Jun 22, 2025 at 11:14 AM

I could never ban Eminem himself from this thread

 

Jun 22, 2025 at 11:15 AM

Jokes aside, I actually like when other people post in this thread. Some discussions like the Encore one can be pretty fun honestly

 

Jun 22, 2025 at 7:26 PM

303. Swans - Soundtracks for the Blind (1996) [June 22nd, 2025]

This was my first Swans record, and honestly, I couldn't think of a worst intro for the band. When I first checked this record out like 2-3 years ago, I'm pretty sure this was the longest full album I had ever heard, and to say I was overwhelmed was an understatement.

I've checked this record out a few more times since then, and while I enjoy it more each time, I still can't say that I "fully appreciate" it yet. I've said this in every single Swans review, but the band's evolution from the harsh No Wave present in a record like Filth, to this, is insane man.

"Red Velvet Corridor", "I Was a Prisoner in Your Skull", and "Helpless Child" do a great job at setting the record up. "Live Through Me" is a nice instrumental piece, that sets up "Yum-Yab Killers" which might be my favorite track on the record. Jarboe had increasingly increased he presence over the last few records, and she really shines on SFTB. "Animus" does a great job at closing Disc 1. Disc 2 has some great tracks as well, but I'd be lying if I said that I didn't lose a bit of interest near the end.

Similar to Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works Vol. II, Soundtracks for the Blind is an "experience". Like, you have to set part of your day aside to fully listen to this record lmao. Soundtracks for the Blind is still a perplexing record for me. My love for ambient/drone music, and my familiarity(?) with Swans' earlier work definitely aided me in appreciating this record more this time around, but I don't think I really grasp it as a whole. Still, aside from a live record I plan to check out, this is essentially the end for the first run of Swans. While I am lukewarm on records like Cop and Greed, albums like Filth, Holy Money, COG, WLFTMOFI, and SFTB really make this band stand out, and I can't really think of any other groups that have evolved as much.

 

Jun 23, 2025 at 5:14 PM

304. The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die (1994) [June 23rd, 2025]

Talk about a great debut album. Ready to Die is Biggie's best record, and it's one of the best records ever, period.

"Intro" is a great tone setter for the record, and there are very few moments in music that are as memorable as Biggie being born while Curtis Mayfield's "Superfly" plays in the background. "Things Done Changed" has one of my favorite beats ever, and Biggie's verses sound downright desolate with his focus on how the world around him has grown darker over time. "Gimme the Loot" and "Warning" are some of the best storytelling tracks ever, and Biggie's use of voices is so f---ing impressive man. The title tracks is great as well, and one of my favorite Biggie songs, "One More Chance" comes right after. In a lot of ways, I'd say that Biggie created the blueprint for the coolness that would make fellow New York emcees Jay-Z and 50 Cent so popular

I gotta give "Me and My b----" a special shout out because of this of course...

When I met you I admit my first thoughts was to trick
You look so good huh, I s--- on your daddy's d-ck

"Big Poppa" is one of the slickest tracks ever too man, that beat is niceeeeeeee. "Respect" has one of the hardest beats on the entire record, and "Suicidal Thoughts" is such a brave ending for an album like this. Ready to Die shines because of how it depicts a full (albeit fictionalized) portrait of Biggie's life. From his birth to his suicide, Biggie lived a life of crime, sex, and respect throughout this album, and it's pulled off perfectly.

 

Jun 23, 2025 at 7:48 PM

305. Black Sabbath - Heaven and h--- (1980) [June 23rd, 2025]

The last Sabbath record I checked out was Sabotage back in early May, so it's been a while. This was my first time relistening to this album, and it's very notable since it's the first record that has Dio as the lead vocalist.

I'm kinda mixed on Heaven and h---. First off, Dio is an incredible singer, and his vocals on this record might be it's best feature. Like d---, that guy could SING. He's very different from Ozzy, but the difference is a good thing in my opinion. Instead of hiring an Ozzy wannabe, BS went with a radically different singer who's a legend in his own right.

The actual songs though? They're alright. "Lady Evil" is cool, and "Heaven and h---" is another example of how GTA IV has impacted my music taste (in a good way, thankfully), Seriously, that song rules. The rest of the record is okay. Part of what I love about the first 3 Sabbath records is the darkness. Songs like "Black Sabbath" and "Into the Void" sound evil. Dio is a great singer, and the rest of the band is still great, but I feel like it doesn't really "grab" me y'know?