Frank Ocean - Blonde (or Blond or whatever)

😐

Miracle Legion - Glad: 7 (B+)

Been wanting to hear this for years. Even though I went to college in the '80s, I never really was exposed to them at that time. Hard to find in any format, I nevertheless was finally able to obtain a file. Side one is studio, side two some live numbers with Pere Ubu of all people on I think one track. #halflive;miscarticles

Lou Reed - Ecstasy: 10 (A+)

Earth, Wind & Fire - The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. II: 8 (A-)

Dandy Warhols - Distortland

😐

Patti Smith - Banga: 4 stars

In posting this, I realized that I had some gaps in the Patti discography. I will give Trampin' three listens, but Gung Ho and Peace and Noise are getting one each only. They did not grab me on a first listen, and based on the lukewarm opinions of other reviewers who like her more than I do, I am not going to invest any more time in them. I also note that several songs on those two albums appear in live versions on Land.

Peaceful Solutions - Barter 7: 4 stars

No physical.

The Rolling Stones - From the Vault: The Marquee Club, Live in 1971 [DVD/CD]: 8 (A-)

John Zorn - The Big Gundown

😐

Blood Orange - Freetown Sound: 8 (A-)

Upped from 3.5 stars. Today I would probably give this a 7.5 (high B+) and note as # [r&b], but I have it, so I’ll keep it. And Christgau and Hull both give it 8 (A-), so I upped it a notch because their ears for r&b are better than mine.

Kevin Gates - Islah

😐

Kyle - Smyle: 3.5 stars

I might purchase this if it weren't $19 shipped.

Robert Forster - Songs to Play: 8 (A-)

I can't seem to locate my copy of this one. Must have mis-filed it.

Bumba Massa - L'argent et La Femme: 7 (B+)

Physicals too scarce to acquire, especially at this grade. Avec Syran Mbenza and Bopol Mansiamina.

Mbilia Bel - Boya Ye: 3.5 stars

Not buying this at what people are charging.

Wire - Nocturnal Koreans

😐

Alex Chilton - Feudalist Tarts/No Sex [EP]: 7 (B+)

Would purchase physical if it were available at reasonable prices. In addition to title track, EP includes songs "Under Class" and "Wild Kingdom."

Steel Pulse - Reggae Fever: 8 (A-)

Have this on vinyl.

Various Artists - Compact d'Afrique: 9 (A)

One of the best soukous compilations/albums I have ever heard. Pure joy. I also note that it is at least 30% a Diblo Dibala album. Recommended by Ronnie Graham.

Arthur Blythe - Lenox Avenue Breakdown

:-|

Air - Air Lore

😐