Reviews (page 6 of 7)
The Good: actual fun rock to listen to. The Bad: too much forced usage of feedback. The Ugly: at times too poppy. Really enjoyed the album, but could not shake the feeling that they are trying harder instead of actually being... You know what I mean? 3 1/2* which will translate to 4
Very good, loved this album,
Fine. Fairly standard indie rock stuff...
A lot of fine energy and production, but these songs just weren't moving me.
This initially sounds pretty gnarly, but devolves into a series of pastiches all vaguely orbiting an alternative rawk nexus. For the first ten seconds or so of a number of these tunes, I am minded to think of other, superior tracks. So, there's one track that reminds me of 'Trampolene' by Julian Cope; another apes as Stone Temple Pilots. Yet the dream quickly evaporates, and the promise of great music snatched away. 'In The Jungle' is good. I remember selling this album at my weekend job and it seemed to stick around on the charts for an age.
Rocking
Short songs. Sounded unconfident
This entire album just sounds like a grunge record from Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins released 10 years too late. Listeners should just stop fucking about and go listen to the real thing. The Vines bring nothing of themselves or originality to this album and therefore it does not belong on this list. There were plenty of bands that were releasing original and vital records in the naughties and this is not one of them; and frankly this lists' record of selecting records from the naughties has been utter shite.
Forgotten how amazing this is. It’s aged well.
This album is a good reminder of why the British considered throwing tea into a river as one of the highest forms of violence one could commit. Bland, uninteresting record that's indistinguishable from the plethora of other British rock acts from this period who were all trying to be the modern Beatles. There's a song called Mary Jane and guess what the fuck it's about.
Bland boring forgettable
Good singles, average everything else. I am not offended but won't be going back for further listens. There was a rash of these bands in the UK charts at this time, The Datsuns, The Von Bondies, Cooper Temple Clause, just straight ahead noisy rock. Kind of stuck between Mansun and Arctic Monkeys, these guys just never went anywhere.
Fun. Definitely kinda the next step into the 200s for the rock genre.
Definitely not bad but got quite repetitive - need to be stricter on ratings so they're only going to get 2.4 but some alright songs.
Derivative and limited. I was wondering what the specific noise on the record was, beneath the guitars, drums and vocals, but it turned out to be the sound of a barrel being scraped. (A generous) 2 🌟
I lol’ed at the youtube video of the crowd moshing around and crowd surfing while the band passionately flopped down on the stage with their guitars for extreme, hardcore, guitar shredding… for a song that was definitely NOT that vibe.
Very bland. Nothing stood out.
Nice, bit too British in style
Not bad. But nothing really new or exciting that I hadn’t heard before, either. And with the exception of a couple of tracks, nothing that I would really seek out to listen to again.
Good variety of rock styles kept my interest. A nice surprise.
Solid album. I would listen again.
This album was rather indistinguishable from a lot of other rock from. . . those other bands.
This is truly the album of all time. The notes are musical. The writing has words. I definitely listened to this album alright. Yeah, this album's just kind of okay. There's nothing particularly wrong with this album. It's perfectly fine. The singing is not too annoying. The sound is acceptable. The production is pretty solid. Apparently the guy who did it also helped produce for some of Elliott Smith's albums, including the two I've listened to. That's nice. I just feel that this album doesn't do anything that hadn't been done before or during the time this album was released. I mean, when you have better, more iconic garage rock revival bands like the Strokes and the White Stripes on the list, adding the Vines feels kind of redundant. British media really loved this album for some reason. They called these guys the next Nirvana or something. Really? I don't hear it. NME also called this the 2nd best album of 2002, only behind Coldplay's "A Rush of Blood to the Head." I certainly wouldn't go that far. There are quite a few albums from 2002 that I like more than this one, including the Coldplay one. I can see good things about this album. It's just that it's not a very exciting addition to a list like this. I don't get the reviews saying that this is soulless or anything, but I also don't get this being one of the best albums of 2002 when albums like Yoshimi Battle the Pink Robots exist. 3/5.
kinda boring
lounging around bangers
Convince me the album art doesn't look AI generated.
Nothing special.
Highly Evolved is an impressive debut that masterfully blends grunge's raw edge with melodic sophistication. The album kicks off with a gritty intensity reminiscent of 90s grunge, driven by powerful guitars and driving drums. What sets it apart is the seamless integration of catchy melodies and lush harmonies that soften the rough edges, creating a unique sound. Tracks like Eclipse of Yesterday highlight this fusion perfectly, offering both angst and anthemic hooks. The songwriting is sharp, mixing introspective lyrics with memorable choruses that stick with you long after listening. The production maintains a gritty, lo-fi quality, paying homage to classic grunge while embracing modern sensibilities. Overall, Highly Evolved delivers a fresh take on familiar genres, offering a compelling listen for fans of both grunge and melodic music. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 7 STAND OUT TRACK - Ain't No Room
Hadn’t heard of the Vines before but I loved this album! Another one introduced by the 1001 challenge that I may not have found 4.5/5
Plenty meh. Beautiful cover art, though.
Utterly boring to my ears.
I had completely forgotten about these guys. They were OK but not worth the hype.
### **In-Depth Review of *Highly Evolved* by The Vines** Released in July 2002, *Highly Evolved* is the debut album by The Vines, an Australian alternative rock band that burst onto the global scene with an explosive mix of garage rock, grunge, and punk influences. The album was a commercial success, hailed by some as one of the most promising debuts of the early 2000s, while others were more critical of its derivative nature. In this review, we will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, providing a comprehensive analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. ### **1. Music and Composition** Musically, *Highly Evolved* is a dynamic album that traverses several rock sub-genres, often within a single track. The opening title track, "Highly Evolved," sets the tone with its raw, distorted guitars, aggressive vocals, and a succinct runtime of just under two minutes. This brevity is a hallmark of several tracks on the album, creating an urgency that echoes the punk ethos of bands like The Stooges and The Ramones. Tracks like "Get Free" and "Outtathaway!" are standout examples of the band’s ability to craft infectious, anthemic rock songs. "Get Free," in particular, features a powerful riff, tight structure, and a chorus that captures the rebellious energy of youth. This song, along with "Outtathaway!," showcases Craig Nicholls' knack for writing straightforward, yet impactful, rock songs that are both catchy and full of attitude. On the other hand, songs like "Autumn Shade" and "Homesick" reveal a softer, more introspective side of the band. "Homesick," with its melancholic melody and slower tempo, contrasts sharply with the faster, more aggressive tracks, showcasing the band’s versatility. The acoustic guitar and subdued vocals on "Country Yard" further emphasize this range, adding a layer of folk-rock influence reminiscent of The Beatles and Nirvana’s unplugged sessions. However, this eclecticism can also be seen as a double-edged sword. While the variety of sounds makes for an engaging listen, it also contributes to a somewhat disjointed album experience. The rapid shifts in tone—from the ferocious energy of "Outtathaway!" to the languid melancholy of "Homesick"—can feel abrupt, preventing the album from achieving a cohesive flow. ### **2. Lyrics and Themes** Lyrically, *Highly Evolved* doesn’t venture far from the themes typical of rock music: alienation, rebellion, love, and introspection. Craig Nicholls' lyrics are often abstract, with a focus on mood and emotion rather than narrative. This approach creates a dreamlike quality in some tracks, while others feel more like primal outbursts of emotion. "Get Free" is a prime example of this lyrical style, with its repetitive declaration of independence: "I'm gonna get free, right into the sun." The lyrics are simple and direct, perfectly complementing the song's visceral energy. Similarly, "Outtathaway!" expresses a frustration with societal norms and a desire to break free, with Nicholls screaming, "Outtathaway! I’m running out of room!" In contrast, tracks like "Homesick" and "Autumn Shade" delve into more introspective territory. "Homesick" features lines like "I’m feelin' down about this love," expressing a sense of melancholy and longing. "Autumn Shade" is more abstract, with lyrics like "No life, no time, it’s all a dream" evoking a sense of existential ennui. Despite the emotional resonance of these lyrics, they sometimes lack depth and complexity. Nicholls' tendency to prioritize emotion over clarity can result in vague or ambiguous lyrics that leave the listener searching for meaning. While this works in favor of some tracks, creating a sense of mystery, it can also feel like a missed opportunity to explore deeper themes. ### **3. Production** The production on *Highly Evolved* was handled by Rob Schnapf, known for his work with Elliott Smith and Beck. The album’s production strikes a balance between polished and raw, capturing the band’s energetic live sound while also adding enough studio sheen to make the album radio-friendly. The guitars are front and center throughout the album, with a gritty, distorted tone that harks back to the grunge era. This is particularly evident on tracks like "Highly Evolved" and "Get Free," where the guitars drive the songs with a relentless intensity. The drums and bass are also well-mixed, providing a solid backbone that complements the chaotic energy of the guitars and vocals. However, the production is not without its flaws. Some critics have argued that the album's sound is overly derivative, borrowing too heavily from 90s grunge and 60s garage rock without adding much innovation. While the production does a great job of capturing the band’s raw energy, it occasionally feels too polished, especially considering the chaotic and rebellious nature of the music. This polish can sometimes smooth out the rough edges that give garage rock its character, making the album feel more controlled than it perhaps should. ### **4. Themes and Artistic Direction** Thematically, *Highly Evolved* is an exploration of youthful angst and rebellion, set against a backdrop of existential questioning. The album captures a moment in time when rock music was beginning to re-emerge as a force in mainstream culture, with bands like The Strokes, The White Stripes, and The Hives leading the charge. The Vines fit neatly into this revival, with *Highly Evolved* serving as a statement of intent. The album’s themes of rebellion ("Get Free," "Outtathaway!") and alienation ("Homesick," "In the Jungle") resonate with a generation looking for authenticity and raw emotion in their music. The band’s blend of grunge, punk, and garage rock influences speaks to a desire to reconnect with the raw, unfiltered energy of rock music, which had been largely absent from mainstream charts in the late 90s. However, the album’s thematic exploration is not particularly deep. While it touches on issues of alienation and existentialism, it does so in a way that feels more stylistic than substantive. The lyrics often prioritize attitude and mood over narrative or thematic development, which can leave some listeners wanting more depth and insight. This is particularly noticeable when compared to some of the band's contemporaries, who were able to explore similar themes with more nuance and complexity. ### **5. Influence and Legacy** *Highly Evolved* was released during a period when rock music was experiencing a resurgence, with a new wave of bands drawing inspiration from the raw energy of garage rock and the introspection of grunge. The Vines were often lumped in with this so-called "rock revival," alongside bands like The Strokes, The White Stripes, and The Hives. However, while The Vines shared some stylistic similarities with these bands, they also brought a distinctly Australian perspective to the genre. The album’s success helped to put Australian rock music back on the global map, and The Vines became one of the most prominent Australian bands of the early 2000s. Their success also paved the way for other Australian acts, contributing to a broader recognition of the country’s vibrant music scene. In terms of influence, *Highly Evolved* had a significant impact on the early 2000s rock landscape. Its blend of grunge, punk, and garage rock resonated with listeners who were looking for something rawer and more visceral than the polished pop and nu-metal that dominated the charts at the time. The album’s success also helped to legitimize the rock revival movement, proving that there was still a significant audience for guitar-driven rock music. However, the album’s influence was somewhat limited by the band’s subsequent struggles. Following the release of *Highly Evolved*, The Vines were plagued by internal conflicts, erratic behavior from frontman Craig Nicholls, and diminishing returns on their subsequent albums. As a result, their influence on the broader rock landscape was not as lasting as that of some of their contemporaries. ### **6. Pros and Cons** **Pros:** 1. **Energetic and Raw Sound:** The album captures the raw energy of garage rock, with driving guitars, pounding drums, and aggressive vocals that evoke the spirit of 60s and 90s rock. 2. **Variety of Styles:** The Vines showcase their versatility by blending elements of grunge, punk, and folk, creating a dynamic and varied listening experience. 3. **Memorable Tracks:** Songs like "Get Free," "Outtathaway!," and "Highly Evolved" are standout tracks that exemplify the band’s ability to craft catchy, anthemic rock songs. 4. **Nostalgic Appeal:** The album taps into a sense of nostalgia for the grunge era, appealing to listeners who grew up with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. 5. **Cultural Impact:** The album helped to reintroduce raw, guitar-driven rock into the mainstream at a time when it was largely absent from the charts. **Cons:** 1. **Lack of Cohesion:** The album’s eclectic mix of styles can sometimes feel disjointed, with abrupt shifts in tone and mood that disrupt the flow of the album. 2. **Derivative Sound:** While the album successfully blends various influences, it can sometimes feel overly derivative, lacking the innovation needed to distinguish itself from its predecessors. 3. **Shallow Lyrics:** The lyrics often prioritize mood and attitude over depth and narrative, which can leave some listeners wanting more substance and insight. 4. **Inconsistent Quality:** While the album features several standout tracks, some songs feel less developed, serving as filler rather than fully realized compositions. 5. **Production Over-Polish:** The production, while polished and radio-friendly, sometimes smooths out the rough edges that give the band’s music its character, potentially diluting the raw energy that defines garage rock. ### **Conclusion** *Highly Evolved* is a compelling debut album that captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of early 2000s rock music. The Vines succeeded in creating a sound that blends the ferocity of punk, the angst of grunge, and the simplicity of garage rock, delivering an album that is both nostalgic and contemporary. While the album has its flaws—most notably a lack of cohesion and depth—it remains an important artifact of its time, representing both the potential and the limitations of the rock revival movement. The album’s influence, though not as enduring as some of its contemporaries, helped to reinvigorate the rock genre and bring attention to the Australian music scene. For fans of raw, guitar-driven rock, *Highly Evolved* offers a snapshot of a moment when rock music was poised for a comeback, capturing the excitement and energy of a band on the cusp of greatness, even if that greatness was never fully realized.
Good but not particularly memorable
I feel like I should know of the Vines already, and they sound so quasi-familiar I kind of wonder if I *have* heard them before and have just forgotten it? Ah yes, the latter, as "Get Free" got a *lot* of airplay back in the day; I just didn't realize it was them... Either way, it's a decent album, and I enjoyed listening to them, but also felt like they struggle to sound all that distinct from bands before them. There's a strong Nirvana vibe ("Nevermind" era) to a number of the songs, so much so that I kind of felt like this was a sort of Black Keys/White Stripes thing, except that this album is way too late for that kind of emulation/envy, I suppose. (And now that I read the Wikipedia entry, I see that I'm not the only one making this comparison.) But to their credit, they *do* have their own take on the Nirvana style of music--and even a little variety outside Nirvana, like with the Beatles' inspired "Homesick" or "Factory"--and hey, they're Aussies, so that counts for something, right? I'll also say that while the videos didn't add much to the music experience, they're a bit revealing about the lead singer's neurodivergency and somewhat alarming posture and behavior. A little digging on Wikipedia reveals that sadly, while he's later acknowledged that he's on the spectrum (and apparently cut back on fast food and cannabis to help control it), his behavior was too violent for the original co-founder to stay in the band (and he also later assaulted his parents and destroyed equipment on sets). Given all that, I'm not at all surprised that the band was dropped silently from the "1001 Albums" book a few years after they debuted; a bit sad, considering the gushing review in the 2005 edition, but mental health issues aside I suspect their longevity was doomed from the start, as they appeared on the facing page from the truly-cringeworthy Justin Timberlake album "Justified"....
Enjoyed listening to this--solid sort of dense pop rock. The only song that made me sit back and look to see what the title was "sunshinin" but in general they've got some nice beats.
The Vines and the Hives make up the twin bastions of perfectly honed Chaos channeled into emotive magic. Perfection.
8/22/24. Very good 2000s rock album! It's a shame it's not more popular and included on more playlists, each song brings the heat. Will definitely be playing this one again and again.
I know these guys are Australian but felt like once you've heard a couple Britpop bands you've heard them all and this one was no exception. Not bad, but also not great. 6/10.
This album started off extremely weak with some edgy rock and the singer sounding like a worse Liam Gallagher. Then around ‘Homesick’ it changed tone into something that I really liked, followed by a streak of a few good songs more reminiscent of 2000s pop rock. In the end it felt a bit too uneven to warrant a higher rating, having both pretty low lows and high highs. This might be an album I’ll actually revisit to see if it changes my mind, but for now I think a 3 feels appropriate.
Sometimes it leaned toward garage rock, like “Get Free,” which I enjoyed. Other times it felt like whiny ’90s hipster stuff, or ’90s Oasis-style rock. I didn’t really like those parts. Honestly, there were some highs and lows. “Get Free” and “Ain’t No Room” are good songs, but songs like “Homesick” are not. Weak 3.
A great, active and lively album to headbang to.
The Vines' debut album, Highly Evolved, while promising in its raw energy, ultimately falls short of its potential. While the band's youthful exuberance shines through in tracks like "Outtathaway!" and "Highly Evolved," the album's overall sound is somewhat derivative, leaning heavily on influences like Nirvana and early Foo Fighters. The production is a mixed bag, with some tracks feeling polished and professional while others sound rough around the edges. The songwriting, while catchy at times, lacks the depth and originality that would elevate the album to truly memorable status. While Highly Evolved is a solid effort for a debut, it's ultimately a missed opportunity for a band that showed so much promise.
Nothing special here. Even the most popular song on here isn't all that interesting to me.
It was a very mid Nirvana rip off. Only made me wanna listen to actual Nirvana and good alternative rock.
Swap this for something that is not drivel from England.
Some quality songs on this one. I've tried out The Vines before, but nothing stuck for me. So good music, that is not going to have me seeking them out. I won't turn it off if it comes on.
I don’t think you need to hear The Vines before you die - there are dozens of better noughties guitar bands, in my opinion. Get Free is exquisitely angsty and the rest is fine, it’s just that their songs all tend to sound derivative of a hundred other bands. Considering I’m judging this alongside the best albums history (supposedly) has to offer, I can’t give it more than a 2.5.
Great surprise, I always imagined that the album was all on the same 'get free' vibe and I found a good mix of songs.
why does this guy like pink floyd so much jesus christ don’t know if i even finished this album it was so boring i wanted to kill myself some of the slower songs are not bad, but it doesn’t make up for how basic and unremarkable the rest of this garbage is wish it didn’t suck as much as it did finding very little redeemable or interesting things about any of this ok i’m calling it i don’t think i’ll come back to this, and if i did, i wouldn’t even remember the name of the song i liked the most and i don’t want to wade through audio feces to find gold
Pre-listening thoughts: I once again have never heard of this band or album. I’m so used to that atp. I’m like kind of growing resentful towards the guy who made this list for including SO MUCH British/aussie rock, like cmon man we don’t need to hear ALL of these before we die. We shall see though Post/during listening thoughts: this might be a little too heavy for my personal tastes. I don’t think I like this. Autumn shade is like whiplash from the title track. Is this classified as singing or just rhythmic yelling? I would almost like Outtathaway if this guys voice were tolerable. Some of this isn’t terrible when they actually sing! It’s like if Radiohead and Guns n Roses had a terrible lovechild. That octave singing in Country Yard is AWFUL. In The Jungle is like Welcome to the Jungle’s awful awful nephew. The “fav tracks” section on here is more like tracks I tolerated lol. You know what’s tragic is I love the album art, it looks like a video game! Sorry aussies 3/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: Autumn Shade, Sunshinin, Homesick, Mary Jane Least fav tracks: Highly Evolved, Outtathaway, Get Free, Country Yard, In the Jungle
Correcto
I was told the Vines harnessed the same angst and energy as Nirvana. And I guess I can see that. But I truly get more of an Oasis feel from this record. Perhaps some Beatles. There is one song in particular that reminded me of a John Lennon vocal part from some Beatles song. This record was a fun listen. Great to bike to.
Like the garage rock, enjoyable and with an interesting mix of different songs, homesick is a little slower and get free really kicks it heavier. I'm stuck between a 2/3 for this one, it's good but I don't know if I would say it's great. There are flashes for me throughout
Nothing original going on here.
Decent garage rock record, albeit fairly uneven. Certainly not “the second coming of Nirvana” as the British press hailed them. Influential to Alex Turner in forming the Arctic Monkeys, so that’s a win.
Nick Cave aside, it’s not often that I’m offered an album hailing from a home country artist. I think there are 1,001 other better Aussie options that I’d pick much sooner than The Vines. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not awful, and I get that they made a splash on the international scene, but Australia has so many more worthwhile musical collectives that could be showcased here. Homesick is a good song and I took notice of Country Yard for the first time, but the rest is standard 00’s rock.
more like the very annoyings
I can't tell if I've never heard this before or if I've heard it 1,000 times. It brings the familiar sounds of 90's grunge combined with notes of Oasis-like brit pop. A textbook example of the genre and year.
Nirvana influenced indie rock that was massively overhyped by the Btitish music press. Ok.
I missed this phase of music as I was focused on school, work, life. I’m sure I would have loved it more if I had been actively listening at that time. I found it a good record but didn’t blow me away.
It's kinda okay?? Nothing special
This was better than I expected, which should come as no surprise since I enjoy indie garage rock. The Vines are energetic, with appealing melodies and driving beats. They remind me of another band from this era, the Subways, who play a similar style on their debut a couple years later. Actually, the Vines sound isn't unique or original, there are bands that do it better, but it was better than par for 2002.
Enjoyed more than I thought I would. Some good songs on here. Will I listen to again: 80%
decent record
The first song was so shit that I was mentally writing another “no Turn on the Bright Lights but this”. It turned out to have a few good songs, though. Extremely EA Sports mid-2000s game menu core. Bland garage rock with a psychedelic twist. Just a hair above a 2
i had “get free” saved. it still hits. the rest idk man
Not sure what happened here, I loved their 2nd album, which included some of these songs in better versions - one of my early iPod favourites, but this is all a bit meh apart from Get Free
I’m surprised that I haven’t heard of The Vines before. It’s exactly the kind of music I gravitate towards, and was released in 2002 - when I was all over music magazines and actively looking for new music. It is dirty sounding garage rock, but still keeps plenty of catchy melodies and interesting sounds. The vocals were great, and any moments where the harmonies started sounded absolutely delightful. I like this album, and will have to remember to listen again.
Ok this is my jam. I really like this. Rockin’
примерно такие громковатые плосковатые как я помню (сколько до этого слышала? две? три?), интересный местами альбом но слишком долго слушать это сложно
This was surprisingly good and will get future listens. I assumed I knew all I needed to know based on the punkish and enjoyable "Get Free," but this album is much deeper and more, well, highly evolved than that.
A little disappointed. The songs all felt short and uninspired. They gradually got longer as the album progressed and a little more passionate. Idk, was hoping for a lot of “Get Free” power
Tan normal que ni me he enterado de qué va.
There are some good song, but not enough that I can comfortably give this a 4. The ballads are what really hold this album back, they are all just so bland. It doesn't help that he doesn't have the best voice. I don't think this is an album I needed to listen to. It is okay at best, but I don't think it really had a big impact on anyone. Their one hit is just a copy of Nirvana's Breed (which came out 11 years before). I don't know enough about the garage rock revival movement, but the strokes came out a year before, so they weren't breaking new ground in that aspect either.
This was really damn good. I expected to like it just not as much as I ended up liking it. Great listen.
Nirvana tribute band? They make a good noise.
Oooh, this is good, really good. They have a go at almost every kind of guitar tune from the 60s to the 90s and almost everything works. A wise move to avoid metal! Packed with great melodies and lots of energy. Sounds great in the car and I'll be listening more on our travels.
It’s fun but it isn’t much more in my opinion. A very decent listen but I do find myself surprised that this made the list with all the great albums put out in the early 2000s.
Mid
Das Album beginnt kraftvoll und setzt diesen Ton durchgehend fort. Besonders hervorzuheben sind die Tracks “Outtathaway” und “Get Free”, die als Highlights herausstechen. “Get Free” ist ein Paradebeispiel für den Garage-Rock-Sound der frühen 2000er Jahre und hat sich als einer der bekanntesten Songs der Band etabliert. Die Musik auf Highly Evolved ist hart, aber gut, und bietet eine intensive Hörerfahrung. Die Mischung aus aggressiven Gitarrenriffs und eingängigen Melodien macht das Album zu einem Muss für Fans des Genres. Die Band schafft es, eine rohe und ungeschliffene Energie zu vermitteln, die sowohl kraftvoll als auch authentisch wirkt. Insgesamt ist Highly Evolved ein starkes Debütalbum, das die Essenz des Garage-Rock einfängt und gleichzeitig die Vielseitigkeit und das Talent von The Vines zeigt. Es ist ein Album, das man mal wieder hören kann, ohne dass es an Intensität verliert
i wanted to hate this purely because Get Free was overplayed to death on the radio in 2002, but it ain't half bad.
An album I loved at the time, and still do!
Feels longer than 50 minutes, I don’t think I will be listening to this again. Not bad tho.
The Nirvana comparison is a bit of a misnomer. Yes, some of the vocals are 'shouty' and some instrumental bits occasionally sound grungy, but generally the tracks are just not as dark as Nirvana and the lyrics are simplistic & nowhere near as literate or playful as Cobain's. Anyway, this is a decent grungy indie pop record, with strong production, plenty of fuzz guitars and likeable vocals.
I rushed to the shops to buy this when it came out. Was loving, and still do, the upbeat singles Highly Evolved and Get Free. But the album had too many slower songs for my liking so felt like a bit of a let down
Enjoyable shouty guitar stuff, never really listened before but will give them ago by gum!
Not bad, but nothing special either. Hardly the next Nirvana though
Noisy on a day when I wanted tranquility, light and fun.
Yet another ex-1001 album!™ http://1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie.wikidot.com/album-artists-a-z-ex I remember when this came out and I was rocking out to Get Free and Outtathaway! and the UK media were hailing the The Vines as the next Nirvana... and then they weren't. Still, I enjoyed the album at the time, a good mix of alternating tracks between grunge and mellow.
That was some good alt rock stuff!
I really like the indie movie vibe of the album, definitely feels like it should be backing something featuring Michael Cera circa 2008
3.5
Quite good! Lots of gusto in the performance of these retro tunes, and the songwriting is varied enough to keep the listening fresh
the most mediocre rock album i've heard in my entire existence i hope it burns
very clearly inspired by Nirvana which makes me wonder why am I listening to this and not Nirvana 2/5
Fine, but not exactly memorable.
If you like the White Stripes, The Strokes, Jet, Franz Ferdinand, or any of those other bands in the stripped down, lofi garage band genre, you'll love this. I think it sucked because it's very demonstrative of that shit genre that nobody asked for, and I'm pretty sure nobody ACTUALLY likes. The only thing I enjoyed about this was skipping songs halfway through, knowing that it would allow me to stop listening that much sooner. Highly Evolved: monotone screaming, shit guitar riff, lack of melody. Unlistenable. Skipped after half the song Autumn Shade: far better Outthatway: not quite as bad as Highly Evolved, but in the same terrible vein. There's a melody, at least. Skipped halfway through Sunshinin: not a-melodic, but mostly monotone vocals. Dislike. Skipped halfway through Homesick: best song so far. Still sucked. Skipped a little after halfway during guitar solo Get Free: trying to be grunge, but doing a bad lofi impression. Skipped during first bridge Country Yard: definitely solidifies my distaste for "lofi trying to sound like the Beatles" genre. Skipped Factory: fun opening ska-like riff. Maintained that ska-like energy through MOST of the song. It was ok until the chorus(?). Skipped after the second one In the jungle: fuck this list. Skipped Mary Jane: shit Ain't no room: worse 1969: unenjoyable. Thank goodness this is the last song There sure is a LOT of hot garbage on this list of albums everyone "MUST" listen to before they die. Is there some sort of subtext I'm missing there? Like, does the author think you should listen to garbage noise every once in a while to appreciate good music or something?
Good
I hadn't listened to much of the Vines music, but always remembered liking it. I'm happy to say this album didn't disappoint. It's great from start to finish. On the one hand, it's unoriginal in the sense that you can hear bits of Blur, Nirvana, the Clash, Oasis, and a few others. However, they seem to have blended it all together in a unique way. Impressive debut album and one that I'll definitely come back to.
Fine. Pretty enjoyable. 3.5
Catchy and fun
Alternative rock. I was getting heavy Nirvana vibes through this one. Switches from slow songs to fast ones pretty often which keeps it interesting, but I wasn’t a big fan of the screaming vocals on the faster songs. Still a good album.
no no
I always mix up the Vines and the Hives, which does neither group any favors. In the early aughts we were mad thirsty for straight-forward guitar rock and thusly forgave a lot of what tumbled out of garages across the globe. This doesn't strike me as the most authentic of the cohort: this is the Plain White Tees school of every song wanting to be a single, and the one breakout (Get Free) stands out as an aberration, the one idea that inexplicably stuck to the wall.
2.5 - Yeah...think I'm missing something on this one. It sounded pretty generic
Its not bad, but feels totally inessential to the list. The Vines were a dime a dozen in the early 2000s. Fave Tracks: Factory maybe, Mary Jane, 1969 2.9/5
Ewww
I only made I through half this album before giving up.
I really like this genre, but I wasn't crazy about this album. I think there are plenty of other options that scratch this itch better for me. Purely on musical taste, this is a 3-star for me, but I feel like I should drop it a star because it's toward the bottom of the ranking for this genre to me.
Kind of boring
Get Free was okay but this was boring at the time and hasn't got more interesting with age. Possibly the low point of early 00s NME barrel scraping - at least the Libertines had the occasional melody .
This was okay. It’s just real basic and nothing really intrigued me
Quite Commercial. Struggling to figure out who this album was for. Very energetic yet verrrry generic sounding. Everything is well-recorded, but nothing seems to have a reason why it was recorded. I kept asking myself, “why?” Why was this album made? Is this pre-iPodification of all rock music, or does this just sound like an Apple ad because it was latched onto after the fact? I really don’t like this sound, but I’m just struggling to picture the person who does. Who listens to this?? 2/5
Some good variety of styles here that make a decent album, although it's not something that I'd go back to.
My reaction ranged from meh to not bad+.
A nice variety of songs, some of which are quite good. If I’d owned it at a time when we didn’t have access to every album all the time, I think I’d listen to it a lot.
I haven’t ever heard of The Vines. This is a great album though… really strong debut. I noted that this is one of the “demoted” albums that are no longer on the 1001 list. Has the influence or lasting impact of The Vines not played out over the last 22 years? Then again who knows how this album may be influencing artists and music in ways we will never comprehend. Regardless of these meta-questions, I loved this album’s varied styles and great solid rock performances. It’s a great album demoted or not, and I could certainly come up with a list of albums still on the 1001 list that I think could easily be displaced for Highly Evolved.
Me encantó, 100% lo mio
Fairly standard indie rock from my teenage years - recognised a few songs but they were never really my thing. But an easy listen so we’ll rate it mid
I enjoyed it
Lacking depth. Definitely not the second coming of Nirvana or whatever that journalist said.
Okay
I think one era of grunge rock was enough.
I'm feeling happy, so highly evolved My time's a riddle that will never be solved Dreamin' for somethin', reachin' for somethin' Just waitin' for the sun to carry me in If you feel low You can buy love From a payphone I don't feel low My brother Bill, he work for the market Life is an arrow now and he is the target Dreamin' for somethin', reachin' for somethin' Just waitin' for the sun to carry me in If you feel low You can buy blow From a payphone I don't feel low Not bad at all. 4/5
I was there at the time and thought they were over rated back then. Some good songs but in hindsight the genius tag was just too much pressure for the band.
Pretty generic rock album, some nirvana influences can be heard (I.e. last track) 2.5
strong album. full of emotion throughout the songs.
This album confused me. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it. It felt like when the tone changed from song to song I couldn't read the intention behind it.
✅Fun, easy listening. I saw somewhere that this was removed from newer editions of the book, and don't really have a lot of feelings about that. But I had a good time
Hullu? Olin Hullu Kerran. He lukitsivat minut huoneeseen. Kumihuone. Kumihuone, jossa on rottia. Ja rotat tekevät minut hulluksi. Hullu? Olin Hullu Kerran. He lukitsivat minut huoneeseen. Kumihuone. Kumihuone, jossa on rottia. Ja rotat tekevät minut hulluksi. Hullu? Olin Hullu Kerran. He lukitsivat minut huoneeseen. Kumihuone. Kumihuone, jossa on rottia. Ja rotat tekevät minut hulluksi. Hullu? Olin Hullu Kerran. He lukitsivat minut huoneeseen. Kumihuone. Kumihuone, jossa on rottia. Ja rotat tekevät minut hulluksi. Hullu? Olin Hullu Kerran. He lukitsivat minut huoneeseen. Kumihuone. Kumihuone, jossa on rottia. Ja rotat tekevät minut hulluksi. Hullu? Olin Hullu Kerran. He lukitsivat minut huoneeseen. Kumihuone. Kumihuone, jossa on rottia. Ja rotat tekevät minut hulluksi. Hullu? Olin Hullu Kerran. He lukitsivat minut huoneeseen. Kumihuone. Kumihuone, jossa on rottia. Ja rotat tekevät minut hulluksi. Hullu? Olin Hullu Kerran. He lukitsivat minut huoneeseen. Kumihuone. Kumihuone, jossa on rottia. Ja rotat tekevät minut hulluksi. country yard
I started out being quite pleasantly surprised by this, but it fairly rapidly became a chore. It descends.
Een lekker album. Energiek, af en toe wat Nirvana-achtig, een beetje noisy en toch ook wel wat pop-achtig/toegankelijk. De eerste helft is ijzersterk, de tweede helft wel wat minder wat mij betreft. Het blijft keurig binnen de 45 minuten. Hier kun je je geen bult aan vallen. Ik ga voor een 4.
I don't recognize any of these song titles. I don't like it. Too screamy/yell-y. I can see why Get Free is most played. It's probably the best, but I still don't like it much.
Great album - maybe? I had it on at work, listing to I, but... cannot recall a single song or tune.
Sounds like jet, which is one of the worst bands ever. 2 stars for technically not being jet. I would love a good album next…
This was good! Dig it a lot. Kind of a Jane's Addiction vibe. Will def look up some of their other stuff.
They sound like the inspiration for The Strokes. Good album
Nothing revolutionary, but still a nice throwback to the music I enjoyed in my early teens. It did make me giggle to realize I knew “Get Free” from Weird Al’s “Angry White Boy Polka.”
What a bonkers track sequence in this album. I had to back and double check I didn’t have shuffle on. This is The Vines. It should be 1. Slow song is acceptable 2. Increasing intensity track 3. Lead single 4. Slower but harder rocking song 5. Quick song 6. Slower song 7. 2nd single 8. Experimental track 9. Song that starts slow and comes back around quick. Overall I was disappointed after knowing the singles for 20 years.
Blegh. It’s very much an album from 2001. And not a very good or original effort. Some of the songs sound fine, garage-y stuff that reminds me of Jet or Fran’s Ferdinand. It’s stuff that would show up on an EA sports game in 2003, you’d go yeah that’s okay, and never think about it again.
too punk rock whiney
I distinctly remember buying this album on CD when it came out, reading through the lyric book, being somewhat enthralled by its odd mix of Beatles meets Nirvana sound. It’s possible the author of 1001 has similar nostalgia because in retrospect this band was a blip on the radar of early 2000s garage rock revival, and this album is mainly a snooze with some pretty weak lyrics (really, Outtathaway?) and pretty average songs. Doesn’t belong on this list, period.
Totally ehh on it
Nothing special, just typical alt-rock without anything interesting. 2/5
They sound great, but I’m not sure what their sound is. They oscillate between Nirvana, Blue Oyster Cult, Oasis, and the Beatles. Hedging their bets for some money-making to be sure. Not a bad plan, just doesn’t grab me. Factory is a Beatles-style bop that sticks in my head.
Lacks the lasting power. I remember when get free came out and I don’t remember thinking it was anything special, I feel about the same for the rest of the album. At times it has some intricate indie kicks, and the screaming is alright. Just not a go to.
Rock alternativo, garage punk. Entre 3 y 4, pero como no permiten decimales, un 3.
Good
Razor sharp, high energy aussie rock revival from the 2000's. I like its simplistic and still hard hitting rythmns with sparkly polished vocal and musical melodies that catapult the album into peak 2000's rock. Some really iconic riffs and chorus movements on this album.
It's pleasant enough, but I have no idea why this is on the list. As in: Zero idea. Particularly considering it's an Australian band while other Australian acts like Midnight Oil and Regurgitator, which were much more groundbreaking at their time, are missing.
Solid but standard early 2000s rock album.
They do a great job of making music that sounds like they really like two or three bands. Not a knock.
All I know about The Vines is that one scene in Freaky Friday when Jamie Lee Curtis (after having swapped bodies with Lindsay Lohan's character) is talking with the teenage love interest at a cafe and she's charmed by the fact he likes The Vines. I remember zero individual tracks from this, but I like the whole picture. Was hoping for more of an Australian accent.
um kind of forgettable to me, sorry. feels like an okay album to throw on in the background and forget about. it just feels very much like a lot of stuff that was coming out around this time. sorry!
Really strong and powerful album that pumps you up. It's a great album!
Super solid rock album. Though the lead singer's voice isn't very unique... he really sounds to me like "generic rock singer", each of the songs has enough of a pop hook that it really works, track after track. Enjoyable that there is some pacing variety, a few ballad style tracks as well as straight ahead rockers. Enjoyed.
Ok, in an ordinary sort of way
Not terrible, not amazing. Some decent tracks, nothing to make me sit up and re-listen. I reckon 3 stars is about right.
Some great songs but doesn't really come together cohesively.
OK, but kind of generic rock. Kind of like the Hives to me. I only knew "Get Free" before hearing this album. Favorite track: Probably Factory. I liked the Ska feel.
This album sounds like a combination of Nirvana and The Beatles, In all the most derivative ways. You can almost pick out from song to song what the influence was. There was a single track on here that I wrote enjoyed though.
Amazing. Alt-rock craziness turned up to 11.
Look, I'll be honest here... this album hit me at the precise time I was looking for it. Spaced out, stoned and just enough screaming and rock energy to want to jump around in an indie disco. I loved this album for a brief while and listening to it 20 years later - I still really like it. It's pretty much impossible for me to be unbiased for my rating and I make no apologies. It's a classic debut that the band never managed to better so it has that element of romanticism about it as well. Best Tracks: Outtathaway; Get Free; In The Jungle
6 / 10 Grunge de los 2000. Por momentos recuerdan mucho a Nirvana, con lo cual son poco originales. De todas formas no están mal.
Punky, with harsh vocals, but did have some more melodic stuff towards the end
Ok
Ok
Nice sounding album would like to hear it again and see if it’s better than what I thought so based on my initial read, it’s a three
Wildly inconsistent. The screamo singing was an unwelcome surprise. Autumn Shade, Country Yard and In The Jungle were fun but I just kept thinking if how much this band isn't the Arctic Monkeys. Interesting time capsule but not that good.
In retrospect it's pretty laughable how highly punted these guys were. Not bad, just not particularly memorable.
Garbage rock
Favorite Track: Get Free
Alright
cool
What happens when a band of the garage revival and post-Britpop scenes decides to also imitate Nirvana, AiC, and the Beatles? If they're good like The Vines, it could actually be some refreshing when you run out of their catalog. They play passionately and there are several standouts, showing they did know what made Nirvana shine at least to some extent. They do go overboard with the exaggerated screaming and distortion, and there is quite a bit of repetition. Several weak songs and lack of innovation, but it's consistent albeit exhausting. Favorites: Outtathaway, Get Free, Factory, In the Jungle
Highly Evolved is good in places, average in others, never bad or annoying, but frustratingly inconsistent. You get a meh track followed by a good one and back and forth; Autumn Shade, Sunshinin, Get Free and Factory are good, the tracks between less so. There's strong lead guitar work on most tracks but the vocals miss more than they hit throughout, probably a low 3 overall.
This is not really my cup of tea, mostly sanitised Nirvana-lite with the edges sanded off. It's never really bad, never really good, Get Free is the best song on the album but not much to write home about. A high 2/5.
00’er rock, en gammel lyd i nye klæder
I don't know if it's really all that unique, but I had a (pretty) good time listening. It might blend together a bit, but that's okay.
Solid album. Get Free is easily better than the rest of the songs (it's really great), but the others are quite listenable even if they aren't stellar.
Solid lil rock album
Boring
I really tried to like this album when it came out, and for several years after, but it just never grabbed me. It's fine...I don't HATE it or anything, but it's just kinda okay. Nothing special. Mostly forgettable, kinda spazzy, kinda noisy, kinda melodic...it's okay.
I may have heard of The Vines in passing, but I'm not familiar with any of their music. I listened to a lot of alternative rock radio around the time this album came out, so as I listened to this album, I found myself comparing it to that sort of music. The Vines are clearly pretty talented instrumentalists; the guitars playing and drumming is pretty solid, and the songs that feature piano or organ playing sound good too. I thought Craig Nicholls's vocals were unique, and his singing was pretty good throughout the album. There are a few pretty interesting songs scattered throughout this album ("Homesick," "Into The Jungle," "Mary Jane," and "Ain't No Room" were probably my favorites), but the majority of the songs here felt pretty generic to me, and weren't far removed from the sound that was all over FM alternative stations in the early aughts. This album wasn't bad, but I don't think I'd be able to pick out many songs from it if I ever heard them again. I think The Vines are a talented group, but this album just didn't land with me.
The comments on similarities with Nirvana are not unfair but the album stands on its own. I've never come across the Vines and while I wouldn't seek out more of their catalog this was OK.
Like a lesser Stone Temple Pilots... which is like saying, "Worse than sucks."
Finally! An album that didn’t start 4 different genres or define a decade. Just a solid selection of indie rock that channels Nirvana and others without being too derivative. Melodic at times, thrashy at others. Solid.
I was really surprised to see this album come up on here, in a good way as it’s the first one selected that I owned at the time it actually came out, but also warily as I didn’t remember it being that great. My opinion on the latter didn’t change that much from listening again. They’re really great at the full pelt post-grunge garage rock thing, songs like Outtathaway and Get Free (Ride, from the second album even better, and great video, check it out). But the slower psych type ones really were being done in much better and more original way by a stack of other bands at the time. So it was a nice nostalgia trip, but my overriding memory brought back was of one of those times when you spent £15 on an album off the back of two great singles, really trying to love the whole album by repeat listening but ultimately being frustratingly disappointed at the fact you should have bought a different album instead. So in honour to my disappointed mid-twenty year old self I’ll score this a 4 even though it’s a really a 3.
Passed me by at the time, thought they were just shouty. More melodic than expected and sounded good. Strong 3.
Enjoyable for a time, but a good amount of duds in the end. The fuzzy distortion is always fun. Fav tracks: Get Free, Highly Evolved
A very solid rock album though there’s not a lot on it that really grabbed me. Definitely sounds very “of the time” for that early 2000s rock revival. Best song: Get Free
Just ok. Some ok songs and some I didn't like. I liked "Homesick" best.
Best wel nice
Album 382 of 1001 The Vines - Highly Evolved Rating : 3.5 / 5 Good album. Would likely go back and listen again. I read there are some Nirvana comparisons. In style, maybe, but not in the final product. "debut studio album by Australian alternative rock band The Vines. It was released on 14 July 2002"
A while ago 1001 generated Ash:1977. This album is more garage rock and has even worse songwriting.
There are some good songs reminding me of Queens of the Stone Age and others, but there is also weaker material and ugly shouting.
guter zeitloser Rock... schön dreckig. Nirvana lässt grüssen
This is right up my street, 00’s rock clearly inspired by Nirvana. Arguement this comes across as a poor nirvana tribute act, I can see that but also think it’s got its own sound and merits to deserve to be on the list. Not sure how likely I will come back to it though so a 3 stars for now.
Not really my type of music. Favorite track: Factory
Excellent!
1st listen. Some nice tunes on here need to listen again
- Mum, I want a Nirvana CD. - Son, but we have Nirvana at home. Nirvana at home:
Rock alternativo, garage punk. Entre 3 y 4, pero como no permiten decimales, un 3.
Tan normal que ni me he enterado de qué va.
Just doing my part at keeping all the boring Brit-pop down in the ratings. (Yes I know they are Aussie). Uninspired. 2.08 per track.
Nirvana rip off and it didn't blow me away
Had its moments but then the hard grunge kicked in , and I had to move on..
9/10
Oh wow, The Vines are on this list! I had forgotten about them, but this album was in regular rotation for me in the early 2000's.
This was OK. There was more screaming than I expected. I just feel like so many rock albums that sound similar on the list is what is making those rock albums so monotonous-sounding.
Meh
Would have been better without the weird screamo guy
The Vines, The Hives, The Killers, The Bravery, The Libertines, The Kaiser Chiefs, The (fill in the blank) are all bands that I have heard and have varying degrees of enjoyment when listening to them. I had never heard The Vines and this album started off really strong and the back half seemed to taper off a bit more than I wanted. I am pleased that I heard this album, yet I don't know if it got in the book based on the hype around the band or it brings something new to the table. I will listen to their other albums and I could be a greatest hits fan of theirs. It's garage rock mixed with a little psychedelia, so it's interesting to hear even if I'm not sure it's as revolutionary as promised.
PAIR. Perfectly Acceptable Indie Rock.
This has no place here. It's derivative and so devoid of originality. What a joke to include it in the 1001 best albums.
It's definitely nothing too special. But this is a very good garage rock record. One of the few that stands out during a time where it felt there were only garage rock bands on this planet. Sure there are better bands and albums but this is one of the good ones.
Nothing new, but quite nice. I felt, there was more inspiration drawn from Alice in Chains than from Nirvana. All in all a decent Garage Rock Album, screaming of the early 2000s
Some good moments - and despite all the hype I thought more homage to Beatles than Nirvana - but overall despite a good sound and production it didn't have any stand out songs. I think the hype was willing them to do well rather than recognising their limitations.
suprisingly awesome. lotta range. 5/5
Alternative rock from Australia.
“The next Nirvana” my ass. This is one of the most flaccid, soulless rock albums I’ve ever listened too.
Dug this LP quite a bit in high school and I think that’s about the level it’s good for. Not a dig in any sense, this is well-executed rock with some fun guitar and appropriately grimy vocals, but at the end of the day it’s more snack food than Michelin star meal.
I was familiar with one song, Get Free. That it is a good song, but it is the only good song on the entire album. Everything else sounds completely different and is not memorable.
Nicht super, nicht scheisse. Nett zum nebenbei dudeln lassen, aber auch nicht mehr. 2,7.
6/10 Highlights: Get Free Country Yard
Idk not great not terrible prefered the second half I guess
Fun very of it's era
Decent Punk Vibe.
Good rock. That’s it that’s all you get
10 years later, and everyone was still looking for the next Kurt Cobain. I’ll save everybody the trouble: the Second Coming wasn’t going to happen. Lord knows they tried. I remember every Rock magazine absolutely fawning over the lead singer and throwing him in our faces as some kind of wild new genius. That lasted for about a year. Then it wasn’t true anymore. It’s the part of the stardom machine that relentlessly chews up and spits out new talent. “Get Free” was just over two minutes of something interesting but nothing much else on this record is new and time hasn’t been kind to much of the ‘00s so-called “Rock revival.” New is just new—it doesn’t mean it’s truly inventive or lasting. It’s a fresh coat of paint that will need repainting in a few years. Then it’ll be just another layer, unseen and forgotten.
Fun 2000 grunch
really liked this, I'd never even heard of them before
not awful but overrated – it's mostly very generic garage rock with some grunge-y influences. there are hundreds of bands that sound exactly the same. Get Free is the standout song
Du bon garage rock, mais rien de révolutionnaire ou de si mémorable. Les variations de styles étaient bien, mais globalement je ne comprends pas comment cet album se démarque des autres du genre. 6/10
Alternative rock is hit or miss for me. And that's just what the songs on this album were, hit or miss.
7/10
Most of this album sounded like a mix of Stone Temple Pilots and the many post grunge alternative bands with "The" in their name (The Strokes, The Hives, The Killers, etc.) Only those bands did it better. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Unfortunately, this album is not very flattering... Very forgettable.
I remember when this album came out. I liked the unhinged nature of "Get Free," especially when it was performed live, but I felt the rest of the album was incredibly underwhelming. At this point, I feel the first 5 songs on the album plus "Get Free" are pretty good, and they are better than I remember. But from track 7 to the end, I found the album boring and often they were trying to do odd genres that just didn't work well, especially when mashed together. I could give this 3 stars because of how much I did like tracks 1 through 6, but that's less than half the album, and I still think they were so overrated, even at the time, and they don't belong on this list. The Hives were and still are so much greater in every way, have stood the test of time, and probably still aren't on this list while The Vines apparently are...
Haven’t listened to the vines in years. So much fun
This sounds like my childhood (in the late 90s/early 2000s), but not the best parts of it.
This one was a lot of fun. Saved a decent bit to the library and the ones I didn’t weren’t bad by any means just didn’t stand out enough. Rating: 4.3
I mean, it's fine, but doesn't belong on this list.
I don't think there has ever been a case of white boys doing reggae that was anything other than at best a bit crap and at worst dreadful- D'yer Mak'er by Zeppelin, Jamaica Jerkoff by Elton John, the career of The Police for example. Credit, then, to The Vines for giving us Factory. Sorry, not credit, that was a typo. It should have read 'Fuck The Vines for giving us Factory'. If you like Jet you'll think this lot are not quite as good as Jet.
Enjoyed this album, their sound varied and reminded me of several different bands. Nice guitar licks and good vocals.
I could hear some Weezer in them but like current Weezer. I really liked the creepy changing tempos
Yes they sound like Oasis, however unlike Oasis, they are not (to my knowledge) a bunch of pretentious jerks who think they're God's gift to music. Also I don't think they're the second coming of Nirvana. You can definitely hear Nirvana's influence on them, but they are not in the same league. That being said I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It honestly reminded me a bit of Cage the Elephant on their debut and Thank You Happy Birthday. They had nice variety on their stuff so it wasn't just 45 minutes of garage band rock. Really liked the fast hard hitting songs, they sounded great on them, but then they also sounded really good on the slower more melodic songs which was really cool to hear because normally bands on this list (at least recently) have been really good at one or the other but not both. Really liked this one a lot.
it's an ok listen. gave me lots of Oasis vibes (which isn't a good thing). enjoyed the guitar melodies & the piano, and the different tempos of tracks
I’ve liked Outtathaway & Get Free as those are memorable songs from that era, but nothing else on the album jumps out as great.
This felt like something I would have appreciated in my teens. Landfill indie type vibes. Totally fine!
The Vines is the most indie band name I've ever heard. This wasn't bad, nothing special but not bad.
I get why this was a big deal at the time. But I just didn't get the garage rock thing. This isn't bad. But it's boring. So. Eh
Huh. I remember seeing the "Ride" video a bunch on MTV, and liking the concept a lot. Never expected them on here, and I'm sure they'll get a bunch of hate. They're kind of grunge ish, but paint with the psychedelic colors that the (obviously hugely influential) Beatles did. It's fine? Heavier Oasis. Just nothing I need to hear before I die, I think. Favorite track: "Get Free"
I actually can’t believe this album is on here. It’s not bad but hardly an album you need to hear before you die. Get Free is a tune though.
It's okay & I'm familiar with a few songs but I don't think I would listen again intentionally.
Good and bad... kinda forgettable in spots. 3.5
It's fine. I'm not sure why its on this list. It's not ground breaking. It's not the best of its style. It's not even controversial. It's just here. It's fine.
Langweiliger Rock
I definitely go into this with preconceived notions. I worked in a major record store chain when this album released and undoubtedly listened to it dozens, if not a hundred, times at work. The fact I have no memory of the album, aside from disapproval and hating the single, doesn’t bode well. Of the early aughts garage revival with “the” bands, The Vines were easily my least favorite. Get Free annoyed the hell out of me. I vastly preferred The Hives and even The Strokes. Let’s see if 20 some odd years changes my mind… Most of this still listens like a dollar store version of Oasis. Get Free is the only track with any energy and it’s still annoyingly repetitive. Think I’d rather have dental surgery than ever listen to the droning Country Yard ever again. This album feels really directionless and shallow. These dudes were probably the best around in a weak local scene so they thought they could get by with songs that just poorly (yet in a painfully obvious manner) aped their influences while adding absolutely nothing interesting or novel. How a record exec bought the hype and splurged on the marketing to make them a one hit wonder is beyond comprehension. I really look forward to when this album ends. Too bad 1969 wants to do the same thing over and over again for 3 hours. Can’t always say my opinions as an 18 year old were valid, but I still agree with me on this album. You can miss this and die without regret.
Highly Evolved by The Vines. I originally was going to decirbe this as Nivana but from Califonia and less suicidal. I have no just discovered they are Australian which is like Cali...but better. This is great, its fun, hits in the right places and is right up my ally
Decent garage rock sound. Some variety
Some good rock with kind of an indie, in-a-bar sound and style. Very solid performances and recordings. They play very well.
The Vines - Highly Evolved 2000s Australian rock band. Loud, noisy, on the vain of band like early Strokes, Hives, White Stripes. Punk garage rock. I thought I was going to like this album, but the constant screaming/singing is just to much. 2/5
Unbearable. Generic early 2000 indie rock. Hated it back then still hate it now
"Highly Evolved" is the debut studio album by Australian alternative rock band the Vines. There are a number of genres their music is put into including alternative rock, garage punk, pot-punk revival, post-grunge and neo-pyschdelia and that might be part of the problem. This album did incredibly well for a debut reaching #3 in the UK and #11 in the US. "Highly Evolved" opens things up. There's a grungy guitar, a handclap beat and lead vocalist Craig Nichols screaming. On "Outtathaway," they actually get a groove going. A nice winding guitar solo (best descriptor I could think of). Their fourth and final single "Homesick" slows things down. It's a nice pop song with harmonies, a piano and an added guitar later. The guitar-piano melody has a hair metal vibe. Get your lighters out. The only song I remember from this album is "Get Free." There's a wah-wah guitar and driving melody. I got to be honest; this has to be their best attempt at the Stone Temple Pilots (take that as you may). The album closes with "1969." Pyschedelic dual guitars. The soft-loud-soft dynamic. The song speeds up. I guess their giving their own versions of "Freebird" and "Down By the River." At least this was fairly interesting. This album was just OK. It is better than the 4.1/10 Pitchfork rating but not by much. They do a variety of styles: grunge, pyschedelia, hard rock, hair metal and cod reggae. But, most the songs just didn't grab me or my attention. I was trying to think of who they really reminded me of and my streaming service gave it to me as the next song played after the album ended: fellow Aussie's Jet. So, if like Jet, have at it; you'll probably like this album.
Good album.
8/10
Meh… like most of this 2000 garage stuff, it was pleasant enough to listen to and completely forgotten after.
Thoughts before listening: This is a bit of a surprising entry to this list. The Vines always seemed like also-rans of the 00s garage rock movement, paling in comparison to bands like the White Stripes and the Strokes. Maybe they were a bigger deal in Europe? Anyway, I'm sure I'll recognize a song or two from the radio or an Apple commercial or something. Review: "Get Free" was a hit and a pretty good one at that. I'm also enjoying some other songs like "Factory" and "Ain't No Room". The singer has a Kurt Cobain growl and the music seems better produced than their peers, although in some ways that detracts from the sound. There is also a bit of a Britpop style that sneaks in. All in all these guys took a little from a bunch of different popular alt-rock styles and mixed it together...and its more fun than I thought it would be. 3-stars for being an enjoyable, albeit pretty generic listen.
Disliked most of it but actually quite liked Outtathaway, Sunshinin, and Homesick.
Rock muy basicon de los 2000. Bajísima calidad, todo ruido. Un Green Day pedorrisimo.
Great variation in songs
These dudes are pretty much “the British Strokes” but frankly I don’t find the songwriting as strong throughout this album. There are some solid hits including the lead single but overall it’s an okay garage rock piece from a band trying to fit the mold and not do their own thing. It’s far too safe.
Surprisingly refreshing! Nice groove
4(-)
Fun listen, get why they got the nirvana call.
I really liked this, and could hear a strong Stone Temple Pilots influence on many tracks. Definitely a band to further investigate.
Ok, Homesick and Get Free are highlights. Overall not for me 3/5
Radio music, and very good all things considered. At first I was like, ugh more punk, but it quickly grew on me. I liked the deep cuts more than the singles. Stand-out: Sunshinin
2002 Genre: Alternative rock, garage rock revival, post-grunge I can hear a bit of Nirvana influence, without at all being a Nirvana copy-cat band. Standouts: Get Free, Highly Evolved, Outtathaway, Homesick, Rating: 3.5
fun
# 160 : First Aussie album for me from the list! Definitely enjoyable. I’ll have to listen again as I reckon repeat listens would make it grow on me more as well. Fav Track : Get Free
Not a fan really.
Exactement mon genre musical, du gros rock ben rough sur les bords.
Haven’t heard of these guys until now. Sort of sounds like if the Beatles were a punk/garage band at times. Ok rock band I reckon but not something I’d seek out
Avrage guitar hero musik. 2000- talets rämpytys rock. Int i min smak.
Enjoyable sound, songs all sounded a bit different, the radio single stood out from the crowd.
Although this type of music isn’t my cup of tea I can appreciate the music and how good the album is. It reminds me of nirvana mixed with rush and the doors.
Another album new to me! Nice to hear the garage band influences here (I can hear The Beatles in at least one song) though to my ears this doesn't quite convince. So, a good listen, but not an album I'll come back to. 3/5
I am generally not a fan of "NME-core", and I am coming to the frightening realization that a lot of the 90s-present albums on this list could fall under that purview... I really don't understand the acclaim of this album. It's like shoving brit-pop and Nirvana in a blender and removing all the heart. "Homesick" might be the worst track I've heard in this project so far. Somehow "Get Free" just passed me by completely, maybe it's bc I wasn't old enough, but everyone is talking like it's this massive song and I do not recognize it at all. I like the Beatles "ahhhhhs" on "Country Yard" I'll admit. Ok but immediately following it, "Factory" trying to do the sing-songy Paul McCartney "Penny Lane" type vibe into a grunge breakdown sounds like it should be really cool on paper, but this SUCKS I'm sorry. Instead of listening to this album, you'll have a better time if you put Nevermind and Sgt Peppers on a playlist and hit shuffle.
psychedelia the saving grace of a lot of low down rock that would be otherwise pretty damn unremarkable
Interesting mix of styles. Some 60’s ish, some grunge. Kinda liked most of it.
My brain is trying to convince me that I have heard of this band before, but I just don't recognize any of the songs. That's not to say that the songs aren't good, in fact I really like them for the most part. A solid 3 stars for me.
I tried to find a redeeming quality in this music. Too bitter I lost 45 min of my life. 1/5
Tan normal que ni me he enterado de qué va.
It was very diverse and had some good sound but was not memorable
That was not very good and had to push myself to finish it. Sorry to say but no song had great appeal.
Meh. Could have gone my whole life without hearing it
Tandon Scale Rating: 3.5 Standouts: Get Free, Homesick, Factory, Mary Jane Foot Notes: 1 I can see the Nirvana comparison but they’re nowhere near Would I Listen Again: probably Album Cover Rating: (1-5) 4 Album Name Rating: (1-5) 3
It sounds good but it's not relevant to me if that makes any sense 👍