Coach Skinner: The (Unwitting) Namesake of Lynyrd Skynyrd
Leonard Skinner, a Florida gym teacher and basketball coach, may not have known it, but he played a pivotal role in rock music history. Skinner's strict enforcement of a school dress code against long hair in the 1960s directly inspired the now-iconic name of Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Several members of the band, including Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Bob Burns, attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, where Skinner was a teacher. Facing disciplinary action for their nonconformist hairstyles, they decided to immortalize Skinner's name in their band, albeit with a playful misspelling to mock his authority.
While Skinner himself might not have intended to be a part of rock and roll lore, his name became synonymous with the band's rebellious spirit and Southern roots. Lynyrd Skynyrd, despite the initial friction, later acknowledged Skinner's influence and maintained a respectful relationship with him.

TLDR: I have no idea how to make my hair feel like my hair again now that I've gone blonde. It feels almost sticky on non wash days. Any ideas?

I have enjoyed coloring my hair for many years, but I've always been really lazy about it. I always go darker so when my hair starts to grow, it looks more natural and I don't have to worry so much about upkeep. I've changed my hairstyle a lot over the years, too, but usually end up with the same, chin to shoulder length bob with bangs of some kind.
I never really had any hair care education. I have very straight, fine, medium thickness, medium brown hair. For a long time, my routine was wash, brush, go. I am a single parent of a special needs child with a full time job. I wake up early, shower, make sure my kid is on the bus, go to work, come home, and spend time with my kid until bedtime when I crash. I have no time alone. It also didn't help that I was struggling with mental illness (still am but it's much more controlled) so I really didn't care.
A few years ago, I shaved my head. All the hair on my head now has never been touched by anything stronger than my shampoo. I never blow dried and I never used hairspray. I've also never had any body to my hair.
Fast forward to a couple months ago. I decided I wanted to color my hair again. I looked over pictures, spent time trying to decide what I want. I finally landed on going lighter since I've never done it before, and it would give me a good base to add more "fun" colors (pink tint, orange, something like that). I was fully aware going into it that my routine was going to change. I made the appointment, though I made the wrong kind of appointment, so there wasn't enough time to do the whole thing. She essentially did a partial highlight all over the top layers of my hair. I absolutely love it. I spent most of the appointment asking for some basic tips to help keep my hair as long as possible until my next appointment.
What I was not prepared for was how different my hair was going to feel. I figured it would be drier, but I wasn't entirely sure what that actually meant.
My hair care routine is different. I don't wash as often. I use purple shampoo once a week. I use a hair mask once a week. I wash twice a week. I blow dry most of the way, brush, then finish. In the morning, I brush and use a little texture spray. On non wash days, I use dry shampoo at night. I haven't really gotten much into styling yet, I'm just trying to learn how to keep it looking healthy and keep the color.
The major problem I'm running into is that my hair feels... sticky, I guess, for lack of a better word. On non wash days, it doesn't brush out very well, I try to be gentle and patient about it. I can't run my fingers through my hair like I always used to do, it's a stress tick and it's weird not being able to do it. It's got a lot more body now, which I love, and I love the color. I just wish it FELT better.
Long story long, I am looking for tips to get my hair to feel better on non wash days. Or at least knowing if this is just my life now haha. I have zero frame of reference for even where to begin.
Attached are some photos. The orange blazer is right before I got it colored. The black and white striped shirt is right after washing. The white and pink shirt is day two hair. The black and gray is day four hair. I rarely go out on day four so I don't usually do anything to it, today was my first time actually doing "day four hair."
I'm sorry for the super long post. One of my major flaws is being long winded haha!

i don't cope well in the warm weather so i need my hair tied up at all times
my hair is gradually thinning on top from PCOS so i can't do high or even mid ponytails or anything that pulls my hair taut because it tugs the sparse patch and hurts, and makes it more visible, and will probably pull out more hair because it can't hold the weight
my side bangs don't stay heat styled for long because as soon as i sweat they just curl back up and stick out weirdly, they look ridiculous. they dont even look like a bad hairstyle, they look like they couldn't be classed as a hairstyle because what they're doing is just not a thing
i mostly end up twisting my bangs loosely and pinning them to the side of my head and tying the rest in a low bun or claw clip
it makes me look like an egg
any suggestions for styles that'd be a bit more flattering? make me look a bit less old and frumpy? less of a pinhead
please don't suggest cutting it; cutting it short would make me more of an egg and cutting it into a bob would make me just as sweaty but it'd be harder to tie up
i'm 30 and have mid length mid brown hair
thanks!

I am currently growing my hair out, and I anticipate it will be roughly shoulder length in time for my wedding. I usually have it cut in a short, trendy hairstyle, but I have not cut it lately because I want to maximize options since I have not decided yet.
I am concerned that if I cut it into a trendy style it will look dated in the future. I know nothing is really timeless and most things eventually look dated, but I don't want to look back at something so specific to a particular stylistic era that it makes me go "what on earth was I thinking?" in the future.
However, if I let it grow, I don't know if, at roughly shoulder length, it will really be long enough for most wedding-y styles. Another option would be to cut it short again, but into a more classic pixie cut or bob that is less 2024 specific.
This is my dress: https://catherinedeane.com/products/lita-gown-1
This is my a picture that is similar normal hair (this is a model, not me!): https://cdn-blog.prose.com/1/2022/01/Screen-Shot-2022-01-19-at-4.33.09-PM.png

What are some fashion trends nowadays that you like seeing around you?
Personally, I like how baggy clothes are more ubiquitous now compared to the previous decade. They have always been way more comfortable and easy to breathe in compared to skinny jeans and fitting shirts. The return of chunky/bulky shoes are also welcome.
It‘s nice how longer hair for guys is becoming accepted once again. Great change from the über clean and saturated look of the fades and pompadours.
Girls are also adopting more J-fashion elements into their outfits through wearing ryousangata and jirai-style dresses, bob cuts, and wolf cuts, all of which are cool.
And for both sexes, it’s great how hairstyles with full bangs are more prominent nowadays!!

I just watched Colors by Solar and I noticed that every time she flipped her hair, I could tell her natural hair is cut in a bob. I also hated (G)-Idle’s hairstyles for their 2nd full length album comeback. In their live performances, I could tell they were wearing extensions. It takes away from the magic for me of the long hair if it’s meant to give gorgeous long hair ya know? Idk. It’s not that deep but it bothers me lol. It may not be an unpopular opinion or even noticeable for most but I love details and little things like that irritate me.
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Spoilers!
The design of the game world
Personally, it´s a detrimental creative choice in fact that that Koboh is your main hub/pub. Ever since Star Wars 1313, many fans have been dreaming of exploring the lower levels with Boba Fett. Boba Fett and the lower levels are in one game and the potential is not even close to being utilised.
At Coruscant it would have been possible to try to get into the Jedi Temple in disguise. Possibly with the uniform of the fourth sister (Kenobi series - stands in the background on Nurr) after she was defeated by Cal Kestis instead of re-awaking the ninth sisters.
The Inquisitors
Why is the ninth sister being added back into the game? Another victory by Cal Kestis, which certainly moves him emotionally, is treated too superficially here. Above all, the constantly changing companions do nothing to make you frequently remember the fallen heroes Bravo, Gabs, the twins and Senator Sejan. My heart beats more for the strange species of Orn Free Taa (The Rise of Darth Vader), who was a member of the infamous Deligantion of the 2000 (origin of the rebellion with Padmé Skywalker and Bail Organa - unused scenes Episode III). Respawn seems to really struggle with the The Unreal Engine as indicated by characters polyogens occasionally foreshadowing a sudden exit. Those look really rough around the edges at times. I expected the Senator to play a more prominent role after the Trailers.
As a consequence of fallen Jedi working for the Empire and their questionable methods of winning them over;.. . Over the course of the game, internal security actually believes that double agents are a more effective weapons than the armored monsters of the Inquisitorius?! I am a decent writer for videogames? The dialogue should perhaps have been reconsidered at this point. Last oppertunity. Well...
Furthermore, it would be quite possible to develop an exciting internal struggle in relation to force-power users and normal employees of the empire. Also, although the ISB center is remote planet. Cal Kestis has no problem sneaking as an high ranking officer with his lightsaber on his belt (it certainly appears in the cutscene?) through the ISB station. This works out way to easly and again makes the Empire more come across more goofy than the creators intended. The training of the Inquistors, for example, could consume more money than the Empire has at its disposal. Because the damage to the Imperial equipment caused by the constantly recurring aggressive negotiations would be too high. By the end of the year, the balance sheet will be in the red. Unfortunately, the video-game-screenwriter here is not James Luceno (The Rise of Darth Vader, Darth Plagueis, etc.,... EU Novels). I came up with a better idea on the spot.
The Twist
It's no surprise to me. After the first hologram of his child at the latest, I thought it would go that direction. But I didn´t expect the terrible ascepts sorrounding it. There are countless lightsabers, helicopter action (Rebels) and the tracking devices known from the Mandalorian series which are added by Rspawn(under EA) firstly. Actually, it is almost worse than the third act of the game. This has gone to close to the infection that is called Disney canon in earthly popular parlance.
Bode wants to protect his family and is not prepared to share an entire planet with Cal Kestis. Cal is not prepared to sacrifice Kata Akuna and Merrin. First destroys his blaster pistols and finally Bode Akuna stops shouting like a menace he had become. Would have been better to let him suffer longer or lock him up, wouldn´t it? Because now you also have to take care of a little singing girl. Really game, another force-sensitive youngster and of course female again? I see a tiring pattern after Zay Versio, Ahsoka, Rey and Qi´ra (to name a few).
And another McGuffin from her mother is presented at her fathers funeral. Remember her father indangered her a few days ago greatly. Stupid Child? You can understand the outrage of Han-Solo-style-bounty-hunter-Outlaws girl (upcoming Ubisoft game) in parts.
You meet the best female character in the game in a side mission. At the end of this mission, a familiar character makes an appearance. It is worthwhile for the player and it actually rewards you talking to this character. Another little highlight is Captain Bluebear (the lying bear - similar to Munchausen lying stories) who has countless stories to tell. In the end, only one Rodian girl remains as not completely meaningless. Her origin story from the center of the galaxy reminds us again of the wasted potential on Coruscant.
In short positive sides:

• An open world Star Wars sandbox with options
• Beards and unique haircolour for SW (and differnt hairstyles)
• musical number performed by a young Lady (Tajinae Turner) with a pleasent voice
• Cal Kestis character at least struggles with the dark side (the circumstance that led too him breaking the non-existing Jedi Codex, sadly) this time around
• More Lightsaber styles and improved upon collectibles from the first game (different animations too open loot-boxes across the maps e.g.)
• Neat side characters & missions that create a lot of possible conclusions for the final game in the Jedi series

Negative Aspects:

• Darth Vader dual against a stereotypical heroine with a terrible Anakin-style Force leap
• Darth Vader gets (nearly) defeated by the forces of females
• Merrin and nightsister force powers even outside of her homeworld of the limits
• Countless lightsabers in use before Episode IV (and lying in the dirt)
• Slow cross guard style and underwhelming Blaster option
• The ninth sister enters and exists the game again. Well, hopefully now she is gone forever?
• Cal Kestis is as stupid as all the other Jedi members on Jeddah and invites some Jetpack wearing father too one of the most wanted Jedi reference center
• Detrimental to the side characters and Cal Kestis himself
• Traversal frame drops
• Terrible polished game
• Speedrunning could led to save points getting deleted
• No further character development for 2/3 members of the Mantis group besides BD-1, Merrin & Cal Kestis
• Another force sensitive youngling

=/π The Dark Side Special ability still available after the story is completed (Ludonarrative dissonance) - makes sense for the character but influnces the enemies amd makes it less sophisticated. Trilla in the first game was wasted for introducing Darth Vader right at the end. Her past was directly conetcted to Cere. Even if the final missions of the first game raised a few eyebrows as well.
This game worsens both games and has a large collection hair raising creative choices. Shorten Koboh and expand Coruscant slightly. In total I think the villains are terrible. Even if Forest Whitaker isn´t part of the cast anymore a short cameo from some used footage could have certainly been possible if he would have been called, wouldn't it? It is hard to belive that Cal loses every member of his team across the game and Saw doesn’t call him out on it. Furthermore this complicates the timeline a bit more again. At rebels it was implied that he turned crazy right before Episode IV. Here he attacks important political targets from Utapau (Doha Sejan) a bit soon. I fear. At least have some small holographic cameo with Cal that adds to his slip towards the dark side. Where he perhaps blames Kestis for the death of his sisters child (Gabs?)?
In total - once you reach Tanalorr the legendary name shouted countless times by Dagan Gera. I felt absolutely disappointed about the short route too a temple. Ahah, that's the legendary planet. McGuffin´s McMuffin’s, an another youngling and better side characters compared to Bode´s overblown betrayal in the final hours. Since Episode III everyone turns completely insane and indangerous everyone around them. The dark side suddenly turns every able-bodied human mentally immature. Star Wars is evolving just backwards. But most importantly release the game in 2025 on the upgraded PS5 consoles etc... Perhaps then with fewer technical defects at this point in our earthly time. Yet another sequel which takes the first game down (a notch) a few steps. At least it showed myself how much I care about the red haired Bob Andrews (past role of Cameron Monaghan in a fictional teenage detectives, crime story; from Rocky Beach).
For more information on the traversaI stutters and other issues besides the loading & pop-up textures - my warm hearted endorsement goes out for the Digital Foundry YT-channel. May the force be with us all, Yikes! What is your take on the second Respawn adventure-story game under Electronic Arts?

1. Leonard Cohen - Songs of Leonard Cohen (1968) A [3 listens B/A-/A] not really a "Rock" album, but it's one of those albums that constantly caught my eye, plus 60s albums are getting hard to come by. His writing is otherworldly. Fully lived experiences and age with every character in these songs. I would hate to live in his mind, as it seems so damn complex and very overanalytical on every single human interaction. If Bob Dylan is a storyteller, he is a painter; the level of complexity in all of these characters and people are so detailed. Similar to Blood on the Tracks, a lot of the songs are about romance and past relationships, however unlike that album, it isn't as heartbroken and shows a lot of value towards those experiences; even if they're all difficult to move past. Great album and that is enhanced by close, focused deep dives into these lyrics.
2. Yes: i. The Yes Album (1971) A++ [6 listens A+/A++/A+/A+/A++/A++] Close to the Edge is still one of the most Epic-like songs in Rock history, so I was thinking it was going to be pretty hard to top that, and it turns out, they already did lol. CttE is a great song, but the rest of the album is merely ok, whereas Venture is the only weak song. Everything else is MAGNIFICENT!! Move over harmonica, the organ is officially the most underrated instrument now. EVERY climax of each song is immaculate, the guitar and keyboards are always on point, the singing has never been better! Nothing could ever match what CttE is, but they started off with making a more consistent album throughout instead of only in one song. All timer. ii. Fragile (1971) A- [3 listens A-/A-/A-] first time I actually felt like I got Rick Roll'd by an album, as I didn't realize that the song from that meme was from Roundabout lol. The song is great and is even better the longer it develops. However, it does fall apart as the album gets deeper, particularly in the second side. I read on the recording of this album and saw that the individual members worked on separate tracks as they were being rushed and it really shows, as there are very understated and disconnected from everything else next to them. It becomes very noticeable when a song like Roundabout literally kicks off the tracklist and you have to follow it. Now, I can see the path on their way to how CttE is formatted, as it's just 3 "Roundabouts" in a row. Good listen, but very unbalanced.
3. ZZ Top - Tres Hombres (1973) A++ [6 listens B/B++/A-/A+/A+/A++] I listened to Eliminator and thought it was kinda meh and someone suggested to listen to this, as this is their "signature sound". Thank God I did, because this is probably my favorite Blues Rock album I've heard so far. The choruses are solid and aren't straying too far from the standard Blues layout, but it's the drumming, guitar licks and the solos that won me. That drum lick on the opening of La Grange is so damn sweet. Hell Raiser's solo is so amazing. The guitar riff on Master of Sparks is so catchy. The guitar & bass interplay on Shiek and Precious and Grace are amazing. Honestly, even though the song structures aren't that unique, they did the absolute best with what they had. But if I'm being honest, the 3 additional live tracks at the end put it over the edge for me. The energy is palpable.
4. Joni Mitchell: i. Court and Spark (1974) A [3 listens A/A/A] been awhile since I listened to Joni Mitchell's Blue, but I still catch myself randomly humming verses from My Old Man and Carey, so she's managed to find a place to hide out in the corners of my brain. It's a more jovial Mitchell and a forward looking project, instead of her sulking in her life experiences. A "recollection" of memories with her stories, with how scattered the writing flows. My favorite songs are Help Me, Free Man in Paris, Just Like This Train, Raised On Robbery. Nice album, she's starting to flirt with Jazz, but not as risky as what would come after. Also, Twisted needs to be cut from this album tho; such an odd fit. ii. The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975) A [3 listens A/A+/A] she's completely single and ready to mingle now with this one; in terms of the music. Playing off the cover art, its sound likes she's taking a stroll through the park, meeting strangers with different instruments and styles, stopping to sit in the grass or dance around with someone and moving on to the next person. This feels more unplanned compared to the others, which helps it create a separate identity from the rest of her work. I do think the songs struggle in the first half, but the second side are much stronger. Shades of Scarlett, Harry's House, The Boho Dance and the title track are my favorites. Also, the music and the combination of instruments on display is way more enthralling than the lyrics and her signature storytelling. It's very good, but there's definitely more complete albums she's made. iii. Hejira (1976) A+ [3 listens B/B++/A+/A+] For some reason, early on this is the album that hit the wall for me, as I i kinda got tired of her not really changing her vocal cadence that much in the first 2 listens. After getting pass that, it's hard not to respect her. I still don't think this album does much too advance her music on a stylistic level, as the previous two have, but fuck, she's so damn great at writing. Furry Sings the Blues, Refuge of the Road, A Strange Boy... just such amazing storytelling in those alone. Also, Song for Sharon is possibly my favorite Joni Mitchell song now; just perfection. Had that slow, casual feel reminiscent of Blue that is rare to come across. I honestly hate albums like this, "growers", as even now, I feel like if I listen to this a few more times, I'd come to admire it more.
5. Iggy Pop: i. The Idiot (1977) A+ [5 listens A-/A/A/A+/A+] I've gone through all of the Stooges albums and now it's time for Iggy Pop's solo material. Both of these were made along side Bowie's Berlin Trilogy and as the producer, his fingerprints are all over it. The desolate guitars ringing, while a very uncommonly low energy Iggy sings over it all. If the first half of Low could be called a trial run for New Wave music, then this album is the trial run for Post Punk. Also, the album art perfectly matches the tone of the album: a blue/black picture in the cold, mysterious darkness of night... with a clueless Iggy just along for the ride lol. This has his signature deadpan style, but none of the Garage Rock energy he's knows for, which imo makes this effort a more respectable leap then he may think. I read he really doesn't "claim" this album, as he sees it as more for a Bowie project, but this album is definitely made better with his inclusion. Yes, the music is the biggest part, but idk if you could just replace Bowie on any of these songs and it'd be instantly better. ii. Lust of Life (1977) B [3 listens B-/B+/B] Wow, the album where he put his "foot down" and went in on making an album that HE wanted, is of course the one I left unimpressed by. Not that it's bad, but it's just a Stooges album with, again, not of that high octane energy. Success and The Passenger are phenomenal songs, but everything else is just your by "the numbers" Rock n Roll standards with an updated Garage spirit than anything as inventive at The Idiot.
6. Warren Zevon - Excitable Boy (1978) B+ [2 listens B+/B+] Genuinely can't remember how he got on my list or even remember if anyone even recommended him. But this is considered his "best album" and plus, outside of Elton John, I haven't really explored many Rock that centers around the Piano. It's a fun album, albeit very crude and satirical at times, it managed to balance it out well. Outside the double take lyrics, none of these songs are too special. I like the nice piano jingle of Werewolves of London and the title track is an interesting song. However, the last few songs tanked it. Okay listen; not everybody is an "album artist", as the singles were the best parts.
7. Wire: i. Chairs Missing (1978) A [4 listens B++/A/A/A] Wire! Pink Flag has managed to become an all time favorite since discovering it and honestly wasn't aware that they actually had other albums just as critically praised as it. As a 2nd album, it comes off very odd, but with hindsight of what follows it, it's easy to see that it's just stuck between two worlds: the world of "Proto"-Post Punk and the extended end of the "concept" of Post Punk. None of their music really feels like "Post Punk" as they never seem to conform to any genre sound. Where Pink Flag feels like a group of teens making Punk with a solid background in music, they weren't out to be "experimental" with the music. Here the Hardcore edge is removed, which allows their artistry to become more visible, but they're moving away from this subversion. Mercy, Practice Makes Perfect, I Am the Fly, Marooned, Outdoor Minor are the good ones. It's still very ahead of its time and still ahead of the curb. ii. 154 (1979) A++ [6 listens A-/A+/A++/A++/A++/A++] sometimes you have to let the thing you want go in order to fully accept the possibility that something can be better. I still desire a Pink Flag 2, but I'll be a fool to dismiss how amazing this is. The extremely eeriely brooding and atmospheric environment is pushing the limits of what Post Punk should even be. A song like Other Window creepy as fuck, due to Graham Lewis' increased vocal role, adding SO much to this tone. Touching Display is how every droning guitar should be used; deep, whole notes and if it was made in the 90s, it'll be my favorite Post Rock song outside of Slint. This is Avant-Post Punk essentially; carving out a deep future path for Gothic Rock to eventually go down. Also, SYNCOPATED RHYTHMS!! There are many bands to do it (often Pop bands), but none do it better with a heavy and Punk sound as they do. Also, compared to Pink Flag, there's SO little fat on here; so yes, it's definitely their best album. The ONLY flaw is the ending sequencing of it... Map should've been the closer and it would be PERFECT. / Colin Newman - A-Z (1980) A [4 listens B++/B/A+/A] Colin Newman's solo project and the "unofficial 4th Wire album" as many of the songs were written while the band was together. And it is obvious the time frame when, as it's more of a 154 Part 2 with how very unattached it is to being "Post Punk". However, similar to Chairs Missing, it's an unfocused album with so many great ideas. This is probably where I'd say it's too experimental, as some of these songs are just too intentionally eccentric. To be frank, I think he's trying too hard to be "weird" to match that energy of 154, but the weirdness was from the tone and how desolate the energy was. Whereas here, the energy is completely up and down and the oddness is in the erratic style than it's ambiance. This one probably has more moments and songs that I love more, but this makes Chairs Missing appear more concise lol. Still very good if you're a Wire fan, even if you can still sense that it's not really a true "Wire" project.
8. Siouxsie and the Banshees: i. Kaleidoscope (1980) B+ [3 listens A/A-/B+] with a different lineup this time around, interested to see how they will develop their sound going into the 80s. And it's kinda as I expected: more diverse instruments, more grooves with in the basslines and leaning on the singing to lead the direction. As the songs go on, they (specifically Siouxsie Sioux) lose their energy. Side 2 has all the best songs, while the first is lacking. Solid listen, but feels they overdid it when they should've kept it simple like on Scream. I respect the attempt and was probably a needed change due to how fast Post Punk was developing, but it could've been done more succinctly. ii. Juju (1981) A+ [2 listens A/A+] Well shit, it's like they already knew my criticisms lol. Finally dynamic songs! Partially why Bauhaus has become my favorite Post Punk/Gothic band, is that the song's layout and rhythms changes throughout a single song and doesn't remain static. Sioux is an all timer in presence, but not so much with singing imo, so she's used so much better as she's highlighted spottingly, particularly in crescendoing over the music. Also, this is heavy as hell; Monitor sounds like a SOAD track... Damn! Honestly, I thought this was going to be a repeat of Kaleidoscope, but man did they knock it out of the park. Fine tuned what they did and allowed themselves to amplify it without losing their identity completely.
9. Bathory: i. Self-Titled (1984) B++ [3 listens B++/B++/B++] the first "official" Black Metal album or EP given its length. Not only are the song structures primitive, but the mixing is as well. I think it works for what it is; something completely new. Even they didn't know what they were doing and it feels that way. The bassline is what seals the deal, as it keeps things very grounded. And the guitar is... well, it lays down the foundation of what Black Metal will become; for better or for worse. The production is really holding this back; it's very poorly mixed. The frayed sound of the guitars looses a lot of edge, which admittedly does make it an easier listen, but so much of its power is lost. Reaper, Raise the Dead, Necromancy, guitar solo on Sacrifice are the highlights. ii. Under the Sign of the Black Mark (1987) A+ [4 listens A+/A/A+/A+] I really love this album. Woman of Dark Desires, Massacre, 13 Candles, Enter the Eternal Fire, with that AWESOME guitar solo in the middle! This is the perfect step up, sound quality included. More songs with distinct identities, loved the pacing throughout and a very "easy" listen (i.e. no overly chaotic guitar solos). That's usually my main critique with most Extreme Metal albums is that songs tend to run into one another and there's very little differences between them all. The riffs are different, the tempo is different and the drumming is changed up on every song. Great album! But similar to all of their other stuff, I just wish it was longer. iii. Blood Fire Death (1988) A [3 listens A/A+/A] Another great album, but it's not a consistent as UtSotBM. I enjoyed the acoustic sections (that would later influence viking metal) which raises it up some points. It was an unexpected skill I didn't think they were capable of. However, this album is one that's trying to be two things: it does one really well and just "sorta" touches on the other one. It would've been great to see a better balance between these terrific Black Metal sections and these Viking Metal acoustic ones, giving equal time to each. I hope they would find a better balance in a future album, but I'm only listening to these 3. All were good listens and held up much better for pioneers of a genre.
10. The Pogues - Rum, Sodomy & the Lash (1985) A [4 listens A+/A/A/A] a long awaited listen after seeing so much about this. It doesn't really come off as "Punk" but as legit, Irish/Celtic shanties. The novelty wears off after a few listens though. It's very genuine in its execution and doesn't come off as gimmicky at all. It's very 2 note: uptempo or slow wailing songs. Waltzing Matilda and I'm a Man You Don't Meet Everyday are by far the best songs here, with Dirty Old Town, Wild Cats and Sally MacLennane in that 2nd tier below. Really good and takes itself very serious.
11. Butthole Surfers - Locust Abortion Technician (1987) C+ [2 listens B-/C+] speaking of talking itself seriously.... here's the complete opposite. It's very VERY hard to actually get into this as it's just absurdist for absurdism sake as most of it is just so empty. There are a few sparks of musical inspirations that show they are capable of something more serious, but they seem to enjoy being nonsensical over making compelling music. It doesn't necessarily have to be serious satire or just cut and dry (I love Ween), but there has to be a point to this madness or else it just comes off as simply... madness.
12. Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime (1988) A+ [2 listens A/A+] Sounds like a "Heavy" Hair Metal band. The story is simply "okay" and that's being nice, as this was way over hyped, that I expected something like a To Pimp a Butterfly of themes and stories intersecting. This is like a Hair Metal version of the Wall. It feels more like a musical than a concept album with a linear story, which loses stream after Breaking the Silence. It is very melodramatic especially in the second half, but it was the 80s... However, it has Spreading the Disease so all of that is a wash; we don't got guys hitting high notes like that anymore, which you gotta admit Hair Metal nailed that with perfection. A++ music but A concept, so right in the middle.
13. Coroner: i. No More Color (1989) A- [3 listens A+/A/A-] first non big 4 Thrash. I don't know how popular they were beyond Europe, but they were pioneers in the Technical Thrash Metal (sometimes called Prog Thrash). The main issue is that all the songs run into one another, without any significant parts to either of them. They set their songs around the guitar solos (which can be unmemorable at best and very messy at worse), which furthers mushes everything together. This is why I tend to value pacing in music, especially in Heavy Metal. There's plenty of good riffs to be found, but you have to sludge your way to find them. ii. Mental Vortex (1991) A+ [2 listens A+/A+] great follow-up. The guitar is still leading every song, but it's not fully taking control over the identity of every one. The drumming and the shifts in the music (similar to Metallica's 80s work) better distinguishes each track, making every phrase more dynamic. It's pretty good, but admittedly the She's So Heavy cover puts it just over to be an A+; better than the original because its fully realized metal and ends 30 seconds sooner :p
14. Swervedriver - Mezcal Head (1993) A++ [4 listens A++/A++/A++/A++] a Grunge album in Shoegaze clothing. The music is very unassuming with its generic 90s vocals, but that's how that Shoegaze sound sneaks up on you. The reverb on every guitar note constantly adds texture to every moment, almost drowning you with its heaviness. And THEN, that's when the vocals start to shine; like warm light of a log cabin in the middle of a heavy, blinding blizzard. Also, Duress is up there along side Venus in Furs as those all timers I know I'll forever be listening to for decades to come. Phenomenal album, highly recommend! ii. Raise (1991) A- [2 listens A/A-] literally decided to listen to this days before finishing up as I didn't know this album was also a landmark in Shoegaze (maybe moreso than MH). This is the album shows that less discussed bridge from Noise Rock to Shoegaze, as so many places only consider Shoegaze as a direct evolution of Dream Pop. This is a true Alternate Rock sound, with heavy guitar distortion; but not to the extent to what Shoegaze is really known as. This is closer to Dinosaur Jr or Sonic Youth than MBV or Slowdive. That aside, its pretty good for a debut. The melodies aren't as great as MH, but a few songs like Son of Mustang Ford, Sandblasted and Sunset were great foundation points of what would follow. Wouldn't say it's a must listen, but it's a good entry.
15. Kyruss - Welcome to Sky Valley (1994) A [3 listens A-/A/A] Josh Homme from his original band and the "birth" of the Desert Rock genre. Solid album, I like the atmosphere it creates as a laid back, background album. Complete opposite of QQTSA in where it's like wandering down a barren "desert", instead of a isolated highway listening to a radio station. It works. Nothing here will jump out at you, but it's very clear that that's not the intent with it. Idk if I'd say it's a must listen, as I can see it being called uneventful. But it's a good listen if you want some background music with some grit to it.
16. Swans - Soundtracks for the Blind (1996) A+ [2 listens A+/A+] the last Swans I'm going to listen to as I didn't care much for To Be Kind, so I imagine I'm not gonna like any of their other stuff. This is in a different direction, where it doesn't even seem to be "music" at times. This makes GY!BE appear accessible in comparison. This is like flicking through the channels on a TV in this weird, strange motel in the middle of nowhere. A lot of dull, drawn out moments that actually work this time around, as it helps paint a better scene of this eldritch-like world it's in. If it had more of those spontaneous, random fully formed tracks, I'll love it more, however their sporadic appearances make them more special when they're coming out of nowhere. This is rare project where I feel that more listens would lower my love for it, as that unpredictability of it is its greatest strength.
17. Duster - Stratosphere (1998) A [3 listens A/A/A] VERY lofi with its low quality mixing. It's the pacing of Shoegaze without the distortion and the blasé attitude of Slacker Rock without the traditional song structure, to a point where it's closest to Post Rock but still has that character of your favorite 90s Indie Rock band (I'm also lost as well). RYM calls it Slowcore, which I find kinda cool. This is like if depression was an album; all the ebbs and flows of your mood slowly dropping, staying at a low point, that occasional optimism and right back into that shallow pit of somber, where you managed to make a somewhat cozy cottage due to you being there for so many times. Slowest part of a Built to Spill album, with a budget of $18 for production, bring a singer with possible self-esteem issues and tell them to make a 50 min lullaby to get a shoegaze-loving kid to sleep. I'm all out of metaphors.
18. Gustavo Cerati - Bocanada (1999) A+ [3 listens A+/A+/A+] another album I can't quite remember how it got on my list, but Trip Hop is another one of those genres that outside of Massive Attack and Portishead that I have very little experience with. Even though the lyrics are in a foreign language, it didn't hurt the overall experience of the album (it have may limited it being better though). Melancholy in his voice and the music, contrasting with the Trip Hop style. Tabu, Rio Babel, and Pasco Immoral are the ones that I recommend checking out if the runtime can be off-putting to some; but it's well worth the journey. Wonderful album that I'm glad I came across.
19. Immolation - Close to a World Below (2000) A [4 listens A+/A/A/A] Better than most Death Metal. Love that the vocalist is slow with his pace (he was great!), along with a solid and steady guitar riffs. I really dislike that drum sound (banging on the toms), but that's a hurdle it feels like you have to overcome to really get into the genre itself. Any of the first 4 songs and Lost Passion are worth checking out.
20. The White Stripes - White Blood Cells (2001) B+ [3 listens B++/B++/B+] I get why they're labeled Blues Rock. Maybe I didn't notice it before, but he sings like John Lennon, where he constantly on that upper octave (which is well out of their ranges) and they crack notes a lot. It's charming to a certain degree, but I don't think it really works with this heavy style. My biggest issue with it is that it's doing multiple things at once, instead of separately. The loud songs are too understated, as Union or Offend should be a bigger, hard, fast paced songs but instead have slow sections. They have this heavy guitar for no reason. We're going to Be Friends and This Protector being tender songs, when it's full acoustic and has a consistent theme, further adds to the lack of uniformity. Also, songs rarely change/switch up, which normally isn't that big of a issue, but when they're all 3+ minutes long, they all drag on. I know what a "perfect version" sounds like from them, so a lot of missteps feel more obvious than if it was blind to me, but I'm not super invested in this album, even with the number of listens.
21. Muse: i. Absolution (2003) A++ [5 listens A++/A+/A++/A++/A++] what if Radiohead chose to stay in 1997? What is it with these Post BritPop bands with incredible sophomore releases? Similarly to Coldplay, I didn't care much for Origin of Symmetry and had low expectations going into this. I don't know if I'm being too generous as only about 3 or 4 of these songs are really strong, however none are what I'd consider skips. This album is so damn tight in its tracklist. Some of the best collections of hooks and bridges ever. The singing isn't always on point, but the way they nail down the perfect formula for every song overshadows most of their faults in not being too special in any particular category. ii. Black Holes and Revelations (2006) A++ [3 listens A/A++/A++] Back to back bangers?! This one is probably my favorite, especially with how strong the second half of the album is. All the songs are great, but aren't straight retreads of what Absolution brought with the varied added instruments. Again, nothing they're doing is otherworldly, but they execute the structures of all of the songs so perfectly, that you tend to ignore the mediocrity of the band members' skills individually. They're the sum of their parts; heavily carried by their collaboration with the songwriting. These two albums are BARLEY A++ though... so if I give these two A++s, then I'm going to retroactively make Ok Computer a "Masterpiece", because it doesn't sit right with me with them being on the same level. Great pair of albums; y'all sleeping on Muse?
22. My Chemical Romance - Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004) B+ [3 listens B+/B++/B+] okay, this is emo, like legit emo pop. TBP had a bigger theatrical element infused in its identity, whereas this has all of its personality in its lyrics. And the lyrics are very... tbh cringe. Songs go in too long; great choruses and lyrics, but having the same structure over and over is too repetitive for me to really get into it. It's very melodramatic, particularly in the singing, which at least does make it a compelling listen. I just wish the music followed suit as well. He is also too frantic in his performance, where on TBP it is limited to a few songs. Maybe this is the line where it is too raw.
23. Joanna Newsom: i. YS (2006) B- [2 listen A-/B-] DENSE AS FUCK. Makes Bob Dylan look like an haiku writer. Each song is a storybook, that requires heavy attention. Music itself is not too impressive outside its complexity in the instrumentation. This non-stop, continuous nature of her singing is the major turn off. To a point where it's very hard to follow any story she's trying to paint and the entire thing feels tiring. I do like the harp playing and the orchestral spurts that brighten phrases, but that's the only positive I can come up with. Big disappointment and kinda soured me on her going forward. However, I decided on a whim to give her one more try and.... ii. The Milk Eyed Mender (2004) Masterpiece [3 listens A++/MP/MP] being majorly disappointed with YS, I decided to try her more stripped down Debut before completely writing her off, as the albums following YS are very long listens. And it turns out I actually enjoy this much more; matter of fact, I can't find any flaws within it: ZERO. Yes, her voice is even more of a sore thumb when most of the attention is on it (those harmonies on Peach Plum and Pear sound like Nightmare Fuel tbh). But if I can call Blonde on Blonde a perfect album, I can give a pass to her voice. Her flow in the songs are SOOO much better, that it makes YS looks even worse in that department. The harp playing isn't grand, but subdued in line with her wandering through each song; ebbing and flowing along with her energy in each track. Her cadence and timbre in how she sings is second to none her.
24. The Beach Boys: Brian Wilson Presents Smile (2005) A- [2 listens A/A-] most of my thoughts on in the Sessions review, as his worned voice hampered the album. I will say this imo would've bombed in 1967; baroque ballads, no rock lol. It would've kicked started Progressive Rock about 5 years sooner, but it wouldn't have made such a huge splash considering the trend all of music was already headed in at that point. This feels more like a live album / The Smile Sessions (2011) A++ [5 listens A/A/A+/A+/A++] BWPS felt like a monkey Brian needed to finally get off his back. A personal album made by Brian himself, whereas BWPS kinda feels like the "gift" to the world that SMiLE was promised as. This still has that youthful, tender energy of creation, where it's unabashedly open with its oddities. Kind of like how Beach Boys Today! was a left turn in their careers, this would've been that for Pet Sounds. BWPS was trying to meet SMiLE's high expectations; this is more honest. The harmonies are so warm, with the perfect blend of pathos. There's more playful instruments in the background that make the whole thing feel more playful. A few of the mixes aren't done well - "Wistful" is the best way to describe this project. Good vibrations finally "fits" inside an album; we can all die in peace now. It's too baroque to be really accessible and too Prog to have real standout hit singles. But as a confined experience, BY FAR the best the Beach Boys have made... or uhm would've made.
25. Sweet Trip - You Will Never Know Why (2009) A++ [4 listens A-/A++/MP/A++] ...I wish I didn't look up the background of this band before I listened to this. I went into Velocity Design and Comfort fully blind and while it's not the exact style I'm personally into, it's still so unique in what it brought, that I still think of it fondly. That is until I learned about one of the band members. The thing people don't understand about the "separate the art from the artist" thing is that is isn't because of a sense of "morally superiority", it's that every time I listen or consume the art.... I can't NOT think of them and what happened. I enjoyed this album a lot, but most of my time listening, my mind was clearly distracted. I was dying for them to go fully into the Electronic-Jangle Pop space they only would briefly explore on VDC. Valerie Cooper's singing is still SO awe inspiring and freezes you in time, easily the greatest part of the music. The only flaw is that it has only a handful of jingles that really grip me. Also, no entire song pulls me in the whole run, it's only really the chorus and occasionally the transitions between tracks (which are outstanding btw) which was also an issue with the VDC. If it was also a tad bit heavier in certain moments, that would've helped me overlook a lot of this minor flaws. Phenomenal album and perfect follow up, but it's gonna take some time before I can revisit this, as it's hard to mentally disassociate the individual from the music while it's so fresh in my mind.
Bonus Albums: (shorter reviews)
• Yellow Magic Orchestra - Solid State Survivor (1979) A [3 listens B/A/A] colorful and joyful. Sounds like this was the singular inspiration of every Nintendo soundtrack from the 80s and 90s lol. Liked the slow parts, but the bouncy songs are very fun to listen to. Low stakes but still aged wonderfully.
• Gary Numen - The Pleasure Principal (1979) B [2 listens B+/B] futuristic, yet undefined. Weird vocal style is kinda weird, not everyone can pull it off like David Byrne or Devo. Isn't jovial enough like YMO nor is breaking any new ground with the layout like Kraftwerk to compensate for its simplicity. Cars was a nice surprise tho.
• Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark - Architecture and Morality (1981) A- [3 listens B++/A-/A-] finally a legit "Pop" singer. Synths are used as an aesthetic and not a crutch, now starting to feel like a more modern (or 80s I guess) style. Joan of Arc and Souvenir are my favorites. Good, but nothing too incredible.
• Tears for Fears - Songs from the Big Chair (1985) A++ [2 listens A++/A++] holy hell, way way better than I expected it would be. I knew the two popular songs, but they were more denser and bigger than I assumed they were. The production here is so lush and wide, immediately obvious they were very "familiar" with the technology by then. I will be adding more of their albums for more detailed reviews on a future list. (Prob the Hurting and Seeds)

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