The Toad's Burrow

      I love The Wonder Years. One of the first concerts I ever attended was the 10 year anniversary tour for The Greatest Generation , and for a while a part of me thought that might be my favourite album, deep down I always knew it was this one. I mean most of my favourite The Wonder Years songs came from this album, and the remaster that was released last year only really solidified that opinion. So, with the 10 year anniversary tour for this album raging on, I'm set to once again see The Wonder Years very soon, so it's time for me to revisit one of the best pop-punk albums of the 2010's in my mind, and one of my favourite albums of all time in general. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. No Closer to Heaven - The Wonder Years Brothers & - 70/100 I don't particularly have strong feelings on this track, if you can call it that. It's really just a buildup to Cardinals, which serves and feels like the real intro track to this album anyways. Cardina...

    If there's one word I'd use to describe this album, it's indulgent. Indulgent in the sense that there are really no holds barred on this album, it's not going to be some low-key indie affair, it might be a bit too grand or a bit much for some people, but for me, I relish in the theatrics, I will always appreciate these big, sometimes over the top pieces. Perhaps that's just me, but imagine my surprise when I randomly put this album on last year, only to instantly fall in love with it. I have a bit of a soft spot for baroque pop after all anyways, Queen was one of the first bands I listened to seriously, I used to love Fun. as a kid, and of course Pretty Odd. was one of my favourite albums growing up. What I didn't realize is that slowly but surely, this album would stay ingrained in my mind, slowly gnawing away until I enjoyed it more and more with each passing listen. Would I say it's my favourite album from 2025? If you asked me last year I wouldn'...

      Ooh I should have come into this review lacking complete hope. Whether it was the unnecessarily odd title, the mid album cover, or the fact that Harry reminds me more and more of a dog with the more facial hair he decides to grow. A part of me still held out hope. He was a pop star, surely Harry could at least deliver one hit pop song off of this album. I mean even if I wasn't the biggest fan of Harry's House at the very least you could say it had As It Was, and Late Night Talking . Surely, the lead single was just an artistic choice to ease people into the sound of the album right? Sadly, it seems Mr. Styles has lot his way, at least in my eyes, even if to most he lost it when he posted that awful shirtless photo. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. - Harry Styles Aperture - 65/100 I think this song is fine, but it's really missing a proper climax to make the payoff of the entire song stick. Think Happier Than E...

      I've reviewed a Mac Miller album before, and frankly the beginning of this review will probably sound much of the same to that. I don't know anything about this album other than one song I know I definitely like, which is almost certainly carried by the presence of Ariana Grande. Other than that I'm not expecting much. I simply don't enjoy rap albums that much. But who knows. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. The Divine Feminine - Mac Miller Congratulations (feat. Bilal) - 70/100 Simple but pretty adorable to be honest. A nice soft introductory song that sets the rest of the albums tone. Dang! (feat. Anderson. Paak) - 75/100 I do love me some Anderson. Paak. Maybe I should check out his solo work. Though on a side note I do really hate it when Mac Miller mentions his penis. Stay - 75/100 Mac Miller's raps remain a little goofy even if I like the Soprano's shoutout on this song. It's a good tune underneath it all though. Actually I just ...

      Few albums elicit such an immense feeling of peace and warmth as this album does for me. Whether it's a nice sunny afternoon, or a Sunday morning where I'm hungover just looking for something to center myself on, this album has it. I cannot overstate how pretty I think this album is. I think if you're going to listen to it you need some sun while you're doing it. I don't care if you're just sitting down, or in the middle of a road trip, but my preference is a nice walk while the sun shines down on your face. It was almost annoying having to do score every track because I'd have to look down at my phone and jot down my thoughts, but I did it. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes  Sun It Rises - 80/100 I realize now that with the second track a lot of people associate this album with the winter, but originally I felt like this was a summer album to me. Regardless, I think this is a great intro that perfectly fits it...

       I write this review as a pretty big fan of Joyce Manor. I wouldn't call myself their biggest fan, I know people who have tattoo's because of them, but I've listened to every one of their albums, I've seen them live, and I even like albums from them that many consider mediocre or not worth their time. All of this to say I was pretty skeptical of this album coming into it. I mean their last record, 40 oz. to Fresno was underwhelming on all fronts in my eyes. Not just in the sense that it was their shortest album (which is hilarious considering this band seems allergic to songs over 2 minutes and albums longer than 20 minutes). But it just wasn't as good. I liked a couple of tracks off of it, but we waited all that time and the best track off of it was a 1 minute song that they had basically repurposed. And so, in the leadup to this latest album I had more than my own healthy share of skepticism. I only liked about half of the singles, and the singles I didn...

      You'll probably be able to guess what score I'm going to give this album. I can probably guess it already, but who knows, there's always a chance that an album comes along to buck the trend and really reel me into a genre. I'm not saying it'll be this album, but when my friend Slayer recommended it I gave the most popular track, head.rap , a shot and I didn't hate it, I almost enjoyed it. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. From the Private Collection of Saba and No I.D.- Saba, No ID Every Painting Has a Price (feat. BJ The Chicago Kid and Eryn Allen Kane) - 60/100 A pretty easygoing and nice track. It doesn't really wow me but it kept my attention the entire time so it did it's job. Breakdown - 45/100 I wouldn't go as far to say that this song is not interesting or anything, it sounds well produced and I can appreciate that but the rapping is pretty uninteresting to me. Crash (feat. Raphael Saadiq and Kelly Rowland) - 45/100 You ...

      Normally, I like to write the blurbs for these albums prior to listening to them, but this time I decided not to. Partially because I forgot to, and partially because I don't have much to say. Of course, I have some knowledge of music that came before me, and as someone who enjoys rock music of course I've heard of Jimi Hendrix before. The only issue is, a part of me kind of wishes I never actually listened to this album. Before listening to this album the only song I knew by Hendrix was Angel , which I did find out because Zayn did a bad cover of. Sadly, I have to report that I did not particularly enjoy this album, I just don't get it. Or at least that's what I'd like to think because apparently a lot of people get much enjoyment or value from it. Perhaps I'm simply too young to enjoy it, or my I just can't understand it. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. Are You Experienced - Jimi Hendrix Foxy Lady - 60/100 I feel like songs were mor...

     Sadly for Mr. Malcom Todd, this album comes in a time in my life where I feel like I'm currently listening to less pop than usual generally. Though Indie Pop and Indie were my third and fourth most listened to genre's this year, punk, rock and emo music have largely dominated my music tastes this year. That's not to say I don't enjoy or listen to pop music anymore, it's just that I've found myself being a bit pickier, being less lenient towards pop music that might have felt a bit derivative, but were still catchy enough to justify my attention. The reason I say all of this is because frankly prior to this album any Malcolm Todd song I listened to sounded just fine, and that's it. Not to say I don't know people who listen to him, my brother enjoys his music and so does my friend Bleed. Still, even with relatively good ratings on sites like RYM and AOTY I was skeptical. Though I will still try, so without further ado, my track-by-track review. Malcol...

          It is time for me to once again speak on a genre I don't listen to that much and say that I don't like a critically acclaimed album as much as I should. I'd argue that you should blame my friend Omaid for this who recommended this record even though I swear I've never even heard him talk about it at all. Either way, I thought I might as well give it a shot. After all, I did enjoy the track Smooth   Operator  by Sade but I came into this review with a relatively clean slate clear of any biases. Except for one. I don't know how to put this but as someone who enjoys pop music I am simply just not impressed with the majority of sophistipop. Don't get me wrong I love That! Feels Good! by Jessie Ware, but I was surprised to find that most of her previous work was in that slower range of pop genres, and the hit rate just wasn't as high. Either way, this album was rated highly enough to give it a fair shake, so without further ado, my track-by-t...

    I love this album unabashedly. It took a little bit, and honestly I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, but it's so good, it's just undeniable. I mean this entire album just scratches an itch I haven't even thought about in years. I remember when I first started developing my own music tastes one of my first loves was dubstep. For better or worse those minecraft intro's stuck with me, and so I'll be the first to say I listened to my fair share of Monstercat. Except one small issue exists, it's kind of hard for me to listen to it now without cringing a little bit. So where should I go to find that same sound, without feeling the same embarrassment for what I used to be? Well hyperpop helps to some extent, but this album really does the trick for me. I'll admit, it's not for everyone, but this is definitely one of those albums you never knew you needed until it showed up. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. I Love My Computer - Ninaji...

      In terms of how useful, relevant or necessary this review is, I can safely say it's not to all three of those questions. Obviously, as someone who tries to stay informed culturally, I know who Kendrick Lamar is, I listen to some of his songs, but to say that I am a fan of his, or even equipped to properly review an album of his would be a ridiculous claim to make. Even still, I do like some of the songs off of this album, and of course it is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, so I'm inclined to give it a listen at my friend Sweaty's behest. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar Wesley's Theory - 75/100 I will be hated if I say that I liked the intro of this song the best out of this entire song, and I won't because it feels disrespectful to the rest of the song, which I actually enjoy a decent amount. A lot of it is definitely the instrumentals by Thundercat but I think the chorus to this song i...

      I come into this review with a fairly fresh pair of ears. By the time I was old enough to care about rock music Muse was already fairly washed, releasing albums like Simulation Theory , but luckily I never cared about them so it didn't matter to me. I did recently listen to Black Holes and Revelations  though, which I thought was fine but didn't really understand why it was rated so high outside of a few stellar tracks, mainly Starlight . Even still, I'm determined to figure out why people love this band so much, I like rock music, why shouldn't I try and see why this band was ever so revered in the first place. So, when my friend CJ recommended this album, all I was told is that it basically sounds like Radiohead. I don't know if that works for or against this album because I don't really listen to Radiohead either, but without further ado, my track-by-track review. Absolution - Muse Intro - N/A It's just your average intro. Apocalypse Please - 80/100...

    I was tempted to start off this review with the entire lyrics to Wonderwall,  which would be pretty funny, and I'm still contemplating doing it, but also I think that perfectly describes exactly how I feel about this band. I know nothing about them other than Wonderwall , and like one other song I heard in a TV show somewhere. Actually I know that they broke up because this band is two brothers who just always constantly fought with each other, and one of these Gallagher blokes is pretty funny on twitter. Either way, that's why when my friend Omaid suggested this album I groaned as one does, especially considering how people have rated this album. And frankly, I listened to the first track and just don't get it at all. Even still, I'm in a good mood, which gives this album a fighting chance, so without further ado, my track-by-track review. Standing on the Shoulder of Giants - Oasis Fuckin' in the Bushes - 25/100 I listened to about 80% of this song before reali...

       I have a bit of an odd relationship with this album to be honest. Because on one hand it's one my least favourite Panic! albums, but also that's just because I kind of really loved their first couple of albums as a child. This is actually the Panic! album I came into as a fan, as sadly I only became a fan at the tail end of what was left of this "band." Even still, I'd be lying if I said I didn't still listen to songs from this album to this day. After all, and I cannot stress this enough, Panic! At the Disco was my gateway band to listening to music in any semi-serious capacity. So of course, as it is somehow still sunny in Toronto, I jumped at the opportunity to review it again. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. Death of a Bachelor - Panic! At the Disco Victorious - 10/100 I am proud to say I never liked this song as a child. I mean it's so obnoxious. Whether its Brendon gloating his vocal chops like a peacock, or the chorus, this ...

      I'm going to be honest. I used to make fun of this album too. As a young teenager with a  burgeoning music taste and a strong desire to have hipster credibility, I saw everyone making fun of this album, and specifically the song Feels Like Summer , and felt compelled to do the same. Of course, that doesn't mean I refused to listen to it. Back then, and even now I do listen to quite a bit of Weezer, and even I had my moments of listening to it, almost like a guilty pleasure, like the two weeks where I worked a summer job and just listened to 5SOS on repeat. But now, all grown up, craving the fleeting moments of summer more and more, I must admit that I unabashedly enjoy this album. I don't think I'll go as far to try and fight people over it, but I won't be afraid to say I really enjoy this album. Perhaps everything just rolled right in it's favour, it has the nostalgia factor going for it, and the summer one too, and frankly I am a pretty big Weezer fan, s...

      I have no idea who these guys are and I'm doing this review against my will. GHETTO GODS - EARTHGANG THE GLOW - NA/100 I'm not commenting on some intro. GHETTO GODS - 15/100 It's like if someone told them they put horns in this track it'd make it sound super epic and go hard. BILLI (feat. Future) - 10/100 I was glad when Future came on because they stopped yelling about Billi's.  WATERBOYZ (with JID & J. Cole) - 10/100 The less they repeat this chorus the better. HEY BOO - Skit - NA/100 A welcome reprieve. AMEN (with Musiq Soulchild) - 20/100 Hearing Musiq Soulchild reminded me that I'm supposed to be listening to music. ALL EYES ON ME - 15/100 Less offensive than the other tracks. LIE TO ME - 40/100 The beat is goofy as fuck and horny (not in a good way) but it's not that loud and frankly I don't hate it as much as I thought I would. JEANS INTERLUDE - Skit - NA/100 Am I glad there's a skit? I won't comment on that. BLACK PEARLS (feat. ...

      I'm going to be honest, I've already reviewed one Nine Inch Nails album, and I still have nothing to say about the band. I mean what do you want from me? Generally I just don't get much from industrial rock, and frankly these days the only time I hear about Trent Reznor is when he's making movie soundtracks. I even went back to my last review of The Fragile  to see if anything has changed (I'm writing this intro while I'm about 70% done with this album I listened to most of it on the way to a My Chemical Romance concert).Honestly, the part about more action probably still stands. Frankly, I don't even know how I gave that album a 70 I don't remember anything from it perhaps I was being too kind. Either way, for some reason people love this band, especially my friend CJ, so without further ado, my track-by-track review. With Teeth - Nine Inch Nails All The Love In The World - 50/100 I'm not even going to pretend that I really like the beginning ...

      What do I even write for this intro? I mean I do love me some J-Pop. My love of Ginger Root is proof enough of that. I also do have a soft spot for that retro Japan vibe that some anime music gives off. Like I know the really popular ones that got popular on Youtube like, Stay With Me . I really just don't know what to say because while I do love me some J-Pop I'm just so unfamiliar with the genre as a whole to really say anything other than I do love this genre. And you know what, shoutout to my friend sweaty for recommending this because I would love to get to know more songs from this genre. So without further ado, I excitedly present my track-by-track review. Timely!! - Anri CAT'S EYE - (NEW TAKE) - 75/100 You see I searched up the lyrics to this track expecting some perfect English translation, which does not exist. But honestly? this is danceable music, I don't particularly care about what the lyrics are, I'm just here to vibe. Not the catchiest or brigh...

      Where do I even start with this band or this album? For starters, I only ever found out about Radiohead after being a Panic! At the Disco fan as a child. For those who were way into that band in their early teenage years they will remember a live album by them called Live in Denver, in which P!ATD so faithfully covered one song, Karma Police . Of course, now I know better and am well aware of this band and their reputation online. Which honestly only makes it harder for me to actually want to get into them knowing full well they are the poster band of RYM-core or like /mu/-core. Not to say I'm not pretentious, or find myself above the need to enjoy highly rated items, but at the same time it's hard to understate just how hyped this album feels to me. I'd say most surprising is the fact I've only attempted to listen to this album once, though it was in a gym and I sort of basically just tuned it out. So without further ado, my track-by-track review. OK Computer - R...