Rate the last album(s) you listened to

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Billy Squier - Emotions in Motion 8.5/10

It doesn't have the standout tracks of Don't Say No, but I still really enjoyed this record. It is perhaps more consistent than its predecessors, but as it doesn't have the 3-4 killer tracks that make Don't Say No, I can't give it a higher rating. If you like 80s rock, however, you should have this and Squier's second album in your music collection.

Brigette Lesne - Ave Eva: Chansons de femmes des XIIe et XIIIe siècles 8/10

I know there are secretly at least a few of you who enjoy a bit mediaeval music; vocal work especially. Lesne has a lovely voice, and accompanies herself on harp and hurdy gurdy.

Manfredo Kraemer, Juan Manuel Quintana - Buxtehude: Sonatas, Op. 1 8/10

I have a penchant for baroque trio sonatas; shouldn't everyone?

[drave]

THERE'S A DETHALBUM IV!!!!!! OOOHHHHHHHH HELLLLLL YEEEAHHHHHHH!!!!!

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Ensemble Unicorn - Chominciamento di gioia: Virtuoso Dance Music from the Time of Boccaccio's Decamerone 8/10

Sometimes you just need to rock out to a saltarello, and you can't go wrong with this album if that is your bag.

Rush - Hold Your Fire 8.5/10

I love 80s synth Rush. Some people don't; those individuals can go fuck themselves. I didn't feel this record as much as Grace Under Pressure, and Power Windows remains the best of Rush's 80's synth output.

Tears for Fears - The Seeds of Love 6.5/10

Some say this is their best album, but for me it doesn't touch The Hurting or Songs From the Big Chair; two cathartic records that tap into something deep. The tunes are also just better on those two other albums.

I've been listening to four other albums of as late, as well, but I'm not ready to give my judgement upon them just yet.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Robert Palmer - Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley 8.7/10

10 years before he was Addicted to Love, Palmer produced this great record; a tasty mix of blue-eyed soul and funkalicious grooves. Get some, you bastards!

Marvara - High on Life 8/10

I didn't think much of this record for the first couple of 'spins,' but on the third or fourth turn I started to really dig this 'party folk' album.

Billy Squier - Here and Now 7/10

It's not a bad album, hence the score it has received, but compared to Don't Say No and Emotions in Motion, it doesn't compete. Perhaps it suffers from going up against the Robert Palmer record, which took up a lot of my listening time.

Sunrot - The Unfailing Rope 6/10

I want to like this record, but the mood-setting opening and final tracks are amateurish and naff, which drags its score down.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Andrew Parrott - Monteverdi: Vespro della beata Vergine 1610 7/10

I'm not really in a sacred music mood at the moment; I mainly bought it to broaden what baroque music I usually listen to; solid record, though. An album I'll probably come back to when I'm in that space for such music.

La Suave Melodia - Johannes Schenk: Il Giardino Armonico, 12 Trio Sonatas Op. III 7/10

I always enjoy a trio sonata, and these pieces are solid. However, compared to some of the other trio sonatas I listen to, these particular ones don't stand out above the crowd.

Maya Youssef - Syrian Dreams 7/10

A good album of Syrian/wider Levant music tradition.

Jerry Cantrell - Brighten 6/10

It's not a bad record, but I'll pick Degradation Trip over this record any day of the week.

GKN5 - Tri Hjarter På Ei Snor 8/10

Norwegian folk music. Get some!

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Johanna Juhola - A Brighter Future 8.3/10

Finnish folk accordion music, mixed with a bit of pop and tango. I enjoyed this record a lot.

Johanna Juhola - Diivan Jaljet (Shadow of a Diva) - 7/10

Because I enjoyed the above album, I bought another of Juhola's records in quick succession. It is not as strong; a little bit too cheese. I will get more of her albums, however.

Lyradanz - Un Giorno in Ballo 7/10

It's a bit folk, a bit classical (I think). I'm not quite sure how to describe this record. Solid enough. Figure out the style yourselves with the video below.


Culture Musical Club - Taarab 4 7.7/10

I need to listen to this record more, but I enjoyed it. I'll buy more taarab music albums in the future.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

I seem to have missed these two albums:

Buckingham Nicks - Buckingham Nicks 8.5/10

If you like Stevie Nicks/Lindsey Buckingham-era Fleetwood Mac, you should get this album. Recorded and released a couple of years before they joined Mac, it contains all the elements that would bring the band big-time success.

Ulrika Boden - Rätt Nu Är Det På Tiden 7.5/10

Swedish folk music. Get some, you beauties!

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Drain - Living Proof 7/10

Metally stuff.

Netania Davrath - Sings Russian, Israeli and Yiddish Folk Songs 7.7/10

It is a bit of an odd album. It is essentially three albums that have been bundled together, but there are some strange tonal shifts. I like the Russian stuff, which is somewhat dark and sober. However, we then veer into the Yiddish section of the record, and I feel like I've entered a production of Fiddler on the Roof; not a bad thing, but a bit jarring after all the Russian songs. The Israeli songs are somewhere in the middle.

Robert Palmer - Secrets 8/10

Tasty. Not as good as Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley, but still a strong record. I've bought another one of his albums, Pressure Drop.

Brighde Chaimbeul - Carry Them with Us 8/10

An album of bagpipes and saxophones. It is not what you might expect of a bagpipe album. Somewhat arty.

Johanna Juhola - Miette 8/10

Another album of Finnish accordion music. Stronger than Diivan Jaljet, but I think A Brighter Future remains her best record.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Montserrat Figueras - Lux Feminae 900-1600 9.5/10

I seldom give albums 9/10, and I can't remember if I've ever given a 10/10. However, there is something special about this record. I don't think it will find any appreciation amongst you lot, but worth a shot if you're looking for something different.

Ale Moller - Hasten och Tranan 8.5/10

I really enjoyed this album of Swedish folk music. Some of Moller's work with Frifot can be a bit too abstract for me at times, but this record is just good tunes.

Trapped Under Ice - Big Kiss Goodnight 8/10

If you like a bit of 'metalcore,' you can't go wrong with this record. Has a sense of humour about itself as well.

The Beatles - Abbey Road 8.5/10

It's late-period Beatles; do I need to say any more?

Billy Joel - The Stranger 8.5/10

I think it is on par with the other Joel album that I have, 52nd Street. If you want some 1970s pop rock, check this record out.

The Raglan Baroque Players - Locatelli: Complete Opus 1 Concerti Grossi 7.7/10

I have another album of Locatelli's opus 1 works, but it is not a complete run. I prefer those other performances, but this is still a fine record.

The Locatelli Trio - Locatelli: Complete Opus 8 Sonatas 7/10

As an album experience, it is a fine record, though nothing particularly jumps out.

Robert Palmer - Pressure Drop 6.7/10

It is not a bad album, but it does not touch Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley or Secrets.

Nucleus - Alleycat 7/10

If you are in the mood for some jazz/funk/rock fusion, this record might be for you. You dig?

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Collegium 1704 - Zelenka: 1724 7/10

Some interesting choral work from a lesser known Czech composer.

Montserrat Figueras - Tarquinio Merula: Arie e Capricci a voce sola 8.3/10

Not as good as her Lux Feminae record, but still very lovely.

Uphill Battle - Wreck of Nerves 7/10

A good grindcore album, though it veers a little too far into the death metal side of grind for me; I prefer more hardcore-oriented stuff.

Rhiannon Giddens - Freedom Highway 7.5/10

I do need to give this record more of a listen, but I enjoy it whenever I have it on.

Paloma Gutiérrez Del Arroyo and Manuel Vilas - De Ventadorn: Chantador De Joi D'Amor - Six Songs By The Troubadour 7.5/10

You know you want some troubadour music, and this is a fine place to start.

Brutal Truth - Need to Control 8/10

A grindcore album that has enough variation in it to remain interesting throughout its run time. Get some!

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Roxy Music - Avalon 9/10

This record is tasty. The first sophisti-pop album and there is not a bum track on it. It is a mellow record, which is propelled by some great bass work (and I don't usually pay much attention to the bass when listening to music).

Bryan Ferry - Boys and Girls 8.5/10

It is essentially a continuation of Avalon. The latter is stronger, but this record holds its own.

The Broadside Band - English Country Dances from Playford's Dancing Master 1651-1703 7.5/10

If you want an album of C17th English dance tunes, grab yourself a copy of this record.

Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run 8.5/10

It took me a couple of run throughs before the record clicked with me, but once it did, the album quickly became a regular on my listening rotation. It would have probably been my album of the month if it hadn't been for Avalon.

Tiamat - Wildhoney 6.5/10

I'm going to be honest: I've barely listened to this record since I bought it a month ago. Roxy Music/Bryan Ferry and McCartney have been occupying my music attention. It has some decent tracks, but on the whole, it doesn't really grab me, even though it is not a bad album.

Kathryn Tickell and the Darkening - Cloud Horizons 7.5/10

It is folky but also a bit rocky as well, though personally, I find the drumming to be rather uninspiring, which drags the rockier sections down. However, if you like Northumbrian bagpipes, and accordions, you might dig this record.

Fleetwood Mac - Mirage 7.5/10

Gypsy is the highlight of the album, but the rest of the record is also solid. It is no Rumours, however.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Alterne - Alterne 7.7/10

The debut album from the 'dream folk' trio, comprised of a Dane, a Belgian and an Estonian. I like it, but the vocals drag the score down a little.

Duran Duran - Rio 8.7/10

A top-drawer 80's pop album. There is not a duff moment. However, if I judge it against Avalon, from the previous month, it doesn't quite hit those heights.

Jesus Piece - ...So Unknown 8/10

Metal. Get some, you bastards!

Dominik Kiefer and Capriccio Barock Orchester - Sammartini: 6 Concerti Grossi Op.5 7/10

A solid set of concerti grossi, but they don't touch those of Corelli and Locatelli.

Hulbækmo & Jacobsen family orchestra - Rundsnurrknurr 8/10

A really good folk record, which takes Norwegian folk music as its base and adds various world music traditions. I'm going to see them in Oslo in September.

The Shamen - Boss Drum 7.7/10

I decided to buy this early 1990s dance music classic after having the song, Ebeneezar Goode, in my head for a couple of weeks. I'm veering into Gertner territory here, but I enjoyed it. The record has a very positive vibe to it; something that is absent from 90% of everything that is on my regular listening rotation.

Niels Erik "niller" Rasmussen, Mads Kjoller Henningsen & Clara Tesch - Rundt Segen: Bagpipe Melodies From Bornholm 8.5/10

Get some bagpipes, you bastards! I only know about this record because it involves two members from one of my favourite bands, Floating Sofa Quartet.

[OssMan]

"the doors" by the doors

didnt care for it... "one of the best albums of all time" ok. I didnt care, just felt meandering. Sure technically gifted but i dont care it was boring

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Leija Lautamaja - Sydän tuli piilosta 7/10

A low-key indie-pop/rock from the accordionist/harmoniumist of Finnish folk band, Enkel, and Nordic folk band, Floating Sofa Quartet. Not an accordion or polka insight.

Cavalera Conspiracy - Morbid Visions 7/10

Max and Igor Cavalera re-record Sepultura's debut album. They keep the spirit of the original, but improve the production.

Kalenda Maya - Kalenda Maya 7.7/10

Mediaeval and renaissance songs and dance tunes. Get some!

Knudsen & Syrjälä - Talende Strenger/Kertovat Kielet 7/10

Finnish kantele and Norwegian hardanger violin duets. Good stuff, though I need to listen to it more than I have. This album is more an autumn/winter record, than a summer record.

Joel Cohen & Camerata Mediterranea - Alfonso X El Sabio: Cantigas de Santa Maria 8/10

You can't go wrong with an album of some of the Cantigas de Santa Maria. This record, however, goes the extra mile and makes use of musicians from North Africa, alongside musicians with Spanish/European roots, and by doing so attempts to reflect Alfonso X's court.

The Zawose Queens - Maisha 8/10

Wagogo music from Tanzania, mixed with low-key electronics and other elements. A good mesh of the traditional and the contemporary. Love the polyrhythms.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Bryan Ferry - Bête Noire 8.5/10

Another great record from Bryan Ferry; he made some stellar albums in the 1980s. It shakes things up a little from Roxy's Avalon and Ferry's own Boys and Girls, but still maintains the style/feel of those records. There are times when I can hear the influence of Peter Gabriel's So album, which is not a bad thing.

Don Henley - Building the Perfect Beast 7.7/10

The classic Boys of the Summer opens up the record, but the rest of the album never reaches those heights again. It's still good, though.

Bab L' Bluz - Nayda! 7/10

Rock music mixed with Moroccan influences. Not bad. I could do with spending more time with it, but Bryan Ferry had most of my attention last month.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Nails - Every Bridge Burning 8/10

If you want to feel like you're being curb-stomped into oblivion, and then wanting to do the same to others, listen to Nail's first album in 8 years. Get some, you savages!

Gordon Lightfoot - Lightfoot! 8.5/10

The man. The Legend.

Paul and Linda McCartney - Ram 8.3/10

A bit slighter than Band on the Run, but still a very enjoyable album.

Toto - IV 7.5/10

If you need some 80s pop rock, you can't go wrong with this record.

Luther Vandross - Never Too Much 7/10

The other tracks never really reach the heights of the title track, which starts the record, and it becomes a bit samey, but still a good listen.

Archspire - Bleed the Future 7/10

If you want your death metal faaaaaaaast and technical, check this album out.

Pentangle - Cruel Sister 7/10

Folk prog from the 1970s. I could do with listening to this album more.

Guro Kvifte Nesheim and Floating Sofa Quartet - Kystnaert 8/10

I like me some Nordic folk music, and this is a tasty record.

Sumac - The Healer 7/10

Sludgy metal.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Otto Klemperer and the New Philharmonia Chorus & Orchestra - Beethoven: Missa Solemnis 8.7/10

A big, bold orchestral and choral masterpiece. You know you want some.

Anne Azema - The Unicorn: Medieval French Songs 8/10

I think it is mostly troubadour songs. Azema has a lovely voice.

Anne Azema - Le Jeu d'Amour 8.3/10

As I was enjoying her other album, and they were both cheap, I decided to get another one of Azema's records. It is another album of medieval French songs, but mainly from the north of the country, rather than the south. I prefer this record slightly more.

Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind 8.3/10

The Man. The Legend. I slightly prefer his first record.

[El Vaquero de Infierno]

Jerry Cantrell - I Want Blood 7/10

An improvement on his previous record, but still not up there with Degradation Trip.

Pykari - UFO 7.5/10

Indie rock mixed with Finnish folk music.

Paul McCartney - Tug of War 7/10

A solid record, but it is not as good as Ram or Band on the Run.

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 7.5/10

A good, varied record.

[Seanny One Ball]

Jim Croce - "You Don't Mess Around With Jim"

I've been listening to the hits for a few months now so I decided to give his albums a go. Magnificent.
I was already a big Harry Chapin fan so I'm very comfortable with folk songs sung by a great storyteller.
The parallels between Chapin and Croce are strong, right down to the unexpected death.

If there's a great story left to tell, the guy telling it had best avoid trains. Planes and automobiles have had their fill.