Author Archives: tacopepper

     This next album is not on the list because it made anyone’s “Top Anything” list, nor is it some artist that connects me to the amazing people in my life.  This one is a personal choice, and to my knowledge, I’m the only person I know within my expansive friend and family group whoContinue reading “Better Than Ezra “Before The Robots” (2005)”

     As you read this blog, it doesn’t take long to realize that modern R&B is not my favorite genre, and today’s album “Confessions” by Usher is no exception.  That being said, there are a few good takeaways for me, and of course one of the most iconic songs in the history of club andContinue reading “Usher “Confessions” (2004)”

     I came in to today’s album with a lot of uncertainty.  Kanye West is a polarizing and controversial artist, and one who isn’t easy to like from afar.  That said, his career has been remarkably successful, so I knew there had to be more than meets the eye.  His debut album, “The College Dropout”,Continue reading “Kanye West “The College Dropout” (2004)”

     Today is an eclectic but interesting album, “Elephant” by the band the White Stripes.  They were a two-person act, Jack White and Meg White who were former spouses who represented themselves as brother and sister.  I’m not sure what to make of any of that, but it is an intriguing album that has grownContinue reading “The White Stripes “Elephant” (2003)”

     A long weekend winds down with a return to the wave of hip-hop and the #1 selling album of 2003, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”, the debut album from 50 Cent.  This album is the next extension of the hip-hop lineage from Dr. Dre, with a significant assist in production and performing from Eminem,Continue reading “50 Cent “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” (2003)”

     We have a pretty significant change of pace today, with a brief departure from the ever-expanding world of hip-hop for an album that is pretty much the direct opposite of hip-hop, “A Rush of Blood to the Head” by Coldplay.  I always assumed that Coldplay was pretty much a shell operation for Chris Martin,Continue reading “Coldplay “A Rush of Blood to the Head” (2002)”

     Just yesterday I highlighted the relative rapping skills of Eminem in comparison to Jay-Z, and today we have the next release from Eminem, his fourth album “The Eminem Show”.  Continuing to expand his reach and grasp on his audience, this album was the #1 selling album of 2002.  In general, I remain a fanContinue reading “Eminem “The Eminem Show” (2002)”

     Every now and then, I come across an album here I just can’t get on board with, no matter how many times I try.  Yes, I know Jay-Z is one of the most successful artists in hip-hop history.  I also understand that he is one of the most successful producers and business icons inContinue reading “Jay-Z “The Blueprint” (2001)”

     We have another variation of indie rock today, this time with a much harder edge and more to my liking.  “Is This It” is the debut album from The Strokes, and this was definitely an album that was a quick favorite of mine, even as I had not heard much from this band before. Continue reading “The Strokes “Is This It” (2001)”

     “Hybrid Theory”, the debut album from Linkin Park, is another one of those albums that just completely captivated me upon its release.  I remember that my friend Barrett burned me a copy on a gold CD, and said, somewhat jokingly, “I think you will like this a lot, but whoever wrote these songs hasContinue reading “Linkin Park “Hybrid Theory” (2000)”