra Texture - George Harrison
Since the great disbanding of The Beatles, this was Harrison's most... average album. I think the critiscm and failure of Dark Horse left him going very middle of the road on this one. There are still some great moments, but that is just my assumption. Might even just be the production, because the 'Platinum Weird' version of This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying) is a bit of an improvement over the original.
Highlights: You, The Answer's at the End, A Bit More of You, This Guitar (Can't Keep From Crying) [Platinum Weird Version]
7/10
Extraordinary Machine - Fiona Apple
I don't really have much to say about this album. As good as Fiona Apple can be, this album is mostly songs that don't quite reach the heights they possibly could have. Lyrically, she is still top tier - as evidenced in songs like Red Red Red.
Highlights: Oh Well, Please Please Please, Red Red Red
6.5/10
Extreme - Extreme
One of the interesting things in the rock/metal world over the last few years is seeing people finally give Nuno Bettencort the respect he deserves - but only because he threw away what made him so awesome and just decided to shred the universe to pieces on a guitar solo. What I love about him is how awesome he clearly is, while still playing super tastefully on tracks. And then melting faces on songs like Play With Me. This album is good fun cheese. I kind of miss using the Kid Ego moniker for music and everything, but I am not a kid anymore...
Highlights: Kid Ego, Watching Waiting, Mutha (Don't Wanna Go to School Today), Play With Me
8/10
Extremely Live - Vanilla Ice
So you are the biggest star in pop/rap with a few number one singles, a number one album, a successful tour, and what do you do to follow up? A bad live album! I guess this probably came after Cool As Ice, but that was also far from a raving success. In fairness, there are a few "new" songs on here, but why not record them properly and release a new album? Or even an E.P.? And then throw on your 10-minute version of Ice Ice Baby as a bonus track or something.
Highlights: Ice Ice Baby [Miami Drop Mix], Road to My Riches, Satisfaction [Studio Version]
6/10
Eyes Open - Snow Patrol
I had a thing for Snow Patrol after Final Straw and this album was some sort of worldwide smash because of that sad song being in Grey's Anatomy. That kind of killed them for me. Also my iTunes has labelled this album as "Alternative & Punk" and I find that personally offensive.
Highlights: Hands Open, Chasing Cars, It's Beginning to Get to Me, Open Your Eyes
6/10
"Albums" listened to so far: 544
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