Best Ever Albums

Re: Update #1

Repo — Wed, 17 May 2017 19:15:39 GMT

Author: Repo

Posted: 05/17/2017 23:15

RadioBallet wrote:

Shutting Down the Journal

Alright, here's the thing everyone. It's time for me to go. Not forever, I will be gone for the following two years (I know, that's a long time). Before I explain why, I'd like to ask everyone to PLEASE leave religion out of this. It's not the point. I just think it would be better to leave with an explanation than disappear out of the blue. Anyway, I have chosen to serve as a missionary for my church for the following 2 years. I will be proselyting in the southern half of Chile, and I leave in early July. Again, let's leave religion out of this. So here's what's going to happen: I was planning on finishing the Soda Stereo and Radiohead series, but lately I've been feeling the need to focus on other things in preparation for my mission. Right now, it seems that I will have to leave it as it is. For those of you awaiting the last 3 albums in the Soda Stereo series, I'd recommend you listen to those releases and finish it yourself, as those last 3 are excellent records. I'm very sorry to be leaving like this. I enjoyed having this hobby, even though I knew it would only last a little while. Once I return in the Summer of 2019, I'd like to begin a brand new, greatly improved and polished journal as I rebuild my account from scratch. I'd like to thank everyone for the support this received. I had an amazing time. Here's hoping that the following two years bring some great music along with them.

Until next time,
RadioBallet

If any of you have questions, I'd be happy to answer through PM.

Good luck!!! Sounds like quite the adventure! 😁

Update #1

Anonymous — Wed, 17 May 2017 15:01:42 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/17/2017 19:01

Shutting Down the Journal

Alright, here's the thing everyone. It's time for me to go. Not forever, I will be gone for the following two years (I know, that's a long time). Before I explain why, I'd like to ask everyone to PLEASE leave religion out of this. It's not the point. I just think it would be better to leave with an explanation than disappear out of the blue. Anyway, I have chosen to serve as a missionary for my church for the following 2 years. I will be proselyting in the southern half of Chile, and I leave in early July. Again, let's leave religion out of this. So here's what's going to happen: I was planning on finishing the Soda Stereo and Radiohead series, but lately I've been feeling the need to focus on other things in preparation for my mission. Right now, it seems that I will have to leave it as it is. For those of you awaiting the last 3 albums in the Soda Stereo series, I'd recommend you listen to those releases and finish it yourself, as those last 3 are excellent records. I'm very sorry to be leaving like this. I enjoyed having this hobby, even though I knew it would only last a little while. Once I return in the Summer of 2019, I'd like to begin a brand new, greatly improved and polished journal as I rebuild my account from scratch. I'd like to thank everyone for the support this received. I had an amazing time. Here's hoping that the following two years bring some great music along with them.

Until next time,
RadioBallet

If any of you have questions, I'd be happy to answer through PM.

Re: Log #26

dihansse — Sat, 13 May 2017 13:04:44 GMT

Author: dihansse

Posted: 05/13/2017 17:04

RadioBallet wrote:

Artist Series: Radiohead (1/9)

Not gonna bother with an introduction. This is just a good excuse to listen to Radiohead more often

Radiohead - Pablo Honey (1993)

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Genre: Alternative Rock

1. You // 78
2. Creep // 94
3. How Do You? // 34
4. Stop Whispering // 66
5. Thinking About You // 82
6. Anyone Can Play Guitar // 69
7. Ripcord // 67
8. Vegetable // 65
9. Prove Yourself // 37
10. I Can't // 36
11. Lurgee // 72
12. Blow Out // 56

Album Rating: 54/100

Alright, I don't think this is a bad album. Pablo Honey seems to get a really bad rep, simply because it's the 'runt' in Radiohead's discography. I on the other hand, don't consider its very existence a sin. Even the greatest artists in the world have growing pains, and it's extremely rare to see an artist burst right into the music scene at their peak. That being said, I don't like this album either. It's very dated, and has a hard time peeking its head above any other generic 90's alternative rock/grunge release. There is one thing that does stand out here though. A lot. It is the very thing that sent Radiohead skyrocketing into the mainstream. No, not the weird artwork that no one seems to question, I'm talking about Creep. It is arguable that without Creep, despite how disliked it is by many die-hard fans and the band itself, Radiohead's story may not be the same (I will explain why once we get to The Bends). Importance aside, Creep is an amazing song for many reasons. One of my favorite things about it, is how the very textures and sounds of the instruments mirror the mood in the lyrics. Whether it was on purpose or not, the guitar in that first verse sounds as shy and insecure as the narrator's character. I also admire the supremely climactic ending, not only because it releases all of the song's built-up energy (mirroring the release of the narrator's suppressed emotion and anguish), but because it is so well done. Thom Yorke's wails, the furious guitars and the relentless drum fills make this the most tangible and emotional moment on the entire album. The only other thing that even comes near this peak is the earnest ballad, Thinking About You. Besides this, many tracks have a couple good things in them, such as the hook and guitar part in Ripcord, Yorke's awesome yell in the climax of You, or Lurgee's pensive, melancholic mood. However, for each of these positive bits there are at least two mediocre blows to the ear. Some tracks simply lack anything remarkable. Frankly, this whole album lacks anything that catches my attention, other than Creep and a few bad tracks to even it out into something I'm definitely indifferent about.

I don't completely agree: if Radiohead wouldn't have grown into, well... Radiohead, this album would still have been regarded as a staple album of the 1990's which means still very good. Creep is indeed a great track but to me there's many others like especially Ripcord but also Anyone Can Play Guitar, How Do You, Stop Whispering, Vegetable, Prove Yourself, I Can't and Blow Out.
I know I'm a guitar lover and The Bends and OK Computer are beyond competition but I would even dare to say that this is their third best album (although I'm not completely sure myself).

Log #28

Anonymous — Sat, 13 May 2017 11:43:17 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/13/2017 15:43

Artist Series: Soda Stereo (4/7)

Soda Stereo - Doble Vida [Double Life] (1988)

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Genre: Pop Rock // New Wave

1. Picnic en el 4º B // 83
2. En la Ciudad de la Furia // 97
3. Lo que Sangra (La Cúpula) // 82
4. En el Borde // 38
5. Languis // 81
6. Dia Común - Doble Vida // 76
7. Corazón Delator // 87
8. El Ritmo de tus Ojos // 82
9. Terapia de Amor Intensiva // 80

Album Rating: 78/100

If Nada Personal was an 80's nightmare, then this is an 80's wonderland. I mean, this is ridiculously 80's. Think of an 80's new wave stereotype and you will probably find it here somewhere. Still, as terribly dated as this may be, it goes to show that something outdated can still be good. This album is an absolute celebration, to the point where the festive 80's horns, synths, drums and Cerati's voice sort of add to the feel of it. It's a great time capsule album; it'll take you straight to an 80's bloc party. It's not that simple though. Much like Cuando Pase el Temblor in Nada Personal, En la Ciudad de la Furia [In the City of Fury] sticks out in the track listing as a clear masterpiece. This flight through a rainy, grayscale Buenos Aires night is a gothic, slow-burning masterclass on subdued power. A power repressed through the shady noir fantasy created by intricate guitar-work, moody drums, sturdy bass and classy vocal delivery. If you were to ask me, I'd put this among the greatest new wave songs out there. Aside from this track, this is a fun album, which would be great if it weren't for the supremely cringe-worthy En el Borde [On the Edge]. I really don't wanna talk about that track. Anyway, Soda's conventional pop days are now over. The following three albums would make them pioneers of the Latin music scene, and Spanish rock legends.

Log #27

Anonymous — Sat, 13 May 2017 10:41:51 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/13/2017 14:41

Artist Series: Radiohead (2/9)

Radiohead -The Bends (1995)

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Genre: Alternative Rock

1. Planet Telex // 83
2. The Bends // 85
3. High and Dry // 86
4. Fake Plastic Trees // 87
5. Bones // 70
6. (Nice Dream) // 87
7. Just // 87
8. My Iron Lung // 85
9. Bullet Proof..I Wish I Was // 84
10. Black Star // 86
11. Sulk // 56
12. Street Spirit (Fade Out) // 98

Album Rating: 80/100

You know where diamonds come from? Believe it or not, those beautiful things used to be a bunch of coal and soot. Diamond is actually just carbon, arranged differently. What does this have to do with Radiohead? Well, for a piece of coal to turn into diamond, it needs immense pressure and heat, the kind you experience way below the surface of the Earth, where diamonds pop up. Though this analogy may be overused, it's exactly how I would describe Radiohead's musical transition into maturity. Though their first album was quite dismissable, the success of Creep shot them so high up that the pressure to follow up became great enough to bring out their creative genius. Fittingly, this album's name brings about another analogy, as the bends, a.k.a. diving sickness, is an illness that occurs when scuba divers rise too quickly from the depths, producing all sorts of disturbing symptoms. Now, I do not rate this album as highly as many others would. I think it hasn't aged very well. Not to a severe degree, but enough for me to say that this doesn't feel fresh and exciting, though I'm sure it did back in '95. That aside, the gap in the songwriting and production quality between Pablo Honey and The Bends is absolutely ridiculous. Were it not for Thom Yorke's voice, I would believe it if I was told that the two projects were made by different artists. As soon as the echoed guitar riff in Planet Telex kicks in, you know you're in for something far beyond the basic unambitious rock of Radiohead's debut effort. Song structures and atmospheres feel far more developed, as does the songwriting, with greatly improved and matured lyricism. I'd like to talk specifically about Street Spirit, perhaps Radiohead's second masterpiece. This track has an incredibly dismal tone to it. It feels like the grim acceptance of hopelessness. It also doesn't seem to age, unlike the rest of the album, showcasing the timelessness that Radiohead would achieve in future releases. It's really the greatest thing about this album, and an indicator of both Radiohead's musical capability and of things to come.

Log #26

Anonymous — Thu, 11 May 2017 16:28:09 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/11/2017 20:28

Artist Series: Radiohead (1/9)

Not gonna bother with an introduction. This is just a good excuse to listen to Radiohead more often

Radiohead - Pablo Honey (1993)

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Re: If Numerical Ratings Are Useless Then So Is My Free Time

Repo — Wed, 10 May 2017 15:48:17 GMT

Author: Repo

Posted: 05/10/2017 19:48

Been really loving your comments on these last few albums! You're numerical ratings may indeed be useless to me ( 😜 ), but those comments are gold! 😁

Btw, I do the same thing. Once I get hooked on a band i tend to get the itch to go through their entire discog too. Right now my crushes are Real Estate & Beach House. How boring! lol.

anyways, really digging your diary!

Peace!

Log #25

Anonymous — Tue, 9 May 2017 17:17:02 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/09/2017 21:17

Artist Series: Soda Stereo (3/7)

Soda Stereo - Signos [Signs] (1986)

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Genre: New Wave // Alternative Rock

1. Sin Sobresaltos // 83
2. El Rito // 92
3. Prófugos // 89
4. No Existes // 84
5. Persiana Americana // 91
6. En Camino // 79
7. Signos // 89
8. Final Caja Negra // 88

Album Rating: 83/100

I know I logged this album before, but as part of a series this one will be the 'official' one. This will also be the case any time I relog an album in the artist series. Anyways:

It took Soda Stereo 2 releases to stop crawling and learn to walk. Or, maybe more like run. Signos is Soda's third studio album and what I consider their first landmark record in a career that came to define Spanish Rock. Though this album keeps the New Wave style of their previous record, Soda adds significant sonical depth to their sound by again focusing on details. Guitars are well-textured, the reverb on the drums is carefully managed (unlike the 80's nightmare of their previous record), the cheap synths are done away with, and a wider array of instrumentation is used, such as piano parts and even horns in the opening track. The songwriting on this album is also greatly improved, with more ambitious and unique song structure and arrangements. Consider El Rito, a long concoction of memorable riffs and melodies. Even the most straight-forward tracks have their own personal touches that add to the album, such as Persiana Americana (a mega-hit, still popular today), with its exciting, instantly recognizable drum part and jangling guitar riff. There is also some interesting folklore that contributes to this album's legacy: legend has it that Cerati wrote the lyrics of the entire record in one night during one of his paranoia attacks caused by his heavy use of drugs back in the day. To tell you the truth though, this may not be the best album to get into Soda Stereo with. This still has some 80's elements in it that may feel a little outdated to some listeners. However, a few listens are all that's needed to uncover the stellar songwriting and musical ability featured in this album. Once it clicks, you get the sense that this band has that special something, a talent hard to parallel, and that the best was yet to come.

Log #24

Anonymous — Tue, 9 May 2017 16:43:14 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/09/2017 20:43

Muse - Origin of Symmetry (2001)

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Genre: New Prog

1. New Born // 86
2. Bliss // 89
3. Space Dementia // 100
4. Hyper Music // 85
5. Plug In Baby // 83
6. Citizen Erased // 97
7. Micro Cuts // 83
8. Screenager // 78
9. Darkshines // 79
10. Feeling Good // 86
11. Megalomania // 85

Album Rating: 87/100

Say what you want about Muse, call them pretentious, annoying, or Radiohead copycats, but to me, this album is awesome. It sounds like THE FREAKING APOCALYPSE. Not just on Earth mind you, this is the sound of the whole damn universe capsizing in on itself. Yes, Space Dementia is a 100 (that's the part where everything is blown up into oblivion and devoured by a huge black hole, duh). It's as if 2001: A Space Odyssey was directed by Michael Bay. I mean, space is the main thing that comes to mind here, be it through the synths in Bliss, or the sheer otherworldly peculiarity of songs like Micro Cuts or Citizen Erased. In case you're wondering... yea, I used to be that weird 13-year old that was addicted to this band. 5 years and a ton of musical exploration after, this is the album that I return to, and the one that I will remember Muse for.

Log #23

Anonymous — Fri, 5 May 2017 16:33:24 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/05/2017 20:33

Artist Series: Soda Stereo (2/7)

Soda Stereo - Nada Personal [Nothing Personal] (1985)

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Genre: New Wave

1. Nada Personal // 76
2. Si No Fuera Por... // 38
3. Cuando Pase el Temblor // 92
4. Danza Rota // 27
5. El Cuerpo del Delito // 56
6. Juego de Seducción // 91
7. Estoy Azulado // 42
8. Observándonos (Satélites) // 48
9. Imágenes Retro // 65
10. Ecos // 60

Album Rating: 52/100

Following their lively and energetic debut, Soda Stereo abandon the ska flavor of their previous release and embrace new wave along with all its outdated tendencies. The funky opening title track immediately presents the reverb-washed guitars, cheap, colorful synths and echoing drums that will go on to make this a generic 80's release. Interestingly enough, the best track on here, Cuando Pase el Temblor [When the Tremor Passes] is much more durable and memorable because it departs from this generic sound. So much in fact that it sounds really out of place. Thanks to some interesting instrumentation (gotta love those pan flutes) and a stripped-down arrangement for a well-written song with more structure than all the others in the album, I'd recommend you give a listen to this track. Another highlight is the very 80's, but irresistible, Juego de Seducción [Game of Seduction]. The guitar work on this song is incredibly catchy, giving a fresh shot of energy to get you through the rest of the album, which is pretty unappealing. Some tracks approach the cringe range, and some are simply okay. One good thing this album has going for it is that there is some notion of a concept with it, like their first album. This topic, the lack of privacy in the modern world (hence the clever title, Nothing Personal), is not dealt with in a satirical way like it was in their debut, but instead disguised to seem like love songs. Nevertheless, these tracks are not as focused on the theme as they were on their previous album. Frankly, the three good songs here really carry a lot of weight. Luckily for the album, they do it quite well.

Alright, now that we have Soda Stereo's growing pain albums out of the way, we can get on to the good stuff.

Log #22

Anonymous — Wed, 3 May 2017 19:00:46 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/03/2017 23:00

Artist Series: Soda Stereo (1/7)

So I guess this is the first installment in the artist series, where I go through an artist's discography in chronological order. I'll probably be running a couple simultaneously since I get that some may not be interested in an artist I choose to explore. Anyway, here goes:

An Introduction to Soda Stereo:
Soda Stereo is often praised by many Spanish music fans as the Latin Beatles (or at least the closest thing we have to that). I don't necessarily agree with that statement, but I do believe that Soda Stereo have played a crucial role in the history of Spanish Rock. Without them, Latin music would not be the same. The band was formed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1982. They released their self-titled debut album in 1984 and disbanded in 1997, two years after the release of their final album. What I find to be the greatest thing about this band is their role as pioneers. It seemed that with every new album (after their first two perhaps) they pushed the boundaries of the latin rock scene by introducing styles like New Wave, Post-Punk, Goth, Grunge, and Shoegaze into the mainstream. Anyway, let's go ahead and dive into their first album.

Soda Stereo - Soda Stereo (1984)

Genre: New Wave // Ska

1. Por Qué No Puedo Ser del Jet-Set? // 76
2. Sobredosis de T.V. // 83
3. Te Hacen Falta Vitaminas // 80
4. Trátame Suavemente // 82
5. Dietético // 67
6. Tele-Ka // 64
7. Ni un Segundo // 58
8. Un Misil en Mi Placard // 86
9. El Tiempo es Dinero // 48
10. Afrodisíacos // 34
11. Mi Novia Tiene Bíceps // 68

Album Rating: 74/100

Clearly influenced by the ever-popular new-wave acts of the 1980's, Soda Stereo begin their career sounding like a slightly hyperactive mix between Duran Duran and The Police. Despite the obvious influence, Soda manages to come through with something they can call their own here. One thing that immediately sets them apart from many popular Spanish rock artists is the fact that this album centers around a theme, something which was quite uncommon in South America at the time for a band of their popularity. This theme, our consumer society, is more something to write around rather than something they try to shed light on. Gustavo Cerati, the band's frontman, proved to have a knack for songwriting and lyricism here, throwing some fun satire around. He would go on to become an idol after Soda Stereo splits thanks to a very successful solo career. He passed away in 2014 after 4 years in a coma caused by a stroke in 2010. RIP. Anyway, some may find this album slightly annoying at times, but I can't help but enjoy the energy and talented performance of the band. There is a good amount of attention paid to detail on this record, particularly in the rhythm section, with textured guitars and effects that would normally sound cheap and generic. Soda Stereo would slow down a little bit for their next album, which we'll discuss whenever I feel like it.

Log #21

Anonymous — Wed, 3 May 2017 17:58:32 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/03/2017 21:58

Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition (2016)

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Genre: Post-Hip Hop

1. Downward Spiral // 81
2. Tell Me What I Don't Know // 80
3. Rolling Stone // 85
4. Really Doe // 86
5. Lost // 79
6. Ain't It Funny // 97
7. Goldust // 82
8. White Lines // 86
9. Pneumonia // 84
10. Dance in the Water // 82
11. From the Ground // 75
12. When It Rains // 88
13. Today // 74
14. Get Hi // 83
15. Hell for It // 78

Album Rating: 85/100

This album clicked with me pretty early on after its release, considering I was deep in my own 'downward spiral' by the end of last year. Personal stuff, glad to say it's over. Yet my situation, though it helped me empathize with Danny and understand this album more thoroughly, made this somewhat difficult to listen to. Flash forward, I'm out of the pit, and I can examine this album more clearly on revisit. You may have noticed I categorized this as 'post-hip hop', which may seem unusual, but mark my words: soon this record will be one of the sub-genre's cornerstones. As to its content, the title and album cover provide proper warning. This strange, disfigured mess is heavy, dark, and yet introspective, as Brown comes to terms with the very real danger of his lifestyle, accurately referring to it as a 'downward spiral'. The things that Brown describes here made me somewhat concerned about his well being on first listen, and it's that shocking reality which surfaces on this record that adds an elusive element in music. Don't be mistaken though, as the 'atrocities' at display in this album aren't solely found in its lyrics. Consider When It Rains or Pneumonia, with anxious and soul-crushing chord progressions. Further, most rappers in 2016 wouldn't DARE take on some of the twisted, disorienting instrumentals here, which are complimented by Danny's equally insane, and bafflingly effortless flow. No track here exemplifies the lunacy of the record better than Ain't It Funny, a blaring, unforgiving madhouse of noise, drowning Danny's most revealing verses in a drug-induced haze.

Log #20

Anonymous — Tue, 2 May 2017 18:24:35 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 05/02/2017 22:24

The Smiths - The Smiths (1984) (American Release)

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Genre: Jangle Pop

1. Reel Around the Fountain // 90
2. You've Got Everything Now // 83
3. Miserable Lie // 81
4. Pretty Girls Make Graves // 82
5. The Hand That Rocks the Cradle // 83
6. This Charming Man // 87
7. Still Ill // 86
8. Hand in Glove // 86
9. What Difference Does It Make? // 88
10. I Don't Owe You Anything // 80
11. Suffer Little Children // 81

Album Rating: 80/100

It's a rainy day, and on rainy days I listen to this album. On top of its melancholic and bittersweet mood, I think this has to do with the first time I heard it. I was 14, and I was waiting for the bus to school on a wet spring morning. I had downloaded a couple albums to check out, including this one. As soon as I pressed play I felt pretty good, even in the rain and all, as if I had company to mope around with me. Personal stuff aside, this is a solid debut. Not many bands have such a defined sound on their debut record, but The Smiths had it all here: Morrissey's unmissable vocals, Johnny Marr's fantastic guitar work, the band's remarkably tight playing, and of course, that classic, witty sarcasm in the lyrics.

As a note, it's likely that I will go through an artist's work in chronological order. I really want to go through Soda Stereo's stuff to bring the latin rock legends some exposure. I may go through a few big artists first, perhaps Radiohead or, well, The Smiths, considering I did their debut already. Do not worry if you don't dig that though, as the chronological stuff should only amount for a fraction of my listening. I'll still explore all sorts of projects from all times and styles.

Log #19

Anonymous — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 13:00:15 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 04/29/2017 17:00

Elliott Smith - Either/Or (1997)

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Genre: Indie Folk

1. Speed Trials // 92
2. Alameda // 91
3. Ballad of Big Nothing // 92
4. Between the Bars // 97
5. Pictures of Me // 88
6. No Name No. 5 // 88
7. Rose Parade // 84
8. Punch and Judy // 86
9. Angeles // 87
10. Cupid's Trick // 84
11. 2:45 AM // 87
12. Say Yes // 88

Album Rating: 90/100

There's a peculiar sadness about this album. It's quiet, unspoken, lowly, and elusive, but it's there. If you've ever gone about your day and noticed a gaping emptiness in you, you know what this album feels like. Elliott Smith's tired, whisper-like voice and the equally lethargic instrumentation really picks me back up when I find myself going semi-nihilist and questioning the meaning of my menial everyday tasks. It can serve as a source of comfort, and there's often no better remedy than having the right music to listen to.

Log #18

Anonymous — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 17:56:16 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 04/28/2017 21:56

Charles Mingus - The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady (1963)

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Genre: Avant-Garde Jazz

1. Track A - Solo Dancer // 97
2. Track B - Duet Solo Dancers // 97
3. Track C - Group Dancers // 94
4. Mode D / Mode E / Mode F // 99
Note: Some track titles have been shortened for obvious reasons

Album Rating: 99/100

This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It's like Mingus created chaos and bent it to his will. It's a real mind-bender, with motifs popping up out of nowhere here and there, messing with the patterns that your brain expects and enjoys so much when listening to music, hence having a psychologist write the liner notes. I can't understand how he even wrote this whole thing, it's hard to get this whole album under wraps without multiple listens.

Log #17

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 17:22:53 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 04/27/2017 21:22

The Beatles - Rubber Soul (1965)

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Genre: Pop Rock // Folk Rock

1. Drive My Car // 86
2. Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) // 87
3. You Won't See Me // 82
4. Nowhere Man // 88
5. Think for Yourself // 78
6. The Word // 83
7. Michelle // 89
8. What Goes On // 72
9. Girl // 94
10. I'm Looking Through You // 85
11. In My Life // 95
12. Wait // 79
13. If I Needed Someone // 80
14. Run for Your Life // 79

Album Rating: 85/100

This was my favorite Beatles album when I was little. Like most of their discography it's lost a lot of the magic it had back in those days when I hero-worshiped the band. Nevertheless, I always get a good time out of this record's simple-sounding but very well written songs. In My Life and Girl are particularly stronger than many of the other tracks, providing some of the greatest lyrics to appear on a Beatles album along with beautiful compositions, both dripping with chords and musical variety. I consider Girl's sleepy, psychedelic atmosphere and the harpsichord solo from In My Life to be the musical high points of the record. I think from this point on The Beatles had really matured as artists, bringing to pass some of the most beloved and influential music out there, and this being the first in a streak of excellent albums, it holds a very special place in their discography.

Log #16

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 18:07:35 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 04/26/2017 22:07

Nick Drake - Bryter Layter (1970)

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Genre: Chamber Folk

1. Introduction // +
2. Hazey Jane II // 86
3. At the Chime of a City Clock // 88
4. One of These Things First // 84
5. Hazey Jane I // 83
6. Bryter Layter // 72
7. Fly // 85
8. Poor Boy // 78
9. Northern Sky // 89
10. Sunday // 81

Album Rating: 83/100

I've always wanted to go through Nick Drake's discography. Sure, I knew Pink Moon as well as the next guy but it seems to me that his work is regarded as somewhat essential. Sure enough I screwed that little project up almost instantaneously... I listened to this thinking it was his debut album. But hey, no biggie, I had a good time with it, perhaps it'll grow with a few more listens.

Log #15

Anonymous — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 18:28:48 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 04/19/2017 22:28

Television - Marquee Moon (1977)

Genre: Post-Punk // Art Punk

1. See No Evil // 92
2. Venus // 91
3. Friction // 89
4. Marquee Moon // 98
5. Elevation // 88
6. Guiding Light // 89
7. Prove It // 87
8. Torn Curtain // 89

Album Rating: 92/100

First two listens today. Fell in love very quickly.

Rating Updates:
Hector Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique // 92 --> 90
Kendrick Lamar - DAMN. // 81 --> 77

Log #14

Anonymous — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 21:21:47 GMT

Author: Anonymous

Posted: 04/19/2017 01:21

Carlos Vives - La Tierra del Olvido (1995)

Translation from Spanish: The Land of Forgetfulness

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Genre: Tropipop // Vallenato

1.Pa' Mayté // 89
2. Fidelina // 88
3. La Tierra del Olvido // 94
4. Zoila // 86
5. Rosa // 86
6. Agua // 87
7. La Cachucha Bacana // 84
8. Diosa Coronada // 90
9. La Puya Puyá // 68
10. Ella // 85
11. Jam en Jukümey // +

Album Rating: 87/100

Many say that Carlos Vives' music is synonymous with Colombia's northern coast. It's a place where people carry out simple lives centered around the joy of their very existence. This album is a celebration of life, and the beauty of all that surrounds us. When I listen to these songs I feel like I'm bathing in sunlight in a lush rainforest with parrots and flowers and all that pretty stuff. It may just be homesickness, but this brings a certain amount of comfort, and it puts a smile on my face. Perhaps it'll do the same for you. I'd recommend checking out the highlighted title track, it's the album in a nutshell.

Question: Should I add translations? If so should I add them in as a separate tracklist or embed them alongside the actual track names? Does it even matter? Let me know. Keep in mind that you will be seeing Spanish content often, I plan to explore more foreign music as well.

Re: If Numerical Ratings Are Useless Then So Is My Free Time

Tap — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 16:32:32 GMT

Author: Tap

Posted: 04/17/2017 20:32

ahhhh yeah that makes sense. that thing sounds cool too, will be checking it out.