2025 in 2025: Day 193

1984 - Ryan Adams

Look, the guy is a total douchenozzle, but I will be damned if this is not the raddest 15 minutes of raw punk rock.

Highlights: Rats in the Wall, When the Summer Ends, Change Your Mind, Push It Away

9/10

1989 - Ryan Adams

Funny that the last proper Ryan Adams album in this marathon is the album that you can actually trace the end of his career back to! Taking a women's work and making it his seems totally appropriate. I think he nailed the style changes for a few songs, and a few it is just like 'yeah, we get it, you are depressed'.

Highlights: Style, I Wish You Would, All You Had to Do Was Stay, Bad Blood

7/10

1989 - Taylor Swift

Due to the production, this is probably the only Taylor Swift I can enjoy - some of the songs have a bit of a Eurythmics kind of vibe, and I really dig that. Bah gawd, Swifties are the absolute worst and make their cult leader even more insufferable. The songs that feel a bit more genuine are the better songs.

Highlights: I Wish You Would, All You Had to Do Was Stay, Out of the Woods, Welcome to New York

8/10

1991 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

The first Pearl Christmas single. Just one simple song and the band recording a message to their fans. There are many more to come...

Highlights: Quick?

5/10

1991 Remixes - Queen

When their studio albums were initially 'remastered' and re-released back in 1991, there was this fun gimmick of a few songs getting remixed in various ways. Most of it involves just adding a bunch of reverb to the vocals and drums. Some got a bit of a dance remix happen. And then Rick Rubin turned We Will Rock You in to a completely crazy hip-hop style thing. 

Highlights: Tie Your Mother Down (1991 Remix by Matt Wallace), We Will Rock You (Ruined by Rick Rubin), Flash's Theme (1991 Remix by Mista Lawnge)

7/10

1992 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

One of the best songs recorded by Pearl Jam and then a mess of samples? You know what? I deserve this.

Highlights: Sonic Reducer

6/10

1993 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

Similar to the 1992 Xmas single, where the A-side is brilliant and the B-side is... not. At least this time it is a live jam where they were being pelted with shoes.

Highlights: Angel

6/10

1994 Solo Recording - Ryan Adams

Acoustic country numbers - sounds like they were recorded during a radio appearance or something? Who the hell wanted DRA on their radio show in 1994?

Highlights: I am still awake - or is that a lowlight?

5.5/10

1995 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

There was no single in 1994 - I must have forgotten that. This one at least features four songs! And they are all live performances of covers - including a performance from the first concert I ever went to. 

Highlights: History Never Repeats [Live in NZ w/Tim & Neil Finn], Sonic Reducer [Live in New Orleans w/Joey Ramone]

6.5/10

1996 Christmas Sing - Pearl Jam

One terrible song about not being good enough for the Olympics, followed by a very average live performance of a song off No Code.

Highlights: 1996 was 30 years ago?

4/10

1997 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam & R.E.M.

Dudes could not even muster the effort to record another rambling nonsense for their fans, so had to get another band to do it for them? Fair call; if I had known that was an option, I would have got someone else to listen to their music for me!

Highlights: I saw Kiss live for the first time in 1997

4/10

1998 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

These recordings of two super bland old pop songs from the 60s were later released to the general public and Last Kiss became a big hit. I wonder if Eddie Vedder had given up pretending he was "very punk rock" by then...

Highlights: So very punk rock

6/10

1999 - Prince

Oh, thank Prime! This is pure 80s Prince R&B pop and funky rock. There is a bit of something for everyone. Especially the sex addicts?

Highlights: Little Red Corvette, 1999, Let's Pretend We're Married, All The Critics Love U in New York

8.5/10

1999 (Super Deluxe Edition) - Prince

Boy, there sure are a lot of 1999-era demos on here. Oh, wait - this is the 1999 box set! For some reason, I thought I was listening to the Purple Rain vault tracks. The really interesting part of these, for me, is that so many of the unused songs just got re-worked until Prince was happy enough to give them a home on an actual album. 

Highlights: How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore? [Take 2 - Live in Studio], Moonbeam Levels, Irresistible Bitch, Lady Cab Driver/I Wanna Be Your Lover/Head/Little Red Corvette [Tour Demo]

7/10

1999 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

Yawn. What a boring Christmas.

Highlights: 1999 with Prince was more of a party

5/10

1999: Promo Mixes & B-Sides - Prince

Speaking of partying like it is (was?) 1999... lots of edited versions of songs - which is kind of wrong, because these songs are classics, but radio is a bitch like that - and a couple of equally awesome B-sides. 

Highlights: How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore, Irresistible Bitch, Horny Toad, Little Red Corvette [Special Dance Mix]

9/10

'Albums' listened to so far: 1956

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2025 in 2025: Day 192

15 Doors - Moumoon

Some very light J-Pop. Simple and fun, plus an epic awesome ballad.

Highlights: Evergreen, Aoi Tsuki To Ambivalence Na Ai, Happy Unbirthday, 15 Doors

7/10

15th Anniversary TOUR ~A BEST LIVE~ - Ayumi Hamasaki

I feel like my marathon has been severely lacking in Ayu this past month or so... This is a genuinely brilliant performance to watch, but the mix on the CD is somewhat lacking? I cannot put my finger on it. Plus they omitted Surreal/Evolution/Surreal, which is just silly. Still darn great and hard to believe this was 13 years ago.

Highlights: Memorial address, M, Who..., teddy bear, Key ~eternal tie ver.~

8/10

18 Til I Die - Bryan Adams

Look, it is mostly very listenable, but on the whole it really lacks that magic BA had on all his albums leading up to this (and on most albums after). Some of it feels like pandering to the alt. rock crowd, while some of it feels like an attempt to show he was still kind of rock and edgy. And it is that stuff that really comes up short. When he is just being Bryan Adams, it works totally fine!

Highlights: It Ain't a Party...If You Can't Come 'Round, Let's Make a Night to Remember, Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?, You're Still Beautiful to Me

7/10

20th Century Boy: The Ultimate Collection - Marc Bolan & T. Rex

I like Marc Bolan so much more than I realise. Or, at least, I like the songs I like way more than I realise. It is all a combination of the most dreamy rock'n roll and just the sexiest stomps. Pure 70s glam rock.

Highlights: Children of the Revolution, 20th Century Boy, Born to Boogie, Bang a Gong (Get It On), Solid Gold Easy Action

7.5/10

23rd Monster - Ayumi Hamasaki

Another anniversary single. I am quite certain that is all Ayu will release for the next 40 years - outside of concert DVDs, of course. This at least rocks hard. Ayu goes heavy very well.

9/10

29 - Ryan Adams

How did this dude get away with blatantly ripping off so many other artists & songs on this album? Was it because this album is mostly boring and no one listened to it? 

Highlights: Elizabeth You Were Born to Play That Part, Voices, Night Birds

6.5/10

48 Hours - Ryan Adams

From an album made of mostly mediocre songs with terrible lyrics, to a collection of fantastic songs with brilliant lyrics - genuinely some of my favourite of his ever. Dude should have just made more albums like this; a little bit country, but with enough soul and a bit of quirk that it just makes it more charming.

Highlights: Angelina, Desire, Karina, Chin Up Cheer Up, Like the Twilight

9/10

52nd Street - Billy Joel

This is very consistent Billy Joel storytelling pop with solid hooks and just a real groove all around.

Highlights: Big Shot, Zazibar, Half a Mile Away, My Life

7.5/10

200 km/h in the Wrong Lane - t. A. T. u.

This is so very 2000s. Very, very 2000s. Sounds more dated than a 90s J-Pop album.

7/10

300 Days at Sea - Heather Nova

This is such a return to form, but everything is actually a lot BIGGER than normal. So in that respect, it is a bit of a change! But the songs are a touch lighter, but more accessible and draw in the listener.

Highlights: Beautiful Ride, Precious Thing, Turn the Compass Round, I'd Rather Be

7.5/10

311 - 311

I am not sure this album could sound anymore lo-fi mid-90s if it was wearing a flannel shirt. But that is part of its charm; it is actually a bit of an eclectic mix of styles, not just the radio rap rock. But there is that, too. 

Highlights: Down, Don't Stay Home, Don't Let Me Down,T&P Combo

7/10

808s & Heartbreak - Kanye West

The stark minimalist production provides a more introspective approach and a somewhat somber atmosphere, at times. Dude should have looked inside himself and said 'Hey, being a nazi is very bad!'. Fucking clown shoes.

Highlights: Welcome to Heartbreak, See You In My Nightmare, Amazing, Paranoid

7/10

1039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hour - Green Day

The earliest of early Green Day, that sounds so budget that it could almost be considered punk. Genuinely sounds like it was recorded on a 4-track cassette recorder at their school music room. 

Highlights: I Was There, Going To Pasalacqua, Paper Lanterns, I Want to Be Alone

6.5/10

1704 - Gelbison

This album in no way captures the emotion and raw energy with which this band performed these songs live. The soundscapes and expanse is still impressive, but I just know it could have been so much more.

Highlights: Kabana, Revolution, The Modern Station, Au Revoir Fucker

6.5/10

1980 x 1,000 - DJ Reggie

Oh, snap! DJ Reggie is back! And this time he has some very hurt feelings. But some of this might be his best work? The lyrics here are certainly right up there with his work on 48 Hours. Happy Birthday, Rachael Ray, even if it is not your birthday...

Highlights: I Am Alone, Bugs, Mystery Track Attack, Christmas is Wack

5.5/10

'Albums' listened to so far: 1940

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2025 in 2025: Day 190

1st Diary - Miccie

This is purely the Ayu written Diary. Now she hates him, she should take it back and re-record it. But go back in time and get 2015 Ayu to do the vocals. It is a very typical Ayu-type of ballad.

8/10

2 of Us [BLUE] -14 Re: SINGLES- - Do As Infinity

Classic J-Pop re-recorded acoustically. Honestly, a great way to lift these songs out of the dated production they were originally subjected to. 

Highlights: 1/100, Yesterday & Today, For the future, We are.

7/10

2 of Us [RED] -14 Re: SINGLES- - Do As Infinity

More of the previous. I am not sure which came first and which was the follow up. Or maybe they were released at the same time? Talk to me about your problems.

Highlights: 本日ハ晴天ナリ, 誓い, 冒険者たち, Week!

7/10

2NE1 1st Mini Album - 2NE1

I do not have the whole thing, but I have half of it on the album that is coming up next. And then I also have a couple of songs on both albums. And a bunch missing from this album? Someone get CL to beat with her baseball bat and earn that WWE title.

Highlights: I Don't Care, In The Club

8/10

2NE1 Best Collection -Korea Edition- - 2NE1

Sure, it all sounds a bit dated now, but when these young ladies say they are the best, you better believe they are not talking lies. 

Highlights: I Am The Best, Ugly, Happy, Lonely

8/10

3 Feet High and Rising - De La Soul

Late-80s funky hip-hop and a sampling masterpiece. I find the messages confusing, but the groove is so funky.

Highlights: Me Myself and I, Potholes in My Lawn, Ghetto Thang, Buddy

7.5/10

4:13 Dream - The Cure

Where the self-titled album was an attempt at being 'heavy' and aligning with the fashion of the time (namely, bands that were post-punk bands that were heavily influenced by The Cure), this album is bit more of a blend of pop and darkwave. So a bit more of The Cure proper. It comes up short, but there are some standout songs and an epic intro, like usual.

Highlights: Underneath the Stars, The Hungry Ghost, It's Over, The Real Snow White

7.5/10

4:20/20 - DJ Reggie

Someone should have explained to DRA that mastering this stuff to the same level would have been really beneficial. It all still would have been awful garbage, but at least awful garbage that was not changing volume levels track to track - thus giving me more reasons to hate it.

Highlights: No Ticket No Laundry No Cry

4/10

5-Star - Stray Kids

The usual madness with a touch of rock in parts. 

Highlights: DLC, Mixtape: Time Out, S-Class, ITEM

7/10

7 - Enrique Iglesias

This is such straight-forward pop. There really is not anything super outstanding, but it also is all very catchy and harmless. Nope, I forgot about Roamer! That is one of Enrique's very best ballad-type songs. And then there is something that could almost be considered a reworking of an AC/DC song. Honestly, this album is just enjoyable and easy to listen to.

Highlights: Roamer, You Rock Me, Be Yourself, Addicted

7.5/10

7 Minutes in Heaven - Pornography

Super fun super fast punk rock. Out of all the DRA albums and projects I have listened to this year, this album may well hold up the best. Probably because he is hiding on drums so I do not have to listen to his voice - but when you have a song with a chorus "Punch him in the nuts", it is clear he was involved in the songwriting.

Highlights: Last Night at the Opera, Violent Conversion, Punch Him, Fake Snake Real Pony

8/10

7 Seconds: The Best of Youssou N'Dour - Youssou N'Dour

I only have the single Seven Seconds with Neneh Cherry. Decent song. Their voices blend together pretty well.

8/10

8 Mile: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture - Various Artists

Almost like a sampler of Eminem and the crew on his new label. Considering that includes D12 and Obie Trice, that is not such a bad thing. Then you get Gang Starr, Jay-Z, NaS and Xzibit as well? Yeah, this is a SOLID hip-hop soundtrack.

Highlights: Rap Game - D12, R.A.K.I.M. - Rakim, Rabbit Run - Eminem, Lose Yourself - Eminem

8/10

10 Things I Hate About You (Music From The Motion Picture) - Various Artists

This is purely Letters to Cleo's cover of I Want You to Want Me. Honestly, I can never tell which version I prefer, because this one just rocks out so well.

10/10

'Albums' listened to so far: 1920

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2025 in 2025: Day 186

Wild and Peaceful - Kool & The Gang

This is purely Jungle Boogie. Get down, get down! So much funk in here...

10/10

Wild Cherry - Wild Cherry

Lots of funky guitars going on here. The best part is taking their biggest (and only?) hit and just playing it backwards to create another song. AND THEN just playing it a bit slower to make ANOTHER song.

Highlights: Play That Funky Music, Get It Up, Don't Go Near the Water, I Feel Sanctified

7.5/10

Wild Mood Swings - The Cure

This is their most full on pop album, but not really normal "pop"; more like a weird mish-mash of 80s pop and 90s silliness. Lots of big horns and strings and weird endings. And, honestly, most of it comes off as a bit sterile.

Highlights: Want, Mint Car, Gone!, Numb

7/10

Wild Ones - Flo Rida

Almost every song has the same beat. It is the sort of music I would imagine Enrique and Pitbull listening to in the club while drinking and partying with young ladies. Not too young!

Highlights: Wild Ones, Run, I Cry, Good Feeling

7/10

Wild Planet - The B-52's

This is kind of like very early The Cure if they were making quirky pop music. Fred delivers his vocals the way John Mulaney delivers comedy.

Highlights: Private Idaho, Party Out of Bounds, Devil in My Car, Runnin' Around

7.5/10

Will You Marry Me? (feat. Bizniz) [Single] - Lee Seung Gi

It has been a while since we played 'random K-pop song of the day'. This is very fun, but also very touching, and then features a rapper telling his lady to marry him.

8/10

Willow Lane - Ryan Adams

Another Ryan Adams single from when he was flooding the market with music and growing more insufferable (publicly - obviously he had been that way privately forever). And these songs are easy to ignore.

Highlights: There are only two very average songs

6/10

Wish - The Cure

This is my least favourite album by The Cure, because the album features an ugly logo that only calls them "Cure". It is also one of my favourite albums by The Cure, because the music is a wonderful blend of sprawling dark epics and cheesy pop songs.

Highlights: A Letter to Elise, Doing The Unstuck, Trust, High

8/10

With The Beatles - The Beatles

Hot take: Harrison's songs on here may be the best. Sure, they were just covers, but they rock the most. The rest of the album is fairly standard covers and some decent Lennon/McCartney numbers.

Highlights: Roll Over Beethoven, Don't Bother Me, It Won't Be Long, You Really Got a Hold On Me

7/10

Wither Blister Burn & Peel - Stabbing Westward

Oh my! I had actually forgotten about this album and just how much it stomps! A bit less dark and brooding than Darkest Days, while a bit heavier and industrial and angrier. Christopher Hall's vocals are just massive. 

Highlights: Shame, Don't Believe, So Wrong, Falls Apart

7.5/10

The Wizard of Oz - Meco

I guess it is about time I had Meco improve a classic soundtrack again. This one is still super disco, but also somewhat hilariously silly - mostly because of the Munchkins singing to disco beats.

Highlights: Ding-Dong The Witch is Dead, Over the Rainbow, We're Off to See The Wizard

6.5/10

Wolves - NoisyCell

Massive dance rock good times? All rather epic and massive and a good time - I am not sure if I have actually listened to this album before and I should listen to it more!

Highlights: M.R.W., Wolves, Letter, 虹霓

7.5/10

Wonderwall Music - George Harrison

The first solo Beatle album is an instrumental piece, with various influences like traditional Indian music and honky tonk and old American Western? There are a couple of tracks that do very much sound like George Harrison, as well. Pretty chill.

Highlights: Party Seacombe, Ski-ing, Drilling a Home, Wonderwall to Be Here

6/10

Woodface - Crowded House

Some times I think I expected more from a Finn brothers collaboration, but it gave us a few outstanding songs on here amongst the very mediocre everything else, so I guess it was worth it?

Highlights: Weather With You, Chocolate Cake, Four Seasons in One Day, How Will You Go

7/10

Word Gets Around - Stereophonics

I understand why I have the song Traffic - I used to do this one live and it is a darn great song. But why I do not have the rest of the album is wild mystery to me and I am adding it to the list of albums to sort out after this.

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1860

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2025 in 2025: Day 183

Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life - Jay-Z

A still young (maybe?) Hova full of fire and lewdness, but then he still is pretty lewd. This album has such a solid groove and goes pretty hard in parts. Surprisingly one of my favourite Jay-Z albums; not the overall brilliance of The Black Album, but real flashes of his genius.

Highlights: A Week Ago, Ni**a What, Ni**a Who (Originator 99), Can I Get A..., Money Ain't a Thang

8/10

Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter - Jay-Z

The first half is the less than impressive Hova I had expected. Then the second half - while nothing as exceptional as Vol. 2 - is way cooler and has much better grooves. Jay-Z flow and lyrical skills continue to be as awesome as ever throughout.

Highlights: Big Pimpin', Come and Get Me, There's Been a Murder, Hova Song (Outro)

7/10

Voulez-Vous - ABBA

The most disco of pop disco albums. A veritable party mixed with love ballads with a groove. Even tired old grumpy LOGMAN can not listen to this without eventually coming to life - If It Wasn't for the Nights is an absolute gem and Kisses of Fire is a good time forever!

Highlights: If It Wasn't for the Nights, Kisses of Fire, Voulez-Vous, Does Your Mother Know

9/10

Vs. - Pearl Jam

I really dig the way the guitars compliment each other on this album; Mike McCready and Stone Gossard rarely play the same parts and it gives the songs more dynamics. And these songs are full of passion and fire. A real product of the time, but still a gawdam awesome album that holds up well almost 35 years later.

Highlights: Rearviewmirror, Dissident, Go, W.M.A.

9/10

W is for What a Way to spend 2025

Waitin' For The Night - The Runaways

The first album with Joan Jett taking over as frontwoman and stuff is already a bit heavier. Because JJ does not mess around.

Highlights: Wasted, You're Too Possessive, Gotta Get Out Tonight, Don't Go Away

7/10

Waiting for the Sirens' Call - New Order

I was listening to this album with someone and they thought it was Manic Street Preachers... and I think that perfectly sums up this album. The whole thing is pretty standard Britpop and sounds more like a band influenced by New Order.

Highlights: Morning Night and Day, Waiting for the Sirens' Call, Turn, Guilt is a Useless Emotion

7/10

Waking Up The Neighbours - Bryan Adams

Like a less heavy Def Leppard album; the gang vocals and harmonies on this sound exactly like the Hysteria album, but this album has more cheese. I love BA and he absolutely killed it on this, but I think the album is a few songs too long - there are about 4 or 5 songs that sound WAY too similar, so if he eliminated a few of those it would be under an hour and be a lot tighter. Sometimes less is more.

Highlights: Don't Drop That Bomb On Me, Can't Stop This Thing We Started, Thought I'd Died and Gone to Heaven, Is Your Mama Gonna Miss Ya?

7.5/10

Walking Off the Buzz - Blessid Union of Souls

I only have one song - Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me For Me). It is a lot of fun. Very typical 1999 pop radio rock kind of thing.

8/10

Walls and Bridges - John Lennon

Lennon doing way too much partying to keep caring about world peace, I guess. Instead, he chooses to get as middle of the road as possible - I get the feeling he was trying to get some hits or at least some radio time. 

Highlights: Nobody Loves You (When You're Down and Out), Steel and Glass, Whatever Gets You Through the Night, What You Got

7/10

War & Peace - Warren Peace

Well this thing is a mess. Some attempts at proper songs, but also some attempts at being a doucheburger. And, surprisingly, the latter is more successful. I am not sure why every song needed big messy noises to end them...

Highlights: Fire and Ice, Dear Diary

6/10

Warning! - Green Day

As fun as some of these songs are, they just sound like a bunch of earlier Green Day songs, just with acoustic guitar and keyboards and weak-sauce drumming. They really lost any remnants of their "edge" here. 

Highlights: Minority, Macy's Day Parade, Castaway, Church Sunday

7/10

WARP - JUDY AND MARY

The first half of this is EXTREME JAM craziness; a whole lot of noise and avant-garde "music". Then somewhere around the middle, YUKI decided to start practicing for her solo career and there is a massive shift towards pop hooks. Just covered in a layer of noise. I respect that their guitarist just never played sensible chords and treated these songs like a jazz jam session.

Highlights: motto, ガールフレンド, ひとつだけ -ver.WARP-, Brand New Wave Upper Ground

7/10

Waterline - Charlton Hill

I think the production on this album does it a great disservice; it is very much of the times and while that does work on a few songs, the rest get stuck in the mire of sounding very generic. It results in a lot of the songs lacking in emotion and just sounding dated. Which is a shame, because I know that underneath the songs actually have some soul.

Highlights: The Last Thing, Crash Landed, Turn To You, Deep

7/10

Waterloo - ABBA

Benny and Bjorn are working harder on this album - I do not recall them singing so many songs on any other album. It is ABBA. A good time is guaranteed.

Highlights: Waterloo, Honey Honey, Watch Out, Gonna Sing You My Lovesong

8/10

WAVE - YUKI

In some ways, this feels like YUKI's most straight-laced pop rock album. Apart from a couple of electro dance numbers. But overall, it really is a collection of great hooks over some simple chords. And that is a good thing - because it results in a some outstanding songs.

Highlights: 歓びの種, You've got a friend, あおぞら, ふがいないや

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1815

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2025 in 2025: Day 181

Up Your Alley - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Joan goes full on 80s rock here - and she nails it, of course. It is good hard rocking fun!

Highlights: I Hate Myself For Loving You, Tulane, Just Like in the Movies, Ridin' With James Dean

7.5/10

Urban Hymns - The Verve

For as much as Oasis are THE band that defines Britpop in the 90s, this album may have been the last great album of the era. It is equal parts psycadelic swagger and big epic ballads. Like, some of these songs are just massive. And awesome.

Highlights: The Rolling People, Sonnet, Bitter Sweet Symphony, Weeping Willow

8/10

Ursa Major - Third Eye Blind

This is my reminder to finally get the uncensored version of this album. This is always such a tough album for me; Arion missing on bass is sad and my initial thoughts on Tony as a guitarist and overall fit for the group were not high. And it does happen to feature the absolute worst 3EB song in existence (One In Ten). In fact, the whole middle section is pretty mediocre. The start and the endings? Oh, those are some of the best gawdamn songs on the planet! The vocal layering in Sharp Knife is absolute perfection.

Highlights: Sharp Knife, Bonfire, Don't Believe a Word, Can You Take Me

7.5/10

Use Your Illusion I - Guns N' Roses

Despite the online nonsense I seem to read these days, this album actually serves as a solid follow up to Appetite for Destruction; it is still pretty much the same sort of vibe, just a little bloated, but it is the more "fun hard rock" Use Your Illusion album. Only a couple of big epics on this one, and they are absolutely brilliant.

Highlights: Coma, Don't Cry (Original), November Rain, Bad Obsession

8/10

Use Your Illusion II - Guns N' Roses

Look, I did not want this to be the case... but... I think this may be GnR's strongest album. It is a helluva vibe! Angry bordering on punk rockers and massive sprawling epics with the tastiest guitar solos like Slash is playing a hot fudge sundae. And I am going to give 60% of the credit to Duff. He is my new rock'n roll hero.

Highlights: Estranged, You Could Be Mine, Civil War, Don't Cry (Alternate Lyrics), Locomotive

9/10

V is for 

The Vacation - The Vacation

Another $1 CD find - classic mid-00s raw rock, channeling fun and mindless 70s & 80s hard rock like AC/DC. Why do I have no AC/DC in my library? Does anyone else find that kind of weird?

Highlights: Trash, Make Up Your Mind, No Hard Feelings, W.I.I.F.M.

6.5/10

Vampire Weekend Covers - Ryan Adams

A dude I have issues with, recorded on social media covering songs by a band I do not know. Cool...

Highlights: short

4/10

Vampires (Paxam Singles Series, Vol. 3) - Ryan Adams

This feels like more of an EP than a single. And EP of stupid bullshit bookended by actual songs?

Highlights: Vampires

5/10

The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale - Prince

Pretty sure these are basically unfinished songs... but are still pretty funky and a good time, for the most part. Definitely not a real Prince album, however.

Highlights: It's About That Walk, 5+ Women

6/10

Veni Vidi Vicious - The Hives

Even more raw and rebellious than Tyrannosaurus Hives. I do not believe any band personifies punk rock the way The Hives do.

Highlights: Die All Right!, Main Offender, The Hives-Introduce the Metric System In Time, Supply and Demand

7.5/10

Version - Mark Ronson

This is purely the jam with Amy Winehouse, Valerie. Bah gawd this is a jam.

10/10

Version 2.0 - Garbage

Much more of a polished pop album than their debut - a lot less darker, at least musically. A bit more of a focus on dancier beats and hooks. No idea what type of flying train Shirley Manson is riding from Tokyo to Los Angeles...

Highlights: Special, When I Grow Up, Push It, Temptation Waits

7.5/10

The Very Best of - Dolly Parton

I only have Jolene. I should have songs like 9 to 5, but we already know LOGMAN is lame...

8/10

The Very Best of - Hues Corporation

This is the only corporation you should be a part of. And the only song I have is Rock The Boat. Man, this song used to mess me up live. Too many random chords changes in the verses. But I sure did love going "Rock on with your badself!"

9/10

The Very Best of Bonnie Tyler - Bonnie Tyler

And by "Very Best of", I am specifically talking about Holding Out For a Hero and Total Eclipse of the Heart. The former always invokes images of Short Circuit 2. The latter is just an absolutely glorious power ballad of the highest extremes.

9/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1785

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2025 in 2025: Day 176

Three Imaginary Boys - The Cure

The Cure are one of my favourite bands of all time. Easily in my top 10. They have some incredibly epic albums full of emotion, but also effortlessly switch between pop rock fun and nihilistic despair. This album is nothing of the sort.

Highlights: Grinding Halt, Another Day, 10:15 Saturday Night, Three Imaginary Boys

6/10

Thriller - Michael Jackson

Hot take: this is not MJ's best album. However, Beat It and Billie Jean are just such phenomenal songs that it meant this album sold a bajillion copies. Dangerous and Bad do not feature awful collaborations with Paul McCartney, so they are infinitely better. The worst part is that other song he did with McCartney is actually a good song!

Highlights: Beat It, Billie Jean, Human Nature, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

8/10

Throwing Copper - Live

Every song is either Quiet LOUD Quiet, or Quiet Quiet LOUD. Except for Waitress - which is LOUD Quiet LOUD, for some weird reason. It is all fine and dandy, but nothing overly exceptional that has made me go out of my way to listen to this in the last 30 years.

Highlights: Top, Pillar of Davidson, White Discussion, Iris

7/10

Tidal - Fiona Apple

Fiona Apple is the lyricist Swifties think their cult leader is. I may appreciate her angst and subsequent vocal performance on When the Pawn... more, but boy howdy this album has some pretty deep emotions. 

Highlights: Criminal, Sullen Girl, Never is a Promise, Pale September

8/10

Tiffany - Tiffany

Sadly, I do not have the full album - just I Think We're Alone Now. I am not sure why I do not have at least the other singles. Because I am lame, that is why!

8/10

Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper

This is only The Goonies 'R' Good Enough - for obvious reasons! I should watch that movie again one day.

8/10

Timeless: New Recordings Honoring The Music Of Hank Williams - Various Artists

This is just Ryan Adams' cover of Lovesick Blues. He puts on his most irritating fake country voice for this one...

5/10

Tiny Music...Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop - Stone Temple Pilots

I love Weiland's voice on this album - he has gone for a bit more of a raspy glam rock kind of vibe and it really suits the way everything comes together, because musically it has bit of a glam rock vibe as well. Like, total peak art school Led Zeppelin tribute act vibes. And I mean that in the most complimentary of ways.

Highlights: Lady Picture Show, Trippin' On a Hole in a Paper Heart, Seven Caged Tigers, Tumble in the Rough

8/10

To the 5 Boroughs - Beastie Boys

Oh snap the boys are back! Just straight-up NYC hip-hop. War is bad. George W. Bush is a clown. Racism and bigotry are bad. Sampling Sonic Reducer is the greatest idea ever and I will forgive them for using it to tell me how great New York is.

Highlights: An Open Letter to NYC, Right Right Now Now, Rhyme the Rhyme Well, Time to Build

8.5/10

TO THE DREAM - The Tomboys

As indie as ever, but even more catchy. And fun. 

Highlights: Tell Me Why, I GOTTA GO, SATURDAY NIGHT

7/10

The The Extreme - Vanilla Ice

V.I.P. in the house! I unironically love still enjoy the enjoy the bejeebus out of this album; sure, the rhymes are corny, but there are plenty of James Brown samples, fun old school grooves, and Vanilla's silly rapping is part of the charm. I still need to find that third version of Play That Funky Music...

Highlights: Ice Ice Baby, Ice is Workin' It, Dancin', Go Ill

8/10

To Whom It May Concern - Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie's debut album, featuring some pretty standard pop country rock stylings - kind of like a modern take on where her Dad left off, I guess? Some surprisingly decent songs to be found. I need to remember to give this a closer listen again some time...

Highlights: Lights Out, S.O.B., Nobody Noticed It, So Lovely

7/10

Today - George Harrison

Another George Harrison bootleg of randomness. Mostly collaborations and whatnot. And I have most of them on other albums? And I am not 100% convinced he actually performs on some of them. 

Highlights: Power to the People, Your True Love (Live - Carl Perkins' Memorial Service), Horse to the Water

6.5/10

Today (Legacy Edition) - Elvis Presley

One of The King's final albums and highly underrated; still not too dissimilar to the rest of his 70s output, but it is mostly fun and Elvis feels like he put a bit of effort it. The opening track is such an old school rock'n roll kind of groove, I cannot help but love it. The undubbed versions are not too different - except you can hear Elvis getting the giggles during Susan When She Tried.

Highlights: T-R-O-U-B-L-E, Pieces of My Life, Fairytale, Shake a Hand

7.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1714

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2025 in 2025: Day 175

Their Greatest Hits: The Record - Bee Gees

I am not against the 60s hits at all - they are generally decent little pop numbers, and some of them are brilliant songs - but once this hits the latter end of disc one (the mid-70s), it is GAME ON! 

Highlights: Nights on Broadway, If I Can't Have You, You Should Be Dancing, More Than a Woman, Night Fever, You Win Again, Alone, For Whom the Bell Tolls

8/10

There's Only Now - Eskobar

This purely the song Someone New - a collaboration with Heather Nova. And this is peak Heather Nova awesomeness.

9/10

These Days - Bon Jovi

This is Richie Sambora at his most bluesiest - and the album peaks in places because of it. It also has fairly boring lows, but it is actually a better album than I remember. Or those great songs are greater than I remember...

Highlights: Something for the Pain, These Days, Something to Believe In, Hey God

7.5/10

These Days Tour '95 (Live) - Bon Jovi

JBJ giving a fairly average performance. Luckily this is only a short live EP; a few Slippery When Wet classics, their "current" single, and a bad cover.

Highlights: Wild in the Streets

6/10

Third Eye Blind - Third Eye Blind

An alt rock pop masterpiece. I think some people like to call this "Power Pop" or something, because there is some serious emotion in here that absolutely NO ONE can match. Kevin Cadogan's riffs and licks are what really elevated the songs - something that was seriously lacking on every album after (except for maybe Dopamine).

Highlights: Motorcycle Drive By, The Background, Graduate, God of Wine, Narcolepsy, Losing a Whole Year, Semi-Charmed Life

9/10

Thirty Three & 1/3 - George Harrison

Bah gawd that is some funkyass bass in Woman Don't You Cry For Me. This album always surprises me, because it is mostly very enjoyable and has a bit more soul to it.

Highlights: Woman Don't You Cry For Me, Beautiful Girl, This Song, It's What You Value

7/10

This Is Happening - LCD Soundsystem

Not quite as pretentious as Sound of Silver? Maybe actually more pretentious? Either way, the peaks are high, but not as consistent as their previous albums. A bit more cruising through the indie hipster electro vibes. Nancy Whang is still the winner - her "ONE TOUCH!" is a standout.

Highlights: Dance Yrself Clean, One Touch, Home, Drunk Girls

8/10

This is Not a Test! - Missy Elliott

Solid and consistent album; pretty straight-up no nonsense hip-hop all the way through, featuring some decent collabs and MASSIVE beats.

Highlights: Wake Up, Pass That Dutch, Is This Our Last Time, Pump It Up, Spelling Bee

8/10

This Is Shit - The Shit

A little less... insane than the usual offering from The Shit. But it is still great fun and fast-paced. I am not sure Chuck Norris genuinely endorsed this album...

Highlights: Us vs. Cops, WW3 is Suicide, Rats, Totally Speechless

6.5/10

This Is... - Icona Pop

I Love It is the sexy bitch jam of every summer. The Jay-Z references/homage is pretty darn hilarious, though. Has pop music really stopped evolving? Because this album sounds like it could have been released last year.

Highlights: I Love It, All Night, Just Another Night, Girlfriend

7/10

Those Weren't The Days - Whiskeytown

You know, today has been so upbeat and mostly fun... and then getting immediately hit with the downers on this album is just a bit jarring. Once things finally pick up a bit, it gets more enjoyable for sure. I feel like I have heard some of these songs in different forms numerous times throughout the marathon now...

Highlights: The Rain Won't Help You When It's Over, Believe, 10 Seconds Til the End of the World, Empty Baseball Park

6/10

A Thousand Suns - Linkin Park

Artistically speaking, this is LP's greatest achievement. Ironically, my computer started asking me questions about the Oppenheimer movie just as the quote from him was playing to start the album. Chester really brought it this album. Like, holy hell did he bring it. They all did, but that was the perfect ending. And even though half of these tracks are just interludes, it ties together perfectly (and the songs just kill). My day needed more people referencing Jay-Z's The Blueprint²!

Highlights: Waiting for the End, The Messenger, The Catalyst, When They Come for Me, Iridescent

9/10

Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge - My Chemical Romance

Was the concept on this album they are hitmen or something? Or just angry emo teenagers? Either way, it works; the heavier guitars and big screaming makes for a more fun musical experience. Legit an almost perfect album of pop punk hooks.

Highlights: Helena, Thank You For the Venom, I'm Not Okay (I Promise), I Never Told You What I Do For a Living

8/10

Three Dollar Bill, Y'all - Limp Bizkit

I do not have the full album, thankfully. I am not even sure how I ended up with half the album. It is all much more nu-metal and rough than anything that would follow.

Highlights: Counterfeit, Faith

6/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1700

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2025 in 2025: Day 171

Strawberry Margarita [Single] - ELLEGARDEN

Bah gawd how to start a day; when this single hit, my friend and I immediately messaged each other to say "THEY ARE BACK!" and it was fucking glorious. 

10/10

Streetcore - Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros

One thing you have to give to Joe Strummer is that he did not shy away from attempting all sorts of musical styles; The Clash were a veritable mish-mash of punk, ska, reggae, and all sorts of pop silliness at the end. And this album just continues that trend. And through it all, he still just sounds punk all the way.

Highlights: Coma Girl, Arms Aloft

6.5/10

Streetlife Serenade - Billy Joel

This dude clearly likes to name his albums starting with an S! I feel like he had been listening to a lot of Elton John here...

Highlights: Los Angelenos, Roberta

6.5/10

Stripped - Christina Aguilera

An absolute pop classic of the early-00s. I have certainly soured on everything she has done apart from this album - and it is pretty far from perfect, as well - but there is no denying her voice was iconic and some of these songs are just top-tier awesomeness.

Highlights: Fighter, Cruz, Dirrty, Get Mine Get Yours

7.5/10

Stripped: Raw and Real - Bon Jovi

Lost Highway-era Bon Jovi doing a live performance - the "Stripped" moniker seems to imply some type of acoustic thing, but Sambora clearly was not interested in that. He is cool and makes everything better for Bon Jovi, so I will allow it.

Highlights: Whole Lot Of Leavin' [Live], Wanted Dead Or Alive [Live]

6/10

Stull - Urge Overkill

I actually only have the one song from this - Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon. It has grown on me over the years, but I will always prefer Urge Overkill just being Urge Overkill instead.

7/10

Subarashiki Sekai - Pile

I only have the one song from this EP - Duel. I think the rest is on the album Tailwind(s). In fact, this song in full is as well. Talk to me about your problems...

8/10

Sueño de la Máquina - Kinky

Driving bass, funky beats, dreamy vocals and big synths. Probably their most consistent album - the whole thing is just a big electro Latin jam from start to finish.

Highlights: Perfecta, Se Borró la Noche, Alma de Neón, Después del After, Inmóvil

7.5/10

Sugar Ray - Sugar Ray

This is purely Answer the Phone. And in crap quality. It is unbelievable that this is the same hilariously awful nu-metal from the late 90s.

8/10

The Suicide Handbook - Ryan Adams

I find it hard to believe this really was how the album was supposed to be released. It is all so minimal and acoustic - it all just sounds like a big bag of demos. But then I remember that some of these were released as is on Demolition, so maybe? But 90 minutes of this is a bit much.

Highlights: Cry on Demand, Wild Flowers, For No One, Miss Sunflower

7/10

Suit - Nelly

This is not one of Nelly's albums that I have listened to all that much, but I have to admit that it is pretty darn groovy. Nelly just does his usual thing - he pretty much has the same melody in every song here - but what can you do?

Highlights: Over and Over, My Place, Paradise, N Dey Say

7/10

Summer Again [Single] - Ayumi Hamasaki

I was sure I had removed all the single doubles caused by the Remember you album, but I must have been wrong. This song is kind of fine? Trying way too hard to be a Summer dance anthem or something.

6.5/10

Summer Trap!! - WANIMA

Pre-COVID world was something else and it is hard for me to believe this EP came out right before the last Summer before it all. It is so wild and energetic. The whole thing personifies the sound of Summer - take that, Ayu!

Highlights: GONG, 夏のどこかへ, Mom

10/10

Sunburn - Fuel

I only have one song, which is surprising - I thought there were songs from this album. I recall the rest being total garbage, but I may have to revisit to make sure. Anyways, this is Shimmer. In another surprising moment, I think the song holds up!

8/10

Sunshower - Chris Cornell

I know I have the whole CD, but I think I just cut out the different versions of this song. Because this song is a masterpiece and the coda on the LP version is perfection. Gawdam Chris Cornell was the voice of my generation.

10/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1640

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2025 in 2025: Day 170

State of the World Address - Biohazard

The most melodic of hardcore albums. Down For Life immediately aged poorly, since they fired their guitarist after this album. Cypress Hill really were everywhere in 1994. And that was a good thing. Just like this album. Heavy, aggressive, a hell of a groove, and lyrically focused on lower-class urban life and fighting against the system. LOGMAN's album of choice while playing Gran Turismo.

Highlights: Down For Life, How It Is, Love Denied, What Makes Us Tick

9/10

Static & Silence - The Sundays

I thought for sure The Sundays were Australian, but I just read they were actually from the UK. Interesting. More interesting than this album.

Highlights: Summertime, She

6/10

Stay Hungry - Twisted Sister

In only further embarrassment, this is only We're Not Gonna Take It. I guess if you have to have only one Twisted Sister song, it has to be this one. 

10/10

Stay On These Roads - a-ha

This album was released in 2002, yet sounds exactly like it was released in 1987. Make of that what you will.

Highlights: Touchy, Stay on These Roads

6/10

Steelheart - Steelheart

Big late-80s glam rock with the biggest highest screams possible. My only gripe is they seemed to channel Hammer and made every song about two minutes longer than they needed to be, but otherwise this probably should have been pretty popular if it had been released a year or two earlier. 

Highlights: Gimme Gimme, Like Never Before, Rock'n Roll (I Just Wanna), Down 'n Dirty

7.5/10

Step Outside - Greyshack

Old school dirty hard rock all the way from India! Feels like Aussie Summer pub rock, to me. Again, take that how you will.

Highlights: Step Outside, New Day

6.5/10

The Stockholm Sessions - Ryan Adams

DRA going all acoustic - I am thinking this might be quite live? Very quiet and chill.

Highlights: I am falling asleep...

6/10

Stomp 442 - Anthrax

Well, this is surely waking me up! Not their best album... I assume, because it is the only one I have in full, but it does feature Dimebag on lead for a few songs.

Highlights: Nothing, Random Acts of Senseless Violence, King Size, Bare, American Pompeii

7/10

Stone Cold Rhymin' - Young MC

I do not have the full album and that is something that needs serious correcting. What I do have, however, are some stone cold classics. These are my jams, right here.

Highlights: Bust a Move, Principal's Office

9/10

Storm - Heather Nova

Ms. Nova going back to her roots and doing a full on indie acoustic folk album with minimalist production - but much less dark than Glow Stars. In fact, still very much love songs and stuff. But somewhat lacking in emotion, I find.

Highlights: River of Life, You Left Me a Song, Fool For You

6.5/10

Storm Front - Billy Joel

Gawddam We Didn't Start The Fire just has so much drive; musically it is so simple, but these dudes are such solid musicians that they just push the beat so much. Dude is still singing about the USSR like he has seen the light and converted to communism.

Highlights: I Go to Extremes, We Didn't Start the Fire, Storm Front, That's Not Her Style

7/10

The Story So Far - Rod Stewart

A career-spanning compilation and I wish I could say it was complete, but there are a few of his more notable songs missing from here. And there is some seriously awful stuff tacked on the end - I do not need him singing Waltzing fucking Matilda. But honestly, Rockin' Rod is someone I forget is actually good and then I listen to his singles and I am like 'Oh yeah! This song is cool. And this one, too!'.

Highlights: Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?, The Motown Song, Rhythm of My Heart, Downtown Train, Hot Legs, All For Love

7.5/10

The Stranger - Billy Joel

There is a really cool groove to this album. And the ballads are almost quite heartfelt. 

Highlights: The Stranger, Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Only the Good Die Young, Get It Right the First Time

7.5/10

A Stranger Is Born (Pre Strangers Almanac Demo) - Whiskeytown

Mostly badly recorded demos. Some live stuff as well - also badly recorded. And then one or two actual proper recordings that sound great. Though it might be because of having to listen an hour of badly recorded nonsense.

Highlights: The Rain Won't Help You When It's Over, Ten Seconds 'Til The End Of The World

5/10

Strangers Almanac - Whiskeytown

Many of the songs on the previous 'album' now actually finished and recorded properly. And it is very, very good in parts. I got confused for a minute, because some of these songs are also on my version of Faithless Street in slightly different recordings. And I only JUST read that I actually have some deluxe version of Faithless Street that features like twice the songs. And I have listened to that album many times more than this one.

Highlights: 16 Days, Waiting to Derail, Excuse Me While I Break My Own Heart Tonight, Yesterday's News

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1625

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2025 in 2025: Day 167

Soul Assassins II - Various Artists

DJ Muggs making phat beats with various MCs and singers... and all LOGMAN has is Xzibit and King T telling my sorry ass You Better Believe It. Gawdam X to the Z back in 2000 was awesome.

8/10

Soul Deep - Jimmy Barnes

An Aussie pub-rock legend shows his roots by banging out some classic R&B. And absolutely killing it. The production is a bit dated now, but overall these are some VERY good renditions.

Highlights: (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher, When Something Is Wrong With My Baby, River Deep Mountain High, Signed Sealed Delivered (I'm Yours)

8/10

Soul Deeper - Jimmy Barnes

To celebrate the 10 years of Soul Deep probably being Barnesy's most popular album, he decided to do a follow-up. No super keyboard sounding strings, but also not entirely R&B this time and more just covers from the 60s. 

Highlights: Hold On I'm Coming, To Love Somebody, 634-5789, All the Young Dudes

7/10

Sound Loaded - Ricky Martin

This man and his Latin groove really jam. And this album influenced his work for 9/11, so extra points there! It is actually more fun than I recall.

Highlights: Loaded, Saint Tropez, She Bangs, The Touch, One Night Man

7/10

The Sound of Revenge - Chamillionaire

Of course this is only the hit song Ridin'. I think this might actually be the 'clean' version, which irritates me to no end. Which also tells me I do not listen to this song enough!

8/10

Sound of Silver - LCD Soundsystem

A proper collaborative 'band' album instead of just James Murphy being solo like the debut album, which leads to quite a different sound. Massive extended sprawling instrumentals like it is The Cure doing electronica and hitting all the hipsters right in the feels. Nancy Whang saying "Get innocuous!" makes my day!

Highlights: All My Friends, Someone Great, Get Innocuous!, New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down

9/10

Sound-G Sign - Brown Eyed Girl

Welcome back to random K-Pop songs of the day! Very atypical of 2009 - this could easily be 2NE1 or any other group of the time that is not as good as them.

Highlights: Sign, Drunk on Sleep

6/10

The Sounds of Science - Beastie Boys

Another compilation where I took out everything I have elsewhere, because I should have all Beastie Boys. However, I have never owned Licensed to Ill or Some Old Bullshit, so I need some songs from those albums and the other random songs that are on here. Mostly the hardcore stuff. I have Aglio e Olio on vinyl. Still sealed. Someone pay me a million dollars for it.

Highlights: Slow and Low, Fight For Your Right, Soba Violence, Alive, I Want Some

8/10

South - Heather Nova

My iTunes has this labelled as "Alternative & Punk". While the lyrics for Virus of the Mind do speak to anti-conformity, they may be off a bit there with that assessment. This is pretty solid, if lacking the outright emotion of Oyster and Siren, and instead is a more mature acoustic pop album. A little happier in some ways. Definitely more of a "love" vibe.

Highlights: Just Been Born, Tested, Virus of the Mind, It's Only Love, Like Lovers Do

7.5/10

Space Invader - Ace Frehley

This album has really grown on me since Kissathon II; I thought it was pretty average at the time of release, but the more I have listened to it the more I just enjoy how much Ace rocks on it. 

Highlights: Starship, Past the Milky Way, Space Invader, Reckless

8/10

The Space Madness Sessions - Ryan Adams

We go from the coolest man ever making fun rock, to the douchiest douche making crappy alt country rock and in poor demo form. What a world. Is someone else singing here? Because some of these feature the worst singing since me.

Highlights: You must be joking

3/10

Spaceman - Ace Frehley

Yes more Ace Frehley! Hard to believe there are 4 years between this and Space Invader - it all feels very similar. Soar high in outer space, Ace!

Highlights: Bronx Boy, Mission to Mars, Quantum Flux, Rockin' with the Boys

8/10

Spacewalk: A Salute to Ace Frehley - Various Artists

"Insult to Ace Frehley" would be more accurate. While not as terrible as I remembered, it is still rather terrible. It at least ends with a super awesome song by Ace, so it has that going for it...

Highlights: Take Me to the City - Ace Frehley

5/10

The Spaghetti Incident? - Guns N' Roses

GnR doing covers is fine and all, but Duff unleashing his punk was truly a revelation to teenage LOGMAN. So while the general public felt personally offended by such an obvious waste of time, LOGMAN decided this was cool and was probably the first Guns N' Roses CD I ever bought. 

Highlights: New Rose, Ain't It Fun, Down on the Farm, Hair of the Dog

8/10

Spawn: The Album - Various Artists

A expansion of the Judgement Night soundtrack concept, except this time it was teaming up alt bands with electronic artists. And not nearly as consistently good. A bit too focused on the electronic side, which featured artists that were not very good and results in stuff sounding VERY dated.

Highlights: One Man Army - The Prodigy & Tom Morello, (Can't You) Trip Like I Do, Kick the P.A. - Korn & The Dust Brothers, Torn Apart - Stabbing Westward & Wink

6/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1580

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2025 in 2025: Day 164

Sinner - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

I am not sure if it is just the production, but this album rocks and Jett's voice goes hard! Somewhat more consistent than some of her 80s album and a bit more solidly punk. Also opening with some mocking of George W. Bush is a great way to set the tone.

Highlights: A.C.D.C., Riddles, Tube Talkin', Everyone Knows, Bad Time

7.5/10

Sinner - Drowning Pool

Thankfully this is only the song Bodies. It is a key musical ingredient in one of the greatest scenes in cinema history.

8/10

Siren - Heather Nova

Heather Nova hitting some serious pop hooks. beautiful soaring ballads and even some kinda sexy grooves. And my man David Ayers makes his guitar sound like various animals and contraptions to help take some of the songs to another level. This may well be her chilled-out pop masterpiece.

Highlights: Winterblue, London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do), Heart and Shoulder, Ruby Red

9/10

Six60 - Six60

I can kind of understand why these guys are so popular; some pretty cool guitar riffs, basic vocals anyone can sing, and all pretty harmless. And New Zealander's love to celebrate mediocrity. But, yeah, it is not the worst album a New Zealand group has released.

Highlights: Only to Be, Run for It, Take it from Here

6/10

sixxxxxx - Ayumi Hamasaki

Fun cheesy bops, somber ballads, Ayu thinking she is Linkin Park. This EP covers everything and does not waste time with any pretentious nonsense. And this was only 4 months after the glorious A ONE album. Legends will be told of how amazing she was before the fall...

Highlights: Step by Step, Sorrows, Summer Diary, Sky High

10/10

Skin of a Stone - Dead Flowers

Early 90s New Zealand grunge? Hard rock? Metal? It has to be one of the earliest rock songs featuring Maori vocals, right? I remember the time when Wildside was the record label for all the alt rock acts - pretty sure most New Zealand albums I bought were on that label.

Highlights: Plastic, Underground, Someday, Mihi

7/10

Skull & Bones - Cypress Hill

I really need to track down Sen Dog's nu-metal band, because enlisting the drummer from Rage Against the Machine to help you get heavy is always a winner. The first disc is standard Cypress Hill; do not smoke all their weed, they are bad dudes, etc. When I listen to Cypress Hill, I know what I am signing up for. Except for this 'Bones' disc.

Highlights: Valley of Chrome, Can't Get the Best of Me, Certified Bomb, Dust

7/10

Sky is the Limit - Drunken Tiger

It is funny how much these dudes like to shout out American rappers and their songs like they know who they are, but I guess they are trying to help make sure Korean kids know that Wu-Tang Clan are not something to fuck with?

Highlights: Jam Skhool (U Need To Learn Tho), 8:45 Heaven, 행복의 조건 (희망승일), 내가 싫다

7/10

The Skylarks - The Skylarks

Ryan Adams doing early bad grunge or something. Sounds like it was recorded on a tape recorder in the middle of a practice space. Covering Madonna shows he was always abusive to women!

5/10

Slap-Happy - L7

L7 move to a more "modern" sound, so now as they approach the millenium they sound like they are in 1993? 

Highlights: Livin' Large, Stick to the Plan, Mantra Down

6.5/10

The Slaughterhouse - Prince

Prince releasing self-produced funky tunes on the internet for his fans ONLY was peak internet. And then fans spreading it online for free is what the internet was for...

Highlights: Northside, Peace, Props 'N' Pounds, Y Should Eye Do That When Eye Can Do This?

7/10

Slave to the Grind - Skid Row

This album came out at exactly the wrong time. It should have been massive. It certainly was popular with me and my friends in 1995 when we realised just how hard it rocked. Still kind of hair metal (which is a good thing) but with some serious edge. Sebastian Bach well have had the best voice in all of the genre.

Highlights: Wasted Time, In a Darkened Room, Monkey Business, Riot Act

9/10

Sleeping With Ghosts - Placebo

This album is actually more enjoyable than I expected. I had a fairly negative idea of this band, because I am not a fan of the singer's voice, but there are some genuinely great songs in here. Much more pop and a little grand.

Highlights: The Bitter End, This Picture, Sleeping With Ghosts, Bulletproof Cupid

6.5/10

Sleepless in Brooklyn - [Alexandros]

Fairly standard Japanese fake indie pop. Like, it is good, but there is very little outstanding. The vocalist totally reminds me of the dude from Grinspoon, sometimes. The music does not at all!

Highlights: 明日、また, LAST MINUTE, Mosquito Bite

6.5/10

Slef Portait - The Shit

This is quite the concept album; it tells the story of a disturbed individual that is plotting to kill someone, and then does, attempts to kill themselves also, and then ends up in prison. It is all a bit cryptic, but the artistic storytelling is very moving. Boyz II Men can sing awesome as hell.

Highlights: I'm Going to Kill You, You're Dead, Oops You're Dead, I'm Going to Kill Myself in the Face, I Can't Make Records Anymore Cause I'm In Prison

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1535

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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 158

Rubber Soul - The Beatles

I love this album... but there sure is a lot of filler. Must be more the "vibe" of the whole thing that really resonates? Why does McCartney insist on putting the worst songs on these albums?

Highlights: Drive My Car, Norwegian Wood, In My Life, Run For Your Life

8/10

Run-D.M.C. - Run-D.M.C.

There are three types of lyrics/raps on this album: socially conscious, move your body and get down, and we are the best MCs because we talk about social issues AND tell you to move your body and get down. And in all three, they will occasionally remind you that JMJ is the greatest DJ. I know it mostly sounds dated, but by george this album makes me want a glass bottle of Pepsi and throw my hat on backwards and just get down.

Highlights: Rock Box, It's Like That, Sucker M.C.'s (Krush-Groove 1), Hollis Crew (Krush-Groove 2)

8/10

Runaway Horses - Belinda Carlisle

I would have liked to hear Ms. Carlisle do something a bit more punk. Possibly pop punk. I think she had the voice for it. I certainly do not think her voice was suited to slow pop ballads, but there was something in the way her voice breaks that would have sounded good doing songs from Josie and The Pussycats, I think.

Highlights: Leave a Light On, (We Want) The Same Thing, Deep Deep Ocean, Valentine

7/10

The Runaways - The Runaways

Just classic no-nonsense rock'n roll. It just so happens it was teenage girls doing it; something we should see more of, especially in this day and age. Simple 70s rock just cannot be beat.

Highlights: Cherry Bomb, Blackmail, You Drive Me Wild, Rock N Roll

7/10

Rural Free Delivery - Whiskeytown

I can never really tell if this band was a genuine attempt at country or if it was an almost satirical example of what Ryan Adams thought a country band sounded like. It is especially confusing knowing how completely disingenuous he actually is.

Highlights: Take Your Guns to Town, Captain Smith

6.5/10

A Rush of Blood to the Head - Coldplay

This is not the same band that we see now. I refuse to believe it. The collaboration with BTS was about the closest thing to this, but it still comes up short a little. There is some serious grandiose stuff going on, while still sounding minimalist. I cannot explain it. I am partial to the songs that have a bit more of a menacing edge. Some of these songs are downright so depressing that listening to them may make you burn your house down while you sit inside drinking a bottle of gin.

Highlights: The Scientist, A Rush of Blood to the Head, Warning Sign, Amsterdam

8/10

Ryan Adams - Ryan Adams

In hindsight, this album should have been the warning; I still cannot decide if this or Prisoner can be seen as his 'mid-life crisis' album, or 'jumping the shark' moment, if you will, because it was after this he basically lost the plot and embraced being even less than mediocre while screaming at the void that he is better than everyone else. But yeah... clearly his marriage was in a bad place if he is here singing songs about a girl he had a childhood crush on, and singing about needing someone to save him. And do not get me started on the lyrics for Feels Like Fire. That song is fire. Lots of driving beats with 80s strat tones directly from Bryan Adams' Reckless. Genuinely speaking (or bLogging), this album grew on me and really spoke to me A LOT in 2015. But it really is the peak of the cliff.

Highlights: Tired of Giving Up, Feels Like Fire, Let Go, Gimme Something Good, Kim

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1459

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2025 in 2025: Day 156

Ring Ring - ABBA

This is the least memorable ABBA album. Making your wife sing a song like I Am Just a Girl, with lyrics like "I am just a girl, not the kind of woman men would like to meet/Just another girl no one looks at in the street/" and then about how she is meant to love her man, is a form of abuse.

Highlights: Ring Ring, Rock'n Roll Band, He is Your Brother, Nina Pretty Ballerina

7/10

RIOT ON THE GRILL - ELLEGARDEN

This is the Summer album for all Summers. If you are looking for shelter in a Sharknado, come find me... and I will be too busy air-drumming to this album to help. Possibly the greatest album ever made that makes me smile so much I want to cry.

Highlights: 虹, Missing, モンスター, BBQ Riot Song, Marry Me, I Hate It, Red Hot

100/10

The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars - David Bowie

Absolute peak 70s Bowie. Glam art rock with poptastic hooks. My opinion that Suffragette City is his best song still stands.

Highlights: Suffragette City, Moonage Daydream, Ziggy Stardust, Rock'n Roll Suicide

8/10

The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars: 30th Anniversary Edition - David Bowie

This is the bonus disc, which features some demos and b-sides. The b-sides are as great as the demos are bad.

Highlights: Moonage Daydream (New Mix), Velvet Goldmine, John I'm Only Dancing, Round and Round

7/10

Rise Up 2.0 [Single] - Six60

I guess the 2.0 thing means it is a remix or something? I guess this is like dubstep or something? I do not know. It is kinda groovy.

7/10

River of Dreams - Billy Joel

In parts, Joel and band go pretty hard on this. There is a certain ferocity to No Man's Land that you do not often find in a Billy Joel song, and a few other tracks have some real driving feel to them. The rest of the album just feels like middle of the road radio/record label pleasing tunes.

Highlights: No Man's Land, All About Soul, The Great Wall of China, The River of Dreams

7/10

Road To Rouen - Supergrass

This is such an anomaly in the Supergrass discography; more serious rock, no fun at all to be had anywhere. Much of an artistic kind of approach, focused on good riffs. 

Highlights: Tales Of Endurance (Parts 4, 5 & 6), Road to Rouen, Kick in the Teeth, Low C

7/10

Rock 'n' Roll - John Lennon

John Lennon does a lot of cocaine and records some of his favourite rock'n roll classics to avoid getting sued. There are so much horns it almost sounds more like The Blues Brothers or something. Not a bad thing.

Highlights: Rip It Up/Ready Teddy, Stand By Me, Slippin' and Slidin', You Can't Catch Me

7/10

Rock and Roll Over - Kiss

Hells yes. Great album, RIP Ace!!!

Highlights: Take Me, I Want You, Calling Dr. Love, Makin' Love

8/10

Rock Dust Light Star - Jamiroquai

This is a bit more lowkey but straight-up electronic influenced. Wild to listen to this so soon after Return of the Space Cowboy - like a completely different band.

Highlights: All Good in the Hood, Goodbye to My Dancer, She's a Fast Persuader, Hey Floyd

6.5/10

Rock in a Hard Place - Aerosmith

Wait - so this is the album without Joe Perry or Brad Whitford and that people thought was terrible? Because I like this more than half of the albums Aerosmith did with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. 

Highlights: Jailbait, Rock in a Hard Place (Cheshire Cat), Bolivian Ragamuffin, Jig is Up

7/10

Rock N Roll - Ryan Adams

I can never decide if this album is the ultimate in his douchery or it is actually as brilliant as it sometimes feels. Because today it feels the latter.

Highlights: 1974, The Drugs Not Working, Hypnotixed, Do Miss America

8/10

Rock N Roll B-Sides - Ryan Adams

These are not nearly as punk rock as the main album. But actually more enjoyable than I remembered.

Highlights: Red Lights, I'm Coming Over, Luxury

7/10

Rock Show [Live] - Run-D.M.C. & Third Eye Blind

This is the performance on David Letterman. I am not really sure why have this, because Stephan Jenkins is not a great live singer. But it still kicks serious butt.

8/10

ROCK-STAR - Stray Kids

More boombastic crazy stuff from JYP's favourite protégés. I mean, I do not really know if they are his favourites, but they sure make him a lot of money!

Highlights: Social Path, MEGAVERSE, COMFLEX, LALALALA

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1440

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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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