Frank Ocean - Blonde (or Blond or whatever)

😐

Miracle Legion - Glad: 3.5 stars

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. Needless to say, side two is the better one. Not joining the collection, but worth hearing.

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: 4 stars

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: 4 stars

Various Artists - Compact d'Afrique: 4.5 stars

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

Arthur Blythe - Lenox Avenue Breakdown

:-|

Air - Air Lore

😐