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 155

Remember you - Ayumi Hamasaki

Ayu getting some edge and telling her haters to Fuck Off. Quite literally. It is funny; I tend to get in my head that this album is not great, but actually it kind of is? And even if it is not, VIBEES is possibly a top ten sexy bitch track if ever I heard one. I could genuinely listen to that all day.

Highlights: VIBEES, 23rd Monster, (NOT) Remember you, Dreamed a Dream

7.5/10

Remixes 1982-1990 - The Cure

This is actually somewhat of an interesting compilation. The extended mixes are basically the same songs with unnecessarily long intros, which kind of works with Pictures of You (at least this is actually extended this time - by all of 30 seconds). But why can we not get the normal 'New Vocal' mix of Boys Don't Cry, when he is happy to give us the remix version? 

Highlights: Pictures of You (Extended Version 1990), Primary (Red Mix 1990), Close to Me (Extended Mix 1985), Boys Don't Cry (New Voice Club Mix 1986)

7/10

Renegades - Rage Against the Machine

Kind of proof of my whole 'just do one album and bounce' theory with these guys. They could have just recorded all these covers as The Renegades or something, maybe brought in Chuck D to help out? Because these dudes turning all these hip-hop songs in to heavy rock is pretty darn dope.

Highlights: Pistol Grip Pump, How I Could Just Kill a Man, Renegades of Funk, Maggie's Farm

7/10

Republica - Republica

Haha this is so dated - sounds even older than it actually is, like early 90s techno mixed with Britpop or something. So it kind of sounds like 1999 J-Pop. Holy cow that original version of Ready to Go is surprisingly terrible!

Highlights: Drop Dead Gorgeous, Ready to Go (U.S. Mix), Holly

6/10

Return Of The Bumpasaurus - Sir Mix-A-Lot

Oh man, 90s hip-hop really was rife with homophobia and transphobia. And monstrous bass.

Highlights: Aunt Thomasina, You Can Have Her, Jump On It, Funk For Da Blvd.

6/10

Return of the Champions - Queen + Paul Rodgers

I have no issue with Queen bringing in Paul Rodgers; Brian May and Roger Taylor clearly wanted to get back to performing together and these guys made a decent enough album together. It just sometimes Rodgers' voice does not quite suit the classic Queen songs. Some of them he really does! Not even Brian May's massive guitar can save Feel Like Makin' Love from sounding super country. 

Highlights: Radio Ga Ga, 39, I'm In Love With My Car, These Are the Days of Our Lives

7/10

Return of the Space Cowboy - Jamiroquai

Old school funk acid jazz. This is the kind of album that makes me wish I was a better bass player, because Stuart Zender is the man!

Highlights: Light Years, Just Another Story, Manifest Destiny, Space Cowboy

7/10

Revenge - Kiss

Hand down the best 90s album from Kiss. Featuring the best song of the 90s by any band? Rock out with your socks out!

Highlights: God Gave Rock & Roll to You, Spit, Thou Shalt Not, I Just Wanna

8/10

Revenge - Eurythmics

Imagine if these were the same songs... This album starts off absolutely massive - Missionary Man may be one of the greatest ways to start an album in 1986* - then kind of loses steam in the second half. But is still probably my favourite Eurythmics album.

Highlights: Missionary Man, When Tomorrow Comes, Thorn in My Side, The Last Time

7.5/10

*I decided to check and I may be right - I can see only 1 other challenger for that, being Let It Rock from Bon Jovi's Slippery When Wet

Revolution - Kara

Let's play random K-Pop song of the day! This time it is Mr. by Kara? It is fun; very big upbeat dance pop.

8/10

Revolver - The Beatles

Like Sgt. Pepper's, this album always has dorks saying it is the greatest album, or it is a perfect album, or other such nonsense. It is neither. Because Paul McCartney's songs on this album are mostly trash.

Highlights: Tomorrow Never Knows, And Your Bird Can Sing, I Want to Tell You, Eleanor Rigby

7/10

Revolverlution - Public Enemy

This is purely the title track. I really do not have much Public Enemy and I should probably feel too ashamed to show my face on the internet again.

8/10

Rhythm & Gangsta - Snoop Dogg

This only the single Signs with Justin Timberlake. It is probably the last good song this dude released - more than 20 years ago.

8/10

Ricky Martin - Ricky Martin

The best Ricky Martin songs are when he is just shaking those hips and making you boogie, but sadly most of this album is ballads. Which are mostly kind of meh.

Highlights: Livin' La Vida Loca, Private Emotion, Bella (She's All I Ever Had), I Count the Minutes

7/10

The Riddle - Nik Kershaw

I loved the 1966 Batman TV show as a kid. I still do - rewatched it a few years ago and had the time of my life. I recall this video had something with that version of The Riddler going on in it? I cannot recall if it scared me or just made me like the video.

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1425

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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 153

Reality - David Bowie

This was yet another 'Bowie is back to his great self!' releases in the early 00s. And this time... they were right! Except Bowie sounds like he is actually having a blast making this album. That hook in Never Get Old might be his best chorus in years.

Highlights: Pablo Picasso, Never Get Old, Reality, New Killer Star

8/10

Reanimation - Linkin Park

A remix album when they had only put out one album sure seemed ambitious... but I will be damned if it does not work. For the most part. Bringing a bunch of badass MCs to add their badass MC skills certainly helps. Less nu metal and more electro hip-hop.

Highlights: 1stp Klosr, Enth E Nd, PPr:Kut

7/10

Reasonable Doubt - Jay-Z

Jay-Z sounds so different with low budget production. Still got mad flow, but I wonder if this album was done the way he did all his others? The skits and interludes are pretty lame.

Highlights: Brooklyn's Finest, Ain't No, Bring It On, Regrets

7/10

Rebel Yell - Billy Idol

I find it almost impossible to listen to this album and not focus on the awesome work of Steve Stevens. Really, they should be credited as Billy Idol and Steve Stevens. 

Highlights: Rebel Yell, Crank Call, (Do Not) Stand in the Shadows, Blue Highway

8/10

Rebirth - SS501

It has been a while since I have had some random K-Pop. This is Love Like This and it is super dance idol boys singing to some girl. I know that, because every verse starts with "Hey girl..."

6/10

Rebloom - SeeYa

And now for some super dance girl idol K-Pop instead? This song is His Voice. 

6/10

Reckless - Bryan Adams

I may forever call Into the Fire my favourite BA album, but Reckless is just so full of hits and legendary songs, it is hard to deny its greatness. I am not sure 80s pop rock gets any more perfect than this.

Highlights: One Night Love Affair, Heaven, Run to You, It's Only Love, Summer of '69

10/10

The Reckoning - Needtobreathe

I find the lyrics on this album much less holier than thou, however musically it much less captivating. Some of it is really just super middle of the road. Still some flashes of greatness in there, though.

Highlights: Keep Your Eyes Open, Oohs and Ahhs, Drive All Night, The Reckoning

7/10

Red Carpet Massacre - Duran Duran

The reunion lasted all of an album before these dudes went back to chasing trends, hooking up with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland. Which I have zero problem with.

Highlights: Red Carpet Massacre, Falling Down, Dirty Great Monster

6.5/10

Red Star - Third Eye Blind

I love it when 3EB get all upbeat and get those big hooks going. Add in some full on anti-right commentary and critiscm and LOGMAN remembers why he liked them so much.

Highlights: Non-Dairy Creamer, Red Star

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1400

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2025 in 2025: Day 152

Rave In2 The Joy Fantastic - Prince

We doing the remix album first, because the alphabet does not care for sensibilities. Some fairly standard funkiness going on, and some straightahead pop rock as well. Teaming up with Chuck D makes for a hip-hop infused groove!

Highlights: Undisputed (The Moneyapolis Mix), Baby Knows, Prettyman, The Greatest Romance Ever Sold

7/10

Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic - Prince

On release, the word was the remix album was better. LOGMAN strongly disagrees. Quite fun that he teams up with Sheryl Crow for the best song on the album after covering one of her songs in the funkiest of ways. 

Highlights: Man 'O' War, Baby Knows, Prettyman, Everyday is a Winding Road

8/10

Raw Like Sushi - Neneh Cherry

This is, sadly, only the smash hit Buffalo Stance. Sad because I should have this album and more Neneh Cherry in general. But happy because I am short on time. Give me more of my 80s collection failures!

9/10

Ray Charles & Friends - Ray Charles

And friends? This is Ray Charles hooking up with country music "legends" to record some country music "classics" while LOGMAN asks what in the bejeebus is "this"? It is fun, is what it is. You are a dork, LOGMAN.

Highlights: Two Old Cats Like Us, Seven Spanish Angels, Who Cares

6.5/10

Ray Charles & Friends Super Hits - Ray Charles & Friends

Wait - this is the exact same album but with a slightly different title? And "& Friends" added to the artist?!? See, kids - organising and actually LISTENING to your music collection is important and saves you having to waste your time with the same album multiple times...

Highlights: Two Old Cats Like Us, Seven Spanish Angels, Who Cares

6.5/10

Ray Sings, Basie Swings - Ray Charles & The Count Basie Orchestra

Now this is the Ray Charles I would like to listen to. Big band swing and soul.

Highlights: Look What They've Done to My Song Ma, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Georgia On My Mind, Every Saturday Night

7/10

Razorlight - Razorlight

I remember this being a big change in style from their first album, so will be interesting to compare when I finally to get that album. If I ever get to that album. For more pop oriented, if my memory serves me well. I have a deeply personal memory attached to America and it will never be separated from that, but when I hear it I could possibly listen to it multiple times. That country is such a failed experiment and makes for terrible viewing...

Highlights: America, Los Angeles Waltz, In The Morning, Back to the Start

7.5/10

Read My Lips - Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Modern pop disco does not get any better than this album. 

Highlights: Take Me Home, Murder on the Dancefloor, Music Gets the Best of Me, Is It Any Wonder

9/10

Real - Belinda Carlisle

This very much sounds like a pop rock album from 1993. And some of it really suits Belinda Carlisle's voice; she was a bit raw and unpolished, so it seems a bit more natural than some of her more pop stylings. Like, she sounds like she was a young upcoming artist or something like that.

Highlights: Goodbye Day, Windows of the World, Big Scary Animal, Here Comes My Baby

7/10

Real Life - Evermore

Wow this is turning in to one of those days. Solid NZ indie rock that is actually much better than one would expect.

Highlights: Light Surrounding You, Real Life, Inside of Me, Unbreakable

7/10

The Real Thing - Faith No More

As much as I love Angel Dust, this album shows what this band could do without Dr. Pretentious involved in things, because it is just killer hard rock all through. Very dated with these big loud keyboards, but Sir James Martin of the Faith No More Spiritual & Theological Centre and his Flying V are a driving force here and mostly just gets to let rip.

Highlights: Epic, The Real Thing, War Pigs, The Morning After

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1390

2025 in 2025: Day 151

Rarities 1984-85 - The Cure

In a shocking turn of events, this consists of instrumental demos, studio demos and bootleg live recordings! At least by now Robert Smith has moved out of his parents' home and does not need to record songs on their organ, I guess?

Highlights: Stop Dead [Demo], Sinking [Live]

6/10

Rarities 1986-87 - The Cure

A lot of instrumental demos and then a few live tracks. I recall when this was released Robert Smith offered up an explanation that he had compiled two different versions and took it around to friends to get advice, eventually settling on this version. I have zero doubt in 2025 he would just release both discs instead.

Highlights: Why Can't I Be You? [Live]

5.5/10

Rarities 1988-89 - The Cure

I have the full set - the disc released with the reissue of Disintegration and then tracks released online only. Because I do not know what I am doing. This time there are not just instrumental demos, but also instrumental rehearsal tracks! Wow! And some guide tracks, before finishing off with a few live songs. One of my favourite albums of all time broken down into almost three hours of this kind of thing... Oh! This is the live version of Faith where Robert Smith goes on some bizarre rant about how to kill someone that is bigger than you and threatening you.

Highlights: Faith (Live Rome Palaeur 6/4/89– Crowd Bootleg), Prayers for Rain (Studio ‘WIP’ Mix 11/88), Disintegration (Live Dallas Starplex 9/15/89), Untitled (Live Dallas Starplex 9/15/89)

6/10

Rarities 1990-92 - The Cure

Even more instrumental demos! So many in this collection - they really could have just marketed it as a purely instrumental album. A few early demos, as well as some remixes or something. To be fair, the instrumentals are mostly songs not found elsewhere and make for great background music, and the remixes are of excellent songs. I am looking forward to another 3 hours being added to this collection later this year when they finally reissue Wild Mood Swings...

Highlights: Doing the Unstuck (Extended 12" Mix), From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea (Partscheckruf Mix), Friday I'm in Love (Strangelove Mix), A Letter to Elise (Blue Mix)

6.5/10

Rarities 1998-2003 - Ayumi Hamasaki

Part one of my personal compilation of b-sides and other things from Ayu. We get some Ayu rapping, two more versions of WHATEVER - and one of them is much more like an actual song than the album version - and the original version of Endless Sorrow is like a completely different song to what ends the I am... album. Keiko's terrible singing on A Song is Born actually makes it even more interesting? Like, I actually think I prefer this version - BECAUSE of how bizarre her vocal choices were.

Highlights: theme of a-nation '03, ever free, Endless Sorrow [Original Version], 『Ａ』

8.5/10

Rarities 2007-2015 - Ayumi Hamasaki

Part two is, in some ways, actually more impressive; it feature some epics and a few remixes/alternate versions. And a terrible song featuring Timmy and his terrible rapping. That abrubt ending on this version RED LINE ～for TA～ is... abrubt! And I could not really give you an honest answer as to which version of Tell All is the superior version. Both are very awesome.

Highlights: RED LINE ～for TA～, SEVEN DAYS WAR, Tell All, Tell All [2015 Mix], Dream On

8/10

Rarities Live Disc - Jimmy Barnes

This would appear to be from the Freight Train Heart tour - assuming it is all from one show. Barnes' voice is rough and rowdy and boy he could scream back then. So great when he hits those higher notes. That ending for Working Class Man could have gone longer if they had wanted, I would not complain.

Highlights: Working Class Man, Last Frontier, Too Much Ain't Enough Love, I'd Die to Be With You Tonight

8/10

Rarities Studio Disc - Jimmy Barnes

Mostly blues rock and a bit of that 90s rock sound. All very listenable.

Highlights: Broken Hearts

6.5/10

Rarities, B-Sides, and Other Stuff - Sarah McLachlan

What is it with these indie female singers and Gloomy Sunday? I think I prefer when McLachlan gets a bit angsty; she is great for that low-key vibe, for sure, but I am a simple fool that enjoys a bit of edge. Also, low key, we (as in, Sarah McLachlan and I) have a few songs with the same titles. Great minds think alike, or something.

Highlights: Dear God, Song for a Winter's Night, Drawn to the Rhythm [Live], Vox [Extended Remix]

6.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1380

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2025 in 2025: Day 150

Random Access Memories - Daft Punk

Lots of funky disco guitar vocoder and classic Daft Punk vibes. But also Pharrell, and I do not like Pharrell. It really is like these guys were somewhat burned out and brought in a bunch of other people to help them make a real chill out kind of album instead of their usual full on disco awesome.

Highlights: Give Life Back to Music, Lose Yourself to Dance, Contact, Doin' It Right

7/10

Rap Attack - Various Artists

This is the classic hip-hop collaboration song Self Destruction, featuring old school kings like KRS-One, Kool Moe Dee, Heavy D and Public Enemy. Good times.

8/10

Rare Masters - Elton John

Old soundtrack songs, early recordings, some Xmas songs, a couple of demos here and there, and a few live tracks - including one with John Lennon. Which is likely why I have this. When I fail to listen to everything before year's end, pointless massive collections like this will be to blame!

Highlights: I Saw Her Standing There [Live], Step Into Christmas, Lady Samantha, Bad Side of the Moon, Sick City

6/10

Rarities - Kinky

Mostly remixes of early Kinky songs. None of them are as good as the originals, obviously, but I can see the appeal. Kinky have such an electronic thing going on at times and this really leans in to that - and it sort of sets up where they were heading from here.

Highlights: Oye Como Va (Extended Mix), Five Rooms

6/10

Rarities - Spice Girls

From the brightest corners of the internet I was able to find these songs; a couple of promo tracks, a couple of demos and then some remixes. I would say there is nothing overly indispensable here... but it is the Spice Girls. I just wish it were all good quality. I take what I can get...

Highlights: My Strongest Suit, Megamix

6/10

Rarities 1977-79 - The Cure

And so it begins... Early demos, a few random singles and even more live songs that sound like they were recorded in the bathroom of a dirty pub. Some of the studio demos are actually pretty good - I would venture to say this is the best version of I'm Cold - but I am not sure I needed to hear Robert Smith recording songs on his parents' organ. Well, LOGMAN, get ready for many more hours of that!

Highlights: Boys Don't Cry, I'm Cold [Sav Studio Demo], Jumping Someone Else's Train

5.5/10

Rarities 1979-80 - The Cure

This disc is genuinely worth it for the Cult Hero collaboration. All more listenable than the previous disc, but then I never thought much of Three Imaginary Boys anyways.

Highlights: I'm a Cult Hero, I Dig You

6/10

Rarities 1980-81 - The Cure

Poorly recorded home instrumental demos, studio guide tracks, and random live songs. The live stuff is surprisingly decent. And then all topped off with a couple of rare songs.

Highlights: Charlotte Sometimes, Forever [Live Somewhere Summer 1981]

6/10

Rarities 1981-82 - The Cure

What was that? More of the instrumental demos, studio guide tracks and random live songs? At least Robert Smith was consistent in the way he compiled these. The demos all sound much less dark and twisted - just maybe a little dark and bored. Props to Smith for just developing Temptation Two into becoming Let's Go To Bed - I would have just wrote them and recorded them as two completely different songs, because they barely sound similar and I am lazy.

Highlights: All Mine [Live], Temptation Two (Aka LGTB) [RS Studio Demo], A Short Term Effect [Live]

6/10

Rarities 1982-84 - The Cure

The demos for this album are not really so far removed from the finished product, since it was basically a Robert Smith solo album anyway. Just a bit more polished and more vocals. The live songs are decent enough for audience recordings.

Highlights: The Top [Live], Forever [Live]

6/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1370

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2025 in 2025: Day 149

R-GIRL's ROCK! - SCANDAL

A super budget sounding collection of cover songs I do not know, except for one - because it happens to be covered by everyone. I need to make my own cover and merge the high-points of every cover version. Also, what is an R-GIRL?

Highlights: secret base～君がくれたもの～

6.5/10

Racing into the Night [Single] - INKYMAP

Song of the year for 2024 and this year and every year after. That bridge with the rapping and gang vocals is just perfection.

Highlights: Racing into the Night, Mayday

9/10

RADWIMPS - RADWIMPS

Low budget indie early recordings. The earliest, even! It all sounds poorly recorded and there is something about the guitars that just sound terrible. Which is a shame, because some of the songs could have been good, I think?

Highlights: 「ずっと大好きだよ」「ほんと?..., 愛し ~明くる明け~

5.5/10

RADWIMPS 2 ~発展途上~ - RADWIMPS

More of the same, except maybe the guitars sound even worse? And the drums are mixed so far back in the mix it all honestly sounds like demos. Somewhere along the way they start mixing in rap and it immediately improves the album. 祈跡 is flashes of what made 君の名は。work.

Highlights: ヒキコモリロリン, そりゃ君が好きだから, 祈跡 [Album Version], 俺色スカイ

6/10

RADWIMPS 3 ~無人島に持っていき忘れた一枚~ - RADWIMPS

Things have immediately improved! There is a still a bit of poor production that kind of hampers songs like 25コ目の染色体 and へっくしゅん, but when this album rocks, it rocks pretty hard! Getting a label deal and putting in more effort helped them develop a much more commercial and interesting sound.

Highlights: 最大公約数, 4645, セプテンバーさん, 最後の歌

7/10

RADWIMPS 4 ~ふたりごと (一生に一度のワープ)~ - RADWIMPS

Say hello to the RADWIMPS we all knew and loved! Sure, this is not the absolute peak of their best, but it is the start of that real RADWIMPS sound era. And holy moly were they great!!! And it is crazy that they still got better than this; I actually wish I could just continue with a full RADWIMPS marathon right now to prove it right (and then experience the dramatic downfall).

Highlights: いいんですか?, 有心論, ます, Me Me She

8/10

Rage Against the Machine - Rage Against the Machine

I have said it before and I will say it forever: these guys should have just released this album and bounced and it would have just been the most legendary drop ever. This album is a perfect encapsulation of their anger at everything wrong with the world and has been the anthem of the youth (and angry leftists) since. Lightning in a bottle.

Highlights: Wake Up, Bombtrack, Know Your Enemy, Township Rebellion, Freedom

9/10

Rainbow - Mariah Carey

MC leaning heavily in to the popular hip-hop vibes of *checks notes* 1999? Yeah... that tracks with the sound of this. The G-Funk era had peaked about 3 years prior, so it would make sense to try and copy that here. Missy Elliott is awesome as always.

Highlights: Heartbreaker [Remix], Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), Heartbreaker, Crybaby

6.5/10

RAINBOW - Ayumi Hamasaki

That bass line in Real me is so gawdamn ON! This whole album is full of power and emotion and powerful emotions. It is a weird mix of dark and intropective ballads, coupled with the biggest bops of the Summer - I mean, there is literally a song called July 1st. It is all rather glorious and a testament to the kind of diversity I love about Ayu. And the bass playing just kills me.

Highlights: Heartplace, Real me, July 1st, independent+

8.5/10

RAISE YOUR HANDS!! - PSYCHIC LOVER

This is a bit more poppy and upbeat, but then also features the darkest epic PSYCHIC LOVER song to finish things off. And the first song in English, which I do not need but it is still fun. I would like more PSYCHIC LOVER in the world...

Highlights: Welcome to the Real World, BIG BANG, Save My Soul, Vanguard Fight

7/10

Raised on Radio - Journey

I think this must have been the end of this lineup? Because this is definitely their weakest album; a few great songs, but all fairly mediocre harmless radio rock.

Highlights: Why Can't This Night Go On Forever, Suzanne, Be Good to Yourself, Raised on Radio

7/10

Raising Hell - Run-D.M.C.

The Kings of Rock really lived up to the moniker on this one; a lot of the songs have more energy and a bit more bite, the beats are solid and the guitars are everywhere (and out of tune on the title track). The awesome part is amongst the noise are a few VERY minimalist tracks that either feature just drums or are basically acapella, which gives space to the message the Kings are throwing out there.

Highlights: Proud to Be Black, It's Tricky, Walk This Way, You Be Illin'

8.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1360

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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 147

Pulse - Pink Floyd

In a supreme shock to all in the universe, I am not a fan of Pink Floyd. But I am fan of the song Comfortably Numb. So I have this version of the song. Bah gawd this is one of the greatest guitar solos of all time.

9/10

Pump - Aerosmith

This album rocks so hard. It was actually the first I had ever heard of Aerosmith - I did not even know they were the band in the Run DMC video! Less blues rock and more just massive 80s stadium anthem stuff. Which they took to the next level on the following album. The constant lesson of this marathon is that Bruce Fairbarn was the greatest producer and it is a shame he died to so young.

Highlights: Young Lust, F.I.N.E., The Other Side, What It Takes

9/10

Pumpin' Blood - NONONO

I have no idea what this is or where it came from, but it is fun dancey pop and I dig it!

8/10

Purple - Stone Temple Pilots

Talk about reinvention; these dudes hit it out of the park with a grunge album that kind of sounded like everyone else at the time (except maybe better), and once they had their money they were all 'Hey, we actually just want to make music that sounds like Led Zepplin if they were a bit more radio friendly, but also hanging out at art school with Lou Reed and Andy Warhol, okay?'.

Highlights: Unglued, Lounge Fly, Kitchen Ware & Candy Bars, Big Empty

8.5/10

Purple Rain - Prince & The Revolution

When I listen to this album on my own, I swap out Computer Blue for the full version, because that is how it was intended and it lifts the song to a different level. Sometimes I throw in the extended version of Let's Go Crazy for fun, as well. Anyways, this may well be the most perfect album ever made.

Highlights: Purple Rain, Darling Nikki, I Would Die 4 U, The Beautiful Ones, Let's Go Crazy

10/10

Purple Rain (Deluxe Edition) - Prince & The Revolution

Outtakes and rarities from the Purple Rain sessions. Apart from the aforementioned "Hallway Speech" version of Computer Blue, there is nothing that is essential. But there are some songs with thought-provoking titles...

Highlights: Computer Blue ("Hallway Speech" Version), Wonderful Ass

6.5/10

Purple Rain: Single Edits & B-Sides - Prince & The Revolution

In my library, only the Purple Rain album is credited to The Revolution, but they are involved in all of these, so I decided to be much fairer in writing. I am generally not in favour of single edits, but some of these extended versions are pretty great. And the b-sides are all absolute gems. 

Highlights: Let's Go Crazy (Special Dance Mix), Another Lonely Christmas, Erotic City (“Make Love Not War Erotic City Come Alive”), I Would Die 4 U (Extended Version)

7.5/10

Push the Button - The Chemical Brothers

This is one of those albums where everything is just great and I can easily just rock the whole the thing endlessly. But at the same time, there is nothing that makes me go 'Oh hell yeah I NEED TO HEAR THIS SONG'. I think this was the first Chemical Brothers album that I thought lacked that moment. There is also a sad lack of Beth Orton or Noel Gallagher or Richard Ashcroft. Coincidence?!?

Highlights: Surface to Air, Hold Tight London, Galvanise, The Big Jump

7.5/10

Push Up [Single] - Freestylers

Very heavily Prince-inspired funky disco sexy pop song? I have spent many a year with this song in my head and not actually knowing what it was, so it is nice to finally have that sorted!

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1335

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