2025 in 2025: Day 113

Lifeblood - Manic Street Preachers

The Manics go all adult lo-fi rock like they have been listening to Keane and The Cardigans all summer. Luckily they still write good songs, so I am more of the opinion that this album is underrated and underappreciated. Without actually being memorable or anything.

Highlights: 1985, Empty Souls, I Live to Fall Asleep, Always/Never

7/10

Lifelines - a-ha

What is it with today and this adult radio rock and music from the mid-00s? This might well be the most consistent a-ha album I have listened to yet. Does that maybe say something about me?

Highlights: White Canvas, Forever Not Yours, There's a Reason for it

6.5/10

Light Years - Kylie Minogue

This was Kylie's comeback album. Which is crazy. And it was the start of a period where she just known to always be wearing short shorts. I just wanted her to keep making dancey-disco pop - short shorts or not.

Highlights: Spinning Around, Kids

7/10

Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of Manic Street Preachers - Manic Street Preachers

A large collection of b-sides and rarities. Large. Too large. There are some killer tracks hidden in here - and they seem to be more of the modern ones. But I assure you they are buried in a lot of less than special stuff. The second disc is mostly covers, which range from G'n'R classics to punk rock classics to... Wham!

Highlights: 4 Ever Delayed, Judge Yr'self, Just a Kid, Take the Skinheads Bowling

6.5/10

Listen to the Music: The Very Best of the Doobie Brothers - Doobie Brothers

I do not have the full collection, but this sure is a good reminder that I should correct that one day. Such a strange combination of Southern Rock, funk and beautiful harmonies.

Highlights: Listen to the Music, Long Train Runnin'

8/10

Little Fish: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Various Artists

Nope, not really. This is purely Sarah Blasko's cover of Cold Chisel's Flame Trees. It is a rather brilliant interpretation. Sarah Blasko is good like that.

9/10

A Little More Personal (Raw) - Lindsay Lohan

I am unapologetically a fan of LiLo and her singing career, because this album is solid. A bold mix of heartfelt ballads, pop rock, and dare I say darker emo? Honestly, the only misstep on this whole album is the cover of Edge of Seventeen - which hilariously ends with the bass on the wrong note before stopping abrubtly. Possibly cut off? Or they forgot to add that last midi note?

Highlights: Confessions of a Broken Heart (Daughter to Father), If It's Alright, A Beautiful Life (La Bella Vita), I Live for the Day, Black Hole

8/10

A Little South of Sanity - Aerosmith

Oh, time for us to start all these live albums, huh? Sure... Musically, this album is seriously awesome. The songs are all full of energy. Vocally, Tyler is still pretty great, but his voice just clearly gets tired halfway through. And he struggles with some high notes from the jump. But otherwise, this is a very solid album showing a legendary rock group just past their prime and well before they turned into a group of old ladies.

Highlights: Eat the Rich, Love in an Elevator, Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Walk This Way

7/10

Live - Noel Gallagher

This is some random live version of Don't Go Away, performed by Noel Gallagher on acoustic guitar. It is fine, but not exactly mandatory listening.

7/10

Live - Temple of the Dog

This is a random audience recording of Hunger Strike from a Lollapalooza in 1992. I would like a better recording, because Chris Cornell absolutely shreds those high notes and it is epic.

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 985

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2025 in 2025: Day 112

The Libertines - The Libertines

I fell in love with Up the Bracket almost instantly, so was very excited once I picked this album up. And it kicks off with one of the best songs by The Libertines. But the rest of the album after that is decidedly average, sans a few highlights here and there. And then they split up due to many MANY insane reasons. Honestly, I am surprised Peter Doherty managed to cobble together an album this coherent. And is still alive. 

Highlights: Can't Stand Me Now, What Became of the Likely Lads, What Katie Did, The Ha Ha Wall

7/10

Lick It Up - Kiss

I do not have the patience to write about this album again. One of my least favourite Kiss albums. The demo of Not For The Innocent on the Creatures of the Night box set is genuinely better than the studio version found here.

Highlights: Lick It Up, Gimme More, A Million to One

6/10

LiE LiE LiE - BiSH

Possibly the second best single from the BiSH is OVER series? Featuring a comically fun song that constantly just says "Fuck you!", and a b-side that is also upbeat and totally rips it up (and rips off Bulls on Parade). Good times!

Highlights: LiE LiE LiE, Why are you alive??

10/10

Lies - Guns 'N Roses

Oh man, the Live Like a Suicide EP part just rips! Rips hard!! Axl's voice on this is killer. And Duff's tone is so badass and punchy as hell. The acoustic side is also very good. Patience is iconic. And not in the way that kids these days use that word.

Highlights: Patience, Mama Kin, Used to Love Her, Nice Boys

8/10

Life After Death - The Notorious B.I.G.

At the risk of losing all of my hip-hop cred, I have never been all that big on Biggie. Just have not actually heard much of him, if I am being totally honest. Maybe one day I should correct that? This song, however, is just the funkiest slice of 90s super fly jams. And Mase is pretty cool.

10/10

Life Is Peachy - KoЯn

16 year-old LOGMAN thought this album was a total mess. Almost 30 years later, and it is still an absolute mess. But, you know what? I actually did not hate listening to this as much as I expected I would, considering how awfully all their other albums have aged. Now, I am not saying this is totally rad or that I will even be keeping it in my library - because I am looking forward to deleting the whole KoЯn section once this is over - but it is mostly listenable. Mostly. K@#0%! is one of the worst attempts for a song of this entire marathon so far. Absolute immature nonsense. Meanwhile, Wicked is just a barrel of fun and I will give all credit to Chino Moreno, because he is cool and his band is cool and KoЯn are definitely not. Hot damn, I did not expect to be saying Life is Peachy is the best KoЯn album, but here we are...

Highlights: Wicked, Chi, Good Go, Ass Itch

6/10

A Life Less Ordinary (Original Soundtrack) - Various Artists

Aah, back when Ewan McGregor could act... This album is almost like a time capsule of electro Britpop from the late 90s. Plus Beck. But he kind of subverts all ideas like that. I always found it interesting that the movie features two different versions of Leave by R.E.M. and then the soundtrack has the depressing minimalist version, while the full 'band' version is on their New Adventures in Hi-Fi album. Most of this is just kind of here...

Highlights: A Life Less Ordinary - Ash, Always on My Mind - Elvis Presley, Beyond the Sea - Bobby Darin, Don't Leave - Faithless

7/10

A Life of Saturdays - Dexter Freebish

I know nothing of Dexter Freebish, other than the song Leaving Town. I met a guy in Melbourne who would always jam this song, so we would jam it together. Among other great songs. He was a great guy and I hope he is doing well in life.

10/10

Life on Other Planets - Supergrass

This album is so consistently fun and drivingly upbeat. It is exactly what you want from a Supergrass album in 2002.

Highlights: Grace, Funniest Thing, Can't Get Up, La Song

8/10

Life Won't Wait - Rancid

How is Bloodclot the only Rancid song in my collection? Like, I do not even have Roots Radicals in here? Take back my punk card and send me to the oldie station, I guess...

10/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 975

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2025 in 2025: Day 111

Less Than SEX - BiSH

This is a single that only came with the limited blu-ray or something. I only discovered their existence when watching FROM DUSK TiLL DAWN, where they performed their entire discography up to that point. These are awesome songs and ヒーローワナビー one of the coolest songs on the planet.

Highlights: ヒーローワナビー, MOON CHiLDREN

9/10

Let It Be-minus - Sad Dracula

I feel like this almost had potential? Like, it is clearly a dude having a mess around and still has stupid lyrics and silly screaming, but if DRA had put a bit more effort in, I am sure he could have made a really good album out of both Sad Dracula albums. And, quite frankly, I would rather hear him making this nonsense than hear him whining and feeling sorry for himself. The punk version of Dear Candy rips.

Highlights: People Make Mistakes, Steve Miller & Weed, 4th of July, Until Then

6.5/10

Let It Be - The Beatles

This is the most un-Beatles album, for sure. Unsurprising LOGMAN opinion: McCartney's songs on this are the least interesting. Sure, it could all use a bit less Spector-ness, but I will give him props for how he managed to edit some of these things in to actual songs. Maybe it could have been great? I am not sure. There certainly are some fantastic songs on here, it is all just a bit messy.

Highlights: Dig a Pony, Across the Universe, I've Got a Feeling, One After 909

7/10

Let Me Rock You - Peter Criss

To quote Mr. Criss, "Let me remind you...". Bah gawd that opening track is criminally underappreciated. Fun album! 

Highlights: Let It Go, Tears, Bad Boys, Move On Over

7/10

Let Your Dim Light Shine - Soul Asylum

Ooh I had some songs from this in my head the other day, but totally did not realise I actually have this! Joke is on LOGMAN today. These guys clearly went to the Goo Goo Dolls school of alt rock. It always came across as fake corporate grunge to me, but I think they were legit indie until the success of Runaway Train. Or maybe that was their first attempt at doing the radio thing?

Highlights: Misery, Just Like Anyone

7.5/10

Let's Face It - The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

I should have this whole album, but instead I only have The Impression That I Get. Ska gets a bad rap, because songs like this are what make the world a better place.

10/10

Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye

That opening is so recognisable and funky and sexy. And that voice is just silky smooth. The only criticism I can muster is that, like What's Going On? before it, the whole album almost sounds like one long song. But it sure is a groove.

Highlights: Let's Get It On, Keep Gettin' It On, You Sure Love to Ball, Please Stay (Once You Go Away)

7/10

Let's Get It On (Deluxe Edition) - Marvin Gaye

Of course I have this. I am not some sort of uncivilised fool! And most of this is fairly necessary; the demos are awesome and then there are most of the tracks from You're The Man. Which could have been a very good album, as well! Marvin Gaye was special.

Highlights: The World is Rated X, I'm Gonna Give You Respect, Try It You'll Like It, We Can Make it Baby

7/10

Let's Get It Started - MC Hammer

Hammer's debut or second album, depending on who you ask. Basically a remix of his indie-released debut album that no one in the world has a copy of. Hammer's vocal delivery is very different; much more of a shout-style, as opposed to his more chilled rapping that would come on later albums. Very dance oriented. Very nice. 

Highlights: Let's Get It Started, Ring 'Em, Cold Go MC Hammer, They Put Me in the Mix

7/10

LETTERS - BiSH

More COVID-era BiSH releases? Oh wait, Less Than SEX was not - I just got exposed to those songs from a COVID-era performance. My bad! This is an EP/Mini Album. Half of it is pretty average, I must admit, while the other half is VERY good. The punk-pop stuff in particular. 

Highlights: スーパーヒーローミュージック, co, ぶち抜け, I'm waiting for my dawn

7.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 965

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2025 in 2025: Day 110

The Lead and How to Swing It - Tom Jones

This is such a strange album; Tom Jones doing dance music is pretty normal, because he seems to really enjoy doing dance music (I saw him live a couple of times and I promise you he seemed to be having the time of his life singing songs like Sex Bomb), but at the same time, this is not totally dance but some kind of early-90s hybrid? Very R&B influenced, I feel. And that is actually where this album is at its best. His voice is as awesome as ever. Dude could belt out a tune like no other. And I would argue he probably still could.

Highlights: I Wanna Get Back With You, Lift Me Up, If I Only Knew, I Don't Think So

6.5/10

Lean Into It - Mr. Big

Sadly, this is only Green-Tinted Sixties Mind. Amazing song. Paul Gilbert has become one of my favourite guitarists to follow on social media - both skill-wise and personality - so I really need to check out more Mr. Big.

10/10

The Legend - Johnny Cash

A strange career-spanning compilation; instead of being completely in chronological order, it instead chooses themes for each disc and then going chronological. And completely skips all the "American" recordings. The first disc is just the "hits". As you can well imagine, these songs are all very good and is some of the most important country music. I, personally, enjoy it most when he is doing a bit of storytelling - songs like Folsom Prison Blues and One Piece at a Time. Disc 2 is like the 'singles that were not quite as big as the stuff on the first disc'. And I actually kind of prefer a lot of this; the 50s stuff is much more of the rockabilly variety, which I am a fan of. The third disc is "traditional" American songs or whatever. Everyone wants to sing a song about Frankie and Johnny, huh? This disc just reinforces his 50s work being his best, although it stops being chronological about halfway through. Disc 4 is collaborations. Just a random mix all over the show - mostly with his wife or other members of the Carter family. Not Beyoncé, thankfully. Shiiiz I ain't afraid of you mofos! I need to hear more Highwaymen, honestly. Kris Kristofferson was a real one. Johnny Cash did some pretty decent gospel at times. But this really needed tracks from the "American" recordings. Someone get me a box set of that nonsense, please.

Highlights: Folsom Prison Blues, Daddy Sang Bass, A Boy Named Sue, One Piece at a Time, Cry Cry Cry, Luther Played the Boogie, Dark as a Dungeon, Casey Jones, 

7/10

Lemon Parade - Tonic

I thought for sure this came out in like 98, because I remember having to hear If You Could Only See on the radio all the time around then. But then, it does kind of sound like typical mid-90s radio rock, so the 1996 release does kind of track. Also, I wanted to say mean things about that song, but it is actually better than I remember. These dudes have their moments (but only moments).

Highlights: Soldier's Daughter, Open Up Your Eyes, Casual Affair, If You Could Only See

6.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 955

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2025 in 2025: Day 109

L is for LOGMAN makes poor life choices...

L7 - L7

Angry yelling. Budget recording. Bad guitar solos. And I would not want L7 to be anything else. 

Highlights: Runnin' from the Law, It's Not You, Ms. 45

6.5/10

Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke

Oh a New Zealand artist, you say? And one I actually think is somewhat decent, you further elaborate?!? Pop-rock filled with dance beats and synth solos like it is 1989 is exactly the type of pop-rock people should have been making in 2009. And they were in abundance. 

Highlights: My Delirium, Magic, Another Runaway, Crazy World

7/10

Lagered: The Sixth Pack - Sample Gee

Kids today do not understand the cultural epicentre that were the Lagered albums. Which means I hated the idea of them and only ended up with this one when my older brother abandoned his compact disc collection. Look, teenage LOGMAN was different, okay? It is all just one big remix and it is totally fine and probably good for dancing to.

Highlights: It is all one big dance song, yo!

6/10

Last Action Hero: Music from the Original Motion Picture - Various Artists

The movie that killed Arnie's career as an A-lister also gave us a very cool soundtrack, featuring a mix of rock; hard rock, classic rock, epic orchestral rock, new rock, metal rock and... hip-hop. Because Cypress Hill do what they want! Fishbone are such a confusing band, I clearly need to hear more of them. Particularly the funky stuff like Everyday Sunshine (which is not on this album).

Highlights: Dream On (Live) - Aerosmith, What The Hell Have I - Alice In Chains, Poison My Eyes - Anthrax, Cock the Hammer - Cypress Hill

7/10

Last Stand - Cold Chisel

Cold Chisel celebrating their final tour until the end of the 90s - so maybe 15 years? Must have been one hell of a farewell tour, because Barnesy sounds tired and his voice is shot!

Highlights: Standing on the Outside, Cheap Wine, Don't Let Go, Bow River

6.5/10

The Last Starfighter: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - Craig Safan

Many variations of the main title theme, which is totally fine with me, because it is beautiful. Everything here is so triumphant sounding. But, man, there be some serious spoilers in the song titles!

Highlights: Main Title, Target Practice, Big Victory March/Alex Returns, Into the Starscape

8/10 

The Last Temptation of Ice - Ice-T

This is mostly remixes of the Home Invasion album. I think. It is decent angry hip-hop. Ice-T knows how to tell stories.

Highlights: I Ain't New to This (Radio Edit),  Racewar (Full Muthaf**kin' Assassin Remix) (Explicit), Ricochet

7/10

The Last Wave of Summer - Cold Chisel

Oh, and here is their reunion album! And it does actually feel like Cold Chisel - just a bit older. 

Hard to believe they have now released almost the same amount of albums post-reunion as they did before they split!

Highlights: Way Down, Angel in My Room, So Hard, Once Around the Sun

7/10

Late Registration - Kanye West

I will take some solace in the fact that Jay-Z completely upstages West on his own album, once again. Wild this dude made a recurring theme of his first albums to make fun of black people wanting to get an education and we all just went along with it.

Highlights: Diamonds from Sierra Leone [Remix feat. Jay-Z], We Major, Touch the Sky, We Can Make It Better

7/10

LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem

This band was soooo much better when it was just James Murphy being his own pretentious self, instead of an actual band full of pretentious hipsters. Anyways this album is the ultimate indie-dance-punk-disco groove with goofy lyrics and a bonus disc that is actually longer than the album itself. Good times. Imagine having Daft Punk actually play at your house...

Highlights: Daft Punk is Playing at My House, Tribulations, Disco Infiltrator, Losing My Edge, Yr City's a Sucker

9/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 951

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2025 in 2025: Day 108

Kiss - Dara [ft. CL]

Half of 2NE1 unite to thrown down some killer K-Pop. They should have done more together. Or just bring back 2NE1 forever?

8/10

Kiss - Kiss

I have written about this album. Twice. Kiss rock.

Highlights: Black Diamond, 100,000 Years, Deuce, Cold Gin, Strutter

8/10

Kiss (Deluxe Edition) - Carly Rae Jepsen

Girly bubblegum pop and it feels so good. If I gave my wife a guitar string to wrap around her finger instead of an actual wedding ring, I think the wedding would have been immediately cancelled. Also, that would be mighty uncomfortable. Honestly, if you are on a tight budget, there are always genuine ring options that are quite affordable. No need to settle for some hacked nickel wire.

Highlights: Call Me Maybe, Good Time, More Than a Memory, Almost Said It

7/10

Kiss from the Darkness - SCANDAL

The coolest ex-idol ladies continuing their growth with a very mature-sounding album. Exploring different soundscapes, but not abandoning their pop roots at all. And then kicking it up to 11 on a few songs. A.M.D.K.J. absolutely stomps harder than almost anything else they have ever done! 

Highlights: A.M.D.K.J., 最終兵器、君, 月, セラミックブルー

8/10

Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me - The Cure

The Cure doing what The Cure do best; a mix of 80s pop with long dark synth driven stuff as well. Except the album kinda drags a bit and the last half is definitely not as good as the first, but the pop songs here are immaculate. Shiver and Shake is the funnest diss track, where the person being dissed is performing on the recording. Very Fleetwood Mac of Robert Smith, there.

Highlights: Just Like Heaven, Hey You!, Why Can't I Be You?, The Kiss

8/10

That is enough kissing for today!

Knee Deep in the Hoopla - Starship

Naturally, this is purely We Built This City. Awesome song. So many internets losers call this the worst song ever or some bullshit. Clearly they need to listen to more music, because this is actually one of the best!

10/10

Know Your Enemy - Manic Street Preachers

How do you follow up an album that breaks you through to a worldwide number one by playing it incredibly safe? Why, make an album that sounds like an absolute mess, of course! Some of the songs rock really hard underneath all the noise and calamity. So it all gets a tick from me. Plus I have the special edition that tacks on one of their finest singles ever. I really should get the reissue of this and find out how it compares, because I believe it has all been remixed and re-sequenced - interesting to see what difference it makes.

Highlights: The Masses Against the Classes, Dead Martyrs, Found That Soul, Freedom of Speech Won't Feed My Children

6.5/10

Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge - Alan Partridge

This is the radio show, which preceded the hilarious TV show. And like the TV show, the episode where he takes it on the road is top stuff. 

Highlights: Alan interviews Conrad Knight & Sally Hoff, Alan and Tony Hayers take calls live on air, Alan is tricked into snorting coke live on air by "France's second best F1 racing driver", Lord Morgan of Glossop 

9/10

Концерт - Billy Joel

Billy Joel live in Russia. I watched this concert a billion times on video when I was a child. I remember thinking it was super cool. Also remember the video ran out right near the end of Big Shot, so here I am almost 40 years later still wondering if Billy Joel jumped off his piano at the end...

Highlights: Goodnight Saigon, Allentown, Angry Young Man, Big Shot

7/10

KoЯn - KoЯn

This album is so much tighter and well-made than anything else these goofs ever attempted. 14 year-old LOGMAN thought it was kind of cool, which is probably why these guys are still in my library. There is a lot of latent homophobia going on here. And dumb shit that appeals to teenage boys, I guess.

Highlights: Need To, Divine, Ball Tongue, Helmet in the Bush

6.5/10

Kotten - Kotten

I do not even know where this fits, stylistically. It is kind of alt. country, but more standard and less country? So, more pop rock, without rocking and no hooks? Ryan Adam got better, but also simultaneously worse!

Highlights: Unknown 3, Unknown 4

6/10

Krystal Meyers - Krystal Meyers

Christian rock's answer to Avril Lavigne (this was released back when she was popular). In fact, I think the latter even co-wrote a song on this album. What does she know about Christian music? Or making good music, even? That coda in The Way to Begin is better than anything Avril could ever hope to write. Honestly, take out the cringe pockets of religious babble and this album would be an above average angsty teen girl bop.

Highlights: The Way to Begin, Fall to Pieces, My Savior

6/10

Kylie Minogue: Greatest Hits - Kylie Minogue

As much as she has some great tracks, this is purely a remix of I Should Be So Lucky. Which is crazy. I loved this song when it came out. She was popular as a pop star here before we even saw her on Neighbours!

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 941

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2025 in 2025: Day 107

Kill Bill Vol. 1 - Various Artists

This is, in fact, only Battle Without Honor or Humanity by Tomoyasu Hotei. It is a very, very cool instrumental track.

10/10

KILL MY DOUBT - ITZY

There is a song on this EP called Psychic Lover, which I can only assume is an ode to one of the greatest Japanese rock bands. For sure.

Highlights: Kill Shot, CAKE

7/10

KiLLER BiSH - BiSH

The major label debut with still a strong alt. idol flavour, and the intent is loud and clear from the opening track; get ready for destruction! Lots of madness and screaming with KiLLER hooks. Helluva consistent album, this one.

Highlights: DEADMAN, summertime, Throw away, 本当本気

8/10

A Kind of Magic - Queen

This is the album that made me buy all the 2011 reissues; I had the 1991 remaster most of my life and it was so terribly compressed it was almost unlistenable once I got proper ears. I always get in my head that this album is not that great, but it really is only 2 songs. The rest is absolute perfect examples of Queen; big rock, massive ballad, triumphant pop.

Highlights: One Vision, Friends Will Be Friends, Gimme The Prize (Kurgan's Theme), A Kind of Magic

8/10

KiND PEOPLE / リズム - BiSH

Oooh a double-dose of BiSH this morning. The most average of 'rock' songs with an awesomely massive power ballady-type thing.

Highlights: リズム 

7.5/10

King for a Day... Fool for a Lifetime - Faith No More

This was such a departure compared to Angel Dust. Less keyboards. No rapping. No "gay disco". Much less fun. Even Mike Patton's vocal stylings are way different. I remember a friend of mine at the time of release wondering if he had been replaced. It varies between wannabe thrash metal and lounge jazz and just straight-up schlock before ending with some almost gospel.

Highlights: Ricochet, The Gentle Art of Making Enemies, Cuckoo for Caca, Just a Man

7/10

King of Rock - Run-D.M.C.

This is certainly not my favourite Run-D.M.C. album, but they sure have some killer rhymes going on. Because I have the bonus tracks, I will add that the Beastie Boys version of Slow and Low is actually superior. Somehow.

Highlights: King of Rock, Can You Rock It Like This, Darryl and Joe (Krush-Groove 3), You Talk Too Much

8/10

KINGDOM - SPYAIR

More epic rock. Less memorable than anything on their BEST album, which probably makes sense? It still rocks. Genuinely need more SPYAIR.

Highlights: Don't Look Back, Brand New Days, RAGE OF DUST, スクランブル

7/10

Kingdom Come - Jay-Z

This album is best enjoyed by ignoring everything Jay-Z is rapping about. Because it is all so much more vapid than usual; like, the dude always raps about being rich and what not, but it just feels even more egregious here. Particularly when he raps about being friends with Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow. Boy, that line has aged poorly.  I would say the same about this album, but I do not believe it was even considered good back in 2006.

Highlights: Beach Chair, Kingdom Come, Do You Wanna Ride, Show Me What You Got

6/10

Kinky - Kinky

I love Kinky, but this album is their least memorable and outside of the absolutely brilliant Cornman, there is nothing that sticks. I will say, though, that it is consistently groovy overall. Probably because 90% of the songs sound the same.

Highlights: Cornman, Ejercicio #16, Tonos Rosa, 

6.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 928

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2025 in 2025: Day 106

The K&D Sessions - Kruder & Dorfmeister

Super chill remix kind of album? Very chill. Very long. Did I mention it is chill? I am not the most chill, personally, so probably good for me to listen to stuff like this once in a while during work.

Highlights: Bug Powder Dust - Bomb the Bass, 1st of tha Month - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

6/10

Kala - M.I.A.

Yeah, this just kind of meanders around with weird things sticking out; like little kids trying to sound like hard gangsters rapping and a whole lot of guns being cocked. Then I remember she started a clothing line that "blocks the transmission of 5G" or some nonsense. What a rebel.

Highlights: BirdFlu, Paper Planes, Come Around

6/10

Kamasutra - Prince

A full on jazz-influenced instrumental album. Composed by Prince for his wedding. It is mostly fine and gets a bit bombastic in parts.

Highlights: Promise Broken, Barcelona, Kamasutra Overture #8

6.5/10

Kamikaze - Twister

This is only Overnight Celebrity. I added this to my collection back when Kanye West was great and Twister was interesting. Somewhat.

7/10

Kasabian - Kasabian

Dirty indie electro rock form the mid-00s. The opening to Club Foot is awesome. These guys kind of reminded me of Manbreak when they came out. I almost thought maybe this was the band they had grown in to.

Highlights: Reason is Treason, Club Foot, Orange, Cutt Off

7/10

Keep the Faith - Bon Jovi

Finally a VERY good album today! I genuinely think this may be Bon Jovi's second greatest album (let us see what I think when I finally make it to Slippery When Wet). Sambora's lead work on the whole thing is epic, but particularly on Dry County. Dude slayed it on that one! 

Highlights: I Believe, Keep the Faith, In These Arms, Dry County

8/10

Keep the Faith [Live Bonus Disc] - Bon Jovi

So I am guessing I actually have the original special edition of this album? Which would explain why that CD sounds so good (no bad remastering). It may surprise you to hear that these live versions are all inferior to their studio counterparts.

Highlights: Blaze of Glory, Keep the Faith, I'll Be There For You

7/10

Keeper of the Flame - the HIATUS

Much more synths and some of the songs are quite same-samey, but within them are some genuinely beautiful moments. And some really good songs!

Highlights: Tales of Sorrow Street, Unhurt, Sunset Off the Coastline, Don't Follow the Crowd, Burn to Shine

7/10

Kerplunk! - Green Day

Still small-time indie-label Green Day. Kind of fun hearing a budget version of Welcome to Paradise. They certainly work WAY better as a well-produced pop-punk group, to me. But this is still a lot of fun. 

Highlights: 2000 Light Years Away, One of My Lies, 80, One for the Razorbacks

6.5/10

Khaki Time Portal - Rhoda Ro

Dearfawkinggawdwhataday.

Highlights: I did actually burst out in extreme laughter when Kentucky Sunrise Holler caught me off guard

MINUS FIVE STARS

"Albums" listened to so far: 918

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2025 in 2025: Day 105

Join The Dots: B-Sides & Rarities 1978-2001 - The Cure

Being a chronological collection, the first disc is mostly post-punk early The Cure. I am a bit conflicted as to the inclusion of a song that was re-recorded here, though. Robert Smith's voice is so different it really sticks out. Disc 2 is where we get stuff that I prefer; 80s darkwave is where The Cure are best. And Throw Your Foot may well be the most pure 80s pop song they made. Disc 3 is also my jam, but it is wild that this only covers 1 album and then a bunch of soundtrack songs (that are all stupendous). But then I am one of those weirdos that appreciates Wish. Half of disc 4 is just remixes and alternate versions. It is fun to think that this collection is 20 years old now - which almost covers the same period of this collection - so maybe we will get a volume 2 at some point? It would be far less exhaustive, considering they have only released 3 albums in that time (as opposed to the 11 they released between 1978 and 2001 - plus all the singles and EPs), but it would mean I could get rid of those b-sides collections I had to listen to earlier...

Highlights: The Exploding Boy, Burn, Pillbox Tales, Throw Your Foot, Sugar Girl, Snow in Summer, Play, Halo

6.5/10

Join With Us - The Feeling

This album starts off strong and the title track is absolute fire. From there, it is a bit average. Still somewhat enjoyable, but just does not quite click for me. Maybe I judge too harshly, since their first album was just a big bag of fun?

Highlights: Join With Us, I Thought It Was Over, Without You, The Greatest Show on Earth

6.5/10

Josie and The Pussycats: Music from the Motion Picture - Josie and The Pussycats (and DuJour?)

This movie, like Spiceworld: The Movie, is my favourite kind of comfort comedy. I love it and quote it to myself all the time. And this soundtrack is the kind of girly pop punk that ticks all of my boxes. I just read that Bif Naked sang some stuff on this and last night I saw her music video to promote Ready to Rumble. Coincidence!

Highlights: 3 Small Words, Pretend to Be Nice, Spin Around, Shapeshifter

9/10

Journey's Greatest Hits - Journey

A grand collection of Journey doing Journey things; rockin' and balladin' and touchin' and squeezin' and lovin'!

Highlights: Any Way You Want I, Be Good to Yourself, Ask the Lonely, Don't Stop Believin', Faithfully, Wheel in the Sky

9/10

joy - YUKI

I consider this album to be YUKI really finding her footing. But her voice had not quite caught up to what she was trying to do. And, again, live versions of these songs are even better. This album is just an absolute gem.

Highlights: WAGON, キスをしようよ, JOY, ハローグッバイ

8/10

Judgment Night: Music From the Motion Picture - Various Artists

From a terribly underwhelming movie came the most insane soundtrack the world would ever see; popular grunge and metal bands teaming up with rap and hip-hop stars. Revolutionary. And, amazingly, it all works so well. A hardcore good time. 

Highlights: Just Another Victim - Helmet & House of Pain, Fallin' - Teenage Fanclub & De la Soul, Me Myself & My Microphone - Living Colur & Run DMC, Missing Link - Dinosaur Jr. & Del the Funky Homosapien

8.5/10

Juno: Music from the Motion Picture - Various Artists

I think I got this free with the DVD of the movie. And I am not sure if I have watched the movie since I got it on DVD. I think the only DVDs I watch are the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series and Air Bud? Blu-ray or UHD all the way, baby! This is peak late-00s indie hipster folk and it is barely tolerable.

Highlights: All The Young Dudes - Mott the Hoople, Dearest - Buddy Holly, All I Want Is You - Barry Louis Polisar

5.5/10

Jupiter - Bump of Chicken

It is Bump of Chicken doing Bump of Chicken things. Nothing outstanding. All rather enjoyable in the background.

Highlights: 天体観測, ハルジオン, メロディーフラッグ, ダイヤモンド

7/10

Just Blaq - MBLAQ

This is purely the song Oh Yeah, to further my random K-Pop collection of miscellaneous songs. It is a fun upbeat track.

8/10

Just the Beginning Tour 2017 - Ayumi Hamasaki

This is the tour finale, I think? The tour was 3 parts and I went to the final of part II and then the opening night of part III. So while it is not a show I attended, it is great to have a document of that tour. Even if they were not shows with a live band and Ayu's voice on this is clearly tired. Still an absolutely killer setlist. And this arrangement of Ourselves needs to be preserved for eternity. 

Highlights: Ourselves, FLOWER, Memorial address, SEVEN DAYS WAR

8/10

Justified - Justin Timberlake

When this came out, I had no interest in NSYNC or Justin Timberlake. In fact, I would say I actively disliked him. And his falsetto annoyed me. But Like I Love You broke me down with how danceable it is. And then he followed it up with more super dance fun. I definitely think this album is a mixed bag and half of Pharrell's stuff is tired and played out, but Timbaland is in classic Timbaland form, so it sounds like JT just guesting on some Missy tracks or something. 

Highlights: Rock Your Body, Like I Love You, (Oh No) What You Got, Right For Me

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 908

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2025 in 2025: Day 104

Jar of Flies - Alice in Chains

Bah gawd that solo in Nutshell is the perfect amount of feel. These guys had a real knack for mixing chill acoustic vibes with angry grunge-metal attitude. This was more of the former and it is some of their best work.

Highlights: Nutshell, No Excuses, I Stay Away, Rotten Apple

8/10

The Jasmine Flower - Heather Nova

Continuing with my acoustic-themed start to the day, here is Ms. Nova giving a big dose of purely acoustic numbers, with the occasional cello thrown in to make it a bit more depressing. It ends with an original Xmas song? Which at least has some drums and keyboards, so things end on a bit of lift.

Highlights: Out On a Limb, Say Something, Always Christmas
6/10

Jazz - Queen

Freddie Mercury does not like Star Wars? I knew there was a reason I always loved Queen! You know, I have this mindset that this is like the worst Queen album. Always have since I was young. But when I actually listen to it... it really is not that bad. There are some killer tracks on it and there is some serious fun to be had.

Highlights: Fat Bottomed Girls, Bicycle Race, Dead on Time, Don't Stop Me Now

8/10

JEJEJEJET!! - PASSPO☆

I am not going to re-read my previous bLog about this album, but you should. Because this album is fantastic. Although I do wish I had my old spreadsheet from the PASSPO☆ marathon so I could check if I am just throwing about 5 star ratings without prejudice nowadays. The last two songs are about as perfect as anyone could ask for. I want to put them on repeat!

Highlights: Growing Up (Album ver.), 「I」, サクラ小町, BEAST IN YOU, 気分はサイコー! サイコー! サイコー!

8/10

Jewel Vox - Pile

My fav character from Love Live!'s voice actor - and the genuinely best singer of the show - makes her debut away from the terrible idol of μ's. And this is mostly generic anime-style music. Which is fine? I mean, Psychic Lover are one of my all-time favourite bands and their whole deal is making anime music. Just not at all generic. Just you wait until I get to the P albums... 

Highlights: Black Butterfly, Furuwasaete, ⇒ NEXT WORLD ⇒, いつかキミに届ける世界

6.5/10

Jewels: Alternate Takes - Queen

I ended up with so many extra tracks from the Queen reissues that I had to break them down to their own little albums. Much better than having 15 random EPs. Except I really had no idea how I was grouping them for the most part. I will probably adjust them at some point. I genuinely prefer the original b-side version of My Life Has Been Saved - feels like it has a bit more drive than what they did to it for Made in Heaven. 

Highlights: Keep Yourself Alive [Long-Lost Retake, June 1975], Don't Stop Me Now [With Long Lost Guitars], My Life Has Been Saved [1989 B-Side Version], Teo Torriatte (Let Us Cling Together) [HD Mix]

8/10

Jewels: De Lane Lea Demos - Queen

These do not sound too far removed from the final studio versions. Except the drums sound better? While everything else sounds a bit worse? Or maybe that is just the quality of the tapes. Let us see what I have to say when I hear the Queen I version of this!

Highlights: Jesus, The Night Comes Down

7/10

Jewels: Instrumentals - Queen

Great songs, just minus the main vocals. Do not fret: those epic layers of harmonies are still there, sometimes. It does make you appreciate the little bits in the music that you do not normally hear (plus these are likely modern remixes, so not exact replicas).

Highlights: Tie Your Mother Down [Backing Track], Seven Seas of Rhye [Instrumental], Chinese Torture, Spread Your Wings [Instrumental]

6.5/10

Joanne - Lady Gaga

There are a few bright spots, naturally, but otherwise this is the most uninspired and derivative material Gaga has released. An album so mediocre I do not think I have listened to anything she has released since.

Highlights: Million Reasons, Diamond Heart, Grigio Girls, Hey Girl

6/10

John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band - John Lennon

This should probably just be called Plastic Ono Band, no? The most public therapy session. I also appreciate that the whole album just has three types of songs; grunge/shuffle, piano ballady, and acoustic minimalism. And all of them involve Lennon just putting everything in to them. 

Highlights: Mother, God, My Mummy's Dead, Hold On, I Found Out

9/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 897

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2025 in 2025: Day 103

J is for JustAnother13000SongsToGo

J・A・M - JUDY AND MARY
YUKI is the stuff. Punk YUKI swearing and shouting is even better. Dang this band were so fun!
Highlights: Judy is a Tank Girl, Power of Love, Lolita A-Go-Go, Glamour Punks
7/10

Jackie - Joanne [Single]
Ooooh yeah a dance classic!
9/10

Jacksonville City Nights - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
This is the most pure and country this dude did and I actually dig it. Still, even! The Follow the Lights version of Dear John is way betterer in parts, but I def get chills at the end of the last verse on this one - credit to Norah Jones' delivery, there. The distortions and stuff just adds to the charm here.
Highlights: The End, Hard Way to Fall, The Hardest Part, Withering Heights, Don't Fail Me Now
8/10

Jacksonville City Nights: Rarities - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
These are great, too! The electric version of September is probably one of the best songs on both versions of the album. This version of Always on My Mind is a masterpiece.
Highlights: September [Alternate Take], Always on My Mind, What Sin Replaces Love (both versions, dammit)
7.5/10

Jacksonville: Paxam Singles Series, Vol. 2 - Ryan Adams
What is this, some sort of Ryan Adams vs Jacksonville documentary?
Highlights: That initial surprise when this was released? Mr. Walkedypants is admittedly quite funny
6/10

Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette
The angsty album that all angsty albums are measured against. And they are never going to match it, because no one else is doing it as openly and honestly as Alanis.
Highlights:
9/10

Jagged Little Pill [Acoustic] - Alanis Morissette
Alanis is older and not so angry ten years later, so instead she tries to sing the songs more perfectly. Which also means almost no emotion. Which is the thing that made Jagged Little Pill so awesome. This version of Perfect is actually a million times better, though. Otherwise, some of the arrangements are just cheesy.
Highlights:
7/10

James Brown's Funky People - Various Artists
I do not entirely recall how I discovered this compilation, but I do recall it was one of the first things I ever bought on iTunes. And it is a stellar collection of the biggest stone cold funkiest grooves you could ever find.
Highlights: Gimme Some More - Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s, Damn Right I am Somebody Pts 1 & 2 - Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s, Givin Up Food for Funk Pt 1 - The J.B.'s, (It's Not the Express) It's the JB's Monorail Pt 1 - The J.B.'s
9/10

James Brown's Funky People, Vol. 2 - Various Artists
Less J.B.'s, more Bobby Byrd and Maceo. More of a heavier funk kind of thing, but still a hell of a groove. 
Highlights: You Can Have Watergate Just Gimme Some Bucks and I'll Be Straight Pt. 1 - The J.B.'s, Cross the Tracks (We Better Go Back) - Maceo and The Macks, I'm Paying Taxes What Am I Buying - Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s, Blow Your Head - Fred Wesley & The J.B.'s
8/10

Japanese Complete Level 1, Adj & Adv - VocabuLearn
This is one of many little lessons I would listen to on my walk to & from work to try and build my vocabulary. Whether it not worked is certainly up for debate. It mixes up going from English to Japanese, and then Japanese to English. Exciting!
7/10

Japanese Complete Level 1, Nouns - VocabuLearn
I tend to do better with the nouns. I think maybe I did these lessons more? Or I just use the words more often in conversation?
7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 887

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