May 10, 2025 at 4:10 PM

231. Can - Tago Mago (1971) [May 10th, 2025]

Back in 2022, this was the first Can record that I had ever heard, and I was not a fan. Looking back, Ege Bamyasi would've been a better intro, but I was also the type of teenager who thought Green Day was "alternative", so I might not have enjoyed that one either. I thankfully enjoyed Tago Mago much more this time around.

Once again, I have to acknowledge that I have no clue about what Damo Suzuki is singing about. He sounds pretty d--- good though. I enjoyed the instrumentals a lot more this time, with the chaotic "Aumgn" being a highlight. I used to despise "Peking O." but I MOSTLY enjoy it now (the second half is not my cup of tea)

Overall, I'm glad that I revisited Tago Mago, and I hope to be able to appreciate Can's discography more over time.

 

May 10, 2025 at 9:04 PM

232. Kanye West - Graduation (2007) [May 10th, 2025]

Is it a bit awkward to revisit large parts of Kanye's discography amidst his musical/personal downfall? Yeah, but I guess I have to remind myself why I fell in love with his music in the first place.

MBDTF was my first album from him, but Graduation is the album that got me hooked onto Kanye. In a lot of ways, I'd say that this record is the best intro for people wanting to get into his music. Even though its part of the Dropout Trilogy, I think this album pairs better with 808's instead of TCD and LR. A big part of this has to do with the fact that Graduation's musical soundscape is much different. This album was just meant for stadiums man. Songs like "Stronger" and "Can't Tell Me Nothing" just feel huge man. "Champion" was the first Kanye song that I ever loved, and songs like "I Wonder", "Good Life" and "Flashing Lights" are classics for a reason. "Barry Bonds" and "Drunk and Hot Girls" are good songs too, and I will fight off any slander. "Big Brother" definitely comes off a bit different considering how complicated Ye and Jay'z relationship has gotten over time, but its still a great closer.

Graduation has an incredibly important place in my heart, and even though I don't revisit as often as Ye's other albums (mainly because I overplayed it a lot in 2020 lmao) I always have a great time when I listen to it. For anybody that loves Graduation as much as I do, I heavily recommend the bonus track, "Bittersweet Poetry" with John Mayer. It's a great track!!!

 

May 10, 2025 at 9:26 PM

As I recall, I know you love to show off (off)
But I never thought that you would take it this far (far)
What do I know?