2025 in 2025: Day 194

After a travel through the 1980s and 1990s, let us check out the 2000s...

2000 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

Performing a tribute to Mother Love Bone in Las Vegas just seems like an odd choice. Christmas for me was making some money selling this record!

Highlights: Crown of Thorns [Mother Love Bone; Live in Las Vegas 22-08-00]

6/10

2001 - Dr. Dre

Spoiler: every song where Nate Dogg hits the hook is an absolute bomb of a track. Like, you could have the rudest and most basic verses, but if you roll out Nate Dogg to sing some soulful chorus, LOGMAN is just going feel that. Also, Eminem was so much fun back then.

Highlights: Forgot About Dre (featuring Eminem), What's the Difference (featuring Eminem and Xzibit), The Next Episode (featuring Snoop Dogg), Still D.R.E. (featuring Snoop Dogg)

7/10

2001 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

They almost had something to say this Xmas; Vedder actually sounds like he is putting a bit of effort into his vocals for once, and at least has the decency to get a better singer to sing stuff he can not.

Highlights: Indifference [Live @ Bridge School 21-10-01 w/Ben Harper], Gimme Some Truth [Live @ Groundwork Benefit, Seattle 2-10-01]

6/10

2002 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

This shit is getting so lazy - it is just live recordings every year. And considering they release all their live shows for purchase, a fan club member is doubling up on something they possibly already own. At least they played a fun Xmas song for once?

Highlights: 2002 was a good year, made better by the fact I was no longer receiving the Pearl Jam fan club singles

5/10

2003 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

Again, using a different singer increases LOGMAN's interest. Temple of the Dog were always the better band!

Highlights: Reach Down [Live @ Santa Barbara Bowl 28/10/03 w/Chris Cornell]

6/10

2004 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

I feel like Eddie Vedder did not need to give comparable proof he is not as good a singer as Michael Jackson, but here we are.

Highlights: I spent Xmas 2004 watching the full The Lord of the Rings. Extended editions. Because LOGMAN does everything right, duh!

4/10

2005 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

If these 'albums' had appeared earlier in my marathon, I would have quit and thrown my phone in the river for the turtles to use to order pizza. I do not need to hear Eddie Vedder mumble his way through another Elvis song for the rest of my life.

Highlights: Elvis could sing and had a strong voice

3/10

2006 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

These guys sure put in more effort when it involves a band they genuinely like. Bono is just a pretentious twat.

Highlights: Love Reign O'er Me

6/10

2007 Christmas Single - Pearl Jam

Oh hey - they actually recorded Xmas songs! I am grateful this is the last one I have, but I must question why I had anything past 2001 in the first place - I stopped listening to this band by 2002. Just a sick compulsion to collect. I need to take some serious reflection here...

Highlights: Pearl Jam clearly want their fans to be miserable at Xmas

5/10

2009, Year of Us - SHINee

Well, after all that... that... I get hit with the silliest K-Pop song this side of Waikato River. Which is about as far from Seoul as you could imagine, but the sentiment remains... stupid? At least this song grooves.

8/10

3121 - Prince

The title refers to the number of times Prince mentions anything sexual. After the first 3 songs, I guess he lost count?

Highlights: Get on the Boat, Lolita, 3121, Love

7.5/10

7800° Fahrenheit - Bon Jovi

Standard hair metal mid-80s Bon Jovi. It rocks, but not in the most outstanding way that the next couple of albums would. At least JBJ could sing back then.

Highlights: Tokyo Road, King of the Mountain, The Price of Love, In & Out of Love

6.5/10

アーユーレディー - 緑黄色社会

Am I ready? To leave the English language behind for the rest of the marathon?? This song sums up my disappointment with 緑黄色社会; the verses are great and feel like they are building to something, but then the chorus is... something else.

6/10

アイ アイ シンドローム - Charisma.com

Big head-knocking beats, massive synths, solid rapping and dreamy vocals. These ladies really could do no wrong. Except for disbanding. That was wrong.

Highlights: AUTOMADE, NOW, OLHERO, HATE

8/10

ありふれた人生 - 加藤樹里果

I mentioned this girl before - this is the solo album I was telling you about. It is totally fine - believe me when I say I have heard MUCH worse in the last couple of days alone.

Highlights: Single Room, 感謝して生きよう。,ありふれた人生

6.5/10

アルトコロニーの定理 - RADWIMPS

Oh yes, plenty of RADWIMPS incoming! And this is where business really picks up; just the most awesome musical riffs and fantastic hooks and emotion building kind of stuff. I think this is the first album I am going to listen to once I finish things here...

Highlights: おしゃかしゃま, One Man Live, 37458, 七ノ歌

8.5/10

うれしくって抱きあうよ - YUKI

IMO this is the first album where YUKIちゃん actually sings like she can. It is the usual format, but just with so much... soul?

Highlights: プレゼント, 汽車に乗って, 同じ手, うれしくって抱きあうよ, just life! all right!

8/10

カーマイン - ELLEGARDEN

Oh what was that? A new ELLEGARDEN single? Yeah, I cheated a little to include this; they released it after I started the marathon, but there was no way I could NOT listen to a new ELLEGARDEN song. Even one that does not sound like ELLEGARDEN...

8/10

BAH GAWD this day turned around fast!

'Albums' listened to so far: 1974

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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 165

The Slim Shady LP - Eminem

When Eminem was content to just be funny. This album is definitely a lot more fun than anything else he did after. It was such a unique style and pretty game-changing. Not a huge fan of the first half, but the last half is pretty solid; lyrics focus less on the homophobia and sex crimes, and more just throwing up the middle fingers and killing people. I cannot even remember the last time I listened to this, but I still remember all the lyrics!

Highlights: Bad Meets Evil, Guilty Conscience, Just Don't Give a Fuck, Still Don't Give a Fuck

7.5/10

Slippery When Wet - Bon Jovi

Big keyboards, big guitars, big drums, big hooks. They were really on something with the writing of this album - some of the lyrics are seriously cringe, but the way everything comes together is pretty fantastic.

Highlights: Wanted Dead or Alive, Wild in the Streets, Livin' on a Prayer, Let It Rock, Never Say Goodbye

9/10

Slipway Fires - Razorlight

If you look up "Mediocre" in the dictionary, they will just have this album cover. It is all listenable but completely forgettable and lacking in any emotion.

Highlights: Monster Boots

5/10

SLITS - YUKI

There is a formula to YUKI's last few albums; some full on electronic numbers, a little bit of jazz/funk fusion, an acoustic song, and one or two songs that are just mind-blowingly amazing. Not only is こぼれてしまうよ one of the greatest songs ever, but the bass playing on it is just phenomenal.

Highlights: こぼれてしまうよ, パ・ラ・サイト, One One One, ユニヴァース

8/10

Smash - The Offspring

When LOGMAN was 14 years-old, he did not notice the message of these lyrics - he just heard some catchy songs that sounded aggressive and occasionally made jokes about killing people in road rage. Heck, I did not even get the joke of that! Thirty years later, I can appreciate how much these songs are very upfront anti-capitalist and anti-conformity. How they went from that to fucking Why Don't You Get a Job boggles my mind.

Highlights: Smash, Come Out and Play, It'll Be a Long Time, Nitro (Youth Energy)

8/10

Smashes, Thrashes & Hits - Kiss

After Kissathon II, I reduced this to simply the "new" songs. Because I did not need more weak remixes of classic Kiss songs. What remains is basically an EP of super cheesy 80s pop rock and VERY suggestive lyrics. So, a good time with Kiss...

Highlights: Let's Put the X in Sex, (You Make Me) Rock Hard

8/10

Smell the Magic - L7

I have come to the conclusion that L7 are the band Kurt Cobain wished he could have been in. Or at least the type of music he thought he was making. Especially this album. It is ferocious and has some actual hooks as well. 

Highlights: Till the Wheels Fall Off, Shove, Packin' a Rod

7.5/10

Smile... It Confuses People - Sandi Thom

Zero idea how or why I have this album. Even less idea if I have ever listened to it before now. Her singing is a bad as her idea of what punk rocker was.

Highlights: It is a relatively short album

5.5/10

Snapz the Clown - DJ Reggie

Dear gawd, no thanks. Less shitty hip-hop, more just general shit. And lots of peaked-out distortion. Someone should have taught DRA to mix.

Highlights: It is even shorter!

3/10

So - Peter Gabriel

The only song from this album I have is Big Time. And while this is a great song, I can not help but think there are many other great songs on this album and I can not understand why they are not in my collection. Other than me being an embarrassment to all mankind.

8/10

So Long, Astoria - The Ataris

I have previously mentioned these dudes' cover of The Boys of Summer is golden, but the rest of this album is very much in my Q Zone - it is kind of early emo pop punk. Like the self-titled blink-182 album, minus the heavy synths and electro stuff. 

Highlights: The Boys of Summer, I Won't Spend Another Night Alone, My Reply, Takeoffs and Landings, So Long Astoria

7.5/10

So-Called Chaos - Alanis Morissette

This album is much more positive and upbeat than her previous albums; I will blame Ryan Reynolds, who also made a cameo in the video for Everything. Her voice is very good here.

Highlights: Excuses, Everything, Eight Easy Steps

7.5/10

Solace - Sarah McLachlan

This is not bad by any stretch, but it is lacking in anything really special. It all kind of just there in the background. I blame the super spacious production.

Highlights: Wear Your Love Like Heaven, Back Door Man

6.5/10

Solitaire - Clay Aiken

I have any versions of Elvis singing this song, as well. That is probably about it.

7/10

Some Gave All - Billy Ray Cyrus

This is purely Achy Breaky Heart. I used to perform this one live and you would not believe how much people loved it. Never failed.

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1550

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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 134

Nine Lives - Aerosmith

I loved this album back in 1997, but then it fell out of favour with me, your hero, LOGMAN. Well, today I will say it is certainly better than I remember. Hole in My Soul is maybe worse than I remember? So corny - and not in the usual way I like. I guess this was the start of them writing trite ballads and thinking that was all they needed to do. But yeah, this album feels kind of like an end of an era, while also being the start of another. 

Highlights: Ain't That a Bitch, Full Circle, Fallen Angels, Attitude Adjustment

7/10

Nirvana - Nirvana

Really, just call it a best of or greatest hits and call it day, guys! And IMO you could have left the Unplugged tracks in your suitcase. 

Highlights: You Know You're Right, Heart-Shaped Box, Pennyroyal Tea

8/10

No Code - Pearl Jam

Is this some sort of 90s morning? Edgelord LOGMAN always said this was the best Pearl Jam album, back when Pearl Jam was his favourite band. I am not sure how much edge someone has to consider this band to be the best - and especially an album as bland as this. Sure, there are a couple of really stand out moments, but the rest is just... here. Eddie Vedder is at his mumbley worst for half the time. And where the hell was Mike McCready?

Highlights: In My Tree, Present Tense, Habit, Who You Are

7/10

No Jacket Required - Phil Collins

I only have two songs from this album. By this point my 80s cred is in negative balance. In my defence, these are absolutely killer songs. Certainly an album that I need to complete at some point.

Highlights: Don't Lose My Number, Take Me Home

10/10

No Name Face - Lifehouse

Just... yawn. Their best song is not even on this album.

Highlights: Hanging By a Moment

6/10

No Shadow (Paxam Singles Series, Vol. 5) - Ryan Adams

When he stole my title, I knew it was all over. For both of us. No Shadow is just classic moody DRA. It's In My Head is very R.E.M. Stoned Alone is just trash.

Highlights: No Shadow, It's In My Head

6.5/10

No Way Out - Puff Daddy & The Family

So this is just I'll Be Missing You and it sure hits differently on a day when Puff Daddy has been sentenced to prison for being a bad, bad person. 

8/10

No. 4 - Stone Temple Pilots

This is a bit heavier and kind of reminds me of Core... just not as good. Like, really not as good. It is all fine and totally listenable, but there is nothing even resembling a hook anywhere to be found.

Highlights: Down, Pruno, Sex & Violence

6.5/10

NON TiE UP [Single] - BiSH

Bah gawd, this song is one massive epic angry and lewd sonic assault. It absolutely crushes. The "b-side" is suitably odd - like some sort of jazz fuzion thing, without losing the BiSH sound.

Highlights: NON TiE-UP, SHA!!HA!!NUA!!Ah.SHI!!ITE.

9/10

Non Zero Sumness - Planet Funk

This is purely the song Who Said (Stuck in the UK). Much like The Music, it is UK indie dance rock - with more emphasis on the dance part. It is a certified banger!

9/10

Non-Album Tracks - L7

Not sure where these all came from, but they are mostly great songs and a little more polished than your usual L7 recordings. Well, some are. Some are the usual lo-fi budget recordings I expect and long for. Mostly covers made to sound like L7.

Highlights: Gas Chamber, This Ain't the Summer of Love

6/10

Non-Album Tracks - Eminem

I do not know where Stimulate came from, but kids these days will never the pain of downloading The Kids off Napster and it would say it was the 'uncensored' version, but then you would listen and of course it would still be censored!

7/10

Non-Album Tracks - Heather Nova

A whole bunch of demos and live songs - I think she gave these out free for buying one of her albums? Or just for kicks? Some are interesting. It is all very acoustic and very chill.

Highlights: Stayin' Alive [Live in Copenhagen 2001], Throwing Fire at the Sun [Live in Japan 1995]

6/10

Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret - Soft Cell

It is only Tainted Love. I still have some 80s cred? Maybe?

8/10

Nonfiction [Single] - Ayumi Hamasaki

A total dance bop. Ayu's voice is frustrating in parts, but the production is so basic that it just makes you want to strut like a sexy bitch.

8/10

Most of today was NO or NON. A lot of negativity for one day...

"Albums" listened to so far: 1190

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2025 in 2025: Day 122

The Man From Manhattan - Eddie Howell

Freddie Mercury and Brian May get far too much billing for this. Well, Mercury does. Brian May's guitar is very obvious. But the Queen influence is all over this thing. Not a bad song, but I think Freddie was a tad optimistic to be so sure it was going to be a hit. But then again, compared to everything else on this, it is a sure fire classic!

Highlights: The Man From Manhattan, The Man From Manhattan (Revisited)

6/10

Man of Colours - Icehouse

I absolutely MUST get this album in full. One of the best Australian albums of the 80s, no doubt. And I am missing songs like Nothing Too Serious and My Obsession.

Highlights: Crazy, Electric Blue

9/10

MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 - BTS

This album is pure art. The solo songs being called interludes is hilarious, but ties it all together and everything here is different levels of great. Normally, I would be critical of an album this length, but it never gets too much, because there is so much going on and it all slams. It is impossible to not enjoy the BTS pop/hip-hop/R&B stylings. They are their own genre. And all of it proves once again that RM has the stupidest but most accurate name. Bah gawd I want to just listen to this all day.

Highlights: Intro: Persona, Dionysus, ON, Moon, We are Bulletproof: The Eternal, Outro: Ego

9/10

Map The Soul - Epik High

More Korean hip-hop! Another random song in my collection - Scenario. This might not be on BTS' level, but it is sure solid!

8/10

Mariah Carey - Mariah Carey

Everything about this, from the production to the hooks to Mariah's absolutely killer vocals, just screams 1990 to me. And I am here for it! Is it her that does the rapping on Prisoner? Because that is just wild! Someone needs to ask 10 year-old LOGMAN what his problem with Mariah was, because this album is my jam.

Highlights: Vision of Love, Prisoner, Someday, Love Takes Time

8/10

The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem

This was an album I listened to non-stop back in 2000. And as much as I have grown up in the last 25 years, I can still say that some of these beats are awesome and the lyrics are mostly hilarious. The homophobia and whatnot has not aged well. Steve Berman skits, however, never get old. Oh snap, this just reminded me of when I saw Live in concert and that dude started 'singing' The Way I Am at the end of one of their cheesy songs. Xzibit used to be so darn cool. Kim is the most wonderfully disturbing song of the year 2000.

Highlights: The Way I Am, Bitch Please II, Under the Influence, Criminal

8/10

MarugotoStarterActivitiesMp3LessonReview - The Japan Foundation

Well, lots of audio from one of my earliest textbooks. Great for practicing on my walk to/from the office back in the day. Where else do you want me to put it? In the fridge?

Highlights: practice makes perfect

7/10

The Massacre - 50 Cent

Remember when 50 Cent was one of the biggest hip-hop superstars in the world? Now, he may be more famous for being on social media and throwing money at stuff. And making fun of Floyd Mayweather. He should do more of that part. This stuff works best when it is going hard, because his LL Cool J impersonation is pretty lame.

Highlights: Get In My Car, Ski Mask Way, My Toy Soldier, Hate It or Love It (Remix)

6.5/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 1070

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2025 in 2025: Day 64

Emancipation - Prince

People can feel free to disagree with me, but this album is pure Prince-styled R&B. I am not a huge fan of the production, but it is generally a very solid album and gets harder as it gets going. Elvis gets a shout out on Face Down, so that continues my new Easter tradition? It also features a whole mess of Prince swearing, which I find refreshing. From about near the end of disc 2 to the end of disc 3 is seriously good times.

Highlights: The Holy River, Saviour, Friend Lover Sister Mother/Wife, Slave, New World, The Love We Make, Emancipation

8/10

The Emancipation of Mimi - Mariah Carey

So much going at the start of this - pretty sure about 7 different songs/artists getting referenced/sampled/ripped-off. I also love that MC just drops these insane high notes in the background at the end of a song to kind of prove she's still got it. And she sure does. And then some. Talk about a real comeback album - my girl Mariah came back with some of her coolest songs?

Highlights: We Belong Together, Shake It Off, Mine Again, Your Girl

7/10

Emergency on Planet Earth - Jamiroquai

Ah the old didgeridoo and world/jazz fusion days of Jamiroquai. Stuart Zender on bass is a groovy beast. So much funk going on.

Highlights: When You Gonna Learn (Digeridoo), Too Young to Die, If I Like It I Do It, Revolution 1993

7.5/10

The Eminem Show - Eminem

Man, why is this dude so angry? He was at the peak of his popularity at this point and produced a very dark and angry album. Every skit involves a gun. As someone that watches MMA, I am pretty over people using Till I Collapse as a walkout song. 

Highlights: Till I Collapse, Business, Square Dance, Without Me, Say What You Say

6/10

Emotions - Mariah Carey

Early 90s R&B Mariah. Which is... surprisingly great, at times. Bah gawd that young woman could sing the hell out of anything. 

Highlights: Emotions, And You Don't Remember, If It's Over

6/10

Empire State of Mind [Single] - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys should always double-track her vocals.

8/10

The Empire Strikes Back - Meco

I think the official title of this is actually Meco Plays Music from the Empire Strikes Back, according to the album artwork. It could be called Meco Improves the Music from The Empire Strikes Back, because The Imperial March is way more awesome as a struttin' disco song than one could have imagined. 

Highlights: The Empire Strikes Back Medley, Battle in the Snow, The Force Theme, Asteroid Field and Finale

9/10

Empty Room/Nutshell - Ryan Adams

Yet another single from DRA, this time including a cover of one of Alice in Chains' most popular songs. Both of these are fine, but not exactly memorable.

Highlights: It is just two songs and they are fine

6/10

Encino Man: Music from the Original Motion Picture - Various Artists

We used to listen to this album a lot back in the day. Well, at least the first four songs. This version of You're Invited (But Your Friend Can't Come) is so much cooler than the Exposed version. Cheap Trick's version of Wild Thing is so off the wall that I didn't even realise it was Cheap Trick. You may be surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoy the Queen song on here, even if it is a remixed version. Then there is a funk rock version of Mama Said Knock You Out, which is fine? It's also somewhat ironic that Vince Neil and Jon Corabi would appear (separately) on the same album shortly before Corabi took his job. And I got Edgar Winter confused with Edgar Wright. What a wild ride.

Highlights: You're Invited (But You're Friend Can't Come) - Vince Neil, Stone Cold Crazy [Remix] - Queen, Frankenstein - Edgar Winter, Young and Dumb - Scream

6.5/10

ENCORE SHOW - SCANDAL

Idol-pop-punk-era SCANDAL is always fun. There may not be anything all that outstandingly amazing, but it is all very fun and upbeat, without sounding like idol silliness. That is an achievement and a very admirable quality.

Highlights: 君に嫉妬中, KOSHI-TANTAN, Midnight Television, Shining Sun

7/10

Encounters of Every Kind - Meco

This is a misleading title; it makes you think it is all about Close Encounters of the Third Kind, but it is not. Which is lucky, because I have never actually seen that movie. The first track is a medley of many different theme songs - I can pick out a few westerns, but that is about it. Then there are some original disco tracks. And some more stuff I don't know what they are. Then the theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I'm guessing... 

Highlights: Time Machine, Meco's Theme/3W.57, Theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 513

2025 in 2025: Day 53

Destroyer - Ryan Adams

Not a cover of the Kiss album. That is disappointing. What it is instead is very low-fi acoustic alt country and it is all very fine. There is some weird synth or something in Bartering Lines. And then it all ends with a song that sounds like it is absolutely not from the same sessions, because it sounds like The Cardinals making noise rock complete with way too much wah.

Highlights: Born Yesterday, Poison and Pain, Memories of You

7/10

Destroyer - Kiss

Oh, this is the album I was after! Detroit Rock City is so awesome. So is King of the Night Time World. And the rest of the album. I must be in one of those moods this morning, because this album is hitting all the right notes for me today. 

Highlights: Detroit Rock City, King of the Night Time World, God of Thunder, Shout it Out Loud, Do You Love Me

9/10

Destroyer (45th Anniversary Super Deluxe) - Kiss

I actually kind of did talk about this before, but I'm willing to do it again. Manly because I have removed all the demos and stuff that I did not want to listen to again. Maturity is realising you don't need every song in the world in your iTunes library. This acoustic remix of Beth is good until that synth kicks in - very unnecessary. And I really dig Ain't None of Your Business - darn cool song! The rest of this is just the Destroyer album in various single edits and early mixes and even instrumentals. Beats listening to demos of bad Gene songs, I guess.

Highlights: Shout it Out Loud [Single Edit], Do You Love Me? [Alternate Mix], Ain't None of Your Business

7/10

Destroyer {Resurrected} - Kiss

Am I sick of this album yet? Luckily, listening to the {Resurrected} version is like listening to it with fresh ears. I think I like this version of Sweet Pain a little more? And not just because Ace 's guitar solo has been restored. I mean, you should always choose Ace Frehley guitar solos over everything. Actually, this mix of Beth is better as well - they've mixed in a little bit more acoustic guitar to fill things out nicely. Honestly, today has transformed my opinion on this album; I've generally considered it overrated, and while it is still not my favourite Kiss album, it is still better than you. Unless you are LA Park? Or Dr. Wagner, Jr.

Highlights: Sweet Pain (2012 Remix)

10/10 once I remove Rock and Roll Party and the Ace-less version of Sweet Pain

Details - Frou Frou

Imogen Heap was totally the 'it' girl back in 2005, right? And it felt like Guy Sigsworth was everywhere doing everything with everyone. I don't think I have listened to this since 2005... It feels like I might have some sort of deluxe version, because this album totally runs out of steam after 10 tracks and just gets really self-indulgent. But those first 10 tracks are awesome. It's no Destroyer, but it is a great collection of electronic pop music.

Highlights: Breathe In, Let Go, Only Got One, Shh

7/10

Devil's Night - D12

Another album I probably have not listened to since 2003. I totally dug Eminem back in the day, and thought this album would be cool. It is a bit too rude for me - I don't dig all the gross sex talk and what not. When that isn't going on, the songs are fun. How is it he mentioned him in a million songs but Eminem can not get that it is Christophe Reeve not Reeves? I need to seek out the radio version of Purple Pills - pretty sure it was called Purple Hills and Bizarre's rap was way different. Proof was the best rapper of the crew and his voice was cool. There are a lot more homophobic slurs than I remember.

Highlights: Shit Can Happen, That's How, Purple Pills, Instigator, Obie Trice (Skit), Revelation

6.5

"Albums" listened to so far: 413

2025 in 2025: Day 35

Charisma.BEST - Charisma.com

Gawddam I have a lot to say about this album, but I'm just too busy right now. Sure, it's a compilation that is almost rendered obsolete by my Charisma.com collection, but I've had to keep it because of a few songs that are from EPs and I am still missing the album not not me, which contains some of their best songs - most particularly #hashdark. Which is just a perfect song. I could listen to that all day. And this album. In fact, there are likely days when I have.

Highlights: もや燃やして, #hashdark, やれよ。, メキメキmore, りぼん

8/10

Charmbracelet - Mariah Carey

Mariah moving further in to... not different territory? Although, this album does contain her Eminem diss track - did she win that war? Also, an appearance from Mack 10? I take it back; this album is actually more in line with the style from Mariah Carey that I appreciate - good grooves, good singing, cool rappers. It is just a bit inconsistent, overall. But that is kind of how I view most Mariah albums, I guess.

Highlights: You Got Me, Clown, You Had Your Chance, Irresistible (West Side Connection), Subtle Invitation

6/10

Charmbracelet [Bonus Disc] - Mariah Carey

This is some re-release tour edition or something. Likely from Japan? It is just four bonus songs. Busta Rhymes is not much of a singer. 

Highlights: There Goes My Heart

6/10

Check Your Head - Beastie Boys

I hate to admit this, but for many a listen to this album I could not work out how half the song titles aligned with the songs, because they mention so many of the different song titles in other songs. And there are all these little interludes and what not. Look, I was young and stupid, okay? The main point is I was listening to this album and it is awesome and Beastie Boys really were the best. MCA on Professor Booty is just 5-star delivery and attitude.

Highlights: Pass The Mic, So What'cha Want, Stand Together, In 3's

8/10

Check Your Head [Bonus Disc] Beastie Boys

This is from the 2009 reissue. A whole lot of remixes - including So What'Cha Want with Cypress Hill, so that makes me happy. Then there is also the full album commentary from the Beastie Boys themselves. Like watching a movie with commentary, except you can't watch anything. It is very interesting for a musician and Beastie Boys fan.

Highlights: The Skills to Pay the Bills, Stand Together (Live), Finger Lickin' Good (Government Cheese Remix)

7/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 287

2025 in 2025: Day 15

Bad - Michael Jackson
I still remember when the video for Bad was released and it was this major moment in pop culture - pretty sure everyone in the world gathered around their television to watch the premiere. This is one of those albums that I'm like 'oh yeah, that's a good one' and then I listen to it and I end up having the best time. This may well be Michael Jackson's most perfect album. I especially like the way in Bad that he's singing all this tough rap, then the end verse is MJ saying 'let's make the world a better place!' but in a tough way, like he's going to dance on your face if you don't do it. I am a rather large fan of Steve Stevens, so him appearing to make some lazer noises is always a highlight. 

Highlights: Bad, Speed Demon, Man in the Mirror, Smooth Criminal

9/10

Bad Girl II - One Two [Feat. Seo In Young]

One Two are a rap duo from South Korea. Seo In Young has a nice voice. And this song is a good groove.

7/10

Bad Meets Evil - Bad Meets Evil (Eminem & Royce da 5'9)

This had me confused because I forgot everything going on, but basically this is just the song Scary Movies. It is classic Eminem rapping about killing people and doing all the noises to go with it. Royce da 5'9 completely outshines him, though.

7.5/10

Bad News - Bad News

I have some 80s re-release that features a whoooole lot of skits. And they are actually hilarious. Because it's Bad News and these guys are hilarious. There's even a comment about Brian not being there, so they should drink - the Brian they are referring to is Brian May, who produced this album. And plays a bit of lead guitar here and there. His stuff is quite obvious, because he's the only person on this album that can actually play guitar well. Who would have thought "La-ger" would be a good vocal warm-up? I definitely prefer the original 'faster' version of Warriors of Ghengis Khan. I can only imagine how much Brian May must have been laughing when they recorded that guitar solo in Bohemian Rhapsody. Bah gawd this makes me want to watch The Young Ones. 

Highlights: Bohemian Rhapsody, Cashing in on Christmas

6/10

Bad Reputation - Joan Jett

Joan Jett comes storming through the wall with a leather jacket and a genuine 'outta my way' attitude. This is another case where the bonus tracks are a detriment to the album; they are fine, I guess, but just not on the level of anything on the original album, and just serve to make things longer. Otherwise, this album is pure kickass fun.

Highlights: Bad Reputation, Make Believe, Too Bad On Your Birthday

7.5/10

A Ballads - Ayumi Hamasaki

Now, iTunes do alphabetical properly by ignoring anything that starts with "A" or "The". However, that probably shouldn't apply to this album - Ayu does tend to use that "A" as genuine naming. Which would have made half of her discography start my whole marathon. So I'm very happy that didn't happen (I like having the good stuff spread out - I couldn't imagine not getting any Ayu for like 6 months). This is more of a compilation of remixes, plus two new songs. RAINBOW is magical. The alt. rock version of A Song for xx is also very cool.

Highlights: RAINBOW, HANABI, Dearest, A Song for xx "030213 Session #2"
8/10

Bananarama - The Very Best Of Bananarama - Bananarama

Well, that album title is stupid and needs to be changed. But for now, I guess this is what I get! And what I get is a collection of fun UK pop songs from the 80s. So I'm going to accept this gift very happily. Although I'm pretty sure I could cut this album down to ten tracks and it still be plenty more than "essential". 

Highlights: Venus, Love in the First Degree, I Want You Back, Only Your Love

6/10

Band of Dynamic Duo - Dynamic Duo

I ended up with a bunch of songs by Dynamic Duo, somehow. And I have a sneaking suspicion that they may not all be labelled correctly; I mean, these songs, for one, have song names like "ºÒ¸éÁõ". Now, I'm not expert in Korean linguistics, but that doesn't seem correct. Thank Prime for Shazam so I can sort these out...

Highlights: Guilty (my copy of this at least has the English title in brackets, so am at least a little more confident in the labelling on that one)
7/10

Bangerz - Miley Cyrus

This album is peak Gen Z or Millenial or whatever that generation is that were born in the 90s. The people that were like 15-22 when this album came out. Because Miley was everywhere then. Sticking her tongue out and twerking her non-existent butt. I was in my 30s and have the personality of a grumpy old man, so I just found her annoying. It all kinda distracted from her singing... which is dumb, because she is effortlessly awesome at singing. Twelve years on, I can remove all that and just reflect on the music. And this album is pretty darn good. Sure, there are a few duds, but most pop albums have those. Otherwise, the album is pretty much what it claims to be: Bangerz. Writing a song in TXT speak is about as peak whatevergeneration as it gets.

Highlights: Adore You, Wrecking Ball, FU, On My Own

7.5/10

Barbra Streisand [Single] - Duck Sauce

Get down with your funky self! Or even Barbra Streisand. This song definitely wins awards for being so random. I need to get to that auto-biography soon...

8/10

"Albums" listened to so far: 124