Best Ever Albums

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Rhyner — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 14:34:10 GMT

Author: Rhyner

Posted: 06/09/2026 18:34

(1)

Journey In Satchidananda (1971) by Alice Coltrane
This is generally a pleasant listen. I was expecting something a bit wilder from Avant-Garde Jazz. I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised. I'm not really into jazz, but my two favorite jazz albums are both of that subgenre (The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady and Karma, fyi). In any case, this album has a chill, relaxing, otherworldly quality to it that's nice, but doesn't transport me as much as I feel like it ought to. Most likely that's a problem on my end, because plenty of other people seem to love it. The eponymous first track is the best. On the last four, the different elements don't come together as well for me as they do on track one. Particularly track four, Something About John Coltrane. But I think that might mostly be because I find jazz bass solos to be kinda impotent and wimpy and unfitting.

57/100

(2)
Do Melody A.M. by Röyksopp. It's been forever since I listened to that album, but I think I liked it alright.

(3)
My ten are split between two lists:

BEA top unrated albums
1: 286. The New Abnormal by The Strokes (2020)
2: 406. Highway To Hell by AC/DC (1979)
3: 423. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz (2021)
4: 438. Ocean Rain by Echo & The Bunnymen (1984)
5: 442. The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me by Brand New (2006)

RYM top unrated albums
1: 140. Flood by Boris (2000)
2: 153. Silent Hill 2 by 山岡晃 [Akira Yamaoka] (2001)
3: 155. Jenny Death by Death Grips (2015)
4: 159. You Will Never Know Why by Sweet Trip (2009)
5: 162. Boris at Last -Feedbacker- by Boris (2003)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

baystateoftheart — Sat, 30 May 2026 20:00:31 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 05/31/2026 00:00

1.

Bright Flight (2001) by Silver Jews

In an album fronted by David Berman, you know the main attraction is going to be the songwriting. The instrumentals are pretty straightforward, much more country and less indie rock than I expected. His barely-sung, fairly monotone vocals are nothing special. So it all comes back to the songs, and the lyrics in particular. There are some hard-hitting winners here like Room Games And Diamond Rain, I Remember Me, and Tennessee, and the tracks that don't stand out as much are still well-written depressive songs. After one listen, I feel these compositions will have room to grow as I settle into the atmosphere of Bright Flight. I won't be rushing to check out more from Silver Jews given the moroseness of the music, but I respect the craft. Starting at a high 3.5/5 or 70/100 on BEA.

~~~~~

2. Try one of my favorite jazz albums:

Journey In Satchidananda (1971) by Alice Coltrane

~~~~~

3. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

Django Django - Django Django (2012)
D - White Denim (2011)
Cross - Justice (2007)
Coles Corner - Richard Hawley (2005)
Want Two - Rufus Wainwright (2004)
The Rising - Bruce Springsteen (2002)
Rings Around The World - Super Furry Animals (2001)
Melody A.M. - Röyksopp (2001)
Le Revancha Del Tango - Gotan Project (2001)
Punishing Kiss - Ute Lemper (2000)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Rhyner — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:37:12 GMT

Author: Rhyner

Posted: 05/18/2026 20:37

(1)

Grey Area (2019) by Little Simz
Unlike many rap albums, this one's not tediously long and isn't full of insufferable skits, so that's nice. Also, it has some decent beats. But it's still a rap album, and, well...philistine that I am, I find rapping to be an inherently inferior style of vocal performance. Not to mention that it often comes hand in hand with the most unappealing subject matter. Grey Area avoids much of that as well, so good on Little Simz for that, but still includes some of the stuff I find off-putting, particularly egotistical boasting. Tooting your own horn isn't a good look, in my opinion.
So...yeah. A blessedly short rap album with no awful interludes and generally above average rap lyrics and some mildly interesting stuff going on beat-wise (especially in the first half; second half of the album seems more like standard fare to me) is still a rap album. And that's quite a hurdle to overcome in order to get my approval. Truly sorry. It is what it is.

43/100

(2)
I'm not super familiar with any of those. If I were to pick one to listen to myself it would be Bright Flight by Silver Jews, so give that a shot.

(3)
My ten are split between two lists:

BEA top unrated albums
1: 287. The New Abnormal by The Strokes (2020)
2: 403. Highway To Hell by AC/DC (1979)
3: 420. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz (2021)
4: 440. The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me by Brand New (2006)
5: 443. Ocean Rain by Echo & The Bunnymen (1984)

RYM top unrated albums
1: 140. Flood by Boris (2000)
2: 148. Journey in Satchidananda by Alice Coltrane featuring Pharoah Sanders (1971)
3: 156. Silent Hill 2 by 山岡晃 [Akira Yamaoka] (2001)
4: 157. You Will Never Know Why by Sweet Trip (2009)
5: 159. Jenny Death by Death Grips (2015)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

baystateoftheart — Sun, 10 May 2026 00:33:27 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 05/10/2026 04:33

1.

Southern Rock Opera (2001) by Drive-By Truckers

Drive-By Truckers have been on my to-do list for years, but this is my first time actually listening to an album by them. Fittingly, it's their breakout record. A concept double album about Lynyrd Skynyrd and related topics is not exactly what I was expecting. I really like both southern rock and country rock, so instrumentally, I'm on board. The vocals are solid, but the lyrics and songwriting are more hit and miss. There are some really poignant songs about death and malaise, especially the closing section about the tragic plane crash that took the lives of three Skynyrd band members. In fact, the whole second disc is damn good. But on the first disc, some songs are barely songs, and more like essays set to simple music. Tracks 2 & 6-9 have a historical and sociopolitical focus, discussing George Wallace (by way of Neil Young & Skynyrd), race, and what it means to be southern. On one hand, they have a nuanced perspective, which I can appreciate. They're clearly grappling with what it means to be white southerners and reconciling the sordid history with the love they have for the south. On the other hand, their approach still soft-pedals racism, and despite being depicted in hell, Wallace is presented far too sympathetically. But what do I know? Obviously I'm the type of Yankee a southern man don't need around anyhow. Despite this part of the album not resonating with me, I respect the ambition. And I must say, for a double album with some clunky tracks that are more about the message than the music, Southern Rock Opera does remarkably well at avoiding the issues that frequently plague the rock opera category. The numerous strong songs pull this up to a light 3.5/5, and a 65/100 on BEA.

~~~~~

2. This is my favorite of the 3 I've heard. Let's see if you find anything to like:

Grey Area (2019) by Little Simz

~~~~~

3. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

Django Django - Django Django (2012)
D - White Denim (2011)
Cross - Justice (2007)
Coles Corner - Richard Hawley (2005)
Want Two - Rufus Wainwright (2004)
The Rising - Bruce Springsteen (2002)
Rings Around The World - Super Furry Animals (2001)
Melody A.M. - Röyksopp (2001)
Le Revancha Del Tango - Gotan Project (2001)
Bright Flight - Silver Jews (2001)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Rhyner — Sun, 3 May 2026 16:42:04 GMT

Author: Rhyner

Posted: 05/03/2026 20:42

(1)

At The Mountains Of Madness (2005) by Electric Masada
Well, it's long, and while many sections are nice (albeit kinda background-music-esque and not particularly noteworthy in my opinion), I'm not a big fan of all the wild flailing bits. Impressive musicianship, sure, but does that translate into it being something that moves me in any way or makes me want to return again and again? No. There's not really anything here for me to grab onto. It's just not my thing. And it's so long...

42/100

(2)
Southern Rock Opera. Give yourself a taste of the southern thing.

(3)
My ten are split between two lists:

Here's one album from each of the first six pages (20 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on BEA. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 584. Up The Bracket by The Libertines (2002)
2: 655. Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers (1996)
3: 780. Clics Modernos by Charly García (1983)
4: 857. Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan (1973)
5: 926. 'Round About Midnight by Miles Davis (1957)
6. 957. Grey Area by Little Simz (2019)

And two albums from each of the first two pages (40 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on RYM. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 159. Jenny Death by Death Grips (2015)
2: 212. Live at Red Rocks '22 by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (2023)
3: 341. UNDERTALE by Toby "Radiation" Fox (2015)
4: 387. DELTARUNE: Chapters 3+4 by Toby Fox (2025)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

baystateoftheart — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:59:48 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 04/27/2026 03:59

1.

Savane (2006) by Ali Farka Touré

This album was completed by Ali Farka Touré weeks before he died of cancer, and its status as both his parting artistic gift to the world and his favorite record in his own discography seems to have influenced its selection for this list. As the Robert Johnson-referencing subtitle indicates, it's also one of his most blues-oriented releases. Unfortunately for me, the amount of blues in an Ali Farka Touré album is generally inversely proportional to how much I enjoy it. Not sure why, as there's plenty of blues music I love, but I just find his traditional Malian music more compelling. So Savane is not one of my favorite albums of his, but it's still quite a good record, with languid grooves carrying it steadily forward. Definitely recommended to anyone who already enjoys his work, but maybe not the best entry point. Starting at a light 3.5/5, or 65/100 on BEA.

~~~~~

2. Haven't listened yet, but this album cover has long caught my eye:

Call Of The Valley (1968) by Shivkumar Sharma / Brijbushan Kabra / Hariprasad Chaurasia

~~~~~

3. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

Django Django - Django Django (2012)
D - White Denim (2011)
Cross - Justice (2007)
Coles Corner - Richard Hawley (2005)
Want Two - Rufus Wainwright (2004)
The Rising - Bruce Springsteen (2002)
Rings Around The World - Super Furry Animals (2001)
Southern Rock Opera - Drive-By Truckers (2001)
Melody A.M. - Röyksopp (2001)
Le Revancha Del Tango - Gotan Project (2001)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

LedZep — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:36:54 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 04/24/2026 08:36

(1)

Vol. II (2026) by Angine De Poitrine
Angine de Poitrine have taken over the indie circles in the early 2026. If I wanted to be reductive, I'd just call them Battles, but 20 years later. And it's true, they sound a lot like their Warp counterparts, and you could just as easily draw a parallel to other bands like Don Cab (obviously, given Battles connections to Don Cab), Hella, toe, Black Midi, Lightning Bolt and a dozen others. But I still think they are unique and weird enough to stand on their own, not to mention that it's not a sin to take inspiration from other great bands. So, my short summary of this whole Angine de Poitrine drama: this band isn't as mind-blowing or as singular as some people suggest, but they're good regardless.

As for the album Vol II. itself... it does reminds me a lot of my experience with Battles' Mirrored. Several cool tracks (though none in the Atlas range), undeniably excellent playing, mostly very good and fun, but the general vibe and the songs themselves bore me in larger doses. This is best taken in a few tracks at a time, or just watch one of their lives which sound better and are far more engaging. Good band, glad they exist and I hope they diversify their songwriting in the future, so I can truly love their music.

(2)
At the Mountains of Madness is great

(3)
R marks relistens

Skee Mask - ISS012
Jill Scott - To Whom This May Concern
Rafael Anton Irisarri - Points of Inaccessibility
Slayyyter - Wor$t Girl in America
不失�... [Fushitsusha] (and Peter Brötzmann) - Nothing Changes No One Can Change Anything, I Am Ever-Changing Only You Can Change Yourself
Shinichi Atobe - The Butterfly Effect (R)
John Fahey - Volume 6: Days Have Gone By
Saafir - Boxcar Sessions
Teitanblood - Death
Shivkumar Sharma, Brij Bhushan Kabra & Hariprasad Chaurasia - Call of the Valley

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Rhyner — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:39:09 GMT

Author: Rhyner

Posted: 04/24/2026 03:39

(1)

After Hours (2020) by The Weeknd
This music is not made for me. Clearly. The first eight tracks seem to be trying to burn any goodwill I might have going into this (having rated to one of The Weeknd's previous albums, the supply is already very low) by simultaneously putting me to sleep and throwing in the occasional irritating element (perhaps to give me anxiety dreams?). Then, for the three track run of Blinding Lights, In Your Eyes, and Save Your Tears, he seems to be trying to turn things around and while it seems to be a valiant effort (which in a different context I might potentially enjoy to some degree), it's far too little far too late. And so he seemingly gives up and resumes being irritatingly boring for the final three tracks. For the most part, I find this to have boring production, insipid vocals, and uninspired lyrics. While there is some promising stuff here, it's buried in lots of meh, and ultimately this is a waste of my time. It's just not my style.

36/100

(2)
Angine de Poitrine has been showing up in my feeds recently. Are they worth checking out?

(3)
My ten are split between two lists:

Here's one album from each of the first six pages (20 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on BEA. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 578. Up The Bracket by The Libertines (2002)
2: 656. Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers (1996)
3: 776. Clics Modernos by Charly García (1983)
4: 858. Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan (1973)
5: 928. 'Round About Midnight by Miles Davis (1957)
6. 960. Grey Area by Little Simz (2019)

And two albums from each of the first two pages (40 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on RYM. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 160. Jenny Death by Death Grips (2015)
2: 213. Live at Red Rocks '22 by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (2023)
3: 339. UNDERTALE by Toby "Radiation" Fox (2015)
4: 371. At the Mountains of Madness by Electric Masada (2005)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

LedZep — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:49:41 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 04/20/2026 07:49

(1)

Then Play On (1969) by Fleetwood Mac
I can understand why some people consider this blues rock royalty. It's a really consistent album with a lot of slightly different variations on British blues rock style. Sometimes it's heavy, sometimes more psychedelic, it goes into the ballad territory here and there, and it's fun pretty much the whole time. That being said, while I've started warming up to most tracks (on my 3rd listen now), the majority of the time this is just some good blues rock with middle of the road songwriting. An excuse to flex Green/Kirwan dual guitars, write some good riffs and have fun. Nothing wrong with that, but I expected much more from this legendary album.

(2)
Ali Farka Touré is always worth a listen. Don't think I've ever heard Savane, I'll play it too.

(3)
R marks relistens

Skee Mask - ISS012
Jill Scott - To Whom This May Concern
Rafael Anton Irisarri - Points of Inaccessibility
Angine de Poitrine - Vol. II
不失�... [Fushitsusha] (and Peter Brötzmann) - Nothing Changes No One Can Change Anything, I Am Ever-Changing Only You Can Change Yourself
Shinichi Atobe - The Butterfly Effect (R)
John Fahey - Volume 6: Days Have Gone By
Saafir - Boxcar Sessions
Teitanblood - Death
Shivkumar Sharma, Brij Bhushan Kabra & Hariprasad Chaurasia - Call of the Valley

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

baystateoftheart — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:31:16 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 04/17/2026 03:31

1.

New Favorite (2001) by Alison Krauss & Union Station

A compelling album in many ways, with a striking album cover and many striking and well-chosen songs, juxtaposing Krauss' beautiful voice with gentle and tasteful country production that really lets it pop. Jerry Douglas' dobro and steel guitar playing is a perfect complement. The more bluegrassy songs sprinkled throughout, often fronted by Dan Tyminski, offer a change of pace that makes Krauss-helmed songs more affecting. Now for the negative, not all of the songs are winners. Some are merely quite nice, and then Bright Sunny South turns my stomach. Why would they do a straightforward cover of a traditional confederate song that says God is on the south's side? Smells like Lost Cause mythology, and sung by a guy from Vermont to boot. New Favorite is a very nice LP overall, but sadly it won't be my new favorite. Starting at a high 3.5/5 or 70/100 on BEA.

~~~~~

2. This is one of his best:

After Hours (2020) by The Weeknd

~~~~~

3. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die

Django Django - Django Django (2012)
D - White Denim (2011)
Cross - Justice (2007)
Savane - Ali Farka Touré (2006)
Coles Corner - Richard Hawley (2005)
Want Two - Rufus Wainwright (2004)
The Rising - Bruce Springsteen (2002)
Rings Around The World - Super Furry Animals (2001)
Southern Rock Opera - Drive-By Truckers (2001)
Melody A.M. - Röyksopp (2001)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Rhyner — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:33:32 GMT

Author: Rhyner

Posted: 03/21/2026 20:33

(1)

Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd (2023) by Lana Del Rey
I could just repeat my comments on Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence here, because it all applies to this one too.

I'm just not on her wavelength. I have issues with the endless repetition of unremarkable musical motifs, her weird breathy vocal affectation (as I saw someone else comment, it often sounds like she doesn't open her mouth enough when she sings), the two interludes that seem to go on forever, the samey-throughout general sad girl vibes, some of the cringe lyrics, the album's oppressive length, etc. But there are some solid melodies (e.g. "I'm gonna take mine of you with me" is fun to sing), and...what else...?...the piano's nice, I guess?... Of the Lana Del Rey albums I've heard, this is probably my favorite (lyrically and thematically I'd say it's a solid standout), but that's not saying much.

41/100

(2)
New Favorite. Perhaps it will be a new favorite.

(3)
My ten are split between two lists:

Here's one album from each of the first six pages (20 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on BEA. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 577. Up The Bracket by The Libertines (2002)
2: 654. Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers (1996)
3: 771. Clics Modernos by Charly García (1983)
4: 854. Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan (1973)
5: 924. 'Round About Midnight by Miles Davis (1957)
6: 964. After Hours by The Weeknd (2020)

And two albums from each of the first two pages (40 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on RYM. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 161. Jenny Death by Death Grips (2015)
2: 184. Pink Floyd at Pompeii - MCMLXXII by Pink Floyd (2025)
3: 343. UNDERTALE by Toby "Radiation" Fox (2015)
4: 370. At the Mountains of Madness by Electric Masada (2005)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

baystateoftheart — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:17:46 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 03/19/2026 03:17

1.

Stand By Your Man (1969) by Tammy Wynette

My first time hearing Tammy Wynette's music, and she indeed has a beautiful voice. Reminds me of Loretta Lynn at times, another great country vocalist. It may seem a little ironic for this album to represent her on this particular list, but the title track has less clear of a message than its antifeminist reputation would suggest. And in general, the other songs on the album don't support the label marketing that this was a shot at women's liberation. There are some great songs here, mostly about sadness within and without relationships. The instrumentals complement her voice so well, and I particularly love the liberal use of steel guitar. But the quality is not uniform, and the sequencing is baffling, with several very similar songs about divorce from a child's perspective all bunched together at the end. While it's not put together with care as an album, Wynette's voice and the accompaniment make it a very worthwhile listen. Starting at a 3.5/5 and 70/100 on BEA.

~~~~~

2. This is the only one of those I've heard. Wasn't a big fan, but it was pretty good and blues rock isn't one of my go-to genres.

Then Play On (1969) by Fleetwood Mac

~~~~~

3. NPR's 150 Greatest Albums Made By Women

63. Like A Virgin - Madonna
64. Spice - Spice Girls
65. Blue Light ’Til Dawn - Cassandra Wilson
68. King’s Record Shop - Rosanne Cash
71. Blacks’ Magic - Salt-N-Pepa
78. Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares - Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares
88. Ingénue - k.d. lang
90. Funny Girl - Original Broadway Cast
91. New Favorite - Alison Krauss + Union Station
92. Peace Beyond Passion - Me’shell Ndegeocello

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

LedZep — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:52:36 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 03/16/2026 12:52

(1)

Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin' (2001) by Project Pat
Damn I knew Project Pat was cool, but not like this. Dude kills it on the mic, and DJ Paul/Juicy J duo makes consistently excellent Memphis beats. For reference, I know a dozen or so Project Pat songs, and it's possible I've heard this album before as well. My roommate is a pretty big fan, though if there were a Pat war, I'd personally side with Gangsta Pat.

The instrumentals are somewhere between early trap, crunk, and classic southern rap production. I can see why Pat's flow can come across as boring or monotone to some people, but it's exactly what I'm looking for in old school Memphis stuff. Verses by Triple Six Mafia members and others feel like natural extension of Pat's lyricism and flow An hour and 13 minutes flew by. I think Gorilla Pimp with Namond Lumpkin was my fave, but there are numerous bangers here including a rework of "Break Da Law."

Quote:

Buying you Taco Bell but a pimp eating steak
Corn bread, collard greens, chit-a-lings on my plate
Always late for a date and she always trippin'
She can hate my fuckin' guts but she lovin' my pimpin'

(2)
Let's go with Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. I still haven't heard it, but the singles were pretty good.

(3)
R marks relistens

Skee Mask - ISS012
slayr - Half Blood (BloodLuxe)
Jill Scott - To Whom This May Concern
Rafael Anton Irisarri - Points of Inaccessibility
不失�... [Fushitsusha] (and Peter Brötzmann) - Nothing Changes No One Can Change Anything, I Am Ever-Changing Only You Can Change Yourself
Nicolas Jaar - Nymphs (R)
Fleetwood Mac - Then Play On
Shinichi Atobe - The Butterfly Effect (R)
John Fahey - Volume 6: Days Have Gone By
Converge - Axe to Fail

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Rhyner — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:48:57 GMT

Author: Rhyner

Posted: 03/10/2026 19:48

(1)

The Nightfly (1982) by Donald Fagen
I never got into Steely Dan much. Their music is alright, but it doesn't really excite me. They're very professional, highly competent, and so on, but there's never been much of an emotional connection for me.
This solo album by half of Steely Dan is quite similar. I'd say it has more of an eighties sound than the Steely Dan music I'm more familiar with, but otherwise they're much of a muchness, to my ears.
Except I think I do find myself connecting with this a bit more than I do with any Steely Dan album. There's a character Fagen imbues it with (it reminds me a bit of a smoother, poppier Geordie Greep...and I promise I was already thinking that before I read others saying the same thing in the RYM comments section) which I find kinda charming.
The standout tracks for me are I.G.Y., the titular The Nightfly, and The Goodbye Look. Most of the rest of the album I find to be kinda filler-ey, and not particularly engaging, although even then there are some solid moments here and there.
So overall, I guess I kinda like this album. I could see it growing on me with more familiarity.

60/100

(2)
I'm a big fan of Tammy Wynette's voice. I prefer D-I-V-O-R-C-E, but give Stand By Your Man a shot.

(3)
My ten are split between two lists:

Here's one album from each of the first six pages (20 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on BEA. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 577. Up The Bracket by The Libertines (2002)
2: 656. Everything Must Go by Manic Street Preachers (1996)
3: 767. Clics Modernos by Charly García (1983)
4: 852. Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan (1973)
5: 902. Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey (2023)
6: 953. Grey Area by Little Simz (2019)

And two albums from each of the first two pages (40 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on RYM. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 163. Jenny Death by Death Grips (2015)
2: 184. Pink Floyd at Pompeii - MCMLXXII by Pink Floyd (2025)
3: 342. UNDERTALE by Toby "Radiation" Fox (2015)
4: 370. At the Mountains of Madness by Electric Masada (2005)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

baystateoftheart — Sun, 8 Mar 2026 22:35:19 GMT

Author: baystateoftheart

Posted: 03/09/2026 02:35

1.

Diamonds & Rust (1975) by Joan Baez

Before this I had only heard her debut, and coming 15 years later, this is a very different sound that's appropriately of its time. The folk is blended with soft rock, folk rock, and country rock vibes throughout, and even jazz pop at times. Baez is a great vocalist and interpreter, but on this record, her own songs are so good that I wish there were more from her (4) than there are covers (7). The title track is an obvious highlight, while Children And All That Jazz is pleasantly evocative of Joni Mitchell's contemporaneous work, and she then shows up on Dida. The best of the covers is Simple Twist Of Fate, which briefly features an entertaining Dylan impression, but some of the others (like the closing medley) don't fit the album as well. As is, Diamonds & Rust is a very good album, but some more self-penned songs of this caliber would make it a great one. Starting at a high 3.5/5, or 70/100 on BEA.

~~~~~

2. This one's on my to-do list:

Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin' (2001) by Project Pat

~~~~~

3. NPR's 150 Greatest Albums Made By Women

63. Like A Virgin - Madonna
64. Spice - Spice Girls
65. Blue Light ’Til Dawn - Cassandra Wilson
68. King’s Record Shop - Rosanne Cash
71. Blacks’ Magic - Salt-N-Pepa
76. Stand By Your Man - Tammy Wynette
78. Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares - Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares
88. Ingénue - k.d. lang
90. Funny Girl - Original Broadway Cast
91. New Favorite - Alison Krauss + Union Station

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

LedZep — Fri, 6 Mar 2026 08:05:34 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 03/06/2026 13:05

(1)

Bytes (1993) by Black Dog Productions
I'm a huge fan of everything Warp Records related (even the movies), it's quite possibly my pick for the label I'd take to a desert island. I've heard multiple Black Dog (Productions) releases, but haven't listened to them nearly as much as the other legendary Warp artists from the 90s (Autechre, Aphex Twin, Drexciya, Squarepusher, F.U.S.E., Speedy J, Boards of Canada, other Artificial Intelligence releases...). Just recently, Ken Downie unfortunately passed away, and I realised I had to give their classics another shot.

Listening to Bytes now, I'm genuinely surprised by how much of their style has been emulated and repurposed over the years. I don't think someone like Skee Mask (or Illian Tapes in general) would be making music today were it not for Black Dog, and that's just the first example that comes to mind. A lot of modern, boundary-pushing bass/breaks music sounds owes a great deal to this style. Some of the tracks feel like a precursor to the Birmingham sound. Exit Records, with their twisted breakbeat and DnB tunes, have definitely drawn ideas from here, and even some bassier labels like Nerve Collect carry traces of Black Dog DNA. In fact, Bytes feels more directly influential to the current club music landscape than any other Warp release from that era, at least to my ears.

Bytes is a collection of 11 tracks, each released under a different alias. This kind of mechanical, techno-infused breaks/IDM has aged incredibly well and remains a joy to listen to, so this is not only a pioneering work, but a genuinely great one outside of its historical context too. That said, I don't think it reaches the same highs as my favourite Warp records. Highlight: Focus Mel by Atypic.

(2)
Glad to see other fans of Tragic Magic, I also enjoyed the maximalist version of Barwick a lot.
I recently bought Ferrum Sidereum at a Zu show, they were great live. The record itself isn't nearly as brutal or exciting as the live show, but it's still really good. Let's hear what you think about these Italians, Chief.

(3)
R marks relistens

Skee Mask - ISS012
Slut Intent - Slutworld
Jill Scott - To Whom This May Concern
eel - dead load
Rafael Anton Irisarri - Points of Inaccessibility
Project Pat - Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin' (R?)
不失�... [Fushitsusha] (and Peter Brötzmann) - Nothing Changes No One Can Change Anything, I Am Ever-Changing Only You Can Change Yourself
Fleetwood Mac - Then Play On
Shinichi Atobe - The Butterfly Effect (R)
John Fahey - Volume 6: Days Have Gone By

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Tha1ChiefRocka — Thu, 5 Mar 2026 12:48:03 GMT

Author: Tha1ChiefRocka

Posted: 03/05/2026 17:48

Tragic Magic (2026) by Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore

Exactly what I wanted it to be. Always been a big fan of Julianna Barwick's looped choral vocals and layered atmospheric synths, so adding a harpist into the mix only adds to the beautiful soundscape. There's a cover of "Rachel's Song" from Vangelis' Blade Runner soundtrack which is unexpected. The track "Stardust" is one of the more maximalist things I've heard Barwick make, and I'd kind of like to hear some more like that from her in the future. The interplay between Barwick and Lattimore is very natural and a collaboration that makes a great deal of sense. Pretty music that's not going to challenge the listener, but it won't disappoint them either.

Donald Fagen's The Nightfly is a great post-Steely Dan record.

Zu- Ferrum Sidereum
Shaking Hand- Shaking Hand
Searows- Death In The Business of Whaling
Dead Dads Club- Dead Dads Club
American Road in New Jersey- American Road In New Jersey
Poppy- Empty Hands
IDK- e.t.d.s. A mixtape by .idk.
Mandy, Indiana- URGH
Puma Blue- Croak Dream
Colin Stetson, Greg Fox, Trevor Dunn- Nethering

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Rhyner — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 21:01:35 GMT

Author: Rhyner

Posted: 03/05/2026 02:01

(1)

Moment Of Truth (1998) by Gang Starr
If I went on at any length, I'd be repeating myself (much as the beats on your typical bloated rap album--of which this is a perfect example--tend to do) from comments I've made on other hip hop albums. So I'll just say: this album is tedious.

35/100

(2)
I know next to nothing about any of those, but the one I'm most interested in at a glance is Tragic Magic.

(3)
My ten are split between two lists:

Here's one album from each of the first six pages (20 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on BEA. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 577. Up The Bracket by The Libertines (2002)
2: 708. The Nightfly by Donald Fagen (1982)
3: 768. Clics Modernos by Charly García (1983)
4: 848. Countdown To Ecstasy by Steely Dan (1973)
5: 901. Did You Know That There's A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd by Lana Del Rey (2023)
6: 960. After Hours by The Weeknd (2020)

And two albums from each of the first two pages (40 per page) of albums I've not yet rated on RYM. I've tried to choose the albums I'm least familiar with.
1: 163. Jenny Death by Death Grips (2015)
2: 183. Pink Floyd at Pompeii - MCMLXXII by Pink Floyd (2025)
3: 342. UNDERTALE by Toby "Radiation" Fox (2015)
4: 366. At the Mountains of Madness by Electric Masada (2005)

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

Tha1ChiefRocka — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:57:55 GMT

Author: Tha1ChiefRocka

Posted: 03/03/2026 16:57

My Ghosts Go Ghost (2026) by By Storm

Similar to the previous Injury Reserve album, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, I think this is going to take more than a few listens to be fully understood. The remaining members of that group, Nathaniel Ritchie and Parker Corey, continue to make challenging and enigmatic music that pushes the boundaries of hip hop music to its breaking point. I had seen that a lot of people had said that this album was rather back-loaded, and I have to agree, but it's not because the first three tracks are bad, but the last three tracks are just that good. I really wasn't in the space to focus much on the lyrics, but I can hear the words of a man/group that are still coming to terms with the grief they've experienced. Musically speaking, not one track on this album has the same feel or vibe, they each have some kind of defining characteristic whether it be the strange refrains on 'Grapefruit' or the massive swirling synths and saxophone of "Double Trio 2". My favorite track might be "In My Town" though, the last few minutes where the beat gets to shine gives me feelings of Burial, which is about as high of praise I could give something in this space. Certainly a must listen for 2026.

I love the 90s Warp releases, so I'll pick Bytes as a relisten for you.

Zu- Ferrum Sidereum
Shaking Hand- Shaking Hand
Searows- Death In The Business of Whaling
Julianna Barwick, Mary Lattimore- Tragic Magic
Dead Dads Club- Dead Dads Club
American Road in New Jersey- American Road In New Jersey
Poppy- Empty Hands
IDK- e.t.d.s. A mixtape by .idk.
Mandy, Indiana- URGH
Puma Blue- Croak Dream

Re: You must listen to the album below you: canon edition

LedZep — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 09:25:03 GMT

Author: LedZep

Posted: 03/03/2026 14:25

(1)

Tangerine Dream (1967) by Kaleidoscope (UK)
The band were also known at various times as The Sidekicks, The Key, I Luv Wight and Fairfield Parlour. It's some wonderful English psychedelic pop. Reminiscent of Revolver, Donovan and ofc Pink Floyd's earliest works, but without the legendary songs like See Emily Play, Astronomy Domine, Arnold Layne or Interstellar Overdrive. This is all universally sweet, catchy and so easy to listen to. Seriously, if this was like 2h instead of 36 minutes, it'd be just as good. Some of the lyrics are way too whimsical and laughable, but honestly it just adds to the charm. Taking acid in the 60s must've been fun. Highlights: Kaleidoscope, Dive Into Yesterday, The Sky Children.

(2)
Don't think I've ever heard the full Diamonds & Rust album, try that

(3)
R marks relistens

Skee Mask - ISS012
Slut Intent - Slutworld
Jill Scott - To Whom This May Concern
Rafael Anton Irisarri - Points of Inaccessibility
The Black Dog - Bytes (R)
Project Pat - Mista Don't Play: Everythangs Workin' (R?)
不失�... [Fushitsusha] (and Peter Brötzmann) - Nothing Changes No One Can Change Anything, I Am Ever-Changing Only You Can Change Yourself
Fleetwood Mac - Then Play On
Shinichi Atobe - The Butterfly Effect (R)
John Fahey - Volume 6: Days Have Gone By