2025 in 2025: Day 177

Together Alone - Crowded House

This album is almost a bit more experimental than every other Crowded House album. Certainly more adventurous; some of the songs have a bit more teeth to them, while others just veer off into jamming and traditional Polynesian rhythms and drumming and singing. 

Highlights: Distant Sun, Locked Out, In My Command, Fingers of Love

7.5/10

Together Alone [Deluxe Edition] - Crowded House

Home demos, band demos, writing demos - we got all your demos! And a couple of live tracks and alternate mixes. It is almost comical to think this is how Private Universe could have ended up sounding like. 

Highlights: Black and White Boy [Early Rough Mix], Tail of Comet [Live], Fingers of Love [Alternate Studio Take]

6.5/10

Tokyo Girl [Single] - Perfume

The end theme to my favourite drama. I have to listen to this every time I go see Tokyo Tower for that very reason. Honestly, though, those verses are so fantastic... but the chorus is just typical Perfume. 

Highlights: Tokyo Girl, 宝石の雨

8.5/10

Tommyland: The Ride - Tommy Lee

If he had never been in Mötley Crüe, Tommy Lee probably could have been a popular radio rock guy. Like, there is nothing on here worse than Nickelback. In fact, the dude from Nickelback is here, too! I just read the credits and there are some hilarious features. I actually quite enjoy this, for the most part!

Highlights: Makin' Me Crazy, Tryin' to Be Me, Good Times, Sister Mary

7/10

Too Fast For Love - Mötley Crüe

From the best member of The Crüe, to their debut album! 

If I remember correctly, a couple of friends bought me this on cassette back when I was like 11 or something. I think it may have been the first Mötley Crüe album I actually owned! Live Wire is awesome. Come On and Dance is pretty cool - that classic cowbell is kinda funny, as are the bad harmonies. I guess Vince was easily the best singer in the band at this stage (which is funny because 45 years later he is probably the worst and has been for like 25 years). I have always dug Public Enemy #1, even if it has absolutely nothing to do with the band Public Enemy. Which was very disappointing to 11 year-old LOGMAN. It has a real 70's rock vibe. Merry-Go-Round is some sort of power ballad wannabe, but cannot be taken seriously because it sounds like Vince is singing "Mewwy go wound and wound". Take Me to the Top may have been the first song on the album I liked? And then there is Piece of Your Action which is just badassery. Possibly the most "Mötley Crüe" song on the album. And also possibly the first Mötley Crüe guitar solo I attempted to learn (I didn't understand what slide guitar was). Actually the last half of this album is awesome; Starry Eyes is dark and moody (you can tell, because there is a gong strike), Too Fast For Love is good times with gang-vocals chorus fun, and On With the Show is actually a very good power ballad (complete with hilarity where Mick Mars gets out of time double-tracking his guitar, and then just repeats his solos about 40 times throughout the song). A very strong debut album. I was today years-old when I really understood that this is much more of a 70's rock influenced affair - very Cheap Trick meets Sweet in an Aerosmith tribute show. And Vince sounds squeaky. Man, time flies when you are having fun!

Highlights: Piece of Your Action, Starry Eyes, Live Wire, Take Me to the Top

8.5/10

Too Legit to Quit - MC Hammer

Look, the songs are mostly too long and there was no need for the super slow songs in the middle. And a downbeat song with no real groove should not go over 8 minutes. Now all that said... THIS ALBUM GOES HARD! The pop stuff just goes off, the gospel is next level, and everything in between is just awesome - and this is not nostalgia driven, either, because I had no love for this album back in 1991. I grew up and got wise. You should, too! The title track is the most head-rocking foot stomping hip-hop track in my library.

Highlights: 2 Legit 2 Quit, Find Yourself a Friend, Do Not Pass Me By, Count It Off, This is the Way We Roll

8/10

Too Tight - MC Hammer

Oh we just going with Hammer today? The man rolled up to Death Row and put together an album so good... it never got released. Which is a shame, because this album a serious groove. The fake radio skits are such a cliche of the times, and because it is Hammer, everything is just a bit too long. Sometimes a lot too long. But the collabs with dudes like Tupac are better than you could have imagined.

Highlights: Too Late Playa, Unconditional Love, Hammertime Brings It, Get Up

7/10

Too-Rye-Ay - Dexy's Midnight Runners

This is just Come On Eileen, because at least give me some of my 80s cred!

8/10

The Top - The Cure

Robert Smith goes insane from doing too many drugs, and puts it all to music... while doing a lot of drugs?

Highlights: Bananafishbones, Shake Dog Shake, The Caterpillar, The Top

6.5/10

Torn Down - The Cure

Another remix album. As essential as any remix album before it...

Highlights: Shake Dog Shake (New Blood Mix), A Night Like This (Hello Goodbye Mix), It's Over (Whisper Mix)

6/10

Totally 80s - Various Artists

A very underwhelming compilation of 80s pop "hits" - would appear to be heavily British-influenced. British New Wave was better than a lot of their pop output. I should have more Go West in my library.

Highlights: We Close Our Eyes - Go West, Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant, Missing You - John Waite, Vienna - Ultravox, Respectable - Mel & Kim

7/10

Totally Krossed Out - Kriss Kross

These dorks with their backwards clothing sure made a few cool songs, namely Jump and Warm It Up. And that is about all I know when it comes to them.

8/10

Touch - Sarah McLachlan

Does this earn me back some 80s cred? Because boy howdy this sure has some big 80s reverb all over it. Feels like it is even more indie 80s alt than you would expect - I do not recall this even being mentioned in the Sarah McLachlan theory...

Highlights: Vox, Steaming

6.5/10

Touch - Eurythmics

Oooh an 80s album called Touch? This one came first! And is at its finest when it gets all dark and moody. The beats are so mesmerising and Annie Lennox's vocals are just divine.

Highlights: Here Comes the Rain Again, Who's That Girl?, Paint a Rumour, No Fear No Hate No Pain (No Broken Hearts), Aqua

7.5/10

Tougher Than Leather - Run-D.M.C.

I am in the minority, but this album is possibly my favourite hip-hop album of all time. ALL TIME. It just goes so damn hard from the start and never lets up. And they really lived up to the moniker of The Kings of Rock with this one. Honestly, I doubt I would love hip-hop the way I do if not for this album.

Highlights: Run's House, Mary Mary, Beats to the Rhyme, Radio Station, I'm Not Going Out Like That

10/10

Toys in the Attic - Aerosmith

Well, what a coinkidink! It is these guys and the original version of Walk This Way! This is their most consistent and solid outing from the 70s. Easily. That main riff to No More No More is so great and I wish I could remember how to play it.

Highlights: Sweet Emotion, Walk This Way, No More No More, Round and Round

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1730

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2025 in 2025: Day 174

Telecinema Project Vol.3: Break-up follows love - Gummy

Our latest random K-pop song is a super soft ballad and that is all I can say here.

6/10

Telepathy - 小玉しのぶ

Not nearly as impressive as the other album I have from her, but still a very solid listen. Just some quickfire pop rock.

Highlights: Say (Acoustic Version), アコガレスター

7/10

The Temple Of Hip-Hop Presents... - Various Artists

I only now have two songs from this album, but I am fairly certain I had the full thing somewhere. Probably very hard to find, now. That will teach me...

Highlights: Up From Da Underground - Xzhibit & KRS-One, Live at The Temple - Big Daddy Kane

8/10

Temple of Low Men - Crowded House

I can not explain it, but I feel like this album is just missing something. I say this as someone who generally enjoys Crowded House, without being a big fan or anything. 

Highlights: When You Come, Sister Madly, Better Be Home Soon

6.5/10

Temple of Low Men [Deluxe Edition] - Crowded House

One of the few albums I managed to get the deluxe edition for - I certainly wish I had bought the others. This is all just demos and live versions. Mostly live versions. So when I say "I certainly wish I had bought the other [deluxe editions]", I do not mean for the bonus discs...

Highlights: Sister Madly [Studio Outtake], When You Come [Live]

5.5/10

Temple of the Dog - Temple of the Dog

Probably the best album to come out of the 'grunge' era? Certainly the best album these guys from these bands did. Cornell's voice is just otherworldly. 

Highlights: Say Hello 2 Heaven, Hunger Strike, Times of Trouble, Four Walled World

8/10

TEMPTATION BOX - SCANDAL

Peak idol-era Scandal; a whole bunch of harmless pop rock that is just upbeat and... there.

Highlights: 少女M, Hi-Hi-Hi, Hello!Hello!

6.5/10

Ten - Pearl Jam

It was not until my 20s that I realised how heavy the 70s rock vibe was on this album. And look, I am not the Pearl Jam fan I was 25 years ago, and this was never my favourite Pearl Jam album.... but maybe it actually is? Because it still rocks hard.

Highlights: Porch, Oceans, Release, Why Go

9/10

Terminal - YUKI

Like most 'modern' era YUKI albums, this covers all the genres - this time including some pretty big dance vibes. ご・く・ら・く terminal is like some hard K-pop hip-hop kind of thing, production-wise. A lot of fun to be had here!

Highlights: Baby it's you, ラスボス, Sunday Service, good girl

7.5/10

Thank You - Stone Temple Pilots

These are some random bonus songs from what I can only imagine was a greatest hits compilation. I like STP. A lot. But these are not important.

Highlights: Some random live version of Unglued that I found on the internet a million years ago

6/10

That's The Way It Is - Elvis Presley

The movie of the same name may well be the greatest concert film ever produced. And yet, this album is a lot of the things that movie is not; mostly super chilled out country-influenced pop. And I think I love it for all of those reasons. There are some live songs here - and some of them not from the movie - and they are just stellar.

Highlights: I Just Can't Help Believing, You've Lost That Loving Feeling, Just Pretend, How the Web Was Woven

8/10

That's The Way It Is: Live 12 August 1970 - Elvis Presley

Disc 2 of the set is a rare (at the time) concert performance recorded for the movie. And it rocks. It has been a while since I last had an Elvis concert going on here, so it is most welcome.

Highlights: Walk a Mile in My Shoes, You've Lost That Loving Feeling, Just Pretend, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Suspicious Minds

7.5/10

That's The Way It Is: Rehearsals - Elvis Presley

And disc 3 is, of course, a mix of rehearsals and other random live songs recorded for the movie. So why did they not just call it outtakes or something? 

Highlights: I Can't Stop Loving You, Stranger in the Crowd

6.5/10

The Best of del Tha Funkee Homosapien - The Elektra Years: B-Boy Handbook - Del the Funky Homosapien

So not only is this sorted by the T in The, but the way his name is spelled completely differs between the artist name and the extraordinarily long album title? To make it even more fun, this is simply the wonderful Mistadobalina. It is wonderful - did you not hear me the first time?

8/10

The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance

Another T for The?? Fuck you, Tim Apple! Mid-00s emo anthems and it starts off VERY strong... but then they get caught up in trying way more grandiose than MCR are actually capable of, and it just comes off as trying WAY too hard.

Highlights: Welcome to the Black Parade, The End., Dead!, Teenagers

7/10

Theatre of Pain - Mötley Crüe

This album gets a bit of a bad rap. Or maybe I am just too much of a fan? But I think it is quite the classic Crüe groove. Vince's voice is pretty average, but still not nearly as terrible as it is now. I am not going to post my long-winded nonsense from my COVID-era marathon, because I like the album more today!

Highlights: Home Sweet Home, Louder Than Hell, Save Our Souls, Tonight (We Need a Lover)

7.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1686

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2025 in 2025: Day 163

It is "singles" day here in casa de LOGMAN (aka my headphones).

The Singles - Basement Jaxx

I am someone that really only knows the hits, because they were quite popular back in the day. So having a compilation of those and some other songs I do not really know suits me fine. Generally good stuff to get your party in your head going.

Highlights: Romeo, Where's Your Head At, Red Alert, Plug It In

7/10

Singles (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Various Artists

I really need to get the re-release of this one day, because it features all the cool instrumental stuff by Chris Cornell and Paul Westerberg. As it is in its original format, it is the perfect time capsule of the start of the grunge period and that whole Seattle music scene. Except Smashing Pumpkins are very much not from Seattle. Neither is Paul Westerberg. What a joke!

Highlights: Seasons - Chris Cornell, Breath - Pearl Jam, Waiting For Somebody - Paul Westerberg, State of Love and Trust - Pearl Jam

9/10

Singles - John Lennon

A little compilation of non-album tracks, mostly covering the first couple of years of Lennon going solo. Most were hits. Most are awesome. Only one of them is not a statement of everything he stood for at the time.

Highlights: Power to the People, Instant Karma (We All Shine On), Move Over Ms. L, Give Peace a Chance

9/10

The Singles - ABBA

Like the Lennon disc, this is the bonus as part of the original box set. The disco tracks are pretty darn awesome. And if you need their original hits sung in Swedish, then you are in for real treat here!

Highlights: Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight), Under Attack, Summer Night City, Medley: Pick a Bale of Cotton/On Top of Old Smokie/Midnight Special

7/10

Singles - Mötley Crüe

This is just the song Sex. It rocks, but I do not know why I have this song on its own when I could lump with other random Mötley Crüe songs.

8/10

Singles - Travis

And this is just the song Turn. It is the only song by Travis I like, but I like it so much it probably equates to enjoying their entire discography. Which is like 3 other songs?

9/10

The Singles 1992-2003 - No Doubt

Lordy, I am not a fan of this band either. Yet, somehow, I ended up with two songs in my library - Hella Good and Spiderwebs. The former actually makes a lot of sense, because it has some big 80s synth.

8/10

The Singles Box - Alanis Morissette

A whole bunch of live songs from a time when Alanis was not so great live. Well, the acoustic versions are pretty fine, but when she is with a band it all just falls apart. And for once I will not blame Taylor Hawkins.

Highlights: Hand In My Pocket (Live From Brisbane), You Oughta Know (Live From The Grammy's)

5/10

Singles Mixes - Queen

Another of my own compilations from the reissues and box sets. Like my own version of Greatest Hits, because it is always fun to have shorter versions of awesome songs, I guess? I Want It All honestly loses so much.

Highlights: Flash [Single Version], Flash [Single Version], It's Late [USA Radio Edit], One Vision [Single Version]

8.5/10

The Singles, Volume 3: 1964-1965 - James Brown

Hilarious that I skipped Volumes 1 & 2; that would be because I tried to capture mostly James Brown's funk, instead of his early soul stuff. I like the funk. It takes about half the collection, but the early funk is here and it feels good. 

Highlights: Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, I Got You (I Feel Good), Out of Sight, Think

7/10

The Singles, Volume 4: 1966-1967 - James Brown

More soul and a lot more funk. By then end of this one, he is getting some hard funk on the one! One day I will have to complete this series. But thank Prime I did not do that before this marathon!

Highlights: Cold Sweat (Part 1), Get It Together (Part 1), Bring It Up, James Brown's Boo-Ga-Loo

7.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1520

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2025 in 2025: Day 161

The Shady/Aftermath Sampler - Various Artists

The bonus disc that came with the 8 Mile soundtrack; like the title suggests, a bunch of artists yet to debut on Eminem's label. And Eminem himself. I would have preferred another D12 EP.

Highlights: Rap Name - Obie Trice, Stimulate - Eminem

6/10

Shamrocks and Shenanigans (Single) - House of Pain

Oh wow, I forgot what the album version of this song sounded like - I always listen to the Butch Vig remix.

Highlights: Shamrocks And Shenanigans (Butch Vig Mix), Put Your Head Out (Album Version), Shamrocks and Shenanigans (Salaam Main Pass)

7/10

Shangri-La Dee Da - Stone Temple Pilots

This is the album I always forget exists, but apparently it rocks hard? And I actually know the songs well, so have clearly listened to it a lot?

Highlights: Coma, Days of the Week, Wonderful, Too Cool Queenie

7/10

She's So Unusual - Cyndi Lauper

Peak Lauper; this would be around the time she was being awesome at WrestleMania as well. She is like a fantastic combination of 80s pop and punk aesthetics.

Highlights: All Through the Night, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Time After Time, She Bop

8.5/10

Sheer Heart Attack - Queen

Such an inbetween album - as in, crammed between Queen II and A Night at the Opera. How does a band manage to record and release three albums like that in the space of 2 years? By being Queen, that is how! This is kind of the filling to the sandwich, and the more epic albums are the bread? Feels a bit more standard 70s UK glam rock - not entirely, just compared to those albums.

Highlights: In the Lap of the Gods... Revisted, Now I'm Here, Killer Queen, Stone Cold Crazy

8/10

Shenanigans - Green Day

Not an album based on the song by The Shit. I think it is a collection of random outtakes and rarities. It all just makes me miss the old version of Green Day, because this just all sounds like that weird period from Nimrod to before American Idiot where it all sounds the same. Huh, apparently there are some b-sides from Dookie and Insomniac as well? No wonder they were only b-sides.

Highlights: Ha Ha You're Dead, Sick of Me

6/10

Shift - ユアネス

Heartfelt virtuoso indie rock. Very much reminds me of RADWIMPS. 

Highlights: 日々、月を見る, 凩, 少年少女をやめてから

8/10

The Shit - The Shit

Quickfire country songs. Mostly about being dead? And we cannot forget the whistles and roosters!

Highlights: Breaking in to Houses (Just To Look), You're Dead and I'm Alone

7/10

Shoot From the Hip - Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Not the disco masterpiece that was Read My Lips, but more of an 80s influenced pop album. Which was kind of ahead of the curve, because the 80s new wave sound would not be back en vogue for another few years. Strangely enough, the songs that are more straight guitar driven pop are actually the best. 

Highlights: I Am Not Good at Not Getting What I Want, Party in My Head, I Won't Change You, Mixed Up World

7/10

Shout at the Devil - Mötley Crüe

We kick off with some spoken-word nonsense, because they are trying to make the heavy metal version of Thriller or something. Except this guy is not Vincent Price. And Mötley Crüe are not Michael Jackson. Though I could actually imagine Tommy Lee jamming with him. The rest of the album is pure dark badassery that invokes imagery of these dudes just murdering their instruments. While wearing black leather and makeup. 

Highlights: Knock 'Em Dead Kid, Shout at the Devil, Looks That Kill, Too Young to Fall in Love, Ten Seconds to Love

9.5/10

Show - The Cure

As much of a fan of The Cure as I am, I do not really have that much love for these live albums. The vocals are always lacking and songs are often very fast. That said, I am yet to hear a bad live version of Fascination Street.

Highlights: Fascination Street, Never Enough, Open, Pictures of You

7/10

Show Me the Right Way - Annabel Fay

Thankfully this is only one song - Already Home. I have zero interest in the rest of the album. I barely have any interest in this song.

7/10

SHOWCASE - Pile

Talk about big heavy guitars - some of these songs are borderline thrash, but then those dancey pop beats make it... something else. It is mostly fairly by the numbers, but Pile's vocals at least lift a few of the songs emotionally.

Highlights: Cliche, Brownie Kiss, Go My Way, Lost Paradise

6.5/10

Shred - Various Artists

I am not a snowboarder, so I do not know if this music would make for a good soundtrack while "shredding" a mountainside. However, I will say that these late 90s/early 00s dance jams and remixes of dance jams will provide you with some solid upbeat energy to do what you need to do; dancing, raving, gaming, doing the housework, taking ecstasy and going to the supermarket. Whatever you deem appropriate.

Highlights: What's On Your Mind (Milk & Sugar Remix) - Wackside, Reach Out - Midfield General (Featuring Linda Lewis), Theme From "Gutbuster" - Bentley Rhythm Ace

6.5/10

Siamese Dream - Smashing Pumpkins

You know, this is a really hard album to grade; musically it is an absolute tour de force and a testament to the production of Butch Vig, however vocally it is the sonic equivalent of having a frozen metal spoon forced up your nasal cavity.

Highlights: Cherub Rock, Mayonaise, Geek U.S.A., Luna

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1500

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2025 in 2025: Day 159

sabotage - 緑黄色社会

I think this may have been their last great single? Suitably epic and grand. It was the theme for a pretty fun drama about some people learning to play the violin. The b-side is killer. Then there are some pretty decent live songs as well.

Highlights: sabotage, Alright

7/10

Saints of Los Angeles - Mötley Crüe

The Crüe return with their first album with the original lineup in 10 years. And it is the follow-up to Dr. Feelgood they should have released in 1991; very old school hair metal, lots of swearing, Tommy Lee doing massive drum fills, and just all round a badass attitude. Good times!

Highlights: Down at the Whiskey, Motherfucker of the Year, Saints of Los Angeles, Goin' Out Swingin'

8/10

Sam's Town - The Killers

Their debut album was so amazing that this was never going to live up to it, so I was certainly disappointed on release. A few goods songs, but what I really liked about that first album was missing from this. This feels a bit more radio rock, less new wave dark romantic. Little did I know that it was all downhill from here...

Highlights: Bling (Confession of a King), When You Were Young, My List, Why Do I Keep Counting?

7.5/10

Sandinista! - The Clash

Well, this certainly was ambitious! And in no possible way can I see the reason this needed to be so massive. A lot of weirdness, a lot of different styles, a lot of just mediocre songs. I could remove two albums' worth of material and still barely get a good album out of this.

Highlights: Something About England, Somebody Got Murdered, Let's Go Crazy, Police on My Back, Washington Bullets, Charlie Don't Surf, Lose This Skin

5/10

Sap - Alice In Chains

Another mostly acoustic EP. This time the songs are pretty are far more chilled.

Highlights: Got Me Wrong, Brother, Am I Inside

6.5/10

Saturation - Urge Overkill

Supposedly alternative grunge but super overproduced? Yes indeed. Super awesome? Absolutely! These guys were such a vibe. And had the hooks to match.

Highlights: Sister Havana, Nite and Grey, Crackbabies, Positive Bleeding

8/10

Saudades De Rock - Extreme

I am generally one of Extreme's biggest supporters, but I do generally find Gary Cherone's voice on this album not so great. That said, the album still rocks pretty hard. And the ending on that coda is just beautiful.

Highlights: King of the Ladies, Interface, Peace (Saudade)

7/10

Savage - Eurythmics

An 80s new wave essay on feminism. Far more experimental musically than their previous album - so completely different to Revenge or Be Yourself Tonight, which were just straight pop. And I love it all the more for these reasons.

Highlights: You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart, Shame, Savage, I've Got a Lover (Back in Japan)

8/10

Save Rock and Roll - Fall Out Boy

FOB return with a full on dance rock kind of album. It is like a dark Summer jam all over; you just want to party, but with a serious edge. It's Courtney, bitch!

Highlights: Save Rock and Roll, Rat A Tat, My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up), Alone Together

8/10

Sawdust - The Killers

Two albums in to their career and already throwing out a b-sides and rarites compilation? That should have been another warning. At least being so early in their career it is mostly still pretty dark and more in the vein of their debut album. This version of Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll is inferior to the version on my copy of Hot Fuss. Under the Gun and Move Away are also re-recorded; I should find the original versions, because I do like those songs.

Highlights: Under the Gun, Change Your Mind, Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf, Shadowplay

6.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1469

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2025 in 2025: Day 154

Red, White & Crüe - Mötley Crüe

Not the full compilation, because I have it all elsewhere, but instead just the songs not found elsewhere; a couple of songs recorded for their first greatest hits compilation (or second, if you count Decade of Decadence) and a few other songs recorded for this compilation. They are okay.

Highlights: Bitter Pill

6.5/10

Redbird - Heather Nova

There are some obvious attempts at 'hit making' on this album and that is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it still features a fair bit of Nova performing poetry and storytelling over some pretty chilled music. And my dude David Ayers is out here with his Ebow making everything more interesting...

Highlights: Redbird, I Miss My Sky (Amelia Earhart's Last Days), Done Drifting, Singing You Through

7/10

A Reginald Gangsta - DJ Reggie

Me: Oh this will at least be really quick. *checks running time* Where's my noose? 

Highlights: I am sure there were some funny lines in there somewhere

4/10

Regulate (Music From Above The Rim) [EP] - Various Artists

I have never seen this movie, so I do not know if all these songs are from the film, but this EP features possibly my favourite 2Pac song and the legendary title track. G-Funk was seriously so good.

Highlights: Regulate - Warren G & Nate Dogg, Pain - 2Pac, Loyal to the Game - 2Pac

8.5/10

Rehearsals/Demos - Ryan Adams

The Cardinals jamming. I think some of these riffs became actual songs? All very pointless.

Highlights: Good guitar tone?

6/10

Reina - Kinky

One of their most consistently funk releases; there is nothing super standout here, but it is generally very enjoyable throughout. Sounds like someone else is doing some rapping here and there instead of their usual singer?

Highlights: León, I Say Hey, Monday Killer, A Dónde Van Los Muertos?

7/10

Rejoice - The Emotions

This is only the disco jam Best of My Love. An absolutely perfect blend of disco, funk and sensational harmonies. And big high notes.

10/10

Reload - Tom Jones

The great Tom Jones performing duets with the happening Britpop kids, covering all manner of classic songs - from 80s pop to early Elvis rock'n roll to modern trip-hop and house. By modern, I mean 1998. A fun time for all involved.

Highlights: I'm Left You're Right She's Gone, Mama Told Me Not to Come, She Drives Me Crazy, Burning Down the House

7/10

Remapping the Human Soul [Part 1:THE BRAIN] - Epik High

Fancy some Korean hip-hop in place of some random K-Pop? Sure thing! These guys get quite hard-hitting in places.

Highlights: White Night, Still Life, Soul

7/10

Remapping the Human Soul [Part 2:THE HEART]

They kick this off getting political, so they immediately go up 10 points in my books. 

Highlights: Flow, Fan

6.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1410

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2025 in 2025: Day 148

Q Division Demos - Ryan Adams

Minimalist acoustic demos of songs that would later appear... on other demos? And better?

Highlights: Quick

5/10

Quaternary - Mötley Crüe
Back in 1994, we didn't have the internet to download everything we needed, so the only way to get this was some special fan club or something. It was very limited. Anyways, if I remember correctly it was just 4 songs written by each member: Tommy Lee does his best Linkin Park tribute before Linkin Park were even in High School, Mick Mars gets his blues guitar instrumental going, Nikki Sixx thinks he is NIN and Stabbing Westward attending deep therapy sessions, and John Corabi... mistakes himself for one of The Beatles? Dude - you are in Mötley Crüe. Oh wait; there is a 5th song that involves all of the band. It sounds like most of the songs found on Mötley Crüe. Which is good. Also, there is a whole bunch of studio banter between songs. Most of it makes me want to slap these guys. I play life on Expert level, so there are a bunch of bonus tracks here that are completely unnecessary and are actually longer than the original EP. 

Highlights: Planet Boom, Babykills, 10000 Miles Away, Livin' in the No [Demo]

6.5/10

Queen - Queen

Q is for Queen. Duh! Their debut album has some highlights, for sure, but it is very heavily reminiscent of Led Zepplin and other blues rock bands at the time that were considered heavy. And - controversial opinion - Mercury's voice on this album was kind of just above average.

Highlights: Keep Yourself Alive, Liar, Great King Rat, Son and Daughter

7.5/10

Queen Forever - Queen

This is a self-made compilation of all the b-sides and non-album songs - including the one song with Michael Jackson they were able to release. I kind of like that 30 years later they are still trickling out the occassional song they have decided to complete and suckering fools like me in to buying their albums again. 

Highlights: I Go Crazy, Soul Brother, I Can't Live With You (1997 Queen Rocks Version), There Must Be More to Life Than This (with Michael Jackson)

7/10

Queen I - Queen

Speaking of ways to sucker me in to buying things... the first Queen album remixed with modern sounding drums and autotune on the vocals! As someone that has spent most of his life listening to this album, it sure is jarring to hear it this way. But also interesting? Thanks to the use of alternate takes being added to the mix. I still would never have put Mad the Swine on the album, because that song is seriously lame.

Highlights: Modern Times Rock 'n' Roll, Great King Rat, Son and Daughter

7.5/10

Queen I At The BBC - Queen

Most of the album performed "live" on the BBC - somewhat live. Somewhat. And some of it is played twice, because this covers four different sessions. Kind of a jumble? Still leaves a lot of BBC stuff to be remixed/remastered - hopefully they get to that so I can feel justified not ever purchasing the Live On Air box set.

Highlights: "Son and Daughter" (BBC Session 2, July 1973), "Great King Rat" (BBC Session 3, December 1973), "Keep Yourself Alive" (BBC Session 1, February 1973)

7/10

Queen I: De Lane Lea Demos - Queen

The original demos also get the remix treatment. It makes them sound pretty epic, I have to admit. I dig all the acoustic guitar in Keep Yourself Alive. Jesus is a massive bluesy jam. 

Highlights: Liar, The Night Comes Down, Keep Yourself Alive

7/10

Queen I: Instrumentals - Queen

Quite fun to hear everything going on in the new mixes without the vocals getting in the way. Of course, Queen just can not help themselves and there are still a bunch of backing vocals in these. In fact, Great King Rat still features a few main vocal lines for fun. Mad the Swine is actually better as an instrumental! This all might be a good way for me to sit down and learn to play these songs properly? Haha yeah that will never happen. I am no Brian May!

Highlights: Liar, Great King Rat, Keep Yourself Alive, Mad the Swine

7/10

Queen I: Sessions - Queen

And we are still not done! Now we get the album in 'alternate take' form; some fully finished and unused versions, some test sessions with guide vocals, some acoustic jams with Mercury providing mouth guitar solos. Those are the best parts. Actually, my personal highlight was Brian May calling Freddie Mercury by his REAL name! And boy do they like telling someone they were the one that messed up a song. I would have HATED being in this band. I would have been getting called out every 45 seconds...

Highlights: See What a Fool I've Been (De Lane Lea Test Session), Liar (Trident Take 1), Keep Yourself Alive (Trident Take 13)

6/10

Queen II - Queen

Finally moving on to their second album and boy howdy, what a difference 6 months makes! This thing is epic and grand and everything that Queen is known for and I love them for it. Mercury's voice is already improved 200% and while the songs are still lyrically kind of Tolkien-esque and somewhat biblical, it actually works much better with all the guitar orchestras and layers upon layers of vocals.

Highlights: The March of the Black Queen/Funny How Love Is, Father to Son, White Queen (As it Began), Ogre Battle

9/10

Queens are Trumps -切り札はクイーン- - SCANDAL

Things start off like a damned Aerosmith album (a good one), then promptly gets in to Josie and the Pussycats territory, before giving us some disco rock? There is some full on electropop in here as well, but the pop punk is where these girls always shine brightest. Mami's voice has really grown on me and the songs she sings are becoming my favourites. 

Highlights: 声, Queens are trumps, Rock'n Roll, Bright

7/10

Queens of Noise - The Runaways

Much more of an attempt at something polished and made for the masses, or something. I always forget Joan Jett sings the title track, because live it was Cherie Currie.

Highlights: Neon Angels on the Road to Ruin, Queens of Noise, Take It or Leave It, I Love Playin' with Fire

7/10

Quizás - Enrique Iglesias

Enrique gets his Spanish crooning going. Big time; the first half is just full on ballads - some of them very slow and possibly romantic, while he kind of picks up the energy a bit in the second half. Sounds like a sports game. Maybe a lucha libre match? La Parka would smash everyone, but likely would not walk out to a song by Enrique.

Highlights: No Apagues La Luz, Para Qué La Vida, Quizás, Marta

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1348

There is no way I see myself finishing the remaining 677 in less than two months, but hey - Q is for Quitting is for Quitters!

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2025 in 2025: Day 132

Neon Nights - Danni Minogue

Kylie was all the rage again, so it made sense for Danni to get it on the action as well. This album is a tour de force of discofied electro pop. And, honestly, it defies expectations. Non-stop groove. The mashups are suspiciously well done, also.

Highlights: Hey! (So What), Come and Get It, Put the Needle On It, Creep, I Begin to Wonder

7.5/10

Never a Dull Moment - Tommy Lee

He totally should have billed himself as Tömmy Lee. It is all fairly generic modern hard rock. Like Foo Fighters meets Limp Bizkit doing a... Bowie cover. That last part is for real. I am not sure why, but I genuinely expected better from Mr. Lee. Still, better than any other solo album other Crüe members have released since 1993...

Highlights: Fame 02, Blue, Higher

6/10

Never Take Friendship Personal - Anberlin

Time for some mid-00s christian emo! Such an oxymoron. Or just a bunch of morons? That criticism aside, this is just classic emo rock. Some great riffs and cool screams. Lyrics get a bit pretentious, like most emo, but generally the melodies are on point. I will attest until my dying days that I could have improved A Day Late if they had recorded with me in the booth; the chorus just needed a little vocal repeat in the hook and it would have been perfect. Producer LOGMAN always knows best. Lyrics for that song, though, are super cringe; you are a happy christian man with "a lover" wondering what it would have been like to been "lovers" with your friend? Keep that to yourself, buddy! The first 15 seconds of Time & Confusion are killer. Maybe this album just hits me as something that had great potential and falls just short and that is what gets such a reaction from me? Is that the story of my morning so far?? Why am I writing so much about this album?!?

Highlights: Dance Dance Christa Päffgen, The Feel Good Drag, Time & Confusion, Paperthin Hymn

7/10

Nevermind - Nirvana

I want to hate this album. I want to tell you it is overrated and Nirvana are lame. I want to tell you grunge is lame. I want to tell you all sorts of edgelord nonsense. I really do! But by the time that first pre-chorus builds and the chorus explodes in Smells Like Teen Spirit, there is no use pretending. I know the truth. You know the truth. We all know the truth. I have the Butch Vig mix and it being the superior mix is the hill I will die on.

Highlights: Lounge Act, On a Plain, Stay Away, In Bloom

9/10

New Adventures in Hi-Fi - R.E.M.

New adventures in Ebow! This album is a bit more palatable than Monster, and certainly a bit more relaxed. And Peter Buck clearly just discovered how to use an Ebow.

Highlights: The Wake-Up Bomb, E-Bow the Letter, Leave, Bittersweet Me

6.5/10

New Clear Days - The Vapors

This is only the song Turning Japanese. Very appropriate. Give me more Japanese rock instead, please.

8/10

The New Golden Age (Live At Coachella 2008) - Prince

So this actually opens with Prince live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, performing Turn Me Loose, before launching in to a listenable bootleg of Prince performing at Coachella. A fantastic mix of classics and newer material, and a whole barrel of covers done VERY well. And HOLY BUDDY CHRIST OF DOG RIVER not only is the band in good form, but Prince's guitar playing just puts everyone to shame. I thought his solo in Creep - yes, the Radiohead song - was amazing, but then he pulled out some sort of Hendrix-inspired blues solo jamming in Come Together and my face melted and I am dead. My corpse is going to finish my bLog for me.

Highlights: Come Together, Creep, Purple Rain, Turn Me Loose, Controversy/Housequake

8/10

New Jersey - Bon Jovi

This album is better than it has any right to be; I do not think there is another album of the 1980s that even comes close to achieving what Bon Jovi did here. Almost everything is epic in nature, without sounding overblown or overproduced. If you are looking for some of the best straight up rock songs Bon Jovi ever recorded, or the best power ballads they ever recorded, then this is the place to come. There is not a bad moment on the whole darn thing. Not even an average one!

Highlights: Stick to Your Guns, Wild is the Wind, I'll Be There For You, Blood on Blood - but really, just listen to the whole album

10/10

New Tattoo - Mötley Crüe

The Crüe return without all that modern nonsense of Generation Swine - including that awesome drummer of theirs, because Tommy hated them too much and wanted to make rap-rock instead. Things are still showing hints of punk, but it is more radio rock than anything. Definitely nothing as heavy as Dr. Feelgood or where they have headed since.

Highlights: Hell on High Heels, First Band on the Moon, She Needs Rock N Roll, Fake

7/10

New World Disorder - Biohazard

The title is like what happened in WCW when we had the New World Order Black & White, New World Order Wolfpac, and the Latino World Order. Fun times were had by all! Interestingly, this album came out around the same time all that was happening! All this anger at politicians and war and fascism and the general state of the world makes for the perfect soundtrack while tracking the Sumud Flotilla and watching activists get arrested by a terrorist regime.

Highlights: Switchback, Cycle of Abuse, Inner Fear On, Resist

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1165

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2025 in 2025 Day 129

Music Box - Mariah Carey

This is all pretty standard R&B; the usual safe songs with ridiculous over the top (but awesome) vocals. The singles/hits were singles/hits for a reason.

Highlights: Now That I Know, Dream Lover, Anytime You Need a Friend, Hero

6.5/10

Music for Our Mother Ocean - Various Artists

I bought this album because I was a massive Pearl Jam fan and it had a random Pearl Jam song on it, so that meant I had to have it. These days I would tell you that song is not so great and would likely be better if a better person sang it. And the same goes for 90% of this album because HOLY BALLS this is mostly just crap covers of songs that have something to do with the ocean, but mostly surfing. Except for Helmet covering Bjork's Army of Me. Like... why?!? Soundgarden just contribute My Wave, I guess because it has the word "wave" in the title. And it is probably the best song on the whole thing. Would you believe they made THREE of these compilations. Luckily, Pearl Jam were not on the second and I managed to live with just a download of their song on the third one...

Highlights: I Can't Surf - The Reverend Horton Heat, My Wave - Soundgarden, Waggy - blink-182, Good Times - Sprung Monkey

6/10

Music for the People - Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch

Good Vibrations is an absolute JAM and I dare anyone to say otherwise. Marky Mark himself is an absolute POS, and that is a real shame.

9/10

Music from "The Elder" - Kiss

You know, I once read something about how when Ace Frehley was sent a copy of the finished album, he listened to it and then threw it across the room. I would like to do the same.

Highlights: Dark Light, The idea of Ace Frehley throwing the tape while laughing as only Ace can

4/10

Music from Star Trek and Music from The Black Hole - Meco

Meco is at his best doing medleys of themes, so this is what I paid my admission for. I am not familiar with The Black Hole at all, so the second half of this just sounds like variations on the Star Wars themes, to me. Just with some funky slap bass.

Highlights: Star Trek Medley, Meteorites

7/10

Music From the Edge of Heaven - Wham!

Because I am a disgrace to my family and all around me, this is not the full album and only the hit song I'm Your Man. Which is an awesome song. I believe I mentioned this previously, but I really should have all the Wham!

8/10

Music to Crash Your Car To [Volume 1] - Mötley Crüe

I have all the albums on their own, of course, but I kept these collections in here for the bonus songs (after removing the full albums). And in this case, it features the original mix of Too Fast For Love. Which I had never heard until this release. And I gotta say... it is better! Mostly; Vince's voice has either been processed more or re-recorded in parts on the re-release, and there are some musical changes that I prefer (like the intro to Too Fast For Love - I like it just kicking without whatever they had going on here). And I am probably more used to the re-release tracklist/order. So... not really better just different? There are demos and stuff for the next 3 albums as well. Obviously, the demos are not as good as the studio versions. But this instrumental of Wild Side sure does reaffirm for me that it is one of the Crue's best songs.

Highlights: Toast of the Town, Rodeo, Tonight, Piece Of Your Action (Leathur Original Mix), Live Wire (Leathur Original Mix)

7/10

Music to Crash Your Car To [Volume 1] - Mötley Crüe

And we keep the party rolling! The original lyrics of Dr. Feelgood are hilariously bad. And "Ooh! Aah! Kickstart my heart!" is even funnier. I cannot imagine a world where Dr. Feelgood would have been so successful, had they not changed these songs for the better. Especially this gawdawful church organ in Time for Change. Then we get a bunch of random actual songs that are mostly kickass. Especially the ones from Decade of Decadence. 

Highlights: Say Yeah, Hypnotize, Primal Scream, Rock'n Roll Junkie, Angela, Anarchy in the U.K.

7/10

Musicology - Prince

School is in! This just a straight-up no-nonsense album, full of funky cuts, bluesy guitars and sexy jams. About as "classic Prince" as you could ever imagine from the man in 2004.

Highlights: Call My Name, If Eye Was the Man in Your Life, The Marrying Kind, Refletion

8/10

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - Kanye West

This is the album of a millionty cameos. Oh look - here comes Alicia Keys to just shout "Whoa-whoa" and here is Elton John to sing three words! This is also the only Nicki Minaj rap that was ever any good. Meanwhile, Kanye is just even grosser than usual. And Jay-Z embarrasses him on his own songs, again. Twice, even!

Highlights: Power, All of the Lights, So Appalled, Runaway

7.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1140

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2025 in 2025: Day 127

Mosaic - Wang Chung

Everybody have fun tonight! This is just peak 80s pop in all its glory. And there is a surprising amount of angry swearing at how our capitalist society is destroying our world!

Highlights: Everybody Have Fun Tonight, Let's Go, The World in Which We Live

7/10

Most of All: The Best of - Debbie Harry

Blondie were pretty cool. And Debbie Harry herself is cool. But... her solo work is pretty naff. Outside of a couple of songs, it is all very uninspired and only shows that her voice was pretty average. I am not saying someone like Mariah Carey could have made these songs more worthwhile... actually, her duetting with Iggy Pop would have been wild.

Highlights: I Want That Man, French Kissin' in the USA, Free to Fall, In Love With Love

6/10

Mother Love Bone - Mother Love Bone

These dudes had great riffs. A lot of great riffs. It is just that, in general, the rest of the song did not follow up on said great riff as well as you would want. BUT when they got it right, they really got it right. Despite the hype, I do not think they would have been any bigger had Andrew Wood lived.

Highlights: Stardog Champion, This is Shangrila, Chloe Dancer/Crown of Thorns, Gentle Groove

7/10

Mötley Crüe - Mötley Crüe

When this came out, I remember people using all sorts of weird genre terms to describe; thrash metal, death metal, grunge... none of them at all accurate. People just looked at images and decided that was the sound. What it DOES sound like, is awesomeness. This is still kinda Mötley Crüe - just with a different singer. And big balls. New (temporary?) singer John Corabi's voice is so different to Vince Neil's, that it always amazes me he was their first choice. It's really a good mix of the heavier/darker songs and a little more radio-friendly rock, plus Droppin' Like Flies is sort of prog? Maybe kinda not really. Smoke the Sky is some sort of ode to marijuana usage - which is odd coming from guys that were supposed to be completely free of alcohol and drugs at this point (I mean, I'm pretty sure I saw Tommy knocking back champagne when I went to his DJ gig a few years back, but whatever). Honestly, when this album came out, I know I bought in to all the negative press around it - being a big fan of the original line-up, it was hard not to. But within a few years, I was able to realise that this album is actually darn awesome. Really darn awesome.

Highlights: Misunderstood, Hooligan's Holiday, Power to the Music, Welcome to the Numb

8/10

Mountain Top [Single] - ELLEGARDEN

When this was first released, it was never going to live up to my expectations; the first single in 16 years, the first piece of recording since their reunion, and just something I never thought would happen in my lifetime. It has since grown on me and definitely appreciate it a lot more. Still sounds kind of generic rock, but at least the lyrics are great. And ELLEGARDEN are back, mofos!

8/10

The Movie - The Shit

This may well be Ryan Adams' best work ever. Certainly his greatest lyrics. A lot of Andy Fiddlesticks, Jo Jo the Parrot and punching in the nuts. KING FUCKING KONG!!!

Highlights: Honky Tonk Ba-Donkey Kong, Jimmy, Blue as a Zoo, Taco Bell in Bed, Problems

9/10

MPLSound - Prince

I only just discovered what the MPLS stands for. I am not American, okay? This is a total solo Prince album and it is just funky pop all the way. By Prince standards, it is... mediocre. Like, he probably just sat down at the computer and pumped this all out in like half a day.

Highlights: No More Candy 4 U, (There'll Never B) Another Like Me, Valentina, Ol' Skool Company

7/10

Mr. Bad Guy - Freddie Mercury

Hard to believe this was his only real solo album. It is almost what you would expect; lots of keyboards, synths and dance beats, but a lot less layered vocals than a Queen album. I get the feeling that is more of a Brian May thing. The songs reworked for Made in Heaven sound better there.

Highlights: Made in Heaven, I Was Born to Love You, Mr. Bad Guy

6.5/10

Mr. T's Commandments - Mr. T

The greatest man ever is here to tell you how to be better. The most important 30 minutes of your life, outside of watching Be Somebody or Be Somebody's Fool.

Highlights: The Toughest Man in the World, Mr. T Mr. T, You Got to Go Through It, The One and Only Mr. T

7.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1120

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2025 in 2025: Day 116

Live in Tokyo, Japan (Nakano Sunplaza, February 19, 1992) - Nirvana

This was the only live show from the 20th Anniversary release of Nevermind that I kept. Because no one needs that many Nirvana concerts in their collection. Hell, I am not sure I even need one Nirvana concert in my collection.

Highlights: Lots of feedback

5/10

Live In Utrecht: June 20, 1987 - Prince

As expected, this is a very solid performance. And the band are certainly funk enough. However, it must be said that there is genuinely something lacking without The Revolution. 1999 sounds like a bit of a mess. And, strangely, most songs NOT from the Sign O' The Times album are rather truncated. Shelia E. is da bomb.

Highlights: Sign O' The Times, Girls & Boys, Four, Purple Rain

7.5/10

Live Jewels - Queen

A collection of random live songs, mostly from the reissue bonus discs. Well, they are all from the various reissues, just not full concerts or anything. Pretty sure if I look hard enough I could find them, but it is much nicer to just have the official releases that actually sound good. And makes for a fun mix.

Highlights: Is This the World We Created...? (Live in Rio January 1985), We Will Rock You [Fast] (Live in Tokorozawa November 1982), Action This Day (Live in Tokyo November 1982), Calling All Girls (Live in Tokyo November 1982)

7/10

Live May/June 1975 - Elvis Presley

It has been a hot minute since I heard some live Elvis, and this is a pretty fine concert; Elvis' voice is in good form and he clearly has zero cares to give, given he admits to being sick of singing Love Me Tender and even makes fun of his fans for attending the concert. Not sure the kissing 13 year-olds is something that needed to be on record, though.

Highlights: Let Me Be There, Burning Love, If You Love Me (Let Me Know), T-R-O-U-B-L-E

6.5/10

Live on Two Legs - Pearl Jam

Eddie Vedder sounds annoying from the very first line he sings on this album. And Stone Gossard's guitar work is... not great. Matt Cameron may actually be best part of this band, at this stage. Boring.

Highlights: The end guitar solo in Black

5.5/10

Live to Win - Paul Stanley

Taking a break from actual live albums is fine with me! I stand by all my original comments regarding this album. Paul's voice certainly is past its prime, here. But at least this is all relatively short.

Highlights: All About You, Live to Win

6/10

Live Your Life Be Free - Belinda Carlisle

Belinda Carlisle really does have some great pop music - this is very much in the same style as Heaven on Earth. Not a bad thing. The title track is a fantastic song.

Highlights: Live Your Life Be Free, You Came Out of Nowhere, You're Nothing Without Me, Loneliness Game

7/10

Live: 1995-03-24 Mt Smart Supertop - Auckland, New Zealand - Pearl Jam

This was the first concert I ever went to! I remember this all very well... Anyways, this is an audience recording, so the sound is absolutely terrible and barely listenable. I should throw this in Logic and see if I can remaster it or something.

Highlights: I got a cool t-shirt

IMPOSSIBLE TO SCORE

Live: 1995-03-25 Mt Smart Supertop - Auckland, New Zealand - Pearl Jam

And this was the second night. The sound is a bit better on this one and Eddie's voice is actually freakin' great. If only there was a better version available.

Highlights: Remembering that Pearl Jam were cool

IMPOSSIBLE TO SCORE

Live: Entertainment Or Death - Mötley Crüe

This was the last album I listened to (and probably did not complete) when I started my Mötley Crüe marathon some time ago. It very much has a 'Tommy has left the band and we are dead, so here some live tracks for one final cash out!' feel to it. It feels far too long, despite the fact that it clocks in at 97 minutes - which is likely much shorter than an actual Mötley Crüe concert. I think that says a lot. The first disc is actually pretty decent; I think some of this was recorded on the Shout at the Devil tour and they were on fire! But by the time they start using backing tracks and Vince has clearly given up trying, it is just a chore to get through.

Highlights: Looks That Kill, Knock 'em Dead Kid, Too Young to Fall in Love, Smokin' in the Boys Room

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1015

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2025 in 2025: Day 100

If I Can Dream EP - Elvis Presley

This is take 1. I had read it was pretty awesome, and they were right. Apart from some messing up by the guitarist, Elvis' vocal delivery is actually better in some parts. Awesome song. And if I had waited, I would have had this with my 50th Anniversary collection of the '68 Comeback Special. One day I might import that last CD in to my library...

10/10

If I Die Tomorrow - Mötley Crüe

If I remember correctly, this was the first reunion single. It is nowhere near as good as anything on Saints of Los Angeles.

6/10

If Not Now, Then When... ? - The Edge of Victory

Oh, hey, look - it is me! Yes, I have my music in my iTunes library. Because why would I make music that I do not want to listen to? I would, however, like to have better vocals on this darn thing. And less loser vibes. But I dig my bass work on this whole thing and my guitar tone was perfection.

Highlights: To, Not, Be, Time, Then

7.5/10

III - Ryan Adams

Technically, this is Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, but it was only ever credited to DRA. Because of ego, probably? Anyways, this is pretty much just 90s indie college rock stylings. And I quite enjoy it. Wasteland may well be his best non-alt country songs ever. 

Highlights: Wasteland, Stop Playing With My Heart, Users

7/10

III: Temples of Boom - Cypress Hill

Such a total change of pace from their first two albums; much more chilled, musically, but lyrically they are a lot angrier. Especially when dissing Ice Cube. Dude got murderised. 

Highlights: Let It Rain, Make a Move, Throw Your Set in the Air, Everybody Must Get Stoned

7/10

Ill Communication - Beastie Boys

Killer rap songs, funky samples, groovy instrumentals, hardcore punk nonsense. This album has it all. Even awesome cameos and a little bit of the Biz.

Highlights: Sure Shot, Root Down, Sabotage, Get It Together, The Scoop

8.5/10

Ill Communication (2009 Remastered Edition) - Beastie Boys

And, of course, this is the bonus disc. The remixes are cool and work because the lyrics are so good you can really focus on them, and the hardcore stuff is just the business. This why these guys were the best.

Highlights: Root Down [Free Zone Mix], Resolution Time, Heart Attack Man [Live], Mullet Head

7/10

Imagine - John Lennon

Probably Lennon's most radio-friendly solo release. And forcing that is why it is not as great as his other solo albums. Songs about peace and love and how much Paul McCartney can get these hands or something. Harrison's guitar playing is very subtle.

Highlights: Oh Yoko!, Imagine, Crippled Inside, Give Me Some Truth

7.5/10

" Albums" listened to so far: 838

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2025 in 2025: Day 82

Get Ready - New Order

New Order's big comeback and not even Billy Corgan can bring it down. We can also thank this for The Killers getting their name. The middle part of this album goes from dark electronic beats to just straight-up radio rock. But the whole thing is bookended by just the most awesome songs - which are also a mix of dark head-drilling beats and simple radio-friendly rock. I always love the way they let the electronic songs build and layer the instruments - Peter Hook's bass work was more than just simple bass lines, more like melodies that added extra texture to the songs.

Highlights: Crystal, Turn My Way, Someone Like You, Close Range, Run Wild

8/10

Get Rich or Die Tryin' - 50 Cent

Good luck finding me In da Club! This song has Eminem's fingerprints all over; matches his own style, with all the silly noises and background skits.

8/10

Get Rich or Die Tryin': Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture - 50 Cent

I only have the one song here - I'll Whip Ya Head Boy. Is this what they call mumble rap? Because I'll be damned if I can understand a word 50 is rapping here. I actually saw this movie! It was as dumb as this song.

5/10

Get Your Wings - Aerosmith

Middle of the road 70s Aerosmith. It is not bad at all - because Aerosmith did not learn how to be bad until the end of millennium - but it is not as awesome as they are capable of.

Highlights: S.O.S. (Too Bad), Train Kept a Rollin'

6.5/10

Ghetto Superstar - Pras

I was certain I had this full album, but apparently I only have Ghetto Superstar and Avenues. Which are awesome songs, so I am glad to at least still have them. How is it I disliked The Fugees but really enjoy the solo work from each member?

10/10

The Ghost of Tom Joad - Rage Against the Machine

I got this single when I purchased a Rage Against the Machine VHS. The song itself is on Renegades, so not really sure why I still have it. For the live songs? So I can have some killer Rage Against the Machine to get the party started on a rainy morning?

Highlights: The Ghost of Tom Joad, Vietnow (Live), The Ghost of Tom Joad (Live)

8/10

GiANT KiLLERS - BiSH

I cannot listen to this and not want to rock and dance and stomp a hole in the world. The best BiSH release. The best BiSH songs. That breakdown/bridge in Nothing. is the best. It is all just the best. I could listen to these five songs all day.

Highlights: GiANT KiLLERS, Marionette, Nothing., VOMiT SONG

10/10

Gimme Something Good [Single] - Ryan Adams

This is only the b-side Aching For More and it is in really bad quality. WTF? And it is actually fantastic.

9/10

Gin - Gin Wigmore

I knew this good run was going to end eventually. But to end so spectacularly badly?

Highlights: Under My Skin

4/10

A Girl Like Me - Emma Bunton

Sadly, this is purely the single What Took You So Long? I am somewhat surprised Emma Bunton never had more of a solo career. But if it means I get another Spice Girls reunion, then so be it!

8/10

Girl Power! Live In Istanbul - Spice Girls

This is the full concert; I'm guessing some of the songs are sourced straight from the video and the rest were b-sides on various singles. In case you are not a massive Spice Girls fan, this was their first ever live concert and the whole thing was broadcast live on TV. And then edited for VHS. And then (10 years later) DVD. Sure, their singing is nothing special live - Victoria is borderline awful - but they at least had a proper live band and that helps give the songs an extra kick in places.

Highlights: If You Can't Dance, Step to Me, Move Over [Encore], Wannabe [Encore]

7/10

Girl You Know It's True - Milli Vanilli

I do no really care who actually sang these songs (I mean, obviously the real singers do deserve the credit), but these songs are serious jams and that can never be denied. Also, Milli Vanilli got a bad rapp and were totally thrown under the bus by their producer.

Highlights: Girl You Know It's True, Baby Don't Forget My Number, Blame it on the Rain

8/10

Girls, Girls, Girls - Mötley Crüe

Wild Side is all kinds of awesome badassery and Dancing on Glass is pretty darn cool, actually. Even some saxophone for added cool? And some type of gospel singer doing some "SWEET JESUS" warbling?? What the hell?? Sadly, Bad Boy Boogie does not continue the awesomeness. In fact, it's actually one of the dumbest Crüe songs you will ever hear. Like, I don't even understand what's going on here - Kiss lyrics against some weird blues riff with 80's production? Nona is non-anything. At least Five Years Dead has a cool opening riff. Except that's almost the entire song, so it feels like it just goes on and on. All In the Name of... is kinda ok. Except, again it's just the same riff over and over again. No wonder these dudes were doing so much drugs at this point. Sumthin' for Nuthin' is good - though I'm kinda confused by the big choir singing in the chorus, especially when it seems he's singing about being a gigolo? Again, 80's/drugs/insert reason. You're All I Need is some sort of attempt at an MTV ballad, I'm guessing. Except the lyrics are all about killing someone for not loving him back, so clearly this would have fit in better now. Except MTV don't play music videos now. Don't get me wrong, I know Nikki was having a good laugh writing this, but I feel like it would have been better served as a b-side or something. But considering the closing track on this album is a live cover of Jailhouse Rock, I am not convinced he had the cognitive ability to cobble together any other tracks at this point.

Highlights: Wild Side, Dancing on Glass, Sumthin' for Nuthin'

6.5/10

Gish - Smashing Pumpkins

What is more shocking than remembering I have a Smashing Pumpkins album in my iTunes library? Remembering I have two full Smashing Pumpkins albums in my iTunes library. Corgan's voice is not actually as annoying on this one, surprisingly. 

Highlights: Siva, Rhinoceros, Snail

6/10

Give 'Em Enough Rope - The Clash

Bah gawd I needed this after that. UK punk does not get any more classic and fun than this!

Highlights: Safe European Home, Tommy Gun, Drug-Stabbing Time, English Civil War

8/10

Glass Houses - Billy Joel

I get You May Be Right stuck in my head all the time, so quite a welcome listen. Lots of French lyrics and references going on here. Communist!

Highlights: You May Be Right, Sometimes a Fantasy, All for Leyna, Sleeping with the Television On

7/10

Glitter - Mariah Carey

MC and Nate Dogg is a combo I did not know I needed - but they could have left Ja Rule at home. Or at the homeless shelter. The pure audacity to ripoff Prince on I Didn't Mean to Turn You On! The general 80s grooves and super funky stylings are very cool, and MC doing her best to be sexy really suits it all. I remember this movie being.. a movie? I have it on blu-ray, in fact. I should watch it again!

Highlights: Loverboy, If We, I Didn't Mean to Turn You On, All My Life

7/10

Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Joan Jett albums usually contain a few killer tracks and then a bunch of filler. This album is the same, but without the former. There is nothing terrible, but it is all pretty standard fare. I am not convinced covering herself with Cherry Bomb was necessary. And it is a shame this was her last reissue. Give me the rest of her albums already!

Highlights: I Love You Love Me, Long Time, Someday, Push and Stomp

7/10

Glow Stars - Heather Nova

Heather Nova's first album is much less pop than anything else she has done since; very sparse and minimalist, and dare I say a bit darker? It relies too much on having spooky production or whatever, when I am sure they could have just made some proper songs instead. She has shown on every album since that she is more than capable!

Highlights: My Fidelity, Frontier, Shaking the Doll

5/10

GO 2 THE NEW WORLD - 2

This is not as balls-to-the-wall awesome as their follow up album (which we will get to in like 6 months), but still seriously rocks hard in parts. More of a UK indie garage rock sound than I initially expected. Cool guitar solos, as well!

Highlights: GO 2 THE NEW WORLD, FALL FALL FALL, SONG FOR YOU, LUCKY BOY

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 682

2025 in 2025: Day 81

The Game - Queen

When I was young, I would see reviews of this album that proclaimed a 5 star album and I really didn't quite get it. Now I absolutely do. It is pretty much pop rock perfection with a bit of a little bit of a throwback to old rock'n roll. And a side of super strong funk. Who thought Don't Try Suicide was a good idea? The bridge is great, but boy those lyrics are... a choice. This is not my favourite Queen album, mostly because it is the least 'Queen' sounding at times, but it may well be their most enjoyable listen.

Highlights: Dragon Attack, Another One Bites the Dust, Rock It (Prime Jive), Sail Away Sweet Sister

9/10

Gangnum Style - PSY

I do not trust anyone that cannot enjoy this song. It is a party.

10/10

Gangnum Style/2 Legit 2 Quit Mashup - PSY (feat. MC Hammer)

How do you make an awesome more awesome? Mix it with another awesome song! It is basically just Gangnum Style with the 2 Legit chorus at the end, but that is a very good idea.

10/10

Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio

Sadly, I do not have this full album. I should sort that out one day, because Coolio sure did have some cool(io?) moments. Especially the theme song for Kenan & Kel. That was a fun show. Coolio was a fun dude. Hip-hop should be fun sometimes.

Highlights: Gangsta's Paradise, 1 2 3 4 (Sumpin' New)

9/10

Garbage - Garbage

In hindsight, I feel like a lot of pop music today owe a lot to what Garbage brought out; that whole alt rock with electronicness was not really being done before them, and they really pushed it hard. I always find the guitars on this album way over produced, but I think that is intentional on their part to really work with the whole electronic thing. Also, I heard a live version of My Lover's Box that showed me they didn't really capture the real awesomeness of Shirley Manson. I would like to one day get the reissues, but I am glad I do not have them yet, because I have so much to listen to already that I do not need to add 60 remixes of Milk.

Highlights: Supervixen, Vow, My Lover's Box, Fix Me Now

8/10

Gene Simmons - Gene Simmons

I'm going to listen and review this without reading any of my earlier post to see if my position changes... and... nope. Possibly the worst album that I will not only continue to own and store in my iTunes library, but also plan on upgrading because I am stupid.

Highlights: Radioactive, See You in Your Dreams

5/10

General Ulysses S. Hospital - The Shit

This is probably the least memorable of The Shit's vast and incredibly discography. Seems to be mostly about poo and being sick? And ends with a party jam about sex? But before that is an ode to the poet Snoop Dogg and some philosophical musings on religious figures like Buddah and Jesus and the Michelin Man.

Highlights: Buddah vs. Jesus

6/10

Generation Swine - Mötley Crüe

The popular opinion is to trash this album. But LOGMAN does not subscribe to conventional ideas and thinks this album rocks and has done since 1997. Sure, it is a bit of a mess, and Bryan Adams somehow helped make one of the worst ballads ever (which is like the opposite of his powers), but gawdam some of these songs are fun as nuts. 

Highlights: Flush, Shout at the Devil '97

7.5/10

Generation Swine (2003 Remastered) - Mötley Crüe

Yeah this is pointless; just the bonus tracks from the re-release, because I'm too cheap to even buy a single Mötley Crüe remaster, apparently. I like one of these...

Highlights: Kiss the Sky

6/10

Generation Terrorists - Manic Street Preachers

My biggest take away from this album is it really needed an edit. While it features two of the Manic's best songs ever - possibly best songs by anyone ever? - and some other great rockin' tracks, there is a bit of filler that just makes the album drag. So cut some of that and give the whole thing a remix and you have yourself a killer album, perhaps?

Highlights: Motorcycle Emptiness, Stay Beautiful, Nat West - Barclays - Midlands - Lloyds, Methadone Pretty

7/10

George Harrison - George Harrison

Well, that certainly is a change of pace! This is George at possibly his most happiest and chilled, just a collection of nice pop songs. Some of them really good, actually. Even a song in reference to F1. Imagine being so successful in your career you can just take a year off to follow the F1 championship around the world...

Highlights: If You Believe, Faster, Love Comes to Everyone, Blow Away

7/10

Get a Grip - Aerosmith

Wow, I can not remember the last time I listened to this album. And my memory is really hazy about what I thought about it, because it has been a helluva jam today! Aerosmith with some hard rock boogie really does hit the spot. And those epic songs like Livin' on the Edge and Cryin' are just awesome. Bruce Fairbairn was dang great producer.

Highlights: Eat the Rich, Livin' on the Edge, Shut Up and Dance, Cryin', Amazing

9/10

Get Behind Me Satan - The White Stripes

Jack White sure does love his Whammy pedal. And I guess he just discovered various percussion instruments, because they are all over this album; marimbas, shakers, bells. It is like listening to one of DRA's stupid Garageband albums. In fact, The Nurse sounds exactly like one of those songs! It could easily be from a DJ Reggie album.

Highlights: Blue Orchid, My Doorbell, The Denial Twist

5/10

Get Nice! - Zebrahead

This ticks all the boxes for what I want in a pop-punk album; great riffs & hooks, singing about middle finger to the world, and just do your thing and have a great time. Even some references to Mötley Crüe and pro-wrestling! In true LOGMAN fashion, I have the Japanese version of this album that features two bonus tracks and holy balls they are worth it!

Highlights: Nothing to Lose, Get Nice!, Nudist Priest, This is Gonna Hurt You Way More Than It's Gonna Hurt Me, Light Up the Sky

9/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 662

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 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 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