Best Ever Albums

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 19:53:27 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 03/18/2022 23:53

1993:171/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Well, it has been a bit since I dabbled with an electronic album from this year. Especially an act as The Black Dog, a group that I have been meaning to give a listen to. And the result from this record is that this is quite great, but I feel it could be even better. I will say I really enjoy the beginning and ending of this album the most. There is a space age vibe to it that is quite warm and welcoming. Feeling like in a lounge in space. Or feels like the preamble to the Y2K aesthetic that will appear way later in the late 90's/early 2000's. And there are also songs in the middle that I do quite enjoy and are quite impressive. But in all honesty, I wished the album kept its space vibe. Or in a more important sense, the song structure was varied through the run time. Because while some of these songs are quite good, I'd be lying if I didn't say I was getting a bit bored. Olivine is probably the prime example of this assertion. But I would also, while I do enjoy the switch ups that occur on this record, I feel like those moments could have been segwayed way better in the structure of the song. Or maybe expanded upon.

Otherwise, an interesting and entertaining electronic album. Not my absolute favorite but not the worst thing I have heard from this year. For that space age vibe that is early 90's but feels classic, listen to Incunabula or Tango n Verticef.

Grade:85

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Tue, 8 Mar 2022 17:49:09 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 03/08/2022 22:49

2021: 29/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Well, not an old record but something that I have been meaning to get under my belt. Then again 2021 needs more work compared to 2020 which is closer to complete for the normal quota. But that's not the real reason for me to listen to this. Its more due to how there second album has hit a high mark for the site. So I decided to listen to the debut before getting to main event of 2022 for now. And this album was worth the hype. If there is one thing that describes this album, it would be how the music can be quite unpredictable but makes sense. There are times through the run time where I feel like I know where it is going and then the rug is lifted. And even if I ever get the hint of being disappointed, it ends up working for me. Or floors me on how striking the music can be. The prime example being the jazz breakdown during the halfway point of Sunglasses. As well as touches that goes a long way even if the listener notices. That example being the strings and horns in the separate channels on Track X.

Also do need to mention Issac Wood's vocals where there is a sense of anxiousness but is also quite playful. There are moments where I do find the delivery to be quite funny, but I argue he is aware of those quirks and there is a sense of confidence. Even if its not the most colorful, it does work as a counterpoint for the music. Otherwise, this was really enjoyable. Maybe compared to the other post rock album that came out in 2021, I would give the slight edge to black midi's Cavalcade. But this is pretty high for this year so far.

Grade:95

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Sun, 6 Mar 2022 19:46:59 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 03/07/2022 00:46

Thank you LedZep. There are other records that I do have to get to really soon for 1993. Some more metal, some electronic and other stuff in between. I mean, I was pretty far in the Built to Spill album from 93 but never finished completely. Maybe tomorrow? Maybe not.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

LedZep — Sun, 6 Mar 2022 19:21:37 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 03/07/2022 00:21

Luigii wrote:

Are we back? I think I'm ready to be back. Hopefully. So let us continue this ride.

1993:170/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

To think a metal record is how I decide to return to writing about music. And a pretty excellent one. If there was any complaint I do have with this album, it would be how the middle stretch of the album starts to sound a bit samey. But I wouldn't this album ever gets boring. In its lean 41 minute run time, this album does keep some aces up its sleeve. And when it happens it is pretty impressive. Highlights include the longest track Angel Of Disease with its dizzying closing section. The closer God of Emptiness with its two sections compliment one another. The opener Rapture with its switch up half way in, where I though the next song started up but it was the same song. That was quite nice especially when it happened on another song titled Sworn To the Black. I think that's the other song. And the biggest shocker being the track Nar Mattaru where the band dabbles in dungeon synth music. Was not expecting it but it does fit in the aesthetic of the record in a brooding sense. Overall, another album to check out if you want more of a metal fix.
Grade:90

Good to see you back Luigii, especially with a Morbid Angel classic 😁 Honestly this one's not any worse in terms of quality than Altars of Madness.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Sun, 6 Mar 2022 17:16:42 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 03/06/2022 22:16

Are we back? I think I'm ready to be back. Hopefully. So let us continue this ride.

1993:170/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Mon, 7 Feb 2022 19:42:46 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 02/08/2022 00:42

Well, it has been a while. I have been meaning to get back to the listening grind. However, anytime I think I'm ready to start this up again, it tends to get pushed back again and again. So this ends up being in a bit of a hiatus. But to put something out there I actually ended up buying new records for my vinyl collection.

For the recent picks from late November to mid January of this years I got this:
Marvin Gaye-What's Going On
George Benson-Breezin
David Bowie-Heroes
Autechre-Chiastic Slide
Bjork-Homogenic
Childish Gambino-Awaken My Love
Sturgill Simpson-Sound And Fury
Clipping-There Existed An Addiction To Blood
Sufjan Stevens-The Ascension
Autechre-Sign
Nick Cave & Warren Ellis-Carnage

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 17:29:56 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 12/29/2021 22:29

It has been a bit. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. As well as having a happy new year since this year is almost over. This year flew by really quick. Then again, every year feels like that. But I did listen to a few albums and have some thoughts.

I am a bit shocked that after I gave the first masterful hallmark that Wolfgang Voigt released a new album that's supposedly the last album in the Gas moniker. Which, made me want to revisit his 2018 album Rausch. And while I will come a bit hypocritical from the Pop write up, but this is most likely second place in the discography. To the point I'm debating to give this a 100 instead of a 95. But would stay really high up for 2018. Though with the end of the moniker, I might plan to do a worst to best ranking? It is in the cards and I could maybe spruce up the Pop write up as well. Just throwing that out there.

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Well, another record from Sasu Ripatta that I find very fascinating, meticulous and welcoming and most importantly really enjoyable. I think I have 8 albums done if I'm counting his music under his Luomo moniker and usually I find his sound design and mood to just hit a certain sweet spot. I would go into specifics, but this does spoil a bit of the two masterful hallmarks that Luomo will be getting at some point. But do give this a listen if you want something relaxing but dabbles into the glitch playbook that doesn't alienate compared to Autechre. Then again if your not used to glitch, you might not be crazy for this. Grade:95 Also shocked that I still need to listen to the second Rakka album especially how much I love the first Rakka. Another masterful hallmark on my to do list.

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Yeah, I still have the other 3 Kick records that I will need to give a listen at some point. Originally the pan was to revisit the first Kick album from 2020 and then go through the other Kick's. But this is one of those records that takes that glitch playbook like Autechre and Aphex Twin and ends up being a record that will alienate newcomers while people who are used to this will be pleased. Damn, this was honestly amazing. This is probably top 10 of 2021. And I say probably since I have a lot to unpack for 2021. And like Rausch, this is another record that feels like material for the hallmark series. That is like 5 potential write ups on the docket. So unfortunately I have to be hush hush on a lot of my thoughts for Kick 3 but it's one of those albums. Grade:95 but realistically a 100 on future revisits.

Also want to shout out that recent single from FKA Twigs with The Weeknd Tears In The Club. Dope track. That's it for now.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:58:09 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 12/15/2021 22:58

1996:32/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

So, the reason why this album and this album were quick to the docket is due to listening to certain tracks off both albums and getting addicted with these particular tunes. With The Heat Is On, that particular track was Hope You Feel Better Love. But on Mission to Please, that particular track was Let's Get Intimate. The intoxication of that track is to die for. Like the guitar solo and the key changes that occur on this track just gets me going. Taking me to a state of euphoria. And the rest of the album goes in that similar direction that ends up being quite enjoyable, quite relaxing and fits a general vibe for night time travel and walking. Maybe the grade could be a little higher or potentially a little lower. But for now, this was a surprise for a record quite later in there career.

Grade:95

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 16:38:04 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 12/15/2021 21:38

1975:10/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Yeah, this is really tight. I do want to give this a bigger write up since this on first listen, this is a 100 in my book. Maybe not the top of the crop, Sensuality while a dope track, I wished that track had a little more body compared to the two slow jams that sandwich that track. For The Love of You is an eternal summer jam and the variation on Make Me Say It Again Girl make that track blossom. Especially in the second half. And the first half of this album is also fire from front to back. My favorite being Hope You Feel Better Love. God that guitar solo and the way that gets manipulated in an e.q way is just the chefs kiss. But the first two tracks are also stellar as well. If you haven't listen to it, give it a listen. A killer force in R&B and Funk.

Grade:100

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:38:49 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 12/12/2021 23:38

1993:169/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Sorry that I haven't been frequent for listening to new music and writing about said music. When you have to work for 10 hours, that drive isn't really there. Especially coming up since I'll be working constant till Christmas Eve. But on the free time I get, I want to point out this album out. A part of me wants to hold a slot for my 1993 year end list just for this album alone. An album that feels quite different but also quite similar to what is going on in 1993. Having elements of rock and jazz to create something playful and exotic. Even if I usually wouldn't use exotic for an album coming from Russia. Usually when I think of Russia, my mind would go to something more cold. I don't get that from this album. But good on this act. I don't think it's perfect. Track 6 doesn't maintain the energy the first 5 and other tracks on the album and Track 8 ends pretty abruptly that I feel it could have gone a little further. Or in a more generalization, the album doesn't go that next level to gut punch me. But, this did impress me a lot. And hopefully it will impress you as well.

Grade:90
Maybe 51-100 range, but I need to check what I'm adding.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Wed, 8 Dec 2021 18:54:28 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 12/08/2021 23:54

Mercury wrote:

Your Pop Gas write up was great! When I was really into ambient stuff, that was one I remember blowing me away but I forgot about it and haven't revisited in years. May need to jump back in soon.

Not remotely familiar with the most recent write ups. I remember Sisqo being famous when I was a lad.

Glad you enjoyed the write up. Honestly, whenever I decide to do the Masterful Hallmarks I will take your advice and write down bullet points to get more text on stuff I'm generally passionate about. Also these write ups have been few and far between. Well, that's peak season plus working long shifts.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Mercury — Mon, 6 Dec 2021 19:34:35 GMT

Author: Mercury

Posted: 12/07/2021 00:34

Your Pop Gas write up was great! When I was really into ambient stuff, that was one I remember blowing me away but I forgot about it and haven't revisited in years. May need to jump back in soon.

Not remotely familiar with the most recent write ups. I remember Sisqo being famous when I was a lad.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Mon, 6 Dec 2021 18:49:24 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 12/06/2021 23:49

1993: 168/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

So we got another album from the 4AD label from this year. I think this is the fourth album that I have listened to from the label. And unlike the Last Splash or the Euphoria albums that I admire for there playing or dream like soundscapes, it's the album that decide to be a grab bag of ideas that ends up being more favorable to me. Now I prefer Souvlaki over this, but the self titled record runs the gambit of folky americana that you could vibe to while driving through rural landscapes in the country side to songs that have jazz nods to songs that feel weird. I had a pretty fun time with this album. But is this an album that wowed me. Except for maybe track 12, this is great from front to back but the competition for rock music is so ridiculous that as a band, you have to come swinging pretty intensely or surprise me to get far on my year end list.

Grade:85
Could be an honorable mention.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 20:20:26 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 11/28/2021 01:20

1999: 30/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

I had a bit of an itch to listen to this album due to its big hit. That big hit while being "dumb" is dumb fun that is quite endearing as well as Sisqo was able to put a performance where he is putting his all. And yet, take those qualities from the big hit and spread them within this album to get a pretty excellent album. There is a lot of moments throughout the album where I thought Timberland was underneath the production credits. But shockingly, he wasn't there at all. It would have made some form of sense since Ginuwine's second album wasn't as good as this album. But it goes to show that the producers of this album were able to make an r&b album from the late 90's that is quite nostalgic but also sounds futuristic. There's a part of me that wishes r&b delved back into these type of sounds with future releases. But that could be coming soon since 90's nostalgia has to be a gold mine for new acts. But yeah, this was really nice and I need to give this another listen.

Grade:90 could be a 95. Also a pretty big contender for 1999.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 14:03:54 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 11/20/2021 19:03

Hello. It has been a bit since my last post. Felt a bit tired, felt the output was somewhat uninspired compared to how this started. And while I didn't think I would make a post on an all time favorite album, I have an itch to talk a bit on this record.

Masterful Hallmarks #1

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Gas's Pop. The fourth album from Wolfgang Voigt is an ambient record that makes me feel a certain way that sometimes feels easy to describe but also ends up feel unnatural. A view into the afterlife. A place you can feel free without suffering from the troubles of the world. An album to dissociate to if you will. But then the question becomes, why this record throughout his entire discography? Well, while each album is very similar in certain aspects Pop to me has a certain magic to it that the other records don't share as much. Compared to the more looming and somewhat dark tones of Narkopop or Rausch or Zauberberg, Pop tends to be quite brighter and more welcoming compared to the records listed. And compared to the self titled debut or Konigforst, I noticed and I know it's not just me but Pop has this satisfying progression from beginning to end. And there are other factors I could go into like while I respect Rausch and Narko for there seamless transitions, the latter tends to repeat similar sounds that feels like songs are repeating or the former where some of the tones with that record can be a bit annoying for me. But while comparing/contrasting is fun to do, it doesn't go into the meat of the record.

On the construct of the album, Pop ends up being one of those records where if you know me by now, I tend to go for records that are quite dense and meticulous with there sound design. Or for the purpose of this album the amount of layers each song has. Like I want to be a fly in the room when Voigt made this because throughout its runtime, each song feels like there are at least 10 layers present in each track. But then again, and this just pop up in my head as I type this but I don't know if this was during the point in time where the DAW's we have today were present over 20 years ago. And if that's the case, man this album became even cooler. But on a song by song basis, each one is quite unique from one another while having a clear vision of what Voigt wanted to do.

Now, on a track by track basis the one that tends to be considered the landmark for ambient music is Pop 4. The feeling of frolicking through hills and flower patches while the church bells keep you footed in reality as well its intoxicating/repetitive refrains that I would tend to get lost in the vibe. Hell, I would end up starting to hum along to this album. Becoming a part of the landscape. Though, don't let that fool you into thinking the rest isn't as stellar as that track. Pop 1&2 are perfect startups of the record where compared to the rest of the discography these tracks are quite clear in there approach to sound play. The feeling of being in the forest while the streams of water flowing and bugs making noise while the ambient tones envelop you has this odd middleman of being quite organic and synthetic at the same time. Then you get Pop 3&5 that has that nature quality to it, feels more abstract. Maybe it has to be my age, but Pop 3 has always hit that particular itch of the PS2's start up. Falling though a digital mainframe but knowing you would be okay. While the latter of Pop 5 just feels like your traversing through space. And lastly you get the last two tracks of Pop 6&7 where it takes the more hazy, murky, and enveloping vibes of albums like Zauberberg but making it the payoff for the record. The former being a looming and ominous track while retaining a sincere magic to it. With the last two tracks it sounds like there is a harp within the mix. But the last track ends up being the general thesis to Gas. That thesis being to bringing the rave to the forest or bringing the forest to the rave.

To end this off, while I have a good bit to go before I feel content with 2000, I don't think there will be an album that could overthrow this where I would have to rethink my top 3 for 2000. Like I know what's my favorite album of 2000 is and I do want to give it the hallmark treatment. However, unless there is an ambient or house album that I haven't given the time of day, I think my top 3 is locked. But if my writing peeked anyone's interest, give this a listen. Any record that can hit a state of transcending and feel like you turned invisible, is a big plus in my book. Kompakt is a label that just gets me like that.

Grade:100

Don't expect this to be as common compared to my usual first listens. But I feel like I typed something that feels more fruitful and meaty.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 18:08:33 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 11/10/2021 23:08

1993:167/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Well, its been a bit. Haven't felt to listen to new things for a bit. But I'm back with an album that while I think is quite good, feels quite dated for 1993. Like, when this album goes into the groove and the space age soundscapes, this hits a certain high. But I wouldn't say it goes further with that particular sound. Or I am takin out of the experience of the dated 80's electro scratches on track 5 or the synths on the last track. Or how while the album transitions from track to track, the first one end abruptly and start a new song half way in. So while I do enjoy it from time to time, it isn't an absolute favorite for me.

Grade:75
Low honorable mention but wouldn't get on the year end list.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Sat, 6 Nov 2021 13:17:47 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 11/06/2021 17:17

From the game canon. But it came from 1993, so it has to be added immediately.

1993:166/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Looking at the album cover, I was a bit curious a Pash saying I'll probably like this. After finishing up the album, I understand that notion. The mix of early 90's rave/electronic music with nods to downtempo and trip hop in the mix was something I was expecting. And the main tunes of this album from front to back just hit. For people who enjoy Primal Scream's 1991 album I say give this a shot. The only thing that holds this back for me would be the spoken movie samples sprinkled through the album. And while I do get the intent of them for showing how far the culture came from the 50's to the early 90's. I just feel the execution miss that particular mark to make that impression meaningful. Still, a worthwhile album.

Grade:90

A possible year end contender

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Wed, 3 Nov 2021 16:21:21 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 11/03/2021 20:21

1993:165/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

This was pretty excellent. I don't know if this is better than the Pet Shop Boys record. But this isn't as amazing as the Depeche Mode record. Maybe during the first run of the top 100 of 1993, I felt somewhat tired when going through the first few songs of this album. Now after getting the album a full listen, I really enjoy it. While I do enjoy the groove and energy of the first half of the album, the more chilled and atmospheric back half I find pretty evocative and enveloping. Also after listening to this, I went to listen to there new single for there new album. And I really enjoy that track. So, I'm excited and with that I'll listen to there other albums before it comes out.

Grade:90

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 12:11:19 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 10/31/2021 16:11

1993:164/250

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

So this is the other record from Dip In The Pool. Last time I was gushing over there other album. Mentioned the lines of if this album was as good as that record, we would have hit a bit of a conundrum. I was thinking I could had a potential two 100's back to back. So did they get it? Nope. And I wouldn't say it was without trying. Because in a lot of ways, this shares similar qualities of the other album. Quite relaxing. Quite varied. In a lot of ways this album is pretty great. The problem that arises from this album would be, playing into the concept of the album more. That concept is on the album cover. Wished this venture through the ambient/electronic flourishes way more to venture through outer space. Something I love to imagine. Because I don't think we'll get to that in our life time. The other issue oddly enough is that this record is shorter to Sea of Serenity, but the dragging is more noticeable. Maybe, I should have listen to this first. This feels like the reverse of Faye Wong's albums.

Grade:85
A possible honorable mention for the year end, but wouldn't make the year end list.

Re: Musical Exploration Through the Years

Luigii — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 07:30:34 GMT

Author: Luigii

Posted: 10/31/2021 11:30

Taken from the listen to album below you game. Also to catalogue new album listen, but going foward, I will group this in a set of 5 records. So the diary doesn't get bogged down.

2012:22/250, the lowest amount of record from my listening habits for the 2010's.

Thumbnail. Click to enlarge.

Wait, didn't you need to listen to the New Order album. Well bay actually gave me an option to have a different album since I have been gone from this game for a little bit. And it gives me more material to post on my new diary. Shameless advertising aside, lets get on to the main attraction. I quite find this album to be excellent. A very welcoming sounding electro pop from the early 2010's that feels warm to the touch. With it's glimmering synths, optimistic attitude and vocal performances that make the listener feel the conviction. Well hopefully, if the performances hit the listeners particular sweet spot. Though the counterpoint with the album is how the lyrics can be quite sarcastic or dejected. I think those the right adjectives. But you take a track like Love Is Greed with its chorus, and it is pretty noticeable. So, why isn't this higher? I think if the production took the more ambitious song structures on tracks like Mirrored Sea, Cry Like a Ghost and Where We Belong I could see this album getting a higher grade from me. But then again, I tend to get these ambitious notions with Sufjan Stevens electronic records like The Age of Adz and The Ascension.

Grade:90